Konect Bathgate August 2023

AUGUST 2023

PROPERTY MATTERS: COMMUNITY:

LIFE COACHING:

P30

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ith summer in full swing, maybe you’ve been lucky enough to pick fresh strawberries, from your own planter or from a pick your own farm - always a lovely summer holiday activity with the kids. This month I met a local woman who took pick your own to a whole new level, living only off foraged wild food for an entire year. She has written a book about the experience, see the feature on pages 8-9, which also highlights local charity Beechbrae where you can learn about foraging and other ways of connecting with nature for improving mental health.

Francine’s Life Coaching column is particularly relevant this month, as teens head back to school and all the associated pressures later in August. And as schools go back, remember there are also adult learning opportunities locally and it’s never too late to pick up new skills. West Lothian Council run a range of free part time courses, see their advert on page 17.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Community: Wild food, foraging & connection...................................................... 8 Property Matters: Country Collection.......12 Recipe: Rowan schnapps..........................14 Coaching: The best days of your life.......16 Puzzles..........................................................24 Feature: Things that go buzz:...................26 Garden Project: Using vertical space.....28 Local Environment: The Silent Hunter.....30 Charity: Unbound the Greyhound............31 What’s On......................................................32 Film Review: Mission Impossible 7..........34 Clubs & Classes..........................................34

COVER IMAGE: Bathgate in the sunshine!

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes in selected areas of Bathgate and Broxburn. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

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Antique, Vintage & Collector Fair Saturday 26th August 2023 10am-4pm Admission £1 9am Early Entry £2 Refreshments available Ample free parking

Queen Margaret Hall Blackness Road Linlithgow EH49 7JA

lilithgow@blueyonder.co.uk Tel 01506 848059 Mob 07-946045149 In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust

Supported by Bo’ness Auction Company, Bowmains Ind Est. Crawfield Lane, Bo’ness EH51 0OG - 01506 826613

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Is it possible to live entirely off foraged food?

This is the question that Mo Wilde, West Lothian forager, research herbalist and author, recently asked herself. Then set about doing exactly that, for a full 12 months.

Incredibly, Mo found all her food for a year primarily in West Lothian, sometimes going further afield but all within the central belt of Scotland. She ate only wild food and did not spend a single penny on food for 12 months.

In her recently published, award-winning book “The Wilderness Cure,” Mo recounts the experience, as well as sharing her wealth of knowledge of plants, the seasons and how to live in true harmony with nature for mental and physical well-being. She traces the history of foraging, and much more. For us it’s particularly special and relevant as it’s set right here in central Scotland.

Whilst Mo has an advantage over most of us in terms of her expert knowledge of plants that allowed her to manage entirely on wild food,

an element of foraging is certainly available to all of us. As she says, “Whether we just pick a handful of hairy bittercress to add to a city park salad, or a bonanza banquet of autumnal wild mushrooms, it is one of the last wild acts of defiance against the concrete world.” It’s a way to reconnect with nature and enjoy Earth’s bounty. Besides the physical health boost of nutrient-rich wild food, the activity itself of getting outdoors and collecting food has immeasurable mental health benefits. And it’s as much about the community and sharing of knowledge with each other as about the food itself. Connection with nature, a curiosity about the environment and a desire to be nurtured and fed seasonally by our immediate environment are values and knowledge that have been lost to a large degree, in particular over the course of the last century. There is a whole community of people locally dedicated to rediscovering and sharing this knowledge, from the Pentlands to the Bathgate Hills and beyond.

One such organisation is Beechbrae, located in Blackridge. just of the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow. With a 35 acre woodland, footpaths winding through the wood, wild ponds, a garden, an orchard and outdoor kitchen, Beechbrae exists to help connect people with nature as a way of addressing a variety of challenges. Beechbrae’s core values are: Curiosity - being open to exploring, learning and fostering curiosity about the natural world, each other and ourselves as a means of strengthening our collective agency.

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Connection - recognising relationship and connection – within ourselves, with everyone who comes to or is part of Beechbrae, and with the land.

Nurture - nurturing those who engage with Beechbrae and the land itself. We engage in a trauma-informed way to seek health, wellbeing and wholeness.

Beechbrae is open to the public, and along with a programme of events they offer woodland well-being sessions that focus on improving mental and physical health and raising awareness of important environmental issues and sustainability. They also regularly run a 12 week outdoor programme called Branching Out, developed by Scottish Forestry to support mental health. Branching Out at Beechbrae involves activities such as fire cooking, self inquiry, balm making, foraging, mindful walks, plant and tree identification, folklore and much more.

If you are interested in Woodland Wellbeing sessions, participating in a Branching Out course, hiring the woodland centre for an event, or any other information, please contact Beechbrae: E: hello@beechbrae.com.

W: beechbrae.com A: Beechbrae Wood Heights Rd, Blackridge EH48 3SW. UPCOMING EVENT AT BEECHBRAE:

Sunday 3rd September Why Rewilding is important – A talk by Nick Benge of Watergems

Nick Benge is an ecologist who began a rewilding project in two fields in North Devon in 2020. This talk covers what they did and the astounding impact in just 3 years. “Built it and they will come” 3.00-5.00pm. Tickets: free. Book at beechbrae.com/events This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after attending Mo Wilde’s Wilderness Cure event at Napiers Bathgate and speaking with Beechbrae staff. @KonectMagazines

HERBAL MEDICINE, NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS, HEALTH FOOD AND ZERO WASTE REFILLS

“The Wilderness Cure” is available for purchase at Napiers Bathgate, as well as online bookstores. Call in to Napiers, on George Street, Bathgate, for local produce, organic fruit and veg, wholefoods, natural skincare and a range of green living products. Get over-the-counter advice, come to talks and events or just stop for a blether. More than a shop, it is a community health hub based on herbal remedies, natural skincare, wholefoods and green living.

Established in Edinburgh in 1860, Napiers is Scotland’s oldest herbal medicine outlet.

Mo Wilde ran Napiers from 2007 to 2021 and still consults from the Bathgate store, which is an independent locally owned community interest company licensed to operate under the Napiers brand.

They aim to provide affordable natural health care for all, stocking natural and organic supplements, health food and a growing range of zero waste products in their refilley. There is a herbal clinic and dispensary onsite. It’s a very friendly, welcoming community in the store - a traditional shopping experience where all the employees are local and regular customers are greeted by name.

Napiers Bathgate, 62 Geroge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PD. Open Tues to Sat 9.30am – 5.00pm. bathgateherbals.co.uk Tel: 01506 353786 See also monicawilde.com for more on “wild food, wild medicine, wild living and the old ways of doing and being.”

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Low Brae, Torphichen EH48 4LU Asking Price: Offers Over £275,000 2

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Exuding an abundance of charm and character, 6 Low Brae is a period cottage located on a quiet lane in a desirable conservation village, in the very heart of Scotland.

The Bath House, Gowanbank Estate FK1 2JY Asking Price: Offers Over £325,000 2

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A stunning detached two-bedroom converted farm building with picturesque gardens, quietly situated in a rural setting of outstanding natural beauty close to the small West Lothian village of Avonbridge.

Abercorn, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate EH48 1EP Asking Price: Offers Over £425,000 4

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Nestled behind evergreen hedges on a corner plot in one of Bathgate’s most sought-after streets, “Abercorn” is truly a hidden gem. A characterful period home with large rooms and beautiful gardens, it exudes a relaxed country vibe within the heart of the town.

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Cardan Cottage, Fauldhouse EH47 9AY Asking Price: Offers Over £325,000 4

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A spacious stone cottage located at the end of a nothrough lane, 60 Bridge Street is a delightful home offering flexible family accommodation. Generoussized rooms and a large private garden with open land to the rear, are all beautifully presented.

The Cart House, Torphichen EH48 4PG Asking Price: Offers Over £525,000 4

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A stunning stone built four-bedroom farm steading, beautifully renovated and nestled on the edge of the tranquil and scenic conservation village of Torphichen

The Curio House, Torphichen EH48 4LY Asking Price: Price on Application 3

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Set in a charming building in the heart of Torphichen this exclusive three-bedroom upper villa boasts a breath-taking façade, magnificent architecture and instant kerb appeal.

The Shambles, Murieston EH54 9AN Asking Price: Price on Application 5

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A beautifully renovated five-bedroom cottage nestled in a semi-rural environment in the heart of Scotland. It’s rare to find a home of this size with all the charm and character of a historic property, with large private garden, yet in close proximity to the amenities of the thriving town of Livingston.

Please contact our sales team for further information or to arrange a viewing – info@turpies.com @KonectMagazines

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FOOD & DRINK

Rowan Schnapps – a foraging recipe

Rowan trees are also known as mountain ash or in old Celtic fid na ndruad which means wizards’ tree, reflecting its long association with magic and witches. Rowans were once planted to protect farm cottages from roaming witches and can still be seen around many farmyards.

Rowan berries are bitter and inedible when raw, but can be cooked to make delicious, slightly bitter jams and jellies, or can be preserved in syrup. Jelly and preserved fruit are traditionally eaten with game in the UK. To concentrate their sweetness they can be pickled, dried or frozen and then cooked. In Europe, the berries are used to make rowan schnapps.

Rowan trees are widespread. Look for their distinctive pinnate, ash-like leaves, although they are smaller with more leaflets. Dense clusters of flowers appear in early summer followed by clusters of bright red to orange berries in late summer. Collect as a cluster from the tree.

What you need:

• A few handfuls of fresh, ripe rowan berries • Vodka • A large, sterilised jar with a tight-fitting lid

Method:

1. Rinse the berries thoroughly.

2. If you’re picking in August, before the first frost, you could put them in the freezer for a couple of weeks – it may make them sweeter.

3. Fill two thirds of the jar with the berries and then add the vodka.

4. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar. Store it in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.

5. Strain the mixture into a clean, sterilised jar or bottle and store for another 8 weeks before serving.

This recipe was taken from www.woodlandtrust.org.uk and is part of their foraging recipe series.

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LIFE COACHING

a time when the focus is less on the familiar support of family and more on spending time with friends and peers.

The BEST DAYS Young people often forget how strong they are all the challenges they have faced and overcome in the past. In the midst of what can of your life and feel like turbulent times we can work with them

We live in a world that seems to prize youth above everything else. Everywhere we look, magazines and beauty products are sold on the basis that maybe, just maybe, there is a magic potion out there that can keep us all in our prime.

This is exaggerated even more at this time of year with all the emphasis on sunshine and summer frolics and our televisions seem to be devoted to dating shows and island romance.

How often do any of us stop and think about the pressures our young people face, especially in these times when a casual scroll down social media reveals a world of glamour and unattainable perfection?

In reality, the teenage years are a transitional time with physical, emotional, social and personality changes that can feel scary at

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to help shift their focus onto what the future holds and remind them that we are there for them and happy to play a supporting rather than a central role in their lives.

Crucially, we can also remind them that all the fun and frolics they see on social media is never the whole story. As someone wise once said, we should never judge our insides by other people’s outsides.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

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Dementia advice from experts One step at a time A video guide to navigating dementia Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers.

Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

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^^^ Solution in the September edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Make a choice (6), 4. Railings (6), 9. Enlarged (7), 10. Headgear (5), 11. Home planet (5), 12. Citrus fruits (7), 13. Rural area (11), 18. Leaving (7), 20. Answer (5), 22. Devoured (5), 23. Closest (7), 24. Withstand (6), 25. Narrow river (6).

DOWN: 1. Remove doubt (6), 2. Singing group (5), 3. Sea mammal (7), ,5. Surplus (5), 6. Altered (7), 7. Scarce (6), 8. Supporting (11), 4. Not included (7), 15. Butler or maid (7), 16. Remove (6), 17. Scheme (6), 19. Not outer (5), 21. Portion (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 32

AUGUST SUDOKU

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BATHGATE | 25

Bright wasp

Things that go buzz As you shoot across the garden trying to escape the insect that’s attacking your summer cocktail, it’s unlikely you will have taken the time to identify whether it’s a wasp, a bee or a hornet. If there seem to be a lot of them around though you may need to call a professional.

Black Bee

WASPS: Wasps have bright yellow and black stripes and are hairless. They fly swiftly and in a straight line, often in search of food or building materials for their nests. They can sting multiple times and are aggressive. If you find a wasps’ nest it is very dangerous to try to deal with it yourself and you must call a professional pest controller.

BEES: Bees exhibit a more erratic flight pattern than wasps. The furry bumble bee is distinctive and won’t be mistaken for a wasp, but honey bees are more similar in shape having a pinched waist. Their colour is much more muted than the brighter yellow seen on a wasp and they have fur on their thorax. If you are concerned about a bee’s nest or a high level of activity, call a beekeeper for help.

HORNET: Twice the size of a wasp with brown and yellow markings, the European Hornet is not a common sight. They only occasionally enter houses so if there is increased hornet activity around your home call a professional pest controller for advice.

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Hornet

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GARDEN TIP

Using vertical space Many homes, particularly modern houses, have small gardens, so growing plants up walls and fences can give you wonderful colour.

Here are some suggestions:

Clematis are suitable for a wide range of planting places, with many preferring a sunny aspect and others happier on a north-facing fence. Passion flower, Passiflora, and the star jasmine, Trachelospermum, all love sunshine and warmth.

Honeysuckle is a great climber for a partially shaded site. It provides wildlife habitats, scented nectar-rich flowers and berries for birds too.

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Clematis On your shadier fences you might consider foliage plants that are self-clinging, such as ivy and Parthenocissus. Boston ivy and Virginia creeper produce spectacular autumn colour, but you need to be prepared to prune them regularly and vigorously.

The climbing hydrangea petiolaris is a great choice for a shady wall, although likely to grow very large once it has established, so be prepared to prune hard once it has reached the top of the fence.

This article was written by Caroline Knight

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I try not to species chase but when a friend found active barn owls, I couldn’t resist a trip across the border to Lanark to watch these beautiful birds.

Despite being the world’s most distributed species of owl, they can be quite hard to see in Scot-land because it’s a bit chilly up here and they’re not fans of the cold. Whilst researching them for this article, I discovered Scotland has the most northerly breeding barn owls in the Northern Hemisphere!

They’re nocturnal birds so daytime sightings are rarer than the warmer climates down South. If you’re wondering how to tell nocturnal owls from diurnal ones (those active during the day) The tell tale sign is the the black eyes of the barn owl & tawnies.

You’ll see orange/yellow pupils of the little, short, and long eared owls, who can all be seen hunting during the day time.

Barn owls are incredible hunters and their heart shaped face helps collect sound as they quarter above the fields listening for voles and mice. Their feathers are designed 30 | BATHGATE

to dampen sound, which gives them the ability to fly silently however they’re very absorbent and generally don’t like to fly in the rain, another reason which why they’re not easy to see up here. Incredibly, they can also hear a mouse’s heartbeat in a 30ft sq. room, yet my husband can’t hear me ask him to do the dishes in the same house.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

Rescue greyhound Kaas’ was almost killed at 2 years old We want to introduce you to the gorgeous Kaas.

Kaas’ life was saved by a vet and independent rehoming charity 5 years ago, when her trainer took her to the vet to be put down at 2 years old, despite her jaw injury being completely treatable.

Her trainer claimed her kennel mate attacked her, however a specialist vet concluded that Kaas’ injury couldn’t have been caused by a dog, but rather by a direct blow to her jaw.

With just 10 minutes before closing, the vet phoned an independent rescue charity who agreed to take Kaas into their care for treatment and rehoming. They saved her life.

By just 2 years old, Kaas had already raced at tracks across the UK. Then, Kaas’ trainer was disqualified for doping as Kaas and her kennel mate were both discovered with drugs in their system. While a committee concluded that Kaas’ drugging was not deliberate, it was deemed the drugging of her kennel mate had to be.

During the case, her trainer said that Kaas wouldn’t race again and that she had been rehomed. If it was up to him, Kaas wouldn’t have raced again, however not because she had been rehomed, but because she would be dead.

Had the vet not called the independent rehoming charity, Kaas would not be here today.

Since her rescue from racing, Kaas’ life is very different with her loving family. Kaas is a happy, healthy girl that rocks her signature ‘squinty mouth’!

Kaas’ loves to nap, in fact, her mum says she’s the laziest greyhound you’ll ever meet.

When Kaas is not napping, she’s hanging out with one of her best friends, frontman of Biffy Clyro, Simon Neil!

Kaas is one of the ‘lucky’ ones. Many dogs haven’t been and won’t be so lucky. Between 2018-2022, 2,718 greyhounds died and there was a total of 22,284 injuries across the UK. That doesn’t even include the unregulated tracks that have no obligation to record figures, such as the last remaining track in Scotland- the unlicensed Thornton Stadium in Fife.

Please help Kaas’ friends and sign the Unbound the Greyhound coalition’s open letter to the Scottish Government calling for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland. An end is within a paw’s reach!

Search: bit.ly/unboundthegreyhound or scan the QR code to add your name in support of the Unbound the Greyhound campaign.

This article was contributed by the animal charity www.onekind.org @KonectMagazines

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SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Robots, 4. Tennis, 9. Grandma, 10. Twice, 11. Audio, 12. Thawing, 13. Unnecessary, 18. Cobwebs, 20. Later, 22. Ruler, 23. Imitate, 24. Desire, 25. Agreed.

DOWN: 1. Ragtag, 2. Bland, 3. Tadpole, 5. Extra, 6. Noisier, 7. Sledge, 8. Partnership, 14 Nibbles, 15. Solving, 16. Scared, 17. Friend, 19. Error, 21. Tease.

SOLUTION SOLUTION TO TO SUDOKU SUDOKU ON ON PAGE PAGE XX 24

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

EVERY SATURDAY Bathgate Market - Bathgate Outdoor Market 9am to 2.00pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains UNTIL MONDAY 15TH AUGUST Summer Adventures at Almond Valley Something special is happening on every day of the school holidays, with a programme of drop-in activies, crafts and discoveries that all can join in and enjoy.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957 www.almondvalley.co.uk ACROSS: 1. Robots, 4. Tennis, 9. Grandma, UNION CANAL CRUISES 10. Twice, 11. Audio, 12. Thawing, 13. Unnecessary, 18. Cobwebs, 20. Later, Linlithgow Union Canal is open 22. Centre Ruler, 23. Imitate, 24. Desire, 25. Agreed.

1. Ragtag, 2. Bland,and 3. Tadpole, 5. Extra, on weekend afternoons until DOWN: 24th September 6. Noisier, 7. Sledge, 14 Nibbles, th 8. Partnership, Solving, 17. Friend, 19. Error, weekday afternoons from 3rd 15.

July to16.

11Scared, August.

21. Tease.

Tearoom and museum at the canal basin open 1.30pm – SOLUTION TO SUDOKU 4.30pm, regular short boat trips.

ON PAGE Weekends only: Avon Aqueduct cruise, 2.5XX hours, starting 2.00pm.

• 13th August: Afternoon Tea cruise, 2.5 hours • 27th August: Boat trips to the Falkirk Wheel For booking and info please visit bookings.lucs.org.uk SUNDAYS 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPTEMBER Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - All welcome. Free admission and parking.

Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 subsequent rides. Driver Experience £8. Picnic Areas.

Refreshments and toilets. Open 10.30am to 4.00pm Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept Broxburn, EH52 5PF responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted Antique, Vintage and Collector’s Fair - 10.00am for publication 9.00am on the understanding it is - 4.00pm, admission £1. Early admission £2. copyright free. No part of this publication Refreshments available, amplemay freebeparking.

Queen reproduced without prior consent of publisher.

Margaret Hall, Blackness Road,theLinlithgow, EH49 7JA. Proceeds in aid of Linlithgow Heritage Publisher:Trust Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston,

West Lothian EH54 6GU. WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS AREDesign: FREE OF Magazine Alan Stewart Design CHARGE. M: 07729 911858 EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT 15TH OF THE E: BY hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

17TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS - Canon Hoban Hall, Broxburn. (What3words bubble.baroness.shepherds) Join in the adventure and gain life skills. If you are an adult or a young person and want to gain life skills come and join us. Monday:- Beavers (6-8years) 6:15-7:15pm; Cubs (8-10years) 7:30-8:45pm. Friday:- Scouts (10-14 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:309:30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact: info@17thbroxburnscoutgroup.co.uk or 07785 525 466.

SIMPSON ART GROUP - We are a recreational art group for people aged over 18 years and meet every Tuesday, 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. All levels welcome. There is no charge for member’s first month and you can utilise our art materials during that time. Thereafter, membership fees apply. We have regular demonstrations from local artists. For further information or to apply for membership, please email or call us: E: simpsonartgroup@outlook.com T: 07845 643536 BROXBURN GENERAL YOGA CLASS - Sunday morning 9:30 -10:30 - not as bad as it sounds! Class held in the lovely studio at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Place. £5 per session, all welcome.

E: iyogawithc@gmail.com or T: 07749 524 249 WINCHBURGH ART CLASS - Winchburgh Community Hall, every Thursday 9.30am –11.30am. All levels welcome. We have tutors regularly. All mediums used. Contact Secretary 07980 321989.

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB - Meet on Thursday nights at Armadale Academy. All abilities are welcome, and no experience is necessary. We have spare sports chairs available to use. Adult’s session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the large sports hall, juniors’ session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the small hall. Come along and try something new! Contact Karen Redmond - walkerredmond@aol.com or call 07982195006 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

BATHGATE SPEAKERS - Learn public speaking and leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Confidence building, social situations, father of the bride, impromptu speaking. Tuesdays 11am12noon (except school holidays) Royal British Leagion, Bathgate. Meetings are free. Optionally, join Toastmasters International educational programme, £20 one-off payments for course materials. Please contact Helen Kelly E: helen.toastmaster@gmail.com or T. 07733 100595.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

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WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information see: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/West-Lothianu3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions. MonFri 9.15am to 11.30am and Mon-Thurs 9.15am to 2.00pm. Cost £9.00 per am session, £20.00 per all day session Eligible 2 funding accepted. E: bathgate@ communityplaygroups.org or T: 07985 645871.

BATHGATE AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Retired? Fed up with lockdown and covid restrictions?

Come and enjoy weekly meetings with interesting speakers on a wide range of topics, together with exciting visits in the summer months. Join us for informal chats, with refreshments beforehand, every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00pm in St John’s Church hall, Mid Street, Bathgate. For further information, contact Sandy McAlpin (Secretary) on (01506) 630152.

LITTLE MONSTERS UNDER 5 GROUP A new look Little Monsters at Boghall Drop-in Centre. Children 0 – 5 with their parent/carer, Tues, Wed & Thurs. Coffee, tea & refreshments 9.00-9.30am, followed by FREE Dropin Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.30-13.15 Storytime/arts/music classes.

Email: arlene@bdic.org.uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register SONGWRITING GROUP - Looking for new members. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. These are informal evenings aimed at encouraging musicians and songwriters (adults) of all levels and abilities who would like to share their idea, techniques and songs with others in an informal, friendly environment. For further information, please contact Annie on 07824 667889.

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned.

Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

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BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP - 1st Wednesday of the month, October to April, St John’s Church Hall at 2.00pm. We look forward to welcoming existing and new members.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday.

Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk T: 07810 824 195 W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults.

All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services.

Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn.

Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email: MacmillanWestLothian@westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit: www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

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Cinemas are in a weird place. The time films are in cinema before they are on streaming or rental platforms is the smallest it has ever been and it has in ways ruined what it means to go to the cinema.

But even in a sea of hopelessness, there is a beacon of light here to save cinema.

That beacon of light is Tom Cruise. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 is in cinemas. It is a cinematic experience like no other - thrilling, gripping, tense, surprisingly funny, beautiful, and awe-inspiring.

Dead Reckoning at its core is a spy film, about what the future of operations, spies and warfare could be. It’s the closest the films have been to being a spy film since the original. The way the film is even shot has this De Palma style to it that feels refreshing. Esai Morales as Gabriel is the strongest film the franchise has had. He is intense, scary, and weirdly calm.

The rest of the cast is still incredible. Tom Cruise just lives and breathes Ethan Hunt and Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are great as their respective characters. The newcomers are also solid.

The action is stunning, from practical car crashes to punch outs shot with great coverage to the famous bike stunt. Every action scene feels like you are watching a blockbuster action film.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1 is a cinematic masterpiece. It is simply an action blockbuster like no other.

In Cinemas Now! The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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