Konect Bathgate August 2021

AUGUST 2021

PARENTING:

You are one ride away from a

FEATURE:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Good Mood!

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate, Torphichen, and Broxburn

A

THIS ISSUE s I write this we’re still in the wonderful spell of warm weather that

has made the staycation season very pleasant, and exploration of the local area continues!

Bathgate Community Council have a

P30

guidebook available of 10 heritage walks in and around Bathgate. It contains a wealth of information about the town and some of our buildings and landmarks, and itineraries to help you take your time and explore on foot, which it is well worth doing – see page 8 for details.

All our usual columns are here from our wonderful local contributors and experts.

I hope you enjoy them in this issue, as ever, please let me know what you think.

How well do you know Bathgate?.............. 8 Property Matters: Buy first or sell?............16 Garden Project: Turn garden glut

into dish of delight.......................................23 Living Well: Help & support when caring

for someone with dementia.......................27 Local Environment: What long ears

you have........................................................30

Puzzles..........................................................31 Parenting: One ride away from a

good mood!..................................................32 Film Review: In The Heights......................33

COVER IMAGE: How well do you know Bathgate? Learn more on P8.

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

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes in selected areas of Bathgate and Broxburn. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BATHGATE | 3

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all” Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

6 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Our doors are open Bathgate Funeralcare After a few improvements, our doors are open once more.

We’re here to help you plan a truly personal funeral If you need a friendly face, we’re here.

Call us on 01506 652 388 or visit coop.co.uk/funeralcare

Bathgate Funeralcare, 116 South Mid Street, EH48 1DY

Co-op Funeralcare is a trading name of Funeral Services Limited, a registered society registered in England and Wales with registration number 30808R and registered office 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG. VAT registered 403 3146 04.

Part of Co-operative Group Limited

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW BATHGATE?

Which building housed Bathgate’s oldest pub, what was the Clinking Stone, and what’s the story behind the fountain in the Steelyard?

These and many more heritage stories are included in a publication by the Bathgate Community Council in collaboration with the Bathgate History Group and Bennie Museum.

The Bathgate Heritage Walks Guide contains detailed itineraries for 10 walks in and around Bathgate town centre, drawing attention to buildings and landmarks that we pass all the time without perhaps knowing the stories behind them.

A celebration of the rich history of Bathgate, the aim of the walks is to encourage residents and visitors alike to appreciate what Bathgate has to offer as well as of course to support the shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs in the town as you explore the walks.

Most of the walks begin and end at 8 | BATHGATE

the Bennie Museum (below, right) on Mansefield Street, where you can explore in more detail the town’s history.

Copies of Bathgate Heritage Walls Guide can be purchased from the Bathgate Community Council website www.bathgatecc.com. For just £5, it gives you several hours of guided factchecked discovery of your own town, and all proceeds go to the Bathgate Common Good Fund and the Bathgate History Society. The Guide makes a great gift too for Bathgate Bairns who are now elsewhere across the globe. Individual walks can also be downloaded from the Community Council website. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 9

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

YOUR LOCAL BLINDS, CURTAINS & SHUTTERS SPECIALIST ✓ Friendly local service

✓ Options for every budget

✓ Price includes measuring & fitting

• I provide expert advice on the best window solutions • Flexible appointment times • Blinds & curtains made right here in the UK

“Clearly very high quality and we really love them!”

R Parker, customer

Over 1000 products, including Faux Wood Venetians from £88

• Ask me about multi-blind discounts • I won’t be beaten on price*

ROLLERS | ROMANS | VERTICALS | VENETIANS | CURTAINS | SHUTTERS | WOODEN BLINDS

Call me for a free in-home appointment: Graeme Hodge 07488352449 *Based on the same size, spec & levels of service.

12 | BATHGATE

Edinburgh

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 13

14 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 15

PROPERTY MATTERS

Buy First or Sell?

Be calm and strategic in current market conditions!

It’s the classic dilemma for homeowners wishing to sell their property and buy another; which do you do first, buy or sell?

The pros and cons of each approach are highlighted and exacerbated by the current market, which is characterised by a shortage of properties and fierce competition to buy.

In these conditions, buyers who have already sold their home have an advantage over those who haven’t when it comes to getting an offer accepted on a property.

But many are understandably reluctant to put their home on the market knowing that it could sell very quickly and leave them in a difficult position of not being able to find a suitable home to purchase.

Launching a new property campaign can take anything between 7-10 days, which can be a long time in current market conditions.

If you decide not to put your home on the market until you’ve found one to buy, there is a high probability that you will miss out and it could be weeks or even months before another suitable property becomes available.

So what can buyers do to put themselves in a strong position to make a compelling offer and increase their attractiveness to sellers whilst reducing the risks to themselves?

A strategic move is to position themselves as “market ready sellers” when making an offer on a property.

This means appointing an Estate Agent to prepare photographs, videos, floor plans and all marketing material now, in order

to be ready to go at short notice with your campaign as soon as you secure your next property to purchase. With the campaign already prepared, you can be on the market within a couple of days of making an offer on your next home. An offer on this basis is much more attractive than one from a buyer whose home is not yet ready to market, and could be the difference between securing the purchase or not.

Getting external photographs and videos taken now, during the summer months, also has the added advantage of being the time when most homes and gardens are looking their very best.

It’s a well-known fact that you only get one chance to create the best first impression.

Rushing the house to market under pressure may result in compromised marketing material if the weather isn’t the best for photographs, or you’ve not had time to prepare the property properly; it could be detrimental to the price you can command for it.

The difference between an expensive purchase and cheap sale could cost as much as 20% more than the cost of a move in more controlled circumstances.

So be “market ready”: get your campaign prepared now, retain control on the timing, increase the strength of your buying position, and achieve the best price for your home.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

16 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

20 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Domestic and Commercial Electrician covering: ■ Fuseboard upgrades ■ Outside lighting & power ■ Extra sockets ■ Internal lighting ■ Emergency lighting ■ Rewires ■ Extensions ■ Inspection & testing ■ Data cabling ■ New kitchen electrics ■ Fault finding ■ Smoke alarms ■ Install appliances ■ Hot tub supplies ■ 3phase supplies

Please contact us to see how we can help

www.mcgowanelectrical.com 07923 551723 @cmcgowanelectrical

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 21

22 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Turn your garden glut into a dish of delight!

some minced beef, cook the meat for 5 minutes.

Mix ingredients in bowl with finely chopped thyme, marjoram, lemon juice and black pepper.

Stuff mixture into hollow vegetables, drizzle with oil and cook in oven at 180c for 30 minutes. 10 minutes before end place slice of blue cheese on top of each vegetable.

This month the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour suddenly appear as quickly as tennis balls fly out of the server machine.

It’s lovely being able to share them with family and friends but it’s even more satisfying eating them yourself. We have a purple piglet project with recipe ideas for apples, tomatoes, courgettes and grapes to help you ring the changes in how you consume any gluts from the garden. Pick the leaflet up next time you are in.

Stuffed Courgette, Pepper and Tomatoes is a recipe that appears in our leaflet Tuscan Potager to Plate. Round courgettes are as easy to stuff as tomatoes and peppers. Scoop out the centres and add this to some chopped onion already fried in oil. Cook until tender and replace with

@KonectMagazines

Stuffed Courgette

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

BATHGATE | 23

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

24 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 25

26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

LIVING WELL

Where to get support when caring for someone with

D ementia

It’s natural to worry about a friend or loved one who may be living with dementia, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Home Instead specialise in the provision of Dementia Care and through our work we have identified great local and national organisations and fantastic resources that provide sound advice and support for people caring for someone with dementia.

• Alzheimer’s Scotland : provide a wide range of advice, support and groups/dementia cafes: alzscot.org, WestLothianServices@ alzscot.org, 01506 533 108 • West Lothian Council Advice Shop, Bathgate Partnership Centre: 01506 283000 • Carers of West Lothian : provides support and information to those caring for someone: carers-westlothian.com, 01506 448000

@KonectMagazines

• Alzheimer’s Society : alzheimers.org.uk, 0333 150 3456 • Talking Point : Alzheimer’s Society’s online community and discussion forum for anyone affected by dementia: alzheimers.org.uk/forum • Alzheimer’s Research UK : alzheimersresearchuk.org, 0300 111 5555 • Age Scotland : ageuk.org.uk/scotland, 0333 32 32 400 • DementiaUK:dementiauk.org,0800 888 6678 • NHS : nhs.uk/conditions/dementia • Dementia Carer : dementiacarer.net, 0114 296 6229 • Dementia Friends : dementiafriends.org.uk, 0300 222 5855 • Deepness Dementia Radio : deepnessdementiamedia.com, 01851 810 789 If you are concerned that a loved one may have dementia, it is important to encourage them to go and visit their GP who will be able to advise you and help you to seek a diagnosis.

You can also contact your local Home Instead office for advice and support on 01506 539541 or by visiting homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

BATHGATE | 27

28 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 29

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

What long ears you have We’re all familiar with the story of the tortoise and the hare but did you know the brown hare can reach speeds of up to 45mph if running from predators.

Sorry tortoise, but you don’t stand a chance!

Whilst brown hares were an introduced species, this dates back to the Roman times (or even earlier) and are therefore considered a naturalised species, meaning they receive the same protection through wildlife acts as our native species. Sadly, brown hare are the victims of wildlife crime through an activity known as hare coursing.

I’ll spare everyone the grim details but it’s important to me to let people know of these activities, which unfortunately does go on in the Lothians.

They can be found in a huge variety of habitats from wide open fields, cutting their way through the grass to dense woodland.

A great time to see them is in early spring, when you might be lucky enough to see them boxing. This is one of their mating rituals and is usually a female rebuking the 30 | BATHGATE

advances of an amorous male. It can be a prolonged affair, and I’ve watched them cover huge distances in the fields as the flirting continues.

This hare was photographed in local fields and as it ran closer, I held my breath in case it heard me, but it thankfully passed in front, and scampered off into the distance leaving me with a lovely memory of a wonderful encounter.

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

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 7. Take away (6), 8. Irish lochs (6), 9. Couch (4), 10. Wraps around (8), 11. Disregarded (7), 13. Hard, strong alloy (5), 15. Hints (5), 17. Supply (7), 20 Easy going (8), 21. Ashen (4), 23. Heavy mass (6), 24. Woken up (6).

^^^ Solution in the September edition of Konect

@KonectMagazines

DOWN: 1. Nothing (4), 2. Vegetable (6), 3. Umpire (7), 4 Drudge (5), 5. Type of fish (6), 6. Tends sheep (8), 12. Ran very fast (8), 14. Authors (7), 16. Power, stamina (6), 18. Gas (6), 19. Prickly plants (5), 22. Untruths (4).

BATHGATE | 31

PARENTING

You are one ride away from a good mood!

Learning to ride a bike is like a rite of passage. And one of those parenting challenges that many both look forward to and dread in equal measure.

Once your kids can ride a bike it’s tempting to think, job done.

But it’s well worth seeing it through beyond just learning to ride because what comes next is the really fun part.

I don’t know about you but that moment when our youngest was first able to properly ride a bike with pedals was an absolute game changer. We were finally able to go on family bike rides. Although it was a bit like the transition from crawling to walking – suddenly rather than speeding about on hands and knees the first steps are exciting but a lot of hard work for not much forward progress When they first ride a bike it’s the same; little legs lack muscle power especially on anything but flat ground, and their pedalling range is shorter and slower than you’d like.

It’s frustrating for everyone, especially older siblings fed up of hanging around waiting. But pedalling power builds very quickly and within a few weeks they’re getting up wee hills that defeated them initially.

32 | BATHGATE

Obviously, convincing kids that riding downhill is fun isn’t tricky. Getting them back up the other side is a greater challenge. But through a combination of pushing, persuasion, cajoling and good old-fashioned bribery you can get your kids to the top of the hill.

The key is to help them see what fun biking can be. That it’s not just a means to an end; a way to get to the park or to their friend’s house. It opens up a whole new world of activities and places to explore.

For me taking the kids out on their bikes is one of those times when parenthood offers free license to regress to being a kid yourself. Seeing and experiencing it through their eyes.

There are loads of paths and trails around West Lothian and you can always find something new to do to make it interesting. Last summer we challenged ourselves to cycle from Livingston to Almondell Country Park in East Calder.

We checked a map before we set off to make sure it was achievable via waymarked paths and pavements and set off to explore.

This summer we took the kids to explore the Beecraigs Mountain Bike Trails. They’re not ready for anything crazy but there were plenty of green routes (the easy ones) to follow that gave them a taste of what going off-road can be like!

Cycling or mountain biking is a great way to get the kids outdoors and getting some exercise (even if they don’t realise it) and no matter how much moaning there might be at the start of a bike ride everyone’s always in a good mood at the end!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank.

She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

ESTABLISHED 1985

Last year everyone had the opportunity to see the musical phenomena Hamilton, but before Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda created the hit musical In the Heights which has just had a film adaptation release.

If there is anything in common between In the Heights and Hamilton it’s the incredible music. There isn’t a bad song throughout and I can’t wait to buy the soundtrack like right now. The opening 8-minute number is fantastic and spans from Latin inspired music, to rap music.

It’s simply incredible. Another stand-out song is Blackout, which is chaotic and energetic, but it perfectly fits the tone of the scene and the story.

However, when we move away from the music, this is when the flaws rear their ugly heads. I felt the story was very weak; nothing interesting happened over the span of the 2 hour and 30-minute runtime. The stage show is 2 hours long so you would think the additional 30 minutes would add to the interest but instead scenes are taken out only to be replaced with boring and halfbaked ideas. There’s a song called 96,000 which happens 45 minutes in; the song announces that the winning lottery was bought in the store but who won isn’t revealed until a 1 hour and 10 minutes later.

It plays no impact to the overall plot, so the plot line feels pointless.

Did I enjoy watching In the Heights? Yes. Will I listen to the soundtrack on repeat?

Yes. Will I watch the film again??

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS: Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811 Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

Join us online for more articles, updates, reader offers and more!

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. @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 33

SOLUTIONS

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

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. Vinyasa Flow: Tues 6.00pm-7.00pm & Tues 7.20pm-8.20pm; Seasonal Yoga: Wed 5.30pm-6.30pm; Tai-chi: Thurs 9.30am-10.45am; Yoga: Thurs 7.30pm-8.45pm; Yoga: Fri 9.45am-11.00am.

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. Services currently via Zoom/phone: 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.

Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling.

For information: 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 34 | BATHGATE

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

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. We also provide expert and easy-tounderstand information on a range of cancer-related topics, which can be sent free of charge.

For anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer of someone with cancer.

At present we are available by phone, email or online appointment. 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 £10.

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.

ACROSS: 1. Chateau, 5. Raced, 8. Identical, 9. Ode, 10. Eaten, 12. Mirrors, 13. Relationships, 15. Instant, 17. Ahead, 19. Who, 20. Ambulance, 22. Yield, 23. Enthral.

DOWN: 1. Crime, 2. Ale, 3. Extinct, 4. Uncomfortable, 5. Ruler, 6. Crocodile, 7. Dresses, 11. Telescope, 13. Railway, 14. Scarlet, 16. Award, 18. Dwell, 21 Nor.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 31

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: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines