Konect Bathgate December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

WHAT’S ON:

Bathgate’s

Christmas

GARDEN PROJECT:

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r e b m e c e D

P8

A

s we head into the festive season, I’d like to thank all the businesses, local expert contributors and organisations who have been part of another wonderful 11 issues of Konect in 2023.

Always focusing on making things better, some of the topics we’ve covered this year include foraging for wild food, local clubs including West Lothian Netters, organic veggie boxes for a good cause, support for veterans with sight loss, the local blood donation centre, coping with baby loss, tackling loneliness for older people in the community, and making sure every child goes to school with a warn coat, thanks to West Lothian School Bank. We’ve touched on mining history, some lovely local walks and wonderful wildlife photos; we’ve shared local job opportunities, and much more.

To round off the year, we revisit Blood Bikes Scotland for our charity feature.

Run entirely by volunteers from within our local communities, they operate throughout West Lothian and beyond.

With the NHS under so much strain, Blood Bikes Scotland provide it with an incredibly valuable support service. See pages 8-9 and please consider a wee donation.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.

THIS ISSUE Charity: Blood Bikes Scotland..................... 8 Life Coaching: Christmas Cheer!.............12 Living Well: Dementia at Christmas.........16 Community: Be a Santa to a Senior.........17 Property Matters: How long has it been on the market?..............................................20 Puzzles..........................................................24 Local Environment: An early invasion......26 Garden: Indoor Festive Displays..............29 What’s On......................................................30 Clubs & Classes..........................................32 Film Review: Chicken Run - Dawn of the Nugget...........................................................34 WIN! Calling All Anime lovers!..................34 Clubs & Classes..........................................36

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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SPECIAL OFFER

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When Blood Bikes Scotland were asked to help with the urgent transport of medication from Birmingham to Dundee, they were part of a critical relay operation to save a life with a ground-breaking treatment.

The cargo was an extraordinary medication consisting of donated human faeces, a lifesaving treatment called a faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) which is used to tackle really serious cases of C-difficile. The assignment illustrates very well much of Blood Bikes Scotland’s work - sometimes unglamorous, but absolutely essential.

Blood Bikes Scotland (BBS) is a voluntary organisation which supports the NHS by transporting, free of charge, blood and other test samples from wards to laboratories. They also deliver medication to patients’ homes, and support GPs, District Nurses, care homes and community hospitals with transport of small, urgent items.

“Behind every journey made on the bikes, there’s a patient – someone is waiting for a critical test result, medication, equipment or urgent medical notes,” explains David O’Rourke, Threemiletown resident and Operations Manager at Blood Bikes

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Scotland. And the many thousands of journeys not only save the NHS a significant amount of money, but mean the fast transport network is in place to help save lives, as in the case of the FMT relay.

The bikes can get through traffic quickly – especially useful during rush hours – so they can get pathology samples to labs quickly, or urgent medication to patients who need it. Other items needing transport include surgical instruments and, believe it or not, physical files of patient notes or x-rays urgently needed by medics.

While speed is of the essence for much of their work, the biggest benefit is cost avoidance for the NHS. By being on-call to provide transport free of charge, BBS saves the NHS a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on their own vehicles and drivers, external courier services and taxis.

Blood Bikes Scotland cover the Lothians, Forth Valley, Borders, Fife and Tayside, where they have service level agreements in place with each of the NHS Boards. Sister organisations support NHS Boards elsewhere in Scotland and the UK, and they all work together in relays when necessary to cover long distances.

Whilst not blue-light vehicles, the incredible value of the service provided by blood bikes is formally recognised in that, like the emergency services, their vehicles are exempt from road tax.

Riders are out in all weather conditions. A fleet of 15 motorcycles is supplemented by five cars to transport larger equipment (although they have been known to strap a walking frame to the back of a motorcycle on one occasion when it was urgently needed!) The motorcycles are modified to allow larger loads to be carried, with panniers and a tray on most of them. The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB) have recently negotiated with Yamaha to build

* All figures relate to financial year 2022/2023

custom, manufacturer-approved bikes so, like police bikes, they come from the factory ready to ride. The custom bikes are based on the Yamaha Tracer 9GT, and Blood Bikes Scotland will be progressively expanding their use. The fleet also includes one Zero electric motorbike suitable for short fast runs.

A team of 188 volunteer riders and controllers works 70 operational shifts per week across the five regions. BBS delivers its service 7 days a week, including public holidays, and in 2022/23 they received 7796 requests for transport and saved the NHS over a quarter of a million pounds – money that can be used directly for frontline services instead.

Volunteer riders, controllers and everyone involved provides the service completely free of charge.

It’s a fundamental principle of BBS Scotland since its inception that no-one takes a salary.

The monthly overhead for the charity of running the bikes 365 days a year (tyres, insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs) is around £6000*. The service is entirely dependent on donations from the public, grant bodies and corporate sponsors; they take nothing from the NHS or Scottish Government, so they are grateful for every single donation. You can raise money for Blood Bikes Scotland while shopping online, completely free of charge to you – see the sidebox for details.

They were once once called on to take a teddy bear to a distraught little girl in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital who had left it behind and was unable to settle. Teddy promptly arrived by motorcycle (which was on its way anyway with other jobs for the hospital) to the great relief of the girl, her parents and the nurses. There are some things whose value you just can’t measure.

GIVE AS YOU LIVE – free and easy way to raise money Shop with a huge number of retailers via Give as You Live, and a percentage of your purchase value is donated to BBS. Please see www.giveasyoulive.com/ join/bloodbikesscotland Direct donations are also welcome from the public and businesses. See ways to donate at www.bloodbikesscotland.co.uk/donate

VOLUNTEER! Volunteers are always welcome to join the current team of 188 volunteers covering the area including the Lothians, from Tayside and Fife to the Borders and as far west as Forth Valley. Riders need an advanced riding qualification.

Non-riding volunteers are also welcome; every shift needs a Controller, the point of contact between the NHS and the riders.

Please contact BBS at the details below.

For more information see: www.bloodbikesscotland.co.uk Blood Bikes Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC049314.

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Award winning care homes

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home, call 0330 828 0494 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine BATHGATE | 11

LIFE COACHING

In recent years the true meaning of Christmas, an opportunity to celebrate and to spend time with those we love, seems to have been lost. The quest to find that perfect gift or to see people that we haven’t spent any time with over the previous twelve months not to mention revisiting unresolved grievances at that annual family gathering, can overshadow everything else.

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that everyone else is having a much better time than we are and we have a feeling that we are missing out on something that others are enjoying. This is made worse by the version of reality that we see in television adverts, in glossy magazines or on social media. It’s important to remember that what people post online is rarely an accurate representation of their actual lives. We can cause ourselves real anxiety if we focus on trying to live up to those images.

To paraphrase that old saying, we must never judge our insides by other peoples outsides. Taking a festive break from interacting with any of those ‘channels’ allows us to focus on the here and the now and what’s going on in our own lives.

There is no doubt that this time of year can be anxiety inducing for everyone, but there are some positive and supportive things we can all do that allows us to shift our focus to the positive aspects of the season and let go of the bits that make us anxious.

As the invitations to this or that drinks party land on the mat or in our inboxes, filling us

with dread, it’s important to remember that we are allowed to say no to invitations to events that put us under pressure or that we simply don’t want to attend. It’s fine to put ourselves and what we want first and to prioritise our friends and family at this time of year and it’s definitely ok to avoid socialising with people we never see from one end of the year to the other.

Creating a relaxing and comfortable environment around ourselves and our families is one of the best things we can ever do for ourselves and those we love and this is even more true over the festive season. We might decide to wear something sparkly for the whole of December or put on our comfiest pyjamas and watch box sets at every spare moment for days on end. Whatever we decide we want to do, clearly seeing an image of the Christmas we want to create in our minds and doing what we need to do to achieve that can be the first steps towards a holiday season that is truly enjoyable for us and for everyone around us.

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 12 | BATHGATE

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Made to measure curtains & blinds • Large selection of blinds, hundreds of fabrics to choose from at home • Tracks, Poles & Pelmets • Upholstery & Re-Upholstery • Re-spray service • Soft Furnishings • Outdoor Upholstery • Lampshades • Houles Paris Luxury trimmings • Public & Commercial spaces service

Call me for a free in-home appointment: Marc Van Cartier-Kerr 07935 819068 Visit: marcvck.com Email: marc@marcvck.com

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LIVING WELL

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but for someone with dementia it can be a confusing, stressful, and challenging time.

To help, we have created a list of simple yet impactful ways to support a loved one with dementia over the Christmas period.

Create Familiarity: Introduce changes slowly, decorating with familiar ornaments and maintaining a consistent holiday routine where possible. A familiar environment can provide comfort and reduce anxiety for someone with dementia.

Sensory-friendly Celebrations: Opt for soft lighting, gentle music, and minimize noise.

Creating a calm atmosphere can help prevent sensory overload and ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Simple, Meaningful Activities: Engage in activities that hold sentimental value.

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Wrapping presents, listening to holiday music, or reminiscing with photo albums can spark positive memories and connections.

Mindful Socialising: Keep gatherings small and intimate to avoid overwhelming your loved one.

Provide a quiet space where they can retreat if needed.

Focus on the Positives: Think about what you can do together rather than what you can’t.

Remind visitors not to turn things in to a memory test (e.g. “who am I?” or “can you remember who gave you that gift?”) and refrain from correcting or arguing with the person Patience and Flexibility: Understand that plans may need to be adjusted. Be patient and flexible, adapting activities to your loved one’s comfort level and energy.

If you need help or advice over the festive period, you can contact Alzheimer Scotland on their 24-hour Helpline: 0808 808 3000.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

Home Instead West Lothian is once again running their Christmas gift-giving campaign, ‘Be a Santa’, asking the local community to donate gifts to distribute to older people across West Lothian Since opening in October 2020, each Christmas Home Instead West Lothian teams up with various charities and community groups in the local area to identify isolated elderly people who may not otherwise receive a present over the festive season.

We are asking members of the public to get involved and purchase a gift for such a local older person, and have established various collection points throughout West Lothian where people can donate their gifts.

We are also running an Amazon Wish-List, where people can choose and order gifts to send directly to the Home Instead office.

Details of how and where to donate can be found below.

Home Instead West Lothian Unit 9 Grampian Court Beveridge Square Livingston, EH54 6QF

Klondyke Garden Centre Campus Roundabout Livingston EH54 7AW

Rouken Glen Garden Centre Caldcoats Holdings Linlithgow EH49 7LY

Dunelm Livingston Almondvale Business Park Almondvale Way Livingston, EH54 6GA

J&R Veitch Almondell Garden Centre Raw Farm East Calder, EH53 0ET

Williamson’s Garden Centre Beechwood Nurseries 17 Houston Mains Holdings Uphall, EH52 6PA

Recommendations for gifts to donate include toiletries, confectionery, jigsaws, puzzle books, slippers and socks, or small items that elderly people usually appreciate.

The final date for donations is Monday 11th December for our drop-off points.

After the 11th of December, Home Instead volunteers will collect the gifts, allocate them to a suitable recipient and wrap them. These will then be distributed to our partner community groups, who will deliver them to local elderly people in time for Christmas.

For more information about the ‘Be a Santa’ Christmas campaign, call 01506 346046 or email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“How Long Has It Been On The Market?”

One of the first things a buyer will ask an estate agent when offered a property is, “How long has it been on the market?” and with good reason.

Buying a property is a large transaction and it takes courage to commit to undertake such an apparently huge decision – often with very little support other than pure instinct.

One of the most persuasive and apparently reliable indications as to the suitability of a property is to check out whether other people have expressed an interest. There is great comfort in knowing that you are not the only one who would like to buy the property.

Once people hear that others have expressed an interest, then everyone seems to want the property, as the power of “social proof” kicks in. This competition can often stimulate a quick sale at a high price, and usually occurs when a property is attractively priced in relation to other properties available for sale and is new to market.

Of course the opposite is also true. When the price of a property is overly ambitious, the

excitement that should surround a property that is new on the market is reduced, and it can begin to go stale. This is when nobody has made an offer and the property is seen to be repeatedly advertised. When buyers find out that it is no longer new on the market they think “Well nobody else wanted it – perhaps we are making a mistake.”

So our advice would be to position your property as one of the best available in its price range from day one. This will prompt interest and encourage asking price offers from qualified buyers. Under your agent’s advice, you should then have a choice of buyer, resulting in a fast, reliable, sale at the highest price the market will pay.

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.

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^^^ Sudoku solution on page 30

DECEMBER SUDOKU

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the February edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Effortless (4), 3. Ghosts (8), 9. Kill (7), 10. Part of a helmet (5), 11. Current (12), 14. Winter sport (3), 16. Sports competition (5), 17. Used for listening (3), 18.Amazing (12), 21. Heart beat (5), 22. Simplest (7), 23. Pirate’s hoard (8), 24. Procedure (4).

DOWN: 1. Keep fit (8), 2. Severe (5), 4. Garden tool (3), 5. In spite of (12), 6. Watch carefully (7), 7. Certain (4), 8. Self service stores (12), 12. Playing field (5), 13. Intimidate (8), 15. Implicate (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Blemish (4), 22. Make a mistake (3).

HALF-PAGE Hz ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 24 | BATHGATE

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Our dedicated advisers can help you turn your business from an idea into a reality by providing: 1:1 Support and Expert Advice Funding Opportunities Helpful Resources

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Well, I didn’t expect to be writing about waxwings arriving on our shores so early in the season but here we are! Over the last few weeks, there’s been an irruption of these stunning birds across the U.K., which is much earlier than usual.

The ones I’ve photographed in Edinburgh arrive like clockwork to the same street, at roughly the same time each year (if my Facebook memories are anything to go by) but this is more than a month before that date.

Every few years there’s a boom in numbers and it’s usually because the crop of berries has been poor in Scandinavia and Russia.

Instead, they’re over here feasting on rowan berries of all colours in some of the most random places. This was taken behind Tesco in Dunblane (wildlife photography is very glamorous), although there have been some in Edinburgh, Livingston, and Bathgate. The biggest flock has been seen in Elgin, with one video showing numbers exceeding 500! That would be a sight for the eyes and a treat for the ears, to see them wheeling around or chattering at the tops of trees.

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Eating between 800-1000 berries a day the bohemian waxwings can get drunk on berries which have over fermented and flocks have been known to simultaneously hit windows on their drunken adventures around town.

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, it’s because of the little flashes of colour on their wings, which resemble wax. Easy!

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

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Using waterproof bowls, like old chamber pots, or brass jelly pans, its is easy and fun to create your own indoor display.

We always put a 2cm layer of fine gravel in the bottom to hold any excess water. Then fill up with a houseplant compost and you’re ready to go.

If you are including candles a tall pillar candle sitting on the gravel is the safest choice to avoid it falling over. The main plants we use are Hyacinth bulbs (the ones in these pictures are the festive/Roman variety where each bulb has several fragrant flowers, smaller than the usual large single fragrant flowers from forced regular hyacinth bulbs; short Tete a Tete daffodils; Christmas Rose Verboom; ivy plants. To decorate the top of

the display use moss (rake out some from your lawn!), pebbles or small fir cones.

The flowers last longer if you keep them in a cool light position so think about moving them in and out of warm and cool rooms to suit your festive entertaining. Water when the compost feels dry.

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

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

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SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Trumpet, 5. Cycle, 8. Luckier, 9. Attic, 10. Sweet, 11. Worship, 12. Expire, 14. Teases, 17. Tobacco, 19. Conch, 22. Rules, 23. Caravan, 24. Discs, 25. Destroy.

DOWN: 1. Tells, 2. Uncle, 3. Painter, 4. Thrown, 5. Chair, 6. Catches, 7. Escapes, 12. Entered, 13. Pebbles, 15. Escorts, 16. Forced, 18. Casts, 20. Never, 21. Handy.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 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 T: 07729 911858

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SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER SOLUTION TO Bathgate Christmas Lights Switch On - Feature local vendors, NOVEMBER CROSSWORD musicians & World Pipe Band Champions.

George Street and The Steelyard 3.00pm - 6.00pm SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER Christmas Fayre - Broxburn Parish Church is holding its annual Christmas Fayre from 12.00 noon to 3.00pm. With stalls, home baking, Christmas hampers and crafts you’ll find some lovely gifts and treats.

There’s a tombola and raffle too and the children will be able to meet Santa (£1.50). Entry to the Fayre is free, with tea tickets, providing tea/ coffee, cakes and home baking, priced at £3.00. Broxburn Parish Church, East Main Street, Broxburn SATURDAY 2ND AND SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER Bathgate Indoor Market’s 3rd Annual Craft Fair - At Knightly Gaming, 2-6 Hopetoun St, Bathgate EH48 4EU. The market will be full of local crafters, bakers and makers selling their own individual makes and bakes, and Santa will be arriving on the Saturday. Lodestars Community Hub www.lodestarscommunityhub.org will a Luckier, table ACROSS: 1. Trumpet, 5. have Cycle, 8. giving information and selling small items for our 9. Attic, to 10.raise Sweet,funds 11. Worship, 12.Toastie Expire, Toes & Get To Knows project, which14.runs from November, Teases, 17.7th Tobacco, 19. Conch,every Tuesday and Thursday 4pm to 8pm22.where the local community is Rules, 23. Caravan, 24. Discs, 25. Destroy. invited to join us for a hot meal, some refreshments (non-alocoholic) DOWN: 1. Tells, 2. Uncle, 3. Painter, and to meet others in the local community.

4. Thrown, 5. Chair, 6. Catches, 7. Escapes, 12. Entered, 13. Pebbles, 15. Escorts, EVERY SATURDAY Forced, 18.Outdoor Casts, 20. Never, 21. Handy.

Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale 16.

- Bathgate Market 9am to 2pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car TOH&M SUDOKU Park. Access via Whitburn Road onSOLUTION the road between and Home Bargains ON PAGE XX FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH Comedy Night in the Regal Bar - Stand up comedy night with local and not-so-local comedians. From 8.30pm, doors open 7,30pm.

Tickets £10. Reconnect Regal, Bathgate. EH48 4PS. Info and booking at reconnectregal.com SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER Friends of Polkemmet Country Park Volunteering session - The ranger service and Friends of Polkemmet meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11am-12pm to carry out practical conservation tasks and to help maintain the park. If you would like to help out feel free to pop along. The meeting point is outside the Ranger Office. No experience necessary and tools will be provided. Facebook: ‘Friends of Polkemmet’ FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER Bathgate Menzies Choir Christmas Concert - Join us for a relaxing evening of Christmas music from the choir and West Lothian Schools Flute Ensemble. St. John’s Church, Mid Street,The Bathgate 7.30pm.

Disclaimer: publisherat cannot accept Entry £8, children 12 & under free. responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER We do not endorse any advertisers in West Lothian Producers Market - this Local and Scottish businesses publication.

All material is accepted and producers of food, drink, homefor and hand crafted items. publication on the understanding it is 11am – 3pm, Livingston Cricket Club, 10A Murieston copyright free. No partValley, of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of Livingston, EH54 9HB THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER the publisher.

Publisher: Publications Festive Thursday Night Market - Join us forLothian a special festiveLtd. night Kirkton North, Livingston, market at the wonderful indoor mainGeddes hall at House, Strathbrock Community West Lothian EH54 6GU. Centre. Fantastic local produce, a great meet up with friends and an opportunity to get some New Year supplies to celebrate in style!

Magazinein Design: 5pm to 8pm. By West Lothian Producer’s Market, see Facebook: Alan Stewart Design ‘West Lothian Producers Market’ forT:details.

07729 911858

Shop Local this Festive Season Small Business Saturday takes place on Saturday, 2nd December, with local shoppers encouraged to support small and independent businesses, such as those that can be found in West Lothian’s traditional town centres.

The day is on the first Saturday in December each year, with campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. This is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

This coincides with local festive celebrations taking place over that weekend in Bathgate.

West Lothian is home to a number of truly unique and traditional towns and villages, many of which host a wide variety of small, high quality, specialist retailers, business services and stores. This festive period is the perfect opportunity for local residents to show support for such firms, which play a vital role in their communities and ensure our town and villages remain vibrant places to visit, shop, work, live and be entertained in.

Don’t forget with over 140 local businesses already participating, the Scotland Loves Local West Lothian Gift Card could be that magical ingredient to treat yourself or your loved ones.

In doing so you can help promote the power of shopping and supporting local. If you have a West Lothian business and are interested in signing up for free, please visit West Lothian Gift Card page below or email wlgiftcard@ westlothian.gov.uk with any questions.

If you’d like to buy a card pop along to: scotlandgiftslocal.com/product/west-lothiangift-card/ BATHGATE | 31

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

BIPOLAR SCOTLAND SUPPORT GROUP - Bipolar Scotland invites patients, family, friends, partners and carers of those with a Bipolar diagnosis within West Lothian to come along to our monthly group meeting. Held every second Thursday of the month at Bathgate Partnership Centre (21-55 South Bridge St, Bathgate EH48 1TL), Rooms 8 & 9 More information on Bipolar Scotland’s services available at www. bipolarscotland.org.uk or 0141 560 2050 BATHGATE BELLES SWI - We meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm in The Royal British Legion, 50 North Bridge Street, Bathgate. Our aim is to empower women through friendship, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community.

We offer lifelong learning opportunities by having talks, trips out and demonstrations and promote well-being by having lots of fun. For more information email at bathgatebelles@outlook.com or just come along.

BROXBURN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP - For children 2 to 5 years old. We provide a safe, caring, learning environment where children can realise their full potential in a fun manner while taking their first steps towards independence. Fully registered and insured Scottish Charity, with all necessary safeguarding credentials.

Children who have attended our playgroup in the past have been reported as having had a smooth transition to mainstream nursery and school. www. broxburnpreschoolplaygroup. co.uk/ BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP - Are you interested in the past?

Come and join your local history club and meet others with a 32 | BATHGATE

similar interest. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month in St John’s church Hall at 2.00.

First meeting of the new session on Wednesday 6th September.

You will be made very welcome £3.00. tea/ coffee included. See you there!

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 (1014 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:30-9:30pm.

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 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.

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.

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: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ 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. Mon-Fri 9.15am to 11.30am and MonThurs 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 9.009.30am, 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 semiretired 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.

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 6.00-7.15 & 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 9.4511.00am 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 £24.

Follow our Facebook page, visit: 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 WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

BATHGATE | 33

COMPETITION

Aardman has created gems over the years.

The Wrong Trousers is a true classic of stop-motion. Every time we get to the train scene, I cannot help but be enthralled by the creative set piece.

This creativity continued into the first Chicken Run film. It’s a fun, unique and great film in Aardman’s filmography. But in the year 2023, the quality of animation especially family-friendly animation has skyrocketed in quality. This year alone we had Puss in Boots: The Last Wish which was an incredible piece of art.

So, heading into Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the long-awaited sequel to the original, I had high expectations. Leaving the film, I’m more confused than anything. On the one hand, it is a beautiful film with bright and colourful stop-motion animation that is some of the best I’ve seen in years. And certain scenes had me grinning from ear to ear. When this film works it’s a great time.

On the other hand, there are many story beats I found to be lazy and poorly written.

Some of the story is riddled with cliches that I feel 15 years ago would have got a pass but now I feel like it screams the writers do not know how to write child characters. At the end of the day, the film comes out just before Christmas and honestly, it’s worth a watch during the festive period - while I found it lacklustre it might be fun with the whole family.

Available on

from 15th December

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.

34 | BATHGATE

Anime lovers! This is your chance to WIN a Blu-ray release of Evangelion: 3.0+1.11 Thrice upon a Time Our film reviewer Robert Ewing has a copy on Blu-ray to give away to a lucky Konect reader!

From legendary director Hideaki Anno, EVANGELION:3.0+1.11 THRICE UPON A TIME is the fourth and final instalment of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION films, bringing an epic conclusion to the story of Shinji and his fellow Eva pilots, with the stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling that has made EVANGELION a global pop culture phenomenon.

To enter the draw to win the Blu-ray, simply answer this question: What is the name given to the hostile beings in Evangelion?

Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Full T&Cs and closing date are on our website.