Konect Bathgate December 2022

DECEMBER 2022

ENTER DRAW

WIN! A £25

WEST LOTHIAN GIFT CARD

LOCAL HISTORY: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

2 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

r e b m e c e D

P30

W

e’re delighted to team up with West Lothian Gift Card this month to offer you the chance to win a £25 gift card! We love the West Lothian Gift Card as it supports local businesses and is an easy Christmas gift idea. See page 33 for more details on the scheme and add one to your shopping list.

And get hunting for the chance to win a card too! Find the 5 gold medallions hidden within this magazine, then head to our website www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Full information and Ts & Cs are on our website.

Festive traditions, seeing family and exchanging gifts is lovely, and those of us who can enjoy these things are very fortunate - because many can’t. Without support many won’t even see Christmas let alone enjoy it. If you are a regular Konect reader, you’ll have read our many features through the year on community initiatives and local charities, and these organisations need your support now more than ever.

Here are some of the comments we’ve had from local charities we’ve featured: “We were amazed by the response when our charity was featured in Konect. Several new volunteers came on board and new supporters contacted us as well. Highly recommended for local coverage that people actually read!”

“Thank you so much Konect as this will all help us to continue to provide free counselling to young people across West Lothian.”

Of course, without our loyal business advertisers we wouldn’t have a magazine to print the information, and without your custom they wouldn’t have a business to advertise.

So, to every one of you who has ever called someone from the magazine, a business or a charity: thank you, it truly makes a difference.

Have a fantastic festive season! @KonectMagazines

Local History: The Deans Century.................... 8 Living Well: Support for dementia at Xmas..... 12 Hair: Don’t you, forget about you.................... 14 Life coaching: It’s tinsel time........................... 14 Property Matters: Destination West Lothian - Home................................................ 18 Garden Project: A rose for Xmas by any other name...................................................... 24 Local Environment: Beauty in the detail.......... 30 Competition: WIN! West Lothian Gift Card..... 33 Puzzles............................................................ 34 What’s On........................................................ 37 Film Review..................................................... 36

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

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 BATHGATE | 3

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

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

6 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

LOCAL HISTORY

THE

DEANS CENTURY

Driving around Deans industrial estate, it’s difficult to imagine that you are driving over the site of shale mines that sunk to depths of hundreds of feet and of a towering bing that dominated the landscape for miles around.

of medieval farmsteads and possibly an ancient standing stone at Starlaw. In 1884 though, change came with the opening of the Livingston Station oil works here by the West Lothian Oil Company, on the Edinburgh to Bathgate railway. Due to mismanagement the venture was unsuccessful The first Livingston Station until the Pumpherston Oil works were opened here Company took over in in 1884, and the industry 1894. They restructured the dominated every part site as the Deans Works, Before the arrival of local life until the last and the village of Livingston miner’s rows and the bings of the shale Station was built by them to were dismantled in the house its workforce. It was 1970s, just under a century oil companies, fairly typical of many mining later. Though there is little villages in the area. The the land was left to see today, it has Pumpherston Oil Company nevertheless left its mark in a mixture of had a good reputation Deans - not just in the few providing reasonable buildings that do remain, cultivated fields for facilities for its workforce. but more importantly in the The housing consisted and woodland collective memory. It has mainly of terraced rows of been landscaped, built two-roomed houses with on and incorporated into gardens and, as was noted Livingston but still retains its in a housing survey carried own community memory of out in 1914, “a generous what was life in Livingston scullery”.

One room was the living room with Station. the kitchen range for cooking and heating.

Before the arrival of the shale oil companies, The other room was where the family slept. the land was a mixture of cultivated fields Frequently there were two families in each and woodland. There is some evidence small house due to shortage in housing as Over the course of a century, a mindboggling amount of labour transformed the fields into one of West Lothian’s most productive shale oil sites with seven mines and a crude oil works, then removed it all and replaced it with the Deans we see today.

“

”

8 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

the works expanded. Some houses had coal cellars, and the houses on the end of each terrace had an attic bedroom with a window on the gable wall, attracting a slightly higher rent. The village also incorporated drying greens and play areas. Initially there was no piped water for the houses, so water was hauled in by the householder from shared standpipes in the streets. Also shared were the toilet facilities – some shared between two houses, some for many more.

A small amount of further accommodation for Deans workers was at Deans Cottages, thirty six two -roomed houses that had been built by the West Lothian Oil Company and located to the north of the works. The rows formed three sides of a square, with shared privvies in the centre of the square. The M8 now runs straight through the square.

Typical of many mining communities, there was a healthy social life in Livingston Station.

An annual summer gala, outings, and the life that revolved around the “store” - the local branch of the successful West Calder Cooperative on the Main Street. Pumpherston Oil Company built a community centre – the Institute - incorporating a library, bowling green and other facilities including showers: the 1914 housing survey notes that “spray baths are to be had at the Institute, for a small charge.”

Pit Pony in a West Lothian shale mine @KonectMagazines

PIT PONIES Ponies were used to haul hutches of shale up from the pits. Unlike coal mines, shale mines had more headroom, up to 10ft, so here not only ponies but much larger horses were used underground, even after the introduction of diesel engines. They lived in stables underground, rarely coming up to the surface, and their living conditions depended on the mine manager. Happily it seems that Deans No 5 Mine had a good reputation for looking after their horses. There were 35 horses in the underground stables and each one had a lad assigned to look after it – ‘pony driver’ was one of the first jobs boys used to get in the mines.

The ostler in charge of the underground stables at Deans No 5 Mine was strict about the conditions his ponies were kept in. His son Jock Gibb started work as a pony lad when he left school at the age of 14 and describes his first pony: “His name was Star and I used to take him a tattie, but after munching his potato he also used to love having a wee bit of my piece at break time each day. Most of the miners were very fond of their ponies and took them titbits everyday. As a wee pony Star only pulled one hutch at a time and if he decided it was too heavy laden, he was quite capable of tipping the tail chain and getting out of it. After a few months, I was promoted to a much bigger and stronger beast called Bob. He was almost as big as a horse and could pull several hutches fully laden. As the ostler, my father was very strict about the condition the pit ponies were kept in and always watched they were never taken into too low a working. He was very proud of the many certificates which the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals presented to Deans No 5 Mine.”

Pit ponies were brought up from the mines about once a year. Many were taken to the annual West Lothian Agricultural Society’s show in Linlithgow, where the were judged for appearance and condition.

BATHGATE | 9

There were seven mines in the Deans Works: Mines 1 and 2 known as Caputhall, Deans No 3 known as Starlaw, and Deans Nos 5,6, and 7. They had their share of mining accidents, which were sadly not unusual across West Lothian. Fatal accidents in the Deans mines are recorded at various times as a result of falling shale, runaway hutches and explosions.

Competition from cheaper sources of oil led to the closure of West Lothian’s oil works. The Institute Hall in Livingston Station g in 1950s, showing the bing towerin ton ngs Livi the now is Site behind.

Station Community Centre.

Deans works closed at the end of the 1940s and over the next three decades the buildings and village were dismantled. Most of the works buildings were taken down in the 1950s; the miner’s rows were demolished during the course of the 60s and 70s; the huge bing was quarried in the 70s and used as construction material for the M8.

The workers who lived in Deans Cottages would have found it ironic that the shale they dug up from the ground and piled high on the bings would eventually be taken down again and used to lay a motorway right over their houses. The new Deans is continually evolving as part of Livingston, whilst building, literally, on its mining roots.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, editor of Konct magazines, using resources from Hendrie, W.F. 2000 “Images of Scotland, Livingston” Tempus Publishing Ltd, Stroud; the Almond Valley Heritage Trust; and www.scottishshale.co.uk. First published in Konect in 2011.

If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby.....get in touch via

editor@konect.scot

Got a story?

and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in the Bathgate or Broxburn area to be featured in the Bathgate magazine)

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE This article wasTHINGS written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, editor of Konct magazines, using resources ALL LOCAL! from Hendrie, W.F. 2000 “Images of Scotland, Livingston” Tempus Publishing Ltd, Stroud; the

Almond Valley Heritage Trust; and www.scottishshale.co.uk. First published in Konect in 2011.

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Unit 12 Turnbull Way, Livingston, EH54 8RB Tel: 01506 432444 Web: www.gasglowlimited.co.uk Email: info@gasglowlimited.co.uk *Offer valid until 31st December 2022

ESTABLISHED 1985

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

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

LIVING WELL

Christmas can be confusing to someone living with dementia, and can be a stressful time of year for those that care for them. To help prepare, we’ve developed a list of 10 top tips: 1. The first 3 rules of dementia care: don’t argue, don’t argue and yes you’ve guessed, don’t argue – this is especially important at stressful times 2. Maintain familiar routines where possible.

3. Introduce decorations or other changes slowly 4. Give time to rest, be quiet and relax have designated quiet spaces with less stimulation available 5. Ask visitors to stagger their arrivals large groups can be overwhelming and make it difficult for the person to engage in conversation (especially if they have hearing or sight loss too)

12 | BATHGATE

6. Keep it simple - provide food and drink that’s familiar and in small quantities – lots of food can be visually overwhelming and off-putting 7. Use music and reminiscence – why not involve the whole family in creating personal playlists?

8. Focus on the positives and what you can do together rather than what you can't 9. Don't make it a memory test e.g. “who am I?” or “can you remember who gave you that gift?”

10. Look after the carers – check in with those loved ones who are carers. Make sure they aren’t running themselves ragged and can take a break.

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 Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 13

LIFE COACHING

As we all know December is that month in the year where everything is manic. My focus this year is just not buying in to that narrative.

I am going to pencil in time for myself right through this month because it should be a lovely time of year despite the fact it’s freezing outside and the nights are drawing in on us with darkness and it feels like there’s a million things to do. Taking care of ourselves should be a priority.

Ease yourself a little stress this holiday season and be sure to make time for yourself. Like fully pencil it in to the diary!

This time of year beauty brands you love and almost all your favourite products will be discounted or with extra goodies and Who doesn’t love a bargain right? Grab your favourite shampoo and conditioner while it’s on offer with some freebies attached and save yourself some pennies as we know it all counts coming up to Christmas.

If you can’t fit in a visit to the salon, be sure to schedule in some ME time, lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour or two, forget your problems. Be sure to grab your favourite hair treatment, book, face mask or even a glass of wine and relax.

Merry Christmas and all the best wishes from everyone at Wonderland. <<< Christmas haircare boxes in stock at wonderland!

Wine not included

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com 14 | BATHGATE

If we had been living in total isolation avoiding all forms of media for the last year, we might have missed the tales of gloom which are assailing us from every corner. None of us is unaffected by the rising energy and interest rate costs and we are all feeling challenged by how much less we can buy for the money we work so hard to earn.

The furthest thing from most of our minds, against this backdrop of ‘lack’ and anxiety, is the thought of taking part in forced jollity, braving those busy shops or buying stacks of presents and food that we can ill afford.

Christmas can be tough for so many different reasons whether it’s finances, strained family relationships or the loss of a loved one and sometimes we just don’t feel like it. But this year we could decide to do everything differently, to focus on ourselves and our nearest and dearest. Decking our halls with glitter, even if it’s just a strand of tinsel wrapped around a plant pot or wearing some sparkle every day in December to brighten up the darkness.

Wouldn’t it be great if we took the pressure off ourselves and decided to only do what brings us Christmas cheer whether that’s visiting family and friends, spending time with those who mean the most to us or staying in our pyjamas all day eating good food and watching those familiar, festive movies.

Whatever you decide is best for you I hope it’s a peaceful and happy Christmas and that 2023 is full of opportunity.

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 @KonectMagazines

Be who you’ve always been... a film buff At Care UK being a film buff doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person-centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care call 0333 060 5547.

Trusted to care. careuk.com/edinburgh

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 15

16 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 17

PROPERTY MATTERS

As property agents, we don’t just deal in the bricks and mortar of homes. A home is embedded in its environment, and the location is as important as the building itself.

An integral part of presenting homes for sale is to promote the benefits of the local area. Here in West Lothian we have so much in terms of beautiful countryside, local businesses, leisure pursuits and above all a great community spirit.

In addition, easy access to the cities as well as the Highlands makes it a very desirable location geographically, When assisting people to find a home here, we’re conscious that more and more they are buying into a lifestyle. While there may have been a tendency in the past to view West Lothian as a good commuter location - and it is an excellent commuter location - the past few years have made it clear that to view it as only that is to disregard the wonderful lifestyle that can be enjoyed right here.

With our deep local knowledge and expertise, we’re able match those needs and aspirations with homes available. We have invested in creating a series of market-leading location videos, to more vibrantly share the benefits of our area with the increasing number of buyers from further afield who are looking for Watch the all we have to offer. launch video

And we’re also delighted to have recently launched a new lifestyle magazine, In-house, with the

aim of providing a further channel through which to promote the area to incoming buyers.

In-house is a high quality printed publication which showcases and celebrates West Lothian as home in the fullest sense of the word. Within it, we promote some great local businesses and amenities, as well as featuring articles on local lifestyle and recreational opportunities. It also showcases the spectacular houses that West Lothian has to offer and some of the wonderful houses that we’ve sold.

For buyers viewing properties here who are not familiar with West Lothian, In-house is a valuable resource that we can hand to them, and is a development of the electronic newsletter we’ve been producing for over 10 years. The magazine format encourages readers to peruse the content in detail at their leisure, refer back to it, and to appreciate the benefits of buying in West Lothian - enhancing the attractiveness of all the homes we’re marketing here. It also complements our other marketing channels, putting clients’ properties in front of the right buyers who are prioritising those important lifestyle elements.

The launch issue, Autumn/Winter ‘22/’23, of In-house is out now and a copy can be obtained from the Turpie & Co office at 5-9 Edinburgh Road, Bathgate, EH48 1BA. If any local businesses feel they are aligned with our brand and would like to feature in the next issue of In-house, please contact Craig Turpie (craig@turpies.com) or Gillian Greenwell (gillian@turpies.com).

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.

18 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

22 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

TapTapCap

Unlimited travel across West Lothian and Edinburgh for no more than

£32* a week with *Conditions apply; full details on our website

lothianbuses.co.uk @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 23

Hellebrous Maestro This gorgeous plant is called Helleborus Maestro, one of many hybrid hellebores resulting from crosses between the Christmas Rose and the Lenten Rose that you will find in garden centres over the next few months.

Its flowers start to appear at the beginning of November and it carries on flowering until March. It has evergreen leaves that are very bold looking in the border and is very easy to care for in the ground or a big pot.

It is happy in sun or partial shade in any soil that is free draining but doesn’t get too dry.

It gets about 30cm (12”) tall and spreads about 45cm (18”). Incidentally it is resistant to deer and rabbits if these like to come into your garden. You’ll find it sitting amongst other ‘Gold Collection’ hellebores on the plant benches,

24 | BATHGATE

some of the others have even more striking leaves but they don’t all have such a very long flowering period, at a time when we are a bit short of flowers in our gardens.

Every garden should have one or two of these stunning plants but they also make wonderful presents for family and friends. When the flowers appear each year they’ll think of you and will give so much pleasure year after year.

Why not pop it into a large frostproof pot for a gift that they can just sit on the patio or by the front door and enjoy. What on earth will you give them next year?

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

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

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 25

26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 27

welcome to our showroom

28 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 29

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

It can be easy to overlook the ordinary or the things we see everyday. I have to be honest, I usually walk past mallards but when I was out looking for otters on the Water of Leith there were a group of ducks hanging out in the shadows and it made for quite an appealing setting.

Female ducks never quite have the eye catching colours of the males. They can sometimes be thought of as unremarkable but much like the humble house sparrow, there is beauty in the detail of their mottled plumage. Then there’s that flash of purply blue towards the end of the wing, the jewel in the crown if you ask me.

for a long walk with plenty wildlife to be seen including kingfishers, dippers, otters, and even a fox if you’re lucky! With BBC Winterwatch basing themselves in Edinburgh for the next series (usually at the end of January) you might even be able to spot the crew at some point too.

I had been hoping she might’ve had a little wing stretch or stuck out her foot a little but no, she was quite content preening her feathers.

After breeding season is finished, ducks tend to become flightless for a few weeks as they go through their annual moult so I suspect she was just paying close attention to the feathers and getting herself in top condition for winter.

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.

The Water of Leith is a wonderful place to go 30 | BATHGATE

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

Tel 01506 437096

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 31

WISHING ALL OUR READERS & CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR Thank you for reading Konect in 2022 and supporting local businesses and organisations.

We look forward to another year of all things local, interesting articles, competitions and great offers.

• IF YOU RUN A BUSINESS Contact us about being included in Konect and getting your business in front of over 45,000 local readers!

“The response from Konect has been incredible to the point that I am currently working through a backlog of appointments (about 8 weeks worth). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Konect magazine to anyone starting up a new venture as it is worth every penny.”

Konect Advertiser • IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A COMMUNITY GROUP OR CHARITY LOCALLY We can list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE of charge.

We may also be able to feature you as “Charity of the Month”.

“The Konect article led to an increase in visits to our website, offers of volunteer hours and also people joining us to start their counselling journeys or improve their awareness of mental health by enrolling on a course.” Featured Charity • IF YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY Relating to the local area or a local personality, we may be able to feature you.

“It’s a great magazine, enjoying the newer sections that have come in over the last year or so.” Konect Reader All enquiries, please email editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

32 | BATHGATE

@Konect Magazines

@KonectMagazines

WIN and SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH WEST LOTHIAN GIFT CARD! The West Lothian Gift Card launched last year and can be spent within a wide range of businesses across the county, including retail, hospitality, leisure and services, and with both national brands and local and independent businesses.

@KonectMagazines

This winter and festive period, step up for West Lothian, and show support by thinking local first. Not only is the West Lothian Gift Card a present to your loved one, it’s also a gift to the entire community – supporting local businesses, jobs and livelihoods across West Lothian.

For an individual gift, or for organisations wishing to reward staff, it helps make our communities vibrant, keeping money circulating locally, and giving a practical gift that will be truly appreciated.

Flexble! Select a value from £5 to £500 to suit your budget! To purchase please visit scotlandgiftslocal.com/product/westlothian-gift-card For a chance to WIN a £25 West Lothian Gift Card, simply find the 5 gold medallions hidden in the pages of this magazine, then visit www.konect.scot/ win to enter the prize draw. Full details and Ts & Cs are on our website.

Closing date 10th December 2022 BATHGATE | 33

PUZZLES

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. A red fruit (6), 8. On every side (6), 9. Deceased (4), 10. Hold back (8), 11. Sprinkle (7), 13. Weeps (5), 15. Concerning (5), 17. Farewell (4-3), 20.

Acquainted (8), 21. Require (4), 23. Disclose (6), 24. Thick, oily substance (6).

SMALL AD

BIG Impact

DOWN: 1. Finished (4), 2. Outlaw (6), 3. Expedition (7) 4. Severe (5), 5. Terror (6), 6. Completely (8), 12. Green vegetables (8), 14. Bravery (7), 16. Allied (6), 18. Beast of burden (6), 19. Feminine (5), 22. Simple (4).

DECEMBER SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 36

To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

34 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 35

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD One of the most romantic films I’ve ever seen weirdly enough starts with not only a death but a potential murder. Park Chan-wook is back after almost 7 years since his last film The Handmaiden and in my opinion, it was well worth the wait.

The film follows detective Jang Hae-joon as he investigates the mysterious Song Sea-rea, the wife of the suspected murder victim.

The film is beautiful in many ways. The cinematography is striking from the very first frame, the editing is lavish and unique, the cast is incredible. Everyone feels like real life people and are just engrossing to watch. Regular composer for Park Chan-wook, Jo Yeong-wook creates a score which is simply elegant and is so effective in many scenes.

Ironically enough this has similar story structure to Park Chanwook’s first film JSA. That film starts with an investigation which evolves into a film about unlikely people becoming friends.

With Decision to Leave the plot reminds me of something you would see on Murder, She Wrote. Starting with a murder mystery and as you watch, it then slowly twists into becoming a romance film, and is something truly gripping and engaging.

ACROSS: 7. Concentration, 8. Uttering, 9. Easy, 10. Smashes, 12. Omens, 14. Knell, 16. Jollier, 19. Show, 20. Estimate, 22. Investigation.

DOWN: 1. Colt, 2. Access, 3. Entices, 4. Brags, 5. Stream, 6. Nonsense, 11. Munching, 13. Hostage, 15. Lawyer, 17. Limits, 18. Hefty, 21. Tool.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 34

Everything about this film is a showcase of a film-making genius showcasing his craft and it’s utterly spellbinding to watch. Decision to Leave is one of my favourite films of 2022 and I cannot wait for this film to get its physical release.

Keep an eye out when this film hits digital and physical platforms sometime 2023.

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.

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

36 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

where you can meet the animals, and play all day.

Admission for accompanying adults (max 2 per child) is charged at a bargain price of £5, payable on the door. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

Dece

mbe

r

SATURDAY 3 DEC Keep our Park Beautiful - There’s always lots of jobs to do in the country park. If you’d like to join the Friends of Almondell and help to keep our park beautiful, why not come along to our next Saturday session - on the first Saturday of every month?

Meet at the Visitor Centre in Almondell Country Park at 10am until 12pm.

See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell RD

SUNDAY 4TH DEC Inveralmond Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day Inveralmond High, 11am – 2pm. Shopping, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas gifts, face painting, tombola, raffle and much more.

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER Christmas Concert at Carmondean - Concert

by Toccata Ladies Choir, Livingston United Parish Church, Carmondean. 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Tickets £7. www.toccataladieschoir.co.uk DAILY UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH DEC Santa’s Grotto at The Centre, Livingston - Santa’s Grotto is nestled at the heart of the giant Christmas Tree near New Look, offering little ones the chance to meet the man himself and share their Christmas wish-lists, ahead of the big day. Bookings are required to visit Santa and we advise people to secure their spot early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be pre-booked by visiting www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/Livingston - prices start from £5 per child, with a £1.50 booking fee when booking online. Bookings can also be made in person on the day of your visit, subject to remaining availability.

MONDAY 12TH TO THURSDAY 15TH DEC Santa for Little People - A special mid-week offer at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Ideal for toddlers, nursery-goers, or anyone else who doesn’t need to be in school. Visit Santa in his magical farmyard cottage, have a good chat, and recieve an early Christmas present. Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £10 per child (or £8 if included in a valid annual pass). As a special bargain, these tickets also provide FREE ADMISSION to the whole of the Almond Valley site @KonectMagazines

SUNDAY 18TH DEC West Lothian Producers’ Market - Livingston Cricket Club, 10 Murieston Valley, Livingston.

11am-3pm. Teas and coffees served inside the club. Fresh and tasty produce, crafts and more. All welcome. www.facebook.com/wlproducersmarket EXTENDED OPENING HOURS ON THE 9TH, 10TH, 11TH, 16TH, 17TH, 18TH & 23RD DEC After-Dark Sparkles at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - On these special days, we stay opens ‘till the stars come out and the moon begins to shine.

A trail of tiny lights will guide you on a magical journey through the woods to the land of the reindeer. Our sheltered play spaces will be brightly illuminated, and our orchard barn will be alive with the sights and smells of Christmas. All this is included in the price of your standard admission ticket. Arrive at any time of the day to explore, play, and meet the animals and then stay on a little later to enjoy the lights and special atmosphere after dark. Our tearoom will be serving a special supper menu to keep you warm and refuelled. We open as usual at 10am, the last admission is at 18.30, and the site closes at 20.00, although the farm areas are closed off at 17.00 as the animals need their beauty sleep. Entry is by standard admission ticket (or pass). For peace of mind, these can be purchase online advance of your visit, see www. almondvalley.co.uk (If you plan to visit Santa, Santa tickets must be booked in advance, in addition to your admission ticket).

DAILY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 28TH DEC Winter Exhibition - Livingston Art Association is holding its annual exhibition at the Visitor Centre at Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. Exhibition and sale of work, Visitor Centre is open daily except 25th/26th Dec. 10am to 4pm (closes for lunch 12.30 to 1pm). www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk DAILY UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH DEC Rendezvous with a Reindeer at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - This experience can be enjoyed as a special addition to your visit to Almond Valley and takes about 15 minutes (from 14.45 to 15.00).

The cost is £50 for a group of up to four people (including at least one adult), This charge is in addition to standard admission charges to Almond Valley. See www.almondvalley.co.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

BATHGATE | 37

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

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 7-9pm in the large sports hall, juniors’ session is 7-9pm 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 11am-12noon (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 helen.toastmaster@gmail.com or Tel. 07733 100595.

MORNING & EVENING YOGA CLASSES WITH CLAIRE CHANT Therapy for the mind, body and soul.

All levels welcome.WHEN: Mondays 9.45-11.15am (£10).

Hatha vinyasa flow : developing stamina and flexibility for a healthy body and mind.

Wednesdays 6.45- 8.00 pm (£8) Hatha and Yin: subtle movement to release stress, build flexibility, un-wind and relax.

PRE-BOOKING/PAYMENT REQUIRED AS NUMBERS RESTRICTED. WHERE: Broxburn United Sports Club, Greendykes Road, Broxburn, EH52 5BP For details email: clairenicolachant@ icloud.com or text mobile: 07766 602629 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 semiretired 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/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 Email: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com Phone: 01506 844274.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership

38 | BATHGATE

Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions. Mon-Fri 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. Email: bathgate@communityplaygroups.org or call 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 Drop-in Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.3013.15 Storytime/arts/music classes. Email: arlene@bdic.org.uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register SONGWRITING GROUP - 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.

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 - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa/Yin - Tues 6.00-7.00pm and 7.208.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.3010.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga

in Polish Fri 6.00-7.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston.

Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 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.

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.

@KonectMagazines