Konect Bathgate July 2023

JULY 2023

PROPERTY MATTERS:

LOCAL HISTORY: SPOTLIGHT:

Cala Homes @ Winchburgh

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any of us go through Starlaw regularly - the area between Livingston and Bathgate that leads to the M8 junction and lends its name to an industrial estate. Did you know that 150 years ago Starlaw was a small village housing a shale mining workforce? They worked the mines between here and Seafield, the area which has been rehabilitated as Seafield Law. Tragically the Starlaw Pit was the site of one of the worst shale mining disasters. See the article on pages 8-9 and perhaps take the NCR75 for a walk or cycle through Seafield Law – today it’s a pleasant nature walk - and ponder the lives that were lived underground here.

There is plenty going on locally this summer for all the family; various holiday clubs for the kids, and also events such as Art in the Garden at New Hopetoun Gardens (always worth a visit) and the next open day at Amondell Model Engineering is on 6th August – see the What’s On page. Whether you’re staying home or going away for the holidays, I hope you have a lovely summer. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: In search of Starlaw Village.............................................................. 8 Spotlight: Cala Homes at Winchburgh....13 Property Matters: Selling during the holidays.........................................................14 Living Well: Staying out of hospital..........16 Beauty: Understanding circulation and vein health.............................................20 Life Coaching: Busy all the time...............20 Garden Project: Out and About................28 What’s On......................................................30 Puzzles..........................................................31 Film Review: Spider-man - Across the Spiderverse............................................32 Clubs & Classes..........................................34

COVER IMAGE: Bathgate in the sunshine!

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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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Truly individual ceremonies for all of life’s special milestones “Most people choose non-religious Humanist ceremonies because they are looking for something unique and personal. Everyone is different and so every ceremony I compose reflects this.”

Constance Bartley is a Humanist Celebrant based in Bathgate and conducting bespoke ceremonies throughout the Central Belt. For all of life’s special moments - a wedding, a naming, renewal of vows, special birthday or saying goodbye to a loved one - she creates heartfelt and meaningful experiences that truly reflect the individuals involved and the milestone being marked.

With a background in therapeutic counselling, Constance’s ability to put people at ease and her communication skills translate into creating the most unique and special ceremonies.

Humanism is a non-religious approach to living an ethical life. It embraces respect, kindness, tolerance, care for others and the natural world around us. By choosing Constance for your ceremony, you will be able to work with her to create a deeply individual ceremony - just the way you want it. You will be supported throughout the entire process from the initial meet, your bespoke script and full support on the day.

“I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories. I took early retirement and trained as a celebrant in 2016. I love being a Celebrant and feel honoured and privileged to share in these special moments.”

Contact Constance on 07515 388 734 or email constancebartley@thistle.one to start your special ceremony planning.

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LOCAL HISTORY

IN

SEARCH OF

Ghost villages abound in West Lothian. In the Victorian age of industry, workers’ housing was often hurried and cheaply constructed to serve new mines and works in rural locations.

Such industries often had a short life, leaving these remote homes empty, neglected and slowly falling into disrepair.

Once demolished, their sites returned to agriculture or wilderness, leaving little trace in the landscape. Many were too short-lived to appear on maps, and few were ever photographed.

Site of Starlaw Rows

Starlaw Row, between Livingston and Bathgate, was such a ghost village, but was rather unusual in that some of its houses were dismantled and erected elsewhere.

Boghall (often referred to as Starlaw) Oil Works, was a bold enterprise begun in about 1867 to rival James Paraffin Young’s mighty Addiewell works. Its backers included a former partner of Paraffin Young and the local landowner and MP Peter McLaglan. It seems 8 | BATHGATE

that Boghall Works and its associated mines never lived up to expectations and its owners increasingly turned their attentions to their other works in Uphall.

The proprietors of Boghall Oil Works erected over 60 homes to house their workforce; thirty in Starlaw Rows, eight in Stable Rows. All but one of the eight victims of the terrible 1870 Starlaw pit disaster were residents of the Starlaw Rows. The location of the remaining twenty or so homes is unknown; – some might have been temporary huts used during construction of the works which continued in use as rough homes afterwards.

A number were however of brick construction, as evidenced by an 1881 advertisement seeking contractors to take down twelve brick houses from Boghall and re-erect them at Uphall Oil Works. It seems that among the workforce of the appointed contractor was the fourteen year old Annie Allan, employed to chisel off the mortar from the old bricks at Boghall. She died when the gable end of one of the old houses collapsed and crushed her. A further ghost in a ghost village.

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STARLAW PIT DISASTER In one of the worst accidents of the shale mining industry, eight men at the Starlaw Oil Works lost their lives in April 1870 when a fire broke out in the upcast (ventilation shaft) of this singlepit mine. Thanks to heroic efforts of a number of their colleagues descending and raising the pit cage in the adjoining shaft, most of the men were saved from the furnace by being hauled up in the cage adjacent to the fire in the most awful conditions. When the rope of the cage finally burned through, and the partition between the upshaft and the downshaft burned through, there were tragically eight men still left below who could not be saved. Seven were family men leaving widows and children. One, William Wands had been married just three months, and the eighth victim was just 17 years old. Five are buried in Bathgate Cemetery.

It’s not known where the Boghall houses were re-erected in Uphall station; a large number of new houses were built to serve the rapidly expanding Uphall Oil Works at that time. One possibility is that they formed the odd collection of buildings known as Office Rows.

Boghall Works closed in about 1880 and much of the remaining housing lay empty until sold to the West Lothian Oil Company who opened their new oil works at Deans, a mile to the east.

filling them and causing a most disgusting smell.” A reliable piped water supply did not reach the village until 1895.

The West Lothian Oil Company collapsed in 1891, although by then many of the houses in Starlaw Row already lay empty. At that time, the Pumpherston Oil Company were reconstructing Seafield Oil Works on the site of an earlier failed enterprise. New housing was urgently required for new Seafield workers, therefore old rows at Starlaw were taken to house of Pumpherston Oil Co. staff, presumably as a temporary expedient.

It seems that little was done to improve living conditions, and in 1914 it was reported that there continued to be only four privies to serve the thirty houses of Starlaw Rows.

During the 1930’s it seems that some of the internal wall between houses were knocked down to provide more spacious homes, but by the end of the decade the ten single room houses had been demolished, and the twenty room-andkitchen homes at Starlaw and the houses of Stable Row appear to have shared this fate soon after. Starlaw school closed in 1938 and was sold by the council a decade later.

The only surviving physical link with this lost community is Starlaw Cottage. This fine established home at the western end of Starlaw Rows is on the site of the Works Manager’s house or office, and might incorporate parts of the original building.

The village enjoyed something of a renaissance with a new school at Starlaw constructed with funds from the oil company. Little was invested in improving the housing however; the sanitary inspector reported that the village’s only water supply came from an open ditch between the two sets of rows, said to be small, dirty and probably contaminated with “impurities from the farmsteading.” There had been outbreaks of scarlet fever and a fatal case of smallpox. The ditches in front of the rows were described as “in a most filthy state, putrid matter and water This article was written by Robin Chesters at Almond Valley Heritage Trust and is reprinted here with his permission. The information on the pit disaster is taken from a Falkirk Herald report 16th April 1870. @KonectMagazines

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Excellent commuter links drive Cala buyers to Winchburgh When couple Megan and Liam Riley decided it was time for a fresh start, finding a new-build home with excellent commuter links to Edinburgh and Fife was top of their priority list.

So, when the pair discovered Cala Homes’ (East) development Oakbank in Winchburgh was located in easy reach of a new junction designed to significantly cut the journey time from the village to the M9, they knew they found their dream location.

“We fell in love with the area very quickly, but the prospect of the new junction on the M9 cutting our journey time in half for both of us helped us make our final decision,” said Megan.

“We use the motorway most days, and now it takes just minutes for us to get onto the main route in and out of the village, which is ideal.”

The couple opted for the Cleland home style and after a showhome viewing, they purchased their new home in Winchburgh last May before getting their keys in October 2022.

The four-bedroom detached home boasts a spacious formal lounge and a generous open plan family kitchen-dining living area which connects to the garden, perfect for entertaining guests and extending the living space.

Megan continued: “It was the size of the kitchen living area that really sold the house to us, as well as

the stunning hallway. The showhome was styled so perfectly, it allowed us to envisage living in that house before we even bought it.

Cala certainly break the stereotype of new-build houses having small rooms.”

Megan was charmed by the quaint village of Winchburgh and the raft of amenities it has to offer. She said: “Auldcathie Park is just a few moments’ walk from our new home and Liam and I enjoy taking a walk through the green spaces.

“We spend most weekends going into the city centre for lunch or dinner or take the short trip to South Queensferry for scenic walks around the shoreline. Our pace of life has changed completely since we moved here – it truly is a wonderful place to call home.”

She added: “The Cala East sales team were so supportive in the full process. I couldn’t speak any more highly of their professionalism and have since recommended Cala to multiple friends and family due to our fantastic experience.”

Located just 12 miles from Edinburgh city centre, Cala Homes’ (East) Oakbank development is excellently positioned with direct pedestrian access into the 85acre Auldcathie District Park.

The second phase of this impressive development of four- and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes has now launched, with only a final few homes remaining in the established first phase, with prices starting at £395,000*.

For more information about Cala Homes in Winchburgh, or to book a showhome viewing, please visit www.cala.co.uk/winchburgh or call 01506 669 575 * Price correct at the time of print

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“Should I Sell During the Summer Holidays?”

Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer.

Firstly, your house is likely to look bringing their property to market or its very best. The bright days and sometimes withdraw their homes long evenings mean that your over the summer holidays. Those accommodation will look light and with children may be under some airy, and any views from the house pressure to secure a property will be accentuated. Your before the new school year garden will be in full bloom and, as a result, could be The bright days and adds real value to the prepared to pay a higher purchaser’s perception of and long evenings price in return for a swift your home - they won’t just purchase. mean that your be looking at rooms! If it is September is also a a family house, children’s popular time for those accommodation will slide/swings etc. can only moving jobs. They will make the house feel more look light and airy, certainly be hoping to like a home - a real hot move in towards the end and any views from of button for the family buyer. the summer so they can Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together.

the house will be accentuated

Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc. get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice, as other sellers delay

get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position.

So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply buyer demand for quality properties this summer. It could pay you handsomely.

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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LIVING WELL

No one likes going into hospital and sometimes the idea of staying away from home can be overwhelming, but there are some instances when hospitalisation is sadly unavoidable. So how can the number of hospitalisations be reduced?

• Keeping active: The benefits of being active physically and mentally are well known but for older people, options can often seem limited. Doing things such as crafts, drawing and puzzles keep the mind active, whilst gentle gardening or regular 10-minute walks can help maintain muscle strength.

• Regular hydration: Drinking regularly is key to avoiding health issues such as dehydration or infections and can also improve mood. It is recommended to drink 1.5L of fluid per day even if you don’t ‘feel’ thirsty.

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• Good nutrition: Despite appetites decreasing over time, the nutritional benefits of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet are just as important. Meals which add extra vitamins and minerals to diets, such as Vitamin D and calcium can help combat conditions such as osteoporosis.

• A reliable and long-term GP: It is important to have a reliable and consistent GP, as with age medication will likely become more important. Family members or Care Professionals can help to notice ‘red flags’ such as unused medication, and small changes in chronic illnesses.

• Companionship: Getting involved with local groups and organisations or having someone else visit can complement family involvement by providing extra companionship to combat loneliness and isolation, which has been proven to improve general wellbeing and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.

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

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LIFE COACHING

BUSY all the time Understanding circulation and vein health Our bodies are home to over 60,000 miles of blood vessels that, along with the heart, make up the circulatory system.

Its network of roadways carries blood to every corner of your body. However, when your circulation or vein health is poor, blood flow can be slowed or blocked.

There’s plenty you can do to combat circulation problems or prevent any existing vein issues from getting worse.

Stay active - By going for a walk on your lunch break or taking short breaks throughout the day, you can keep your blood flowing.

Wear compression stockings - If you’re susceptible to vein issues, whether that’s through genetics, pregnancy or lifestyle, you should wear compression stockings. They work by applying pressure to the calves, contracting muscles around the veins to help blood move back up towards the heart.

Elevate your legs - Elevating your legs above your heart for ten to fifteen minutes each day can help ease any aching or heaviness in the legs. By reducing the pull of gravity, the excess blood drains out of your lower legs and moves towards your heart.

Talk to your doctor about treatment - In most cases, varicose veins are not a serious condition so don’t usually require treatment.

However, if your varicose veins are causing pain, discomfort, or are leading to other complications or health issues, your doctor can recommend a number of treatment options.

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Most of us know exactly how it feels when we think our lives are so full of chores and work that we struggle to carve out any kind of time for our loved ones or ourselves.

If someone dares to suggest that we relax for even ten minutes, we respond as if we’ve been asked to run around the block! ‘No time…too busy! ‘ But, what if we are burying ourselves in all those tasks because being constantly on the go means that we don’t have time to stop and think? Without realising it, we find ourselves using all that activity as a way to avoid focusing inwards and just sitting still.

This can be a long standing habit, but once we know that’s what we are doing there are a couple of things that we can choose to do instead.

Firstly, we can tune into ourselves and to our mood regularly, by asking, ‘how do I feel today?’ ‘what do I need?’ and then act on the answers. This will seem odd initially because most of us are so out of tune with our subconscious that this simple step can feel really hard to do and quite uncomfortable, but, as the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect.’ We can decide today to be kinder to ourselves and only do what we know we will enjoy and begin a new habit of putting ourselves first.

Just imagine how much time we will free up if we just stop dashing about to please others and really focus on what is important to 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 @KonectMagazines

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OUT AND ABOUT THIS SUMMER With the Spring pressure in your garden passed you deserve some fun time out of the garden, although not for too long as your plants may be desperate for water if the May drought continues into the summer!

Lesley is enjoying the magnificence of the gardens at Attadale in Argyll. The rockface and the sculptural branches here are as sculptural as the carved bench she is sitting on.

We always get inspiration from visiting other gardens, whether from individual plants we haven’t seen before, the layout and setting of the garden or perhaps some clever design tricks.

Exploring and walking around a garden is the perfect place for chatting. Mind you, if your companion isn’t into gardening as much as you, the conversation won’t be

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about gardening, but equally entertaining!

We have had some of our best ideas for the business or our own garden when visiting gardens… even for our next holiday.

For inspiration of where to go next visit two inspiring websites: www.scotlandsgardens.org (The Yellow Book people) www.discoverscottishgardens.org (Pick up the Scottish Gardens Map 2023 at the garden centre) The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

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

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SAT 1ST JULY TO MON 15TH AUGUST Summer Adventures at Almond Valley Something special is happening on every day of the school holidays, with a programme of drop-in activies, crafts and discoveries that all can join in and enjoy. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957 www.almondvalley.co.uk SAT 1ST JULY A Summer’s Night - Join local musician Emily Wishart, a 23-year-old classically trained soprano, for a relaxed evening of music in a variety of styles from opera arias to folk songs, show tunes and more. A carefully crafted programme of the singer’s performance highlights over the years, you can expect to hear music by the likes of Handel, Schubert, Donizetti and Rodgers & Hammerstein including well-known favourites like I could have danced all night from My Fair Lady and Burns selections. Accompanied by duo partner and fellow RCS alumnus, pianist Mianoora Kosonen.

Emily graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in July 2021 and since has spent the majority of her time teaching singing to young people in Broxburn and around West Lothian. Emily is currently preparing to begin her Masters in Vocal Performance at the world-renowned Royal College of Music in London this September. This evening of music is being held in support of her postgraduate study, marking the next crucial step in her career as a professional singer. 7:15-9:00pm, Coban Hall, 34 West Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5RJ. Tickets £10 via eventbrite (Search for Emily Wishart) UNION CANAL CRUISES Linlithgow Union Canal Centre is open on weekend afternoons until 24th September and weekday afternoons from 3rd July to 11th August.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to our tearoom and museum at the canal basin, open 1:304:30pm, where we offer regular short boat trips.

• Weekends only: Avon Aqueduct cruise, 2.5 hours, starting 2:00pm.

• 9th July and 13th August: Afternoon Tea cruise, 2.5 hours

• 30th July and 27th August: Boat trips to the Falkirk Wheel For booking and information lease visit bookings. lucs.org.uk FRIDAY 13TH JULY Wild Food Evening - With Author Mo Wilde & Napiers Bathgate, 62 George Street Bathgate EH48 1PD, 6.30pm. To celebrate five years in Bathgate and our founder Mo Wilde winning the prestigious John Avery Book Award, we are having a wild food themed evening at the shop. Mo is a research herbalist, renowned forager and recently won the Winner of the John Avery Award at the André Simon Awards 2022. Come along for a wild food evening, which will include: • Meet the author Mo Wilde; Book signings; Book reading; Wild food canapes by Matthew Rooney; Botanical & fermented drink sampling; Intuitive tea making.

Proceeds from the evening will go to a local charity close to our heart and mission, Beechbrae SCIO beechbrae.com Book via eventbrite – search for Napiers Bathgate CIC MONDAY 31ST JULY - FRIDAY 4TH AUGUST Guardians of Ankora Holiday Club - Free holiday club for P1-P7, run by Centrepoint Church at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. See poster on p2.

SUNDAYS 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPT Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - All welcome. Free admission and parking. Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 subsequent rides. Driver Experience £8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and toilets. Open 10:30am-4:00pm.

Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF

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. 30 | BATHGATE

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

JULY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Automatons (6), 4. Racket sport (6), 9. Female grandparent (7), 10. Two times (5), 11. Recorded sound (5), 12. Defrosting (7), 13. Not needed (11), 18. Spun by spiders (7), 20. Afterwards (5), 22. Monarch (5), 23. Copy (7), 24. Long for (6), 25. Concurred (6).

DOWN: 1. Disorganised (6), 2. Insipid (5), 3. Immature frog (7), 5. Additional (5), 6. Louder (7), 7. Toboggan (6), 8. Alliance (11), 14. Takes small bites (7), 15. Working out (7), 16. Frightened (6), 17. Buddy (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Torment (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 32

JULY SUDOKU

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS BATHGATE | 31

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

What does it mean to be true to yourself? Across the Spider-Verse, the sequel to Into the SpiderVerse, tries to answer that question through its main characters and it also does so much more.

Upon its release, Into the Spider-Verse became the best Spider-Man film ever made. Now in 2023, Across the Spider-Verse not only matched the earlier film but surpassed this to take the title.

It’s simply a stunning work of art that captures the feeling ACROSS: 1. Airy, 3 Umbrella, 9. Dragged, and style of comic books like no other film. It is filled with 10.

Fight, 11. Combinations, 13. Tissue, 15. Weasel, 17. Dictionaries, 20. Inner, detail, sheer beauty that I haven’t seen in 21. Diocese,colours 22. Swelling,and 23. Ales.

DOWN: 1. Audacity, 2. Realm, 4. Midday, years. It’s a feast for the eyes and while at times it can be 5. Refrigerator, 6. Legends, 7. Anti, 8. Agricultural, 12.

Glistens, 14. Science, Cordon, 18. Ideal, a bit much the 16. animation truly makes this simply a must19. Aids. watch film. But then you have the story: part-personal SOLUTION SUDOKU drama aboutTO lying to yourself and others and not being ON true PAGE to whoXX you are, and “part-toxic dude bro”who doesn’t like it when you change the source material.

ACROSS: 1. Airy, 3 Umbrella, 9. Dragged, 10. Fight, 11. Combinations, 13. Tissue, 15. Weasel, 17. Dictionaries, 20. Inner, 21. Diocese, 22. Swelling, 23. Ales.

DOWN: 1. Audacity, 2. Realm, 4. Midday, 5. Refrigerator, 6. Legends, 7. Anti, 8. Agricultural, 12. Glistens, 14. Science, 16. Cordon, 18. Ideal, 19. Aids.

SOLUTION SOLUTION TO TO SUDOKU SUDOKU ON ON PAGE PAGE XX 31

It’s a film that expands on what was established in Into the Spider-Verse to continue the story of Miles Morales in ways that I don’t want to spoil. This film is the pinnacle of Spider-Man films. It’s nothing short of comic book art brought to life on the big screen, with the odd live action reference. I really do hope that everyone goes and watches this film on the biggest screen possible.

In Cinemas Now! The Film Review is contributed

by Robert Ewing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com

EVERY

SATURDAY STARTS ON

JUNE 10TH JULY 8TH*

9AM TO 2PM

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

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

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

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

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

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