Konect Bathgate June 2023

JUNE 2023

LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL CHARITY:

COMMUNITY:

BACK FOR A TRIAL!

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f you’ve ever considered getting fruit and veggie boxes delivered, now is the time! Not only can you get locallygrown, fresh organic produce delivered – the healthiest option - you will be supporting a fantastic charity at the same time. See the article on Cyrenians Farm on pages 8-9 and do consider trying their produce delivery, or getting involved in some of their workshops.

The much-loved Bathgate Outdoor Market at Whitburn Road (now Lidl) ceased a few years ago, and has been missed – it was an integral part of local community life here in Bathgate. Happily, a new market is being trialled for five Saturdays in June and July! It will be located at former railway station car park at the rear of Bathgate Retail Park (behind Argos and Farmfoods). See the poster opposite, and let’s get down there and support them!

All our usual columns are here. I particularly love the local environment column this month about the black swan at Linlithgow! I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local Charity: Veggie boxes for good!..... 8 Living Well: Loneliness Awareness..........12 Health: Glucose regulation........................14 Life Coaching: What can Reiki do for me?...........................................................14 Property Matters: The Right People.........20 Puzzles..................................................24 / 27 Garden Project: Transformers...................26 Local Environment: The Black Swan.......28 What’s On:.....................................................30 Local Charity: Back to School with head held high!............................................32 Clubs & Classes..........................................34 Film Review: John Wick Chapter 4...........35

COVER IMAGE: Welcome to Cyrenians Farm!

See our charity feature on p8.

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

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

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ESTABLISHED 1985

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

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Tucked away only 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre and situated near Kirknewton in West Lothian, you will find Cyrenians Farm, a small rural haven not only growing food, but also growing skills and community.

Cyrenians Farm is a social enterprise run by homelessness charity Cyrenians. The farm is home to an orchard of 250 heritage apples trees, a young person’s residential community, a thriving educational and outdoor activity portfolio and is the base of their organic veg bag subscription service.

The young person’s residential community is one of several communities run by Cyrenians and is the heart of the organisation’s work: directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents are supported to develop their confidence to live independently, whilst also building valuable life skills and experiences to help them eventually move on and flourish in their own homes. From shared meals, to applying for learning and employment opportunities, navigating the day to day demands of household management, each member is supported towards a more independent future.

However, the community aspect is not solely focused on the residents. The farm also welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, who contribute to the farm.

Whether they’re hobbyist gardeners looking to use their existing skills to make a difference, or participants eager to learn new skills and meet new people, the farm has created 8 | BATHGATE

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a safe and supportive environment for people to thrive. Being a destination for growing skills and improving well-being is an important focus of the farm’s work, through educational courses and accredited training, the farm has helped develop rural skills and built confidence in younger people facing tough realities. Teaching green skills such as sustainable woodland management, marketgardening and woodwork has helped those who may have had difficulty engaging with main stream education to become active and engaged, developing new skills and confidence through experiential, learner-led courses.

To further support Cyrenians’ wider work, the farm host beginner friendly workshops open to the public, from creating wonderful bouquets using the farm’s own seasonal sustainable cut flowers to full day tuition in wood crafting and wilderness living skills, it has become a great space to try your hand at something new – why not book a course from their upcoming dates on the 10th June and 30th September?

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Their orchard has been lovingly cared for over 18 years, producing more than 25 varieties of delicious apples that alongside other organic produce is available through the farm’s organic veg and fruit bag service, alongside limited runs of jams, squeezed juices and chutneys.

On top of raising vital funds, growing produce to Soil Association organic standards has allowed them to tackle environmental issues too, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, by restricting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and other methods.

Whether you want to volunteer, buy organic produce, or support their social enterprise, you can be part of their mission to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. Visit cyrenians.scot/farm to find out more.

This article was contributed by Cyrenians Farm Enterprise. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052.

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BATHGATE | 11

LIVING WELL

Loneliness Awareness Week is intended to shine a light on the issue of loneliness among older adults, with one in four adults over the age of 60 reporting feeling lonely.

This can have an adverse effect upon an individual’s physical and mental health, making it more likely that they will experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Recognising the signs of loneliness, such as withdrawal, lack of interest, or changes in sleep patterns, enables us to take proactive steps to address it such as: • Encouraging Community Engagement Participating in community activities and groups can foster a sense of belonging.

Encourage older adults to join clubs, volunteer at local organisations, or attend social gatherings. This not only provides opportunities for social interaction but also enables them to pursue interests, learn new

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skills, and share experiences with likeminded individuals.

• Embracing Technology - With the advancement of technology, digital platforms offer avenues for connection and communication. Teach older adults to navigate smartphones, tablets, or computers to stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media or email.

• Companionship or Befriending Services Connect older adults with companionship or befriending services. Trained volunteers or professionals can provide regular social interaction and companionship via phone calls, home visits, or accompanying them to activities to help combat loneliness and establish supportive relationships.

For information, advice, or someone friendly to talk to, you can contact The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090, Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

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

If you often feel fatigued or experience cravings, your blood glucose levels could be to blame.

French biochemist, Jessie Inchauspé, discusses this in her book, Glucose Revolution.

Your body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose (often referred to as ‘blood sugar’). Healthy foods that are rich in fibre slow the release of glucose into the blood, but with sugary foods, your body becomes overwhelmed with glucose, then reacts by releasing insulin. This is known as a glucose spike, which if repeated over a prolonged period of time can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Even in the short term, glucose spikes can cause energy crashes, brain fog and cravings. ‘Glucose Goddess’ Jessie recommends trying her glucose ‘hacks’, which aim to balance your blood sugar without drastically changing your diet: 1) Savoury breakfast - Jessie advises options such as eggs, Greek yoghurt, a protein shake, peanut butter on wholemeal toast, or a plate of meat and eggs.

2) Veggies first - Vegetables are great sources of fibre that break down slowly in the digestive system, and by eating them first it will slow down the speed at which you digest starches.

3) Move after eating - Spending just ten minutes doing any exercise you enjoy can make a difference – whether that’s strength training, yoga or running.

4) Incorporate vinegar - Any vinegar will work, Jessie claims, but apple cider vinegar might be the most palatable. Try adding vinaigrette to your salad.

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Many of us are increasingly focussed on different ways of feeling good and, even people who have never been interested in alternative therapies and have listened patiently when I described the benefits of self care have begun to ask for recommendations and advice.

This is no surprise when we remember that stress and anxiety has a more detrimental effect on our health and well being than many of the accepted stressors. In fact, I was browsing through some online articles recently and was surprised to read that, while it is universally accepted that smoking, overeating, sitting down all the time or having too much alcohol can have a detrimental effect on us, anxiety and stress is every bit as damaging to our long term health.

Bearing this in mind, it is wonderful to build self care into our every day lives. It is great to be able to treat ourselves to a massage or a facial but what if I told you that we all have access to an amazing treatment at our fingertips?

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and relaxation and is available to us all. There are no side effects and it can be used safely and effectively alongside any other more conventional treatments.

It is spiritual in nature but is not a religion and there is no dogma and nothing that you must believe in order to feel the benefits.

Reiki may enhance and accelerate our own natural healing process and after the last few years, who wouldn’t benefit from that?

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

Dementia advice from experts

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

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

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

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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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Marc Van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN

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PROPERTY MATTERS

The Right People Despite the fact that many people regard estate agents as more or less the same, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent.

For example, there are many services and innovations which can make a difference to how effectively your property is marketed, and how the subsequent sale is handled.

These could be the use of drone videos, twilight photography, interactive floor plans, professional copywriting, bespoke social media campaigns, multi-media window displays, online client progress tracking, chain management and innovative sale boards to name but a few.

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However, despite the advances in technology it is the people that make or break a service-led industry such as our own.

Natasha Sales Manager

Kirsty Sales Support

Jamie Property Valuer

Selling your home is an intensely personal and emotive experience, and unless a sale is handled with sensitivity, courtesy, consideration and care, then such add-ons are wasted.

Excellence in recruitment should be as important as achieving high prices or securing fast moves for clients as every member of staff should be reflection of the core values of the company that they represent. Among the most valued of these qualities include transparent and honest communication delivered by qualified and experienced professionals who exhibit the highest levels of personal integrity.

Regular and meaningful communication is key, delivered by pleasant and personable people who are thoroughly on your side throughout your move.

Of course, they may not always tell you what you want to hear – but then there are plenty of estate agents who will – it’s your call but we all know the saying that sincerity is worth more than flattery!

Anne Marie Viewing Agent

Lynda Sales Support

Craig & Gillian Directors

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. @KonectMagazines

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Ad forTR010451 Konect V1_PRINT.pdf 25/04/2019 Ad for Konect1 V1_PRINT.pdf

11:52 1 25/04/2019

TR010451 Ad for Konect V1_PRINT.pdf

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1

25/04/2019

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ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

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ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

Solution in the July edition of Konect

JUNE CROSSWORD

Solution in the July edition of Konect

JUNE CROSSWORD

Solution in the July edition of Konect

JUNE CROSSWORD

Solution in the July edition of Konect

JUNE CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

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them equally regularly. Sit the pot in a sunny place, near your kitchen door for quick access.

“IF YOU ONLY GROW ONE THING, LET IT BE THE TRANSFORMERS” Pick up our purple So writes Mark Diacono in his book The Kitchen Garden. These plants are small in volume but large in flavour and will add zip and zest to your meals, turning even a good dish into an exquisite dish!

They are either herbs, salad crops or veggies and they can all be ornamental in your garden or on a windowsill as well as being edible.

We have planted this pot with a lovely mix of herbs: sages, rosemary, thyme, parsley and golden marjoram. We used a peat free Multipurpose +John Innes compost, poking the heads of the plants into the holes from inside the pot as the rootballs were too big to squeeze through the holes from the outside. We’ll pick from them regularly and liquid feed and water

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piglet project leaflet on Growing Transformers on your next visit.

Other favourite transformers include basil (grown indoors on a sunny windowsill), chives (break up their purple flowers over a potato salad), coriander, dill, French tarragon, rocket, garlic and spring onions.

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

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

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JUNE SUDOKU

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

One reason birds amuse me is because of the random places they turn up.

This month it’s been the turn of the black swan, which has been the star attraction at Linlithgow Loch over the last few weeks.

They’re not a native species to Scotland or the U.K. but hail from Australia (where they’re a protected species) and by all accounts you’re tripping over them in Perth! Wikipedia states they have “erratic migration patterns” Now, whilst there’s every chance it could be a migration gone wrong, it’s more likely this is an escapee from a private collection somewhere.

Another example of how random it is, this photo is actually from when I visited Orkney in 2020 and there was one hanging out near the Ring of Brodgar (a neolithic standing stone circle) of all places.

It seems to have been accepted amongst the mute swans which gather in the shadow of Linlithgow Palace. It is a shame though because unless it moves on to somewhere with another black swan, it won’t be able to find a mate to breed with, which is quite sad.

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Other than having a very cool red eye and being smaller, there’s not any difference to our swans. I try not to photograph nonnative species but when a black swan turns up, you go to see it, fail to take good photos and revert to showing a picture of one from 2 years ago, many many miles away!

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

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

Tel 01506 437096

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MAY CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*Sorry!

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION SOLUTION TO TO SUDOKU SUDOKU ON ON PAGE PAGE XX 30

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

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

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

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MAY CROSSWORD* O O P S O SATURDAYS FROM 10TH JUNE TO 8TH JULY R Bathgate Market - 5 week pilot to trial a new W Bathgate R O N G Outdoor Market. See poster on page 2. 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Y SUNDAYS THROUGH THE SUMMER - 4TH JUNE, 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPTEMBER Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - All welcome. Free admission and parking. Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 *Sorry! subsequent rides. Driver Experience A technical error £8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and meant that last toilets. Open 10:30am - 4:00pm. month’s crossword Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, was printed with the The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, wrong puzzle board.

Drumshoreland Rd, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SUNDAY 4TH JUNE Summer Concert - Linlithgow String Orchestra. Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 2,30pm. Telemann, Purcell, Lambert + Jazz, Charleston and Scottish Fiddle Tunes! Tickets £10/£8, on the door or in advance via their website www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk SATURDAY 10TH JUNE Friends of Polkemmet - The Ranger Service & Friends of Polkemmet group meet on the second Saturday of each month to carry out conservation and maintenance tasks. The sessions run from 11am-12pm, straight after the Polkemmet Parkrun.

Tasks vary throughout the year, and can include cutting back vegetation, path work, clearing drains, bulb planting, litter picking and pond work. Meet outside the Ranger Office, just left of the archway leading in to the Visitor Centre. No experience is necessary and tools will be provided, but please bring gloves with you if you have them. PleaseDisclaimer: wear weather-appropriate The publisher cannot accept clothing and sturdy footwear, and bring any or drinks responsibility forsnacks loss or damage caused with you. There are toilets just outside by errorthe in theVisitor printingCentre. of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in

this publication. All material is accepted SATURDAY 10TH JUNE for publication on the understanding it is Summer Concert - Linlithgow String Orchestra.

Brucefields copyrightPurcell, free. No part of this publication Church, Whitburn, 7,30pm. Telemann, Lambert + Jazz, may be reproduced without prior consent of Charleston and Scottish Fiddle Tunes!

Tickets £10/£8, on the the publisher. door or in advance via their website

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

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

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Help ENSURE EVERY CHILD can go back to school with their head held high!

The School Bank West Lothian are asking their supporters to dig deep this summer to help provide a uniform pack for a local child.

Most children start the new school year with brand new uniform, PE kit, jacket, and footwear but sadly this is not the case for all children. Last year they provided over 700 packs for children going to school in August and they anticipate the demand for this year to be far greater.

With each school pack that is provided, one family can worry less about coping with the ever-increasing cost of the school day, and one child can worry less about how they look compared to their classmates. Referral feedback consistently highlights the positive impact the service brings to young people and

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School uniform is so much more than a new uniform or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s the feeling of belonging to your school community and being like your classmates.

The transformative power of these feelings cannot be underestimated

their families, including the alleviation of financial stress, anxiety and poor mental health among both children and their parents, young people being valued the same as their peers and engaging positively in education, a reduction in bullying and an increase in school attendance. School uniform is so much more than a new uniform or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s the feeling of belonging to your school community and being like your classmates.

The transformative power of these feelings cannot be underestimated.

Can you help “Sponsor A Child” and help

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ensure every child in West Lothian looks forward to going to school in August, feeling confident, focused on learning rather than what they are wearing.

There are several ways the public can help support the appeal:

1. Become a Sponsor and buy a uniform pack. Once registered you will be contacted when a referral for a child is received. It’s then up to you to buy any of the items required for the child, hand them over to the School Bank West Lothian who then pass them on to the child.

2. You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, school bags, PE kit and gym bags to be added to packs.

3. You could buy brand new polo shirts (all colours), white shirts (high school children only), trousers/ skirts (grey/black) and jumpers (all colours) which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received.

4. Alternatively, you can donate. For example,

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£10 could buy a 5-pack of white shirts for a teenager, £20 could buy a pair of school shoes, and the organisation estimates the cost of a full uniform pack to be £140, although all donations are gratefully received.

5. Or if your child has any uniform/jackets that they no longer use, they can be re-used by School Bank West Lothian.

By helping The School Bank West Lothian to provide something as small as a school pack, we are all delivering a far bigger message: that every child, within every community, deserves to feel like they belong at school.

Check out the pinned post at the top of their Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian” for more details and links to register or donate.

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian, registered charity number SC046483.

Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org

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

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 7-9pm 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 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.

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

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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 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 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 Drop-in 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.

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 6.00-7.15 & 7.308.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.008.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.457.45pm 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

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Advice (phone or face to face).

T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs.

Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts. coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer.

Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email: MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others.

Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way.

Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit: www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510.

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

I love action films. There is no genre of cinema that entices me more than a great action flick and it’s one I have somewhat a good knowledge and understanding of. It’s why I find recent MCU outings to be truly lacking as the action looks like a grey blur. I’m paying to see the action, so I hate it when film makers make it hard to see the action.

The John Wick franchise however has been the opposite of that. It’s a franchise that understands that clarity is the most important thing when it comes to action. So with that it in mind its not too much of a reach to say that John Wick Chapter 4 is a masterpiece.

The final 40 minutes are the definition of engaging and creative action that had my jaw hit the floor. The choreography is nothing short of masterful and the way the camera captures every moment in luscious and beautiful shot is incredible.

Keanu Reeves, while he doesn’t talk much, is great as this character. The rest of the cast are great and contains action legends like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

John Wick Chapter 4 is a must-see film, full stop. Is it debatably too long at 2 hours 50 mins? Yes and no; I wouldn’t want it any other way. This film is simply one of the best action films ever made.

Available to pre-order now on digital and physical platforms.

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

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