Konect Bathgate June 2022

JUNE 2022

WIN! £250 voucher with

LOCAL HISTORY:

THERE’S A

COACH COMING THROUGH!

FINANCE:

LOCAL CHARITY:

2 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

P31 in 6 people are affected by a mental health challenge at any given time. A gloomy statistic, but the flip side is that there are wonderful people all around who are moved to do what they can to provide help and support – to friends, family or in a broader community sense. I interviewed one such local person for the charity article this month. Misty Hannah is a West Lothian resident who has taken the plunge to set up an organisation with a fresh approach to supporting people, in what she saw as a gap in the services currently available. Compassionate Accompaniment CIC is as much about prevention as support too, see the article on pages 16-17.

There is an article on another topic affecting everyone – energy prices – as well as a local history article to enjoy, and all our regular columns from our contributing experts.

The Treasure Hunt prize this month is a £250 voucher from Harvey Bruce for window blinds. This is your chance to get stunning new blinds fitted from an award-winning local family business with a large selection of blinds, see their advert on page 5. And get hunting – find the 5 gold medallions hidden within this magazine, then head to our website konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Full information and Ts & Cs are on our website.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. As ever, let me know what you think!

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

THIS ISSUE What’s On: Reconnect Regal................................8 Living Well: Understanding Parkinsons..........12 Health & Beauty......................................................14 Charity: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC............................................16 Property Matters: Virtually staging or renovating..................................................................18 Garden Project: Purple Piglet Projects............25 Puzzles.......................................................................28 Finance: Smart Meters..........................................31 Local Environment: Protecting wildlife.............32 Parenting: Stage School!.....................................34 Local History: There’s a coach coming through!......................................................................36 Film Review: The Batman....................................38

June 2022: Wishing everyone a very happy Bathgate Procession and Community Festival!

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

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

6 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

8 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 9

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

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

LIVING WELL

Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 1 in every 100 people over the age of 65. It’s thought to be slightly more common in men than in women. Most people develop the condition at approximately the age of 60, but one in 12 people with Parkinson’s disease have symptoms before the age of 50.

Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive neurological condition which causes cells in the brain to stop working properly and over time these cells are lost altogether. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine and symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

Researchers think a combination of age, genetics and environmental factors cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die.

Although there are over 40 symptoms, the 3 main symptoms are: tremor/shaking, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. However

12 | BATHGATE

symptoms vary for each person and can change from day to day and even hour to hour.

Many symptoms can be treated or managed with medications and therapies and many people can lead active and fulfilling lives.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

1. Investigating symptoms, reviewing medical history, and conducting a medical examination for typical signs of Parkinson’s 2. Response to Parkinson’s drugs 3. Tests carried out by specialists including MRI scans, heart scan, lumbar puncture (testing spinal fluid surrounding the brain) If you think you may have Parkinson’s, you should speak with your GP so they can refer you to a Parkinson’s specialist. You can also receive free, confidential help and advice by contacting Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303.

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

Olaplex launched in the UK in June 2014. It was highly anticipated as the first of its kind and I remember actually bringing it back from Dubai so we could be the first to work with it in Scotland!

It’s still a hugely popular product and now a full range. What’s so special about it?

Here’s the easy explanation: Every time you wash your hair or have a chemical service you break down disulphur bonds within the hair.

Sometimes those bonds don’t reconnect which leads to breakage. If you add Olaplex into your chemical service for example hilites - as your colour breaks down those bonds in order to do its job Olaplex basically grabs hold of all the bonds and then when the second part of the treatment is applied it forces them all back together resulting in minimal damage. This is your Olaplex in salon treatment, it can also be done without colour in between appointments for bond strengthening.

Olaplex shampoo, conditioner and home masking regime work on the same principal. The full range aims to nourish, hydrate and protect those bonds.

Since Olaplex launched there has been many similar ‘plex’s’ brought to the market, ask your hairdresser about upgrading your service.

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

In another life when I used to enjoy picking up a glossy magazine, the May and June pages would be full of summer clothes and articles about holidays in the sun. I remember there always seemed to be a delicious promise that, around the corner, just out of sight, there was a golden time that would bring with it long days of sunshine and outdoor living.

It used to make me laugh that the shops would be full to bursting with summer t shirts and pretty clothes and whatever the weather, there was absolutely no chance of finding knitwear or heavy jackets anywhere.

Life seemed to have a pattern that was almost invisible to us and that we all took for granted.

There would surely always be shops and lunches or walks with family and friends, the seasons would change, and the familiar, comfortable routines would just roll on.

Then came the strangest two years that most of us have ever lived through and life changed for so many of us. Things we thought would always be there were suddenly gone.

But now the shops and cafés are busy again and many of us are looking forward to brighter times ahead as we all look forward to sunshine and holidays even if it’s just in our own backyards.

But, before taking a headlong dash into what we hope will be a Covid free tomorrow, maybe we should take the time to consider which of the habits we developed to help us cope over the last two years would also be beneficial to take forward into our future.

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

Award winning care homes

Our expert care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite* care. With some of the highest care ratings, we’re here to help you at every step of your journey.

Call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine * Subject to availability

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 15

Caring for ourselves is essential for our health and well-being and helps us to care for our communities.

This is the central principle of a new health and well-being service set up by West Lothian resident Misty Hannah: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. Misty wanted to fill what she noticed is a gap in community support services for emotional and mental well-being.

Working with cancer patients, she was primarily moved to help people cope with the often overwhelming anxiety they experience during the cancer care process.

But her vision for the new service is much more than that. It brings together therapies and ideas from many years of experience and research in Sensory Awareness and compassionate care practices. Learning how to feel seen, heard, connected and more aware of what your body is communicating can transform the way you approach life’s challenges. Misty’s vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to access the resources within themselves for resilience and well-being. Compassionate Accompaniment offers support across the Central Belt for anyone struggling with isolation, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, exhaustion, recovery from surgery, or end-of-life.

“Compassionate Accompaniment” is about helping you to accompany yourself with compassion and kindness. Some challenges in life are with us for the long term, or are things that

CONTACT DETAILS:

For support, more information, book a place at the next Share Our Table, or to volunteer, please contact Compassionate Accompaniment CIC: 16 | BATHGATE

we have to learn to live with. There are support services out there (some provided by the NHS) but finding out about them and accessing them can be difficult, or there are long wait times.

The unique principle behind Compassionate Accompaniment is that you are given the support to create self care practices that help you live with these challenges in your daily life without them becoming overwhelming.

“When things are uncomfortable or painful, many of us want to turn away from them,” says Misty.

“But turning away means we’re still carrying them, which can sometimes manifest as chronic health conditions or even illness.” More and more studies are showing that compassionate care is hugely beneficial to our well being and can help to prevent illness and alleviate chronic health conditions. “When we find ways to be with what is difficult, we may find treasures and resources within ourselves we never knew we had.”

Compassionate Accompaniment provides 1 to 1 and group sessions that are delivered both in person and online. Support sessions are rooted in meeting each person where they are as they are and are based on somatic sensory awareness – tracking body sensations to feel what is really happening in you, and find ways to support yourself. Our bodies hold onto stresses and trauma in different ways t: (Misty Hannah) 07752 680 261 w: compassionateaccompaniment.com e: connect@compassionateaccompaniment.com @compassionaccompaniment @compassionate_accompaniment @KonectMagazines

so by learning to identify where tensions are, checking in with your body’s natural rhythms with attention to breath and body sensations allows your mind and body to work together to release them.

Misty is passionate that everyone should be able to access the support they need. “We would never turn anyone away simply because they can’t afford to pay for help,” says Misty.

“Compassionate Accompaniment is a community interest company, and operates on the basis of pay-what-you-can.” Sensory Awareness is a life practice. It changes the way we see ourselves so that we can prioritise self-care and be healthier not only for ourselves but to be there for others too.

If you or someone you know needs support with self compassion/well being, grief support, caregiver support or end of life accompaniment, Compassionate Accompaniment is here to help. Misty would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering in administration or fund-raising event organisation roles. All contact details are at the end of this article.

YOU’RE INVITED! - Share Our Table

Gatherings: A day to celebrate life with a farm to table lunch, Compassionate Care workshop and time to be with the animals.

Yes, we are hoping we will get to hold baby goats.

You will have time to spend with wonderful farm animals! Being with animals has become a growing part of our work. More and more research is showing how animals can assist us with calming our nervous systems, relieving depression and anxiety, and bringing a sense of connection and compassion with ourselves and other beings.

All ticket sales go towards funding our free services for compassionate care, grief support for 1:1 and groups, end of life accompaniment and our future therapet visits. Please email to register your interest and for more information. The next gathering will be Saturday 24th September.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after meeting Misty Hannah, Founder & Director of Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

ABOUT MISTY

Misty has been a Tai Chi/Qi Gong practitioner for over 20 years. She is also the only Sensory Awareness Leader in the UK and delivers weekly online sessions for people all over the world, and she is an Misty Hannah, End of Life Companion MA, SME/T, with a focus on grief Founder & support. The cancer Director of care organisation Compassionate she works for locally Accompaniment brought her in to CIC. develop and deliver Qi Gong sessions for “Caring for patients, a service that ourselves helps has proved immensely us care for the beneficial with the world” number of people attending quickly reaching full capacity.

From her early years she knew the value of dance and movement as a way of healing and connection, and has a Masters degree in Dance and Somatic Well-Being. She received funding in 2019 from Firstport to set up Compassionate Accompaniment CIC - her vision for bringing all these threads together to reach as many people as possible with compassionate care services.

She has recently been awarded additional funding this year to continue bringing these services to communities.

DO YOU HAVE A FRIENDLY AND SOCIABLE DOG? - Compassionate

Accompaniment is partnering with Canine Concern to offer their new service - bringing pets to visit people who are not able to live with one themselves at home, in care homes, hospitals and universities. The health benefits of spending time with pets is well-known, and therapet visits are often transformative and an essential element of emotional support.

If you have a friendly and sociable dog, could you volunteer to accompany them on emotional support visits?

You would receive full training and always be with a Compassionate Accompaniment volunteer on a visit. Please contact Compassionate Accompaniment for more information on how you and your pet can volunteer.

BATHGATE | 17

The benefits of virtually staging or renovating As Estate Agents we are often asked if we offer a service to prospective sellers providing advice on what they might consider doing to their property in order to best present it to the market when selling. This can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to major renovation or remodelling work.

It’s a service we not only enjoy providing but it can prove invaluable to the seller, potentially saving thousands of pounds in unnecessary expense. Most sellers are aware of the importance of making the right first impressions and sometimes making even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on the kerb appeal (online and actual) of their property to potential buyers.

Technology has long played a part in property marketing however the evolution of photographic and video equipment coupled with the continuing development of sophisticated editing software has allowed advancement in this area that can benefit sellers whether or not they have the appetite or budget to make the recommended improvements to their property prior to listing for sale on the open market.

Two products that our agency uses regularly are ‘Virtual Staging’ and ‘Virtual Renovation’ imagery. These allow sellers to digitally enhance or alter the actual image 18 | BATHGATE

taken of a particular room (or rooms) in their property via virtual staging by, for example, adding or removing furniture or changing the décor or carpets.

This is particularly helpful for buyers who are considering viewing a property that is empty, possibly an ex-rental property that the Landlord has decided to sell, or perhaps an executory sale when a family may be selling on behalf of a relative or as part of an estate, in order to show perspective or scale in relation to furniture or even how a room might be furnished or laid out.

The Virtual Renovation product takes the possibilities a stage further and is often used in conjunction with Virtual Staging. This allows buyers to see how a property could look after future renovation work has been carried out and is often used by sellers if they are selling their property with planning permission already in place to extend or remodel the existing footprint or layout without the work having been carried out. @KonectMagazines

Occasionally we may suggest to the homeowner that potential buyers may want to consider changing the layout or current configuration of the property by perhaps removing a wall to open a kitchen up into a kitchen/diner/ family space or the reverse of this to potentially split one large bedroom into 2 smaller rooms with connecting bathroom which might appeal to a broader market and also potentially add some value.

Both of these products begin with professionally photographing the property in the same way as any standard campaign.

Certain rooms are then identified for digital

Virtually renovated enhancement and passed to the graphic designers to carry out the virtual staging or renovation to the brief provided.

The technology is so flexible that it allows us to choose the style of furniture, colour of décor, carpets even the artwork on the walls and soft furnishing accessories.

Every image used in a sales campaign that has been enhanced using this technology is of course clearly identified in the marketing and sales particulars to ensure they are not misleading and we always have the original photographs of the ‘actual’ room should anyone wish to see these prior to arranging a viewing.

If you are considering selling your property and need some advice on how best to present your property to the market (virtually or otherwise) please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our experienced property managers would be happy to arrange a free visit and consultation.

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

BATHGATE | 19

22 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

FROM JUST

£18

PER TREATMENT* *Based on 5 annual treatments with a lawn size up to 40m2

HELP YOUR LAWN TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE Over the last 35 years our love for lawns has continued to grow. We combine our passion and enthusiasm with innovative technology and dedicated customer service as we continue to revolutionise UK Lawn Care. Our groundbreaking Lawn Treatment Programmes keep your grass looking its best all year round, ensuring your lawn receives the love and attention it deserves.

Join our nation of Lawn Lovers

Email: edinburgh@greenthumb.co.uk Call: 0131 322 7314 Visit: greenthumb.co.uk @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 23

is finding your customers • Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 45,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

It’s easy to be included! editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

24 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Planting dwarf alpine plants and truly miniature conifers in a trough is a great way to enjoy these small plants and makes an attractive feature in a sunny part of your garden. Once you’ve collected all the things you will need, putting them together will only take you half an hour or so, a great weekend project!

Our purple piglet project leaflet explains exactly how to go about creating your alpine trough and the best plants to choose and how to arrange them in your trough. If it isn’t very sunny where you want to sit the trough we have a list of plants that will cope with these conditions.

The three things to remember when creating your trough is good drainage, good drainage and good drainage! Drowning

@KonectMagazines

Alpine trough these little plants is the easiest way of killing them. Our leaflet will show you how to create good drainage, from the drainage holes in the bottom of the trough, through layers of gravel to a really gritty compost (John Innes No 1 + Potting grit 50/50).

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

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

BATHGATE | 25

26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

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

-Kerr

Marc van Cartier-Kerr

M M aa rr cc vv aa n nA RC CT IaaS rrA Ntt ii e e rr -- K Ke e rr rr A R T IIaSS A N a r c v a n C r t i e r K e r r A R T S A N C U R T A IM N S B L I N D U P H O L S T E RY Marc van Cartier-Kerr

M n O C rrAttDiiNO e T IIaaS RE-UPHOL MSaaTrrEcc RvvYaaA CU e rrO--RK Ke eCrrUrrS H I O N S & A-nR R T ST AN A W N I N G SM-a rS cO Fv T FT U SeHr I-NKGe Sr r- P U B L I C aAnR C IR aSrNAtI iN

RT SAN M-L MBE IDAII SS TR C TO S RLY S- T E R Y C IILAARN P T U RS T&AICNOSB H O ST E CU UR RT T RA AEIICCC- N N L NIIRCNNND D SLS A---DCN--OOUUU ONPPPU U PCALLLUH H O STERY U PRSH TO AI NS SB H SSTH EIRL U E-- RB YL OD US RO OY N --SS & USPRT TO AEIL N ST B L --IO DU ST H O SSTHEC YU R E U P H O L R Y T D O H R E U H L S T E R Y O U O R CL UR IR NL-SS C USIPRN TGO AE ILN STY -ORFB L -IO NO DU ST -D UHO PO H O SS-THE R YU R E - U P H RROAAEEmarcvck.com L T R T D O O R H II O ON NS S & & W N S S T F U R N I S I N G S PC UO I C& U H S E Y U T D O O R C U U-IPRNH TG ASO ILNS- S NO DR -D UHS PI H O L SS-TH E YB 07935 819068 WC N SE-T O FBE TL FU U RSLT NN I SO N GCA SUC PIIR UO BN L-S C& -N U O TM RF YT -IC U O R O NL SII C &P U B L I C A W N I N G S S F F I H I N G S & C O M R I A C O N T R T S A W I N G S S O F U R N I S H I N G S P U B OSO L TM ET RFE YTF O U D O O UC S-TH NLS&P U B L I C A W N I N GRAESW- NU-IPNH& S U N I S H I N G S C S-OF M R-C I AR LT C NI R T RGCA SPIUO G S O F U R N I S H N S B I C & M M RC IA ARLL OHNO AST C-TR SP U AW NO I NM G SC -O SO FE T FI U NC I SC IT NR G BC L IT CS & C M E R C N A & C O M M E R C I A L C O N T R A C T S & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS & COMMERCIAL marcvck.com marcvck.com marcvck.com marcvck.com marcvck.com

marcvck.com marcvck.com @KonectMagazines

C O N T 07935 R A C T819068 S

07935 819068 07935 07935 819068 819068 07935 819068

07935 819068 819068 07935

BATHGATE | 27

PUZZLES

JUNE SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 38

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect

28 | BATHGATE

ACROSS: 1. Type of pudding (7), 5. Trimmed (5), 8. Large pebbles (5), 9. Brutal (7), 10. At right angles (13), 11. Without effort (6), 12. Grieves for (6), 15. A protest (13), 18. Financial system (7), 19. Beverage (5), 20. Stairs (5), 21. Hauled (7).

DOWN: 1. Sticky liquid (5), 2. Accompanies (7), 3. Assorted (13), 4. Split (6), 5. Book of facts (13), 6. Snarl (5), 7. Removes weapons (7), 11. Goes on forever (7), 13. Fence (7), 14. Remained (6), 16. Large deer (5), 17. Nude (5).

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 29

30 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

FINANCE

After two years of living in lockdown, Scottish people are more open to the benefits of flexible living, including the way they use energy. A survey carried out by Smart Energy GB earlier this year showed 66% feel that flexible working as a result of the pandemic has led to a better work/life balance, and 75% would be willing to change when they do their chores, to save energy and money.

Smart meters are the next generation of digital gas and electricity meters, providing automatic meter readings and near-real time energy use information. They allow for better management of energy demand and supply, providing people with the visibility needed to reduce their usage, and making the best and most efficient use of wind and solar power.

Grahame lives in a four-bedroom detached house in West Lothian with his wife and two children, and had his smart meter installed in February 2019. He is passionate about decarbonising his home and using energy more efficiently.

“It seemed utterly crazy to me that my old energy meter couldn’t tell me what how much gas and electricity I was using or how much it cost. We are living in an era where we track everything we do, yet people are still unable to see how much they’re spending on a basic everyday item. Needless to say, when a smart meter became available to me, I jumped at the chance. The installation was a doddle and we fixed the in-home display to the hall wall so we could see at a glance how much energy we were using and how often.

“We wanted to get a smart meter for a number of reasons, the main one being that it fits well with our move towards using more sustainable products and living a greener lifestyle. We have invested in an electric vehicle, two home batteries, a ground source heat pump and

@KonectMagazines

solar panels, but getting a smart meter installed was as simple and easy as our smaller lifestyle changes, like using less plastic or recycling.

“The smart meter has been a great addition to our household, and one of the main benefits has been access to cheaper and greener energy on a smart time-of-use tariff. My smart meter provides half-hourly readings to my energy supplier, and my supplier gives me really cheap electricity between 00:30 and 04.30 every night in return. That means I can charge my home battery at a minimal cost overnight, and then use the stored energy the next day to power all the day-to-day activities in our house. I worked out recently that if I had remained on a standard tariff, it would have cost me £2000 for 125 days electricity use, but through using my smart time-of-use tariff I only paid £526 for the same amount.

“My goal in life is to make no negative impact on the planet, and to live as sustainably as possible and I genuinely believe that getting a smart meter fitted is a small easy step we can all take to help achieve that.”

This article is contributed by Smart Energy GB, the not-for-profit, government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain to understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment.

For more information visit smartenergyGB.org

BATHGATE | 31

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The last couple of articles I’ve written have been quite light-hearted but this one is going to be somewhat more serious.

We’re in the middle of nesting season and birds are working incredibly hard to raise this year’s brood, facing many challenges including potentially adverse weather and predators on the lookout for an easy meal.

These are things we can’t control but what we can, is our behaviour around the wildlife. Just last week I had to shout at someone to put their dog on a lead as it crashed around the local ponds, scaring away coots and moorhens. The bigger concern came from the male swan who is defending his nest from anything which comes too close, and made a beeline for the dog. This could end badly for both the swan and the dog if it came to a full attack (I’ve seen pictures of something similar in Musselburgh recently).

It doesn’t apply to just nesting birds on ponds but coastal areas, and farmland where there are animals grazing. I’m not 32 | BATHGATE

trying to lecture anyone but equally, I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your dog on a lead at this time of year. Even if you think your dog can be trusted off lead, it’s still an animal with its own mind and could easily be distracted by something unexpectedly.

Wildlife has a hard enough time as it is and we should be doing as much as we possibly can to protect it.

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

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 33

PARENTING

A wicked week at stage school!

Something wicked this way comes…ah yes, it’s the summer holidays!

Another seven weeks off school approaches. Don’t get me wrong I’m certainly looking forward to a few weeks off work with the fam. As usual though it’s the other five weeks of no school which worry me. And so the annual challenge of coming up with what to do with the kids while I’m at work begins.

However, unlike some years I know what is at the top of their list.

They’ve only asked me about it approximately 3,284 times since Easter.

During the Easter holidays this year my girls both went to the Proscenium Stage School Easter camp. A week of singing, dance and drama that had them staging shows around the house for weeks afterwards.

I had planned to have a week off with them over Easter to enjoy some quality time. But then my eldest was snooping through my social media - as only a child who is yet to get a phone of their own can - and she spotted that for the Proscenium Easter week they were going to be doing stuff from both Wicked and High School Musical. Well there was no way I could compete with that.

So off they went each day with their packed lunch and their song sheets.

No complaining that they didn’t want to go. No asking why they couldn’t just stay at home and play. They were literally dying to get down there each day. And each day they came home and promptly disappeared off to practise in front of the mirror. I’ve never seen them throw themselves into something with such abandon.

34 | BATHGATE

By the time Friday came I was dying to see more. I helped them at home in the evenings to learn some lines and practise song words but they were very set on not spoiling the show, so they never let me see too much. Of course after two years of no school assemblies or Nativity performances to coo over I was a pretty sure bet.

So Friday came and there I was in the front row ready to clap and cheer at whatever was about to happen on the stage. With all the screeching and giggling when they were “practising” at home I wasn’t convinced they could have achieved that much and that would have been fine. But I was amazed at what they had put together in just a week.

Seeing all the kids’ happy, smiling faces absolutely delighted with themselves for putting on a show was nothing short of magic.

Ever since then all they’ve been asking me is when they can go back to Proscenium. Those weekly classes are looking more and more appealing just to get some peace.

Needless to say I’m now stalking their social media so I’ll be the first to hear about their summer week.

That’ll be one down, four weeks to go!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 35

LOCAL HISTORY

THERE’S A COACH COMING IN! West Lothian’s varied travel history includes a 90 year period when stagecoaches ruled the roads.

PHOTO CREDIT: Scottishshale.co.uk

Between 1760 and 1850, stagecoaches thundered to and fro along the three main roads cutting through the county and connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Coaching inns, a few of which remain today, like the Torphichen Arms in Midcalder and Livingston Village’s Livingston Inn, were purpose-built staging posts strung out along these routes like vital links in a chain, providing food and shelter for passengers and stabling for the hard-working horses. A team of four horses could pull a coach at ten miles an hour for an hour at a stretch, and inns were built at roughly that distance apart.

Stagecoaches had names like The Edinburgh to Glasgow Flyer, Rocket, Quicksilver, The Telegraph and The Express and competition to provide the fastest service for the 52 miles between Edinburgh and Glasgow was fierce.

Passengers were squeezed in, 10 to 14 per coach, like sardines in a tin. A single fare cost 4 shillings for an inside seat and 2 shillings for outside, at the full mercy of the weather. The journey time was constantly being

ABOVE: Guildiehaugh Toll House, now the location of Guildiehaugh roundabout near Bathgate Tesco 36 | BATHGATE

reduced, taking 9 - 10 hours at the beginning of the 19th century to a record-breaking 3 hours 44 minutes in 1831 in a race between rival companies.

But the key to the success of the stagecoach era were road improvements. Up until the mid 1700’s, roads were little better than beaten tracks, earth trampled flat by countless feet as people went about their day-to-day business – turning into impassable rivers of oozing mud in winter and wet weather. At this period, Cochrane Street was one of the most important streets in Bathgate, as the Glasgow to Edinburgh road came into the town along here.

The route came over the Craig and Bathgate Hills, a difficult terrain and very muddy in winter, along Cochrane Street, Main Street and Gideon Street onto Drumcross Hill, and out along the old road to Bangour. An early attempt to run a stagecoach service in 1678, advertised it would “Leave Edinbro ilk Monday morning, and return again, God willing, ilk Saturday night”.

Roads had to improve and the turnpike system was adopted. From 1752 laws were passed giving powers to Turnpike Trusts made up of local landowners to “make, amend, widen and keep in repair the roads” and tolls were charged for their upkeep. Each Trust took on the responsibility for a stretch of road (anything up to 20 miles). The laws gave the trusts powers to borrow money to build the new road - the security for the loan was the tolls that would be levied on the road-users.

The trustees built a toll-house for the toll collector (tacksman) and tollgates as barriers across the road.

These improved roads were known as turnpike roads - when a road-user paid the toll, a pike on the tollgate was turned, the gate pushed open and the traveller, pocket a little lighter, carried on his way.

@KonectMagazines

The three Edinburgh to Glasgow turnpike roads of the 18th century were the route through Midcalder/Livingston/Shotts, a route via Linlithgow/Falkirk/Kirkintilloch and a road via Newbridge/Uphall/Bathgate. There was a toll on the entry into Bathgate at Guildiehaugh, and there was a toll-house here until 1910 when the road was widened.

Midcalder’s Torphichen Arms dates from 1763 when the turnpike road arrived in the village (today’s A71 mainly follows the route of this old turnpike road). Known as The Lemon Tree Inn when newly built, it was the first stopping point after leaving Edinburgh on journeys between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr, and Edinburgh and Hamilton. Standing at the edge of the village and sheltered by Calder Wood, the two-storey inn must have been a welcome sight for passengers, coachmen and horses alike, after a bone-shaking 12 mile journey from Edinburgh as the mud-spattered coach clattered across the stone-built bridge over the Linhouse Water and pulled up at the inn’s door. Stable lads watered the horses or changed them for a fresh team. The inn’s stables once stood where the car park is, with more stables through the pend (arch) across the street.

Built in 1760, Livingston Inn is a white-harled, single-storey solid building with its very doorstep on the old turnpike road. It is said a distinguished visitor by the name of Robert Burns - born the year before the inn was built - once slept under its roof. An arched stableblock adjoins the inn and is the lounge bar today. The inn’s surroundings of traditional cottages and centuries-old church make the scene look much the same as it must have done in the 18th century and it’s easy to imagine the clamour and commotion as a passenger-laden stagecoach arrived.

he gave a loud blast on a horn, a signal for the local coaching inn - the Craig Inn - to prepare for thirsty travellers and flagging horses.

And tragic accidents happened – a gravestone in Kirkton Kirkyard, Bathgate reads “Here lieth the Mortal Part Of Benjamin Shaw the affectionate, dutiful and only son of Benjamin and Sarah Shaw of St Paul’s Church Yard, London, Who was suddenly kill’d by the breaking down of the Telegraph coach near West Craig on Monday 16th February 1807 in the 18th year of his age”.

Another clue, a short walk from Livingston Inn, is The Old Toll-house (a private residence), West Lothian’s last remaining toll-house still standing by the side of the original turnpike road now called Old Cousland Road.

The arrival of the railways in the mid-1800’s and rail travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow saw a steep decline in the stagecoaches’ fortunes as all eyes turned to the train.

Main St, Bathgate, leading to Cochrane St - formerly the busy through-road for stagecoaches

Fascinating glimpses of West Lothian’s stagecoach past are all around. The story goes that Blawhorn Moss (a National Nature Reserve) near Blackridge gets its name because it was a look-out point for the Glasgow to Edinburgh stagecoaches on the road below.

When the watcher saw or heard the coach and horses galloping into sight from the west, This article was written by Yvonne Macmillan and first published in Konect in July 2012.

Information from West Lothian Councils Museum Service and The Bathgate Book edited by William F. Hendrie and Allister Mackie @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 37

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The world’s greatest detective is back and this time he is doing detective work. It’s strange to think that after many incarnations of this beloved character it took so long for the detective side of the character to be front and centre.

Similar to films like Seven, The Batman is a story about Batman trying to solve the crimes being committed by the Riddler.

ACROSS: 1. Oven, 3. Admitted, 9. Extract, 10. Tower, 11. Contemporary, 14. Mrs, 16. Plane, 17. See, 18. Explanations, 21. China, 22. Emotion, 23. Disaster, 24. Cell.

DOWN: 1. Overcome, 2. Eaten, 4. Dot, 5. Intersection, 6. Thwarts, 7. Dire, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Plain, 13. Personal, 15. Sixties, 19. Olive, 20. Acid, 22. Ewe.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 28

The film spans a massive 2 hours and 56 minutes runtime.

It’s simply too long, and can really drag at times; I wish it was closer to 2 hours than 3. Also, the crimes that are committed feel watered down and not gruesome enough.

They tell you that these crimes are horrific and shocking, but personally I was never truly shocked by the crimes. I feel that it was held back by trying to go for a PG-13 rating in America and I’m shocked it got a 15 rating in the UK. There are many positives though. The film is just gorgeous from the opening shot and it’s the best-looking superhero film in a long time. The cast is amazing: Robert Patterson does a great job and Colin Farrell is unrecognisable. There are many scenes that are truly gripping. But at the end of the day, the film is simply way to long. Rewatching this film was more of a slog than a joy - and I hate saying that as there is a lot to love about this film.

Available to rent on all major 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.

38 | BATHGATE

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 t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines

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

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/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 Email: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com Phone: 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. 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 - Morning sessions and afternoon sessions available at Boghall Drop in Centre, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10.00am - 11.30am, or 12.30 - 2.00pm. One parent/carer to stay only in line with covid and room ratios. Email: arlene@bdic.org.uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to registers.

SONGWRITING GROUP - We meet 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm. 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

@KonectMagazines

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.

For information: T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of 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 £10. Follow our Facebook page, visit: www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

BATHGATE HIGH CHURCH FOODBANK - We are here to help individuals and families who are resident in Bathgate and Boghall with groceries – short or long term. We are open for you in the church hall every Tuesday from 10.00am until 12 noon. Please bring proof of address. Ring church office for more details on any weekday morning 01506 650517 or e-mail info@bathgatehigh.com

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.

BATHGATE | 39