Konect Bathgate March 2024

MARCH 2024

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

COMMUNITY:

PROPERTY MATTERS:

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mployment opportunities, volunteering opportunities, social and sports clubs – the March issue of Konect offers a sample of the sort of opportunities we’re lucky to have in abundance in the local area. Spring is the season of hope and opportunity, and as we emerge from winter, whether it’s getting out in nature, clubs and classes to get involved in, organisations helping others and looking for volunteers to do so – there are plenty of ways to enhance our lives, in whatever measure we can manage.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for Konect readers, to help out with everything from home and garden improvements to eating out. Look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Feature: Vindication Swim............................ 8 Community: St David’s Church................... 9 Living Well: Options for care at home.....12 Charity: OPAL Wanderers..........................13 Property Matters: Pro-active Marketing...14 Film Review: Anatomy of a Fall.................16 Life Coaching: Age isn’t a definition........16 Local Environment: Eyes to the skies......20 Garden Project: Early colour.....................29 Clubs & Classes: Livingston & West Lothian Hockey Club...................................30 Puzzles..........................................................30 Clubs & Classes..........................................32 What’s On......................................................34

COVER IMAGE: OPAL Wanderers: Walking groups for people 60+ (See p13)

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 BATHGATE | 3

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ENTERTAINMENT

Pioneering swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, returns to Edinburgh in a new film almost a century after her incredible endurance swim here.

Mercedes Gleitze is a name that has been largely lost to history, but she was the first British woman to swim the English Channel, and was the first person to complete many other incredible swims around the world, including the Straits of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, and the distance between Robben Island and Cape Town.

In 1929, she tackled the Firth of Forth, completing an incredible swim from Gullane to Dysart, swimming non-stop for 11 hours 22 minutes. The following year, she was back in Edinburgh to showcase her remarkable endurance skills at the iconic Infirmary Street Baths (now Dovecot Studios), swimming for an astonishing 26 hours straight in front of 7,000 spectators.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, a new biopic Vindication Swim opens in cinemas across the UK on the 8th March. The film depicts Mercedes’ struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England.

However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have

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accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.

Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Elliott Hasler, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her era. The film’s release on the 8th March invites Edinburgh residents to join the nationwide audience in commemorating International Women’s Day while paying homage to a local connection that shaped Gleitze’s remarkable legacy.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a sports fan, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Vindication Swim promises a cinematic experience that celebrates not only the achievements of Mercedes Gleitze, but also the collective strength and determination of women who have left an indelible mark on our world.

Details for screenings can be found at vindicationswimfilm.com or @vindicationswimfilm on social media

Whilst a swim across the Forth is beyond the reach of most, those who fancy a dip in the Firth of Forth can do so in the company of members of the West Lothian Dippers. The group offers the chance to connect with local swimmers, share and recommend good areas to swim and make swim friends. They say, “We love taking new folk into the water safely. Over the years we’ve watched many new swimmers progress in confidence. We’re such a welcoming community and always have fun together.

We’re so lucky having great swim spots accessible to us. The Forth is a great spot with the views of the bridges. It is an estuary though with lots going on so tides and currents are always assessed first. Everyone knows the benefits of cold water swimming, but we get to see it first hand with our Dippers. New members are always welcome.

Everyone swims at their own risk.” Find them on facebook @West Lothian Dippers This article was contributed by Relsah Films, with additional local information from West Lothian Dippers.

St. David’s Church, George Street

New lease of life for historic St David’s Church, Bathgate Centrepoint Church, Bathgate, announces it is purchasing the former St David’s Church site on George Street in Bathgate and will transform the historic building into a permanent home for its growing congregation.

Centrepoint is purchasing St David’s from Chalmers Group, which had put the building up for sale in last year. Over the coming months, Centrepoint will be preparing for its move into this historic building.

St. Davids Church was established in 1843, and the current structure was built on the site of the original building in 1905.

Throughout its 164-year history the church was active in planting other churches, establishing missions, and ministering to the local community. Centrepoint plans to revive this tradition by hosting weekly worship services and using St David’s as a community hub. In addition, the building will be home to a school of ministry that will train pastors, missionaries and church leaders from across the globe.

Centrepoint Church Bathgate was established in 2008. Church services have been held on Sunday mornings at Simpson Primary School in Bathgate since its founding. Beginning with a small number of local families, the Centrepoint congregation has steadily grown and now draws attendees from Bathgate and across the region.

Commenting on the purchase, Centrepoint Bathgate Senior Pastor Tom Jackson said, “Acquiring St. David’s is a significant development that marks a new phase in the life of our church. While we are

extremely grateful to have been able to use Simpson Primary School as our base since our founding, our congregation has grown significantly in recent years, and it is simply no longer fit for purpose. Purchasing St David’s is the product of a long-term search for a permanent home, and it is the perfect space with which to meet our needs both now and well into the future.”

Tom continued, “We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to transform this historic building once again into a sacred space for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth for the benefit of not only Bathgate, but West Lothian and beyond.”

This article was contributed by Centrepoint Bathgate, which currently meets on Sunday mornings in Simpson Primary School in Wester Inch. For more information, please visit centrepointchurch.org/stdavids or email info@centrepointchurch.org BATHGATE | 9

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LIVING WELL

It takes a lot to accept that a loved one needs care. Naturally, you think about the path that lies ahead, often coupled with sadness about the idea of them leaving the home they love.

But the truth is that care needs can be supported at home. Here are three options if you decide that home care is right for you:

Hourly Care: maybe your loved one is still quite capable but needs extra help around the house. Or you’re not comfortable at the thought of them struggling with shopping, attending appointments or taking medication.

A Care Professional can support with that, while also providing social interaction and companionship.

Live-in Care: You can take things a step further and have a Care Professional move

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in with your loved one, offering the ultimate flexibility. That doesn’t mean they receive 24 hour care – it means someone is available throughout the day and will provide care as required, while also remaining on hand in case of any emergencies.

Specialist Care: Even when care needs grow significantly, staying at home can be an option. Specially trained staff can provide support with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s with the skills to respond to the symptoms gently and give someone a happy and safe life at home.

The ageing process is different for us all, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to care. Whatever situation you’re facing, there is a care package and a supportive team that can help.

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

Advertisement Feature

Join Care UK’s nationwide ‘Big Dementia Conversation’ Did you know that more than 920,000 people in the UK live with Dementia, yet 77% of people feel there are still misconceptions surrounding the condition*?

Despite our increased knowledge of dementia in recent years, many feel in the dark about what to expect following a diagnosis, and what’s more, many still feel uncomfortable, or even embarrassed, talking about the lesser-known symptoms.

Let’s get talking ‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ is all about encouraging people to talk about some of the most difficult topics associated with dementia. Our online advice hub takes a closer look at some of the less-talkedabout symptoms of dementia, with expert advice from our dementia specialists on how to navigate them.

We’re here for you At Care UK, our dementia specialists continue to work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to develop a holistic and forwardthinking approach to the delivery of dementia care. We’re always looking for new ways to support families caring for a loved one with dementia, and we recognise the importance of helping you to navigate through some of the more challenging stages.

Visit our website for further information by scanning the QR code.

If you’re considering care call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

*According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll between 25th September and 2nd October 2023.

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PROPERTY MATTERS

How pro-active marketing can put your property in front of the most likely buyers It’s easy for Estate Agents to overlook the fact that the majority of the population are not actively searching online property portals (such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and so on) and often only hear of certain properties being for sale (or sold) through word of mouth, when it’s too late to take action.

A multi-channel approach to marketing a property is essential for matching the right purchasers with the right properties. Whilst property portals and social media promotions are a prerequisite, regular digital and printed newsletters and magazines sent out to a highly qualified subscriber list offer huge value in terms of additional marketing channels.

A good quality newsletter puts clients’ properties in front of a very tailored and qualified audience in a way that not even the social media channels can. It does this through presenting not only properties for sale, but by encompassing a range of content that is interesting and relevant to readers so that they engage with it - whether they are actively looking for a property or not.

Our company newsletter “Coffee Talk” has been running for almost 15 years and has more than 12,000 subscribers. Besides 14 | BATHGATE

showcasing properties for sale, it contains local news and information curated to be engaging for the audience. The readers we have attracted over this period, and through the content we publish, are specifically tailored to be a good match for our clients.

“Coffee Talk” covers unique and exclusive properties, new build developments, land and building plots, market updates and insights. It includes access to off-market private properties that are not available on the open market and are visible to our subscribers and registered clients only.

We have recently introduced a new online newsletter to the range titled “Coffee Talk – Extra Shot” which is produced monthly and showcases a selection of the most current properties available on the market. ‘Extra shot’ is interactive and links directly to the listing on our website, social media platforms and directly to the Property Manager for any particular property.

In addition to this, our printed magazine ‘In-house’ is produced every 8 weeks and includes ‘hints & tips’ for buyers

and sellers, home features and lifestyle articles as well as showcasing our clients properties. As a commitment to our clients, we deliver copies of In-house magazine to carefully selected homes in their area plus sellers who have a property on the market to ensure that their property is exposed to people who are most likely to have an interest in it. In-house magazine also comes in a digital ‘page-turner’ format online and printed copies are available from our office and various outlets locally.

Every one of our clients’ properties is featured in all of our digital and printed newsletters and magazines.

The benefits to our clients of this suite of publications are measurable and tangible. Not only does it put their property in front of the most highly qualified audience in the local area, it also presents opportunities for any of the 12,000 subscribers to see a property that might be of interest to a friend, relative or colleague and easily forward an online copy to them.

The nature of these publications also allows instant and direct feedback to our property managers,

showing them which featured properties or articles were most popular. This valuable market intelligence means we can adjust a campaign if, for example, the initial marketing images are not connecting with the audience in the same way that others might be.

Properties featured in previous editions have resulted in successful sales to people who were not actively in the market looking for a house move. A unique or particular property may catch the attention of someone (they may have coveted or have some history with the property) which in turn results in them enquiring, viewing and purchasing simply due to the fact the property was put in front of them via a newsletter or magazine.

If you’re a buyer or seller, or if you have an interest in the property market, take a look at the recent editions of our newsletters and magazines via the QR codes above. To receive our monthly online newsletter, please email ‘SUBSCRIBE’ to info@turpies.com. Add the word ‘INHOUSE’ if you would like a printed or digital copy of our company magazine too.

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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LIFE COACHING

, Age isn t a DEFINITION Did he fall or was he pushed? This is the key question that is front and centre in Anatomy of a Fall. A French film that has been nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture.

It is a film that follows the sudden death of Samuel Maleski and the investigation into his wife Sandra Voyter who is a suspect in the potential murder of her husband. While the mystery is front and centre at the beginning, as the film shifts it becomes less and less about if she did it or not and more discussing what is the truth.

It explores this with the idea that Sandra Voyter’s truth is not the same as Samuel Maleski’s, and how relationships are complicated and not as black and white as they may seem. There is a key scene that explores the difference between improbable and impossible, as just because something is possible does not make it probable.

The dialogue is just fantastic, and Justine Triet and Arthur Harari have written a script that is incredibly smart and equally engaging.

However, the true standout aspect of this film is the acting. Sandra Hüller is deserving of her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, and she is my sleeper pick for that award.

Anatomy of a Fall is one of the best films of 2023. I hope that it becomes more widely available more people get to check out this truly one-of-a-kind piece of art, a film like no other.

Anatomy of a Fall is available to buy or rent on digital platforms and available on DVD and Blu-ray from the 18th of March 2024.

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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Many of us live with a stereotypical view of what it means to get older; we forget our keys in our twenties and put it down to being busy or absentminded but when that happens in our sixties and beyond we are quick to attribute it to being old and we begin to worry about our declining faculties.

We know that we get more of what we focus on and if we tell ourselves that age affects our ability to concentrate and learn new things then we will believe this. Of course, there are some of us who will develop illness and become frail as the years go by but, apart from living as healthily as we can, there is little we can do to change that and very little to be gained from anticipating negative life changes.

Negative attitudes to aging is encouraged by the worship of youth which we see all around us. Everywhere we look we see adverts for creams to reverse the signs of aging or this or that potion to cover grey hair. We aren’t encouraged to accept ourselves as we are and to see beauty in whatever stage of life we are living in right now.

We can all decide today to continue living our very best lives while we are here, to do exactly what we want to do and refuse to be classified or counted out on the basis of how long we have been on the planet.

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

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Eyes to the skies It’s the time of year when most birdwatchers are keeping their eyes and ears out for our returning migrants. One of the most eagerly anticipated (apart from puffins) is the osprey.

This was taken in the Trossachs but there are birds in the Lothians too. After over wintering in Spain, Portgual, and Africa, they undertake the long journey back to the UK to breed, usually around mid March.

Designed for fishing, they have an oily plumage which helps prevent them from being waterlogged. They have zygodactyl feet and their toes form the shape of an X, able to swing back and forth and line up with either the back or front set of toes as needed. They make best use of this once they’ve got a fish in their talons to make their grip more secure, they also turn said fish so it’s positioned head first which helps with aerodynamics.

Following years of persecution, predominantly through illegal egg collection, the osprey bounced back from the brink of extinction.

If you’re looking to spot one, they’re fairly 20 | BATHGATE

widespread over the country and I’ve seen one at Threipmuir Reservoir. They look very gull like when in flight but once you see their size in comparison, you won’t make that mistake again. They’re our 3rd biggest bird of prey, only smaller than the golden or white tailed eagles. I’m already counting down the days until these majestic birds are back for the summer (hopefully they bring some sunshine too!).

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

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

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EARLY COLOUR After the long winter, with the days lengthening now, we all want some more colour in the garden.

Hopefully you will have bulbs popping up and blossom bursting out on your shrubs and trees, but your pots nearer the house may be a bit dull or even empty? But don’t go looking for petunias and begonias yet because they will be killed by the cold weather that we can have over the next two months.

To give your pots some early spring colour you don’t need to look beyond Senetti. This brightly coloured plant is the result of many years of crossing two different species native to the Canary Islands to create a new range of plants. They can cope with a few degrees of frost, will flower for many weeks and when it stops flowering you can cut it down to about 10cm (4”), feed it and it’ll start

flowering again in the summer! You biggest problem will be choosing which colour you want!

Other fairly hardy plants to use at this time include Pansies, Violas, Mossy Saxifrages and Aubretia. The last two will come back each year and, like pots of flowering bulbs at this time, they have been grown on for you to use as instant colour.

Perhaps you will need some new pots for your summer displays, which you can start creating at the end of April, because your early Spring pots will still be looking wonderful at that time!

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

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

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

Livingston & West Lothian Hockey Club are a friendly, sociable and competitive hockey club based at Deans Community High School in Livingston.

MARCH CROSSWORD

The club dates back to 1991 when the Livingston Men’s team amalgamated with the West Lothian Ladies team to become one club. The Club has had many successes over the years including the Men winning the Scottish Cup and the Ladies 1s winning the Scottish District Plate. The Club also has several past and present Scotland International Masters players who, very proudly, represent their country at tournaments worldwide.

^^^ Solution in the April edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Tidy (4), 3. Uneducated (8), 9. Not man-made (7), 10. Tummy button (5), 11. Premature (5), 12. Pacific and Atlantic (6), 14. Stitching (6), 16. Not present (6), 19. Vegetable (6), 21. Big cat (5), 24. Heartbeat (5), 25. Frightened (7), 26. Less than twenty (8), 27. Second-hand (4).

DOWN: 1. Rubbish (8), 2. Performer (5), 4. Faster than canter (6), 5. 28grams approx. (5), 6. Move forwards (7), 7. Cash register (4), 8. Used for drawing (6), 13. Surprised (8), 15. Made from fleece (7), 17. Double-cross (6), 18. Hot beverage (6), 20. Representative (5), 22. Presents (5), 23. Unlocked (4).

The Club has one Men’s team playing in East District Division 3 and two Ladies teams playing in East District Divisions 2 and 5 respectively.

We also have a large Juniors section, playing from the age of 8 to 14 years. Our Juniors train on a Wednesday evening 6.30pm to 8.00pm and play in the Under 12 and Under 14 leagues on a Sunday morning in Edinburgh. Our 3 adult teams train on a Wednesday evening also 6.30pm to 8.00pm (Ladies 2s) and 7.45pm to 9.15pm (Ladies 1s and Men).

MARCH SUDOKU

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

Players train every Wednesday evening during the hockey season (September to March) and then move to ‘Summer mixed friendly’ hockey outwith the season, on a pay per play basis.

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The Club is always on the look out for new members, whether you are totally new to the game and want to give it a go or are a more experienced player looking to play in the competitive leagues.

If you feel you’d like to give hockey and our Club a go then please feel free to contact us through our social media channels (website: livingstonhockeyclub.uk, Facebook or email: ADD SOLUTION DETAILS livingstonandwlhockey@gmail.com

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

ROUGHLY SPEAKING COMEDY - Hosted by Midnight Breakfast Club in Bathgate, Roughly Speaking Comedy is an open mic for comedians and aspiring comedians alike.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you can sign up either online or on the night. Free entry. See Facebook “Roughly Speaking Comedy” for confirmed dates or email roughlyspeakingopenmic@gmail.com LIVINGSTON & WEST LOTHIAN HOCKEY CLUB - Livingston & West Lothian Hockey Club are a friendly, sociable and competitive hockey club based at Deans Community High School in Livingston. The Club has one Men’s team, two Ladies teams and a large Juniors section. The Club is always on the look out for new members.

If you feel you’d like to try hockey then please feel free to contact us through our social media channels (website www.livingstonhockeyclub.uk, Facebook or email livingstonandwlhockey@gmail.com BIPOLAR SCOTLAND SUPPORT GROUP - Bipolar Scotland invites patients, family, friends, partners and carers of those with a Bipolar diagnosis within West Lothian to come along to our monthly group meeting. Held every second Thursday of the month at Bathgate Partnership Centre (21-55 South Bridge St, Bathgate EH48 1TL), Rooms 8 & 9 More information on Bipolar Scotland’s services available at www. bipolarscotland.org.uk or 0141 560 2050

BATHGATE BELLES SWI - We meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm in The Royal British Legion, 50 North Bridge Street, Bathgate. Our aim is to empower women through friendship, reducing isolation and 32 | BATHGATE

fostering a sense of community.

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

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

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

Come and join your local history club and meet others with a similar interest. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month in St John’s church Hall at 2.00.

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

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

17TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS - Canon Hoban Hall, Broxburn.

(What3words bubble.baroness. shepherds) Join in the adventure and gain life skills. If you are an adult or a young person and want to gain life skills come and join us. Monday:- Beavers (6-8years) 6:15-7:15pm; Cubs (8-10years) 7:30-8:45pm. Friday:- Scouts (1014 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:30-9:30pm.

Everyone welcome. Contact: info@17thbroxburnscoutgroup. co.uk or 07785 525 466.

BROXBURN GENERAL YOGA CLASS - Sunday morning 9:30 -10:30 - not as bad as it sounds!

Class held in the lovely studio at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Place. £5 per session, all welcome. E: iyogawithc@gmail. com T: 07749 524 249 WINCHBURGH ART CLASS - Winchburgh Community Hall, every Thursday 9.30am –11.30am. All levels welcome. We have tutors regularly. All mediums used. Contact Secretary 07980 321989.

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB - Meet on Thursday nights at Armadale Academy. All abilities are welcome, and no experience is necessary. We have spare sports chairs available to use. Adult’s session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the large sports hall, juniors’ session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the small hall.

Come along and try something new! Contact Karen Redmond walkerredmond@aol.com or call 07982195006 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

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

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time?

Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more

information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/ westlothian Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274 COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions.

Mon-Fri 9.15am to 11.30am and 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 9.009.30am, 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 semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned.

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

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/ illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.4511.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk | T: 07810 824 195 W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

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

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

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

Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn.

Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre call to book a place. Phone and email support also available.

Please call 01506 283053 or email: MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24.

Follow our Facebook page, visit: westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

BATHGATE | 33

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

EVERY SATURDAY Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale - Bathgate Outdoor Market 9.00am to 2.00pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains ACROSS: 1. Perhaps, 5. Cycle, 8. Shampoo, 9. Exact, 10. Extra, 11. Kitchen, 12. Honest, 14. Glides, 17. Raisins, 19. Noble, 22. Olive, 23. Elegant, 24. Rural, 25. Pitcher.

DOWN: 1. Piste, 2 .Roast, 3. Appears, 4. Shocks, 5. Chest, 6. Crashed, 7. Extends, 12. Harbour, 13. Noisier, 15. Lenient, 16. Asleep, 18. Ideal, 20. Brash, 21. Enter.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 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.

SATURDAY 9TH MARCH 1. Perhaps, 5. Cycle, 8. Shampoo,

By Annabelle’s Side –ACROSS: a charity fundraising 9. Exact, 10. Extra, 11. Kitchen, 12. Honest, concert - A night of songs from the musicals, from 14. Glides, 17. Raisins, 19. Noble, 22. Olive, local theatre groups, in aid of23.the Ronald Macdonald Elegant, 24. Rural, 25. Pitcher.

House Glasgow, Ronald Macdonald House Charities DOWN: 1. Piste, 2 .Roast, 3. Appears, 4. Shocks, 5. Chest, 6. Crashed, 7. Extends, UK, Stroke Association and the British Heart Foundation.

12. Harbour, 13. Noisier, 15. Lenient, Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate.

7.30pm Tickets 16. Asleep, 18. Ideal, 20. Brash, 21. Enter. £15/£12. Booking and information at www.reconnectregal.com SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX FRIDAY 29TH MARCH Desperados - Take it Easy with Desperados and celebrate the music of The Eagles. Eagles.

Expect to hear your favourite hits such as Desperado, Hotel California, Take it to the Limit and many more.

Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate. 8.00pm, doors open 7.00pm Tickets £17. Booking and information at www.reconnectregal.com FRIDAY 29TH MARCH TO SUNDAY 14TH APRIL Easter Eggcitement at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Celebrate the wonders of springtime.

Search for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the cheery chick trail, and get creative with colours and crafts.

The over publisher cannot accept Meet the new arrivals on the Disclaimer: farm and, the Easter responsibility for loss or damage caused weekend, (29th- 1st), cheer on our famous plastic duck by error in the printing of an advertisement. not endorse any advertisers in race. Included in admission We at do Almond Valley Heritage publication. All material is accepted Centre, Millfield, Livingston, this EH54 7AR. See for publication on the understanding it is www.almondvalley.co.uk copyright free. No part of this publication

may be reproduced without prior consent of

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

publisher.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR the EVENT HERE? Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, FREE OF CHARGE. West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

Magazine Design:TH EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BYDesign 15 OF THE Alan Stewart MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S T: 07729 911858 ISSUE.

34 | BATHGATE