Konect Bathgate November 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

BLA

Y

NESS BA CK

LOCAL CHARITY:

LOCAL CHARITY:

GARDEN PROJECT:

r e b m e v o N

P8-9

W

ith the clocks back an hour and the nights closing in, it’s the season of fireworks, fairy lights, torchlight processions, spicy hot drinks and plenty of local Christmas fairs to attend over the next couple of months.

Too many local children though will be feeling the cold too much. School Bank West Lothian are running a Winter Jacket Appeal to ensure all local children have a cosy jacket to allow them to learn and thrive. Please see the article on page 18 and help if you can.

Blackness Bay Distillery are running their competition for Konect readers again this month! For a chance to win a quirky distillery tasting tour for two, please see page 27!

It’s a good time to get some home improvements booked in of you’re wanting work done before Christmas. Please support local businesses and check the traders in these pages for quotes!

With a feature on the Livingston Community Shed, and all our usual columns, I hope you find the magazine interesting and useful this month.

Charity: Livingston Community Shed.............. 8 Recipe: Snickerdoodles....................................12 Living Well: Active in Old Age.........................13 Charity: Winter Warmer Appeal......................18 Garden Project: Festive Houseplants...........20 Local Environment: Tap-dancing otters?.....22 Puzzles............................................................25 / 31 Life Coaching: Different Chat...........................26 Film Review: Emilia Pérez.................................26 WIN! Blackness Bay Distillery Tour...............27 Clubs & Classes............................................28-29 What’s On..............................................................30 Puzzle Solutions...................................................30

COVER IMAGE: What’s On: Remember, remember the 5th of November! See Page 30.

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

Interested in extending your property?

Contact Gilberts Architects 0131 247 3100

4 | BATHGATE

mail@gilberts.co.uk

www.gilberts.co.uk

BATHGATE | 5

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

6 | BATHGATE

Boiler service only £70 with this advert*

*Offer valid until 30th November 2024

BATHGATE | 7

meetings were held in a small storeroom above the church where a committee of trustees was voted in, and the current Chairman was elected.

Since those days 24 months ago the Shed has grown into a fully-fledged Scottish charity with a strong membership base of over 25 people.

In February this year, a ten-year community lease on a large area of Livingston Community Shed was created from an observation by a lady at The United Parish Church in Carmondean, two years ago, who became concerned that many elderly gentlemen were sitting around in the church café with no social contact or involvement in the community.

Issues of loneliness from bereavement were prevalent amongst the local elderly community and Shedders (as Community Shed members are known!) now often talk about the importance of the Shed in their daily lives.

A meeting was called via a newsletter organised by two charity workers, and from this a decision was made to register the group with the International Men’s Shed organisation. Early 8 | BATHGATE

overgrown land, located at the South Barn of Carmondean Community Centre, was signed with West Lothian Council. The Shedders are now building a woodwork workshop and developing a large community garden with plans to construct greenhouses and raised beds for growing vegetables. The produce will be donated to a church café which provides a free weekly community meal to the residents of nearby Knightsridge.

The Shed has been given many tools and items of woodwork machinery donated by members of the public and associated Men’s Shed charities.

As a result of this workshop the Community Shed has developed a range of community woodwork and garden services which are all provided free of charge. We only accept donations from those who can manage it.

A new development is a link-up with a special needs secondary school whose pupils come along to spend time working alongside the Shedders to develop their social inclusion skills and technical skills. This new project has developed further with a major education department project sending disaffected secondary pupils to work alongside elderly Shedders with a view to helping them overcome social inclusion issues by working alongside positive role models.

The Shed has now grown into a major community organisation supporting a range of services to young and old. It has active woodwork, gardening, photography and furniture refurbishment projects going on, as well as the proposed major renovation of the derelict farmhouse into a community workshop.

The Shed welcomes new members no matter what their background is, and there are no membership fees

The Shed welcome new members no matter what their background is, and there are no membership fees.

For more information and to contact Livingston Community Shed, please visit: www.livingstoncommunityshed.scot

This article was contributed by the Livingston Community Shed, a charity registered in Scotland number SCO52144.

BATHGATE | 9

10 | BATHGATE

BATHGATE | 11

FOOD & DRINK

Snickerdoodles These gloriously-named classic American cookies are crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle and have a delicious cinnamon sugar coating.

Try them warm from the oven with a milkshake or hot chocolate – perfect for bonfire treats, and, as if you need another excuse, America is celebrating Thanksgiving this month!

Makes:

16, Ready in 35 minutes, plus cooling

12 | BATHGATE

Ingredients:

• 115g unsalted butter, softened • 100g dark muscovado sugar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 175g self-raising flour • 1½ tbsp granulated sugar • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper.

2. Place the butter and muscovado sugar in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until creamed. Beat in the maple syrup. Sift over the flour and beat in with the wooden spoon to form a rough dough.

3. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a flat plate. Divide and shape the dough into about16 walnutsized balls (keep them roughly shaped – not smooth) and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar. Place, well spaced, on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball of mixture slightly with your fingertips.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-14 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the cookies. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

LIVING WELL

Staying physically active in old age is essential for maintaining good health and improving overall well-being.

Regular exercise can help prevent a range of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

It can also help to maintain mobility, strength, and balance, which are crucial for preventing falls and maintaining independence.

Older adults can benefit from a variety of physical activities, such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and strength training. It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that are suitable for your fitness level and health status.

If you’re just starting out, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise. Everyone should

break up the amount of time being sedentary throughout the day, and physical activity can include anything that involves moving your body more often - such as dance, gardening, or even housework.

Remember, it’s never too late to start exercising, and even small amounts of activity can have a big impact on both your mental and physical health.

There are organisations that run groups across West Lothian to help adults over the age of 50 stay active. For more information check out Home Instead’s What’s On Where Guide, which has a list of over 200 local groups and activities that are available across the local area for ageing adults.

Visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian/ whats-on-where to view the guide.

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

BATHGATE | 13

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

14 | BATHGATE

BATHGATE | 15

16 | BATHGATE

This winter, you can make a difference in the lives of children across West Lothian by helping provide the warmth they need to thrive in school.

3. Make a monetary donation: Short on time?

A cosy jacket allows kids to focus on their education, free from the distraction of cold, Donate online, and we’ll buy a jacket for damp clothing. For them, it’s more than just you. Each one costs around £25 but every warmth—it’s the chance single contribution, no matter to learn and succeed. You the size, is appreciated. See Thank you from the have the power to make that our website for full details. bottom of our hearts difference in their lives. for any support you can 4. Donate winter essentials: Over the past eight years, The Pack a bag with new socks, give. Your kindness School Bank West Lothian has tights, hoodies, gloves, and supported over 8,000 families will change lives. Every hats, and drop it off at any facing financial hardship, single jacket, every of our red collection bins providing vital uniforms, donation, every gesture located in supermarkets and jackets, and footwear. This of support is a lifeline community spaces across winter, we expect more than to a child. Together, we West Lothian. Visit our website 300 requests for jackets for for a full list of drop-off points. can ensure no child children aged 5 to 17. Here’s how you can help:

5. Donate gently used items: If your child has outgrown their jackets or wellies, we can give them a second life! These can also be dropped into our red bins.

faces winter alone

1. Become a sponsor: Buy a brand-new jacket for a specific child.

Scan the QR code to register and we’ll contact you when a referral comes in. After buying the jacket, drop it off, and we’ll handle the rest.

2. Buy a jacket: Buy and donate a warm jacket (ages 5-17), which we’ll distribute to a child in need.

For further details, reach out to us via email at admin@schoolbank-westlothian.org or visit the pinned post on our Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian” or our website at schoolbank-westlothian.org

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian. Charity registered in Scotland number SC046483. Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org 18 | BATHGATE

BATHGATE | 19

Houseplants are not just for Christmas but they do make lovely gifts. And for younger members of the family cacti, succulents and carnivorous plants are fascinating and very easy to look after… until they go off to university without their plants!

But as we are now spending more time indoors with poorer weather and dark evenings, it is a good time to choose some new houseplants to cheer up and decorate your home. Also some old friends are maybe due to go on the compost heap as a kindness to you and them.

20 | BATHGATE

Most houseplants originally come from temperate rainforests and love the light levels we can offer them inside, but our rooms are generally too dry for them so they enjoy being arranged in a group to increase the humidity around them.

Keep them in their own pot covers so you can easily rearrange them or replace any poor ones.

Some plants demand a warm room while other will cope with a cooler room. Jasmine, Hyacinth bulbs, Primroses and Cyclamen can be brought into a warm room when you have guests but pop them back into their cooler homes at night to make the flowers last longer.

The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

BATHGATE | 21

I haven’t been out on the local patch much lately and the plan for this month’s article was to use an image from my visit to the Isle of Bute today.

In my head, I’d have a picture of three otters doing a tap-dance on the rocks with an amusing story to go along with it.

Unfortunately, wildlife doesn’t do what you want and apparently the otters didn’t get the tap dancing memo. It’s a bit rude, if you ask me. However, I was armed with the most delicious chocolate covered viennese whirl (or waltz, if you’re my husband. Not the type of dance I was looking for) and ambitions were high.

From this picture of a male stonechat, you can probably gather that my plans for the day didn’t quite work out. We did see an otter but we lost it as quickly as we found it, which is quite common with these mischievous mustelids.

We only had a few hours and otters can be tricky. I spent a week on Mull last month where I went nearly a whole week without seeing one, so a few hours was always 22 | BATHGATE

going to be a challenge. We did see plenty wildlife on our day out, including ravens, buzzards, eider ducks, a kingfisher, and too many herons. It was one of those days where you realise that wildlife watching can be more miss, than hit. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy this gorgeous wee bird instead.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

0808 281 7663 | taylorroofs.co.uk

3 Firth Road, Houstoun Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 5DJ

BATHGATE | 23

24 | BATHGATE

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 31. See page 32 for solutions.

Do you have a great business idea?

Our dedicated advisers can help you turn your business from an idea into a reality by providing: 1:1 Support and Expert Advice Funding Opportunities Helpful Resources

Connect with us by scanning the QR code, visiting bgateway.com/westlothian, or emailing westlothian@bgateway.com

BATHGATE | 25

LIFE COACHING

Different CHAT I just overheard a conversation between two women in a cafe who were discussing how they felt about their lives.

Rita is a lawyer who is stuck in a dead-end job in Mexico. She is given a task that could change her life. She is enlisted by Emilia, a cartel leader who wants to fake their death and live her authentic life as the woman she’s always wanted to be.

France’s Oscar nomination for Best International Feature is one of the most unique films of the year, a crime redemption story featuring fantastic lead performances. Karla Sofía Gascón as Emilia is truly incredible. Giving a career-defining performance and one that deserves all the love come award season. In addition, Zoe Saldaña is wonderful and as someone so used to hearing her speak only in English, hearing her speak in Spanish was a shock.

What I feel will be up for contention is the narrative. Some could view the thematic link, between the transition storyline and Emilia helping others find closure regarding cartel violence, to be problematic. However, I found the message to be that people can be forgiven, and anyone can do good and make positive change. It’s not perfect, though. I did find the ending to be kind of anti-climactic, and while it might be a hot take, I found Selena Gomez to be underwhelming.

Emilia Perez is a one-of-a-kind film. There is one aspect of the film that I haven’t even discussed, as I feel if you go in blind the opening scene will blow you away. This film should be on everyone’s watchlist.

In select cinemas from Oct 25th and available to stream on Netflix from Nov 13th.

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.

26 | BATHGATE

They flitted seamlessly from one subject to the next but the thread that ran through everything was how unpredictable life is, how expensive basic expenses have become and the sense they both had that when one domestic appliance breaks everything else seems to follow. The overwhelming sense was one of panic and a total lack of influence over their lives.

None of this is helped by the fact that the media is chock full of doom and gloom. No matter how many chats I have about the benefit of a digital detox where we just don’t listen to those headlines, some people find that too hard to do and are afraid of missing some vital information that they really need to have. I am certainly not dismissing the fact that an increasingly large number of people are finding day to day life harder and harder and feel that they can’t see even a glimmer of light in all this darkness.

But, difficult as it may be, developing a habit of seeing the good things in our lives, however small, is one of the most positive things we can ever do for ourselves.

Gradually re-balancing our thinking and our focus is a powerful technique. Most of us have no influence at all on those global issues and the only thing we can do anything about is our own lives and maybe we can change those conversations with our friends to reflect that instead.

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

COMPETITION

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!

The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.

The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of

whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea. Winners every week through November! We are drawing a winning entry every week in November so there are four chances to win!

For the chance to win, simply answer the following question: WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE? A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum

Closing date for entries Sat 30th November 2024 Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.

BATHGATE | 27

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

1271 (BATHGATE) RAF AIR CADETS - The RAF Air Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation for young people aged between 12 (In S2) - 20. We offer lots of opportunities including flying, gliding, shooting, adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Leadership and much much more. We are based in Bathgate and parade on a Tuesday and Thursday evening...

Interested? Get in touch!

Email: oc.1271@rafac.mod.gov. uk - Tel.: 01506 630784

POETS O WEST LOTHIAN Nae need fir academic skill / Jist let yer thochts byle up an spill / In inky screivins frae yer QUILL / And sip from that Parnassian rill!...poetry in Scots, English, Mesolithic, Martian...Ice Age or Space Age...we are a cheery wee non-judgemental group meeting in Bathgate Partnership/Jim Walker Centre, first Monday of the month, except holidays. Share yer stuff, hae a blether and a laugh.

Text Davie at 07591 681791.

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 28 | BATHGATE

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, 7.00pm-9.00pm. 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 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. broxburnpreschoolplaygroup.co.uk 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 s§ee: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274 COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS - For children age 2-5 years.

Armadale, Bathgate, Crofthead Farm, Fauldhouse, Uphall and West Calder. Morning sessions 9.15-11.30am, £10.00 per session.

Full Day sessions 9.15am-2.00pm, £22.00 per session. Funded Places available.

W: www.communityplaygroups.org T: 07904 623176 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 Dropin Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.30-13.15 Storytime/arts/music classes. Email: arlene@bdic.org. uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register SONGWRITING GROUP Looking for new members. We meet 3rd Thursday of the month from 7.00pm - 9.00pm, in Uphall.

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. Antenatal 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 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday.

Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

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

Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

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

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 | 29

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER 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.

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER Simpson Art Group Exhibition Launch - Everyone welcome, see details opposite >>> (PAGE 31)

ACROSS: 1. Rafters, 5. Extra, 8. Textile, 9. Verbs, 10. Ridge, 11. Despair, 12. Twenty, 14. Abroad, 17. Nervous, 19. Rises, 22. Ideal, 23. Failure, 24. Noted, 25. Lighter.

DOWN: 1. Rotor, 2. Fixed, 3. Evident, 4. Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, 16. Useful, 18. Oiled, 20. Squat, 21. Spear.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 25

SUNDAY 17TH NOVEMBER Tree planting at Witchcraig - West Lothian Rangers Service at Beecraigs Country Park are looking for volunteers to help plant native broadleaved trees 1. atRafters, Witchcraig.

ACROSS: 5. Extra, 8.We Textile, need volunteers to help us plant these10.saplings in the12.cooler 9. Verbs, Ridge, 11. Despair, Twenty, Abroad, 17.

Nervous, Rises,chance 22. Ideal, and wetter months to give these14.young trees the19.best 23. Failure, 24.talk Noted, 25. be Lighter. of success. All tools and a full tool safety will provided DOWN: 1. Rotor, Fixed, 3.appropriate Evident, by the Ranger. Bring gloves if you can, and2.wear Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, clothing for the weather. Please4. bring any snacks and drinks 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, you require. No prior experience is necessary and new 16. Useful, 18. Oiled, 20. Squat, 21. Spear. volunteers are always welcome! The session will run for two hours starting at 10am, andSOLUTION the meeting TO place is at the SUDOKU Korean War Memorial, which isON located on XX the road between PAGE Linlithgow and Bathgate.

SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER Christmas Fair at Winchburgh Parish Church - A variety of local crafters selling handmade items and stocking fillers, as well as home baking, chocolate tombola and much, much more. Refreshments and breakfast rolls will be available throughout the fair. A warm welcome awaits.

10.00am – 1.00pm. Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER Boghall Church Christmas Fayre - Stalls including home baking, raffles, crafts and a chance to visit Santa.6.30pm – 8.00pm at Boghall Parish Church, Elizabeth Drive, Bathgate, EH48 1JB.

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 T: 07729 911858

30 | BATHGATE

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER responsibility for loss or damage caused Friends of Polkemmet Country Park Volunteering by error in the printing of an advertisement. session - A winter clean up, sweeping and raking leaves We do not endorse any advertisers in off of the boardwalks and bridges,this cutting back any overhanging publication.

All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is tree limbs from paths to help stop rainwater pooling, as well copyright free. No part of this publication as a general litter pick throughout the park.

All tools and a full may be reproduced without prior consent of tool safety talk will be provided the bypublisher. the Ranger. Bring gloves if you can, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Please bring any snacks and drinks require.

No prior Geddesyou House, Kirkton North, Livingston, experience is necessary and new are always Westvolunteers Lothian EH54 6GU. welcome! The session will run 10.00am – 12noon. Meet Magazine Design: outside the Ranger Office, nextAlan to the archway Stewart Design at the Visitor Centre. Facebook: ‘Friends of Polkemmet’.

T: 07729 911858

The crossword solution will be published in the December edition

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Factual books (13), 8.Announced (8), 9. Concerts (4), 10. Large church (7), 12. Main artery in the body (5), 14.

Small dog (5), 16. Removal of data (7), 19. Unsuccessful (4), 20. Clapping (8), 22. Protest march (13).

DOWN: 1. Leg joint (4), 2. Rides a bike (6), 3. Frightened (7), 4. Used for digging (5), 5. Slowly (6), 6. Female child (8), 11. Remote (8), 13. Get ready (7), 15. Eight pints (6), 17. Begins (6), 18. Artificial (5), 21. Work hard (4).

Simpson Art Group will be holding their annual exhibition launch, at Knightly Gaming, on Friday 15 November 2024 from 7pm.

The group have been fortunate in securing a permanent exhibition space within Knightly Gaming. This has been an extremely successful partnership with a large number of paintings having sold during the last 3 years they have been at the venue.

Siim mp psso on nA Arrtt G Grro ou up p S Exhibition Opening Opening Event Event Exhibition

Friday 15th 15th November November Friday 7pm Ͳ 9pm 7pm 7pm ͲͲ 9pm 9pm

Knightly Gaming, Gaming, Bathgate Bathgate Knightly 2 Ͳ 6 Hopetoun Street Hopetoun Street Street 22 ͲͲͲ 6 66 Hopetoun Hopetoun 2 Street

Exhibition open open to to the the public public during during shop shop opening opening hours hours from from Exhibition to during Exhibition Exhibition open open to the the public public during shop shop opening opening hours hours from from Saturday 16th Saturday 16th 16th November November onwards. onwards.

Saturday Saturday 16th November November onwards. onwards.

Simpsonartgroup@outlook.com Simpsonartgroup@outlook.com Simpsonartgroup@outlook.com Simpsonartgroup@outlook.com

There will be an entirely new set of paintings on display by this long established group.

Everyone is welcome to attend this social evening. ENTRY IS FREE and the aim is to break the 2023 record, where 101 people attended the launch event.

Refreshments, including wine and nibbles, will be provided. You will also have the chance to mingle with the artists and of course to purchase original artworks.

UNABLE TO ATTEND? You can pop in to see the paintings at any time during Knightly Gaming opening hours. 2-6 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate.

BATHGATE | 31