Konect Bathgate October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

WHAT'S ON:

CHARITY: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Trees, glorious trees

W

e had fun with the Halloween themed cover this month, and as ever there are plenty of fun events on in the local area to cheer up that weekend when the nights start really drawing in – see the What’s On page.

It’s a family weekend for many, and on a sobering note the charity feature this month reminds us that for a surprising number of families, a member will be missing. In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness week during October, we’re publishing a feature on local charity Held in Our Hearts, in the hope that someone who needs to know about their caring and compassionate services this month will get the support they need; see pages 8-9.

The West Lothian Producers Market are launching a regular evening market at the Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn – see the opposite page for details.

It’s the season for trees put on their spectacular autumn display of colours before the leaves fall the make for lovely crisp walks kicking through the leaves in the many parks we are lucky to enjoy locally. So it’s nice that the local environment column focuses on trees this month – it’s all about recording and protecting ancient specimens.

All our regular columns are included. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

P33 Charity: Talking about baby loss..........................8 Living Well: Caring for a loved one...................12 Property Matters: Limefield Mains: an elegant constellation..............................................................14 Life Coaching A Change of Plan.......................20 Local Environment: Trees, glorious trees.......26 Puzzles.......................................................................27 Garden Project: Bury some spring treasures....................................................................29 Recipe: Cappuccino Fondants.........................30 Charity: School Bank Winter Appeal................32 What’s On..................................................................33 Film Review: Re:cycle of the Penguindrum...34

COVER IMAGE: Halloween Events: See our What’s On page for details

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

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

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Made to measure curtains & blinds • Large selection of blinds, hundreds of fabrics to choose from at home • Tracks, Poles & Pelmets • Upholstery & Re-Upholstery • Re-spray service • Soft Furnishings • Outdoor Upholstery • Lampshades • Houles Paris Luxury trimmings • Public & Commercial spaces service

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Marc Van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN

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It’s a topic many find difficult to talk about – parents who have lost a baby often don’t know who to talk to in their distress; friends and family can be unsure of what to say and afraid of saying the wrong thing.

I spoke this month to a local resident who, having suffered a loss and then discovered the invaluable support of local charity Held in Our Hearts, is keen to make sure those conversations are possible for those who desperately need them.

“Of course there are some parents who don’t want to talk about it; everyone grieves in their own way,” she says, “But I found when I went to classes when my second baby came along, there were many parents who spoke about their loss there for the very first time. And I would not even have been able to get to those classes without the support of Held in Our Hearts.”

Baby and pregnancy loss is an incredibly traumatic time and can be very lonely.

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Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth or baby loss, it is more common than you may realise – partly because people don’t speak about it, even if they want or need to.

Help is available. Held in our Hearts is a Scottish charity, originally founded in West Lothian, providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families. They say, “We can be there to hold your hand and walk with you on your journey, as you start to find a way to cope with your grief.” Their support is flexible and bespoke in recognition of the fact that everyone’s journey is different. They offer peer support by befrienders who are themselves bereaved parents, as well as professional counselling. There are support groups @KonectMagazines

for different categories - parents, grandparents, male bereavement, miscarriage, twins and multiple loss, pregnancy support and others. The support is there for as long as you need it, and it’s invaluable to be able to meet other families who have been through something similar, and who can validate your often totally overwhelming feelings.

Support groups run in Edinburgh (Craiglockhart) and West Lothian (Livingston), and Held in Our Hearts works with NHS Forth Valley, Fife, Lothians, Borders and Highlands.

They also offer an innovative service in the Lothians called Hospital to Home where, in the immediate days and weeks following a loss, bereaved parents receive 6-8 visits in their own home. The aim is to encourage equity of care, as many with the most challenges in life are unable to reach out and often their grief becomes CPTSD. Hospital to Home support workers reach in so that so families don’t have to reach out.

The service is currently for families whose baby has died between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Held in Our Hearts are a Scottish charity providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families, with over 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate bereavement care in the community.

For more information, please see heldinourhearts.org.uk

Held in Our Hearts, Craiglockhart Centre 177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ

How to support a friend or family member who has lost a baby Check in with them to let them know you are thinking of them.

A call, message or card just to say you are thinking of them can mean the world and is better than not saying anything at all.

Check in with both parents.

Partners, dads in particular often get forgotten about. They are dealing with their own grief as well as often looking after the mother and trying to “be strong” for everyone.

Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing; there isn’t really a “right” thing to say as everyone is different.

Ask about the baby - provide the opening for them to talk if they want to. For people who have had a later loss, the baby often has a name, so refer to them by name. Questions such as “Does [name] look like his/her big sister/brother?” and so on provide an opening if it’s wanted.

Acknowledge Mothers Day, Father’s Day, baby’s birthday – recognise that those specific days are particularly hard.

Tel: 0131 622 6263

Email: info@heldinourhearts.org.uk Scottish Charity No. SC024375

See also babyloss-awareness.org @KonectMagazines

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LIVING WELL

impact

The of caring for a loved one With the 10th of October marking World Mental Health Day, it is an important reminder of the need to prioritise mental health for everyone.

Often overlooked is the impact that caring for a loved-one can have on family caregivers, with 35% stating that doing so has had a negative effect upon their own mental health.

Caring for a loved one can be a profound act of compassion and devotion, but it often comes at a hidden cost: the impact on the wellbeing of family members. The emotional toll of providing care to a loved one and witnessing them deteriorate over time can lead to caregiver burnout – a crisis which catches countless families off-guard.

Family caregivers often experience anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The constant worry, sleepless nights, and the rollercoaster

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of emotions can be overwhelming. Financial stress and the strain on relationships further compound the issue. The stigma and uncertainty of seeking outside help can also isolate caregivers, with many left wishing they had sought advice and support sooner, before they often ultimately reached a crisis point.

By acknowledging the impact of caring for a loved one on family members, we can begin to remove some of the barriers to them seeking the help that they so desperately need. There are many organisations and services that exist to support family caregivers in West Lothian including Carers of West Lothian – 01506 448000.

Home Instead also offers free, no-obligation advice and signpost to other local support groups and information.

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

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PROPERTY MATTERS

The Clashmore

Limefield Mains - an elegant

constellation of bespoke build homes Turpie & Co are delighted to announce the launch of the prestigious Limefield Mains development situated in a woodland setting between West Calder and Livingston.

These spacious new homes are designed with families in mind. With large bedrooms each featuring an adjoining en suite, open plan living/dining areas that offer a welcoming space to gather together, and verdant gardens that everyone can enjoy.

Located in West Calder this development is an excellent opportunity for growing families and commuters working in Edinburgh to enjoy a peaceful and spacious living environment within 30 minutes travel of the City Centre.

The Limefield Estate is home to the historic Limefield House, once the residence of And, for an utterly bespoke home, there are James “Paraffin” Young, the founding father also 14 self-build plots available so you can of the shale oil industry in West Lothian. tailor your space to fit your lifestyle completely. Young often entertained the explorer,

Contact the Turpie & Co sales team for further information and viewing appointments.

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The Blairvaich

David Livingstone at the estate on his trips home from Africa, and had a miniature version of the Victoria Falls constructed on Harburn Water, the stream that runs through the grounds as a tribute to his dear friend. As well as the picturesque Limefield Falls, you’ll have an abundance of country walks from the doorstep. West Calder is a thriving community with a selection of well-regarded schools and nurseries. In addition, the railway station offers a direct link to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Both Clashmore & Blairvaich House Types are available for viewing and with preChristmas entry dates.

Contact the Turpie & Co sales team for further information and viewing appointments.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

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*Offer valid until 31st October 2023

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LIFE COACHING

Moving from school to university or starting that first job used to be a rite of passage for everyone, but sometimes life throws us a curveball and getting onto that course of choice or starting on an exciting career path is suddenly not something we can rely on.

For many young people and their families those feelings of disappointment can be made worse by the element of surprise that the hotly anticipated future feels like it’s been snatched away. Add into this picture the ever-present social media images which look so different from reality for most people but feed the feeling that everyone else is having a fabulous time and getting exactly what they want and it’s easy to understand that creeping feeling of anxiety that can seep into every aspect of life.

It’s just at times like these that it’s most important to remind ourselves and our young people that there are always new roads to explore. Every disappointment provides an opportunity for growth, change and flexibility. No one gets to adulthood without having to deal with slights and things not working out the way we had hoped and every time we work through something we hadn’t expected to we build a little more resilience.

In NLP we talk about the importance of flexibility in every situation and having to take a different path to the one we had expected to at whatever stage of life gives us the opportunity to grow and develop and can be one of the most empowering things that can ever happen.

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 20 | BATHGATE

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I recently took part in a Woodland Trust ancient tree inventory workshop in Balloch Country Park, on the shores of Loch Lomond (This picture is in Glen Affric). We surveyed the park for what we thought might be worth adding to the inventory, primarily concentrating on ancient, veteran, and notable trees.

You might be wondering why this is important and I’m going to try and tell you in 250 words.

An ancient tree is as iconic and important as some of our best known buildings but isn’t afforded the same protection. There’s a risk that if it’s not recognised as an ancient tree, it could accidentally be felled to make way for new buildings. It’s estimated only 10% of ancient trees have been recorded, how many could we be losing without realising?

These trees could be hundreds of years old, lived through so much history and are the lungs our plan-et needs to breathe through their ability to retain carbon. The Woodland Trust found ancient & long established woodland hold 36% of the 213 million tones of carbon (in living trees) produced by Britain’s woodlands, despite making up just 25% of all woodland.

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You can take part in updating the ancient tree inventory by visiting the Woodland Trust’s website, understanding what to look for and adding any trees you think could be worth inspection. It’s a wonderful, easy, and free activity which helps protect our planet. You could also give it a wee hug whilst you’re there!

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

58mm Vertical [LEFT]

OCTOBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the November edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Used for drinking (6), 4. Warmed (6), 9. Impartial (7), 10. Sleepy (5), 11. Used for chewing (5), 12. Oblivious (7), 13. Contest (11), 18. Female grandparent (7), 20. Terrible (5), 22. Musical instrument (5), 23. Remove (7), 24. Simpler (6), 25. Windy (6).

DOWN: 1. Sound mental health (6), 2. Course (5), 3. Adore (7), 5. Additional (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Avoided (6), 8. Added pictures (11), 14. Citrus fruits (7), 15. Farm vehicle (7), 16. Disregard (6), 17. Showy (6), 19. Dimwit (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 32

OCTOBER SUDOKU

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS BATHGATE | 27

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STILL TIME TO BURY SOME SPRING FLOWERING TREASURES There is still plenty of time to plant spring flowering bulbs and what better way than in pots so you can move them to where you want to admire them later on?

the lowest layer and then upwards in descending bulb size.

So for the mixed bulb pot - the daffodil bulbs first, then hyacinth then crocus, the flowers will all find their way past their neighbours to the top of the pot!

Using daffodils as an example, you can plant just one type in a pot to make a bold display; choose three different varieties to get a success over as much as 60 days; select one variety and plant it with, say, hyacinth and crocus to get a beautifully curated display.

Choose a frost proof pot with drainage holes and use a peat free Container & Basket compost, not bulb fibre for outside pots.

A few pansies or violas popped into the top will give you a display all winter before your bulbs flower next year.

Whichever recipe you choose we would recommend you plant in several layers, lasagne style, to create a really generous looking display. Plant bulbs three times their height deep, choosing the biggest bulbs as

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Boasting a combination of indulgent chocolate and aromatic coffee, these easy, stylish desserts are a great option if you want to take the stress out of entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, diced and softened, plus 1 tbsp melted butter to grease the moulds • Cocoa powder, to dust • 140g good-quality dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa solids) • 4 large free-range eggs, lightly beaten • 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence • 100g caster sugar • 75g plain flour • 4 dark chocolate truffles For the coffee cream • 150ml double cream • 2 tsp maple syrup • 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

Serves 2

Preparation time 20-25 minutes Cooking time 15-20 minutes

Method:

1. Brush 4 dariole moulds (190ml capacity) with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder to coat evenly. Place in the fridge to set.

2. Put the chocolate and butter into a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from the heat and cool for a few minutes.

3. Pour half the beaten eggs onto the melted chocolate mixture, whisking gently as you

do so. Add the remaining eggs and coffee essence, and whisk to combine. Mix in the sugar then add the flour, and whisk again until smooth.

4. Take the dariole moulds out of the fridge and divide the chocolate fondant mixture between them. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Take the fondants out of the fridge and carefully press a truffle into the middle of each one, then return to the fridge until ready to bake and serve.

6. For the coffee cream, whisk all the ingredients together until thickened. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6. Stand the dariole moulds on a small baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes until a crust has formed on top. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes.

Now loosen the edges with a small palette knife and turn the fondants out onto serving plates.

8. Add a generous spoonful of coffee cream and dust the fondants with cocoa. Serve at once.

Tip: Make ahead

These can be made in advance, then simply popped into the oven when your guests are ready for their pudding.

Recipe extracted from Pub Kitchen: The Ultimate Modern Food Bible by Tom Kerridge with photography

by Cristian Barnett.

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SPECIAL OFFER

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SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

TO SEPTEMBER Can you help provideSOLUTION CROSSWORD A WARM JACKET for a school child in West Lothian this winter?

School Bank West Lothian predicts that over 400 local school children will need help to ensure they have a warm jacket and warm clothes to go to school in this winter.

Many children across West Lothian are currently attending school with inadequate jackets and footwear which won’t keep them warm or dry and, in some cases, means they don’t even attend school.

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

SOLUTION SOLUTION TO TO SUDOKU SUDOKU ON ON PAGE PAGE XX 20

For all ages between five and 17 across the next three months, over 400 jackets will be needed. There are several ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, ways you can help: 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See,

21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 1. Become a Sponsor and buy 18. a Appreciation, brand-new jacket.

Once 24. Plus. registered you will be contacted a referral for5.aConsiderable, child DOWN:when 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, is received. It’s then up to you to buy a jacket and hand 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run. it over before School Bank West Lothian pass it on to the SOLUTION TO SUDOKU child.

ON socks, PAGE tights, XX gloves/hats 2. You can also donate brand-new and wellies/boots to go into a pack or you can buy a warm jacket which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received.

3. Alternatively, you can make a donation. School Bank West Lothiann estimates the cost of a warm jacket to be £25 although any and all donations are gratefully received.

4. Or if your child has a jacket and wellies/boots that they no longer use, it can be re-used by the charity.

Checkout the QR code and pinned post at the top of their Facebook page @TheSchoolBankWestLothian for more details & links to register or donate.

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.

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.

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

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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FRI 6TH OCTOBER & SAT 7TH OCTOBER Oktoberfest - Hosted by Livingston 41 Club, at Livingston Cricket Club.

THURSDAYS 12TH AND 19TH OCTOBER West Lothian Producers Night Markets - A warm welcome from a community hall filled with local and Scottish businesses and producers of food, drink, home and hand crafted items. 5pm - 8pm Strathbrock Community Centre, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. FB @wlproducersmarket 7TH TO 29TH OCTOBER Silly Spooky Fun At Almond Valley, Livingston - Odd things happen at Almond Valley once the leaves fall from the trees and Halloween approaches. The dark corners of the old mill have been taken over by a family of crazy inventors, who are engaged in top secret experiments. Nobody knows the purpose of their bubbling pipes, flashing lights and strange whirling machines, but it's all rather odd and just a little bit scary. Our boffins have also to set up their equipment outside among the trees and fields where giant eyeballs gaze down at you. Are you being watched? Did that one just wink? Follow the trail, crack the clues, and solve the mystery. Come dressed as your favourite scary creature and become part of the fun.

Standard admission prices, see www.almondvalley.co.uk Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957 EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS; FROM 7TH TO 22ND OCTOBER, AND DURING THE DAY ON THE 28TH & 29TH OCTOBER Pumpkin Patch at Almond Valley - Pick your own pumpkins from our all weather pumpkin patch, grab yourself a wheelbar-row and find your perfect specimen. With various shapes, sizes and colours to choose, picking your perfect pumpkins will be a challenge. The pumpkins can be discovered among the straw @KonectMagazines

beneath the shelter of the barn, so there's no need for wellies. Find your way past smiling scarecrows, big bale monsters, and low-flying bats, to enjoy a happy seasonal celebration.

Standard admission plus Pumpkins Prices £2 Munchkins, £4 Small, £6 Medium, and £8 Large. See www.almondvalley.co.uk Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957.

SATURDAY 28TH & SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER Steam N’ Scream! Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway - If you dare, join us for a departure after dark on our historic steam train to Birkhill, where the Station Master has recently reported some disturbances. Assuming that you then make it back to Bo’ness safely, you and the other passengers (no normal people of course) can then complete our spooky trail in the Museum of Scottish Railways. Journey on a historic steam train between Bo’ness & Birkhill in an allocated seat. At Birkhill, be prepared to be scared! Includes a goodie bag for all children (2-15) containing a drink, snack and a glowstick. Make sure you show off your best fancy dress: will you be the scariest witch, wolf, or monster?

• 16:20 train departure + Museum Tour 17.45 - 18.45 • 18:10 train departure + Museum Tour 19.35 - 20.35 £15 per person. Please note that as this is a special event, Season Tickets, vouchers and SRPS Members Tickets are not valid. Booking at www.bkrailway.co.uk Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness, EH51 9AQ EVERY SATURDAY Bathgate Outdoor Market - 9am to 2pm.

Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains BATHGATE | 33

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1: Your Train Is The Survival Tactic and Part 2: I Love You - are somewhat similar to the Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion films.

It condenses the show’s footage into films while also adding some new footage to spice things up. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s new and old footage is stunning to look at.

For an anime that is over 10 years old, both films look utterly gorgeous. The soundtrack that accompanies the visuals is also thrilling, the Survival Tactic songs are both excellent and drive their respective scenes forward.

The whole soundtrack is simply incredible, and I feel the film would be a completely different experience without the score.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s story is, however, its biggest strength and in some ways its biggest weakness. The films can be confusing at times; there are constant flashbacks which do feel jarring, but once you get used to them they lead to a story that’s told at an excellent pace. It is a truly powerful message. By the end of Part 2 I was extremely emotional because of the perfect conclusion to its excellent narrative.

After finishing both films my first thought was, “When can I watch these again and how do I watch the show?” You’ll go from laughing at a penguin chopping up a cucumber to nearly crying over the character’s conclusions.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is a truly great and must-watch film.

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

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 (10-14 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:309:30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact: info@17thbroxburnscoutgroup.co.uk or 07785 525 466.

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

E: iyogawithc@gmail.com or T: 07749 524 249

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is released on Blu-ray on 6th November 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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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.

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BATHGATE SPEAKERS - Learn public speaking and leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment. Confidence building, social situations, father of the bride, impromptu speaking. Tuesdays 11am-12noon (except school holidays) Royal British Leagion, Bathgate. Meetings are free. Optionally, join Toastmasters International educational programme, £20 one-off payments for course materials. Please contact Helen Kelly on E: helen.toastmaster@gmail.com or T. 07733 100595.

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

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK 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/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/West-Lothianu3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com | T: 01506 844274 COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions. MonFri 9.15am to 11.30am and Mon-Thurs 9.15am to 2.00pm. Cost £9.00 per am session, £20.00 per all day session Eligible 2 funding accepted. E: bathgate@ communityplaygroups.org or T: 07985 645871.

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

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

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

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

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30

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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 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday.

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

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

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

T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

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

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

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

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