Konect Broxburn June 15

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Launch issue June 2015

broxburn FEATUREs Volunteering in West Lothian - the unpaid army Bridge 19-40 - summer boat trips on the canal Village People - Marcia Edwards: “We’re all unique, that’s what makes life wonderful” Local Walk - A view from the Crag

s& Offer ers h c u vo cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The new community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh

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local WALK

M essag e fro m t h e e d ito r elcome to the first W issue of your new community magazine, the

Konect magazine for Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

We’ve been producing this magazine for the Bathgate, Livingston and Calders areas for some years and it has become an indispensable handbook in local households – an entertaining read with specially-written articles on local people, local history, local businesses and more. We’re now bringing it to the Broxburn area too. The aim is to put local people in touch with the great range of businesses and facilities that we have on our doorsteps.

We’ve also put together pages of useful information, what’s on and a list of clubs and classes in the area. I’m sure there’s more going on that we have listed on the What’s On page for this month, so if you have an event on this summer that you would like to promote or you’re involved in a community club that’s not listed, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month.

Konect will be delivered to you free of charge every month. We hope you find the magazine informative and entertaining. If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story in an upcoming issue. Please support our local businesses, and thanks for reading the magazine!

FEATUREs The Unpaid Army Br idge 19-40 Canal Society Spotlight on The Wheel Specialist Spotlight on No 9

08 12 20 22

REGULARS Village People Char ity of the Month Recipe and Food Notes Local Walk

16 18 30 34

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Crossword Sudoku

32 32

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

36 36 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Front cover: Spring on the Union Canal at Port Buchan, Broxburn

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The Konect Directory is delivered to 7,400 homes throughout Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh. Copies /KonectDirectory are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

@KonectDirectory

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FEATURE

The unpaid army that holds West Lothian together Volunteers’ Week runs from 1st to 7th June and finishes with a Celebration of Volunteering on Sunday 7th June at the Lanthorn Community Centre, Livingston, 2pm – 4pm. All welcome.

The word “volunteering” implies in a way that because the service is done voluntarily it’s perhaps an optional extra, a “nice to have but not essential” service. But Konect has been speaking to volunteers in a range of roles across West Lothian in the run-up to Volunteers’ Week, to find out the motivations, challenges and rewards of volunteering. And it’s clear that they are most definitely providing services that are an essential part of the fabric that holds our society together.

Here are some of their stories:

J

acqui Martin of Bathgate runs the Bathgate Stroke Support Group. The way she got into volunteering is a familiar story: “I was made redundant 5 years ago, and was looking for something to do with my time. I went along to the Voluntary Sector Gateway in Bathgate to see what I could do.” The Voluntary Sector matches volunteers’ skills with essential services that are needed in the area. Jacqui’s skills and interests matched the need for stroke support in the area, so the Bathgate Stroke Support Group (which is affiliated with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland) was born. “We are a social group for stroke survivors, where we do everything from seated exercises, quizzes, outings; we even compete in a seated bowls tournament which is a lot of fun.” Jacqui clearly loves her role, spending around 15 hours a week on it and is always devising new activities and pushing new boundaries for the group – she has introduced crafts, and even managed to get funding for a New Age Kurling set which they are making good use of! She gets huge satisfaction from helping stroke survivors achieve things they had thought were impossible, to get their confidence back. The partner of one of the group members said to Jacqui, after her partner had attended the group for a while “I’ve now got the old Rab back again” [name changed]. The group welcomes new members, see www.bathgatestrokesupportgroup. co.uk or contact Carol Anderson, Community Support Worker for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Tel: 01383 823375 Mobile: 07760 765325 or email: carol.anderson@chss.org.uk

local volunteering opportunities 8

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“The satisfaction of doing this is literally priceless.”

J

acqui is also an IT Buddy for West Lothian Council, along with Janet Cooper who volunteers at the Advice Shop. When people find themselves needing Job Seekers Allowance, they have to be able to use a computer and get online in order to look for jobs as well as fill in forms. Jacqui says, “There is a surprising number of people who have never used a computer, and without help to navigate the system they would be completely stuck. And it’s not just the lack of computer skills; I’ve helped someone to find a job who couldn’t read or write either; without help he wouldn’t have been able to access Job Seekers’ Allowance would have had little chance of getting employment.” Janet became involved in volunteering as she wanted to help other people after having to stop full time work for health reasons. She also found her role via the Voluntary Sector Gateway. We may assume that the social safety net of job seekers allowance and other benefits are sufficient, but in fact without a small army of volunteers many of the most vulnerable people wouldn’t be able to access them.

N

ikki has volunteered for Barnardo’s for more than 15 years as she wanted to work with young people and, she says, “I just wanted to give something back to the community.” She helps with the Barnardo’s Holiday Activity Programmes which are run during the Summer, Easter and October breaks - holiday activities for children with Learning Disabilities - putting in full days from 9am to 3pm and loves it! Jodie and Kerry are both young volunteers who also work for Barnardo’s, working with children and teenagers.

Jodie is currently doing a NPA Course in Playwork and Childcare at West Lothian College and Kerry attends Armadale Academy. They both volunteer at the Youth Group on a Friday night every fortnight providing essential friendship and support for teenagers who sometimes experience difficulties fitting into their peer group. They are also joint Befrienders providing a service fortnightly. “The girl we befriend is our own age, so it’s great that we can go out together and it gives her a real sense of peer valuation.” I ask the girls how it feels to be volunteering when many of their friends get paid work. “The satisfaction of doing this is literally priceless,” they both respond enthusiastically. “No amount of money could do this.” Jodie does about 6 hours per week, and Kerry also does 6 hours per week plus time during the holidays to help with the Holiday Activity Programmes. She started it as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is enjoying it so much she kept on with it. And her volunteering has helped with career choice - “previously I had no idea what I wanted to do, but am now sure I want to go into health and social work, I’ll be doing a course at West Lothian College.”

M

ost organisations provide training and support for their volunteers, so it’s a fantastic way of gaining work experience, besides the reward of the satisfaction that comes from volunteering – a motivation that I heard repeated from everyone I spoke to. Generally the hours you commit to are flexible, and you can put in as little or as much time as you can manage.

FEATURE

A

nne Baird lives in Uphall. She set up and runs the local groups for the Scottish Seniors Computer Club. The Club helps over 50s get online – essential for accessing information, reducing social isolation and a host of other benefits as well as having fun! “We find that often an older person has been given a tablet as a gift by the younger generation, but are not able to make the most of it. You bring along your own tablet or laptop to the club and volunteer tutors will help you set it up and teach you how to use it.” Anne was taking a career break when she set up the Club; she was looking for something to do which suited her skills as she had worked in IT. A year on, she enjoys the volunteering so much that even though she is going back to work she has made sure she will still be able to attend the Linlithglow Club on Wednesday evenings. There are clubs in Bathgate and Livingston too. “We’ve had difficultly in finding a venue in Uphall/Broxburn area that had both refreshments and good wifi but are still looking,” says Anne.

A

nna comes from East Calder and serves in the Witness Support Service at Livingston Sheriff and High Courts. Ten years ago she saw an advert looking for volunteers for the witness service and though it would be something different to do. A four-day training course is provided for volunteers to prepare them for the role. “Many people are aware of the victim support service, but not so many of the witness support service,” she says.

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“We support people in court on the day of trial. We meet witnesses in the waiting room at court before the trial to explain how it works, and are there for them every step of the way. You need good listening skills to help people with their anxieties.” Juvenile witnesses and vulnerable witnesses receive special measures, which means a volunteer would go into court with them and also be there if they give evidence over a live television link. Through the course of her volunteering work at court Anna sees another side of life, and, she says, “being a Witness Service volunteer is varied, interesting and very fulfilling.”

A

listair is a driver for The Food Train, collecting shopping for older people and delivering it to their home - a service which can be a lifeline. He started volunteering when he retired and enjoys the connection he has with his regular customers.

On one occasion he noticed a large bruise on the face of one of his customers and alerted staff at the office. It transpired she had had a fall and not realised how badly she had hurt herself, and required a few weeks in hospital being nursed back to health.

Volunteers’ Week recognises the outstanding contribution volunteers make to society, and showcases volunteering roles on offer in the local area. For more information contact the West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway at www.voluntarysectorgateway.org

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11

FEATURE

A small society based in Broxburn and Winchburgh helps local people make the most of one of the great amenities in this area – the Union C anal.

Bridge 19-40 is one of the smallest and friendliest canal societies on the Lowland Canals, looking after the Union Canal between Bridge 19, just east of the M8, and Bridge 40, just west of Philipstoun.

One of the main aims of the society is to encourage local people to take an interest in the canal and to help maintain it as a pleasant amenity to enjoy boating on, walking or cycling alongside, or fishing in. In fact, anything but throwing rubbish in.

The Society owns a boat, Bluebell, which they have lovingly restored from a vandalised and neglected hull to a smart boat which they now use to provide boat trips. This is a fantastic family-friendly activity for a Sunday afternoon; you get to see the canal from a different perspective when you are aboard the boat, and it’s a great stress-reliever - being on a boat on a canal is very therapeutic.

The boat trips run on the first Sunday of each month from April to October, from 1pm to 4pm, departing from Port Buchan, Broxburn. You just turn up and go. The trips cost just £3 per adult and £2 per child, and last about 20 minutes.

Light refreshments are provided, and all funds go towards the cost of running Bluebell and the maintenance of the canal.

Bluebell and her crew are also available for hire for private bookings for groups of up to twelve people.

Tea and coffee are supplied, or you can bring your own drinks and food. The boat is hired by the hour and trips start from Port Buchan. A two-hour trip

Bluebell would take you to the Almond Aquaduct and back, or to Winchburgh and back. Perfect for family outings, group outings, and celebrations of all kinds, you can bring your own food or arrange for tea and coffee to be included!

A second boat, Roseann, is a smaller vessel used by the Society for litter picks and as a back-up trip boat.

All members of the Society are volunteers, and the group is based at Bell’s Mill Wharf in Winchburgh, which it leases from British Waterways. Members meet on the first Monday of every month, and during the summer months the business meeting is followed by a work party at the wharf where general tidying up and maintenance is carried out.

If you have an interest in the Union Canal or would like to be involved in the activities of the Canal Society, why not get in touch with Bridge 19-40 and find out more? It is a registered charity, and new members to the group will be warmly welcomed.

Call 01506 417685 for more information or visit the website at www.bridge19-40.org.uk

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15

village people

by Suzanne Green

“We’re all unique – that’s what makes life wonderful” Uphall resident Marcia Edwards trained as a statistician, but switched careers when she realised she enjoyed I.T. more.

Before she had children – Terri (11) and Ethan (5) – Marcia backpacked around Australia.

A qualified reflexologist, she enjoys running and recently took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon.

Although I was born in England, my parents were from Jamaica,” says Marcia Edwards. “My mother was an amazing woman who brought up six children on her own.”

It seems to me that Marcia is also an amazing woman. She too is a single mum. Although she doesn’t have six children to raise, Marcia does have “an 11-year-old going on 18” and a younger child with Downs Syndrome (DS).

When Marcia was pregnant with Ethan, doctors knew something was wrong at her 12-week scan. She and Ethan’s father decided against amniocentesis, as they didn’t want to put the baby at risk. So it wasn’t until after Ethan was born that they found out he had DS.

“Initially Ethan was in hospital because his oxygen levels were too low,” says Marcia. “Later we were told he had DS.” Because she didn’t know much about Downs Syndrome, Marcia turned to the internet. But everything she read seemed to focus on what could go wrong. So she decided to stop reading negative articles and concentrate on keeping Ethan’s oxygen levels up.

Since those early days, Marcia has learned a lot about Downs Syndrome: it’s caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 inside some or all of the body’s cells; in the UK approximately 750 babies a year are born with the condition; and people with DS look more like their family members than other people with DS. But she has also learned that her son is unique, just as her daughter is. “Ethan is a charmer,” she comments. “He is very funny when he wants to be, very mischievous, and tries to blame his sister for things if he thinks he can get away with it. He can be stubborn, and extremely grumpy if you wake him up when he’s not ready to be awakened. He loves music, dancing, and anything with wheels. One of his favourite films is ‘Frozen’ – Ethan singing ‘Let it Go’ is something to behold! I’m biased, but I think he’s amazing. Oh, and he just happens to have DS.” Ethan has received wonderful support at Wee Gems Nursery in Broxburn and from DS Scotland in Edinburgh. In the autumn he will begin P1 in a mainstream school, a huge achievement. “I’ve learned a lot from my son,” says Marcia. “I used to be quite shy, but that goes out the window when you have to frequently speak up for your child. And I’m a lot more patient. It sometimes takes Ethan a long time to learn new things, but he doesn’t give up, so neither do I. “I want Ethan to reach his full potential, whatever that may be.”

k

Marcia with Ethan and Terri. © Venture.

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17

The Tree Club

This month a unique after school club in West Lothian celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The Tree Club is West Lothian’s only after school club for children and teenagers with additional support needs.

Run by a board of six people and seven staff including some of the parents - the club takes children aged 5 to 18. It fills an important gap in the support system for children with additional needs and their parents, providing after school care to 5.30pm every weekday plus holiday clubs.

Volunon tevoluernteinersgbesides our paid

We rely nteers to work with staff. We welcome lvolu management. the children as welvidasesclub standards of hig The Tree Club proervision, offh erin ellent management sup those wishing tog exc er volu opportunities fortraining or as a step nte as part of their loyment. towards paid emp I spoke to Clare and Eileen at the Club’s office in Bathgate. “Your child doesn’t need to have a formal diagnoses in order to attend the Tree Club,” says Clare. “We’ve never turned anyone down who has needed us. If your child can’t attend mainstream after school clubs, you come here for a chat and we’ll always do our utmost to fit your child in.”

With three children herself who all need additional support, Clare has put a huge amount of energy into the Tree Club and the families who rely on it, bootstrapping it from scratch last year when it had to close down for three months. During that time, Eileen, who is the Club Co-ordinator, left a secure full time job in order to help restart the Club, because, she says “I really believe in the Tree Club and the vital support it offers and I just wanted to help.”

Founded in 2005 by parents of children attending Pinewood Special School in Blackburn, it is still based in Blackburn (at St Kentigems) but they are actively looking for a new premises and ideally would like to build a custom facility. The team of staff and volunteers provides stimulating and creative activities and caring practical support for the children and young people in their care. “We couldn’t manage without our fantastic volunteers, and in fact some of them are former pupils who have come back to help with the younger ones.”

Children attending the Club have a range of challenges, from autism, Angelman Syndrome, epilepsy, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Smith Magenis Syndrome....and generally undiagnosed challenging behaviour.

“We’re very conscious of the need for parents to get that extra hour or so in the working day. Parents of mainstream children are able to use afterschool clubs, and parents of children with challenging behaviours need to have that facility too. And we’re not ‘just’ the club, we also signpost to other services, and offer parent sessions with experts to help deal with challenging behaviours.” As many of the staff are parents themselves of additional needs kids, they are able to share experiences.

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19

The Wheel Specialist

To the rescue! The Wheel Specialist in Edinburgh are on a mission to save and spice-up the wheels of local residents.

Local Edinburgh couple Craig & Julia Gott decided to take on the running of the local branch after their friends (also a couple who run the Newcastle branch) pointed them in the right direction.

The Wheel Specialist is able to take scuffed, scratched and corroded alloy wheels, and through highly specialist and perfected processes, they are able to restore them back to factory fresh looking condition. In addition to this, they offer a whole host of services and repairs for wheels. In short, if it’s to do with your wheels, see The Wheel Specialist.

Recognising the potential of the business, Craig & Julia were also excited by the prospect of being able to offer a service whereby customers can drop-off their vehicles and pick them back up with “wow-factor wheels” within the same day.

Craig Gott said, “We’ve seen the business go from strength to strength over the last few months,

and now that we can also refurbish Diamond Cut wheels the demand seems to be increasing every week”. It would seem that for the former hotelier duo, making the move to The Wheel Specialist was a “wheely” good one!

The process involves stripping the wheel back to bare metal before shotblasting and hand sanding.

The wheel is then baked in an oven before powder coating, it is then cured before applying the final finish , lacquering and curing again. The result is a fantastic finish which any car owner would be proud of.

For more information and an instant quote for your wheels visit: www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON...

een Fr sultatio

con ntion if you me ct e n o K e!

Magazin

When did you last visit the dentist and feel thoroughly pampered?

At No 9 Dental Practice in Broxburn, world-class routine and cosmetic dentisty is within your reach.

Whether you’re coming in for your regular check up or to get a complete smile makeover, we’re dedicated to giving you a stress-free experience and the very best dental care.

Smile makeover

We’d like to help you smile with confidence. People evaluate you within 30 seconds of meeting you, based on your eyes, general appearance and... your smile. We aim to help you use your smile to create a great first impression, whether you need just a little help or a lot of work. Our dentists offer a full range of treatments and are highly experienced.

Regular dentistry

We offer a high standard of care for your regular dental health. We do not just drill and fill! We take the time to make sure you’re comfortable, to overcome any anxiety you may have, and to provide advice on diet and dental hygiene. We see pregnant mothers and children free on the NHS. Established 2002 9 East Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5AB Phone: 01506 857717 Text: 07918 744349 www.broxburndentist.com

We also offer a range of non-surgical wrinkle treatments for other areas of your face.

Crowns while you wait

At No9, we constantly keep up to date with the latest technology and research. We have just invested in a leading edge piece of equipment that allows us to make permanent new crowns within an hour. So there is no need for a temporary crown.

We are the only practice in the area to offer this service.

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You want someone to take the time and listen to you‌ You want to have choice.

You want your teeth to look better.

You want pain free dentistry.

You want to see the same faces each time you come for routine check.

But most of all you want someone you can trust.

Let us look after you.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB Telephone: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.com

If you would like an appointment please give us a call, we would love to see you

KONECT

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Interiors feature

Home improvement ideas from EKCO for under £5,000 Picture it. Your home needs spruced up but like Shakin’ Stevens and Rosemary Clooney you don’t have time to fix your shingles.

Not only that but the tap in the bathroom leaks the handle being held in place by an elastic hair tie you’ve ‘borrowed’ from your daughter’s bedroom, the kitchen cupboard door hinges are getting worn and the garden shed needs a coat of something that ‘does what it says on the tin.’ Maybe it’s time to call in a professional but they’re so expensive aren’t they? Not necessarily. Here are a few ideas from EKCO for investing in some home improvements for under £5,000.

1

Free up some attic space – If you need more space in your attic but currently have a water tank slap-bang in middle then why not replace your old boiler with a new-fangled combiboiler? The price for having a new combi fitted varies so shop around but you will get plenty of change from your budget – enough in fact to floor your attic as well.

2

Fit new bifold doors – If you currently have traditional sliding patio doors that have seen better days you could replace them with

bifolds. Aluminium bifold frames come in up to 150 different colours to suit your style of décor – inside and out! The real beauty however, is that they open up fully to remove any barriers to your garden and flood your home with light and air. For busy people the other good news is that they’re virtually maintenance free and guaranteed for 20 years. The cost of fitting bifold doors to replace a standard two door patio aperture would be just under £5k including the bottle of chilled champagne you can sip while you admire your garden from your lounge.

3

Kitchen makeover – Depending on the area you have available you will get anything from two or three top quality units and decent appliances to a larger reasonably priced budget kitchen for your money. If you have a fairly large kitchen already you could look at replacing the doors, drawer fronts and even perhaps the worktops while keeping the existing carcasses.

14

En-suite – Fed up with having to get to the bathroom before your teenagers? Then you could turn a dead space into an en-suite. A reasonable shower with a walk in cubicle, new toilet suite, tiling a flooring can be fitted for your budget. It will be like a holiday in itself and you may have some cash left over to buy an extra couple of loo rolls!

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

NFU MUTUAL

Improving Home Security Your house contains your most valuable possessions, so it makes sense to keep it properly protected.

There are a number of simple, inexpensive measures you can do to beat the thieves, and reduce the chances of you having to make a claim.

Follow the tips below and everybody will be happy – except the burglars.

Secure your windows

point of entry for a burglar. Similarly, don’t leave garden tools out – they only help thieves force their way into your home.

Lock your doors It’s absolutely crucial that your home’s doors are secure. The doors must be sturdy and in good condition, fitted with bolts and deadlocks. Patio doors should have a multi-locking point system.

• Extra deterrents • Outdoor lighting is an ideal burglar deterrent • A burglar alarm visible from the street • Remove any valuables from your window ledges • Consider placing high value jewellery and watches in a safe • Timer switches. Switching lights on and off giving the impression that someone is home

Many burglaries result from a thief getting in through a window – but even the simplest of window locks will help put them off. Locks means the thief would have to smash the window, which many are reluctant to do as the noise attracts unwanted attention. And keep window keys out of the locks and hidden from sight.

• Don’t leave spare keys under the doormat or plant pot

Never leave a ladder lying around your property. It makes the most inaccessible of windows an easy

For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ingliston Follow us on twitter nfum_lothians

• Moving house? Change all locks as soon as you move in.

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F o r se c urit y and t raining purpo se s,t e l e ph o nec al l s may bere c o rde d and mo nit o re d.

Weathertight Windows And Doors

slid ing Now su wa pplyin rdr obe g doo rs

● ‘A’ Rated Windows & Doors ● Sun Lounges & Extensions ● U.P.V.C Roofline ● Garage Conversions ● Lightweight Conservatory Roofs ● Sliding Bedroom Doors ● ‘A’ Rated Boilers ● Made To Measure Blinds ● Trade Enquiries Welcome Open 7 days Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm (8pm Thurs) Saturday 8.30am - 5.00pm Sunday 10.30am - 3.00pm

Telephone: 01506 333002 Fax: 01506 636666 Showroom now open Unit 5 Standhill Ind. Estate | Bathgate | EH28 2HR www.w e a t h e r t i g h t w i n d o w s a n d d o o r s . c o m We now take card payments

KONECT

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Do you have any old blankets, duvets, towels, pillows, sheets - anything that can be used for making beds for rescue dogs?

I collect items for donation, please contact me, Linda, at

fun4paws@live.co.uk or tel/ text 07947 606009

To be included please call Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

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KONECT

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Buster the Dog

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all” Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE 29 Main Street, Kirkliston EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203 www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk vets@mackieandbrechin.co.uk

SURGERY HOURS Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:30pm Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

NEW LASER THERAPY TREATMENT NOW AVAILABLE: A new non-invasive, drug-free treatment to reduce pain, reduce inflammation and speed healing.

Suitable for a wide range of conditions or injuries.

Used to enhance or replace other treatment plans.

£5.00 OFF Your pet's first laser treatment with this advert.

Albyn Veterinary Centre | 16 Greendykes Road | Broxburn | EH52 5BS www.albynvets.com | Find us on Facebook: Albyn Veterinary Centre KONECT

29

Recipe and Food Notes from Hopetoun Farm Shop

Butchers Tips for the BBQ

Like many butcher we offer customers multibuy deals on burgers and sausages or special value variety packs perfect for bigger families.

As the nation celebrated National BBQ Week last week, it’s officially BBQ season!

It’s also the best time to get to know your local butcher so that your BBQ is a delicious success and not a flavourless failure.

• Don’t forget to cater for different diets. It’s not just vegetarians to consider but the increasing number who choose a gluten free diet. At Hopetoun we make our own gluten free ranges every week including beef, venison sausages and burgers. We also have a gluten free bakery range.

Here are some thoughts from the Head Butcher at Hopetoun Farm Shop: • Don’t compromise on quality. Don’t be tempted by cheap low quality meats to BBQ for your friends and family. Buy fresh handmade burgers and sausages using local produce wherever possible. These will have the highest meat quality and lowest number of additives.

• Look for special offers. It’s not just the supermarkets that run offers for BBQ season.

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We wish you a happy, tasty and healthy BBQ season.

Derek Mackintosh, Hopetoun Farm Shop

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• Follow advice on how to cook safely. You’re always better to cook slowly on a BBQ than cremate items leaving them black outside and raw inside! Follow the simple advice NHS’ Summer Health website to ensure your BBQ is both delicious and safe to eat. Alternatively come to an organised BBQ like the one at Hopetoun Farm Shop on 13th June!

FARM SHOP FAMILY BBQ SATURDAY 13TH JUNE, 12-4PM Join us for our annual family BBQ and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink at Hopetoun Farm Shop · BBQ selling freshly cooked butchery produce from the Estate · Free tastings from local producers · Meet the Hopetoun farmer and some of his livestock · Free face painting and mural painting for the kids For more information visit hopetounfarmshop.co.uk.

Hopetoun Farm Shop is located next door to New Hopetoun Gardens on the A904 near Newton.

Tel: 01506 830 716 www.hopetoun.co.uk/farmshop

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KONECT

Lady Hopetoun’s Easy Lamb Chops As we eagerly anticipate the delivery of fresh Spring lamb from our Estate to our butchery in June here’s a very simple recipe for lamb chops as supplied by Lady Hopetoun. By choosing fresh local lamb you need to do very little to the meat create a delicious meal in minutes.

Ingredients 3 large or 4 medium lamb chops per person English mustard Brown Sugar Method: Pre­heat the grill to the highest temperature. Place the chops on a grill tray. Spread a thin layer of mustard over each chop and then sprinkle with brown sugar (a small pinch per chop.

Grill the chops for 3 minutes (pink), 4 minutes (medium), or 5 minutes (very well done). Remove from the grill and turn the chops over. Spread the other side of the chops with mustard and sprinkle over the sugar making sure plenty of the sugar goes on the fatty part. Return to the grill and cook for a further 3, 4 or 5 minutes depending on how well you like your lamb cooked. 3 minutes a side results in a pink chop with crispy fat. Best served with dauphinoise potatoes or mashed potatoes, broccoli and sliced mushrooms fried in butter.

Lady Hopetoun’s Easy Lamb Chops Fresh lamb sourced direct from the Hopetoun Estate is available all year around at the butchery within Hopetoun Farm Shop. Spring lamb is due to come in towards the end of June.

Hopetoun Farm Shop, Hopetoun Woods, Newton, EH52 6QZ Tel: 01506 830716. www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk © www.flickr.com/semi-detached

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the July edition of konect

Across 1 Well ventilated (4) 3 Keeps you dry (8) 9 Hauled (7) 10 Brawl (5) 11 Mixtures (12) 13 Paper handkerchief (6) 15 Small stoat (6) 17 Books of words (12) 20 Not outer (5) 21 Bishopric (7) 22 Bulge (8) 23 Beers (4) Down 1 Fearlessness (8) 2 Kingdom (5) 4 12:00pm (6) 5 Used for cold storage (12) 6 Folk tales (7) 7 Opposed to (4) 8 Agrarian (12) 12 Shines (8) 14 Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7) 16 Barrier (6) 18 Perfect (5) 19 Assists (4)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 38

32

KONECT

WALK

By Yvonne MacMillan

Straight there and back: 7km/4.5 miles Circular route: 8.5km/5.3 miles

Binny Craig near Uphall is a geologically important landmark in West Lothian and, although a modest 220 metres (721ft) high, the views from the top are anything but. Binny Craig has two faces, a rock face enjoyed by climbers and a gentler, grassy face appreciated by walkers. It is a great example of a crag-and-tail feature, the legacy of glacier movement during the Ice Age. We started this walk from Uphall Station railway station where we left the car. Coming out of the station, turn right to follow the road downhill to Uphall, before crossing the road near the mini roundabout by the entrance to Houston House and heading up Forkneuk Road. We turn left, follow the road round to the right, go left, then right again through houses and a farm track stretches ahead.

Here there’s a signpost for Binny Craig and, right on cue, the crag is dead ahead.

With the traffic noise thankfully behind us, it feels as if we’ve stepped Narnia-like into another world of wide open spaces and rolling, fertile farmland.

The route towards the crag is straightforward and well-signposted. We leave the farm track and a path leads to a well-constructed bridge over a stream where a considerately placed bench is situated. Our goal is still in sight as we follow the public footpath bordering a field. Binny Craig’s trig point is visible too.

The ground is rising now as we walk up a grassy track by the side of a building onto a tarmac road, walk uphill for a few paces till another signpost

34

directs us, via a couple of sturdy gates, onto a path between fields, new livestock-proof fencing on either side. A bit of an effort is needed as we climb up rough stone steps (approx. 60) between mixed woodland and a gorse-filled hillside. Then two more sturdy gates to negotiate and a last effort up the grassy slope to the top of Binny Craig.

The panoramic views are wonderful and well worth our exertions. We catch our breath and sit for half an hour enjoying the features in the landscape.

The Ochil hills across the River Forth’s floodplain, the magnificent 1.5 mile long Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh and, on a clear day like today, the hazy shapes of Berwick Law and the Bass Rock. Closer to home, the Pentlands frame the Almond Valley spread below. A great place for to see where you live in 3D! You can return the way you came or if you prefer a longer, circular walk, return by way of Ecclesmachan. Once back on the tarmac road, turn left and follow this road to the village, turn right at the junction which will take you back to Uphall.

To make a shorter walk you could park and start in St Andrew’s Drive, Uphall and walk along Strathbrock Place to join Forkneuk Road to commence the walk as above.

KONECT

Nu - Walls

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering

Tel: 0131 334 2080 Mob: 07768 632867 Ask for Kerr Middleton Rhone cleaning & repairs - cast iron or plastic Roof repairs - tiles or slates Moss removal, pressure washing Free estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

D.B. General Builders ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Fencing ■ Driveways Decking ■ Landscaping Monoblocking ■ Groundworks Home renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms

Call David on

07747 062426

Local ■ Established ■ Reliable www.dbgeneralbuilders.co.uk david_bathgate@sky.com

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment From

Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR PACKAGE DEALS

£3,950 Including VAT

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU

01506 632913

or T: E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPEN: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm (Or by appointment) KONECT

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WHAT’S ON

Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.

and Useful Information Thursday 4th June & Friday 5th June The Bridge Choir Annual Concert in Broxburn Parish Chuch, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 adults, £4 children, available from Bridge Choir members or please call 01506 852171.

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See www.bathgateregal. org for complete listing.

Saturday 13th June Uphall Children’s Gala Day King George V Park from 12noon.

Farm Shop Family BBQ 12-4pm at Hopetoun Farm Shop, Hopetoun Estates, Newton, Broxburn, EH52 6QD. Join us for our annual family BBQ and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink at Hopetoun Farm Shop. BBQ selling freshly cooked butchery produce from the Estate; Free tastings from local producers; Meet the Hopetoun farmer and some of his livestock; Free face painting and mural painting for the kids. For more information visit hopetounfarmshop.co.uk.

Useful Information

Thursday 18th June

Broxburn Medical Practice

Ladies Garden Party at Dobbies Garden Centre, 5pm to 9pm. Kick off the summet in style! Fun-filled evening with food, drink, demonstrations, entertainment and fantastic offers to help you make the most of your garden this summer. Tickets £1 available in-store. All proceeds donated to The Wildlife Trust.

Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn.

Tel: 01506 771871

Plant Sale at Brock Garden Centre Annual Brock Garden Centre plant sale is now on. Bedding plants, perennials, hanging baskets, wooden garden items and lots more for sale at a reasonable price Mondays – Wednesdays. 9.30 am – 12pm and 12.30pm – 3pm. Brock Garden Centre is located at the rear of Strathbrock Partnership Centre.

Sunday 21st June Jack and Jill Market Up to 45 stall bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9 yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in! Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston. 10.30am – 1pm. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Saturday 27th June to Sunday 23rd August Big Summer Challenge Discover more about West Lothian’s Country Parks by taking up the Big Summer Challenge. Information from any of the three Country Parks (Polkemmet, Beecraigs or Almondell & Calderwood). Drop in to the Visitor Centre at any of the three Country Parks between 9am – 4.30pm.

Free.

36

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

Winchburgh Medical Practice Niddry Road, Winchburgh, EH52 6RX Tel: 01506 890210

Broxburn Library West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 2RH Tel: 01506 775600 Email: broxburn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening Times: Monday & Friday: 9am - 6pm Tuesday & Thursday: 9am - 8pm Wednesday: 9am – 3pm Saturday: 9am – 1pm Bookbug Bounce and Tickle: Free song, story and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Bring a grown-up to join in the fun!

Tuesdays and Wednesdays fortnightly 10.30am. Next sessions: June 9th, 10th, 23rd and 24th. Also a monthly Saturday morning Bookbug, next session June 20th 10.30am.

Kids Craft: Saturdays 10am -12noon. Craft materials set out in the library for free crafting session.

Coming in July: Summer Reading Challenge 2015 The theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Record Breakers. There will be a number of fun activities and events taking place over the month of July.

Registration is available from Monday 22/6/2015. Please contact your Local Library for more detail.

KONECT

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

BROXBURN Broxburn Woodcraft Club A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. We have a fully equipped workshop supporting all aspects of woodworking including woodturning, pyrography, scrollsawing, the making of toys, furniture, musical instruments, walking sticks and more. For further information use the Contact Us facility on the website: www.broxburnwoodcraftclub.org Our hours are Mon & Tues 9am-9pm, Wed & Fri 9am-12 noon and 6pm -9pm, Thurs 9am-3pm and 6:00pm-9pm.

Broxburn Children’s Chatterbooks – NEW book group!

Broxburn Library, West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5RH Love to read? Aged between 8-11? Want to join a bookclub? We choose books to read and also activities available. Meetings held every second Friday at 2pm, call the library on 01506 775600 for next date.

Livingston Highland Society Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189 W Main St, Broxburn Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday afternoon between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. £5 each, new members welcome, contact John Sneddon on 01501 770911 for dates and more details Strathbrock Community Centre: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate.

Tuesdays: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft.

Wednesdays: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/ Rainbows; Dog Obedience.

Thursdays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. Fridays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club.

Uphall Community Education Centre: Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Carpet Bowls; U3A Singing for Pleasure; Zumba; Craft Group; WRI; Scottish Country Dancing.

Tuesdays: Baby & Toddler; Uphall Outreach; 50+ Friendship Group; Walking Group; Indoor Curling; U3A Art Group; TaekwonDo; Yellow Teapot Club; Youth Club.

Wednesdays: Indoor Curling; U3A Book Group; Cairbrock Association; Parkinson’s Uk; U3A History Group; Tea Dance; Zumba; Fusion Youth Group; Tribe West Belly Dance.

Thursdays: Indoor Curling Adults with Carers; West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network; Line Dancing; U3A Quiz Group, U3A Music Group; Karate; Yellow Teapot Club; West Lothian Y-Cats.

Fridays: U3A Poetry Group; U3A Discussion Group; Children’s Club P3-P6); Reiki; Girls Group (S1 upwards) Please call the Community Centre on 01506 854451 or email denise.doig@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

WINCHBURGH Little Flyers After School Club Winchburgh Community Centre, Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW Open during term time, from the end of the school day until 5.45 p.m. Collecting from Winchburgh and Holy Family Primary Schools.

Please contact 07518 176781 for more information or see http:// www.littleflyersnursery.com/ Winchburgh Community Centre: Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Junior Youth Club 7.00pm - 9.15pm.

Tuesdays: Slimming World 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Wednesdays: Keep Fit 9.30am -10.30am; Computer Club 9.30am-12noon; Night Art 7.00pm-9.00pm; Dog Class 7.00pm10.00pm.

Saturdays: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Thursdays: Morning Art 9.30am-12noon; Senior Citizens 1.30pm4.00pm; Little Flyers 3.00pm-6.00pm; Childrens Club 6.00pm -7.30pm; Guitar Club 7.45pm-9.30pm; Table Tennis 7.45pm9.30pm.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Fridays: Little Flyers 12 noon-6.00pm; Scouts 6.15pm - 9.15pm Saturdays: Children’s Activity Club 9.45am-12noon; Girls Allowed 7.00pm-9.00pm

UPHALL Uphall Playgroup Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN For children aged 24 months and over. Open Monday to Friday 9:15 - 11:30am during term time. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 sessions per week. Each session costs £5 and includes a healthy snack. See http://www.uphallplaygroup.co.uk/ or tel 01506 854451 for further information.

KONECT

For more information on any of the groups please contact the Community Centre on 01506 890348 or email julie.witherwick@ westlothian.gov.uk

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Bathrooms Ekco Bathgate Bathroom Studio

25 35

Beauty Allure Skin Clinic Beauty @ No. 20A The Tan Stand

19 17 19

Builder DB General Builders Cafe/Tearoom T42 at No 52 Car Bodywork Chips Away Car Valet/Wash D.K’s Autocare Car Service & Repair LVS Garage Services D.K’s Autocare Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services Carpets & Flooring Land of Carpets Forever Flooring

35 4 13 13 5

11

Computer Services Be One IT

40

Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop

6

2 33

Painter/Decorator Nu Walls

35

Dentist No 9 Dental

23

Electrician Simply Electrical

Pet Supplies Coxydene

28

11

Plastering Nu Walls

35

Fencing/Gates The Smithy

4

First Aid Training Forde Training Centre

Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance

35

6

Food & Groceries Fruit & Veg To You Hopetoun Farmshop

6 31

Roofing Thomson Roofing Simply Roofing

28 35

Furniture & Furnishings Grove Bedding

Soft Furnishings Forth Fabrics

6

15

Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s Arg Landscaping

14 11

Vet Albyn Vets Mackie & Brechin

29 29

WHEEL REPAIR The Wheel Specialist

21

Windows Weathertight Windows & Doors 1st Choice Living DC Double Glazing

27 27 11

7 4

Health & Safety Training Forde Training Centre

Children’s Nursery Little Flyers Nursery

4

Chiropractor Livingston Chiropody

Heating Services Forth Heating Mech A Tech

6 27

17

Insurance NFU Mutual

26

14 11 11 35

Kitchens Alba Kitchens Ekco

23 25

Cleaning Services Cleanleeness Housemaids Clean Bee Domestics Cleaning and Maintenance

Mobility Ableworld Med Ecosse

Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

6

6

Solution to Sudoku Page 32

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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KONECT

konect WINCHBURGH | UPHALL | BROXBURN

Konect is a new monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

The aim is to encourage residents to shop locally and support local businesses including shops and tradespeople. It also provides a platform for community groups and charities to promote themselves in the area.

It will be distributed free door to door every month to 7400 homes and businesses in Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

We have four other editions of Konect which are wellestablished in their areas : • Livingston (10,000 copies monthly in Livingston) • Bathgate (10,000 copies monthly in Bathgate, Boghall, Wester Inch & Torphichen) • Calders (5400 copies monthly in Mid Calder, East Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston) • Balerno (7400 copies in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho)

If you run a business locally and want to be included, please call : Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

If you are involved in a commmunity group or charity locally we will list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE of charge. We may also be able to feature you as a“Charity of the Month.”

Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk

If you have an interesting story relating to the local area or a local personality, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk • Competitive advertising rates targeting your local area • Flexible packages – pick’n’mix between the five Konect editions • Professional advertisement design • “Spotlight on” features to showcase your business

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