Konect Broxburn October 2015

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OCTOBER 2015

broxburn

WIN! Family ticket to Hopetoun House fireworks FEATUREs

Masterpieces in Miniature - The National Bonsai collection at Ecclesmachan Friends of Chernobyl’s Children - Broxburn-based charity 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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COMPETITION

M ess ag e fro m t he e di tor he local West Lothian T bonsai club caught the attention of our writer Yvonne

McMillan this month, and in the Konect tradition of seeking out local people doing something a bit different, she tracked them down and ended up learning a lot about bonsai! The National Collection is housed very nearby at Ecclesmachan. See Yvonne’s article on pages 8-9.

Likewise, I learnt about some local families hosting children from Belarus (one of whom is featured on the front cover) under the umbrella of the charity Friends of Chernobyl’s Children and decided to find out more. It turns out the charity is run from Broxburn – see the article on page 14.

And the nights are drawing in this month, which means bonfire night is on the horizon!

We’ve teamed up with Hopetoun House to offer a lucky reader a family ticket to their spectacular annual display on 7th November!

See page 22 for competition entry details.

If you or someone you know is involved in a community group, support group or other notfor-profit activity locally, we would love to list your group free of charge in Clubs and Classes section at the back of the magazine.

All our usual columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local people and businesses.

FEATUREs Master pieces in Miniature Fr iends of Chernobyl’s Children Spotlight on Bodyshop Edinburgh

08 14 18

REGULARS 24 32

Local Walk Recipe and Food Notes COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Hopetoun House firewor ks draw Crossword Sudoku

22 28 28

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

36 36 37 38

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 photograph courtesy of West Lothian Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.The group enjoy a ramble up the bing in Broxburn. See page 14.

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FEATURE

Masterpieces No prizes for guessing, but what do you think links an Ayrshire master butcher, Binny Plants in Ecclesmachan and the Japanese Consul-General in Scotland? Answer: The National Bonsai Collection of Scotland.

When he retired, the late Bill Graham (d. 1983), a master butcher from Maybole, dedicated the last 30 years of his life to the ancient and gentle art of bonsai, building and nurturing a mammoth collection of 300 trees, known as the Graham Trees, and becoming a leading figure in the bonsai world.

The National Bonsai Collection of Scotland was set up in 1984 by members of the Scottish Bonsai Association (SBA) as a horticultural haven where bonsai could be donated, cared for and maintained, as happened with many of the Graham Trees. A registered charity, the National Collection found its way to Binny Plants via a roundabout route - Malleny Gardens in Balerno (from 1986 – 2000) was followed by a move to Suntrap Gardens in Gogar, but when Suntrap shut down the Collection’s future looked bleak. To the rescue however, like some big-screen superhero, came Billy Carruthers, offering a home within the peaceful setting of Binny Plants and 14th August 2011 saw the National Bonsai Collection settled in West Lothian and officially re-opened by the Japanese Consul-General to Scotland.

The part of the National Bonsai Collection available for viewing by the public is situated in a red, glassfronted pavilion where about 15 bonsai are on show at any one time, the bonsai looked after by nine trustees, all time-generous volunteers. Their plans for the future include continuing to promote interest and involvement in the art and craft of bonsai through well-presented displays, and – funding permitting – installing a polytunnel on site to store trees,

in Miniature

by Yvonne MacMillan

overwinter less hardy species such as maples, hold classes and demonstrations and generally spread the word.

Pines feature in the National Collection, as do beeches, larches, oaks and other species indigenous to Scotland, and these are complimented by more exotic varieties including a Persimmon, gifted from Xi’an, Edinburgh’s twin city in the People’s Republic of China. At 200 years old, one of the oldest trees in the Collection is a Japanese White Pine standing serenely on its plinth outside the pavilion, under a blue pergola. It was imported 50 years ago and passed into the care of the Collection when its owner died. Bonsai not on display are fostered out between trustees for the ongoing and skilled job of maintenance.

Monthly meetings are held up and down the country

by Scottish Bonsai Association (SBA) members to chat and work on their trees. Thursday evenings at

Andie and Brian at work on their bonsai

Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston is the meeting place for the West Lothian Bonsai Group.

Lee, a retired bank manager from West Calder is the group’s organiser, he’s also a trustee and Treasurer for the National Collection and has been under the spell of bonsai for 35 years. He tells me, “Once bonsai enthusiasts start talking about the subject, it’s difficult to shut us up”.

For a beginner to bonsai, Lee recommends starting with a larch sapling, (nurseries sell larch saplings for hedging), it’s cheap, grows quickly and it’s very forgiving – just what a beginner needs. Or the smallleaved cotoneaster would be good too. No specialised tools are needed to start with, just garden secateurs and wire to wind round branches which acts like a splint on a broken leg, helping shape the tree.

Margaret from Stoneyburn, a bonsai convert for 30 years, is President of the SBA and got interested in bonsai-growing for practical reasons because her dogs kept wrecking the garden, but besides, something in a pot is manageable, so bonsai was the perfect solution. She tells me that members of the SBA exhibit at shows throughout the year – Gardening Scotland in May attracted 150 - 200 exhibits, a forest of bonsai, including many from the National Collection.

With scissors in hand, and working on a 30cm tall, 8 year old Juniper, Sandie from East Calder who was a medical secretary before retiring, traces her love of bonsai back 30 years to when she saw a Scots Pine in the wild and was struck by its beauty. She started with a tiny self-seeded rowan from her garden. Brian, her husband, a former Royal Marine, soon followed in Sandie’s footsteps. He’s working on a young beech tree and enjoys the hands-on of bonsai growing. The whole group feels their hobby is a powerful stressbuster. Kenny, from Deans, is trimming a group of Golden Larch - he runs a bonsai class at the mental health resource centre in Broxburn’s Strathbrock Partnership.

As we drink tea in the wood-scented meeting room, I find out that the bonsai-grower aims to grow each species as it looks in nature, aiming to make it look natural, and bonsai is a mix of disciplines - 80 per cent horticulture, 20 per cent art. The best way to view or contemplate bonsai is to focus 2/3 of the way up the trunk, spaces are created between branches (otherwise it’s just a bush, says Lee) which let the eye see twists and turns, curves and curls. There are sixteen styles of bonsai, the informal upright style is easiest to grow but, everyone agrees, a tree tells the bonsai-grower how it wants to grow, though each person will have his or her own interpretation.

Looking at bonsai, says Lee – who is fascinated by Oriental culture - you appreciate the workmanship, skill, time and patience involved and when it’s your own, you can picture the whole story from day one and how it’s turned out. There’s satisfaction and a sense of achievement because you’ve created something beautiful.

So if you’re looking for a down-to-earth hobby, take a leaf out of the bonsai-growers’ book, and have a bash at bonsai.

For more information visit scottishbonsai.org

The National Bonsai Collection at Binny Plants in Ecclesmachan is open to view 10am till 5pm.

Trustees are on site on the last Sunday of the month (weather permitting) 11am till 2pm. (from scottishbonsai.org) What is Bonsai? - Bonsai is a Japanese term meaning tree (bon) in a tray (sai). It is derived from an ancient Chinese hor ticultural practice called Penjing and has been around for well over a thousand years.

Bonsai aren’t genetically dwarfed plants, any tree species can be used to grow one.

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West Lothian Friends of Chernobyl’s Children A number of families across West Lothian are involved in an extraordinary programme that sees them hosting a child from Belarus for a month each year for five years.

I caught up with the group last month as they visited Potter Around (an arts and craft studio in Kirknewton), as part of their programme of activities during their stay here. As the children painted pottery and made jewellery, group co-ordinator and Broxburn resident Kenny Turnbull told me about the background to the group.

“Most of these children are from households in impoverished and contaminated conditions, living in homes that are little more that wooden sheds with no running water and from communities suffering a range of health problems.” Through coming to a host family in West Lothian, each year the children experience a month of clean air, healthy food, medical care and a whole new world of experiences of things we take for granted (such as indoors flushing toilets) and build up a fantastic and lasting relationship with their host family.

“They arrive with nothing more that the clothes they are wearing, and leave a month later with a suitcase full of clothes, toiletries, toys, gifts for their parents and siblings, and a year’s supply of vitamins to combat their poor diet and environment and help keep them healthy until they come back next summer,” explains Kenny.

All the charity workers are volunteers. “No amount of payment could be the same as the loving relationships that develop between the kids and their host families,” says Kenny. “We develop lasting relationships.” One of the translators who was with

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the group in 2013 was a guest child in the first group to come across in 1995. “Some hosts have been across to Belarus for the wedding of their guest children. We keep in touch with the boy we had for five years - every year I go across to visit and the family throw open their tiny home and the hospitality is fantastic. We think of him as our third son, and he called us Dad and Mum when he was here.”

It’s a huge cultural change for the children who come here, and challenges in the early days include persuading them to have a daily shower when they are used to little or no washing – water has to be pumped from a well in the street and carried.

Host families come in all shapes, sizes and ages all you need is a spare bed and a big heart. There are currently families in Bathgate, Broxburn, Blackridge, Stoneyburn, Tarbrax, Mid Calder, Uphall , Blackburn and Livingston hosting a child.

Kenny says, “We can only do this ‘job’ thanks to the kindness of others.” While they have enough host families at the moment, the charity has to raise £1100 per child per year to cover the cost of flights, visits to Belarus to meet families in need, the month’s programme of activities, providing food parcels to their homes in Belarus, and other costs. The host families generously give their Belarussian child clothes and toys and look after all their needs for the month. The charity is also very grateful to local businesses Optimeyes in Broxburn who generously provide eye tests and glasses for any children needing them, and Broxburn Dental Practice who carry out dental checks on all the kids and provide any dental treatment free of charge.

If you would like to help out, FOCC would be delighted to have suggestions for fund-raising events or for you to help raise money for them.

You can also donate via their website www. foccwestlothian.com where you can see more information about their work.

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Having taken over Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions in April this year and rebranded, bodyshopedinburgh is now in it’s 6th month of trading and is going from strength to strength.

Situated in the Camps Industrial Estate East Calder, bodyshopedinburgh is a vehicle accident repair and car & van body shop.

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We have also helped many customers avoid hefty fines from lease companies by repairing any bodywork damage before the customer hands the car back in, and have been able to offer this at a fraction of the cost of the fines.” bodyshopedinburgh carry out all work from minor repairs to accident damage and paint refinishing.

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Community

feelings and explore ways of dealing with them.

The service works within the ethical codes and guidelines of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland. You can contact the service directly yourself or a professional such as a GP or Occupational Therapist can refer you to the service. If you want more information about the service or speak to the counsellor informally, then please give us a ring or pop in to see us.

You can contact us by telephone, electronically, by letter or dropping in to our accessible offices.

Capability Scotland Advice and Support Service West Lothian is a local disability advice and support service based in Livingston. We provide free confidential advice and information on a range of disability issues to disabled people living in West Lothian.

Capability Scotland Advice and Support Service West Lothian Ability Centre Carmondean Centre Livingston, EH54 8PT Telephone: 01506 674 955 Freephone: 0800 820 3820 Email: AdviceWestLothian@capability-scotland.org.uk

Information As a locally-based service we can provide relevant up-to-date information about what services and support is available nearby as well as further afield. No matter what your enquiry our experienced staff will try to get the information you need, whether that be where you can hire a wheelchair, where to buy disability equipment or supply a RADAR key.

Advice and Support Capability Scotland can offer advice and support around a range of disability-related issues. If there is a situation or problem you are dealing with our trained staff can talk through potential options and help you consider what the best solution could be. We can provide practical support with things like sourcing funding for adapted equipment or applying for a blue badge. No matter what your enquiry is, we will do our best to help you get the help and support you need.

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Win! a Spectacular Family Night at Hopetoun Konect has teamed up with Hopetoun House to give away a family ticket to Hopetoun’s annual Bonfire and Fireworks Night, taking place at Hopetoun House on Saturday 7th of November 2015.

Building on Hopetoun’s established reputation for putting on one of the biggest and most spectacular fireworks displays in West Lothian this year’s celebrations will certainly not disappoint Taking place against a backdrop of Hopetoun House, the magnificent 17th century stately home, the family friendly event also includes a fun selection of pre-show entertainment, fantastic food stalls and a huge bonfire to keep everyone nice and warm.

The evening concludes with a grand finale of fireworks set to music which is once again designed and choreographed by the award winning team at 21CC Fireworks.

The winning family will receive 2 adult and 2 child tickets to the evening.

To enter the prize draw please answer the question: Where are the majority of the world’s fireworks made?

A) China B) Portugal C) Argentina Simply text or email the answer plus your name, phone number and email address to 07854 492368 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with the subject “Fireworks”. Closing date for entries 15th October 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

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23

WALK

A ramble among the rocks

by Karen Murray

It never ceases to amaze me how much you find out about where you live when you go looking for somewhere different to take a walk. West Lothian is full of interesting discoveries - both historical and geological.

Chatting to a friend who works for the Geological Survey I heard about the Petershill Wildlife Reserve near Bathgate and decided to take a look. Lying off Drumcross Road around 1km east of Bathgate, the reserve was once a limestone quarry.

Quarrying began here around 1768 until two of the workings were converted into drinking water reservoirs in 1886 and 1905. However the reservoirs were redundant by 1981 and were drained in 1986.

The 5.4 hectare site was first notified as a part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1976 and was gifted to the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve in 1990. By 1999 it was also designated a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS).

Head towards Bathgate on the A89, turning right just after Bangour Village entrance towards Drumcross. Turn left at the top of the road onto the Drumcross Road towards Bathgate.

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Petershill in Winter Petershill reserve is on the right just before you enter Bathgate. There is a small car park on the side of the road where the reserve is marked with a wooden signpost, but it’s easy to miss as it can get a little overgrown. There is only room for a couple of cars - take care not to obstruct entrance to the field adjacent. Park up and head over the stile to follow the footpath around the perimeter of the reserve. It was a beautiful day when I visited, but I imagine that it can get pretty wet and slippery, especially if you walk on the rocks. However it is best for both safety and to protect the fragile environment to stay on the footpaths.

As you begin walking you can take in all the geological exposure which plunges down to the left, before heading into a more wooded area and then through a rather lovely meadow towards the northern end of the reserve. In the summer this meadow blooms with a variety of flower including orchids. The path then heads south over a wooden footbridge and veers down towards a lagoon which tends to be dry in summer but filled in winter months. The path then heads up a steep hill and along the opposite side of the reservoir with fabulous views toward the Bathgate Hills. It eventually comes out at an opening in the wall and onto Drumcross Road KONECT

Petershill in Summer

where you simply turn left and find your way back to the car park.

The geological importance of the site is down to the limestone reef which is full of fossils. The reef was formed over 330 million years ago in shallow sea or lagoon when volcanoes were active and the ash and lava flows built up to eventually form the Bathgate Hills.

The fossils that have been found at Petershill include corals and sponges, crinoids (sea lilies) and molluscs - species that all lived in shallow tropical waters during Carbonifereous times.

If you have any interest in geology then it’s worth a visit to this interesting site. However, tempting though it is to take a fossil home, you are encouraged to leave any you find just where they are.

KONECT

As for living wildlife, the combination of high humidity and limestone is quite rare so you will find various unusual mosses. Keep an eye out on the higher ground for the gorgeous greater butterfly orchid and many other pretty flowers such as fairy flax and twayblade.

If you are more interested in the fauna you can find at Petershill, look out for squirrels, badgers, brown hares, rabbits and roe deer which are regular visitors to the nature reserve along with fifteen species of butterfly and moth and numerous species of birds.

Nature reserves are always a great place to take a walk away from it all as you can be close to built up areas but feel miles away. Petershill offers this but is also geologically fascinating.

25

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26

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1 9 3 0

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27

PUZZLES

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) 21 Distress signal (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 38

28

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29

Interiors feature

The EKCO guide to slow cooking by ecko

How do we define the seasons?

According to the Met Office it’s fairly straightforward. June, July and August are the summer months which means that we’re well and truly into autumn.

However, living in a country where we often see four seasons in one day maybe we should redefine the boundaries not by months but by the meals we eat - a new ‘Julienne’ Calendar if you will. If that were the case then autumn is defined by heartwarming soups and casseroles and there’s one must-have kitchen appliance we just have to have.

Yes, the hardy perennial of the wedding gift list, the slow cooker, is making a comeback in a big way. So, if you happen to have one languishing unwanted in a cupboard somewhere, perhaps just behind the foot spa and marginally left of the fondue set, then it’s time to put it to good use. If you don’t have one already then it’s an investment worth making.

If time is an issue for you then taking 30 minutes to plan your weekly menus and getting up a little earlier in the morning to prepare your dish will buy you back more time than you use up. Plus slow cookers are brilliant for cooking almost anything and they aren’t just restricted to casseroles and

soups. Sticky, ‘falling off the bone’ ribs, slow cooked in homemade maple barbecue sauce is easy and quick to prepare. Google a few recipes and you’re on your way. Even a roast chicken done in a slow cooker without the addition of water will turn out perfectly succulent and juicy. Just crisp the skin up for 10 minutes in the oven before serving with your favourite veg.

One of our personal slow cooker favourites here at EKCO is chilli con carne. Chilli is a controversial dish and some die-hard chilli aficionados will advocate a kidney bean free recipe. However, it’s down to personal taste and we think the beans add to the dish. A basic slow-cooked chilli can use either cubed steak or full-fat mince depending on your preference, browned on the hob first with some finely chopped onions, chilli powder and cumin. Then add it to your slow cooker with a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes per 500g pack of meat, two tablespoons of tomato purée, a sprinkling of oregano and some seasoning. We like ours fairly hot so we’ll add a couple of split Scotch Bonnet chillies (seeds removed -carefully), a tin of kidney beans, a couple of squares of dark chocolate and then we just leave the dish to cook away in slow for a few hours. Serve in a bowl with some tortilla chips or rice and some soured cream. Now to tackle that fondue!

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Recipe & Food Notes

by Anne Pinkerton

Cookery Myth Busters 2 Soufflés

There are rumours that soufflés are difficult and failure is a judgment on ones skill as a cook. This need not be.

If you follow well-understood rules it will turn out well. The trick with soufflés is trapping air into a mixture so that when it’s baked a firm structure is created and the mixture of rich flavours is supported by the rest of the ingredients. Soufflés can be sweet or savoury, baked or steamed, hot or cold, individual or large for a spectacular main course. They can even be rolled up like a swiss roll.

This soufflé is a great treat and can be made days or weeks in advance. Once you have made this version it can be varied by using different cheeses and the taste will be totally different but still delicious.

32

Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Serves 4, you need 4 individual ramekins. (Save them from the Gu puddings you’ve bought in the past...)

Ingredients: 110g grated strong cheddar eg Mull Cheddar 225ml milk For flavouring:- Small onion cut in half, 1 bay leaf, a little grated nutmeg or mace, 5 or 6 black pepper corns 25g butter 25g self-raising flour (a bit of a cheat but helps ensure a rise) 3 large eggs, separated 225ml single cream Grated parmesan or more cheddar Method: Slowly warm the milk with the flavourings till they just boil. Set aside to infuse and cool.

Butter the ramekins - this helps the mixture rise up the sides of the dishes.

Heat the oven to 200C or gas 6.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, with a wooden spoon, mix them and heat till just beginning to change colour. Do not burn.

Add the strained, flavoured milk bit by bit heating and mixing as you go. You will have a thick sauce. Let it glup and bubble. This cooks the flour. Away from the heat beat in the cheese and the egg yolks one by one.

In a mixing bowl whip the egg whites till they hold their shape but are not dry. The traditional test was to see if the whites fall out of the bowl if you turn it upside down; but you need iron nerves for such tricks.

When the whites are ready, mix a spoonful into the sauce with a large metal spoon. Then put everything into the bowl and mix together by lifting the mixture from the bottom and folding it all together but not knocking the air out.

Divide the mixture between the ramekins and place them in a roasting tin,into which you add boiling water to halfway up the side of the pots. Bake for 15 minutes. DO NOT open the oven “just to see how they are doing.” They must be well-risen and springy.

Remove from the roasting dish cool. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for use later.

When you want to eat the soufflés slip a hot knife round the edge of the ramekins and turn them out onto an oven proof shallow dish. Try to get them the right way up. Pour the cream around them and scatter some cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes till golden and well risen.

Serve as they are as a starter, or with a green salad or summer vegetables for a main meal.

Good luck!

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Xmas 2015

Celebrate Christmas with Food Creations at Harburn Golf Club, Uphall Golf Club, Livingston FC or Kingsknowe Golf Club

Join us at one of our very special party nights for a fabulous 3 course dinner, decorations, glitter, great fun and music by Roadrunner.

Special Offers!

Book and pay a deposit before end of October for some special offers. See website for details.

tes Party Da Dec th 5 4th & Dec th 12 & th 11 Dec th 19 18th &

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or call 01506 412232

facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations @Food_Creations

West Lothian has something more to shout about!

West Lothian College’s The Terrace Restaurant has been crowned Restaurant of the Year at the recent Food Awards Scotland 2015. The restaurant, which helps the next generation of Hospitality and Professional Cookery students work towards a successful career in the industry, beat big city restaurants and those with Michelin Stars, such as The Kitchin in Edinburgh, to the top accolade.

Here in West Lothian we are blessed with some of the finest eateries in Central Scotland. Peruse our extensive listings of restaurants, pubs, cafes and delicatessens www.visitwestlothian.co.uk. We feature 48 food and drink businesses in the area and no matter what you are after, from a light bite to a feast fit for a king, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your tastebuds.

West Lothian is also home to a range of award-winning tourist attractions and events. Here is what Tony Foster, new Chair of Visit West Lothian, has to say about the area, “The Terrace Restaurant Restaurant of the Year award highlights yet again what wee food, drink and tourism gems we have throughout West Lothian.

Visit West Lothian strive to support the success and growth of current and new tourism destinations to

visitors from the UK and abroad. We also welcome people who live and work in West Lothian, as we see an explosion in our population and businesses taking advantage of our links to the airport, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The number of new food, drink and tourism based businesses is reflected in our own membership which has increased over 200 per cent in the last three months and continues to grow. It’s exciting to see business waking up to the endless tourism possibilities in and around Livingston, from the Heartlands to East Calder. Visit West Lothian, actively supported and funded by relevant stakeholders, will be with you every step of the way to help the local economy, job creation and the visitor experience.”

Are you a tourism related business or Food and Drink outlet interested in the benefits of membership of Visit West Lothian then contact Tel: 01506 283 090/ Email: visitwestlothian@westlothian.gov.uk.

For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk, facebook. com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/ teamwestlothian

West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership

Come along and visit the 12th annual Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing event and find out what’s available for all age groups in West Lothian. This is the largest and most varied gathering of groups and organisations to take place in Central Scotland See over 60 displays on physical and mental health including: advice on healthy lifestyles/eating, personal health check, free massage, benefits, education, employment, youth issues, housing/tenancy options & support & information, adult protection, advocacy, elderly services, legal, community based day services, drugs & alcohol, carers/service user support networks, advice and courses available in West Lothian.

Need more information?

Contact: Michael Duncan / Sharon Snedden Mental Health Resource Centre Strathbrock Partnership Centre 189a West Main Street Broxburn EH52 5LH Tel No. 01506 771888 E-mail; michael.duncan@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk sharon.snedden@westlothian.gov.uk

Everyone welcome to drop in between 10 am - 2 pm at Main Hall, Community Education, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn Information, advice, assistance, all available in an informal and friendly setting.

WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Wednesday 18th October Mental Health & Physical Wellbeing Event At Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn. See page 34 for details.

Sunday 18th October Linlithgow Burgh Halls Wedding Fair Brides and grooms to-be are invited to plan their special day at the fourth annual Linlithgow Burgh Halls Wedding Fair. 12pm to 4pm. Meet local wedding suppliers, find fabulous deals and wedding packages.

Friday 16th October - Monday 26th October Big Autumn Challenge Take part in the Big Autumn Challenge and discover more about West Lothian’s Country Parks. Pick up information from any of the three Country Park Visitor Centres (Polkemmet, Almondell & Calderwood or Beevraigs). Suitable For: Families. Meet: the Visitor Centre at any of the three Country Parks. Time: Drop in between 9am – 4.30pm. Cost: FREE.

Saturday 24th October West Lothian Highland Society monthly ceilidh Our first ceilidh of the season. Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn 7.30pm – 11pm. Music will be played by Dick Black’s Band. Tickets £5.

Sunday 25th October Broom Making Calling all witches and wizards. Collect material and make your own Harry Potter style broom to be proud of. Perfect for Halloween. Suitable for families. Meet: Balvormie Pond, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 2pm3.30pm. Cost: £3.55 per broom. For information and booking please contact the Rangers on 01506 844516 or email mail@beecraigs.com To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

Useful Information Broxburn Medical Practice Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn. Tel: 01506 771871.

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: The library opening times have recently changed. Please note new opening times are: Monday & Tuesday: 10am - 5pm, Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 3pm, Thursday: 10am - 7pm & 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.

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 evening between October

36

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

Ladies only outdoor fitness sessions Albyn Park, Greendykes Road Mondays 7-8pm, with Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) and Burn-It. Doesn’t matter your size or level of fitness. BUSC and Burn-It aim to create a fun fitness session based outside to enable ladies to meet their goals. For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk

Alive & Kickin Albyn Park, Greendykes Road A programme for older members of the community to remain active. Run by Broxburn United Sports Club and includes: Walking Football Tues 10.30am to 12pm, £3 per session with tea/coffee after.

Walking Club on Thurs 10am. Community walk starting and ending at Albyn Park. Free, everyone welcome. Invigor8 Multi Sports Thurs 2-3.30pm £2 per session. Try new sports and learn new skills. Each session is 1 hour of the new sport plus an inspirational/ informative chat for 30mins. For more info contact Leigh Lauder at Albyn Park 01506 858057 or email ll.lauder@ busc.org.uk KONECT

Zumba for Kids Albyn Park, Greendykes Road With the Poco Loco crew – learn some rocking dance routines using different styles and rhythms. For girls and boys aged 4 – 12. Fridays 1.15-2.15 (P1-P3) 2.25-3.15 (P4-P7) cost £3 per week. To book please contact Greig Taylor on g.taylor@busc.org.uk or Nina Anderson on nina. anderson@live.co.uk or call 01506 858057

Broxburn Swimming Club We cater for swimmers from age 3 upwards and cover all levels of swimming from our Learn to Swim programme up to our top competitive squad.

Learn to Swim Thursday night (6:00 - 7:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday night (6:30 - 7:00) - Broxburn Academy pool Squad Swimming Monday and Tuesday (7:30 - 9:00) and Thursday (7:00 - 9:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday (6:00 - 8:00) - Armadale Academy pool For further information please contact: broxburn_asc@ hotmail.com 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.

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

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.

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.

The People’s Café Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month 11am - 1.30pm at St Andrew’s Care Home, St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, Uphall. For people who have any form of dementia, and their carers, to meet others in a similar situation for support and social contact, a cup of tea or coffee and home baking. Come for the whole session or just drop in.

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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; Taekwon-Do; 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 7.00pm-10.00pm.

Thursdays: Morning Art 9.30am-12noon; Senior Citizens 1.30pm-4.00pm; Little Flyers 3.00pm-6.00pm; Childrens Club 6.00pm -7.30pm; Guitar Club 7.45pm9.30pm; Table Tennis 7.45pm-9.30pm.

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 For more information on any of the groups please contact the Community Centre on 01506 890348 or email julie. witherwick@westlothian.gov.uk Winchburgh Community Council meetings are held second Monday of every month except January and July.

See www.winchburghcc.org.uk

other areas Alternative Company Entertainers (ACE) Meet every Thursday in Whitburn academy at 7:00 – 9pm.

Ages 5 to 105+. Contact acompanyentertainers@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

West Lothian Baking Club We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

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 Bathgate Bathroom Studio Ekco

29 31

Beauty Final Touch Beauty Holly Matthews Make Up Artist The Tan Stand

5 16 5

Blacksmith Big Red Blacksmiths Builder DB General Builders BUILDING SURVEYOR David Hastings Cafe Tea for two at No 52 Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh Car Service & Repair D&G Autocare D.K’s Autocare Car Valet/Wash D.K’s Autocare Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services Hydro Kleen Scotland James Burnett Carpet Cleaning

26

Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop

23

Dentist No 9 Dental

19 10 10 6 7 6

Carpets & Flooring Land of Carpets

40

Catering Food Creations

33

Children’s Nursery Wee Gems

15

Chiropractor Livingston Chiropody West Lothian Chiropractor

17 16

Solution to September Crossword

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.

38

21 35

10

Painter/Decorator Nu Walls

23

16

Paving W Tarmacadam

16

Pet Supplies Coxydene

27

17

Plastering Nu Walls

23 13

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance

4

19

29

Mobility Ableworld Med Ecosse

6 13 12 7

Computer Services Sprint Computers

6

Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestics Cleaning and Maintenance Strata Cleaning Time For You Edinburgh

Electrician Simply Electrical

4

26

Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance

Florist Williamson

10

Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s Gardens Galore SG Garden Services

Roofing Simply Roofing Thomson Roofing

23 29

12 4 13

Soft Furnishings Style Rite Blinds

11

HAIRDRESSERS Hair Design

5

Healthcare ABC Hearing

2

Heating Services Forth Heating

26

Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) Pixo Van Rental

13

Kitchens Alba Kitchens Ekco

23 31

LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION The Leaflet Lady

39

Storage Unit Storedge

6

Takeaway Bravo

11

Telecoms Services Lothian Telecom Services

4

Venue KCDT

13

Vet Mackie & Brechin

27

Windows 1st Choice Living

26

Solution to Sudoku Page 28

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.

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

KONECT

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Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: Closed

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Tel: 01506 853723