Konect Broxburn February 2020

FEBRUARY 2020

CHARITY:

LOCAL HISTORY:

HOW DYNAMITE CAME TO

COMMUNITY:

BROXBURN & UPHALL

IMPROVEMENTS

SCOTLAND PLUS: GARDEN PROJECT, PROPERTY MATTERS, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

P32 TO OUR FEBRUARY EDITION

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2020.

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local!

Broxburn Community Council and Broxburn and Uphall Development Group recently won funding for town centre improvements, and are looking for volunteers to get involved with the various projects. See page 34 for more information from them and dates for meetings in February.

I had the pleasure of attending a music and dance session recently in Livingston run by MUSAC – Musically Active Dudes – who feature as our Charity of the Month in this issue.

Set up by a Livingston resident who wanted a meaningful activity for her son to do, it offers a range of clubs for people with severe to complex additional support needs and is a wonderful local resource; see our article on page 30 and do get in touch with them if you know anyone who would enjoy attending.

I stumbled across the fact that Alfred Nobel, of Nobel Prize fame, had been much more closely connected with this area than simply his name associated with the factories that used to be in Linlithgow and Falkirk. So I enjoyed looking into the history of Nobel explosives in Scotland and I hope you enjoy the local history article this month.

All our usual columns are here. Thank you for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses, charities and organisations.

THIS ISSUE History: How dynamite came to Scotland.... 8 Health & Beauty............................................16 Health: Focus on Yoga.................................18 Property Matters............................................22 Gardening: Kitchen Seeds & Leaves.........29 Charity: MUSAC............................................30 Parenting: A Mini Adventure........................32 What’s On......................................................34 Clubs & Classes............................................36 Film Review....................................................38 Puzzles...........................................................38

COVER IMAGE: Focus on Yoga: See P18

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 ~ 1896)

LOCAL HISTORY

The Nobel Prizes are announced annually; world-famous coveted prizes for those who confer “the greatest benefit on mankind” in sciences, literature, economics and peace. They are named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who, horrified that his armaments and explosives empire would earn him the epitaph “Merchant of Death,” left his fortune for the furtherance of world peace and progress. many looking for a safe way of using it. The route was punctuated by explosions and tragedy; a nitroglycerine explosion at his Alfred Nobel himself lived for a period of family’s armaments factory in Sweden in time at Hawthorn Cottage in Laurieston, 1864 killed his own brother and four others. near Falkirk. His story meets that of a Undaunted, Alfred pressed on and a year former Falkirk High School pupil, George later with German business partners he McRoberts, a local chemist and explosives built a factory at an isolated location near expert who founded a chemical factory Hamburg. This business (Alfred Nobel at Westquarter, Falkirk, and who was & Company) exported a liquid blend of instrumental in helping Nobel establish nitroglycerin and in Scotland the gunpowder called world’s first and “Blasting Oil,” but it Initially marketed as Nobel’s Blasting largest factory for was still extremely his revolutionary Powder, he changed the name to unstable; the factory new explosive – dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis buildings were dynamite. “power.” He patented it, and was on destroyed twice in the road to massive fortune Born in Sweden in explosions.

1833, Nobel was But Alfred was a prolific inventor. tenacious and, carrying out experiments on Dynamite, his most famous invention, a raft anchored on the River Elbe , by 1866 revolutionised the construction of tunnels, he found a way of stabilising nitroglycerine canals, railways and roads as well as the by absorbing it into a siliceous clay which mining industry. Previously, black powder could be shaped into lengths and handled (gunpowder) had been used for mining and fairly safely. This, together with a safety quarrying, but industrialists were looking fuse and detonator (that he also invented), for a high explosive. One discovered by was dynamite. Initially marketed as Nobel’s an Italian chemist in 1847 – nitroglycerine Blasting Powder, he changed the name - was powerful but highly unstable and to dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis dangerous, and Alfred Nobel was one of But what does this Swedish and indeed global story have to do with this area?

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-”power.” He patented it, and was on the road to massive fortune.

Nobel’s cottage in Laurieston Swing Bridge at the Reddingmuir Westquarter factory (1930)

McRoberts became Nobel’s chief chemist and factory manager at Ardeer in 1874. He relocated from Laurieston to Ardeer, selling his home “Hawthorn Cottage” at 1 Polmont Road, Laurieston, to Alfred Nobel. Hawthorn Cottage is still a private residence and is the only building remaining in Scotland that is directly associated with Nobel.

By 1876 Nobel decided to manufacture his detonators in Scotland too instead of importing them, and he chose the Westquarter factory to make them, using mercury fulminate brought in from abroad.

A couple of years later he decided to also make the fulminate on site here, and a purpose-built factory was added to the Westquarter site, about half a kilometre south at Reddingmuirhead on the other side of the Union Canal. There was a swing bridge across the canal linking the two factories.

The swing bridge today

Both McRoberts and Nobel died in 1896 – McRoberts in Scotland in January @KonectMagazines

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CREDIT: Historic Environment Scotland

Dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use in several countries, but in the UK it took Nobel two years of persistence to gain some relaxation of regulations governing explosives.

The Explosives Act of 1869 prohibited the manufacture, transport or sale of nitroglycerine or any product containing it in the UK. Although not able to set up in England, he turned to Scotland where he gained the backing of some Scottish entrepreneurs including one George McRoberts. McRoberts had just founded the Westquarter Chemical Company in 1871, manufacturing sulphuric acid. He and a co-investor raised the substantial investment required for Nobel to build a dynamite factory in Scotland, and the British Dynamite Company was formed.

Nobel also bought a half share of McRoberts’ Westquarter Chemical Company, since the sulphuric acid was a key ingredient for dynamite manufacture, and the two men were close business partners. Ardeer in Ayrshire was chosen as a sufficiently remote site for the factory, the first charge was produced there in January 1873 by Alfred Nobel himself; and the British Dynamite Company started taking orders.

A new factory was opened at Linlithgow in 1902. It was named the Regent Factory in a nod to Linlithgow’s link with the Regent of Scotland James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was assassinated in Linlithgow in 1570. His death was the first recorded assassination by a firearm, so it seems fitting that this name was chosen for an explosives factory. (A plaque on the wall of the Courthouse Residence on the High Street commemorates the assassination).

The Nobel factory was located at the end of High Street where Tesco and the Regent Square flats are today. It manufactured safety fuses for the mining industry, mining explosives and detonators.

At the onset of war in 1914 Nobel’s in Linlithgow successfully tendered for the War Office contract to provide guns, shells, small arms and ammunitions. Ironically given Alfred’s will, the Regent factory flourished and expanded as the war continued. Work also continued at Ardeer and Westquarter in the production and development of explosives and detonators throughout and after the two world wars. At its peak during World War II, the Westquarter works employed 1,700 people, predominantly women, producing detonators.

Nothing remains today of the armaments factories at Westquarter or Linlithgow, although walking the sites for this article I found the old swing bridge in the canal at Reddingmuirhead. There are very few references to the industry, even in street names. Nobel didn’t want his legacy to be about armaments and explosives though, so perhaps just as well the name is fading here, and his famous prizes take centre stage.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines.

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Merchant of Death In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in a newspaper. Entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” it was a case of mistaken identity as it was Alfred’s brother Ludvig who had died.

However it made Alfred think about how he would be remembered, and he eventually changed his will, specifying that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The peace element is awarded to the person who has “done the most to bring about the brotherhood of nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the formation or popularisation of peace congresses.” Alfred Nobel died in December 1896 in his villa in San Remo, Italy, from a cerebral haemorrhage.

A spoonful of high explosive - for your heart Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and high blood pressure, amongst other things, and is a World Health Association Essential Medicine.

Don’t try this at home, but diluting it makes it non-explosive . . .

Alfred Nobel was bothered with poor health throughout his life, and when first prescribed nitroglycerin in 1890 he refused it. A couple of months before his death in 1896 however, he wrote: “My heart trouble will keep me here in Paris for another few days at least, until my doctors are in complete agreement about my immediate treatment. Isn’t it the irony of fate that I have been prescribed N/G 1 [nitroglycerin] to be taken internally!

They call it Trinitrin, so as not to scare the chemist and the public.”

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The Nobel Prize medal

and Nobel in Italy in December. The worldwide Nobel business empire at the time consisted of more than 90 factories manufacturing explosives and ammunition.

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LIFE COACHING

Everything is POSSIBLE...

THE TRUTH ABOUT For those who avoid oils or moisturising products for the fear of having greasy heavy hair, I thought I’d take the fear out and dispel some myths!

Firstly your scalp needs oil; we produce it naturally and it helps to protect your scalp.

If possible don’t wash your hair every day give oil the chance to produce rather than stripping it out. Dry shampoo is a great way to stretch out the time between washing.

Dry scalps can be treated with an oil massage, try warming coconut oil and massaging in to scalp. Make sure to shampoo this one out!

Fine hair doesn’t need conditioner ...

UNTRUE!! Finer hair needs conditioner to help close the cuticle which keeps the hair strong. It needs moisture just as much, it helps build elasticity within the hair which helps it stretch and keeps it supple, which

in turn will stop it from becoming brittle and breaking.

So don’t be afraid to put oil on your scalp, skip a shampoo and go get regular withmoisturising treatments regardless of your hair texture!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 16 | BROXBURN

‘You must do the things you think you cannot do’, so said Eleanor Roosevelt and that sentiment is just as true today as it was back in the late 1930s and early 1940s when she was America’s First Lady.

Many of us spend a lot of precious time avoiding doing anything new or different and going out of our way to avoid any activity we regard as being even remotely challenging.

The fear of looking foolish or worse prevents us from trying out new things as we scuttle back to that same old comfort zone.

There can be many reasons why we’re afraid to put our heads above the proverbial parapet. Maybe someone made a casual comment or criticism about our first attempts at swimming or cycling or reading in public when we were very young, and this was taken to heart and carried long after the person who said it had completely forgotten all about it. Maybe our first attempt at driving a car resulted in a series of embarrassing stalls all along a crowded high street and we decided that driving was obviously not for us.

Dwelling on what we consider to be embarrassing incidents from our past can really affect our confidence and get in the way of trying new things. The good news is that no matter how long we have held a negative belief about ourselves and however much it has undermined us, it’s never too late to change our thinking and begin to live the life we want to live.

“The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is an NLP coach, hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner, based within Linlithgow Chiropractic.

She supports people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us back in life.

See orrganise.co.uk ”

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-The experience of a yoga teacher The physical benefits of yoga are limitless. The right teacher and an appropriate class can ensure significant improvement in strength, flexibility, breathing capacity and also a holistic view of the body and health.

It can be part of a fitness plan or can be a core part of a spiritual lifestyle and journey. It can bring a school of philosophical thought into your awareness and provide moral/ ethical guidelines by which to benchmark daily experiences. How far a practitioner takes this is completely up to them.

A regular yoga practice as part of a rehabilitation programme after illness or injury almost always ensures physically and mental improvements, when facilitated by an instructor who embodies yoga as a way of life, rather than only a physical activity.

After several classes you may just realise that your yoga night is the best night’s sleep you get in the week. That you stand a bit taller after class, breathe a bit fuller and that your mind is surprisingly clear on the drive home. Yoga night may also inadvertently become the evening that you choose not to indulge in your usual glass of wine or sugary snacks.

Yoga teaches us to take control of our own bodies; to be intentional and resilient and to be sensitive to ourselves during different life stages. Our practice can be adapted restoratively, energetically and mindfully depending on what is needed at that time.

The focus on breath teaches students simple techniques to expand the chest, clear the respiratory system and balance both sides of the brain (helpful if you find it difficult to slow down).

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And now we come to relaxation/meditation/ mindfulness. All these terms sound wonderful but can mean nothing if we are not in the correct frame of mind. Yoga provides an opportunity for mindfulness, and a good instructor will guide you through the different stages of relaxation. A legitimate opportunity is provided for your mind to process everything it hasn’t yet processed, to completely surrender the body physically and to ‘tune out’ from the constant over-stimulation we are subject to.

When I found myself sampling vastly contrasting yoga classes, after the departure of my inspiring first teacher, I quickly became disillusioned and frustrated at the diversity of teaching methods and the required level of physical exertion. It quickly became apparent that a teacher’s knowledge of yoga wasn’t enough; it was their ability to translate that knowledge, with relevance, that was important. An individual’s initial attraction to yoga may be fitness or relaxation but it’s the teacher’s ability to communicate their knowledge persuasively and sensitively that makes an individual return to the mat.

Whether or not you choose yoga, the most important thing is that you Choose You! This article was contributed by Eva Paterson, Owner of Choose YOU – yoga studio and wellness hub in Livingston | www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk @KonectMagazines

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“You don’t need to wait until Spring!”

As we find ourselves in the middle of the dark winter months, there is usually the feeling that it would probably be best to wait until the spring before putting your property on the market. After all, spring is traditionally associated with a time of change and this has always had a bearing on the property market.

Serious buyers, however, do not give up over the Winter and can even become frustrated by lack of choice as the volume of available properties drops considerably at this time of year. You can take advantage of this temporary imbalance of supply and demand by being one of the properties that is new on the market! New properties attract strong interest at any time of the year however when the choice is more scarce, buyers who need to secure an onward purchase are more open to

compromise on their desired search criteria and often more likely to pay a premium than they might be at a time when the choice is greater.

Properties with gardens do tend to photograph better in the spring and summer months however with the aid of market-leading software, agents are able to present properties to the market with a blue sky, green grass and the sun shining as shown in our examples.

BEFORE

AFTER (Enhanced)

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Total visits to Rightmove per month

Many sellers will inevitably wait until the spring before putting their property on the market however, contrary to the mistaken belief that nobody will be looking at this time of year, the current backlog of frustrated buyers are already looking today as the Rightmove graph of web traffic from January to July last year shows.

If you are contemplating a sale next year, I suggest you take advantage of the situation, be strategic, and position your property for an early sale at a time when demand is currently outstripping supply.

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

Website: www.turpies.com

| Tel: 01506 668448 | Social Media:

BEFORE (Taken in Winter)

AFTER (Enhanced)

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

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

Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk

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Claylands Cottage Cattery

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Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

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Kitchen Seeds & Leaves Whatever the weather… you can sprout seeds and baby salad leaves indoors all year round!

As kids we grew mustard and cress on kitchen towel on an indoor windowsill, snipping off enough of the baby leaves we would need to go in our egg sandwiches.

Today there are so many different leaves and seeds we can grow in different colours and with distinct flavours. The Kitchen Seed Sprouter is a very convenient bit of kit for indoor salad production that you can use all year round.

Sprouting Seeds like Mung Beans, Alfalfa and Sunflower are great in the lower trays and are ready in 4 – 6 days. Seeds of

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Beetroot, radish, Fenugreek and other salad leaves are allowed to grow into microgreens and can be Seed cut when they Sprouter are about 5cm (2”) tall, just using what you need for that day. They’ll take two to three weeks to be ready for cutting.

What flavours will you be trying? The sweetness of beetroot, the spicy flavour of radish or perhaps the aromatic smokiness of fenugreek?

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

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

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MUSICALLY ACTIVE DUDES

A class with an energetic dance vibe and great music, from a DJ who regularly spins the discs at Boteco do Brasil in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as Mango in Glasgow.

This is just one of the great quality classes available via Musically Active Dudes (MUSAC), a dance, music and movement charity set up in 2008 by Livingston resident Ruth, who wanted a meaningful activity for her son to do. He still attends, 11 years later, and the group now offers a range of movement and music classes for people of all ages who have severe to complex additional support needs.

“Our attendees range from young adults who come here when they graduate from their school environment, as well as older adults. The groups are also suitable for those in the early stages of dementia,” explains Sophie, who is on the committee of volunteers and whose brother has been enjoying MUSAC classes for eight years.

91% of support workers feel that MUSAC has made a difference to lth their client’s physical or mental hea 30 | BROXBURN

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“MUSAC improved her social well-being, and interaction skills.”

I attended the Brazilian dance class at Crofthead Community Centre in Dedridge one December morning, to get an idea of what the group offers. It’s busy and energetic with a great buzz. Each person attends with their support worker. The class is run by Beats of Brazil, which is one of the three professional companies who provide four different classes for MUSAC. After a few sets of toe-tapping tunes, I got to find out a bit about the group and what drives it. West Calder resident John Dirkie’s love of all things Brazilian led to him starting dance workshops a number of years ago; one thing led to another and now, along with his (Brazilian) wife, they run a programme of classes for special needs schools in North Lanarkshire, as well as the Livingston classes for MUSAC and a range of other classes and performances throughout Scotland. The two MUSAC classes are Samba dancing on a Monday and Brazilian-inspired percussion on a Thursday.

“It’s so good to see people getting out to the classes, being active and social,” says John, who is also on the committee of MUSAC. “They always leave with a smile on their face.

There are almost certainly people within West Lothian who are looking for meaningful activities to get out of the house, and who could benefit from the classes, but they don’t know about MUSAC yet. We’d love to welcome them!”

Besides the Beats of Brasil classes, MUSAC offers dance and movement via IndepenDance, a Glasgow-based company which provides classes for both disabled and nondisabled. Participants use their imaginations to inspire and create routines and to develop rhythm and movement. Singing and @KonectMagazines

vocalisation classes are also offered via Hear My Music, allowing participants to express themselves and their thoughts and feelings through singing.

All of the tutors are experienced not only in their area of music and dance, but also in working with the disabled community, so you can expect a very high-quality experience offered at each class. Participants are supported to retain, relearn and develop skills, improve fitness, physical and mental health, as well as socialisation. It also offers support workers the chance to meet each other and further their professional development.

There is nothing else like it in West Lothian.

“It definitely beats sitting around at home.

There are spaces in all the classes, and new members will be warmly welcomed.”

“Everyone always gives it 110%”

For more information please contact MUSAC on, Email: musicallyactivedudesw@gmail.com Facebook: @musicallyactivedudes Call: Ruth on 07890 522864

or, Mary on 07876 073710.

There is a small contribution of £7 per session with membership (membership is £5 per year) paid in blocks of 6 weeks. (£8 for drop-in without membership). Come and try first class for £6.

MUSAC is a charity registered in Scotland SC040674.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer based on information provided by MUSAC and visiting one of their classes in Livingston. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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PARENTING

A mini Hole in one! adventure for a rainy day...

Is it just me or does it feel like it’s been raining non-stop since Christmas?

By this point in the winter my kids are practically climbing the walls. The novelty of their Christmas gifts has well and truly worn off and we’ve exhausted all the crafty stuff in the house. Yet still there is no hint of spring in the air.

So the way I see it there’s two options.

Option 1 stick the kids in their waterproofs and wellies and dance in the rain. Embrace the weather for what it is. Go to the park, head out for a walk…after all there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!

There are some lovely scenic spots to explore around West Lothian. Bonus being that this, of course, is totally free.

And if you’re still feeling the pinch after Christmas that’s a big plus.

Option 2 make the most of some indoor fun. I like a giggle-inducing muddy puddle as much as the next mum but there’s only so much a girl can take of being soggy.

My girls love a trip to Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Livingston when the weather is 32 | BROXBURN

leaving us in a bit of a funk.

rk!

Golf Sha

The first time we took them we thought it might just be a waste of time because they wouldn’t be able to really do it. And we were right; they were pretty rubbish all things considered. At getting the ball in the hole anyway.

But their serous lack of skills and alarmingly poor grasp of how the game should ACTUALLY be played didn’t take the shine off.

I knew we were on to a winner when they each got to choose their own coloured ball before we even went inside. One pink ball, one purple ball, everybody’s happy. And I’m sure any seasoned parent will agree…big tick for mini golf so far.

Once we got inside they were totally captivated by the themed courses (the lost lagoon is their favourite owing to the magic pearl half way around). They love a bit of make-believe so before long the coloured golf balls became precious gems and we were explorers on a grand adventure.

We had to let a fair few “serious” golfers overtake us on our quest but they couldn’t get enough of it. It was like Indiana Jones meets Jumanji with a bit of Ryder Cup action thrown in for good measure.

We’ve been back quite a few times since that first trip and I’m happy to say that the balls are getting picked up less often and going in the holes more often. On our last trip it was even worthwhile keeping score. Nothing beats the winter blues quite like a bit of friendly competition.

We’ve found this activity keeps little kids and big kids alike entertained. And they do kids parties too so it’s always a good one to keep in the back pocket for a rainy day!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Families/Education pages.

Contacts details are on page 3.

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Will You Help BROXBURN and UPHALL to Bloom?

Whilst February may usually be a quieter month on the events calendar, there’s still plenty to see and do right across West Lothian.

Starting in Linlithgow, the Linlithgow Arts Guild celebrates their 50th anniversary with an Orchestral Concert By Scottish Sinfonia. The orchestra is a highly successful mixture of professional players and amateurs, with an age range of 17 to 70, all united in one common aim: to make music of the highest standard of which they are capable. Tickets are available online for the show which takes place on Saturday 8th from 18.30.

If you’d prefer to get out and about, why not head over to Hopetoun House for Snowdrop Sunday on the 16th where you can explore the natural snowdrop display in the Hopetoun hundred acres.

Afterwards, warm up on the Stables Kitchen with a hot drink or bite to eat.

Guided walks are available too from 10.30 and 14.00.

The events calendar at Howden Park Centre is in full flow, with the monthly acoustic open night taking place on the 24th February. Join the performers or simply sit back and listen to a range of great local music – you never know who you might hear! If comedy is more your thing, Jim Davidson’s “Last Man Standing” takes place on the 21st – tickets are available online through the Howden Park Centre website.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 34 | BROXBURN

Following a successful bid for town funding, we are delighted that we will be able to install new planters throughout the Broxburn and Uphall. As a community-led project, we need your help to make this a success! This is the result of a successful partnership between Broxburn Community Council, Broxburn and Uphall Development Group (BUD) and other local groups - all with a desire to make our community a better place to live and work.

A range of new planters and benches will be located throughout the community as well as the adoption of some existing planters. A team, under the banner of Broxburn and Uphall Growers Society (BUGS) will plant and maintain them. As well as flowers and shrubs, many planters will contain vegetables and herbs, providing a valuable food resource for our community. The project will also benefit from the planting of bulbs and fruit trees in public spaces.

We are looking for local volunteers to help: • PLANTING - filling and maintaining the planters, planting bulbs and trees • PROPAGATION - growing plants from seed for use in the community • EXPERTISE - sharing knowledge and skills with other volunteers If you would like to get involved, please email us at: contact@bugs.scot We would like to invite you to attend one of the meetings to set up the Broxburn and Uphall Growers Society (BUGS), being held on Saturday 8th February 2020 at 2.00 pm and/ or Tuesday 11th February 2020 at 7.00pm - both meetings held at the Strathbrock Community Centre.

We’d love to see you there!

Yours sincerely,

Broxburn Community Council & Broxburn and Uphall Development Group @KonectMagazines

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BROXBURN WEST LOTHIAN DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have a family member or friend who suffers from alcohol or substance misuse. We work together to develop coping strategies and understanding.

Strathbrock P’ship Community Centre (entrance B) Broxburn, 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month - 5:30- 7:30pm.

Relaxation therapies available the first meetings of month. WLDAS also offers 1-to-1 support if needed.

Please contact Stephen Jack on 01506 430225 for more info or request someone to meet you outside before meeting. All welcome, no appointments needed. Groups also in Livingston and Blackburn.

BROXBURN GENTLE WALKS Meeeting at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn, Every Wednesday at 10.00am.

To find out more contact Scott Lundrigan on 07493 895554.

THE MEMORY CAFÉ Strathbrock Centre, Community Wing, Entrance B on the fourth Tuesday of each month 10:00-11:30. Come for the whole time or just drop in for a cuppa. For everyone with Dementia and their carers. Contact Allison on 07765 243362 or the Alzheimer Scotland office on 01506 533108 for more information.

ACOUSTIC MUSIC/SONGWRITING SESSIONS Informal sessions aimed at encouraging musicians (adults) of all levels and abilities to share their ideas, techniques and songs with others in informal friendly environment. The sessions are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7.30-9.30 pm, £2 per session, in Strathbrock Community Centre, Entrance B, Room GP3. For further information please contact Annie at 01506 853593 or check out our Facebook page - Acoustic Music/ Song Writing Session Broxburn”.

ACTIVITY GROUP - NEW GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Join our new activity group, a mix of quizzes, games, tea and chat. Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Weekly on Thursdays 10am-12pm. For more information contact Cyrenians OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot DE-STRESS, GET FIT AND LEARN HOW TO RELAX WITH YOGA Mondays - Adult Yoga Classes, all levels welcome. Broxburn United Football Club, Greendykes Road, EH52 5 BP. Claire Chant 9.30am -11am, drop in £7, Tel: 07766 602629.

Maxine Burke 7pm-8pm, drop in £6, Tel: 01506 843091.

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SCOUTING Come and join in the scouting adventure at our local Beaver, Cub or Scout groups. Meeting once a week at Broxburn Scout hut on Station Road to play games, plan camping trips and earn badges.

• Beavers (Age 6-8) Tue night 6pm • Cubs (Age 8-10.5) Tue night 7.15pm • Scouts (Age 10.5-14) Fri night 7.30pm Groups are open to all, come along for a free trial!! Email enquiries to jo.cook1403@gmail.com GIRL GUIDING Rainbow Unit (girls aged 5-7) takes place on Thurs nights and Brownie Unit (girls aged 7-10) on Mon and Wed nights. For more information please visit www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com 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.

LIVINGSTON HIGHLAND SOCIETY Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189 W Main St, Broxburn. Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday evening between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist.

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 BurnIt. 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 l.lauder@busc.org.uk 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: Thurs night (6:007:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool.

SQUAD SWIMMING: Mon & Tues (7:30-9:00), Thurs (7:00-9:00) and Fri (6:00-8:00)- Broxburn Swimming Pool.

For further information please contact: broxburn_asc@hotmail.com CHURCH STREET BABY & TODDLER GROUP 2 Church Street, Broxburn EH52 5EL. Every Thursday from 09.15-11.00 and is based in the Church Hall behind Broxburn Parish Church. Suitable for children from birth to 3 years. Each session costs £2 per and includes a healthy snack for the children and a cuppa & biscuit for the grown-ups. Visit our Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ BroxburnChurchStreetBabyandToddler CRAFT CUPPA We are a small group of crafters who meet on Saturday afternoons 1-3 pm at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Community Wing, entrance B. We meet to share expertise, have a natter and a cuppa.

We would welcome anyone who wants to come along. For more info please email craftycuppaclub@mail.com or just come along!

WEST LOTHIAN IWAMA RYU AIKIDO CLUB Broxburn Black Belt Academy, EH52 5BB, Broxburn.

Dedicated to the traditional study and practice of Aikido through ken, jo and taijutsu. The club meets at Broxburn BlackBelt Academy Thursdays 8pm to 9:30pm. Come along and give it a try. For information please call 07784 006851 wliwamaryu@gmail.com BROXBURN GYMNASTICS CLUB Broxburn Academy’s Dance Studio, Broxburn. Fun filled gymnastics class for children in P1-P7. Hourly classes on Saturday mornings 10am (Beginner), 11am (Intermediate), Advanced 12pm.

First week is a free no obligation trial. For more information please contact Gemma on 07775 900624 or broxburngymnasticsclub@yahoo.co.uk w: www.broxburngymnastics.com

The BUSY Project

• Pizza Wednesday: lunch club, Broxburn Academy. Pizza, music and games. S1-S6, Base 6 opposite guidance. FREE! • Engage Youth Club: P7-S6 Wednesday 6-8pm @ The Open Door. Games, food, prayer & Bible study. FREE! • Drop In: Thursday lunch group, Broxburn Academy. Discuss Faith and God, milkshakes & games. S1-S6, M13. FREE! • Youth Café: P7-S6 Friday 1-3pm @ Uphall South Church Hall.

Games, trips & Cooking etc. 50p Check out our website – www.thebusyproject.org.uk or email@thebusyproject.org.uk

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BROXBURN SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We meet in Broxburn Community Centre at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of each month from September to May. For more information please contact wlfedsec@hotmail.com, see the SWI website www.theswi.org.uk or phone 01506 670436.

UPHALL SLIMMING WORLD South Parish Church, East Main St, Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Canon Hoben Hall, Broxburn, Wednesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30.

Please call Lisa on 07736 316400.

BINNY GOLF CLUB Oatridge Golf Course, Ecclesmachan. 9 hole course in a stunning mature parkland location. Club house with changing facilities, coffee / soft drinks & snacks. Active programme of events & medal competitions throughout the year. Annual memberships Adults £320, Seniors £270, 18-20 £100, 15-17 £20, under 15 £10. Includes golf Insurance, Linlithgowshire Golf Discount, 50% Discount for guests & unlimited golf @ Elmwood, Cupar. Full details available from The Starter 01506 859636, 7 days. Pay & Play rate available for non members.

REGAL YOUTH DRAMA Uphall Community Centre, Tuesdays 7pm – 9pm. Starting 23rd Oct 2018. For more information contact admin@regalyouthcompany.com.

SLIMMING WORLD South Parish Church, East Main St, Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Canon Hoben Hall, Broxburn, Wednesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30.

Please call Lisa on 07736 316400.

WEST LOTHIAN BAKING CLUB We meet every 6th Monday 7.30 – 9.30pm at Uphall Community Centre to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £3 per meeting.

Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

ST ANDREW’S COURT ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people?

Come and join in our activity group in St Andrew’s Court, Uphall, weekly Wednesdays (10am-12midday).

A mix of gentle physical activity,

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quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session.

Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot.

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 www.uphallplaygroup.co.uk or tel 01506 854451 for further information.

WEST LOTHIAN U3A (University of the 3rd Age) A group of retired people who like to keep their minds active by learning in an informal environment. We meet in Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m., when we have speakers on a variety of topics. U3A also has a number of interest Groups who also meet once a month, including Art Appreciation, Singing for Pleasure, History, Walking and Cinema. New members are always welcome – please contact the Membership Secretary Helen on 01506 655976.

You will find a list of speakers and a full list of Groups on our website u3asites.org.uk/westlothian

WINCHBURGH HULLABALOO Music classes for babies and toddlers with their carers. At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments.

Through favourite songs and rhymes, children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch. Wednesdays 11.00am (term time) Winchburgh Community Centre.

E: info@mcmillanyoungmusicians.co.uk W: www.mcmillanyoungmusicians. co.uk/hullabaloo.

WINCHBURGH MORNING ART GROUP We meet in the Winchburgh Community Centre every Thursday (9.30 - 11.30) and we have regular tutors. If interested, please contact the Secretary on 07980 321989 or 01506 859422.

BOUNCE BACK TO NETBALL (WINCHBURGH WARRIORS) Bounce Back to Netball is a Netball Scotland initiative to get women 18+ back into sport. Netball is great fun, fantastic exercise and a fab way to meet new people! Suitable for all levels of fitness/ ability, even complete beginners! Join our friendly group of ladies at either of our weekly sessions which are held at Winchburgh Primary School. Mondays 7.30-9pm (£4) and Fridays 7-8pm (£3) Sessions are drop in with no commitment to attend every week and your first night is free.

Find us on Facebook or email us at winchburghwarriors@gmail.com for further info.

BROWNIE UNIT (girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DECHMONT GUIDE UNIT (girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Tuesday night.

For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DECHMONT 50+ ARTS GROUP This group of enthusiastic amateur painters meet every Wednesday from 13.30 - 16.00 in Dechmont Memorial Hall to practice their art and socialise.

There are a few membership places available and new members would be more than welcome irrespective of their painting skills. For more details email dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit their website at dechmontartgroup.wix. com/home.

OTHER AREAS GENTLE YOGA Dechmont Memorial Hall, Monday night 6.30-7.45pm at Dechmont Memorial Hall. Contact Claire Chant 07766 602629.

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer Tai-Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk for more information.

ECCLESMACHAN SWRI Meets in Ecclesmachan Village Hall on the 1st Thursday of every month from August (except January and July).

Meetings starts at 7.15 pm and last until about 9.30 pm. Anyone interested in coming along would be made very welcome as we are always pleased to meet interested parties as visitors or perhaps as potential new members. To come as a visitor costs £6 or to join as a full member costs £25 for the year.

Tea and Raffle each month cost £4.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.KONECT.SCOT

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PUZZLES

FILM REVIEW

CROSSWORD

The film’s original concept was to take place on Air Force One. I wish this idea had stuck, rather than the setting used.

Angel has Fallen is a film of missed opportunities, trying to be an action film with a personal story interweaving real world fears and politics, to varying degrees of success.

Solution in the March edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Mail (4), 3. Smallest in length (8), 9. Rested (7), 10. Line of people (5), 11. To do with sums (12), 14. Early morning moisture (3), 16. Very angry (5), 17 Neckwear (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Deal with (5), 22. Washing (7), 23. Interfering (8), 24. Enquires (4).

DOWN: 1. Egyptian structures (8), 2. Divide (5), 4. Tool for carrying bricks (3), 5. Specific needs (12), 6. Graceful (7), 7. Long walk (4), 8. Still being tested (12), 12. Modify (5), 13. Letters or texts (8), 15. Saturday and Sunday (7), 19. Leaves (5), 20. Part of a flower (4), 22. Prohibit (3).

Solution in the March edition of Konect

SUDOKU

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Gerald Butler’s character Mike Banning is pretty decent. He deals with lots of inner demons but being the President’s bodyguard, he has to portray the tough guy. I feel the concept could have been interesting, exploring his struggles with events and the decisions he makes, but his issues are ignored until its relevant to the plot. He never struggles in combat, knowing exactly what do. Morgan Freeman’s character is ok but is under-utilised and the rest of the cast are average.

The film is predictable. It’s a slog getting from one plot point to another. There is one unique and creative action set piece - the drone strike. However, it was inconsistent, extremely fake-looking although the explosions were awesome. Being honest, the film’s biggest flaw is the use of extremely distracting CGI. In 2019 action films rose to an all-time high, proving that well-choreographed, wide action shots and well-edited visible action which is not hard or confusing to follow, avoiding lots of CGI and with everyone involved putting in 100% - all produces some of the best action films. This film lacks the innovation of the other large-scale action films which disappoints.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing.

Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. @KonectMagazines