Konect Broxburn June 2019

JUNE 2019

broxburn

WISHING ALL READERS A FANTAS TIC GALA DAY! FEATURE:

Hamilton Goldsmiths:

CHARITY: LOCAL PEOPLE:

“Every piece has a story”

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

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

TO OUR

JUNE EDITION

THIS ISSUE

W

ishing all readers in Uphall and Winchburgh a fantastic time at the gala days this month!

A huge thanks is due to the bunch of dedicated volunteers who put the galas and all associated events on. The first week of June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to thank volunteers for their contributions that keep our communities running in so many ways, as well as celebrating volunteering and finding ways locally of getting involved. Volunteering is open to everyone and is a great way of not only contributing to a cause you care about, but is rewarding personally - a way of learning new skills, gaining confidence, being part of a community, gaining experience and of course having fun! See the poster on page 39 for details of volunteer fairs arranged in West Lothian, or if you can’t make it to a fair you can contact the West Lothian Volunteer Network any time to enquire about opportunities locally.

A volunteer at an event I was at recently said, “I can’t imagine not volunteering now. It becomes part of your life.”

Our Charity of the Month for this issue is HandiCabs Lothian – like me, you may have seen their white and green liveried taxi and bus buzzing around locally and not realised exactly who and what they are for. They provide a fantastic service, and you may know someone who could benefit from using them but perhaps doesn’t realise – take a look at the feature on pages 8-9. They are also looking for volunteers.

P35 Charity: HandiCabs Lothian.......................... 8 Health & Beauty............................................12 Hamilton Goldsmiths: Every piece has a story................................................................15 Property Matters............................................16 Gardening: Transformers!...........................23 Local People: 16 Green Fingers.................24 Puzzles...........................................................25 Boghall Drop-In.............................................26 Interiors: Sustainable roller blinds...............29 What’s On......................................................32 Music Review................................................33 Parenting: Find their spark!..........................35 Clubs & Classes............................................36

COVER IMAGE: Have a fantastic time at the Uphall and Winchburgh Gala days!

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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delivering more Put yourself in safe hands with our highly experienced legal and property teams.

Estate Agency and Conveyancing Buying, selling and marketing of residential and commercial property.

Private Client Wills, trusts, inheritance tax, powers of attorney, guardianship.

Family Law Divorce and separation, contact and residence, adoption.

Immigration All visa applications , citizenship, EU Law, appeals.

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You’ve probably seen the HandiCabs minibus dropping people off at the Centre, Morrisons, Dobbies or Tesco and not given it a second thought; that’s certainly the case for me. But last month I was contacted by the organisation looking for help with letting people know what they do, because it is so much more than specialist transport for wheelchair users.

“You might need help with transport for a wide range of reasons. Handicabs is about making sure people are not stuck, for whatever reason, and that includes people who are isolated due to a lack of public transport where they live and have no other means of getting about,” explains Gary Toner, Assistant Operations Manager. “And of course we help people who have mobility challenges and cannot use public transport, which covers a broad range of issues.” It may be that you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemo, or have a longer term challenge – whatever the case, HandiCabs is there to help. There are a lot of people in the community who could benefit but don’t know about it.

Handicabs Lothian covers Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, and offers two services which are a lifeline to many people in the community. Dial-A-Bus is a scheduled regular bus service Mondays to Fridays, to and from popular shopping destinations, where you book on and are collected from and dropped off at your home as opposed to a bus stop.

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Dial-A-Ride is more like a taxi service, where you book your date, time and destination. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, airport drop-off or collection, social night out; Edinburgh Tattoo; even a Christmas Day dinner trip has been booked in the past.

Both services are “door through door” i.e. the driver is willing and able to assist with, for example, carrying your shopping bags into your kitchen; taking you right into the airport terminal building; giving you that extra helping hand with getting your coat on, whatever is required. “Many of our drivers have been with us a long time. They have built a personal rapport with customers, know them well and what their particular preferences are. And the banter on the bus between the regular customer is part of what makes it a really enjoyable service,” explains Laura Kearney.

Laura joined HandiCabs last year and is tasked with finding new sources of grant income for the charity, as, whilst the four councils in the areas covered provide operational funding, new sources are needed in order to be able to replace vehicles, as funding for this is dropping off.

A certain amount of the cost is also offset by the fares customers pay, although theses are kept very low – Dial-A-Bus is £3.80 return anywhere in West Lothian; Dial-ARide is £4.75 for the first mile and 40p per mile thereafter, fixed rate. (Your first journye on Dial-A- Bus is free, and you get £5 off your first Dial-A-Ride, to try the services).

HandiCabs allow their customers, crucially, some independence that they wouldn’t otherwise have. It takes the pressure off family members, and gives you more independence to get your weekly shopping and jobs done, freeing up those “lifts for mum” for other events. It’s also a social safety net for many; Laura recounts an incident where one regular customer hadn’t booked on the bus, and the driver commented that she was missing, asking her friend if she was ok. Her friend said “She is coming, she’s waiting.” She had just forgotten to call and book, so they swung round and collected her. The camaradie of the group of regular customers made this possible. @KonectMagazines

Gary has been with HandiCabs for 26 years, starting out as a driver, then moving onto dispatch and now management. There are several others who are long serving, and the drivers tend to stay for a good number of years. It speaks volumes for the ethos of the charity, the work they do, the relationships with each other and with customers. “It’s like a big family. We even have a few families where several members of the family all work or volunteer here” says Laura.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Volunteers are very welcome to help out with driving, dispatch or other work in the offices to keep things going behind the scenes. There are offices in Bathgate and Bilston Glen (Midlothian).

Dial-A-Ride enabled me to become more independent and gave me a new lease of life.

I was able to go to Livingston to meet friends; travel on a day out to Edinburgh Festival and to hospitals. If this service was not available I would be confined to my home town which has limited shop entrances for wheelchairs.

Dial-A-Ride gives an excellent service. I cannot travel on ordinary bus service or taxis.

I no longer exist, but live.

HandiCabs Customer If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with getting out of the house, as a one off or regular, please call HandiCabs to see if they can assist. The cheery team will be happy to answer any questions. A registration form needs to be completed in order to start using one of the services.

Contact HandiCabs Lothian on: • Dial-a-Ride: 01506 633953 • Dial-a-Bus: 01506 633336

You can also find them online at www.hcltransport.org.uk and on facebook @handicabs.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Laura Kearney and Gary Toner of HandiCabs Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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SIMPLE STEPS TO GROWING BETTER HAIR, FASTER Treat your hair like an expensive fabric you wear every day! You wouldn’t wash a gucci silk scarf in Fairy….would you?!

Treat it regularly, use olaplaex for strengthening or ask your stylist to treat it for you, use good moisture treatments. We love the Sebastian Hydre moisture mask and the Davines OI range for a daily moisture boost.

You are what you eat! To promote great hair it’s about what you put in your body, make sure your getting good amounts of protein, zinc and vitamins A, C and E as well as omega 3 fatty acids.

Use protection! When styling with heat are sure your not working with anything hotter than 200 degrees and always use a protector, it seems simple but can make a huge difference to damaged brittle hair.

Be gentle! Think about the type of brush you use on wet hair, hair is particularly susceptible to breakage when it’s wet so use a specifically designed tangle teezer or our new favourite - the manta brush. Technique is equally important, start at the bottom and work your way up.

Get a trim! It won’t make it grow faster but it will keep the ends strong, retain its volume, smoothness and stop the hair becoming weak and breaking. Healthy hair is always in fashion!

Stop Buying, Start Living

There’s one big thing that keeps people from the life they dream of. It’s not confidence or motivation or a great business idea. It’s consumption.

Maintaining the lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed becomes all consuming.

It keeps a person (or more likely persons) working at least 40 hours or more per week to ensure they earn enough money to maintain their lifestyle. This would be absolutely fine if they were happy, but they’re not.

The answer to this unhappiness? To buy more of course. The adverts have promised that when we own a particular model of car or a diamond encrusted watch we will have ‘arrived’ and will finally be happy.

The truth? Big companies and the advertising machines behind them will never allow you to be happy. Happiness equals satisfaction and satisfaction means no more purchases.

If you truly want to be happy then take some time out from being a consumer to assess what you really want from your life. You might be surprised to find that you have goals and ambitions and hopes and dreams that have nothing to do with accumulating money and buying stuff. You may discover that to be truly happy you require much less money than you thought and you now have the freedom of choice. You can choose to work forty hours a week or you can choose to go part-time. You may even choose to volunteer or start a microbusiness that allows you to pursue a passion.

When you stop believing that buying leads to happiness and you realise that happiness is a mindset – you can begin to create the life that you desire.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 12 | BROXBURN

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching @KonectMagazines

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Health and Wellbeing pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

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Hamilton Goldsmiths: “Every piece has a story”

Taking on the mantle of a shop that has housed a jewellery business for over 40 years on Broxburn’s East Main Street might seem a daunting task, but Tracey Hughes, who took over Hamilton’s last June, is more than up to the task. She’s doing it for a friend…

“George Hamilton was a family friend, and before he passed away last year, I had made the commitment to him that I would keep the business going,” says Tracey. George had had the business for about six years; prior to that it was WH Cunningham, a jewellers that had been here for since the 1970s. “People who bought their engagement and wedding rings here are now coming back to buy gifts for their grandchildren,” she says. “George was a wonderful man, it was much more than just a jewellery shop here, and I want to carry on that legacy.”

A horologist by training, working for Watches of Switzerland for many years, Tracey was a foster parent for a long time but is happy to be back surrounded by watches and jewellery.

One year on, she is loving it. Customers come in for a chat and a browse; it’s one of those increasingly-rare independent high street shops where personal service and an interest in the local community are foremost. And of course, there is a range of lovely jewellery to suit all budgets and tastes.

“Jewellery might seem like a luxury in hard times, but we don’t just sell new jewellery – we can repair or alter treasured pieces, and it’s common for people to bring in an heirloom or special piece to have it altered or resized,” explains Tracey. It’s not just the metal and the stones; every piece, whether a new item or a repair job, has a story, represents a loved one, a memory, a special occasion. It’s a business very firmly based on human experience and emotion, and Tracey is in her element.

The story of the confirmation cards sold in the shop sums it up. “A lady was coming in regularly and liked to stop for a chat. @KonectMagazines

BELOW, RIGHT: Tracey’s daughter is making these clocks from vinyls, and selling them as fundraisers for her trip to work on school building in Malawi. A nod to her mum’s horology, background, the clocks are made from working LPs donated from her uncle’s collection – they are undamaged and could still be played!

Tracey in the shop with her dogs Jess and Jax

Vinyl Clocks

She’d suffered a stroke and was working on putting her life back together. She mentioned one day that she loved making cards and was joking about all the card making stuff she had at home.” Tracey saw the chance to help out. “I said a range of confirmation cards would be fab, as we sell christening and confirmation jewellery. So she now makes them for me to sell here – they are just something different, simple and beautiful, that you wouldn’t be able to buy elsewhere.”

And although she has given up the fostering to do this, she still gets her “little person” moments; “When young parents come into the shop, they are more than happy for me to entertain their little ones for a few minutes while they browse!”

Hamilton Goldsmiths, 54 East Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5AE | Tel 07717 827133, or search Hamilton Goldsmiths on Facebook This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Tracey at Hamilton’s. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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The Power of Pre-Marketing There is a strong argument for creating maximum exposure for a property during its time on the market, and much of an Estate Agent’s effort and resources are spent achieving the right exposure in the right places.

However, one of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few!

Many sellers like the idea of an initial period of quiet marketing, especially in instances of a marriage break up, a death in the family, a prominent house in a small town, financial difficulties or any other reason where people It works by taking advantage of the fact that don’t yet want it to be publicly known that people enjoy being offered something on they are selling. The concept also reduces an exclusive basis, especially when it is a the risk of overexposure or of the property property that is “just about to come onto the “going stale” on the market and provides the market”. Good Estate Agents often offer their opportunity to gauge buyer feedback and new instructions “off-market” to their pregather market intelligence to help position registered “hottest” buyers first, resulting an open-market campaign should it be in sales that were never even advertised! required.

Additionally, promoting to potential buyers Of course, it does rely on a strong register that they also have properties that don’t of qualified buyers, extensive knowledge appear on their website or any portals of the local area and some ‘good old creates a curiosity and a feeling that the fashioned estate agency work’ which, in buyer could be missing out on something the days of a heavy reliance on internet good. This encourages people to register advertising, is often overlooked. with the agent in order to gain access to a potentially popular property with little or no competition.

The monthly Property Matters column is The prices achieved using this method tend contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a to be good as well, as buyers of such a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and property know that (a) it is unlikely that the Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of seller would consider anything other than the West Lothian Property Market and over the asking price during these early days of 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing and (b) don’t want to lose out. marketing.

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Gardens/Exteriors pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

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Braekirk Decorator’s First Class Decoration Willie Jamieson T: 07779 186 298 E: maryjamieson64@googlemail.com 64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton EH27 8BL External | Internal | Wallpaper hanging

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Home Improvement pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

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If you only grow one edible thing... …Let it be one of the ‘transformers’. ‘Small in volume, large in flavour, transformers add zip and zest to your meals’ says Mark Diacono, the well-known gardener/cook.

We recommend a dozen great transformers to grow in your garden. They are a mix of herbs, salad crops and veggies that can turn a good dish into an exquisite dish.

Our top recommendations this summer would be to try a mint, perhaps spearmint, to add zest to new potatoes, garden peas or perhaps a courgette frittata. Chives with its edible, crunchy purple flowers and leaves to chop over a potato salad or to add an oniony zip to a green salad.

A third character that, like these other two, is so easy and reliable to grow would be one of

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the rosemary bushes. The different ones are all great transformers and our favourite thing is to chop the leaves finely and sprinkle them over parboiled potatoes before you roast them in the oven with some rapeseed oil.

Pick up our full list of transformers in our purple piglet project leaflet.

Rosemaried Roast Potatoes

Salad Trough

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

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

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Dougal and Lesley

GREEN FINGERS,

OR HOW TO GROW A BUSINESS

Ideal mentors would be Lesley Watson and Dougal Philip, who set up New Hopetoun Gardens 41 years ago and today oversee a thriving concern that employs almost forty staff. Lesley is well known to TV gardening fans as a stalwart of the evergreen “Beechgrove Garden” programme for 16 years, till the demands of travelling became excessive.

Over four decades, their working and personal relationships have matured effectively, like the red wines that Dougal adores, till today they mesh like Rolls Royce gears.

Dougal quietly impresses. A son of Watford, his four-year stint at St Andrews Uni, (where he achieved an M.A. in Geographical Studies), led him to a new home and a consuming career. Through the calm exterior, the passions shine: passion for their two families (between them four children, four grandchildren, though none aspire to enter the business), his business, his gardening, his wine, his charity work, his clientele and his mission to foster the love of gardening. The business acumen is in the DNA, as Dougal was born into the George Philip dynasty, a map and book publishing company established in 1834 and sold 20 years ago.

The Garden Centre emanated from a chance remark in a chance encounter at a dinner party: Dougal (already a self-employed, self-taught landscaper), suggested the struggling Hopetoun House could generate fresh revenue by setting up a garden centre, whereupon the factor of the trust promptly 24 | BROXBURN

offered Dougal the opportunity he couldn’t refuse; but, by golly, it was hard going, as Dougal also had to continue his landscaping business to make ends meet.

A major breakthrough came in 1988 when Hopetoun Gardens took gold in the Glasgow Garden Festival; turnover doubled in a year!

There was consequential glory - judging Show Gardens every year at the prestigious RHS shows in Cardiff, Malvern, Hampton Court and Chelsea; vice- presidency of the RHS; chair of Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, which fills a yawning void in the provision of pastoral and material care for gardeners in hard times. Once, Dougal explains, the focus was almost entirely on problems in retirement for, like ministers, gardeners usually had homes that went with their jobs. Today, sad to say, the vast preponderance of need lies in the fields of debt and mental health.

I asked Dougal for “a secret.” I hope you relish the reply!

“I was working at Hopetoun House when they had Royal visitors. I knock on the door of Princess Margaret’s room as I need to @KonectMagazines

PUZZLES

Tearoom Terrace

CROSSWORD

You can visit New Hopetoun Gardens from 10.00am - 5.00pm daily. The garden itself is a joy to wander through, with different themed areas for inspiration and a well-stocked garden centre. There is a gift shop, and a tea room which is open daily from 10.00am - 4.30pm, (lunches served 11.30am - 3.00pm)

I guess one reason for the success of the Philips is that they still have the common touch, which includes stints on the info desks, (“we’re not smart enough for the tills!”), and frequent interaction with customers - advising, commiserating, inspiring.

And the future? More time walking (wherever they be), reading - crime for Dougal, classics for Lesley, fundraising for Perennial and, for sure, continuing to spread far afield their infectious enthusiasm for gardening, gardens and gardeners.

This article was written by David Levin after interviewing Dougal and Lesley at New Hopetoun Gardens. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer. @KonectMagazines

Solution in the July edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. Manage, rule over (6), 8. Outfitter (6), 9. Information (4), 10. Set sail (8), 11. Most simple (7), 13. Vacant (5), 15. Caper, amazing feat (5), 16.Protection(7),18.Stress,accent(8),19.Otherwise(4), 21. Foolish (6), 22. 5 cent coin (6) DOWN: 1. Settee (4), 2. Connections, alliances (13), 3. Examine, study in detail (7), 4. Plump, rotund (5), 5. Outside edge of circle (13), 6. Household (8), 12. Tries (8), 14. Taunting, goading (7), 17. Separate, detached (5), 20. Trunk of plant (4)

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 38

tend the plants and flowers. No answer, so I gingerly open the door and peek in.

Just a dishevelled, unmade bed so in I go and I’m watering away when a nervous voice squeaks ‘Who’s there?’ I freeze but manage to stutter ‘Just me, ma’am, watering your plants. So sorry!’ and I flee.

I later had to endure a grilling from her security and from Hopetoun hierarchy but escaped unpunished. She was so tiny, she was lost amid the covers on the large bed.”

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Litter Pickers!

Holiday club Chocolate Volunteers!

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“We need to let as many people as possible know about what we have here, because it is really special,” says Victoria, one of the Board members of the Boghall Drop In Centre. And, after visiting last month at their request for an article, I have to agree; I was blown away by what’s going on at the Boghall Drop In Centre.

In a large modern building built in 2014

by West Lothian Council (after community consultation), Boghall Drop-In is actually a grassroots community organisation started in 2004 by local residents involved in a couple of community groups, who felt there were not enough meet-up opportunities in Boghall.

They got together, refurbished an old shop on Margaret Avenue and started providing group meet ups and activities for children and families in Boghall. “It rapidly grew arms and legs, with the activities being hugely popular and local people volunteering their time to run groups and keep the Drop-In centre open,” explains Kelly, who grew up here and is now the Charity Co-ordinator. So it was developed by the community, for the community from the very beginning, and today the organisation keeps that firmly in sight at all times.

The central, welcoming cafe area is true to this initial sentiment. At the heart of the project is the desire to welcome and include everyone, from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Anyone can drop in, get a coffee, sit and use the wifi, chat, check out what groups are on, and so on. Everyone, from teens at a loose end, young parents through to older people, find a warm welcome here and almost always find other activities they can get involved in. Besides timetabled groups (see sidebox for examples of some of the groups), community facilities include a cafe (Mon to Fri) with free wifi @KonectMagazines

and computers. There is also a computer room for general use, whether you need to sort your CV, do some online shopping, get some things printed out. “We have some older people who come in and prefer to use the computers here and get lunch in the cafe rather than sitting alone at home,” explains Victoria.

Within Boghall, it’s a well known and loved institution; outside of Boghall, hardly anyone knows about it, but the committee is keen to encourage people from elsewhere in Bathgate and further afield to come and join in.

CLUBS ON OFFER INCLUDE:

Little Monsters (for babies and preschoolers, including messy play, arts and crafts, reading, music, and incorporating helping parents make healthy food).

Homework clubs and Youth Clubs Cookery Classes for young people Knit & Natter for the over 50s (on one occasion the kids holiday club ended up learning knitting from the Knit & Natter club who were in at the same time during a school holiday! A great time was had by all!)

Glitter Cannons - social club for young LGBT+ people Sunshine Club - the school holiday club, which runs over the whole of the summer holidays at an incredible cost of £5 per week per child!

Yoga classes ...and much more! Please call in and ask us!

Lovely thoughtful touches are everywhere; a clothing rail where people can help themselves to some clothing; a ‘Pennies Pantry’ where you can register for food and other household items such as nappies or toilet roll; all items available will be a £1 or less. When you can become a member for as little as £1 per person per month, or families £1.75 per month, this entitles you to a bag of food per week. This money is then paid back into the BDIC for services or groups. Items have been donated by local shops or organisations.

Whilst the Council covers the cost of the building, and there is a small number of paid staff thanks to Big Lottery funding, much of @KonectMagazines

the rest of the operation is run by volunteers.

As I was visiting during the Easter break, I met Caroline, the dinner lady cooking lunch for the 50 kids attending the holiday club (the free lunches were provided by West Lothian Council). And there was the university student running a dance and movement session for kids, accompanied by other young people in the community helping out, all volunteers. All of them are driven by the fun and fulfilment they get from it, as well as the desire to help out and make sure these wonderful opportunities are available to the community.

“We need volunteers not only to run the groups and activities, but, crucially, as members of the community, they can contribute ideas on what is needed here at the Drop In Centre,” explains Victoria. “If for example you are from a culture that is under-represented, volunteering here will make you feel welcome, and your contributions will add to the rich variety of things we can offer, which we value hugely.”

“Volunteering is one of the biggest things you can do,” says Kelly. “You don’t need any special qualifications, just a desire to help and to be involved in the community. You make good friends here, we’re all part of the volunteering family! And are fully supported by all the staff.”

There is much more – they work with other agencies such as Access 2 Employment, and third party groups use the building; it’s quite an incredible hive of activity but at the same time a great can-do atmosphere pervades, a feeling that no problem is too big or too small to tackle.

What do you need in order to volunteer here?

“To be non-judgemental, and kind” says Victoria.

“That is all that matters.”

If you are interested in volunteering at Boghall Drop In Centre, please contact Alison on alison@bdic.org

For more information see facebook page www.facebook.com/Boghalldropin and website www.bdic.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Boghall Drop In Centre and talking to staff and volunteers.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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INTERIORS

Plastic debris + Beach = Devastation We can’t get away from the plastics problem; the debate about how to deal with our environmentally devastating plastic habit permeates every part of our lives and most of us are keen to do whatever we can to help address the problem.

So our interiors column this month is contributed by local company Harvey Bruce, who are now supplying a sustainable roller blind with fabric made from recycled plastic ocean waste.

This unique eco-thread blind fabric, called Greenscreen Sea-Tex, is helping tackle the waste pollution problem in our oceans. The fabric uses an innovative high performance eco-thread called FLX yarn. Created by the engineering company Bionic, it’s formed by heating and spinning dozens of strands of recycled plastic together, recovered from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities.

FLX yarn is strong and versatile, and comes with a 2-3% openness factor which means the fabric weave is tight; great for privacy, light control and retaining heat and energy in your home. There are five standard Sea-Tex colours including graphite, haze, sand, pearl and white, as well as custom options available.

There is a conservative estimate that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans with even more continually washing up on shorelines. This incredible amount of plastic waste is having a serious @KonectMagazines

detrimental effect on the environment and marine ecosystems around the world. Types of plastic waste found include cups, bottles, milk cartons and abandoned fishing nets that can all poison or trap marine life including fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and whales. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly, often taking hundreds of years, so any plastic waste remains in the ocean for a very long time. This build-up of plastic waste has also accumulated into five ocean gyres - large circulating systems of wind-driven surface currents located across the world including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Floating plastic trapped within these gyres is estimated to take at least ten years to cycle back out again.

Volunteers around the world are tackling this growing issue through organised cleanups of shorelines and coastal communities. Plastic and other debris is removed and recycled to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. There is still a long way to go, but finding commercial uses for recycling plastic is one way of keeping it out of the oceans, and as a bonus it makes a very suitable blind fabric.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Derek Lamb of Harvey Bruce Interiors, Houston Mains, Williamson Garden Centre, Uphall, EH52 6PA. www.harveybruce.co.uk | Tel: 0800 756 5286 BROXBURN | 29

Coffee and canines

How about lunch at a place where your dog is not only welcome, but where the whole place is designed specifically around them, so you and your best friend can lunch together on an equal footing?

This is what the “Paw Stop” in Bathgate aims to do. Set up by local sister-team Nicole and Natalie Senior, it’s a place you can pop in for coffee and cake, lunch or even hire for special events, all where it is not simply “dogs welcome” but the dogs are the main show.

“The idea for the Paw Stop came about as I was unhappy about having to leave Nala home when I was out at work,” says Nicole.

“She experienced separation anxiety. I studied Business at Napier University and had gone into the recruitment industry, but really wanted to set up my own business, so doing something around my dog was the dream idea.” With her sister Natalie a willing accomplice to look after the food side of the business, they set about creating what is a unique venue. There are cafes populated with dogs or cats popping up in various locations where you can eat amongst the animals, but at the Paw Stop the difference is that it’s a space where you can bring your own dog, giving them a chance to socialise with other dogs too.

Besides the usual cafe menu that covers all the basics you would expect, there is a doggy menu including dog biscuits and dog muffin snacks that Natalie and Nicole make themselves. Their dogs Nala and Tara are usually in attendance. It was a busy Thursday lunchtime when I visited,

Nicole and Natalie with Jodi 30 | BROXBURN

accompanied by a friend and her dog, and over a veggie wrap and salad we learned a bit more about how the place works. It’s a little like a parents and toddlers meet up, except instead of watching your kids interact and swapping notes about them, it’s all about the dogs. A couple came in for lunch with no pooch, so if you love dogs and just want to enjoy the atmosphere without a pooch in tow that’s fine too. I enjoyed my lunch, although as a coffee-lover I wasn’t able to order cappuccino (they offer filter coffee only) but with window seats complete with cushions and dog baskets, a box of toys and a few other nice touches, they’ve put careful thought into making it a venue where you can truly feel welcome whether you have two legs or four. Your dogs can be off their leads if you’re comfortable with that.

“We’re offering a series of events and workshops here in the evenings,” explains Nicole, “starting with a training workshop with a dog training expert.” You can also book the place for a doggy birthday party, which includes a special canine birthday cake, and “pawsecco.”

With plans for a chill-out zone for dogs who need a quiet space rather than the hustle and bustle when the cafe is busy, and other ideas in the pipeline, Natalie and Nicole are looking forward to developing the Paw Stop into something really special.

For more information, visit their Facebook page “Paw Stop,” call 07523 176222 or drop in at 1 Jarvey Street, Bathgate, during opening hours: Weekdays 9.30am - 4.00pm (ex. Wed), Sat 9.00am - 4.30pm, Sun 10.00am - 4.30pm.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer, after visiting the PawStop. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all�

Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

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

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 31

WISHING ALL READERS IN UPHALL AND WINCHBURGH A FANTASTIC GALA DAY THIS MONTH

SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Seashore Foraging - Explore the shore with Anna Canning from Floramedica and find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle.

Venue: Blackness Castle. Cost: £10, book via historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/ SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Wildflower Wander - Join a Historic Environment Scotland Ranger on a guided walk to learn more about the flowers and plants that can be found around Linlithgow Loch and Peel. 1pm-3pm at Linlithgow Palace. Free of charge. For more information please contact HES on 0131 652 8150 rangers@hes.scot SATURDAY 22ND JUNE Linlithgow Classic Cars - Monthly meet up at the Cross, Linlithgow, 4th Saturday of every month through the summer. 10am – 2pm. See www.linlithgowclassics.co.uk SATURDAY 29TH & SUNDAY 30TH JUNE Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace - Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances as Linlithgow hosts Historic Environment Scotland’s annual jousting tournament. Watch as noble knights battle it out to be crowned champion. Buy your event tickets online in advance to save 10%. Book via www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/whats-on/ (Historic Environment Scotland members free) DAILY UNTIL 6TH AUGUST In the Footsteps of John Muir – photography exhibition - At Blackness Castle. Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks 32 | BROXBURN

BENNIE MUSEUM 9/11 Mansefield Street, Bathgate EH48 4HU

6TH JUNE 2019 will be the 75TH anniversary of the D.Day landings in Normandy. Come and see our display and discover some of our local heroes. The museum is open 6 days a week 11.00am until 4.00pm. Admission is FREE. Volunteering Opportunities: If you have an interest in local history why not become a volunteer at the Bennie Museum? Training will be provided for volunteers. To find out more, please contact the museum by phone during opening times and someone will get back to you. Tel 01506 634944 or email : thornton@benniemuseum. freeserve.co.uk

he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, last entry 5pm. Included in castle entry price.

DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den-Building Adventures at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. www.almondvalley.co.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines

June

Jupiter Artland, West Lothians newest five star attraction, has recently reopened for the season. Check out the sculptures set amongst the beautiful backdrop of West Lothian countryside. New for 2019 is the partnership with Edinburgh based restaurant “Fhior” – providing tasty, seasonal food after a day’s exploring!

At Blackness Castle, join Anna Canning from Floramedica to find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle. A perfect way to explore the “ship that never sailed” as well as learning something new. Sunday 9th June from 1pm to 3.30pm One of the big highlights of the month is always the Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. This year’s jousting takes place on the weekend of Saturday 29th June until Sunday

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30th June – and tickets are now available, although it is free for Historic Environment Scotland members.

And last but not least, for the Abba fans – Europe’s leading tribute band, Abbamania, comes to Howden Park Centre on the 30th June. A sensational two hour show featuring record breaking and timeless hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen which will have you dancing in the aisles.

There’s plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our website for full listings of events, as well as inspiration for places you can go this month? Don’t forget some events this month will need prebooking, so don’t miss out - head to www.visitwestlothian.co.uk to find out more.

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

BROXBURN | 33

MUSIC REVIEW

Nobody listens to techno

Madonna believes she is being discriminated against for being 60. This could be the case, pop music has always been a release for the young, it spoils it if your gran likes it, or, as in this case, makes it.

Maybe it is not her age that is the issue with grim new single “Crave”. It could be the slavish imitation of one thousand autotune merchants, complete with imported generic relationship misery, rather than anything resembling the spark that has run through previous attempts to keep up with the pack. Plus, that eyepatch.

It’s over, you’re too old, let go.

In a week for it, Mark Hoppus (47) of Blink 182 takes the bare faced cheek award for making the statement “After playing in this band for 27 years, I want to push it and do different things and take blink to places where we haven’t been before,” and then delivering “Blame It On My Youth”, an anaemic soundalike to every Blink 182 single previously and, I

34 | BROXBURN

confidently predict, yet to come. From the title I was hoping for a knowing barb, nodding to the conundrum faced by middle aged Californian rockers whose shorts are now not the only things which are baggy, but, you know, Blink 182. I have listened to this so that you don’t have to.

Which brings us to Beiber. Twenty Five year old Beiber. Who would have thought we would be so pleased to see him at this party, even if he has bought his nerdy mate Ed Sheeran along. Tech- nically Ed gets top billing, well, he is twenty eight, but this is Justin’s show. I played this yesterday and it forced the sun to come out. The sound of the summer, proper pop.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regalradio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.

@KonectMagazines

PARENTING

Having fun.. .

Find their spark at Jupiter Artland! ...at Artsparks

” “Jencks Walk the

My girls are just bursting with energy at this time of year. The weather perks up and so do they. And it seems they are always desperate to get outside.

And so I am always on the lookout for new things to try…especially as the summer holidays draw nearer and seven weeks of empty days looms ahead of us. But right now I’m giving myself a big parenting pat on the back for finding a great new activity that they both loved and are dying to go back and do again.

At Easter they went along to Artsparks at Jupiter Artland for the first time; two-hour sessions during the school holidays that promised to be filled with fun art and craft activities and lots of outdoor play. And boy did they deliver!

I wasn’t sure how they’d take to it; my littlest in particular can go one way or the other when you try to drop her off at activities where adults don’t get to come along for the ride. And I knew they’d be in different groups because of their ages (it’s always more of a gamble when they don’t have a pal with them). But when we first arrived at the woodland classroom to drop them off @KonectMagazines

it was a hive of activity with outdoor crafts and activities going on everywhere we looked. They were hesitant only because they didn’t seem to know where to begin. And honestly I kind of wanted to join in too! So my husband and I made a swift exit as they got stuck in and before we’d even made it out of the gate one of them was bubble painting and the other was spray painting a canvas strung between a couple of trees.

It was a gorgeous sunny day so we decided to just make the most of the beautiful surroundings of Jupiter Artland. We wandered along the sculpture trail and then sat down on “the Jencks” where we stumbled across the older kids doing some pond dipping. I could see my eldest jumping up and down with excitement from a mile off.

By the time the sessions finished they were both paint-splattered and sun-kissed but absolutely beaming from ear to ear.

They didn’t stop talking

about it for days and of all the things they did over Easter (which was a lot!) it was the one thing that really seemed to capture their imaginations. They have been asking ever since if they can go again.

So if you are on the lookout for something different to do during the school holidays I would definitely recommend checking out www.jupiterartland.org for more information. Jupiter Artland are offering twohour Summer Sessions on Fridays in July and August for 3-5 and 5-10 year olds.

We will definitely be booking for my girls to go back for more…they have lovingly preserved their paintsplattered clothing especially for the occasion!

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.

BROXBURN | 35

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BROXBURN 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.

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

BROWNIE UNITS (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit

36 | BROXBURN

www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on 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: Thursday night (6:00-7:00) - Broxburn Swimming 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

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

• Engage Youth Club: P7-S6 Wednesday 6-8pm @ The Open Door. Games, food, prayer & Bible study. FREE!

• Youth Café: P7-S6 Friday 1-3pm @ Uphall South Church Hall.

Games, trips & Cooking etc. 50p • Pizza Wednesday: lunch club, Broxburn Academy. Pizza, music and games. S1-S6, Base 6 opposite guidance. FREE!

• Drop In: Thursday lunch group, Broxburn Academy. Discuss Faith and God, milkshakes & games. S1-S6, M13. FREE! Check out our web site – www.thebusyproject.org.uk or email@thebusyproject.org.uk

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (formerly SWRI) We meet in Broxburn Community Centre at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of each month from September to May. Contact: Fay Young , tel 01506 854141 or email fayyoungis@hotmail.com

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/get-involved 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/get-involved 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/get-involved 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

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Wednesdays (10am-12midday). A mix of gentle physical activity, 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.

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 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.

GENTLE YOGA Dechmont Memorial Hall, Monday night 6.30-7.30pm at Dechmont Memorial Hall. Contact Rhona on 01506 811700.

OTHER AREAS 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.

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

BROXBURN | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

LANDLORD SERVICES Let Link 10 Turpie & Co. 17 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 18 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 LAWNS BEAUTICIAN Green Thumb Lawn Service 19 Allure Skin Clinic 4 LOCKSMITH Browhau5 Microblading 4 CVC Locksmiths and BOILER SERVICES Security 22 Gilmour Gas Services 4 OVEN CLEANING The Gas Engineer 22 Shiny Bright Ovens 5 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / PAINTING & DECORATING FOOTCARE Braekirk Decorators 22 Foot Care Service 13 Manic Street Painters 10 COMMUNITY FACILITIES PEST CONTROL Lothian Buses 20 Frontline Pest Control 4 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS PLASTERING Sprint Computer Repairs 28 Nu Walls 22 CURTAINS & BLINDS PLUMBING & HEATING Harvey Bruce 28 SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 22 DANCE: CLASSES / SUPPLIES Mech A Tech Home Highland Dance Shop 13 Heating Services 11 DENTIST McLellan Plumbing 10 No 9 Practice 13 ROOFING DOORS / WINDOWS Taylor Roofs 7 UPVC Doors 11 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE ESTATE AGENT County Cars 40 Drummond Miller 6 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME Turpie & Co. 17 West Lothian Trusted Trader FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES Scheme 7 John Gillan Fencing and TUITION Landscaping 19 Kumon Livingston 34 The Smithy 19 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING GARAGE DOORS Mackie & Brechin 31 Garolla 6 Riverside Veterinary Practice 31 GARDEN CENTRE WINDOW & GUTTER New Hopetoun Gardens 23 CLEANING CS Window and Gutter GARDEN DESIGN / Cleaning 5 MAINTENANCE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Evergreen Balerno 18 SCHEME GLAZING REPAIRS Developing the Young CR Smith 21 Workforce 33 GYM / HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 14 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair

JEWELLER Hamilton Goldsmiths

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22

15

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Europe, 8. Walnut, 9. Used, 10. Precious, 11. Patches, 13. Waist, 15. Print, 17. Liberty, 20. Addition, 21. Lead, 22. Sliced, 23. Richer.

DOWN: 1. Russia, 2. Wood, 3. Peoples, 4. Sweep, 5. Ultimate, 6. Queues, 12. Convince, 14. Dinners, 16 Riddle, 18. Traded, 19. Giddy, 21. Lace.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 36

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