Konect Broxburn March 2019

MARCH 2019

broxburn

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

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

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THIS ISSUE

TO OUR MARCH EDITION

W

elcome to the March issue of Konect. It’s good to see the first signs of spring out and about, and to be able look forward to the clocks going forward at the end of March. If you’re keen to get those spring cleaning and decorating jobs done around the house or to make a start on the outdoors jobs, try and use local businesses to help you whenever possible.

The local charity piece is a little different this month – it’s a special project being run by Disability West Lothian, to collect oral histories to record the impact disabled people have had on the landscape of West Lothian over the past 50 years. Turn to p12 and if you or anyone you know may be able to help, do get in touch with them.

P15 Sport: GymKarma.......................................... 8 Health & Beauty...........................................10 Charity: Back to the Future Project..........12 Interiors: Spring Tips...................................15 Gardening: gardens are good for you!...19 Property Matters..........................................22 Parenting: Let me entertain you!..............27 Clubs & Classes..........................................28

All our usual columns are here; I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

COVER IMAGE: Mother’s Day, Sunday 31st March 2019

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

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Account Manager

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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!

Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com

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Windows & Doors Kitchens Bathrooms Garage Conversions Sun Lounges & Orangeries Conservatories Roofline

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SPORTS

November 1962: 19 of us on a mass blind date organised by Barry Donnelly who, courtesy of a road accident, had an overnight grey streak down the centre of his black mane. Poor Beryl got the last choice, (me).

“What has this to do with gymnastics?” you ask.

Well, the occasion was the Christmas dance at I M Marsh College - the ladies’ equivalent of Loughborough for men - the foremost Sports Colleges in Britain. When our girls, Jo and Sue, were 7 and 5 respectively, Beryl took them along to West Kirby gym club where they commenced successful gymnastic careers lasting till their late teens. Beryl played a major role in the growth and success of the Club until her death over 30 years later, becoming a highly respected coach and judge and lifetime president of the club.

West Kirby produced Britain’s first female World Gymnastics gold medallist, Beth Tweddle, who inspired the next generation.

Thus gymnastics is close to my heart. My chest has swelled with pride as progressively higher medals were won; my heart has pounded with nerves as a risky move was attempted; I’ve suffered sympathy pains at times of injury. Above all, I watched the ability and life confidence of my girls grow with every new move they mastered, every level achieved, every medal won.

So I vigorously recommend you consider gymnastics as a leisure activity for your child or

grandchild. An ideal place to start (600 members can’t be wrong!), would be Livingston-based West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club, where balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, endurance, selfconfidence, persistence, social skills should all improve rapidly under the dedicated guidance of their outstanding coaching team.

There are many disciplines recognised by the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique plus a few unrecognised. Artistic gymnastics is the bestknown: six disciplines for men, (floor exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars), and four for women (vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise).

Your West Lothian Club, (est.1985), offers classes starting from toddlers all the way through to adults, for recreational members or committed competitors. The club has produced many Scottish Internationals and even a competitor in the Commonwealth Games (Ellie Russell). The coaches are top-notch under head coaches John Campbell and Becki Campbell, so your “baby” would be in the ideal proven environment.

An operation like WLAGC, is no fluke. It requires a vision, then a plan and crucially the people with the will, energy and ambition to make it all happen and keep it driving forward. It’s impossible to remain unimpressed by the scale and efficiency of the WLAGC: the classes are merely the tip of a huge iceberg. Beneath the surface lie crucial fundraising schemes (donations or ideas gratefully welcomed!), coach development, summer camps, competition organisation, competition entries, competition/leisure trips abroad, plus the usual demands common to all businesses. Every day must be like a complicated tumble run! It’s exhausting just to contemplate!

But what a job they do in providing a safe, efficient, consistent and aspirational environment for youngsters to grow! Respect! www.facebook.com/westlothiangymnastics The sports column is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

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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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T: 01506 656645 W: drummondmiller.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

WHY YOU NEED TO TREAT YOURSELF Why do hairdressers insist on conditioning treatments?

Well there are man answers to this question but the main point of a conditioning treatment is to help the cuticle lie flatter.

Deep conditioning treatments will help the scale-like surface of the hair close down which will ultimately will keep colour locked in and not only lasting longer but looking brighter too as the hair surface will essentially be more reflective and hair will be shinier due to this.

Conditioning treatments will also make it easier to detangle your hair as a flatter cuticle reduces friction. They eliminate static and reduce breakage through intense hydration keeping the hair shaft supple.

Ideally a treatment should be done once a week, although I recommend more during winter as the cold dry air can be particularly harsh on the hair. Top recommendations would be the bond boosting Olaplex (for a specialist in salon colour service) or for at home Wella’s Nutri Enrich deep nourishing treatment is a 10/10.

Why You Should Probably Just Take The Leap

You’re not happy with your life. You’ve accepted you’re not happy. But are you motivated to change it?

Many people find themselves in just this situation, and they don’t make a change until something serious forces them. Death, divorce, and redundancy are some of the unfortunate events that it takes for a lot of people to make a change. They suddenly find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place and finally perceive there to be no risk in making the change. This usually results in a positive outcome and they wish that they’d had the courage to make the change sooner.

Consider this; Most people overestimate the risk of change, and underestimate the risk of staying the same.

If you’re not happy with your current situation then the chances are that by making a change you will experience the same or better.

Don’t be frightened to try something new.

Be terrified that you’ll come to the end of your life never having experienced real happiness and fulfilment. That is the scariest prospect of all.

You don’t have to wait to hit rock bottom to make a change. You can take the leap at any time.

Would you wait for a ship to sink before jumping to a life raft? No, you would jump on a life raft as soon as you sensed danger.

Don’t wait until you’re drowning before you make your leap.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston.www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 10 | 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

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12.00 midday - 3.00pm at the Livingston Reminiscence Centre, The Centre.

Please join us for tea, coffee, and information about the project, and see our miniexhibition which includes a vintage wheelchair salvaged from Bangour!

There’s been much debate in the media recently about the voice and representation of disabled people, sparked by the release of the movie The Upside this January, where the lead character has quadriplegia; the role is played by Bryan Cranston instead of a disabled actor.

So it’s interesting that local charity Disability West Lothian is currently undertaking a study of influence that disabled people have had on the urban landscape of West Lothian in the past 50 years. Called “Back to the Future West Lothian,” the project will be an oral history of the influence disabled people have had on many aspects of life such as public transport; the accessibility of public buildings, changes in educational facilities; health care facilities; parks, paths, and many others.

Invacar Did you have one of these cars? What school did you go to? What clubs, groups or activities did you participate in? Do you have any vintage disability aids lurking in the loft? If you, or an older relative, are happy to talk about your experiences of living with a disability in West Lothian, the Back to the Future team would love to hear from you.

“Older people with a disability can be quite invisible,” says Debbie Forsyth, Volunteer Project Coordinator. “You may not see them out and about especially if they have mobility issues; but we’re keen to capture their heritage.”

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Volunteers from the project will meet you wherever is convenient for you – in your home, or at the Disability West Lothian office in Pumpherston (which is fully accessible), to hear about and record your experiences. The volunteers are trained in oral history, and at the end of the project the recordings will be kept at the West Lothian Local History library, and a booklet and short video will be produced.

Gordon Mungall, Chair of Disability West Lothian, explained how the project came about: “There have been a lot of changes in the past 30 years, since Disability West Lothian was set up, so this is an opportunity to look back on what it was like living in West Lothian with a disability in the past to see how disabled people have driven change.”

Disability West Lothian (DWL) started in 1976 as a grass roots organisation and founded as a company in 1988. DWL works with people with disabilities to improve the quality of life of disabled people by promoting the ideals of the Social Model of Disability. If you would like to be involved in any way, to share your stories, or to volunteer to help collect the stories, to help at events or in any other way, please contact Disability West Lothian via the details below.

Facebook: “Back to the Future, West Lothian” Website: www.disabilitywestlothian.org

Call Debbie Forsyth Back to the Future Project Co-Ordinator, on 01506 774030 or email debbie.forsyth@disabilitywestlothian.org Back to the Future West Lothian is Heritage Lottery Funded.

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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

ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS: Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811 Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

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INTERIORS

If you are up for it and are looking to make the transition from the winter blues into a more bright and airy home; here are 5 spring interior design tips to inspire and get you started.

Refresh your wallpaper and paint - An easy way to make a change to your interior design is by refreshing the paint or wallpaper of your homes’ rooms. A fresh lick of paint or injecting some patterns or colour through the use of wallpaper is a great way to give your home a spring update. Nonexpensive options such as standard paints and removable wallpaper mean that refreshing your homes’ wall should be both cheap, and easy.

Invest in new window coverings - White crisp plantation shutters look to be 2019’s must have for your home. FSC Certified Basswood plantation shutters are not just environmentally friendly but also provide ideal shading and look fantastic both inside and out! Fresh voile drapes and roller blinds also give a cotton fresh feel to your interior space and enhance light control.

Go Vintage - Another on-trend style is vintage interior décor. Whether you own rental properties or are just looking to refresh your family home, going vintage is a bold style statement which won’t disappoint. Everything from cabinets to light fixtures can be sourced from vintage furniture specialists to give your home more of a touch of nostalgic, romantic feel.

Get Creative - Getting creative involves a little bit of arts and crafts, and if you enjoy this some ideas include making simple artwork to hang on your walls, or making tabletop ornaments out of recycled materials. Even creating a living display out of old containers and filling it with soil, moss and plants can make a huge difference to your interiors.

By tapping into your creative side you can refresh your home at very little cost. @KonectMagazines

Give your Furniture a Facelift - Another spring interior design tip that won’t cost the earth is to give your homes’ furniture a facelift. Ideas include repainting picture frames and window sills, re-upholstering chairs, or giving table and countertops a fresh coat of lacquer or paint.

Whatever your situation, or your tastes and interests, there are literally thousands of ways you can prepare your interiors for spring.

Hopefully the five tips above are enough to give you some inspiration to get started!

This article and illustrations were contributed by Harvey Bruce Interiors. www.harveybruce.co.uk Williamson’s Garden Centre, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6PA BROXBURN | 15

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GARDENING PROJECT

How good do you want gardening to be for you?

New Year’s resolutions are far behind us and Spring’s arrival is always a bit fickle so how keen are you to get out into the garden and restore you mind and body with some creative gardening?

If you are one of the more reluctant gardeners can we persuade you to turn your thoughts to the wonderful and very fashionable Oriental Hellebores? No matter how reluctant you are it won’t take too much effort to plant one of these most rewarding plants in your garden and if you are lucky enough to already have some in the garden it will take even less effort to go out into your garden armed with scissors and snip off a few heads to bring indoors.

If you are treating yourself to a new plant they enjoy being planted in soil that is neither too dry

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nor too wet and where they will get a little sun and little shade. Do cultivate the soil well before planting. They should be placed somewhere you will see them at this time of year, we sometimes enjoy a new one flowering in a pot by the front door, only planting it in a permanent position after flowering.

Floating the heads in a bowl of water indoors really delights the soul and proves the point that even a little something from the garden is good for you!

HELLEBORES: Floating the heads in a bowl of water indoors really delights the soul The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

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

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We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Cheap is not always cheerful As any retailer knows, these days we are all up for a bargain and we are all looking to make a saving. That’s perfectly understandable, but there are real pitfalls to being thrifty.

I recently decided to switch to a different brand of shaving product, having used the same one for over thirty years. My decision was made purely on price, which had steadily increased to the point where I began to feel that I simply wasn’t getting value for money. I was prompted to look at alternative options when a different brand of razor regularly started appearing in sponsored adverts online. The repeated awareness of the new brand name and my now wavering loyalty to my existing one pushed me towards trying the new product. The initial ordering system was very straightforward with monthly repeat orders customised to my personal requirements and the speed of delivery, free gift, quality of the packaging and the general presentation of the products were all very impressive.

So far so good. However, after trying the new razor for the first time, the experience was disappointing and reminded me of a low quality disposable product which was quite a surprise. I initially put it down to it being different rather than of inferior quality however after several weeks of persisting, I eventually concluded that the product was not of the same premium quality I had been used to and, despite the new product being 50% cheaper, I reverted to my original brand. Although the convenience, branding, ordering service, packaging, marketing and price were all excellent, the customer experience fell short when it came to using the product: it simply did not fulfil its brand promise. This kind of 22 | BROXBURN

company and brand experience applies to all products and services: the final proof is to be found in how they perform.

The same is true when it comes to estate agents. The ultimate test of an estate agent is the price they can achieve for your property.

Again, like the razor story, some people are tempted by lower marketing and selling costs – only to find that they might have made much more money from the sale if they had invested in a better service.

Online estate agents, and for that matter many high-street agents, might sell your property more ‘cheaply’ but they will often do so by cutting corners – for example, by not investing in experienced staff or industry-leading marketing. Or they may, particularly in the case of online agencies and call centres, quite simply not have the requisite local property market knowledge to enable them to break through the ‘price ceiling’ for similar properties in your area. This could mean that you miss out on (tens of) thousands of pounds in the final sale price for your property. In the end, the cheapest option really can turn out to cost you the most…and that’s definitely not something to feel cheerful about.

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

PUZZLES

March

CROSSWORD

Solution in the April edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. Sea between Europe and Africa (13), 8. Created, designed (8), 9. Perfectly fair or flat (4), 10. Normally, typically (7), 12. Unwanted plants (5), 14. Holding device (5), 16. Copenhagen’s country (7), 19. Astonish (4), 20. Tropical fruits (8), 22. Celebrated, toasted (13) DOWN: 1. Green leafy plant (4), 2. Picture house (6), 3. Fabric (7), 4. Wedded woman (5), 5. Dust might cause this! (6), 6. Chart of dates (8), 11. Answer (8), 13. Tomato sauce (7), 15. Organize, oversee (6), 17. First working day (6), 18. Waste material (5), 21. Foot digits (4)

Solution on Page 30

SUDOKU

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There’s plenty to see and do in March in West Lothian...

The West Lothian Variety Show takes place at Howden Park Centre on Sunday 17th March from 14.00. Celebrate talent of all ages across West Lothian, with performances from young and old all coming together to present an afternoon of music and theatre. Tickets are just £5 so don’t miss this fun event for the whole family. Also at Howden Park Centre, for the adults amongst us, the hit comedy “Dirty Dusting” on Wednesday 28th March is a hilarious, feel good comedy sure to have you laughing out loud.

For the kids, a Teddy Bears Picnic at Almond Valley always goes down a treat! Afternoon tea costs £9.95/ adults and £4.95/kids. Bring along your favourite teddy bear, doll or soft toy!

In Linlithgow, on the 6th April join the Linlithgow Arts Guild for a concert of Violin and Piano featuring Lana Trotovsek and Maria Canyigueral. The award multi award winning pair will be at the Academy Theatre from 19.30 for an evening of musical excellence.

If you’re thinking ahead to sunnier times, tickets are on sale for two festivals. Party at the Palace returns, featuring a line-up of Wet Wet Wet, Deacon Blue, KT Tunstall to name a few. Also, new this year at Jupiter Artland, following on from the success of Romanti-Crash, “Jupiter Rising” will take place in August. Don’t miss out on the chance to secure your tickets for both of these events as they’re sure to sell fast.

The new Visit West Lothian website has recently launched. With a completely refreshed appearance, updated venue listings and a comprehensive What’s On section, it’s the one stop shop for finding out what to see do in West Lothian.

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 @KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

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PARENTING

Socks @

Let me entertain you!

Jumpstation

A wise friend said to me recently that oing Wild you grow with your child. She is already G the proud owner of a teenager so while she now has a whole new set of challenges to contend with, there are a lot of stages of parenting that are in the rear view mirror for her.

It’s kind of like parenthood is an obstacle course; every now and again you come across a new hurdle that you have to work out how to tackle. But once it’s behind you, you don’t need to worry about it any more.

When my girls were babies I knew where to find all the best changing facilities, feeding rooms, and places that were breastfeeding friendly. When they were potty training I knew where every toilet was within fifty paces and the fastest route to get there. For now I know all the best soft-play hangouts and places to go for lunch where I can get a kids box full of things they will actually eat. But what comes next?

My eldest, of course, is always the first one to venture into unknown territory. And she is now reaching an age where I need to think outside the box a little more often to come up with new and interesting things to do. She’s too @KonectMagazines

old for a lot of the soft play places but too young to go off on her own yet she is just raring to go…somewhere!

So I’m faced with the latest hurdle of coming up with new and different things to try now that she is a bit older.

So if, like me, you find yourself in no-man’s land somewhere between threenager and teenager here’s what I’ve come up with so far to keep the kids out of trouble.

Kids Go Wild run woodland activities, classes and workshops for kids and big kids alike. There are weekly Little Boots sessions for younger kids, while older ones can enjoy all manner of bushcraft and outdoor activities as they learn and explore in the wild. Den building, tree climbing, campfires, mini beasts, tool skills…what could be better?

JumpStation Trampoline Park with its interconnected trampolines and activity zones is jam-packed with fun for kids with energy to burn.

They offer trampoline classes if the kids really want to learn or general jumps sessions if they just want to play. They even offer the likes of disco nights, fitness sessions, and a dodgeball league. Look out for Tots Time sessions for pre-school children.

Edinburgh International Climbing Arena does Clip ‘n Climb sessions on cleverly designed walls and fun climbing challenges. I’d say my daughter was probably feeling equal parts fear and curiosity the first time we took her but she was totally hooked! It is a great new challenge and there is nothing like the sense of achievement they get when they reach new heights.

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.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BROXBURN NEW 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.

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 MEMORIA CAFÉ For people with Early to Moderate Dementia. Strathbrock community centre, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. 2pm to 4pm every 2nd Wednesday of the Month. For more information please contact Maurice - on 07864 502899.

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 5BP. Claire Chant 1.00-2.30pm Drop in £6.

Tel: 07766602629.

Maxine Burke 7.00-8.00pm Drop in £5.

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 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,

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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 ZUMBA FOR KIDS Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. With the Poco Loco crew – learn some rocking dance routines using different styles and rhythms. For girls and boys aged 4 – 12. Fridays 1.15-2.15 (P1-P3) 2.25-3.15 (P4-P7) cost £3 per week.

To book please contact Aidan Forbes on a.forbes@busc.org.uk or Nina Anderson on nina.anderson@live. co.uk or call 01506 858057.

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

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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 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.

UPHALL NEW 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 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

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£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.

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

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 NEW 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 | 29

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair

21

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 18 Dream Doors 20 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 7 BOILER SERVICES Gilmour Gas Services The Gas Engineer

4 21

CARPET & FLOORING SALES Forever Flooring 6 CHARITY British Heart Foundation

2

COMMUNITY Cyrenians 11

COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 21

CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce

14

DENTIST No.9 Practice

11

DANCE: CLASSES / SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 4

DOORS/WINDOWS UPVC Doors ELECTRICIAN SL Electrical Task Scotland

ESTATE AGENT Alba Property Drummond Miller Turpie & Co.

GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens

7 14 18 32 9 23 19

GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno 31 West Lothian Garden Maintenance 4 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 16

GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith

JOINERY Create Enhanced Spaces 30 | BROXBURN

17 6

SOLUTIONS

LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 31

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Service 6

LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 21 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 13

PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 14 Manic Street Painters 14 PET SITTING / BOARDING The Dawg House PLASTERING Nu Walls

5 21

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 18 Hometech Heating & Plumbing 9 McLellan Plumbing 20 PROOF-READING/EDITING Many Pens

ACROSS: 1. Biting, 4. Agreed, 9. Rubbish, 10. Icons, 11. Teeth, 12. Lifting, 13. Impressions, 18. Develop, 20. Super, 22. Elbow, 23. Execute, 24. Breast, 25. Adapts.

DOWN: 1. Bursts, 2. Table, 3. Neither, 5. Grief, 6. Erosion, 7. Design, 8. Philosopher, 14. Movable, 15. Instead, 16. Adverb, 17. Creeps, 19. Lawns, 21. Plump.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 24

4

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 2 TUITION Kumon Livingston

26

VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Mackie & Brechin 25 Riverside Veterinary Practice 25 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 4

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 26

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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BROXBURN | 31

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