Konect Broxburn May 2019

MAY 2019

broxburn

CKET READER TI OFFER!

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

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

TO OUR MAY EDITION

THIS ISSUE

I

t’s a busy time of year, whether you’re tip-toeing around teens “studying” on exam-leave, or spending every spare minute sorting the garden and outdoors jobs as everything starts growing fast, or looking for things to do with small children on the weekends.

Speaking of gardening, Gardening Scotland is offering Konect readers a £5 discount on the ticket price! On our doorstep at Ingliston, it is the place to be for absolutely everything to do with your outdoor space, large or small. See pages 10-11 and book online.

This month the essential family day out is the West Lothian Highland Games, in Bathgate on 25th May. I met up with this year’s joint Chieftains, Alan and Barbara of the Kilt Studio, to find out about their role and what is lined up for this year. See pages 8-9.

The Visit West Lothian column gives a rundown of what else is on in West Lothian this month. There is something for all interests, from classic cars, music at the Fly Open Air Festival, environmental photography, and Beltane family activities!

There is much more; we celebrate all that West Lothian has to offer. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month as well as enjoying all that West Lothian has to offer.

P28 The Chieftains and the Games...................... 8 Gardening Scotland: Celebrate Summer..10 Health & Beauty ...........................................12 Property Matters............................................16 Puzzles...........................................................22 Gardening: Wasps: Friends or Foes?.........23 Music Review................................................27 Charity: Night Stop........................................28 Linda Scott: From Horses to Politics via Catering..........................................................31 Parenting: Just Dribble it .............................35 Clubs & Classes............................................36

COVER IMAGE: West Lothian Highland Games - 25th May. See P8.

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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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.

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West Lothian’s own celebration of the historic Highland Games tradition takes place in Bathgate on 25th May. The hill run to the top of Cairnpapple may be more challenging than the very first hill run said to be the origin of the Highland Games tradition - King Malcolm III (10571093) summoned men to race up Craig Choinnich, near Braemar, to select his royal messenger. While the origin of the Games was all about finding the fittest and strongest men for the clan chieftain’s household, as the tradition developed music and dancing were introduced for added prestige. Today, it is a fantastic celebration of a quintessential Scottish tradition and a great day out for families of all ages. The West Lothian Highland Games are no exception.

I caught up with the joint Chieftains of this year’s West Lothian Highland Games, Alan and Barbara Waddell, to find out more about them, the role, and the Games.

Alan and Barbara run the Kilt Studio in Bathgate, where they have been stalwart supporters of the West Lothian Highland Games (and many other local events) since launching their kilt business via a field stall at the 2003 event.

“It’s a great honour to be asked as Chieftains this year,” says Alan. “We will receive the official Highland Games Crook in a ceremony on the Friday night before the Games, and besides being the ceremonial face of the event itself, will be Chieftains for the whole 8 | BROXBURN

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year before handing over the crook to next year’s Chieftain.” Alan and Barbara will open the Games on Saturday 25th May, and present the awards and medals for the competitors - the dancers, the bands, the athletes and the runners. It’s a nod to the days when the clan chief chose the ablest people for his army and offices.

Besides the iconic heavy athletics (caber tossing, hammer throwing), music and dancing, the day includes children’s attractions, mini stream engines, stalls from local traders, a street parade, bar, and much more.

We want to spread the news of the Games, to get people to come and enjoy the day and to really put it on the map, says Barbara.

“The West Lothian Highland Games are evolving,” explains Alan, “and there are some new features this year.” One of these is the Junior Highland Games, run by West Lothian College and drawing young athletes and dancers from schools across West Lothian in order to get more young people involved.

Another new element is in the music side of the day - there will be a performance from a a modern instrumental band Drumz ‘n’ Roses, a band with a unique Scottish twist encouraging audience engagement and participation.

No Games are complete without pipe bands. This year, instead of a pipe band competition, there will be four different bands performing. In common with many other areas, there has been a decrease in the number of bands entering the competition, so it is being done this way to maintain a strong pipe band element.

The Kilt Studio has outfitted eight of the West Lothian Chieftans over their past 16 years in business. They have supported the Games via their expertise in tartans, outfitting, and all things Highland. They sponsored the creation of the West Lothian Highland Games mascot, Hamish the Haggis, several years ago.

They take a unique and very inclusive approach to their business. “We called it the Kilt Studio as the emphasis is on the studio itself as a space for getting together, discussing what people need to make @KonectMagazines

their outfit or event work well, running open evenings and so on. “We are the opposite of an ‘exclusive’ outfitter,” explains Alan. “We want to include everyone, support the local community and give back to the community that has supported our business in the town for 16 years. We have made so many good friends via the Kilt Studio.”

Alan hails from Glasgow, studied design at Art college and started his career in graphic design; Barbara is from Ayrshire, and was working for a bridal company and involved in events when, comparing notes of the work they were doing, Alan and Barbara realised they could do something creative together.

So the Kilt Studio came about more via the design and events management side of the business than purely kilts. Together they have gained a reputation for their tartan design, attention to detail in the outfitting, custommaking accessories and being very creative.

They want to use their role of Chieftans this year to boost the West Lothian Highland Games and all it stands for as much as possible. io, Alan and Barbara of The Kilt Stud this year’s Chieftains

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Alan and Barbara at The Kilt Studio in Bathgate.

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

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Celebrate Summer at Gardening Scotland 2019

SAVE £5 on the gate pric e to Gardening Scotland 20 19 by entering promo code KON19 when you bo ok online at www.garden ingscotland .com/ tickets

Scotland’s national festival of flowers is 20 this year, so come along and celebrate summer at the show that makes gardening fun.

The event opens on Friday 31 May at the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh and for three days the focus is on plants, people and glorious gardens.

Want to fill your garden with colour? Then find everything you need, including beautiful flowers, expert advice and all the tools you need to tend your flowers. The Floral Pavilion will be packed with plants, courtesy of top nurseries from all over the UK and the growers are all eager to share their knowledge, with tips and guidance on how to get the best from your flowers.

Planning a party on the patio? At Gardening Scotland you’ll find plenty to inspire you, including a centrepiece show garden by designer Lynn Hill, that’s made with entertaining in mind, including an outdoor bar fashioned from Italian glass and a fully-functioning outdoor kitchen. It’s just one of the show gardens designed to make you rethink your own space.

And what about that bit in front of the house where you have to squeeze in wheelie bins and the car? Take a stroll down College Street, with its perfect front plots, and you’ll realise that your own garden can be practical and gorgeous at the same time.

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And that’s not all. In the Living Garden you’ll find all kinds of environmental organisations, including Plantlife Scotland, ready to answer all your queries about the threat to our wildlife and how gardeners can help. Visit the Plant Village and be bowled over by what’s on offer. Want instant colour to brighten up your doorstep? A climber to scramble over a drab wall? Armfuls of annuals or reliable perennials that will come back year after year? They are all on sale here.

The Big Back Garden will be packed with fun and games for all the family, and the good news is that under-16s go free to Gardening Scotland.

Or why not make a celebration of your day at the show by booking a delicious afternoon tea or popping into The Secret Herb Garden’s ‘Secret Gin Garden’ for a special Gardening Scotland cocktail or an amazing, colourchanging Old Curiosity Gin, made with botanicals grown at the foot of the Pentlands.

Plus there’s the Craft Pavilion with its home and lifestyle accessories; original artworks; artisan food stalls and lots more, and it all adds up to a perfect day out in the garden.

For more information visit www.gardeningscotland.com

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SAVE ÂŁ5.00 on our gate ticket price!

Enter Promo Code KON19 to get this special offer.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DID YOU KNOW YOUR HAIRDRESSER IS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE? Here are some tips to make the most of your hair appointment…

• Arrive a few minutes early, to maximise the time you spend with your hairdresser and take a few minutes to relax in to your surroundings.

• Be honest: I can’t stress this enough!

Be honest with your expectations, your hair’s chemical history and any problems you have with it, what you like and what you don’t like. Just be open and honest, your hairdresser will help you.

• Bring pictures: It’s a myth that hairdressers don’t like images! It’s great to have a visual. Even if it’s not the exact cut or colour you want it will give a visual insight that words can’t describe. This is particularly good when visiting a new stylist. Remember to be realistic!

• Ask about maintenance: A great hairdresser will talk you through a styling regime to keep your hair looking like it’s just left the salon for weeks. Take in information about condition, how to style your hair, and ask for easy ways to change it up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most hairdressers are a little bit geeky when it comes to hair!

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

In my last article I talked about how to raise your energy. Start recognising each day where you are energy wise, understand that the state of your energy affects the way you will deal with situations.

For example, it’s not a good idea to make decisions if you’re low energy as your intuition and inner wisdom will be affected.

Consider whether you’re high or low energy at the moment - look at this list – are you high energy or low energy at the moment?

You’re probably high energy if; • You feel generally positive about life • You feel like you know exactly what you want to do in life and you’re pursuing the steps to create that for yourself • You feel positive towards others and feel like you have plenty to ‘give’ • You find it easy to ‘rise above’ petty dramas • You raise other people’s energy just by being around them • You live consciously and feel ‘on purpose’ • You find it easy to get in the flow, and to be focused on enjoyable tasks – hours can feel like minutes when you’re in this zone That’s how it feels when you’re high energy.

When you’re low energy, it’s pretty much the exact opposite.

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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PROPERTY MATTERS

There’s no substitute for the genuinely personal

It is perhaps one of life’s little ironies that in a world of seemingly endless consumer choice so many businesses have lost sight of the customer experience.

We’ve all experienced the pain of trying to deal with utility companies, banks and internet service providers. All too often, we find ourselves caught up in automated phone or online menus where nothing makes sense or is relevant to us as an individual customer. Instead, we are faced by generic options and responses that really underline just how far companies and whole sectors have lost sight of customer needs - including of course the need for human contact for particular sets of circumstances. It’s one thing to check a product price online for example, but it’s quite another to discuss your precise requirements and explore options with the benefit of (hopefully) expert advice. Costs and the restructuring of organisations have of course driven much of this, but the damage to customer relationships has in many cases been incalculable. The thing is though, it really doesn’t have to be this way.

Smaller businesses can learn from the mistakes of the big corporates by doing things differently. My sister experienced this first hand recently when she took some jewellery that belonged to our mother into a Jewellers in Glasgow to be re-sized and refurbished for her to wear and enjoy. While waiting for the work to be priced, she browsed other pieces and decided to buy a new necklace that she had been looking for. After processing the sale, the sales assistant went back into the workshop and returned a few minutes later to say that the owner of the shop wanted to waive all charges for the work on the 16 | BROXBURN

sentimental pieces and would also clean them, any time she was passing, free of charge. He said this was because he understood the emotional importance that the jewellery had for her, and, coupled with the purchase of the new necklace, wanted to make this gesture of goodwill. It’s a story that touched me, and will resonate with anyone who has experienced truly caring service that puts the individual customer and their needs first.

As the owner of an estate agency, the story hit home with me on a business as well as a personal level. The jeweller’s kindness really reflects the values of that business and speaks volumes about its principles. At Turpie & Co., our primary role is to use our expertise and market knowledge to achieve the best possible selling price for clients.

The result is critical, but so is the customer experience. Selling your home can be fraught with emotion, and how you are made to feel can be just as important. I know how I want our clients to feel. I want them to feel like my sister did when she walked out of that jewellers – that everything had been done just right, by people who genuinely cared.

That’s a feeling that is priceless and can never be undercut by a competitor.

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

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PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Sudoku Solution on Page 38.

CROSSWORD

Solution in the June edition of Konect

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ACROSS: 7. UK’s continent (6), 8. Waldorf salad nut (6), 9. Utilised (4), 10. Valuable, highly admired (8), 11. Repairs, mends (7), 13. Midriff (5), 15. Publish, issue (5), 17. Freedom (7), 20. Added extra (8), 21. Poisonous metal (4), 22. Cut into pieces (6), 23. More wealthy (6) DOWN: 1. Largest country (6), 2. Timber (4), 3. Tribes, nationalities (7), 4. Clean with broom (5), 5. Last, final (8), 6. Lines of people (6), 12. Persuade (8), 14. Meals (7), 16. Puzzle, enigma (6), 18. Bartered (6), 19. Ditzy, light-headed (5), 21. Ornate fabric (4)

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GARDENING PROJECT

Wasps - friends or foes?

Wasps suffer from bad press every year from July onwards.

But from now until July they are a gardener’s best friend! The worker wasps collect aphids from our garden plants to feed the newly hatched wasps in their nest. In return they are fed sweet sucrose until the queen wasp stops laying eggs in mid-summer. Then sweet rewards stop and the workers have to find sweetness for themselves, becoming mischievous in the process. They are also tired as the end of summer approaches and being bad tempered now as well as hungry they are quick to sting us.

Now is the moment to keep them at bay without stopping the good work they will do for the first part of summer. If you hang up ‘wasps away’, which are designed to mimic wasp nests, you will deter the queen bees building nests within 10 metres of the fake nests. They see your nests and

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fear attacks by enemy wasps so won’t set up home nearby.

You can keep them away from Wasp away patios and children’s play areas. decoy We hang a few around our tearoom terrace here at the gardens to keep nest the hungry workers away after July.

You don’t notice many wasps in early summer because they are too busy working and helping to control aphids in your garden.

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

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MUSIC REVIEW

Send me no postcards

I saw Edwyn Collins at a Kid Canaveral new year party show in Portobello in 2013, which would be eight years after his devastating brain haemorrhage.

He sang seated, clearly being as carefully placed with great affection by his band inside a secure and comforting sound designed to let him perform. When he rose to his feet for the last couple of songs and banged his cane on the stage along with the beat the audience took the roof off.

Now the man familiar to most for either Rip It Up or A Girl like You depending on your generation continues the most remarkable recovery in the history of popular music, propelling himself once again far beyond any requirement for patronising allowances and firing himself into territory easily as exciting as anything on his hit albums of the nineties.

You need no knowledge of his condition to be moved by the soulful melody of title track

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“Badbea” or the on the money electronics of “Glasgow to London”. Leave that Postcard stuff far behind, he is still moving forward, and you should too.

Since we are here in the future the, what’s new? New to me is London band Fat White Family, who are notorious, apparently, and are about to scandalise the music press with a sharp turn into dance music. Are you shocked? Or have you never heard their name, never mind a note? I had a go at their current single “Tastes Good With Money”. For a band of the future it sounds a lot like an even more bonkers Chicory Tip or Glitter Band (the version that had nothing to do with their namesake) but that suits me fine.

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’.

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LaFood,Piuma: Family, Friends

“In Italy, food and family is a really important part of growing up.

Food brings the family together to spend time, you spend time with your grandparents and learn from them, experiences that money cannot buy. I come from a farming background and fresh food, family and friends was always part of my life.”

I’m visiting Daniele Tuveri at La Piuma, the restaurant he and his wife Gayle run in Bathgate, and over a very nice coffee learning his story.

“I moved to Scotland from Sardinia 15 years ago after meeting Gayle. I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 13 years old, and after working in many different restaurants, I wanted to create a restaurant where you could not only get excellent food, but a place you could feel at home.”

The opportunity to have a premises in Bathgate came up, and they leaped at is as they were attracted by the community spirit in the town. So La Piuma opened in August 2017, to serve excellent Scottish food with an Italian twist in a friendly, welcoming restaurant.

Daniele’s passion for food is obvious, along with his passion equally for community, friendliness and the human touch. “We know our regular customers by name; they pop in for coffee and many have become firm friends. Here are La Piuma we create dishes you wouldn’t necessarily make at home. I believe you go to a restaurant for an experience, not just a plate of pasta. So the way we plate food up, the way we serve it, the way we look after our customers, is @KonectMagazines

Daniele Tuveri, proprietor, La Piuma all very important.

You experience food you would not make yourself, but you feel at home.” All the pasta and bread is made by their chef onsite, who coincidentally is also Sardinian. Daniele tells me one of their waitresses said “At some places I have worked I used to dread asking customers how the food is. But here, I love it, because they are always so positive!”

Besides the A La Carte menu, there is a Market Menu, priced at £7.95 for one course, £11.95 for two courses and £15.95 for three courses. The focus is on fresh Scottish produce, stunningly presented.

Plans for the restaurant this year include an outdoors dining area in the private back garden of the restaurant.

With three industry awards under their belt, including Gold at the 2018 Scottish Food Awards, Taste our Best from Visit Scotland, and being fully booked most weekends, Daniele and Gayle must be doing something right. “I’ve been told we could be even busier if we moved the restaurant into Edinburgh. But we wouldn’t have the community we have here, and that means a lot to us.”

For more information and the current menu, please see www.lapiuma.co.uk 52 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate, EH28 4EU. Reservations 01506 650388

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

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Nightstop: “It can be the one thing that saves them from homelessness” Sometimes, a meal and a bed for a couple of nights is all that is needed to help a young person get back on track.

Or at least to stop them from sliding into homelessness. Nightstop, a programme being rolled out in West Lothian by the Rock Trust, provides just that via the homes of volunteers hosts who make a spare room available for up to 14 nights for a young person who, for various reasons, needs emergency accommodation.

“We receive referrals for a whole range of reasons,” says Mark Fieldhouse, Nightstop Development Worker with the Rock Trust.

“We help young people who find themselves in crisis, in many cases due to breakdown in family relationships. They need safe, friendly accommodation while we help them work on longer-term solutions.” There is a small number of host families already in West Lothian, and more are needed in all areas.

Bathgate resident Moreen Watson is the Nightstop Development Worker for West Lothian. The Rock Trust, established in 1991 in Edinburgh in response to youth homelessness, helps young people aged 16 – 25 by providing advice and support, keeping their education on track, finding work, and a range of other services.

Nightstop is the emergency element of this, where a young person in crisis can call a helpline and is provided with a safe place immediately, while longer-term supported 28 | BROXBURN

accommodation is arranged, or until they can return home. It is being rolled out in West Lothian.

“Nightstop West Lothian provides a safe, family based, alternative to traditional hotel or hostel emergency accommodation.” A report in 2016 by Depaul UK, the organisation which set up the Nightstop programme, reported that young people “experienced very dangerous situations in their attempts to stay off the streets, including staying with strangers while constantly in fear of assault, lodging with an uncle addicted to hard drugs, going to all-night parties with predatory men or suggesting ‘sleepovers’ to school friends simply to find a place to stay.” By staying in a local host’s home instead, they are much more likely to get the time-out and breathing space that they need in a safe environment, and to move on to a positive resolution to their issues.

Emily’s story: When Emily was 16 her living circumstances were “not the best,” and she says when her mum kicked her out of the house she went to the council. The council put Emily in touch with the Rock Trust who arranged a host for her. The first evening “the hosts knocked on my door and asked if I was hungry, and if I wanted to eat in my room or with them. I went and sat at @KonectMagazines

Could you be a host? the table. They had good banter. It was good. I tried to help them cleaning up but they said no and for me to sit and rest. ….I stayed 4 nights before going home.

While I was there I realised that I’m my own person and needed to stop doing everything for everyone else. I realised that talking to good people makes you feel better and that I wasn’t such a mess up as I thought I was.”

Could you be a host?

As a volunteer host, you are fully supported with training and support from the Rock Trust. You provide an evening meal and a bedroom for the young person, and you let them know which parts of the house they can use – just like you would in a normal bed and breakfast arrangement. (They are not at home during the day as they are out in education, work or being supported by the Rock Trust). Your expenses are covered. If you are interested in helping, please see www.rocktrust.org/nightstop or email moreen.watson@rocktrust.org. Host families are needed in West Lothian. @KonectMagazines

Do you or a young person you know need emergency accommodation?

Call 0131 557 4059 The Rock Trust, 55 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3QY. Open Mon-Fri, 8:45-17:00. www.rocktrust.org/nightstop

The Rock Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, number SCO18708.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Mark Fieldhouse and Moreen Watson, Nightstop Development Workers for Edinburgh and West Lothian.

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Linda Scott: FROM HORSES TO POLITICS VIA CATERING “You need to choose, Linda, is it university or the horses?”

“For me it was a no-brainer; I went with the horses,” says Linda Scott, CEO of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and Director of Scottish Chambers of Commerce. She is talking about her early career and how she got to where she is today. “My mum said, ‘That’s ok, but if it’s the horses you fund it yourself.’”

So, aged 17, Linda set up a catering business.

“I couldn’t cook,” she says, “but my mum was a home economics teacher and very supportive. She lent me £600, I bought a fridge and cooker and set up in business in the utility room.”

Linda is a high energy, live-life-to-the-full businesswoman. Her choice to go straight into work from school is one that has led her to championing Developing the Young Workforce, a Chamber of Commerce initiative that supports young people, businesses and educational institutions to explore the many pathways into work for young people.

“University or college is not for everyone, and there is a huge number of options out there.”

Within a year, Linda had opened a coffee shop and business was going well. A chance meeting led to a job riding horses and attending horse shows all over the UK – an opportunity she leapt at, leaving the coffee shop in her mum’s hands. She was earning very little but loving it, then from the equestrian contacts an opportunity to cater in shooting lodges came along. Again with the support of her mum, who helped with devising menus, how to set out the tables and so on, she ended up being hugely successful. “I could command my price,” she says, “I was cooking for some of the wealthiest people in the UK, @KonectMagazines

as well as politicians and members of the Royal Family.”

Although she did ride horses too for a while, the catering business grew to become one of the largest bespoke caterers in Scotland with international clients such as Coca Cola, Samsung, and many banks on its client list.

When Linda was asked to sit on the board of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, and quickly became vice chair, she realised she loved it. “It was better than carting boxes around in vans doing the catering! So I sold most of the business, retaining just the highest-end contract at Gosford House, a beautiful venue where we still cater for large corporates and international clients.”

As a Director of Scottish Chambers too Linda is involved in advising government on business, and sits on education advisory committees. “We focus on other routes into a career besides university and college, something I am very passionate about.”

With two children, international travel, the catering business and a penchant for taking on huge physical challenges, Linda has to be ferociously organised. From Tough Mudder, the first CEO Sleep Out and her latest challenge - a 100 mile charity trek across the Sahara - Linda packs in a lot. “I live life to the full; we have a very, very short time here, and I want to make the most of it.”

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Linda. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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May

With summer only a matter of weeks away, here’s a quick rundown of events going on across West Lothian this month.

Linlithgow’s Classics have begun their monthly meetings for 2019 – located in The Cross. Check out an array of preserved classics in the historic Burgh of Linlithgow. The event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month (until October) from 10am.

Nearby at Blackness Castle, you can retrace the footsteps of the leading Scottish American environmental conservationist John Muir. Explore the area through a photography exhibition by Ken Paterson that shares the beauty of both the Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. The event takes place during normal Blackness Castle opening hours and is included in the admission to the castle (free to Historic Environment Scotland members!).

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In Livingston, at Almond Valley Heritage Centre join the fun family event “Brilliant Beltane” daily 3rd to 7th May. Get back to nature and celebrate a simpler time when life was closer to nature.

There is a daily programme of light-hearted family activities that delight in the mysteries and wonders of a traditional springtime.

Saturday 18th marks the start of Fly Open Air festival at Hopetoun House. Their biggest festival yet set in the beautiful grounds of Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes.

Tickets are available for the full weekend, or each individual day.

Why not check out some of West Lothian’s Hidden Gems by taking a look at our newly updated website? You can see videos of locations before you go, as well as finding opening hours and 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

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PARENTING

Just Dribble it!

Gill Mudie The brains

ibble behind Dr

Before you have kids you get to know the place where you live. You know where you like to go out for lunch, you have your favourite hangouts for coffee and cake, places you like to go for fun or to relax…then along come kids and the place you thought you knew is like a whole new world.

Suddenly your needs are completely different and your favourite haunts just don’t cut it anymore. Ever find yourself wondering where you can go that will have space for a buggy, or that has nice changing facilities, a good kids menu, or a play area? Well now, there is an app for that!

Dribble is a new childfriendliness review app, the brainchild of an Edinburgh mum who found she was asking herself these exact kind of questions far too often and not coming up with enough answers. Using the app you can discover places close by that have been tried and tested by other parents and you can search for things according to your needs, whatever they may be!

So rather than furiously texting your friends for help when you are stuck or at a loose end, all the info is at your fingertips with Dribble. And all the venues are suggested and reviewed by real people.

For new parents especially @KonectMagazines

it makes the idea of getting out of the house just a little bit less daunting. And you can add your own comments too to help other parents – pay it forward an’ all that.

Plus Dribble is not just an app there is a whole community growing around it on Facebook and it seems it is a great supporter of local businesses with lots of new partners offering discounts to so-called ‘Dribblers’ including in West Lothian - 20% off Kids Gone Wild, 15% 0ff Turtle Pack Swim Academy, free coffee at Tot’s Spot in East Calder, and one month free with Enjoy-a-Ball to name but a few.

So, whether you need a child-friendly café, a nearby playpark to meet your mum mates or something to do on a rainy day – Dribble has you covered. There’s even a handy ‘Inspire me’ button if you just want some fresh ideas for things to do locally.

I went looking for some inspiration for my girls and it suggested Conifox Adventure

Park, Aerial Adventures Livingston and Kids Gone Wild for my biggest girl who is outdoorsy and adventurous.

For my youngest it was Gooey Events, the Stick Man Trail in West Calder and Potter Around in Kirknewton.

Next up finding somewhere for my tea and cake!

Dribble currently covers Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Fife, but they are really keen to grow their West Lothian listings so why not download the Dribble app now or find out more information at www. dribbleit.co.uk and you could be adding reviews about your favourite spots and putting West Lothian local businesses on the Dribble map!

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 NEW 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 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

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 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

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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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 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 £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d

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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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 32 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 25 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 BOILER SERVICES Gilmour Gas Services 18 The Gas Engineer 32 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 32 CHARITY British Heart Foundation 14 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / FOOTCARE Nail Cutting Services 13 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 30 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce 24 DANCE: CLASSES / SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 13 DENTIST No 9 Practice 13 DOORS / WINDOWS UPVC Doors 7 ESTATE AGENT Alba Property 40 Drummond Miller 6 Turpie & Co 17 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES John Gillan Fencing and Landscaping 4 The Smithy 18 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 6 GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 23 38 | BROXBURN

GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno 19 West Lothian Garden Maintenance 18 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 20 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 21 LANDLORD SERVICES Let Link 4 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 19 LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Service 18 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 32 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 15 PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 32 Manic Street Painters 25 PLASTERING Nu Walls 32 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 32 Hometech Heating & Plumbing 5 Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 7 McLellan Plumbing 25 PROOF-READING / EDITING Many Pens 14 RESTAURANT La Piuma Restaurant 27 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 24 TUITION Kumon Livingston 34 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Mackie & Brechin 33 Riverside Veterinary Practice 33

WHAT’S ON Gardening Scotland 11 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 4 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 30

SOLUTION

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 22

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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