Konect Broxburn October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

broxburn

COMMUNITY: FOOD AND DRINK:

WEST LOTHIAN’S PREMIUM ROASTERY

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

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

TO OUR OCTOBER EDITION

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THIS ISSUE

reparing this Sustainability Special edition of Konect has been very interesting. It’s a vast topic, it touches

every area of life and the articles in this issue are just a small selection. I hope you enjoy reading it. Some of our columnists

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have incorporated the theme into their columns too – from research at HeriotWatt which tackles waste in the building industry, to New Hopetoun Gardens recycling your pre-loved garden tools.

Did you know there is a premium coffee roastery in Livingston? Supplying premium coffee all over Scotland for years to the trade, Coffee Direct are launching their amazing coffee direct to the public – see pages 18-19, and there is a special offer for Konect readers on your first

The Pursuit of Convenience........................... 8 Health & Beauty............................................12 Music Review: James’s Final.......................16 Film Review....................................................16 Feature: Coffee Direct..................................18 Property Matters............................................22 Local Lab.......................................................24 Garden Project: Favourite Garden Tool.....27 Parenting: Going green keeping kids keen................................................................32 Puzzles...........................................................35 What’s On......................................................35 Clubs & Classes............................................36

order. Coffee doesn’t come fresher.

COVER IMAGE: Beautiful Autumn colours throughout West Lothian

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

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

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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

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sight and out of mind for most of us, but it’s coming back to bite. We’re drowning in stuff that never goes away; we’re destroying bits of the planet and our local environments and even our own health in order to make everything easy for ourselves.

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

Convenience will put up a big fight. It definitely does in my life. So when it comes to wanting to live in a low-impact, healthier way, we’re organising into groups - as a testament to the fact that a lot of people want to make changes, a large number of groups has sprung up - support groups, information services, grant funds for environmental health and education, and so on.

We’re all in constant pursuit of convenience, so anything that makes life easier wins in everyday decisionmaking.

And with relentless progress, with everything from sliced bread onwards, we’ll go for it in droves if it saves us a bit of time and/or energy. Individuals, businesses, producers – so much is driven by convenience, efficiency and cost saving.

It’s been great for a hundred years or so; we’ve made massive progress in all sorts of things, and along the way we’ve chucked stuff away because it’s easier to do that than to wash and re-use and definitely easier than mending, and in some contexts more hygienic and safer; we drive everywhere because it’s quicker and we’re always in a hurry; we pour things onto and into crops and animals to make them more productive. It was out of

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I’ve been speaking to some of them locally.

In the course of this special edition I’ve spoken to people working on a huge range of issues related to sustainable living. A lot of changes that are better for our health and our environment are also fun, satisfying and even save money too – social groups for learning new skills for making, creating, and mending; reducing waste and sharing resources, growing your own food, and much more.

The biggest changes will have to come from business and industry, and while there will ultimately have to be legislation for real change, in the meantime a lot of work is being done taking a scientific approach on a large scale. The Local Lab column from Heriot-Watt University this month gives an example, looking at tackling waste in the building industry.

A beautiful environment and good health to enjoy? That will definitely be the best thing since sliced bread.

WHAT’S A TOOL LIBRARY? (OR A THING LIBRARY)

24 S

OUR O R Y IC O N T LI

K OU R LOO IN A B F A T S I U

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BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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PURE PASSION FOR FOOD EQUALITY FALKIRK NAPPY LIBRARY

+ LOTS MORE!

@KonectDirectory

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

My Favourite ZERO WASTE Changes Emms Choice is a West Lothian business that stocks products with a strong ethical focus. We embrace zero waste and all things eco-friendly.

Visit our online shop at emmschoice.com with free collection option. We also run a bulk and refill station in Bathgate aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste.

Here are some of my favourite products that have reduced waste in my home: Solid Soap Bars – gentle, natural soaps with plant-based ingredients, vegan friendly and plastic free packaging.

Soaps for different uses; from dishwashing to hand/body and even hair care - shampoo and conditioner bars.

Reuseable paper carrier bags are available at The Centre in Livingston.

Following feedback from customers who are looking for an alternative to plastic shopping bags, the Centre is selling carrier bags that are recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, tear and water resistant and hold up to 16kgs in weight. They are also sustainably sourced and manufactured using 100% renewable energy, sending zero waste to landfill.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director, said: “As plastic pollution continues to be high up on everyone’s agenda we felt it was important to listen to our customers and offer them an alternative environmentallyfriendly carrier bag. Introducing paper bags into the mall not only gives shoppers a choice and a solution if they visit without their own bags but also represents our shopping centre’s environmental policies.”

The bags are available from the Customer Service Desk and cost 20p. @KonectMagazines

Compostable Plastic Free Cleaning Products – biodegradable and made from plant-based materials like coconut hair, loofah, corn, bamboo, cotton and jute. Reusable, and durable scrubbies for plastic free cleaning of dishes, kitchen/ bathroom cleaning and body/shower.

Bamboo toothbrush and eco floss for oral care.

Other Favourites – rCUP: a lightweight, leakproof travel cup which is truly recycled – made from 6 used coffee cups and lids. Deodorant salt stick in sustainable cork packaging.

Stainless steel straws with cleaning brush: reusable and sustainable.

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SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS? If you like fixing and mending things, can you spare us a few hours?

What do you think of when you hear “Tool Library”? I had assumed it was a place you could hire garden or DIY tools, until I visited the Transition Linlithgow Tool Library and discovered it is a whole lot more than that!

It would be more accurately described as a “Thing Library.” You can borrow pretty much anything, from kitchen appliances to power tools.

“The concept of the tool library is to help people reduce unnecessary consumption as well as save money,” explains Neil Hutson, Community Engagement Manager for Transition Linlithgow.

“You can borrow items that you perhaps only need as a one-off for a project or a few times a year, so it saves you buying something that sits in a cupboard or garage unused most of the time – a wasted resource just taking up space.”

While the bulk of the tool library is currently garden and DIY tools (everything from a drill bit to a tile cutter; a garden fork to a strimmer), you can also borrow kitchen appliances and computing equipment. The range is growing all the time, and donations of items are very welcome.

Ever organised a party and had to borrow urns, glasses, chairs? The Transition Linlithgow Tool Library have all this and more, and are able to supply a party pack. “We’re just looking at what is needed to complete our party pack,”

Susan working on the lathe 10 | BROXBURN

We need volunteers to refurbish and maintain the equipment in the tool library. We’re also looking at running “Fix-It” sessions where people can get equipment mended instead of throwing it away. Please contact Transition Linlithgow on the contact details below.

says Neil. “We’re thinking some plastic plates and cutlery, but would welcome feedback from people as to what would be best. We already lend out the urn, thermoses, glasses, bunting and other things.”

Besides borrowing shared resources, moving to more sustainable consumption means making, creating and mending, and extending the life of items instead of throwing things away too quickly. So the tool library is developing into a skills sharing and skills development hub too.

Donaldson’s School (where the library is hosted every Tuesday evening) have generously provided use of their woodwork workshop, so when the library is open you can also use the workshop there to work on your own projects.

When I visited, a local resident was working on a bat box for his garden and a mum and son were working on wooden tealight holders. Likewise, a new sewing skills class has just been set up, taking place in the craft room at Donaldson’s also on a Tuesday evening. Learning new skills and getting out and about into a shared space brings a host of benefits too.

To borrow an item, you need to sign up online as a library member. Go to www.transitionlinlithgow.org.uk/tool-library.html and follow the link to sign up. Browse the inventory and reserve your items in advance of Tuesday afternoons. There is suggested membership donation of £20 per year, but pay what you can afford - Transition Linlithgow would rather you paid less and used it than felt that the membership fee was a barrier. If you have a piece of equipment to donate, you get 6 months free membership! @KonectMagazines

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

You can use the workshop at the library to work on your own projects

We’ve forgotten how to feed ourselves.

To a large extent, for this most basic of human needs, we’re totally dependent on supermarkets and their supply chains. Which is just one reason why the Winchburgh Community Growing Group is such a good idea!

The Transition Linlithgow Tool Library is at Donaldson’s School, every Tuesday evening from 4pm – 8pm. Follow the signs around the back of the building to “deliveries” and you’ll see their sign out.

SIGN: Look out for the sign outside Donaldson’s School every Tuesday (4pm-8pm) Transition Linlithgow is also a drop off point difficult-to-recycle items such as crisp packets, Pringles tubes, biscuits/crackers packets, plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, contact lenses, pens/marker pens, baby food pouches.

Please contact Transition Linlithgow for more information: Unit 5 Braehead Business Units, Braehead Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6EP. Tel: 01506 844182

www.transitionlinlithgow.org.uk www.facebook.com/TransitionLinlithgow www.facebook.com/LinlithgowTools @KonectMagazines

The WCGG has so far arranged the installation and planting of fifty wooden planters in Winchburgh, which over the summer contained vegetables, salads, fruit, herbs and edible flowers which any residents are welcome to pick and harvest and take home to eat – fresh, local, good food free of charge!

So thanks to a massive effort from a team of volunteers, there is now a substantial amount of communal food growing around Winchburgh. The plan is to add more planters, and, with the new Auldcathie Park being created next year, a polytunnel, orchard, and eventually an education centre and community kitchen too, where the community can come together, learn from each other about growing, food, cooking and sharing all the produce.

No-one is expecting an apocalyptic disappearance of supermarkets, but there is something very satisfying about knowing you can plant a seed, grow some food and eat it without needing to depend on a shop in any way.

For more information, please see www.winchburghcgg.co.uk

Broxburn and Uphall communities are looking at something similar for growing food in the community, if funding can be secured, under the auspecies of the Broxburn and Uphall Development Group.

Watch this space!

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THE RETURN OF THE . . . MULLET As we get to winter new trends are emerging in the world of hair. We see fashion exploding with a luxe 70s vibe with silk prints, vivid pattern, rich contrasting fabrics, long suede boots and with hair taking on fuller or squarer shapes.

Making way for more interesting textures, natural waves and curls are being fully embraced and pushed to the limit with tongs and wavers. The mullet has been a word on hairdressers lips for at least the last year; there’s always been talk of a comeback but it’s taken time for it to truly happen.

In the salon at the moment we’re doing a lot of faux-mo’s, meaning shorter layers and areas that can be pushed behind the ears to create a mullet shape without the extremity of committing to such a brave style.

I don’t think this trend is going to die quickly, we’re going to see more and more of the shaggy easy wear style right in to spring summer next year. Wear it with a shaggy

window fringe and a tonne of lipgloss and some good boots to get it just right!

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

Things to consider before you go self-employed I’ve drawn upon all the experience of the freelancers and employers in my circle to share with you our pros and cons of being self employed.

Pros: You can shape your service to how you think it should be - and that’s very satisfying.

Flexibility - One of the top pros. If you decide you want to break off and go to the gym, you can, just not all the time.

You can act on your creative ideas, you don’t have to ask someone else’s permission and you aren’t stifled by hierarchy.

If you work smart you can achieve the work/life balance you are looking for.

Having no boss is a big plus for a lot of people, as is a lack of office politics.

Growing a business gives you a sense of achievement.

Cons: You need to be good at dealing with money to smooth out the ebbs and flows in cash flow.

You need to manage your schedule to avoid cabin fever.

When you’re employed there’s a host of other people elsewhere doing the jobs you don’t like or aren’t good at. Not so when you’re self-employed.

Want to get a mortgage or a loan? Brace yourself for some serious hoop jumping.

Sick? Tough luck! There’s no one to cover you, and no sick pay.

You need to make your own pension arrangements.

The buck stops with you - If you have a difficult client or a tricky situation, you need to deal with it.

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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FILM REVIEW

And in the end Bumblebee had me grinning from ear to ear when the film opened on Cybertron.

The amazing designs of the transformers based on the original 80’s cartoon that I grew up on made me feel like my childhood was coming to life.

Charlie, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is great.

She deals with various relatable personal issues, she’s a joy to watch and brings life to this film. Charlie’s relationships with Bumblebee and Memo (her neighbour) are believable, Bumblebee means a lot to her and you get to see her and Memo’s relationship grow and become something natural.

However some other characters are just plain awful. John Cena’s a mixed bag. He’s super serious one moment, the next he’s a goofy military man; it doesn’t feel like he’s the same character.

The CGI was really amazing throughout, Bumblebee felt realistic and the scenes on Cybertron were beautiful and stunning. The highlights of the cinematography were the fight scenes, which are awesome fun. Although decently shot the camera was a bit close at times making it hard to understand what was going on. The rest of the film is lacking in appearance and nothing show-stopping.

There where extremely cheesy scenes which appeared out of place compared to the rest of the film, which resulted in it being a bit too long. The soundtrack was unoriginal and just relied on 80’s nostalgia.

Overall Bumblebee was a step in the right direction for the Transformers franchise.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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This the end - my only friend. After nearly six years of writing this column your humble scribe is choosing to hit the road.

Final albums by major groups many are often hamstrung by circumstance. Consider Joy Division, who saw the majestic Closer become their epitaph following the death of leader Ian Curtis, and the unfortunate Haircut 100 who had to suddenly come up with “Paint and Paint” as a miserable and melody free follow up to the world beating “Pelican West” after Nick Hayward wandered off with all the tunes. Morrissey threatened to slap people in the face with a wet kipper if they dared state the manifestly obvious fact that “Strangways Here We Come” bore all the hallmarks of a band that had disintegrated well before The Smith’s fourth studio album appeared.

Then the band split up about a nanosecond later.

The Beatles of course did it differently by releasing their actual last album, Abbey Road, in September 1969 before putting out Let it Be in early 1970 which, however appropriately raggedy and funereal, had been recorded a full year before. Possibly the most successful goodbye album is precisely that - “Goodbye” from acrimonious supergroup Cream. In the privileged position of having recorded a deliberate farewell set, the famously prickly trio were pictured in silver vaudeville tails taking a jazz handed bow each with one hand extended. The other, out of shot was probably grasping their bandmates own to prevent punches being thrown.

Thank you to you, the reader for your attention over the past six years, and a sincere thank you also to the editor for allowing this column to roam wherever it wished. Don’t be told what you like – it’s your right to choose what you listen to.

Goodbye.

The Music Review has been contributed monthly by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band “Snakeskin Shoe Review” A huge thank you to James for contributing this column for Konect over the past six years. @KonectMagazines

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SCOTTISH

BARISTA ACADEMY

Sunrise over the Bathgate Hills

“If you are serious about your coffee, you come here”

The smell of good coffee; a roasting machine; bags of different coffee beans and lots of coffee paraphernalia greets you as you walk into the Scottish Barista Academy in Livingston.

“Have I just walked into heaven?” I ask as Jim Watson, West Lothian resident, Scottish Barista Academy MD and certified coffee expert, emerges.

First things first, I need a coffee. “Do you drink filter coffee?” Jim asks. Because, you see, depending on whether you want filter, cafetiere or espresso coffee determines how he will select and grind the beans. There is no “all-purpose” coffee here.

Arabica, Robusta, single-origin, espresso, aero-press, filter, bitter, sweet, acidic, Columbian, Brazilian, lungo, ristretto... the terminology of coffee can be as mysterious to the uninitiated as the legendary origins of coffee itself – and that’s before we even start on the list of coffees on a typical café menu (latte, cappuccino, Americano, macchiato, mocha…).

The variety of coffee, where it’s grown, the way it is processed, roasted, ground, packaged and brewed all affect the way it tastes when it reaches your taste buds. If “all” you want is a 18 | BROXBURN

Jim Watson: rt Certified coffee expe

good cup of coffee, it pays to find out at least a little about it.

The Scottish Barista Academy was launched in 2013 and is where café owners, restaurateurs, and baristas from all over the UK (and further afield) come to learn about coffee. In new premises at Newyearfield, Livingston, this is the only place in the UK where you can become qualified in all levels of the Specialty Coffee Association accreditations, an international organisation encompassing training in every element of the coffee production process.

Jim is the first and only person in the UK and Ireland to hold all the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) professional qualifications as well as the SCA Coffee Diploma, meaning that he really knows his coffee. If you are serious about your coffee, and @KonectDirectory

want to learn more, the Scottish Barista Academy is the place to visit.

And if you don’t want to learn but just want to drink coffee, you can buy incredibly fresh coffee - roasted and ground by the hand of one of the country’s leading coffee professionals.

After a career in the army, followed by a directorship of a data communications company, how did Jim end up in coffee? As he grinds the beans and starts making my morning coffee, he tells me how it all started.

A lover of hill walking, after a memorable cold wet hike in the Trossachs in 1988, Jim was desperate for a coffee. The one he was served in the café he alighted upon was woefully bad; all coffee lovers will relate to the bitter disappointment he felt as the acidic offering hit his taste buds. When he complained, the challenge from the café owner, “Well, could you do any better?” was what started Jim on his coffee journey. He was looking for a change of direction in his working life anyway so, along with his wife Maggie, set about learning all there is to know about coffee.

Wholesale coffee: If you run or work in a café or restaurant and need to boost your coffee skills or increase sales, please contact Jim. Via his wholesale business, Coffee Direct, Jim supplies his specially selected and roasted coffee and will provide full barista training here at the Scottish Barista Academy for you and/or your employees*.

*Terms and conditions apply - please contact 07720 509457 or email enquiries@coffeedirect.co.uk for more information.

Coffee is extremely reactive and sensitive stuff, and the coffee business is not for the faint-hearted. But Jim’s passion and knowledge is phenomenal. He maintains close links with suppliers in the countries where his coffee is produced and his attention to the details of the roasting and grinding process is second to none.

His business, Coffee Direct, has been supplying the hospitality trade all over Scotland since he took good coffee back to the disgruntled café owner of the original story and showed him how to make it. The café owner then became one of Jim’s first customers.

Coffee Direct has recently started selling coffee online to retail customers. Your online coffee order is specially hand-roasted, ground and dispatched here in Livingston, within 48 hours.

A little known fact about Jim – he loves to start the day very early with a cup of tea, preferably watching the sun come up with a view over the Bathgate hills, before heading off to share the wonderful world of coffee with as many people as possible. @KonectMagazines

For more information on the Scottish Barista Academy, visit www.scottishbaristaacademy.com For more information on Coffee Direct and to order coffee, visit www.coffeedirect.co.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Jim Watson of Coffee Direct at his roastery in Livingston. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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The value of being open

At Turpie & Co, we love ‘open house days’ and we know buyers and sellers alike love them too. An open house day is simply a day when a house is open for anyone who wants to view it during a given period of time - usually, but not always, over a weekend.

Making it easier for people

Open days are popular with most buyers and they offer a different viewing experience to a pre-booked, agent-accompanied viewing.

Feedback from previous events has shown that buyers who are at the early stages of house hunting, and not quite ready to register with an agent, are more likely to attend an open day than arrange a private viewing.

At one of our previous events, the open day attracted a near neighbour to a property we were marketing. The buyer lived in the same street and didn’t feel comfortable or ready to arrange a formal viewing – but they went on to submit an offer on the property the following week and bought it. This story illustrates just how an open day used appropriately can really serve to broaden the exposure of your property and draw in more people who might not otherwise have been reached via other marketing channels.

Everyone is different – so options need to be too

There’s no such thing as a ‘typical buyer’ as the buying process starts long before any viewings take place. Someone just contemplating a move has a different motivation and criteria to 22 | BROXBURN

those who have sold their property and need to move quickly. A collective open house event provides the opportunity for any buyer to view several similarly priced or located properties one after the other, regardless of their position or what stage they’re at in the process.

Getting it right

A good estate agent should have wellorganised open days as part of their sales toolkit, and should be well-versed in running them. Typically, the estate agent hosts the viewings but sellers can also show the property themselves if the open day is part of a larger coordinated event. If it’s the latter, the agent should coach owners on how best to present the property on the day and also how to potentially handle several viewers in the house at the same time.

However, these events are not simply something that should be deployed always: any promotional activity should be matched to the requirements of individual sellers, the expectations of buyers and the current market conditions. Above all, everything should be part of an agreed marketing plan that can attract the right buyers and create the right conditions for the best sale.

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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LOCAL LAB

building a sustainable future Professor Gabriela Medero is a civil engineer at Heriot-Watt University who, for years, has been concerned about the huge amounts of waste produced in the construction industry. After many years of research, testing and development, she has produced a solution with revolutionary potential.

How big is the issue of waste in the construction industry?: The construction and demolition sector is the largest contributor of waste globally. Around a third of the one hundred and twenty million tonnes of waste produced in the UK comes from construction and demolition.

Forty five percent of total UK carbon emissions come from construction and thirty two percent of landfill waste comes from construction and demolition in the country.

You’ve been working on this for a long time, why now?: Continuing in this way just isn’t sustainable. The UK’s construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce waste and meet recycling targets of 70% of all building waste to be recycled from the year 2020. This has meant companies, governments and other funders have been focusing on real world solutions to reduce waste. For example, Zero Waste Scotland funded our prototype.

So, What’s the solution?: Here at HeriotWatt, we’ve created a brick made of 90% recycled construction and demolition waste and requires one tenth of the energy to manufacture compared to traditional bricks.

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This allows a much more circular approach as taking the waste from a building site, recycling it, making it into a new building material and taking it back to the building site will answer so many problems for the industry.

When will the construction industry start to use your new bricks?: Thanks to funding from the Scottish Enterprise (High Growth Spin-Out Programme), the Royal Academy of Engineering, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre as well as Zero Waste Scotland, we’re in the process of taking the ‘K-Briq’ from prototype to market.

The first building with K-Briq is starting construction this year and we are now taking orders for 2020.

The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. Find out more on the Kenoteq website www.kenoteq.com @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

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SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

PURE PASSION FOR FOOD EQUALITY It all started when a couple of guys working for a large supermarket were involved in delivering the supermarket’s donations to the food banks in and around Falkirk.

“The donations are all very well, and the food banks rely on them, but we noticed the quality could be variable and often it was not the very freshest produce being donated,” explains Steve McQueen, one of the co-founders of Sustainable Thinking Scotland, which is now in its third year.

“We wanted to be able to provide the food bank services with the very best fresh organic food, grown locally and delivered as soon as it’s picked.”

It’s a wonderful initiative. For families finding themselves going through a period of food poverty, life is tough enough and necessarily, foodbanks have to operate using primarily tinned and packaged food so the dietary options available to people using the service can be limited.

So Steve and his colleague Sean Kerr set about finding a premises, rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The premises is the historic walled garden of Kinneil House, Bo’ness. Most recently used as a plant nursery by Falkirk Council for growing flowers for the local roundabouts and planters, the huge walled garden is currently unused apart from the Sustainable Thinking Scotland Foodbank Farm. Steve and Sean are gradually clearing it and developing their farm, complete with a composting and a biochar zone. Biochar is form of carbon they are creating onsite, recycling timber into something which can be used as a soil additive to help increase crop yield. “I’m the grafter, Sean’s the scientist!” says Steve.

They have made a weekly donation to the food banks, soup kitchens and food larders for 26 | BROXBURN

CAN YOU HELP? Volunteers are needed to join the team at the walled garden to help with all aspects of the project – maintaining the polytunnels, building raised beds, planting and more.

Donations of equipment, soil and anything to do with growing fruit and vegetables is always welcome.

Please like and share the facebook page at www.facebook.com/pg/ SustainableThinkingScotlandCIC/

For more information or if you’d like to get involved in any way, please contact them via the facebook page or email sustainablethinkingscotland@gmail.com two growing seasons now, as well as running a busy programme of workshops with schools and community groups. “Neither of us had a lot of experience in horticulture but we’re learning fast!” Recipe ideas are included with their fresh produce, which is picked on the morning that it is delivered to the food banks, who then get it out to recipients same-day.

“We’d ultimately like this to be rolled out elsewhere so that all food bank recipients can benefit from the best fresh local produce.”

It’s ambitious, it’s impressive and they have big plans in the pipeline. They are currently unfunded and are demonstrating a huge amount of creativity and hard work to deliver that they do.

It’s pure passion for food equality.

Sustainable Thinking Scotland is a Community Interest Company highlighting alternative ways to rebalance economic, environmental and social values in modern society, ensuring that all members of our community are offered support and opportunities to live a happy, healthy life.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting the Foodbank Farm in the walled garden last month. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines. @KonectMagazines

What’s your favourite garden tool?

We both might have said our spade was our favourite garden tool ten years ago but Lesley has gone ‘no dig’ in our potager and finds this mid-handled Claw Cultivator is always her first choice – she can cultivate, rake and weed but denies using it as a back scratcher.

Dougal would take his spade to a desert island because you can do so much with it but now that their garden has been generously planted for more than 10 years his first choice is to have his secateurs in his back pocket. Regular pruning little and often is the order of the day and cutting flowers for the house as well as heavy pruning and thinning out in the winter keeps the secateurs in use all year round.

So what to do with your unwanted and perhaps unloved old garden tools?

@KonectMagazines

Lesley’s new tool (claw cultivator) Lesley’s We collect them at the old tool garden centre and they go to HM Prison Edinburgh where they are reconditioned and repaired in the workshops and then donated to community and school gardening projects. Last year the prison recycled 1200 garden tools and if that’s not sustainability we don’t know what is! Make some space in your shed and garage this autumn… we also recycle the pots that came with the plants you bought from us…

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

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

BROXBURN | 27

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

BUSTER THE DOG Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

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

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

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

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

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

28 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

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

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

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

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

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

Contacts details are on page 3.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 29

“People who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.”

If you sometimes feel that the Council’s policies don’t reflect what’s best for your particular community, there is one very good way to influence them – boosting the voice of the Community Council.

The West Lothian Council area is divided into 41 Community Councils. A Community Council is a non-political body, with councillors who volunteer to represent the opinions and needs of their fellow-residents to West Lothian Council on a whole range of issues.

With a strong Community Council, each community could have better input into key areas such as planning, policing, health and transport.

In August this year, a Joint Forum of Community Councils in West Lothian was set up. The Joint Forum supports Community Councillors to work together to present a united voice on issues that cut across several different areas, such as airport noise and main road planning.

30 | BROXBURN

Do you live in: Uphall Station, Bellsquarry, Blackburn, Carmondean, Dedridge, Fauldhouse or Philpstoun?

These areas have a very small number of Community Councillors, and would benefit from having more Councillors to represent them.

Do you live in: Breich, Bridgend, Deans, Howden, Longridge, Seafield, Westfield or Bridgehouse?

These areas don’t have a Community Council, and the Joint Forum of Community Councils would like to invite residents in these areas to come forward to constitute a Community Council to ensure you are represented in decision-making that affects you.

With huge changes in West Lothian in terms of new developments and decisions to be made about roads, school and health provision, now is a vital time for Community Councils to be making sure the policies and decisions are the right ones and that all views are represented.

To find out more about the role of Community Councils and the difference they make please visit www.communitycouncils.scot To get involved locally please contact community.councils@westlothian.gov.uk

@KonectMagazines

Can you help in Broxburn and Uphall?

Girlguiding is the UK’s largest girl-only youth organisation, which is over 100 years old.

We are currently looking for Volunteers to become Leaders, Assistant Leaders and Occasional Helpers to help run Brownies (Monday or Wednesday night) and Guides (Monday night) in the Broxburn and Uphall area.

By sharing your skills, you’ll support girls and young women to have lots of fun, trying new things, developing their selfconfidence, building friendships and enabling them to reach their potential.

To find out more, register your interest www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/ become-a-volunteer/register-your-interest/ @KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 31

PARENTING

Walk in the Pa rk

Going green and keeping kids keen!

aft Sustainability isn’t just for adults. Kids need Bottle Cr to learn to think about the consequences of their choices and behaviours too, just as adults do. Or like to think we do.

Most of the time. Well, sometimes. When we feel like it. Mostly when it’s convenient.

Actually now that I think about it I’m definitely not doing as much as I should. And how much are the kids even aware of it?

I nag them to switch the lights off when they leave a room but I don’t tell them why. I tell them to put their leftovers in the food waste but I don’t explain what for. I try to get them to walk to school when the weather is good but they think it’s just for fun. And I can’t let them near the paper recycling because it’s usually full of precious “artwork” that’s been relegated from the noticeboard.

Being green can sometimes feel like hard work as a parent…especially when the kids have such a big influence on what goes in the shopping trolley and what kind of electronic devices are “needed” in the house.

But if we want our kids to be more sustainable than we are in the future – and let’s face it that’s what needs to 32 | BROXBURN

happen - then we need to rise to the challenge. For better or worse our kids pick up habits and attitudes from us.

Truth be told it doesn’t need to be a lot of work. It is just a lot of little things.

Here’s some easy everyday things to do with your kids that might get them more interested in being sustainable…first and foremost when you do these things tell your kids what you are doing and why!

• Recycle as much as you can • Reuse items for crafts • Plant a garden together • Collect and reuse rain water • Stop using plastic straws and plastic cups • Point out the Fairtrade symbol at the supermarket • Cycle or walk to school whenever you can • Don’t litter • Read a book or watch a programme about the

planet or nature • Make a bug hotel or a bird feeder • Donate old toys and clothes rather than throwing them away • Play outside…so they know what they are trying to save and why!

The need for sustainable living is a hot topic and one that affects all of us - no matter where we live. So at the very least explain to your kids why they now have to suck their milkshake through a soggy paper straw…hey, no one said doing the right thing was easy!

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

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

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

Contacts details are on page 3.

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 33

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

“We are all cloth-bum parents, and we run the nappy library to help other parents and carers understand and use cloth nappies and other re-useable items.”

In Scotland alone 440,000 disposable nappies go to landfill each day*. One nappy takes about 450 years to decompose.

From: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Over the course of an average of two and a half years before babies are potty trained, using reusable nappies can save you a whopping £1475 or more, including laundry costs. Plus, you can sell on your reusables and make money back.

The number of nappies you need will vary as every baby is different. Based on an average of two and a half years’ worth of nappies, which comes to about 4000 nappy changes, and £100 of laundry costs: • Average overall cost for own brand disposable nappies: £1875 • Average overall cost for reusable nappies: £400 • Average overall saving: £1475

I visited Denise, one of the members who runs the Falkirk Nappy Library, to find out more about what they offer local parents and, is using reuseable nappies as time-consuming and smelly as it sounds?

“The Falkirk Nappy Library has been around since 2013, originally called Falkirk Real Nappies. People’s motives were, and still are to a large extent, primarily driven by cost – reuseable nappies are more economical in the long run than disposables.” But with increasing awareness of sustainability factors many people are now also motivated by the lower environmental impact of reuseables.

“The Nappy Library offers kits that you can hire, along with advice and support from the group, if you’re thinking of making the switch to cloth, or expecting a baby and would like to try cloth but are nervous about what it involves.” You can hire a kit for a month, which contains a range of different styles of reusable nappies so you can try with what works best for you and your baby before you invest in them yourself.

The Library is run by volunteers who host a monthly Nappy Natter at Baby Steps charity shop on Manor Street, Falkirk, on the second Tuesday of every month, from 10am-11:30am where you can pick up your kit and speak to the volunteers and other cloth-bum parents.

“You can’t quite match the convenience of disposables, but it’s close,” says Denise. “It’s 34 | BROXBURN

a myth that you have to spend a lot of time with re-useables. If you use a liner, you shake anything solid off into the toilet and put the nappy into a nappy bucket. Every few days you pop a nappy wash through the machine.

It’s as simple as that; there is no need to soak in a solution, wring out, manually pre-rinse or anything. You use the pre-rinse on your washing machine.” Drying them without a drier can take longer but as Denise says, they dry surprisingly quickly and it’s a small price to pay for the reduced impact on your wallet and on the environment.

And the beauty of the Falkirk Nappy Library is that you can try it for first before deciding to invest in a set of re-useables yourself.

If you are interested, please contact the nappy library via their facebook page at www.facebook.com/FalkirkRealNappies @KonectMagazines

PUZZLES

Halloween Special!

With the night’s drawing in and the clocks going back at the end of the month, summer seems in the distant past. We therefore turn our attention to one of the next big events in the calendar.. Halloween!

CROSSWORD

All throughout October, you can enjoy scary crafts and grab your sheet and look for clues on a spine-chilling trail of terror around the old farm at Almond Valley. Entry is included in the standard admission and is sure to be fun for all the family.

If Halloween isn’t your thing, why not head over to Blackness Castle for their Scotland from The Sky exhibition? Featuring a variety of stunning photography from some of their most beautiful properties across the whole country it’s well worth a look at if you’re heading to the ship that never sailed.

There’s always plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our collection of great day out ideas on our website – the perfect inspiration for whatever the Scottish weather throws at us! www.visitwestlothian.co.uk

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with all the latest from across West Lothian www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

Solution in the November edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Actors in a play (4), 3. Grow or enlarge (8), 9. At rest (7), 10. Odd (5), 11. Numerical (12), 14. Short sleep (3), 16. Very angry (5), 17. Epoch (3), 18. However (12), 21. Call in (5), 22. Spiciest (7), 23. Agitated (8), 24. Classification (4).

DOWN: 1. Ritual (8), 2. Divided (5), 4. Head movement (3), 5. Necessities (12), 6. The mean value (7), 7. Beige (4), 8. Exploratory (12), 12. Adjust (5), 13. Tape container (8), 15. Crushes (7), 19. Foe (5), 20. Above (4), 22. Owns (3).

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 38

At the Linlithgow Union Canal Centre, on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th, you can take a trip down to Narrowboat Farm on St Michael, the society’s largest boat, to pick and carve a pumpkin ahead of the big day. On board there will be a professional storyteller to make the experience event more memorable. For those looking for something a little scarier, head to Linlithgow Palace on the 31st for a special screening of the Halloween classic “The Terror”.

Tickets for this are £10 (£9 for members of HES).

The film is rated 12+ so not suitable for the youngest ghouls. Some of these events require pre-booking so checkout our web listings for more information on how you can do this.

BROXBURN | 35

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

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

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

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

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

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

To find out more contact Scott Lundrigan on 07493 895554.

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

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

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

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

36 | BROXBURN

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

• Beavers (Age 6-8) Tue night 6pm • Cubs (Age 8-10.5) Tue night 7.15pm • Scouts (Age 10.5-14) Fri night 7.30pm Groups are open to all, come along for a free trial!! Email enquiries to jo.cook1403@gmail.com GIRL GUIDING Rainbow Unit (girls aged 5-7) takes place on Thurs nights and Brownie Unit (girls aged 7-10) on Mon and Wed nights. For more information please visit www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com BROXBURN WOODCRAFT CLUB A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. We have a fully equipped workshop supporting all aspects of woodworking including woodturning, pyrography, scrollsawing, the making of toys, furniture, musical instruments, walking sticks and more.

For further information use the Contact Us facility on the website: www.broxburnwoodcraftclub.org. Our hours are Mon & Tues 9am-9pm, Wed & Fri 9am-12 noon and 6pm -9pm, Thurs 9am-3pm and 6:00pm-9pm.

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

New members welcome, contact John Sneddon on 01501 770911 for dates and more details.

LADIES ONLY OUTDOOR FITNESS SESSIONS Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. Mondays 7-8pm, with Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) and BurnIt. Doesn’t matter your size or level of fitness. BUSC and Burn-It aim to create a fun fitness session based outside to enable ladies to meet their goals.

For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@ busc.org.uk ALIVE & KICKIN Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. A programme for older members of the community to remain active. Run by Broxburn United Sports Club and includes: WALKING FOOTBALL Tues 10.30am to 12pm, £3 per session with tea/ coffee after.

WALKING CLUB on Thurs 10am.

Community walk starting and ending at Albyn Park. Free, everyone welcome. Invigor8 MULTI SPORTS Thurs 2-3.30pm £2 per session. Try new sports and learn new skills. Each session is 1 hour of the new sport plus an inspirational/ informative chat for 30mins. For more info contact Leigh Lauder at Albyn Park 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk BROXBURN SWIMMING CLUB We cater for swimmers from age 3 upwards and cover all levels of swimming

from our Learn to Swim programme up to our top competitive squad.

LEARN TO SWIM: Thurs night (6:007:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BUSY Project

• Engage Youth Club: P7-S6 Wednesday 6-8pm @ The Open Door. Games, food, prayer & Bible study. FREE! • Youth Café: P7-S6 Friday 1-3pm @ Uphall South Church Hall.

Games, trips & Cooking etc. 50p • Pizza Wednesday: lunch club, Broxburn Academy. Pizza, music and games. S1-S6, Base 6 opposite guidance. FREE! • Drop In: Thursday lunch group, Broxburn Academy. Discuss Faith and God, milkshakes & games. S1-S6, M13. FREE! Check out our web site – www.thebusyproject.org.uk or email@thebusyproject.org.uk

@KonectMagazines

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

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

Please call Lisa on 07736 316400.

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

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

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

Please call Lisa on 07736 316400.

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

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

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

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

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/ 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,

@KonectMagazines

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

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

UPHALL PLAYGROUP Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. For children aged 24 months and over. Open Monday to Friday 9:15 - 11:30am during term time. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 sessions per week. Each session costs £5 and includes a healthy snack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Tea and Raffle each month cost £4.

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

BROXBURN | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

SOLUTIONS

ARCHITECT LanArc 7

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and CROSSWORD Security 15 West Lothian Locksmith 31

BOILER SERVICES Gilmour Gas Services

PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 5 Manic Street Painters 15

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair

6

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 4

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 17

COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Be One IT 6 Sprint Computer Repairs 6 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce

15

DENTIST Livingston Dental Care No.9 Practice

13 4

DANCE: CLASSES/SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 33

DOG WALKER Tommy’s K9 Adventures

ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS Aerial Adventures

ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller LLP Turpie & Co

29 33 13 23

GARAGE DOORS Garolla 25

GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens

GARDEN DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno

27 28

GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 20

GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith

21

LANDLORD SERVICES Weslo Property Management 7 38 | BROXBURN

MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 40

PET SITTING/BOARDING Claylands Cottage Cattery PLASTERING Nu Walls

29 15

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 5 Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 25 McLellan Plumbing and Heating 7 PUBLIC HOUSE Oatridge Hotel

5

ROOFING Taylor Roofs

14

TUITION Kumon Livingston

33

ACROSS: 1. Shaggy, 4. Sensor, 9. Explain, 10. Tramp, 11. Dread, 12. Enabled, 13. Departments, 18. Copying, 20. Rifle, 22. Irons, 23. Theatre, 24. Needed, 25. Stayed.

DOWN: 1. Steady, 2. Apple, 3. Grandma, 5. Extra, 6. Shallot, 7. Rapids, 8. Investigate, 14. Explode, 15. Earnest, 16. Action, 17. Depend, 19. Issue, 21. Fatty.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 35

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 14

VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Mackie & Brechin 28 Top Vets (Riverside) 29 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 7

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 31

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