Konect Calders September 16

SEPTEMBER 2016

FEATUREs

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

The Oakbank Tree Project Back to school – if you were lucky The Other Forth Crossings West Lothian Doors Open plus local businesses, community information and more!

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

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WL 2

FEATURE

M e s s ag e f rom th e e dito r

S

ummer’s more or less over but that doesn’t mean the fun stops. Bathgate Music Festival kicks off on the 1st September for the ninth year running, Linlithgow Folk Festival kicks off on the 7th September for the 18th year running. And it’s West Lothian Doors Open Day annually in September, when quite a few buildings are open for a weekend for guided tours - or just to take a look. Last year I visited Duntarvie Castle near Winchburgh (you can see it from the M9, it’s been bristling with scaffolding for years) from the which was open for the first time on Doors Open weekend - fascinating if like me you love old buildings – but there are plenty other options!

We maybe take our country parks for granted but the feature on pages 8-9, contributed by the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, gives a little insight into the huge amount of time, expertise and work that goes into keeping these green areas healthy.

On a back-to-school theme for our local history article we took a wee dip back in time to when many children locally were more likely to be down the coal mines than at school.

If you have an event on in the next couple of months that you’d like to promote to the local community, or if you’re involved in a club or hobby group, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month in the community pages at the back of the magazine.

CONTENTS The Oakbank Tree Project 08 Crossword 48 Back to school – if you were lucky 52 West Lothian Door s Open Day 54 Thought for the Month 55 What’s on 56 Useful Information 58 Clubs & Classes 58 West Lothian regular

Visit West Lothian The Other For th Crossings Homes (Bathrooms) Parents in West Lothian Proper ty Matter s Health & Beauty Gardens Food & Drink

wl 01 wl 02 wl 03 wl 08 wl 10 wl 14 wl 16 wl 20

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

62

Advertising Enquiries JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Konect is delivered to 5500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month. Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.

Front cover: Photo courtesy of the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood Country Park: The Oakbank Tree Project (removing old rabbit guards)

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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The Oakbank Tree Project – Woodland Regeneration of Oakbank Bing

by Sue Bedford-Visser Over the last three years the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood have been involved in what is known as the Oakbank Tree Project, a long-term plan to create new woodland in a former industrialised area.

The Oakbank Extension is a lesser-known area of Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, but its natural character has much to offer and is all the more interesting considering the site’s recent history. The work being undertaken to protect and support an emerging young woodland is just part of the area’s recent transformation, from huge dumps of waste shale to the beautiful, natural landscaped area that can be seen today.

Recent history • In 1991 the site was transferred to West Lothian Council’s Countryside service, and new broadleaf native woodland began to be established through the planting of copses of trees including birch, ash, hazel, oak, rowan, elder, cherry and hawthorn.

Nitrogen fixing plants such as clover and lupins were planted, and paths were added for recreational purposes.

• In 2005, former waste ground to the west of the bing also came into council ownership, and in 2007/2008 was developed into the Oakbank Recycling Centre.

• The entire Oakbank site covers some 24 hectares (60 acres), of which 20.41 hectares is the former bing, with a further 3.59 hectares which is the Oakbank Recycling site. The development of the recycling centre provided the impetus for a successful funding bid to the Forestry Commission for the planting of 5000 additional trees on this site, creating a buffer zone between the recycling centre and Calderwood.

• In 2008 Edinburgh University’s conservation group, the Dirty Weekenders, planted the first 315 of these trees including ash, oak, birch, rowan, elder, cherry, hazel and hawthorn. The trees were planted in copses as whips, between 20-60 cms in height.

Spiral tree guards were used to protect against rabbits and voles.

• The remaining trees were planted by the council’s ranger service and contractors over 2008-2009.

Since that time volunteers have been involved in replacing and straightening tree shelters – the site is quite exposed and windy – and litter picking, a problem exacerbated by the nearby recycling centre in spite of the high nets which have been added to trap litter. Grass tracks continue to be established through annual mowing.

PICTURE: Of further ecological interest at Oakbank is the fen, an area of wetland at the bottom of the hill, where meadowsweet, valerian and angelica, three indicator species for that habitat, can be found, and one of very few such areas in West Lothian. Friends of Almondell venture down into the fen.

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Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park We are a volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. See our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/friendsofalmondell

The Bing The opening of shale mines at Calderwood and Newfarm (now the Lanthorn in Dedridge) sourced the shale for oil extraction. Over 3 million tonnes of the waste shale was produced, discarded and eventually piled up to form Oakbank Bing. The tree project is focused on the area once dominated by the bing, one of numerous shale bings throughout West Lothian that provide a lasting reminder of the oil shale industry that overtook the region from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Slippage from the bing into the nearby Linhouse Water was causing river contamination until Livingston Development Corporation reduced the bing in height by removing shale and adding topsoil.

Blaes (the spoil of the oil shale industry) which has been hardened and sterilised by the heat of the extraction process forms an excellent substrate for the regeneration of plant and wildlife, and Oakbank, like other oil shale bings in West Lothian, is a site of ecological importance and of historical, educational and recreational value.

Flora and fauna The diversity of Oakbank has been enhanced by an area under the high voltage power lines which was left unplanted by trees and remains as rough grass land, with some gorse and an array of summer wildflowers, including oxeye, bird’s foot trefoil, tufted vetch, common spotted orchid, greater stichwort and tormentil.

This open area is ideal for nesting skylark which can be seen in summer, along with grasshopper warblers, sedge warblers, willow warblers and chiffchaff. The common blue butterfly can be found here, and the common heath butterfly, not usually seen in nearby in Almondell or Calderwood.

Deer damage Deer seem particularly fond of oak, willow and hawthorn.

To allow regeneration of trees damaged by deer, ongoing work to provide further protection is now supported by volunteers. It is focused on the area below the barrier off the A71 and the area around the SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System) pond on the hill.

During winter/spring 2014, 2015 and 2016 the Friends of Almondell have undertaken to remove spiral guards and retube with 1.2m deer guards. TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) were also involved in retubing in spring 2014. So far, some 750 tubes have been replaced, and the main problem areas identified. In addition, some 3,000 spiral guards have been removed from trees now considered to be well-established and at less risk from rabbit or vole damage.

Going forward, there are still some 2,000 spiral guards to be removed, and in Jan/Feb 2017 and 2018 the remaining tree shelters will need to be removed. After five years, the larger tubes will also need to be removed.

In the meantime, the trees must be monitored regularly to straighten or remove wind-blown or damaged tubes, litter picked, and grass paths maintained.

Standing on the summit of Oakbank today or walking through its varying natural habitats, it’s hard to imagine the industrial site that existed here until only very recently. As a volunteer involved in the regeneration of Oakbank, it’s also fascinating to contemplate how very different again the site might look when those 5,000 trees reach maturity.

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Summer feet!

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ea – the community, is all about our local ar mation al businesses and infor what’s on, supporting loc own town/villages. and articles about our

We’re also all residents of the wider West Lothian region, and based on reader and business feedback, this month we’re starting a section within Konect that brings all the West Lothian-wide information together in a central section of the magazine. So you’ll find some of our regular columns in this section as well as homes, gardens, food and beauty alongside the businesses serving the whole of West Lothian.

If you run a business and would like to be included in this section, which is read by 40,500 households in West Lothian, please get in touch with us.

September – Spring and sing you way into autumn this year with West Lothian!

Summer is a distant memory, the leaves are changing colour, and autumn is definitely on its way. Don’t worry though, because West Lothian always has something for you to do, whether you like activities, theatre, shopping or food and drink!

Check out Livingston’s newest addition, JumpStation Trampoline Park! Made up of over 80 interconnected trampolines, JumpStation is tailored to suit people of all ages and skill groups.

With 14 different dedicated activity zones, it is great fun for all the family, and a fantastic way to make exercise more enjoyable.

2nd September, where all your favourite musicals are crammed into one spectacular show. Maybe you’re an 80s rock child, who would enjoy Simple Minded at Howden Park on the 3rd September, a tribute act very close to the real thing! Or if you just prefer a bit of traditional Scottish music, then look no further than Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham: Le Grand Anniversaire, having worked together for forty years, they will be playing at Howden Park Centre on 23rd September, it’s definitely not one to miss! For more information on these events and ticket prices, visit our website!!

Enjoy a bit of music? Well then you’re in luck because between the amazing shows at both Howden Park Centre and Bathgate Regal Theatre we’ll have you up and singing along. Why not spend a Night at the Musicals at the Regal on the

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook.com/VisitWestLothian Twitter. com: @teamwestlothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 1

The Other Forth Crossings The Forth Replacement Crossing is nearly done, with the platforms almost joined up on the magnificent new cable stayed bridge. But bridges aren’t the only way the Forth has been crossed.

• There are the silly records – German Helmut Pohle piloted the first Junkers 88 across the Forth in 1939, and in 1785 an Italian named Vincenzo Lunardi did the same in an air balloon but entirely by accident!

• More seriously there were the tunnels. A tunnel was carefully considered before the new bridge was decided on, but that would not have been the first.

• The first tunnel was in 1590, when a brilliant engineer built an artificial island in the middle of the Forth, and then tunnelled from Culross in Fife following a coal seam to the new island. Boats docked at the island and took the coal directly from the top of the mineshaft to places such as Portugal, Norway, the Baltic and France. Undersea mining was an amazing achievement.

• Not everyone was amazed - James VI, the witchhunting king - was invited to inspect the Culross tunnel in 1617. He walked down the length of the well-ventilated tunnel and then thought the island was a trap he had been lured into and he threatened the coal merchant with treason. The tunnel flooded in 1625.

• There were at least a dozen serious proposals, plans and projects for tunnels under the Forth between 1790 and 1960, some of them truly grand.

• There was even talk in 1954 of a £5.3 million “Forth Tube”, in which traffic would pass through a 2800ft reinforced concrete tube.

It was declared a brilliant idea, but was

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scrapped in favour of the Forth Road Bridge, which opened in September 1964.

• But only one tunnel ever made it from one side of the Forth to the other. The tunnel was dug by the National Coal Board in 1964 and finally filled in and obliterated from all but a few memories in 1982. The tunnel transported coal mined in Fife to the the Kinneil processing facilities. It was never intended for public use, and meandered around following the coal seam geology from Bo’ness to Valleyfield in Fife. Two teams tunnelled towards each other from Fife and Kinneil in cramped and difficult conditions. After months of digging and at a depth of 500 metres, using manual measurements from Ordnance Survey benchmarks, the teams met with a difference of 5 cm, which is basically a perfect result. The National Coal Board had intended that the tunnel might give Kinneil another century of working life, but neither geology nor politics worked out as the miners had hoped.

Kinneil was closed in 1982.

making the most of your bathroom Today’s smallest room is truly multi-functional – a place to unwind, de-stress or re-energise is high on many people’s wish list when considering a new bathroom project. Here are some ideas from Konect to help you make the most of yours.

First of all, you may want to consider your household needs. If you only have one bathroom and a young family, then as a shared space it needs to cater for all. A bath rather than just a shower cubicle is a must for young ones. If you decide to go a step further and install a whirlpool bath, they’ll have bubbles of fun and you can have a long, relaxing soak when the children are tucked up in bed.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

The Kudos Ultimate 2 glass shower screen lends a minimal style to a contemporary wet room. Available from Regency Bathrooms, Broxburn.

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Lots of storage to hide away those rubber ducks, alcoves or shelves for candles along with hidden speakers for your favourite music (or nature sounds if you prefer) are perfect for the real spa feel. A stand-alone bath can be real stunning focal point and by choosing centrally located taps you’ll add some French chic.

Walk-in cubicles or wet-rooms with floor-level trays paired with power showers have become popular in recent years, especially with people who lead hectic lifestyles or exercise frequently. This style of bathroom can also be useful for people who are elderly or infirm as it allows for better access.

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Getting a plan drawn up by a bathroom designer rather than doing it by yourself is highly recommended. You’ll be amazed at what they can do with the tiniest of spaces, including en-suites, to make your room seem bigger than it is. And, if you choose a designer and a bathroom company recognised by an industry body such as the KBSA, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new bathroom is being installed by professionals.

1. Clever design in this small wetroom also includes a bath and a walk in shower. Ekco, Uphall, Livingston. 2. His and hers sinks with vanity storage and wall mounted mirror cabinets in minimal design. Bathroom Studio, Bathgate. 3. Symmetrical bathroom with luxurious centre bath and ample shelving.

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Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • uPVC Door Repairs

• Local Locksmith over 10 years

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UPVC Door Canopies Professionally manufactured and installed

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Parents in West Lothian

Jupiter Artland

Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ve n months an with Quinn 2, Penny s in d her hubby 10 Channa, 33 .

Nicola & Ch an schedules w na both work, jugglin ith the ever-e g hectic vo their two tin y overlords, lving demands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!

Arty day out in West Lothian with the little ones I have a funny relationship with art … I like modern art, but only if I can tell that it took a long time to create. I can’t specify why the length of time taken matters to me, but it does. Nothing annoys me more than seeing a blank canvas with a single red dot sitting pretentiously in the corner and so on.

But not all modern art is like that – one of the best and most mesmerising paintings I’ve ever seen was one that looked more or less black at first glance, with a large white moon in the top third. It looks plain black until your eyes adjust and let you see all the subtly different shades of black, then it’s a field of sheep.

Admirable too – in a different way - are the heartfelt, passion-fuelled offerings that Quinton brings me from nursery each week, or the concentration with which Penny swipes a yoghurtfilled hand across the seat of our red, fabric couch.

So imagine my wonder when a friend of mine recently described to me a local visitor attraction where the pieces of art are embedded in (and sometimes created from) nature and the landscape. This is how it came to be that on an extremely windy Saturday, the babies and I set off for Jupiter Artland …

We arrived and quickly realised that our BabyJogger pram wasn’t going to be ideal for the task of meandering around the sprawling environs.

The ground is quite uneven and there are protruding tree roots everywhere as you follow the prescribed route through the park – it can be done though, just take a sturdy helper! The programme you get for free at the ticket office leads you through the exhibits and explains (sometimes a bit cryptically) the meaning or the concept behind the pieces of art.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 8

It’s basically an art gallery turned inside out – you wander on footpaths, bumping into colossal works of sculpture and concept art at every turn.

These range from a massive figure of a man made of metal rods crouching on the floor, to a sound display of various jangling objects tied to the branches of a tree set on an island in the middle of a pond. Some exhibits are a bit sinister ie the Weeping Girls (see picture with me alongside one of the stone girls) but generally they are very thought provoking and inspiring and some are outright weird.

The best bit for me about the whole experience was the feeling of ‘discovering’ each artwork amongst the trees, and the anticipation of the next one. Quinn had a whale of a time running wild and free (ssshhhh!!)

Jupiter Artland, thanks for a great day out, and for teaching me to appreciate the yoghurt stains on my couch a little more deeply.

Me with Weeping Girls sculpture at Jupiter Artland.

COMING SOON FAMILY FUN DAY

at Howden Park, Livingston Saturday 17th September 11am - 3pm Raffle tombola & kiddies rides & inflatables. Wristbands available to ride all day for £5

Some height restrictions

For more details call 0300 123 1070 or email zoe@riverkids.org.uk

ACT Beauty & Hair Academy BROOMHALL DRIVE, EDINBURGH

Make-up Artistry • Beauty Hairdressing • Barbering For information on hair & beauty courses

Contact : 0131 334 6427 Info @acft.co.uk

Find out about a career in Fostering at our monthly drop-in events: 5-7pm, first Thursday, every month at Waverley Court, Edinburgh EH8 8BG.

0800 174 833

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 9

propErty matters

“Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale” By Craig Turpie, Turpie & Co. First impressions are not only important when selling your home, they are absolutely critical.

When people come to view a property for the first time, they are unlikely to be scrutinising the unseen. They are simply trying to get a feel for the property. They will be bombarded with mostly visual impressions, many of which you can positively influence.

effective, and looks good. Do make sure you polish any chrome as well, using lime scale remover if necessary.

For example, if your kitchen is looking tired, it can easily be spruced up with new cabinet doors.

Even just replacing the handles can look good, or you could even go further and fit a new worktop.

Kitchen flooring which may have passed its best is also usually quite inexpensive to replace due to the relatively small surface area.

Outside, flowerbeds can instantly be given a new lease of life with a generous helping of shredded tree bark compost. Freshly-mown lawns with neat edges look great, as do paths which have recently been weeded. Patio areas are more appealing when they have been jet-washed, but also when they look like they are enjoyed regularly - so it’s worth having your garden furniture out rather than packed away. The same applies to children’s play equipment if you are selling a family home.

Bathrooms can look almost as good as the day they were fitted with a bit of work on the grouting.

Hack out any discoloured grout between the tiles or sealant around the wash basins, baths and showers, and replace with new. It’s inexpensive,

Do declutter. Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, so don’t distract them with too much of your own stuff, although a cosy home can be more appealing than a clinical one!

The key is a neat, but lived-in look, which will appeal to the heart as well as the head!

Before

After Kitchen transformed with painted doors and new handles. By Ian Merriman, kitchenspainted.com

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 10

Small garden makeover with turf laid, edges done and a mini patio area installed. By Dan Greaves Landscape Gardeners.

“

The difference between a good agent and an exceptional agent is choice!

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NEW SALES PACKAGES

We offer a comprehensive range of sales & marketing packages for wherever you are in the market.

The options may vary but never the award winning personal service and commitment to achieving the very best price for your home.

Tel: 01506 668448 | www.turpies.com

OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016 9.30am–12.30pm

Principal’s Address 9.30am

INStILLING CoNfIDeNCe INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS Choice for S5 and S6 pupils of SQA Qualifications or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme School Bus pick-up at Haymarket Station West Lothian School Bus stops at East Whitburn, West Calder, Livingston, East Calder, Kirknewton, Bol o Bere and Balerno Up to 100% financial support available for P7 and S1 entry George Watson’s College Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk

www.gwc.org.uk

Wonderlab: “A facial for the scalp” An innovative offering from a West Lothian hair salon

Everyone loves a pampering in the form of a facial or other relaxing beauty treatment; beauty salons offer a huge choice of treatments. So how about a similar treatment focussing on the hair and scalp?

This is what the team at hair salon Wonderland, Livingston, have been working on – an innovative offering to bring the concept of a health and beauty pampering treatment to their own area of specialism - the hair and scalp. “We always make sure you feel thoroughly pampered when you come to get your hair done here anyway, so it’s an extension of our ethos,” explains salon coowner Liam. “A Wonderlab treatment isn’t part of getting hair cut or coloured, you come in specially for it even if you don’t need your hair done, or if you usually get your hair done elsewhere. It’s all about relaxing rituals to promote healthy scalp and hair - like a facial for the scalp.”

Conor Cullen, Bathgate resident and stylist at Wonderland Livingston, is also a member of the 2016 GHD Style Squad. Along with salon owners Liam and Sophie, he has researched and developed the Wonderlab “menu” and delivers the treatment. We tried it and loved it.

Here are some elements from the experience:

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6

The session, which takes around 90 minutes in total, finishes with a blow-dry styling.

1. infused water

A vat of infused water is placed at your station in the salon so you can refill your glass all the way through your treatment. Salon co-owner Sophie is passionate about eating for healthy hair, and encourages clients to look at their diets for hair health. “The infused water is to emphasise the importance of hydration for your hair, and of healthy eating in general.”

“We’ve looked at the hair follicles under a magnifier on the scalp after this treatment and the difference is really striking,” explains Conor.

However, close-ups of our hair follicles are not what we all want to see, and in any case the experience of the pampering session and the feel of your hair afterwards says it all. This innovative pampering and relaxation session is well worth it and is a unique experience.

2. detox tea

A caffeine-free detox tea is offered as part of the Wonderlab experience – smells and tastes fantastic.

3. Nioxin

The session starts with a dermabrasion for your scalp - a very gentle product massaged into your scalp to remove build-up around the follicles. This is followed by a massage with oil for deep relaxation, and nourishment of the scalp.

For more information contact Wonderland on 01506 429922 or visit www.wonderland livingston.co.uk

4. Dalvines products

A steamer is placed over your head to add moisture, restore colour vibrancy and strengthen elasticity of the hair. It lifts the cuticle on the hair shaft to allow the conditioners and treatments to follow to penetrate each strand. You then choose from four hair treatments offered, to focus on 1) beautifying 2) moisture 3) volume or 4) strength and shine olaplex treatment.

5. Candle & Hot hands

A scented candle is lit and placed at your station in the salon. It contains essential oils to reduce stress, and part way through the Wonderlab experience the warm liquid oil from the candle is used for a relaxing “hot hands” hand massage while your hair is steamed.

6. Perrier

Your hair is rinsed with Perrier sparkling water! An invigorating rinse with room-temperature water.

4

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Enjoy Your Garden for Longer This Summer We may be heading towards autumn but don’t write the summer off just yet. You can still make the most of your garden, even if the nights are getting cooler and longer, whether relaxing by yourself or dining al fresco with family and friends.

If you don’t already have a dedicated patio area think about creating one with some simple decking or a few inexpensive slabs. For a cheaper alternative buy a couple of bags of chips or stones from your local garden centre.

Add a simple log border, or push the boat out with some gabion baskets and you have a quick and stylish dining patio.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

The Abbey garden furniture set with round dining table. Robust, natural timber for yearround use. 10-year guarantee against rot.

Perfect for informal outdoor dining. Available from Champfleurie, Linlithgow.

DUNFERMLINE 01383 741980 PENICUIK 01968 670061 Make Over your Garden with Beatsons this Summer!

Pitreavie Crescent, Pitreavie Ind. Est., Dunfermline, KY11 8UA Eastfield Drive, Eastfield Ind. Est., Penicuik, EH26 8BA

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High quality timber garden products

Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops

Summerhouses

Childrens Play Houses

Dog Kennels Garden Stores

Lily Range

Harriet Range

Abbey Range Emily Range Garden Furniture

Arches

Swing Seats

Arbours

Log Edging Woodchip Planters

Mulch

Decking Kits

Gates

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website

www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 17

Set aside a separate zone where guests can sit down and relax with a drink before and after dining. Add a gazebo for some shelter along with fairy lights, hurricane lanterns or candles in glass jars which will keep the party going as the sun goes down.

Also, make sure you have plenty of seating. Either bring your indoor furniture outside (but keep an eye on the weather forecast) or borrow as many chairs as possible from neighbours. If you plan to eat outside or entertain more often in your garden, it’s worth investing in quality wooden outdoor furniture such as the Abbey, Lily or Emily range of garden furniture from Champfleurie estate in Linlithgow.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 18

Emily table and two bench set. Heavy timber construction for durability. 10-year guarantee against rot making it perfect for al fresco dining all year-round. Available from Champfleurie, Linlithgow.

For a friendly & relaxed approach to Double Glazing Contact James on

01506 676 444 Showroom Open 7 Days By appointment only

• • • • • • • • •

Family run business 50 years experience in the Double Glazing industry Friendly, personal service from start to finish No pushy salesmen Insurance backed, fully comprehensive 10 year guarantee Superior quality products, highly skilled helpful tradesmen Second-to-none customer care UPVC & Hardwood windows, doors & conservatories Replace your conservatory using your existing base

• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Roofline Read what our satisfied customers sat at

www.andrewjamesrc.co.uk

Unit 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street, Blackburn, West Lothian, EH47 7QU (Next to Blackburn Recycling Centre) SC479676. Vat No. 116 429 327

As the night draws in you can heat things up with an electric, or natural-flame patio heater. The chimenea has also grown in popularity in recent years. Historically made from clay, chimeneas are available in both cast-iron and cast aluminium in traditional and beautiful contemporary designs.

Some, such as the Murcia Chimenea made by La Hacienda, have a grill for cooking which means they can double-up as a small barbecue as well as a heater - perfect for more intimate gatherings!

The Murcia large chimenea made

by La Hacienda. A classic style with a modern twist. Metal with black powder coating. Complete with chrome-plated cooking grill for BBQ cooking.

Available from Wilko Livingston.

Double Glazing Installers Required Full Time Positions, Excellent Rates of Pay Driving Licence and a Good Eye for Details Essential

Contact James on 01506 676 444 Units 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street Blackburn West Lothian, EH47 7QU KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 19

FOODINBURGH FOODPICKS SEPTEMBER

3 1

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1. F ork & Field Gastropub

Fork & Field opened to much excitement last month. West Lothian desperately needs more independent restaurants and Fork & Field fits the bill nicely, located in the former Torphichen Arms in Mid Calder. The new owners also own The Jolly Botanist and a group of other successful bars and restaurants in Edinburgh, so we are in safe hands. Inside a complete refurb has taken place and there’s now a well-lit conservatory and beer garden. Good times await us all in there I think!

2. New Seafood Restaurant Cadiz

Heading into the very heart of Edinburgh now.

The owners of the very reliable tapas restaurant Cafe Andaluz have renovated the first floor and have brought us an entirely new seafood restaurant. Cadiz is a classy place overlooking George Street, serving cocktails and seafood. We recommend the prawns with black garlic aioli to start, and the langoustines for main.

3. G in Tasting at Heads & Tales I f you’re a gin lover, you must visit Heads &

Tales Bar! The home of Edinburgh Gin, Heads & Tales Bar is located beneath The Huxley. This basement bar is classy as you like with table service and knowledgeable waiters only too keen to help you extend your gin knowledge.

Book in for their gin tasting and you can spend an hour in one of their booths tasting four different gins - £20 without appetisers/£25 with appetisers.

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5 www.foodinburgh.com is a leading Edinburgh food site. In a new monthly column for Konect Foodinburgh’s blogger Erica Douglas will provide us with inspiration on where to eat and drink next in Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Join the Foodinburgh Supper Club for a monthly digest and offers for some of their favourite monthly choices.

4. Burgers and Beers Grillhouse

Freakshakes have arrived in Edinburgh! These fully loaded milkshakes are full of calories, topped off with cream, and include garnishes like cookies, donuts, pretzels and a variety of sauces. If you’re on the Royal Mile, pop into Burgers and Beers Grillhouse to try their Nutella and Pretzel version. Oh, and they have a burger with peanut butter on it too - have that as well!

5. O ne Of Edinburgh’s Best Kept Secrets

Most of us can reel off a series of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. You might include The Kitchin, Wedgewood, Norn, Castle Terrace or Ondine in your list, but what about The Stockbridge Restaurant? This husband and wife run restaurant in a basement in, you’ve guessed it, Stockbridge is easily missed. We’ve had some of our favourite dishes here, and think of it as fine dining without the fuss. We highly recommend it for cosy romantic meals this Autumn (if there’s pork on the menu, do not hesitate, it’s excellent!)

Festive Party Nights 7pm – 1am | £33.95 per person Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a festive 3 course meal with entertainment & photo booth.

Fully booked

Fri 2nd Fri 9th Fri 16thF Sat 3rd Sat 10th Sat 17th

Christmas Party Nights @ Livi FC

2nd and 3rd December (fully booked) 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th,18th and 23rd Dec £35 per person including 2 drink tokens pp Special Sunday price for 11th & 18th December only £28 pp!

Private Parties

Want to hold your own company Christmas party?

Please contact us and discuss your requirements.

Hogmanay at the Almondvale Suite

Book now for a fabulous Xmas!

Join us in the Almondvale Suite for an evening of mouthwatering food, party games, high class entertainment and immaculate service from our friendly staff.

Outside Catering

Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering for your Xmas celebrations, from simple buffets all the way to multicourse meals for large numbers.

Tel 01506 412232 yvonne@foodcreations.co.uk facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

@Food_Creations

Festive Tribute Nights 7pm – 12am | £33.95 per person Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a festive 3 course meal with a tribute act and disco.

Thurs 8th Sun 11th Thur 15th

Diana Ross Freddie Michael & Whitney Mercury Buble Houston The perfect night out for couples, businesses or groups up to 200 people. ully booked

*10% discount when your quote KONNECT. 01506 446699 www.deer-park.co.uk

DeerParkGCC

@deerpark_club

deerpark@muir-group.co.uk

Deer Park Golf and Country Club, Golf Course Road Livingston, EH54 8AB

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 21

Wild food

by Anne Pinkerton September is a wonderful time for gathering food from the wild. A time out in the landscape with the fields being harvested, swallows gathering to fly south, the buzz of insects in grass, the smell of crushed stinging nettles and being covered in sticky willie seeds are all part of the process.

If you take the children blackberry picking they probably eat more than goes in their basket. The Edinburgh September holiday Monday is often a good day to go looking for your free harvest.

There are many good fruits to be found in byways and along canal footpaths - places reasonably free of pollution from exhaust emissions and safe for pickers.

Many preserves can be made from free fruit. Raspberry vinegar, sloe gin, elderberry wine and jelly, rose hip jam and rowan berry jelly to go with dark meats are all part of the autumn wild harvest. Cobb nuts and sometimes walnuts can be found and there is the more specialized pleasure to be had from mushroom hunting. This needs more knowledge because some fungi are really poisonous.

There are guided tours led by people from Valvona and Crolla around Edinburgh. Cepes and apricot-coloured chanterelle are both splendid in omelettes or meat dishes.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 22

Raspberry Vinegar Put the raspberries in a glass or china bowl. Cover with white wine or cider vinegar. Seal with cling wrap. Leave over night or up to 1 day.

Drain and pour the vinegar over another similar weight of fruit.

The next day do as before; drain and using a third quantity of fruit steep the vinegar for a third time.

After three sessions the colour will be beautiful and the flavour strong. Bottle and cork tightly. Keep in a cool dark place.

Use for salad dressings, a comforting drink diluted with hot water or in enriching sauces for duck or game dishes. It gives the sour we all seem to enjoy in sweet and sour sauces.

Make Bramble Jelly if you don’t like pips in your teeth You need at least 1kg of fruit to make the project worthwhile; throw in some cooking apples if you need to top-up the brambles.

Put all the fruit in a pan with a little water and bring, covered, gently to the boil. Line a bowl with a clean tea towel or muslin. Pour in all the fruit and juice. Hang up to drip overnight or till there is no more juice.

Measure the juice and for every pint add 450g sugar. Bring the juice and sugar mixture slowly to the boil, stirring to ensure the sugar melts. Then boil rapidly till setting point is achieved. Pour into sterile, warmed, glass jars and cover.

Setting point can be tested for by putting a little of the “jelly” on a cold plate (put it in the fridge for a few minutes or as you start cooking) and seeing if the edges of the blob wrinkle up when you try to push with your finger. If you have one, use a jam thermometer.

Jelly variations Elderberry Jelly - Use elderberries half and half with their weight of cooking apples. Try not to leave too much stalk with the fruit. Strip the berries off their sprays with a fork.

Stew them to release their juices and continue as for bramble jelly.

Hedge Row Jelly - Use the same method as for bramble jelly but gather a mixture of fruits. Crabb apples, rose hips, hawthorn berries, elderberries, a few sloes and even blayberries (bilberries) if you find them. A few cooking apples will help make the fruit go further; but the flavour will be less intense.

Rowanberry Jelly -Just as above but use only rowan berries.

Pot in small jars as this is best with meat dishes rather than spread on bread and butter.

Sloe Gin – make it now for Christmas Extract the flavour from these otherwise bitter small fruits of the black thorn bush.

Prick each sloe with a needle and put as many in a glass bottle as you can. A gin bottle is perfect. Fill with gin and cork. Leave to extract the juice and flavour from the sloes for three months. Do this in September and it will be ready for Christmas.

Decant into another bottle and add some sugar syrup to taste.

Use 450g sugar dissolved in 1 pint of water. Re-cork and use to warm yourself after a long Boxing Day walk, or pour over ice cream or mix with fizzy wine for a Kir Royal if you use champagne. (The fruit can be saved and put in cabbage dishes or stews).

You can also make a cordial from elderberries by this method. Pack them tightly into a wide necked jar such as you may have from pickled beetroot or onions. Then add vodka, light rum or gin. Sweeten the strained liquid three months later, as with the sloe gin.

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contact alex on:

01506 203200 | 07798 530 247 e: info@aklimos.com www.aklimos.com available for Weddings and all special occasions

follow us at AK Limos we are licensed by West Lothian Council

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 24

BLACK BULL INN Market Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AA Tel: 01506 882170

Email: blackbullmidcalder@sky.com

Have you got your BLACK CARD yet?

Ask today to get great savings off your food bill

facebook.com/blackbullmc KONECT CALDERS 45

10% OFF during September with this advert

The Sky Kitchen

Telephone Orders Welcome

CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

Unit 6 Calder Drive, East Calder (On the B7015 next to Colin Nixon)

01506 885115 OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK (Closed Monday) FROM 4.30pm - 11.00pm

SPECIAL OFFER

Until 30th September 2016

20% OFF

ANY MEALS SITTING IN ONLY SUNDAY-THURSDAY (not takeaway) WITH THIS VOUCHER

KONECT CALDERS 46

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the October edition of konect

Across 1 Alcove (6) 4 Pieces of wood (6) 9 Family name (7) 10 Not outer (5) 11 Pry (5) 12 Compel (7) 13 Most definitely (11) 18 Group (7) 20 Male relative (5) 22 Mistake (5) 23 Observed (7) 24 Thawed (6) 25 Light wind (6) Down 1 Fight back (6) 3 Liquid soap (7) 5 Robber (5) 6 Middle (7) 7 Inspect (6) 8 Recalling (11) 14 Impartial (7) 15 Latitude zero degrees (7) 16 Squeal (6) 17 Aggravate (6) 19 Abrupt (5) 21 Form of transport (5)

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 61

KONECT CALDERS 48

Porteous Funeral Directors - New Premises charge, to local community groups for meetings.

Our already well-established premises at 553 Lanark Road is now a showroom for headstones and other memorial products.

Our newly-opened, purpose-built premises at 589 Lanark Road in Juniper Green now offer a comprehensive service for families within the local community.

Our bright modern facilities provide a peaceful setting where you can discuss arrangements and spend time with your loved one if you wish.

We are also proud to offer families the use of a dedicated Service Room which seats up to 60 people and has audio visual and web-casting options.

We know that business hours are difficult for some, so we are also open on a Saturday from 9am to 1pm and are available on Saturday afternoons and Sundays by appointment.

Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable within your own surroundings, so we are happy to meet you at home at a time that is convenient for you.

Porteous Family Funeral Directors: Proud to Serve the Local Community

It is an ideal setting for religious or non religious funeral services but can also be made available, at no

Juniper Green Branch - 589 Lanark Road, EH14 5DA - 0131 453 4535 Juniper Green Memorial Showroom: 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988

porteousfunerals.com

South Lodge Cattery Buster the Dog

South Lodge, Oakbank Road, East Calder, EH53 0JP

Going away on holiday or business?

We treat your cat like royalty while you’re away... ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

individual attention collection & delivery service heated accomodation for the winter months 24 hour care microchipping service homesitting service afflilated with local vet for your complete peace of mind

Contact us on

01506 880767 or

macalbani@aol.com to discuss your pet’s requirements Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8am-12 and 4pm-7 Closed Sundays (except school holidays)

Our family run practice is celebrating 15 years at the heart of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, developing close bonds within the community. We are a single centre clinic with all medical, surgical, diagnostic and dental facilities in house with no need to travel between branches.

Open 6 days a week with full emergency cover 24/7 through our specialised emergency provider. Our dedicated team of experienced vets and fully qualified nurses look forward to meeting you and your pets.

• Fully equipped in house surgical theatre • Separate fully equipped dental station • In-house laboratory machine and microscopy • X-ray • Ultrasound • Endoscopy • ECG See our website for more details including sample pricing.

5 RICCARTON MAINS ROAD, CURRIE, MIDLOTHIAN, EH14 5PX

T: 0131 451 5111 W: www.pentlandvetclinic.com KONECT CALDERS 50

NEW SHOP NOW OPEN Pet supplies for your dogs, cats, rabbits, birds. Orders welcome and local home deliveries available.

01506 880015 thepetstop2016@outlook.com 111 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP Like us on Facebook: The Pet Stop at Tillychance

Tillychance Dog Grooming Services 111 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP

Please contact Suzanne on 01506 880015 s_buglass@hotmail.co.uk

Tillychance Dog Grooming Services

City & Guilds trained

COMPANION DOG SHOW Held under Kennel Club Regulations By

THE SCOTTISH NEWFOUNDLAND CLUB SUNDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2016 FROM NOON AT HUMBIE HOLDINGS, Nr WILKIESTON,

BY KIRKNEWTON, WEST LOTHIAN EH27 8DS Entries are £5 per dog for 1st class entered plus £1 per for all subsequent entry with same dog Judges – Morag Burton— Tartandug Sarah Brown for Welfare and Junior Handling Classes Judging commences at 1.00 pm

Enquiries to Davy Lyall 0131 333 4980 Wullie Burt 01506 652966

Rosettes 1st to 4th Trophies Best In Show Reserve Best In Show

Best Puppy Best Veteran

KONECT CALDERS 51

Back to school – if you were lucky West Lothian schools have been back a couple of weeks; the back-to-school moaning from the kids has subsided as they settle back to routine. But when coal-mining was in its heyday, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits.

It’s interesting and heart-breaking to read the 1841 government report into child labour in the mines, and hear the voices of real children, in what was then Linlithgowshire, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied according to the management and communities - some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did. Some children went to school at night after working 12 or 14 hours in the mines. The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended self-regulation and employment of women and children under the age of 10 underground.

Margaret Harper, 13 years old, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate

“I work with sister Agnes, who is 11 years of age; we work 10 to 12 hours in the day; we get porridge before we gang, or it is sent down by mother. We hurry the carts on the railroads by pushing behind; I frequently draw with ropes and chains as the horses do; it is dirty slavish work and the water quite covers our ankles. I have never been much hurt; I knock my head against the roofs, as they are not so high as I am and they cause me to stoop, which makes my back ache. Father gets 1s. a-day for our work, 6d. each; he would not have sent us down but is sore bad in his breath.”

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Thomas Brown, 10 years old, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate

“I go down at three in the morning, and come up at four and sometimes six at night, and work 9 or 10 days in the fortnight; work very hard, as father is no strong the now, and mother is dead. I hurry the hurlies [draw the carts] in harness.”

John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate

“I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years. My adopted mother puts my coal, and we earn about 2s. a-day together. The work is gai sore for both of us, but the woman has been a real kind friend to me, as I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk about the death and therefore no inquiry. I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”

Peter Andrew, 11 years old, putter*, Polkemmet, Whitburn

“I work about 12 hours daily, three or four morning till three or four afternoon. Get porridge or tea sent, as live just convenient to the engine; … Father and three brothers work below; two of my brothers write very well; I am not the length of writing yet; do not go to school at present, I shall do as summer advances; the moor is not good to cross, and the teacher lives far away.”

Robert Beveridge, 15 years old, coal-hewer* at Polkemmet, Whitburn

“I have been below near five years; work 11 and 12 hours, sometimes longer. Mother was a farmer’s daughter, and she had nine of us; she never wrought below, nor have any women here; the lassies go into the fields or to service.”

Margaret Chirce, 12 years old, putter*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen

“I shute the carts with sister, who is much older than me, in the Kipps Pit. I do not know my sister’s age, am sure she is much older, as she is a big bit bigger than me; after shuting [pulling and drawing through the unrailed part of the seam] up the brae, I throw the coals over with a shovel into the hurley, which is pushed to pit bottom.

I do not like the work so well as what I did before my father forced me down; my work was that of a herd-kye [cowherd] at Whiteside, where I was much better fed and clothed. Father has the dropsy from sitting in wet work, and frequent attacks of bad breath; mother has a large family dependant on our labour.”

Mary Sneddon, aged 15, coal-putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire Thomas Smith, coal-hewer: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen

“Can’t say what age I am, nor what place was born in - I may be 12 or 14. I work 12 to 14 hours daily at houking the coal [cutting or picking] with father; sometimes I draw or push the carts; the carts hold four hutchies, which is equal to 14cwt. - this is the usual weight drawn and pushed by girls and boy.”

PICTURE: Drawer pulling a Coal tub.

Picture published in the Children’s Employment Commission (Mines) 1842 report.

“I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirk-yard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place. Mother has had 13 children, five only are alive; she does not work below just now, as no need; four, including father, work below.”

*Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.

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10th and 11th September 2016

Linlithgow Civic Trust welcomes you to West Lothian Doors Open Days. Have a look inside the county’s buildings! As ever, all our activities are free. See the national website for more details www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

Annet House Museum & Garden 143 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ. Open: Sat 10th Sept and Sun 11th Sept,

11:00am – 5:00pm.

Activities: Guided tours of house and rig garden.

Blackburn House (Main building, East Pavilion and Doocot).

Blackburn House, Redhouse Road, Seafield, Bathgate, EH49 7AQ. Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 3:00pm.

Facilities: WC, parking, refreshments

(donation requested).

Activities: Doocot open; tours of building, including old kitchens.

Linlithgow Burgh Halls The Cross, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH. Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 5:00pm.

Facilities: WC (including disabled), café.

Canal House Adjacent to Canal Centre, Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow, EH49 6AJ. Open: Sun 11th Sept, times as below.

Facilities: WC (including disabled) at Canal Centre.

Activities: Tours at 2.00pm and 3.00 pm, with guide. Booking essential: tel. 01506 842452 or email jimlonie@gmail.com.

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Crossview Studios 3d Union Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7DY. Open: Sun 11th Sept 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Facilities: No toilet facilities or parking (Union Road parallels the railway: pedestrian access from High Street via Dog Well Wynd, Lion Well Wynd or New Well Wynd).

Duntarvie Castle 1 Off B8020, north of Winchburgh.

Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 3:00pm.

Facilities: Parking.

Activities: Restoration is in progress. Small parties (no booking required) will be guided round the site. Stout footwear is advised. Hard hats may be made available.

Mary’s Meanders - Linlithgow Tour The tour will start at the front entrance of the Star & Garter Hotel. Maximum – 20. Advance booking (tours@marysmeanders.co.uk) essential.

Sat 10th Sept, 11.00am.

Regal Community Theatre 2 24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PS. Open: Sat 10th Sept and Sun 11th Sept, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Churches open: Some of the churches have tours and refreshments, please check the website for details.

Brucefield Church of Scotland, Whitburn | Kingscavil Church, Kingscavil | Strathbrock St Machan’s Church Ecclesmachan | Strathbrock St Nicholas’ Church Ecclesmachan | St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Bathgate | St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow | St Ninian’s Craigmailen Parish Church, Linlithgow | St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Linlithgow.

1

2

that is affecting your work and becoming aware of the problem may help improve your time at work.

YES or NO - Are you enjoying your job?

YES or NO - Are you satisfied with your career?

YES or NO – Are you happy with your work-life balance?

If you answer NO to the questions above then it’s probably time for a career change; don’t be stuck in a job you don’t like. Alternatively try to improve your current workplace by making an effort to improve workplace relationships and reassess the way you think about work.

Do You Need A Career Change?

By Tammy Wood, Happiness Works

This time of year is exciting for all the school leavers, having found out their exam results it’s now time to choose a career path.

This can be exciting and daunting at the same time so think how us adults feel when we decide to change career!!

Firstly you need to ask yourself if you need a career change or just a change in your life. If you are unhappy it may be something in your personal life

Another option is to become a mature student, this is more accessible now than ever before, more and more adults are going “back to school,” learning new subjects, gaining qualifications and even learning new skills. Don’t be scared, you don’t have to jump in feet first, you can do part-time/flexible studying, go to evening classes, or even do online learning.

We spend a lot of time at work so change your life for the better and do what makes you happy.

Tammy Wood. Happiness Works. www.happinessworks.co.uk

ANGELA ELIZABETH PRIVATE NURSERY

The longest-running private nursery in West Lothian

...the caring nursery Babies & children from 3 months - 5 years Open 52 weeks a year 7.30 am - 6.00pm Full or part time spaces available

We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

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

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Breakfast & afternoon snack provided

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now open

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Daily Activities : ● Sand &Water ● Baking ● Painting ● Glueing ● weekly French lessons ... and much much more!

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices

0131 333 1949

enquiries@angelaelizabethnursey.co.uk www.angelaelizabethnursery.co.uk

School House, Bonnington Road, Wilkieston, EH27 8BD

Nicola Brett B.A. Hons

Prom Dresses and Alterations “Bridal, bridesmaid and mother of the bride, designed and hand crafted exclusively for you”

07980 851756 215 Main Street, East Calder West Lothian, EH53 0EH

www.notabenedesignuk.co.uk KONECT CALDERS 55

WHAT’S ON and Useful Information Canal trips at Broxburn: Take a short trip on the Union Canal, run by the Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society, in their restored narrowboat “Bluebell.” Trips take place on the first Sunday of each month from April to October and last approximately 1/2 hour. Cost is £3.00/adult, £2.00/child. All monies go back into maintaining the boat. Meet at Port Buchan, Broxburn.

Members of the public can also charter the boat with driver and crew for birthday parties, walking groups etc. The passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drink on board. See http:// www.bridge19-40.org.uk

Sunday 4th September

Companion Dog Show From 12noon at Humbie Holdings, Kirknewton.

See page 51 for details.

Friday 9th September

Creatures of the Night An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting

owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm. Suitable for: All. Meet: Almondell Visitor Centre. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: £3.65 adult, £2.50 child.

Booking essential, please call the Rangers on 01506 882254, email: almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk.

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th September

West Lothian Doors Open Days Various buildings of historical or architectural interest open their doors for free to the public.

For details of all buildings open in West Lothian, Edinburgh and beyond see www.doorsopendays. org.uk.

Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre. co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory. co.uk or call 07854 492638.

Library information on page 58.

Music Review LOCAL BOY IN THE PHOTOGRAPH by James Kerr, Regal Music Club Despite being such an accepted part of modern music, streaming sites are still in their infancy, all twenty five million of them. Bandcamp is a popular facility for independent musicians to put up albums which can be played in their entirety online and then downloaded under an honesty box policy, where you pay what you like, even if that figure is zero and you have no conscience or other moral compass.

Chris Finegan, a singer/songwriter from East Calder who recently appeared on a compilation CD on Greentrax recordings has this month released his first collection, a six track mini album entitled “Pillars”. The recording is simple and direct, basic even, with little in the way of production. In that respect, as those who have heard Chris sing live locally and further afield can testify, the power and expression in his voice is present here but is only a down payment on what is delivered in concert. The songs themselves though, beautifully constructed and very much of one meditative piece can be enjoyed over again, revealing bright, pop, melodies in tracks such as “The River” and “A Thousand Suns”.

For laughs, contrast the honest wisdom of any song from “Pillars” with “Beats To Your Rhythm” the horrific new single by The Shires, currently being pushed harder than any street drug by Radio 2. An overproduced, over arranged, attempt to bolster a song with one tenth of a melody and a lyric so forgettable I’m not going to put myself through listening to it again just for a quote.

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Kirknewton Sensory Garden In May of this year, Kirknewton village was successful in receiving a grant of £10,000 from Groundworks UK to create a Sensory Garden in the community woodland.

We are working with Richard Irving, who was the head landscape gardener at Jupiter Artland, to create a unique space which will be available to all members of the community.

Although many have been supportive of the project, we have also listened to the concerns and are working to create a space which stimulates the senses but is also accessible, durable and free from litter.

Richard worked as head gardener at Jupiter Artland for 8 years and we are hoping he will bring some of their magic to Kirknewton. We would also like to work with Kirknewton Primary to expand the project, allowing young people to bring their ideas and creativity to the Sensory Garden. Ideally work will begin during September. If you would like to lend a hand doing some tasks like repainting the woodland bridge please get in touch.

PICTURE: Richard Irving, formerly head gardner at Jupiter Artland, will create the Sensory Garden in the Kirknewton Community Woodland.

KIrknewton Commmunity Development Trust 12 Main Street Kirknewton 01506 883988

48 Main St West Calder EH55 5DR FREE PARKING www.littlewhisperssanctuary.co.uk

01506 253467

Psychic cafe, tealeaf readings,

holistic therapies including reiki healing

Spiritual readings and holistic treatments by appointment

Coffee Shop

Drink, cake and cup reading £11.99

Good news - Tables can now be booked All welcome .....tea leaf readings optional!

Little Whispers Sanctuary

EAST CALDER BOWLING CLUB 255 Main Street · East Calder · EH53 0EL Tel: 01506 497008 Emaill: info@ecbcnews.co.uk www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com

Closing day 2nd October 2016.

Brian Clarkson Memorial Trophy.

See club facebook/ website for further details Hats nights: every Monday 6.30pm Junior Coaching: each Friday 2pm till 4pm Bingo: Sundays & Wednesdays 8pm~9:30pm Check our facebook page for upcoming events

Memberships available All levels.

Contact heatherwhyte@ rocketmail.com

Function Suite for hire

for members and non-members* (*with sponsorship from a member)

KONECT CALDERS 57

clubs & classes

WHAT’S ON and Useful Information

Library Information East Calder Library

Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ T: 01506 883633 E: eastcalder.lib@westlothian. gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Fri 10am – 5pm, Tues 10am-3pm, Wed 11am-4pm, Thurs 12pm7pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Please note Registration Services are now available by appointment only. Monday – 2.00 to 4.30. Wednesday – 11am-1pm. Friday – 2.00 to 4.30. Telephone 01506 883633. Other facilities we offer are: free internet access, cheap printing facilities and free scanning. There are daily papers to read and magazines to browse in a warm safe environment.

Pumpherston Library

Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF T: 01506 280996. E: pumpherston.lib@ westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Monday – 14.00 to 17.00. Wednesday – 14.30 to 16.30.

Thursday – 14.00 to 18.00.

West Calder Library & Customer Information Service

West Calder Library and Customer Information Services are temporarily relocated at 24-26 Main Street, West Calder. T: 01506 771630.

Opening Times: Monday – 10.00 to 16.00.

Tuesday – 10.00 to 19.00. Wednesday – 11.00 to 16.00. Thursday – 11.00 to 18.00. Friday – 10.00 to 15.00. Saturday – 10.00 to 13.00. CIS enquiry desk closed each day 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Bookbug: Monthly Bookbug sessions have recently restarted in West Calder. Because of space restrictions in temporary location these are held in West Calder Community Centre.

Please call the library on 01506 771630 for more information on dates and to book a place.

Bookgroups: Book groups run on first two Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 pm and on the last Thursday of the month at 4:45 pm.

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Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

Firefly Arts

Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk

Lothian Running Club

We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion

Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

West Lothian Baking Club

We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related.

No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting.

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

West Lothian Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Classes in South Church Hall, Uphall Starting on Thurs 17th Sept 7.30 to 9.30pm. 10 weeks through to the 19th Nov, then starting the 7th January through to 10th Mar 2016. £3 per week. Teacher Mrs Margaret McGregor. Dancing for fun & fitness, any new beginners very welcome. For more info contact Sandra Cheyne, tel 01506 430600 email sdcheyne77@yahoo.com.

West Lothian Gymnastics

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months 3 years and 3­5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com.

EAST CALDER Ante-natal Yoga - Yamma Mamma

Prepare for your Baby with Yoga birth preparation and fitness. Sunday morning 10am to 11.30am. For more details please contact Ruth on 07767 777044 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

Forget-Me-Not Café

East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court. Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported

by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

East Calder Bowling Club

Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every friday 2pm – 4pm. We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www. eastcalderbowlingclub.com. Members can find details here of competitions, play by dates and club news.

East Calder Jog Scotland Group

Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

Yoga for Everyone

East Calder Community Centre. Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@ sukha.co.uk

– 7.30pm and Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm. Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm. Guides: Wed 7.30-9pm. Monday Guides meet in Kirknewton Chuch Hall 7pm-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com.

Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640.

Toddler Clinic

East Calder Health Centre. 1st Tues every month. Drop in for advice & support 1.30–3.30pm.

East Calder Scout Group

Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace. Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs). Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs).

Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs). Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889. eastcalderscouts.org.uk

East Calder Needlecraft Club

East Calder Park. We are currently recruiting for an under 10’s team born 2002. For information required regarding any of our teams please visit our website www. eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Paul Garrad on 0797 959 2674. Let’s put the fun back into football. All welcome.

We are a group of ladies who would like to invite you to our weakly Thursday meetings, between 7 and 9.30 pm in the Community Centre. We enjoy a range of needlecrafts including cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing. Friendly tuition given. Our members range in age from 18 to 80. Outings include a trip to Hobby Craft in Glasgow, S.E.C.C. Also away day trips - something to please everyone. Tea and biscuits provided. Please contact 01506 882427 for more information.

East Calder Old Folks Club

East Calder Old Tyme Dance Club

East Calder Colts FC

East Calder Community Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle

East Calder Community Centre. Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE.

East Calder Youth Club

East Calder Community Centre. Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts.

Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473.

New Mums Group

This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Community Centre. Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Breast Feeding Support Group

East Calder Church Hall. Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

East Calder Community Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Bobby Abbot, accordionist. Beginners/ learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club.

Slimming World

Pigeon Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesdays at 9.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information.

West Lothian Eagles – Aussie Rules Football - NEW! We have just started and are looking for new players, of all shapes and sizes, beginners especially for free training sessions. Get fit, have a laugh, make new friends and play a new sport. We train mainly in East Calder football pitch on the Main St. on Monday evenings at 7.15pm but we also train on various other places throughout West Lothian.

Check the facebook page for details. www.facebook.com/ wleaglesarfc/

KIRKNEWTON Mini & Me Music Group

Bingo

Pigeon Club, East Calder. Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

The Green Room Thursdays 2pm-2.45pm. Songs, stories and rhymes just for the little ones. Meet other mums & make new friends. Contact Amanda on 07814 055499.

Boys Brigade

Kirknewton Youth Group

East Calder Church Hall. Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 7.30pm. Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm. Company Section (age 11-18). Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm. Call Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

East Calder Playgroup

Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5 per session.

Contact Carol on 07748 053340.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows Mon 6.30

Village hall or Green Room. Fridays 6-8pm. For P7+. Please Contact Jennifer at jenniferkirknewton@gmail.com

Kirknewton Starlets

Kirknewton Primary School. Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30 - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha on email t.ewing@btinternet.com

Kosy Kaff

Kirknewton Village Hall. Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time.

Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

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clubs & classes Pilates Classes

Kirknewton Village Hall: Tuesdays 6.45pm to 7.35pm (Improvers and Intermediates); Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am (Intermediates) and 10.10am to 11.00am (Beginners and Improvers). Balerno Scouts Hall: Tuesdays 9.10am to 10.00am (mixed). For more details contact elise@ekpilates. co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

Kirknewton Rainbows and Brownies

Kirknewton Village Hall. Rainbows Wed 5pm-6.15pm; Brownies Wed 6.30pm-8pm. Contact Gill on 01506 883261 or gillww@hotmail.com

Toddler Group

Kirknewton Church Hall. Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, friendly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am.

Physio Pilates Classes

Modified Pilates taught by a Chartered Physiotherapist.

Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays 6.45pm and 7.45pm suitable for beginners or improvers. Spaces are limited so for more information or to book contact Dianne on 07795466464. diannemackenzie1@gmail.com. Facebook: Physio Pilates Classes.

Kirknewton Runners

Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

Hatton Sports Club

Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

Kirknewton Stompers

Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking.

Simply Play

Kaspars Out of School Care for Kirknewton. Kirknewton Primary School. Mon – Thu 3.15-6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00. Call 07871 791000

Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute

Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall.

Potter Around

Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD. Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewllery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www. potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

Kirknewton Play Group

Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9.15am to 11.30am. Ages 2 to 4 1/2 years. £5 per session. Call in and see us during session times or email kirknewtonplaygroup@yahoo.com

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Celtic Stepz

Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes.

Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674

MID CALDER 5th West Lothian Mid Calder Cub Group

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Thursdays 7.20 to 8.30. New cubs welcome. Aged betweem 8 – 10 years. Please contact Vroni on 07900 907297.

Mid Calder School of Dance

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054.

Myra Mackie School of Dance

Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and Broxburn. Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult.www. myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division the Scottish Starlets.

Star Harmonies

Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-30-11am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45am- Little Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv’n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:30-9:30pm The Liv’n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@gmail.com

West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club

Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307.

Welcome Café

Glenalmond Hall. Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Café all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru.

Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

Mid Calder Camera Club

Institute Hall, Market Street. Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm.

All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC

Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org. Contact Carole 883934.

Contact@mid-calder-colts.org.

Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group

Institute Hall, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-11am. £1 per baby / £1.50 per toddler per session, all welcome. Please email midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for more details.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

Rainbows Wed night, Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights. To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections.

Yoga Classes

Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

Folk Club

The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir

We would like to invite all ladies with a love for singing and music to come and join us. You don’t have to be able to read music. We are a well established three part choir and have a membership of around 20 ladies. We sing a wide variety of songs including music from films and shows, spiritual, traditional and pop music. We hold two concerts annually, one before Christmas and one in the summer accompanied by West Calder Brass Band. We also sing at venues across the region on request. The choir practices in Kirk of Calder on Wednesdays 7.30 - 8.45pm. New members are always most welcome to join. Contact John Rankine 01506 880029.

CHURCHES Polbeth Harwood Church

Service 11:15 am every Sunday. West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 8 Manse Court, East Calder EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884802

Church of Scotland

POLBETH

Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School and creche available. Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 07588 845814. groenstes@yahoo.com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

Star Harmonies

Mid Calder

Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church.

Mondays: Drama: 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-45-7-25pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+. Dance: 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-730pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pm- P3-P7. Tuesdays: 3-15-3-45pmBaby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez. Other classes in Mid Calder. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@gmail.com

Polbeth W.R.I.

1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome. Further info on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON Pumpherston United FC

Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information, please email feedback@pumpherston-united. co.uk

Services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available.

Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall. The website www.kirkofcalder. com has full details of current activities/services.

St Theresa’s Catholic Church

Masses - 11.30AM every Sunday. 9am every Monday and Friday. 6pm every Wednesday. Confessions - After Mass on Sundays, or on request. www.livingstoncatholicparishes. co.uk; 01506 880918 frpaul@livingstoncatholicparishes. co.uk.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory. co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Uphall Station Creative Play

Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.

Solution to August Crossword Across: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.

The Look Group

Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12. Meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Sat, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254.

Down: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.

WEST CALDER West Lothian Fibromyalgia Support Group

Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. There is no group meet in July, August or December. See sites.google.com/site/ wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.

Solution to Sudoku Page 52

18th West Lothian Scout Group

West Kirk Hall, West Calder. Beavers Mon 6-7pm. Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 - 14 yrs. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

West Calder Walking Group

Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main Street. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Bookkeeping 6 Architect Plan It Design 15 Barber TJ’s Barbers 20 Bathrooms 1st Choice Living 6 Anderson Home Improvements 7 Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL 5 Buyrite WL 4 Beauty ACT Beauty & Hair Academy WL 9 Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy 19 Bowling Club East Calder Bowling Club 57 Builder Almond Building Company 14 Build-It 15 Building Surveyor David Hastings WL 6 Butcher John Lawson Butchers 46 Cafe/Tearoom Little Whispers Sanctuary 57 Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh 10 JWG Car Care 4 Car Sales Hermiston Motors 2 Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions 10 Hermiston Motors 2 Kirknewton Garage 11 LVS Garage Services 5 Catering Food Creations WL 21 Children’s Nursery Angela Elizabeth Nursery 55 The Bees Knees Nursery 4 Chiropody/Podiatry Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 16 Cleaning Services C and W Cleaning Services WL 9 Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance 20 Little Whispers Sanctuary 57 Computer Services Sprint Computers WL 24 Conservatories Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 19 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 55 Decorating Graham & Brown WL 7 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 18 Currie Dental Care 16 No9 Dentist 20 Doors UPVC Doors WL 7 Dressmaking/Alterations Just Sew 18 Nota Bene 55

Electrician A&A Electrical 7 Riddell Electrical Services 14 Simply Electrical WL 6 Estate Agent Alba Property 64 Turpie WL 11 Florist Quite Contrary 4 Vicky’s flowers 57 Foot Care Foot Clinic 20 Fostering Edinburgh Council WL 9 Funeral Director Porteous Funeral Directors 49 Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd 13 Garden & Landscaping AA Landscapes 12 Beatson’s WL 16 D Greaves 13 Riccarton Garden Centre 12 SG Garden Services 13 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd WL 17 Woodford Timber Scotland WL 18 Gas Stockists Charles Gas 14 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 11 Deer Park Golf & Country Club WL 21 Hairdresser Jane & Friends 19 Narnia Hair Design 19 Handyman 1st Call Handyman 13 Heating Services L & S Heating 7 Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) AK Stretch Limousines WL 24 Joiner Craigcrook Joinery 6 Geoff Vinter Joinery 15 Kitchens Anderson Home Improvements 7 Locksmith Livingston Locksmith WL 6 Saltire Lock & Security WL 3 Mobility Med-Ecosse WL 13 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL 24 Optician Lothian Optical 17 Oven Cleaner The Clean Team 6 Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorator’s 14 Nu Walls WL 6 Pet Services Milrig Kennels 51 South Lodge Cattery 50 Tilly Chance Dog Grooming 51

Pet Supplies The Pet Stop@Tilly Chance 51 Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering 14 Nu Walls WL 6 Plumbing Services Capital Heating WL 3 Currievale Plumbing 14 EPH 14 Public House Black Bull 45 The Grapes Bistro 47 Restaurant Al Borgo 46 Sky Kitchen 46 Security Services Saltire Lock & Security WL 3 School Edinburgh Academy 4 George Watson’s College WL 12 Storage Unit Storage Containers 6 Takeaway Sky Kitchen 46 Taxi & Private Hire All The Fours 63 Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care 13 Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic 50 Wallpaper Graham & Brown WL 7 Wedding Services Nota Bene 55 Quite Contrary 4 Vicky’s flowers 57 Window Cleaning Suburban Window Clnr 7 Windows 1st Choice Living 6 Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 19 Red Hot Windows 15

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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