Konect Calders July 2019

JULY 2019

FEATURE:

WHAT’S ON:

LOCAL PEOPLE:

Transformation in the former library building PLUS: GARDEN PROJECT, PROPERTY MATTERS, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

TO OUR JULY EDITION

THIS ISSUE

T

he transformation of the former East Calder Library building into the Tot’s Spot Play Cafe is a wonderful use of that space.

Having spent many hours in there with my children when it was a library, it’s great to see it put to such good use now for families with small children. See the article on page 9 and do make a point of checking it out if you have little ones.

Their coffee is very good too!

With the summer school holidays upon us, this month’s magazine has a theme of various things to do with the family and children over the holidays – not an exhaustive guide, but a few highlights of a wide range of things in the area to suit different ages and interests. There is a new escape room attraction – eeek! - in Linlithgow.

And take the time to visit New Hopetoun Garden’s art trail during July and August, and get lunch in their Orangery Tea Room; just a couple of examples of excellent attractions right on our doorstep. In Laura’s parenting column she gives some money-saving tips if you’re entertaining young children over the summer.

There is much more, including a Mind Garden being constructed in Broxburn; the person behind a pop up Sobriety Cafe that is just getting off the ground in Livington; a call for volunteers for Home-Start West Lothian, and a new column about scientific research that is on-going on our door-step at Heriot-Watt.

Whether you’re going away, or staying local over the holidays, I hope all our readers manage to get a break and a refresh over the next few weeks.

P18 Feature: Tot’s Spot.......................................... 9 Property Matters............................................10 eeek! Can you escape?...............................15 Garden Project: Art in the garden...............18 Health & Beauty............................................20 Puzzles...........................................................30 Vet’s Tip..........................................................31 Local People: Jackie McGeachie...............35 Charity: The Brock........................................36 Music Review................................................37 Parenting: Money saving tips for Summer..........................................................39 What’s On......................................................40 Clubs & Classes..........................................43

COVER IMAGE: See the parenting column on P39 for ideas and money-saving tips for the summer holidays

Konect is delivered to 5,500 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.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

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Account Manager

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STEEL CONTAINERS FOR RENT

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Suitable for storing your stuff or run your business from here.

Based on a farm near East Calder. £15 per week For more information call 07814 915552

Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

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THE PLAY CAFÉ CONCEPT

A bright airy room, a series of mini play-zones and an open plan table arrangement where you can sit with your coffee or lunch and watch your preschoolers play – welcome to Tots Spot, a unique play cafe for West Lothian.

Tots Spot is the creation of Danielle and Simone, and was a concept they had wanted to put into action for a long time. When the former library building in East Calder became available it proved to be the ideal premises, and Tots Spot has been open a year this summer. “We’d visited play cafes in Edinburgh and really wanted one closer home.

Soft plays are too noisy and intense for Simone’s son, so we used to go to play cafes in Edinburgh, designed for up to six year olds, a more calm play environment and, best of all, we can sit and keep an eye on them without needing to crawl up slides and squeeze through tunnels!” They have achieved a lot in their first year, and have plenty of ideas to keep developing what they have already started here.

The idea was for it to feel like a big homely living room. Instead of soft play, it is more role-play with, for example, a play kitchen; a ship; a nurse’s station; lego table; a little house; dress ups, and more. These are arranged around the edges of the room, and the cafe tables are beside them. It is all very open and airy and there is also a cosy sofa corner, popular with mum and babies.

Danielle left her job in marketing when her daughter was young, and set up a business called “Baby Sensory” which she ran for a few years before selling it. With her husband Steve, they run West Lothian Football Academy, and her mum runs a private nursery, so early years activities and development are very much in the family. Along with her business partner Simone, who is a mortgage advisor, they run Tots Spot as a not-for-profit community resource. “We wanted to create somewhere that is safe and easy for young parents to come with their little ones, meet other people and find a community, support and activities.” So besides the cafe itself, a whole host of meet-ups, classes, groups and activities happen at Tots Spot. New mummy meet ups, breastfeeding support, baby massage, music, @KonectMagazines

and a range of pop-up shops, to name a few.

“We’re foodies, so the food in the café is very important to us,” explains Danielle. The kitchen is small, but the idea is that the cafe element generates enough income to cover the costs of keeping the centre running (they do takeaway coffees too).

Like a soft-play, there is an entry fee, although that also covers some of the support meet ups, and they give passes free of charge to groups and charities. Entry is for unlimited play time, and is free for under 6 months, £2.25 for 6 to 12 months, and £3.95 for 1 to 6 years.

There is a good sized garden area at the back which they are hoping to make available this summer with outdoor seating and play equipment.

Please see their facebook page @totsspotlivingston or call 01506 207770 for more information.

Tots Spot is a Community Interest Company registered in Scotland, number 620101.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Tots Spot, chatting with Danielle and sampling the coffee! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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Great advice is the real home advantage If you are looking to sell your home, the chances are that you’ll invite 2 – 3 estate agents to appraise your property and get a range of values and fees.

It is important to dig deeper to see how the valuation figure was reached and the service that you will be getting as you look to sell your largest asset. the owners who invited three different estate You should be looking for evidence that estate agents have done more than baseline research, agents to value their home. Our firm was one, and, having recently sold similar houses in the to give you the best and most commercially area (achieving a price above the previous focused advice. There is no substitute for ceiling price), we were well-placed to advise experience and market knowledge, and a on current market activity, demand and professional estate agent will be able to value value. The other two estate agents were also your property to a figure that they are confident well known locally but very different in style of achieving or exceeding. and experience at the premium end of the Look for good practice - Some agents will call property market in West Lothian. Sales figures a surveyor for advice before visiting the property and market intelligence are not immediately then inform sellers that a surveyor will ‘support’ available to agents and surveyors and only that particular agent’s valuation. Look out for this the selling agent has this data for an exclusive bad practice: it goes against everything that a period. Without this knowledge (or experience), professional estate agent should be trying to the other two agents valued the property at achieve. The truth is that it is not a surveyor’s job £50,000 and £60,000 lower than the figure that to drive the price on your property: the surveyor should simply be able to justify the valuation on a we anticipated the market might support. We also had knowledge of buyers who had missed Home Report to a lender. out on other properties and knew they were still It is the role of the estate agent to drive the actively looking. market forward or break the ceiling price in a Get a better result - We achieved exactly the particular area. It is only the most proactive figure that we had estimated and a return to estate agents who will have the latest market the client of approximately £50,000 more than intelligence and an overview of how many they would likely have achieved by choosing active and credible buyers are currently in the one of the other agents. It really highlights the market looking for this type of property in this importance of selecting the right company to particular area. Based on this too, good estate handle the sale of your property. And making agents can often ‘create a market’ that may not even exist yet by packaging properties to target sure that you are in fact getting the best advice groups of highly specific potential buyers. You - otherwise it could prove very costly. should look for one who has experience and a proven track record in achieving results for The monthly Property Matters column is clients who have a similar property as yours, contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a either in value, location, type etc. Above all, you director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and are looking for best advice, based on the latest Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of professional knowledge of the market. the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and Look for market knowledge - A recent marketing. house sale could have been very costly for 10 | CALDERS

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A team successfully escaped!

“We’re puzzle geeks,” explains Ellie, co-owner of Linlithgow’s new escape room, eeek! Along with her husband Euan (and with a willing father-in-law roped in for practical help!) they have created a unique escape room experience with a special Linlithgow twist.

For those not familiar with the concept of an escape room, they have popped up all over Britain in the past few years. It’s a fun family, team or group activity where you’re immersed in a room and as a team you have to complete a series of puzzles based on the theme of the escape room, in order to solve a problem and get out within a time limit.

eeek! is a bespoke set of puzzles lovingly created by Ellie and Euan themselves, so if you’re an escape enthusiast and like to try them all, this will be a different experience.

Being a Linlithgow family-run business, their scenario has a heritage Mary Queen of Scots theme. You’re transported to 1587, one hour before Mary’s execution, and you have to save her and change the course of history!

“You don’t need to know anything about Mary, or history, to enjoy the puzzles,” explains Ellie, “but if you happen to like history too, everything in the theme is historically accurate so it adds an extra element of enjoyment.”

It opened in January this year. I met Ellie at the premises, a listed building on Linlithgow’s High Street. You walk straight into a “dungeon” and it’s clear it’s been a labour of love. “I was looking for something different to do; I was an Executive PA in the Chief Constable’s office, and loved it but all my salary was going in childcare. I needed a different balance.” A family trip to Massachusetts last summer provided the tipping point; a cousin runs an escape room there, and encouraged Ellie to go for it.

Having always loved puzzles, and wanting @KonectMagazines

to do something more family-orientated, and with her youngest about to start nursery, everything lined up. On the plane on the way home, she made the decision; and six months, a lot of puzzling, planning and building later, Eeek! opened its doors.

There is currently one escape scenario, but Ellie and Euan plan to add another one soon. And they are not stopping there! eeek! also offers a brand new concept - “Escape Dinners” - with a range of local eateries and venues. “It’s a game played in a restaurant (or other venue) by teams who come together for food, drink and puzzles! Our game is called “The Last Bottle” and is set in the prohibition era. Your favourite boozy establishment is being closed down, and you’re competing for the last bottle of wine. Each table has the same clues and it’s a race to win the Last Bottle!” So far, their monthly game at Du Vin Bouchers has been a sell-out, and other dates and venues are being added at Mason Belles and the Star and Garter. They have taken the game to other venues and to private homes for parties. A meal out with a difference for a special occasion, group event or corporate team building!

You need to put this on your to-do list this summer! For more information, see www.eeekescaperooms.com.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting eeek! and meeting Ellie. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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Relax and Enjoy Now that the Spring rush to get our gardens in order has passed it must be time for us to relax and enjoy our gardens or even visit other gardens and relax and enjoy them?

Lesley and I find it hard to resist the temptation to buy plants or ornaments for our garden when we visit other gardens… and we don’t have any spare space for them. But if we both love something we happily give into temptation and will always find a space somewhere. We love looking out from the house at a special plant or piece of art in the garden ad we are very lucky that we have garden around all four sides of our house so there are many opportunities for another view.

Lesley says that if she can’t sleep during the night she doesn’t have to resort to counting sheep as she mentally walks around the

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garden counting our pieces of art installed all round the garden. If you need some inspiration for your own garden please visit New Hopetoun Gardens in July and August and explore our ‘art in the garden’ event. We install the outdoor work of artists working in Scotland in our 20 demonstration gardens.

James Parker’s Garroch Twist in the shady garden at New Hopetoun Gardens

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

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

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THE BEST BLOW DRY… Lots of clients ask me about styling their hair and the best way to get it to last.

My best advice is to do it straight after you wash it. If you potter about with a towel on your head it will trap the heat and start to dry from the root- flat! Making it really difficult to get volume.

Secondly apply your product, (I love extra volume mousse on any hair type!) Make sure to really work it through so it’s evenly distributed then blast out all of the excess moisture. I’d do this with the head upside down or using a paddle brush to push the hair upwards. Once it’s 70% dry that’s when I’d switch to the brush you want to style with and work with a nozzle to direct the airflow, also using your heat settings. Hot to mould and cold to hold!

Make sure when using moisturisers on your face or shoulders to leave a space around the hairline as the heat of your skin will force it to travel and could be the first factor in your blow dry flattening!

ABetter Relationship With Your Partner

Much of our disappointment in life is a result of expectation. We expect things to be happier, more fulfilling, more successful than they are – and we are left feeling dissatisfied. The same is true for relationships.

Expectation is everything. In the beginning you have high hopes. The wedding day was meticulously planned and that was supposed to mark the beginning of a perfect journey of unity. Naturally, you run into the first issues, or you discover something you don’t like about your partner. Your high expectations aren’t met and suddenly you start to feel disappointed.

You try to change the person to meet your expectations - but your attempts are met with resistance and you start to feel resentful. You may start thinking that the person you once loved is making you unhappy.

Sound familiar? To fix this cycle you need to change your perspective. Firstly, both parties need to understand that any friction isn’t personal, it has simply resulted from misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. Both parties need to consider their expectations objectively. The husband’s viewpoint that his wife spends too much, is simply that: a viewpoint. The wife that thinks her husband doesn’t clean enough is expressing a viewpoint based on her own expectations. Neither partner is right or wrong here – there is simply a difference of opinion and expectation which needs to be discussed.

The solution to most relationship issues of this nature is to sit down and discuss expectations and agree on what is acceptable for both parties.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 20 | CALDERS

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

Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

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

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We specialise in household alterations and repairs. To discuss your construction project, please call Colin on: or email:

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PUZZLES

BUSTER THE DOG

CROSSWORD

Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4) DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15 Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3)

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

Contacts details are on page 3.

Solution on Page 45

SUDOKU

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VACCINATIONS

We all want to protect our pets and one important way of doing this is through regular vaccinations.

Those little injections – that your pet probably won’t even notice as they enjoy cuddles and fuss from you and the vet– can protect your pet from serious diseases, some of which could be fatal.

Vaccines present a largely harmless form of the virus or bacterium that causes disease so the immune system remembers how it dealt with the vaccine and is able to fight the disease. After a primary course, boosters are necessary as your pet’s immune response gradually fades over time. Most vet practices send reminders when boosters are due and it’s important to try to keep to the schedule and your

vet will always tailor your pet’s vaccination programme according to their needs.

Many practices also offer a pet health plan, allowing the cost of vaccination and other preventative health care to be spread evenly across the year, and often offering a cost saving for plan members.

To find out more about the diseases vets commonly vaccinate against, and to learn about other preventative care available, speak to your vet.

The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Michael McCallum BVM&S, MRCVS, GP Cert(Ophthal), Vet Surgeon and Director, The Lamond Vet Clinic

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DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den building adventures at Almond Valley - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour.

For more information please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957.

The Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR.Buchan in Broxburn and enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Union Canal. £5, meet at Port Buchan.

Regular departures between 1pm to 4pm. For information please call 0779 557 3927 or email events@bridge19-40.co.uk

SUNDAY 7TH JULY, 4TH AUGUST & 1ST SEPT Sunday Boat Trips On The Union Canal - Join us aboard narrowboat Bluebell at Port Buchan in Broxburn and enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Union Canal. £5, meet at Port Buchan. Regular departures between 1pm to 4pm. For information please call 0779 557 3927 or email events@bridge19-40.co.uk KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOPS AT POTTER AROUND Pottery, felting, art on canvas, mosaics, bath bombs, slime and more! Mon to Fri throughout the holidays, prices £12 - £15 per session. Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton. For details and booking please contact Potter Around on 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk DAILY UNTIL 6TH AUGUST In the Footsteps of John Muir – photography exhibition - At Blackness Castle. Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks he helped to establish.

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

FRIDAY 12TH JULY Badger Watch - Discover more about these intriguing animals. Short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Booking essential, £4.05 adult, £2.80 child. Call the ranger service on 01506 882254 or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk SATURDAY 27TH JULY Linlithgow Classic Cars - Monthly meet up at the Cross, Linlithgow, 4th Saturday of every month through the summer. 10am – 2pm. See www.linlithgowclassics.co.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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Jackie Mcgeachie: “I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol” “I stopped drinking 16 years ago. It was a very isolating experience. For a long time I’ve wanted to create a place where people who don’t drink can meet socially on the weekends.”

I’m talking with Jackie Mcgeachie, founder of the fledgeling “Sobriety Café” in Livingston.

Jackie’s life was very nearly ruined by alcohol, but having managed to get her life back on track she has had in her heart for several years to open such a venue. She says, “When I stopped drinking, I dreamed of having somewhere to go and socialise at the weekends. I was 32; I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol.

You have to leave your friends behind; your drinking buddies don’t understand what you’re doing, and if you’re in recovery you don’t want to go out anywhere where there is alcohol. It makes it very difficult to socialise at that stage when you’re fragile.”

“I know if I hadn’t stopped drinking when I did, I’d be dead now.” Jackie’s story is one she is happy to share, and she now lives life to the full. She runs a dog-grooming business, Mucky Mutts, which she set up in 2006, after working for a decade at Edinburgh Zoo and then as a veterinary nurse. “I also had a short spell working in an office but realised I couldn’t live without animals!” she says. Since getting her life back she has travelled extensively, and most recently, undertook an extraordinary trip to Namibia to work with pangolins. She is passionate about animal welfare.

“Hardly anyone has heard of pangolins, but they are highly endangered as they are hunted for their scales and their meat. I was watching a David Attenborough documentary on them last February, was utterly fascinated and just felt it was part of my journey to go and work with @KonectMagazines

Jackie in Namibia with an endangered Pangolin

them.” After watching the programme, Jackie contacted the Endangered Species Trust and by the summer she was on a plane on her way to Namibia to spend two weeks volunteering there. Pangolin scales are believed to have medicinal properties, in China, and eating their meat is also a huge status symbol as it is very rare and expensive.

“It was an amazing experience, to be so close to an animal that may well be extinct in the near future,” she says.

Back to Livingston, the Sobriety Café is currently a pop-up cafe at Craigsfarm every second Sunday afternoon. “Eventually I’d love to have it more regularly, somewhere you can go to relax, have a bite to eat, a bit of a dance on a Saturday night perhaps,” says Jackie. But it’s small steps at the moment, she started it in February and is funding it herself. Between 1pm and 3pm on a Sunday, you can meet up for tea, coffee, chat and a bacon roll. There is a group of regulars and Jackie wants to get the word out to anyone who may be interested – it’s for people who lead alcohol-free lives, people who don’t drink or who would like to not drink.

For more information on the Sobriety Cafe please call Jackie on 07954 414542 or search “Sobriety Café” on Facebook.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting Jackie in Livingston.

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

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A beautiful new community garden is being created behind Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn.

Being in a garden and surrounded by greenery and plants can be beneficial to mental health and well-being, so it’s good news for the community that The Brock Garden Centre (which is a hidden gem in Broxburn and has a long history in West Lothian, see side box) is creating a garden for anyone in the community to come and enjoy here.

Staff and service users at The Brock came up with the concept and design for a therapeutic “Mind Garden.” “The idea is to have a space where mental health in all its forms is embraced,” explains Kevin, General Manager at The Brock “and where people can come and just relax. There will be some seating areas, a water feature, some artwork and of course lots of planted areas”

The Brock has acquired the use of an extra plot of land from West Lothian Council, and have designed the garden to maximise the space to the full. It will be accessed via the Garden Centre, and will be fully accessible.

Within the overall theme of mental health, there will be areas within the garden exploring different aspects of mental health with a view to breaking down stigma. “We envisage a badger trail, with each of our badger sculptures representing a different aspect of mental health.

And it will be a serene place where everyone is welcome to just come and wander and sit.”

The hard landscaping is nearly completed, and now volunteers are needed to help with the planting!

With 500 saplings to go in, and many plants, a small army is needed from this summer onwards to help the staff and service users at The Brock to get all the plants in! The garden should be ready to open later in the year, with an official opening next summer. If you would like to help create this special space, please contact koen@thebrock.org 36 | CALDERS

THE BROCK

Unique in West Lothian, The Brock traces its beginnings to when Bangour Village Hospital at Dechmont was a psychiatric hospital. There was a garden centre there with plants cultivated by the service users, and when the hospital closed down the NHS moved the gardening facility to Dedridge. It moved to Broxburn in 2011, with a plot of land behind the Partnership Centre provided by West Lothian Council.

It is still not very well known in the community, but is the only place in West Lothian where members of the community who have chronic mental health conditions are able to come and get the therapeutic benefits of gardening, woodwork and other craft activities. Support them by buying your plants & garden furniture here!

Open weekdays 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Closed weekends.

The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH Directions: Follow the carpark around the to back of the Partnership Centre.

There is plenty of parking, and the entrance is near to the back door of the Partnership Centre.

Tel: 01506 858080 Email: info@thebrock.org The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO44528.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting The Brock and speaking with Kevin McElroy, General Manager, and Koen Van der Straeten, Operations and Project Manager. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

MUSIC REVIEW

Everybody knows we’re in trouble

On the cover of the new Jenny Lewis album, “On The Run”, the artist is pictured in the act of what the Daily Mail relentlessly calls “putting on a busty display”.

It is no good saying “my eyes are up here” because her eyes are not there, along with the rest of her missing head. The photo is a continuation of the theme begun on previous album, Voyager, which has exactly the same cropped pose, but that time in a Garm Parsonsesque Nudie suit. There is an obvious joke to be made in that respect, I’m not stooping.

Boobtastic cover aside then, what awaits? There is a greater uniformity of sound and style this time around. Divorced from time and place this is close to the classic singer/songwriter albums of old with more than a hint of Laurel Canyon ennui in the voice. The cover pose is said to be a nod to her mother’s occupation as a Vegas hostess, and there is an air of songs being set

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in that strange twilight between glamour and gutter. Opener “Heads Gonna Roll” sets the tone of knackered majesty, a lugubrious stroll through the maze of modern relationships underpinned by the somnambulistic drumming of no less that Ringo Starr. Also appearing throughout, Don Was, Jim Keltner, and Ryan Adams, although that last name is being seriously downplayed in interviews now. Often sparse, the songs are piano based (played by Lewis), gone are the country affectations of old.

Maybe thinking about what Aimee Mann was releasing twenty years ago would take the shine of this mid tempo melancholy slightly, but in a world of autotune and writing by committee we badly need honesty and beauty like this.

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

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

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

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

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PARENTING

Almond Valley Five sisters zoo

So it’s July already and summer holidays are upon us again. The kids are looking forward to seven weeks of uninterrupted freedom.

And I’m looking forward to some quality family time doing something more exciting than ferrying them from one activity to the next.

The holidays mean a break from the everyday routine of family life. But that doesn’t mean it’s really a break…for parents anyway.

Juggling childcare and finding fun things to do is more like hard work, and it can very quickly get expensive! With every fun day out the bar is raised for the next and sadly the seemingly endless summer doesn’t mean endless pots of money with which to enjoy it.

So if you want to keep your hands out of the kids’ piggy banks here are my tips: 1. Think about a season pass. You don’t need to use it year-round to get your money’s worth. Often you only have to go 3 or 4 times and it’s paid for itself. And you could just get a pass for the kids, that way it can be used by whoever takes them… parents, grandparents, friends. We’ve got great value from an Almond Valley membership during the summer.

2. Look out for summer events. You may still have to pay an entry fee at your favourite attractions but somehow you always come away feeling like the money’s been worth it.

And there are lots of free and one-off events too. Anyone else looking forward to the first ever Livingston Soapbox Race in August?

Spectators just make a donation.

3. Pack a picnic. I love nothing more than indulging in lunch out on a day trip but so @KonectMagazines

often this is the unanticipated spending that easily adds-up. So take a packed lunch and maybe just treat the kids to an ice cream. We headed to new shop The Sweet Life in West Calder for a treat after a trip to Five Sisters Zoo and would definitely recommend it!

4. Plan ahead. Often attractions will offer a discount if you buy tickets online in advance, or there might be a group discount you can take advantage of if you can get a group of friends to go together.

5. Keep an eye out for offers. It might discounts from the likes of itison, or Groupon but it is always worth doing a quick Google search before you head out in case there is an offer available.

6. Make the most of free places. There’s plenty of outdoor exploring to be done that doesn’t cost a penny. Follow the Stick Man Trail and find the fairy village at Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden, see if you can walk all the way around Linlithgow Loch, spot the wildlife at Beecraigs, go on a nature walk around one of the country parks, or simply try out a cycle path or play park you’ve never been to before.

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

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Home-Start West Lothian Cameron House, 13a Fairbairn Road, Livingston

01506 415755

www.homestartwl.org.uk

Home-Start West Lothian provides quality support and friendship to vulnerable families with very young children in their own homes and communities through volunteer befriending.

Can you spare 2 or 3 hours a week to support a local family?

The next training course for home-visiting volunteers will start in September 2019 (date & time tbc) It runs for 8 weeks, 3 hours/week

For an application pack or to ask about any other volunteering opportunities with us, please contact us on: 01506 415755 or cheryl@homestartwl.org.uk

Home-Start West Lothian is committed to equal opporunities PVG Scheme membership is required and we operate a Safer Recruitment Policy Scottish Charity No SC 029770 Company limited by Guarantee 280852

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July

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, or an evening of music, there’s something for everyone right on our doorsteps.

In Linlithgow, be prepared to dance as Scotch Hop has returned for the summer months. Prepare to meet people from all across the world on Wednesday evenings from 19.30 in the stunning backdrop of the Linlithgow Palace Courtyard (or Low Port Centre in the event of rainy weather); it’s definitely a fun one to try – no experience necessary!

Looking ahead, Party at the Palace returns on the weekend of Saturday 10th / Sunday 11th August. The award winning two day party is one of the most easily accessible music festivals in Scotland, featuring acts such as The Charlatans, KT Tunstall, Midgeure and many, many more. Tickets are still available so don’t miss out.

Why not make the most of the weather with a BBQ at one of West Lothians Country Parks? Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood each offer BBQ pit hire. You bring the food, and the stunning views are provided! If you’re at Polkemmet, don’t miss out on the Scottish Owl Centre – one of the largest collections of owls in Europe. Open daily, with fun flying displays and opportunities to meet the birds up close throughout the day.

There’s always plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our collection of fun 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 stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

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LOCAL LAB

Can taking up new activities improve the health and wellbeing of older people?

Alan Gow

How do our thinking skills change as we age? Do our lifestyles affect those changes?

These are the key questions directing research being undertaken by Dr Alan Gow and his team in The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University.

What goes on inside the Ageing Lab? The Ageing Lab explores how being active and engaged in later life might help to reduce or delay age-related mental decline. Our current project is ‘The Intervention Factory’ which considers community-based activities as potential interventions for cognitive ageing. We are gathering clearer evidence on which real life activities might deliver brain health benefits.

How do you gather the evidence?

We are asking people aged 65 and over to take up a new activity in real community based settings and looking at how the mental, physical and social challenges associated with those activities might lead to improvements in their thinking skills. What’s important is that the activity must be novel to the person involved, so our volunteers are trying activities such as learning a new language, joining a social group or undertaking a different physical activity.

Can anyone over the age of 65 take part in your study?

We’re into the final stages of this study, but we’re always delighted to hear from people who might want to know what we find out, or to get involved in new study opportunities.

The best way to get in touch is by emailing HealthyAgeing@hw.ac.uk, and you can find more information about our work at www.healthyageing.hw.ac.uk 42 | CALDERS

Have you seen any results yet?

‘The Intervention Factory’ study is due to finish this summer, however, one of our previous studies ‘The Tablet for Healthy Ageing’ produced some interesting results. The project explored how learning to use a tablet computer might benefit the thinking skills of people aged 65 and over and the results showed those individuals in the tablet training group improved the speed of their thinking skills.

In what way do you expect the results of your studies to improve lives?

We’re aiming to understand how different combinations of social, mental and physical engagement might be beneficial, and to clearly identify the lifestyle and behavioural factors that contribute to the health of our thinking skills as we age. Ultimately our goal is to use that knowledge in order to develop new interventions.

The Local Lab column is contributed by HeriotWatt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. Alan is one of six researchers from Heriot-Watt University taking part in this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas. Alan will appear in “This Show Will Make You Sharper!” on 10th and 14th August. Tickets are available at www.tickets.edfringe.com @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

EAST CALDER SEATED EXERCISE CLASS FOR OLDER ADULTS This class is ideal for older adults who can’t stand for any length of time.

Have fun exercising to great music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s! 3. East Calder Partnership Centre, every Wednesday from 10am to 11am. Cost is £3 per class.

For more information please contact the instructor, Jan Malloch, on 07835 680984.

HULLABALOO Music classes. At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments. Through favourite songs, rhymes and games children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch.

SUMMER CLASSES for 0-5yrs. Drop-in Monday mornings 8th - 29th July in East Calder Parish Church Hall. Contact Kerry at Music-Lessons@live.com or 07772 758134.

KNEC BAIRNS’ ROCK Bible story, music, singing, craft, play, snack and support for all babies and preschool kids with parents/ carers. Wednesday 9.30-11.30am (in school term). East Calder Church Hall, EH53 0EN. Call or text Alistair on 07791 524504 for details.

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.

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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.

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 Partnership Centre. Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk EAST CALDER COLTS FC East Calder Park. Soccer school every Friday night and teams for all ages groups please check website for details www.eastcalderfc.co.uk/ EAST CALDER OLD FOLKS CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Sec).

EAST CALDER LADIES’ CIRCLE East Calder Partnership Centre. Second Thursday of the month, Sept to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE. EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB East Calder Partnership 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 Partnership 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

BOYS BRIGADE 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 Partnership Centre.

Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5.50 per session.

Contact Carol on 07748 053340.

RAINBOWS, BROWNIES AND GUIDES East Calder Church Hall, Main Street.

Rainbows: East Calder Church Hall, Mon 6.30-7.30pm & Wed 6.15-7.15 Brownies: Kirknewton Church Hall Tues 6.30pm-8pm. Brownies contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 or Sally buchanan. sally@btinternet.com Guides: Kirknewton Church Hall Mon 7pm-9pm and East Calder Church Hall Wed 7.30-9pm.

Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com.

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. www.eastcalderscouts.org.uk EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB For P6 to S4, Fridays 6.30-8.30pm. Entry £1. Contact Errin Anderson Community Education Worker 01506 871278.

EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB 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 Partnership 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 TYME DANCE CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Iain MacPhail, accordionist. Beginners/ learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club.

SLIMMING WORLD East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EL Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information.

WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL 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/

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KIRKNEWTON KIRKNEWTON STITCH ‘N BITCH Friendly informal group for men and women of all skill levels who have their own sewing projects they are working on or want to start working on. If you get stuck along the way you can ask for advice and we can all help each other. Thursdays 7pm-8.30pm at Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton. To take part you will need your own sewing machine and or any tools/materials for your project.

Cost: £2, to cover use of the room and for tea/coffee. For more information, please contact Amy McMillan - search “Kirknewton Stitch & Bitch” on Facebook and request to join the group.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Village Hall Main Street, EH27 8AH. Manager Claire Contact: 07958530681. Open Tues, Wed and Friday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session.

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

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday and 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.

KIRKNEWTON BABY & TODDLER GROUP Every Thursday 9.30-11.30 in Kirknewton Church Hall. £1.50 per family includes snacks and hot drinks. Join us for child-led play and ending the session with fun group songs. Keep up to date with us on Facebook!

KIRKNEWTON RUNNERS Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30 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.

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

KIRKNEWTON PLAYGROUP A happy and friendly playgroup for children ages 2 to 5 years. Open Tues, Wed & Fri 9.15am - 11.30am in Kirknewton Village Hall.

Contact admin@communityplaygroups.co. uk / 07593165100 or pop in and see us in the hall. £7.50 per session. Funded places are also available for eligible 2 year olds.

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BOOKBUG Songs and Stories for 0-5-years old, Kirknewton Church Hall Thursdays 10.45am – 11.15am weekly during term time.

ACCESS 2 EMPLOYMENT JOB CLUB 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 RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

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

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Wednesday night.

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

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.

STAR HARMONIES Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-30-11am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45amLittle 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.

CUNNIGAR HOUSE ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Cunnigar House, Mid Calder, weekly Tuesdays (2-4pm). A mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games.

We also love a good chat over a cup of tea!

All welcome, cost is just £1 per session.

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

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-caldercolts.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.

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 A choir of around 20 ladies, new members most welcome. An ability to read music is not necessary, just lots of enthusiasm with a focus on fun! We hold two concerts a year, in June and December. Accompanied by the excellent West Calder Brass Band. Available on request to perform at other venues eg fundraising, local clubs and sheltered housing. Wed 7.30pm - 9.45 pm in Kirk of Calder, Mid Calder. Please contact John 01506 880029; Janice 01506 437658; or Iris 01506 431410.

PUMPHERSTON 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.

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 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.

ALMOND VALLEY FOLK CLUB We meet at 8pm on the third Tuesday of the month at the Railway Inn, Main Street, West Calder. Come along to sing, play or just listen; or see our full programme on our Facebook page.

WEST CALDER WEST CALDER AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB For all ages and genders focusing on model aircraft flying and building. Please see www.modelclub.org for further details.We have an excellent custom made flying site situated half a mile north of Woolfords Cottages (search Google Maps for West Calder and District Model Flying Club) A small annual fee applies. Please e-mail club-secretary@modelclub.org or visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings, weather permitting.

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STAR HARMONIES Singing * Dance * Acting * Shows* Performance Group * 1:1 Singing and Musical Theatre Lessons Star Harmonies Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church Tuesdays: 5:30 - 8:30pm - Singing, dance and acting & show work (ages 3-18) Saturdays & Sundays - Dance classes including adult tap 1:1 Singing lessons in Mid Calder 07545178310 for more information.

See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

WEST LOTHIAN FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP Meets usually third Sunday of the month, 1.30pm-3.30pm, West Calder Community Centre. (No meetings July, Aug, Dec, Jan). New members warmly welcomed. Join us for support, advice, friendship, talks, outings.

Check website to confirm future meeting dates sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia.

For more information phone Alison 07931355495 .

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS WEST CALDER West Calder Community Centre, Dickson Street, EH55 8DZ Manager Julie. Contact: 07591734155 Open Monday to Thursday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session.

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.

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.

CHURCHES WEST KIRK OF CALDER & POLBETH HARWOOD CHURCH West Kirk of Calder Service 9.45am every Sunday; Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11.15am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. Tel 0131-261-7977 KIRKNEWTON AND EAST CALDER CHURCH Kirknewton Services: 9.45am in Kirknewton Church, Station Road.

East Calder Services: 11.15am in East Calder Church, Main Street.

EnerJ (Sunday School) available. Crèche available. Minister: Rev Alistair Cowper, 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 357083.

Our website: www.knec4jesus.org.uk has full details of current services/activities.

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

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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 Times of service - Sunday 11.30am. www.livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk 01506 880918.

Parish Priest, Fr Kenneth Owens, Email: catholic126@gmail.com

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

OTHER AREAS LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS Livingston Ramblers has an enthusiastic group of walkers from Livingston and surrounding areas who enjoy a varied programme of mountain, coastal and woodland walks to suit different abilities.

We welcome new members. Walks are on most Sundays, second Thursdays and one Saturday a month.

Thursday walks are 5-8 miles with minimal ascent. Walkers meet at Livingston Football Club carpark at 10am Saturday walks are more challenging with Munros and Corbetts, starting at 7 or 8am from Livingston North railway station.

Sunday walks are more varied, around 1012 miles with some mountain, coastal or woodland. They meet at Livingston North railway station at 8 or 9am.

Please check us out on Facebook or Google to see the current programme or contact Hilda on 01506 882399 for more details or to join one of our walks.

ACROSS: 7. Govern, 8. Tailor, 9. Data, 10. Launched, 11. Easiest, 13. Empty, 15. Stunt, 16. Defence, 18. Emphasis, 19. Else, 21. Stupid, 22. Nickel.

DOWN: 1. Sofa, 2. Relationships, 3. Analyse, 4. Stout, 5. Circumference, 6. Domestic, 12. Attempts, 14. Teasing, 17. Aside, 20. Stem.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 30

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men.

We also offer Tai-Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk for more information.

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

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

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

CALDERS | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANCY & LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES ENTERTAINMENT & BOOKKEEPING ATTRACTIONS Beatson’s Building Supplies 27 Aerial Adventures 8 LAWNS AKT Bookkeeping 5 Eeek Escape Rooms 14 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Green Thumb Lawn Service 27 ESTATE AGENT Home Appliance Repair 28 LOCKSMITH Drummond Miller 16 ARCHITECT CVC Locksmiths and Security 5 Turpie & Co. 11 LanArc 7 PAINTING & DECORATING YOPA 7 Plan-It 28 Braekirk Decorators 7 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES BARBER John Gillan Fencing and PEST CONTROL TJ Barbers 21 Landscaping 26 Frontline Pest Control 26 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS FLORIST PLASTERING 1st Choice Living 5 Vicky’s Flowers 21 Alexander Aitken Plastering 17 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 4 Nu Walls 12 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 FUNERAL DIRECTOR Mark Porteous Funeral PLUMBING & HEATING S & S Home Improvements 29 Directors 47 SERVICES BEAUTICIAN Currievale Plumbing & Beauty by Annie 21 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 32 Drainage 7 Browhau5 Microblading 21 Max’s Garage Doors 32 EPH Scotland 17 Lisa Blair 21 Mech A Tech Home GARDEN CENTRE BOILER SERVICES Heating Services 6 New Hopetoun Gardens 18 The Gas Engineer 5 McLellan Plumbing 16 GARDEN DESIGN / BOWLING CLUB Plumb-It 28 MAINTENANCE East Calder Bowling Club 41 Evergreen Balerno 26 PUBLIC HOUSE BUILDER John Gillan Fencing Black Bull Inn 48 Build-It 28 and Landscaping 26 RESTAURANT CAR SERVICING, MOT & GARDEN FURNITURE AND Al Borgo Ristorante 41 REPAIR BUILDINGS ROOFING Autocare Solutions 33 Champfleurie Estate 24 JWG Car Care 32 Taylor Roofs 13 GAS STOCKIST Kirknewton Garage 33 STORAGE FACILITIES Charles Gas 7 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY Morrison Dick Container GLAZING REPAIRS CLEANING Storage 5 CR Smith 25 James Burnett Carpet TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME Cleaning 14 GOLF CLUB West Lothian Trusted Trader Baberton Golf Club 4 CHILDREN’S NURSERY Scheme 13 ABC Private Nursery 38 GYM / HEALTH CLUB VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Angela Elizabeth Nursery 38 Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Lamond Veterinary Clinic 31 Club 22 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / Pentland Veterinary Clinic 30 FOOTCARE HAIR SALON WINDOW & GUTTER McDonald Footcare 23 Jane & Friends 23 CLEANING COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS HANDYMAN CS Window and Gutter Sprint Computer Repairs 6 1st Call Handyman Services 16 Cleaning 17 CURTAINS & BLINDS HEARING AIDS & SERVICES Suburban Window Cleaning 12 Harvey Bruce 12 ABC Hearing 19 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT DANCE: CLASSES / SUPPLIES JEWELLER SCHEME Highland Dance Shop 38 Jewellery Workshop 21 Developing the Young DENTIST JOINERY Workforce 37 No.9 Practice 23 Craigcrook Joinery 17 Geoff Vinter Joinery 12 ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical Solutions 17 LANDLORD SERVICES Riddell Electrical Services 7 Let Link 14 46 | CALDERS

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