Konect Calders October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

FOOD AND DRINK:

SUSTAINABILITY:

WEST LOTHIAN’S PREMIUM ROASTERY

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

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

P9 TO OUR OCTOBER EDITION

P

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

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

THIS ISSUE

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

Did you know there is a premium coffee roastery in Livingston? Supplying premium coffee all over Scotland for years to the trade, Coffee Direct are launching their amazing coffee direct to the public – see pages 26-27, and there is a special offer for Konect readers on your first

The Pursuit of Convenience........................... 8 Garden Project: Favourite Garden Tool.....13 Property Matters............................................14 Feature: Coffee Direct..................................26 Local Lab.......................................................32 Health & Beauty............................................33 Vet’s Tip..........................................................35 Parenting: Going green keeping kids keen................................................................38 What’s On......................................................42 Clubs & Classes..........................................43

order. Coffee doesn’t come fresher.

COVER IMAGE: Beautiful Autumn colours throughout West Lothian

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

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

CALDERS | 3

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

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

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

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

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

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

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I’ve been speaking to some of them locally.

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

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

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

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

12 S

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OUR O R Y IC O N T LI

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

PURE PASSION FOR FOOD EQUALITY

32 40

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FALKIRK NAPPY LIBRARY

+ LOTS MORE!

@KonectMagazines

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

Greener Kirknewton is a community eco group with a focus on making sustainable and planet-friendly improvements on an individual and community level.

We meet once a month and have already done quite a lot of work with West Lothian Council’s waste department public engagement team (information evenings, community litter picks, visits to the recycling facility in Broxburn and Levenseat waste management site, recycling activities at local community events). Other plans include: • Community recycling collection points for hardto-recycle items such as crisp & snack packets, cake/biscuit/confectionary wrappers, pet food packaging, toiletry containers/bottles etc.

• Visits to other sustainability initiatives such as Green Buckstone and Transition Linlithgow to learn about what we can do on a community level and how best to do this.

• Running community drop-in repair sessions and workshops (PC & laptop repairs, sewing skills, making beeswax wraps, ecobricking, furoshiki wrapping, guest speakers from other sustainability projects).

• Regular community litter picks • Providing easy-access information about plastic-free alternatives, reducing waste and all aspects of sustainable living, recycling, transport & energy efficiency.

• Possibility of establishing a local tool library, community fridge & community garden, and any skills that can be taught/shared in association with these e.g. gardening, cooking.

• Liaising with local businesses about improving their sustainability - perhaps stocking/using more ethical or planet-friendly products etc.

The more people we can get involved, the more we can do to work towards a better future for us all! If you are interested please search for “Greener Kirknewton” on Facebook. @KonectMagazines

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

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

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

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

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

Bamboo toothbrush and eco floss for oral care.

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

Stainless steel straws with cleaning brush: reusable and sustainable.

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SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Susan working on the lathe 10 | CALDERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Following feedback from customers who are looking for an alternative to plastic shopping bags, the Centre is selling carrier bags that are recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, tear and water resistant and hold up to 16kgs in weight.

They are also sustainably sourced and manufactured using 100% renewable energy, sending zero waste to landfill.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director, said: “As plastic pollution continues to be high up on everyone’s agenda we felt it was important to listen to our customers and offer them an alternative environmentally-friendly carrier bag.

Introducing paper bags into the mall not only gives shoppers a choice and a solution if they visit without their own bags but also represents our shopping centre’s environmental policies.”

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

Learning to sew is a fantastic way of reducing waste to help save our planet and saving money and at The Sewing Snug we teach a range of classes to help beginners get started and take intermediate sewists to the next level. The possibilities for re-purposing clothes are almost limitless: creating makeup remover pads from sheets or facecloths; knee/elbow patches from scraps of fabric; using last-season’s jumper to create mittens, snoods and socks.

“I try to do this with my little ones: for World Book Day I created a spider new costume from a t-shirt and some old tights.

The addition of some funky knee patches means my youngest son can wear a pair of trousers that have been passed down from older cousin, to older brother and now to him.” says Amy from the Sewing Snug The Sewing Snug is based in Kirknewton.

For more information and to contact them please see the-sewing-snug.business.site or facebook.com/TheSewingSnug CALDERS | 11

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

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

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

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

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

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

They have made a weekly donation to the food banks, soup kitchens and food larders for 12 | CALDERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s pure passion for food equality.

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

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

What’s your favourite garden tool?

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

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

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

@KonectMagazines

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

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

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

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The value of being open

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

Making it easier for people

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

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

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

Everyone is different – so options need to be too

There’s no such thing as a ‘typical buyer’ as the buying process starts long before any viewings take place. Someone just contemplating a move has a different motivation and criteria to 14 | CALDERS

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

Getting it right

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

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

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

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SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

Menstrual cups are the way forward, period.

Guys, gals and non-binary pals, please welcome to the stage the rising star of the period world: the menstrual cup, fast becoming known as the new eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to sanitary pads and tampons.

But what are the benefits of using one? And why is it so much better for the environment? While pads and tampons are partly bio-degradable cotton, they are also single use products which contain plastic in the form of applicators and packaging. Comparatively, menstrual cups are re-usable, long lasting, and made of silicone - an easily recyclable material. The average women might use thousands of pads and tampons in her lifetime, but just one menstrual cup can last up to ten years before it needs replacing.

Just like making the switch to keep-cups from disposable coffee cups, changing to a sustainable menstrual cup can have an equally positive impact on the environment.

As luck would have it, many women find menstrual cups easier to use in comparison to traditional period products. Long-term The Falkirk Flo Sisters offers information and support on menstrual and incontinence care, including information on CSP, cups, period pants and many more eco-friendly ways to use during your periods, as well as information on reusable incontinence products such as pads, pants, bed protection - this is of course open to men and ladies. See the page at www.facebook.com/falkirkflosisters 20 | CALDERS

Hey Girls is a Scottish Social Enterprise which sells environmentally friendly, ethically sourced menstrual products including cups, on a “Buy One Give One” scheme, so for every product you buy they give one away to help girls and young women in need. “We seek to enrich the lives of girls and young women in the UK by exercising social and ethical responsibility in every aspect of our work—from where we source our products through to our supply chain, and the way we run our social business.”

Visit www.heygirls.co.uk for more information and to purchase your cup! cup user, Bethany, says using her cup is, ‘ so much less effort compared to pads and tampons. Rinsing it is comparable to (but less fiddly than!) wrapping up a pad, and there’s no need to dispose of it whenever I empty it. I don’t need to stock up and spend money on it every month like I did with pads and tampons. I just need to remember where I put it!’

Bethany is one of many women who prefer the sustainability and ease of the cup life, contributing to both a happier bank balance and a happier environment. Many women wear pads with their cups to catch leaks on heavier days, but tampons could effectively be written out of the equation - especially given menstrual cups pose little to no threat of toxic shock syndrome in comparison.

Continued emphasis on encouraging positive conversations about menstruation, sustainability and intersectional access will not only tackle period poverty and sustainability, but also combat societal stigma surroundings periods.

While they can be intimidating at first, a small amount of fore-thought and background reading can absolutely help you make this small change, which will have great benefits for the environment - and your purse!* * NB: some women may not be able to use cups because of vaginismus or trauma. If you need help with either of these, please chat to your GP about it.

This article was contributed by Cara McKeown.

Cara is studying Social Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh, and her interests include theatre, bachata dancing, intersectional feminism, and environmental sustainability. @KonectMagazines

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CALDERS | 23

SCOTTISH

BARISTA ACADEMY

Sunrise over the Bathgate Hills

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

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

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

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

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

The variety of coffee, where it’s grown, the way it is processed, roasted, ground, packaged and brewed all affect the way it tastes when it reaches your taste buds. If “all” you want is a 26 | CALDERS

Jim Watson: rt Certified coffee expe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CALDERS | 27

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LOCAL LAB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Growing a business gives you a sense of achievement.

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

You need to manage your schedule to avoid cabin fever.

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

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

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

You need to make your own pension arrangements.

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

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching CALDERS | 33

FILM REVIEW

BUSTER THE DOG

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

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

Charlie, played by Hailee Steinfeld, is great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FORGET THE MEERKAT...

COMPARE THE SMALL PETS!

and even to use a litter tray. They have funny, exuberant characters and will put a smile on anyone’s face with their running, leaping and playful nature.

Not all small furry pets are the same, so what makes the ideal companion for you or your children? It very much depends on the individual family. It’s wise to do some research before embarking upon small furry ownership so let’s look at rabbits:

Things to consider: Rabbits aren’t born relaxed around people. They need a great deal of socialisation and handling before they will enjoy your company without leaving scratch marks up your arms. Put simply, they are not an ‘easy option’, as viewed by some who are unable to have a cat or a dog. They require quite a lot of equipment, such as indoor and outdoor runs, spacious enclosures and enrichment toys. They should live with at least one other of their own kind, in compatible pairs (usually a neutered male and a neutered female works best). Ask your vet practice for advice on appropriate diet and veterinary care necessities.

Pros: A well socialised, happy, relaxed rabbit can make a wonderful, tactile companion. They are intelligent and can be trained to come to their name, do tricks

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

Lifespan: 8-12 years Equipment and care requirement: High Fascinating fact: It is normal for rabbits to eat their own faeces - it is a method of getting all the nourishment from their diet that they possibly can

LAMOND Veterinary CLINIC YOUR PETS ARE OUR PRIORITY

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www.lamondvet.co.uk

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CALDERS | 35

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CALDERS | 37

PARENTING

Walk in the Pa rk

Going green and keeping kids keen!

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

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

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

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

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

But if we want our kids to be more sustainable than we are in the future – and let’s face it that’s what needs to 38 | CALDERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@KonectMagazines

CALDERS | 39

SUSTAINABILITY SPECIAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You can’t quite match the convenience of disposables, but it’s close,” says Denise. “It’s 40 | CALDERS

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

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

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

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

PUZZLE

SUDOKU

The Sudoku solution can be found on page 45.

@KonectMagazines

CALDERS | 41

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

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

Then the band split up about a nanosecond later.

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

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

Goodbye.

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

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Halloween Special!

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

All throughout October, you can enjoy scary crafts and grab your sheet and look for clues on a spine-chilling trail of terror around the old farm at Almond Valley.

Entry is included in the standard admission and is sure to be fun for all the family.

At the Linlithgow Union Canal Centre, on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th, you can take a trip down to Narrowboat Farm on St Michael, the society’s largest boat, to pick and carve a pumpkin ahead of the big day. On board there will be a professional storyteller to make the experience event more memorable. For those looking for something a little scarier, head to Linlithgow Palace on the 31st for a special screening of the Halloween classic “The Terror”. Tickets for this are £10 (£9 for members of HES). The film is rated 12+ so not suitable for the youngest ghouls.

Some of these events require pre-booking so checkout our web listings for more information on how you can do this.

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

There’s always plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our collection of great day out ideas on our website – the perfect inspiration for whatever the Scottish weather throws at us! www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Follow us on social media to keep up to date with all the latest from across West Lothian www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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 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.

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 for babies and toddlers with their carers. At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments. Through favourite songs and rhymes, children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch. Mondays 10.00am (term time) East Calder Parish Church Hall. e: info@mcmillanyoungmusicians.co.uk w: www.mcmillanyoungmusicians.co.uk/ hullabaloo/.

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.

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EAST CALDER NEW MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH GROUP Are you a man that suffers from Anxiety/ Depression/PTSD/OCD/Addiction/Panic Attacks/Social Anxiety/Mental Health Issues? The first step to getting better is coming along to our group. You are not alone! Free, drop in Wed 7pm-9pm, East Calder Partnership Centre 143 Main Street, East Calder.

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/

CALDERS | 43

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

44 | CALDERS

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.

BOOKBUG Songs and Stories for 0-5-years old, Kirknewton Church Hall Thursdays 10.00am – 10.30am 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.

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

WEST CALDER 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 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

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e-mail club-secretary@modelclub.org or visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings, weather permitting.

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 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.

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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

OTHER AREAS

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

NEW MOVE IT Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5BP

Tues 1.30-2.30pm FAB- For All Bodies.

A light intensity, dance fitness class with sway and swing roots. Get fit at your own pace while learning dancing styles from across the ages such as; Bossa Nova, Flamenco, Argentinian Tango, Disco, Jazz, Foxtrot and more. Easy to follow, fun routines suitable ‘For All Bodies’ £5 per class. moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Tel 07737 927463 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.

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

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

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 41

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.

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 & BOOKKEEPING AKT Bookkeeping

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair

5 6

ARCHITECT LanArc 7

Plan-It 28

BARBER TJ Barbers

21

BEAUTICIAN Lisa Blair

21

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 S and S Home Improvements 47

BOWLING CLUB East Calder Bowling Club

36

CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Autocare Solutions JWG Car Care Kirknewton Garage

30 31 30

BUILDER Build-It 28

CHILDREN’S NURSERY Angela Elizabeth Nursery

39

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 23

COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repair 6 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce

16

DANCE: CLASSES/SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 22

DENTIST Livingston Dental Care No.9 Practice

DOORS/WINDOWS CHS Windows

ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical Solutions Riddell Electrical Services 46 | CALDERS

21 21 7 16 6

ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS Aerial Adventures

ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller LLP Turpie & Co.

41 41 15

PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 28

PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 16 Nu Walls 16

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES 22 Currievale Plumbing & FUNERAL DIRECTOR Drainage 4 Mark Porteous Dewar Plumbing 4 Funeral Directors 24 EPH Scotland 29 Mech A Tech Home GARAGE DOORS Garolla 31 Heating Services 29 Max’s Garage Doors 31 McLellan Plumbing & Heating 6 GARDEN CENTRE Plumb-It 28 New Hopetoun Gardens 13 FLORIST Vicky’s Flowers

PUBLIC HOUSE GARDEN DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE Black Bull Inn 37 D Greaves Landscape RESTAURANT Gardeners 18 Al Borgo Ristorante 36 Evergreen Balerno 18 ROOFING GARDEN FURNITURE AND Taylor Roofs 17 BUILDINGS STORAGE FACILITIES Champfleurie Estate 19 Morrison Dick Container GAS STOCKIST Storage 5 Charles Gas 28 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club HAIR SALON Jane & Friends

25 36 22

HANDYMAN 1st Call Handyman Services 18 JOINERY Craigcrook Joinery Geoff Vinter Joinery KILTMAKER The Kilt Studio

16 29 22

LANDLORD SERVICES Weslo Property Management 5

LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 34 West Lothian Locksmith 4

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 17 TUITION Kumon Livingston

39

VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Lamond Veterinary Clinic 35 Pentland Veterinary Clinic

34

WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 7

Suburban Window Cleaning 31

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 4

MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 48

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