Konect Calders April 2024

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

LOCAL WALK:

LIVING WELL:

spring is definitely underway as I write this - the finishing touches to the April issue have been done with sun streaming though the office window. Spring, with its unfailing return of buds and flowers every year, often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

Our walk feature takes us up into the foothills of the Pentlands, starting from Bonaly. William Weir’s beautifully detailed account of all the nature he noticed on his walk there has put it top of my list to go and try as soon as I have time on a nice day.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for Konect readers - look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E:

editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

It’s a cool, overcast spring afternoon as I set off from the upper car park at Bonaly on my first reconnaissance of White Hill. Not to be confused with its near neighbour a couple of miles east (confusingly also named White Hill), this Pentland foothill lies just north of Capelaw Hill, peaking at a modest, tree-clad 318 metres.

After going a short way up the main track from the car park, I cut down to my left, towards the sound of rushing water. A narrow path leads me down and across a wooden footbridge over the Dean Burn. The burn descends through a pretty dell overlooked by tall pines, the clear waters cascading down a series of mini-falls, over polished pebbles and around mosscovered boulders. At once the ambience of nature’s crucible is calming, the clamour of the busy roads below rapidly forgotten.

Ascending the steep eastern flank of the little valley, the path for much of this section is a contorted lattice of exposed pine roots; I pick my way up and up. As the burn’s cheerful babble recedes behind me, stillness reigns. If it weren’t for the faint whooshing of the city bypass, I could very well be amongst the pines of Abernethy. There is not a breath of wind and

not a soul around. However, I’m clearly not the only one who has been enjoying what’s on offer here; the forest floor is littered with squirrelnibbled cones, discarded in greater profusion than I think I have ever witnessed.

I skirt the southern edge of the wood and, as the ground begins to level out a little, the heather scrub of the Pentland plateau opens out to my right. The hilltops are shrouded in mist, exuding a sense of mystery and adventure that is evocatively Scottish. Yet the woods around me offer ample intrigue. I stop to take a few photos on my phone - here and there are the fallen casualties of storms, both recent and long past, root bases ripped vertical and great trunks rendered prostrate. A little pile of discarded cone scales tells me that a squirrel has made its dining table of one such trunk. On the forest floor, fallen twigs and branches, having lost their bark, lie like bleached antlers.

I reach a place where a small rivulet, draining off higher ground to my right, feeds into a boggy section of ground through which I must pass. Several logs have been placed over the wettest part and I gratefully tightrope-walk my way across the most robust looking of these. However, reaching the end of my chosen beam I notice there are still a few metres of deep mud ahead before I reach dry land. I plot my course – end of that other log, tussock,

Hazel Catkin

Buzzard

tussock, home. But the log I step onto is not as well anchored as it looks and, under my weight, sinks alarmingly deep into the mud. I coggle. My right hand instinctively reaches down into the mud to prevent me falling over completely. Just. Unfortunately, still grasped in it is my phone, which I raise, wincing, pulling it from the mud with a slurp, dripping like chocolate fondue. I dash to a nearby stump and in a flurry of hankies perform gadgetry CPR. Thankfully the phone is salvaged and onwards I go.

Soon I reach the far side of the wood and, as the trees thin out, I’m at the summit. Veering left over to the forest fringe to take in the view, I’m slightly surprised by the height attained over our fair city, laid out below. Houses are arrayed in miniature, like those in an architect’s model, row upon row, fading with distance into the mist that has taken up residence these past few days. Pressing on, I pass through a gate and turn southwards away from the city for a short stretch, bordering a denser conifer plantation. On reaching the corner of the plantation I turn left and begin to descend eastwards through grassy scrubland in the direction of Dreghorn. A fine view opens up, with the Braid Hills on the horizon and the rocky cliffs of Green Craig to my right. At the bottom I join a gravel road which continues down through deciduous woodland. Last year’s oak leaves still cling to branches, like clustered brooches of beaten copper, while new buds form at the ends of upward stems.

On reaching a gate, I pass through into a field with a pylon in its centre and cross diagonally to reach a signpost on the far side. I take the route left, marked Bonaly, following the power lines. The cry of a buzzard, circling somewhere in the mist over the woods, pierces the air. By the path,

blackthorn bushes are sprayed with pin-point white constellations of nascent blossom and hazel catkins all hang at an angle, as if frozen in memory of the prevailing wind. The final stretch of this path winds energetically up and through the woods behind the Bonaly scout centre and soon I find myself back where I began, at the footbridge over the bonny Dean Burn.

This walk takes approx. 1 hour, with some steep and boggy sections. Some sections pass through MOD land – please heed all signs!

This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

PHOTO CREDIT : William Weir

In years gone by, the first bright yellow daffodils in shops and gardens heralded a beautiful new season which many of us thrived on and, somehow, spirits always seemed to lift with that brighter sky and the burst of colour in gardens everywhere.

Recently though, there seems to be something in the air and that optimistic approach to spring isn’t as prevalent as it used to be. In the last few days I have heard several people complaining that the sky is grey, the temperature is low and that things just aren’t what they used to be.

The issue is that we all put enormous emphasis on the world outside of ourselves and look externally for the things that uplift us, whether that’s a sunny day, a smile from a stranger or even whether or not it stops raining. Our desire to be in control of the uncontrollable lies at the heart of much of the anxiety and distress we all feel from time to time. Pinning our hopes on the sun shining, winning the lottery or anything else that is outside of our own influence is a fast track to disappointment and anxiety.

Instead of wishing that the sun would shine or that the roads would be less busy, we could focus instead on what we can control. The weather is never going to be something we can do anything about but we can decide to wear something bright and cheerful and decide to make the very best of the day we are living in regardless of what’s outside our window.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Sight (6), 8. Female relative (6), 9. Largest continent (4), 10. Fit and healthy (8), 11. Beetles, ants etc (7), 13. .Animal furs (5), 15. Invoices (5), 17. Considers (7), 20. Taking small bites (8), 21. Solely (4), 23. Distributed (6), 24. A capital city (6).

DOWN: 1. Fasteners (4), 2. Buccaneer (6), 3. Young children (7), 4. Sailing boat (5), 5. Involuntary action (6), 6. Menacing (8), 12. Loudest (8), 14. Harshly (7), 16. Hard work (6), 18. Drenches (6), 19. Feathered friends? (5), 22. Stolen goods (4).

A LASTING, HEALING SOLUTION TO HOPELESSNESS

Practical, transformative prayer makes a difference in the world, when we learn to trust God as infinite Mind and Truth.

A talk on Christian Science

Hosted by Alison Hughes, CS

Christian Science practitioner

Member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Edinburgh SC014327

Admission is free

Tuesday 14th May 7:30pm

Eric Liddell Community Centre, Holy Corner 15 Morningside Road

Edinburgh EH10 4DP

Location Contact

07428 900 250 www.christianscience.org.uk/edinburgh

Ensuring quality care for individuals in the comfort of their own home is a priority for many as they grow older. However, financing such care can be daunting for families, with many unaware of the funding that is available to them, regardless of financial circumstances.

The most common avenue for funding is through Self-Directed Support (SDS) offered by local councils, which is designed to help empower individuals to manage their care services, offering them control over who provides and arranges these.

In addition to any funding available through SDS, security benefits can also help to meet the cost of the care and support at home. These include: Adult Disability Payment - A new payment replacing Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance in Scotland for

those having difficulty with daily living activities or getting around because of a health condition or disability

Attendance Allowance – for people not claiming another disability benefit, who have reached State Pension age and need help with care or supervision during the day, night, or both Carer’s Allowance – for people caring for someone for 35+ hours a week that is in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment.

By understanding the options available, funding and support can be secured so that individuals in need of care at home can arrange this without waiting for a crisis to arise.

For more information on accessing funding for care, contact Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222 or visit their website: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

Mosside Terrace, Bathgate – Offers Over £400,000

Roy Drive, Murieston – Offers Over £575,000

Pitcaple Gardens, Bellsquarry - £POA

West Cairn View, Murieston - £POA

There is still time to plant some young strawberry plants to get a small crop this summer.

They are easier to look after if you can plant them in the ground and you’ll probably get bigger crops than if you plant them in pots or a special strawberry pot with planting holes up the sides. This is because they can go and find their own water supply and not be so reliant on you!

We recommend you plant different varieties if you have space, an early, mid-season (Wimbledon time) and a late variety. If you only have space for half a dozen plants go for a late variety now to give it a longer season to grow and bear fruit this year.

EARLY: try Malling Centenary, very sweet modern variety

MID: choose Elsanta, another modern variety with a delicious sweet flavour

LATE: select Malling Allure, sweet shapely juicy fruit (July)

NEW WORLD MINTED STRAWBERRIES

Half your strawberries into a bowl and add 1 tbsp castor sugar and a handful of chopped mint leaves (use spearmint or apple mint), leave for 30 minutes. 10 minutes before serving pour over a generous measure of New World Red Wine. Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche and a garnish of mint leaves. Enjoy!

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

I try not to get on my soapbox too much when writing these articles however, I can’t get something out of my mind.

Fearing it’d had been injured, I was on the phone to the SSPCA about one of last years cygnets (it was fine and got up to have a stretch, just as I connected with an operator, obviously!) I noticed it was trying to eat something on the ground without success. Turns out the potential item of food was a cigarette butt, which thankfully, it didn’t swallow.

To put it bluntly, I find the litter issue across West Lothian utterly disgraceful. I remember people coming to my school talking about litter, so this isn’t a new problem but it’s one which seems to be getting worse. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it’s everywhere you look, from riverbanks to paths, and seemingly worst of all, the off-ramps of motorways and roundabouts. Never mind around roadside lay-bys, where various vehicles park up and drivers seemingly don’t care to take their litter home with them (not all, I’m sure) The West Lothian

Litter Pickers do an amazing job at clearing the local area up but it’s a seemingly endless task. Whatever age you are, if you drop litter or throw something from your car, just stop it.

Litter has a serious impact on the environment in many ways and could be avoided if you act differently and take it home.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

approximately how much individuals and couples will need to

SJP Approved 21/02/2024

SAT 6TH APRIL AND SAT 4TH MAY

Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Volunteering session - The Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian. gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

SUNDAY 14TH APRIL

Ramble & Chat, Harwood Water and Woods - With Almond Valley Nature Action Group, a monthly social walk with like-minded folk to blether about nature, climate action, biodiversity or whatever comes to mind. This month, we’re starting in the village of Polbeth, following a circular route through a mixed species woodland, and walking alongside the Harwood Water river. Meet 2pm at the car park beside the playing fields in the centre of Polbeth. what3words.com/crispier.pencils.dabbled

FRI 29TH MARCH TO SUN 14TH APRIL

Easter Eggcitement at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Celebrate the wonders of springtime. Search for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the cheery chick trail, and get creative with colours and crafts. Meet the new arrivals on the farm and, over the Easter weekend, (29th- 1st), cheer on our famous plastic duck race. Included in admission at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

SUNDAY 21ST APRIL

Joyful & romantic pieces for Springtime - Linlithgow String Orchestra. Featuring works by Boyce, Byrd, Boëllmann, Shostakovich, Marie Dare and Eric Coates. Linlithgow Burgh Halls, Kirkgate, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH. 2.30pm, doors/licenced bar open 1.45pm. Tickets £10/£8/£2, on the door or via website www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk

THURSDAY 16TH MAY

West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Help for men recently diagnosed and speakers on Prostate Cancer Research and from Macmillan team on “Improving the Cancer Journey.” Meet 7.00pm Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston.

EAST CALDER HEALTH CENTRE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

A public meeting was held on 31st January by the East Calder Health Centre Campaign Group for a new building and was attended by nearly 200 people. Those at the meeting heard about the history of delays on the part of NHS Lothian and that more than five years after the Scottish Government had invited them to submit a case for a new Health Centre for East Calder they hadn’t done so. The meeting also sought volunteers to form a campaign group that would lobby NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government to build a new health centre within three years. A good few people put their names forward to become members of the new campaign group that aims to become a registered charity. The group met for the first time on 13th February and agreed a constitution and elected office bearers and trustees at their second meeting on 28th February.

The group will be working up a campaign strategy and activities over the coming weeks and aims to meet with local MSPs sometime in May to get support for a New Health Centre.

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page 12. See page 37 for solutions.

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APRIL SUDOKU

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APRIL SUDOKU

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puzzle

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

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

MID CALDER WOMEN’S GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/ member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205.

WOMEN'S 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL - A fun and friendly group meeting on Thursday evenings to play recreational football in East Calder. All ages abilities welcome. A great way to keep fit and meet new people. For more information text Tracey 07708 700235.

EAST CALDER PENSIONERS

CLUB - Held in The Dave King Partnership Centre, Main Street, East Calder on the last Thursday of every month from 1.00pm to 3.00pm (September-April). New members welcome. Contact Carole on 07821 699332 for further details.

SOUND THERAPY, MEDITATION AND YOGA - Monthly sound baths and candlelit Yin yoga classes to calm and relax body and mind. Workshops, 1:1 therapies and retreats throughout the year. Classes in Kirknewton Village Hall www.ocean-flow.co.uk

MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am11.30 am in The Institute Hall Mid Calder. We have a huge toy selection, offer arts and crafts and supply a small snack. Adults can have a hot drink and a chat whilst the children play happily. Session costs are £1 for under 1s and £2 for over 1s. Follow us on Facebook or email:

midcalderbabygroup@gmail. com for further details

EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP

- Mon-Fri 9-11am for 2-3 year olds @ The Dave King Partnership Centre. Lots of fun activities while learning through play. Stories, songs, craft, small world, sand, water, outdoor fun & lots more. For more information call /text 07748053340 or pop in and see us.

SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian. MONDAYS: 7.009.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, East Calder Bowling Club. No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.

SUKHA YOGA - Getting back on your mat with real yoga every Wednesday 7.00 –8.30pm, Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Feel the benefit from strengthening practice and regular relaxation. £6 per session or book 5 sessions for £25. All Covid-safe measures are in place. Bring your own mat and any other yoga equipment you need. Please confirm booking by pre-paying for your class. any further information, please contact me on 07767 777044 Everyone welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER

PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

EAST CALDER

NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.

EAST CALDER OVER 50s

CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (SeptemberMay) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.

POTTER AROUND AT POTTER AROUND - Potter Around is a local pottery and ceramic painting studio based in Kirknewton. We offer taster sessions on the potter’s wheel for ages 5+. We also do clay imprints – a great memento to keep forever and we have a huge range of pre-made ceramics which are great for handprints, but also for people of all ages to paint. Our shop sells gorgeous handmade gifts including pottery and jewellery. Check our website for details: www.potteraround.co.uk

EAST CALDER SCOUT

GROUP - Providing fun and exciting scouting programmes for children in the local area, from age 6 upwards. We meet on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on the child’s age. Adults interested in becoming leaders will be made very welcome. We also hire the scout hall for one off occasions or for other groups to use, to benefit the local community. Find out more at our website: www.eastcalderscouts.uk

SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder.

Tuesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays 9.30

& 11.30am and at Geddes

House, Livingston, EH54 6GU on Thursdays 9.30. New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803

520781

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS

LADIES' CHOIR - Would you like to join in with some fun at our friendly community choir? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30 pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of materials from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. We’d love to welcome singers from across West Lothian. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine at lineone.net

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

- Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.308.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston. T:

E:

W: Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT

- A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer.

Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centrecall to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 35

- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended –both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

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.

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@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.

For information:

T: 01506 448000

Magazine Design:

E:office@carers-westlothian.com

Alan Stewart Design

T: 07729 911858

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

Assault on Precinct 13 is a truly iconic film. It has had a lasting impact even 48 years later. So, heading into Jericho Ridge it is hard not to see the Assault on Precinct 13 influence.

While a paper-thin comparison - the single location setting of being stuck in a police station while being shot at from all directions - the similarities are there. However, Jericho Ridge does a good job of not being overshadowed by the comparisons. It follows Deputy Sheriff Tabby Temple while she is trapped in her remote sheriff’s office because murderous attackers are targeting the office. The film has a vibe and aesthetic that can be described as nifty. The action takes place entirely in the sheriff’s office and does an incredible job at establishing the geography of the building. You never get confused about where everything is in relation to our characters. The great geography leads to efficacious action. While bullets can be seen flying across the screen, you never think about where they are coming from, you feel the dread and tension as you hope our characters make it out alive.

Nikki Amuka-Bird and Zack Morris do a good job as their respective characters and allow you to get sucked into this world. The dysfunctional mother-son relationship in this film felt genuine.

Jericho Ridge is a very good time. It is a film that is so well-acted and directed that it overcomes any flaws that may be present. Jericho Ridge will be in cinemas on the 25th of April. It will also be released digitally from the 29th of April.

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.

WINE TASTING

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com