Konect Calders February 2025

LOCAL WALK: MONEY MATTERS:

LOCAL CHARITY:

IMAGE CREDIT: William Weir

FEBRUARY 2025

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elcome to the February 2025 issue of Konect, the first one for this year.

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local and West Lothian, and focusing our articles on all that is best about our local area. Francine’s Life Coaching column touches on this topic this month in a personal way for each of us – taking time to focus on the good things is a habit that can change our lives.

The Charity of the Month is Craigsfarm Community Hub, a Livingston-based charity providing vital free mental health services in the community– in fact the NHS relies on them across the local area. The focus of their article is to promote their room hire facility, as by hiring their fantastic space for your event or celebration, you are directly supporting the great work they are doing; see pages 8-9 for details.

William Weir’s walk feature at Calderwood reminds us that even places close home can give us a different experiences in different seasons. He shares his winter wonderland walk there last month.

And for eco-conscious shoppers, there is a new offering in Livingston. If you have not already visited the new Leith Collective store in the Designer Centre, take a look at the article on p36.

There is much more of course! Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

Charity: Craigsfarm..............................................8 Living Well: Dementia Awareness...........12-13 Life Coaching: Let’s all slow down................ 22 Wine: Sake........................................................... 22 Property Matters: Understanding Valuations............................................................. 24 Puzzles.................................................................. 28 Money Matters: Salary Sacrifice.................... 29 Garden Project: Forced rhubarb................... 30 Shopping: for eco-conscious shoppers...... 32 Film Review: Super/Man.................................. 33 Local Walk: Winter Wonderland in Calderwood......................................................... 34 What’s On............................................................. 38

COVER IMAGE: Calderwood a Winter Wonderland, right here on our doorstep (see p34).

Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe CALDERS | 3

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At Craigsfarm, community is not just a place, but also a fulfilling experience.

Serving the community since 1969, community members experience meaningful and regular social connection at Craigsfarm Community Hub in Craigshill, Livingston.

MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: COMMUNITY WELLBEING & RESILIENCE PROGRAMME - Stress and anxiety can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

Isolation, illness, financial worries, family issues, world events can all accumulate into a level of stress that starts to negatively impact our quality of life. That is why at Craigsfarm we have made improving the wellbeing of our community a priority. In the last year we were able to support over 500 people with their mental health needs.

nights offering a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment to meet and talk.

The service also includes a one-stop information, support and signposting service offering support in linking with right support around finance, debt, employment, housing or anything else that can be of concern.

DAILY CONNECTIONS: MORE THAN A CAFE - Craigsfarm Community Café is housed is our modern community hub overlooking Craigshill park. The café is a friendly, welcoming place which serves a barista menu and provides the community with a place where people can meet, make connections and cement friendships. Open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, the café has something for everyone, regardless of age. Children can use the café wall blackboard to inspire their creativity or use the local playground which is in view of the café, so adults can watch them play while still enjoying a coffee. There is a reading nook for those who like to while away the afternoon with a warm drink and a book.

To mark the start of 2025, we have launched our new Community Wellbeing and Resilience Programme brochure offering courses in yoga, mediation, intuitive dance, art and wellbeing, nature theory and Qigong Fusion. For those that prefer a 1-to-1 service we provide support through our active The café also offers the community listening and opportunities to engage with local services counselling through the café pop-up events including: programme.

• Coffee with a Cop. Community Policing We are also programme where you can meet and talk home to to the community police team; Andy’s Man Club Craigshill, • VoiceAbility surgeries. The visiting advocate can support community on Monday 8 | CALDERS

members to access benefits from Social Security Scotland, if they identify as disabled; • West Lothian Adoption Family Placement Team. Foster Carer and Adopter Support and Recruitment; • and much, much more.

THE HUB: THE HEART OF COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Craigsfarm offers flexible, bright, open and airy rooms for hire.

When hiring a space for an event at Craigsfarm it is more than a meeting space.

For Craigsfarm, the workplace is more than just a site for professional endeavours; it is also an important gathering place where social connections are forged and nurtured.

Our open plan space can be broken down to individual rooms so that rooms can be configured to suit your workshop, meeting or training event. It can be hired as a space for meetings, training events, rehearsal purposes, conferences, presentations, yoga sessions and workshops.

Our café provides catering facilities for weekday events. The café space and outdoor green areas allow participants a space to unwind and gather between sessions.

HOW TO CONNECT - Our services are funded by donations and grants as well as through hiring of our beautiful rooms for training sessions, meetings and events.

By hiring a room for your event or celebration, you are supporting Craigsfarm to truly make a difference and continue to help more people to have a better day, today and tomorrow.

Contact us at: info@craigsfarm.org.uk This article was contributed by Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5BP. Craigsfarm is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC020712 CALDERS | 9

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Home Instead West Lothian, with third sector organisations across West Lothian, is holding an Older Peoples Providers Fayre at Howden Park Centre on 5th March. The date coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of Carers of West Lothian’s Memory Information Support Team (MIST). Doors open at 1.30pm, last entry 4.00pm The event will showcase services and support available for older people across the local area. In addition to the fayre with stalls from the various providers, there will be a schedule of talks that will take place throughout the afternoon on a variety of topics. These will commence from 2.00pm onwards.

Home Instead’s Virtual Dementia Experience Bus will be attending. This state-of-the-art immersive experience allows a person with a

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healthy brain to experience what life might be like for a person living with dementia.

Supported by medical research, the experience uses technology to replicate the sensory changes associated with dementia. Participants wear googles, headphones and spiky insoles. They are then asked to perform everyday tasks but with distorted vision, loud noises and sensory overload which recreate what it’s like to have dementia. The immersive experience is followed by a debrief to understand what you have just experienced as well as useful tips and strategies to make the world a better place for people living with dementia. The unique insight offered by the dementia experience makes it ideal for anyone who has a family member or friend living with dementia, or comes into contact with people living with the condition.

ORGANISATIONS ATTENDING:

LIVING WELL

Home Instead recently carried out research into people’s perceptions of dementia, revealing that 84% of people felt that more should be done to educate families about living with dementia.

The findings come from Home Instead’s ‘New Ageing Index’ - a survey designed to uncover the realities of growing old in Britain.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 58% felt the Government should declare dementia a health emergency.

With nearly two-fifths of people (38%) saying they were worried that a family member may have undiagnosed dementia, it’s a topic which affects many of us, whether directly or through someone we know.

In light of this, Home Instead West Lothian, which specialises in dementia care for older

people at home, is pledging to arm people across the local area with dementia awareness and the know-how to support people living with the condition.

Working in partnership with local support groups and organisations, Home Instead will be holding various events throughout 2025 to help educate people and encourage open dialogue about dementia and how we can support those affected. For more information on these events, please see our website blog at homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian or follow our social media channels for updates.

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

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WINE TASTING

We’ve just returned from an incredible trip to Japan. Our adventure was filled with sights, sounds, flavours and new experiences.

One tasty revelation was Sake, a drink I’ve generally not had much exposure to and one I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards.

But, when in Rome…in this case, Japan, we decided to try it, and we loved it!

Sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine, is a drink steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. But what is Sake and what makes it so special?

The production process for Sake is more akin to beer brewing than wine production.

Sake is made with polished rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. The starch inside the rice grains is converted into sugar which is then fermented into alcohol. The rice is polished to remove its outer layers and the polish effects the final Sake’s flavour profile.

There are different styles of Sake which are versatile and can be enjoyed warm, cold or at room temperature. Premium Sake, like Ginjo or Daiginjo are best served chilled in small ceramic cups, to enhance their fruit and floral profile. Like still wine, Sake is available as a dry or sweet product.

Before going to Japan, I hadn’t realised how versatile Sake is. I am excited to try the different styles and flavours and explore new food pairings. While we won’t be going to Japan again soon, I think we will try and bring some of the colours home.

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 22 | CALDERS

LIFE COACHING

Life can be such a rush and we can hear ranting and rage wherever we are, whether that’s people honking their horns at the hapless soul whose car stalled at the lights or the ranting we hear about how the country is being run.

It’s hard to prevent ourselves getting swept up by all this emotion but, a good place to start is by deciding to switch off and take a break from all those social media sites that tell us we are doomed and putting a pause or a permanent stop on scrolling through bad news headlines. This could be one of the best changes we could ever make for our mental and physical health.

We could also decide that we are not going to take part in those gloomy and negative conversations that so many of us find ourselves engaging in without thinking.

It’s definitely true that we get more of what we focus on, and, if we look for it, we will find plenty of evidence that things are bad and that we all need to retreat indoors for the foreseeable. However, it’s worth remembering that the only thing we have any control over is ourselves and our own actions and we can decide what we want to spend our precious time thinking about.

Focusing on what we are actually grateful for, whether that’s loved ones, friends or a favourite place to walk, has the potential to change our outlook and is a habit that will transform our lives.

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

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PROPERTY MATTERS

At Turpie & Co, we provide three different options for homeowners who are considering selling their property. Each service is tailored depending on what stage you are at in the process of deciding whether to sell your property.

All of the services are free and come with no obligation to sell or to use our agency. They can offer invaluable advice when considering the sale of your largest asset. The information below should help you decide which valuation service is most suited to your needs.

ONLINE VALUATION - An ‘online’ or instant’ valuation is produced by various software platforms and provides an estimated valuation figure by using collated data of historic sales within your postcode area, and applying algorithms which take into account inflation as well as the prices of currently advertised properties. This in-turn produces an estimated valuation range for your property. These tools are often not accurate when compared with the valuation figures that an agent would provide a homeowner at an in-person valuation appointment.

Probable accuracy range between £50k to £100k depending on the price bracket your property falls into

DESKTOP OR VIRTUAL VALUATION - A ‘desktop’ or ‘virtual’ valuation is conducted via a pre-arranged telephone appointment or virtual meeting such as ‘Teams’ or ‘Zoom’. The agent will carry out the same research as they would for a physical (in-person) appointment, however they wouldn’t visit your property so the advice, guidance and recommendations would be based on their individual and company experience and track record of similar sales

in the area. A desktop valuation can be useful when you are planning to sell in the coming 3-6 months and are gathering information to allow you to set a realistic and affordable budget for your onward move etc. The desktop valuation is typically followed up by a physical in-person valuation when you are within 4 weeks of being ready to list your property for sale.

Probable accuracy range between £25k to £50k depending on the price bracket your property falls into

IN-PERSON VALUATION - This is a traditional physical appointment where the agent visits you at your property. The agent will carry out the same pre-meeting research as with the Desktop valuation, however will be able to provide a more comprehensive survey and appraisal of your home and provide more specific and bespoke recommendations on how to market your property and a more accurate valuation. This will include estimated Home Report value and anticipated selling price (these figures can often be quite different depending on the property, location and current market conditions)

An accuracy of within approximately £10k of the anticipated HR value with estimate of potential upside selling price (i.e. anticipated selling price - different from predicted HR value) If you are thinking about selling your property in the coming months, please contact us to discuss which valuation option is right for you.

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The 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.

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MONEY MATTERS

The UK is facing a challenging economic outlook in 2025, with concerns of a recession growing.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget introduced a £25 billion tax increase, which included higher National Insurance contributions. News of this change, which will be introduced in April 2025, has contributed to a drop in employment levels and tax revenues have actually reduced.

Government borrowing, and the associated costs, have risen sharply. These increases, amplified by global inflation, have limited fiscal flexibility and many analysts fear that more tax rises will be necessary. Tax planning, and making use of allowances, has never been more important for individuals and employers alike.

Businesses are bracing themselves for April’s increase in National Insurance contributions, and many are exploring Salary Sacrifice. For those who have not heard of Salary Sacrifice, put simply it is an arrangement where an employee agrees to give up part of their pretax salary in exchange for non-cash benefits, such as pension contributions or childcare vouchers. It also facilitates adjustments in the allocation of salary and pension contributions, between employees and their employers.

These changes will often lead to tax savings for both parties. Employers interested in introducing Salary Sacrifice in their work place, should seek advice from a financial adviser. If Salary Sacrifice isn’t available in your workplace, contact your HR department or line manager.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.

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After strawberry plants we sell more rhubarb than any other soft fruit. Where does it all go, you must all have rhubarb growing in your gardens!

It is long lived, easy to grow and enjoys being in soil that doesn’t dry out in a sunny position. As well as being edible it is very ornamental in the garden with its big, bold leaves.

Now is the time to force some early growth.

Cover your plant with a lovely rhubarb forcer or an upside down bucket to exclude all light and leave the plant to produce bright pink fresh growth, probably a month earlier than a plant that hasn’t been forced.

You’ll still want to add some sweetness when you cook it - we avoid processed sugar and use ‘truvia’.

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If you have the space you might grow two or three different varieties.

Possibly the finest is Victoria which is a late variety which produces big crops of juicy and sweet stems. Timperley Early has a sweet flavour and is really good for forcing an early crop. Raspberry Red is probably the variety with the brightest red stems.

There are several other varieties to choose The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

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SHOPPING

For eco-conscious shoppers at Livingston Designer Outlet: The Leith Collective There’s a new store in town and it’s challenging the ‘throwaway’ mentality of modern consumerism. The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet is encouraging everyone to shop sustainably and it’s already proving to be a hit.

The Leith Collective stocks a wide range of handmade goods – from clothing and jewellery, homeware and furniture, to toiletries and gifts – the majority of which have been created by reusing, recycling, reclaiming and repurposing items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill. Resident makers are committed to ditching single-use plastics and opting for eco-friendly alternatives throughout their entire creative process and the result is a shop full of truly unique items that don’t cost the earth.

Speaking about the store’s first few months in business, The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, said; “Opening a store within Scotland’s largest designer outlet is a major milestone. Our makers now have a place alongside some of the world’s most iconic brands, which just goes to show how much consumer attitudes are changing. There is now a significant appetite amongst shoppers to support local artists, makers, crafters and designers, and a real demand for items that have been thoughtfully crafted with the future of our planet in mind.

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Consumers are more mindful than ever about where they spend their money, they want to know where products have come from, and what impact the manufacturing process has had on the planet. And that’s exactly why The Leith Collective’s first few months at Livingston Designer Outlet have proved to be so successful.”

The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet is the latest addition to the multi awardwinning CIC’s group of stores which consists of sites at Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird and Dundee Overgate.

The stores are not just retail spaces but hubs of creativity, hosting a range of inspiring workshops, exhibitions and initiatives designed to engage, support and inspire the local community, with the ultimate aim of creating not just a more sustainable retail industry, but a more sustainable future for all.

The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet, Almondvale Avenue, Livingston, is open Monday 9am - 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am - 6pm, Thursday - Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 9am – 6pm This article was contributed by The Leith Collective. For more information please visit www.theleithcollective.com, email info@ theleithcollective.com, or call 07447 659 999.

We all know who Christopher Reeves is.

He is the icon who brought Superman to the big screen. However, due to utter tragedy, he was paralysed from the neck down, and his life changed forever.

Once a fictional Superhero, he becomes a real-life superhero for the disabled community, particularly the disabled people suffering from paralysis. Told from the perspective of his family and friends. Super/ Man: The Christopher Reeves Story is a truly powerful documentary that follows the life of Christopher Reeves before and after the accident. It is a truly harrowing story about never giving in and fighting for what is right.

Seeing the formation of the Christopher Reeves Foundation and how he pressured politicians on both sides of the aisle so that more research and funding could be put into paralysis is both hopeful and a real gut punch as we know how this story ends.

Despite seeing how his family continue to strive for change, it is beautiful. We also hear them recount who their father was to them and see how this tragedy still affects them this very day. My biggest issue with the film is that there is only a brief discussion of the controversies around Christopher Reeves striving to find a cure - I wish it had dived deeper into this. However, the film is not about that. It is about the legacy of Christopher Reeves and how he was a reallife superhero, and with that goal in mind, the film is perfection.

Available to buy on digital platforms 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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a

winter wonderland

With the hum of the snack van generator in my ears, I join the path from Oakbank car park by the A71, heading towards Calderwood. The snows that blew in with the New Year still lie one week on, crunching, compacted and re-frozen beneath my feet.

Initially, I follow the path along by the main road.

The route takes me down some steps, over the Linhouse Water gushing below, and roughly parallels the main road until joining a small access road heading towards the main part of Calderwood. After clocking the temperature (-3oC), I’d been wondering whether this was the best day for my walk. But how wrong am I.

CREDIT: All image by William Weir

The freezing temperatures have rendered the everyday fascinating. The roadside bushes

Waterfall at Linhouse Water 34 | CALDERS

bear remnant snow dotted along their branches like balls of cotton wool. Ploughed snow lies at the side of the road in great dirty, icy blocks looking like quartzite boulders, surfaces furred with centimetre-long ice fronds. Concentric ice bubbles in one puddle look like the Yellowstone hot spring in monochrome, another is like an abstract painting; even the smallest of twigs are spiked with ice crystals as if cut from rare geodes.

Following the signs for Calderwood and then the green waymarkers, I bear right at an intersection, keeping to the main path. It is then the sound of the Murieston Water that I hear, far below to my left. Mature and stately trees guard the route at intervals. At one point I turn a corner to find a beech tree staring at me.

Staring? Multiple ‘eyes’ are peering eerily at me from the near side of the trunk. Not real eyes of course – these are the places where branches have been shed as the tree has grown, leaving eye shapes. In fact, since at this latitude branch growth occurs predominantly on the southfacing side of the trunk, these features can be used to determine which direction is south.

I take out my phone to check and find the bearing is remarkably accurate.

Soon, I am passing through birch woods, the low sun casting long shadows of the slender trunks across the snow. Gradually, I become aware of many small birds in the trees around me, flitting from tree to tree, constantly calling, feasting on the catkins. It’s hard to make them out, but I notice they have finch-like beaks, and a deep notch in the tail. It’s not until one alights on a branch right above my head

that I can truly appreciate their beauty. Blushed with crimson on the forehead, chin (below a little black ‘beard’) and upper breast, fading into a pale belly almost as white as the snow – they’re redpolls!

A flock of forty or so are gradually working their way through the forest past where I am standing.

Their plumage makes them appear slightly embarrassed at being caught gorging themselves, but they need not be.

They are on the UK red list of bird species and, particularly in these conditions, need any boost they can get. Intrigued, I pick one of the catkins. It disintegrates between my fingers into a thousand seeds which fall to pepper the snow at my feet, and I immediately appreciate the bounty on offer here.

The woods give way more open country - scrubland dotted with lichen-encrusted hawthorn - which today feels more like Siberian tundra. I pass a stance of tall pines on a little hill before descending to meet the path coming from Mid Calder (another possible starting point for this walk). I turn right at an information board to begin the return leg and soon pass a frozen pond. Opposite the pond, I take a small detour off to the left. I duck under a fallen birch and down, down I go. Thankfully, the snow-covered slope is kind to me and I arrive, dignity intact, standing by the Linhouse Water at a bend in the river. Opposite is a little waterfall created by a small burn draining into the river from height. Today, however… today it is Narnia. The week of freezing weather has created a miniature cathedral of ice. Three-foot icicles glisten behind a thin curtain of falling

GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS! water and hang all around like chaotic crystal organ pipes.

Below, while the central stream remains unfrozen, on either side the rocks are a coated in a cascade of clear ice formations, all the way down to the river below. And it’s not just the waterfall itself; along the far bank to the left, arrays of icicles hang in multiple rows like dragon’s teeth, while to my right the frozen river surface reflects the winter sun like hammered bronze.

I just stand there for a while, absorbing the scene around me, reluctant to pull myself away. I thank my luck for happening upon this enchanting experience. Eventually, I start back towards the car, my step a little lighter as I go.

You know, it just goes to show, you could jet off to Lapland or Val d’Isère, but sometimes Winter Wonderland is to be found right here, on our doorstep.

Calderwood is part of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park and has been designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ for its mix of ancient woodland, grassland and wetland. Be prepared for walking on rough tracks.

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.

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

MID CALDER COMMUNITY HUB - Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.

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.

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.

MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am 11.30 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 9.00-11.00am for 2-3 36 | CALDERS

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.

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 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 Creative activity and learning and lots more. We’d love can unlock memories and skills to welcome singers from across that have been lost and creates West Lothian. To find out more a spark of joy for all. Contact or to join us please contact generationarts.coordinator@ SOLUTION TO DECEMBER John Rankine at john.rankine@ gmail.com or phone 07521 358 CROSSWORD lineone.net 239 for further information.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA MACMILLAN CANCER STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB INFORMATION & SUPPORT - Dedicated yoga studio in - A free, confidential service Carmondean, Livingston. Build providing a ‘listening ear’, strength, flexibility and resilience, emotional and practical support, and support mental health, help to access benefits/financial joint pain/illness/injury recovery. advice and other local services.

Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30Expert information for anyone 8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal affected by cancer – yourself, yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa a relative, friend or carer.

Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday.

Face to face appointments at Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Livingston North, Broxburn, Wednesday. yoga 6.00ACROSS: 1. Eels,Iyengar 3. Checkers, 9. Contact, Fauldhouse and Blackburn.

10. Nicer, 11. Achievements,Thursday.

14. Gem, 7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Short health walks leaving 16. Paths, 17.

Dye,9.45-11.00am 18. Explanations, Iyengar yoga 21. Comma, 22. Showing, 23. Domestic, Bathgate Partnership Centre Friday.

Carmondean, Livingston.

24. Ends. call to book a place. Phone and T: 07810 824 195 DOWN: 1. Exchange, 2. Lunch, 4. Hit, email support also available.

5.

Conversation, 6.

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Sure, E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Please call 01506 283053 or 8. Caterpillars, 12. Eaten, 13. Messages, W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on 15. Maximum, 19. Onion, 20. Iced, 22. Ski. email MacmillanWestLothian@ Facebook westlothian.gov.uk SOLUTION TO SUDOKU CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS PAGE -ON Support andXX social activities NETWORK - Social activities for Carers, Young Carers and for the over fifties. Run largely Disabled Adults. All our carers by volunteers we offer a wide groups are offered blended – range of interest groups to help both in person and face to face, you stay fit and healthy in both as are our social groups: weekly mind and body, whilst socialising Coffee Morning; monthly Mental with others. Something for Health Support Group, Evening everyone, but, more importantly, Support Group & Bereaved the chance to meet up and Carer Support Group as well as join in with old friends or make groups for Young Carers and new friends along the way.

Young Adult Carers. Regular Annual joining fee £24. Follow Social Groups for Adults with our Facebook page, visit www. disabilities. Power of Attorney westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk Clinic (face to face) & Benefits or call 01506 635510.

Advice (phone or face to face).

For information:

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused T: 01506 448000 TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB by error in the printing of an advertisement.

E:office@carers-westlothian.com OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL We do not endorse any advertisers in W: www.carers-westlothian.com DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, this publication. All material is accepted for publication on theARTS understanding it is GENERATION - Creative TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT copyright free. No part of this publication activities for people aged 50 and may be reproduced without prior consent of over, either living at home or in the publisher.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS care with complex needs. Online ARE FREE. THERE IS Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. and offline activities in West Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, Lothian such as6GU. a dance dvd, art A SMALL CHARGE West Lothian EH54 FOR BUSINESSES. SEE demos, reminiscence, recipes, Magazine Design: WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR music andDesign song playlists, Alan Stewart T: 07729and 911858 dance song classes.

INFORMATION.

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Eels, 3. Checkers, 9. Contact, 10. Nicer, 11. Achievements, 14. Gem, 16. Paths, 17. Dye, 18. Explanations, 21. Comma, 22. Showing, 23. Domestic, 24. Ends.

DOWN: 1. Exchange, 2. Lunch, 4. Hit, 5. Conversation, 6. Excited, 7. Sure, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Eaten, 13. Messages, 15. Maximum, 19. Onion, 20. Iced, 22. Ski.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 28

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: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

CALDERS | 37

SAT 1ST FEBRUARY & SAT 1ST MARCH Friends of Almondell 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.

We meet on the first Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 12.00pm and always welcome new volunteers. 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'. Please book a space (free of charge) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-lothian-councilranger-service-60064115123.

Email: rangerservice@westlothian.gov.uk SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY Winter Wildlife Wander - Join a Historic Environment Ranger to celebrate World Wetland Day and discover why the wetland of Linlithgow Loch is so important for wildlife.

Meet at Linlithgow Peel, 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

Free but please book via www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7.00pm on Thursday 6th February at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.

SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY The AC/DC Experience - The AC/DC Experience perform classics from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras such as 38 | CALDERS

“Highway To Hell”, “Shoot To Thrill”, “Back In Black”, “Whole Lotta Rosie”, and many, many more. The AC/DC Experience provide a live show second only to the legends themselves.

7.30pm, Re-connect Regal, Bathgate. Tickets £26/£24 via reconnectregal.com SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY Through the Night with Henry Purcell Experience a magical night filled with the enchanting music of Henry Purcell performed by the talented Dunedin Consort. St Michaels Parish Church, Linlithgow. 7.30 – 9.30pm, doors open 7.00pm. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm.

Tickets £20/£10/£6 via eventbrite MON 10TH TO THUR 13TH FEBRUARY West Lothian Gymnastics February Holiday Camp - Members & non-members welcome. Our fun and focused camps will include games, challenges, prizes and time to consolidate and learn new skills on vault, bars, beam and floor. Monday-Thursday: 9.00am-3.00pm. Packed lunch required.

Full camp £120, single day £35. Craigwillow Centre, Willow Grove, Craigshill. Tickets via: west-lothian-gymnastics.classforkids.io SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY Auld Pals - Mark Cox & Jane McCarry Howden Park Centre, Livingston. A special up close and personal show featuring Mark Cox and Jane McCarry, best known for their iconic roles as Tam and Isa in Still Game.

The evening promises to be filled with fun, laughter, and will be a unique opportunity for the audience to delve into the lives of their beloved TV characters. Times: VIPs 6.15pm, Show 7.30pm. Duration: 2 x 1 hour with 20 minute interval. Tickets £27.50/£47.50 VIP +BF via www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH Older People Providers Fayre - Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Stalls from the various providers, as well as a schedule of talks on a variety of topics. Free entry. Doors open 1.30pm, last entry 4.00pm.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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