Konect Calders June 2024

LOCAL CHARITY:

LOCAL CHARITY: LIVING WELL:

ahidden army of volunteers keep our communities running in so many ways, from helping people in crisis with their most basic needs for food and shelter, through to keeping our local environment and main streets beautiful with floral displays. The first week in June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to highlight and celebrate this effort, as well as to showcase opportunities for more people to get involved. Volunteering is open to everyone. There is a Volunteer Fair in Bathgate on 5th June where you can learn about the range of organisations in West Lothian. One organisation featured in this issue is the Rosebery Centre in Polbeth, who are currently looking for befrienders – see the feature on pages 28-29.

How to create a beautifully fragrant summer planter; how to understand the different valuation options for your home; how to get the most out of a healthcare appointment; what’s on locally - whatever you’re up to with home, health or family, I hope you find Konect’s columns from our highly experienced, local expert contributors are helpful and interesting.

We also highlight the West Lothian School Bank’s annual summer appeal to help ensure all children can go back to school in August with their heads held high, see pages 8-9.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

Not every child starts school in August with a new uniform, and this can profoundly impact their self-esteem.

At The School Bank West Lothian our mission is to ensure that every child experiences the same sense of belonging as their classmates and can look forward to returning to school.

Over the past eight years our charity has supported over 8,000 families facing

financial hardship, providing new uniforms, jackets, shoes, and school bags. We collaborate with various community professionals, such as Schools, Charities, Social Services, Women’s Aid, and The Advice Shop who have referred over 2,000 young people to us in the past year alone and demand is rising every year.

A new uniform can significantly reduce the risk of bullying, bolster self-confident, foster a sense of inclusion, and improve school attendance. That’s why we’re launching an appeal for donations of new and gently used uniforms, ensuring every child in West Lothian feels valued and accepted at school.

SPONSOR-A-CHILD AND BUY A UNIFORM PACK – scan the QR code to register and we’ll send you the details of items required for a child who has been referred to us (typically 3-6 items). After purchasing the items drop them off and we’ll arrange for their delivery to the family.

FILL-A-BAG WITH VITAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES - such as socks, tights, pencil case, stationery, and a water bottle. After you’ve packed your bag (you could use a school bag or draw string gym bag), simply drop it off at one of our numerous red drop-off points across West Lothian, conveniently situated in various supermarkets and community establishments. See our website for the full list.

MAKE-A-DONATION - donate to The School Bank West Lothian and we will buy items on your behalf. For example, £18 could buy a 5-pack of white shirts for a teenager, £45 would buy a pair of school shoes and jacket. The estimated cost of a full uniform pack is £140, although all donations are gratefully received. See our website for full details.

RECYCLE UNIFORMS – we enthusiastically welcome ‘good quality’ pre-loved uniforms that still have plenty of life left in them, including jackets (except items with school badges, blazers, or kilts). Items can be dropped into one of our red drop-off points. For further details, reach out to us via email at admin@schoolbank-westlothian.org or visit the pinned post on our Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian ” or our website at schoolbank-westlothian.org

This article was contributed by The School Bank West Lothian, Registered Charity No. SC046483

Collette Moran, Project Manger, with a Sponsor-A-Child pack

School Bank team, Fill-A- Bag

LIFE COACHING

Most of us hold onto tension when life is stressful. Whether it’s tightness in our shoulders, pain in the neck and jaw or even aches and pains in our backs. There are many signs that our bodies reflect lack of self-care and the fact is that many of us just don’t prioritise ourselves when life is hectic. It’s easy to get into the habit of ignoring our symptoms but adopting a few really simple habits can make all the difference.

One of the most powerful things we can do is to take control of our breathing. People often laugh when I suggest this because we all breathe, don’t we? But breathing mindfully and bringing our awareness to our in and out breaths and taking three deep breaths in and out can instantly calm us down and relieve those symptoms of stress.

Breathing exercises can be a form of meditation but they are also one of the best techniques for relaxation and can be done anywhere. Even in the midst of feeling panicky, taking those three deep breaths can make all the difference. As a bonus, following up by carrying out progressive muscle relaxation, tightening and relaxing every muscle from the top of the head to the soles of the feet takes very little time but has enormous benefits.

Just finding a few minutes every day to relax and focus on self-care can make all the difference if we can just turn off that phone and drift away into that comfortable space.

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

Realistic MedicineIt’s OK to ask

Realistic Medicine means putting you at the centre of decisions made about your care. It is about moving away from a “doctor knows best” culture and recognising that a one size fits all approach to health and social care is not the most effective path for you or the NHS. This can apply to all different types of healthcare professionals including nurses, pharmacists, counsellors, physiotherapists and social workers.

When you understand what’s going on with your health, you can make better decisions about your care and treatment. Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference.

To help you get the most out of any health appointment, here are four questions it’s worth remembering to ask (also known as the BRAN questions).

B – Benefits: what are the benefits of my treatment?

R – Risks: what are the risks or possible side effects of my treatment?

A – Alternatives: are there any alternative treatments I can try?

N – Nothing: what happens if I do nothing?

Your health professional should explain to you the benefits and risks of your available options. They should also discuss the option of doing nothing and what effects this could have. You should expect to be given enough information and time to make up your mind.

By asking these questions you will be able to make an informed choice about the treatment and care that’s right for you.

For more information, visit: nhsinform.scot/campaigns/its-ok-to-ask

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

The world of wine is constantly changing and evolving, never staying still! There are new vintages to discover and new grape varieties to taste. That’s one of the reasons I love studying wine.

Spanish wine producers are realising that change and evolution is essential to survive. Many vineyards will struggle to survive the extremes of temperature and drought already impacting Europe. There are several innovative pioneers in Spain who are proactively looking at ways to bring in a reliable crop, but also how to employ more sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery.

In recent years, abandoned vineyards are being reclaimed by grandchildren reclaiming and revitalising the family vineyards that once thrived under the care of their grandparents. This phenomenon is particularly notable in regions like La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat, where wine has long been a

cornerstone of cultural and economic life. The movement is driven by a deep sense of heritage and a desire to preserve family legacies. Many of these vineyards had fallen into neglect as younger generations pursued careers in urban areas or different fields. However, a growing appreciation for sustainable agriculture, coupled with a resurgence in the popularity of artisanal and organic wines, has inspired a new generation to return to their roots. In the 1950’s many vineyards were abandoned, and the vines left. Today, the grandchildren of these former wine makers have reclaimed the abandoned vineyards! The sites will be overgrown, but beneath the tangle of vines are now ‘old vines’ over the age of 70.

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

We’re proud to be recognised for our excellence in care, winning more awards than any other provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home, call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

Trusted to care Cairdean House care home, Colinton Murrayside care home, Corstorphine Lauder Lodge care home, Portobello

Understanding Property Valuations and Market Appraisals

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.

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.

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Fragrant plants included in a garden can turn a good-looking garden into an unforgettable one!

This old wicker basket is full of fragrant plants and you could move it around the garden with you, especially to a west facing evening ‘sundowner’ patio. Many fragrant plants smell best later in the day. You can use any container you have, but make sure it has drainage holes. This basket is lined with a bit of landscape fabric to stop the compost washing out.

The central plant with purple flowers is one of the perennial wallflowers (Erysimum Bowles Mauve). There are many different coloured forms to choose. The white flower is a small pink (Dianthus dwarf border

variety). Both of these waft their lovely fragrances into the air. At the back of the basket is a Rosemary and a Lemon Verbena, both need you to brush your hand over them to let their fragrance escape. Finally in the front right corner is a variegated Lemon Thyme which releases its richly smelling essential oils when you gently crush it.

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

The service provided is exceptional and the experienced staff are excellent. The staff provide key information in relation to dementia and complete support to families and carers. The high standard of service and care shines through every day.

The Rosebery Centre, established in 1985, is dedicated to delivering a specialised dementia day care centre for older adults. We offer our services to residents within Livingston, the Calders, Pumpherston and Uphall. Our main objective is to provide a stimulating environment through activity-led day care whilst providing support and respite for carers.

The Centre is based in Polbeth Harwood Church, Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 2pm. To provide the best experience we can we limit our attendance of members to 14 per day. Those who attend the centre are often referred via social work, but can be privately referred by family or carers.

Our day is structured, and our activities tailored to those living with dementia. We start our day with a game aimed at getting our brains working

before breakfast. We have our own highly skilled chef who provides a lot of home baking which is enjoyed with a tea of coffee. We then move on to some short burst activities, offering a wide range of activities which last no longer than 40 minutes at a time. This helps to keep members engaged and interested.

Lunch is served around 12pm which always consists of two courses, usually soup and a main or a main and dessert. These are always nutritional and suited to the members’ needs and preferences. This is a good time for socialisation and chat to occur between members. This will leave us time for one more activity in the afternoon before home time. We also provide day trips which include favourites such as canal trips, restaurant outings and we organise music therapy and pet therapy days. We organise four party events throughout the year which singers and performers attend to entertain our members.

The Centre is a warm, caring and safe space for those who attend. We have a dedicated staff team who are all highly

Befriending Service

The Rosebery Centre also offers a befriending service which covers Livingston and the Calders. This was launched in 2020 during the pandemic and offers face to face befriending. This can be in the beneficiary’s home, a local coffee shop or a place of interest. This is usually for a few hours per week and allows for those for whatever reason are not suited to the day care setting to receive some support to combat loneliness and isolation. We are always looking for volunteers who are PVG vetted to keep this vital service up and running. Please contact us on the contact details below if you are interested in helping.

I don’t know what magic you have but **** loves going to his club, so much so he starts asking on Saturday when he is going, he comes back smiling and far more articulate, and overall, you have given him a better quality of life and given me my life back, so thank you.

trained and passionate in dementia care. Our aim is to play to everyone’s individual interests and strengths, to create an environment built on laughter, fun and engagement.

The Rosebery Centre also creates a great social aspect for many living with dementia who may no longer be able to lead the fulfilling lives they once did. This can often lead to

the loss of friendships and can create isolation and loneliness, which in turn creates less stimulation and conversation. The Rosebery Centre allows those attending to create friendships with others, to converse and be part of something other than their home life. It becomes part of a routine and gives some purpose and quality of life back to those living with dementia.

This article was contributed by the Rosebery Centre, c/o Polbeth Harwood Parish Church, Chapelton Terrace, Polbeth, EH55 8SH. The Rosebery Centre is a charity registered in Scotland, charity number SCO21092. Contact Details: T: 01506 870651 W: www.roseberycentre.org.uk

Nobody wants a large Inheritance Tax bill to be the biggest legacy that they leave their family.

There is a plenitude of things that can be done to mitigate your IHT liability, from gifting to passing on pensions and life assurance. Starting your inheritance planning early and taking financial advice to holistically look at your finances can have a direct impact on your family’s financial well-being after you’re gone.

Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% of the value of your estate, over £325,000.

Approved 21/02/2024

But you can also claim an extra allowance, known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), of up to £175,000 if you’re passing your residential property on to a direct descendant. This is so long as your total estate is less than £2 million.

Here are five ways that you can mitigate your Inheritance Tax bill and leave more to those you love.

1. Start giving money away now

2. Make gifts from spare income

3. Save more into your pension

4. Make a Will – and keep reviewing it

5. Sort out life assurance – and write it in trust

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.

It’s that time of year when adult birds are busy providing for what is likely a quickly growing brood of babies. This female stonechat was definitely bringing home a tasty (if you’re a bird) snack for her young, who would’ve been tucked away in the heather, out of my sight.

Why are they called stonechats? Well, for once it makes sense, their call sounds like two stones being tapped together. They’re a fairly common bird, with populations being a mix of resident and migratory birds. Quite often the male of the species is the more striking looking, usually to attract a mate, however I find the female stonechat a bonnie wee bird and she was far more keen to have her picture taken than he was!

This was taken at Sheriffmuir, which is behind Dunblane, however you can find these little rock dwellers (that’s what part of their latin name, Saixcola, translates to) in heathlands all over the country so places like the Pentlands are ideal for them. During lockdown there was a pair on the reed beds in Wester Inch, so they really can turn up anywhere.

I also saw and heard plenty skylark, which is always a joy as you watch them parachute down through the sky. It was brilliant to have my first cuckoo encounter of the year too, a true sign of spring’s arrival and the start of the challenge of getting a good picture of them. So far, cuckoo 1 - Clare 0.

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

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Well known (6), 4. Long curtains (6), 9. Grandparent (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Flavour (5), 12. Loosening (7), 13. Marvellous (11), 18. Season’s crop (7), 20. Star sign (5), 22. Bet (5), 23. One of the three r’s (7), 24. Go back (6), 25. Alcove (6).

DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).

JUNE SUDOKU

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

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.

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 9.00-11.00am 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.

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

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

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

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

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.

DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.

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: 07810 824 195

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk

W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

- 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). For information: T: 01506 448000

E:office@carers-westlothian.com

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.

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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

- 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

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

ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.

DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 35

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.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

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

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

2009 was an incredible year for cinema; we had all-timers released in that year like Avatar and Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince. However, the film Coraline is in a way forgotten about. The stop-motion film was written and directed by Henry Selick who also directed The Nightmare Before Christmas. It follows the title character Coraline as she moves to a new home with her parents, who are constantly occupied with work. One day she discovers a door in her house that leads to another world. This world is the opposite of reality and is her dream world. However, there is more to this other world than meets the eye.

Coraline is an utterly gorgeous film that has stood the test of time. Watching it on the new US 4K release was a feast for the eyes. Stop motion is truly a timeless form of animation and Coraline proves this. However, what is truly amazing about this film is the narrative. The film is so engaging and combines family entertainment and, in a way, horror to make a film that is in part a fun time and in part edgeof-your-seat tense. I was also shocked by how good the voice acting is. Everyone embodies their characters in truly amazing ways.

Coraline is just an incredible film that everyone should watch, as it feels like a film of a bygone era when family films weren’t scared to be scary.

Coraline is available to rent on all major 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.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?

Come along to our fair to find out about local volunteering opportunities!

Jim Walker Partnership Centre, Bathgate

WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE FROM 1.00pm - 3.00pm