Konect Calders October 2023

OCTOBER 2023

WHAT'S ON:

CHARITY: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Trees, glorious trees

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W

e had fun with the Halloween themed cover this month, and as ever there are plenty of fun events on in the local area to cheer up that weekend when the nights start really drawing in – see the What’s On page.

It’s a family weekend for many, and on a sobering note the charity feature this month reminds us that for a surprising number of families, a member will be missing. In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness week during October, we’re publishing a feature on local charity Held in Our Hearts, in the hope that someone who needs to know about their caring and compassionate services this month will get the support they need; see pages 8-9.

This is the season when our trees put on their spectacular autumn display of colours before the leaves fall the make for lovely crisp walks kicking through the leaves, through the many parks we are lucky to enjoy locally. So it’s nice that the local environment column focuses on trees this month – it’s all about recording and protecting ancient specimens.

All our regular columns are included. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Charity: Talking about baby loss......................8 Life coaching: A change of plan................... 14 Living Well: Caring for a loved one............... 15 Money Matters: Time to remortgage?.......... 19 Property Matters: Limefield Mains: an elegant constellation......................................................... 22 Garden: Bury some spring treasures........... 26 Local Environment: Trees, glorious trees.... 28 Puzzles.................................................................. 30 Wine: Liquid gold or sour vinegar?............... 32 Recipe: Cappuccino fondants....................... 33 Film Review: Re:cycle of the Penguindrum....................................................... 34 What’s On: Halloween Events........................ 35 Charity: School Bank Winter Appeal............ 38

COVER IMAGE: Halloween Events: See our What’s On page for details

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It’s a topic many find difficult to talk about – parents who have lost a baby often don’t know who to talk to in their distress; friends and family can be unsure of what to say and afraid of saying the wrong thing.

I spoke this month to a local resident who, having suffered a loss and then discovered the invaluable support of local charity Held in Our Hearts, is keen to make sure those conversations are possible for those who desperately need them.

“Of course there are some parents who don’t want to talk about it; everyone grieves in their own way,” she says, “But I found when I went to classes when my second baby came along, there were many parents who spoke about their loss there for the very first time. And I would not even have been able to get to those classes without the support of Held in Our Hearts.”

Baby and pregnancy loss is an incredibly traumatic time and can be very lonely.

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Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth or baby loss, it is more common than you may realise – partly because people don’t speak about it, even if they want or need to.

Help is available. Held in our Hearts is a Scottish charity, originally founded in West Lothian, providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families. They say, “We can be there to hold your hand and walk with you on your journey, as you start to find a way to cope with your grief.” Their support is flexible and bespoke in recognition of the fact that everyone’s journey is different. They offer peer support by befrienders who are themselves bereaved parents, as well as professional counselling. There are support groups

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for different categories - parents, grandparents, male bereavement, miscarriage, twins and multiple loss, pregnancy support and others. The support is there for as long as you need it, and it’s invaluable to be able to meet other families who have been through something similar, and who can validate your often totally overwhelming feelings.

Support groups run in Edinburgh (Craiglockhart) and West Lothian (Livingston), and Held in Our Hearts works with NHS Forth Valley, Fife, Lothians, Borders and Highlands.

They also offer an innovative service in the Lothians called Hospital to Home where, in the immediate days and weeks following a loss, bereaved parents receive 6-8 visits in their own home. The aim is to encourage equity of care, as many with the most challenges in life are unable to reach out and often their grief becomes CPTSD. Hospital to Home support workers reach in so that so families don’t have to reach out.

The service is currently for families whose baby has died between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Held in Our Hearts are a Scottish charity providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families, with over 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate bereavement care in the community.

For more information, please see heldinourhearts.org.uk

Held in Our Hearts, Craiglockhart Centre 177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ

How to support a friend or family member who has lost a baby Check in with them to let them know you are thinking of them.

A call, message or card just to say you are thinking of them can mean the world and is better than not saying anything at all.

Check in with both parents.

Partners, dads in particular often get forgotten about. They are dealing with their own grief as well as often looking after the mother and trying to “be strong” for everyone.

Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing; there isn’t really a “right” thing to say as everyone is different.

Ask about the baby - provide the opening for them to talk if they want to. For people who have had a later loss, the baby often has a name, so refer to them by name. Questions such as “Does [name] look like his/her big sister/brother?” and so on provide an opening if it’s wanted.

Acknowledge Mothers Day, Father’s Day, baby’s birthday – recognise that those specific days are particularly hard.

Tel: 0131 622 6263

Email: info@heldinourhearts.org.uk Scottish Charity No. SC024375

See also babyloss-awareness.org @KonectMagazines

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LIFE COACHING

Moving from school to university or starting that first job used to be a rite of passage for everyone, but sometimes life throws us a curveball and getting onto that course of choice or starting on an exciting career path is suddenly not something we can rely on.

For many young people and their families those feelings of disappointment can be made worse by the element of surprise that the hotly anticipated future feels like it’s been snatched away. Add into this picture the ever-present social media images which look so different from reality for most people but feed the feeling that everyone else is having a fabulous time and getting exactly what they want and it’s easy to understand that creeping feeling of anxiety that can seep into every aspect of life.

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It’s just at times like these that it’s most important to remind ourselves and our young people that there are always new roads to explore. Every disappointment provides an opportunity for growth, change and flexibility.

No one gets to adulthood without having to deal with slights and things not working out the way we had hoped and every time we work through something we hadn’t expected to we build a little more resilience.

In NLP we talk about the importance of flexibility in every situation and having to take a different path to the one we had expected to at whatever stage of life gives us the opportunity to grow and develop and can be one of the most empowering things that can ever happen.

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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LIVING WELL

impact

The of caring for a loved one With the 10th of October marking World Mental Health Day, it is an important reminder of the need to prioritise mental health for everyone.

Often overlooked is the impact that caring for a loved-one can have on family caregivers, with 35% stating that doing so has had a negative effect upon their own mental health.

Caring for a loved one can be a profound act of compassion and devotion, but it often comes at a hidden cost: the impact on the wellbeing of family members. The emotional toll of providing care to a loved one and witnessing them deteriorate over time can lead to caregiver burnout – a crisis which catches countless families off-guard.

Family caregivers often experience anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The constant worry, sleepless nights, and the rollercoaster

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of emotions can be overwhelming. Financial stress and the strain on relationships further compound the issue. The stigma and uncertainty of seeking outside help can also isolate caregivers, with many left wishing they had sought advice and support sooner, before they often ultimately reached a crisis point.

By acknowledging the impact of caring for a loved one on family members, we can begin to remove some of the barriers to them seeking the help that they so desperately need. There are many organisations and services that exist to support family caregivers in West Lothian including Carers of West Lothian – 01506 448000.

Home Instead also offers free, no-obligation advice and signpost to other local support groups and information.

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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SPONSORED CONTENT

MONEY MATTERS

As mortgage deals come to an end, high interest rates are causing distress in homes across the UK; whilst much of this pain is unavoidable, speaking with a mortgage broker or financial planner may offer you some alternative strategies:

1. Increase Mortgage Term: many lenders now offer extended terms of up to age 70. Whilst increasing your mortgage term will cost you more in the long run, this strategy may make you payments more affordable now.

2. Switching to a variable rate/interest only/part repayment part interest only: whilst available on the market, an interest only mortgage should be approached with caution, as it does not repay any of the capital borrowed. Unlike days of old, Lenders now require that there is an alternative

repayment strategy, or vehicle, in place along with substantial minimum earnings.

3. Reducing costs elsewhere: this is hard to do, and not enjoyable, but making small adjustments to your lifestyle can add up to big differences. Spending less on groceries and leisure activities, such as holidays or take aways, can add up over time 4. Seek professional advice: Consulting with a mortgage broker or financial advisor can provide homeowners with expert guidance on finding the best mortgage deal and ways to combat high interest rates.

It’s important for homeowners to assess their specific financial situation and evaluate the costs and benefits associated with any potential actions before making a decision.

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 Wealth Management.

Calderwood Financial is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising soley on the groups wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out in the groups website www.sjp.co.uk/products. ‘The St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to described St. James’s Place Representatives.

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PROPERTY MATTERS

The Clashmore

Limefield Mains - an elegant

constellation of bespoke build homes Turpie & Co are delighted to announce the launch of the prestigious Limefield Mains development situated in a woodland setting between West Calder and Livingston.

These spacious new homes are designed with families in mind. With large bedrooms each featuring an adjoining en suite, open plan living/dining areas that offer a welcoming space to gather together, and verdant gardens that everyone can enjoy.

Located in West Calder this development is an excellent opportunity for growing families and commuters working in Edinburgh to enjoy a peaceful and spacious living environment within 30 minutes travel of the City Centre.

The Limefield Estate is home to the historic Limefield House, once the residence of And, for an utterly bespoke home, there are James “Paraffin” Young, the founding father also 14 self-build plots available so you can of the shale oil industry in West Lothian. tailor your space to fit your lifestyle completely. Young often entertained the explorer,

Contact the Turpie & Co sales team for further information and viewing appointments.

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The Blairvaich

David Livingstone at the estate on his trips home from Africa, and had a miniature version of the Victoria Falls constructed on Harburn Water, the stream that runs through the grounds as a tribute to his dear friend. As well as the picturesque Limefield Falls, you’ll have an abundance of country walks from the doorstep. West Calder is a thriving community with a selection of well-regarded schools and nurseries. In addition, the railway station offers a direct link to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Both Clashmore & Blairvaich House Types are available for viewing and with preChristmas entry dates.

Contact the Turpie & Co sales team for further information and viewing appointments.

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

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STILL TIME TO BURY SOME SPRING FLOWERING TREASURES There is still plenty of time to plant spring flowering bulbs and what better way than in pots so you can move them to where you want to admire them later on?

the lowest layer and then upwards in descending bulb size.

So for the mixed bulb pot - the daffodil bulbs first, then hyacinth then crocus, the flowers will all find their way past their neighbours to the top of the pot!

Using daffodils as an example, you can plant just one type in a pot to make a bold display; choose three different varieties to get a success over as much as 60 days; select one variety and plant it with, say, hyacinth and crocus to get a beautifully curated display.

Choose a frost proof pot with drainage holes and use a peat free Container & Basket compost, not bulb fibre for outside pots.

A few pansies or violas popped into the top will give you a display all winter before your bulbs flower next year.

Whichever recipe you choose we would recommend you plant in several layers, lasagne style, to create a really generous looking display. Plant bulbs three times their height deep, choosing the biggest bulbs as

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

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

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I recently took part in a Woodland Trust ancient tree inventory workshop in Balloch Country Park, on the shores of Loch Lomond (This picture is in Glen Affric). We surveyed the park for what we thought might be worth adding to the inventory, primarily concentrating on ancient, veteran, and notable trees.

You might be wondering why this is important and I’m going to try and tell you in 250 words.

An ancient tree is as iconic and important as some of our best known buildings but isn’t afforded the same protection. There’s a risk that if it’s not recognised as an ancient tree, it could accidentally be felled to make way for new buildings. It’s estimated only 10% of ancient trees have been recorded, how many could we be losing without realising?

These trees could be hundreds of years old, lived through so much history and are the lungs our plan-et needs to breathe through their ability to retain carbon. The Woodland Trust found ancient & long established woodland hold 36% of the 213 million tones of carbon (in living trees) produced by Britain’s woodlands, despite making up just 25% of all woodland.

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You can take part in updating the ancient tree inventory by visiting the Woodland Trust’s website, understanding what to look for and adding any trees you think could be worth inspection. It’s a wonderful, easy, and free activity which helps protect our planet. You could also give it a wee hug whilst you’re there!

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 @KonectMagazines

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

OCTOBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the November edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Used for drinking (6), 4. Warmed (6), 9. Impartial (7), 10. Sleepy (5), 11. Used for chewing (5), 12. Oblivious (7), 13. Contest (11), 18. Female grandparent (7), 20. Terrible (5), 22. Musical instrument (5), 23. Remove (7), 24. Simpler (6), 25. Windy (6).

DOWN: 1. Sound mental health (6), 2. Course (5), 3. Adore (7), 5. Additional (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Avoided (6), 8. Added pictures (11), 14. Citrus fruits (7), 15. Farm vehicle (7), 16. Disregard (6), 17. Showy (6), 19. Dimwit (5).

OCTOBER SUDOKU

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^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 38

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WINE TASTING

I am often asked about old dusty bottles of wine unearthed from a forgotten cupboard or cellar. Are the contents liquid gold or sour vinegar? How can you tell and what should you do with your potential treasure?

Cellar and storage conditions are crucial!

The wine must have been kept on its side, in a cool, dark, humid cellar with little vibration or temperature variation. Carefully look at the bottles ‘ullage space’, the gap between the wine and the cork. If the gap is wide, this indicates the wine has leaked and the contents have most likely spoiled and you have vinegar.

If everything looks ok, note down the producer’s name, vintage and the region and country of origin. A quick google search will give you some idea of what you are dealing with. A quality producer with a good reputation and a good vintage year for that region are important.

If you think you may have something special, in good condition and potentially valuable, you should contact an independent wine merchant or a wine auction specialist. They usually require evidence of good cellar conditions and prefer to handle a case of wine, either 6 or 12 bottles. An independent merchant may buy the wine from you outright to sell to a customer or take a commission if auctioned.

Alternatively, if you only have one or two dusty bottles, I suggest inviting friends over and opening them.

Share the experience and have fun! You will know straight away if you will love the wine or hate it, but you’ll have a memorable experience either way!

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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 32 | CALDERS

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FOOD & DRINK

Boasting a combination of indulgent chocolate and aromatic coffee, these easy, stylish desserts are a great option if you want to take the stress out of entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, diced and softened, plus 1 tbsp melted butter to grease the moulds • Cocoa powder, to dust • 140g good-quality dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa solids) • 4 large free-range eggs, lightly beaten • 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence • 100g caster sugar • 75g plain flour • 4 dark chocolate truffles For the coffee cream • 150ml double cream • 2 tsp maple syrup • 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

Serves 2

Preparation time 20-25 minutes Cooking time 15-20 minutes

Method:

1. Brush 4 dariole moulds (190ml capacity) with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder to coat evenly. Place in the fridge to set.

2. Put the chocolate and butter into a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from the heat and cool for a few minutes.

3. Pour half the beaten eggs onto the melted chocolate mixture, whisking gently as you

do so. Add the remaining eggs and coffee essence, and whisk to combine. Mix in the sugar then add the flour, and whisk again until smooth.

4. Take the dariole moulds out of the fridge and divide the chocolate fondant mixture between them. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Take the fondants out of the fridge and carefully press a truffle into the middle of each one, then return to the fridge until ready to bake and serve.

6. For the coffee cream, whisk all the ingredients together until thickened. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6. Stand the dariole moulds on a small baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes until a crust has formed on top. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes.

Now loosen the edges with a small palette knife and turn the fondants out onto serving plates.

8. Add a generous spoonful of coffee cream and dust the fondants with cocoa. Serve at once.

Tip: Make ahead

These can be made in advance, then simply popped into the oven when your guests are ready for their pudding.

Recipe extracted from Pub Kitchen: The Ultimate Modern Food Bible by Tom Kerridge with photography

by Cristian Barnett. @KonectMagazines

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Re:cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1: Your Train Is The Survival Tactic and Part 2: I Love You - are somewhat similar to the Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion films.

It condenses the show’s footage into films while also adding some new footage to spice things up. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s new and old footage is stunning to look at.

For an anime that is over 10 years old, both films look utterly gorgeous. The soundtrack that accompanies the visuals is also thrilling, the Survival Tactic songs are both excellent and drive their respective scenes forward.

The whole soundtrack is simply incredible, and I feel the film would be a completely different experience without the score.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s story is, however, its biggest strength and in some ways its biggest weakness. The films can be confusing at times; there are constant flashbacks which do feel jarring, but once you get used to them they lead to a story that’s told at an excellent pace. It is a truly powerful message. By the end of Part 2 I was extremely emotional because of the perfect conclusion to its excellent narrative.

After finishing both films my first thought was, “When can I watch these again and how do I watch the show?” You’ll go from laughing at a penguin chopping up a cucumber to nearly crying over the character’s conclusions.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is a truly great and must-watch film.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is released on Blu-ray on 6th November 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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OCTOBER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT POTTER AROUND, KIRKNEWTON • Mon 9th 10.30am-12.00pm - Potters wheel • Wed 11th 10.30am-12.00pm - Clay Sugar Skulls • Thurs 12th 2.00-3.30pm - Potters wheel • Fri 13th 10.30-12.00pm - Paint a Halloween plate • Mon 16th 10.30-12.00pm - Potters wheel • Wed 18th 10.30-12.00pm- Potters wheel • Thurs 19th 10.30-12.00pm - Paint a Halloween plate THURSDAYS 12TH AND 19TH OCTOBER West Lothian Producers Night Markets - A warm welcome from a community hall filled with local and Scottish businesses and producers of food, drink, home and hand crafted items. 5pm - 8pm Strathbrock Community Centre, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. FB @wlproducersmarket 7TH TO 29TH OCTOBER Silly Spooky Fun At Almond Valley, Livingston - Odd things happen at Almond Valley once the leaves fall from the trees and Halloween approaches. The dark corners of the old mill have been taken over by a family of crazy inventors, who are engaged in top secret experiments. Nobody knows the purpose of their bubbling pipes, flashing lights and strange whirling machines, but it's all rather odd and just a little bit scary. Our boffins have also to set up their equipment outside among the trees and fields where giant eyeballs gaze down at you. Are you being watched? Did that one just wink? Follow the trail, crack the clues, and solve the mystery. Come dressed as your favourite scary creature and become part of the fun.

Standard admission prices, see www.almondvalley.co.uk Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957 @KonectMagazines

Potters wheel Kids £20, adults £25. All other classes are £15. See social media post for details! Call or message to book.

We are open during our normal opening hours for painting ceramics as usual.

Halloween painting and quiz night for adults - Wed 18th October 6.00-9.00pm. £20 a head. Prizes for quiz winners. BYOB. E: chat@potteraround.co.uk T: 01506 238961 W: www.potteraround.co.uk EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS; FROM 7TH TO 22ND OCTOBER, AND DURING THE DAY ON THE 28TH & 29TH OCTOBER Pumpkin Patch at Almond Valley - Pick your own pumpkins from our all weather pumpkin patch, grab yourself a wheelbar-row and find your perfect specimen. With various shapes, sizes and colours to choose, picking your perfect pumpkins will be a challenge. The pumpkins can be discovered among the straw beneath the shelter of the barn, so there's no need for wellies. Find your way past smiling scarecrows, big bale monsters, and low-flying bats, to enjoy a happy seasonal celebration.

Standard admission plus Pumpkins Prices £2 Munchkins, £4 Small, £6 Medium, and £8 Large. See www.almondvalley.co.uk Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957.

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. CALDERS | 35

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

EAST CALDER PENSIONERS CLUB - Held in The Dave King Partnership Centre, Main Street, East Calder on the last Thursday of every month from 1.30 to 3.30pm (SeptemberApril). 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 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 9-11am 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: 7.00-9.00pm, 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.

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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 (September-May) 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 @KonectMagazines

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

Tuesdays: 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays: 9.30 & 11.30am. 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 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 john. rankine@lineone.net CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - 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 & 7.30-8.45pm 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 or on 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 W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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 @KonectMagazines

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 Centre - call 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 £20. 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 NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION. CALDERS | 37

SOLUTION SEPTEMBER Can you TO help provide CROSSWORD

A WARM JACKET for a school child in West Lothian this winter?

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

School Bank West Lothian predicts that over 400 local school children will need help to ensure they have a warm jacket and warm clothes to go to school in this winter.

Many children across West Lothian are currently attending school with inadequate jackets and footwear which won’t keep them warm or dry and, in some cases, means they don’t even attend school.

For all ages between five and 17 across the next three months, over 400 jackets will be needed. There are several ACROSS: 1. Pout,can 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, ways you help: 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

1. Become a Sponsor and buy a brand-new jacket. Once registered you will be contacted when a referral for a child is received. It’s then up to you to buy a jacket and hand it over before School Bank West Lothian pass it on to the SOLUTION TO SUDOKU child.

ON PAGE XX donate brand-new socks, tights, gloves/hats 2. You can also and wellies/boots to go into a pack or you can buy a warm jacket which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received.

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX 30

3. Alternatively, you can make a donation. School Bank West Lothiann estimates the cost of a warm jacket to be £25 although any and all donations are gratefully received.

4. Or if your child has a jacket and wellies/boots that they no longer use, it can be re-used by the charity.

Checkout the QR code and pinned post at the top of their Facebook page @TheSchoolBankWestLothian for more details & links to register or donate.

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.

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.

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

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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@KonectMagazines