Konect Calders September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

FEATURE: PROPERTY MATTERS: PARENTING:

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ummer may be starting to fade, but there are still plenty of opportunities for getting out and about locally, which here at Konect is what we love to do. In her parenting column, Laura shares a trip with the kids to Blawhorn Moss, which is one of my favourite places to go too, and there’s also a short feature on the West Lothian solar system trail - a quirky way of bringing a fun focus to some simple walks or bike rides locally. There is also an open day this month at Almondell Model Engineering Centre, always worth a visit.

The Cyrenians are looking for volunteers to help provide companionship to older people in the community. As we head towards what could be a difficult winter, this kind of activity is more important than ever, so if you can help they would love to hear from you, see page 15. We also have a couple of spotlight features on local businesses this month, as well as all our usual regular columns. I hope you enjoy the magazine - as ever, I love to hear what you think!

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

THIS ISSUE Feature: Solar System Trail.....................................8 Property Matters: The “all year summer advantage”...............................................................12 Living Well: Rising cost of living........................14 Charity: “They’re indispensible".........................15 Health & Beauty......................................................16 Wine: Cranachan pairing.....................................18 Garden Project: Summer into Autumn............22 Spotlight: Responsible Recycling.....................25 Local Environment: Mama knows best...........26 Puzzles...............................................................28 / 33 Spotlight: Taylor Talks Trades.......................... 32 Money Matters..................................................... 34 Parenting: Blown Away by Blawhorn Moss.... 36 What’s On..................................................................37 Film Review...............................................................38

COVER IMAGE: Summer starting to fade.

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

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Almondell Model Engineering Centre Public Open day for train trips 18th September 2022 11.00am till 3.00pm edinburgh-sme.org.uk

Livingston 07753 213 626 kumon.co.uk

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Near the Balvornie BBQ area in Beecraigs Country Park, you may have noticed two plaques in the wall of the building in front of the public toilets – a plain black one, and one inscribed with “I could be.”

They are part of an installation of 11 sculptures dotted around West Lothian, representing the solar system. Known collectively as the Kirkhill Pillar Project, they were installed in 2008 with the aim of recreating an unusual 18th century project - a model of the solar system, as it was understood at that time.

The Kirkhill estate in Broxburn was home in the 18th century to this project. The slightly eccentric 11th Earl of Buchan who lived here, David Steuart Erskine, fancied himself as a patron of the arts and part of the Scottish Enlightenment.

He took it upon himself to offer poetry writing advice to Robert Burns, and when Walter Scott was ill in 1819 the Earl busied himself with funeral plans!

Scott later graciously commented that Buchan's “immense vanity bordering upon insanity, obscured or rather eclipsed, very considerable talents…”

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So it's perhaps no surprise that he decided to tackle a scale model of the solar system. Completed in 1776, it consisted of the sun and larger known planets made from stone, and the smaller planets from bronze. He also made a stone pillar, carved with Latin inscriptions and recording the astronomical equations he used for the size of the planets and their relative distances from the sun. The pillar had a belltower and cross. The Earl also predicted the position the planets will be in on 20th May 2255 (no-one knows why he picked this date, but it may be to do with the transit of Venus). He used a scale of 12,283 miles 23/100 to an inch for his model, an odd scale but the astronomical information on the pillar is apparently quite accurate.

This pillar is all that remains of the original model. It stood in the garden at Kirkhill in a bad state of repair until it was rescued and relocated to Almondell Country Park and renovated in 1988. It stands in front of the Visitor Centre. This location was chosen as Almondell House was built by Henry Erskine, the Earl’s younger brother.

At the centre of the modern model is the sun – a lightbox with a diameter of 1.83m on Broxburn Academy - appropriately cited as the Academy is close to Kirkhill House, the site of the original model. Ten further sculptures representing the eight planets, an asteroid and the dwarf planet Pluto are distributed to scale across West Lothian in their orbits. The plaque at Beecraigs represents Pluto, the furthest from the sun and which at that stage had recently been downgraded to dwarf planet.

Kirkhill Pillar in Almondell Country Park

Finding all 11 installations makes for a fun trail to complete with the children over the course of a few walks or bike rides, and gives a focus for some local exploring.

Start with Pluto at Beecraigs, and work your way through the nine other installations planets until you get the sun at Broxburn Academy.

For the locations of all the installations, and more information see the Kirkhill Pillar Project website at www.kirkhillpillarproject.org.uk @KonectMagazines

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Gain a real marketing advantage - We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, well-maintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too? The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.

Market your home all-year round - Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ – that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year.

Plan ahead and get ahead - There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in – and the right ones really set the tone.

At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing

software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always retake new external photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.

Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’ - At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next six months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees.

If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside. The exterior picture is after all the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.

Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now. Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.

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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LIVING WELL

Many of us are, understandably, worried about the rising cost of living but for the elderly this may be too big to handle.

More than a million older people on low incomes who would benefit from some extra financial help are going without because they are unaware that they qualify for pension credit and that a successful claim can act as a passport that opens the door to a wide range of other support.

What help is available?

• Cost of Living Payment of £650, paid in two instalments with the second due later this year • Cold weather payment of £25, paid when temperatures are below 0°C over 7 consecutive days • If eligible, £150 off energy bills through the Warm Home discount scheme

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• Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills in winter • Free TV licence (if over 75) • Free NHS dental treatment • Help towards the cost of glasses • Support with travel to hospital costs • Council Tax Support • Housing Benefit to help cover rent • Additional pension credit payments for some carers Unfortunately it is estimated that around three quarters of a million pensions are missing out on this important benefit right now. The sooner people act, the sooner they will find out if they are eligible for some of the additional financial help, and this could be life-changing for them.

Useful numbers to call for support or advice: Age Scotland – FREE national advice line – 0800 12 44 222.

Pension Credit claim line – 0800 99 1234.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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Two people are strolling along a forested footpath, immersed in conversation and laughter.

The genial pair are a one-to-one volunteer befriender and an older person, who meet regularly to enjoy a walk.

One-to-one befriending is just one of the many ways in which you can volunteer with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) as volunteers are needed now, more than ever, as we move forward from the pandemic which engendered loneliness and isolation.

West Lothian organisation Cyrenians OPAL aims to sustain or enhance older people’s wellbeing and independence. They support individuals aged 60 and above to re-connect socially either on a one-to-one basis or at OPAL’s activity, social or walking groups.

OPAL is able to do so with the help of dedicated volunteers, such as the aforementioned volunteer, who says of the one-to-one walks: “I have now had 3 walks with my walking buddy. All have been very rewarding for me and I hope for both of us.

A regular walk gives structure to the week, and something to look forward to and plan for.

A good stimulus to our mental health.”

This volunteer’s walking companion is an older lady whom he has been carefully matched with, who found him to be “a very interesting man… very easy conversation”.

OPAL is appealing to people from across West Lothian to give their time by

volunteering to either facilitate at one of the groups, become a volunteer driver or befriender to visit or go on outings with an older person.

One lady who is able to attend an OPAL activity group thanks to a volunteer driver, shares how the volunteers and attending the group are important to her; “The experience I’ve had with the OPAL volunteers has been completely positive, they give their time out of the goodness of their hearts and I couldn’t be part of Cyrenians OPAL without the gentleman who drives me, he’s very kind. To me, they’re indispensable.”

“I enjoy going to the OPAL groups. One of the things I enjoy is that I manage to laugh and for people who live on their own, the opportunity for laughing is limited.”

Volunteering is often just as beneficial for the volunteer as it is for the individuals they support. By giving just a few hours each week, volunteering provides the opportunity to use your skills and share passions, meet new people and connect to your local area.

“I would recommend being an OPAL volunteer to anyone.” Another volunteer adds; “Because as well as supporting all the service users, OPAL supports their volunteers extremely well…your contribution will be valued, however big or small it is.”

Cyrenians OPAL welcome people to get in touch and join their vibrant community of volunteers.

Please contact them on: Email: opal@cyrenians.scot Phone: 01506 815815

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, Bathgate www.cyrenians.scot/how-we-help/129-older-people-active-lives @KonectMagazines

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LIFE COACHING

Want to know my favourite hair hacks for thirsty hair?

The answer is sun products, yes even in Scotland. If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun the UVA and UVB rays can damage the cuticle and cause discolouration, dehydration and brittle strands. Sun shielding products are designed to combat all of this so if your hair is particularly dry or brittle then try using a sun range.

In fact I use sun products all year round mainly because my hair has a tendency to be dehydrated and coarse. Hair products designed for use in the sun tend to have extra hydration, be ultra replenishing and add extra nourishment.

The added benefits of UV filters and extra shine are a sideline One of my favourite products in salon is by the Italian brand davines. The UV protector spray doubles as a fantastic detangler and great curl enhancer.

The shampoo is ultra hydrating and all with the benefits of extra UV protection.

We have all heard about the flight or fight response that protects us from danger by placing us into a state of high alert.

That dry mouth, rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms is all too familiar and is an understandable response when we must react quickly to genuine threats, whether that’s a car swerving into our path or a sudden awareness of footsteps behind us.

However, it’s far less useful if we live with heightened fear and anxiety when we are going about our day to day lives.

The last few years seems to have ignited a kind of anxiety that has become increasingly common. Somehow, the fact that life can change overnight has shaken everyone’s confidence.

Most of us found that time really challenging and now that the world has opened up again, it’s tempting to assume that things would revert to what we had always thought of as normal. However, for many of us, life has changed for ever and we have had to learn new ways of being.

Living in the moment we are in right now and dealing only with the situations that are in front of us somehow frees us all up from some of that heightened anxiety. Dialling down or actually switching off the panic button, unless of course you are actually being chased by a bear, will help us all to embrace our new ‘normal’ and decide how we want our future to look.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com 16 | CALDERS

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 @KonectMagazines

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WINE TASTING

One of my favourite desserts is Cranachan.

Fresh raspberries with generous amounts of whipped cream, toasted oats, honey and a splash of whisky. I add a little extra texture with crunchy meringue pieces!

This decadent, Scottish dessert is often served at weddings and dinner parties. So, what wine should you pair Cranachan with?

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First of all, avoid sticky, sweet, cloying wines which are too heavy and will quickly overwhelm your palate. The delicate, fresh flavour of raspberry and honey will be swamped and lost.

Leave those sticky wines for another day.

I recommend Prosecco Rose! The bubbly Prosecco keeps the palate clean and refreshed. The delicate hint of soft, ripe red fruit in the rose suggests sweetness but the wine is actually dry and the acidity and structure allows the dessert to take center stage!

Prosecco Rose is great value and can be found at pocket friendly prices in the wine aisles of supermarkets and merchants.

Prosecco can only be produced from 100% Glera, a delicate white grape grown in the Prosecco DOC region of northern Italy.

It was only in May 2020 that Pinot Nero was allowed to be added to Glera to make Prosecco Rose. Prosecco Rose was first Introduced to the UK in November 2020 and its popularity continues to grow. It may not be the obvious choice to pair with a dessert, but I urge you to give it a go.

This evening I think I may skip the main course and go straight to dessert! Cheers.

-Kerr

Marc van Cartier-Kerr

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KEEP SUMMER GOING INTO THE AUTUMN As we move towards the autumn our summer displays in pots on the patio or at the front door can start to look a bit dowdy.

It can seem too soon to replace them but something needs to be done. Hopefully you may have a few spare pots and can introduce a new star performer to take centre stage amongst your summer pots and lift the performance.

The small outdoor cyclamens are perfect for this role. They have been specially bred from various parents including the

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Persian Cyclamens that we can grow in cool indoor positions and they will perform well outside from now until the end of the year. You could plant small variegated ivies with them and also bury some dwarf bulbs like crocus or tulips to take over the display next spring.

If you are using compost from a summer planting you must tease it up to get air back into it and add a controlled release fertiliser as it will have been starved on nutrients. Remember to water regularly, they are your babies and rely on you for everything!

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

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

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“I’m Greg, your Greensleeves lawn care expert, based in West Lothian.”

Rather than run a regular advert in this space, I thought I’d just give you a little update instead… As usual, the first six months of this year have been super busy – when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy their gardens more, so attentions are drawn to their lawns.

We have been improving lawns almost every day since I moved up from Yorkshire, at the start of the year, yet we still have a bit more space to take on new customers who are looking to enjoy the summer in their own garden.

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Email: westlothian@greensleeves-uk.com Call: 01506 251 241

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The reason recycling is so important is that it prevents pollution, reduces the need to harvest new raw materials, saves energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saves money, reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

The world’s natural resources at finite, and some are in very short supply. At a fundamental level, recycling paper and wood can save trees and forests; recycling placstic means creating less new plastic; recyling metals means there’s less need for mining; and recycling glass reduces the use of new raw materials like sand. Of course, the reality is much more complex, but the fundamental process is valid nonetheless. Metals, for instance, are repeatedly recycled, while maintaining most or all of their properties.

YourJunk takes great pride in being a good waste solution for the environment. With all waste uplifted, over 98% of all waste is recycled. Our goal is to get as close to 100% as possible. We sort through all waste types to be as green as possible, letting our customers know, we always put the environment first, safely.

With every waste uplift, there’s more to the process than taking away from the property.

The longest part is done away from premises - sorting all the materials so that they can be recycled. We sort everything out, to maximise the changes everything being put to the right recycling centre.

After any uplift, we sort through and then take to our registered recycling centre so it gets disposed of in the correct manner.

loads, YourJunk can assist with every type of waste. Cardboard, wood, metal, lead, brass, copper - an endless list....we make sure everything is recycled responsibly. If it can be thrown out, it can be picked up by YourJunk.

Waste is our own personal responsibilty so even if you get someone to come and uplift your rubbish, it’s not them that’s liable, it’s you the customer, as it’s your waste. This is why it’s very important to use a registed waste carrier to make sure that you don’t receive a fine, which can be up in the region of £5,000.

If you need a 5 star rubbish removal company, and are looking for a free quote, get in touch with YourJunk by filing in our quote form over at www.yourjunk.scot, calling us on 0131 449 9275 or sending us a message on our Facbook page over at @YourJunkScotland.

This article was contributed by local waste specialists YourJunk, www.yourjunk.scot

From single items, to multiple van

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The desire to help wildlife comes naturally to many of us and quite frequently you read stories about baby deer or hare found in the long grass at this time of year, which understandably makes us think perhaps they’ve been abandoned.

What’s usually happened is Mum has gone off to feed, leaving her offspring where she believes is safe and somewhere she’ll return to in just a few hours. It’s quite normal and at this time of year you may find a little leveret (a baby hare) hiding in what seems like the most unusual place. A lot of fields have been cut back for silage now we’re through the bird nesting season so the hares are more obvi-ous than before and your attention will likely be drawn to a small little brown fur ball with its ears tucked back, thinking its invisible.

The best thing to do is leave it where you found it but if you can, keep an eye on the situation from a safe distance and if it really seems like Mum hasn’t returned then you could consider calling the SSP-CA for advice.

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This hare is probably the youngest one I’ve seen and was thankfully quite tolerant.

If you do want something to make you go “awww” then I suggest googling a young leveret because they are quite frankly adorable and will absolutely put a big smile on your face, which is why nature therapy is so wonderful!

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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The ingredients for a successful trades business:

Taylor Talks TRADES “I’m a people person. I like hearing people’s stories, and sharing mine.”

Jamie Taylor of Taylor Roofs is talking about his new podcast, “Taylor Talks Trades.” Now into its 11th episode, it’s a goldmine of insights into the minds of the founders of some of West Lothian’s leading trades businesses.

“I’d been thinking about doing a podcast for a long time. One of the reasons initially was that I wanted to show people what’s possible when you get into the trades,” says Jamie.

“We’re dealing with a skills shortage affecting the roofing industry and other trades, so I want to show school leavers as well as older people considering a career change, what can be achieved.”

It’s already developed into a lot more than this.

Jamie’s guests so far have been owners of local businesses including roofing, landscape gardening, stone masonry, groundworks and cleaning, to name a few. They all took different and sometimes unconventional routes to where they are now - running successful trades businesses, employing teams of people, and pushing their limits in personal and professional development. There’s one whose mum wouldn’t speak to him for year when he threw in the chance to pursue a career as an architect to work in the trades instead (she now works in his business and couldn’t be prouder); there’s the apprentice machinist who worked in three or four different sectors including recruitment, before finding his niche in landscape gardening; and many other stories.

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Jamie’s own route into running Taylor Roofs, which now employs around 30 staff, was one that he forged entirely by himself in the face of a lot of external pressures and now runs alongside his wife Kelly. The podcast is a treasury of inspirational stories and insights into businessowners’ mindset and outlook that you otherwise rarely get a chance to see.

Podcast guests share the lows as well as the highs. It can often be lonely running a business.

“It’s easy to get down, but when you take the time to look around at what you’ve achieved, you realise how far you’ve come. The podcast is about sharing that, it’s to be motivational. It’s going to be tough out there anyway, so let’s put some fun into it while we’re at it,” says Jamie.

While the podcast focuses on trades, much of the experiences and insights that are coming out are common to many business owners and Jamie is considering a series on other sectors too. “I don’t have a specific agenda for the podcast though. The YouTube channel builds trust in my brand if customers want to watch it before employing us. So it’s a brilliant way to connect with an audience.

But, I’m doing it simply because it feels like a good thing to do and people are enjoying it.”

Find “Taylor Roofs” channel on YouTube to watch Taylor Talks Trades. @KonectMagazines

PUZZLE

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 28. See page 38 for solutions.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

MONEY MATTERS

How loneliness can contribute to financial scams

Loneliness has many negative effects on those who have the misfortune to experience it, most notably poor mental and physical health. But one further consequence that’s often overlooked is the increased likelihood of becoming the victim of a financial scam.

At one end of the spectrum, you have unsolicited emails, mail or phone calls from people pretending to be from financial institutions; but there are also legitimate companies acting in an inappropriate way – by repeat selling for example.

Another type of fraud comes from within families. This could be, for example, where younger members take advantage of an elderly relative by convincing them to give them money unnecessarily.

Unsurprisingly, romance fraud is also common among lonely people, as the perpetrator preys

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on the victim’s desire for human contact, which affects their ability to make rational decisions.

One effective way to protect yourself from financial fraud is to contact your financial adviser to double-check anything you might not be sure of. This is especially important if you’re not experienced in handling financial matters.

Another helpful measure is to have a power of attorney, which allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, which can be particularly effective in combatting financial abuse as the attorney has a legal responsibility to act in your best interests.

Please note that advice given in relation to a Power of Attorney will involve the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place. Powers of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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.

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AKT Bookkeeping • Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 45,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 07547 623263 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

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PARENTING

I don’t know about you but at some times of year it feels like we spend a lot of time driving places. Holidays, family visits, collecting random stuff my husband has bought on Gumtree! There’s always something.

We fill the time in the car as best we can with games and of course a few snacks thrown in for good measure…all to try to avoid the usual “are we there yet” chat. There’s inevitably a game of i-Spy at some point. Once you get past the predictable grass, trees, road (they rarely come up with anything original) it’s usually a wind turbine that someone will “spy” next. And it feels like this always leads to a lot of questions.

Oh the joys of inquiring minds.

In recent months as we’ve been driving about the kids have been intrigued by the large areas shaved off roundabouts along the A71.

Even I found myself wondering what on Earth was going on. I was practically giddy when I discovered the reason behind it and was able – for once – to provide an awesome answer to their questions. For anyone not in the know it was due to massive wind farm components being transported through West Lothian. This of course did nothing to allay their preoccupation with wind turbines.

So we decided to see if we could get a bit closer to satisfy their curiosity.

Another mum - always the best source of wisdom - had suggested checking out Blawhorn Moss near Bathgate. We parked at the Blawhorn Moss car park where there is a handy visitor map detailing the various waymarked walking routes. We then followed an easy, short route to a newly extended boardwalk, which the kids were delighted to run around at top speed. As you look out across the moss you can see the wind turbines in all their glory. We were lucky to be there on a gorgeous sunny day so we could sit on the benches along the boardwalk and contemplate…what it would be like to climb 36 | CALDERS

up one if it needed fixed and what would happen if you stood too close.

There was signage along the way with information about the wind turbines and the surrounding nature reserve. After COP26 earlier in the year the kids have both done a lot of learning at school about climate change and the benefits of reducing pollution so they were excited to know something about it already. And they loved the sculptures that lined the boardwalk inspired by the flora and fauna. They were jumping about pretending to be hair moss blowing in the wind and in the end it was all I could do to get them heading back towards the car park.

We still don’t know if a wind turbine can blow your clothes off (answers on a postcard please) but I can guarantee next time we spy one on a road trip we’ll have a lot more to talk about.

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank.

She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER Party in the Park Music festival and family fun day, 12noon to 6pm, free entry. Kirkton Park, Bathgate. Live music and lots of kids’ entertainment.

SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Family Fun Day and Charity Dog Show Craft stalls and doggy stalls, coffee and cake, ice cream, burgers, cake and candy. Livingston Cricket Club 10am – 3pm.

15TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER Linlithgow Folk Festival Full programme of concerts and sessions, see www.linlithgowfolk.com for details SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Almondell Model Engineering Centre Open Day Train rides £4, guided tours £2, tea, coffee & snacks. Almond Model Enginering Centre, Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF. edinburgh-sme.org.uk FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER Counterfeit Seventies Featuring the music of Slade, Sweet, T.Rex, The Bay City Rollers and many, many more, a rollercoaster ride of the biggest 70's hits. The four-piece band have toured worldwide in their individual rights and have worked with some of the biggest names of that decade. Coupled with a stunning light show, costumes from the period and video footage of the bands and events from that era, makes this one show you don't want to miss. 7.30pm at Howden Park Centre, Tickets: £20.00/£18.00 via www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk 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. @KonectMagazines

CALDERS | 37

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE Can a punk song save the world?? That is the question posed by Fish Story, a 2009 Japanese film based on the book written by Kotaro Isaka who also wrote the book for the latest Brad Pitt trainwreck of a film called Bullet Train.

However, unlike that film, Fish Story is a true delight and is simply fantastic! The film follows four stories which are based in the years 1975, 1982, 2009 and 2012. All the years are connected by the song Fish Story.

While the film will not blow your mind in terms of cinematography or its soundtrack, everything else makes up for it. The four stories are all utterly engaging and riveting, and no two feel the same. How all the stories are interconnected throughout the different timespans and edited together is utterly flawless. One moment you are going from a story about hidden messages in songs and seeing the future, the next moment it’s a boat heist. While in a way that sounds like it could cause major whiplash, the film somehow nails a consistent tone throughout, allowing everything to flow well together. All the acting is great and there truly isn’t a bad performance in the entire film.

ACROSS: 1. Starve, 4. Doodle, 9. Complex, 10. Salad, 11. Extra, 12. Matches, 13. Appointment, 18. Deposit, 20. Night, 22. Olive, 23. Outcome, 24. System, 25. Grasps.

DOWN: 1. Secret, 2. Admit, 3. Volcano, 5. Onset, 6. Dolphin, 7. Eldest, 8. Examination, 14. Puppies, 15. Monster, 16. Idiots, 17. Utters, 19. Swede, 21. Grows.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 33

But a key factor they had to get right was the song and luckily the song Fish Story is an utter banger and I listen to it a lot in my free time. Fish Story is honestly a personal favourite film of mine, and it is worthy of a watch.

Available on DVD, Blu-ray, Digitally and to stream on the Arrow Video Channel on Prime.

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.

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 M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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

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

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

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

Call 01506 882699 for more information.

EAST CALDER OVER 50s CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (September-May) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.

LADIES CIRCLE - Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder. Second Thursday of every month at 1.30pm-3.30pm 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

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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 New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781 CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday.

Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029. We'd love to see you!

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 - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa/Yin - Tues 6.007.00pm and 7.20-8.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.30-10.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.00-7.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston.

Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults.

Services currently via Zoom/phone: 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. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling.

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 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 konect.scot for information.

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