Konect Directory Calders September 2013

konect the

rs & Offe ers h vouc local from ses s busine

September 2013

directory

WIN Afternoon tea for two

at the Marriott Dalmahoy

FEATURE Time for a brew

FEATURE We’ve been yarn-bombed!

Technology Beat the utility bills

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The Calders, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

Choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or SQA Qualifications for S5/S6 pupils

School Bus pick-up at Haymarket Station

Financial help available for P7 and S1 entry, including free places

West Lothian School Bus stops at East Whitburn, West Calder, Livingston, East Calder, Kirknewton, Bol o Bere and Balerno

George Watson’s College Colinton Road Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk

www.gwc.org.uk George Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747

Editor’s Message Welcome to the September issue of the Konect Directory.

The front cover picture is the Kirknewton phone box wearing a knitted jumper - see what it’s all about in the article on page 22!

Our writer Yvonne was lucky enough to visit Alechemy, a brewery in Livingston run by a local family, and learn all about their beers - and I believe sample some too! See the feature on page 8.

Congratulations to Andrea Doherty of East Calder who won the crossword competition last month. This month the Marriott Dalmahoy are offering a delicious Afternoon Tea for two. A traditional afternoon tea in the lovely setting of the hotel is not to be missed, so well worth sending in your crossword entries!

Don’t forget to let us know if you have an event on in October, or you’re involved in a community club that’s not listed in our Clubs and Classes section - we’ll make sure it’s included next month.

Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and supporting local businesses!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

Contents Features Time for a Brew 8 Yarnbombing 22 Regulars Thought for the Month 18 Family History 24 Gardening 26 60 second interview 27

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Charity of the Month 32 Technology 40 Recipe and Food Notes 42 Competitions and Puzzles Prize Crossword 46 Sudoku 42 Community What’s on 48 Useful Information 49 Clubs & Classes 50 Index of Advertisers 54

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. Copies are also left at the libraries, sports centre, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print

Front cover photograph by Jenny Thomson: the yarn-bombed Kirknewton phone box

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

3

STEEL CONTAINERS FOR RENT Suitable for storing your stuff or run your business from here.

Based on a farm near East Calder. ÂŁ15 per week For more information call 07814 915552

The Shop for All Your Floral Needs...

Thomas Grieve & Son Funeral Directors 24 HOUR SERVICE

33 Greendykes Road, Broxburn 50 Main Street, West Calder 4 East Main Street, Blackburn

Tel: 01506 856 580 Tel: 01506 873 558 Tel: 01506 655 203

Monumental Sculptors Large Showroom at Broxburn 4

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Visit Our Exclusive New Showroom

Kitchens Bathrooms Conservatories Blinds & Shutters Windows & Doors Sun Lounges & Orangeries

FREEPHONE 0800 247 1187 6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate EH48 2AA

www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk sales@1stchoiceglazing.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

5

6

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Winter Warmer Golf Offer Valid from 01/11/13 – 28/02/14

Tea/Coffee & a breakfast roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf & a 1 course lunch.

East Course £30 per person West Course £25 per person Contact Golf on 0131 335 8010

Kids Golf Coaching 6 weeks term for £36 ages 5 & up Under 5’s class £30 Call Scott Dixon on 07931 176 154

Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Kirknewton, EH27 8EB. T: 0131 333 1845 MarriottDalmahoy.co.uk DalmahoyGolf.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

7

Feature

Time for a brew

By Yvonne MacMillan

T

There’s something brewing in the neighbourhood. Intrigued, I followed my nose and discovered Alechemy Brewing Limited in Livingston’s Brucefield Industry Park. The microbrewery is a family-run business passionate about craft beer and the art of beer- making.

At its helm is Head Brewer and Director, 36-year-old James Davies and the small, dedicated team includes his dad, Adam, Director and selfconfessed “general dogsbody”, and mum, Marion, who does the books.

Beer’s in the family’s blood – his sister, Lynne, runs The Grapes pub in East Calder where Alechemy beer is on tap. Locally, the Oatridge Inn, Uphall stocks it too.

James has a science background and has been making beer and experimenting with recipes like a Jamie Oliver of the beer world, since buying his first Home Brew kit at 18. He went to West Calder High School and Edinburgh University where he gained a masters degree in Chemistry, followed by 3 years studying for a PhD in Microbiology. This led to 6 years working in the pharmaceutical industry in Manchester and Loughborough before redundancy saw him head back to West Lothian, grabbing the chance of making a dream come true – starting up his own brewery.

The Alechemy team brew, on average, 3 times a week, 1640 litres per brew (10,000 pints). Mid-way through their second year of production there’s already talk of expansion in the air, as well as the smell of warm yeast. Their tally of beers so far runs to 26 – five permanent, the rest are seasonal and rotational.

James gives me a tour of the 3,500 sq foot premises. Upstairs in a storage area, the

8

stars of Alechemy’s beer recipes are kept.

Bulging sacks of malted barley are lined up and boxes of hops piled high. Peering into open sacks, I see the grain varies from pale-coloured to black as treacle. “Have a taste,” says James. I try the blackest grain – it tastes like burnt toast. “That’s used in making stout.” He tells me there are 250 malted grains to play around with, different ones give sweetness and colour to a recipe – stacks of possibilities for new recipes then. Hops are the flowers of a climbing vine and have herbal, citrus or floral properties – there’s a vast choice of varieties.

The microbrewery sources hops worldwide, from Britain (Kent), America, Australia and Slovenia (to name a few). Hops mainly add aroma to the beer, but flavour and bitterness too.

An open box smells gloriously of lemons and sunshine.

Downstairs is the hub of the beer-making process and a line of gleaming, stainless steel cylindrical tanks called a Mash Tun, a Copper and a Fermenter stand ready.

“Beer is very acidic,” says James, “you need to use a certain grade of stainless steel, otherwise it’ll rust.” The brewing process begins with the raw ingredients - malted barley and water plus a little of the brewer’s heart and soul – going into the Mash Tun (it holds 1400 litres), this is heated to an exact temperature and left to steep for an hour – it smells like Ovaltine - hot, malty and comforting.

After steeping, it pours into the neighbouring tank, the Copper - where it’s boiled for an hour, sterilising it and removing the protein so you have a clear beer (not doing this would leave the beer looking and tasting muddy says James).

Irish Moss, a type of seaweed, added at this stage also helps to remove the protein. Hops are added at various stages in the process in what looks like giantsized teabags.

From the Copper, the liquid’s pumped into the Fermenter where it’s cooled to 18 degrees, yeast added and left for a week. Malts and hops may get star

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

p44

S& S Home

Improvements / Maintenance

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

9

Services:

The Aerial Man CCTV

Digital Aerial Installation Satellite dish realignments TV/plasma set ups Multi-room systems Discrete cabling & dish positioning Foreign satellite installation Pub & club systems Freesat/Freeview.

Home and commercialprotect your family and property with our discrete camera systems-traditional style camera or subtle dome cameras. Incorporate your smartphone or pc to view your property from anywhere. Having a CCTV system often brings down insurance premiums too.

Tel:

0131 344 0218 07770 912 188

sales@aerialmanedinburgh.co.uk

Ask about our special offers

Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

10

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

11

3 Months Free management

YourÊLocalÊWestÊLothianÊLocksmithÊ Ê  UPVC Patio Door Repairs

8% property management

 Lock Changes/Upgrades  British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted

Offer until October 2013!

 24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service  Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

All areas covered

01506 238048 Or Call Tom On

12

www.cornerstoneletting.com

07542781131

0131 440 9050

For All Your Security Needs www.caledonianlocksmiths.co.ukÊ

Info@cornerstoneletting.com

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

13

Jewellery Workshop 144 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0HD

All jewellery & watch repairs

batteries, straps, restringing, stone replacement...

Jewellery designed & made to your specification - every piece unique

Gold and silver jewellery for sale Engraving

01506 880590 jewelleryworkshop@wtnet.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

14

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Chantilly Lace Opening Times

Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am to 5pm Thurs 10 am to 8pm

Closed Sunday and Mondays

Tel: 01506 815561 chantillylacebridal@yahoo.co.uk

Specializing in bridal dresses & wedding party wear Bridesmaid & flower girl dresses veils, tiaras, crystal shoes & christening dresses

Bridal dresses start from £400 Cathedral veils start from £50 Bridesmaid dresses from £110 Flower girl & christening dresses start from £40

13 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, EH48 4PA To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

15

Principal: Ms K. Sara J.Wood

BA (HONS), RAD RTS, Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance

Lessons for age 2 years and above New Adult Ballet Class!

Studio Locations:

Edinburgh College - Sighthill Campus Ratho Community Centre

07723 589 280 info@edinburgh-ballet.co.uk www.edinburgh-ballet.co.uk

by Ba

S e n so r

y

Rich and varied experiences to help your baby develop in every way

16

Come and

join us

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Spotlight on: Kumon

Ensure your child’s new school year gets off to a confident start with Kumon

I

It is common for children to start their new school term with fresh notebooks and a crisp new uniform, but it is just as important to ensure they are equipped with the most vital tools needed for a successful year ahead; a good grip on the core subjects of maths and English and the learning skills required for academic progression.

At your local Livingston Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent learning skills,

rather than teaching in the conventional sense. Through daily study of the Kumon programmes, your child will develop the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others.

Kumon is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, with over 68,000 students studying at more than 680 study centres. The Livingston Study Centre is located at Lanthorn Community Complex, where there is also a library on site.

The new school year is an ideal time to take advantage of a Free Assessment and enrol your child at your local Kumon centre.

For more information, or to book a Free Assessment, contact Ella Ritchie on 01506 202737.

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to develop your child’s confidence and independent study skills so they excel throughout the new term and beyond.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Livingston Study Centre Ella Ritchie 01506 202 737 kumon.co.uk

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

17

Thought for the Month

T

True beauty really does come from the inside and radiate from you out into the world. This beauty is a soft, quiet inner confidence that comes from a knowingness of who you are. It’s a beauty that everyone is attracted to regardless of outer appearances.

Being comfortable with yourself is an expression of inner beauty which in turn allows others to feel at ease and at peace in your company.

Anyone can cultivate this beauty. It makes itself known through kindness and compassion to oneself as well as to others. You will have noticed that anyone possessing this contentment rarely judges or criticises themselves, and in so doing, they find no need to criticise or judge others. This is simply because they are happy with who and what they are.

Cultivating Your Inner Beauty

By Jackie Whigham

Cultivating this inner beauty has to begin with yourself. Here is an exercise you can use.

Let it begin with you – on awakening, mentally list three qualities you like about yourself. As you become aware of your own beauty something magical happens. The qualities and beauty you find in yourself become readily apparent in others.

In essence, the more beauty you find in yourself and others, the more beautiful the world becomes.

Have a great day!

Jackie is a Transformational Life Coach Contact: www.jackiewhigham.com info@jackiewhigham.com mob:07845 239 490

FAMILY DENTAL PRACTICE IN BALERNO NEW PRIVATE & NHS PATIENTS WELCOME NERVOUS & ANXIOUS PATIENTS WELCOME CARING & FRIENDLY STAFF AFFORDABLE INSURGERY DENTAL IMPLANTS, VENEERS, PORCELAIN, CROWNS, TEETH WHITENING, HYGIENIST SERVICES PRIVATE PAYMENT PLANS LATE NIGHT & SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

TEL: 0131 449 5545

www.balernodentalcare.co.uk 18

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Summer feet!

For an appointment call

01506 466 006 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 4 Bankton Square Murieston Livingston EH54 9EY

Pain-free dentistry ...

... in an atmosphere of care and trust at No 9 Dental Practice

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB 01506 857717

Shortlisted for

If you would like to know more please contact us

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

19

Don’t just put up with painful feet...

Foot Clinic

Elizabeth Storrie, Foot Care Professional 124 Main St, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Professional treatment for: • corns • ingrown nails • hard skin • hard-to-cut nails Call 01506 883379 for an appointment Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments

TJ’S BARBERS 159 MAIN STREET EAST CALDER NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY GENTS £6.50 SENIORS £3.50 £5.50 BOYS

Tues - Fri 9am-5pm Sat 8am-3pm

Visit our friendly new clinic for all your foot care needs.

We offer a wide range of treatments including:

Routine Footcare Problem & Ingrown Nails Corns, Callous & Verrucae Nail Surgery Biomechanical Assessments Insoles & Orthotics Footwear Advice To book an appointment please call Jackie on:

01506 884321 info@barefootchiropody.co.uk

www.barefootchiropody.co.uk 17 MAIN StReet, MId CAldeR, eH53 0AW

20

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

21

Feature

Yarnbombers installing some of their work

We’ve been yarnbombed!

I

If you live in or pass through Kirknewton regularly you may have noticed some unusual decorations appearing in the village from time to time – most notably the telephone box wearing what appears to be a giant knitted tea cosy. What’s it all about?

This is the work of the local “yarn bombers.” Yarn bombing is a new form of urban art whereby knitting enthusiasts knit or crochet large pieces to decorate trees, buildings and smaller structures, just for fun or to celebrate seasonal and local events.

It’s hard to say exactly when and where yarn bombing originated – it may have been in Texas, USA, around 10 years ago.

But it has captured the imagination of knitters all over the world and reached Kirknewton a couple of years ago. The identity of the local yarn-bombers is secret - they decide on a project, work together to create it, and go out in the dead of night to install it. Large items such as the phone box cover represent many hours of work.

“It’s a bit of fun,” explains my yarn bombing informant. “We knit and natter, it’s a great way to get together socially and our projects put a smile on your face. Besides the larger projects, we yarn bomb individuals - if someone is unwell a knitted cupcake might appear on their doorstep; if someone is 22

taking part in a charity event, themed yarn bombing will help draw attention to their cause and show support.” It’s also about adding a splash of colour to something plain, perhaps the knitted equivalent to other art that adorns various public spaces such as the shelter in Kirknewton park.

The Kirknewton Yarn Bombers are one of only a couple of yarn bombing groups in Scotland so far. If you would like to join them, you can contact them via Potter Around at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, which acts as their “front door”. If you can’t make the meet-ups you can knit at home and contribute squares or lengths that can be integrated into whatever is being created. You can make pom poms or other small decorations to embellish larger pieces. The group is keen to welcome new members.

Current projects they are working on? Well that’s a secret of course, just keep your eyes peeled for wacky and wonderful designs appearing in the near future....

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2013 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED BY 50% FOR FIRST 50 APPLICANTS 6 Day Membership. Play Sun—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

23

Family History

Irregular Marriages

By Maureen McIntyre

O

Over the years there have been thousands of irregular marriages in Scotland. These were marriages where a ceremony was not performed in a church or by an official but by the couple declaring their commitment to each other in front of at least two witnesses. Many of these marriages are not recorded anywhere and the lack of any documented proof can prove frustrating, but they were recognised as legal marriages.

William Paris and Jane Bryce are an excellent example of the problems surrounding irregular marriages and even after looking at many documents and building up a clear picture of their life together it would appear that their family never considered them married.

William married Margaret Bryce on 7th December 1826 in the parish of Mid Calder. He was a wood merchant and inn keeper in Bellsquarry. On 2nd July 1835 William tried to marry Jane Bryce but there is an entry made after the marriage announcement saying they were not married…..this was unlawful owing to the woman being his former wife’s sister.

Before 1857 divorce was only granted by an Act of Parliament and was very expensive so William and Margaret could not have been divorced, if Margaret had died then there should have been no reason for the marriage not to go ahead. So why could they not lawfully be married? There is no death record for Margaret and no trace of her in the 1841 census.

William and Jane’s first child was born two months after they had tried to marry and they lived as man and wife for the rest of their lives, bringing up six children, the eldest Bethia being Margaret’s daughter.

24

William died in 1884 at the age of 78 and the wording regarding his marital status is very confusing as he is listed as Widower of Jane Bryce and married to Margaret Bryce – this is surely wrong as Jane was still alive, and still no trace of Margaret. Two more curious entries in the official records •

•

Jane died in 1891 and her death certificate lists her as single all other information is correct, address, age and her son David Paris has signed the death certificate with no mention of William.

The only daughter of William and Jane, Agnes died in 1902 and she is listed as illegitimate – all 4 sons Alexander, William, James and David (who signed his sisters death certificate) were not listed as illegitimate on their death certificates – I have seen this before where the male illegitimate children are given their father’s surname.

So on both occasions where David signed the official record he has intimated that Jane and William were not married and that the women in the family were unmarried or illegitimate. William Paris’s last will and testament mentions all six of his children and calls Jane his spouse.

This is a complicated family, while we can be sure that there was no official marriage between William and Jane, they obviously considered themselves to be married but it looks like their son David had a different view of the situation.

Maureen offers free and practical advice to anyone who is researching their family tree. Please contact her by email on: rootsandbranches@hotmail.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

25

Green Fingers

Gardening in September

By Anne Pinkerton

S

September can bring frosts and high winds associated with the equinox; on the other hand it can also bring an Indian Summer which extends the growing and planting season.

Tidy the garden. Burn cuttings and perennial weeds rather than composting them. Gather leaves as they start to fall and collect them for leaf-mould. Mulch and feed with the summer’s compost. Start a new pile for use in the spring.

Tie in climbing plants, dead head all roses, cut back border plants so they are not damaged by wind. At the end of the month dig up “soft” plants and tubers like dahlia and geraniums and store in a frost free place.

Start planting bulbs for next spring. Buy or order others for forcing for indoor flowering, plant at the end of the month for Christmas.

Plant strawberry runners, cuttings of currents and peg down blackberry or loganberry to make them root, giving new plants next year.

Plant fruit or other trees while the soil is still warm.

Harvest pumpkins and squashes also potatoes and main crop carrots.

Clean out the bird feeders and start to feed the birds again. Don’t stop once you have started as they come to rely on you. Leave the berries on your shrubs till the birds have eaten what they need, then prune.

Plant out spring brassicas and the last of the salad plants. Lift and dry onions and garlic.

Visit the Kirknewton Allotments Association web site : http://kirknewtonallotments.wordpress.com/ There are still plots available and the autumn is a good time to clear the land and prepare for the next growing season.

26

D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Removals Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more....

Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

60 second interview with Mr Lutfi Gok Tailoring ~ Alterations ~ Dry Cleaning

1 hour service available

21 Almondvale Centre, Livingston, EH54 6NB

01506 438 000

29 Dalry Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2BQ

0131 346 4555

stitchexpress@gmail.com | www.stitchexpress.co.uk

Lutfi Gok manages Stitch Express in Livingston Centre and Dalry road, Edinburgh. He lives in Bathgate, West Lothian How long have you lived in this area?

I have lived in Bathgate for 12 years and have managed our established Edinburgh shop since 2004. I was excited to open a new shop in Livingston Centre in 2011, to offer a tailoring service that I know was much needed in this area.

What do you like about working in Livingston?

The

Clean

Livingston has a good community feel, our customers are friendly and appreciate our service. The Centre offers a wide shopping variety, mostly in retail and from this we get good custom. Other stores within the Centre are also helpful and we all work well together.

Konect advert

Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothian's and Perth & Kinross

Professional Oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit. Gives us a call for a free no obligation quote.

New Name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

Telephone 01506 410530, www.thecleanteam-scotland.co.uk

What do you do when you're not busy running your business?

As we are open 7 days, I don’t get a lot of free time, so when I do get the opportunity I like to catch up with a bit of fishing. I am also involved with fundraising for various charities. My favourite catch up time is watching Storage Wars and Pawn Stars on the History Channel.

Who is your business or personal hero?

Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

‘No job too small’...we will even change a light bulb.

Kris Keegan Proprietor

Kris Keegan Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609 t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk EH54 7DW w. www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk w.www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk

My wife. Although we don’t always agree!!!!, she has supported me when times are hard and advised on areas of developing the business.

One thing you couldn't do without?

My iPhone and laptop. My wife would also agree with this.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

27

28

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

COMPRISING: Quality Bathroom Suite

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£3,950 Including VAT

Mira 9.5Kw Electric Shower 16 Sq. Metres Ceramic Wall Tiles 3 Sq. Metres Ceramic Floor Tiles Overbath Screen

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom at

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU or T:

01506 632913

E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment ) To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

29

LANE DECOR Painting & Decorating - Graining & Marbling - Wallpaper specialist - Faux Effects - Spray Application - Interior & Exterior - Trompe L’Oeil & Murals

www.grainingmarbling.com lanedecor.blogspot.com PROFESSIONAL & AFFORDABLE OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

01506 884 949 A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Alan: 07969 929327

or email alskie@hotmail.com

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

30

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing

John Nothard

Property Repair Service • Electrical solutions • Landlord and home sellers electrical Test Certificates • Annual electrical testing and certification • Portable appliance testing

Mobile 07977 685656 email: propertyselec@aol.com

Domestic, commercial and agricultural Free estimates • Professional and reliable service To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

31

Charity of the Month A specialist centre in Livingston providing care and support for people with dementia and their families.

T

The Rosebery Centre was established in 1985 and covers a wide catchment area including Livingston, Broxburn, Uphall, Pumpherston and the Calders. People with dementia are referred for day care and other forms of support. We continually strive to reach the 'gold standard' for dementia support services through our day to day practice in the Centre, carer support, staff and volunteer training, a multidisciplinary approach and our involvement in research into dementia. We cater for 45 people each week, 15 each day over three days.

The daily programme at the Rosebery Centre is activity-led and focuses on the individual needs of clients. The main objective is to facilitate social interaction and stimulation for the person with dementia in a homely, domestic environment and also to provide carer support and assistance. At the end of each day the Centre staff and volunteers review for each person attending, their memory, concentration, participation, interaction and how their appetite has been.

This information is passed on to carers which offers a means of reality orientation at home. We ensure that there is a continuous assessment of client and carer's needs.

We organise Carer's Support Groups and provide support to carers on an individual basis involving information, counselling or practical support. It is sometimes possible for the Centre to provide a sitter service to allow carers respite. We offer a bereavement support service following the death of a client.

The Centre has an annually elected management committee made up of people who have an interest in dementia either through personal experience as a carer or through professional expertise. The Centre is staffed by a Manager and an Assistant Manager/Activities Leader and there is also a part time Admin Assistant and resident Music Therapist. Each day there is a team of trained volunteers who work with clients on a one-toone basis in order to provide a stimulating and

32

Rosebery Centre enjoyable experience.

The Centre works closely with both healthcare and social work agencies through which referrals are made - an allocations panel meets monthly to decide on placement of clients. Anyone wishing to refer should contact the centre manager for further information. We meet the Care Inspectorate Standards of Care and currently hold excellent grades in this regard. The Centre has received numerous awards and is widely recognised as a Centre of excellence. In 2003 the Centre was selected to receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service.

Our aims: To provide mental and physical stimulation to people with dementia through a range of specialist activities in a domestic environment.

To provide carers and families with help and support through a variety of services.

To provide appropriate training programmes for volunteers and carers.

Some quotes: "I have dementia and the Rosebery helps me understand my illness" - a member.

"The Rosebery is better than a gin and tonic!"

- a volunteer.

"I was so impressed I asked to become a volunteer on the day my husband did not attend. I am making new friends and receiving support." - a carer.

"I attend the Carers Support Groups and never miss a meeting. These meetings provide a social stimulus and are also full of useful advice and information." - a carer.

Reminiscence Boxes and Volunteers The Centre is presently compiling Reminiscence Boxes and would be delighted to receive donations of any small 'old time' articles that can be used for reminiscence therapy.

Anyone interested in offering their services as a volunteer or who would like further info about dementia should contact Nancy Burgoyne, Manager, on 01506 497046.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

D.B. General Builders ■ Fencing ■ Driveways ■ Decking ■ Landscaping ■ Monoblocking ■ Groundworks ■ Home renovations ■ Property maintenance

Call David on

07747 062426

Local ■ Established ■ Reliable www.dbgeneralbuilders.co.uk david_bathgate@sky.com

Braekirk Decorator’s

First class decorator

64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton, EH27 8BL

Interior and Exterior work Wallpaper hanging

Call Willie Jamieson 07779 186298 maryjamieson64@googlemail.com

B EDWARDS TILING

EPH

SPECIALIST LOCAL WALL AND FLOOR TILER

SCOTLAND LTD 10% OAP discount

ALL PLUMBING, GAS & ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

QUOTE KONECT

All aspects of tiling undertaken including Kitchens, Bathrooms & Conservatories

WHEN BOOKING A BOILER SERVICE OR LANDLORD’S GAS CERTIFICATE

Using ceramics, porcelain, natural stone & mosaics

01506 882 643

Professional & friendly service

AND PAY JUST £50 + VAT contact@ephltd.co.uk www.ephscotlandltd.co.uk

23 Bank Street Mid Calder EH53 0AS

123871

LB250

For a free estimate call Barry Mobile: 07944 176663 Home: 01506 432159

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

33

Plan-It

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

Chartered Building Surveyors Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

Plan-It provide architectural services to home owners & businesses throughout Edinburgh and West Lothian.

We are happy to help in the following areas:

Architectural Services Planning Permission Building Warrants Project Management Licence Applications We specialise in extensions and alterations Window repairs â– Supply and fit windows and doors â– Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

34

For a complimentary consultation please contact Bruce on

01506 884216 www.plan-it-design.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Action for Happiness helps people learn practical ways to increase their own wellbeing and help others be happier. At our local action group we explore different topics every month that will help you to feel happier and more positive. It’s fun, friendly and very practical. We meet at the Howden Park Centre on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 7.00 pm and The Regal Community Theatre in Bathgate on the first Tuesday of every month. For more details contact Carol on 07800 772 607 or Ally on 07801 350 435.

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

Established since 1992

No job too big or too small Free estimates All aspects of joinery : Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, double glazing, extensions, conservatories, garage conversions, flooring, fencings etc

Tel: 01506 464510 Mobile: 07989 421535

Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

35

£20 off

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

FU

D

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs ✓Kerbed alloys ✓Bumper scuffs

✓Paintwork scratches

✓Minor dents ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call ChipsAway F & N Georgeson now to arrange

ED

your free estimate

01506 871 01234 456 891 789 or 0800 028 7878

S TE IR AN A P R RE UA G LY

or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk

* £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Offer only available through ChipsAway Franchisee Name until 31st January 2011.

Please produce advert at time of estimate.

36

L

FU

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

KIRKNEWTON GARAGE 1 - 3 Main Street

RECOVERY ANYWHERE IN WEST LOTHIAN ONLY £40

M.O.T s £35.00

LABOUR RATE £10 PER HOUR

•CARS & VANS •SERVICING TOP PRICES •EXHAUSTS PAID FOR M.O.T. FAILURES •WELDING SCRAP CARS WANTED - FREE UPLIFT

ESTABLISHED 1950

FULL ENGINE SERVICE FROM BARRY’S TYRES

£65

PRICE INCLUDES FITTING 175x70x13........£21 165x70x14........£23 205x65x15........£30 195x60x15........£30 215x60x15........£35 205x50x16........£40 215x40x17........£49 225x40x18........£60 225x35x18........£70 175x14x8PLY......£33

TYRES FITTED FROM £10

Tel: 01506 885566

Art Competition Are you a Secret Artist?

A

Age Scotland and West Lothian Council are joining forces to hold an Art Competition with the theme ‘Stronger’ and would love to hear your story of growing stronger as you age.

You can express your story in any art form you like, such as carving, crochet, painting, poetry, short story or needlecraft.

The best entries will be included in an exhibition which will be displayed in the windows of the local Age Scotland shops.

The exhibition will be in the Broxburn shop from 3rd to 16th October and in the Bathgate shop on 17th -31st October.

Are you aged 50+? Do you live or work in West Lothian?

All entries should be posted or handed in to Howden Park Centre, Livingston by Monday 9th September. Please mark all entries with your name, address, phone number, email, title of work and type of art form (e.g. poem, painting, carving).

For more information pick up a leaflet from your local Age Scotland shop or contact : Laura on 01506 853951 or laura.dunkel@agescotland.org.uk or Len on 01506 773873 or len.mccaffer@westlothian.gov.uk

Due to display space, written work should not be longer than 500 words, visual work should not be larger than A2 and 3D work should not be larger than 29.7cm x 21cm x 21cm.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

37

38

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE NOW OPEN - BODY REPAIRS

AND SPRAY PAINTING FACILITIES

Our choice of vehicles, selected by Colin Nixon, come complete with a Pre-Sales Service and 12 Month Warranty on some of our vehicles.

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS Telephone: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Edinburgh Road East Calder EH53 0ET 39

Technology

The gadgets that'll save you cash and do your bit for the planet too

W

mode, and there's an equivalent for PCs. Expect to pay £21 for a TV standby saver and around £16 for a PC one. The Energy Saving Trust also recommends the WAHL Eco Kettle, which uses 60% less energy than a normal kettle - but don't spoil the savings by boiling more water than you actually need.

Beat the utility bills With summer already a distant memory, energy companies are rubbing their hands with glee.

Cooler weather means bigger energy bills. Time to review a few energy saving devices then.

You don't need to spend a fortune: some of the most effective changes are the simplest. For example, one of the best bill-busters is to replace existing bulbs with low-energy ones. Halogen bulbs are better than incandescent ones, but LED bulbs are better still: for example in a typical 6-light kitchen spotlight, you can replace six 50W halogen bulbs with six 3W LEDs - so the total energy use would drop from 300W to just 18W. Look for "warm white" LEDs if you want a natural light: some LEDs have a bluish light, an effect not everybody likes. Note if you want dimmable lights you'll need dimmable bulbs and LED-friendly dimmer switches.

Don't forget about batteries either: swapping from normal batteries to rechargeable ones can save you hundreds of pounds in a relatively short space of time: according to Which? magazine, you could save as much as £500 over 100 charges.

While the bulbs do cost more than traditional ones the price is coming down, and they last much longer than even halogens, so they'll pay for themselves quickly and save you money over a long period of time. If you have an outdoor security light, consider swapping that too: while halogen security lights can use 400W or more, LED ones can be surprisingly bright with bulbs rated at just 10W.

Cutting down your gas usage isn't quite as simple, but it's still possible. Fitting a flow regulator such as the £5 Showersave to your shower slashes the amount of hot water your showers use, and the £25 Radiator BOOster can reduce the time it takes to heat a room, cutting energy usage in the process. Shower flow reducers can reduce your bills if you're on a water meter too, as can the Hippo water saver, which reduces the amount of water used to flush your toilet.

Turning things off can slash your energy usage too, and computers are particular offenders. Investing in the Ecobutton, which costs around £15, can pay for itself very quickly: press it when you take a break and it'll put your PC into the most energy efficient standby mode. For TVs, a TV standby saver can put all your home entertainment kit to sleep when you put the TV into standby

For really big savings on gas, give some thought to a new boiler: by replacing a D-rated boiler with an A-rated one, you could save around £181 per year in a typical detached house. If that's a step too far, don't forget the obvious, affordable options: you'll save a fortune by insulating your house if its current insulation isn't up to scratch and by turning the thermostat down a notch. You'll find that energy efficiency work is often subsidised by government grants, and you might even be able to have it done for free.

40

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

41

Recipe & Food Notes

S

Sugar is as vital to the human diet as salt, existing in one form or other in all living creatures. Like salt it is also a health hazard if over used; excess of sugar in the diet leads to overweight, rotten teeth and among other disease, diabetes and heart attacks.

Most of the world’s sugar is still refined from sugar cane which is a grass-like plant. Since the Napoleonic era Europe has grown more and more of its own sugar from Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris), a relative of beetroot. Because Britain was so involved in the West Indies it was slow to develop sugar from beet. It was not until the 1920’s that production and processing became organised. Now Europe is the world’s third largest producer of sugar and we still need to import more. Today each of us in Scotland consumes about 40kg of sugar each year.

The sugar we buy is all made from the refined liquid extracted from plant juices. The least refined is molasses, good in gingerbread and used to preserve hams, then the dark soft Muscovado used in fruit cakes and toffee , pale primrose and so on till you reach white caster sugar which is so fine it melts easily in sauces and sponge cakes. Sugar Cubes were patented in UK by Tate and Lyle in 1872.

Some skill is needed when using sugar in cookery because at different temperatures it gives varying tastes and textures. When making cakes, biscuits, jams, syrups or sweets it is important to weigh the ingredients; using the correct proportions makes the difference between a crumble topping and a light sponge cake. The temperature for toffee and the setting point of jam is only a few degrees different, but vital. Sugar is also an interesting seasoning: tomatoes in any guise benefit from a little, as do rich meat stews with wine in their sauce.

Sugar

By Anne Pinkerton

Sugar is a very good medium for preserving food. Jams, bottled fruit, chutney, and fruit syrups using sugar can be made at home, with a little skill and attention to detail, to bring variety to the diet and preserve summer fruits.

Meringues These are standing up sugar. If cooked slowly, almost only dried out, they are crunchy and keep for a week or so. If cooked quickly as a topping to a fruit pie, there is a beautiful goo under and crisp surface.

For each 1 large egg white 2oz sugar. (This is usually translated as 55g, but use slightly under rather than over the amount).

There must be NO egg yellow in the white if you want to make meringue. The fatty yellow prevents the white bulking up as you whip it.

When separating white from yellow it is best to do it over a separate cup or glass and then collect the whites in a scrupulously clean bowl.

The yellows can be kept, covered in water, for a day or two in the fridge, to be used in custards, cakes or bread.

Whip the whites until they stand in peaks, then, a spoonful at a time, sprinkle the sugar over the whites as you whip them. Continue till all the weighed sugar is incorporated and then whip some more till very stiff and glossy.

Cover a baking tray with non-stick paper and spoon out blobs of mixture . Three eggs will yield 20 medium meringues. Bake in a very slow oven 110oC for 2-3 hours till dry and pale biscuit coloured, turn off the oven and leave them in to go completely cold. Offer with fresh berries, fruit compote or sandwich together with whipped cream.

Small ad,

BIG impact konect the

directory

To be included in the Konect Directory, Call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Summer fruit jam 500g mixed fruit (strawberries, red, black or white currents, raspberries and/or gooseberries) Juice of 2 lemons. The juice is to bring out the flavour AND help setting, especially if you use more strawberries than other fruit.

500g granulated sugar.

Put all the fruit in a china, glass or stainlesssteel bowl. Cover with the sugar. Leave aside for 24 hours. The juices will have started to run and begun to dissolve the sugar. When you think about it give it a turn with a wooden spoon to encourage this.

Put everything into a large saucepan scraping in every last drip. SLOWLY raise the heat under the pan so the sugar dissolves and liquid syrup is made. Then raise the heat and boil till the setting point is reached. Stir the jam to prevent sticking or burning. This will take about 10 minutes boiling. Test by putting a small amount of jam on a cold saucer and see if it will ruckle up when you push the surface.

When this happens setting point is reached.

Take off the heat and pot into clean glass jars and seal with cellophane or screw tops. Do not try to cook large quantities of jam at one go, up to 1.5kg of fruit at a go will be fine.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

43

Feature (continued)

the finished product!

p8 billing in the recipes but without yeast the

magic wouldn’t happen - it triggers the fermentation process by turning sugars in the malt into alcohol. Finally, the beer is separated from the yeast and put into conditioning tanks in the Cold Room for another week to carry on fermenting – there are 8 more stainless steel tanks in here, ice-cold to the touch, each one holds a different type of beer. Any chance of a brewing disaster? “If you follow chemistry rules,” says James, “you’ll be fine.”

Ready for dispatch, the beer leaves the brewery in cask-conditioned barrels (72 pints per barrel) destined for most of Edinburgh’s independent pubs as a guest beer, plus UK-wide pubs (a regular shipment to a London pub leaves while I’m there), or off it goes to a bottling plant in Cumbria. The company’s eyecatching logo, bottle and pump labelling designs are the work of Broxburn artist, Alan Thompson.

Alechemy have a smaller scale pilot plant where recipe formulation is tried out in smaller batches of up to 100 litres. The first 3 beers produced by the microbrewery are named after local landmarks - Cairnpapple, Five Sisters and Cockleroy. His personal favourite? “Five Sisters, it has a biscuity malt with a piney (pine needles) flavour,” he says.

And for getting rid of waste the brewery has a neat solution. The spent grain and hops are picked up by a local smallholder who uses the grain for cattle feed – they love its sweetness - and the hops as a crop mulch.

Alechemy’s Master Brewer works flat out, and all hours, but it’s a labour of love and he gets a real buzz when customers tell him, “That’s good beer. Keep up the good work.” Even the cows give it the thumbs up.

The beer names Cairnpapple Hill (312m), roughly a mile north of Bathgate, is considered one of the most important prehistoric sites in mainland Scotland containing evidence of a Neolithic ceremonial site and BronzeAge burials. Closes for season 30th September.

Cockleroy Hill, near Beecraigs Country Park, has on its 278m summit a BronzeAge hill fort known as Wallace’s Bed or Wallace’s Cradle. Cockleroy means “the hat of the kings”.

The Five Sisters near West Calder is the most distinctive of West Lothian’s bings.

The multi-peaked bing is the result of almost a century of accumulated waste from the old Westwood oil shale mine.

The Five Sisters has been designated a Scottish Industrial Heritage Site.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

45

Win afternoon tea for two at the Marriott Dalmahoy

Competition Across 1.

4.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

18.

20.

22.

23.

24.

25.

1

Entrance (6) Be owned by (6) Hold (7) Previous (5) Brush (5) Conversing (7) Promises (11) Sediment (7) Undressed (5) Avoid (5) In the open air (7) Guard (6) Grown-ups (6)

Down 1.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

8.

See advert on page 7

2

3

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16 18

17 19

22

Blame (6) Type of light boat (5) Soap (7) Banish (5) Belief (7) Car repair centre (6) Directive (11)

4

24

14. Make clear (7) 15. Caught fire (7) 16. Snakes (6)

20

21

23

25

17. Worships (6) 19. Curse (5) 21. Small hill (5)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th September 2013.

Sudoku

IT'S MORNING DEAR, ANY LUCK YET?

Sudoku solution on page 53

46

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Small ad,

BIG impact konect the

directory

To be included in the Konect Directory, Call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

26 years experience All aspects of joinery, from fitting a lock to fitting a kitchen ● Rejuvenate your kitchen with new worktops and doors ● Real wood and laminate floors supplied and fitted ● Bespoke fitted wardrobes and units ● Decking and sheds built to your specification

Tel: 01506 491399 Mobile: 07879 462298 Free quotes available on request

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

47

What’s On & Useful Info Friday 6th September Creatures Of The Night Meet the rangers for a evening walk to look and listen for Almondell’s nocturnal residents.

Will you spy bats, unearth owls and discover badger tracks?! Bring a torch and wrap up warm. Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: Adult £3.31, Child £2.28 Wednesday 11th September Dyslexia Scotland West Lothian Branch Open Meeting 7pm - 9pm at the Hub, the Street Building, West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. Guest speaker Shirley Illman, Principal Teacher – Dyslexia Support, Literacy Services, West Lothian Council. There will also be a chance to chat and pick up some more information about dyslexia. Our meetings are informal and friendly and everyone is welcome. For more details please contact dswestlothian@gmail.com or 0844 800 8484.

Sunday 29th September Food For Free What tasty treats has Almondell woodland to offer? Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood. Time: 2pm – 3pm.

Cost: Adult £3.30, Child £2.30 Sunday 29th September Jack & Jill Market Quality nearly-new baby and children’s market.

Forty stalls bursting with quality nearly new baby and kids bargains! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston 10:30am – 1:30pm To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

48

September 2013 Last Post Times Kirknewton Post Office Last collection time has been changed to 16.45 Mon – Fri. then a few minutes later from the box near the level crossing. Sat 11.15am East Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.20pm Sat 11.15am Mid Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.35am Pumpherston Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.00am Collection from box at Livingston Delivery Office, Fairbairn Road, at 6.30pm East Calder Medical Practice 147 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW 01506 882882 St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

Events at Scottish War Blinded, Wilkieston Sunday 1st September: Scottish War Blinded exhibit members’ artwork at Art in the Park, Spylaw Park, Colinton. Alternative date is 8th September if weather is poor. Plus Tea Dance event at Wilkieston Legion Hall same day (1st Sept).

Saturday 14th September: We’re taking part in West Lothian Doors Open Day. Free guided tours of the building and exhibition of members’ art and craftwork.

Late September: Friends of Linburn evening: Rehabilitation Worker Sharon McAllister will deliver the initial talk on eye conditions, including Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration plus discussions about mobility and orientation as well as a host of workshops – date to be confirmed.

Sunday 29th September: tea dance at Wilkieston Legion Hall For more information please call Scottish War Blinded on 0131 229 1456

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

East Calder Library

Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 email: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri: 9.00am - 5.30pm 9.00am - 8.00pm Tues & Thurs: Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Bookbug Session: Mon 30th September 10.3011am Craft Session: Sat 21st September 10-12noon Book Group: Tues 3rd & Thurs 26th September 6.45-7.45pm Mobile library timetable Alternate Tuesdays in Kirknewton: Linburn Centre 10.00 – 12.00 Kirknewton Primary 13.15 – 14.15 Kaimes Crescent 14.20 – 14.45 Sawmill 14.55 – 15.15 Roosevelt Road 15.20 – 15.30 Brae Kirk Avenue 15.30 – 15.45 Roadman’s Way 15.55 – 16.15 Alternate Wednesdays in Mid Calder: Almondside 13.30 – 14.30 Spottiswoode Gdns 14.40 – 16.20 Market Street 16.30 – 17.30 Alternate Thursdays in Kirknewton: Kirknewton Primary 09.30 – 11.30

Pumpherston Library

Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF. 01506 280996 email: pumpherston.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon 14.00 - 17.00 Wed 14.30 - 16.30 Thurs 14.00 - 18.00 E-BOOKS ARE HERE! You can now register online and download up to 6 e-books from the library website www.westlothian.librarybooks.co.uk - full instructions on login.

EMAGAZINES Free digital magazines available to all Library customers Popular publications available 24/7 Easily read on any internet-enabled device Go to – https:/www.rbdigital.com/westlothian/zinio EAUDIOBOOKS COMING SOON – more information available nearer launch date.

The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

49

Clubs & Classes Firefly Arts Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk

EAST CALDER Dementia Cafe East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

East Calder Jog Scotland Group Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

East Calder Bowling Club Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every Fri 2pm – 4pm.

We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com, members can find details here of competitions, play by dates, club news.

East Calder Colts FC East Calder Park.

We are currently recruiting for an under 10’s team born 2002. Information required regarding any of our teams please visit our website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Rab McCulloch on 07920 482216. Let’s put the fun back into football.

All welcome.

Bingo Pigeon Club, East Calder Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome East Calder Old Folks Club East Calder Community Centre Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary)

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE. Young Mums East Calder Community Centre Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582 Yoga for Everyone East Calder Community Centre Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk Boys Brigade East Calder Church Hall Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm.

Company Section (age 11-18) Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm Calll Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367 East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre.

Mon-Fri 9:15am-11:15am from 2 years For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £4.50 per session.

Contact Carol on 07748 053340 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides East Calder Primary School Rainbows Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm Guides Mon 7 – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30 – 9pm Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 East Calder Youth Club East Calder Community Centre Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts.

Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473 East Calder Scout Group Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs) Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs) Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs) Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889 eastcalderscouts.org.uk Needlecraft Club East Calder Community Centre Thur 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Sheila (Secretary) on 0131 333 2217

Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre 1st Tues of every month.

Drop in for advice and support 1.30pm – 3.30pm Breast Feeding Support Group East Calder Church Hall Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Starlets Kirknewton Primary School Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30pm - 6.30pm.

Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm.

For info contact Trisha t.ewing@btinternet.com Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm For girls aged 5-7. Please contact Gill Greaves for more information on 01506 883261 Toddler Group Kirknewton Church Hall Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, fridndly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am Kosy Kaff Kirknewton Village Hall Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

Douglas Pilates Classes Designed to help achieve health and fitness goals through expertly designed exercises.

Because classes are limited a maximum of 12 people, you will get plenty of personal attention.

To contact Susan Douglas and for classes information visit http://www.douglaspilates.co.uk/ Hatton Sports Club Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208 KASPARS Afterschool Club Kirknewton Church Hall. Afterschool care Mon - Thu 3.15 - 6.00, Fri 12.30 - 6.00. Breakfast Club Mon - Fri 8.00 - start of school. Call 07871 791000

Potter Around Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD Clubs including oil painting for both children and adults, jewellery workshops, fused glass, candle making, knitting, scrapbooking, kids craft club, Warhammer club. Craft shop, beads, children’s parties, baby prints and more. Plus drop in any time for pottery painting.

For all class times, bookings and more information call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am – 11.15am. Ages 2- 4 ½ years. £5.00 per session.

Call in and see us during session times Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun.

2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall Kirknewton Stompers Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking Kirknewton Runners Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday 19.30 Kirknewton Pensioners Club Kirknewton Village Hall 1st Wednesday of Month 1.00pm - 3.30pm and 3rd Thursday of Month 7.00pm - 9.00pm Everyone aged 60 years and over welcome

MID CALDER Mini Music Makers Glenalmond Hall, Main Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AN Weekly interactive music classes on Thursday mornings in Mid Calder.

Singing games and rhymes are used bring these interactive music education classes for pre-school children and their parents/carers to life. Booking enquires: claire.ashwood@nycos.co.uk, 0141 287 2943. Find out more: www.nycos.co.uk/mini-music-makers Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall Tuesdays 10.00 Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101

Clubs & Classes Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and Broxburn Please see our website for full timetable and venues.

Children from 2 years to adult. www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division the Scottish Starlets.

Mid Calder School of Dance Mid Calder Institute Hall Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm & Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages Contact Heather 01501733054 Yoga Classes Masonic Hall Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.00pm Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115 www.wholebodybalance.co.uk The Willows Playgroup School Lane Mid Calder. Children from 2 - 5 years (nappy changing facilities).Mon - Thurs 9 - 11 am. £5 per session (snack provided). Further information available from Karen on 01506 882832 Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month at the “Tap Shop” The Midcalder Inn, Mid Calder at 8pm Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights.

To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group Institute Hall. Tuesdays 9am - 11am. £1.00 per parent/ carer.

New parents/carers, toddlers and babies welcome.

For further information please email christiealldridge@hotmail.com Mid Calder Camera Club Institute Hall, Market Street Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Fred Roe at 01506 202190 or Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org Contact Carole 883934 contact@mid-calder-colts.org Calder Bells Glenalmond Hall, Mid Calder Rehersals Mondays 7.30pm New members welcome

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

Oakbank Bowling Club Oakbank are having a Ladies Day/Night on October 27th – tickets are £10 (on sale now) – Comedian,Singer and Disco plus food. All welcome 2pm – late. Contact Mrs J McElhinney, Secretary, Oakbank Bowling Club.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir Kirk of Calder Rehearse Sun 11.45-12.45pm & Wed 7.30 -8.45pm Repertoire includes songs from Musical shows, Scottish songs, Religious and Pop music. Perform 2 concerts a year, one in May/ June and a Christmas concert in early December. All concert venues considered. New members very welcome, come and join us!

Contact: John Rankine, Musical Director LLCM (TD) on 01506 880029 www.kirkofcalder.com (Church Organisations) Welcome Cafe Glenalmond Hall Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Cafe all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

POLBETH Polbeth W.R.I. 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome.

Further information on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON Parent, Baby and Toddler Group Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall every Thursday during term time, 12:15 - 2pm. A warm welcome to new members from the surrounding areas.

The Look Group Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12, meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Saturday, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254 Pumpherston United FC Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information , please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

18th West Lothian Scout Group West Kirk Hall, West Calder Beavers Mon 6-7pm, Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm, Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 – 14 years.

Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

CHURCHES Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11:15 am every Sunday West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday.

Interim moderator : Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884585 Church of Scotland Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder church, Main St Sunday School and creche available Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 075 888 458 14. groenstes@yahoo.com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk Mid Calder services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available.

Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall.

The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

konect the

directory

To include your club or class, email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post to The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Solution August 13 crossword

West Calder Walking Group Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main St. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

Solution to Sudoku

WEST CALDER

Across: 7 Remove, 8 Loughs, 9 Sofa, 10 Envelops, 11 Ignored, 13 Steel, 15 Clues, 17 Provide, 20 Tolerant, 21 Pale, 23 Weight, 24 Roused.

Down: 1 Zero, 2 Potato, 3 Referee, 4 Slave, 5 Mullet, 6 Shepherd, 12 Galloped, 14 Writers, 16 Energy, 18 Vapour, 19 Cacti, 22 Lies.

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Kevin Thomson Accountant Aerials Aerial Man Architect Plan It Design Stewart Graham Architect Bakery The Grapes Bakery Barbers TJ’S Barbers Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio Beauty Dusk Beauty Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy Bowling Club East Calder Bowling Club Bridal Shop Chantilly Lace Builder Almond Building Company David Bathgate Building Surveyor David Hastings Car Sales Colin Nixon Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Car Service/Repair Chips Away Colin Nixon Finishing touch Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Kirknewton Garage Pumpherston Autocentre The Wheel Specialist Children’s Activities Baby Sensory Edinburgh Ballet Chiropodist Barefoot Chiropody and Podiatry Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd The Clean Team Time For You Ltd Coal Merchant J & A Hastie & Son Coalmerchant Complimentary Therapies Double M Therapy Computer Repairs Sprint Computers Dance Supplies

54

23 47 10 34 4 43 20 29 20 20 47 15 30 33 47 39 55 56 36 39 38 55 56 37 38 36 16 16 20 19 27 27 4 6 4 16

Highland Dance Shop Dentist Balerno Dental Care No9 Dentist Double Glazing 1st Choice Living Red Hot Windows Dressmaking/Alternations Stitch Express Electrician A&A Electrical John Nothard Riddell Electrical Services Firewood Linwater Caravan Park Fitness Marriott Dalmahoy Florist Quite Contrary Vicky’s flowers Footcare Foot Clinic Funeral Director Thomas Grieve & Son Furniture Grant’s of Bathgate Studio 54 Garden & Landscaping CPW Services D Greaves Golf Club Baberton Golf Club Ratho Park Golf Club Hairdresser Jane & Friends L V Hair Design Handyman 1st Call Handyman West Lothian Handyman Heating Services Mech A Tech Home Improvements 1st Choice Living Ian Merriman S & S Home Improvements The Door Canopy & Window Centre Independent School George Watson’s college Jewellery Jewellery Workshop Joiner Central Scotland Joinery Close Joinery Craigcrook Joinery Geoff Vinter Joinery Scott Stockdale Joinery Locksmith

16 18 19 5 34 27 30 31 34 4 7 4 14 20 4 6 13 26 26 23 25 14 14 25 27 10 5 31 9 5 2 14 28 35 33 31 47

1st Call Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorator’s DM Decorators Lane Decor Nu Walls Pet Services Claylands Cattery Jenny - Kittens for sale Photography First Shoot Photography Physiotherapy SportsActive HW Plasterer Nu Walls Top 2 Bottom Plastering Plumbing Services Calder Gas Coval EPH Forth Plumbing Property Management Cornerstone Letting Agents Public House Black Bull The Grapes Torphichen Arms Restaurant Marriott Dalmahoy Sky Kitchen Soft Furnishing Stylerite Blinds Tracey Victoria Storage Storage Containers Takeaway Sky Kitchen The Grapes Bakery Telephone Engineer John McGraw Telephone Engineer Tiler B. Edwards Tiling Service With A Tile Tile-a-ramic Tuition Kumon Utility Services Stefan Walczynski - UW Wheel Repair Finishing touch The Wheel Specialist Windows Red Hot Windows The Door Canopy & Window Centre

31 12 33 30 30 30 35 35 14 19 30 33 25 34 33 34 12 45 21 11 7 43 12 13 4 43 21 30 33 30 25 17 41 38 36 34 5

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

55