Konect Bathgate April 16

APRIL 2016

bathgate

WIN!

An overnight stay in The Court Residence, Linlithgow ÂŁ10 plus a bunch of spring flowers from Tesco Bathgate FEATUREs s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

West Lothian’s Trusted Trader scheme plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

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FEATURE

M e ss ag e f ro m t h e e dito r

T

he main feature this month is about a building that is not in Bathgate itself but which served Bathgate, and the whole of West Lothian, for many years…a historic building which Konect readers have a chance to win an overnight stay in! See pages 8 – 9.

Picking a company to carry out home improvements can be tricky – of course checking through the pages of Konect is a great way to find local people! A couple of years ago West Lothian Council launched their own “Trusted Trader” scheme to help people find reputable local companies, you can read about the scheme on pages 14-16.

All our usual columns are here – Regal Music Club’s music review, recipe, interiors, property matters and the second instalment of our new West Lothian Parenting column.

Tesco Bathgate are offering the chance to win a £10 voucher to spend in store, plus a bunch of spring flowers.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

FEATUREs The Cour t Residence 08 Spotlight on Tr usted Tr ader Scheme 14 REGULARS Parenting in West Lothian Visit West Lothian Music Review Inter ior s Proper ty Matter s Recipe

18 19 24 26 28 30

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Tesco Pr ize Dr aw Crossword

31 32

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Infor mation Clubs & Classes

34 34 35

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print.

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

Front cover: Look out for spring family activities.

KONECT

Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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FEATURE

The Court Residence, Linlithgow West Lothian’s historic sheriff court building on Linlithgow High Street has been the subject of curiosity locally since it closed its doors seven years ago on the business of local justice that it was purpose-built for in 1863.

It dealt with all West Lothian’s criminal cases including the notorious Bathgate murderer Peter Tobin, until the court moved to the new building in Livingston.

I went to meet Jim Hay, the man who purchased the building from the Scottish Court Service. He has converted it into an aparthotel which opened to guests in January this year.

Jim has lived in Linlithgow most of his life and like many others watched with interest to see what would happen to the old building. A local businessman since the age of 23 and always up for a challenge he was diagnosed with leukaemia at 40. Following extensive treatment and a bone marrow donation by a young German donor he made a full recovery. For a while he was just happy to still be alive but the need for a new challenge returned. The opportunity to breathe new life into an old building came along at the perfect time. (By coincidence the Sheriff Court’s tea bar was run by volunteers collecting for the Anthony Nolan Trust whose register was used to provide and coordinate his bone marrow donation!)

“When we purchased the building five years ago, we hadn’t decided exactly what we were going to do with it. We discussed many possibilities before deciding on an aparthotel,” he explains. “All the facilities of a hotel are on offer including reception and daily housekeeping with the exception of a bar and restaurant as guests can reach out onto the High Street for a choice of those.” He took me 8

on a tour of the apartments, both the finished ones and the parts of the building that are still a work in progress. “We uncovered various original features such as arched doorways that had been filled in, and had to work with the existing room structure which means that there are some fairly quirky features!” Quirky features though are part of the charm of an old building conversion. It also means that each apartment is different; corridors converted for bathroom space; a sunken bath in one of the apartments; a room designed around pillars. Each apartment has a kitchen area with a complimentary breakfast hamper, a desk, easy chairs, smart TV and free Wifi.

Since opening the doors in January, there has been a steady stream of customers. “There’s definitely a market for this kind of accommodation,” says Jim. “We’re getting interest from commercial customers who are sending clients to conferences in Livingston and want accommodation in a nice historic environment with the loch just across the road, and Linlithgow has a huge choice of places to eat all within walking distance.” It’s also proving a getaway for local people and quite a few customers from West Lothian and Edinburgh have discovered it already.

The large character-filled court room on the first floor is intact with the judges bench, witness box, jury seating all still there and Jim intends to keep it that way - although has not yet decided what the room will be used for. Behind the court room there is a further apartment which has been designed with the a view to possible business conference use and has a mezzanine area (“We’ve tried futureproof as much as possible for flexible use of the rooms”). The single-storey cell block which was added to the original building in 1875 will eventually be accommodation too – if you fancy a night in the cells!

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The building is on the site of a house that was the home of Archbishop John Hamilton (151271) who had a prominent place in Scottish politics in the turbulent years of Mar y’s reign, of whom he was an ardent supporter. From the balcony of his house here on the high street, in Januar y 1570, Hamilton’s nephew James shot and killed James Stewart, Mar y’s halfbrother the then Prince Regent who by this time was openly in opposition to his half-sister. It was the first recorded assassination by a firearm and a plaque on the wall of the Court Residence commemorates the event.

You can book a room at the Court Residence by visiting http://www.courtresidence.com/ or via booking.com. Jim and the staff team will be delighted to welcome you.

win!

A night’s stay for two people at The Court Residence!

To enter simply answer this question: “What is the Linlithgow Sheriff Court building used as now?”

Text or email the answer, your name, phone number and email address to 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Closing date for entries 15th April 2016.

Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

(Night stay to be redeemed April to June 2016, available dates to be agreed directly with The Court Residence).

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Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser NHS Vouchers Welcome *VAT exempt - ask in store for details. MRP - Manufacturer’s Recommended Price Previous Price - Sold for 28 days in the last 6 months at our Nantwich store Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of Fish Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme It’s all about word of mouth We all know someone who has suffered a disaster of a home improvements project as a result of using unqualified tradespeople. Or heard a horror-story of a tradesperson who has done a shoddy job then disappeared without a trace.

The Trusted Trader Scheme was launched by West Lothian Council in 2013 to tackle these types of problems and to help consumers choose a trader with confidence. In reality it’s almost impossible to eliminate all risk of something going wrong but there are some basic criteria you can check before employing a business. Looking at established local companies is usually a good start. Membership of trade bodies is also a good thing to look out for as it generally means the company has been

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subject to some kind of training and standards certification. Then there is the all-important word of mouth recommendation which many people rely on. But you don’t necessarily know anyone who has used a trader they can recommend, and that’s where the West Lothian Trusted Trader scheme comes in.

The central element of the Trusted Trader scheme is customer testimonials. To become a Trusted Trader a business needs to collect at least five recommendations from customers who were happy with the work they did. These recommendations are proof that the trader is a genuine business who has done satisfactory work for other local people. And once they are a member of the scheme, customers can submit feedback about them to the Trusted Trader scheme at any point – and both the positive and the negative comments are published. The reviews are checked and uploaded to the Trusted Trader website by the West Lothian Council staff who administer the scheme. This reduces the risk of activity that some review systems suffer from - where competitors write bad reviews, or where businesses get their friends and family to all write glowing fake reviews.

Continued on page 16

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It’s in the interest of the trader to encourage their customers to submit feedback so they have up to date feedback for other customers.

Testimonial

“1st Choice Living is extremely proud to have been the 1st company to have been accepted onto the West Lothian Trusted Traders scheme.

It is a great forum which allows prospective buyers to make an informed choice based on actual feedback from previous customers regarding their completed projects.”

Besides collecting customer testimonials, to join the scheme businesses submit an application form with various details about their business, such as qualifications, membership of trade associations, any relevant licences. All details are checked. It’s not essential to be a member of a trade association or to have any particular accreditations to be a Trusted Trader – but a business can’t fraudulently claim to have certifications they don’t have. They sign up to a code of practice agreeing to certain trading standards, including a commitment to honest and fair trading, providing customers with clear information regarding the contract and any warranties, honest advertising, and so on.

Although predominantly aimed at trades, businesses from other sectors can join the scheme, in particular the automotive industry, legal services, counselling, cleaning and childcare.

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts things can go wrong. But by picking a reputable company you’re improving that chances that even if something does go wrong, they will do their best to rectify it in a professional manner.

For local businesses If you are interested in becoming Trusted Trader and supporting the scheme, please contact the West Lothian Trusted Trader team on 01506 280000 or email tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk for more information and to request an application pack. Being a Trusted Trader helps give consumers confidence in you as a reputable business. There is an annual fee of £100 for non-vat registered companies and £200 for vatregistered companies. Your company details and reviews are maintained and published on the West Lothian Council Trusted Trader web pages. West Lothian Trading Standards will advise you on consumer protection legislation upon request, and publicise the scheme. M. McLaughlan of Armalock Locksmiths is a member. He says, “The customers I get have all been to the Trusted Trader Scheme web site and read my customers’ reviews which I have no input on so it is totally honest and all above board: what the individual reads is what my customers have written. I cannot fault this scheme and I certainly think more small businesses in West Lothian should embrace the opportunity to join the Trusted Trader Scheme.”

Look out for the Trusted Trader logo which will start appearing on adverts in Konect as local businesses join the scheme. You can search for a Trusted Trader on the West Lothian council website at www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader.

You can submit feedback on Trusted Traders either by a form they give you on completion of the work, or via an online form accessible from the same website.

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Parents in West Lothian

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWEN UGLY TUBERS DESPITE TH IDS ABSENCE OF PERIODIC AIR-RA When was the last time you bought an amusingly shaped carrot? A potato whose knobbles and lumps bordered on the risqué?

If you shop at supermarket, probably not recently – you’re unlikely to encounter a radish roughly shaped like ‘The Thinker’ in such a regulated environment.

That is, until now. I recently bought a ‘Wonky Veg’ box from Asda. They’ve been created in answer to uproar about recently publicised supermarket food waste, and they aim to sell less-than-perfect legumes in a box for a knock-down price. Verdict: a) they weren’t that ‘wonky’ and b) they tasted perfect. But wait - why buy someone else’s wonky veg when it is perfectly possible to grow your own aesthetically unappealing (yet delicious) food in your own garden?

In recent years we have tried our hand at growing various fruits and vegetables, with the emphasis on things that can be picked and eaten with little prep in between – strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers etc. I want it to be obvious to my kids that food doesn’t form magically inside hermetically sealed plastic packaging, but it grew little by little, using the sun and the soil, until it was ready to eat.

Last year, Quinton’s participation in the gardening tasks was limited to looking cute in wellies

The War time Garden at Almond Valley Heritage Centre

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Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ves in n with Quin months an d her hubby n 2, Penny 10 Channa, 33 .

Nicola & Ch anna both w ork, jugglin schedules w ith g their two tin the ever-evolving dem hectic y overlords, ands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!

In this new bl the adventu og for Konect she chro nicles res (and m isad Mummy an d Daddy wh ventures) of a the happy ti o aim to wri m ng all babies in w es they can from life w onderful W est Lothian ith their ! and wielding a watering can in a less than safe manner. These sacred duties will now be performed by his wee sister Penelope and this year, my horticultural hopes for Quinton are high.

To get ideas and show him what might be possible – on a somewhat smaller scale – we took a trip to the Almond Valley Heritage Centre.

At Almond Valley Heritage Centre there is loads for wee ones to do – outdoor trampolines, a huge covered sandpit, farm animals, tractor rides, train rides, soft play and more. However there is also lots of interest for older kids and adults; our main purpose – which we strayed from only long enough for a go on the cow-shaped bouncy castle – was to visit the Wartime Garden.

The Wartime Garden is a step back in time to when veg came in all shapes and sizes, and when ordinary people were urged to remember that ‘Food is ammunition – don’t waste it!’. It was fun to explain to Quinn (and a snoozing Penny) that the way to get potatoes is to put an old potato in the ground then just wait. I could hear his little brain whirring with wonder at this ‘new-for-old’ potato phenomenon and forming plans to multiply other items – sweets, toys, playmates – by lugging them out the back door and covering them with mud.

So home we went and donned our wellies to weed and top up the raised beds and barrel planters in preparation for planting in the coming weeks – a muddy and sweaty job made slightly more bearable for seeing Quinn’s proud and satisfied face after having dug all of the soil out of a planter I’d just filled. Dig for victory k indeed.

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Spring into to Action in West Lothian West Lothian’s spring season is now in full swing and with the celebrations of Easter reaching an end; it’s time to start thinking about getting outdoors this month. With fun attractions and scenic landscapes, located at a number of fantastic sites across West Lothian, it’s time to spring into action this season.

while Beecraigs Country Park can provide fantastic cycling paths for the perfect outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply want to explore the outdoors, there is plenty to do when looking to explore the beautiful landscape. West Lothian is home to some fantastic scenic walking paths, parks and cycling routes for all ages to enjoy. Polkemmet Country Park and the beautiful loch at Linlithgow Palace are the perfect locations for a quiet stroll accompanied by spectacular views

We have now launched our brand new Visitor Guide for 2016. So pick up a copy in our leaflet stands located at a number of locations across West Lothian, or check out our website for our new online version!

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West Lothian has so much on offer for all those looking to have some fun adventures this spring. So explore the outdoors and enjoy these amazing attractions and let’s ‘Get Active’ this spring!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook. com/VisitWestLothian / Twitter.com: @ teamwestlothian.

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23

MUSIC REVIEW

Meghan Trainor: stop the madness

by James Kerr, Regal Music Club

Three singles released this month from prominent female artists, each conveniently having come to prominence roughly ten years apart.

Gwen Stefani provides material for “appears to reference her break-up…” gossip scribes with her song “Misery.” Following the sophistication of “What Are You Waiting For” in 2004, Stefani seemed to become increasingly convinced what the public wanted was her in an ironic cheerleader outfit spouting urban nursery rhymes. This track dispenses with any holla back, but the sequencing sounds tame, and the teenage crush lyrics are a little embarrassing coming from someone old enough to have been born before the Beatles broke up.

Ladyhawke treads similar territory with her (this is what) “A Love Song” (sounds like) albeit with a

little more wit. As with “Misery,” there is evidence here of a synthesised malaise, a kind of default backing track custom made for a dance-ish sound, complete with drop, underwater vocal, big comeback, perfect for hearing for a few seconds on Capital FM when you flick through the channels looking for the station you actually want.

Despite Meghan Trainor’s “No” personally generating nothing but horror, at least this sounds designed to engage. After criticism for body shaming on “All About The Bass,” and then accusations of sexism with the teeth grinding “Dear Future Husband,” Trainor seems to have taken steps to bullet proof herself against her critics by deliberately crafting a feminist anthem.

Whatever the merits of this approach (and there could be as valid a question raised over the wholesale appropriation here of the Destiny’s Child sound), saying no won’t stop this one from conquering the charts.

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We are offering a Fixed Price Bathroom Refurbishment for only £3150.00 The services we offer are: Bathroom Installations • Wet Room Specialists Plumbing & Heating • Gas Fitting • Joinery Work Kitchen Installations • Electrical Work • Tiling Fencing & Decking • Plastering Work • Renovations

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25

Interiors feature

Creating the Perfect Bathroom or Wet Room by ecko

When you think of your favourite room in your home, chances are the bathroom isn’t the first one that springs to mind.

Many people will focus their attention on their living room or bedroom when trying to create a relaxing setting, however creating the perfect bathroom or wetroom can give you a place of sanctuary in your home – somewhere you can escape from the rest of the family for an hour or so. These ideas from Ekco will have your bathroom rivalling a luxury hotel bathroom or spa in no time.

Showpiece shower: The perfect bathroom must have the perfect shower. While a shower can be quick and convenient, modern shower systems have progressed considerably from simply having an on/off switch and temperature control. The Dornbrach Sensory Sky range for example, is designed to stimulate the senses with a massage jet and the ability to create fog and mist. Add to this a soothing rainbow effect and relaxing fragrances, you have a shower experience to rival any top spa.

Beautiful baths: Whilst you may choose the quickness of a shower before work, having a bath in the evening is the perfect way to destress after a long day at the office. Much like showers, bath design has progressed hugely in the last few years giving you a choice from

standard baths to more extravagant and luxuriant models guaranteed to transform your soak in the tub. Whirlpool baths not only help relax you thoroughly, the massage jets offer many health benefits such as increasing circulation and reducing stress levels.

Sleek sinks: Modern sinks come in various designs from scalloped shells to large granite bowls and can be as much a focal point as your bath. Always make sure you get a sink large enough to cope with your needs especially if you decide to cut back on your daily shower or bath to save household water and energy.

Underfloor heating: The Romans had the right idea. There’s nothing worse than a cold floor as you stumble into the bathroom in mid-winter.

Whilst underfloor heating can’t take all the pain of early mornings away, it will ensure your feet are kept warm as you try to wake yourself up for the day ahead. Inconspicuously placed under your bathroom floor tiles, it actually helps heat up your entire bathroom or wet room. You can save between 15-40% on your heating bill as you can use your underfloor heating as the main source of heat in your bathroom and it can be particularly beneficial to those with allergies as it reduces moisture, therefore limiting dust mites.

You can rest in the knowledge that underfloor heating benefits both you and the environment as it can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.

You certainly won’t regret it on those cold Scottish mornings..

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

ProPerty Matters

“Avoid the Void”

By CrAig Turpie

One of the worries that many landlords understandably experience is the possibility that a month or more will pass between lets when their investment property remains unoccupied.

This can be a serious problem that can adversely affect the short-term cash-flow you so meticulously planned as a route to longer term investment success. Even worse, each month during which a property remains un-let represents an 8.3% reduction in revenue – which can be more than a whole year’s yield!

Voids can happen for a number of reasons – a tenant leaving early, prospective tenants letting a landlord down at the last moment, personal circumstances, a glut of similar properties becoming available locally, or a dearth of suitable tenants, which can be seasonal. Perhaps the property is somewhat unusual or is simply too expensive.

Some landlords seek to avoid these void periods by immediately reducing the rent in order to secure a tenant quickly. What a shame – as over a year that loss may be as great as a month’s void!

The best way of avoiding void periods is to employ a good letting/managing agent whose job it is to plan for such eventualities in advance. A void should never be an insurmountable surprise to them, especially when they know a tenancy is coming to an end. We often have panicking landlords wondering what to do, but fortunately we always have a ready supply of waiting tenants, we are meticulously aware of current rental values, and can advise on how to present your property so that it lets quickly.

Whilst the National average void period is about 20 days (source ARLA), this can be significantly reduced by careful planning and pre-marketing by your agent. Our tenant referencing and other processing procedures are pretty slick, although we say so ourselves, and our greatest delight comes from knowing that our Landlords can sleep easy at night, knowing that they have tenants in their property doing likewise!

Landlords… how long does your average tenancy last?

The industry average in Scotland is 15 months* Turpie & Co’s average is 26 months!**

26% of our tenancies last 3-5 years

18% of our tenancies last 6-12 months

56% of our tenancies last 1-3 years

Saving up to 6 re-let fee’s

Premier Letting by Turpie & Co 01506 668448 turpies.com

*ARLA PRS report – December 2015 **Turpie & Co figures as of January 2016

Saving up to 2 re-let fee’s

Saving up to 10 re-let fee’s

Recipe & Food Notes

bY Anne Pinkerton

“Cookery for Every Household”

Recently, walking about Edinburgh’s West End, I was given a leaflet about famous people who had lived there.

From a cook’s point of view the most interesting person of the area was Florence B Jack of Athol Crescent. She really was the Scottish Mrs Beaton and perhaps the Athol Crescent Cookery School’s greatest teacher. (The school became the core of Queen Margaret’s University). She was extremely practical in her ideas about food, cooking and the skills needed to run a household on a budget; things we very much need today. I was inspired to buy her book and to my delight found it on Amazon from a charity bookseller.

“Cookery for Every Household” was published in May 1914. In the preface she explains, “As an active teacher, I have found that even the best books frequently assume in readers a knowledge which they do not in fact possess...This book is not merely a recipe book...many trifling but necessary details are included.” She ends saying, “As attractively prepared food is so important to the health of everyone, and as it is easy to rest upon one’s achievements and fall into a groove, I strongly urge all who are charged with the cooking for a household to try new dishes, so as to introduce variety into the daily bill of fare.” The style of language is a little stilted but in all else she is 100% correct.

There are parts of the book we don’t need to know about today; (napkin folding, how to use a hanging meat safe...) but the food uses a wide range of fruit and vegetables and is practical to cook at home.

There were some topics missing - no recipes for salmon but ten ways to serve cucumber hot! The cooked puddings are delicious. Chestnut and custard pudding caught my eye. She explains how to stuff olives with pimento, sardine or lemon and how to make Rowan or Mountain Ash jelly.

Thankfully all are to be found on supermarket 30

shelves today. She even tells how to make Chapel Window cake. It is Battenberg cake but with 3 colours of sponge cake sandwiched together with apricot jam and surrounded in marzipan. Hers cost 1d per slice, mine more like 45p!

Near the end is a chapter on herbs and spices.

“Success in cookery depends to a large extent upon the proper use of seasonings, flavourings and spices.” With such good teaching available, how did food at home gain to such a poor reputation? The answer, I think, is the marketing of food multinationals who want us to think we can’t produce good, interesting food for ourselves. We can. It can be a pleasure to share these skills and involve children so they too will be able to enjoy sharing and preparing food.

Chicken Cardinal 1 chicken jointed; or 8 pieces of thighs or drumsticks.

Some stock (from a cube today) 250g button mushrooms 1/2pt tomato sauce (from a jar today) 12 cherry tomatoes Salt black pepper Method Brown the chicken in an oven proof casserole dish. Add the sauce and stock to cover the meat.

Cover and cook gently till tender, approx.1 hour.

Fry the tomatoes but do not burst them. Sautee the mushrooms in a little butter. Take the chicken from the casserole and put in another dish with the tomatoes and mushrooms. Keep warm. Boil the chicken sauce till thick and glossy, then pour over the rest of the ingredients and serve with rice, boiled potatoes and a green salad.

KONECT

Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw

Stuffed Tomatoes Stuffed Tomatoes 4 or 5 large ripe tomatoes 2 tbsp bread crumbs 2 tbsp chopped left-over cold meat, e.g. chicken or ham, 1 teaspoon chopped parsley 1 shallot chopped, fried in a little butter Salt, pepper, pinch dried mixed herbs 1 tbsp. of the gravy or sauce from the meat or a little white sauce Method Remove the stalk and hollow out the fruit careful not to puncture the skin. Keep the inners and sieve them and add to the stuffing.

Make the stuffing by mixing together the rest of the ingredients. Pile loosely into the tomatoes and bake for about 20 minutes in a moderate oven 160oC. till browned.

Note: the above stuffing can be varied according to taste and materials to hand. Add a few chopped mushrooms, grated cheese or use cooked rice or pasta, or again any nicely cooked vegetable such as peas, asparagus tips cauliflower etc. or use less stuffing and bake an egg in the tomato instead.

KONECT

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter.

This month we launch our Farm to Fork trails for all Guide, Brownie and Rainbow groups. The girls will enjoy a trail of fun and learning and earn a badge in the process. If you have a group who would like to attend, please contact me on the email below.

We have started a ‘T in Tesco’ group for our customers who are senior citizens. This is where they can be invited into store for a cup of tea, cake and a chat. So on Wednesday 20th April we will be holding a ‘Remember this’ afternoon. We hope to have the Bennie Museum in to help us do that.

If you would like an invite please speak to our customer service desk in store - very limited spaces I’m afraid, so be quick.

My name is Tracey Harrison and I am the community champion for Tesco Bathgate.

The main aim of my job is to promote my store as a good neighbour that can bring genuine benefit to my local community. If your group or organisation feels I could help in any way please contact me on 07822 866634 or email me at blackburnroad@ communityattesco.co,uk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.

WIN £10 voucher and a bunch of spring flowers from Tesco Bathgate Simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject “Tesco Bathgate”. Closing date for entries 15th April, 2016.

Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

31

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the May edition of konect

Across 7 Sight (6) 8 Female relative (6) 9 Largest continent (4) 10 Fit and healthy (8) 11 Beetles, ants etc (7) 13 Animal furs (5) 15 Invoices (5) 17 Considers (7) 20 Taking small bites (8) 21 Solely (4) 23 Distributed (6) 24 A capital city (6) Down 1 Fasteners (4) 2 Buccaneer (6) 3 Young children (7) 4 Sailing boat (5) 5 Involuntary action (6) 6 Menacing (8) 12 Loudest (8) 14 Harshly (7) 16 Hard work (6) 18 Drenches (6) 19 Feathered friends? (5) 22 Stolen goods (4)

SERVICING & REPAIRS BRAKES EXHAUSTS DIAGNOSTICS ECU RE-MAPPING TYRES 01506 632123 - Bathgate Email - info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk Web - www.mandsauto.co.uk

ECU RE-REMAPPING from ÂŁ199.00 *Terms and conditions apply, cannot be used with any other offer, no cash value, call or check website for details, please mention voucher when booking.

32

KONECT

Nu - Walls

Qualified in all aspects of painting, nsandbathrooms.com 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, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

Gas Central Heating Boiler Changes and Full Systems

Wave. Smart heating and hot water control on the go.

The Wave is a smart, internetconnected programmable control for central heating and hot water which can be operated using a smart phone or tablet.

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

KONECT

33

WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Sunday 2nd April Easter Fun Run in Beecraigs Country Park Annual run organised by West Lothian Run. 2k, 5k & 10k fun runs. Registration opens 9.30am, 2k run starts at 10.20am. Or register online at www. westlothianrun.org Saturday 9th April Before Beecraigs Ever wondered how Beecraigs Country Park came to be the park it is today? Delve into Beecraigs’ hidden past and find out about its earlier land uses, with the West Lothian Country Park Rangers. Suitable for all. Meet: Sutherland Building, opposite the Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm4pm. Cost: free. Book with the Rangers on 01506 844516, email: mail@beecraigs.com Saturday 16th April

Inveralmond High School, Livingston (Assembly Hall). Donation box & raffle tickets for admission, draw for two prizes (T-shirt design by MickMick Designs & Flex Fitness 5 free Hatton Boxing classes) will be at end of session.

Friday 30th April Wester Inch Community Association Coffee Morning Held in the community wing of Simpson Primary School, from 9am until 11am on the last Friday if every month Friday 6th & Saturday 7th May Toccata Ladies Choir Annual Concert Howden Park Centre, Livingston, 7.30pm Musical Director: Eleanor Howat; Accompanist: Don Finlay; Baritone Iain McLean; Keyboard: Peter Horsfall; with guests. Tickets £11 are available from Howden Park Centre Box Office on Tel: 01506 777666 Online: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk.

For more information see www. toccataladieschoir.co.uk Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See www. bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

West Lothian Highland Society monthly ceilidh Monthly Ceilidh at Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn. 7.30 – 11.00pm. Music by Dick Black’s Band. Guests – Piper-Alvis Kerr. Singer – Robert Hardie. Cost Members £5.00. NonMembers £6.00 each. New members welcome, contact John Sneddon 01501770911.

Monday 18th April Caterpillar Club – Spring in your step!

Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different natural theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun! Suitable for: Parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to Polkemmet. Meet: Outside the classroom, Polkemmet Country Park Time: 10am-12 noon. Cost: Free. Book with the Rangers on 01501 743905, email: polkemmet@ westlothian.gov.uk.

Sunday 24th April

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

BATHGATE library information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS. Tel 01506 282910.

Email: bathgate.lib@westlothian.gov.uk.

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Public open event – Charity Zumbathon In aid of the Eileen Smith Foundation. Hosted

by Jo Zumba from Livingston, 12.30pm - 2pm at 34

Bookbugs: Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust. Call the Simpson Library for dates of this month’s book bug sessions.

KONECT

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm BATHGATE Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked Bathgate & District Flower Club

We are a friendly group who meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from September to June (no meeting in December) in the Regal theatre Bathgate at 7.15pm.

We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who does around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes at each meeting. We also arrange outings each year. The club was established 48 years ago and we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in September 2015.

Contact Carole.Hawkins48@yahoo.com

Bathgate History Group We are a friendly group who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm in The Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee. A warm welcome awaits old and new members, the first meeting for the 2014/2015 session is Wednesday 3rd September. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.

Simply Play

Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range

KONECT

with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www.simplyplay.org or call 01506 856444.

Any Dog ‘ll Do Rescue Group

A friendly group of volunteers based in and around Bathgate. Looking for new members to help raise awareness and fundraise for the dog rescue charity. A good way to meet new, like-minded people and have fun at the same time. Contact Lyn Pattison on info@ anydogildorescue.org to find out when the group will next meet and how to get involved.

31st West Lothian Scouts

Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

Bathgate Concert Orchestra

We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www. batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.

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West Lothian 50 Plus Network

New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

Yoga Class

For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

Baby and Toddler activities

Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps, Soft Play, Baby & Kidz Times. Please see our events page on facebook for class times and prices, or call Kidzeco Bathgate on 01506 815534.

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade

Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street. Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm. Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.

The Stone Ring

40 King Street, Bathgate. Beginners Self awareness & Development. Mon 7-9.30 pm (approx) £6.50. Moot Every 2nd Wed of the Month. 7-9.30pm (approx) £5. Thai Chi Fridays - 6.30-8.30pm (approx) £25 per month.

Bathgate Playgroup

Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm

Newland Concert Brass

Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities.

Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk

MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support)

Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Mon 1pm–3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534.

Regal Music Club

The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.

Bathgate Reading Group

Simpson Library, Bathgate. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.

Bathgate Memory Cafe

Kaim Park Hotel, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate. A meeting

36

place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the 1st Monday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. For more information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533114.

Friends of Polkemmet Country Park

Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.

West Lothian Table Tennis Club

West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the sport for the first time. Whether you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy. For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david.stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772. See www. wlttc.co.uk.

Paranormal Investigation group based in Bathgate

We’re looking for people to join our small group. Will meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30pm venue tbc. Investigations to be carried out approximately every 6-8 weeks at various locations around West Lothian and beyond so own transport essential. Both believers and skeptics welcome. Must be over 18. Please contact Tracey at ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.

Fitsteps

Fun and effective dance fitness class inspired and created by Strictly Come Dancing stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. Learn steps from Tango, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Samba and many more, without the need of a partner.

Wednesday 7.30-8.15pm, St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate £5 per person. For more info call Lianne on 07737 927463 www. facebook.com/moveitdanceandfitsteps

Bathgate Fairtrade Group

Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to support fairtrade. We meet up periodically and attend local events. If you are interested please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or email mrs_g@btinternet.com

West Lothian Run

Little Runners – free of charge: Wednesdays at Boghall Community Wing, 6-7pm; Thursdays at Boghall Community Wing 6-7pm (for kids with autism);Saturdays at Kirkton Park, Bathgate 10-11am. Adults - £2 per session. Saturdays from Kirkton Park, Bathgate from 10-11am, taking a different route to the kids. Book your place in any of the groups at westlothianrun.org.uk.

Generation Dance Bathgate

St Mary’s Hall, Livery St. Every Friday 10.30am– 11.30am.

Join the community dance club for anyone over 60 years. There’s no need to book, just turn up. Regardless of your mobility, independence and experience, come along, try us and tell your friends. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality. Everyone can take part.

Suggested weekly donation £2. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239. www. generationarts.co.uk KONECT

Royal British Legion

Ex-service male/female organisation. The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing. Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.

Bathgate Bridge Club

Meets every Thursday from first Thursday in October until the last Thursday in May at EU Church Hall, Church Park, Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate. 6.45 for 7.00pm start. All Welcome. Contact Georgette Nicol 01506 203498 for more information.

The Regal Youth Company

Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate Music workshops for 13-25 year olds - Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm, £2. Drama workshops for 13-25 year olds - Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm £2. For information see www.rycbathgate.com or contact us via our facebook page

Learning English

A group for preschool children and parents to learn English through fun: singing, play and stories.

Mondays 10 to 11am, Bathgate Early Years Centre. Tel 01506 776234. No fee.

WESTER INCH Wester Inch Parent & Toddler Group

Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@hotmail.com

Simpson Art Club

other areas New Town Roller Girls

Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail. co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.

West Lothian Clarion

Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

Lothian Running Club

Welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section too from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park.

For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub. co.uk.

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details & information, contact Nan McDonald 01506 655739.

The Tree Club

Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk

We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138

Alternative Company Entertainers (ACE)

Zumba with Lindsay

We are a not for profit club for retired ladies, dancing to CDs - mostly sequence dancing. We meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Community Centre, South Street Armadale, from 1.30 to 3.30pm. We would welcome old and new members to our club. Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances, we can teach you.

Simpson Primary School. Zumba ® Tuesdays 7.15-8.15pm, followed by 30 mins toning (must have attended zumba to participate).

Centrepoint Church

Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom.jackson@centrepointchurch.org

Messy Church

Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. Third Thursday of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm. Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com KONECT

Meet every Thursday in Whitburn academy at 7:00 – 9pm. Ages 5 to 105+. Contact acompanyentertainers@ gmail.com or find us on facebook.

Harmony Dance Club Armadale

West Lothian Baking Club

We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting.Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

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

37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Auctions Hoppers Auctions

13

Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 4 Duffy McLean 25 Ekco 27 MK Property 25 Building Surveyor David Hastings Car Service & Repair Auto Fitness Formula 1 MOT M & S Auto Solutions Meadowpark Garage

6 22 22 32 4

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services 13 Catering Food Creations

6

Church Centre Point Church

35

Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd Dusters Cleaning Services Multi Level Contracts Ltd Time For You Edinburgh

23 19 24 22

Clothes & Fashion Original Factory Shop

12

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance 13 White Buffalo Spiritualist Sanctuary 13 Youyen Thai Massage 13 Computer Services Sprint Computers

33

Electrician D B Electrics Simply Electrical

6 33

Mobility Ableworld 11 Med-Ecosse 21

Estate Agent Turpie

29

Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland

19

Oven Cleaner The Clean Team

19

Furniture & Furnishings Shapes 2

Painter/Decorator Nu Walls

33

Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes GF Garden Services Green Thumb JGM Landscapes Naia Garden Services

Pet Services Morven’s Dog Grooming

23

Florist Darling Buds Florist

Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd

6 10 5 17 4 7

Heating Services Duffy McLean

33

Ironing Services De-Creased Ironing Service

13

Joiner GR Construction

25

Kilt Maker & Hire The Kilt Studio

12

Kitchens Duffy McLean 25 Ekco 27 S & S 15 Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady

39

Locksmith Saltire Lock & Security West Lothian Locksmith

6 25

Solution to March Crossword Across: 1 Neat, 3 Ignorant, 9 Natural, 10 Navel, 11 Early, 12 Oceans, 14 Sewing, 16 Absent, 19 Potato, 21 Tiger, 24 Pulse, 25 Fearful, 26 Nineteen, 27 Used.

Down: 1 Nonsense, 2 Actor, 4 Gallop, 5 Ounce, 6 Advance, 7 Till, 8 Crayon, 13 Startled, 15 Woollen, 17 Betray, 18 Coffee, 20 Agent, 22 Gifts, 23 Open.

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Plumbing Services Almondvale Plumbing & Heating 16 CMI Plumbing & Heating 17 Property Letting & Management Newman Properties 10 Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel

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Roofing J Taylor Roofing

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Shopping Original Factory Shop

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Taxi & Private Hire Bluebird Radio Cars

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Trusted Trader Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader

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Vet Riverside Veterinary Practice

23

Windows 1st Choice Living

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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

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