Konect Broxburn April 2016

APRIL 2016

broxburn

FEATUREs

Local History - when Torphichen was the centre of Scotland Trusted Trader Scheme Alive & Kickin Programme at BUSC - try a session for free

s& Offer ers h c u vo cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh

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FEATURE

M ess ag e fro m the e d ito r

S

pring is in the air as I write this message, and many people will be starting to think about those home and garden improvement projects that need to be done this year. 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 18-19.

And as we emerge from winter you might be thinking about taking up a sport or interest – Broxburn United Sports Club runs a programme of activities for over 50s, see page 16 for information and Konect readers can try a session for free!

A local history feature this month (pages 8-9) takes us up into Torphichen and back in time to when this was a very important centre – hard to imagine nowadays!

Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses.

FEATUREs Local Histor y – when Torphichen was the centre of Scotland Tr usted Trader Scheme

08 18

REGULARS Inter ior s by Ekco of Uphall Parenting in West Lothian Recipe and Food Notes.

24 30 32

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES 34

Crossword COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Infor mation Clubs & Classes INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

36 36 36 38

Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

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

Front cover: Monthly canal trips on Bluebell resume this month, see What’s On page.

KONECT

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 7,500 homes throughout Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh. Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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OLIPHANT BAKERS LTD Tel: 01506 857883

29 East Main Street, Broxburn Open Mon to Sat from 8am

www.jgmlandscapes.co.uk Driveways • Pathways • Patios Wide range of colours & styles to suit any design - please view our brochure or find out more on our website.

No deposits to pay - payment upon 100% satisfaction of completed work.

FREE design & consultation FREE no obligation quotations

• Celebration Cakes • Birthday Cakes • Wedding Cakes

BEFORE

• Novelty Cakes • Buffets

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• All your bakery needs 10 Lochside Place, Edinburgh Park, EH12 9RG WORKING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Mackenzies

TRADITIONAL SHOE REPAIRS

KEY CUTTING, LOCK FITTING SERVICE & T-SHIRT PRINTING

Opening Times

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9-5 Wed & Sat 9-2

07941 483283

www.mackenzieshoerepairs.co.uk 9 West Main Street, Uphall, EH52 5DN

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

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KONECT

LVS Garage Services Livingston has been providing servicing and MOT services since our founding in 1986. It is our mission to achieve total customer satisfaction in everything we do.

£25.00

(Includes FREE Air Freshener and Screenwash top-up)

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 30th June 2016

KONECT

SERVICING 15% OFF all servicing options

Find us on Facebook

£3 OFF per tyre OR £15 OFF set of 4 tyres

Mot and Service Combo from £99.00

4 Wheel Alignment £34.99 when purchasing 2 or more Tyres

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 30th June 2016

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 30th June 2016

(Includes Air Freshener)

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BROXBURN BARGAIN CENTRE

Carpets | Beds | Suites | Furniture | PERSONAL SERVICE ASSURED 10% CASH DISCOUNT

£100 OFF

12 mths interest free credit

SUITES IN STORE

FREE DELIVERy ThROUghOUT ThE LOThIANS

West Main Street & Buchan Lane • Tel: 01506 852202 www.broxburnbargaincentre.co.uk

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EE g FRRKIN PA KONECT

13-15 West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5RQ

01506 855156

PIZZAS ● FISH ‘N’ CHIPS ● BAKED POTATOES ● KEBABS ● CURRY ● BURGERS Open 7 Days Lunchtime Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 2:00pm Evenings Sun - Thurs: 4:00pm - 12:00am Late Fri -Sat: 4:00pm - 1:00am Home Delivery Service 4:30pm - 11:00pm

HOME MADE ICE CREAM WINES & BEERS house red & white wines as well as a large selection of canned and bottled beers are available in -store and for home delivery!

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16” Margherita Pizza + 1 topping; 2 portions of chips & a large bottle of Iron Bru Take away or delivery

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HOGGIES

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1 hamburger or sausage 1 fish cake 4 chicken nuggets 2 haggis fritters 2 potato fritters 1 puddling black/white 1/2 chips or onion rings

Order online www.bravo15.co.uk, www.scoffable.com & justeat.co.uk

Home delivery available LUNCH Adults £8.45 Children (3-9) £5.95 Mon - Sat 12pm-2pm

Y o ur fa vo

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9” box £6.50 12” box £9.95

Offers cannot be used in conjunction with each other

urite lo cal Chines e buffet restaurant

HAPPY HOUR Adults £10.95 Children (3-9) £7.95

Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm. Except festive times & public holidays

14 MARRFIELD TERRACE, UPHALL STATION, EH54 5PY

MUNCHIE BOX

PIZZA BOX FILLED WITH: chips, donner, meat, chicken pakora, vegetable pakora, chicken niggets, onion rings, fritters, pitta bread, sauce & can of juice

GRAND BUFFET Adults £12.95 Children (3-9) £8.95

Fri, Sat & Sun 5pm-10pm

01506 438656 7

Torphichen Preceptor y

Local History

When Torphichen was the centre of Scotland.

by Helen-Jane Shearer

It’s a long time since the wee village of Torphichen was a bustling busy centre, a destination for royalty, a stop-off point for longdistance travellers and the Scottish headquarters of what was effectively an independent sovereign state.

But for centuries it was all of these things. It’s an ancient settlement which has been occupied for millenia, but the arrival in the 12th century of The Order of St John, or the Hospitaller Knights of St John, really put Torphichen on the map and they have left their mark even today – local street names, organisation names, the symbol of the Maltese cross that appears in various logos. But who were they and what does it all mean?

It started off a long way away from Scotland, in Jerusalem. A group of individuals who ran a hospital in Jerusalem for Christian pilgrims to the holy land found themselves, at the end of the 11th century, dealing with the many casualties involved in the First Crusade. In recognition of their work, the pope created the Order of Hospitallers. Their hospital was built on the site of a monastery dedicated to St John the Baptist, hence their name. They used a white eight pointed cross as their symbol, symbolising the eight nations (“tongues”) they came from and the eight vows they took. As the Crusades dragged on, the Hospitallers took on the role of providing armed escort to protect pilgrims, and thus ended up 8

fighting too – they became a military order waging war on Islam as well as tending the poor and sick. Along with the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller were one of the most famous and powerful religious military orders.

The Order was granted estates throughout Europe by the crusading nations to provide income for their work. They came to Britain to recruit and collect funds, arriving in Scotland during the reign of David I, who was a keen supporter of the Crusades and who gave them land at Torphichen.

This became the headquarters from whence their growing estates were administered. David’s successor granted, in 1153, “to God and the Hospital of Jerusalem a toft (land) in every burgh of our land.” So they had land all over Scotland and were well respected for their charitable works.

In Torphichen their Preceptory (headquarters) consisted of a small hospital, as this was the prime calling of the Order, along with the church and attached administrative and domestic buildings including dormitories, kitchen, dining area and Preceptor’s lodgings. Much of their day to day life was involved in administration of their Scottish estates as well as the necessary duties of growing food and herbs for medicines in the gardens around the Preceptory. Rents for all their Scottish properties were collected here, and there would have been considerable traffic relating to administration and financial affairs. It became a significant and very well-resourced community, in keeping with the knights’ status in Scotland, receiving many guests and travellers.

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Once such famous guest was William Wallace. As he prepared to face Edward I in 1298, we know he stayed at Torphichen - the only surviving document we have signed by him was written at Torphichen at this time (It was a letter sent in March 1298 to Alexander Scrymgeour, giving him land as reward for his loyalty).

The Torphichen Preceptory, though, came under the authority of the English Priory of the Order (a higher office) in London. In the early days many of the knights were English, and during the Wars of Independence in Scotland they supported the English side. After his victory over the Scots at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, King Edward I headed to Torphichen for rest and treatment of the chestwound he got at Polmont when a horse stood on him before the battle. These ties with England made the Order less popular in Scotland during this time.

But as time went on naturally more knights were native Scots, and they made several petitions to gain independence from their English Priory.

Much later, in the 16th century, King James IV - a regular visitor to Torphichen where he prayed in the church and played cards with the Preceptor – wrote to the Grand Master of the Order in Rhodes expressing his surprise that “members of this Order, even when Scottish by birth and residing in Scotland, had to live so that they looked on the Prior in England as their lord and protector.”

Eventually Torphichen did arrange to by-pass the

English office and report directly to the Grand Master, based latterly in Malta.

The Order of St John was suppressed during the Reformation and in Scotland all its lands were confiscated. Much monastic property was razed but Torphichen was spared, possibly as it had been used as a Reformation office or because the Preceptor, James Sandilands, became Protestant and befriended John Knox... however by the 1750s, the administration and domestic buildings associated with the Preceptory were demolished and the stones used elsewhere in the village. Only the tower, transcepts and nave were spared.

St John’s exists in Britain today as the Most Venerable Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. It was re-established in the 19th century with the foundation of St John Ambulance Association, independent of the remnants of the original Roman Catholic Order of Malta, and in 1888 Queen Victoria made it a Royal Order of Chivalry. St John’s ambulances and first aid training are well known in England and many other countries. A Scottish Priory was reconstituted in 1947. It doesn’t run the ambulance service here, as St Andrews Ambulance Service was already established, but they do run hospitals, nursing homes, sheltered housing, hospices and rest homes in Scotland as well as mountain rescue services. They support the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and have links with Malawi. Their motto is to “improve the safety, health and quality of life of people in need.”

So the Order today is close to what the original monks set out to do 900 years ago before getting embroiled in war.

And St John’s are custodians of Torphichen Preceptory on behalf of Historic Scotland. The remains of the Preceptory are well worth a visit and consist of the tall central tower with the transepts on each side, and the foundations of the associated buildings. St John’s have installed an informative display so you can learn more about this fascinating site and its people.

The Preceptory is open at weekends and bank holidays from 1pm to 5pm, 25th March to 30th September. Adult £2.00, Child £0.80, Concession £1.50.

For more on the order of St John in Scotland, visit http://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/

KONECT

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EDINBURGH

0131 621 0026 07899 279 057

a family run business for over 30 years

www.edinburghpavingcompany.co.uk

PAVING COMPANY

10%

OAP

OFF

Discounts

Driveways Paths & Patios Lanscaping Turfing Decking

Paving in April

Fencing Slabbing Drainage Tree work Pressure cleaning

Free estimates â—? All work guaranteed â—? No deposit See testimonials on our website

Join us in April to see our where we are promoting the benefits of houseplants for health and style in your home.

Now is the time to fall in love with houseplants again!

New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk

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KONECT

C and W Cleaning Services www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

0131 334 2080 Livingston 0800 695 1101

Edinburgh

Your local Blinds ■ Carpets ■ Rugs ■ Upholstery ■ specialists CS Window & Gutter Cleaning are your local and reliable window cleaning service covering Broxburn, Uphall and the surrounding areas.

Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

Currently recruiting new cleaners

Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • UPVC Fascia & Soffit Cleaning

01506 799482 or 07909 332 773 cs.window-cleaning@outlook.com www.cs-windowcleaning.co.uk

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KONECT

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community

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

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t: 07563 548348

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

Nu - Walls

Broxburn United Sports Club is MORE than a Football Club

Are you newly retired? Or looking to fill your days?

Or want to stay active as you get a little older?

Broxburn United’s Alive & Kickin Programme is a popular initiative designed to encourage the over 50s in the community to participate in activities of varying levels of impact as they travel through the elderly Walking Football: Normal rules as football but fastest speed is a WALK | Tuesday 10.30-11.30am, Friday 10.30-11.30am | £3/session.

Sporting Memories: Talk about how sport was ‘back in the day’ with like-minded people | Second and Fourth Tuesday of every Month | 12.30-2pm | £2/session.

Walking Club: A community walk of a few miles, which starts & finishes at the same point | Thursday 10am | FREE. Invigor8: A different activity or sport each week, followed by an informative/inspirational talk | Thursday 2-3.30pm | £2/session.

Chair Exercises: Activities & Chair Exercises at Sheltered Housing Complex’s located in Broxburn | Friday Hanover 10-10.30am | Almondell Rd | 10.4511.15am | FREE. Each activity is finished off with a well-earned cup or tea or coffee! New participants are always welcome…GO ON, GIVE IT A GO!!

Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Park, Broxburn, EH52 5BP. Find us on Facebook BUSC, Twitter @ BroxburnUnited or www.busc.org.uk

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, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

NO CALLOUT CHARGE FREE QUOTATIONS UPVC SPECIALIST

For more information please contact l.lauder@ busc.org.uk or phone 01506 858057 and quote Konect April for a FREE Activity 16

KONECT

NE W

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BROXBURN ABLEWORLD

2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN

Tel: (01506) 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk

Formally Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to Industrial Estate

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

KONECT

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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

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for as it generally means the company has been 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.

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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.

For local businesses

Testimonial

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 vat-registered 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.”

“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.

Your one-stop home improvement complex

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.

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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6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH28 2AA sales@1stchoiceliving.co.uk www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk

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LIVINGSTON LOCKSMITH 24hr Lock & Security

LIVINGSTON LOCKSMITHS PROVIDE 24HR LOCK & SECURITY ● LOCKED OUT? WE GAIN ENTRY ● UPVC DOUBLE GLAZING DOOR LOCK REPAIRS ● ALL MAKES OF LOCKS FITTED, CHANGED OR UPGRADED ● ELECTRONIC SECURITY DOOR ENTRY ● SYSTEMS AND ALARMS FITTED ● LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FRIENDLY & RELIABLE

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Red Hot

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

01506 630036

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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.

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Property Tips

Preparing for sale

from Knight Bain

Taking an honest and objective view of your own home can be a difficult task. When selling you must attempt to look at all aspects of the property in order to achieve the best price and create a marketable asset.

1. First impressions count. Most buyers form their first impressions of a house within seconds of walking through the door. Spend time tidying up the outside of the house – plant flowers, trim

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bushes, weed, repaint the front door and make sure your door furniture is looking really great.

2. Spring Clean. Cleanliness and tidiness should never be underestimated and so clean each room top to bottom. In high impact rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen, make sure the surfaces are clean This will also make the home smell fresh and appealing.

3. Fix it. Got a dripping tap or cracked tile? These will send the wring message to potential buyers.

Getting all problems fixed before putting the house on the market is a smart idea. Find a local tradesman to help!

4. Eliminate clutter. Clutter doesn’t sell homes.

It makes them seem smaller and disorganised.

Take time to remove as much as possible without leaving rooms bare.

5. Keep it neutral. Neutral colours won’t put a buyer off. Potential buyers walking through your home will be able to plan to put their own stamp on the house without having to remove yours first.

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Parents in West Lothian

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN UGLY TUBERS DESPITE THE S ABSENCE OF PERIODIC AIR-RAID 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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ARE YOU AGED 13*-17?

INTERESTED IN AVIATION OR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE? THE AIR CADETS COULD BE FOR YOU.

20 YEARS OR OVER?

WE ARE ALSO RECRUITING FOR ADULT STAFF. YOU DO NOT NEED ANY MILITARY EXPERIENCE, JUST ENTHUSIASM AND AN ENERGETIC OUTLOOK. 1756(Broxburn) Squadron are recruiting now.

E-mail for further information: oc.1756@aircadets.org *The ACO can accept cadets from 12 years old if they are in 2nd year at School"

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!

KONECT

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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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 32

supermarket 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.

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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.

Stuffed Tomatoes 4 or 5 large ripe tomatoes 2 tbsp bread crumbs

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.

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

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WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Canal trips at Broxburn: Take a short trip on the Union Canal, run by the Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society, in their restored narrowboat “Bluebell.”

Trips take place on the first Sunday of each month from April to October and last approximately 1/2 hour.

Cost is £3.00/adult, £2.00/child. All monies go back into maintaining the boat. Meet at Port Buchan, Broxburn. Members of the public can also charter the boat with driver and crew for birthday parties, walking groups etc. The passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drink on board. See http://www.bridge19-40.org.uk

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 16th April

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. Non-Members £6.00 each. New members welcome, contact John Sneddon 01501 770911.

Toccata Ladies Choir Choral Concert West Lothian’s Premier Ladies Choir. Refreshments will be available during the Interval. Tickets: Adults £7.00; Children £3.00 Tickets available from the Church Office on 0131 333 1683 or admin@stmarysdalmahoy.org.uk. (St Mary’s Church is by the Dalmahoy Marriott Hotel on the A71).

Saturday 7th May

AGM/Craft Fair of the Broxburn Woodcraft Club.

Strathbrock Community Centre (Entrance B). Competition entries will be judged in the morning with prizes handed out at noon. The show is open to the public from 12:00 to 1:00, where the show pieces will be on view. Free entry.

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

Useful Information Broxburn Library

West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 2RH. Tel: 01506 775600.

Email: broxburn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening Times: Please note new opening times are: Monday & Tuesday: 10am - 5pm, Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 3pm, Thursday: 10am - 7pm & Saturday: 9am - 1pm. Bookbug Bounce and Tickle: Free song, story and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Bring a grown-up to join in the fun! Tuesdays and Wednesdays fortnightly 10.30am.

clubs & classes

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

BROXBURN

to meet their goals. For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk

Broxburn Woodcraft Club

Alive & Kickin

A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. We have a fully equipped workshop supporting all aspects of woodworking including woodturning, pyrography, scrollsawing, the making of toys, furniture, musical instruments, walking sticks and more. For further information use the Contact Us facility on the website: www. broxburnwoodcraftclub.org. Our hours are Mon & Tues 9am-9pm, Wed & Fri 9am-12 noon and 6pm -9pm, Thurs 9am-3pm and 6:00pm-9pm.

Broxburn Children’s Chatterbooks – NEW book group!

Broxburn Library, West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5RH. Love to read? Aged between 8-11? Want to join a bookclub?

We choose books to read and also activities available.

Meetings held every second Friday at 2pm, call the library on 01506 775600 for next date.

Livingston Highland Society

Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189 W Main St, Broxburn.

Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday evening between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. £5 each, new members welcome, contact John Sneddon on 01501 770911 for dates and more details

Ladies only outdoor fitness sessions

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. Mondays 7-8pm, with Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) and Burn-It. Doesn’t matter your size or level of fitness. BUSC and Burn-It aim to create a fun fitness session based outside to enable ladies

36

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road A programme for older members of the community to remain active. Run by Broxburn United Sports Club and includes: Walking Football Tues 10.30am to 12pm, £3 per session with tea/coffee after. Walking Club on Thurs 10am. Community walk starting and ending at Albyn Park.

Free, everyone welcome. Invigor8 Multi Sports Thurs 2-3.30pm £2 per session. Try new sports and learn new skills. Each session is 1 hour of the new sport plus an inspirational/informative chat for 30mins. For more info contact Leigh Lauder at Albyn Park 01506 858057 or email ll.lauder@busc.org.uk

Zumba for Kids

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. With the Poco Loco crew – learn some rocking dance routines using different styles and rhythms. For girls and boys aged 4 – 12. Fridays 1.15-2.15 (P1-P3) 2.25-3.15 (P4-P7) cost £3 per week. To book please contact Greig Taylor on g.taylor@busc.org.uk or Nina Anderson on nina.anderson@live.co.uk or call 01506 858057.

Broxburn Swimming Club

We cater for swimmers from age 3 upwards and cover all levels of swimming from our Learn to Swim programme up to our top competitive squad. Learn to Swim: Thursday night (6:00 - 7:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday night (6:30 - 7:00) - Broxburn Academy pool. Squad Swimming: Monday and Tuesday (7:30 - 9:00) and Thursday (7:00 - 9:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday (6:00 - 8:00) Armadale Academy pool. For further information please contact: broxburn_asc@hotmail.com KONECT

Church Street Baby & Toddler Group

2 Church Street, Broxburn EH52 5EL Every Thursday from 09.15-11.00 and is based in the Church Hall behind Broxburn Parish Church. Suitable for children from birth to 3 years. Each session costs £2 per and includes a healthy snack for the children and a cuppa & biscuit for the grown-ups. Visit our Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ BroxburnChurchStreetBabyandToddler

Craft Cuppa

We are a small group of crafters who meet on Saturday afternoons 1-3 pm at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Community Wing, entrance B. We meet to share expertise, have a natter and a cuppa. We would welcome anyone who wants to come along. For more info please email craftycuppaclub@mail.com or just come along!

Strathbrock Community Centre: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate.

Tuesdays: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft.

Wednesdays: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/Rainbows; Dog Obedience.

Thursdays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. Fridays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club.

Saturdays: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

UPHALL Uphall Playgroup

Uphall Community Education Centre: Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Carpet Bowls; U3A Singing for Pleasure; Zumba; Craft Group; WRI; Scottish Country Dancing.

Tuesdays: Baby & Toddler; Uphall Outreach; 50+ Friendship Group; Walking Group; Indoor Curling; U3A Art Group; Taekwon-Do; Yellow Teapot Club; Youth Club.

Wednesdays: Indoor Curling; U3A Book Group; Cairbrock Association; Parkinson’s Uk; U3A History Group; Tea Dance; Zumba; Fusion Youth Group; Tribe West Belly Dance.

Thursdays: Indoor Curling Adults with Carers; West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network; Line Dancing; U3A Quiz Group, U3A Music Group; Karate; Yellow Teapot Club; West Lothian Y-Cats.

Fridays: U3A Poetry Group; U3A Discussion Group; Children’s Club P3-P6); Reiki; Girls Group (S1 upwards) Please call the Community Centre on 01506 854451 or email denise.doig@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

WINCHBURGH Little Flyers After School Club

Winchburgh Community Centre, Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Open during term time, from the end of the school day until 5.45 p.m. Collecting from Winchburgh and Holy Family Primary Schools. Please contact 07518 176781 for more information or see www.littleflyersnursery.com Winchburgh Community Centre: Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Junior Youth Club 7.00pm - 9.15pm.

Tuesdays: Slimming World 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

Wednesdays: Keep Fit 9.30am -10.30am; Computer Club 9.30am-12noon; Night Art 7.00pm-9.00pm; Dog Class 7.00pm10.00pm.

Thursdays: Morning Art 9.30am-12noon; Senior Citizens 1.30pm-4.00pm; Little Flyers 3.00pm-6.00pm; Childrens Club 6.00pm-7.30pm; Guitar Club 7.45pm-9.30pm; Table Tennis 7.45pm-9.30pm.

Fridays: Little Flyers 12 noon-6.00pm; Scouts 6.15pm9.15pm Saturdays: Children’s Activity Club 9.45am-12noon; Girls Allowed 7.00pm-9.00pm For more information on any of the groups please contact the Community Centre on 01506 890348 or email julie. witherwick@westlothian.gov.uk. Winchburgh Community Council meetings are held second Monday of every month except January and July. See www.winchburghcc.org.uk

Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN For children aged 24 months and over. Open Monday to Friday 9:15 - 11:30am during term time. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 sessions per week. Each session costs £5 and includes a healthy snack. See http://www.uphallplaygroup.co.uk/ or tel 01506 854451 for further information.

DECHMONT

The People’s Café

West Lothian Baking Club

Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month 11am - 1.30pm at St Andrew’s Care Home, St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, Uphall. For people who have any form of dementia, and their carers, to meet others in a similar situation for support and social contact, a cup of tea or coffee and home baking. Come for the whole session or just drop in.

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.

Dechmont 50+ Arts Group - NEW!

Broxburn Art

This group of enthusiastic amateur painters meet every Wednesday from 13.00 - 16.00 in Dechmont Memorial Hall to practice their art and socialise. There are a few membership places available and new members would be more than welcome irrespective of their painting skills. For more details email dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit their website at dechmontartgroup.wix.com/home.

Slimming World - NEW!

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

A group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet regularly to paint, draw and chat in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm in Uphall Community Education Centre. If you’d like to know more, please email us at info@broxburnart.co.uk South Parish Church, E. Main St. Uphall, EH52 5HY Thursdays 5.30pm and & 7.30pm. Contact Lisa on 07736 316400.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Appliance Repair Home Appliance Repair 4 Bakers Oliphant Bakers Ltd 4 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 23 Duffy McLean 27 Ekco 25 MH Developments 35 Beauty Allure Skin Clinic 14 The Tan Stand 14 Builder DB General Builders 23 Building Surveyor David Hastings 34 Butcher John Lawson Butchers 33 Cafe/Tearoom Ice Creations 33 Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh 28 Car Service & Repair Car Craft 29 D.K’s Autocare 29 LVS Garage Services 5 MBA Specialist 6 Car Valet/Wash D.K’s Autocare 29 Caravan Service & Repair Auto Fitness 28 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services 12 Hydro Kleen Scotland 35 Catering Food Creations 34 Children’s Activities/Entertainment Broxburn Air Cadets 31 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestics 12 CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 12

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance 15 Computer Services Sprint Computers 12 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 34 Dentist No 9 Dental 15 Electrician Simply Electrical 16 Estate Agent Knight Bain Estate Agents 26 Fencing/Gates The Smithy 28 Furniture & Furnishings Broxburn Bargain Centre 6 Shapes 2 Garden & Landscaping Green Thumb 21 JGM Landscapes 4 New Hopetoun Gardens 10 SG Garden Services 28 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 11 Gym/Health Club Broxburn United Sports Club 16 Hairdresser Mr Fella & Me. Bella Sassoon 15 Heating Services Duffy McLean 22 Forth Heating 23 Homes for Sale Miller Homes 40 Joiner GR Construction 22 Kitchens Duffy McLean 27 Ekco Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady 20

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.

Locksmith Mackenzies 4 Saltire Lock & Security 16 West Lothian Locksmith 22 Mobility Ableworld 17 Med Ecosse 39 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland 4 Painter/Decorator Nu Walls 16 PAVING Edinburgh Paving Company 10 Plastering Nu Walls 16 Restaurant Imperial Palace 7 Roofing MH Developments 35 Security Services Saltire Lock & Security 16 Shoe Repair Mackenzies 4 Takeaway Bravo 7 Ice Creations 33 Trusted Trader Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader 18 Vet Mackie & Brechin 27 Window Cleaning CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 12 Windows 1st Choice Living 19 DC Window Studio 22 Red Hot Windows 22

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

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KONECT

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www.millerhomes.co.uk YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT *Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme is available on properties up to a maximum value of £230,000

for the period 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017. If you qualify for Help to Buy assistance and you raise a mortgage for at least 80% of the purchase price of your new home from a lender, the Scottish Government will provide funding for up to 15% of the purchase price which is secured by a standard security over your new home. A 5% deposit is required by the lender. More may be required depending upon circumstances and your lender’s criteria. Help to Buy (Scotland) is subject to eligibility and terms and conditions. Terms and conditions apply. For full details visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/helptobuy. †Part Exchange is subject to availability, status and eligibility. Your present home must meet certain basic qualifying criteria and be of a lesser value to be eligible for Part Exchange. 100% market value based upon valuations obtained by appointed scheme surveyors. Terms and conditions apply. **Fees will be paid up to 1.5% of the Assisted Move house value. Home Report and Estate Agent’s fees paid for following instruction made by or on behalf of Miller Homes. No reimbursement will be made for marketing fees or Home Report instructed prior to commencement of Assisted Move scheme. Home Reports only applicable in Scotland. Price and availability are correct at time of going to print. Photography represents a typical Miller Homes’ exterior and interior. Carpets and floor coverings are not included in our homes as standard.