Konect Broxburn May 2016

MAY 2016

broxburn

WIN!

Two tickets to see “Probably the Best Comedy Songs in the World Ever, Maybe” at Howden Park FEATUREs

Scottish Owl Centre Broxburn Gala Rock n Roll Concert Fitness classes 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 age f rom t he e d i tor

I

FEATUREs Scottish Owl Centre 08 Broxbur n Gala Rock n Roll Concer t 13

had the pleasure of visiting the Scottish Owl Centre within Polkemmet Country Park last month and speaking with the lovely couple who run it – Rod and Niccy Angus. Rod is inspirational with his knowledge of owls - read about the centre and how it came to be here on pages 8-10.

REGULARS Inter ior s by Ekco of Uphall Parenting in West Lothian Recipe

24 30 32

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Howden Par k ticket draw Crossword

17 36

A special fund raising concert takes place this month in Broxburn in aid of the Broxburn Gala – I spoke to one of the organisers and think it’s safe to say it will be a great night! Read the details on page 13 and get your tickets!

COMMUNITY Broxbur n United Spor t Club What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

18 35 35 36

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

38

Howden Park Theatre in Livingston are running a prize draw for Konect readers this month, with the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show “Probably The Best Comedy Songs In The World Ever, Maybe.”

Our regular columns are here, I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses.

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

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.

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.

Front cover: Spring at Devon Lane Pond,Winchburgh.

Photo by Jenny Thomson.

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FEATURE

Great Grey Owl “Education, Inspiration, Conservation.”

“When was the last time you saw an owl in the wild?” is the question that Rod Angus, founder of the Scottish Owl Centre in West Lothian’s Polkemmet Country Park, poses to anyone asking why he has dedicated his life to these magnificent birds.

“The answer,” he says, “is usually along the lines of ‘maybe once, a long time ago.’ There are over 200 species of owl in the world but hardly anyone has actually seen one.”

There are very few visitor centres in Britain dedicated wholly to owls. As Rod explains, “It’s a totally different ethos here to a falconry centre.

Falconry displays are all about the hunting prowess of the birds, which are very spectacular.

Falcons and hawks have been kept and trained for millennia. But owls are wild nocturnal creatures.

They are trained to the glove of course but they are 8

silent, stealth hunters, they swoop past without you hearing them – and they are slightly more likely to refuse to fly on demand!” So although the highlight of a visit to the Centre may well be one of the entertaining flying displays, the focus is not on dramatic hunting techniques but on everything to do with owls and their habitat. As Rod says,’’The owl becomes an environmental educator. Through the study of owls we can understand a broad spectrum of issues to do with conservation and natural history.”

There are approximately 120 owls resident in the centre at Polkemmet, representing species from all over the world. The uniqueness of the centre, whose motto is “Education, Inspiration, Conservation,” means that it attracts people to study owls at all levels – from preschoolers to PhD students (they currently have a PhD student doing a project on owl communications). “No creature exists in isolation,” Rod says, “it’s all about their environment. Already by keeping them in captivity you’ve removed a bit of what it is to be an owl. So there is no petting of the owls here; the ethos is KONECT

always to make them accessible without dumbing them down to just fluffy big-eyed things. We want to inspire visitors with the wonder and the design of these birds. People love to learn so we give interesting presentations. I keep abreast of latest research and we discuss how to impart up to date natural history information to the public.” (You can hold the owls for photo sessions after the flying displays). Rod’s wife Niccy was formerly a teacher (secondary and nursery), so she designs educational material that is fun and interesting for kids from pre-school age. She also takes care of all the art and design side of the business, designing the signage and interpretative boards around the centre.

Rod’s interest in birds dates back to very early childhood. He attended a boarding school in Kent and remembers watching the birds and reflecting on how they were so free (“a boarding school can be quite a traumatic environment.”) One of the teachers was a keen amateur ornithologist and encouraged Rod’s interest in birds; he ended up setting up a bird club at the school. He trained as a bird ringer in the 70s, and was employed at an RAF base to monitor and look after the bird and wildlife population. He was involved in a couple of foundational ornithological studies on the west coast - of buzzards and barn owls. He also helped establish the Machrihanish Seabird Observatory. “I took part in the British Trust for Ornithology’s Project Barn Owl in Argyll between 1995-1997, which involved knowing the owls’ habitats, tracking them, finding nests and counting them. Barn owls like ruined buildings best – they need to be sheltered and private. We discovered that the majority of Scotland’s small barn owl population is in the south west.” Rod had also attended an owl symposium at Chester Zoo, and on a family holiday visited a small private owl centre. They became increasingly inspired to set up their own owl centre, and Rod got his first owls in 2002, starting off by taking them to shows and doing flying demonstrations. They finally set up an owl centre in their home town of Campbeltown, converting an old hospital for use as both family home and owl centre. They ran it successfully for several years, but as their own children left home they eventually decided that in order to make the owl centre sustainable they had to move to the more populous Central Belt. They considered many options before choosing Polkemmet Country Park, where the old walled garden provided a good sheltered spot, in addition to the proximity to the KONECT

Rod, Niccy and “Sarabi”, the Milky Eagle Owl. new junction 4a of the M8. So after much hard work the new Scottish Owl Centre opened in 2011.

Besides Rod who is obviously an authority on owls, the team consists of a senior keeper Trystan, who previously worked for the World Owl Trust, and a second keeper Lauren, from Armadale, as well as a valuable team of volunteers.

The aviaries are carefully designed to give the owls their privacy and make them feel secure, but at the same time make sure they are visible to visitors.

The owls which are used in flying displays are introduced to the public as chicks so they are used to being handled. The large purpose-built flying arena is an indoor area so they are not affected by the all-too-predictable rain and can fly every day.

As Rod admits, keeping birds in captivity is very unusual for an ornithologist. But he says, “I don’t find it hard to reconcile; all our owls are bred in captivity and they are happily breeding well – if they were not happy they would not breed. It’s very unusual to get close up to an owl in the wild. Like any zoo, if we didn’t study them we’d never see them to learn about their needs and conservation issues surrounding them and 9

their habitat. Humans are intimately involved with the natural environment, and it’s essential to unde rstand it for humans and animals work together.”

Rod’s top five owl facts • O wls have eyes but they can’t move them.

• O wls have ears but you can’t see them.

• O wls have wings but you can’t hear them.

• O wls lay eggs but they don’t build nests.

• O wls hunt at night so you rarely see them.

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And what do they do outside of work? Niccy is a member of Livingston Players (you may have seen her in their recent production of Steel Magnolias…) and of Shotts Opera Group, and is a keen hillwalker with Linlithgow Ramblers. And Rod’s interests outside of work? “Anything bird-related but also classical music and opera and extensive theological reading.’’

Visit the Scottish Owl Centre in Polkemmet Country Park, 7 days a week April - August: 10.30am – 5pm (last entry 1 hour before closing).

Admission charges apply, please see website www.scottishowlcentre.com for full details.

Daily Flying Displays: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm.

There is ample free parking at the Polkemmet Visitor Centre car park, and a cafe adjacent (the Courtyard Cafe – separate from the Scottish Owl Centre, check cafe opening times direct with the cafe)

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community

Broxburn Gala presents a Good Old Rock’n Roll Show “The whole sentiment of the event is that it’s older Broxburn people raising funds for the younger Broxburn people for Gala day.”

So says Jim Wilson, producer of a special fund raising concert that will take place this month in aid of the Broxburn Gala.

Jim is one of the members of a couple of bands that formed in Broxburn in the 60s. They are delighted though to be getting together to put on a fundraising gig for the gala. “It’s a good chance for us as a band to get together and meet in a

social and musical setting. We got together once in the 80s, but we needed this commitment. It’s just wonderful to be getting together to do this gig, we are thoroughly enjoying the experience!”

The night promises to be a real feel-good, fastpaced night as they belt through hits that will take older members of the community back to their youth – and younger ones who have discovered 60s and 70s music! (only for the over 18s though, as there will be a bar). “We’ll be playing active, lively and vibrant music.” The seating will be theatre-style, but that won’t prevent dancing in the aisles for anyone who just has to get up and move! The seven band members include a saxophonist, two guitars, bass guitar, keyboard, drums and a female vocalist. “There will be a few surprises on the night though – I’m not giving everything away!” says Jim. Jim remembers the Broxburn gala when he was a kid. “It was the social highlight of the year, the big event,” he recalls. Although not all of the band members still stay in Broxburn, their formative years were spent here. “We’re all doing this for the love of the town and the chance to do something positive.”

So if you’ve not already got your tickets, check out the details below and make sure you’re there on the night for a great evening and to help the Broxburn Gala with much-needed funds. k

draising n fu a ts n e s re p la a G Broxburn show ll o R 'n k c o R ld O d o o G

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Competition WIN two tickets to see Probably the Best Comedy Songs in the World Ever, Maybe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston on the 16 June.

Probably the Best Comedy Songs in the World Ever, Maybe This show does exactly what it says on the tin.

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Seasoned pros, Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden will attempt all of this hilarity with just the aid of a piano.

“An exceptional gift for comedy that had us rolling in the aisles.” The Scotsman “Masterful… An evening of consistent laughter.”

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To enter simply answer this question: Complete the name of this popular comedy TV series - Monty Python’s Flying …………

Text or email the answer, your name, phone mnumber and email address to 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk Closing date for entries 15th May 2016.

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Interiors feature

‘Cleaning the Oven? I’d Rather be Watching Outlander.’ by ecko

Four kitchen appliances to make your life easier It’s back! You know the programme? It’s the one where the married nurse in post-World War II Scotland gets mysteriously whisked back to the pre-Jacobite era and falls in love with a hunky Highlander. Outlander, based on the historical romantic novels by Diana Gabaldon, has been a massive hit and season 2 on Amazon Prime looks set to give an even bigger boost to the Scottish film industry. But what do we at Ekco love most about the programme? Is it the beautiful Scottish scenery, the authentic period costumes or the…well, the other bits? Actually no. It’s imagining how, in Castle Fraser, they can possibly serve several, culinary courses to hordes of hungry clansmen prepared only on a tiny cooking range. Nowadays, we would break out in hives if we had to prepare a feast for ten guests let alone a hundred, without a host of kitchen appliances within easy reach in our cooking triangle.

There’s no doubt that life in the kitchen has become easier over the centuries and modern innovations from the simple electric cooker and kettle, to the microwave and food processor has revolutionised the way we live our lives. So what’s the latest in the line? Here are four new kitchen appliances from Ekco designed to make your life easier.

1. Quooker is a Dutch invention that’s replacing the need for a kettle. It’s a single tap which dispenses cold, hot and boiling water. If you’ve ever switched on your electric kettle and been amazed at how

quickly your power meter clocks up the energy, you’ll be delighted to know that the cost of running a Quooker is around 3p per day.

2. Pyrolitic self-cleaning ovens from top manufacturers like Neff and Siemens mean you’ll never have to break out the Mr Muscle again. A pyrolytic oven is cleaned when you lock the door and set the temperature to around 500 degrees. In the absence of oxygen, the intense heat reduces any baked-on food to ash which is then simply wiped away with a damp cloth.

3. Steam Ovens – The French call this type of cooking ‘sous vide’ and it’s been a popular culinary method for years in top restaurants. Now sous vide ovens are available for the home. Basically you steam cook your food in special pouches which not only helps to keep nutrients in, it saves on washing up.

4. Induction hob – The induction hob has been around for a while but is only beginning to be widely embraced. It’s a smooth ceramic surface which only heats up when the pot is placed on it.

It has the speed and controllability of gas with the added safety feature of staying cool on the surface except under the pot itself.

The beauty of these appliances is that they’ll give you even more free time than ever before – more time to rev up your broadband and catch up on Claire and Jamie’s latest bodice-ripping exploits – honestly, it’s the poor husband left at home I feel sorry for.

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Parents in West Lothian

d How To Keep The Old MacdngonYoalur Song Clean While Not Losid Wellies In The Mu About a week ago I was sitting in the Centre in Livingston, taking a break from manic shopping with my two wee monsters, and the place was heaving and buzzing with kids’ chatter and varied squeals and moans according to each little cherub’s mood.

“Mummy, she’s got my juice!” from a boy with a keen sense of justice and lack thereof …

“Daddy, I want popcorn!” from a peckish pigtailed pre-schooler …

“Mummy, I’m tired!” from a weary child in a superman onesie, complete with sewn-in sixpack …

“Noooooooo give to me!” from an aggrieved, chubby-faced toddler …

It twisted my heart to hear these things; I would dearly love to be rudely ordered to surrender some toy or foodstuff, but thus far my little boy Quinn who is coming up for 3 has delayed speech and only uses a couple of words sporadically.

I’m constantly worrying about whether he will speak, how will it affect his ability to make friends if he doesn’t, will he be able to say “I love you Mummy.”?

We do lots to encourage him, and just now the theme of our bedtime books is ‘farms’. Recently while driving we had a breakthrough - as we belted out a particularly rousing rendition of ‘Old MacDonald’ Quinn quietly interjected in the duckverse with ‘wack-wack’ (close enough for me and certainly surprising enough for me to nearly crash the car) so a trip to see some real ducks (and 30

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 !

other assorted residents of Old MacDonald’s farm) was soon high on the agenda.

Cue a trip to Craigie Farm! It’s on the way to Queensferry through some pretty winding roads, and when we arrived we had a look for the animals. First up were the pigs and their piglets. Lots of interesting country smells around that area but after a bit of coaching Quinn was repeating ‘pig’ more or less perfectly! Next! Across a little road to the next field to see two ponies (I called them horses for simplicity and also so that the appropriate line in Old MacDonald would still scan smoothly) and after a little coaxing I got a whispered ‘hoss’ – superb! Next, to the chickens and their tiny baby chicks in their little hot house – after some spirited efforts to encourage Quinn to ‘cluck’, the actual noise elicited sounded a lot like a bad word so that project was quickly abandoned …

After a quick bite in the café, and a trolley-dash in the farm shop (chicken stock, tablet, fresh bread; check, check, check!) we braved the newly gusty weather for a go in the play park just outside the café area. This area has been re-done with fake grass underfoot so it is now possible to partake in the sliding and swinging fun without looking like you’ve attended a wet Glastonbury.

In the car on the way home we had another go of ‘Old MacDonald’ – I could see in the mirror a couple of words were mouthed as we sang.

The only audible contribution from Quinn? The chicken noise which wasn’t quite ‘cluck’ … oh well.

k

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The Countdown to Summer in West Lothian The clocks have gone forward; the nights are getting lighter and the final countdown to summer has begun!

With the spring season in full force, some of our top attractions have now re-opened for the season. Take a stroll through Hopetoun House and Grounds, enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the canal at The Linlithgow Canal Centre or take a visit to Annet House Museum for a fun and educational day with the family.

There are a whole host of events coming up throughout May, for you and the family to look forward to. The Festival of Museums will be taking place at Almond Valley Heritage Centre on the 14th & 15th May. West Lothian Rangers Services have also released their Events Program for 2016 which includes a number of outdoor activities for children to enjoy

throughout the summer at West Lothian’s country parks. With our final event in the May calendar being the West Lothian Highland Games which will be taking place in Bathgate on the 28th of May. So check out these fabulous events and let’s get excited about summer in West Lothian!

If you haven’t seen our fabulous new Visitor Guide yet, then check out our leaflet stands at locations across West Lothian or you can simply check out our online version which is available on our website www.visitwestlothian. co.uk

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

Recipe & Food Notes

by Anne Pinkerton

Seasonal Foods

seasonal pleasures like rhubarb for pies, fools or just simply stewed with yoghurt for pudding.

If you need inspiration look at the website www.eattheseasons.co.uk for seasonal food information, tips and recipe ideas.

Here is a homely dish using new season produce.

Rhubarb and Orange Pudding 250g new pink rhubarb cut into short lengths 50g butter 200g sugar 1 small orange, rind grated and juice strained 2 eggs, separated 1/4pt milk with the egg yellows beaten in 50g plain flour

Method Set oven to 160oC. Put the rhubarb into a 2 pint oven proof dish. Cream the butter, orange rind and 2 tablespoons of the sugar till soft. Beat in the rest of the sugar with the flour alternating with the egg/milk mixture. Add the orange juice, mix well.

Beat the egg whites till stiff and gently fold into the rest of the pudding mix. Pour over the rhubarb and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top will be firm and there will be a delicious sauce with the fruit at the bottom. Serve with cold, plain yogurt or Cornish cream.

May is the start of the new season for fresh local food.

We’re lucky to have growing areas from the warmth of the Channel Isles and the west of Wales and the cooler areas of Scotland, giving us spring lamb, sea trout, Jersey Royal and Ayrshire or Pembroke potatoes, watercress, rhubarb and asparagus all ready at much the same time.

People who like to gather “wild food” will be able to find nettle, dandelion and wild garlic leaves for more interesting salads, quiches or soups.

We’ve become used to expecting a huge variety of fruit and veg all year but this has in some ways restricted what we eat. Fewer varieties of individual plants are grown for mass markets so we eat a smaller range of trace nutrients.

There are always some staples on the shelves such as apples so perhaps we forget about

Rhubarb and Orange Pudding

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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

Daily from Friday 1st April until Monday 27 June

Dechmont 50+ Arts Group Painting Exhibition at the Regal Theatre This is an opportunity to view the paintings from a group of local amateur artists who meet weekly in Dechmont. The paintings are also for sale at a very reasonable price. The exhibition is located on the 1st floor gallery of this impressive theatre, once a 1930’s art deco cinema, from 10.00am each day. Paintings will be refreshed each month. For more info email the secretary on dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit dechmontartgroup.wix.com/home.

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.

Saturday 7th May

Family Fun Day in aid of Cancer Research UK From 12noon at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.

Inflatables, Climbing wall, bungee trampoline, stalls, cakes, icecream. Wristbands for inflatables £7 unlimited use.

To be included please call Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

KONECT

Sunday 15th May

Wildflower Walk Almondell is carpeted with wildflowers during the spring. Enjoy their colour and scent and find out their names and traditional uses on this afternoon walk along the banks of the River Almond. Suitable for: All (adults and older children). Meet: Almondell Visitor Centre.

Time: 2pm-3pm. Cost: Free.

Saturday 28th May

West Lothian Highland Games in Meadow Park, Bathgate. 10am -6pm. West Lothian Highland Games returns to its traditional site this year in Meadow Park, Bathgate. Come along and enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment, including: Highland Dancing Competition, Pipe Band Competition, Solo Piping Competition, ‘Heavies” Competition, Veterans’ Road Race. Other great attractions include: Children’s Entertainment, Cookery Demonstrations, Craft Stalls,... and more. See westlothiangames.com for more details.

Admission: Adults: £5 - Children 5 & over: £3. Family ticket: £12.

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.

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the June edition of konect

Across 7 A large sea (13) 8 Disclosed (8) 9 Opposed to (4) 10 Move forward (7) 12 Allude to (5) 14 Learn (5) 16 Not coolest (7) 19 Zn (4) 20 Fizzy drink (8) 22 Practical example (13) Down 1 Not there (4) 2 Picture house (6) 3 Think about (7) 4 Unrefined (5) 5 Breathe in (6) 6 Insensitive (8) 11 Thorough (8) 13 Mallets (7) 15 Physician (6) 17 Tiny (6) 18 Show embarrassment (5) 21 Let fall (4)

clubs & classes

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

BROXBURN Broxburn Woodcraft Club 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 9am9pm, 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 to meet their goals. For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk

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Alive & Kickin 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 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 KONECT

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. 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.

The People’s Café 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.

Broxburn Art 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 Slimming World South Parish Church, E. Main St. Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 5.30pm and & 7.30pm. Contact Lisa on 07736 316400.

West Lothian Art - NEW! West Lothian Art is a group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet regularly to paint, draw and chat in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere on Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm in Uphall Community Education Centre. If you’d like to know more, please email us at info@westlothianart.co.uk West Lothian U3A (University of the 3rd Age) - NEW! A group of retired people who like to keep their minds active by learning in an informal environment. We meet in Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m., when we have speakers on a variety of topics. U3A also has a number of KONECT

interest Groups who also meet once a month, including Art Appreciation, Singing for Pleasure, History, Walking and Cinema. New members are always welcome – please contact the Membership Secretary Helen on 01506 655976. You will find a list of speakers and a full list of Groups on our website u3asites.org.uk/westlothian 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 7.00pm-10.00pm.

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 6.15pm- 9.15pm Saturdays: Children’s Activity Club 9.45am12noon; 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

DECHMONT 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.

Dechmont 50+ Arts Group 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.

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

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Appliance Repair Home Appliance Repair 6 Bakery Oliphant Bakers Ltd 33 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 23 Duffy McLean 26 Ekco 25 Beauty Allure Skin Clinic 14 Bespoke Beauty Lounge 10 The Tan Stand 14 Blacksmith Big Red Blacksmiths 4 Building Supplies MKM Building Supplies 4 Building Surveyor David Hastings 4 Butcher John Lawson Butchers 33 Car Service & Repair Auto Fitness 29 D.K’s Autocare 29 LVS Garage Services 5 MBA Specialist 28 Car Valet/Wash D.K’s Autocare 29 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services 12 Hydro Kleen Scotland 27 Catering Food Creations 33 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 35 Dentist No 9 Dental 15 Doors UPVC Doors 7 Electrician Simply Electrical 16 Estate Agent Knight Bain Estate Agents 27 Fencing/Gates The Smithy 6 Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s 6 Green Thumb 40 New Hopetoun Gardens 16 SG Garden Services 23 Woodford Timber 21 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 11 Gym/Health Club Broxburn United Sports Club 18 Hairdresser Mr Fella & Me. Bella Sassoon 15 Heating Services Duffy McLean 16 Forth Heating 23 Joiner GR Construction 23 Kilt Maker & Hire The Kilt Studio 7 Kitchens Duffy McLean 26 Ekco 25

Solution to April Crossword Across: 7 Vision, 8 Auntie, 9 Asia, 10 Athletic, 11 Insects, 13 Pelts, 15 Bills, 17 Ponders, 20 Nibbling, 21 Only, 23 Issued, 24 London.

Down: 1 Zips, 2 Pirate, 3 Infants, 4 Yacht, 5 Sneeze, 6 Sinister, 12 Noisiest, 14 Roughly, 16 Labour, 18 Drowns, 19 Birds, 22 Loot.

Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady 39 Locksmith Mackenzies 4 West Lothian Locksmith 22 Mobility Med-Ecosse 20 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland 6 Painter/Decorator Nu Walls 16 Paving Edinburgh Paving Company 28 Plastering Nu Walls 16 Restaurant Imperial Palace 34 Shoe Repair Mackenzies 4 Takeaway Bravo 34 Trusted Trader Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader 22 Vet Capital Vets 2 Mackie & Brechin 26 Window Cleaning CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 12 Windows 1st Choice Living 19 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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