Konect Bathgate April 17

APRIL 2017

bathgate

ROM RF E E H C AT VOU BATHG 0 £2 CO TES

First Time Buyers – Special Property Feature local 100 Years of Girlguiding Plus businesses, community KITCHEN REVAMP! information Easter Holiday Activities & more!

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine

The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

VXQ-307-71378-Edinburgh-128x190-from5-PRINT.pdf

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15/02/2017

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FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

e had a range of topics to cover in this issue of Konect – the Easter school holidays are upon us so check the What’s On pages for a few ideas of things to do locally with the family. Girlguiding West Lothian are celebrating 100 years in West Lothian, and asked us for help to look for new leaders – see the feature on pages 8-9.

If you’re in the market to buy your first home, you need to read the special property feature in the West Lothian section of this magazine.

The Tesco Bathgate competition is back, with the chance to win a £20 voucher to spend in the store.

CONTENTS 100 years of Guiding in West Lothian 08 Tesco Competition 41 Puzzles 42 Clubs & Classes 43 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

Kitchen Revamp!

LIFT Property Scheme Parents in West Lothian Holiday What’s On Visit West Lothian Music Review

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL2 W14 WL21 WL22 WL22 WL24 46

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

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

CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print.

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print.

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

Cover Image: Young boy holding some “Easter Chicks”

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT BATHGATE | 3

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Hire Centre is also a stock agent forYou air must have an empty 5kg Patio Bathgate 01506 633£21.75 830 to| discuss www.bathgate-hirecentre.co.uk TOOLhowHIRE products.

Drop into store we You can must have an empty 5kg £21.75 TOOL you with your industrial gases. HIRE Calor Gas bottle or 13kgPatio Patio £29.75 § supply Lawnmowers § Aerators §Gas Lawn Rollers Calor bottle or Calors bottle deposit will be 13kg Patio £29.75 §§ Turf Lawnmowers § Aerators § Lawn Rollers Lifter § Cement Mixers §

Calors bottle deposit will be

required§ for purchase.

Lifter §§ Cement Mixers Hedge Trimmer Electric Power Tools § for Rotovators Delivery§§ Turf £4.80 required purchase.

Trimmer § Electric Power Tools § Rotovators Delivery§§ Hedge £4.80 Post Hole Borer § Mini Diggers § Strimmers § Post Hole Borer § Mini Diggers § Strimmers Bathgate Hire Centre is also a stock agent for air 01506 633store 830 Bathgate Hire is also awww.bathgate-hirecentre.co.uk stock how agentwe forcan air products.

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KONECT BATHGATE | 7

SPECIAL FEATURE

OF GUIDING IN WEST LOTHIAN 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of Girlguiding in West Lothian. Linlithgow and Broxburn were the first towns in West Lothian where girls formed companies to join what in 1917 was the new Guiding organisation, soon followed by other towns.

Today there are Girlguiding groups in most towns and villages in West Lothian. Guiding provides fun, friendship and a whole lot of other things for girls from ages 5 to 25. The organisation is structured by age group, with Rainbows for ages 5-7; Brownies for ages 7-10; Guides for ages 10-14; and a Senior Section for ages 14-25.

Emma Brash is a leader for Mid Calder Brownies and is also responsible for promoting Guiding all over West Lothian. She met with me to enthuse about the organisation that she has been involved with since she joined as a Rainbow.

Being a Leader is a great experience “For me, Guiding is about adventure,” says Emma.

“Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life. For example, we recently went badgerwatching with the West Lothian Country Park Rangers; our local brownies put on a play together; and we had a STEM themed pack holiday weekend where we linked in a visit to the Museum of Flight” In their weekly sessions, the girls help decide what activities they would like to do, which includes working towards gaining badges in a range of 8 | KONECT BATHGATE

interests, everything from art, music and reading to sports and outdoors skills. Besides this, there are opportunities for experiencing adventures out and about, and meeting up with Guides from other areas for special camps. It’s about challenges, expanding horizons, firing the imagination and pushing boundaries; as well as friendship and security. “My favourite memory from Brownies is the sleepover at the science centre, all the games we played and the parties we have,” says one of the Mid Calder Brownies.

In 2017 you can’t avoid the question of “why girls only?”

Emma says, “Girlguiding is a place where girls can come together and be given the chance to be heard and the chance to do what they want, without being told they can’t. All girls are welcomed in Guiding as it’s a space for them to learn, thrive and meet new people.”

Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life

LEADERS NEEDED Leaders are needed all over West Lothian. You don’t need to have Guiding experience in order to volunteer as a leader – everyone has different skills they can bring. All you need is an interest in working with young people and making sure the girls are enjoying what they are doing.

“Being a Leader is a great experience. You learn new skills that you can transfer to your work and other areas of life,” says Emma. “It’s also like a big support group – Leaders support each other, you make great friends, and meet people from all over Scotland and further afield via the regular group camps. I have loved volunteering for Girlguiding to give a little back of what the organisation has done for me.”

If you are interested in becoming a Leader with any group in West Lothian, please contact us at westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or find more information at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN 1st Linlithgow Guide Company was the first company registered in West Lothian, in December 1917. A group of teenagers from Linlithgow Academy, having heard about Guiding – which was at that time a relatively new movement having been set up in 1909 – were keen to have their own local company.

They approached one of their teachers at the academy, who knew about Guiding as her sister was already involved in Guiding in Broxburn.

She was enthusiastic in her support and arranged the formation of the 1st Linlithgow Guide Company. The 1st Broxburn Guide Company was registered in February 1918 although they had been meeting prior to this.

1st Linlithgow Guide Company

HOW TO JOIN If your daughter is interested in joining, please visit the girlguiding website at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved, email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or check the Clubs and Classes pages of this magazine where details of the local companies are listed every month.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Emma Brash of West Lothian Girlguiding for this feature Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

KONECT BATHGATE | 9

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KONECT BATHGATE | 11

BEFORE

AFTER

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Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader Check Customer reviews www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner on Trusted Trader www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner

Save £££’s on the cost of a new kitchen Save £££’s on -the cost of a new kitchen Don’t replace reface!

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, it’s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate.

If you have information or services you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share. See page 3 for our contact details.

Look inside this section for: SPECIAL FEATURE Buying a property for the first time REVAMPING YOUR KITCHEN This month’s Home Improvements feature focuses on ideas for revamping your kitchen without breaking the bank PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian EASTER HOLIDAYS Some suggestions on what to do locally this Easter holiday

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WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

HOME IMPROVEMENT

on a budget You know the feeling - the kitchen cupboard door is about to fall off its hinges and you can’t bear to look at that burn-mark on your worktop any longer. There’s only one thing for it - you need a new kitchen.

There’s just one snag – although you’ve set aside a budget, you can’t afford a brand-new, fully-fitted one. Don’t despair, there is a solution – it’s time for a kitchen revamp!

A kitchen revamp gives you the chance to mix and match door colours

A revamp can give your room a whole new lease of life, yet cost a fraction of the price of a brand new-kitchen.

But, what exactly does a revamp involve? Here are some options to give your kitchen the wow factor without breaking the bank.

Replacing doors and worktops - Check the condition of your existing units. Are they solid enough? If so, you can simply choose new cupboard doors which will set the tone for your overall style. For example, opt for sleek, minimalist doors in a bold, contemporary colour to make a statement. Or, choose traditional Shaker doors to give your kitchen a homely, unfussy country-feel. Worktops can either complement or contrast with your doors and they come in a range of hardwearing materials that are designed to last.

Upgrading appliances and sink taps - Upgrading your appliances is a great way to give your kitchen a shiny new look while saving energy costs. By simply replacing your doors and worktops instead of the whole kitchen, you could save enough to add a larder style unit with an integrated oven. Setting your oven at eye-level saves bending down to load up your Sunday roast. Modern ovens like the Neff ‘Slide & Hide’ oven has a door which, as the name suggests, slides underneath so you can get closer to it. Plus, it has an A energy rating which is better for the environment and easier on your pocket.

Corian® can be moulded to fit any shape from a simple worktop to an additional one-piece island with combined breakfast bar.

Adding a Quooker® instead of a tap gives drink ready boiling and cold water

If you don’t want to buy a new sink, you can simply upgrade your kitchen tap. It’s amazing the difference even that small change can make. If you use a lot of boiling water for tea or coffee, then invest in a Quooker instead.

A Quooker is a tap that can deliver drink-ready boiling and cold water from the same unit.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

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An accent on lighting - Every kitchen needs good ‘task’ lighting so you can see what you’re doing when preparing dinner. However, how about creating some ‘accent’ lighting too which is designed to focus on certain items such as ornaments or artwork.

Flooring options - Now that you’ve saved some money on your units how about revamping your flooring as well. Choose between new tiles for a Mediterranean look, engineered-wood flooring for a more rustic feel, or hardwearing vinyl-tiles from a quality manufacturer such as Karndean.

Creating space - Revamping your kitchen also gives you the chance to plan it around your changing needs. For example, if your children have flown the nest maybe you don’t need as many cupboards. Why not take one away and create space for a breakfast bar instead? And, by downsizing your dishwasher to a slimline version – you might find more room for a wine cooler! Sunday brunch with Prosecco anyone?

Choosing new New worktops will completely transform your existing kitchen and there are many hardwearing materials to choose from depending on your needs.

Granite - If you do a lot of cooking, granite worktops are ideal. Hardwearing and heat-resistant you can move hot pots from your hob to your worktop without fear of it marking.

Hardwood - Hardwood can last for years but will initially need sealed with oil over a period of time. Hardwoods such as teak or iroko are ideal for breakfast bars, island or around sink areas due to their water-resistant features.

Silestone - Silestone is made from 94% quartz which is hardwearing and highly scratch-resistant. It comes in a wide range of colours and is non-porous which means it won’t stain and is bacteria resistant – perfect if you need to be extra careful about hygiene.

Corian® - Corian® from DuPont is also hardwearing, tough, durable and non-porous but it has one other quality which sets it apart from most other worktops. Corian® can be moulded to suit different layouts so you can create one large area from one piece. This means no seams and no crevices for dirt and bacteria to gather.

WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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WL8 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

GARDENING PROJECT

SPRING POTS It’s Spring and it’s time to have a good look at your garden pots again: are they looking good; do any permanent plants need some tender loving care; do you need some new pots?

It is too early to risk planting your summer display plants into the pots because we will still get some killing frosts over the next few weeks. But it’s a good time to cheer up your existing planted pots and perhaps treat your garden to some new pots.

This season’s trend is for soft pastel coloured pots, both in glazed ceramics and plastic. The soft greens, blues, creams and beige pots compliment your plants and don’t fight with them for your attention.

We have popped in a selection of our

evergreen ‘Carefree Plants’ collection and they are all tough plants that only require water and food from you all year round. Choose plants like these to decorate your pots and patio this month.

Existing plants in pots will need feeding and tidying up now and replace the top 2” layer of compost with fresh compost and pop in some pansies or viola for some extra colour.

Then sit back and enjoy your display!

The gardening project is contributed

by New Hopetoun Gardens. www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.

Planted Pots

TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.…

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL9

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL11

The Theperfect perfectwork-life work-lifebalance balance The perfect work-life balance

Cathlaw Lane Cathlaw Lane

Nestled Nestledin inaasecluded secludedposition positionon onthe theSouth Southside sideof ofthe thepretty prettyconservation conservationvillage village of Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting for a modern family home.

With of Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting for a modern family home.

With Nestled in a secluded position on the South side of the pretty conservation village countryside in directions, this offers the lifestyle open countryside inall all directions, thissemi semirural rural location offers thehome. lifestyle ofopen Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting forlocation a modern family With benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community open countryside in all directions, this semi rural location offers the lifestyle with convenience of commute to withthe the convenience ofan aneasy easy commute toboth both Edinburgh &Glasgow.

Glasgow. benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts ofEdinburgh a thriving & village community withLinlithgow the convenience of an easy commute to both Edinburgh & Glasgow.

Academy catchment

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SPECIAL FEATURE

STEPS TO YOUR NEW HOME 1. Speak to a financial advisor of your choice about your mortgage suitability 2. Submit an application to the LIFT scheme at: www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT 3. LIFT assesses your application based on the information you provide 4. They let you know if you are eligible, what your minimum financial contribution is, and the maximum price of property you can buy 5. You then have 12 weeks to find your new home. If it times out, you need to re-apply 6. Send LIFT the details of the property you want to buy and they will let you know if you can make an offer using the scheme 7. If your offer is accepted, you can finalise your mortgage with the mortgage-provider of your choice 8. Your solicitor will confirm the terms of the sale and arrange for the paperwork to be signed 9. LIFT will claim the relevant funding from the Scottish Government 10. Your solicitor will gather the funds for the sale price and transfer them to allow you to move in.

CONGRATULATIONS, you have bought your new home!

WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Running successfully for 9 years, the Scottish Government’s LIFT scheme is all about helping first time buyers get on the housing ladder. It’s a fantastic scheme yet not many house buyers have heard of it.

LIFT stands for Low-cost Initiative for First Time buyers, and although is aimed primarily at first time buyers, you may also be eligible if you are a social rented tenant, have special housing needs due to disability, are armed forces personnel or a recent veteran. In a nutshell, it means if you meet the criteria, the Scottish Government will fund a percentage of the purchase price of any property advertised on the open market.

The scheme is administered on behalf of the government

by Link Group Ltd, a social enterprise in the housing sector. I visited them at their premises in Falkirk to find out more about this scheme, which seems too good to be true.

“It really is as simple as it sounds,” insists Danielle Lynch, marketing officer at Link Group. “If you’re in the market for a new home you’ve probably heard of the Help to Buy scheme, promoted by the large house builders because it is specifically for new builds. But you may not have heard of LIFT, which is similar but applies to any home advertised on the open market.” It works on the basis of shared equity, where the Scottish Government funds between 10% and 40% of the cost of your first home, depending on your eligibility. For example if you fund 80% of the property, the Scottish Government retains a 20% equity stake. It’s not a loan accumulating interest or needing to be paid back like your mortgage; you own the property outright and have full title to it but if and when you sell, you repay the 20% back to the government from the proceeds. Or in the meantime you have the option of increasing your stake or purchasing the government’s stake completely.

It puts home ownership within reach for many who would otherwise not be able to afford a suitable home. The percentage the government puts in may reduce

the amount of deposit you will have to contribute, reduce your monthly mortgage payments and therefore make living more affordable and sustainable.

A recent beneficiary explained, “I work hard, long hours in a personally rewarding job, yet remain on a pretty low income due to the sector within which I am employed.

As a result I was growing increasingly disheartened with the prospect of ever being able to own my own property.

Having managed to save enough for a deposit I still found myself in the position of being unable to secure a reasonably-sized mortgage. Thanks to the LIFT scheme I was able to find and put an offer in on a property that I would otherwise have been unable to secure finance for, despite being able to meet the monthly costs of ownership.”

Eligibility is means-tested, and there are of course some limits on the price and size of a property you can purchase. The maximum price depends on the area you’re purchasing in as house values vary. The pricing thresholds are published on the website (details below).

And the type of house needs to be appropriate for your needs. For example, a single person is unlikely to be eligible for help to purchase a four-bedroomed home, but a family of four probably would be. Each application is considered on its own merits.

The first step is to speak to a mortgage provider of your choice. Once you have completed your mortgage application and got your Mortgage Promise, you can apply to LIFT to have it “topped up”.

INFORMATION For more information please visit the Link website at www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT or contact the LIFT team on lift@linkhaltd.co.uk or 0330 303 0125.

Link Group Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, Registered Number: 1481 R(S).

Registered Office: Link House, 2c New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL. It is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity No: SC001026.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Danielle Lynch of Link Group Ltd in Falkirk for this feature. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

PROPERTY MATTERS

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think

The media regularly devotes headlines to the plight of the first-time buyer trying to get a foot on the property ladder, along with a considerable focus on the contribution first-time buyers apparently make to the property market, with house prices being significantly “fuelled from below”.

These headlines conjure up images of struggling first-time buyers who have just got their first job and are having difficulty raising enough money to purchase their first home. However, this sector of the market possibly has less of a bearing on the market than one might expect because of the changing definition of the first-time buyer.

Far from being “real” first-time buyers, 20% of those recorded as such have actually owned property in the past and are re-entering the market. Financial institutions have been known to label anyone who does not currently own a property as a “first-time” buyer as it categorises them as valuable “new business” to be pursued.

Likewise, estate agents often refer to anyone who has no related sale as a “first-time” buyer as it defines a purchaser unencumbered by a linked transaction, i.e. a hot buyer!

The chances are that some of these buyers may well have large deposits (we regularly come across “first-time” buyers looking up to £250,000). Many of these buyers are likely to be at least into their 30’s and may have been renting following a sale, a job transfer, a divorce, or travelling.

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think. There are mortgages available now that require only a 5% deposit – from lenders they’ll know from the High Street. They may also be eligible for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, otherwise known as the “LIFT” scheme. This scheme is currently open to all first time buyers and aims to help buyers on a low to moderate income on to the property ladder with minimum capital outlay. Lenders normally require a small deposit, although it may be possible to secure lending with no personal deposit whatsoever.

Any void left by the “youngsters” is being amply filled by the buy-to-let market, which is supplying the rented accommodation for those very people who would otherwise be first-time buyers themselves. It certainly keeps the market afloat, albeit at the expense of those who would prefer to own their own home earlier in life!

This month’s Property Matters column is contributed

by Gillian Greenwell of Greenwell Financial Services, Bathgate. www.greenwellfinancialservices.co.uk

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WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

guard against travel-cot related injuries by curbing one’s hoarding tendencies...

Every so often in one’s life, there comes a time when one is forced to look oneself in the eye, jaw set, and with an even stare say, “Nicola, are you becoming a hoarder?”

its unexpected embrace, a single thought penetrated my startled brain. These things must go.

Today is just such a day.

I definitely inherited my ‘keep everything, just in case’ gene from my mother, who strangely got hers from rebelling against HER mother who constantly threw things out, regardless of how valuable, important, or sentimental they were.

My behaviour has been kept partly at bay by my long-suffering husband, despite the fact that during out last house move, things which I deemed important enough to move from oldhouse to new-house included: several empty Pringles tubes; an unusablybroken sock-dryer; half a brick.

With the advent of our children, my ‘keep everything’ tendencies have had to be seriously addressed. Much as I might wish otherwise, the laws of physics actually do apply in my house, and within its confines there is a finite volume of occupy-able space.

Wait a minute – KidzEco! Nestled in what used to be the Blockbuster video unit on the outside of the Almondvale Centre in Livingston, or smack bang in the middle of the little pedestrian precinct in the middle of Bathgate, KidzEco has been a Godsend for us. It is a social enterprise which sells pre-loved baby things, and runs discounted baby-classes in both shops. You can get everything there, from prams to potties, bottle-warmers to baby-slings, snow-suits to swimsuits, books to Bob the Builder toys, and bedding to bikes. So extensive is the range that whenever the babies need something new – most often Quinn needing new trousers since they appear to disintegrate when exposed to his Tasmanian-devil style of play - we ALWAYS check out Kidzeco first to see if we can get them there.

And this morning that regrettable fact revealed itself once more when I nearly ended myself opening a cupboard to be enthusiastically greeted by a falling travel-cot. As I steeled myself for the impact of

So what better place to let our redundant baby stuff get a new lease of life? We began the process of

Turns out we have rather a lot of baby stuff that really serves no purpose to us now, but I’ve never wanted to throw it away because it’s way too good for the bin. So what to do?

ferrying items to the shop, including several bags of baby clothes, baby coat hangers some foam playmats, and a baby bath. We then made arrangements for the staff at KidzEco to collect the bigger items that we couldn’t transport, i.e. the rocking chair and the travel cot. So now we have cupboards and drawers simply yawning with free space, and a de-cluttered living area and mind to boot.

Now to go shopping to fill them up again … only joking!

Or am I … ?

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the ever-evolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

SEASONAL

HOP ON THROUGH WEST LOTHIAN THIS EASTER!

EASTER HOLIDAY IDEAS IN WEST LOTHIAN

That’s right – it’s time again for the Easter bunny to start delivering all those scrummy Easter eggs! Enjoy an egg-stra special Easter with the family this year in West Lothian; you can expect lots of fun activities and fantastic days out!

CREATIVE

Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil, and tear around the Almond Valley Heritage Centre (1st -17th April) collecting clues on the springtime trail. Enjoy some ‘Easter Eggcitement’ by keeping a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize, whilst in the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. There will be still further special attractions over the four days of Easter (14th to 17th April), including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade.

Why not drop into Hopetoun Estate and enjoy some of their Easter activities! You can try the trail, find hidden treasure and makes some Easter Crafts – all great fun for the family! Pop along anytime between 12noon and 3pm on Saturday 16th April for a hopping good day!

And as if all this excitement wasn’t enough, why not try your hand at making your own chocolates this Easter! Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop located in Livingston is the perfect place to indulge a little, make your own personalized chocolates in the studio, and eat your creations at home later on – what’s not to love! A great location for children’s parties, hen dos or even just as something to do during the holidays!

Look out for our new West Lothian Visitor Guide 2017/18, which will be appearing in schoolbags & leaflet racks soon!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: Website: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Facebook: VisitWestLothian Twitter: @teamwestlothian Instagram: @VisitWestLothian WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Drop in anytime to Potter Around (1) craft studio, for pottery painting, decopatch and other activities, see www.potteraround.co.uk. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Open 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-4pm.

Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop (2); the name says it all – lots of chocolatey fun for all ages! Please visit www.gettinggooey.com. Booking is essential, call 01506 411978 or email hello@gettinggooey.com. Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston, EH54 7FA

ACTIVE Join in the fun at Jump Station, trampoline park for all ages and skill levels! 6 years and up can jump without an adult, 5 year olds can jump with a paying adult. Contact venue for times for under 5s. www.jumpstations.co.uk.

3 Kingsthorne Park, Livingston EH54 5DB. Xcite West Lothian* run kids holiday clubs at all of their leisure centres, most need to be booked in advance. Full details at www.westlothianleisure.com. Swimming is free for West Lothian kids aged under 16 during the school holidays, Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm at Xcite Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Livingston and Whitburn (* Subject to availability).

WILDLIFE & ANIMALS Get closer to local wildlife with Historic Environment Scotland Rangers in Linlithgow. Tuesday 4th April at Linlithgow Peel, 10.30am-12.30pm. Learn about the clues wildlife leave behind to find out who makes Linlithgow Loch their home. Suitable for ages 8-12. Free, but booking essential, call Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals. Grab your clue sheet and tear around the farm between Saturday 1st April to Monday 17th April, collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area, make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel 01506 414957

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MUSIC REVIEW

WINDING HIS WAY DOWN TO BAKER STREET If you need a break from the all-conquering King Sheeran and his divide then this is a good month to relive the early work of another solo singer songwriter in his mid-twenties – assuming that you remember it was AD1971. After a period of only being available for silly money second hand, Gerry Rafferty’s first full solo album following his increasing domination of the Humblebums, the overlooked and mostly forgotten “Can I Have My Money Back”, has finally been rereleased albeit with minimum fanfare.

From this perspective the album appears to perfectly presage the 1978 City To City era, right down to the John Bryne/Patrick cover and Hugh Murphy production, to such extent that you could leapfrog over the intervening Steeler’s Wheel years and never hear the join. That voice, comprising equal measures of smoke, whisky, and a passionate dispassion is instantly recognisable. The themes of emotional disconnection and alienation are also present, only lightly hidden beneath the chirpy pop production.

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The maturity of certain tracks is striking. Every songwriter between 1966 and 1975 was, by law, required to write their own version of Eleanor Rigby. Rafferty’s take on this, “Mary Skeffington” has no hint of toytown psychedelia or patronising “look at the little person” attitude. The portrait of an elderly woman remembering her childhood holidays is genuinely moving - unlike the occasional dip into what does sound like juvenilia on sketches such as the resolutely un-amusing “Mr Universe”.

Rafferty was his own prophet on the frighteningly prescient “Sign on the Dotted Line” and “One Drink Down”, which gives this collection another edge. Highly recommended.

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The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band Snakeskin Shoe Review.

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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KONECT BATHGATE | 37

Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the West Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to the Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital to serve serve theWest West Lothian Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

• We offer specialised veterinary services offerspecialised specialised veterinary services inWe Orthopaedic surgery, Endoscopy and • • We offer veterinary services inOrthopaedic Orthopaedic surgery,surgery).

Endoscopy and was Laparoscopy (key-hole Ayrton in surgery, Endoscopy and Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients key-hole surgery.in Scotland to offer clients the first practice key-hole surgery. key-hole surgery.

• Our out of hours emergency service is provided • byOur out of vets hours emergency service is provided our nurses here at the Hospital • Our outown of hoursand emergency service is provided by our own vets and nurses here at the Hospital andour on-call staffand are on-site for hospitalised by own vets nurses here at the Hospital and on-call staff are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs and on-call patients 24staff hrs are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ preventative andthat has addedyou discounts off of veterinary treatments • We have a Pethealthcare Health Club to budget monthly for treatments your pets’ preventative healthcare and hasallows added discounts off of veterinary and procedures. preventative healthcare and has added discounts off of veterinary treatments and procedures. and procedures.

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T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 BurnhouseIndustrial Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West T: Estate, 01501 744736 Burnhouse Whitburn, West Lothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47OLQ OLQ Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 OLQ 38 | KONECT BATHGATE

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

BUSTER THE DOG

FEATURED CAT | LEXIE Lexie is a 4 year old tortoiseshell girl who came into our care following a change in family circumstances and greets everyone, young or old, as a long lost friend and loves to be petted and cuddled. She is so relaxed that she would be happy in a home with a young family and with other cats. The only thing she doesn’t like is dogs!

Lexie has been fully vet checked, she is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The only thing that this girl needs is a forever home with access to a safe garden where she can be given the love and care that she deserves.

Call 01506 298107 or use the “Contact us” form at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian

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KONECT BATHGATE | 39

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN Matching cats needing a home with people needing a pet is one of the core aims of Cats Protection West Lothian.

Along with a neutering programme and educating people on the care of cats, a dedicated band of volunteers hold a re-homing day at Newyearfield Centre in Livingston every six to eight weeks. I attended a rehoming day recently to chat to the volunteers.

Cats Protection is the largest feline charity in the UK. The local branches are run with administrative support from the national charity but they do all their own fundraising. There are on average around 30 cats in foster homes throughout West Lothian at any time awaiting a permanent home, so if you’re looking for a cat to join your family there is likely to be one here for you!

Cats come into their care in two ways: when an owner can no longer take care of their cat, for example a landlord states ‘no pets’, homelessness or even relocation for a new job.

When Cats Protection is asked to collect a stray cat, they have a careful process for checking that the cat is a genuine stray in order to avoid accidentally taking someone’s pet; cats are notorious for wandering for days, particularly if they are not neutered, but eventually return home! Local Cats Protection volunteers then provide home and care until a permanent home is found. “We also get quite a few cats whose owners are elderly and moving into care homes,” explains Gill, volunteer and branch treasurer. “It’s a comfort to them to know that their beloved cat will be well looked-after and rehomed”.

All Cats Protection cats are fully vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped and no cat is rehomed until the vet is happy with that cat’s health. Also, no healthy cat or kitten is ever put-to-sleep, although this does happen, this is only carried out on the instruction of our branch vet. The bills for all of this work are covered by the branch.

Neutering is extremely important and is one of the main aims of the charity. The Cats Protection website states that, “Cats are prolific breeders – one unneutered female can be responsible for producing 20,000 descendants in just five years. One unneutered female cat can produce 18 kittens a year.” For this reason Cats Protection subsidises a neutering programme, available for anyone on benefits or on a low income and living in the EH postcode area can have their cat neutered for just £5. This is only possible with the help of every vet in West Lothian who has signed up to the scheme, so please contact your local vet for details.

40 | KONECT BATHGATE

ASKIT: Looking for her forever home Cats Protection West Lothian also help reunite owners with lost cats via their Facebook page (@catswestlothian), and provide advice on cat general care. They work closely with other local organisations such as Petsearch West Lothian and share resources, with West Lothian and Edinburgh Pet Food Banks. They are also extremely grateful to local business Pet Planet www.petplanet.co.uk, the internet retailer based in Livingston who generously donate bags of food and litter and toys. Pets at Home have also been a great source of help with providing a space for a food donation bin as well as kindly donating beds, bedding, toys etc.

The next rehoming day is Saturday 22nd April, 1-3pm at Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawkbrae, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6TW.

BILL: Waiting for adoption

VOLUNTEER: If you would like to get involved in anyway, to foster cats, help fundraise and be part of the Cats Protection family, please get in touch! We meet once a month at Inveralmond High School, Livingston, 1st Tuesday of every month at 7pm-9pm.

Cats Protection is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC037711

TESCO COMPETITION

Happy Easter to all of our customers and hope you don’t eat too much chocolate.

A few important collectors will be in store this month.

Firstly Fauldhouse Salvation Army and secondly West Lothian First Responders.

Two great groups that really help our community.

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Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 Winner help make it your perfect day!

Croftmalloch Primary will visit for their first Farm to Fork Day. I hope they all have a great time.

Voting finishes on 29th April for our groups who have entered into the Bags of Help scheme. The money donated is money made from our carrier bag revenue.

Good luck to them all.

£20 VO TES UCHER CO B ATH FROM GAT E HOW TO ENTER: Simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject “Tesco Bathgate”. Closing date for entries 15th April 2017. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

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

events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

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KONECT BATHGATE | 41

Come worship with us at ALMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH on Resurrection Sunday, 16 April 2017 at Newyearfield Farm Community Centre in Livingston.

42 | KONECT BATHGATE

PUZZLES

CLUBS & CLASSES

CROSSWORD

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

BATHGATE Bathgate Fairtrade Group Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian, providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations. If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or email mrs_g@btinternet.com Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Tues & Wed nights.

Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues & Wed nights.

Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Tues & Thurs nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Bathgate & District Flower Club

Solution in the May edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Type of hat (6) 8. Assault (6) 9. Not pretty (4) 10. Exciting (8) 11. Style of writing (7) 13. Cold (5) 15. Freshwater fish (5) 17. Loosening (7) 20. Fruit trees are grown here (8) 21. Legend (4) 22 Mixes together (6) 23 Writer (6) DOWN: 1. Zero (6) 2. Remain (4) 3. Foretell (7) 4. Boring (5) 5. Evenly (8) 6. Economise (6) 12. Chuckling (8) 14. Uncommon (7) 16. Seldom (6) 18. Idea (6) 19. Squash (5) 21. Dumb (4)

SUDOKU

We are a friendly group who meet third Monday of each month, Sept to June (except Dec), 7.15pm in the United Reform Church Hall, Majoriebanks Street, Bathgate. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who designs around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes. The Club was established 50 years ago and we celebrate our anniversary year which began in Sept 2016. Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, tel 01506 676965 Bathgate History Group We are a friendly group who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm in The Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate.

We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee.

A warm welcome awaits old and new members, the first meeting for the 2014/2015 session is Wednesday 3rd September. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.

Solution on Page 46

Simply Play Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www. simplyplay.org or call 01506 856444.

Any Dog ‘ll Do Rescue Group A friendly group of volunteers based in and around Bathgate.

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

31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

KONECT BATHGATE | 43

Bathgate Concert Orchestra We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www.batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.

West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

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

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

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street. Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm. Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.

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

Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm Newland Concert Brass Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass. org.uk MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support) Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Mon 1pm– 3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534.

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

44 | KONECT BATHGATE

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

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

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

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

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

West Lothian Run Little Runners – free of charge: Wednesdays at Boghall Community Wing, 6-7pm; Thursdays at Boghall Community Wing 6-7pm (for kids with autism);Saturdays at Kirkton Park, Bathgate 10-11am. Adults - £2 per session. Saturdays from Kirkton Park, Bathgate from 10-11am, taking a different route to the kids.

Book your place in any of the groups at westlothianrun.org.uk.

Generation Dance Bathgate St Mary’s Hall, Livery St. Every Friday 10.30am– 11.30am. Join the community dance club for anyone over 60 years. There’s no need to book, just turn up. Regardless of your mobility, independence and experience, come along, try us and tell your friends. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality. Everyone can take part.

Suggested weekly donation £3. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239. www.generationarts.co.uk Royal British Legion Ex-service male/female organisation. The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing. Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.

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

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

Bathgate Theatre Company Ever wanted to be onstage or help out behind the scenes?

Bathgate Theatre Company are always looking for new members to take part in their annual show which takes place in November with rehearsals usually being every Thursday from 7pm – 9pm at the Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Annual members fee £30 plus £10 insurance if going onstage. For more info contact the Secretary on bathgatetheatrecompany@gmail.com or visit our website www.bathgatetheatrecompany.moonfruit.co.uk Kirkton Park Tennis Club Welcoming new members to join our developing tennis club! The tennis courts at Kirkton Park in Bathgate have recently been resurfaced and are now open for use. For further information on our club go to our website: KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook. Learn, Play, Enjoy!

Scottish Seniots Computer Club James Young Bar, Hopetoun Street, Bathgate. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share!

Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact : Chris Cosgrove.

Bathgate Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Physio Led Pilates The Pyramids Fitness Centre, Bathgate, Friday mornings at 10am & 11am. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com West Lothian Sub Aqua Club Come along and join us on a Tuesday evening at Xcite Bathgate swimming pool. Not sure if scuba-diving is for you? No problem, we can offer you a taster ‘Try Dive’ to let you experience the freedom of diving. Training is carried out at your pace and our instructors are fully qualified and experienced divers so you will be in safe hands. As a not-for-profit organisation you will be surprised how little our training costs. To find out more, visit our website www. westlothianscuba.co.uk or come along to Xcite Bathgate at 8pm on a Tuesday for a chat by the pool.

WESTER INCH Wester Inch Parent & Toddler Group Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@hotmail.com Simpson Art Club We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138 Centrepoint Church Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom. jackson@centrepointchurch.org Messy Church Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. Third Thursday of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm.

Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com

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

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www. westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion. co.uk Lothian Running Club Welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too).

Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section too from age 6.

Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in Oscars, Ladywell, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details & information, contact Nan McDonald 01506 655739.

The Tree Club Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk Alternative Company Entertainers (ACE) Meet every Thursday in Whitburn academy at 7:00 – 9pm. Ages 5 to 105+. Contact acompanyentertainers@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

Harmony Dance Club Armadale We are a not for profit club for retired ladies, dancing to CDs mostly sequence dancing. We meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Community Centre, South Street Armadale, from 1.30 to 3.30pm. We would welcome old and new members to our club.

Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances, we can teach you.

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.

West Lothian Gymnastics Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CL ASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK. CHARIT Y AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE, THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

KONECT BATHGATE | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL11 Ekco WL5 BOWLING CLUB Bathgate Bowling Club BUSINESS SUPPORT GSI Events CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Ace Exhausts & Tyres Meadowpark Garage

4 WL24 4 4

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services WL10 James Burnett WL24 CATERING Food Creations

41

CHURCH Almond Valley Church Centre Point Church

42 43

CLEANING SERVICES Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd 6 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers DOORS UPVC Doors DRY CLEANER Bee Cleaner ELECTRICIAN D B Electrics MC & Co Electrical Ltd Clan Electrical

WL18 6 37 6 WL2 10

GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd

7

GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club WL19 GIFTS New Hopetoun Gardens HEALTHCARE ABC Hearing

WL9 47

HEATING SERVICES Mech A Tech

WL24

HOME DECOR Ligneum Designs Ltd

48

46 | KONECT BATHGATE

WINDOWS 1st Choice Living

10

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 42

JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL2 KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL2 Ekco WL5 S & S 12 LOCKSMITH WestLothianLocksmithCompany WL10

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss

or damage caused by error in the printing of an MOBILITY advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers Ableworld WL23 in this publication. All material is accepted for Med-Ecosse WL7 publication on the understanding it is copyright

MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL6 Motorhome Escapes WL18 OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team

WL2

PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane Manic Street Painters Nu Walls Brian McGown Decorator

WL4 37 WL4 10

ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine WL17 Drummond Miller WL15 PLASTERING Remax WL13 Top 2 Bottom Plastering 37 Turpie WL12 PLUMBING SERVICES FISHMONGER Capital Heating WL4 Bathgate Fishmonger 41 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE GARDEN & LANDSCAPING WL Landscaping & Gardening WL10 All Year Round Landscapes 37 Beatson’s WL6 TILING Service With A Tile 37 Green Thumb 2 Naia Garden Services 6 New Hopetoun Gardens WL9 Woodford Timber WL8 WL Landscaping & Gardening WL10

VET Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 38 Riverside Veterinary Practice 39

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader WL10 VENUE Hilcroft Hotel

11

free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

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