Konect Bathgate April 2025 by Konect Magazines

WISHING ALL OUR READERS A VERY COMMUNITY: COMMUNITY:

The Bathgate Concert Orchestra, West Lothian’s very own long-established concert orchestra, graces the cover this month. A “happy mix of amateur and professional musicians”, they put on wonderful concerts regularly and are also looking for new musicians to join in the fun – see the article on pages 8-9.

As always, there is plenty going on in West Lothian this month, especially over the Easter weekend. A special mention is due to the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, who celebrate 50 years this year and were an important part in getting the canal cleaned up for all to enjoy. Their opening day for the season is 12th April and they have plenty on over the Easter weekend and through the year - see pages 20-21.

Wishing all our readers and customers a lovely Easter weekend. Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: M:

07854 492638

West Lothian has more than its fair share of musical talent across all genres, and one talented group of musicians can be found on a Friday night enjoying rehearsals with the Bathgate Concert Orchestra (BCO).

The orchestra is a happy mix of amateur and professional musicians. With a long history dating from 1952, it has encompassed many players, conductors, presidents and committees and been well served by them all. The BCOʼs current conductor is the highly talented musician Steven Meikle. Steven became Musical Director in January 2023 and, along with Aileen Lowdon, 1st Violin and Leader, brings a new dynamic to this very special orchestra.

One of Stevenʼs particular skills as a conductor lies in helping amateur players in the orchestral setting. The repertoire ranges from its large library of light classical music to new compositions, movie film themes and video game music so that there are pieces accessible to all. They tackle everything with enthusiasm and a night at the BCO concert is always a memorable treat.

A warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to join the orchestra. If you play an instrument and would like the social and developmental aspect of being in an orchestra, or perhaps you are a lapsed musician who hasnʼt picked up their instrument since school -you will be made very welcome at BCO. They

have capacity in all sections of the orchestra currently. The goal is simply to promote live music and encourage musicians of all ages in their musical development.

One particularly special feature of the BCO is their Tutored Rehearsal/Play Days (TRD). The play days are a unique opportunity for orchestra members together with other amateur musicians to be tutored by expert professional tutors in small groups for their section of the orchestra. Generous sponsorship by local business Maxim Power Tools Ltd means that this absolutely top quality tuition is available for around £30.(Student members of the orchestra pay half). Maxim Power Tools Ltd aim to encourage and support everyone, especially young people, to develop their musical skills and love of music which then brings happiness to so many listeners. Tutors for the TRDs came originally from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and latterly from more diverse sources. The music worked on is based on upcoming BCO concerts. Invariably attendees make huge progress on the day and come away highly motivated as it shows what can be achieved and what they are capable of with a bit of support.

BCO Tutored Rehersal Days are open for application to any musicians; you donʼt need to be an orchestra member to attend. Itʼs recommended that youʼre playing at ABRSM Grade 4/5 or above to get the most out of it. The next TRD is on Saturday 26th April at the Craig Inn Community Centre, Blackridge. If you would like to attend please contact: secretary@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk

Steven Meikle was a guest player with the BCO for some time as a percussionist before becoming Musical Director. Having graduated in 2020 with a degree in music focused on piano and percussion and occupying various roles on the Scottish music scene, conducting evolved as his main passion. When the former BCO conductor, Michael Graham, left for new opportunities, Steven was offered the post on a temporary basis and was confirmed as full Musical Director on a permanent contract a few months later. Under Stevenʼs baton, BCO continues to develop and allow local amateur musicians to find their home here.

There are several concerts throughout the year at venues across West Lothian including Bathgate, Livingston, Linlithgow, Fauldhouse and Winchburgh. Entry is by donation. As one orchestra member says,”We are definitely worth a ticket price. Entry is by donation because we want to encourage everyone to come and enjoy our music, no barriers at all.” Foxes Burtons, who sponsor BCO events in kind, are pleased to help keep community activity alive as once lost it is very difficult to restart.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

In order to provide this top quality musical development opportunity, the orchestra relies on business sponsorship. Business Sponsors are mentioned on posters and programmes and at each well-attended concert. If you are interested in sponsoring BCO please contact: treasurer@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk for information.

Becoming a Friend of the BCO

Friends are valued for themselves and their presence at concerts and at £10 per annum contribute a valuable guaranteed income which is currently used to purchase new music. If you are interested in becoming a Friend please contact: secretary@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor, after speaking with members of BCO and attending their wonderful concerts in West Lothian.

Join us for our next events

Cairdean care home, Colinton Understanding dementia

Thursday 29th May, 2pm - 3.30pm

Lauder Lodge, Portobello Lets talk about dementia

Saturday 7th June, 11am - 12noon

Murrayside care home, Corstorphine Scams and fraud awareness talk

Friday 4th April, 11am - 12pm

To book please call 03301 734 876

We are a small firm of solicitors representing clients throughout West Lothian. We practice solely in family law and guardianships.

Lesley Fairfield is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law

Carers of West Lothian have recently launched a Memory Information Support booklet to help provide those living in West Lothian with an awareness of what memory difficulties may look like, and what local support is available. This resource includes a wealth of valuable information for those supporting someone with memory issues, such as on financial, legal and wellbeing matters, and about how and when to access this support.

It highlights the importance of having conversations with family when you first start seeing these changes and including the person experiencing memory difficulties too.

The ‘Memory Issue Journey’ helps to explain what you might expect and where you might

be on this once you have started the process of speaking with medical professionals. Following this can give an indication of what the next steps might be, and help avoid periods of ‘unknowns’.

While each journey may look different for each family, knowing what may come next can bring some comfort whilst you wait for next steps and knowing what other agencies can support you.

If you have concerns around a family member’s memory, or have been referred to the Older People’s Community Mental Health Team (also known as the Memory Treatment Service), we would encourage those supporting someone to reach out to Carers of West Lothian to speak with the Memory Information Support Team (MIST) by calling 01506 448000.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

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).

At Turpie & Co, we provide three different options for homeowners who are considering selling their property. Each service is tailored depending on what stage you are at in the process of deciding whether to sell your property.

All of the services are free and come with no obligation to sell or to use our agency. They can offer invaluable advice when considering the sale of your largest asset. The information below should help you decide which valuation service is most suited to your needs.

ONLINE VALUATION - An ‘online’ or instant’ valuation is produced by various software platforms and provides an estimated valuation figure by using collated data of historic sales within your postcode area, and applying algorithms which take into account inflation as well as the prices of currently advertised properties. This in-turn produces an estimated valuation range for your property. These tools are often not accurate when compared with the valuation figures that an agent would provide a homeowner at an in-person valuation appointment.

Probable accuracy range between £50k to £100k depending on the price bracket your property falls into

DESKTOP OR VIRTUAL VALUATION - A ‘desktop’ or ‘virtual’ valuation is conducted via a pre-arranged telephone appointment or virtual meeting such as ‘Teams’ or ‘Zoom’. The agent will carry out the same research as they would for a physical (in-person) appointment, however they wouldn’t visit your property so the advice, guidance and recommendations would be based on their individual and company experience and track record of similar sales

in the area. A desktop valuation can be useful when you are planning to sell in the coming 3-6 months and are gathering information to allow you to set a realistic and affordable budget for your onward move etc. The desktop valuation is typically followed up by a physical in-person valuation when you are within 4 weeks of being ready to list your property for sale.

Probable accuracy range between £25k to £50k depending on the price bracket your property falls into

IN-PERSON VALUATION - This is a traditional physical appointment where the agent visits you at your property. The agent will carry out the same pre-meeting research as with the Desktop valuation, however will be able to provide a more comprehensive survey and appraisal of your home and provide more specific and bespoke recommendations on how to market your property and a more accurate valuation. This will include estimated Home Report value and anticipated selling price (these figures can often be quite different depending on the property, location and current market conditions)

An accuracy of within approximately £10k of the anticipated HR value with estimate of potential upside selling price (i.e. anticipated selling price - different from predicted HR value)

If you are thinking about selling your property in the coming months, please contact us to discuss which valuation option is right for you.

SCANSCANSCANMEME ME SCAN ME

The Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

At Turpie & Co, we offer 3 different ways to have your property valued. Choose which option is best for you

Find out what your HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds

GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code is WORTH in 60 seconds

HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds

GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code is WORTH in 60 seconds

GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code

BOOK A TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL DESKTOP VALUATION

with Steven or Kirsty by scanning the QR code

BOOK AN ‘IN-PERSON’ VALUATION at your property with one of our experienced property consultants by scanning the QR code

Come explore, celebrate, relax…

You will have to be of a certain vintage’ to remember how derelict and unattractive the Union Canal had become by the 70’s and 80’s. It looked unloved.

It had opened in 1822 to transport freight and passengers between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but its traffic had quickly dwindled with the coming of the railway. By 1965 it was closed to navigation. Along most of its length mud and rubbish had accumulated and parts had even been deliberately filled in. Many people thought that this was senseless.

In 1975 Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS) was formed. Its members rolled up their sleeves and manually began clearing the mud and waste. Through their example, funding for machine-clearing was eventually raised. Together with other groups they were a catalyst for the Millenium Project to re-open Scotland’s lowland canals. 2025 is LUCS 50th anniversary and we’d like you to come to the beautiful Manse Road Basin to enjoy the fruits of five decades of voluntary work and help us celebrate. The basin harbours four passenger boats which provide cruises to over 1600 people annually, many free to special groups. Those cruises can vary in duration from 30 mins to 9 hours! Some offer lovely afternoon teas!

LUCS’ members ‘drive’ the boats but there are opportunities for you to book a trip and drive one yourself. Our website has all the details. If being on the water is not your thing, you can still enjoy being beside it: we have a tearoom, plus Scotland’s only canal museum. Here we welcome visitors from throughout the world but we really want to welcome more locals!

We have a busy year ahead of us so don’t limit yourself to just one visit!

• Sat 12th Apr – Opening Day (weekend activities continue until 28th September)

• Mon 14th - 18th Apr – Easter weekday activities

• 30th June to 22nd Aug – Summer weekday activities

• Sun 10th Aug – Fun Day & Cardboard Boat Race

• Sat 6th Sep – Boater’s Gathering

• 25th/26th Oct – Halloween Cruises

• 13th/14th and 20th/21st Dec – Santa Cruises

All these memorable days are provided by volunteers of all ages. We annually provide over 7000 hours of cooperative service. We drive the boats, fix the engines, serve the teas etc. Come join in! You will have a skill we can use, and you will get a lot of satisfaction from being one of the ‘crew’.

Our members can do everything that needs done, but we cannot finance everything by ourselves. Our flagship, Victoria, for instance demands a refit. If you can help finance that please visit our secure and simple donation page on our website. We’d be very grateful for your support, no matter how modest you may think it is.

VISIT US, JOIN US, SUPPORT US and be part of the next 50 years of LUCS success. Manse Road Basin is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the train station, near the Palace, High Street, and Loch!

To get involved or for any further information please visit: www.lucs.org.uk or, email: info@lucs.org.uk

This article was contributed by the Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS). LUCS is a charity, registered in Scotland, No. SC011100

Our Pink Lady is always ready to offer gardening advice and here she is suggesting that you grow some herbs in pots and try making Herbal Infusions.

Most herbs are happy in pots. Use a John Innes No 2 compost and a frostproof pot. Pots of herbs can be very ornamental in your garden and this is the perfect time of year to plant them or feed your existing ones.

Her favourite herbal infusion is a Lemon Verbena Tea. This herb needs to come indoors for the winter as it isn’t hardy, so growing it in a pot is the best thing to do.

Use a good bunch of freshly cut herbs infused in water just off the boil. You can gently dry the herbs in a cool oven and then store them for later use.

Peppermint and Spearmint make lovely infusions and she points out that growing mints in pots stops them spreading around your garden. She also says you should grow just one variety of mint in each pot to maintain their distinctive flavours.

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

Pink lady with her herb pots

For such a small bird, there’s a lot to say about them.

Surprisingly, they’re not the smallest bird in the U.K. (that’s the goldcrest) Their scientific name is “Troglodyte” which means cave dweller, referencing their behaviour of building nests which only have a small opening. They’ll roost together in winter and up to 60 have been recorded in one box, their size is definitely a benefit to staying warm.

The males can build up to twelve nests in an effort to impress the ladies, who have the ultimate decision on whether he’s mastered the key wren DIY skills.

According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, per unit weight, it sings at ten time the power of a crow-ing cockerel. Speaking of their song, if you’ve ever listened to it then you can appreciate how complex it is considering how short it usually is. Some sources say their song can contain up to 64 notes in just a few seconds.

This is a great time of year to hear them as they defend their territories and sing to attract a mate. I’ve always found them particularly tricky to photograph as they don’t hang around on an attrac-tive perch long before they’re back in the undergrowth looking for food, which is another reason why they might be called cave dwellers. They weigh about the same as a £1 coin, proving that powerful bird song isn’t about size.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

A tight, lean, and mean 90-minute film feels like a relic from the past, as most mainstream films screening in our local cinemas typically clock in around the twohour mark.

However, writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh have chosen to challenge the status quo with their latest spy thriller Black Bag, a 93-minute espionage tale that is immaculately paced and is a true nail-biter. George Woodhouse, magnificently portrayed by Michael Fassbender, is tasked with finding a mole suspected of betraying the nation by selling a valuable piece of software. However, when his wife, Kathryn Woodhouse, incredibly played by Cate Blanchett, comes under suspicion as the mole, George is tested as he must decide whether he is more loyal to his wife or his nation.

As the film progresses, we discover that this spy narrative resembles Tinker Tailor more than James Bond. Lines of dialogue referencing HMRC inject intrigue and suspense rather than groans of boredom. This film does not rely on massive chaotic shootouts or explosions to keep you engaged, although it does feature Pierce Brosnan screaming about how the software could end the war that Russia is embroiled in. While this isn’t much of an issue, I understand why making vague comments about the threat of Russia may seem like it’s dancing around the current political unrest and active conflict in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Black Bag is a genuinely thrilling spy film with incredible pacing, a brisk 93-minute runtime, and an engaging narrative.

In Cinemas Now

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

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

GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding. org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian.

BATHGATE AMATEUR

SWIMMING CLUB - Want to learn how to Swim Fast and Have Fun? At Bathgate Amateur Swimming Club we have a long history of developing swimmers at all ages with excellent coaches and partnerships. We are 90 years old this year and are looking to celebrate in style! We have spaces at all levels so please get in touch if you or your children are keen to swim! If you would like to find out more about how you can join us either as a swimmer or as a volunteer please contact us at the email address below: bascsecretary@outlook.com

MEMORY CAFÉ - Run by Alzheimers Scotland - Action on Dementia, 01506 533108.

Bathgate - First Monday of the month, 2:30pm-4pm, Rosemount Gardens, Mid street, Bathgate, EH48 1QW.

Broxburn - Fourth Tuesday of the month, 10am- 11:30am, Strathbrock Partnership Centre (Entrance B) 189a West Main Street Broxburn EH52 5LH.

1271 (BATHGATE) RAF AIR

CADETS - The RAF Air Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation for young people aged between 12 (In S2) - 20. We offer lots of opportunities including flying, gliding, shooting, adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Leadership and much much more. We are based in Bathgate and parade on a Tuesday and Thursday evening... Interested? Get in touch!

E: oc.1271@rafac.mod.gov.uk

T: 01506 630784

POETS O WEST LOTHIANNae need fir academic skill / Jist let yer thochts byle up an spill /

In inky screivins frae yer QUILL / And sip from that Parnassian rill!...poetry in Scots, English, Mesolithic, Martian...Ice Age or Space Age...we are a cheery wee non-judgemental group meeting in Bathgate Partnership/Jim Walker Centre, first Monday of the month, except holidays. Share yer stuff, hae a blether and a laugh. Text Davie at 07591 681791.

ROUGHLY SPEAKING COMEDY

- Hosted by Midnight Breakfast Club in Bathgate, Roughly Speaking Comedy is an open mic for comedians and aspiring comedians alike. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you can sign up either online or on the night. Free entry. See Facebook “Roughly Speaking Comedy” for confirmed dates or email roughlyspeakingopenmic@gmail.com

LIVINGSTON & WEST LOTHIAN

HOCKEY CLUB - Livingston & West Lothian Hockey Club are a friendly, sociable and competitive hockey club based at Deans Community High School in Livingston. The Club has one Men’s team, two Ladies teams and a large Juniors section. The Club is always on the look out for new members.

If you feel you’d like to try hockey then please feel free to contact us through our social media channels, website (livingstonhockeyclub.uk), Facebook, or email livingstonandwlhockey@gmail.com

BIPOLAR SCOTLAND

SUPPORT GROUP - Bipolar Scotland invites patients, family, friends, partners and carers of those with a Bipolar diagnosis within West Lothian to come along to our monthly group meeting. Held every second Thursday of the month at Bathgate Partnership Centre (21-55 South Bridge St, Bathgate EH48 1TL), Rooms 8 & 9, 7.00pm-9.00pm. More information on Bipolar Scotland’s services available at www.bipolarscotland.org.uk or 0141 560 2050

BATHGATE BELLES SWI - We meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm in The Royal British Legion, 50 North Bridge Street, Bathgate. Our aim is to empower women through friendship, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community. We offer lifelong learning opportunities by having talks, trips out and demonstrations and promote well-being by having lots of fun. For more information email at bathgatebelles@outlook.com or just come along.

BROXBURN

PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP - For children 2 to 5 years old. We provide a safe, caring, learning environment where children can realise their full potential in a fun manner while taking their first steps towards independence. Fully registered and insured Scottish Charity, with all necessary safeguarding credentials. Children who have attended our playgroup in the past have been reported as having had a smooth transition to mainstream nursery and school. broxburnpreschoolplaygroup.co.uk

17TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS - Canon Hoban Hall, Broxburn. (What3words bubble.baroness. shepherds) Join in the adventure and gain life skills. If you are an adult or a young person and want to gain life skills come and join us. Monday:- Beavers (6-8years) 6.15 - 7.15pm; Cubs (8-10years) 7.30 - 8.45pm. Friday:- Scouts (1014 years) 7.00-9.00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7.30 - 9.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact: info@17thbroxburnscoutgroup. co.uk or 07785 525 466.

BROXBURN GENERAL YOGA CLASS - Sunday morning 9.30 -10.30 - not as bad as it sounds! Class held in the lovely studio at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Place. £5 per session, all welcome.

E: iyogawithc@gmail.com T: 07749 524 249

WINCHBURGH ART

CLASS - Winchburgh Community Hall, every Thursday 9.30am –11.30am. All levels welcome. We have tutors regularly. All mediums used. Contact Secretary 07980 321989.

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

CLUB - Meet on Thursday nights at Armadale Academy. All abilities are welcome, and no experience is necessary. We have spare sports chairs available to use. Adult’s session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the large sports hall, juniors’ session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the small hall. Come along and try something new! Contact Karen Redmondwalkerredmond@aol.com or call 07982195006 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information s§ee: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS

- For children age 2-5 years. Armadale, Bathgate, Crofthead Farm, Fauldhouse, Uphall and West Calder. Morning sessions 9.15-11.30am, £10.00 per session. Full Day sessions 9.15am-2.00pm, £22.00 per session. Funded Places available. W: www.communityplaygroups.org T: 07904 623176

BATHGATE AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - Retired? Fed up with lockdown and covid restrictions? Come and enjoy weekly meetings with interesting speakers on a wide range of topics, together with exciting visits in the summer months. Join us for informal chats, with refreshments beforehand, every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00pm in St John’s Church hall, Mid Street, Bathgate. For further information, contact Sandy McAlpin (Secretary) on (01506) 630152

LITTLE MONSTERS UNDER 5 GROUP A new look Little Monsters at Boghall Drop-in Centre. Children 0 – 5 with their parent/carer, Tues, Wed & Thurs. Coffee, tea & refreshments 9.009.30am, followed by FREE Drop-in Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.30-13.15 Storytime/arts/music classes. Email: arlene@bdic.org. uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

T: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: generationarts.info@ gmail.com or 07521 358 239

MACMILLAN CANCER

INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer –yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centrecall to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email: MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS

NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit: westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

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EVERY SATURDAY

Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale - Bathgate Outdoor Market 9.00am to 2.00pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains

SUNDAY 13TH APRIL

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle clues.

Friends of Beecraigs & Witchcraig Volunteer session For this session we will be undertaking some maintenance along the path network at Witchcraig Woodland, which was recently upgraded, however the vegetation is growing in thick and fast and needs scraped back to maintain the path width. All tools and a full tool safety talk will be provided by the Ranger. If you have some, please bring a pair of gloves, and wear appropriate clothing/footwear. Please bring along any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary, new volunteers are always welcome! The session will run for two hours starting at 10.00am. Meet at the Korean War Memorial car park, on the road between Linlithgow and Bathgate. Free, but please book via eventbrite on the West Lothian Council Ranger Service page.

Parish Church

BATHGATE

Parish Church

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858 MARCH CROSSWORD*

THRIFT SHOP

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

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