Konect Bathgate June 2025

JUNE 2025

LIVING WELL: LOCAL HISTORY:

PROPERTY MATTERS:

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ishing all readers a wonderful Bathgate Procession and Community Festival, and a huge thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, fundraisers and everyone else who makes this fantastic event happen!

Loneliness Awareness Week takes place in June, run by The Marmalade Trust who say, “It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations. Loneliness is a natural human emotion - we are hardwired to need social connections. By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others.” That’s an attractive vision for Bathgate and Broxburn!

Older people can be particularly vulnerable, and the Living Well column this month has some suggestions. In addition, a new Clubs & Classes listing from Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) promotes a range of community groups throughout West Lothian for older people to get involved in. Browse all the Clubs & Classes in fact; this section is a core part of Konect every month. There is something for everyone and we know it has made a difference to a lot people over the years.

I spent a very pleasant afternoon at Hopetoun House one day last month. I’d not written about it before, so thought it was time to highlight it as a local place of interest well worth a visit, see pages 8-9.

As ever, thank you for reading Konect, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month!

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Local History: When the King ate turtle soup at Hopetoun.................................................. 8 Living Well: Loneliness Awarenesss..............12 Recipe & Food Notes: Making food summery................................................................16 Life Coaching: Mind those boundaries.........17 Property Matters: Selling during the summer holidays.................................................20 Garden Project: Tablescaping........................26 Local Environment: Fluffballs on the move....28 What’s On: June...................................................30 Puzzles....................................................................31 Film Review...........................................................34

COVER IMAGE: June: It’s summertime!

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes in selected areas of Bathgate and Broxburn. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BATHGATE | 3

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WHEN THE KING ATE TURTLE SOUP AT HOPETOUN Way back in the mists of time, the hamlet of Abercorn was briefly the seat of the Bishop of the Picts; then the location of a medieval castle which was destroyed by the crown during the infamous spat between James II and the Black Douglas; then, on the former castle lands, the magnificent Hopetoun House was built, where King George IV dined as a friend.

Such is the cycle of fortune, and Hopetoun House, commissioned by a widowed Lady Hope for her son, is today a Georgian time capsule, a family home, a spectacular events venue, a film location, and a wonderful place to while away a summer’s day exploring both indoors and out.

The historic Hope family’s rise to prominence dates to when Sir James Hope (1614-1661) acted as lawyer for a lead mining heiress, Anne Foulis. Anne was defending her right to inherit her father’s lead mining fortune at Leadhills in Lanarkshire. Esteemed legal talent was in the family - James’ father was King’s Advocate for Charles I. Sir James won the case for Anne, client and lawyer fell in love, and married. Thus the valuable lead mines came into possession of the Hope family, giving their fortune and status a huge boost.

James and Anne’s son, John Hope, purchased the lands of Abercorn in 1678, where he planned to build a magnificent house for himself and his family.

He also purchased the Barony of Niddry Castle.

But tragedy struck before John managed to build his house.

At just 32 years of age, and

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with two very young children, John was one of many passengers lost at sea when HMS Gloucester, carrying the Duke of York and an entourage of courtiers to Edinburgh in 1682, was wrecked off the English coast. Family tradition has it that John gave up his place in a rescue boat for the Duke of York, sacrificing his own life for that of the future King. (The wreck was identified just three years ago, in June 2022, and Royal Museums Greenwich website provides fascinating detail about the journey and the shipwreck, rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/ hms-gloucester-shipwreck-history-james-ii) John’s widow Lady Margaret Hope took on management of the family businesses until their son Charles was of age. (He was just one year old when is father died). And, in 1699, on the occasion of Charles’ marriage, Margaret commissioned the building of Hopetoun House. Perhaps she and her husband had discussed the vision for it before he died, or perhaps the brief she gave the architect was entirely her own. In any case, she entrusted the work to the renowned Scottish architect William Bruce. Bruce’s work today remains in the central core of the original home. There were also formal gardens in French style behind the house.

Charles was created the first Earl of Hopetoun in 1703, just after he turned 21. The title was possibly granted in recognition of his father’s sacrifice for the Duke of York back in 1682. Charles decided to extend the house considerably, and in 1721 he commissioned William Adam to create a much grander, more palatial home. This is the house we see today.

The work took a long time – so long in fact that Charles didn’t live to see it completed, neither did William Adam. William’s sons John and Robert, also renowned architects, finished the interiors. The house was completed in 1767.

Many members of the Hope family had distinguished military and political careers.

The 4th Earl (1765 - 1823) was described

by Napoleon Bonaparte as one of the most formidable generals in the British Army - a compliment indeed from a brilliant military leader. There is a statue of the 4th Earl in the courtyard of Dundas House, the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, of which he was Governor. He served as LordLieutenant of Linlithgowshire, as did several subsequent generations of the family. The 7th Earl was the first Governor General of Australia.

For a family with many close links to the royal family, Hopetoun has received only one royal visit. In 1822, George IV visited for lunch at the end of his state visit to Scotland. It was the first state visit to Scotland from a reigning British sovereign in 170 years. It was carefully stagemanaged by Sir Walter Scott and included a lot of tartan pageantry. Highland dress had been banned following the Jacobite rebellions, but the ban had been repealed some 40 years previously; the decision to dress the King in Highland outfits was seen as an act of reconciliation. On his last day in Edinburgh, the King arrived at Hopetoun House at 1:15pm where crowds were waiting (in the rain) to see

him and where a lavish, multi-course lunch had been prepared. But the King limited himself to some turtle soup and three glasses of wine. Using Lord Hopetoun’s sword, he then knighted Sir Henry Raeburn, the Scottish portraitist, and Captain Adam Ferguson, Keeper of the Regalia in Scotland, and within 2 hours he was off again, heading to Port Edgar where the Royal Yacht waited to take him back to London.

Uniquely, many of the rooms at Hopetoun remain unchanged from when they were built, so you get a peak into real Georgian style.

Much of the furniture is original, along with artwork collected by the various earls. Fans of the time-travel fantasy TV series Outlander flock to Hopetoun House as it was used as a filming location, but just a visit is in itself a form of timetravel - as you wander through the rooms you may as well be in Georgian times.

A visit is highly recommended. The excellent guides at Hopetoun can provide much more detail – guided tours are available at specific times as part of the entry fee. Besides the fascinating interiors, furniture, art and family stories, the grounds provide serene walking trails through a variety of designed landscapes.

There is of course an excellent tea room.

See www. hopetoun. co.uk. Open for the season until 28th September.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after a visit and guided tour of Hopetoun House.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines BATHGATE | 9

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LIVING WELL

Taking place from the 9th-15th June, Loneliness Awareness Week is intended to shine a light on the issue of loneliness among older adults, with one in four adults over the age of 60 reporting feeling lonely.

This can have an adverse effect on an individual’s physical and mental health, making it more likely that they will experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Recognising the signs of loneliness, such as withdrawal, lack of interest, or changes in sleep patterns, enables us to take proactive steps to address it such as: • COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Participating in community activities can foster a sense of belonging. Encourage older adults to join clubs, volunteer at local organisations, or attend social gatherings. This provides opportunities for social interaction and enables them to pursue interests, learn new skills, and share experiences with like-minded individuals.

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• TECHNOLOGY - Digital platforms offer avenues for connection and communication.

Teach older adults to navigate smartphones, tablets, or computers to stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media or email.

• COMPANIONSHIP OR BEFRIENDING SERVICES - Connect older adults with companionship or befriending services.

Trained volunteers or professionals can provide regular social interaction and companionship via phone calls, home visits, or accompanying them to activities to help establish supportive relationships.

For information, advice, or someone friendly to talk to, you can contact OPAL West Lothian on 01506 815815, or The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090. For info on local community groups & activities for over-50s, visit www.homeinstead. co.uk/west-lothian/whats-on-where/ 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

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FOOD & DRINK

Makingyourfoodfeel Summery To us in Scotland June is often the kindest month and with luck we can enjoy the wonderful very long days, flowers and food from the garden or allotment.

Gardeners may have their first new potatoes and broad beans, herbs will be well up and there are elderflowers, sorrel and garlic leaves we can harvest from the wild.

June is often a month people plan for outside events, galas and weddings. Summer celebration food is a British strength. Think of cold, decorated poached Scottish salmon, bowls of strawberries and meringues and puddings decorated with crystallized flowers or fruit. Rare roast beef sliced thin with tiny new potatoes and mint, followed by stewed apricots and cream are all simple and delicious.

This may all be a bit of a dream when you have a family to feed, not enough time and less in the budget than you hoped. There are still ways to make your food feel summery and leave you with to time to enjoy the long days and good weather if we get any.

PASTA WITH CREAM AND NEW VEGETABLES - Cook which ever shape of pasta you most enjoy and when it is ready have the following ready to add:

• A dash of olive oil • 1 egg beaten into ¼ pint double or whipping cream • Cooked asparagus chopped or new tiny broad beans or fresh peas just cooked.

• A rasher or 2 of thin crisp cooked bacon per person, broken up • Salt and a good grinding of black pepper • Chopped chives or mint or sorrel leaves.

Chose the herb which will go best with the veg you are eating. eg. mint with peas.

At the last moment add the veg, oil, herbs, bacon and then the cream and egg to the hot, drained pasta. Give it a quick mix to coat the pasta with the rest of the ingredients and there you 16 | BATHGATE

Flower Petal Salad are…a quick summer meal making expensive ingredients go further and still tasting good.

FLOWERS IN FOOD - There are several flowers which are good to eat and when added to salads or as decoration to puddings give the dish a summery look, including nasturtiums, snapdragon, violas, borage, chive flowers and pot marigolds. For fun you can crystallize rose petals with egg white and caster sugar and use them on cakes. Both violets and roses can be found in the cake decorating shelves of the super-market.

ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL - On a dry day pick about 10 big heads of elderflowers. If you can, take them home quickly or keep them in a paper bag till you are there. This is because the dry flowers carry the yeast which will give the syrup a genuine flowery taste. If the flowers are wet they will make an unpleasant flavoured brew.

Put the elderflower heads in a heat proof bowl.

Slowly dissolve 450gm of sugar in ¾ pint of water. When this is done bring the syrup to the boil and then pour it over the elderflower heads.

Cover with a clean cloth and set aside to go cold.

Leave for a day to steep.

Bottle in a screw topped jar and keep in the fridge.

This can be diluted to taste with fizzy water, used to make elderflower water ice or be added to the fruit when cooking gooseberries.

This recipe and food notes were contributed

by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and can have pleasure preparing meals for their family and friends.

LIFE COACHING

There are many areas of our lives where we could all benefit from being aware of our boundaries and those of others, but, for many of us, it’s not something we pay attention to.

What most of us do instead is seethe quietly when someone else puts an additional task on top of everything we are juggling in our busy lives.

Like so much in most of our lives we assume ‘roles’ at work, in our friendships, relationships and with our family and these ‘roles’ very easily become our norm. We find ourselves being the one who always steps in to help with shopping, to provide a shoulder to cry on for our friends and the one who always says ‘yes’.

Setting boundaries that are right for us requires self awareness and we need to be clear about our own needs and express them to ourselves and others. This is easy to say but, for those of us who were raised as ‘people pleasers’ telling people what we need can be really difficult.

If all our lives we have tried to please the people around us, the first steps in setting those boundaries can be challenging.

But, we can start by respecting our own boundaries, deciding what we are going to do and being clear about what we are not going to do. When it comes to family this can be challenging but all our relationships will benefit from honesty and it’s all so much better than seething quietly when yet another demand lands on our overloaded plate.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner.

Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“Should I Sell During the Summer Holidays?”

Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer.

Firstly, your house is likely to look bringing their property to market or its very best. The bright days and sometimes withdraw their homes long evenings mean that your over the summer holidays. Those accommodation will look light and with children may be under some airy, and any views from the house pressure to secure a property will be accentuated. Your before the new school year garden will be in full bloom and, as a result, could be The bright days and adds real value to the prepared to pay a higher purchaser’s perception of and long evenings price in return for a swift your home - they won’t just purchase. mean that your be looking at rooms! If it is September is also a a family house, children’s popular time for those accommodation will slide/swings etc. can only moving jobs. They will make the house feel more look light and airy, certainly be hoping to like a home - a real hot move in towards the end and any views from of button for the family buyer. the summer so they can Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together.

the house will be accentuated

Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc. get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice, as other sellers delay

get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position.

So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply buyer demand for quality properties this summer. It could pay you handsomely.

The monthly 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.

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Lesley loves nothing better than spotting and picking a lovely flower in the garden and then choosing other blooms that look good with it to create a delightful posy for indoors.

She has a collection of glass vases and jam jars for her posies and maintains a ‘tablescape’ display on the table in our hall, using several vases.

This tablescape in mid-May had ten vases filled with just a few different flowers. The repeating white flowers of Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) hold the whole tablescape together, supported by Granny’s Bonnet (Aquilegia seedlings) and the purple globes of Allium and Chives. Sometimes each of her vases

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will contain different flowers because these are what she found around the garden.

We believe that every garden should be able to offer a small posy of flowers throughout the year, whether it is flowers, leaves or seed heads. You will enjoy examining the flowers close up in your home. The tablescape may be too much work for you to keep going every week, refreshing the water and replacing dying blooms. But try it for special occasions!

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Few sights can melt a heart faster than a trail of tiny mallard ducklings wobbling after their mum.

Covered in soft yellow and brown down, these little paddlers are born adventurers. Mallards usually lay 8–13 eggs, and after about 28 days of incubation, all ducklings hatch within 24 hours of each other - because no one wants to be left behind!

Mallard ducklings are precocial, which means they’re up and moving almost immediately.

Within hours of hatching, they’re following mum to the nearest water source, learning to swim, dive, and dabble like pros. They might look like they’re just splashing about, but they’re busy picking up essential survival skills—and the odd water flea or two.

Staying warm is a full-time job when you’re a fluffy ping-pong ball, so ducklings huddle together or tuck under mum’s wings when they’re tired. While they can feed themselves from day one, mum keeps a watchful eye, warning them of danger and sometimes performing a very convincing “broken wing” act to lure predators away.

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In just two months, these fluffballs grow into fully feathered young ducks, ready to take their first flight. Until then, they’re busy exploring the world one paddle at a time adorable, curious, and just a bit clumsy.

So next time you see a family of mallards on your local pond, take a moment to admire the ducklings’ determination. They’re not just cute - they’re tiny dynamos navigating life’s big pond.

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.

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 1ST JUNE Bo’ness Car Show - A day packed full of family fun, entertainment for the kids, a stunt show, along with a large traders village including plenty food and coffee vans! Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness. More information and tickets via bonesscarshow.co.uk SUNDAY 7TH JUNE Bathgate Procession - Procession commences 12noon from Bathgate Academy. 1.30pm Meadow Park Festival.

FRIDAY 13TH JUNE Country Superstars - Johnny Lee Memphis and live band, featuring modern country songs from artists like Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Josh Turner, and some classics from Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash to name a few. 2 hours of full energy foot stomping songs so grab your boots and hats and come have some fun. Reconnect Regal, Bathgate. 7.30pm. Tickets £25 + booking fee at tickets.reconnectregal.com SUNDAY 15TH JUNE Open Day and Train Rides - Public Open Day for all the family with train rides, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, picnic area. Train rides £5.

Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

SUNDAY 15TH JUNE Wildlife Wander - Come for a guided walk with a Historic Environment Scotland ranger to discover some of the amazing plants and animals that make their home in and around the amazing setting of Linlithgow Loch. Free, 1.00pm - 3.00pm, meet outside Linlithgow Palace. More information and booking via: www. historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on FRIDAY 27TH TO SATURDAY 28TH JUNE Spectacular Jousting - Annual event at Linlithgow Palace from Historic Environment Scotland. Experience exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills at the brave and courageous knights battle it out. Hear the thundering of hooves and the clash of lances as our four champions take to the arena for this spectacular show. Wander through the living history camp to experience life in medieval times. View beautiful birds of prey in flight and be entertained by the antics of the court jesters.

11.30am - 4.00pm, tickets from £10, booking essential, www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/whats-on SUNDAY 29TH JUNE RNLI Queensferry Open Day - Our annual Open Day returns to Hawes Promenade in South Queensferry with lots for all the family to see and do. Alongside our lifeboat proudly on display we will have a range of stalls and activities. 12.00pm - 4.00pm. Please check ‘RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat’ Facebook page for further details.

RNLI QUEENSFERRY FUNDRAISING TEAM seek new volunteers to support local fundraising events and activities including bucket collections, Open Day and Christmas activities; time commitment is flexible. If you would be interested in learning more, please do get in touch: queensferry.fundraising@gmail.com

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 30 | BATHGATE

58mm Vertical [RIGHT]

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the JULY edition

ACROSS: 7. Eighth month (6), 8. Son of a monarch (6), 9. Knock unconscious (4), 10. Family member (8), 11. Award (7), 13. Strangely (5), 15. Begin (5), 17. Fun-loving (7), 20. Single-storey residence (8), 21. A long walk (4), 22. Obstructs (6), 23. A rat (6).

DOWN: 1. Mumble (6), 2. Destroy (4), 3. Gazing (7), 4. A fruit (5), 5. Annual celebration (8), 6. Place of learning (6), 12. Fight (8), 14. Scowls (7), 16. Ridicules (6), 18. Mean (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Conceal (4).

ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

JUNE SUDOKU

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

GAELIC BEGINNER WORKSHOP - Come along to the Bathgate Gaelic Circle for a friendly and free Saturday morning workshop, especially for Gaelic beginners! We meet every two weeks from 10.00 - 12.00 in rooms 8/9, Bathgate Partnership Centre.

It’s a great chance to practise your skills while having fun with card games, dominoes, simple readers, and conversation aids. We’d love to see you there and help you dive into the wonderful world of Gaelic!

E: raibeartmac@gmail.com T: 07742 558580 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) works with people aged 60+ promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected. OPAL supports over 25 Community Groups throughout West Lothian for people to attend, engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time limited one-to-one befriending service built to improve confidence. To find out more please contact 01506 815 815 or opal@cyrenians.scot BACK INTO CIRCULATION - The BIC group is partnered with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and led by physiotherapists from St. John’s Hospital. Programme of exercises for people of all abilities and ages that can be adjusted to meet your needs. We meet Monday 5.20-6.30pm at Uphall Community Centre EH52 6BN and Wednesday 5.20-6.30pm at St. John’s Hospital, Physiotherapy Dept on ground floor. £12 per month / first two weeks free. Please email y60rmd@gmail.com or call 01506431950.

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 32 | BATHGATE

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 LOTHIAN Nae 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 Redmond walkerredmond@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 see: 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 - 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 Rosemount Gardens, Mid St, Bathgate. For further information, contact Sandy McAlpin (Secretary) on (01506) 630152.

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 Centre call 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 £36.

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. BATHGATE | 33

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Scrape, 8. Lumbar, 9. Sofa, 10. Tadpoles, 11. Usually, 13. Shuts, 15. Light, 17. Ascends, 20. Umbrella, 21. Cafe, 23. Annoys, 24. Expire.

DOWN: 1. Echo, 2. Banana, 3. Reptile, 4. Clyde, 5. Smooth, 6. Talented, 12. Slimming, 14. Ashamed, 16. Horror, 18. Escape, 19. Floss, 22. Fire.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 31

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD Hayao Miyazaki is a filmmaker who requires no introduction. He is simply one of the greatest minds working in animation today, and when he eventually decides to commit to retirement, the animation landscape will never be the same.

However, as an anime lover, my biggest blind spot is ironically Studio Ghibli films. I have only really watched My Neighbour Totoro, The Boy and The Heron, and Spirited Away. So, I felt it was only right to check off another film on my watchlist by watching Howl’s Moving Castle, which represents Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli at their best. It follows Sophie, a young woman who is cursed with an old body by a witch. The only way for the curse to be lifted is with the help of Howl, a flamboyant and insecure wizard.

Howl’s Moving Castle is nothingACROSS: short of7.stunning—a gorgeously Scrape, 8. Lumbar, 9. Sofa, 10. Tadpoles, 11. Usually,and 13. Shuts, animated film that blends hand-drawn animation CGI15.toLight, bring 17. Ascends, 20. Umbrella, 21. Cafe, this industrial world to life. It is also a beautiful love story about 23. Annoys, 24. Expire. discovering the beauty within us and that there is more to beauty DOWN: 1. Echo, 2. Banana, 3. Reptile, than mere appearances.

4. Clyde, 5. Smooth, 6. Talented, 12. Slimming, However, the most impactful aspect of the14. Ashamed, 16. Horror, 18. Escape, 19. Floss, 22. Fire. storyline is the film’s anti-war messaging.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU From how war permanently changes the people involved to how it destroys our ON PAGE XX environment, and that there are no victors when it comes to war, everything about Howl’s Moving Castle is simply incredible. There is no other film like this, and from beginning to end, you will be in sheer awe of this exquisite work.

Available to stream on NETFLIX

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.

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.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

34 | BATHGATE

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

Robert is from Kirknewton.

T: 07729 911858

BATHGATE | 35