58mm Vertical [LEFT]
I said in the last article that I was going to write about The Amateur Operatic Society. However whilst searching our database for pictures, I got a wee bit waylaid when I found a folder entitled ‘The Gamboliers.’ I’ll come back to the Operatic Society later.
There are only seven photographs but not any other information about this amazing troop. The costumes and scenery, to me, are unbelievable so I made it my mission to find out more.
I did manage to find out that the main protagonist was a chap called Wull Kerr. (‘Big Wull’ to his many friends). Wull was born in the last house in Bridgend which at that time fell under Armadale and so claims not to be a Bathgate Bairn. Notwithstanding, he became one of Bathgate’s most famous (some say infamous) characters. Wull started as an engineering apprentice with Renton Fisher and later joined Dickson & Mann as a draftsman. He then worked for John Bell of Wishaw before taking up an executive post with Mavor & Coulson, mining engineers in Glasgow. He returned
ADD SOLUTION DETAILS
LEFT: Gamboliers Bronco Bills Shack
of famous people, but to me, Wull was the most popular, well respected and accomplished individual of them all!
to Bathgate for family reasons in 1918. So, reading between the lines, Wull must have set up the troop whilst working away from home as one photo was taken in 1908.
The Gamboliers staged pantomimes and musical shows. They hosted a Carnival at the old Corn Exchange on Jarvey Street lasting a few days, with side shows such as “The Half Woman, lovely and living, somebody’s better half”, 2000 Egyptian Mummy, Dry Dock Fishing & Electric Eel Pond. Refreshments included Cook’s Kitchen, and an Italian Café was there for those wanting a peaceful retreat from the noise and bustle of the Carnival. Big Wull organised, made the sceneries, wrote the scripts and librettos for all their shows as well as being a recognised artist. If you come into the museum, you’ll see this caricature of Dabsy, the well-known town street sweeper.
Big Wull emigrated to Australia in March 1923 and the entire town turned out, lining the streets all the way from his home to the Upper Station. Flags were waved and bands played ‘will yae no come back’ to bid Wull a grand farewell. Reporters and photographers recorded the event for local newspapers. Bathgate has had its fair share
Wull was heavily involved in The John Newland’s Festival at its inception and for many years even after he emigrated. More about that next time. Ooh, don’t you just love a touch of controversy! Don’t worry, I’ll report the facts.
I think it’s especially important that we honour Big Wull’s memory and achievements and I’d love to create a comprehensive biography of this man. If anybody has any information, photographs or documentation about The Gamboliers or Big Wull Kerr please contact the museum at BennieMuseum@gmail.com for my attention. We’d be happy for any donations or even take copies of any information you may have.
This article was written by Amanda Mackay, Bennie Museum Custodian and volunteer
ABOVE: ‘Dabsy’ Painting by Wull Kerr
As we get older, hospital stays can become more frequent. While being discharged is often a relief, a safe return home depends on having a well-planned discharge process. Without the right support in place, people can quickly become unwell again and risk readmission.
NHS discharge teams play a key role in planning what happens next. A good discharge plan should look beyond the hospital doors and consider both immediate practical needs and longer-term care.
In the short term, this means making sure the person isn’t returning to an empty fridge and has essentials in place until family, friends or carers can help. Medication should be clearly explained, with easy-to-use packaging such as blister packs where possible, to avoid confusion at home.
Many people need ongoing support after discharge. The hospital may arrange a care
assessment to see whether NHS continuing healthcare or local authority support is appropriate. If state-funded care is delayed, it’s worth asking about direct payments or personal budgets, which can be used to arrange alternative community care and may speed up discharge.
Good communication is vital. Families should be given notice of discharge, especially if they need to provide care temporarily. Hospitals should also coordinate closely with care providers so that support is in place from day one.
Discharge planning should include onward referrals, such as rehabilitation services, and practical arrangements like transport home, suitable equipment, and access to new supplies such as continence products.
When discharge planning is done well, everyone benefits: hospitals free up much-needed beds, and people return home safely, with the right support to recover and stay well.
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
The smell and the taste of freshly picked tomatoes from your greenhouse are the epitome of summer in Scotland! Even if you don’t grow them yourself you will possibly have friends giving away some of their never ending crop.
Many years ago, quite unplanned, we gave each other Italian Cooking Experiences because we were planning our project ‘Tartan Tuscan Potager to Plate’. Dougal gave Lesley (and himself!) a week in Tuscany on a cooking course, the lasting memory being the endless supply of wine when twelve of us were cooking dinner in the Villa’s large kitchen. Lesley’s present was more practical and local, and surprisingly we still use the half dozen recipes from that afternoon’s lesson more often than the recipes from Italy.
Our favourite version of bruschetta is inspired by that afternoon. Originating in Italy many years
ago, it was really a dish for the poorer folk: stale bread toasted, with a topping of tomatoes and garlic with lots of olive oil. Now it’s very fashionable and offered with many different toppings. Our version is simple and very quick to make.
Finely chop tomatoes, losing excessive amounts of juice through a sieve; you want the ‘wetness’ to be olive oil. Finely chop 2 or 3 garlic cloves for every 4 or 5 medium sized tomatoes. Mix in a bowl with 6 chopped basil leaves, 2 tsp chopped marjoram or oregano, black pepper, juice of half a lemon and 3 tbsp olive oil. Spoon onto freshly toasted slices of baguette or sourdough bread… and enjoy.
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Regular health checks provide an opportunity to review your pet’s health status at every life stage. A lot can change in just six months, and regular examinations allow us to identify concerns early - often before your pet shows obvious signs of illness.
Research shows that 2 in 3 pets have undiagnosed conditions. Many owners may not notice subtle changes in their pet, but they can be early indicators of disease where intervention can make a real difference.
Clinical abnormalities are found in 1 in 7 dogs and cats, increasing to 2 in 5 in geriatric pets. While signs are often dismissed as “just old age,” ageing itself is not a disease. With the right care and early treatment, pets can continue to enjoy an active quality of life for longer.
WELLNESS SCREENING AND ROUTINE HEALTH CHECKS HELP US:
• Detect illness before symptoms become severe
• Monitor weight, mobility, and behaviour changes
• Identify age-related conditions earlier
(1st June to 5th July 2026)
• Health Checks £24.99 , now £12.49 • Wellness Screening £95 , now £65
• Improve treatment outcomes
• Prevent catastrophic symptoms from developing
• Support a longer, healthier life for your pet
Simply put: early detection saves and improves lives.
Whether your pet is young, adult or senior, now is the perfect time to schedule a check-up and ensure they are thriving this summer.
Contact Lamond Veterinary Clinic today to take advantage of these limited-time offers.
The Vet's Tip is contributed by Roxanne Ferguson. Roxanne is Practice Director at Lamond Veterinary Clinic in Livingston.
Stress is something we are all too aware of, whether it’s the day to day kind where we are chasing our children round the house in the morning trying to get them to school or the last minute panic as that deadline looms at work.
The effects of stress can be as individual as we are. For some it’s headaches or other physical symptoms and for others sleep can be severely disrupted. However we react, stress is always characterised as a feeling of not being in control and it can’t be denied that it is disruptive and challenging as we try to go about our day to day lives.
When life is stressful, control or the lack of it, has a pivotal part to play but it is important to remember that we are not powerless and there are choices we can always make. Identifying our stress triggers and deciding to intervene early can support us to develop some healthy new habits.
If we always find ourselves running out of the door with minutes to spare panicking at anything that gets in our way as we dash to our destination; if we drive along the motorway cursing all those slow drivers who we think are just there to get in our way; or we find ourselves rushing to complete that task at the very last minute; developing healthy new habits, making a plan, using our time effectively and taking a deep breath before embarking on the day could make all the difference and lower those stress levels forever.
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 orrganise.co.uk
At their most abundant during June and July, sweet strawberries combine with other soft fruits in these irresistible treats.
Ingredients:
• 50g butter
• 1 x 270g pack of 6 frozen filo pastry sheets (defrosted) – use 3 sheets
• 150ml double cream • 3 tbsp strawberry jam
• 1 x 400g tin low-fat ready-made custard
• Grated rind of 1/2 orange and 1 tbsp juice
• 450g mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, quartered strawberries)
• Icing sugar, sifted, to decorate
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4.
2. Melt the butter and use a little to grease a 12-hole deep muffin tin. Separate the pastry sheets and brush each one with butter, then cut into 12 rectangles.
3. Lay one piece in each section of the muffin tin, then arrange a second and third piece, each at a slight angle to the previous one to give a nest-like effect.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp. Leave in the tin to cool.
5. When cooled, carefully remove pastry cases from the tin and arrange on serving platter. Whip the cream until it forms soft swirls, then fold in the custard and orange rind. Spoon into the filo cases.
6. Warm the jam and orange juice in a small saucepan, stirring until the jam has melted. Add the berries and coat with the jam glaze, then spoon into the nests. Dust the top edges of the pastry nests with a little sifted icing sugar and serve.
EVERY SATURDAY
Bathgate Market & Car Boot SaleBathgate 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.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE
Bathgate Procession and Community Festival
SUNDAY 7TH JUNE
Linlithgow String Orchestra Summer Concert - Linilthgow Burgh Halls, Kirkgate, Linlithgow. 2.30pm. Tickets £10/£8/£2 on the door or in advance via: www.linlithgowstringorchestra.uk
FRIDAY 12TH JUNE
Bathgate Concert Orchestra Summer Concert - with the Bathgate Band. St Michael’s Parish Church, The Cross, Linlithgow. Doors 7.00 for 7.30pm. Tickets £8 on the door (cash/contactless)
FRIDAY 12TH JUNE
Torphichen Gala Day
SUNDAY 14TH JUNE
RNLI Queensferry Open Day - All welcome to come along to our annual Open Day at Hawes Promenade, 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. 12noon - 4.00pm. Please check ‘RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat’ Facebook page for further details.
SUNDAY 21ST JUNE
Beecraigs Volunteer session - Join the West Lothian Ranger Service and Friends of Beecraigs for some practical conservation tasks and a Greater Butterfly Orchid Survey.
All tools are provided. Please bring gloves, and any snacks or drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary, new volunteers are always welcome! Meet Balvormie Car Park, Beecraigs, EH49 6PL. 10.30am –12.30pm. FREE, but please book via the West Lothian Council Rangers Service Eventbrite page so that they can update you if there are changes to the session arrangements.
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE
Girls Night Oot! 2 - A musical comedy from the producers that brought you the smash hit show girls’ night oot! Insideout theatre productions ltd proudly present the sensational sequel girls’ night oot! 2 heartbreaks and promises. The ladies are back for a night full of song and laughter to help mend a broken heart, then it is off to the dancing to dance the night away! To survive a heartbreak all a lassie needs are her pals. Music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and noughties. Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate. 7.30pm, £17 + BF. Info and booking via: www.reconnecttheatres.com
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
Open Day at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - Model Railway, train rides, drive-a-loco, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, toilets and picnic area. 10.30am - 4.00pm. Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
Hall & Malloy - Hosted by Torphichen Summer Nights. Expect a joyous mix of classical violin and cello music, fused with folk music from Scotland and Ireland. Torphichen Kirk, 7.00pm. Tickets £15/ children free. Booking via: torphichensummernights.org
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.
For boys and girls who want to stay active, learn new skills and make unforgettable summer memories.
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP >>>
Broxburn United Sports Club and Planet Soccer have teamed up again! Join us for a summer packed with football, friends and fun!
• High energy drills: Master the ball with pro-style coaching
• 1 v 1 Challenges: Test your skills and beat the best
• Small-sided games: Fast-paced action every single day
• The BUSC World Cup: Represent your team and play for glory!
WEEK 1: 29TH JUN - 3RD JUL WEEK 2: 6TH JUY - 10TH JUL
WEEK 3: 27TH JUL - 31ST JUL WEEK 4: 3RD AUG - 7TH AUG
THE ULTIMATE MULTI SPORTS HOLIDAY CAMP >>>
Join us for a summer packed with variety, teammates and non-stop energy
• Skills Circuit: From basketball hoops to athletic sprints, master the basics of multi sports with our expert coaches
• Team Challenges: Work together to conquer relay races, parachute games, and classic playground favourites
• Daily Tournaments: Fast-paced action every day , featuring a rotating schedule of football, basketball and more
WEEK 1: 29TH JUN - 3RD JUL WEEK 2: 13TH JUL - 17TH JUL
WEEK 3: 20TH JUL - 24TH JUL WEEK 4: 3RD AUG - 7TH AUG
BROXBURN
UNITED SPORTS CLUB
Albyn Park, Greendykes Road, Broxburn, EH52 5BP busc.org.uk
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
WESTER INCH WONDERS - We are a social netball club looking for new players, 18+. Fun, friendly netball at Bathgate Academy on Thursday nights from 7pm to 9pm. Everyone welcome even if you haven’t played netball before or since school. First night is free then £4 a session. Find us on Facebook and drop us a message or contact us at westerinchnetball@ gmail.com
NICOLA’S SUPPORTING WOMEN IN WEST LOTHIAN - Our goal is to create a safe space where every woman feels listened to, understood and supported on her health journey. With a compassionate approach, we focus on empowering women to seek the help they need and deserve. Drop- in for cuppa and chat: 2nd & 4th Sat of the month, 10.00am-12noon at ISM Psychology, 19B South Bridge Street, Bathgate; last Friday of the month, 10.00am-12noon at West Lothian College, Livingston, in the Compass Point. nicolas-supporting-women.com
REGAL WIND BAND - Established 30 years ago, we are primarily for adult learners/intermediate players. The emphasis is on participation and fun, playing a range of pieces and performing them annually at an informal concert for family and friends. We rehearse Tuesday evenings 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Reconnect Howden Park, Livingston, EH54 6AE. Members provide their own instruments. Membership £5/week. Further information is available from Peter West, 07710 870024, peterwest@blueyonder.co.uk
COZMIC CLUB - The Cozmic Club is a social club for young people age 11-25 on the Autistic Spectrum who attend mainstream classes in a mainstream school. The group meet every Tuesday 6.45pm -8.30pm during school term time in The Chill Out Zone in Bathgate. Annual fee £10 + £5 weekly on the night. For information / to arrange a visit, please contactcozmicclubwl@gmail.com
WALKING FOOTBALL WEST
LOTHIAN - For everyone over 50, no matter your level of fitness. Come along and get yourself a wee bit fitter. Hot drinks, biscuits, good company included! We meet at: Xcite Bathgate - Mon: 10.00am, £1; Broxburn Juniors Ground - Tue: 10.30, £3; Murieston Sports Park (Apr-Nov) Wed: 10.00am, £1; Xcite Craigswood (Dec-Mar) Wed: 10.00am, £3; East Calder FC - Thu: 11.00am, £1; Whitburn Community Centre - Thu: 10.30am, FREE
Just turn up 15 mins before KO, or contact: T: 07775 188218 E: jim.barrie@hotmail.co.uk
BATHGATE GAELIC CIRCLE - The Bathgate Gaelic Circle runs a free
drop-in workshop for Gaelic Beginners, on a Saturday morning 10am -12 noon, once a fortnight, in rooms 8/9 of the Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street. It offers a great chance to practice and reinforce learning. We use card games, dominoes, simple readers, and conversation aids. You’ll meet other beginners and hear about their learning experiences. For more details, contact Rob McEwan T: 07742558580
E: raibeartmac@gmail.com
JUMPING BEANS TORPHICHEN
- Stay & play group at Torphichen Community Centre Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00am-12.00pm. Bring a snack for your wee one and we’ll provide tea, coffee and biscuits for you! £2 per child.
E: torphichen.cec@westlothian.gov.uk
THE BATHGATE MENZIES CHOIR
- A mixed-voice 4 part choir singing a wide range of songs from all genres. We meet on Tuesday evenings at Bathgate Parish church from 7.15pm- 9.00pm. New members welcome for new session starting at end of August - contact Johnnie on 01506 419904 for more information. Come and join us as we celebrate our 100th anniversary session! bathgatemenzieschoir.com
BATHGATE CONCERT
ORCHESTRA - Do you play an instrument? Would you like the chance to practise and perform with a concert orchestra? We are a friendly orchestra who meet every Friday at 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Craig Inn Community Centre, Blackridge. We perform several concerts per year in West Lothian, and offer opportunities for musical development in a fun and social environment. Contact: bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uksecretary@
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 01506 431950
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 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 COMEDYHosted 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), or E: 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 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 (10-14 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 CLASSWinchburgh 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/westlothianFacebook: ‘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 semi-retired 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 - We are a Creative Arts charity based in West Lothian. Our classes are as follows: Generation Dance (Thursdays)10.30am at Livingston United Parish Church, Carmondean. Music&Singing Group (Thursdays) - 12.00pm at Bathgate Partnership Centre.
Generation Dance Bathgate, Seated (Fridays) - 10.30am at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street. All classes have a suggested donation of £4. Other arts projects available. E: generationarts.info@gmail.com or T: 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. Phone and email support also available. T: 01506 283053
E: 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.
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NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Potato, 8. Retain, 9. Bowl, 10. Speedily, 11. Adapted, 13. Conch, 15. Twist, 17. Cutlass, 20. Twilight, 21. Calm, 23. Prison, 24. Notion.
DOWN: 1. Solo, 2. Wallop, 3. Boasted, 4. Aries, 5. Studio, 6. Dialects, 12. Downward, 14. Buttons, 16. Splash, 18. Locate, 19. Agony, 22. Loot.
SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD
I think everyone who went to the cinema in the lead up to the release of The Sheep Detectives witnessed the trailer unfold on screen, a bizarre and weirdly hypnotic experience that makes you want to see the chaos play out in full.
ACROSS: 7. Potato, 8. Retain, 9. Bowl, 10. Speedily, 11. Adapted, 13. Conch, 15. Twist, 17. Cutlass, 20. Twilight, 21. Calm, 23. Prison, 24. Notion.
Finally getting to watch the finished film, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
DOWN: 1. Solo, 2. Wallop, 3. Boasted, 4. Aries, 5. Studio, 6. Dialects, 12. Downward, 14. Buttons, 16. Splash, 18. Locate, 19. Agony, 22. Loot.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 8
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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.
Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
A family murder mystery directed by one of the minds behind Minions shouldn’t really work, even though only last month, I was talking about Detective Conan, which is essentially the same idea without the Minions pedigree. George Hardy has died, and his sheep, whom he regularly reads novels to, believe he has been murdered. Drawing on the knowledge they’ve absorbed from those books, they attempt to solve the crime themselves, especially since the local police officer is utterly useless.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
Filled with a star studded cast, including Julia Louis Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Regina Hall, and Patrick Stewart, the voice ensemble delivers strong performances that bring the sheep to life in captivating ways. Without their commitment, the mystery wouldn’t work nearly as well, nor would the core theme of dealing with loss.
Losing someone we love is inevitable, and The Sheep Detectives shows that even when those we care about are gone, if they are remembered, they are never truly forgotten. It’s a powerful message that never feels artificial or hollow. The Sheep Detectives isn’t a masterpiece of cinema, but it stands a step above much of the recent family entertainment released in the genre.
In UK Cinemas Now
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.
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.
Magazine Design:
Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
