OCTOBER 2026
FEATURE: PROPERTY MATTERS: CHARITY:
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are helping to raise awareness by spotlighting the fantastic local charity Breast Friends and Family. They have capacity to help current and past breast cancer patients. And if you are inspired to do some fundraising in October please consider them. All details on pages 8-9. We’ve all been curious for a long time about the development at the former Bangour Village Hospital. The master developer Ambassador Homes are passionate about the history and heritage of the location and welcomes local residents to visit their show homes at The Crescent. In addition, local estate agents Turpie & Co are running a pop-up event based in the show homes on 3rd October. See pages 20-21. There is lots on as we head into the last quarter of the year. I love this time of year of local autumn fairs where you can always find quirky and different things. Check the What’s On section, and if you are running a festive fundraising fair in November or December let me know about it so I can include it in the November issue! Thanks for reading Konect and supporting the local area in every way!
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638
Local Charity: Breast Friends & Family..... 8 Living Well: Living Grief..............................12 Life Coaching: “It’s not where you start”...14 Puzzles..................................................14 / 16 Feature: Ways to avoid rogue traders.....17 Property Matters: Homes, Interiors & Lifestyle Event..............................................20 Garden Project: Bird Feeding...................23 Recipe: Pumpkin Chilli Con Carne...........28 What’s On: October Events.......................30 Clubs & Classes.................................... 32-33 Film Review: All of a sudden.....................34
COVER IMAGE: Breast Friends and Family Calling fun fundraisers! (Page 8)
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At “The Heart” in Bathgate, a series of peer support groups, activities, treatments and therapies offer “all the things that make you feel you can get back to normal” during and after – sometimes long after - breast cancer treatment.
Located on Glasgow Road in Bathgate, “The Heart” is the home of local charity Breast Friends and Family. The charity was set up in 2018 by Hazel Orr, after the organisation that had supported her through her own cancer journey closed. Hazel didn’t want other breast cancer patients to be without the wonderful support she had experienced, so she set up Breast Friends and Family with a clear vision in mind of what she wanted to offer. Their services are for patients undergoing treatment at St John’s Hospital. Initially supplying a surgery support goodybag (including items such as mastectomy bras, headscarves for those losing their hair due to chemotherapy, cooling towels and creams) and operating out of Hazel’s home for several years, the charity grew rapidly, with support groups meeting at various coffee shops and even in Hazel’s living room! Since January 2025, Breast Friends and Family now have the luxury of space at their own premises to offer a range of supports, supplementing NHS care by “providing breast cancer patients with the little things that make a big difference.” Regular groups at The Heart include peer support for patients (twice a month) where, in the private and non clinical 8 | BATHGATE
environment, you can talk, compare experiences, laugh or cry. There is a separate group for patients with secondary breast cancer. And the husband of a current patient recently set up a group for family and friends, in recognition of the fact that a patient’s family benefits from peer support too. There is a treatment room for massage, as well as a range of classes including relaxation, yoga and reiki - and even a crochet class. All classes are free of charge to patients, and are small groups. By attending a patients’ group at The Heart, you know you are with people who absolutely understand what you are going through, so it’s easier than facing a regular yoga or exercise class. The Heart has a wheelchair ramp and is fully accessible. One of the volunteers, Rhona, was originally a patient supported by Breast Friends and Family, and explains, “I was completely blown away by the kindness I was shown, and by the thought that had gone into the goody bag I was given for my surgery. Knowing how much that bag meant to me, and how it showed the love and care from the charity, I started volunteering for them as soon as I could.” Words such as care, compassion, friendship, hope, love and kindness, are all encapsulated in the name “The Heart,” which was chosen for the new premises after patients were asked to describe what Breast Friends and Family meant to them. An expanded range of goody bags is still a core part of the charity, and includes a Surgery Bag, a Chemo Bag, a Radiotherapy bag, and a Menopause Symptoms Bag (breast
cancer treatment can bring on menopause symptoms). Each one is carefully assembled to contain selected products that alleviate and support treatment - creams, lotions, body washes, cooling spray, lubricants, headscarves, and more. There is a monthly open coffee morning at The Heart on the last Saturday of the month, anyone is welcome to come and see what the charity is about. Drop in anytime between 10:30am and 1pm. Upcoming open coffee mornings are on 26th September and 31st October. The charity is entirely funded by donations and by fundraising activities. There are no paid staff, although some of the exercise and activity instructors are paid by the charity to lead the classes, which are free for patients. “We all love the fundraising part of it,” say Rhona and Hazel. There are two main fundraisers each year, in April and October. “We regularly come up with different ideas for events - the same people come back time and again to our events so we like to keep it fresh and interesting for everyone!” They are fantastic social occasions, when the whole Breast Friends and Family extended “family” come together to have fun and raise essential funds for the charity.
Breast Friends and Family are always looking for people to support them with fundraising activities. Doing the Kilt Walk, sponsored runs or other activities, holding stalls at events, hosting your own fundraising event – any way you can get involved makes a difference. If you have any fundraising ideas, or would like to fundraise for Breast Friends and Family, please get in touch with them at the contact details below.
Coming up this month (October), they have a Fashion Show where ten patients will share their journey. There is an annual Christmas Fayre in December. And the April 2027 fundraiser will be Ladies Day for the Grand National. “We want breast cancer patients, past and present, to know we are here, and what support we offer,” says Hazel. “Taking that first step through the door is the most difficult. But we have people here who recovered 10 to 20 years ago – they are all welcome, because once you’ve had breast cancer it never really leaves you.” Breast Friends and Family Address: 133 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 2QN E: info@breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk W: www.breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk Facebook: @BreastFF Charity registered in Scotland No. SC048332. BATHGATE | 9
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LIVING WELL
Grief is often associated with bereavement, but for many carers it can begin long before a loved one dies. Known as living grief, it’s the emotional response to the changes and losses that can occur when caring for a person living with dementia, frailty, a long-term illness or other life-changing condition. These changes may affect memory, independence, communication and personality, leaving carers feeling as though they are gradually losing parts of the relationship they once knew. Living grief is not about losing hope; it’s about recognising the impact of change. Carers may experience sadness, loneliness, frustration, guilt, anxiety or simply a sense that life is different from what they expected. These feelings are a normal response and can come and go over time. To help address this often-overlooked experience, Carers of West Lothian, working in
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partnership with IMPACT (Improving Adult Care Together), has developed a dedicated online resource focused on living grief. The website provides information, guidance and personal reflections to help people understand their feelings and find support. It also encourages carers to look after their own wellbeing and seek help before reaching crisis point. For older adults, carers and families across West Lothian, recognising living grief can be an important step towards feeling understood and less alone. It reminds us that grief is not only about loss after death, but can also be part of the caring journey itself. To learn more, visit www.livinggrief.org.uk. For information, advice and support, contact Carers of West Lothian on 01506 448000 or email office@carers-westlothian.com 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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LIFE COACHING
, "It s not where you START START"" ‘It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish’ goes the old song but sometimes it can feel like a tall order to make the kind of progress we want. That fabulous home, great new job or the relationship we dream of can be elusive and it can feel like our goal is just around the next bend. Change is hard, whether it’s those major life goals or the seemingly more accessible desire to eat better, walk more or get to bed before midnight. The most troubling aspect of all this is that, when we set ourselves a goal and then don’t achieve it, our harsh inner critic tells us we are lazy, don’t work hard enough and don’t deserve the positive changes we really desire. But, despite what that inner voice tells us, not achieving what we think we want with all our hearts isn’t due to laziness or lack of motivation. It’s mainly down to those limiting beliefs and that sense that we are just not good enough to reach those goals and make that difference to our lives, persistence and setting out short and long term goals can make all the difference. Change is always going to be hard at the beginning but persisting with those small steps and setting a goal for the next few weeks instead of using ‘never’ and ‘forever’ language. A thirty day consistency challenge, whether that’s no sugar, no complaining or taking a daily short walk is a great place to start. 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 14 | BATHGATE
OCTOBER SUDOKU
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 16. See page 34 for solutions.
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The crossword solution will be published in the NOVEMBER edition of Konect
OCTOBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Moscow’s country (6), 8. Clears throat (6), 9. Continent (4), 10. Extra (8), 11. Picture houses (7), 13. Head organ (5), 15. Wooden barrier (5), 17. Go backwards (7), 20. Fell (8), 21. Limit, boundary (4), 23. Event, incident (6), 24. Idea (6). DOWN: 1. Pet name for cat (4), 2. Property, manor (6), 3. Yellow fruits (7), 4. Corrosive liquids (5), 5. Six-string (6), 6. Explanations, hypotheses (8), 12. Recognise (8),14. Title (7), 16. Fighting (6), 18. Occurrences (6), 19. Warn (5), 22. Enlarge, develop (4).
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AVOID Stay safe and protect your home. Chairman of Taylor Roofs, Jamie Taylor, has seen a lot of damage and distress caused by rogue traders. Here he shares the five main things to look out for to avoid being taken in by a rogue traders. You can also watch Jamie and the team explain things on their YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@TaylorRoofs TIP 1: Don’t accept a verbal quote at the door Rogue traders are notorious for cold calling and saying they were ‘just working in the area’. TIP 2: Do your research to make sure the company is legitimate Is it a limited company registered at Companies House? How long has it been trading?
TIP 3: Check their online presence and accreditations. Check out their website and social media, and look for reviews and membership of schemes like Trusted Trader and accreditation with professional trade associations like NFRC.
TIP 4: Make sure there’s a physical address for a place of business. Make sure there’s a business address you can go and visit to sort things out if things go wrong.
TIP 5: Make sure you get everything in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises or vague start or completion dates. Insist on it being clearly stated in black and white. This article was contributed by Jamie Taylor, Chairman of Taylor Roofs | taylorroofs.co.uk
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PROPERTY MATTERS
T
he much-anticipated development at Bangour Village Estate is the venue for an up-coming Turpie & Co pop-up event.
Turpie & Co’s regular pop-up events showcase hand-picked local services, offering guests a chance to enjoy quality interactions and exclusive shopping experiences with the businesses, and with each other, in a social and relaxed setting. The next event on 3rd October will be hosted within Ambassador Homes’ stunning show homes at The Crescent, Bangour Village Estate. In recognition of the history and the emotional investment locally in the development of Bangour Village, Turpie & Co along with Ambassador Homes warmly invite the local community to attend the pop-up event, to enjoy a morning of shopping and mingling as well as to learn more about the homes themselves. Ambassador Homes are the master planners for the entire Bangour area, and whilst parts of the site are being developed by other builders, Ambassador Homes retain all the heritage buildings and a large portion of the village to develop in accordance with the unique
ethos that they bring to the special sites they acquire. The emphasis is on building a lower volume of beautiful and sustainable, future-proof homes in sympathy with the natural environment and the heritage of the site. The Crescent is their centrepiece at Bangour, a planned suite of stunning new homes facing the heritage buildings and with elevated views across the landscape. Every home at The Crescent will have solar panels and EV chargers as standard. At the upcoming pop-up event, Mercedes-Benz of Grangemouth will be in attendance with a range of their electric cars for guests to explore. This is an opportunity to see the cars without showroom pressure and to and enjoy relaxed discussion about their innovative technology. An integral part of an intentional lifestyle is your wardrobe. Too often relegated to the “too hard” basket, dressing for success - or simply finding clothes that make you feel fantastic every day - is achievable. When
everything else is “just right”, why not invest in feeling good in what you wear? Personal stylist Leigh Maybury of Life with Style will be at the event with a boutique selection of clothes and accessories, and will be on hand to consult as you shop. Leigh focuses on her clients’ lifestyle needs and helps them beat wardrobe overwhelm. Guests at the pop-up event will be able to admire in person the stunning interior design and furnishing in The Crescent show homes. Each was created in consultation with local interior designer Home by Lauren. Lauren will also be designing the interiors for the upcoming ‘Heritage’ apartment conversions that will be launching soon. She will be at the pop-up event showcasing some of her furnishings that can be purchased on the day. There will be drinks and nibbles, and the management and staff from Turpie & Co and our partners warmly invite the local community to join us. You’re welcome to come “just to look!”
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3RD 2026 | POP-UP HOMES, INTERIORS AND LIFESTYLE EVENT Ambassador Homes Show Homes, The Crescent, Bangour Village | Pop in between 10am & 2pm 20 | BATHGATE
INVITE YOU TO A
HOMES, INTERIORS & LIFESTYLE EVENT SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2026, 10am - 2pm AT THE CRESCENT, BANGOUR VILLAGE You are warmly invited to browse the 3 stunning show homes and find out more about the Ambassador Homes development. This exclusive lifestyle event is being held in partnership with: Mercedes-Benz of Grangemouth: Explore their range of Electric vehicles Life With Style by Leigh Maybury: Shop with a personal style consultant Home by Lauren: The interior designer behind the show-homes Fizz, soft drinks and nibbles | Pop in between 10am and 2pm
The Crescent, Bangour Village
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So many of us enjoy watching our feathered visitors feeding and preening in our gardens. Nowadays we spend a lot of money buying food for them, but remember when we were growing up they only got left over bread, fat and sometimes peanuts! So the advice from the RSPB and BTO this spring to change our bird feeding habits came as quite a shock. We have been encouraged to rethink how we feed birds in order to reduce the risk of spreading diseases that can kill them. The first thing we did at home was to stop putting food on the flat surface of our bird table as they can harbour diseases, hanging feeders appear less of a threat. But what to do with our lovely bird table? We turned it into a support for a small planter, seen here with Granny’s Locks and a bedding Viola. It does need diligent watering as the shallow planter holds very little water and no rain ever gets in there.
Other best practices include regular disinfecting feeders with disinfectant suitable for birds. Water is important for drinking and preening, it should be changed very regularly and kept fresh, again cleaning with disinfectant is recommended. Only put out small amounts of food, after all, in nature birds are used to food sources coming and going with the seasons. It is recommended that you stop providing seeds and peanuts from March to October when the risk of disease is greatest, but do provide fat/suet and mealworms. After October you can reintroduce seeds and peanuts to your offering.
By making these changes we all can reduce the spread of diseases for birds and still enjoy welcoming our feathered visitors into our gardens. The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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RECIPE & FOOD NOTES
This fright-night feast isn’t just for Halloween – it’s the perfect winter warmer the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
• 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra to drizzle • Salt and black pepper • 1 tsp yeast extract • 500g beef mince • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 1 small onion, peeled and diced • 1 green pepper, deseeded and diced • 1 x 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 x 500g carton tomato passata • 1 tsp chilli powder (heat of your choice) • ½ tbsp dark brown soft sugar • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 700g baby potatoes • 1x 300ml tub crème fraîche • 30g watercress, finely chopped
Serves 4 Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4.
2. Peel and halve the pumpkin (or butternut squash) and scoop out the seeds. Dice half of the pumpkin into 1cm cubes and reserve. Chop the remaining pumpkin into large chunks, place in an oven tray, drizzle with oil and season. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until cooked through. 3. Meanwhile, place a large pan on a medium-
high heat. Add the oil and heat until beginning to smoke. Add the minced beef and fry until browned. Drain the beef onto some kitchen paper. 4. Turn the heat down to medium. Add the beef back to the pan, then add in the onion, diced pumpkin and green pepper, cooking until the onions are translucent. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further minute before adding the kidney beans, passata, chilli powder, sugar, yeast extract and chopped tomatoes. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 1 hour. 5. Place the potatoes in an oven tray, drizzle with vegetable oil and season. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through and crisp on the outside. 6. Once the roasted pumpkin is cooked, remove from the oven and place into a blender. Add a ladleful of liquid from the chilli and blend until smooth. Add to the simmering pan and stir through. 7. Mix together the crème fraîche and watercress, and season to taste. 8. Divide the potatoes between four bowls. Add a ladleful of chilli and serve with a generous dollop of crème fraîche.
For more recipe inspiration, visit www.watercress.co.uk; for more information on the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany.com 28 | BATHGATE
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EVERY SATURDAY Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale Bathgate Outdoor Market 9am to 2pm. 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 10TH OCTOBER Craft Fair - Over 20 stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and products. Some stallholders local with others coming from further afield and coming to the area for the first time with some new and unusual crafts. A coffee bar will be open all day offering filled rolls, home baking and refreshments. Entry to the Fair is free, so why not start your Christmas shopping early or enjoy a morning or afternoon out with friends!! Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.30am - 2.30pm. SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER Quiz, Bathgate Twinning Association Bathgate Twinning Association holds fundraisers to help us to support visits to Cran Gevrier for clubs and groups. All welcome to our quiz night, Bathgage Golf Club, 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER Conservation Volunteering – Little Boghead Nature Park - Join the West Lothian Ranger Service and the Friends of Little Boghead group for a practical outdoor volunteering session. For this session we will be improving the path network in Little Boghead Nature Park. All tools will be provided. If you have some, please bring a pair of gloves, and bring any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary, new volunteers are always welcome! 10.00am to 2.00pm. Meeting point is Sylvan Way near to the residents car parking. Please book a space (FREE) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements. THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER Conservation Volunteering – Blackridge Meadow - Join West Lothian Rangers and the Conservation Volunteers group to carry out some practical tasks. We will be using scythes 30 | BATHGATE
to carry out an autumn cut of the meadow, and meadow rakes to clear the cuttings. All tools will be provided. If you have some, please bring a pair of gloves, and bring any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary, new volunteers are always welcome! 10.30am to 12.30pm. The meadow is located near a section of the National Cycle Route 75 in Blackridge, south of the A89. Work area WTW location is incursion.surfed.dreams. Parking available adjacent to the site, first left after Langside Drive, Blackridge. Please book a space (FREE) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements. WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER West Lothian in the early Middle Ages West Lothian History and Amenity Society talk, by Dr Tim Clarkson, Independent researcher and historian. 7:30pm, Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS. Included in Society membership, or non members by donation on the night. FRI 23RD OCT & SAT 24TH OCT Halloween Fright Nights – Stranger Bings - Inspired by the iconic West Lothian Bings, Stranger Bings transforms Almond Valley Heritage Centre’s 23 acre site into a mysterious world where mad science has gone spectacularly wrong. Expect eerie encounters, immersive storytelling, live characters, spinetingling special effects and plenty of boos that will have the whole family laughing, jumping and screaming with delight. Tickets £13/£11 – booking and information at: www.almondvalley.co.uk WEDNESDAY 28TH OCTOBER Halloween Night Market - Market and food stalls, along with entertainment including kid’s disco, scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, trick or treat. Located behind Argos, Whitburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 1HH. 4.00pm – 8.00pm. SEE PAGE 2 FOR DETAILS. SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER Bathgate Organisations Fair - All residents welcome to come and see what
activities are on offer in the local area. Xcite Bathgate, 10.00am – 2.00pm. SEE POSTER ON PAGE 30. SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER Broxburn Annual Woodcraft Show Woodwork showcase, handmade items for sale. Tea & coffee (donation). Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn. 10.30am – 2.00pm. WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER Food Festival - Food stalls selling products to take home, food trucks and vans serving fresh food to enjoy there and then. Variety of food to browse and try including honey, sauces and condiments. Behind Argos, Bathgate, EH48 1HH. SEE POSTER > > > 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.
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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 westerinchwonders@gmail.com NICOLA’S DROP-INS AND WALK & TALKS - Nicola’s offers free, friendly support for women aged 16+ across West Lothian. Join us at our Bathgate Drop-In on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 10.00am–12noon, or our West Lothian College Drop-In on the last Friday of each month, 10.00am– 12noon. Our Walk & Talk takes place every Thursday at 6.30pm. No referral is needed—simply come along for support, friendship and information. For venues and full details, visit nicolas-supporting-women.com or follow us on social media. 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 contact cozmicclubwl@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.
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GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a Just turn up 15 mins before KO, or range of groups from age 4-14. All contact: T: 07775 188218 girls are welcome to join in, learn life E: jim.barrie@hotmail.co.uk skills, do crafts, earn badges and go JUMPING BEANS TORPHICHEN on adventures. Visit girlguiding.org.uk - Stay & play group at Torphichen for times and days available across Community Centre Wednesdays and West Lothian. Fridays 10.00am-12.00pm. Bring a snack for your wee one and we’ll BATHGATE AMATEUR SWIMMING provide tea, coffee and biscuits for you! CLUB - Want to learn how to Swim £2 per child. Fast and Have Fun? At Bathgate Amateur Swimming Club we have a E: torphichen.cec@westlothian.gov.uk long history of developing swimmers THE BATHGATE MENZIES CHOIR at all ages with excellent coaches and - A mixed-voice 4 part choir singing a partnerships. We are 90 years old wide range of songs from all genres. this year and are looking to celebrate We meet on Tuesday evenings at in style! We have spaces at all levels Bathgate Parish church from 7.15pmso please get in touch if you or your 9.00pm. New members welcome for children are keen to swim! If you new session starting at end of August would like to find out more about how - contact Johnnie on 01506 419904 for you can join us either as a swimmer more information. Come and join us or as a volunteer please contact as we celebrate our 100th anniversary us at the email address below: session! bathgatemenzieschoir.com bascsecretary@outlook.com BATHGATE CONCERT MEMORY CAFÉ - For people living ORCHESTRA - Do you play an with dementia and their carers. Come instrument? Would you like the chance and join us at one of our monthly cafes. to practise and perform with a concert Come for the whole session or just orchestra? We are a friendly orchestra drop in. For information please email who meet every Friday at 7.30pm – westlothianservices@alzscot.org 9.30pm at Craig Inn Community Bathgate: First Monday of the month, Centre, Blackridge. We perform several 1.30 - 3.00pm. OPAL, 27 George concerts per year in West Lothian, Street, Bathgate and offer opportunities for musical Uphall/Brox: Fourth Tuesday of the development in a fun and social month, 1.30pm - 3.00pm. Strathbrock environment. Contact: secretary@ Partnership Centre Ent.B, 189a Main bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH GAELIC BEGINNER WORKSHOP 1271 (BATHGATE) RAF AIR - Come along to the Bathgate Gaelic CADETS - The RAF Air Cadets is a Circle for a friendly and free Saturday uniformed youth organisation for young morning workshop, especially for people aged between 12 (In S2) - 20. Gaelic beginners! We meet every two We offer lots of opportunities including weeks from 10.00 - 12.00 in rooms flying, gliding, shooting, adventure 8/9, Bathgate Partnership Centre. It’s a training, Duke of Edinburgh Award, great chance to practise your skills while Leadership and much much more. We having fun with card games, dominoes, are based in Bathgate and parade on simple readers, and conversation aids. a Tuesday and Thursday evening... We’d love to see you there and help Interested? Get in touch! you dive into the wonderful world of E: oc.1271@rafac.mod.gov.uk Gaelic! E: raibeartmac@gmail.com T: 01506 630784 T: 07742 558580 POETS O WEST LOTHIAN - Nae OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE need fir academic skill / Jist let yer LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL thochts byle up an spill / In inky (Opportunities for Active Lives) works screivins frae yer QUILL / And sip from with people aged 60+ promoting active that Parnassian rill!...poetry in Scots, and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching English, Mesolithic, Martian...Ice Age communities which empower all to or Space Age...we are a cheery wee remain independent, living at home and non-judgemental group meeting in socially connected. OPAL supports Bathgate Partnership/Jim Walker over 25 Community Groups throughout Centre, first Monday of the month, West Lothian for people to attend, except holidays. Share yer stuff, hae engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time a blether and a laugh. Text Davie at limited one-to-one befriending service 07591 681791. built to improve confidence. To find out ROUGHLY SPEAKING COMEDY more please contact 01506 815 815 or Hosted by Midnight Breakfast Club in opal@cyrenians.scot Bathgate, Roughly Speaking Comedy BACK INTO CIRCULATION - The is an open mic for comedians and BIC group is partnered with Chest aspiring comedians alike. Whether it’s Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) your first time or you’re a seasoned and led by physiotherapists from pro, you can sign up either online St. John’s Hospital. Programme of or on the night. Free entry. See exercises for people of all abilities Facebook “Roughly Speaking and ages that can be adjusted to Comedy” for confirmed dates or email meet your needs. We meet Monday roughlyspeakingopenmic@gmail.com 5.20-6.30pm at Uphall Community LIVINGSTON & WEST LOTHIAN Centre EH52 6BN and Wednesday HOCKEY CLUB - Livingston & West 5.20-6.30pm at St. John’s Hospital, Lothian Hockey Club are a friendly, Physiotherapy Dept on ground floor. sociable and competitive hockey club £12 per month / first two weeks free. based at Deans Community Please email y60rmd@gmail.com or High School in Livingston. The call 01506 431950.
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 wellbeing 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) 7.009.00pm; 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 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. 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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SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
The latest film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, All of a Sudden, is one that, while admittedly a bit long with a runtime of 3 hours and 16 minutes, kept me glued to the screen.
ACROSS: 7. Digest, 8. Eroded, 9. Clog, 10. Yachting, 11. Robbing, 13. Fiend, 15. Minus, 16. Request, 18. Eighteen, 19. Iced, 21. Famous, 22. Ornate. DOWN: 1. Dill, 2. Neighbourhood, 3. Staying, 4. Mercy, 5. Contributions, 6. Remnants, 12. Original, 14. Reunion, 17. Cease, 20. Eats.
SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 24
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. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
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It follows two characters, both named variations of Marie: one is a French woman struggling to run a nursing home, and the other is a Japanese stage director who has been told she has cancer and only months to live. We watch ACROSS: 7. Digest, 8. Eroded, 9. Clog, the two form an unlikely bond as confront 10. Yachting, 11.they Robbing, 13. Fiend, 15. Minus, 16. Request, 18. Eighteen, their respective hardships, whether it’s fighting for 19. Iced, 21. Famous, 22. Ornate. more humane treatment in a care facility or facing DOWN: 1. Dill, 2. Neighbourhood, the realisation that their health4.could at 3. Staying, Mercy, deteriorate 5. Contributions, 6. Remnants, 12. Original, any moment. 14. Reunion, 17. Cease, 20. Eats.
Filmed with remarkable tenderness and beauty, SUDOKU leading actors VirginieSOLUTION Efira and TaoTO Okamoto truly PAGE shine, delivering some ON of the finestXX performances of the year. Many scenes are dialogue driven and deeply philosophical, touching on themes of care, capitalism, and mortality. Without their incredibly strong performances, none of the film’s emotional weight would land—especially a moment near the end that nearly had me in tears with its authentic, understated beauty. Shot in a 1.50:1 aspect ratio, the film’s framing is consistently striking, and its use of darkness is surprisingly effective.
The result is a final product that is nothing short of extraordinary, a masterwork from one of Japan’s finest contemporary directors. All of a Sudden deserves to be seen on the biggest screen you Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept can find.
responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do endorse any advertisers in Coming Soon tonot UK cinemas 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 publisher. The Film Review is contributedtheby Robert Ewing. Lothian Publications Robert is passionate about filmPublisher: as an art form, and Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. West Lothian EH54 6GU. Robert lives in Kirknewton. He attended the Toronto Design: International film Festival in Magazine September for the North Alan Stewart Design American premier of All of aT:Sudden. 07729 911858
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