• Deposit boost on selected plots doesn’t begin with the bricks, home begins
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the Bennie Museum in Bathgate is truly a treasure trove of interesting artefacts, and we are fortunate to have enthusiastic people to interpret and explain them for us. In the first in a series of articles for Konect on Bennie Museum artifacts, museum volunteer Amanda Mackay has contributed a piece about the museum’s bowler hat, see page 9.
Summer may be starting to fade, but there is still plenty to get involved with in the local area - check the What’s On and Clubs & Classes pages towards the back of the magazine. If you are involved in any events or clubs yourself which are not included, please feel free to get in touch with me – listings are free of charge for community/not-for-profit organisations.
I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.
DOWN: 1. Midday (4), 2. Reply (6), 3. Type of fruit (5), 4. Found (6), 5. Similarly (8), 7. Relieving (6), 12. Soonest (8), 14. Alter (6), 16. Special (6), 18. Unbroken (6), 19. Conceals (5), 22. Hurry (4).
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU
If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby..... get in touch via editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it. (You need to live and/or work in the Bathgate or Broxburn area to be featured in the Bathgate magazine)
THE BENNIE BOWLER HAT
I was walking by the Bennie Museum on Mansfield Street one day last year and noticed they were looking for volunteers. Having just moved back to Bathgate after many years thought this would be an interesting thing to get involved in so popped in to find out a bit more.
Lo and behold, there was a mannequin sporting the same outfit as me! However, the other one was actually a World War I Great Coat. They do say lots of things come back into fashion and this is proof.
I started volunteering a few weeks after that and offered to redo some of their labels. Problem is, I’m a bit of a nerd and like to ‘know stuff’ so I started researching some of the things I was labelling. When the bowler hat, which was donated by the estate of the Wolfe family who owned the old Shovelworks in Bathgate, came up I thought” hmm when were you actually created?”
Now, most of us would be forgiven for thinking it began with Laurel & Hardy or the late great Charlie Chaplin; however we’d be wrong. The bowler hat, also known as the coke hat, derby or billycock originated in 1849. Edward Coke, younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, commissioned renowned hatters
Lock & Co to come up with a sturdier kind of headwear to replace the top hats worn by his gamekeepers (Gillies in Scotland) . He wanted a hat that wouldn’t get knocked off by tree branches or blown away in the wind. Lock & Co engaged the creative services of Thomas and William Bowler. Yes, it is actually named after the creators and not great granny’s pudding bowl!
Sported by George Banks in Mary Poppins, the bowler became the preferred headwear of the financial institution and latterly a favourite with such famous people as Winston Churchill, Boy George, David Tomlinson and Lou Costello, to name a few. It appears in numerous movies too, for instance Oddjob, Goldfinger’s manservant, and John Steed of the Avengers (with the added accessory of a steel blade) both wore the iconic hat.
And there we are, I hope you found this as interesting as I did. We have a plethora of artefacts all relating to Bathgate and hundreds of years of joint knowledge among the trustees and custodians, so pop into the Bennie Museum for a look. We’re open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3.30pm. Entry is free, however, as a full voluntary charity, donations are very much welcome.
Check out our website benniemuseum.org.uk and follow us on Facebook.
This article was contributed by Amanda Mackay. Amanda stays in Bathgate and volunteers at the Bennie Museum
Plum, Pink Pepper and Watercress Loaves
Making the most of in-season juicy plums, these deliciously sweet treats are perfect with morning coffee or an afternoon cuppa.
Serves 12 | Prep 10 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Ingredients:
• Butter and flour, for lining the tins
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 90g whole milk
• 150g plums, stones discarded, flesh chopped into small pieces
• 120g light muscovado sugar, plus 2 tbsp
• 250g plain flour
• 13g baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pink peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tbsp watercress, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g rapeseed oil
• 2 large eggs
To serve:
• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Plum slices, to decorate
• Whipped cream (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4. Grease and lightly flour 12 mini loaf tins
2. Mix the lemon juice into the milk and set aside to room temperature.
3. Mix the chopped plums with the 2 tbsp muscovado sugar and set aside.
4. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, peppercorns, remaining sugar and watercress.
5. In a jug, mix the vanilla, reserved milk mixture, oil and eggs.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk from the edges inwards. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
7. Carefully stir through the plums and the residual syrup and divide the mixture equally between the loaf tins.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.
9. Once cold, dust with icing sugar and decorate with plum slices. This is fantastic with pillows of whipped cream, if liked.
For more recipe inspiration, visit www.watercress.co.uk and for more information on the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany.com
We often find ourselves thinking that happiness is just round that next corner, when we are thin, when we meet that perfect partner, when the sun shines or when we get that brilliant job.
We become convinced that joy is found when this or that arrives or when an achievement is reached, but this thinking can perpetuate the belief that there is a formula for happiness and there just isn’t. If it were true that doing this or having that would automatically lead to a joy there would be universal happiness and no one would ever need any support of any kind.
It’s important to remember that any uplift in mood that results from a positive experience will pass and life will soon revert to normal. This is called hedonic adaptation and when we then immediately look forward to the next thing that boosts us we are on the hedonic treadmill. An
example of this is that experience so many of us have when we are returning from a beautiful holiday and find ourselves longing for the next one before the plane has even touched down on the tarmac.
There is no doubt that positive life events can improve our well-being and give us goals to work towards but clinging to them can reinforce the notion that happiness can only exist in future events.
When we postpone our happiness instead of acknowledging that it can be in the here and now, we miss the wonderful things that are happening in the moment we are living in.
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
Autumn Reflections:
Ho w re m i n i s c i ng s u p p o r t s
o l d e r a d u l t s ’ w e l l b e i ng
As the days grow shorter and leaves start to turn golden, autumn is a natural time for reflection.
For older adults, reminiscing – remembering, sharing, and talking about past experiences – is a simple yet powerful way to support wellbeing. Memories of past autumns, family traditions, or changing seasons can be comforting and spark happiness, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, and strengthen bonds with family. Encouraging an older loved one to talk about school days, family gatherings, or favourite seasonal foods can lift their mood and create opportunities for warm conversation. For those living with dementia, long-held memories are often easier to recall than recent ones, providing a sense of identity and reassurance.
Simple Ways to Spark Memories
• Storytelling: Invite your loved one to share tales of their younger years. Listening with interest helps them feel heard and valued.
• Music: Play songs from their youth. Familiar tunes can unlock joy and prompt shared singalongs.
• Photos & Keepsakes: Looking through albums, seasonal decorations, or treasured objects can bring back vivid memories.
• Creative Hobbies: Scrapbooking, writing, or autumn crafts like leaf-pressing can encourage self-expression and fun.
• Local Outings: Gentle walks around familiar places can provide comfort and spark memories of past visits.
This autumn, consider weaving reminiscence into your family life - it’s a simple, heartwarming way to brighten both you and your loved one’s day.
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
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Turpie & Co website. It offers a modern and fresh look and we hope you find it easy to navigate. Let’s take a look around and explore everything our business has to offer:
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Our responsive website is also available on your smartphone or tablet.
A dedicated ‘Selling’ section showcasing The Turpie Method our proven signature approach that combines strategy, style, and service to stand out in the property market. Watch short videos explaining our process and explore how our valuation services and expert guidance can support you through every stage of selling.
In the ‘Buying’ section of our website, you can browse properties for sale, sign up for alerts, and read our latest In-house magazine. Stay ahead of the market by joining our VIP Buyers’ Facebook Group for exclusive updates and opportunities before they’re public.
‘Turpie Prestige’ is our new exclusive service for exceptional homes, built on nearly 30 years of experience selling Central Scotland’s finest properties. We deliver tailored marketing strategies using innovative tools and proven systems— showcasing high-end homes with a refined, discreet and professional approach.
‘Turpie Confidential’ offers discreet, off-market property opportunities. Once exclusive to luxury homes, this service now facilitates successful sales across a wide range of price points. Here you can register for tailored property alerts and explore the benefits of selling off-market.
This section features our portfolio of new build homes and land opportunities Browse properties, explore development land, or submit an enquiry—our team can assist with sales, marketing, and unlocking site potential.
This section shares our story, values, and vision that shape Turpie & Co. Meet the dedicated team who guide you through every step with expert advice and personal service.
Our FAQ section answers common questions for buyers and sellers, offering clear guidance on our services and approach to give you confidence throughout your property journey.
The Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Pattern Perfection
Whether it’s a textural geometric, a country-style floral or a bold, retro/modern design, introducing pattern always adds character.
It could be a few simple pieces that feature understated designs for subtle interest, an eyecatching, oversized pattern as a focal point or a complex combination of patterns for real impact.
FIND YOUR INSPIRATION: Look at books, magazines and websites for ideas, and then look for inspiration in the pattern books created by fabric and wallpaper designers, where everything is already coordinated, for example, stripes with damasks, spots with florals.
CREATE A MOOD BOARD: This allows you to assess how colours, patterns and surface textures work together. There are websites that will help, or you can pull together swatches of fabric, wallpaper and so on. Swap samples in and out, and, if you have large samples, hang them and live with them for a few days.
CONSIDER SCALE: In general, bigger patterns are better suited to bigger rooms and smaller patterns to cosier rooms – though there’s something to be said for the occasional use of a huge pattern in a small space. A downstairs cloakroom is the obvious place to try out a large-scale wallpaper. Beware: very bold patterns used extensively may date or you could get sick of them.
LAYER PATTERNS FOR DYNAMIC EFFECT: Think of starting with the most dominant pattern and adding in secondary and tertiary patterns (and maybe more). Remember that stripes and very small patterns can be brilliant at coordinating with more intricate patterns. And don’t forget textures – the slub of raw silk, the herringbone of woven linen, chunky knitted wool.
CHOOSE
COORDINATING TONES: A cautious approach would be to match colours exactly. But it may become dull. You can achieve excellent coordination and sophistication by working with tones. Colours with similar tonal values will work together, making it easier to combine patterns. Density, too, is a factor, as loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama.
MIX AND MATCH
STYLES
: You could choose everything from the same ‘genre’, for instance, florals or geometrics, but a mix-and-match approach can be extremely successful, provided there is some cohesion in terms of colour, tone, scale or style.
The interiors column was contributed by Katherine Sorrell
1) Headboard in Gingham Saffron (now available only in blue and sage), Cathy Nordstrom (cathynordstrom.com); Meadow Sweet wallpaper in Gold/Slate, Morris & Co. morrisandco.com (Photograph: Fanny Radvick). 2) Bamburgh grand sofa in Natural, DFS. dfs.co.uk 3) Cambridge chair in Kinsham Stripe Ochre Yellow; Bernwood wallpaper in Ochre Yellow; Bernwood eyelet curtains; Hedingham cushion in Seaspray Blue; jute rug; all Laura Ashley. next.co.uk/laura-ashley
We always refer to autumn bulb planting as ‘planting hidden treasure’.
We bury the bulbs in the ground or in pots now and they remain hidden until the spring when their leaves burst through the soil followed by wonderful flowers, real treasures in the spring.
This tulip Finola was one of our favourites this year. First the pot is covered with the bold, dramatic glaucous green leaves, which herald the promise of flowers to come. The large peony-like flowers at 45cm (18”) tall appear in late April/early May and are soft pink, fading to pale pink as they mature. They belong in a group of tulips called ‘double late varieties’.
Why are there so many different varieties of tulips? They were introduced here over 500 years ago from Turkey and although they don’t offer an edible crop or a source of perfume which would have created a commercial demand, they caught the public’s imagination and demand for different ones grew very fast.
‘Tulipomania’ resulted, centred on Holland, and fortunes were made and lost by the sale of unusual bulbs, the colouring of the flowers was often the result of a virus, which eventually killed that variety!
Which ones might you choose to plant this autumn from the hundreds of different colours and different groups: early flowering Kaufmanianas, elegant Lily flowered, Parrot ones, Darwinians, Double Lates like Finola, or some of the few fragrant double ones like Peach Blossom?
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Tulip Finola
In 2022 there was a serious outbreak of the highly contagious avian flu. It’s estimated around 3.8m birds died that year in the UK.
One of the worst affected species was the gannet, our biggest sea bird. For the first time since that year, I visited Troup Head, which is a gannet colony in the North of Scotland, near Fraserburgh.
Since this outbreak, there’s been an interesting physical change in gannets that no-one could have anticipated. Usually they have a pale blue iris but some birds with black eyes were discovered and after taking blood samples, scientists found out of the 8 who tested positive for the virus, seven had black irises. This indicated they survived the virus, which was an incredible discovery and though the reason for this change in colour has yet to be discovered, research continues to understand whether it could apply to other species and if it impacts their vision*.
These birds are incredible and can dive up to 100ft, at speeds of 62.13mph thanks to a number of features including no external nostrils, air sacs in the face and chest under
the skin which act like bubble wrap to cushion the impact as they hit the water, and how their eyes are positioned so they can judge distances accurately. How much food they can eat is thought to the be inspiration behind their name, unsurprisingly!
* Information taken from the RSPB website.
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 SaleBathgate 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 6TH SEPTEMBER
Crafters Destash Sale - Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.00am – 12.30pm. Lots of Crafters have been clearing out their cupboards to offer you crafting supplies at bargain prices !!! 25 tables full, so if you are looking for a bargain why not come along and check out what is on offer. Fabric, wool, card making, beads, ribbons, jewellery making equipment, craft books, haberdashery and much more..... Crafting for business or pleasure, youth / children’s leader, teachers, great bargains available, come and have a look. Cafe open, selling breakfast rolls, home baking and refreshments. Entry free! So pop in and grab yourself a bargain
THURSDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER
Rock for Heroes - Classic rock anthems, incredible musicians, sensational vocalists and a “rocktacular” experience with a lot of laughs thrown in! All the ingredients that make up the phenomenal ‘Rock for Heroes’ Performed by a superb 7-piece band, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen,Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! A show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan! Let ‘Rock for Heroes’ take you back to that Summer of ‘69 and join us for the biggest celebration of the Heroes of Rock! Reconnect Regal Theatre, Bathgate. 7.30pm, tickets £27.38 via tickets.reconnectregal.com
SUNDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
Friends of Beecraigs Volunteering session - Join the Ranger Service as we undertake some practical tasks to help maintain
Witchcraig Woodland. For this session we will be creating a new series of pond scrapes to better manage the seasonal wet areas within some of the woodland. This will better regulate the water flow and help protect some of the new saplings. All equipment and demonstrations will be provided by the Ranger. Please bring along any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary to take part in the sessions, new volunteers are always welcome! The session will run for two hours starting at 10am, and the meeting place is at the Korean War Memorial car park, which is located on the road between Linlithgow and Bathgate. 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.
Further conservation events at Beecraigs this month on Thursday 25th and Sunday 28th September, see the West Lothian Council Range Service’s Eventbrite page for details.
FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER
Silent Auction - We are hosting a silent auction at Boghall Parish Church and would like to welcome anyone who wishes to attend and help raise funds for the church. Boghall Parish Church, 7.00pm-9.00pm, entry is £3 which includes tea or coffee.
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Craft Fair - Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.30am – 2.30pm. 25 stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and products. Some stallholders local with others coming from further afield, 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!
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.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
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, contactl 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. Email: 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 7.15pm9.00pm. 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: secretary@ bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk
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), 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 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) 7.009.00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7.309.30pm. 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/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
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With Celine Song’s second feature, she explores the modern dating scene in her attempt at a romantic comedy.
I say “attempt” because the moments of humour I found were more displays of societal pain. Modern dating’s obsession with material values in a partner, like height or wealth, is a plague on our society and obfuscates the fact that these values do not reflect a person’s true character.
This is examined through the lens of a matchmaker, Lucy, played superbly by Dakota Johnson, who is responsible for nine weddings. While attending the wedding of an ex-client, she encounters two men who are about to challenge everything she believes about dating. Harry, a financier played flawlessly by Pedro Pascal, and her ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor named John, played wonderfully by Chris Evans.
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The issues with modern dating invade every aspect of Lucy’s life. While at work, she helps match people with their ideal partners. Their demands are simple, yet often impossible, since her clients will always find something to complain about. Yet her own dating life is just as chaotic as when she is with Harry. She appears to be living her dream life: a wealthy man, perfect height, and ideal lifestyle. But does that matter if the person you truly love would drop everything for you?
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While I felt the film lacked some laughs typical of a romantic comedy, its sharp critique of modern dating is truly captivating, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this film.
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.
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.
