Konect Broxburn October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

broxburn

WIN!

Family ticket to Hopetoun House Magical Fireworks & Bonfire Night!

FEATUREs

Doors, Windows & Security – weather & intruder-proof homes Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing event Local Half Term activities Local Charity: Give a Dog a Bone s& Offer ers h c u vo cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh

B E S T

P R I C E

F O C U S

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L O C A L

E X P E R T S

ALBA

PRO PE RT Y NO

UPFRONT

FEES

ESTATE

AGENC Y

Go to www.AlbaProperty.co.uk for a FREE, INSTANT , ONLINE VALUATION

SELL your property...

OUR GUARANTEE NO SALE - NO FEE NO TIE-IN PERIOD

|

NO EXIT FEE

We are Selling Locally!

Our No Up Front Fees Package Includes: • Online Marketing • For Sale Board • Floor Plan

&

Call us to arrange your Free of Charge Home Valuation – with No Obligation.

Sales@Alba Property.co.uk

01506

500 999

www.AlbaProperty.co.uk

AlbaProperty

WL 09

FEATURE

M ES S AG E F ROM T HE ED I TOR

A

utumn is upon us and the nights will be drawing in when the clocks go back at the end of October. There is plenty on in West Lothian though - take a look at the round up of a few new things to try locally with the kids over the half term break.

Hopetoun House fireworks display is always a popular event, and once again this year we’ve teamed up with them to offer readers the chance to win one of three family tickets to the show! Turn to page WL24 (in the purple West Lothian section) for entry details.

If you have an event on in the next couple of months that you’d like to promote to the local community, or if you’re involved in a club or hobby group, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month in the community pages at the back of the magazine.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

CONTENTS BUSC Mental Health event Char ity: Give a dog a bone What’s on Useful Information Crossword Foodinburgh Foodpicks Clubs & Classes

04 08 38 40 40 42 43 44

West Lothian regular Windows, Door s and Security Wallpaper Week West Lothian OT Roadshow Proper ty Matter s Half Ter m in West Lothian Visit West Lothian Parenting in West Lothian Food & Drink

wl 01 wl 09 wl 10 wl 12 wl 14 wl 15 wl 16 wl 20

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

46

Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 7,500 homes throughout Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh. Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

See page WL15 for Halloween children’s activities in West Lothian

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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We have a wealth of knowledge in the local area and offer a MARKET LEADING SERVICE with a friendly professional team available 7 DAYS A WEEK!

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?*

RECOMMEND A FRIEND*

Please keep voucher to claim

Please keep voucher to claim

25% OFF OUR FEES

If a friend or family member instruct us to sell their home.

...and still receive our full service • • • • • • •

Professional Staff Family Business After Sales Support Accompanied Viewings Regular Feedback Latest Marketing Software Local, experienced and knowledgeable team

£150.00 Simply contact us with the details of the person you wish to recommend.

Our full service will be provided and when the property sale has been completed, we will send you a cheque for £150.00.

*

THIS APPLIES TO BOTH VOUCHERS. THIS IS A ONE OFF PROMOTION WITH ONE VOUCHER. ISSUED TO EACH HOUSEHOLD AND CAN BE REDEEMD AT ANY TIME. THIS VOUCHER CAN NOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION.

www.knightbain.co.uk 33 East Main Street, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5AB Tel: 01506 852000 Fax: 01506 300450 Email: info@knightbain.co.uk

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ARE YOU AGED 13*-17?

INTERESTED IN AVIATION OR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE? THE AIR CADETS COULD BE FOR YOU.

20 YEARS OR OVER?

WE ARE ALSO RECRUITING FOR ADULT STAFF. YOU DO NOT NEED ANY MILITARY EXPERIENCE, JUST ENTHUSIASM AND AN ENERGETIC OUTLOOK. 1756(Broxburn) Squadron are recruiting now.

E-mail for further information: oc.1756@aircadets.org *The ACO can accept cadets from 12 years old if they are in 2nd year at School"

Currently recruiting new cleaners

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices 75

We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com 48 Main St West Calder EH55 5DR

Houstoun Mains, Dechmont, EH52 6JU Tel: 01506 811237 | Email: dechmontsmithy5@aol.com

SINGLE GATES FROM £175.00 All types of wrought ironwork Indoor / Outdoor Gates / Gate Repairs / Railings Handrails / Grave Surrounds FREE ESTIMATES All work carried out to a high standard by 4th Generation village Blacksmith

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FREE PARKING www.littlewhisperssanctuary.co.uk

01506 253467

Psychic cafe, tealeaf readings, holistic therapies including reiki healing

Spiritual readings and holistic treatments by appointment

Coffee Shop

Drink, cake and cup reading £11.99

Good news - Tables can now be booked All welcome .....tea leaf readings optional!

Little Whispers Sanctuary

West Lothian Update West Lothian’s Bungalow Crisis A startling aspect of the West Lothian housing market is the current premium being paid for bungalows. I’m used to competing with other buyers and paying way above asking prices in the fast-pased Edinburgh market, but several examples of bungalow sales closer to home in West Lothian have recently highlighted just how in-demand this style of property is.

I’ve had a number of situations where it has been a challenge to secure a bungalow purchase for a client because on every occasion we have been up against several other buyers in a closing date scenario and the properties are going for big money. Bungalows are frequently fetching 5-10% above home report value at the moment which is a significant premium in West Lothian (especially as the home reports have already in many cases included an element of this increased marketability in their original valuation figure).

I’ve also acted in a number of private bungalow transactions in recent years, where the property hasn’t even made it to the marketplace before being snapped up.

With over-65s making up around 15% and rising

of the West Lothian population, and builders having virtually stopped building bungalows, I have no doubt the problem will get worse. 20 years ago 7% of new-builds built in the UK were bungalows, but in 2014 that had dropped to just 1%. In the same time period the percentage of flats and maisonettes built doubled from 15% to 33%. This is a stark example of how the price of land has encouraged builders to look up instead of building on one level. It could also be suggested that older retirees are remaining in their privately owned bungalows longer, as a result of a perceived lack of suitable sheltered housing or care home options.

Specialist advice is recommended to all those looking to purchase one of these sought after commodities in West Lothian - I would suggest speaking to a solicitor at an early stage because you will need to have someone on standby to get your offer in ahead of the rest.

Call Sean MacMillan, Solicitor now on 01506 420800 if you require any advice regarding your forthcoming purchase or sale. You may also register on our buyer database so you are the first to know of any bungalows which come up for sale with us in your area.

Scotland. 57.6436° N, -6.2653° W

we know how the land lies

Knowing how the land lies comes with experience.

By offering property, legal and financial services together, we help you see opportunities that others can’t. So when life and business becomes harder to navigate, let us be your map and compass.

www.aberdeinconsidine.com

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We design beautiful and natural-looking dentures.

We can make them lighter or more secure, and we appreciate how important it is for them to look right and fit comfortably.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

If you would like to know more please contact us, we would love to see you

Telephone: 01506 857717

www.broxburndentist.com

Unit 9, Tartraven Place, Broxburn West Lothian, EH52 5LT

FREE WINTER £1.50 OFF CHECK Top Wash *with this voucher

TOPMini WASH Free Valet ONLY £4 with MOT *with this voucher

All Mechanical Repairs § MOT’s § Diagnostic Recovery § New Tyres § Part Worn Tyres from £10 Puncture Repairs £10 § Tracking £20 § Welding Services from £79 § Hourly Labour Charge £25 £30 Even if you got your own parts or tyres we don’t mind we still fit them!

Mini Valet FROM £10 Full Valet FROM £25 Upholstery Shampoo ONLY £10 Hand Polish (Cars & 4x4’s) ONLY £25

Wash, Wheels & Wax Cars £5.50 4x4’s £6.50

50p donated to charity for every top wash

50p donated to The River Kids Charity for every top wash WIN 06 Punto with full year MOT! Raffle tickets £2 (half donated to charity) KONECT BROXBURN 9

High quality timber garden products, log stores and wood fuels

Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops

Summerhouses

Childrens Play Houses

Dog Kennels Garden Stores

Zest Garden Furniture

Woodchip Log Stores Full Range Garden Furniture Firewood Logs and Wood Fuel Softwoods, Hardwoods, Kiln Dried Log Chests

Log & Tool Stores

Sold in small bags or giant bags

Garden Mulch Our New Polytunnel Drying Facility

Delivered to your door using small delivery trucks for easy access Kindling, Firelighters & Range of Briquettes

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website

www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB KONECT BROXBURN 10

NATURE’S TIME TO PLANT! September & October are perfect months to plant new garden plants FREE BONEMEAL FERTILISER when you Spend £35 on garden plants!

New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

Windows & Doors...our barrier against the weather and unwanted intruders. October is National Home Security Month. Suppliers in West Lothian have got it covered, see feature commencing on page WL1.

Conservatory by Andrew James Windows and Conservatories, Blackburn

■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

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Land of Carpets offer free estimates and fitting.

We can also arrange expert fitting service with over 30 years experience.

Underlay is 10mm only £2.00 per sq/m NOT TO BE BEATEN!!

Broxburn Twist range available in 14 new colours and is 100% Bleach Cleanable. Only £4.99 per square metre! (quote Konect to receive deal)

Balterio & Egger Laminate from £9.99 per square metre!

(FREE Underlay and Beading when quote Konect)

visit us at: www.land-of-carpets.co.uk

CALL US ON: 01506 853723 Come and visit our huge collection of carpets in store at: Land of Carpets | 46-48 East Main Street | Broxburn | EH52 5AE KONECT BROXBURN 12

This section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian!

If you have information or services that you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share.

See page 3 for our contact details.

Weather-proof & intruder-proof homes The nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping… it’s that time of year when you start to think about how weather-proof – and intruder-proof – your home is. You’ll find all you need from West Lothian-based suppliers to keep your home safe, snug and good-looking this season.

Cost-effective aluminium windows and uPVC come in a range of finishes which simulate wood – and they need very little maintenance during their lifetime.

Aluminium is stronger than uPVC which means thinner frames and more glass - perfect for a wide range of homes including bespoke, contemporary properties. UPVC is perfect if you’re on a tight budget.

It’s cheaper than alternative materials but with no compromise on quality. They come in all styles including sash & case, tilt & turn and casement. Like aluminium and hardwood, uPVC windows are very thermally efficient.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

West Lothian

TRUSTEDTRADER

Looking for a reliable company?

Find a trader you can trust. www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader Tel: 01506 280000 Email: West Lothian tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk TRUSTEDTRADER

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When choosing a new front door make sure that security is at the top of your checklist. Some uPVC or composite doors are reinforced with steel or aluminium - such as the ones fitted by the UPVC Door Shop in Blackburn and Andrew James in Blackburn.

Bi-fold patio doors have become popular in recent years as they fold away completely letting more light into your home. Choose products which hold the police approved, ‘Secured by Design’ status and have multipoint locking systems for added security.

1

If you don’t need new windows or doors but simply want to upgrade your locks make sure that any locks you have fitted are British Standard approved, which is a must for many insurance companies. Take advice from a local locksmith, who besides fitting locks and window locks to existing installations, are usually happy to do a security review on your home and let you know where the weak spots may be.

2

OFF SELECTED CCTV, SECURITY & SMART HOME GET AN EXTRA 5% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT MAPLIN LIVINGSTON, ALMONDVALE RETAIL PARK, ALMONDVALE SOUTH LIVINGSTON. EH54 6RQ *EXCLUDES APPLE PRODUCTS. VALID FROM 1ST OCT TO 31ST OCT.

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3

NO CALLOUT CHARGE FREE QUOTATIONS UPVC SPECIALIST

1. The Lorex CCTV system from Maplin.

2. UPVC bi-fold doors from 1st Choice Living, Bathgate, let more light and air into your home.

3. Add the finishing touch to your front doorway with a canopy from long established family business, the UPVC Door Shop, Blackburn.

4

4. UPVC windows from Andrew James, Blackburn, complement the exterior of this traditional property.

5. Yale easy-fit standard alarm available from Maplin.

Other options for added security include alarms, exterior lighting and CCTV. There is all manner of smart technology available - the Lorex CCTV system for example can be used indoors and out and is connected to your smartphone or tablet so you can keep an eye on your home or business when you’re out and about.

5

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UPVC Door Canopies Professionally manufactured and installed

from only ÂŁ349 available in White, Oak & Rosewood

All Doors are supplied with Door Handles, Letter Plates and a Multi Point Locking System

We are a long established family business. For some friendly advice or a no obligation quote:

Call 01506 655202

www.upvcdoorshop.com Call for a FREE Colour Brochure

all major credit cards accepted

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 3

The top 5 things burglars love According to research from BBC TV Show, Crimewatch, these are five of the top things burglars love: Spare keys - Thousands of burglaries are committed each year using poorly hidden spare keys. The most common places including under a plant pot, a bin, rock or stone and doormat. Seasoned burglars are familiar with all of these hiding spots, so it’s better to leave any extra keys with a trusted neighbour or friend.

Patio doors and ground floor windows They are easier entry points of the home to access. For patio doors, make sure you have secure glazing and locking systems, and for windows, ensure all are fitted with at least one appropriate lock and are closed when you leave the home.

quietly as possible so they’ll target smaller more expensive objects which are easy to grab. Keep all cash, jewellery and electronics secured away in a home safe bolted to the floor or wall.

Good getaways and hideouts - Burglars target areas where they can hide and remain undetected. Limit hiding places around your property by trimming any bushes and hedges, installing security lighting, and putting away any tools or garden furniture that could aid a break-in.

Absent-minded residents - Keep doors and windows locked and keys away from the front door. Don’t assume that because you’re in the home a burglar won’t try and access it. Many thieves will go for occupied homes at night knowing that they contain wallets and phones.

Small and expensive items - Burglars want to be in and out of a property as quickly and

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • uPVC Door Repairs

• Local Locksmith over 10 years

• Emergency Entry Locksmith

• Trustworthy, friendly and Reliable

• Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • All work guaranteed for 12 months • Burglar Prevention Advice

• Fixed Competitive Prices

• Window Locks

• Fast Response

• Keypad Entry Systems

• Family Run Business

Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131 www.westlothianlocksmith.com KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 4

01506 676 444 Windows & Conservatories Ltd

Showroom open 7 days by appointment Unit 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street, Blackburn, West Lothian, EH47 7QU

WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLINE

Andrew James Windows & Conservatories are a local family owned and run company with over 50 years experience in the double glazing industry.

Father James and Son Andrew have over 50 years experience in double glazing installations. From start to finish you deal with Andrew and James who offer a friendly and relaxed approach to double glazing without the hard sell or pushy salesmen.

Installing superior quality products at affordable prices, all of which are covered by a fully comprehensive, insurance backed guarantee. Customer care and satisfaction is their number one priority.

CALL US NOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFERS Call James for free and friendly advice, a no obligation quote or to book your personal appointment at our window and door showroom.

01506 676 444 www.andrewjamesrc.co.uk KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 5

LOCAL FAMILY PLUMBING BUSINESS BASED IN WEST LOTHIAN ● Boiler

Upgrades Servicing ● Gas Work ● Radiators fitted ● Plumbing Work ● Boiler

CALL US ON 01506 238048 www.ctrades.co.uk

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment From

Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR PACKAGE DEALS

£4,250 Including VAT

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU

01506 632913

or T: E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPEN: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm (Or by appointment)

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HIGH QUALITY JOINERY SOLUTIONS

Dewar Plumbing Ltd, 9 Nasmyth Square Houstoun Industrial Estate Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5GG e. info@dewarplumbing.co.uk www.dewarplumbing.co.uk Find us on Facebook

• Door repairs & replacement • Kitchen planning & installaaon • Wood, Timber & laminate flooring • Fiied wardrobes • Bespoke joinery • Furniture repair & restoraaon • Home efficiency improvements • Window & door draa proofing

07432 495 285 01506 300 190 info@create.scot

FREE ESTIMATES Friendly, reliable and helpful service

David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS

Tel: 07803 289714 Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted?

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

We offer professional expertise in: · Health & Safety to comply with CDM Regs April 2015 · Preparation of Specification & Drawings · Submission for Planning & Building Warrant Approvals · Site & Financial Control · Energy & Sustainability Issues

email: wmachastings@gmail.com

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

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BEFORE

AFTER

Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner

Save £££’s on the cost of a new kitchen Don’t replace - reface!

Save up to 40% on price of a new kitchen

• • • •

KITCHEN REFACING NEW KITCHEN INSTALLATION BATHROOMS - SUPPLIED & FITTED HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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International Wallpaper Week

International Wallpaper Week 3 -9 October 2016 Yes there is such a thing as International Wallpaper Week. Championed by Graham & Brown, the week encourages consumers to bring high fashion to their homes using wallpaper and show how simple it can be to inject that little bit of style into the home… and wardrobe.

The week will kick start with a stylish stunt in the heart of central London, replicated in capital cities around the world, and will uncover the UK’s most on-trend wallpaper prints for the current season.

Celebrity designers, well-loved retailers and manufacturers will join up to champion the wallpaper industry and offer a wide range of interiors inspiration with designs good enough to wear!

Graham & Brown have recently released their Pure and Innocence wallpaper collections, each reflecting the brand’s heritage and design aesthetic. Pure, the newest collection, focuses on a trenddriven colour palette pairing contemporary metallics with matte base colours. Still incorporating a little drama, the Innocence collection on the other hand encompasses a simpler, timeless feel with organically inspired stone, cream and taupe hues.

Visit the Graham & Brown Outlet store in Livingston between 3rd - 9th October and celebrate International Wallpaper Week with exclusive in-store offers and Superfresco Easy paste-the-wall wallpaper product demos. https://www.grahambrown.com

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Occupational Therapy Road Show Howden Park Centre, Thursday 8th November 2016 10 am to 3pm. Free Entry “Live life your way!”

Occupational Therapy enables people to achieve health, well-being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation.

The Occupational Therapy Services from St John’s Hospital and West Lothian Council are holding an information roadshow on Tuesday 8th November from 10-3pm in the Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Professionals will be available on the day from physical, mental health, paediatric and community services to offer information about how they can help you to continue to participate in activities that you value. There will be information specifically about self-management of illness, managing your personal care, access to work & education, and access to leisure activities.

This will include an opportunity try small items of equipment, discuss specific issues you may have and enjoy some refreshment!

unpaid employment and provide signposting to local services depending on the individuals needs.

• Self and Health Management: To share experiences of how to manage long term conditions for people of any age, both children and adults; How we can help you to help yourself; Information about Self Management Community Resources and how to contact the OT service; Carer Support • Self Care: It’s to empower the public with solutions to existing and potential difficulties with everyday activity of caring for themselves, for example sign posting to different resources and how and when to access an Occupational Therapist.

The Road Show will incorporate stalls on:

• Leisure: Promote awareness of how Occupational Therapy can support children and adults to improve health and well-being through participation in leisure in West Lothian.

Information to include how and when to access Occupational Therapy services and examples of leisure opportunities available in West Lothian.

• Work/Education: Highlight the role of OT in supporting people in education and paid and

Come along and find out what Occupational Therapy can do for you!

We hope to see you there!

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) will work with you to build your confidence, skills and techniques, to improve your independence in everyday activities which are important to you. For example, looking after yourself, looking after your home, managing a job, getting out and about doing the things you enjoy.

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propErty matters

“OPEN HOUSE”

By Craig Turpie, Turpie & Co.

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, an Estate Agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.

One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend. Very common abroad, the open house is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, and for good reason.

Firstly, one of the best sources of qualified buyers is via the neighbours. Everybody knows someone who is selling and people tend to buy in an area which is close to their existing network of friends and acquaintances. This is known as sociodemographic mirroring.

When a property goes on show, it is marketed intensely in the neighbourhood so that every neighbour is aware that the property is for sale. If they know anyone who is buying, they are highly likely to invite them round to see the property, or at least look at it on their behalf.

From the seller’s perspective, having an open house can concentrate the viewings around a fixed time and previous clients have commented that they liked the balance of agent accompanied viewings and promotional open viewing weekends forming part of their sales campaign.

Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels.

Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits.

As a “celebration” of a property, an open house can promote intense buyer activity which often prompts a sale, as everybody wants something that everybody else wants!

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West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Weekends throughout October

A number of our properties will be taking part in Open House days throughout October.

Please visit our website for full details of our Open House properties, directions and brochures.

www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

Some suggestions from what’s new to do with the children around West Lothian this October holiday

Kidzeco

Kidzeco Livingston has a new soft play area. And there are lots of classes running through the holidays in Kidzeco Bathgate including Hartbeeps with Diane. Creation Station will be running taster sessions on 14th October 10 - 12 and Rockstarts will be returning too! Check out the facebook page or website for more information on What’s on in Kidzeco. kidzeco.net

Livingston @ your leisure

Roller skating arena and a sprawling indoor adventure inflatable island and a double decker softplay bus! Open for skaters of all ages and abilities and available for private hire and group bookings: have a go, hone your skills, but above all else, have fun! The indoor soft play and inflatable area mean there’s plenty to occupy young children too.

For more information and booking enquiries, call 01506 413212. For group bookings please contact us by email. www.livingstonatyourleisure.co.uk

Jump Station

Come join in on all the fun in our next generation trampoline park with over 80 interconnected trampolines which have been tailored for people of all ages and skill levels! It’s a trampoline experience like no other with 14 dedicated activity zones to challenge and entertain you. Fitness classes, afterschool clubs in dodgeball, trampolining & cheerleading, plus dedicated tots and junior sessions.

It’s the ideal venue for birthday parties, corporate events and festive occasions with a café onsite. We can tailor packages to suit all needs and budgets. Please contact us on 01506 537 966, email info@jumpstations. co.uk or visit www.jumpstations.co.uk. 3 Kingsthorne Park, Livingston EH54 5DB.

YOYO Softplay & Party Centre Potter Around

Kids’ holiday workshops, every weekday £12 a head.

Monday 17th: Potter’s Wheel - 10.30am-12 noon. Tuesday 18th: Pokemon themed 3D printing - 10.30am-12 noon. Or all day crafting - 10.30am-3.30pm (3D printing decopatch and soaps and lipbalms) £30. Wednesday 19th: Painting on canvas - 10.30am-12noon. Thursday 20th: App Development workshop - 10.30am12noon. Friday 21st: Sweetie making workshop - 2-3.30pm. Workshops may be subject to change and booking is essential.

Call 01506 238961 to book. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

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New large soft play opened this summer in Bathgate. www.facebook.com/ YOYOBathgate/ Tel: 01506 635030 Menzies Rd, Bathgate EH48 1TQ.

Halloween crafts at West Lothian’s Country Parks

Sat 15th October: Broom Making.

Broomstick workshop for high flyers! Collect materials and make a Harry Potter style broom to be proud of. Meet outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Cost: £3.65 per broom.

Sun 16th October: Lantern Making. Create luminous lanterns from willow and paper just in time for dark nights and Halloween.

Meet: Almondell Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm3.30pm. Cost: £4.65 per lantern.

OCTOber – Have a SPOOKtacular Halloween in West Lothian!

Summer is a distant memory, the leaves are October is an exciting month in West Lothian, autumn is in full swing, leaves have changed colour, and of course it is the spookiest time of year, because October means Halloween! So why don’t you grab your brooms, leave those cobwebs on the ceiling and have some fun for Halloween in West Lothian!

As the nights start to get darker there will be Spooky Happenings at Almond Valley, mysterious creatures will be lurking around the farm. From the 8th to the 30th of October you can explore a world of Spooky Happenings, shadows and magic. The kids can also enjoy an all-day Halloween party on Saturday 29th October – there will be faBOOlous games to play, mysteries to solve, crafts to enjoy and a scary surprise around every corner.

Enjoy some Halloween fun with the whole family at the Howden Park Centre, Halloween Disco on the 29th October. It is the perfect opportunity for

everyone to dress up as scarily as possible and take part in a fancy dress parade, whilst the kids munch on some gruesome snacks and treats.

If you’re looking for some frightening fun for the Halloween weekend look no further than the Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens Halloween Party! Enjoy either a scary afternoon or a chilling evening in the Dark Woods and the Shed, whilst playing some games or relaxing with a cake and a coffee. Booking is essential for this free event, for more information check out the Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens Facebook page!

A little Halloween joke from Visit West Lothian: Q. Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?

A. Because he has no-BODY to dance with!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook.com/VisitWestLothian Twitter.com: @teamwestlothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 15

Parents in West Lothian

Sleep

Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ve n months an with Quinn 2, Penny s in d her hubby 10 Channa, 33 .

Nicola & Ch an schedules w na both work, jugglin ith the ever-e g hectic vo their two tin y overlords, lving demands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!

I read once that cats spend around 16 hours a day napping. Sixteen hours.

It has been years now since I’ve been able to get even 8 hours of kip in a row so the concept of spending more than half of the day in blissful slumber fills me with the kind of fitful, slobbering avarice that only rabid dogs can understand.

In fact, sleep deprivation itself can be debilitating and frightening – on Quinn’s first week home from the hospital after birth I stayed up all night every night watching him sleep out of worry. By the end of the week I was so deliriously tired I was found sleepwalking, holding an empty bundle of blankets, shouting “Channa! The baby’s head is gone!”.

Over the next 18 months we bumbled through the usual trials and mis-steps, like co-sleeping (great when breast-feeding), to moving into a cot bed and nurturing the vain hope that he might stay in the bed at all during the night (he didn’t) – and every step of the way my sleep quota has stayed stubbornly sub-5 hours per night.

One person who has never had a problem catching Zs is Penelope. In fact as we made our way last Saturday to Five Sisters Zoo, Penny was deep in the Land of Nod and showing no signs of waking – at least under-3s go free - phew! We arrived and started to inspect the map we had been given, trying to locate the position of the zoo’s famous rescued circus lions. As we did so, Quinn ran past displays of parrots, owls, and spider monkeys in a spirited bid for freedom – he had spotted a slide!

reindeer, tapirs, monkeys, skunks, racoons and of course the long awaited lions; ferocious, strutting, roaring … hang on, they’re all asleep!

They were sprawled out very near the boundary fence, possibly in hour 11 of their own 16 hour snoozathon, lying in such human-like attitudes (two were actually spooning at one stage) that they could easily have been humans wearing lion-suits …

We took an obligatory selfie or two, me with the rudely-awakened Penny who upon being set down again immediately reprised her snoozing. We rounded off the experience with cheeseburgers, chips and juice which were really tasty and the smell of which actually woke Penny again.

As we headed for home I merrily chatted away, recounting the beautiful plumage of the Amazon parrots we saw, and the strange pinkish look of the growing edge of a reindeer’s antler, I wondered at the steady silence from Channa in the passenger seat. Yep you’re way ahead of me. Goodnight all … zzzzzzzzzzzz.

In truth for the first hour of our trip Quinn wasn’t actually aware that there were any animals in the place whatsoever, he spent the whole time in the huge and well-appointed playground, going up and down the slides and trying to work a big-boy swing. Penny, meanwhile, continued to sleep.

Enough was enough – we strapped the babies in and hustled deeper into the park to see wolves, KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 16

The obligatory lion selfie at Five Sisters Zoo

River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312

Toy Sale Massive Toy Clearance & Baby Item Sale at The Old Scotmid in Broxburn

on 28th, 29th & 30th October.

10am – 4pm

We have had a donation of excess stock and we need to make space for the items we can use.

Baby Baths, Moses Baskets, Cots, Car Seats and much more will all be available at knock down prices.

Toys starting at £1 each.

Bikes starting at £10 each

Come along & grab a bargain.

Call

0300 123 1070

Or email us at

zoe@riverkids.com

to find out more.

You can donate by going to :

www.justgiving.com/riverkids/donate

and you can set up either a single or a monthly donation.

Please go to

www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 17

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follow us at AK Limos we are licensed by West Lothian Council

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KING’S CHURCH WEST LOTHIAN

We’re a new church plant made up of people living in the West Lothian area. We want to see a lively church formed with great connections to the local community.

Please see our website or contact us for when and where we’re meeting.

We’d love to welcome you. www.kingschurchwl.org connect@kingschurchwl.org Text: 07860027575

Prices start from £9.50 One Off Clean £12.00

Dusters is a Domestic and Commercial Cleaning Company.

For a quote today, please contact: t: 07944 852 805 or visit us at: www.dustersonline.com

Christmas Party Nights @ Livi FC

2nd and 3rd December (fully booked) 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th,18th and 23rd Dec £35 per person including 2 drink tokens pp Special Sunday price for 11th & 18th December only £28 pp!

Private Parties

Want to hold your own company Christmas party?

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Outside Catering

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 20

@Food_Creations

Cooking with Beer

by Anne Pinkerton

October is linked in my mind with the famous Oktober Bier Fest in Munich.

I assumed it was a traditional celebration of a new brew after the year’s grain harvest. However I am quite wrong! The Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria to a Princess Therese in 1810. Since then it has changed from a royal event with horse races into an agricultural and country show and has now morphed in to a fun fair, music, food and beer celebration drawing visitors from all over the world. Beer is at the heart of the festival, starting with a grand procession of carts and horses bringing barrels of the six Reinheitsgebot beers which are tapped by the Mayor of Munich to the sound of gun salutes. Then follows 16 days of fun and drinking.

Beer is good in cooking too! In Britain it has long been part of stews, meat pies and bread making. Stout and oysters are a traditional combination and Welsh Rarebit requires beer as the base for the melting cheese.

Beer batter (225g plain white flour, 285ml light beer, 3 teaspoons of baking powder) for fish or chicken gives a special crisp finish to these meats when deep fried. Irish Guinness makes the most luscious chocolate cake. A newly published cookbook,“Cooking with Beer” by Mark Dredge, contains more than 150 recipes. There is only room here for a few ideas.

Chocolate Stout cake - 2 50ml Stout/Guinness/ Worthington - 2 50g butter - 7 5g cocoa powder - 2 00g granulated sugar - 2 00g soft brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 25ml plain yogurt - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 75g plain flour - 3 flat teaspoonful’s baking powder - F or the topping, if liked. The cake is fine without it.

Method

In a large wide saucepan, heat the stout, add the butter and continue warming till the butter has just melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugars. Beat the eggs and the yoghurt together with the vanilla. Beat into the liquid. Then sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the beery chocolate liquid.

Pour the batter into the 10 inch, paper lined cake tin. Bake for 45 minutes or an hour, till it is just firm to the touch.

Leave till completely cool in the tin.

Either make an icing with 250g cream cheese beaten into 125g icing sugar or serve dusted with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder.

Spicy Sausage Casserole -5 00g Chirizo Sausage or any other hard paprika flavoured sausage, thick sliced - 1 small can continental lager or bitter beer.

- 2 large onions chopped - 2 yellow peppers de-seeded and sliced - 1 can chopped tomatoes - 1 can cannellini beans -O il for frying -S mall amount of plain flour -P epper, paprika, salt Method

Heat a little oil in a heat proof casserole and fry the onions till just browning. Drain and fry the peppers till they colour a little too. Use the flour to take up the oil left from the vegetables and then make a sauce with the beer.

Add all the other ingredients to the pan and bring back to a gentle bubble. Taste and season. Cover with a well-fitting lid and cook, either in the oven or on top of the cooker, slowly for 40 minutes.

Serve with plain boiled potatoes or ribbon noodles and a green salad.

You can make other stews in this way from any meat you enjoy with vegetables to extend a small quantity of protein. The beer gives a rounded flavour and if used as a marinade on the meat for 2 hours or so before cooking, helps to tenderise it. Beef and venison are lovely with Guinness and lighter meats such as pork or chicken with lagers. Some of the fruit flavoured Belgian beers add even more interest to the final dish.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 21

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016 Christmas Fayre: 1st to 24th December 2 Course Lunch – £14.95 3 course £16.95 2 Course Dinner – £17.95 3 course £20.95 Weekend Dinner Discos - £35.00 9th, 10th and 17th and 23rd December Cabarets with Discos - £37.50 Friday 2nd and Sat 3rd December - Robbie Williams with Amy Winehouse/Blondie Tribute Friday 16th December - Glasgow Blues Brothers SPECIAL OFFER - tables available in adjoining Glen Garry Suite only £19.95 Loch Maree Dinner Discos Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December - £27.50 Saturday 3rd, 10th and 17th December - £27.50 AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES MINIMUM NUMBERS 60 - 3 COURSE WITH DISCO

Senior Citizens Xmas Dance

Tuesday 6th & 20th December or Wednesday 14th December, 12pm - 5pm 3 Course Lunch - £18.50

Christmas Day

• Adults £37.50 • Kids £20.95 4 Course Christmas Menu. Adults £55.00 • 5-12 years £25.00 • Under 4 years Free Hogmanay Strathearn Suite £62.50 and Drummer at midnight • Loch Maree Suite £45.00 • One O’Eight Cabaret £45.00 Bed and Breakfast £90.00 (per double/twin room)

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 22

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WIN! A family ticket to

Hopetoun House’s Magical Fireworks and Bonfire Night

Saturday 29th October sees the return of West Lothian’s biggest and most spectacular annual fireworks displays.

With an extra touch of magic, wizardry and sorcery this year’s celebrations are guaranteed to be spellbinding!

Taking place against the backdrop of Hopetoun House this magical family evening also includes an enchanting selection of pre-show entertainment, lots of delicious food stalls and a huge bonfire to keep everyone nice and warm.

The evening concludes with a grand finale of magical fireworks set to music which is once again designed and choreographed by the award winning team at 21CC Fireworks Tickets are on sale now at www.hubtickets.co.uk* with adult tickets priced at £13.00 each and £7.00 for children. Children aged 3 and under enter for free. Tickets are also on sale at Hopetoun Farm Shop.

Gates are open for arrivals from 4pm until 6pm, the firework display takes place at approximately 6.30pm and the evening concludes at 8pm. There is ample free parking for broomsticks and cars. *booking fee applies

Konect has teamed up with Hopetoun House to offer readers the chance to win one of three sets of family tickets up for grabs!

To enter please text or email your name, phone number, email address and the word “Fireworks” to 07854 492638 or email editor@konectdirectory. co.uk.

Closing date for entries is 15th October 2016. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date. No cash alternative. Prize is a family ticket i.e. two adult and two child tickets (Children under three do not require a ticket)

Magical Fireworks & Bonfire night SATURDAY OCTOBER 29th

Gates Open at 4pm | For tickets and information visit www.HOPETOUN.co.uk

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 24

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KONECT BROXBURN 37

Charity

Give a Dog a Bone…. and an animal home

by Cara McKeown ‘Give a Dog a Bone’ believes everyone should be able to experience pet love. They are prepared for any outcome. For example, if the owner is unable to walk their dog after recovering from an operation, the charity will provide excellent volunteer dog walkers until the owner is well again. They will often try to pair up disabled dogs with disabled people, and will support any terminally ill individuals to find emergency foster care for those who can no longer cope. In other words, the charity is extremely thoughtful and kind, with the best interests of both owner and pet at heart.

‘Give a Dog a Bone…and an animal home’, is a local charity, founded in 2013 by volunteer Louise Russell. The small, unique charity helps over 60s find and adopt a rescue pet pal - a mutual companionship. After all, dog is a man’s best friend. By tackling the loneliness of the elderly, as well as the ever increasing numbers of animal homelessness, this charity and its volunteers are to be commended for their work.

Key volunteer, Lorna Bryce from Bathgate, has been involved with the charity since 2013, and it seems the charity couldn’t run without her. She organises the monthly newsletter, the Twitter account, and increases awareness of the charity.

She and Louise Russell are ‘kindred spirits’ and form a fantastic team. Lorna describes the charity as, ‘a new way to tackle the problem of the ever growing number of animals in rescue’.

In the two years after ‘Give a Dog a Bone’ was formed, the charity had paired up over 100 animals with owners and they are now all living a brighter future together. By working with rescue organisations across the UK, they can find as many dogs in need of homes as possible.

KONECT BROXBURN 38

In the interest of raising awareness of ‘Give a Dog a Bone’, the charity will often set up stalls, run swap shops or host events in and around West Lothian. They did this recently in Bathgate and invited another local charity, ‘Contact the Elderly’.

They spoke with them about supporting the over 60s and the effect pet companionship can have on someone’s life - it was a great success.

If you like the principles of ‘Give a Dog a Bone’, and would like to get involved, visit the website www.giveadogabone.net, sign up to the monthly newsletter, or simply sponsor one of the animals they help every month. Lend a paw and make a tail wag today!

Did You Know?

• *5 million people aged 65+ live alone in

the UK. (Almost 36% of all people aged 65+) Source: age UK, Jan 2016

• 102,363 dogs were handled by UK Council Shelters in one year.

(1st April 2014 – 31st March 2015)

• 1 dog every 2 hours was put to sleep by UK Local Authorities during this time.

Source: Stray Dog Survey for Dogs Trust.

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Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

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WHAT’S ON & USEFUL INFORMATION

Canal trips at Broxburn: Take a short trip on the Union Canal, run by the Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society, in their restored narrowboat “Bluebell.” Trips take place on the first Sunday of each month from April to October and last approximately 1/2 hour. Cost is £3.00/adult, £2.00/child. All monies go back into maintaining the boat. Meet at Port Buchan, Broxburn.

Members of the public can also charter the boat with driver and crew for birthday parties, walking groups etc. The passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drink on board. See http:// www.bridge19-40.org.uk

See pages WL14 -15 for October half term children’s activities.

Saturday 15th October West Lothian Highland Society Monthly Ceilidh Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.30pm. Band will be Robert Whitehead Trio, singer John Caskie and Alvis Kerr piper. Members - £6.00, Non-Members - £7.00.

28th - 30th October Massive Toy Clearance and Baby Item Sale Come and grab a bargin in the Old Scotmid, Broxburn! 10am – 4pm. Fundraiser for local charity River Kids. See page WL17 for more details.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory. co.uk or call 07854 492638.

LIBRARY Information

Saturday 1st October

Broxburn Library

Annual Craft Fair 10.30am to 3.30pm in Strathbrock Church Hall, Uphall. The Fair has been very popular with both local crafts people and those from further afield, with around 40 tables having been booked.

There is a wide variety of crafts and stallholders; selling unique handcrafted gifts and products.

Some stallholders are returning, but there are a lot of new stallholders 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 an afternoon out with friends!! Run by Strathbrock Parish Church.

West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 2RH. Tel: 01506 775600.

Email: broxburn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Wednesday 5th October Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing Event Information, advice and assistance in am informal and friendly setting. Strathbrock Partnershop Centre, Broxburn, 10am – 2pm. All welcome. See page 8 for more information.

KONECT BROXBURN 40

Opening Times: Please note new opening times are: Monday & Tuesday: 10am - 5pm, Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 3pm, Thursday: 10am - 7pm & Saturday: 9am - 1pm.

Bookbug Bounce and Tickle: Free song, story and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Bring a grown-up to join in the fun!

Tuesdays and Wednesdays fortnightly 10.30am.

Computer access is available to find out about Information Services, or simply research a hobby, stay in touch with friends or look for work. This service is available for free – simply drop into your local Library or phone to book a free slot.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the November edition of konect

Across 1 Main roof beams (7) 5 More (5) 8 Fabric or cloth (7) 9 Doing words (5) 10 Long, narrow hilltop (5) 11 Anguish (7) 12 One score (6) 14 Out of the country (6) 17 Timid (7) 19 Goes up (5) 22 Perfect (5) 23 Unsuccessful (7) 24 Distinguished (5) 25 Brighter (7) Down 1 Helicopter blade (5) 2 Mended (5) 3 Apparent (7) 4 Not moving (6) 5 Impish fairies (5) 6 Whirlwind (7) 7 Confident (7) 12 Tightness (7) 13 Sincere (7) 15 On fire (7) 16 Practical (6) 18 Lubricated (5) 20 Crouch down (5) 21 Pointed weapon (5)

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 46

KONECT BROXBURN 42

FOODINBURGH FOODPICKS OCTOBER 1. Stay Local At The Riccarton Inn

It’s not always convenient to travel into Edinburgh for dinner, so we’re always looking for great places to eat a little closer home. The Riccarton Inn in Currie is a traditional pub with a decent menu, we went for lunch and enjoyed cullen skink, as well as this pretty little bacon and black pudding salad.

1

2

3

4

2. A Restaurant For Whisky Lovers

The Dining Room at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street has been refurbished and is now reopen for business. Serving a range of fine dining dishes, whisky fans will want to opt for the whisky pairing option - a different whisky served with every course!

3. New

Menu at The Printing Press he Printing Press inside The George Hotel T

on George Street already has a head start on most restaurants, their Georgian dining room is stunning, and now they have a brand new menu which befits the surroundings. We recommend it for celebrations or the perfect place to take visiting family and friends.

4. A ward Winning Pork From Puddledub Farm

We took a visit to Puddledub Farm last month.

This award winning family run farm in Fife produces bacon, sausages and pies. Ethically run with an experienced team of master butchers, it was a pleasure to see behind the scenes. We took away some bacon and sausages to try, and we can confirm they are well worth the little extra you pay - Puddledub products are available in Dobbies Dunfermline, online at www.puddledub.co.uk, and at farmers markets around Edinburgh.

5 5. C OOK Morningside

As winter draws ever closer, staying in seems like an attractive prospect. I’m fussy when it comes to pre-prepared meals, favouring Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer in the past, I have finally found a solution that trumps both!

COOK Morningside offers pre-prepared meals that taste just as good as homemade (no, really, they do!), and I am so grateful as all I want to do at the moment is cosy up with one of their lasagnes and watch Great British Bake Off!

KONECT BROXBURN 43

CLUBS & CLASSES

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

BROXBURN Strathbrock Community Centre: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate. Tuesdays: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft. Wednesdays: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/Rainbows; Dog Obedience. Thursdays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. Fridays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club. Saturdays: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Broxburn Woodcraft Club

A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. We have a fully equipped workshop supporting all aspects of woodworking including woodturning, pyrography, scrollsawing, the making of toys, furniture, musical instruments, walking sticks and more. For further information use the Contact Us facility on the website: www. broxburnwoodcraftclub.org. Our hours are Mon & Tues 9am9pm, Wed & Fri 9am-12 noon and 6pm -9pm, Thurs 9am-3pm and 6:00pm-9pm.

Livingston Highland Society

Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189 W Main St, Broxburn.

Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday evening between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist.

New members welcome, contact John Sneddon on 01501 770911 for dates and more details

Ladies only outdoor fitness sessions

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. Mondays 7-8pm, with Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) and Burn-It. Doesn’t matter your size or level of fitness. BUSC and Burn-It aim to create a fun fitness session based outside to enable ladies to meet their goals. For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk

Alive & Kickin

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. A programme for older members of the community to remain active. Run by Broxburn United Sports Club and includes: Walking Football Tues 10.30am to 12pm, £3 per session with tea/ coffee after. Walking Club on Thurs 10am. Community walk starting and ending at Albyn Park. Free, everyone welcome.

Invigor8 Multi Sports Thurs 2-3.30pm £2 per session. Try new sports and learn new skills. Each session is 1 hour of the new sport plus an inspirational/informative chat for 30mins.

For more info contact Leigh Lauder at Albyn Park 01506 858057 or email ll.lauder@busc.org.uk

Zumba for Kids

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. With the Poco Loco crew –

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learn some rocking dance routines using different styles and rhythms. For girls and boys aged 4 – 12. Fridays 1.15-2.15 (P1P3) 2.25-3.15 (P4-P7) cost £3 per week. To book please contact Greig Taylor on g.taylor@busc.org.uk or Nina Anderson on nina.anderson@live.co.uk or call 01506 858057.

Broxburn Swimming Club We cater for swimmers from age 3 upwards and cover all levels of swimming from our Learn to Swim programme up to our top competitive squad. Learn to Swim: Thursday night (6:00 - 7:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday night (6:30 7:00) - Broxburn Academy pool. Squad Swimming: Monday and Tuesday (7:30 - 9:00) and Thursday (7:00 - 9:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday (6:00 - 8:00) - Armadale Academy pool. For further information please contact: broxburn_asc@ hotmail.com Strathbrock Community Centre: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate. Tuesdays: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft. Wednesdays: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/Rainbows; Dog Obedience. Thursdays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. Fridays: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club. Saturdays: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Church Street Baby & Toddler Group

2 Church Street, Broxburn EH52 5EL. Every Thursday from 09.15-11.00 and is based in the Church Hall behind Broxburn Parish Church. Suitable for children from birth to 3 years.

Each session costs £2 per and includes a healthy snack for the children and a cuppa & biscuit for the grown-ups. Visit our Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ BroxburnChurchStreetBabyandToddler

Craft Cuppa We are a small group of crafters who meet on Saturday afternoons 1-3 pm at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Community Wing, entrance B. We meet to share expertise, have a natter and a cuppa. We would welcome anyone who wants to come along. For more info please email craftycuppaclub@mail.com or just come along!

Slimming World

South Parish Church, E. Main St. Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 5.30pm and & 7.30pm. Contact Lisa on 07736 316400. Canon Hoben Hall Wednesday 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm; Thursday 9.30am. Contact Alison on 07510 332851.

West Lothian Iwama Ryu Aikido Club Broxburn Black Belt Academy, EH52 5BB, Broxburn.

Dedicated to the traditional study and practice of Aikido through ken, jo and taijutsu. The club meets at Broxburn BlackBelt Academy Thursdays 8pm to 9:30pm. Come along

and give it a try. For information please call 07784 006851 wliwamaryu@gmail.com

Broxburn Gymanstics Club - NEW!

Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m., when we have speakers on a variety of topics. U3A also has a number of interest Groups who also meet once a month, including Art Appreciation, Singing for Pleasure, History, Walking and Cinema. New members are always welcome – please contact the Membership Secretary Helen on 01506 655976. You will find a list of speakers and a full list of Groups on our website u3asites.org.uk/westlothian

Broxburn Academy’s Dance Studio, Broxburn Fun filled gymnastics class for children in P1-P7. Hourly classes on Saturday mornings 10am (Beginner), 11am (Intermediate), Advanced 12pm. First week is a free no obligation trial. For more information please contact Gemma on 07775 900624 or broxburngymnasticsclub@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.broxburngymnastics.com

WINCHBURGH

Broxburn Scottish Women’s Institute (formerly SWRI) - NEW!

Little Flyers After School Club

We meet in Broxburn Community Centre at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of each month from September to May. Contact: Fay Young , tel 01506 854141 or email fayyoungis@hotmail.com

UPHALL Uphall Community Education Centre: Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Carpet Bowls; U3A Singing for Pleasure; Zumba; Craft Group; WRI; Scottish Country Dancing.

Tuesdays: Baby & Toddler; Uphall Outreach; 50+ Friendship Group; Walking Group; Indoor Curling; U3A Art Group; Taekwon-Do; Yellow Teapot Club; Youth Club. Wednesdays: Indoor Curling; U3A Book Group; Cairbrock Association; Parkinson’s Uk; U3A History Group; Tea Dance; Zumba; Fusion Youth Group; Tribe West Belly Dance. Thursdays: Indoor Curling Adults with Carers; West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network; Line Dancing; U3A Quiz Group, U3A Music Group; Karate; Yellow Teapot Club; West Lothian Y-Cats. Fridays: U3A Poetry Group; U3A Discussion Group; Children’s Club P3-P6); Reiki; Girls Group (S1 upwards). Please call the Community Centre on 01506 854451 or email denise.doig@westlothian. gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Uphall Playgroup

Winchburgh Community Centre, Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Open during term time, from the end of the school day until 5.45 p.m. Collecting from Winchburgh and Holy Family Primary Schools. Please contact 07518 176781 for more information or see www.littleflyersnursery.com Winchburgh Community Centre: Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Huge range of groups and classes including: Mondays: Junior Youth Club 7.00pm - 9.15pm.

Tuesdays: Slimming World 6.30pm - 9.30pm. Wednesdays: Keep Fit 9.30am -10.30am; Computer Club 9.30am-12noon; Night Art 7.00pm-9.00pm; Dog Class 7.00pm-10.00pm.

Thursdays: Morning Art 9.30am-12noon; Senior Citizens 1.30pm-4.00pm; Little Flyers 3.00pm-6.00pm; Childrens Club 6.00pm-7.30pm; Guitar Club 7.45pm-9.30pm; Table Tennis 7.45pm-9.30pm. Fridays: Little Flyers 12 noon-6.00pm; Scouts 6.15pm- 9.15pm Saturdays: Children’s Activity Club 9.45am12noon; Girls Allowed 7.00pm-9.00pm. For more information on any of the groups please contact the Community Centre on 01506 890348 or email julie.witherwick@westlothian. gov.uk. Winchburgh Community Council meetings are held second Monday of every month except January and July. See www.winchburghcc.org.uk

DECHMONT

Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. For children aged 24 months and over. Open Monday to Friday 9:15 - 11:30am during term time. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 sessions per week. Each session costs £5 and includes a healthy snack. See http://www. uphallplaygroup.co.uk/ or tel 01506 854451 for further information.

West Lothian Baking Club

The People’s Café

This group of enthusiastic amateur painters meet every Wednesday from 13.00 - 16.00 in Dechmont Memorial Hall to practice their art and socialise. There are a few membership places available and new members would be more than welcome irrespective of their painting skills. For more details email dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit their website at dechmontartgroup.wix.com/home.

Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month 11am - 1.30pm at St Andrew’s Care Home, St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, Uphall. For people who have any form of dementia, and their carers, to meet others in a similar situation for support and social contact, a cup of tea or coffee and home baking. Come for the whole session or just drop in.

Broxburn Art

A group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet regularly to paint, draw and chat in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm in Uphall Community Education Centre. If you’d like to know more, please email us at info@broxburnart.co.uk

West Lothian Art

West Lothian Art is a group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet regularly to paint, draw and chat in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere on Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm in Uphall Community Education Centre. If you’d like to know more, please email us at info@westlothianart.co.uk

West Lothian U3A (University of the 3rd Age)

A group of retired people who like to keep their minds active by learning in an informal environment. We meet in Uphall

We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £3 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

Dechmont 50+ Arts Group

OTHER AREAS West Lothian Gymnastics

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@ gmail.com To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL 6 Builder DB General Builders 39 Building Surveyor David Hastings WL 7 Cafe/Tearoom Little Whispers Sanctuary 6 Car Service & Repair D.K’s Autocare 9 Car Valet/Wash D.K’s Autocare 9 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services WL 6 Carpets & Flooring Land of Carpets 12 Catering Food Creations WL 21 Children’s Activities/Entertainment Broxburn Air Cadets 6 Jump Station WL 15 Church Kings Church WL 21 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestics 6 Complementary Therapies Little Whispers Sanctuary 6 Computer Services Sprint Computers WL 18 Conservatories Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 5 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 6

Decorating Graham & Brown WL 9 Dentist No 9 Dental 9 Doors UPVC Doors WL 3 Electrician Simply Electrical WL 7 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 7 Alba Property 2 Knight Bain Estate Agents 5 Remax 48 Turpie WL 13 Fencing/Gates The Smithy 6 Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s WL 19 New Hopetoun Gardens 11 SG Garden Services 39 Woodford Timber WL 19 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 10 Gym/Health Club Broxburn United Sports Club 4 Heating Services Capital Heating WL 6 Dewar Plumbing WL 7 Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) AK Stretch Limousines WL 18 Joiner Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL 7 Kitchens Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL 7 S&S Home Improvements WL 8

Solution to September Crossword

Solution to Sudoku Page 42

Across: 1 Recess, 4 Sticks, 9 Surname, 10 Inner, 11 Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13 Undoubtedly, 18 Cluster, 20 Uncle, 22 Error, 23 Noticed, 24 Melted, 25 Breeze.

KONECT BROXBURN 46

Down: 1 Resist, 2 Cargo, 3 Shampoo, 5 Thief, 6 Central, 7 Survey, 8 Remembering, 14 Neutral, 15 Equator, 16 Scream, 17 Needle, 19 Terse, 21 Cycle.

Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady Locksmith Livingston Locksmith Saltire Lock & Security Mobility Ableworld Med Ecosse Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland Painter/Decorator Nu Walls Plastering Nu Walls Top 2 Bottom Plastering Plumbing Services Currievale Plumbing Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel Security Services Maplin Saltire Lock & Security Taxi & Private Hire All The Fours Trusted Trader Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader Vet Mackie & Brechin Wallpaper Graham & Brown Windows 1st Choice Living Andrew James Windows & Conservatories Red Hot Windows

41 WL 4 WL 2 WL 23 WL 11 WL 18 WL 7 WL 7 WL 6 39 WL 22 WL 2 WL 2 47 WL 1 39 WL 9 37 WL 5 11

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

KONECT BROXBURN 47