Konect Calders April 17

APRIL 2017

100 Years of Girlguiding in West Lothian local Special Property Feature Plus businesses, community KITCHEN REVAMP! information Easter Holiday Activities & more!

S& OFFER ERS H VOUC cal from lo ses s busine

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

VXQ-307-71378-Edinburgh-128x190-from5-PRINT.pdf

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15/02/2017

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FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

e had a range of topics to cover in this issue of Konect – the Easter school holidays are upon us so check the What’s On pages for a few ideas of things to do locally with the family. If you’re involved in any fundraising events coming up locally don’t forget to drop us a line and we’re very happy to list your event in the monthly What’s On page. We need the information by 18th of the month prior to print.

Girlguiding West Lothian are celebrating 100 years in West Lothian this year. They asked us for help to look for new leaders – see the feature on pages 8-9. We didn’t have room for a walk feature this month, but most of our regular columns are here. And if you’re in the market to buy your first home, you need to read the special property feature in the West Lothian section of this magazine.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

CONTENTS 100 years of Guiding in West Lothian 08 Thought for the Month 15 Food and Drink 50 What’s On 50 Useful Information 50 Clubs & Classes 51 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

Kitchen Revamp!

Property Special Parents in West Lothian Holiday What’s On Visit West Lothian Music Review INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to print.

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

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 18th of the month prior to print.

Konect is delivered to 5500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month. Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.

Cover Image: Easter Eggs, See our Food and Drink feature on page 48

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT CALDERS | 3

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Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

STEEL CONTAINERS FOR RENT Suitable for storing your stuff or run your business from here.

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EAST CALDER BOWLING CLUB 255 Main Street · East Calder · EH53 0EL Tel: 01506 497008 Emaill: info@ecbcnews.co.uk www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com

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6 | KONECT CALDERS

Braekirk Decorator’s First Class Decoration Willie Jamieson T: 07779 186 298 E: maryjamieson64@googlemail.com 64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton EH27 8BL External | Internal | Wallpaper hanging

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7 Day Membership: £68.75 per month 6 Day Members: £61.88 per month, 5 Day Members: £51.56 per month Young Adult (18-19): £15 per month, Young Adult (20-21): £20 per month, Young Adult (22-25): £30 per month, Young Adult (26-30): £40 per month 12 ROUND MEMBERSHIP FOR £300 – contact us for details With the SGL affiliation fee of £12.60 Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

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KONECT CALDERS | 7

SPECIAL FEATURE

OF GUIDING IN WEST LOTHIAN 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of Girlguiding in West Lothian. Linlithgow and Broxburn were the first towns in West Lothian where girls formed companies to join what in 1917 was the new Guiding organisation, soon followed by other towns.

Today there are Girlguiding groups in most towns and villages in West Lothian. Guiding provides fun, friendship and a whole lot of other things for girls from ages 5 to 25. The organisation is structured by age group, with Rainbows for ages 5-7; Brownies for ages 7-10; Guides for ages 10-14; and a Senior Section for ages 14-25.

Emma Brash is a leader for Mid Calder Brownies and is also responsible for promoting Guiding all over West Lothian. She met with me to enthuse about the organisation that she has been involved with since she joined as a Rainbow.

Being a Leader is a great experience “For me, Guiding is about adventure,” says Emma.

“Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life. For example, we recently went badgerwatching with the West Lothian Country Park Rangers; our local brownies put on a play together; and we had a STEM themed pack holiday weekend where we linked in a visit to the Museum of Flight” In their weekly sessions, the girls help decide what activities they would like to do, which includes working towards gaining badges in a range of 8 | KONECT CALDERS

interests, everything from art, music and reading to sports and outdoors skills. Besides this, there are opportunities for experiencing adventures out and about, and meeting up with Guides from other areas for special camps. It’s about challenges, expanding horizons, firing the imagination and pushing boundaries; as well as friendship and security. “My favourite memory from Brownies is the sleepover at the science centre, all the games we played and the parties we have,” says one of the Mid Calder Brownies.

In 2017 you can’t avoid the question of “why girls only?”

Emma says, “Girlguiding is a place where girls can come together and be given the chance to be heard and the chance to do what they want, without being told they can’t. All girls are welcomed in Guiding as it’s a space for them to learn, thrive and meet new people.”

Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life

LEADERS NEEDED Leaders are needed all over West Lothian. You don’t need to have Guiding experience in order to volunteer as a leader – everyone has different skills they can bring. All you need is an interest in working with young people and making sure the girls are enjoying what they are doing.

“Being a Leader is a great experience. You learn new skills that you can transfer to your work and other areas of life,” says Emma. “It’s also like a big support group – Leaders support each other, you make great friends, and meet people from all over Scotland and further afield via the regular group camps. I have loved volunteering for Girlguiding to give a little back of what the organisation has done for me.”

If you are interested in becoming a Leader with any group in West Lothian, please contact us at westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or find more information at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN 1st Linlithgow Guide Company was the first company registered in West Lothian, in December 1917. A group of teenagers from Linlithgow Academy, having heard about Guiding – which was at that time a relatively new movement having been set up in 1909 – were keen to have their own local company.

They approached one of their teachers at the academy, who knew about Guiding as her sister was already involved in Guiding in Broxburn.

She was enthusiastic in her support and arranged the formation of the 1st Linlithgow Guide Company. The 1st Broxburn Guide Company was registered in February 1918 although they had been meeting prior to this.

1st Linlithgow Guide Company

HOW TO JOIN If your daughter is interested in joining, please visit the girlguiding website at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved, email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or check the Clubs and Classes pages of this magazine where details of the local companies are listed every month.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Emma Brash of West Lothian Girlguiding for this feature Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

KONECT CALDERS | 9

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KONECT CALDERS | 11

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hair loss is a topic that comes up every day in salon life. Most people shed on average 50-100 hairs a day, but how do we build this back up?

There are many different remedies, shampoos and supplements on the market. Its confusing. My opinion is that the fundamental key is to start with diet. There is a strong link between a nutritious diet and healthy hair.

Protein and zinc are the most important. They helps to replace the hairs that naturally shed and rebuild the hair.

Your hair cells, as well as the cells throughout your body need a balance of proteins, complex carbohydrates, iron, zinc, vitamins and minerals. Chicken or beef is great, or reach for quinoa as a veggie option. Eggs are also packed with a B vitamin called biotin. This helps encourage the hair to grow and strengthens it.

Ignore trends and fads, healthy beautiful hair will always be in fashion.

My opinion is that the fundamental key is to start with diet

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Professional treatment for: • corns • ingrown nails • hard skin • hard-to-cut nails The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw.

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Call 01506 883379 for an appointment Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments

‘30 - 32 West Main Street, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 5DW

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Discover how the magic of holistic healing can work for you.

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Janet Day works out of the clinic in partnership with West Lothian Chiropractic.

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

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Telephone: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.com KONECT CALDERS | 13

Cosmetic dentistry | Facial Aesthetics | Implants | Orthodontics | Dental Hygienist We welcome NHS & private patients Fed up with wearing dentures or missing teeth...?

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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

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TASTE FOR TRAVEL Have you ever wondered what is out there, what our world is made of, the people, the cultures, the surroundings, the smells and tastes of foreign lands?

Travelling has become so achievable nowadays, you can jump on a budget flight and hop over to Europe for a few days or you can stay closer to home and take a drive around Scotland and discover its beauty. Travel does not have to be something far away or expensive as we have our beautiful capital city on our doorstep so why not go into town and be a tourist for the day!!!

Travelling has become a hobby of mine and I try to visit a different country each time I go away. The adventure and the unknown is what attracts me to different countries as our world is vast and has a lot to offer. There is also an element of self-discovery to travel as you never know what situations will arise and what you will encounter.

The next time you are thinking of going on holiday try something different, go somewhere that you have never thought about or been before, take yourself out of your comfort zone and be daring. Why not go camping in Scotland and embrace the rain and the midges, or choose a different sunny destination and immerse yourself in the cultures and try the local food and drink!!

Simply be a tourist and absorb the environment, you never know you may like it.

Stay Healthy and Happy!

Thought for the Month is contributed by Tammy Wood of Happiness Works. Tammy lives in Kirknewton and has an interest in travelling and crafting. She is COSCA qualified and enjoys combining counselling and art. She runs the Art for the Heart workshop in Kirknewton. www.happinessworks.co.uk KONECT CALDERS | 15

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

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

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

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, it’s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate.

If you have information or services 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.

Look inside this section for: SPECIAL FEATURE Buying a property for the first time REVAMPING YOUR KITCHEN This month’s Home Improvements feature focuses on ideas for revamping your kitchen without breaking the bank PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian EASTER HOLIDAYS Some suggestions on what to do locally this Easter holiday

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1

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WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

HOME IMPROVEMENT

on a budget You know the feeling - the kitchen cupboard door is about to fall off its hinges and you can’t bear to look at that burn-mark on your worktop any longer. There’s only one thing for it - you need a new kitchen.

There’s just one snag – although you’ve set aside a budget, you can’t afford a brand-new, fully-fitted one. Don’t despair, there is a solution – it’s time for a kitchen revamp!

A kitchen revamp gives you the chance to mix and match door colours

A revamp can give your room a whole new lease of life, yet cost a fraction of the price of a brand new-kitchen.

But, what exactly does a revamp involve? Here are some options to give your kitchen the wow factor without breaking the bank.

Replacing doors and worktops - Check the condition of your existing units. Are they solid enough? If so, you can simply choose new cupboard doors which will set the tone for your overall style. For example, opt for sleek, minimalist doors in a bold, contemporary colour to make a statement. Or, choose traditional Shaker doors to give your kitchen a homely, unfussy country-feel. Worktops can either complement or contrast with your doors and they come in a range of hardwearing materials that are designed to last.

Upgrading appliances and sink taps - Upgrading your appliances is a great way to give your kitchen a shiny new look while saving energy costs. By simply replacing your doors and worktops instead of the whole kitchen, you could save enough to add a larder style unit with an integrated oven. Setting your oven at eye-level saves bending down to load up your Sunday roast. Modern ovens like the Neff ‘Slide & Hide’ oven has a door which, as the name suggests, slides underneath so you can get closer to it. Plus, it has an A energy rating which is better for the environment and easier on your pocket.

Corian® can be moulded to fit any shape from a simple worktop to an additional one-piece island with combined breakfast bar.

Adding a Quooker® instead of a tap gives drink ready boiling and cold water

If you don’t want to buy a new sink, you can simply upgrade your kitchen tap. It’s amazing the difference even that small change can make. If you use a lot of boiling water for tea or coffee, then invest in a Quooker instead.

A Quooker is a tap that can deliver drink-ready boiling and cold water from the same unit.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

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

Painting & Decoration Services

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An accent on lighting - Every kitchen needs good ‘task’ lighting so you can see what you’re doing when preparing dinner. However, how about creating some ‘accent’ lighting too which is designed to focus on certain items such as ornaments or artwork.

Flooring options - Now that you’ve saved some money on your units how about revamping your flooring as well. Choose between new tiles for a Mediterranean look, engineered-wood flooring for a more rustic feel, or hardwearing vinyl-tiles from a quality manufacturer such as Karndean.

Creating space - Revamping your kitchen also gives you the chance to plan it around your changing needs. For example, if your children have flown the nest maybe you don’t need as many cupboards. Why not take one away and create space for a breakfast bar instead? And, by downsizing your dishwasher to a slimline version – you might find more room for a wine cooler! Sunday brunch with Prosecco anyone?

Choosing new New worktops will completely transform your existing kitchen and there are many hardwearing materials to choose from depending on your needs.

Granite - If you do a lot of cooking, granite worktops are ideal. Hardwearing and heat-resistant you can move hot pots from your hob to your worktop without fear of it marking.

Hardwood - Hardwood can last for years but will initially need sealed with oil over a period of time. Hardwoods such as teak or iroko are ideal for breakfast bars, island or around sink areas due to their water-resistant features.

Silestone - Silestone is made from 94% quartz which is hardwearing and highly scratch-resistant. It comes in a wide range of colours and is non-porous which means it won’t stain and is bacteria resistant – perfect if you need to be extra careful about hygiene.

Corian® - Corian® from DuPont is also hardwearing, tough, durable and non-porous but it has one other quality which sets it apart from most other worktops. Corian® can be moulded to suit different layouts so you can create one large area from one piece. This means no seams and no crevices for dirt and bacteria to gather.

WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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WL8 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

GARDENING PROJECT

SPRING POTS It’s Spring and it’s time to have a good look at your garden pots again: are they looking good; do any permanent plants need some tender loving care; do you need some new pots?

It is too early to risk planting your summer display plants into the pots because we will still get some killing frosts over the next few weeks. But it’s a good time to cheer up your existing planted pots and perhaps treat your garden to some new pots.

This season’s trend is for soft pastel coloured pots, both in glazed ceramics and plastic. The soft greens, blues, creams and beige pots compliment your plants and don’t fight with them for your attention.

We have popped in a selection of our

evergreen ‘Carefree Plants’ collection and they are all tough plants that only require water and food from you all year round. Choose plants like these to decorate your pots and patio this month.

Existing plants in pots will need feeding and tidying up now and replace the top 2” layer of compost with fresh compost and pop in some pansies or viola for some extra colour.

Then sit back and enjoy your display!

The gardening project is contributed

by New Hopetoun Gardens. www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.

Planted Pots

TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.…

Growing Tatties in a Tub, Creating a Miniature Garden, Growing a Climbing Rose up a Post…loads to choose from!

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL9

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Nestled Nestledin inaasecluded secludedposition positionon onthe theSouth Southside sideof ofthe thepretty prettyconservation conservationvillage village of Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting for a modern family home.

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With Nestled in a secluded position on the South side of the pretty conservation village countryside in directions, this offers the lifestyle open countryside inall all directions, thissemi semirural rural location offers thehome. lifestyle ofopen Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting forlocation a modern family With benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community open countryside in all directions, this semi rural location offers the lifestyle with convenience of commute to withthe the convenience ofan aneasy easy commute toboth both Edinburgh &Glasgow.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

STEPS TO YOUR NEW HOME 1. Speak to a financial advisor of your choice about your mortgage suitability 2. Submit an application to the LIFT scheme at: www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT 3. LIFT assesses your application based on the information you provide 4. They let you know if you are eligible, what your minimum financial contribution is, and the maximum price of property you can buy 5. You then have 12 weeks to find your new home. If it times out, you need to re-apply 6. Send LIFT the details of the property you want to buy and they will let you know if you can make an offer using the scheme 7. If your offer is accepted, you can finalise your mortgage with the mortgage-provider of your choice 8. Your solicitor will confirm the terms of the sale and arrange for the paperwork to be signed 9. LIFT will claim the relevant funding from the Scottish Government 10. Your solicitor will gather the funds for the sale price and transfer them to allow you to move in.

CONGRATULATIONS, you have bought your new home!

WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Running successfully for 9 years, the Scottish Government’s LIFT scheme is all about helping first time buyers get on the housing ladder. It’s a fantastic scheme yet not many house buyers have heard of it.

LIFT stands for Low-cost Initiative for First Time buyers, and although is aimed primarily at first time buyers, you may also be eligible if you are a social rented tenant, have special housing needs due to disability, are armed forces personnel or a recent veteran. In a nutshell, it means if you meet the criteria, the Scottish Government will fund a percentage of the purchase price of any property advertised on the open market.

The scheme is administered on behalf of the government

by Link Group Ltd, a social enterprise in the housing sector. I visited them at their premises in Falkirk to find out more about this scheme, which seems too good to be true.

“It really is as simple as it sounds,” insists Danielle Lynch, marketing officer at Link Group. “If you’re in the market for a new home you’ve probably heard of the Help to Buy scheme, promoted by the large house builders because it is specifically for new builds. But you may not have heard of LIFT, which is similar but applies to any home advertised on the open market.” It works on the basis of shared equity, where the Scottish Government funds between 10% and 40% of the cost of your first home, depending on your eligibility. For example if you fund 80% of the property, the Scottish Government retains a 20% equity stake. It’s not a loan accumulating interest or needing to be paid back like your mortgage; you own the property outright and have full title to it but if and when you sell, you repay the 20% back to the government from the proceeds. Or in the meantime you have the option of increasing your stake or purchasing the government’s stake completely.

It puts home ownership within reach for many who would otherwise not be able to afford a suitable home. The percentage the government puts in may reduce

the amount of deposit you will have to contribute, reduce your monthly mortgage payments and therefore make living more affordable and sustainable.

A recent beneficiary explained, “I work hard, long hours in a personally rewarding job, yet remain on a pretty low income due to the sector within which I am employed.

As a result I was growing increasingly disheartened with the prospect of ever being able to own my own property.

Having managed to save enough for a deposit I still found myself in the position of being unable to secure a reasonably-sized mortgage. Thanks to the LIFT scheme I was able to find and put an offer in on a property that I would otherwise have been unable to secure finance for, despite being able to meet the monthly costs of ownership.”

Eligibility is means-tested, and there are of course some limits on the price and size of a property you can purchase. The maximum price depends on the area you’re purchasing in as house values vary. The pricing thresholds are published on the website (details below).

And the type of house needs to be appropriate for your needs. For example, a single person is unlikely to be eligible for help to purchase a four-bedroomed home, but a family of four probably would be. Each application is considered on its own merits.

The first step is to speak to a mortgage provider of your choice. Once you have completed your mortgage application and got your Mortgage Promise, you can apply to LIFT to have it “topped up”.

INFORMATION For more information please visit the Link website at www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT or contact the LIFT team on lift@linkhaltd.co.uk or 0330 303 0125.

Link Group Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, Registered Number: 1481 R(S).

Registered Office: Link House, 2c New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL. It is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity No: SC001026.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Danielle Lynch of Link Group Ltd in Falkirk for this feature. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

PROPERTY MATTERS

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think

The media regularly devotes headlines to the plight of the first-time buyer trying to get a foot on the property ladder, along with a considerable focus on the contribution first-time buyers apparently make to the property market, with house prices being significantly “fuelled from below”.

These headlines conjure up images of struggling first-time buyers who have just got their first job and are having difficulty raising enough money to purchase their first home. However, this sector of the market possibly has less of a bearing on the market than one might expect because of the changing definition of the first-time buyer.

Far from being “real” first-time buyers, 20% of those recorded as such have actually owned property in the past and are re-entering the market. Financial institutions have been known to label anyone who does not currently own a property as a “first-time” buyer as it categorises them as valuable “new business” to be pursued.

Likewise, estate agents often refer to anyone who has no related sale as a “first-time” buyer as it defines a purchaser unencumbered by a linked transaction, i.e. a hot buyer!

The chances are that some of these buyers may well have large deposits (we regularly come across “first-time” buyers looking up to £250,000). Many of these buyers are likely to be at least into their 30’s and may have been renting following a sale, a job transfer, a divorce, or travelling.

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think. There are mortgages available now that require only a 5% deposit – from lenders they’ll know from the High Street. They may also be eligible for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, otherwise known as the “LIFT” scheme. This scheme is currently open to all first time buyers and aims to help buyers on a low to moderate income on to the property ladder with minimum capital outlay. Lenders normally require a small deposit, although it may be possible to secure lending with no personal deposit whatsoever.

Any void left by the “youngsters” is being amply filled by the buy-to-let market, which is supplying the rented accommodation for those very people who would otherwise be first-time buyers themselves. It certainly keeps the market afloat, albeit at the expense of those who would prefer to own their own home earlier in life!

This month’s Property Matters column is contributed

by Gillian Greenwell of Greenwell Financial Services, Bathgate. www.greenwellfinancialservices.co.uk

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

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WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

guard against travel-cot related injuries by curbing one’s hoarding tendencies...

Every so often in one’s life, there comes a time when one is forced to look oneself in the eye, jaw set, and with an even stare say, “Nicola, are you becoming a hoarder?”

its unexpected embrace, a single thought penetrated my startled brain. These things must go.

Today is just such a day.

I definitely inherited my ‘keep everything, just in case’ gene from my mother, who strangely got hers from rebelling against HER mother who constantly threw things out, regardless of how valuable, important, or sentimental they were.

My behaviour has been kept partly at bay by my long-suffering husband, despite the fact that during out last house move, things which I deemed important enough to move from oldhouse to new-house included: several empty Pringles tubes; an unusablybroken sock-dryer; half a brick.

With the advent of our children, my ‘keep everything’ tendencies have had to be seriously addressed. Much as I might wish otherwise, the laws of physics actually do apply in my house, and within its confines there is a finite volume of occupy-able space.

Wait a minute – KidzEco! Nestled in what used to be the Blockbuster video unit on the outside of the Almondvale Centre in Livingston, or smack bang in the middle of the little pedestrian precinct in the middle of Bathgate, KidzEco has been a Godsend for us. It is a social enterprise which sells pre-loved baby things, and runs discounted baby-classes in both shops. You can get everything there, from prams to potties, bottle-warmers to baby-slings, snow-suits to swimsuits, books to Bob the Builder toys, and bedding to bikes. So extensive is the range that whenever the babies need something new – most often Quinn needing new trousers since they appear to disintegrate when exposed to his Tasmanian-devil style of play - we ALWAYS check out Kidzeco first to see if we can get them there.

And this morning that regrettable fact revealed itself once more when I nearly ended myself opening a cupboard to be enthusiastically greeted by a falling travel-cot. As I steeled myself for the impact of

So what better place to let our redundant baby stuff get a new lease of life? We began the process of

Turns out we have rather a lot of baby stuff that really serves no purpose to us now, but I’ve never wanted to throw it away because it’s way too good for the bin. So what to do?

ferrying items to the shop, including several bags of baby clothes, baby coat hangers some foam playmats, and a baby bath. We then made arrangements for the staff at KidzEco to collect the bigger items that we couldn’t transport, i.e. the rocking chair and the travel cot. So now we have cupboards and drawers simply yawning with free space, and a de-cluttered living area and mind to boot.

Now to go shopping to fill them up again … only joking!

Or am I … ?

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the ever-evolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

SEASONAL

HOP ON THROUGH WEST LOTHIAN THIS EASTER!

EASTER HOLIDAY IDEAS IN WEST LOTHIAN

That’s right – it’s time again for the Easter bunny to start delivering all those scrummy Easter eggs! Enjoy an egg-stra special Easter with the family this year in West Lothian; you can expect lots of fun activities and fantastic days out!

CREATIVE

Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil, and tear around the Almond Valley Heritage Centre (1st -17th April) collecting clues on the springtime trail. Enjoy some ‘Easter Eggcitement’ by keeping a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize, whilst in the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. There will be still further special attractions over the four days of Easter (14th to 17th April), including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade.

Why not drop into Hopetoun Estate and enjoy some of their Easter activities! You can try the trail, find hidden treasure and makes some Easter Crafts – all great fun for the family! Pop along anytime between 12noon and 3pm on Saturday 16th April for a hopping good day!

And as if all this excitement wasn’t enough, why not try your hand at making your own chocolates this Easter! Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop located in Livingston is the perfect place to indulge a little, make your own personalized chocolates in the studio, and eat your creations at home later on – what’s not to love! A great location for children’s parties, hen dos or even just as something to do during the holidays!

Look out for our new West Lothian Visitor Guide 2017/18, which will be appearing in schoolbags & leaflet racks soon!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: Website: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Facebook: VisitWestLothian Twitter: @teamwestlothian Instagram: @VisitWestLothian WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Drop in anytime to Potter Around (1) craft studio, for pottery painting, decopatch and other activities, see www.potteraround.co.uk. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Open 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-4pm.

Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop (2); the name says it all – lots of chocolatey fun for all ages! Please visit www.gettinggooey.com. Booking is essential, call 01506 411978 or email hello@gettinggooey.com. Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston, EH54 7FA

ACTIVE Join in the fun at Jump Station, trampoline park for all ages and skill levels! 6 years and up can jump without an adult, 5 year olds can jump with a paying adult. Contact venue for times for under 5s. www.jumpstations.co.uk.

3 Kingsthorne Park, Livingston EH54 5DB. Xcite West Lothian* run kids holiday clubs at all of their leisure centres, most need to be booked in advance. Full details at www.westlothianleisure.com. Swimming is free for West Lothian kids aged under 16 during the school holidays, Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm at Xcite Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Livingston and Whitburn (* Subject to availability).

WILDLIFE & ANIMALS Get closer to local wildlife with Historic Environment Scotland Rangers in Linlithgow. Tuesday 4th April at Linlithgow Peel, 10.30am-12.30pm. Learn about the clues wildlife leave behind to find out who makes Linlithgow Loch their home. Suitable for ages 8-12. Free, but booking essential, call Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals. Grab your clue sheet and tear around the farm between Saturday 1st April to Monday 17th April, collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area, make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel 01506 414957

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MUSIC REVIEW

WINDING HIS WAY DOWN TO BAKER STREET If you need a break from the all-conquering King Sheeran and his divide then this is a good month to relive the early work of another solo singer songwriter in his mid-twenties – assuming that you remember it was AD1971. After a period of only being available for silly money second hand, Gerry Rafferty’s first full solo album following his increasing domination of the Humblebums, the overlooked and mostly forgotten “Can I Have My Money Back”, has finally been rereleased albeit with minimum fanfare.

From this perspective the album appears to perfectly presage the 1978 City To City era, right down to the John Bryne/Patrick cover and Hugh Murphy production, to such extent that you could leapfrog over the intervening Steeler’s Wheel years and never hear the join. That voice, comprising equal measures of smoke, whisky, and a passionate dispassion is instantly recognisable. The themes of emotional disconnection and alienation are also present, only lightly hidden beneath the chirpy pop production.

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The maturity of certain tracks is striking. Every songwriter between 1966 and 1975 was, by law, required to write their own version of Eleanor Rigby. Rafferty’s take on this, “Mary Skeffington” has no hint of toytown psychedelia or patronising “look at the little person” attitude. The portrait of an elderly woman remembering her childhood holidays is genuinely moving - unlike the occasional dip into what does sound like juvenilia on sketches such as the resolutely un-amusing “Mr Universe”.

Rafferty was his own prophet on the frighteningly prescient “Sign on the Dotted Line” and “One Drink Down”, which gives this collection another edge. Highly recommended.

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The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band Snakeskin Shoe Review.

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

We specialise in household alterations and repairs. To discuss your construction project, please call Colin on: or email:

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You can be reassured that Porteous Family Funeral Directors are completely independent, family owned funeral directors serving Juniper Green, Currie, Balerno, Baberton, Ratho and the Calders areas.

Porteous Family Funeral Directors: Proud to Serve the Local Community www.porteousfunerals.com

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CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

FEATURED CAT | LEXIE Lexie is a 4 year old tortoiseshell girl who came into our care following a change in family circumstances and greets everyone, young or old, as a long lost friend and loves to be petted and cuddled. She is so relaxed that she would be happy in a home with a young family and with other cats. The only thing she doesn’t like is dogs!

Lexie has been fully vet checked, she is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The only thing that this girl needs is a forever home with access to a safe garden where she can be given the love and care that she deserves.

Call 01506 298107 or use the “Contact us” form at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian

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Currievale Plumbing Plumbing & Drainage Services Emergency call outs Professional & reliable service Family business, over 15 yrs experience All plumbing work carried out

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ANGELA ELIZABETH PRIVATE NURSERY The longest-running private nursery in West Lothian

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Come worship with us at ALMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH on Resurrection Sunday, 16 April 2017 at Newyearfield Farm Community Centre in Livingston.

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Unit 6 Calder Drive, East Calder (On the B7015 next to Colin Nixon)

01506 885115

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK (Closed Monday) FROM 4.30pm - 11.00pm

SPECIAL OFFER Until 30TH April 2017

20% OFF

ANY MEALS SITTING IN ONLY SUNDAY-THURSDAY (not takeaway) WITH THIS VOUCHER

Spring, re-birth and a festival of fertility after the lean times of winter all contribute to our celebration rituals of Easter. The two main foods in Christian Europe have been lamb and eggs, symbols of hope and plenty for millennia. Many traditions of decorating eggs, making breads enriched with eggs, exchanging gifts of eggs and eating spring lamb can be directly traced to ancient pagan Gods of Greece and the Middle East.

The giving of chocolate eggs has been a huge marketing opportunity for the confectionery industry; the fantastically elaborate gold and bejewelled eggs given by the Tsars to their family are perhaps the most luxurious gift eggs; but the tradition of decorating eggs can still be enjoyed by you and your children with a few hard boiled eggs and poster paint. Then they can be rolled downhill till the shells crack off! In Greece they dye eggs dark red and bake them into a nest of rich milk-bread. The Italians make an egg rich cake and in Germany they dye eggs and make special bread with fruit, poppy seeds and marzipan.

Eggs are very easy to digest and are a nourishing food.

In Larousse Gastronomique (The French Dictionary of Food) there are 30 pages of recipes for eggs, either poached or boiled and made interesting by the addition of anything from foie gras and truffles, a cheese sauce or okra and prawns.

Temperature is critical when cooking eggs. Storing eggs in the fridge makes it even more difficult to get things just right. Alas most houses don’t have a cool, airy larder, but if you can, try to keep eggs away from a fridge. As theshell is semi-permeable, eggs absorb the flavours around them and the fridge taste is often what makes people dislike boiled or poached eggs.

The most difficult egg dish to prepare perfectly is the most simple. It is the subject of a wonderful essay by Elizabeth David and the test piece in the 2014 Helen Mirren film

48 | KONECT CALDERS

“The Hundred Foot Journey”; an omelette. It is worth learning the tricks because an omelette and a salad is a perfect, quick meal.

OMELETTE (Per person) • 2 large fresh eggs • Walnut sized lump of butter • Salt • Pepper • A splash of cold water • Chopped chives or parsley or marigold petals METHOD: Heat a small frying pan. (There are many expensive, specifically designed pans to make omelettes; they are lovely tools but are not necessary) Crack the eggs into a mug or small bowl. Add a grind of pepper, a pinch of salt and a splash of cold water. If you like add the chopped herbs and mix it well with a fork.

Have everything else you want for the meal ready.

Now cook the omelette: Melt the butter in the pan but don’t let it become brown. Pour in the mixed eggs really quickly and using the fork, pull the setting sides of the egg mixture to the middle of the pan. How set you want the finished dish is very personal; I like the last bit just not quite set. Hold the pan above your plate and roll the omelette on to it. The whole operation will take about 3 minutes!

Eggs can become the most amazing pudding; from meringues to soufflés, roulades or baked custard. Whipped eggs trap air which expands on cooking and as the protein sets a light structure is supported.

Perhaps one of the cleverest egg dishes is Norwegian Omelette, otherwise known as Baked Alaska.

FAST ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

BAKED ALASKA • Plain madeira sponge cake from which you cut a good 2” thick slice • Blackcurrant or raspberry jam • The whites of 3 large eggs • 6oz sugar • A block of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, cut so its footprint is just smaller than the cake (Keep it in the freezer until the last minute) METHOD: Heat the oven to 180oC Make the meringue: Whip the whites till stiff and then with the beater still turning gradually add the sugar and continue beating till the meringue is really thick and stands in peaks.

The rest is a fast assembly job!

Put the cake on a shallow oven proof dish. Spread with jam. Do not let it dribble down the sides. Place the block of ice cream on top and then cover the whole lot with a thick layer of meringue.

Bake for 10 minutes till the spikes of meringue are a pale biscuit colour.

The cake and meringue are insulation and the trapped air prevents the ice-cream melting.

EGG-CEPTIONAL! - “It is worth learning the tricks because an omelette and a salad is a perfect, quick meal”

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT CALDERS | 49

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON SATURDAY 8TH APRIL

Kirknewton Women’s Institute Coffee Morning.

Coffee morning and good quality “nearly new” sale.

Kirknewton Church Hall, 10.30am-2pm, all welcome.

SATURDAY 15TH APRIL

Almondell Past and Present Join the Ranger Service and Friends of Almondell for an afternoon ramble through time. Find out who used to live there and discover wonderful heritage features they left behind. Suitable for all. 2-3pm.

Meet at Almondel Visitor Centre. Free, booking essential call the Rangers on 01506 882254 or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk SATURDAY 15TH APRIL

Oakbank Bowling Club Opening Day 1.30pm for 2pm, with Johnny Henderson on at night ticket price £5. Membership fees now due: Full member £75; social £30; junior £10.

SATURDAY 15TH APRIL

Livingston Highland Society Monthly Ceilidh Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.3011.00pm. Band will be Dick Black’s Band. Piper Alvis Kerr. Guest singer – Robert Hardie. Members - £6.00, Non-Members - £7.00.

SATURDAY 22ND APRIL

Family Fun Day in aid of Cancer Research UK. At The Church Hall, 2 Church Street, Broxburn, 1pm-4pm. Charity fun afternoon with something for all ages. Animal Man’s mini zoo, local fire service, second-hand children’s clothes, toys and books, craft stalls, tombola, refreshments. Entry donation £2 adults, £1 children.

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

Firefly Arts

Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk

Lothian Running Club We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub. co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre.

See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk

West Lothian Baking Club 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! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

West Lothian Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Classes in South Church Hall, Uphall Starting on Thurs 17th Sept 7.30 to 9.30pm. 10 weeks through to the 19th Nov, then starting the 7th January through to 10th Mar 2016. £3 per week. Teacher Mrs Margaret McGregor. Dancing for fun & fitness, any new beginners very welcome. For more info contact Sandra Cheyne, tel 01506 430600 email sdcheyne77@ yahoo.com.

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 35 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list.

First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail. com.

EAST CALDER Ante-natal Yoga - Yamma Mamma

Prepare for your Baby with Yoga birth preparation and fitness.

Sunday morning 10am to 11.30am. For more details please contact Ruth on 07767 777044 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

Forget-Me-Not Café

TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK OR CALL 07854 492638 50 | KONECT CALDERS

East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court. Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

East Calder Bowling Club

Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every friday 2pm – 4pm. We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm.

See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com. Members can find details here of competitions, play by dates and club news.

East Calder Jog Scotland Group

Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

Yoga for Everyone

East Calder Community Centre. Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha. co.uk

East Calder Colts FC

East Calder Park. Soccer school every Friday night and teams for all ages groups please check website for details http://www. eastcalderfc.co.uk/

East Calder Old Folks Club

East Calder Community Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and nonpensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle

East Calder Community Centre. Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE.

East Calder Youth Club

East Calder Community Centre. Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts. Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473.

New Mums Group

This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Community Centre. Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Breast Feeding Support Group

East Calder Church Hall. Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

Bingo

Toddler Clinic

East Calder Health Centre. 1st Tues every month. Drop in for advice & support 1.30–3.30pm.

East Calder Scout Group

Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace. Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs). Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs). Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs). Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889. eastcalderscouts.org.uk

East Calder Needlecraft Club We are a group of ladies who would like to invite you to our weakly Thursday meetings, between 7 and 9.30 pm in the Community Centre. We enjoy a range of needlecrafts including cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing. Friendly tuition given. Our members range in age from 18 to 80. Outings include a trip to Hobby Craft in Glasgow, S.E.C.C. Also away day trips - something to please everyone. Tea and biscuits provided.

Please contact 01506 882427 for more information.

East Calder Old Tyme Dance Club

East Calder Community Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Iain MacPhail, accordionist. Beginners/learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club.

Slimming World

Pigeon Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information.

West Lothian Eagles – Aussie Rules Football We have just started and are looking for new players, of all shapes and sizes, beginners especially for free training sessions.

Get fit, have a laugh, make new friends and play a new sport.

We train mainly in East Calder football pitch on the Main St. on Monday evenings at 7.15pm but we also train on various other places throughout West Lothian.

Check the facebook page for details. www.facebook.com/wleaglesarfc/

KIRKNEWTON Mini & Me Music Group

The Green Room Thursdays 2pm-2.45pm. Songs, stories and rhymes just for the little ones. Meet other mums & make new friends. Contact Amanda on 07814 055499.

Kirknewton Youth Group

Pigeon Club, East Calder. Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

Village hall or Green Room. Fridays 6-8pm. For P7+. Please Contact Jennifer at jenniferkirknewton@gmail.com

Boys Brigade

Kirknewton Starlets

East Calder Church Hall. Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm.

Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm. Company Section (age 11-18). Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm. Call Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

Kirknewton Primary School. Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30 - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha on email t.ewing@btinternet.com

East Calder Playgroup

Kosy Kaff

Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340.

Kirknewton Village Hall. Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows: East Calder Church Hall, Mon 6.30-7.30pm & Wed 6.15-7.15 Brownies: Kirknewton Church Hall Tues 6.30pm-8pm. Brownies contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 or Sally buchanan.sally@ btinternet.com Guides: Kirknewton Church Hall Mon 7pm-9pm and East Calder Church Hall Wed 7.30-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com.

East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows: East Calder Church Hall, Mon 6.30-7.30pm & Wed 6.15-7.15 Brownies: Kirknewton Church Hall Tues 6.30pm-8pm. Brownies contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 or Sally buchanan.sally@ btinternet.com Guides: Kirknewton Church Hall Mon 7pm-9pm and East Calder Church Hall Wed 7.30-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com.

KONECT CALDERS | 51

Bay and Toddler Group

Kirknewton Church Hall. Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, friendly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up and chat for the parents. Thurs 9.3011.30am.

Kirknewton Runners

Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

Star Harmonies

Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-30-11am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45am- Little Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv’n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:30-9:30pm The Liv’n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information.

See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies. musicworkshops@gmail.com

Hatton Sports Club

West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club

Kirknewton Stompers

Welcome Café

Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208 Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking.

Simply Play

Kaspars Out of School Care for Kirknewton. Kirknewton Primary School. Mon – Thu 3.15-6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00. Call 07871 791000

Kirknewton Women’s Institute

Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall.

Potter Around

Arts and Crafts Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Pottery Painting, Potter’s Wheel, Decopatch, Jewellery Making, Oil Painting, Knitting and Crochet, Workshops and Kids Clubs, Parties. Open 7 days: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm; Wed 10am – 9pm (if closed after 5pm please call 07815075387 for information); Thurs 10.15am–5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk, see www.potteraround.co.uk & facebook.com/potteraround.

Kirknewton Playgroup A happy and friendly playgroup for children ages 2 to 5 years. Open Tues, Wed & Fri 9.15am - 11.30am in Kirknewton Village Hall. Contact admin@communityplaygroups.co. Uk / 07593165100 or pop in and see us in the hall. £7.50 per session.

Funded places are also available for eligible 2 year olds.

Celtic Stepz

Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes. Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674

Book Bugs

Kirknewton Green Room. Songs and stories for toddlers, 11.30pm – 12 noon

Access 2 Employment Job Club

Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes. Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674

MID CALDER 5th West Lothian Mid Calder Cub Group

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Thursdays 7.20 to 8.30. New cubs welcome. Aged betweem 8 – 10 years. Please contact Vroni on 07900 907297.

Mid Calder School of Dance

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054.

52 | KONECT CALDERS

Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307.

Glenalmond Hall. Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Café all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

Mid Calder Camera Club

Institute Hall, Market Street. Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm. All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www. mccc.org.uk or call Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC

Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org. Contact Carole 883934. Contact@ mid-calder-colts.org.

Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group

Institute Hall, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-11am. £1 per baby / £1.50 per toddler per session, all welcome. Please email midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for more details.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbow unit (girls 5 - 7 years) Wed nights; Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Tues nights; Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) Wed nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Yoga Classes Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

Folk Club

The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir We would like to invite all ladies with a love for singing and music to come and join us. You don’t have to be able to read music. We are a well established three part choir and have a membership of around 20 ladies. We sing a wide variety of songs including music from films and shows, spiritual, traditional and pop music. We hold two concerts annually, one before Christmas and one in the summer accompanied by West Calder Brass Band. We also sing at venues across the region on request. The choir practices in Kirk of Calder on Wednesdays 7.30 - 8.45pm. New members are always most welcome to join. Contact John Rankine - 01506 880029.

POLBETH Star Harmonies

Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church. Mondays: Drama: 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-45-7-25pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+.

DANCE: 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-7-30pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pmP3-P7. Tuesdays: 3-15-3-45pm- Baby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez. Other classes in Mid Calder.

Contact 07545 178310 for more information.

See www starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@gmail.com

Polbeth W.R.I.

1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome. Further info on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON Pumpherston United FC

Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information, please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

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

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

Uphall Station Creative Play

Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.

The Look Group

Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12. Meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Sat, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254.

WEST CALDER West Lothian Fibromyalgia Support Group

Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. There is no group meet in July, August or December. See sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.

18th West Lothian Scout Group

West Kirk Hall, West Calder. Beavers Mon 6-7pm. Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 - 14 yrs.

Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

West Calder Walking Group

Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main Street. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

CHURCHES West Kirk of Calder & Polbeth Harwood Church

West Kirk of Calder Service 9.45am every Sunday; Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11.15am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. Tel 0131-261-7977

Kirknewton and East Calder Church Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School available. Website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

ACROSS: 7 Distinguished, 8 Chatting, 9 Oust, 10 Steeped, 12 Stabs, 14 Crept, 16 Scraped, 19 Ewes, 20 Thousand, 22 Encouragement DOWN: 1 Rich, 2 Statue, 3 Engines, 4 Bulge, 5 Escort, 6 Feasible, 11 Throwing, 13 Scrooge, 15 Pistol, 17 Assume, 18 Stirs, 21 None

THEATRES

Mid Calder

HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

St Theresa’s Catholic Church

BATHGATE REGAL hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children’s events.

For upcoming events see website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

Services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available. Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall.

The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

Masses - 11.30AM every Sunday. 9am every Monday and Friday.

6pm every Wednesday. Confessions - After Mass on Sundays, or on request. www.livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk; 01506 880918 frpaul@livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk.

KONECT CALDERS | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING AKT Bookkeeping ARCHITECT Plan It Design BARBER TJ’s Barbers

4 41

FLORIST Vicky’s flowers

15

12

FOOT CARE Foot Clinic

12

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Porteous Funeral Directors

43

BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL11 Ekco WL5 BEAUTY Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy

12

BOWLING CLUB East Calder Bowling Club

5

BUILDER Almond Building Company WL1 Build-It 41 BUILDING SURVEYOR QS Services BUSINESS SERVICES GSI Events CAR BODYWORK JWG Car Care CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Kirknewton Garage CATERING Food Creations

Drummond Miller WL15 Turpie WL12

4

SG Garden Services WL Landscaping and Gardening

10 WL10

6

GAS STOCKIST Charles Gas

WL1

6

GIFTS New Hopetoun Gardens

WL9

GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club

7

CHILDREN’S NURSERY Angela Elizabeth Nursery

46

CHIROPRACTOR West Lothian Chiropractor

GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club WL19

13

CLEANING SERVICES C and W Cleaning Services

HAIRDRESSER Jane & Friends

WL10

COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers

WL18

DANCE SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop

13

DENTIST Currie Dental Care No.9 Dentist

14 13

DOORS UPVC Doors

4

DRESSMAKING/ALTERATIONS Nota Bene

15

ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical MC & Co Electrical Ltd

44 WL2

15

HANDYMAN 1st Call Handyman 44 SG Garden Services 10 HEATING SERVICES L & S Heating Mech A Tech JOINER Craigcrook Joinery Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd Geoff Vinter Joinery

45 WL24 44 WL2 45

S & S Home Improvements Enhanced Spaces Ltd

LAWYER Aberdein Considine LOCKSMITH West Lothian Locksmith

WL6 WL18 WL2 6 WL4 WL4 42 42 42

PIGEON CLUB East Calder Homing Society Social Club 13 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering Top 2 Bottom Plastering Nu Walls

44 45 WL4

PLUMBING SERVICES Capital Heating WL4 Currievale Plumbing (A Hunter) 44 EPH 45 Plumb It 41 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WL Landscaping and Gardening PUBLIC HOUSE Black Bull

WL10 47

RESTAURANT Al Borgo 48 Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club WL19 Sky Kitchen 48 ROOFING R & D Roofing

4

TAKEAWAY Sky Kitchen

48

TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE All The Fours

55

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME KITCHENS West Lothian Trusted Trader Ekco WL5

ESTATE AGENT Alba Property 48 Remax WL13 Aberdein Considine WL17

54 | KONECT CALDERS

OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team

PAINTER/DECORATOR Braekirk Decorator’s 10 David J Lane GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Nu Walls Beatson’s WL6 PET SERVICES D Greaves 10 Doggies Love Walkies Green Thumb 2 Milrig Kennels New Hopetoun Gardens WL9 South Lodge Cattery Riccarton Garden Centre 10

11 WL8

WL7

MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Hire Scotland Motorhome Escapes

GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors Ltd

GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd Woodford Timber Scotland

WL24

MOBILITY Ableworld WL23 Med-Ecosse WL7

WL10

16 Create WL2

VET Pentland Veterinary Clinic

42

WL17

WINDOW CLEANING Suburban Window Cleaner

45

WEDDING SERVICES Nota Bene Vicky’s flowers

15 15

WL10

ALL THE FOURS TAXI SERVICE 78A Barclay Way | Knightsridge | Livingston | West Lothian | EH54 8EZ

Visit our website on: www.444444.scot

24 HOUR SERVICE 4 TO 16 SEATER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (INCLUDING TAIL LIFTS)

TAXI CARDS AIRPORTS Small handling charge for credit cards Please note that ALLTHEFOURS on 01506 444444 are totally independent from any other travel service in West Lothian.

KONECT CALDERS | 55

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

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NO EXIT FEE

We are Selling Locally!

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

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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