BIG Impact
To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.
Home Instead’s quarterly explores how older people, their families, and carers feel about ageing in Britain today.
It tracks attitudes, highlights challenges, and shines a light on where action is most needed. The latest findings paint a mixed picture: deep concerns about social care and living costs, but also resilience, optimism and fresh opportunities to age well.
KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE:
• 91% will harm older people
• 40% medication to heat their homes
• 57% want dementia declared a national health emergency
• 74% of family carers say they need more support
• 63% believe diet and exercise can slow ageing WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:
• Staying warm this winter: Check eligibility for local energy grants, use heated throws, and seek community “warm spaces” schemes. Facing dementia together: Early diagnosis can help families plan; support groups and charities offer advice and companionship. Backing carers: Explore flexible working and respite care – help is out there, but too often underused.
Healthy ageing: Even gentle daily exercise and balanced nutrition make a real difference. Smart support: companionship, technology is helping to tackle loneliness and keep people connected.
To download the full New Ageing Index visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/new-ageing-index/
• 90% call for a national dementia screening programme
Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian
Three in five adults in the UK received an unwanted gift last Christmas. That equates to around 31 million unnecessary presents, many of which ended up in landfill.
In a bid to simultaneously put a stop to this staggering seasonal waste and to help families who may be struggling to make ends meet, one local Community Interest Company is launching a brand-new Re-Gifting Tree project.
This season, all Leith Collective stores across Scotland feature a Christmas tree adorned with gift tags. Each tag bears the name of a gift, from a children’s book or a warm scarf to a box of chocolates or toiletries set. Visitors to the store can take a tag and drop off the corresponding gift at the store, where they will be collected and distributed to those in need this Christmas. Crucially, the emphasis of this project is on re-gifting good quality, unopened presents, rather than encouraging people to purchase new items.
The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said; “We live in such a divided society where some people are literally throwing away unwanted presents while many others are struggling to afford basic essentials such as heating and food, let alone Christmas presents. By launching our Re-Gifting Tree project, we hope to keep as many unwanted presents as possible out of landfill and instead direct them to people who will truly appreciate them.”
The Leith Collective’s popular Christmas Tree Exchange project is also back this year. Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Instead of sending them to landfill, they can drop them off at The Leith Collective stores where they will be passed on to struggling families whose budgets can’t stretch to non-
essentials such as festive trimmings.
Commenting on the return of the Christmas Tree Exchange, Sara added; “We need to pull together as a community because everyone deserves to enjoy the sparkle and magic of waking up to a Christmas tree with a present beneath it.”
Christmas trees and decorations will be available for anyone to collect at The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet, as well as Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird, Ocean Terminal and Dundee’s Overgate store, during opening hours completely free of charge. No stigma, no judgement, no questions asked.
For more information about The Leith Collective head to www.theleithcollective.com, email info@theleithcollective.com, or call 07447 659 999
• The Leith Collective at Livingston Designer Outlet - Almondvale Avenue, Livingston, EH54 6QX
Open: Monday 9am - 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am - 6pm, Thursday - Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm
• The Leith Collective at Fort KinnairdNewcraighall, Edinburgh, EH15 3RD
Open: 10am - 8pm, seven days a week
• The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal - Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ
Open: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm
Sometimes we fall into relationships that suit us at a particular time in our lives. There are those childhood friendships based on sharing our secrets or that friend we made on the first day in our new job who took us under their wing. Then there are those friends we made when our children were small and we stood at the school gates waiting for the bell to ring. As life moves on our social circles narrow and it can be more difficult to encounter people through shared life experiences. But, maybe we find a new friend who is interesting and funny whose life is full of drama and we are the lucky one they choose to call when there is a new adventure in their life. This can feel exciting but the downside is that the relationship can settle down into a pattern, where one party talks and shares all their
issues and anxieties and the other listens patiently. This is fine if it suits both parties but the problems begin when resentment sets in and the friend who listens and is always available starts to feel put upon and resentful. When a relationship is out of balance we can start to seethe inwardly and decide that it’s all about them and not us. This can signal the breakdown of the friendship but, if we communicated clearly and found the courage to share our feelings honestly we could find that our friendships move onto a new and more equal footing and can be the supportive relationships we needed but hadn’t dared hope for.
The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk
Expert care
Our teams care for a wide range of conditions, providing your loved ones with a home for life.
• Residential care
• Dementia care • Nursing care
• Nursing dementia care
• Respite care
If you’re considering a care home, call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/scotland
Have you tried Tablescaping since our June item in Konect?
As we fall into winter there is huge resistance to getting out into the garden despite the nation being told how good gardening is for us; physically, mentally and environmentally.
Winter Flowering Jasmine, Pansies, Violas, Heather or Viburnums.
She suggests that you choose some evergreen leaves like Holly, Pittosporum, Viburnum or Euonymus and repeat your chosen leaves in several of the little vases to give a unifying rhythm to your tablescape. Having chosen your main ‘rhythm’ plant you’ll quickly spot leaves and blooms to go with it and before too long you’ll have enough plant material to allow you to escape back indoors.
A little tablescaping is just the thing to tempt us outside. Lesley keeps a tablescape going throughout the year on our hall table, using an assortment of little glass jars, vases and candle sticks. At this time of year she relies heavily on evergreen foliage but always manages to find a few flowers from the garden: Hellebores, yellow
Using small containers your pickings will be easily kept upright without using plastic floral foam and you just need to remember to keep them topped up with clean water and enjoy your creation.
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Pension scams cost UK savers over £17.7 million in 2024, with average losses of £33,848 per victim1. Taking advantage of regulatory changes fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics and vigilance is essential.
According to Action Fraud, 519 pension scam cases were reported in 2024, totalling £17.7 million in losses—equivalent to £48,129 stolen per day. The most common tactics include pressuring individuals into risky investments and impersonating pension holders to access accounts. Despite the scale of the problem, fewer than one in five victims report the crime2.
The Pensions Regulator warns that scammers are exploiting confusion following recent changes to inheritance tax and pension rules. Savers considering early access to tax-free lump sums or transferring funds outside pension wrappers may be especially vulnerable.
KEY RED FLAGS INCLUDE:
• Unsolicited contact offering a “free pension review” or “guaranteed returns”
• Cold calls about pensions (illegal in the UK)
• Requests for personal details following an offer
• Pressure to act quickly, often with false deadlines
• Recommendations to transfer to a single investment fund with incentives
TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
• Verify advisers on the register.fca.org.uk
• Use strong passwords and enable two-step verification
• Monitor accounts regularly for suspicious activity
If you suspect a scam, contact your bank and pension provider immediately, and report it to actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
1 ActionFraud, October 2024
2 The Pensions Regulator, March 2025
The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.
Is it just me or has this year absolutely flown by? It’s fast approaching Christmas and it only feels like yesterday we were welcoming in the new year and I was gearing up for my 40th birthday trip to Kenya.
It was a really lovely summer, especially in comparison to last year which I remember being a bit more wet and windy. I’d been looking forward to watching and photographing the foxes I spent time with last year, but they didn’t show up. Neither did my hares or dippers, so it’s safe to say my photography took a bit of a back seat. I had a wonderful week on Mull in May hosting a workshop, which I’m looking forward to doing again next year. It’s always such a joy to share that incredible island with others and watch people experience its wildlife for the first time.
Given I haven’t been out much, this image is from a couple of years back when I bribed some squirrels to take part in a Christmas photoshoot. It takes them a while to get used to it and even more time for them to sit in just the right place. They’re naturally inquisitive animals and this task
is usually achieved through strategically placed nuts.
I hope this photo brings a smile and a touch of festive cheer—wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy start to the new year.
This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.
Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.
Inspired by the classic American chowder, this indulgent chunky soup features a thick and creamy non-dairy milk base, tender potatoes, fragrant aromatics, and oyster mushrooms as the perfect substitute for clams. An ideal vegan option for Christmas eve or Christmas Day starter.
Serves 4-6 | Prep Time 15mins | Cooking Time 30 mins | Dietary requirements: Dairy-free, Egg-free, Vegan
Ingredients (Mushrooms):
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 250g/8¾oz king oyster mushrooms, sliced. If you can’t get oyster mushrooms, substitute with small button mushrooms, halved.
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp soy sauce
Ingredients (Soup Base):
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 120ml/4fl oz dry white wine
• 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bitesized pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp kelp granules or dulse flakes. If you prefer not to have the taste of the sea, replace with 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
• 100ml/3¾fl oz vegan cream
Method:
1. Heat the oil on a medium heat in large heavy based pan. Fry the mushrooms until soft, then add one clove of garlic. Fry for 1 more minute.
2. Add in the soy sauce and mix well to coat the mushrooms. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and set to one side.
3. Heat the remaining oil and fry the onions until soft. Then add the celery, carrots and the rest of the garlic and fry until tender.
4. Add the wine and turn up the heat to boil. Once boiling reduce the heat and stir in the flour, stirring for a minute to remove any lumps.
5. Gradually stir in the stock then add the potatoes and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Return the mushroom mixture to the pan.
6. Add the kelp/dulse or parsley/dill, and season to taste.
7. Stir through cream and serve with crusty bread.
This recipe was contributed by Claire Bannerman, Vegetarian for Life’s (VfL) dedicated Roving Chef for Scotland working mostly in West Lothian and Forth Valley. Nourishing Plant Based Food : Life Long Skills, Not Quick Fix Pills. [ vforlife.org.uk ]
Port season is here! Although available throughout the year, winter is the season we appreciate it most.
In 1659 two events coincided helping create Port as we know it today. The British overnment placed an embargo on French wine, and a Portuguese Abbot confessed the secret to his delicious wine: he added grape spirit (brandy) to his wine during fermentation! By adding brandy to the wine, the process of fermentation was halted, leaving a naturally sweet, fruity ‘fortified’ wine.
Port styles vary and so do the prices! White and Ruby Ports and youthful, fruity and uncomplicated. Serve these slightly chilled and enjoy!
Aged Tawny is delicious! The label will state how long the wine has been aged in oak casks. Aged Tawny is aged 10, 20, 30, 40+ years. As the Port ages, the vibrant red colour becomes a reddish-brown, ‘tawny’ colour. A 10-year-old will tend to retain some fruit with a suggestion of nuts, dried fruit and caramel. The older the tawny port, the more the nutty, dried fruit notes dominate.
Vintage Port is a very special style of Port. It’s only produced in exceptional years and only from the best grapes. It can age for decades, evolving and developing complexity in the bottle. Sediment will form in the bottle, so Vintage Port needs to be carefully decanted.
Late Bottled Vintage Ports (LBV) are a user-friendly style of port. These wines are bottled later following cask aging, they are ready to drink on release but retain much of the depth of vintage port.
The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com
EVERY DAY FROM SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBERWEDNESDAY 24TH DECEMBER
Christmas at Almond Valley - Santa’s elves are taking over Almond Valley in the most dazzling way imaginable, decking the halls (and everything else!) from top to toe in twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a generous sprinkle of mischief with the launch of their inaugural Festival of Christmas. During the daylight hours Christmas comes to life with a range of magical activities for the whole family to enjoy. Discover the joys of Christmas at Almond Valley where everyday is filled with festive cheer and unforgettable fun! Elf Workshop, Polar Post Station, meet the reindeer, and much more.
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS AVAILABLE TO BOOK SEPARATELY:
After Dark Experience - Saturday 6th December to Sunday 4th January
Santa’s Express Train – Daily in December
Meet Santa in his cosy cottage - various dates starting 6th December
Santa for Tots and Toddlers – special mid-week offer, various dates starting 8th December
Relaxed Santa visits - 6th and 7th December
For more information, pricing and to book the special events please visit almondvalley.co.uk/whats-on/ festival-of-christmas
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR
T: 01506 414957, E: info@almondvalley.co.uk
FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER
Bathgate Concert Orchestra Christmas Concert
- Craig Inn, Blackridge, EH48 3SP. 7.30pm, admission by donation
SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER
Friends of Almondell Country Park Volunteering session - The Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. Meet at the Visitor Centre on the first
Saturday of the month 10.00am -12.00noon, new volunteers always welcome. To find out more contact the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian. gov.uk. Facebook: 'Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park'. Please book a space (FREE) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements.
WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
Cinema Screening – White Christmas - Join us for this Christmas classic along with tea/coffee and a mice pie to start off the festive season. Certificate U. Tickets £5 includes film, tea/coffee and mince pies. Reconnect Howden Theatre, tickets and info via www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
13TH, 14TH, 20TH, 21ST & 24TH DECEMBER
Selfies with Santa at Reconnect Howden ParkStep into the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Grotto! Little ones will be greeted by Santa’s helpers before meeting Santa himself in his cosy grotto. Share your festive wishes, take some selfies with Santa or snap a few with your own camera. No gimmicks no hidden charges just your phone and your photos to remember the moment, you’ll also leave with a special gift from Santa. A truly enchanting experience for the whole family to make this Christmas extra magical.11.00am – 3.00pm, £10 per child, Reconnect Howden Theatre, tickets and information via: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER
Christmas Concert: Toccata Ladies ChoirLivingston United Parish Church, Carmondean. 6.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 on the door or from choir members. www.toccataladieschoir.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY
West Lothian History and Amenity Society“James VI and I and the legacy of witchcraft panics” talk by Dr Steven Veerapen, Strathclyde University. 7.30pm, Ecclesmachan Village Hall. Non-members are welcome by donation. If you’d like to join the society (£20 for all seven talks), come to a meeting and speak to any committee member, or email us on wlhaas@hotmail.com
EVERY SATURDAY
Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale - Bathgate Outdoor Market 9.00am to 2.00pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
DECEMBER CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the FEBRUARY edition
ACROSS: 7. Light wind (6), 8. Add up (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Take away (8), 11. Tenth month (7), 13. Deprived (5), 15. Two times (5), 17. Remaining (7), 20. Booklet (8), 21. Assists (4), 22. Floats (6), 23. Unlocked (6).
DOWN: 1. Horrendous (6), 2. Refute (4), 3. Childhood illness (7), 4. Investigate (5), 5. Barely (8), 6. Coerced (6), 12. Engaged (8), 14. Stopping place (7), 16. Gun or knife (6), 18. Bowed (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Pinnacle (4).
DECEMBER SUDOKU
58mm Vertical [LEFT]
Marvel’s first family has finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the quality of the MCU post-Endgame has been inconsistent, with forgettable TV shows that have little impact on the films’ continuity, WandaVision is not essential viewing to understand Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps feels like a nostalgic piece of entertainment, as the film is stripped back and character-driven, quickly recapping the fluff and beats we already know to tell its story. Due to this simplified approach, the film ranks among the best MCU entries in some time.
Galactus has marked the planet for death, declares the Silver Surfer in a retro-futuristic take on New York City. Immediately striking is the film’s ’60s aesthetic, with visuals that set the film apart from the main MCU timeline, which mirrors our own world. The film works so well because the entire cast functions as a family unit. Pedro Pascal is having an incredible year and makes an excellent Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby is also fantastic as Sue Storm.
The inclusion of Galactus, however, may be divisive. His inclusion allows the fantastic four to travel off planet and have incredible action set pieces in space. He is also an iconic villain of the Fantastic Four, and ties into the film’s themes of family and unity. But it leaves you questioning where we go next. Aside from that, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is an enjoyable film worth watching now that it’s available on Disney+.
Available now on Disney+
The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
KIRKY KLUB - Kirky Klub is a FREE family-friendly social event with a Stay & Play, Cuppa & Cake, and Preloved items. Launch: Saturday 15 November, 10.30am to 12.00noon, Kirknewton Village Hall. After launch, Kirky Klub runs the 1st Saturday of every month (6 Dec, 10 Jan, 7 Feb).
More info: bit.ly/4h3VFIh
WALKING FOOTBALL WEST
LOTHIAN - For everyone over 50, no matter your level of fitness. Come along and get yourself a wee bit fitter. Hot drinks, biscuits, good company included! We meet at: Xcite Bathgate - Mon: 10.00am, £1; Broxburn Juniors Ground - Tue: 10.30, £3; Murieston Sports Park (Apr-Nov)
Wed: 10.00am, £1; Xcite Craigswood (Dec-Mar) Wed: 10.00am, £3; East Calder FC - Thu: 11.00am, £1; Whitburn Community Centre - Thu: 10.30am, FREE
Just turn up 15 mins before KO, or contact: T: 07775 188218
E: jim.barrie@hotmail.co.uk
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) works with people aged 60+ promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected. OPAL supports over 25 Community Groups throughout West Lothian for people to attend, engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time limited one-to-one befriending service built to improve confidence. To find out more please contact 01506 815 815 or opal@cyrenians.scot
FORGET-ME-NOT CAFE - Run by Alzheimer Scotland. A relaxed informal meeting place that gives people living with dementia, their carers, people who may have concerns about their memory or just want to a chance to meet others in a similar situation. East
Calder Parish Church Hall, EH53 0HF, Last Thursday of the month, 10.00am – 11.30am.
E: westlothianservices@alzscot.org T: 01506 533108
GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding. org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian.
MID CALDER COMMUNITY HUB
- Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.
MID CALDER WOMEN’S GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205.
SUKHA YOGA - 'Sukha' means happiness, pleasure, ease or bliss. If any or all appeal to you come along to yoga sessions. Every Wednesday in Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Now two sessions availablechoose either 6.00pm -7.15 pm or 7.15pm - 8.30pm. Contact me for more info or to book.
T: 07767 777044
E: ruth@sukha.co.uk
MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 11.30 am in The Institute Hall Mid Calder. We have a huge toy selection, offer arts and crafts and supply a small snack. Adults can have a hot drink and a chat whilst the children play happily. Session costs are £1 for under 1s and £2 for over 1s. Follow us on Facebook or email: midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for further details
EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP
- Mon-Fri 9.00-11.00am for 2-3 year olds @ The Dave King Partnership Centre. Lots of fun activities while learning through
play. Stories, songs, craft, small world, sand, water, outdoor fun & lots more. For more information call /text 07748053340 or pop in and see us.
SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian.
MONDAYS: 7.00-9.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, East Calder Bowling Club. No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.
WEST LOTHIAN LITTER
PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.
EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.
EAST CALDER OVER 50s CLUB
- Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.303.30pm (September-May) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.
POTTER AROUND AT POTTER
AROUND - Potter Around is a local pottery and ceramic painting studio based in Kirknewton. We offer taster sessions on the potter’s wheel for ages 5+. We also do clay imprints – a great memento to keep forever and we have a huge range of pre-made ceramics which are great for handprints, but also for people of all ages to paint. Our shop sells gorgeous handmade gifts including pottery and jewellery. Check our website for details: www.potteraround.co.uk
EAST CALDER SCOUT
GROUP - Providing fun and exciting scouting programmes
SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
for children in the local area, from age 6 upwards. We meet on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on the child’s age. Adults interested in becoming leaders will be made very welcome. We also hire the scout hall for one off occasions or for other groups to use, to benefit the local community. Find out more at our website: eastcalderscouts.uk
SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder. Tuesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays 9.30 & 11.30am and at Geddes House, Livingston, EH54 6GU on Thursdays 9.30. New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781
Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000
E: office@carers-westlothian.com
W: www.carers-westlothian.com
GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: generationarts. info@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239
SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7 Banana, 8 Luxury, 9 Feel, 10 Commence, 11 Adapted, 13 Stall, 15 Evict, 17 Toilets, 20 Addition, 21 Vile, 23 Uncles, 24 Ignore.
DOWN: 1 Made, 2 Gallop, 3 Watched, 4 Plump, 5 Expert, 6 Bracelet, 12 Dividing, 14 Council, 16 Chilly, 18 Loving, 19 Tipsy, 22 Lurk.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Would you like to join in with some fun at our friendly community choir? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30 pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of materials from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. We’d love to welcome singers from across West Lothian. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine at john.rankine@ lineone.net
MACMILLAN CANCER
ACROSS: 7 Banana, 8 Luxury, 9 Feel, 10 Commence, 11 Adapted, 13 Stall, 15 Evict, 17 Toilets, 20 Addition, 21 Vile, 23 Uncles, 24 Ignore.
DOWN: 1 Made, 2 Gallop, 3 Watched, 4 Plump, 5 Expert, 6 Bracelet, 12 Dividing, 14 Council, 16 Chilly, 18 Loving, 19 Tipsy, 22 Lurk.
CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Antenatal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston. T: 07810 824 195 E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook
CARERS
OF WEST LOTHIAN
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INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk
WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS
NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £36. Follow our Facebook page, visit westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design:
Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
