Konect Calders July14

konect JULY 2014

WIN! Family tickets to see Singing Kettle at Howden Park Centre!

FEATURES

Hammer-throwing couple head to the Games Summer Gardens Local summer holiday activities plus local businesses, community information and more!

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s e busin

This month we caught up with a local sporting couple who are heading to compete in Glasgow this month. We wish them the best of luck! See the interview on pages 8 -9.

Whether your garden is large or small, this is the time of year to really enjoy it. A beautiful garden can mean a lot of work and we've got a column on what needs to be done in the garden this month – but also some pictures of local gardens, some of which are very low maintenance and equally enjoyable.

Message from the Editor

The What's On section in this issue is a special summer holidays activities guide for families. Almond Valley Farm and Heritage Centre is a popular attraction, and on pages 36-37 we take a look at the interesting story behind its site in Livingston.

Remember if you're involved in a community group or not-for-profit club locally, details can be listed free of charge in the back of konect. See page 61 for details.

Have a great July!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

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 Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory www.konectdirectory.co.uk The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston.

Copies are also left at the libraries, sports centre, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Front cover image: Labour of love - a well-tended private garden in Kirknewton Photo: Jenny Thomson

Contents Features Hammer-throwers head to the Games 8 Summer Gardens

14

Livingston Mill

36

Regulars Walk 26 Technology 46 Recipe 51 Charity of the Month

48

Competitions and Puzzles Crossword 52 Sudoku 52 Kid's Puzzles

54

Community What's on

56

Useful Information

56

Clubs & Classes

59

Index of Advertisers 62

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Feature

Hammer throwing couple head to the Games Karen Murray catches up with local athletes heading to the Commonwealth Games

West Lothian’s very own hammer throwing couple Susan McKelvie and Andy Short have had their place at the Commonwealth Games in the bag since last year, but as the Opening Ceremony of the Games draws nearer their excitement is mounting. I spoke to the pair who live in Broxburn – grabbing them individually between work and training in a spare moment – to get a little insight into them, their sport and their hopes.

Susan is a local girl who began her love of hammer throwing by joining the local athletics club at Craigswood Sports Centre in Livingston. “I started out running at the age of nine, but then moved through all the different disciplines until at 15 I got to the stone throwing ones.” However, at 5’3”, Susan was considered too short for shot put and discus and decided to give hammer throwing a go. She was a natural and went from strength to strength moving around the country to train and hone her discipline.

She is also short for hammer throwing but has not let her stature hinder her, throwing a personal best of 65.03m. I asked if that would give her a medal at the Games and she said she’s hoping to throw 66m+ on the day. “At the last Games 64m got a silver so I am quietly confident that I can get a medal. I definitely want to be top five, a medal would be great and naturally if I could get the gold I would be over the moon,” laughs Susan.

Regarding training, it is obviously difficult trying to juggle work and training but as a PE teacher with Falkirk Council, Susan does get the long holidays which helps and has understanding bosses who ensure she gets time to train.

In fact Susan and Andy have a rather unusual training spot. While they use the more traditional venues of Craigswood Sports Centre – five minutes from their house – and Heriot Watt for weightlifting practice, they have a special place they go to get away from it all.

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A grassy space between Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Golf Course, it has no turning circle or safety nets and no way of marking the distance thrown, but no one bothers them and they have worked on their hammer throwing techniques here for several years.

Andy Short, Susan’s partner and fellow hammer thrower, loves training on this bit of land. Unlike Susan who is representing Scotland at her first

Commonwealth Games, Andy has made two previous Games. From the Isle of Wight, Andy threw for England at the 2006 Games but after relocating to Scotland by the 2010 Delhi Games he was throwing for Scotland.

He is the current British Champion with a personal best of just short of 73m. “It was a strange feeling throwing at the Delhi Games when Susan has just missed out on qualifying,” he told me, adding that he is over the moon that they are both representing Scotland together at the Home Games. “I just missed out on a medal at Delhi and am determined to get one this time around.”

Both Susan and Andy were coached for many years by the same coach –Alan Bertram MBE. He inspired the pair to be at the top of their game and it was a devastating blow to them when he passed away last year. “It was his wish that we be trained by Lorraine Shaw who is based in Gloucestershire,” explained Susan.

That means pre-Commonwealth Games training down in England for the pair but they have understanding employers and are taking all the holiday time they can. Lorraine was coached by Bertram to Commonwealth gold at the Manchester Games in 2002 and she and Susan have been friends since childhood so she is perfect coach.

As a PE teacher, Susan has been encouraged and supported by her pupils all the way and knows that many of them will be in the stands at Hampden watching her and Andy throw. Naturally there will be many friends and family from West Lothian in the crowd too. “Being in front of a home crowd will be amazing,” she states and Andy adds that he is sure the home crowd will give them an advantage.

“I can’t imagine what it is going to be like but I can’t wait to find out,” Susan added.

Hammer throwing might be a solitary sport but as with any athletic discipline, there is always help behind the scenes. “We can’t get to where we are all alone,” states Susan, giving her thanks to Bruce Robb who helps the pair with weightlifting and Michael Smith of Personal Best, Armadale, who does their sports massage.

On the day however, it will be just Susan and Andy out there in the throwing circle and we wish them all the best of luck. Bring home the medals guys!

How does hammer throwing work?

Athletes throw a metal ball (16lb/7.26kg for men, 4kg for women) for distance that’s attached to a grip by a steel wire no longer than 1.22m while remaining inside a 7-ft (2.135m) diameter circle.

In order for the throw to be measured the ball must land inside a marked 35-degree sector and the athlete must not leave the circle before it has landed.

The thrower usually makes three or four spins before releasing the ball. Athletes will commonly throw four or six times per competition.

What is the history of hammer-throwing?

Legend traces the concept of the Hammer Throw to approximately 2000BC and the Tailteann Games in Tara, Ireland, where the Celtic warrior Culchulainn gripped a chariot wheel by its axle, whirled it around his head and threw it a huge distance.

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Feature

Summer Gardens

By Anne Pinkerton

High summer; everything in the garden is in flower or growing fast. It's a time to sit back and enjoy it, and also the season to think ahead and plan, make ready for winter and keep the abundance looking good into autumn.

As July is also holiday time it's difficult for a dedicated gardener to drag themselves away because there is a lot of work to be done now. The first task is to keep plants happy in what we hope will be warm, dry weather. Remember wind can do as much harm to container plants as lack of rain.

As plants grow they may need support and it is surprising how things shoot up in a week or two if left to their own devices. Check before you go away.

If you are going away see if you can find a friend to water the outdoor pots and containers, bribe them with the chance to pick the flowers or harvest any herbs and veg you have. Do the same for them in exchange. If you don't “dead-head� and keep containers watered things will run to seed, wilt and even die.

Plant another container now to be interesting when your summer bedding will be over. Some vegetables are very good looking and a late salad crop will do well in a deep container.

If you plant the rooted herb plants sold by the supermarket they do very well after hardening off and give you an instant late herb garden. Parsley, thyme, sage and other woody herbs will survive all winter; though coriander, chives and basil will die at the first frost.

As the summer progresses gaps will appear in the flowerbeds. Cheat; buy in plants and fill the spaces to ensure a continuation of colour and interest. Garden centres always display their stock looking at its best so for instant effect bought in plants are a good solution. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned and hedges given an extra trim to prevent snow damage and keep their shape through winter. Roses need to be dead-headed to give a second flowering and suckers should be rubbed out.

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GARDEN FEATURE konect 15

Summer Gardens ... continued from page 14 Start thinking about next spring and order bulb catalogues from your favourite supplier. If you would like to have a fruit tree plan for it and be ready to plant in September or October. Winter salads can be planted now in a greenhouse, cold frame or polytunnel.

This is the best time of year to check the condition of all garden wood work and do the necessary tending, while it is dry, to preserve and maintain it. If you want to do major works get estimates and plan the work for the autumn before the frosts set in. Landscape gardeners like to

(above) Kirknewton allotments in all their glory (below) Small local garden recently given an overhaul to make it attractive whilst low-maintenance (by D Greaves Landscape Gardeners)

(top right) Small local potted herb patio with pop-up mini greenhouse (right) Stunning private garden in Kirknewton

16 konect GARDEN FEATURE

plan their winter work too.

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Local Life

A Growing Community Garden

By Yvonne MacMillan

Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden (PWCCG) is breathing new life into the derelict, former Polbeth Market Garden site tucked away in woodland between Polbeth and West Calder.

Garden. Early days on the 5-acre site were not for the faint-hearted. Head-height undergrowth swamped it with the car park lost under a mini-forest of silver birch saplings.

Gritty community spirit behind a parent-led Eco project between 2009 and 2011 at Polbeth nursery school to build a shelter from 800 2-litre recycled plastic bottles inspired West Calder parents, Judith McDermid and Lisa Drinnan, to start a community garden - a green space for everyone from Polbeth and West Calder and the surrounding areas in West Lothian, providing an opportunity for local people, schools and community groups to get involved growing fruit and vegetables and take part in a whole range of other outdoor leisure activities.

Armed with an aerial photo of the old Market Garden, locating 3 pre-existing large vegetable beds and a network of crazy-paving paths was still like looking for a needle in a haystack. Heroically, 20 volunteers from a local business waded in to clear it.

Garden Headquarters is an inherited large, corrugated-iron shed, renovated by volunteers.

Here, sales of homemade jam, tablet, soaps and wholefoods from a Trade for Life stall, run by volunteers, raises money for the Garden’s running costs. There’s a 6ft high blackboard (a To Do list takes up every inch of it) and a donated wood-burning stove.

On social occasions bunting is hung, welcoming lights strung around and the place buzzes like a beehive.

Everyone involved with the Garden is a volunteer.

“People come for different reasons,” says Lisa. “That’s what we’ve always wanted.” One of the first tasks, with half the site woodland, was to identify the trees (30 different species) and set up a 10-strong volunteer Woodland Management group.

Green Gym Leader Morag Lorimer weeding strawberry bed (the strawberry plants were donated).

After months of homework on the subject, Judith and Lisa knocked on neighbours’ and friends’ doors and invited local schools to “Please come to our meeting”. People responded, a Management Committee formed and a lease signed with the council in summer 2013.

A community effort from the start, there was a competition for primary school pupils to design a logo and think of a name for the new garden with a local GP helping to choose the winning design.

The name Garden for Life was picked for the site, the charity name is Polbeth and West Calder Community

18 konect GARDEN FEATURE

Mark Swanston, a Green Gym Leader, and volunteer Bill Main taking a break on the breeze block sofa.

Five Green Gym Leaders guide volunteers on jobs to be done – today, it’s planting carrots and spring onions - but there’s plenty of non-gardening jobs too.

Pensioner Bill Main from West Calder says, “Everybody has their own skills, and we learn from each other.” John O’Callaghan, a Computer Engineer from Fauldhouse grows his own food at home but enjoys gardening with others.

Schoolchildren come to dig, plant, watch wildlife, weave willow and explore. One class sowed poppy seeds as part of a WW1 school project and West Calder High pupils are making the garden’s new signs. Future plans? Passionately, Judith and Lisa fire off ideas - improving access for the disabled, a picnic site, a Bike Library. “It’s about people power,” says Judith. “Not a beautiful garden.”

Gardening on a shoestring is the challenge but also the satisfaction. And with people power, the sky’s the limit.

Visitors and new volunteers welcome.

Contact polbethandwestcaldergarden.weebly.com/ PWCCG is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) PWCCG is a Member of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG) (top right) Mark, Bill and Morag hard at work in vegetable bed. (bottom right) The 3 veg beds, uncovered in the clearup. Potatoes planted.

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Local Walk

A Walk in the Park

by Karen Murray

West Lothian is blessed with many green areas from wild life reserves to parks. I have strolled through many of these parks – some wilder than others. Polkemmet Country Park is one of the more organised parks incorporating a golf course, play park and of course the fabulous Owl Centre.

I have only recently discovered however, that the art installation one can see from the M8 known as The Horn is also within the grounds of the park. This little nugget of information encouraged me to make a visit to the park and see if I could find the pathways to the Horn.

There are several waymarked paths in the park and to help you find a route, and there are leaflets in the visitor centre. The route to the Horn is of course not the only one – you can wander all over the park on different paths, some muddier than others so you might need sturdy shoes.

The park is really an idyllic little spot in the middle of the Central Belt with the River Almond tumbling

over rocks, pine trees and shrubs along the bank, swathes of bluebells (at the time of my visit), birdsong abounding and a sense of tranquillity.

It is also pretty quick to get to since the new exit of the M8 was built at Hartlands. Follow the brown signs from the junction. Once parked, if you are off to see the Horn you follow the blue route signs from the Visitor Centre. Pass in front of a bowling green, and just after it, leave the track you had been following to take a grass path down to the River Almond.

Here, you go left, downstream. On reaching a wooden bridge, don't cross it but carry straight on, along a track by the river. Pass another bridge, next to a golf hole, and follow the track round to the left to reach the Horn.

You can make the route a circular one but returning to the bridge by the golf hole, crossing over and taking the path to the right. On reaching a marker post, go left to follow the river to a bridge – which

The Horn Part of the M8 Art Project, devised by Art in Partnership in 1992 to radically transform the motorway through the creation of a series of major artworks, the 80 foot high ‘Horn’ by Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion transmits recorded music, poetry and prose.

I have to say that I didn’t actually hear any music and I’m not sure how that music would enhance one’s travels along the M8 in a vehicle but it is nonetheless an interesting piece of art to take a walk to. you cross then head back along the track to the Visitor Centre. Follow the track taken at the start, back to the Visitor Centre.

If you are with a bunch of kids, it is then probably time to head for the play park or the Owl Centre.

However, there are plenty more paths to follow and if you have the time, it is well worth just meandering through the varied vegetation and wider green spaces enjoying the foliage and whatever flowers are in season as well as the fauna. You are sure to spot birds, squirrels and depending on the time of day you are walking, you may even spy deer.

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SMART TECH VEHICLE SOLUTIONS Smart repairs ● Bodyshop repairs ● Alloy wheel refurbishment ● Car valets £50 OFF insurance excess when booking

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BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2014 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED 6 Day Play Sun—Fri, Midweek Play Mon—Fri, Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

TRIAL ROUNDS FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS AT £10

Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri email: manager@baberton.co.uk

Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun website: www.babertongolfclub.com

Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton!

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Call now for all aspects of plumbing: • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Central Heating • Central Heating Repairs • 24 Hour Emergency Call Out

The Clean Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross

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www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100 or 07540947979 • Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Fabric Protection • Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Experts • Spot, Stain, Odour & Dust Mite Removal • Curtains Cleaned in Situation – no taking down • Milk, Urine & Pet Accidents Neutralised

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Red Hot

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ROOFING SERVICES

(SCOTLAND) LIMITED

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konect 35

Local History

Livingston Mill

by Helen-Jane Shearer

The noise of mill machinery grinding grain, of water from the River Almond swooshing over a huge waterwheel and of the periodic tap-tapping of the millstone dresser's pick......these are some of the sounds that would have been familiar at old Livingston Mill until just a few decades ago. Now home to Almond Valley Heritage Centre, our popular local family attraction with animal farm and shale oil museum, today it rings with the sound of families having a great day out. But for centuries it was an important working mill and farm.

The well-preserved mill buildings that we can visit today date from 1770, although there is evidence that there has been a mill on this site for six or seven hundred years, as indeed there have in the past been many mills along the Almond. The Livingston Mill was used primarily for shelling and grinding oats and for grinding corn and peas. Grain was brought here from farms in Bellsquarry, Grange, Alderstone, Ladywell and West Calder. From 1880 the site also incorporated a kiln for drying oats. The grain was hoisted to the top floor then poured down onto the kiln floor which consisted of hot plates which were heated from a furnace below. The grain was spread

in a layer two to three inches thick, and it took around eight hours to dry, being turned regularly with a wooden rake and spade. It was then shovelled into sacks and hoisted up to the top floor ready for the milling process.

The millstones themselves were turned by the 16' (4.9m) waterwheel, which was powered from the Almond. A lade from the river, starting approximately half a mile upstream at the weir, fed into the mill pond which acted as a reservoir for starting the wheel in dry weather, then the flow of water from the mill pond to the wheel was controlled by a sluice immediately in front of the wheel. The power from this was directed off to different parts machinery for the working of the mill, including hoists, millstones and the threshing machine.

The waterwheel you can see today has been rebuilt in recent decades, but retains the original iron axle from 1790. You can also see the large millstones, lying pretty much as they were left when the mill ceased production. They represent a part of the laborious and complicated process involved in getting the grain from the field to the table – and which we nowadays take for granted when tucking into our porridge oats. The millstones also represent a craft that is all but lost : selecting the right type of stone, dressing the millstones, fine-tuning the machinery so that there is maximum power and minimum vibration, and so on.

In flour mills this was particularly important as the tiniest spark from incorrectly tuned millstones could ignite the flour and cause an explosion. Mill stones had to be “dressed” regularly – the carefully designed series of grooves in the stones had to be re-cut to keep them sharp. Millstone dressers were itinerant workers who travelled from mill to mill offering their services to the mill owners. Nowadays grinding is usually done by steel rollers, but stonegound meal is often considered to have superior flavour and nutritional qualities.

Livingston Mill has some unique features. It includes a small buttery and creamery which was added in 1880 and was housed in a small separate building

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opposite the waterwheel. The butter churns were turned by a small waterwheel powered from a separate sluice fed from the mill pond and produced up to 25kgs of butter at a time. There was a weekly butter and buttermilk round from the farm, which delivered as far as Pumpherston. The buttery ceased production in 1928.

Livingston Mill worked up to the1940s, then was left to fall derelict until restoration work began in the 1960s by local volunteers, later supported by the Livingston Development Corporation. The aim of the Livingston Development Corporation was to retain original farm steadings around the area and that would form the nucleus of new communities.

Livingston Mill was one such steading. The community farm was added later, and the shale oil museum housed in one of the farm buildings.

Eventually all the community projects on the site were amalgamated into the Almond Valley Heritage Trust in 1990. The Trust receives some revenue from the Council for the museum, but mainly funds itself via the visitor farm.

“Morag's Summertime Delight� is the summer holiday programme of activities for children, running from 28th June to 19th August. Morag the Highland cow welcomes young visitors to a summer full of fun in the shade of the story tent. Every day throughout the holidays there will be morning and afternoon sessions of games, activities, crafts, challenges and trails that all the family can join in and enjoy. No need to book in advance, just drop in and have fun.

With thanks to Robin Chesters of Almond Valley Heritage Trust.

Almond Valley Heritage Trust is an independent registered museum that exists to preserve and interpret the history and environment of West Lothian and to make this heritage accessible, engaging and enjoyed by all.

The Trust holds a collection of museum objects that record and unlock memories of everyday life in West Lothian and the collection is recognised as being of national importance.

Members of the public have donated many of the objects, and many further are held in store for future exhibitions. The Trust would greatly welcome further donations. They are interested in almost anything that was once made or used in West Lothian or has some other local association. Even mundane objects can be significant!

You can contact the Trust on 01506 414957 or visit them at Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

konect 37

Article first published in the Konect Directory August 2011

Mills are rare nowadays, especially one that can actually be started up with a working waterwheel, so this is a rare treasure we have on our doorstep.

The millpond is now enjoyed by ducks and geese, and there is a host of other animals for children to get close up to. In addition several playgrounds, a narrow-gauge railway, tractor rides, the museum and tearoom all means that it is a perfect day out for the whole family.

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Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing

FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

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konect 39

No job too BIG or small ONTRACTING The Professional Property Contracting Service for Scotland

Whether you are a Landlord or Letting Agent looking for a quick turnaround or a Home Owner looking to make improvements.

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40 konect

AC Contracting (Scotland) Ltd Unit 3 Ochil House Beveridge Square Livingston EH54 6QF

AKT Bookkeeping 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.

Based on a farm near East Calder. £15 per week For more information call 07814 915552

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ÂŁ20 off FU

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Call ChipsAway Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate

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ED RS E AI ANT P RE AR U YG

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RECOVERY ANYWHERE IN WEST LOTHIAN ONLY £40

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TYRES FITTED FROM £10

Tel: 01506 885566 konect 45

Technology

Happy Snapping: How to get the best from your phone photos and videos Think of the last time you took a photograph or recorded a video. What did you use? For most of us, the answer will be “my phone”: in a short space of time phone cameras have replaced traditional cameras for most people’s everyday shooting.

However, not everyone is getting the most from their phone’s camera - and a few apps and accessories can make an enormous difference.

One of the most common problems is the washedout effect you get when you use the flash. While some recent smartphones use LED flashes to try and address this, it’s better if you just turn the flash off altogether: apps such as Google Camera, Apple’s iPhoto and Camera+ enable you to change the exposure : the longer the exposure, the better the low-light performance.

Joby GripTight smartphone tripod

Sony QX10 smartphone lens system

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There’s one big problem with smartphone shooting, though: the screen is too small and the speakers too quiet for you to spot audio and video issues that are really obvious on a big TV. For best results it’s always a good idea to edit your images and video on your computer.

Sandisk memory card reader

Another problem is camera shake. While many phones attempt to compensate for this they can’t get rid of it completely, so if you’re finding blur is a problem it’s a good idea to invest in a phone tripod such as Joby’s GripTight (around £20), which can grip to almost anything and ensure shake-free shooting.

If you fancy getting creative with your camera there are lots of options, from cheap and cheerful wideangle lenses to Sony’s truly impressive QX10 Lens. It isn’t cheap - the RRP is £179 - but it adds a wireless, 18 megapixel lens with 10X optical zoom to deliver photographs you simply won’t believe came from a smartphone.

Another way to get creative is to use specialist apps.

The aforementioned Camera+ and iPhoto enable you to apply filters that make your images look ancient, while 8mm does the same for video by applying vintage camera filters ranging from Super 8-style footage to what looks like an early black and white movie. iStopMotion makes it easy to create Wallace and Gromit-style stop motion videos, while Filmic Pro offers a range of professional video features that turn an iPhone into a powerful high definition video camera.

The GIMP image editing software

Many recent PCs have memory card slots that take the industry standard SD/SDHC memory cards, but if you don’t have one or you want the option to use multiple memory card formats it’s worth investing £10 or so in a memory card reader that plugs into a spare USB socket.

There’s no shortage of software for editing images on PCs and Macs: both Mac OS X and Windows have decent built-in image editors, while the free paint.net (on PC) and The GIMP (PC and Mac) deliver professional image editing for free. You can get decent video editing for free too: Lightworks on PC is great, as is Apple’s own iMovie. Both programs make it easy to clean up and edit your clips.

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www.grovebedding.com konect 47

Recipe and Food Notes

Picnic Loaf

Perfect for outdoor eating, this filling Mediterranean flavoured portable feast makes a change from the usual sandwiches and sausage rolls.

To serve 4 people, you’ll need a large round, oval or oblong fresh crusty loaf.

1 2

3

4

Slice the top off and scoop out the inside of the loaf, leaving a 1cm (1/2in) thick wall.

Brush the inside wall of the loaf with some good quality olive oil. For extra flavour spread a thin layer of red or green pesto sauce or sun dried tomato paste inside the loaf.

Choose a colourful selection of 3-4 fillings.

Cold chicken, smoked ham, salami, cheese, firm sliced tomatoes, roasted vegetables (such as peppers, courgettes or aubergines), baby spinach leaves or fresh herbs like parsley and basil are all ideal. Chopped olives, capers or anchovy fillets will give extra flavour. Avoid watery sliced cucumber and salad leaves as they will make the bread go soggy.

Layer the fillings of your choice in the loaf, packing them down well.

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5 6

7 8

Drizzle with a little olive oil as you go and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

You can make an extra filling layer with the breadcrumbs removed from the loaf by blending them in a food processor for a few seconds with a little olive oil, crushed garlic and fresh basil.

Press the lid on top of the loaf and wrap tightly in foil. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hrs or overnight.

Slice thickly or in wedges to serve.

Variation

Keep the kids happy with their own individual versions using small crusty rolls.

Fill with layers of mild Cheddar or Edam cheese and wafer thin ham or sliced cold sausages adding a thin layer of pickle or tomato relish.

Alternatively, mash a can of drained tuna with some mayonnaise and layer with crisp little gem salad leaves and grated carrot.

BLACK BULL INN Market Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AA

Tel: 01506 882170

Email: blackbullmidcalder@sky.com

Come and enjoy the summer in our BEER GARDEN

£5 OFF VOUCHER

Available for anyone eating in, with this advert 1 voucher per table with a minimum spend of £15 on food Valid until 31st August 2014 Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Fresh food served from 12 noon until 9pm daily

at facebook.com/blackbullmc konect 49

Local life

Kirknewton Post Office is under threat!

Your village post office is under threat due to a severe drop in the number of customers using it over recent months.

Your post office is privately owned. Post Office Ltd do NOT subsidise it. Income is earned through each and every transaction which is carried out on the premises – from buying a stamp to organising a mortgage. The current weekly average footfall has fallen below the number needed to sustain the post office in its current form.

Post Office are currently reforming the post office network through a reallocation programme called “Network Transformation” which involves post office services being relocated within alternative business premises in the same area. Unfortunately, Post Office Ltd have been unable to find any such premises in Kirknewton.

This means that the only way this post office can survive in Kirknewton is to increase the number of customers using it.

Please do not underestimate the value of having a post office in a small rural village such as Kirknewton – you only have to look at any estate agent's particulars and often the the post office is listed as the primary asset. Many people say to me that it won't affect them because they don;t use it, but take time to ask your elderly relatives, neighbours and friends how valuable it is in maintaining their independence. Also , are you aware of all the services we now offer? You might be missing a trick!

So, help me keep the post office open – there is one simple way to do that...if you need to use a post office, use this one! I don't want to ask people to go out of their way to attend to an errand but sometimes we have to make a tiny bit of extra effort to safeguard those services which are important to a community.

I believe that most people would only realise the value of the post office once it was no longer there. Please do your bit to keep it going.

USE IT OR LOSE IT! 50 konect

Services available at this post office Mail • National and International • Letters, packets and parcels • Tracked, valuable and guaranteed services • Philatelic stamps • Redirection – home and business • Drop & Go for volume business customers • Collection of undelivered mail • Catalogue/online shopping retailers Banking • Personal & Business • Cash withdrawals from over 20 different banks • Cash deposits into selected accounts • Cheque deposits into selected accounts • Provision of change to Santander account holders • Moneygram • Postal orders Travel • Currency – Euros in stock, all other currencies available next day if ordered before 1pm • Travel money card • Travellers cheques • Travel insurance – available immediately • Collection of internet currency orders • National Express tickets Telephony • Mobile top-up • International/national phone cards • Post Office Home Phone and Broadband

Almondell Garden Centre Cafe Under New Management

• Breakfasts • Delicious home made soups • Fresh scones/cakes • Tasty light lunches • Thomsons coffee Open

9am-5pm Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday

EVERYONE WELCOME! Free Tea/Coffee

with any Full Cooked Breakfast with this voucher valid until 31st August 2014

The Sky Kitchen

Telephone Orders Welcome

CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

Home Delivery Service

Unit 6 Calder Drive, East Calder (On the B7015 next to Colin Nixon) “BRING YOUR OWN WIN E”

01506 885115

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

SPECIAL OFFER Until 31st July 2014

20% OFF

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

konect 51

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in the August edition of konect 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12 13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 21

23

22

24

Across 1 Unable to hear (4) 3 Previously (8) 9 A lawn game (7) 10 Tease (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Period of time (3) 16 Stop (5) 17 Feminine pronoun (3) 18 In spite of (12) 21 Shoreline (5) 22 Placing (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Requests (4) Down 1 Twelfth month (8) 2 Embellish (5) 4 Not in (3) 5 Dimensions (12) 6 Entrants in a race (7) 7 A toy (2-2) 8 Adequately (12) 12 Map or diagram (5) 13 Communications (8) 15 Mean (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 Land measurement (4) 22 Small vegetable (3)

5 Dimensions (12)

13 Communications (8)

6 Entrants in a race (7)

15 Mean (7) Sudoku

7 A toy (2-2)

Sudoku solution on page 61 19 Departs (5)

8 Adequately (12)

20 Land measurement (4)

12 Map or diagram (5)

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22 Small vegetable (3)

535 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE

Family Run Local Italian Restaurant For reservations & enquiries: Tel: 0131 442 2715 or Email: ristorantealborgo@hotmail.co.uk Lunch 12-2pm 2 course £9.50 | 3 course £11.50 Dinner 5.30pm onwards Closed Mondays

Kids Menu

Now available 2 courses £5.95 3 courses £7.95

And introducing Kids

Pizza Parties

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Free delivery with this advert

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07980 851756 215 Main Street, East Calder West Lothian, EH53 0EH

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NURSERY & OUT OF SCHOOL CARE

Summer Holiday Club for primary school children

Jane Goulding

School Of Dance Registered Teacher with

The Royal Academy Of Dance President - Darcey Bussell CBE RAD Ballet ISTD Modern & Tap

Est. 33yrs

2.5yrs - Adult Classes In Balerno and Biggar

New Classes at Currie High School

01506 883093 / 07854 373173

www.janegouldingschoolofdance.co.uk

New allotment - we are growing fruit & veg.

New animals - rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens & ducks!

CCTV ■ three separate age-appropriate enclosed gardens ■ extended opening 7.15am to 6.15pm.

All inclusive packages - nappies, wipes, breakfast, two course lunch & afternoon snack

CALL TODAY ON 01506 413500 1 Beveridge Square, Almondvale Livingston EH54 6QF www.abcprivatenursery.co.uk

WIN Family ticket for 4 Singing Kettle Fantastic to the Funfair Roll up, roll up for The Singing Kettle’s most amazing adventure yet. Set in the neon-coloured world of big wheels, merry-go-rounds and helter skelters, join Anya, Kevin and Gary as they take a trip round the Fantastic Funfair. There are thrills, spills, funfair games and even the world’s first doggie ventriloquist! Sing along with Singing Kettle favourites, as well as brand new songs.

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd August Fri 2pm, Sat 11am & 2pm, Sun 12noon & 3pm, Tickets £12.50, Family Saver £46 (4 seats), Groups 10+ £10 Dress in bright colours from head to toe for the Funfair.

Box Office: 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk To enter simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or 07854 492638 with subject Singing Kettle Closing date for entries 15th July Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

konect 55

What’s On Holiday Edition Guide for Families At Konect we celebrate all things local, so while there is a host of things to do and places to go all over the central belt, this guide focuses on things to do closer home in West Lothian. We often take for granted things that are on our doorstep – see how many of these places you can get through this summer!

Nature and Outdoors The three country parks of Beecraigs (near Linlithgow), Polkemmet (near Whitburn) and Almondell and Calderwood (near Mid Calder) all have many walking trails, as well as playgrounds, visitor centre, places to picnic and bbq. There is a programme of Ranger-led events for children and families in the country parks and also in smaller parks and other venues.

Wednesday 2nd July Wonderful Wild Wednesdays Join Rural Connect and the Rangers on the Nasmyth Meadow to witness wildlife up close!

Nature activities, games and crafts for all. A Project Bee event. Suitable for: Families. Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.

Time: Drop in between 11am – 3pm

Saturday 5th July A wild day out!

1pm – 5pm, Howden Park, Livingston.

Free activities, live demonstrations and talks from experts. Join West Lothian Council, RSPB, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, West Lothian Council Country Park Rangers and many more for activities and entertainment including wildflower planting, mask making, bug hunts, expert talks and much more.

There is a special focus on bees and other pollinators with Rural Connects awesome Bee Project. Bike skills and outdoor pursuits. Music stage, artists workshops and craft activities.

Outdoor toys, storytelling and fancy dress competition – dress up as your favourite mini-beast! Free event, turn up on the day. More information call Howden Park on 01506 777666.

Sunday 27th July Minibeast Wildlife Safari Join the search for all creatures great and small in the community woodland. Suitable for: Families.

Meet: Play Area by football pitches, Kirknewton Community Woodland Time: 2pm – 3.30pm.

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Monday 11th – Friday 15th August Summer Activity Week Join the Ranger Service for a whole week of fun-packed outdoor games and activities. Suitable for: 6 – 11 years.

Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. Time: 9am – 4.30pm. Cost: £80.35. Booking essential call the rangers at 01506 882254 or email almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk

For animal lovers

session. Range of craft activities incl glass fusing, t-shirt decorating, decopatch, jute bags. Also summer “create and play” sessions, for 60 mins craft followed by 30 mins soft play at Scrambles. Call to book on 0131-333-6300

Activities and adventure Overboard Soft Play (DAKS building, Polbeth) is open 7 days a week during the school holidays, use the voucher on page 43 for Half Price entry!

Almond Valley Farm, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR.

Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Livingston.

Daily from Saturday 28th June until Tuesday 19th August, Morag the Highland cow welcomes young visitors to a summer full of fun in the shade of the story tent. Every day throughout the holidays there will be morning and afternoon sessions of games, activities, crafts, challenges and trails that all the family can join in and enjoy. No need to book in advance, just drop in and have fun. Tel 01506 414957

Open daily from 10am during the school holidays. First floor in Livingston Designer Centre, across from Vue Cinema. Two adventure golf courses spanning 13,000 sq/ft of adventure golfing paradise.

Scottish Owl Centre Within Polkemmet Country Park.

See www.scottishowlcentre.com

Five Sisters Zoo Gavieside, West Calder. Open 7 days from 10am. See www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk

Art and Craft Summer Workshops at Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton From 30th June to 15th August, 10.30am -12pm. £12 a session or £50 for a block of 5.

Weekly themes, with craft activities including clay modelling/potter's wheel, ceramic painting, decopatch, canvas painting, knitting/crochet, candle-making, jewellery, felting. Call to book on 01506 238961.

Summer Workshops at HoneyPot Ceramics, EICA Ratho.

From 14th July to 8th August, 10.30am -12pm and 2pm – 3.30pm. £12 per

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July Anuual Jousting at Linlithgow Palace Spectacular display of knight jousting, ring jousting and foot combat. Also learn about the fashions of the day from the ladies of the court, meet the palace jester and sign up to join our kids army!

See Historic Scotland website for more details.

Sunday 6th July Kirknewton Craft Fair 12-4pm in the Green Room and Village Hall. Home baking, handmade gifts, home décor, jewellery, beauty products.... see poster on page 23.

Fund-raiser for Kirknewton Community Development Trust.

Sunday 27th July Jack & Jill Market With markets across Scotland, and an online market you will find up to 45 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in!! www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Howden Park Centre Summer Arts - Creative classes and performances for 5-18 years Howden Park Centre are offering a wide variety of fun, day and half day activities to inspire children, from basic dance moves and singing techniques to building your own massive monster as big as your imagination!

The Royal Conservatoire are also running intensive 10- day course for those interested in exploring how to create musical theatre material.

For more info contact visit the Howden Park Centre website

www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk or contact the box office: 01506 777666

Library Information East Calder Library Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 or email: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Please note the library now opens at 10.30am on Wednesdays Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.30pm Tues & Thurs: 9.00am - 8.00pm Wed: 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Please note Registration Services are now available by appointment only.

Mondays 2.00 – 4.30 Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.30 Fridays 2.00 – 4.30 Telephone 01506 884680 Bookbug - All under 3’s bring along your adult for some stories and rhymes - phone or email library for dates and times.

IT Class New Drop in IT class for all your employment issues.

Every Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 Come along for free help and advice.

Bookgroup 1st Tuesday and last Thursday of each month at 6.45-7.45pm Drop-in Employment based computer class every Thursday from 10.00-12.00, open to everyone.

Summer Reading Challenge 2014

The Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge Scotland, aimed at children aged 4 to 11, is a really fun way to encourage children to read through the long break from school.

Sign up for free and receive a free poster to start of your challenge.

Mythical Maze Activities in East Calder Library

Mythical Creature Treasure Hunt – can you spot all our Mythical Creatures?- this will be an ongoing challenge throughout the summer.

Create your own Dragon Wednesday 16th July 3pm Make a Unicorn Tuesday 29th July 10am

Last Post Times Kirknewton Post Office Last collection time has been changed to 16.45 Mon – Fri, then a few minutes later from the box near the level crossing. Sat 11.15am East Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.20pm Sat 11.15am Mid Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.35am Pumpherston Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.00am Collection from box at Livingston Delivery Office, Fairbairn Road, at 6.30pm

Pumpherston Library Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF 01506 280996 or email: pumpherston.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon 14.00 - 17.00 Wed 14.30 - 16.30 Thurs 14.00 - 18.00

Mobile library timetable Alternate Tuesdays in Kirknewton: Linburn Centre 10.00 – 12.00 Kirknewton Primary 13.15 – 14.15 Kaimes Crescent 14.20 – 14.45 Sawmill 14.55 – 15.15 Roosevelt Road 15.20 – 15.30 Brae Kirk Avenue 15.30 – 15.45 Roadman’s Way 15.55 – 16.15 Alternate Wednesdays in Mid Calder: Almondside 13.30 – 14.30 Spottiswoode Gdns 14.40 – 16.20 Market Street 16.30 – 17.30 Alternate Thursdays in Kirknewton: Kirknewton Primary 09.30 – 11.30

Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.

Useful Numbers East Calder Medical Practice 147 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW 01506 882882

St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

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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

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 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 Colts FC East Calder Park. We are currently recruiting for an under 10’s team born 2002.

For information required regarding any of our teams please visit our website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Rab McCulloch on 07920 482216.

Let’s put the fun back into football.

All welcome.

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

East Calder Old Folks Club

EAST CALDER Zumba with Lindsay Monday East Calder Church Hall 7 to 8pm Tuesday Simpsons Primary School Bathgate 7.15 to 8.15pm Wednesday NEW VENUE Uphall Station, Uphall Institute Hall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm Facebook Zumba with Lindsay.

Tel: 07834 183084

Forget-Me-Not Cafe 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 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.

East Calder Community Centre Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome.

Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

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

Boys Brigade 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 Calll Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre.

Mon-Fri 9:15am-11:15am from 2 years For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £4.50 per session.

Contact Carol on 07748 053340

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides East Calder Primary School Rainbows Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm Guides Mon 7 – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30 – 9pm Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640

Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre 1st Tues of every month.

Drop in for advice and support 1.30 – 3.30pm

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

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

Needlecraft Club East Calder Community Centre Thur 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Maggie on 01506 791306

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Starlets 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

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Daytime Pilates Classes Kirknewton Village Hall Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am Whether you just want to move more and improve your muscle tone, or whether you want to enhance another sport you enjoy… create length, strength and balance with Pilates.

Spaces are limited so to find out more, book a taster session or learn about other classes contact me on elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me onfacebook.com/ekpilates.

Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm. For girls aged 5-7.

Please contact Gill Greaves for more info on 01506 883261

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/chat for parents.

Thur 9.30 - 11.30am

Kosy Kaff 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.

Douglas Pilates Classes Designed to help achieve health and fitness goals through expertly designed exercises.

Because classes are limited a maximum of 12 people, you will get plenty of personal attention.

To contact Susan Douglas and for classes info visit http://www.douglaspilates.co.uk/

Hatton Sports Club Tennis and squash.

Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play.

LTA-qualified tennis coaches.

Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

KASPARS Afterschool Club. Kirknewton Church Hall.

Afterschool care Mon - Thu 3.15 - 6.00, Fri 12.30 - 6.00. Breakfast Club Mon - Fri 8.00 - start of school.

Call 07871 791000

Potter Around Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD Clubs including oil painting for both children and adults, jewellery workshops, fused glass, candle making, knitting, scrapbooking, kids craft club, Warhammer club. Craft shop, beads, children’s parties, baby prints and more. Plus drop in any time for pottery painting.

For all class times, bookings and more information call 01506 238961 or email chat@ potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk.

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Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am – 11.15am. Ages 2- 4 ½ years. £5.00 per session.

Call in and see us during session times.

Kirknewton Women’s Rural 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

Kirknewton Stompers 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.

Kirknewton Runners Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

Physio Pilates Classes Modified Pilates taught by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Kirknewton Village Hall.

Tuesdays 6.45pm and 7.45pm - suitable for beginners or improvers.

Spaces are limited so for more information or to book contact Dianne on 07795466464 diannemackenzie1@gmail.com.

Facebook: Physio Pilates Classes

MID CALDER West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club 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.

Mini Music Makers Glenalmond Hall, Main Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AN Weekly interactive music classes on Thursday mornings in Mid Calder.

Singing games and rhymes are used bring these interactive music education classes for pre-school children and their parents/carers to life. Booking enquires: claire.ashwood@nycos.co.uk, 0141 287 2943.

Find out more: www.nycos.co.uk/mini-music-makers

Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall Tuesdays 10.00 Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101

Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop” The Midcalder Inn, Mid Calder

Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and Broxburn.

Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult. www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division the Scottish Starlets.

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.

Yoga Classes Masonic Hall Wednesdays afternoon class 1- 2.30pm and evening class 7.30 -9pm.

Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115 www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

The Willows Playgroup School Lane Mid Calder.

Children from 2 - 5 years (nappy changing facilities). Mon - Thurs 9 - 11 am. £5 per session (snack provided).

Further information available from Karen on 01506 882832.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night, Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights.

To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections.

Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group Institute Hall. Tuesdays 9am - 11am. £1.00 per parent/carer. New parents/carers, toddlers and babies welcome.

For further information please email christiealldridge@hotmail.com

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.

Welcome Cafe Glenalmond Hall Every Tuesday 10am-12noon.

This is a Fair Trade Cafe 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.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir Kirk of Calder Rehearse Sun 11.45 -12.45pm and Wed 7.30 - 8.45pm Repertoire includes songs from Musical shows, Scottish songs, Religious and Pop music.

Perform 2 concerts a year, one in May/ June and a Christmas concert in early December.

All concert venues considered. New members very welcome, come and join us!

Contact: John Rankine, Musical Director LLCM (TD) on 01506 880029 www.kirkofcalder.com (Church Organisations)

POLBETH 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 information on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON 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 Saturday, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254

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

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. 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 years.

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.

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Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11:15 am every Sunday West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday.

Interim moderator : Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884585

Church of Scotland Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School and creche available.

Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 07588 845814 groenstes@yahoo.com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

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Mid Calder 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.

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

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

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

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop 27 Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Kevin Thomson Accountant 41 Aerials Aerial Man 11 Architect Plan-It 28 Barbers TJ’s Barbers 22 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 29 Beauty Hey Gorgeous 20 Soprano Ice 21 The Toning & Beauty Clinic 20 Utopia Hair and Beauty 23 Bowling Club East Calder Bowling Club 24 Bridal Shop Nota Bene Design 53 Building Services Almond Building Company 28 Build-It 28 David Hastings Building Surveyor 13 Dean Jones Building Services 38 Cafe Almondell Cafe 51 Car Sales Colin Nixon 64 Hermiston Motor Co 42 Car Service/Repair Chips Away 44 Colin Nixon 64 FairDeal Autos 31 Finishing Touch 45 Hermiston Motor Co 42 Kirknewton Garage 45 LVS Garage Services 5 Pumpherston Autocentre 44 Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions 34 The Wheel Specialist 31 Carpet Cleaning C&W Cleaning Services 12 Cleaning Doctor 34 Hydro Kleen Scotland 6 Children’s Activities Jane Goulding School of Dance 55 Children’s Nursery ABC Nursery 55 Chiropodist Barefoot Chiropody and Podiatry 22 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 21 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd 34 Cleanleeness 7 Complementary Therapies Tormain 6

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Computer Repairs Sprint Computer Repairs 41 Craft Fair KCDT Craft Fair 58 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 55 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 24 Bankton Dental Practice 63 No 9 Dentist 22 Double Glazing Red Hot Windows 35 Supreme Windows 4 Electrical Services A&A Electrical 13 A.F.A Electrical 32 Riddell Electrical Services 34 Simply Electrical 4 Florist Quite Contrary 53 Vicky’s Flowers 53 Footcare Foot Clinic 20 Furniture Grove Bedding 47 Garage Doors Max's Garage Doors 28 Garden & Landscaping Bruce Henderson 15 D Greaves 15 GW Horticultural & Landscaping 15 Maxwell Treecare 15 Woodford Timber Products 17 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 30 Hairdresser Jane & Friends 22 MM Stylist 20 Utopia Hair and Beauty 23 Handyman 1st Call Handyman 41 Home Improvements AC Contracting 40 Ian Merriman 13 S & S Home Improvements 2 Supreme Windows 4 Job Vacancy Linwater Caravan Park 4 Joiner Central Scotland Joinery 43 Craigcrook Joinery 12 Geoff Vinter Joinery 38 Kitchens Alba Kitchens 12 Locksmith Caledonian Locksmiths 35 Mobility Med-Ecosse 39 Scottish Medical Supplies 25

Oven Cleaner The Clean Team 34 Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorators 12 DM Decorators 13 Nu-Walls 12 Physiotherapy Centre for Sport and Exercise 24 Picture Framing The Frame Shop 10 Plasterer Nu-Walls 12 Plumbing Services Coval 34 Derek MacDonald 34 EPH Scotland 35 Property Maintenance AC Contracting 40 Cleaning & Maintenance 15 Public House Black Bull 49 Restaurant Al Borgo 53 Ratho Park Carvery 51 The Sky Kitchen 51 Roofing Thomson Roofing Services 35 Security Services A.F.A Fire and Security 33 Soft Furnishings Grove Bedding 47 KnightShades 11 StyleRite Blinds 7 Storage Storage Containers 41 Takeaway The Sky Kitchen 51 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 11 Tiler B Edwards Tiling 28 Tile-a-ramic 4 Timber / Sawmill Bruce Henderson 15 Trading Standards West Lothian Trusted Trader 38 Tree Surgeon Maxwell Tree Care 15 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 45 The Wheel Specialist 31 Windows Red Hot Windows 35

Quality Dental Care in state-of-the-art surgeries Computerised injection (virtually pain free) Cosmetic teeth alignment in less than 6 months

We are now registering new NHS patients

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COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Looking for a quality, reliable second hand car?

Come to a local well-established business for honest advice and excellent customer service.

On-site selection of pre-selected quality, low-mileage vehicles ... or tell us what you need and we will source a suitable vehicle to your specification and budget

All vehicles have had our stringent pre-sales service 12 month warranty* We only deal with good quality cars so you can buy with confidence

Tel: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Edinburgh Road, East Calder EH53 0ET

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS *some vehicles excepted