Issuu

LOCAL HISTORY:

FOOD & DRINK:

SPOTLIGHT:

We’ve enjoyed pulling together a pot pourri of different content for Konect this month. There is no particular seasonal theme but as ever, highlighting and supporting our fantastic local organisations and businesses, and celebrating everything our area has to offer.

Local business Volta Automotive shares their expertise on what to look for when purchasing a second hand electric vehicle, and how there is more than meets the eye to understanding EV battery life, see page 16. For the local history article, I took advantage of a lovely meander across in South Queensferry to look into the history of the crossing, pre-bridges. The bridges are rightly very celebrated, but it was fascinating to look into the old landing places and how it was managed previously. I hope you enjoy the article - South Queensferry is always a lovely place for a walk, coffee, independent shops and icecream (speaking of ice cream, the recipe this month from Nutrition Scotland offers a seasonal ice cream idea).

“Core memories are made where little boots explore” is the message from Almond Valley (page 4) and is so true. Almond Valley is a fantastic day out right here on our doorstep for outdoors fun and adventure for kids and indoors areas for rainy days too!

I hope you enjoy Konect this month! If you are involved in community groups or events that you would like help publicising in future issues, please drop me a line. All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

THE BUSINESS OF PIERS & PERILS

– BEFORE THERE WERE BRIDGES

In October 1809, a most melancholy accident occurred at the Newhalls Pier [now Hawes Pier, South Queensferry], owing to the very reprehensible practice of driving the coaches to the water’s edge along the piers, to receive passengers from the boats.

A young lady and a female servant were precipitated with the coach, into which they had just entered, into the water, and drowned before they could be extricated. The mother of the lady and a gentleman had nearly shared the same fate. Since that fatal day, which will not be speedily forgotten, the practice of driving on the pier has been abandoned.”

Since even before the days of Queen Margaret who, nearly 1000 years ago embarked at the rocky ledges to cross the Forth at its narrowest navigable point near Edinburgh, the best way of crossing this strip of water has been in constant evolution.

For centuries, the complicated business of

Account of South Queensferry, in 1796, describes watching people board and disembark at one of the landing places: “It is painful for a spectator to witness the difficulties passengers meet, the dangers to which they are exposed getting to and from that place, as they have to scramble a considerable way among rocks and large stones, rendered slippery by being covered with wet seaweed. To this landing place the boatmen are often obliged to carry, with much jeopardy to themselves, the great mail on the north road.”

The New Statistical Account of Queensferry tells us that in 1809: “There were no suitable

William Brassey Hole, The Landing of St Margaret at Queensferry A.D. 1068, ‘National Galleries of Scotland’

and to purchase land for boatmen’s houses and other infrastructure. Scottish civil engineer John Rennie was engaged for the works, and by around 1812 four new piers were constructed on the south – New Halls Pier (replacing the original one), a small pier at Port Neuk (behind Honey Pot Creative, almost no remains), a pier at Port Edgar and one at Long Craig. While Hawes Pier has been in constant use and has been resurfaced, the stonework on Long Craig Pier is original, albeit repaired in places. The South Queensferry

THE QUEEN’S FERRY

Queen Margaret was born in Hungary, the daughter of an 11th century English prince of the House of Wessex, who had been exiled there. When her father was named heir to the English throne in 1057, he took his family, including Margaret and her siblings Edgar and Cristina, back to England. Dying shortly after, he left Edgar as heir, who inherited the throne after the death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings. But he was never crowned – with the Normans victorious, the royal family fled north, not before Edgar had spent some time in the custody of William the Conqueror. They landed in Scotland and were welcomed by King Malcolm III. Within a year, Margaret was married to King Malcolm. A devout catholic, Margaret funded a free ferry for pilgrims to cross the Forth to St Andrew’s Cathedral, at the narrowest navigable part of the Forth to the west of Edinburgh; hence the establishment of the settlement at the Queen’s ferry. Malcolm and Margaret’s marriage was a long and happy one. She was extremely active and influential in Scottish religious life, and while Malcolm was not particularly religious himself he was happy for her to pursue her reforms.

Lighthouse, nestled between the RNLI shop and the cruise ticket office, was part of these works too and was in operation until the Hawes Pier Light was installed in 1877. Hawes Pier was used constantly by passenger and cargo ferries until the opening of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964. The pier is now used by primarily by the RNLI and commercial sight-seeing tours. Long Craig pier is used and maintained by the Scouts. Old stonework is still visible on the piers at Queensferry Harbour. Port Edgar was heavily used by the Royal Navy during both wars, and the associated development there makes it harder to trace the earlier infrastructure.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.

•

info@pentlandconstruction.co.uk

Please call or WhatsApp: Dean 07931 101 523 Michelle 07739 509 839 Office 01506 885419 @PentlandBrickworks

There’s an old saying that goes, ‘laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.’ This has always felt harsh, implying as it does that we have to stuff our feelings down in order to be socially acceptable and to fit in.

How many times has someone we don’t really know told us to cheer up or smile, and how annoying can that be, especially when we might be feeling a bit overwhelmed and smiling to order might be the last thing we want to do. Apart from the intrusive nature of these messages there are times in all of our lives when we just don’t feel like switching on the cheer. Most of us were raised to be polite, to say please and thank you and to brush off our own feelings if they risk causing upset to others. So, if someone tells us to ‘cheer up’ we never say ‘no I don’t feel like it thanks’ and offer instead one of those forced half smiles that has nothing at all to do with genuine jollity, because that’s what is expected and we don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

In an effort to make others feel good we often ignore our own comfort and squash our own feelings down. How much better could all our lives be if all our smiles were genuine and came from the heart? The next time someone tells you to cheer up, remember it’s ok to ignore them and be exactly who you are.

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

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We support elderly, isolated & vulnerable people across West Lothian to live life to the full

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As we get older, hospital stays can become more frequent. While being discharged is often a relief, a safe return home depends on having a well-planned discharge process. Without the right support in place, people can quickly become unwell again and risk readmission.

NHS discharge teams play a key role in planning what happens next. A good discharge plan should look beyond the hospital doors and consider both immediate practical needs and longer-term care.

In the short term, this means making sure the person isn’t returning to an empty fridge and has essentials in place until family, friends or carers can help. Medication should be clearly explained, with easy-to-use packaging such as blister packs where possible, to avoid confusion at home.

Many people need ongoing support after discharge. The hospital may arrange a care

assessment to see whether NHS continuing healthcare or local authority support is appropriate. If state-funded care is delayed, it’s worth asking about direct payments or personal budgets, which can be used to arrange alternative community care and may speed up discharge.

Good communication is vital. Families should be given notice of discharge, especially if they need to provide care temporarily. Hospitals should also coordinate closely with care providers so that support is in place from day one.

Discharge planning should include onward referrals, such as rehabilitation services, and practical arrangements like transport home, suitable equipment, and access to new supplies such as continence products.

When discharge planning is done well, everyone benefits: hospitals free up much-needed beds, and people return home safely, with the right support to recover and stay well.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

BUYING A SECONDHAND EV? QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE BATTERY

“With petrol or diesel cars, buyers base a judgement about engine condition on age and mileage. But EVs are not like this. The most important element is the battery, and its condition can vary significantly based on several factors - even if two cars have identical mileage and age,” says Kevin Mackay, Director of Volta Automotive.

Volta Automotive is a local business specialising in testing the State of Health (SoH) of EV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle batteries. “The health and longevity of a battery are affected by factors such as the number of fast charges, whether the battery has been left on charge for long periods of time, temperature, day to day management of the battery, and repeated extreme charging and discharging,” Kevin explains.

As a buyer of a secondhand EV or PHEV, there is no way you can tell how the battery has been treated, and consequently it’s difficult to judge how much life you can expect to get from itand what its true value is.

That’s where Volta Automotive comes in. They provide a professional Battery State of Health assessment, which is a measure of the battery’s current performance compared to its original condition.

The chart illustrates how one car might have covered 124,300 miles with a battery health of over 90%, while another with the same mileage might have a battery health as low as 65%. A sample of cars manufactured in 2023 found that battery degradation was approximately 1.4% per year on average. This means one of these cars could have an additional 17 years of battery life compared to the other. Purchasing the one with the lower battery health would make a costly battery replacement necessary for continued viability – and this would need to be reflected in the sale price.

“The benefit of the tests I provide is the independent verification for buyer confidence and assurance,” says Kevin. “Overlooking the

battery State of Health when purchasing a used EV could be a very expensive mistake.”

If you already own an EV or PHEV, it’s worth getting a battery SofH assessment done to check on the range capacity, detect any hidden defects, predict battery replacement and to discover ways you can maximise your battery’s lifespan. When it comes to selling your car, a battery certification can also lead to a higher sale price and faster sale.

For more information on tests available, contact Kevin at Volta Automotive on 07701 260 120.

Mileage (mi)

State of Health (SoH %)

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MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Swap over (6), 8. To be on a ship (6), 9. Not new (4), 10. Outside (8), 11. Angry (7), 13. Funeral fires (5), 15. Almost two pints (5), 17. Below (7), 20. Observing (8), 21. Story (4), 23. Educational establishment (6), 24. Required (6). DOWN:1.Femalesheep(4), 2.Recordingroom(6),3.Burglars(7), 4. Belief (5), 5. Every sixty minutes (6), 6. Widest (8), 12. Inconvenience (8), 14. Combining (7), 16. Calculate (6), 18. Respect (6), 19. Foolish (5), 22. Vegetable (4).

A few years ago we talked about the Auricula Theatre in our entrance courtyard. Sadly time took its toll and the wooden shelves rotted and started to collapse.

A replacement was needed as we get so much enjoyment from the displays every time we come in or out. This time I used pressure treated timber but built the theatre to the same as the original as that had worked very well. I bought some lead roof flashing for the top to throw off the rain, but we still need to water regularly as no rain reaches the pots.

Facing west it receives no direct sunlight so we can only display plants that like partial shade We pot them up into terracotta pots with saucers beneath. The Primula auricula varieties, with fleshy leaves and incredible ‘painted’ flowers make their best displays

in late spring and early summer, so we supplement the displays outwith the peak Auricula season.

Early in the year primroses bring colour, along with winter flowering heathers and dwarf bulbs like crocus and irises. After the auricula season we add ferns and houseleeks followed by bright spots of colour from cyclamen. For the festive season we add jam jars full of variegated holly, indeed pots of flowers help to freshen up the display throughout any of the seasons.

The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

Rhubarb is in season in Scotland from early spring, March/April. Why not make this indulgent and creamy rhubarb ice-cream!

A delicious and unique treat for when you grow tired of the same old vanilla and strawberry flavours. This recipe is really easy and does not require any churning! Rhubarb is a source of potassium which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Research suggests that an adequate intake can help prevent high blood pressure.

Ingredients:

• 500g of chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (7 or 8 medium sized stalks)

• 300g of sugar. If you prefer a tarter taste from the rhubarb, use slightly less sugar.

• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice • 240g double cream

• (Optional) Add 1tsp of vanilla essence and ¼ teaspoon of red food colouring to the cream before whipping for a more intense pink colour.

Method:

1. Place the rhubarb and sugar into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for approx. 10 -12 mins, until the rhubarb becomes soft and the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and leave to cool.

2. Place the rhubarb mixture into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover and leave in the fridge for 15-20 minutes

3. Once cold, stir the lemon juice into the rhubarb puree.

4. In a separate bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form.

5. Add the chilled rhubarb puree into the whipped cream folding in gently.

6. Transfer into a shallow freezer safe container and cover.

Recipe supplied by Nutrition Scotland www.nutritionscotland.org

My family and I love Nick Nairn’s beautiful Port of Menteith restaurant and cook school, located on the northern shore of the Lake of Menteith. It was a cold, damp, dreich day, with limited visibility of the Lake. However, the welcome into the restaurant warm and the menu was filled with a rich assortment of delicious comforting dishes.

My main dish, ‘Rump of Menteith hills hogget’ (meat from a young sheep, hogget bridges the gap between tender lamb and rich, intense mutton) was served with braised lentils, salsa verde, chicory and roasting juices. It was delicious and perfect for a cold February day! The hogget was cooked beautifully, and was savoury and delicious, but tender and distinctive. The braised lentils were the perfect accompaniment to the meat. It’s always nice to see a menu feature locally sourced, seasonal produce.

I was pleased to be tasked with selecting the wine. What to pair with everything? Hogget, black pudding, venison and red onion tart tatin. De Burgh Wine Merchants supply the wine and created a lovely wine list.

I wondered if I should select a pinot noir to pair with the different dishes. In the end I chose a Primitivo from Puglia, in the south of Italy. In the ‘heel of Italy’ the weather is hot and the grapes ripen, creating a rich, juicy wine with warm ripe characteristics. While my selection wasn’t perhaps a classic pairing for a lamb dish, this wine bought a touch of sunshine and warmth to a chilly day.

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

MARCH SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 22. See page 42 for solutions.

Living aboard with your children is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witnessing different cultures, learning multiple languages, developing new skills, and experiencing a country that many only dream of visiting can be transformative. For Amélie, being a foreigner born in post war Japan is an experience that only a select few will ever know. Little Amélie or The Character of Rain is a French animated film based on the memoir of the same name, in which we follow young Amélie as she spends her early years in Japan. Little Amélie is visually stunning and emotionally charged, packing an impressive amount of power into its brief 1 hour and 18 minute runtime.

Brimming with childlike innocence, the film lets us see the world through Amélie’s eyes, whether it’s her ability to speak fluently at age three despite never uttering a word before that, or the way the ocean parts like a biblical epic when she visits the beach. These flourishes are visually beautiful and help elevate the film’s core narrative. Being a foreigner in post war Japan is not the same as facing the xenophobia one might encounter in Japan today. A quick side eye is nothing compared to being blamed for the bombings. And for a child, how could she possibly be responsible? She was neither a soldier nor a scientist at Los Alamos. It’s this harsh reality of post war Japan that grounds Little Amélie and elevates its material into something truly magical.

In UK Cinemas now

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.

Reuse & Thrive a charitable social enterprise, supporting the development of a thriving community that cares about its people and its resources. With an ethos to reuse, our shop has been established in East Calder selling quality clothes and household bric-a-brac items.

As a shop volunteer you will welcome customers, help them with making purchases and use our till system to record sales and process payments. You will also help with pricing and displaying stock and ensuring the shop is clean and tidy. If you have a friendly and welcoming manner, good organisation skills, are able to handle money, and are sympathetic to R&T's ethos and values we are keen to hear from you. Our charitable aims are:

The prevention and relief of poverty, The advancement of citizenship or community development. The advancement of education/experience.

We can help and support you to develop the skills you need for this role. A full induction and training will be provided. Contact us for more information or to note your interest.

FRIDAY 6TH MARCH

Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign

- West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group will be outside Asda Livingston all day. Come along and speak to the guys with a wide range of prostate cancer experience to answer your questions. Early testing and diagnosis increase the chances of a good outcome.

SATURDAY 7TH MARCH

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.

SUNDAY 8TH MARCH

Ramble and Chat - Join Almond Valley Nature Action for a nature walk with a focus on learning to identify trees. The event is suitable for beginners, and children are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult. We will meet at the path next to Howden House We will follow a circular route, starting near Howden House, following the paths around some pockets of woodland and a stop at Howden Walled Garden. 2.00pm – 3.30pm. More information on avnatureaction.wordpress.com/ events and on our social media.

SUNDAY 14TH MARCH

The Carpenters on Mother’s Day - Treat the leading lady in your life to a Mother’s Day celebration filled with flavour, sparkle, and nostalgia. You are welcomed with a chilled glass of bubbly before settling in for a delicious three course lunch crafted to make the day feel truly special.

Once the plates are cleared, the magic continues with the stunning Sing a Song, Carpenters tribute act, bringing all the warmth, harmony, and timeless melodies that made the originals unforgettable. It’s the perfect blend of great food, great music, and great company — a Mother’s Day she’ll remember long after the final note fades. Reconnect Howden Park, Livingston. 1.00pm, £42 per person, info and booking at reconnecttheatres.com/howden-park

WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH

West Lothian History and Amenity Society - Jade Scott, author of ‘Captive Queen: the decrypted history of Mary Queen of Scots.’ Glenalmond Hall, Mid Calder, 7.30pm, Nonmembers 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

WED 18TH TO SUN 22ND MARCH

HippFest - Scotland’s Silent Film Festival, venues in Bo’ness Hippodrome and other locations in Bo’ness and Linlithgow. All details and booking via hippodromecinema.co.uk/ hippfest

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH

Antique Fair - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA, Early entry 9.00am - £2, public entry 10.00am3.00pm - £1. Ample free parking, disabled access, on-site catering. In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust, Contact Bob on 07946 045149

FRIDAY 27TH MARCH

A Night of Film Music - Join the Bathgate Concert Orchestra for a night of movie favourites. Conductor Steven Meikle. Bathgate Parish Church, 7.30pm. Admission by donation.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOTFOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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

KIRKY KLUB - Kirky Klub is a FREE family-friendly social event with a Stay & Play, Cuppa & Cake, and Preloved items. 1st Saturday of every month, Kirknewton Village Hall, 10.30am to 12noon. 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 - Get crafty with us! Join East Calder Needlecraft Club who meet every Thursday from 6.30pm-9.00pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP. All crafts welcome, Meet fellow crafters, learn new skills and share your passion. Beginners and Pros alike. Call 01506 882699 for more info or drop by, we can't wait to meet you.

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 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

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

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

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - We are a Creative Arts charity based in West Lothian. Our classes are as follows: Generation Dance (Thursdays) - 10.30am at Livingston United Parish Church, Carmondean. Music&Singing Group (Thursdays) - 12.00pm at Bathgate Partnership Centre. Generation Dance Bathgate, Seated (Fridays) - 10.30am at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street. All classes have a suggested donation of £4. Other arts projects available. Contact: E: generationarts.info@gmail.com T: 07521 358 239

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Tomato, 8. Treaty, 9. Swim, 10. Portions, 11. Absence, 13. Tipsy, 15. Argue, 17. Vinegar, 20. Gripping, 21. Ache, 22. Client, 23. Absorb.

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

DOWN:1.Cobweb,2.Warm,3.Compact, 4. Start, 5. Decisive, 6. Stinks, 12. Equipped, 14. Diagram, 16. Rarely, 18. Adhere, 19. Dirty, 21. Also.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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

MACMILLAN CANCER

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

ACROSS: 7. Tomato, 8. Treaty, 9. Swim, 10. Portions, 11. Absence, 13. Tipsy, 15. Argue, 17. Vinegar, 20. Gripping, 21. Ache, 22. Client, 23. Absorb.

DOWN:1.Cobweb,2.Warm,3.Compact, 4. Start, 5. Decisive, 6. Stinks, 12. Equipped, 14. Diagram, 16. Rarely, 18. Adhere, 19. Dirty, 21. Also.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 34

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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

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young 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

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

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858