Konect Calders May 2025 by Konect Magazines

WINE TASTING:

LOCAL CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

ith summer approaching, it’s much easier to get out and about in the beautiful environment we are lucky to have all around us. And while it’s great to get outdoors for exercise, if you need a boost with your motivation or you have specific health and fitness needs, West Lothian Leisure (Xcite) is a fantastic resource. They offer more than you may realise especially in terms of specialist health groups. We shine a spotlight on them this month, please see pages 8-9.

The month of May sees Dementia Action week each year, a campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia to try and catch it early. Local care company Home Instead work tirelessly to raise awareness, see their article on spotting the signs on page 15 this month. As ever, you will find everything you need for home, health, garden and entertainment in the pages of Konect. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

John Stirling, benefiting from WL Leisure Parkinsons Programme

John Stirling, a retired estates team member at St John’s Hospital in Livingston, living with Parkinson’s disease, is celebrating renewed independence, connection and confidence thanks to a local programme run by West Lothian Leisure (Xcite).

The 69-year-old was diagnosed 18 months ago, and as a regular walker he first noticed something was wrong when he started to slow down when out walking and began to shake. Referred by his NHS physiotherapist, John joined West Lothian Leisure’s dedicated Parkinson’s programme. Developed in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, it is a free twelve-week programme of specialist sessions designed to improve health and mobility for people living with the condition. John has been a committed participant of the stationary cycling sessions at Xcite Bathgate and the Falls Prevention programme at Xcite Broxburn.

The impact on John’s physical and mental wellbeing has been transformative. He said, “The exercise has really helped. I’ve got a bad knee, but now I can climb stairs again without assistance. It was something I used to find really painful. I’m out walking more, driving, and generally able to do more things. The programme has made a huge difference.”

Just as valuable has been the sense of community. John added, “Meeting others with Parkinson’s helps. You’re not alone. You share experiences, support each other. There’s a real sense of togetherness.”

Lisa Hunter, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Xcite West Lothian Leisure, said, “We’re delighted to hear how the programme has positively impacted John, and others who participated, making life a little bit easier.

With Parkinson’s disease there is no cure, but programmes like this one offer real, life enhancing benefits. Staying active can greatly improve people’s balance, mobility, coordination and overall quality of life, and this programme has been carefully developed in collaboration with individuals with lived experience of Parkinson’s.”

West Lothian’s Leisure’s Parkinson’s programme is currently free to attend and welcomes new participants. It combines safe, tailored exercise with social connection and expert support, aiming to improve quality of life and build confidence. For more information on the Parkinson’s programme at West Lothian Leisure, visit: www.westlothianleisure.com/news/ funded-parkinsons-sessions-at-xcite

The Parkinson’s programme is one of several successful collaborations that West Lothian Leisure offers. Others include working with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, Scottish Gymnastics with the Love to Move dementia support programme, ensuring a broader reach for those who need support the most.

In total, West Lothian Leisure delivered an impressive £14.4 million in social value through its services and programmes in 2023/2024, with this substantial achievement reflecting the Community Leisure Trust’s commitment to creating healthier, happier and longer lives for communities in West Lothian.

“West Lothian Leisure delivered an impressive £14.4 million in social value through its services and programmes in 2023/2024”

Social value refers to the broader benefits that activities, services or interventions create for individuals and communities, including improvements in physical and mental health, personal development, social well-being and connectivity. The value includes includes significant reductions in healthcare costs locally, including £105,444 saved through fewer GP visits, £154,768 in reduced psychotherapy costs, £822,221 saved in Type 2 Diabetes care, £809,228 in dementia care savings, £460,269 saved by preventing hip fractures and £235,956 saved in coronary heart disease and stroke care

West Lothian Leisure’s services include health and exercise referrals, high and low impact gym classes, swimming sessions, coaching sessions, racquet sports and golf sessions. Highlights in the latest annual review include a 25% increase in concessionary visits through the means-tested Access Xcite programme, a collaboration with West Lothian Council that provides discounted access to low-income families and those in receipt of certain benefits.

Additional highlights include the introduction of pioneering initiatives like the Fitness Factory, a structured programme designed to introduce 12-15-year-olds to a gym environment safely and effectively. Twelve-year-old Fleur Bunskoek joined the Fitness Factory to prepare for a downhill alpine ski race. Fleur said, “The personalised programme created by the Xcite team helped me improve my core strength and balance, enabling me to win my race for the second year running. I feel stronger and more confident—it’s been a game-changer for me!”

Following her doctor’s recommendation, Active 65+ member Lizzie Woollams, joined

- 15 year olds

Xcite to manage osteoarthritis in her knee. Now nearly 70, she attends classes four times a week and has seen remarkable improvements. Lizzie said: “I used to think gyms weren’t for me, but now I’m stronger, more active, and loving life. It’s a real community here.”

Ben Lamb, CEO of West Lothian Leisure, said: “We are incredibly proud to deliver £14.4 million in social value, a testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the ongoing support from our partners, including West Lothian Council. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent lives changed for the better. Every pound saved for the health service represents lives improved, health preserved, and communities strengthened. This is what our mission, creating healthier, happier and longer lives in West Lothian is all about. We aim to continue growing participation and create opportunities for every West Lothian resident to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and wellbeing.”

For more information about West Lothian Leisure’s programmes, visit: www.westlothianleisure.com

This article was contributed by West Lothian Leisure. West Lothian Leisure (known as Xcite) is a Scottish Charity, SC027470.

Fleur Bunskoek, benefitting from Fitness Factory for 12

No matter how much we know about the importance of managing stress and looking after ourselves, sometimes we can all feel overwhelmed. In those moments when it seems that the world is against us there are some helpful techniques we can all use to support ourselves.

Focusing on our breathing has the power to promote calm and reduce that fight or flight response which served our ancestors when they had to escape a wild beast but is less helpful when we are dealing with day to day stress.

Gratitude is a powerful habit that we can all build into our lives and requires us to identify three things a day that we are grateful for. This can be as simple as a smile from a stranger or the fact that the kettle boiled and we can enjoy a hot drink. When we start to turn our attention to positive events, however small, we will find that our focus changes from the things that irritate us to the little events that brighten up our day.

Finally, let’s all develop a new habit of watching our thoughts and the language we use when we talk to ourselves. We would never criticise our friends and loved ones using the kind of language we sometimes use that undermines us and makes us feel small. Why not decide today that we are all going to treat ourselves with the love and respect we show others. A simple new habit that has the potential to change all our lives forever.

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

MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Scratch (6), 8. Lower spine (6), 9. Settee (4), 10. Very young frogs (8), 11. Normally (7), 13. Closes (5), 15. Not heavy (5), 17. Moves up (7), 20. Keeps you dry (8), 21. Coffee shop (4), 23. Aggravates (6), 24. End (6).

The crossword solution will be published in the JUNE edition of

DOWN: 1 Repeat (4), 2 .Yellow fruit (6), 3 e.g. snake (7), 4 Scottish river (5), 5 Level (6), 6. Skilled (8), 12. Dieting (8), 14. Mortified (7), 16. Terror (6), 18. Getaway (6), 19. Dental care (5), 22. Blaze (4).

Watching a loved one age often means noticing changes in their physical and mental wellbeing.

While it’s important to cherish your time together, it’s equally vital to monitor their health and wellbeing in case additional care becomes necessary. Being prepared can help maintain their quality of life for longer.

At Home Instead, we frequently hear the same concerns from families. These common signs can help others recognise when it might be time to seek support:

• MEMORY LOSS: Are they misplacing important items, forgetting appointments, or frequently repeating themselves?

• PERSONAL HYGIENE: Is there a noticeable decline in bathing, grooming, or laundry habits?

• MEDICATION MANAGEMENT: Don’t assume prescriptions are being taken correctly. Many ageing adults forget without somebody prompting them.

• NUTRITION AND WEIGHT CHANGES: Are

they eating well and staying hydrated? Could they be experiencing difficulty preparing food, or problems with eating?

• SAFETY CONCERNS: Are they remembering basic safety measures that most of us take for granted, like switching off appliances or locking doors?

Our Spot the Signs checklist outlines these key behaviours to look out for, helping you decide when to start exploring care options and which areas your loved one might need help in. Equally, it’s essential to check in with yourself. Your emotional and physical wellbeing can greatly influence the support you’re able to provide.

Home Instead can help to guide you through how to approach the ‘care conversation’ and navigating next steps with sensitivity and confidence. For more information, visit: www.careconversations.co.uk

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

You might think you don’t like Chardonnay, but have you tried Chablis? Ironically, Chablis is 100% Chardonnay, yet even the staunchest Chardonnay sceptics often fall for its charm!

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It’s incredibly versatile, you’ll find it in age worthy Champagne as well as massproduced supermarket bottles. Growers like its adaptability, while winemakers love it for its neutrality; it’s the ultimate blank canvas. Some producers age Chardonnay in heavily toasted oak barrels, which can mellow its natural crisp acidity and bring out rich, buttery notes. Done well, the finished product is luxurious, rich and memorable. Done poorly, it can be cloying, overpowering and memorable for the wrong reasons!

Now to Chablis. Grown in the cool, limestonerich soils of northern Burgundy, around the town of Chablis. Here, Chardonnay is crisp, elegant, and precise. The region is divided into four quality levels: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. As you move up the ladder, the wines become more complex, textured, and age-worthy.

What sets Chablis apart is its signature minerality, often described as flinty or chalky, which comes from the region’s ancient Kimmeridgian limestone soils. Expect flavours of citrus zest, green apple, white flowers, and a racy acidity that’s mouthwatering and pure. Chablis is all about finesse. It is Chardonnay stripped back. There’s no overpowering oak, just a beautiful expression of grape and terroir. If you’ve sworn off Chardonnay, Chablis might just be your perfect exception!

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

I’ve been struggling to get back in to photography since I returned from Kenya and I thought going to visit my dipper family location on the River Avon might help. Sadly, despite sitting for around an hour I didn’t see them.

I could see the nest in the usual spot but there wasn’t any evidence of chicks or busy parents who should be bringing food to their young at this time of year.

There’s something incredibly calming about sitting by the river, listening to the wrens and grey wagtails filling the air with their calls. Watching the insects drifting along, following the flow of the water and bees buzzing their way over the banks, looking for the early sources of food like dandelions. It’s exciting to see the first wood anemone (white flowers with a yellow centre) emerging on the woodland floor before making way for bluebells.

Add a dipper to the mix and it’s a perfect way to spend some time. I’m hoping maybe it was bad timing, they can spend a while looking for food and even standing underneath the nest for ages before finally taking it up to the chicks.

They like fast flowing river and they can walk under water on the hunt for food, seeking out mayflies, small fish, and other insects. They usually have two clutches of nests, so perhaps something happened to the first and they’ll be back for round two in a few weeks.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

You will all be aware of the wild fires in April this year and records show that a dry spell in the spring has led to the main season of wild fires being from April to June each year. But what does it mean for our gardens? As I write this column we haven’t had any real rain for several weeks and we are experiencing regular long spells of drought thanks to Climate change. Established shrubs and perennials don’t suffer too much because they have established good root networks that can find water.

However new plantings will need to be given extra water while they get established. A generous watering once a week or so will get the water down to the roots, avoid little and often watering which is a waste of water. You want your new plants to look for their own water supply but at the same time you can avoid stressing them too much by giving them the weekly soak.

Our plant area ladies are emphasising the importance of regularly watering your pots and containers: Nicola, Olivia and Lisa are lined up to pass watering cans to Sarah who is watering our miniature roof garden. Some of our lighter peat-free composts don’t hold onto water very well, if you see the water quickly escaping through the drainage hole you should plan to add less water but add it more often. Using a special compost for Container Plants is also a good idea. Watering planted pots all year round is the most important thing you do to maintain your displays. You can’t trust the rain to get into your pots, so water, water and water.

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

8PLY.£53

MAY SUDOKU

The UK is facing a challenging economic outlook in 2025, with concerns of a recession growing. As we approach the financial year end on 5th April, several key changes from the October 2024 budget could impact your finances.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): From April 2025, the lower CGT rate increases from 10% to 18%, and the higher rate from 20% to 24%.

Employer National Insurance: NICs increase by 1.2% to 15%, and the threshold drops from £9,100 to £5,000, meaning more earnings are subject to contributions.

Volatility can test even the most seasoned investors. It’s natural to feel uneasy when markets swing, but the worst thing we can do is make emotional decisions. Evidence shows this is when investors often make their biggest mistakes.

Private School Fees: From January 2025, VAT will be applied to private school fees, increasing costs for many families.

In this current environment, reassessing whether your investments are overly concentrated in areas of the market that are expensive is of course sensible but this

Income Tax Thresholds: frozen until 2028, pulling more people into higher tax brackets as wages rise.

Tax Efficient Savings: Using your £20,000 ISA allowance, before the financial year end, allows for tax efficient saving. Also, pension contributions are very tax-efficient, due to tax relief and possible employer top-ups.

Salary Sacrifice: If available, sacrificing part of your salary for pensions or benefits can reduce your taxable income and National Insurance bill.

is something we should be continuously doing. Diversification provides resilience. When faced with heightened volatility, remember your long-term destination. What are the goals behind your investments – a comfortable retirement, your child’s education fund, a legacy for the next generation? These goals are often multi-year – even multi-decade – in nature. So measure success over those timeframes, not by what happens in a single quarter or year.

With these changes ahead, reviewing your finances before the tax year ends is advisable. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.

Redefining the genre is no easy feat, and no film has redefined a genre like The Raid did with action.

Written and directed by Gareth Evans, The Raid follows a group of Indonesian police officers as they raid an apartment block owned by a ruthless drug lord. While trying not to alert the occupants of the apartment of their presence they are soon discovered, and the building is locked down. The only way for the police officers to survive is to fight their way out.

The Raid is simple on paper but complex in execution. Gareth has described the film as a survival horror and that is present throughout. From the famous scene where two characters hide in the walls while the wall is being stabbed with a machete, to the true onslaught of violence that occurs from beginning to end.

The Raid cemented Gareth Evans and Indonesian stars Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim and Yayan Ruhian as action royalty. The latter of which had a Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury-esque reveal in The Shadow Strays. The action is unlike anything seen today in modern action cinema. Visceral and intense while also being wildly thrilling and oddly beautiful. A sheer symphony of wondrous chaos that makes the film’s 1 hour, and 41-minute runtime fly by. If you haven’t seen The Raid that should be corrected immediately as it is a true classic created by one the best action directors - not just in the UK but in the world. A True masterpiece.

Available to buy or rent

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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

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 9am11.30 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: 7.009.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, East Calder Bowling Club. No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.

EAST CALDER OVER 50s CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (SeptemberMay) 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: www.eastcalderscouts.uk

SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder. Tuesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays 9.30 & 11.30am and at Geddes House, Livingston, EH54 6GU on Thursdays 9.30. New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781

CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD

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

CHOOSE YOU YOGA

STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB

inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: generationarts. info@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239

MACMILLAN CANCER

INFORMATION & SUPPORT

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Boater, 8. Attack, 9. Ugly, 10. Dramatic, 11. Italics, 13. Nippy, 15. Trout, 17. Untying, 20. Orchards, 21. Myth, 22. Blends, 23. Author.

DOWN: 1. Nought, 2. Stay, 3. Predict, 4. Banal, 5. Steadily, 6. Scrimp, 12. Laughing, 14. Unusual, 16. Rarely, 18. Notion, 19. Crush, 21. Mute.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

- 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 & 7.308.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston. T: 07810 824 195

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS

OF WEST LOTHIAN

- 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

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

E:office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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

Magazine Design:

- 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. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centrecall to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS

NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £36. Follow our Facebook page, visit westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510

ACROSS: 7. Boater, 8. Attack, 9. Ugly, 10. Dramatic, 11. Italics, 13. Nippy, 15. Trout, 17. Untying, 20. Orchards, 21. Myth, 22. Blends, 23. Author.

DOWN: 1. Nought, 2. Stay, 3. Predict, 4. Banal, 5. Steadily, 6. Scrimp, 12. Laughing, 14. Unusual, 16. Rarely, 18. Notion, 19. Crush, 21. Mute.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 30

Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and

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

SAT 3RD MAY & SAT 7TH JUNE

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. We meet at the Visitor Centre on the first Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 12.00pm and always welcome new volunteers. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: 'Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park'. Please book a space (free of charge) 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. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-lothian-councilranger-service-60064115123 Email: rangerservice@westlothian.gov.uk

SATURDAY 10TH MAY

Summer Concert - Toccata Ladies Choir present their summer concert. 7.30pm, St Michael’s Church, Linlithgow. Tickets on the door, £10 (cash only)

THURSDAY 16TH MAY

Heaven Can Wait: Meatloaf TributeCarlton Entertainment brings you their brand-new production featuring Meat Loaf’s greatest hits – Heaven Can Wait. Featuring the incredible vocals of Lee Brady and an awesome band made up of the UK’s most

highly skilled and reputable rock musicians and female rock vocalists … this spellbinding concert will take you on a rollercoaster ride of Meatloaf’s greatest hits of all time. Reconnect Howden Park, Livingston. 7.30pm. Tickets £27 + booking fee at tickets.reconnectregal.com/Events

SATURDAY 31ST MAY

BeeWalk - Join Almond Valley Nature Action in Livingston Village Park at 11.00am to help spot, identify and record bumblebees. No experience or knowledge required, participants will be given identification guide and free wildflower seeds to help pollinators at home. More information on avnatureaction.wordpress.com. Meet by the picnic tables east side of Livi Village Park.

SUNDAY 1ST JUNE

Bo’ness Car Show - A day packed full of family fun, entertainment for the kids, a stunt show, along with a large traders village including plenty food and coffee vans! Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness. More information and tickets via bonesscarshow.co.uk

FRIDAY 6TH & SATURDAY 7TH JUNE

Currie Beer and Curry Festival40 tasty real ales, lager, wines, cider, prosecco and alcohol-free offerings. Live music. Organised by Currie, Balerno and District Round Table and volunteers. All profits are given to local charities and good causes. Currie Community Centre, 6.00pm – midnight. Tickets in advance at cbdrt.com/events/beer-festival/2025/

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

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