LOCAL WALK:
FOOD & DRINK:
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:
ack into routine after the summer can be a bit of a shock to the system, but even as the summer starts to fade there are still plenty of ways of enjoying what’s left of the good weather as well as events on locally. I like the way Francine captures the idea of enjoying the “now,” rather than waiting for the next thing, in her life coaching column this month. At the same time autumn can be a time for reflection especially for older people, as Graham at Home Instead talks about in his Living Well column.
The walk feature takes us up into the Pentlands for a short walk at Colzium. William did this walk in the summer so the flowers have changed but it’s still a lovely walk that can be fitted in at any time.
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The sweet smell of meadow grass fills the air and a chaffinch rain-calls as the grey cloud base rolls overhead. I exit the small car park at the western end of Harperrig Reservoir and begin to walk along the narrow tarmac road away from the water.
The coolness of the breeze drifting off the hills is immediately refreshing. This is forestry land and, as I walk, I notice how recent clearing now affords more open views up the slopes of West Cairn Hill. A few isolated bare trunks have been left here and there, punctuating the landscape like totems.
The warble-trills of wrens ring out all around. The scattered debris
of the felled pines has left a habitat ideally suited to them – the nooks and crannies of branch, root and stump perfect for foraging and nesting. One wren is alarm calling furiously and as my eyes settle on the source of the sound, I see a jay rise from a tangle of branches and flap off. Was its raid successful? Just then, a squeak emerges from the undergrowth by my feet – quite likely a vole, but one who remains concealed.
The road’s borders burst with the colour of wildflowers - from the creams of clover and meadowsweet to the pretty pinks of common spotted orchid, and from vetchling’s ochre to rosebay willowherb’s vibrant magenta. The tiny delicate lilac heads of germander speedwell are also a delight, two long stamens projecting from each little flower like antennae.
Never-still meadow pipits perch on power lines above me, alighting on the wires only to take off again and bob through the air to the next section, tracking my progress yet not letting me get too close.
After a kilometre or so I am aware of a small meandering burn to my left. Literally narrow enough to jump across in places, this is the Water of Leith in its uppermost reaches, having been formed from the confluence of the East, West and Mid Burns on the slopes above Colzium farm. Before long, I reach the entrance to the farm road
and it’s time to turn around, but not before taking some time to rest on the pillowy tufts of grass overlooking a pretty bend in the river. The sun begins to emerge between gaps in the cloud. It’s a perfect spot for contemplation and I gaze down at the dark water flowing by, thinking of the journey it will take, down to the reservoir and on, past our homes, through the centre of the city, growing all the while - eventually to emerge into the Firth at Leith.
Heading back, on reaching a blue gate part way back to the reservoir, I take a detour uphill along the forestry road for about a mile. The sun is pleasantly warm on my back as I ascend. There is barely a sound, bar the gentle background hum of insects. I watch an electric-blue damselfly hawk over a small pool by the path. The occasional cricket chirrups. A sense of deep peace descends.
There are more orchids here, great swathes of tall daisies too. With the flowers come the butterflies – common blue, northern brown argus and small copper all flutter around me as I walk, some of the twentytwo species of butterfly that can be found in the Pentlands.
This has been the simplest of walks, and easy out-and-back, but one which can nevertheless take you on a journey in more ways than one. It was here that I walked with my son during the first lockdown - at that time the furthest we could travel. It was here we heard our first cuckoo of that spring…. that spring when, in our enforced slowdown, despite the anguish and fear we witnessed nature’s beauty unfold perhaps in greater detail and clarity than any other in living memory. It will never cease to amaze me how even a simple walk like this can help us gain that kind of perspective. Colzium still does for me.
This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.
image by William Weir
Autumn Reflections:
Ho w re m i n i s c i ng s u p p o r t s
o l d e r a d u l t s ’ w e l l b e i ng
As the days grow shorter and leaves start to turn golden, autumn is a natural time for reflection.
For older adults, reminiscing – remembering, sharing, and talking about past experiences – is a simple yet powerful way to support wellbeing. Memories of past autumns, family traditions, or changing seasons can be comforting and spark happiness, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, and strengthen bonds with family. Encouraging an older loved one to talk about school days, family gatherings, or favourite seasonal foods can lift their mood and create opportunities for warm conversation. For those living with dementia, long-held memories are often easier to recall than recent ones, providing a sense of identity and reassurance.
Simple Ways to Spark Memories
• Storytelling: Invite your loved one to share tales of their younger years. Listening with interest helps them feel heard and valued.
• Music: Play songs from their youth. Familiar tunes can unlock joy and prompt shared singalongs.
• Photos & Keepsakes: Looking through albums, seasonal decorations, or treasured objects can bring back vivid memories.
• Creative Hobbies: Scrapbooking, writing, or autumn crafts like leaf-pressing can encourage self-expression and fun.
• Local Outings: Gentle walks around familiar places can provide comfort and spark memories of past visits.
This autumn, consider weaving reminiscence into your family life - it’s a simple, heartwarming way to brighten both you and your loved one’s day.
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
SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the OCTOBER edition
ACROSS: 6. Attractive (6), 8. Allow (6), 9. Bite persistently (4), 10. Chosen (8), 11. Ripping (7), 13. Acknowledge (5), 15. Quarrel (5), 17. Secured (7), 20. Non-military person (8), 21. Neat (4), 23. Suppose (6), 24. Surplus (6).
DOWN: 1. Midday (4), 2. Reply (6), 3. Type of fruit (5), 4. Found (6), 5. Similarly (8), 7. Relieving (6), 12. Soonest (8), 14. Alter (6), 16. Special (6), 18. Unbroken (6), 19. Conceals (5), 22. Hurry (4).
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU
The government has confirmed that Agricultural Property Relief (APR) will be reducing on agricultural assets and property over £1 million from 6 April 2026. This means, without the benefit of APR, IHT may have significant implications for those looking to pass down rural properties and agricultural assets. Since this cut was announced over 6,000 agriculture, forestry and fishing business have already closed or been soldthe highest figure recorded since 2017.1
Agricultural businesses are often family businesses so understanding and planning for potential inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities is now especially important for those looking to leave their business as a legacy.
Business owners will continue to benefit from the Nil Rate Band (NRB) and Residents Nil Rate
Band (RNRB), whilst other exemptions such as transfers between spouses and civil partners will still apply.
Generally, under the new rules, after 6 April 2026 a farm-owning couple entitled to APR and with a full NRB and RNRB available to them would need to consider IHT planning if their assets (including their agricultural property) exceed £3 million - so £1.5 million each.
Whilst there are options to help to mitigate the impact of these changes, it’s vital to take financial advice to help find the best way forward for you, your farm and your family.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.
1Office for National Statistics
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.
Pattern Perfection
Whether it’s a textural geometric, a country-style floral or a bold, retro/modern design, introducing pattern always adds character.
It could be a few simple pieces that feature understated designs for subtle interest, an eyecatching, oversized pattern as a focal point or a complex combination of patterns for real impact.
FIND YOUR INSPIRATION: Look at books, magazines and websites for ideas, and then look for inspiration in the pattern books created by fabric and wallpaper designers, where everything is already coordinated, for example, stripes with damasks, spots with florals.
CREATE A MOOD BOARD: This allows you to assess how colours, patterns and surface textures work together. There are websites that will help, or you can pull together swatches of fabric, wallpaper and so on. Swap samples in and out, and, if you have large samples, hang them and live with them for a few days.
CONSIDER SCALE: In general, bigger patterns are better suited to bigger rooms and smaller patterns to cosier rooms – though there’s something to be said for the occasional use of a huge pattern in a small space. A downstairs cloakroom is the obvious place to try out a large-scale wallpaper. Beware: very bold patterns used extensively may date or you could get sick of them.
LAYER PATTERNS FOR DYNAMIC EFFECT: Think of starting with the most dominant pattern and adding in secondary and tertiary patterns (and maybe more). Remember that stripes and very small patterns can be brilliant at coordinating with more intricate patterns. And don’t forget textures – the slub of raw silk, the herringbone of woven linen, chunky knitted wool.
CHOOSE COORDINATING TONES: A cautious approach would be to match colours exactly. But it may become dull. You can achieve excellent coordination and sophistication by working with tones. Colours with similar tonal values will work together, making it easier to combine patterns. Density, too, is a factor, as loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama.
MIX AND MATCH STYLES: You could choose everything from the same ‘genre’, for instance, florals or geometrics, but a mix-and-match approach can be extremely successful, provided there is some cohesion in terms of colour, tone, scale or style.
The Interiors column was contributed by Katherine Sorrell
1) Headboard in Gingham Saffron (now available only in blue and sage), Cathy Nordstrom (cathynordstrom.com); Meadow Sweet wallpaper in Gold/Slate, Morris & Co. morrisandco.com (Photograph: Fanny Radvick). 2) Bamburgh grand sofa in Natural, DFS. dfs.co.uk 3) Cambridge chair in Kinsham Stripe Ochre Yellow; Bernwood wallpaper in Ochre Yellow; Bernwood eyelet curtains; Hedingham cushion in Seaspray Blue; jute rug; all Laura Ashley. next.co.uk/laura-ashley
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Turpie & Co website. It offers a modern and fresh look and we hope you find it easy to navigate. Let’s take a look around and explore everything our business has to offer:
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Our responsive website is also available on your smartphone or tablet.
A dedicated ‘Selling’ section showcasing The Turpie Method our proven signature approach that combines strategy, style, and service to stand out in the property market. Watch short videos explaining our process and explore how our valuation services and expert guidance can support you through every stage of selling.
In the ‘Buying’ section of our website, you can browse properties for sale, sign up for alerts, and read our latest In-house magazine. Stay ahead of the market by joining our VIP Buyers’ Facebook Group for exclusive updates and opportunities before they’re public.
‘Turpie Prestige’ is our new exclusive service for exceptional homes, built on nearly 30 years of experience selling Central Scotland’s finest properties. We deliver tailored marketing strategies using innovative tools and proven systems— showcasing high-end homes with a refined, discreet and professional approach.
‘Turpie Confidential’ offers discreet, off-market property opportunities. Once exclusive to luxury homes, this service now facilitates successful sales across a wide range of price points. Here you can register for tailored property alerts and explore the benefits of selling off-market.
This section features our portfolio of new build homes and land opportunities Browse properties, explore development land, or submit an enquiry—our team can assist with sales, marketing, and unlocking site potential.
This section shares our story, values, and vision that shape Turpie & Co. Meet the dedicated team who guide you through every step with expert advice and personal service.
Our FAQ section answers common questions for buyers and sellers, offering clear guidance on our services and approach to give you confidence throughout your property journey.
The Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
We always refer to autumn bulb planting as ‘planting hidden treasure’.
We bury the bulbs in the ground or in pots now and they remain hidden until the spring when their leaves burst through the soil followed by wonderful flowers, real treasures in the spring.
This tulip Finola was one of our favourites this year. First the pot is covered with the bold, dramatic glaucous green leaves, which herald the promise of flowers to come. The large peony-like flowers at 45cm (18”) tall appear in late April/early May and are soft pink, fading to pale pink as they mature. They belong in a group of tulips called ‘double late varieties’.
Why are there so many different varieties of tulips? They were introduced here over 500 years ago from Turkey and although they don’t offer an edible crop or a source of perfume which would have created a commercial demand, they caught the public’s imagination and demand for different ones grew very fast.
‘Tulipomania’ resulted, centred on Holland, and fortunes were made and lost by the sale of unusual bulbs, the colouring of the flowers was often the result of a virus, which eventually killed that variety!
Which ones might you choose to plant this autumn from the hundreds of different colours and different groups: early flowering Kaufmanianas, elegant Lily flowered, Parrot ones, Darwinians, Double Lates like Finola, or some of the few fragrant double ones like Peach Blossom?
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Tulip Finola
In 2022 there was a serious outbreak of the highly contagious avian flu. It’s estimated around 3.8m birds died that year in the UK.
One of the worst affected species was the gannet, our biggest sea bird. For the first time since that year, I visited Troup Head, which is a gannet colony in the North of Scotland, near Fraserburgh.
Since this outbreak, there’s been an interesting physical change in gannets that no-one could have anticipated. Usually they have a pale blue iris but some birds with black eyes were discovered and after taking blood samples, scientists found out of the 8 who tested positive for the virus, seven had black irises. This indicated they survived the virus, which was an incredible discovery and though the reason for this change in colour has yet to be discovered, research continues to understand whether it could apply to other species and if it impacts their vision*.
These birds are incredible and can dive up to 100ft, at speeds of 62.13mph thanks to a number of features including no external nostrils, air sacs in the face and chest under
the skin which act like bubble wrap to cushion the impact as they hit the water, and how their eyes are positioned so they can judge distances accurately. How much food they can eat is thought to the be inspiration behind their name, unsurprisingly!
* Information taken from the RSPB website.
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.
What is orange wine and why should you try it?
Orange wine is made exclusively from grapes. No oranges are involved in its creation! The term ‘orange’ refers to the amber hue of the wine rather than the fruit used to make it or the way it tastes. While popularity and interest in orange wine has grown in recent years, this style of wine has been around for centuries.
The white wine we usually drink, is typically made by crushing grapes, fermenting only the juice and discarding skins. This results in a fresh, fruity wine.
To make orange wine, the juice stays with the skins, seeds, and occasionally stalks during fermentation. They are separated and the wine is usually aged for several months. The result is a wine that's structured, textured, and intriguingly different. It is also orange in colour!
Gone are the fresh citrus and pear notes we are familiar with, instead we might find ‘funky, savoury, mushroom’ notes on the nose and tannic structure on the palate.
I recommend orange wine with food, “what grows together, goes together” works best when tasting orange wine. For Tuscanstyle orange wine, pair with Tuscan cured ham, olives, and cheese—simple, harmonious, and delicious!
Look out for Casale Trebbiano Orange wine Vecchia Vigna 2021 available at Woodwinters and goodwinegoodpeaople.com. The wine has been fermented on its skins for 30 days giving the wine a beautiful fine tannic structure and savoury character.
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
Plum, Pink Pepper and Watercress Loaves
Making the most of in-season juicy plums, these deliciously sweet treats are perfect with morning coffee or an afternoon cuppa.
Serves 12 | Prep 10 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Ingredients:
• Butter and flour, for lining the tins
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 90g whole milk
• 150g plums, stones discarded, flesh chopped into small pieces
• 120g light muscovado sugar, plus 2 tbsp
• 250g plain flour
• 13g baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp pink peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tbsp watercress, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g rapeseed oil
• 2 large eggs
To serve:
• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Plum slices, to decorate
• Whipped cream (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4. Grease and lightly flour 12 mini loaf tins
2. Mix the lemon juice into the milk and set aside to room temperature.
3. Mix the chopped plums with the 2 tbsp muscovado sugar and set aside.
4. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, peppercorns, remaining sugar and watercress.
5. In a jug, mix the vanilla, reserved milk mixture, oil and eggs.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk from the edges inwards. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
7. Carefully stir through the plums and the residual syrup and divide the mixture equally between the loaf tins.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.
9. Once cold, dust with icing sugar and decorate with plum slices. This is fantastic with pillows of whipped cream, if liked.
For more recipe inspiration, visit www.watercress.co.uk and for more information on the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany.com
With Celine Song’s second feature, she explores the modern dating scene in her attempt at a romantic comedy.
I say “attempt” because the moments of humour I found were more displays of societal pain. Modern dating’s obsession with material values in a partner, like height or wealth, is a plague on our society and obfuscates the fact that these values do not reflect a person’s true character.
This is examined through the lens of a matchmaker, Lucy, played superbly by Dakota Johnson, who is responsible for nine weddings. While attending the wedding of an ex-client, she encounters two men who are about to challenge everything she believes about dating. Harry, a financier played flawlessly by Pedro Pascal, and her ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor named John, played wonderfully by Chris Evans.
The issues with modern dating invade every aspect of Lucy’s life. While at work, she helps match people with their ideal partners. Their demands are simple, yet often impossible, since her clients will always find something to complain about. Yet her own dating life is just as chaotic as when she is with Harry. She appears to be living her dream life: a wealthy man, perfect height, and ideal lifestyle. But does that matter if the person you truly love would drop everything for you?
While I felt the film lacked some laughs typical of a romantic comedy, its sharp critique of modern dating is truly captivating, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this film.
In cinemas now
We often find ourselves thinking that happiness is just round that next corner, when we are thin, when we meet that perfect partner, when the sun shines or when we get that brilliant job.
We become convinced that joy is found when this or that arrives or when an achievement is reached, but this thinking can perpetuate the belief that there is a formula for happiness and there just isn’t. If it were true that doing this or having that would automatically lead to a joy there would be universal happiness and no one would ever need any support of any kind.
It’s important to remember that any uplift in mood that results from a positive experience will pass and life will soon revert to normal. This is called hedonic adaptation and when we then immediately look forward to the next thing that boosts us we are on the hedonic treadmill. An example of this is that experience so many of us have when we are returning from a beautiful holiday and find ourselves longing for the next one before the plane has even touched down on the tarmac.
There is no doubt that positive life events can improve our well-being and give us goals to work towards but clinging to them can reinforce the notion that happiness can only exist in future events.
When we postpone our happiness instead of acknowledging that it can be in the here and now, we miss the wonderful things that are happening in the moment we are living in.
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.
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
SAT 6TH SEPTEMBER
AND SAT 4TH OCTOBER
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 -12.00pm, 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 www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-lothiancouncil-ranger-service-60064115123
FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER
Ultimate Country - At Reconnect
Howden Park, Livingston. Modern country songs from artists like Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Josh Turner, and some classics from Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash to name a few. Two hours of full energy foot stomping songs so grab your boots and hats and come have some fun. Johnny Lee Memphis is one of the finest country singers you will hear. 7:30pm, Tickets via howdenparkcentre.co.uk, £25 + booking fee.
SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
Autumn Craft Fair - Reconnect Howden Park, 11.00am – 3.00pm. Stalls
from local artisans, The Kitchen at Reconnect open for food and drinks. FREE ENTRY
SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER
The Gesualdo Six - Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild, at St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. The Gesualdo Six is a highly acclaimed British vocal consort comprising some of the UK’s finest consort singers, and the ensemble is known for its impeccable standard of performance. The group performs a broad-ranging repertoire, from the music of the medieval period through to contemporary compositions. Tickets £20, U26 £10, children free. More info and booking via www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk
SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER
BeeWalk - Join Almond Valley Nature Action in Livingston Village Park at 11am 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.
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Craft Fair - Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.30am – 2.30pm. 25 stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and products. Some stallholders local with others coming from further afield, coming to the area for the first time with some new and unusual crafts. A coffee bar will be open all day offering filled rolls, home baking and refreshments. Entry to the Fair is free, so why not start your Christmas shopping early or enjoy a morning or afternoon out with friends!
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.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) works with people aged 60+ promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected. OPAL supports over 25 Community Groups throughout West Lothian for people to attend, engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time limited one-to-one befriending service built to improve confidence. To find out more please contact 01506 815 815 or opal@cyrenians.scot
FORGET-ME-NOT CAFE - Run by Alzheimer Scotland. A relaxed informal meeting place that gives people living with dementia, their carers, people who may have concerns about their memory or just want to a chance to meet others in a similar situation. East Calder Parish Church Hall, EH53 0HF, Last Thursday of the month, 10.00am – 11.30am. E: westlothianservices@alzscot.org T: 01506 533108
GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding.org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian.
MID CALDER COMMUNITY HUB
- Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.
MID CALDER WOMEN’S GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome
new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205
SUKHA YOGA - 'Sukha' means happiness, pleasure, ease or bliss. If any or all appeal to you come along to yoga sessions. Every Wednesday in Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Now two sessions availablechoose either 6.00pm -7.15 pm or 7.15pm - 8.30pm. Contact me for more info or to book.
T: 07767 777044
E: ruth@sukha.co.uk
MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 11.30 am in The Institute Hall Mid Calder. We have a huge toy selection, offer arts and crafts and supply a small snack. Adults can have a hot drink and a chat whilst the children play happily. Session costs are £1 for under 1s and £2 for over 1s. Follow us on Facebook or email: midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for further details
EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP - Mon-Fri 9.00-11.00am for 2-3 year olds @ The Dave King Partnership Centre. Lots of fun activities while learning through play. Stories, songs, craft, small world, sand, water, outdoor fun & lots more. For more information call /text 07748053340 or pop in and see us.
SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian. MONDAYS: 7.00-9.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, East Calder Bowling Club. No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.
WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.
EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT
CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.
EAST
CALDER OVER 50s CLUB
- Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.303.30pm (September-May) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.
POTTER AROUND AT POTTER AROUND - Potter Around is a local pottery and ceramic painting studio based in Kirknewton. We offer taster sessions on the potter’s wheel for ages 5+. We also do clay imprints – a great memento to keep forever and we have a huge range of pre-made ceramics which are great for handprints, but also for people of all ages to paint. Our shop sells gorgeous handmade gifts including pottery and jewellery. Check our website for details: www.potteraround.co.uk
EAST CALDER SCOUT GROUP
- Providing fun and exciting scouting programmes 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.
SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD
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 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
ACROSS:
GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: generationarts. info@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239.
MACMILLAN CANCER
SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD
ACROSS:
7. Reform, 8. Chosen, 9. Aids, 10. Stubborn, 11. Merrier, 13. Ankle, 15. Above, 17. Frisked, 20. Umbrella, 21. Lute, 22. Recess, 23. Gemini.
DOWN: 1. Desire, 2. Foes, 3. Smashed, 4. Scrub, 5. Combines, 6. Petrol, 12. Reversed, 14. Arrange, 16. Bumper, 18. Eating, 19. Close, 21 Lamp.
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
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. 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
7. Reform, 8. Chosen, 9. Aids, 10. Stubborn, 11. Merrier, 13. Ankle, 15. Above, 17. Frisked, 20. Umbrella, 21. Lute, 22. Recess, 23. Gemini.
DOWN: 1. Desire, 2. Foes, 3. Smashed, 4. Scrub, 5. Combines, 6. Petrol, 12. Reversed, 14. Arrange, 16. Bumper, 18. Eating, 19. Close, 21 Lamp.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 14
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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
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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.
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