Konect Linlithgow February 2026

FEBRUARY 2026

HEALTH: LIFE COACHING:

GARDEN PROJECT:

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W

e often start the year with a focus on health and fitness; all too often by February the will is fading! (Francine has some useful insights into this in her Life Coaching column on page 10). So our health feature in this issue looks at the wonderful facility that is parkrun - a free, organised, weekly walk or jog in Beecraigs, at Bo’ness Foreshore, and each of West Lothian’s other country parks. It’s on every Saturday, and is a lovely supportive community if you’re looking for a way to incorporate more movement in your life without pressure.

Getting outdoors for an hour is an antidote to many things, and there are so many paths and trails within easy reach without needing to go far at all. Make a batch of the Brownie Bite Energy Balls from Nutrition Scotland on the recipe page and take them for a midwalk treat!

The Film Review is an extended version this month as Robert managed to get an interview with one of the actors. With all our usual columns included, it’s great to be back publishing after the festive break, and I hope you enjoy Konect this month.

P19 Health: parkrun........................................ 8-10 Life Coaching: Let’s give up on giving up........................................................10 Living Well: Getting Home Safely.............12 Garden Project: Snowdrops......................19 Vet’s Tip: Livestock worrying.....................23 Recipe and Food Notes.............................24 Wine: Types of wine glasses.....................25 Puzzles..........................................................25 What’s On: February...................................26 Film Review + Actor Interview: Ballad of a Small Player..........................................27 Clubs & Classes.................................... 28-29 Puzzle Solutions...........................................30

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local with you!

COVER IMAGE: Parkrun: “Free, for everyone, forever” - See pages 8-10.

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

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Every Saturday morning a little before 9:30am, a small crowd gathers in each of West Lothian’s three beautiful country parks, and in a few other locations in the surrounding area.

Many dressed in what could be described as “garish casual” attire, and sometimes with a fun dress-up or two thrown in, they are meeting to walk or jog an organised scenic 5km trail through the park.

This is parkrun and parkwalk. It’s a global phenomenon that has been responsible for transforming the mental and physical health of countless people over the past 21 years.

Parkrun and parkwalk are the same event: you choose to either walk or run the route.

It’s seemingly incredibly simple: the opportunity to walk or jog once a week and at informal yet organised event. It’s completely free to participate, the trail is fully marshalled, there is the option of recording your time if you wish, going to a nearby cafe for breakfast afterwards, or going straight home.

What’s the attraction? Why has the simple act of meeting for a walk or jog with a bunch of 8 | LINLITHGOW

people you don’t know (yet) become such a successful and well-loved institution? There are currently nearly 900 parkrun locations in the UK, with 80 in Scotland; more are being added regularly.

One of Livingston parkrun’s Run Directors, Alan, says, “I think that the most amazing thing with parkrun is the strong sense of belonging that can develop over time for runners, walkers and volunteers alike. We definitely feel like a big family, with relatives all over the country!”

Since its beginnings in England in 2004 parkrun has managed to maintain an informality combined with excellent organisation. Their strapline is “free, for everyone, forever.” For people who want to walk or run with others but are anxious about joining a group, parkrun and parkwalk perfectly strike the balance. You can turn up and be part of it without joining a group, or having to introduce yourself in

any way, or committing to attendance.

You can participate alone, or with a friend; you’re encouraged to register, but can go anonymously; attend once, or go every week – nobody is counting except you. Take your dog and your kids; go to one closest home or visit one the other side of the country.

It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and completely judgement-free. People of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels participate.

Walk, walk/jog, or run flat out, it’s entirely up to you. There is always a tail-walker so you are never alone at the back. (If you’re very fast you may be alone at the front, but there are marshals to guide you!).

And it can become addictive! Some people travel all over the country - and the world chasing different parkrun challenges. Speaking with some of the organisers of local parkruns for this article, David from Polkemmet Country parkrun and Ian from Beecraigs told me that a number of them have completed the “Albateer” challenge – doing all Scottish parkruns (although with new ones popping up regularly, it’s not fully complete for long!) David has done a parkrun in all 26 countries in the world where there is one.

Some people reach 100 parkruns (or more!) and complete it with balloons and celebration cakes to share; some quietly complete their 100th without telling anyone. You genuinely run your own run, or walk your own walk. The magic of parkrun is that the way you do it is the right way for you, and you will be fully supported by the community regardless.

An article on parkrun and parkwalk would not be complete without mentioning the volunteers who make it happen every week. As a free event, parkrun relies entirely on volunteers to check the course, marshals directing the way and applauding participants, time-keepers, tail-walkers and a host of other roles. People volunteer for many reasons; I have spoken to some who do it to give back as parkrun has helped them turn their own lives around in some way; some do it for the camaraderie and community; some want to be part of parkrun without actually running or walking.

For David, who runs and volunteers regularly at Polkemmet, parkrun started as a social run on a Saturday, and he ran nearly 70 times before volunteering...but now the LINLITHGOW | 9

volunteering is on an equal footing with the running. He says, “It’s a great community and a good chunk of the volunteers are now very good friends and it is this, as well as the obvious benefits of a run/jog or walk, that make a Saturday morning a parkrun morning.” Whatever the reasons, everyone who volunteers, either one-off or regularly, is making an enormous contribution to a community which is quietly changing lives for the better.

If you are looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health this year, try parkrun on Saturday. Register at parkrun.org. uk and rock up at one of the locations below.

All commence at 9:30am every Saturday morning. There is a pre-event briefing so aim to arrive by around 9:15am if you have not been before. If the weather is bad, please check each parkrun Facebook page for updates in case of cancellation. It is unlikely to be cancelled for a bit of rain, but ice or snow may stop play.

• Polkemmet Country parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/polkemmetcountry.

Updates at facebook.com/ Polkemmetparkrun • Beecraigs Country Park parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/beecraigscountrypark Updates at facebook.com/ beecraigscountryparkparkrun • Livingston parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/livingston. Updates at facebook.com/livingstonparkrun • Auldcathie District parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/auldcathiedistrict.

Updates at facebook.com/ auldcathiedistrictparkrun • Bo’ness Foreshore parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/bonessforeshore.

Updates at facebook.com/ bonessforeshoreparkrun A map of all events is at the main parkrun website: www.parkrun.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane, editor of Konect magazines, who recently discovered the joy of parkrun!

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LIFE COACHING

, Let s Give Up ON GIVING UP Winter is a beautiful season with its cosy lights, warm fires, and crisp weather encouraging us to wrap up well and get outside. However, after the sparkle and shine of Christmas it can feel a little flat when all the twinkly lights come down and we are faced with a darker and colder time of the year.

It’s no surprise then that we are drawn in by the notion that, if only we can make huge, dramatic and often painful changes to our lives, we will expel the darkness and have a bright new future. We convince ourselves that, by declaring that this will be the year that we will give up alcohol, carbohydrates or sugar forever, we will transform our lives. However, choosing to focus only on withholding the things we enjoy is what ensures that many of these aspirations fall at the first hurdle.

It’s important to celebrate the fact that we are already doing many things well, whether that’s managing family commitments or our workload. Sitting down and identifying our achievements instead of putting all our energy into another list of things we think we should give up is a positive first step. When any life changes we want to make are focussed on thinking differently about ourselves and building on what we do well instead of feeling the need to make big sacrifices, everything suddenly feels easier and more sustainable.

Deciding to do more of what we love and less of what we think we should do could transform 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

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LIVING WELL

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

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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

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Do you remember the story of how snow got its colour? A long, long time ago everything on earth had its own colour apart from snow.

Snow asked everyone if they would share their colour but no one offered to help apart from the snowdrop who offered to share its colour white with snow, and so snow became coloured white from that time forth.

We mightn’t be hoping for snow this month but we know that the first snowdrops will appear later on and give us carpets of white across our gardens. This carpet is at House of the Binns, the National Trust of Scotland’s property just outside Linlithgow. Seeing these early flowers excites everyone with the thought that Spring is on its way and this enthusiasm

has resulted in the annual great Snowdrop Festival. For details of gardens open under the Snowdrop Festival visit discoverscottishgardens.org.

We have had more success in establishing snowdrops in our own gardens by planting clumps of them ‘in the green’ rather than the little bulbs available in the autumn. Either buy pots of bulbs from the garden centre or dig up existing clumps of them when they are flowering, or have just finished flowering, and divide them into smaller clumps before replanting. They enjoy soil that doesn’t get waterlogged or too dry in the summer, in sun or partial shade.

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

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Lambing season will be getting into full swing this month and runs right through spring.

It’s also the time that farmers see the most attacks by dogs on livestock as pregnant ewes or mothers with young lambs in tow are far more susceptible to miscarriage or injury and death if chased. And it happens everywhere – there have been recent incidents of animal worrying near Beecraigs.

It is a dog owner’s responsibility to keep their animals under control near livestock – and livestock includes not just lambs and sheep but cattle, goats, pigs, horses, alpacas, llamas, farmed deer and even ostriches.

Livestock worrying doesn’t just mean an actual physical attack – it could include chasing an animal (even if they don’t catch it), putting animals in such a state of alarm that they injure themselves trying to get away and separating young from their mothers, meaning they starve or suffer hypothermia. Penalties include fines of up to £40,000 and up to 12 months in prison.

So it’s very important your dog is kept under strict control on a short lead anywhere where there is livestock. Never assume because your pet is sweet and docile at home that it can’t be a menace to livestock – all dogs are, after all, prey-drive animals.

If you see an ongoing incident, call 999 or to report an incident that already happened, call 101 or report it through the Police Scotland website.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, Unit 42 Mill Road Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 23

RECIPE & FOOD NOTES

Parsnip and apple combine deliciously in this seasonal soup. If you like a creamy texture just serve with some vegan yoghurt and toasted almonds! Apples are so versatile in cooking, they’re great in both savoury and sweet dishes. They add sweetness and can be grated into breads, scones, curry or tomato sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic finely chopped or crushed • 600g parsnips – diced • 600g Bramley or Braeburn apples – peeled and diced • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tbsp dried sage • 1.5-2L of vegan stock • Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and add the prepared vegetables and apples. Cook for about 5 minutes 2. Add the vegan stock and sage. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables and apples are soft 3. Remove soup form the heat and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. Add cider vinegar and stir well 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve and enjoy!

These energy balls are perfect for snacking and carrying on the go! Packed with slow release carbohydrates in the oats, they’ll give you the energy boost you need!

Plus- chocolate flavour and no baking required, what more could you ask for?!

Various ingredients can be added to the basic recipe, like nut butters or desiccated coconut. You can use Medjool dates instead of honey if you have a food processor or blender- just make sure to check the consistency so you’re able to roll into balls that will keep their shape!

Ingredients:

• 90g oats (gluten-free if needed) • 3 tbsp cacao powder • Water • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2 tbsp honey

Method:

1. In a bowl mix together the oats, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and honey 2. Add a tablespoon of water if needed, to help the mixture ball together 3. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until you have approximately 12 balls Keep in an air-tight container for up to 10 days

Both recipes supplied by Nutrition Scotland www.nutritionscotland.org

In collaboration with Dr Laura Wyness (RNutr), the Registered Nutritionists at Nutrition Scotland helped to create the Scottish Eatwell Guide, the first Scottish adaptation of the UK Eatwell Guide. By showcasing the wide range of delicious and nutritious foods available in Scotland, we hope to inspire individuals to adopt a healthy, balanced diet, while also celebrating Scotland’s natural larder. We aim to promote better health outcomes, promote environmental discussions and bolster the economy through the consumption of locally sourced produce.

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58mm Vertical [RIGHT]

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

One of the quickest and easiest ways you can improve your wine drink experience is to upgrade your wine glass!

When I started studying wine at ‘wine school’, we used an ISO standard wine glass. It meant that the glass would not influence the tasting and we could focus on grape variety, aromas, flavours and writing tasting notes.

I decided it was time to start experimenting with different glasses. Could a wine glass really influence the way a wine tastes? You might not believe it, but it can!

Both wines transformed! The chardonnay glass, a wide, goldfish like goblet glass, encourages you to smile while drinking. The wine to washes across the whole of the palate.

The oaked chardonnay’s flavour and texture were enhanced. The acidy in balance. The Riesling glass, like a flute glass, had focused the wine onto the tip of the tongue - ideal when tasting Riesling, but not a creamy character chardonnay! Likewise, the Riesling benefited from the change in glass. The wine became laser focused and balanced.

Give it a try! Treat yourself to a new wine glass and try your favourite wine in it – can you taste a difference?

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

^^^ Solution in the MARCH edition

ACROSS: 7. Red fruit (6), 8. An agreement (6), 9. Water activity (4), 10. Pieces (8), 11. Non-attendance (7), 13. Slightly inebriated (5), 15. Quarrel (5), 17. Brine (7), 20. Holding tightly (8), 21. Pain (4), 22. Customer (6), 23. Soak up (6).

DOWN: 1. Spider’s trap (6), 2. Tepid (4), 3. Neat (7), 4. Begin (5), 5. Determined (8), 6. Smells badly (6), 12. Supplied with (8), 14. Line drawing (7), 16. Infrequently (6), 18. Cling to (6), 19. Unclean (5), 21. Plus (4).

FEBRUARY SUDOKU

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 30

My (non-scientific!) experiment involved two bottles of white wine: an oaked chardonnay and an unoaked, crisp grapefruit bright Riesling. I purchased a chardonnay glass and a Riesling glass from Riedel and poured each wine into the wrong glass. The wines tasted the way it should. There was nothing wrong with the way the wines tasted. I then sampled the wine in the correct wine glass - wow! What a difference!

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THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7.00pm on Thursday 5th February at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. ALL WELCOME. SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY Linlithgow Artisan Market - Linlithgow’s monthly artisan market on the first Saturday of each month. Stalls on the High Street, the Vennel and also indoors in the EH49 Hub (old Library). Lots of unique and local stalls offering foods and drinks, meats, fish and game, fruit and veg, arts and crafts, dog treats, plants, and lots more. 10.00am – 3.00pm.

WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY Linlithgow Family Adventure - With Historic Environment Scotland Rangers. Discover more about Linlithgow’s wildlife, history and landscape with these fun filled sessions featuring many hands on activities at Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Aimed at age 5yrs+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Linlithgow Palace. 10.00am – 12.00noon. FREE but booking essential via eventbrite.com/cc/ linlithgow-family-adventure-1743739 SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY Dudok String Quartet - Hosted by Linlithgow Art Guild. The Dudok Quartet Amsterdam is forging a reputation as one of the most creative and versatile quartets of its generation. With its ethos of “sharing the heart of music” the quartet believes that chamber music is an act of friendship and play to be shared directly with audiences and it is committed to crafting unique and eclectic programmes that engage listeners in imaginative ways. This concert is kindly sponsored by Scotia Wealth Management. Low Port Centre, 7:30pm. Tickets £8/£18. Information and booking via linlithgowartsguild.org.uk 26 | LINLITHGOW

WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY West Lothian History and Amenity Society - ‘James VI and I and the legacy of witchcraft panics’. The speaker is Dr Steven Veerapen of Strathclyde University whom you may have seen recently as one of the talking heads on a television documentary about Guy Fawkes.

Two or three years ago he published ‘The Wisest Fool: the lavish life of James VI and I’, a biography that was acclaimed by reviewers, and by Philippa Gregory, no less: ‘It does not flinch from the flaws of character and the errors of rule… makes a fair analysis of James the man as he struggled to become James the king… a real page-turner.’

But Dr Veerapen’s talk will direct our attention to the witchcraft panics that seized Scotland and many parts of Europe in the late 16th and 17th centuries – from which, of course, West Lothian was not exempt, with some 100 accused. But the subject of the talk is not the witches or witchcraft cases themselves but the legacy of the panics in the shifting power balance between church and state, shifts in belief and in judicial thinking. Come along and hear an excellent speaker on a fascinating topic. 7.30pm, Ecclesmachan Village Hall.

Non-members are welcome by donation. If you’d like to join the society (£20 for all seven talks), come to a meeting and speak to any committee member, or email us on wlhaas@ hotmail.com SATURDAY 21ST MARCH Antique Fair - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA, Early entry 9.00am £2, public entry 10.00am - 3.00pm £1. Ample free parking, disabled access, on-site catering.

In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust, Contact Bob on 07946 045149.

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.

INTERVIEW WITH

ALAN K CHEN

Bombastic and melodramatic. Those were the first two words that came to mind when the credits rolled on Edward Berger’s latest tale, Ballad of a Small Player.

Reminiscent of Hong Kong and Chinese dramas in both tone and heightened emotion, the film follows Lord Doyle, played immaculately by Colin Farrell, a compulsive gambler who is one hand away from paying off all his debts, and he has a lot of them. From the hotel he’s staying in to the people he’s wronged in the past, everything is closing in.

We follow Lord Doyle as he spirals into despair, clinging to the hope that he can find enough money to make that final, life-changing bet.

Visually striking, this may go down as one of the best-looking films on the entire Netflix platform. The score is overwhelming to the senses, its prominence in the mix is impossible to ignore, yet musically sublime. There isn’t a single technical misstep, and performance wise there isn’t a weak link either. Colin Farrell is a generational actor, and with the right material, he can work wonders.

It’s that material, however, that may prove divisive. The narrative, while not cliché, is predictable, and the ending won’t surprise many viewers. It’s a slight disappointment, especially given how central Lord Doyle’s navigation of Macau’s gambling underworld is to the story.

Still, the journey is thrilling enough to make it worth watching, and the fact that it’s on Netflix makes it even more accessible.

ROBERT: Can you give a brief introduction of yourself?

ALAN K: I’m Alan K Chen. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I was really a shy kid; it wasn’t until I studied abroad in Melbourne that I started acting, and I started auditioning for other things. I started my own theatre company. I started auditioning for short films and commercials. I just made a lot of student films from there on, and then one thing led to the other, and then here I am landing on this amazing project.

ROBERT: So how much of the script were you given?

ALAN K: I was given the whole script. I went to Macau for a costume fitting, and there were table reads in the afternoon. I was so nervous, and that table read was epic; I couldn’t even count how many awards they had around that table. Colin Farrell was there, and I was with Anthony Wong, and we were sitting together, some of them were on Zoom, and Edward Berger; they’re all such talented people. I’ve never seen so many talented people around the same table.

ROBERT: What was it like working with Colin Farrell and Edward Berger?

ALAN K: It was intimidating at first, but they turned out to be some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. From the call backs to the table reads, on set, and even when I saw them at the Zurich Film Festival, they were consistently calm, kind, and generous. Personalities can get exaggerated on film sets, but theirs never did.

Available to stream on

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.

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

LINLITHGOW CYCLE KITCHEN - Bring your bike along for free advice and support for repairs and maintenance from qualified mechanics from 1st Step. Fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, 5-7pm, at the Hub (6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow).

Drop in on the day, or book a free stand via Eventbrite (Linlithgow Community Development Trust). Visit movefogood.org or the LCDT social channels for more information and future dates. E: hello@trust-linlithgow. org.uk T: 01506 846991 LED BUGGY AND SLING WALKS Every Wednesday, meet at 10.30am at the Hub (Linlithgow Community Development Trust, 6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow). Short walks around Linlithgow with a friendly qualified walk leader. Free. Drop in on the day. Buggies, prams, carriers, slings all welcome! Visit moveforgood. org for more details. E: hello@trustlinlithgow.org.uk T: 01506 846991 BADMINTON GROUP (LINLITHGOW) - Any badminton players out there, looking for somewhere to play? Join us at Springfield Community Wing (next to Springfield primary school) on Monday nights 7.30 to 9.30. We are a friendly group who are looking for some more players to join us (preferably not beginners). If you are interested please phone or message Rachel on 07956 410167.

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 BLACKNESS SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - A friendly group who usually meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month (Sept to May) at 7pm, Blackness Community Hall (beside former Blackness Primary School). New members and visitors welcome. Come along to make new friends, hear speakers, see demonstrations and learn

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new craft skills or revisit old ones.

Contact Maureen on 07546 552970 for more details.

SANGSCHULE – WEST LOTHIAN’S COMMUNITY SINGING GROUP - For over 30 years, Sangschule has been bringing people together from West Lothian and around to enjoy folk songs, particularly Scottish. We’re not a traditional choir; no need to be a confident singer, or to be able to read music or remember song words – we teach tunes by ear and provide song sheets. Linlithgow Academy each Wednesday evening. Facebook: ‘Sangschule West Lothian’ W: angelfire.com/folk/sangschule T: 07557 797139 E: sangschule@hotmail.com A SCOTTISH SEAMSTRESS BRINGING LIFE TOGETHER - New Community Group. Create time to look at, experience and contribute with a Guest Speaker in topics of your choice in nature, pen, thread, music, colour.. Each Wednesday 123pm at Low Port Centre, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ Room 3 ground floor.

Bring your handiwork & ideas, lunch, to strengthen your own expression during our time together. Donation at the Door around £10 to cover speaker & room.

E: caroline@utterlybespoke.scot T: 07814 906355 BELLSBURN BOWLING CLUB - A welcoming and friendly lawn bowls club open for all ages and abilities.

Join us for social or competitive playing. For more information, see our Facebook page and website www.linlithgowsportsclub.com/bowlszone, or email linlithgow.sports.club. bowls@gmail.com 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.

THE CARING CAFE - Alzheimer Scotland’s Caring Cafe provides 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. Every third Wednesday of the month 10.30am – 12.00pm, Queen Margaret’s Hall, 53 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA.

LINLITHGOW & BO’NESS PROBUS CLUB - We are a friendly and sociable club for retired and semi-retired men and women. We meet every second Wednesday morning from September to May in Linlithgow Rose Social Club. Tea/ coffee is available from 10.00am followed by a wide range of interesting talks. We also have occasional outings, meals, musical activities and fun games mornings.

Visitors and potential new members are very welcome. Details and the current programme are available at www.bolinprobus.org LINLITHGOW SPORTS CLUB - A friendly club with lawn bowls, squash and tennis on offer.

For more info go to www.linlithgowsportsclub.com LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS - Do you need to develop and improve your public speaking skills? We have been helping people in the Linlithgow area do that for almost 20 years.

At our friendly, supportive and fun events, you will also improve your listening, thinking and leadership skills. Develop at your own pace and grow in confidence. When?

Every second Tuesday. Where?

Mel Gray Centre by Canal Basin.

Dates and further info at www. linlithgowspeakers.org.uk. Guests are always welcome.

LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT ART GROUP - Mixed group of amateur artists from beginners to more advanced members dabbling in mixed mediums. Professional tutors who develop our skills, outdoor painting trips, exhibition visits and gallery talks. Meet Tuesdays 7.00-9.00pm in the Low Port Centre. We are a friendly bunch and welcome new members.

Contact: Brian: E: brianmcdonagh1948@gmail.com T: 07909 577272 or, Margaret: E: magsbruce1@bluehyonder.co.uk T: 07906 021875 Facebook: ‘Linlithgow & District Art Group’ WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE CHILDREN - A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face. We meet up at 7.00pm on the last Thursday of every month

at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445.

WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club (from midAugust to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm).

All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year.

You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB - A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled.

Contact Pamela Galloway: E: pjgalloway.18@gmail.com T: 07742 060877 WINCHBURGH ART CLUB We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall.

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today! No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media.

W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com

TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW Wednesdays - Longcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm 9.45pm. Annual Membership £12.00 [Under 18’s £6.00] Play Table Tennis in a friendly atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status (West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme) and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For those of a more competitive nature there is the opportunity to represent our team in the Stirlingshire & Midland Counties League. Contact Allan Scott T: 07485 001819 E: linlithgowlttg@gmail.com W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship.

Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned.

Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time?

Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274.

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Any players with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk or search for us 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 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: E: generationarts.info@gmail.com T: 07521 358 239 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 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 KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION. LINLITHGOW | 29

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

P T D M R E B R E E Z E O A N A U G L Y S U B T E I L O C T O B E R N C S S

P T D M R E B R E E Z E O A N A U G L Y S U B T E I L O C T O B E R N C S S

S F C K O N A R R A C T C E E E D Y L T W I C E S T A Y I N G O E U C A A I D S P A M P H L E T P D P I O I H O V E R S O P E N E D N

D

E

N

X

D

S F C K O N A R R A C T C E E E D Y L T W I C E S T A Y I N G O E U C A A I D S P A M P H L E T P D P I O I H O V E R S O P E N E D N

D

E

N

X

D

ACROSS: 7. Breeze, 8. Reckon, 9. Ugly, 10. Subtract, 11. October, 13. Needy, 15. Twice, 17. Staying, 20. Pamphlet, 21. Aids, 22. Hovers, 23. Opened.

ACROSS: 7. Breeze, 8. Reckon, 9. Ugly, 10. Subtract, 11. October, 13. Needy, 15. Twice, 17. Staying, 20. Pamphlet, 21. Aids, 22. Hovers, 23. Opened.

DOWN: 1. Tragic, 2. Deny, 3. Measles, 4. Probe, 5. Scarcely, 6. Forced, 12. Occupied, 14. Station, 16. Weapon, 18. Nodded, 19. Close, 21. Apex.

DOWN: 1. Tragic, 2. Deny, 3. Measles, 4. Probe, 5. Scarcely, 6. Forced, 12. Occupied, 14. Station, 16. Weapon, 18. Nodded, 19. Close, 21. Apex.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 25

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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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.

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

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

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

30 | LINLITHGOW

LINLITHGOW | 31