Konect Livingston October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

livingston

WIN!

Family ticket to Hopetoun House Magical Fireworks & Bonfire Night!

FEATUREs

International Wallpaper Week Doors, Windows & Security – weather & intruder-proof homes Back to school – if you were lucky Local Half Term activities fers &

Of hers vouc cal m fro lo ses s busine

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Livingston

We are now taking new NHS patients

NEW Painless Laser Dentistry Laser energised water No Needle, No Drill, No Fear Virtually painfree

Now Providing

www.banktondental.co.uk KONECT LIVINGSTON 2

• Laser Dentistry (www.waterlase.com) • Minimally invasive Dental Implant Treatments • Cosmetic Teeth Alignment with Ceramic braces

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FEATURE

M ES S AG E F ROM T HE ED I TOR

A

utumn is upon us and the nights will be drawing in when the clocks go back at the end of October. There is plenty on in West Lothian though - take a look at the round up of a few new things to try locally with the kids over the half term break. For our local history article we took a wee dip back in time to when many children were more likely to be down the coal mines than at school.

Hopetoun House fireworks display is always a popular event, and once again this year we’ve teamed up with them to offer readers the chance to win one of three family tickets to the show! Turn to page WL24 (in the purple West Lothian section) for entry details.

If you have an event on in the next couple of months that you’d like to promote to the local community, or if you’re involved in a club or hobby group, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month in the community pages at the back of the magazine.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Front cover photo courtesy of Graham & Brown. Marvel Cover Story wallpaper from their range.

See feature on page WL9.

CONTENTS Back to school – if you were lucky 08 Thought for the Month 18 What’s On 54 Useful Information 54 Crossword 56 Music Review 56 Clubs & Classes 57 West Lothian regular

Windows, Door s and Security Wallpaper Week West Lothian OT Roadshow Proper ty Matter s Half Ter m in West Lothian Visit West Lothian Parenting in West Lothian Food & Drink INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

wl 01 wl 09 wl 10 wl 12 wl 14 wl 15 wl 16 wl 20 62

Advertising Enquiries JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each.

Extra copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT LIVINGSTON 3

Could you do with some help to repair, adapt or improve your home?

Currently recruiting new cleaners

If you are 65 or over or disabled, Care & Repair can assist with small repairs around the home, including changing lightbulbs, fitting door chains, changing batteries in smoke alarms and small joinery jobs. Labour is free, but you will need to pay for the cost of any materials.

If you need to adapt your home, we can provide technical advice and guidance, get prices on your behalf and manage the works for you.

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For more information, please contact us:

Tel: 01506 424148 Email: careandrepair@horizonhousing.org www.westlothiancareandrepair.org

CATERING SERVICE AVAILABLE Folkht nig

The Coffee Cup Cafe

y rida 1steFvery th mon

B BYO

118 Carmondean Centre Deans, Livingston EH54 8TD venue suitable for small parties, Baby showers or any other events ... Contact Val Look for details out for Quiz night

Call to book

Tel 01506 238001 or 07708 911508

PUBLIC AUCTION

Antique and General Goods for sale Over 300 lots for sale including antique, vintage & modern furniture, general household items, lamps, rugs, collectables, china, etc Come along and grab yourself a bargain.

Cafe on site for tea, coffee etc SEE WEB SITE FOR DATE OF NEXT SALE ITEMS WANTED - CASH PAID OR ITEMS AUCTIONED HOPPERS AUCTIONS | 87 SOUTH STREET | ARMADALE | EH48 3EU

TEL: 01501 229099 | WEB: www.hoppersauction.com KONECT LIVINGSTON 4

LVS Garage Services Livingston has been providing servicing and MOT services since our founding in 1986. It is our mission to achieve total customer satisfaction in everything we do.

£25.00

(Includes Screenwash top-up)

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 31st December 2016

SERVICING 15% OFF all servicing options

Find us on Facebook

£3 OFF per tyre OR £15 OFF set of 4 tyres

Mot and Service Combo from £99.00

4 Wheel Alignment £34.99 when purchasing 2 or more Tyres

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 31st December 2016

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

Photocopies not accepted.

VALID UNTIL 31st December 2016

(Includes Air Freshener)

KONECT LIVINGSTON 5

CHARLES GAS CALOR GAS STOCKLIST Next to Clifton Garage, East Calder, EH53 0HS

07710 788457

charlesgas@btinternet.com

Full range of Butane, Propane and Forklift Cyclinder in stock.

We supply both business and domestic customers.

We can remove your Dings, Dents & Scratches BODYWORK & ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: Stone Chips, Vandalism, Dents, Cracked Bumpers, Kerb Damage, Scuffed Alloys, Interior & Exterior Colour Coding Call Jim now for your free quote

07581 829297

Unit 47b, West End, West Calder, West Lothian EH55 8EJ

SERVICING & REPAIRS BRAKES EXHAUSTS ECU RE-MAPPING 01506 632123 - Bathgate Email - info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk Web - www.mandsauto.co.uk

DIAGNOSTICS TYRES

*Terms and conditions apply, cannot be used with any other offer, no cash value, call or check website for details, please mention voucher when booking. The price will be higher for vehicles requiring synthetic or specialist oils. Please ask for details.

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LOCAL HISTORY

Back to school – if you were lucky Schools have been back a few weeks and October half term is nearly upon us already. But when coal-mining was in its heyday, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits.

It’s interesting and heart-breaking to read the 1841 government report into child labour in the mines, and hear the voices of real children, in what was then Linlithgowshire, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did. Some children went to school at night after working 12 or 14 hours in the mines. The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended self-regulation and employment of women and children under the age of 10 underground.

Thomas Brown, 10 years old, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate

“I go down at three in the morning, and come up at four and sometimes six at night, and work 9 or 10 days in the fortnight; work very hard, as father is no strong the now, and mother is dead. I hurry the hurlies [draw the carts] in harness.”

Mary Sneddon, aged 15, coal-putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire

“I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirkyard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place.”

Robert Beveridge, 15 years old, coalhewer* at Polkemmet, Whitburn

“I have been below near five years; work 11 and 12 hours, sometimes longer. Mother was a farmer’s daughter, and she had nine of us; she never wrought below, nor have any women here; the lassies go into the fields or to service.”

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John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate

“I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years... I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk about the death and therefore no inquiry.

I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”

Peter Andrew, 11 years old, putter*, Polkemmet, Whitburn

“I work about 12 hours daily, three or four morning till three or four afternoon. Get porridge or tea sent, as live just convenient to the engine; … Father and three brothers work below; two of my brothers write very well; I am not the length of writing yet; do not go to school at present, I shall do as summer advances; the moor is not good to cross, and the teacher lives far away.”

Margaret Chirce, 12 years old, putter*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen

“I shute the carts with sister, who is much older than me, in the Kipps Pit. I do not know my sister’s age, am sure she is much older, as she is a big bit bigger than me; after shuting up the brae, I throw the coals over with a shovel into the hurley, which is pushed to pit bottom. I do not like the work so well as what I did before my father forced me down; my work was that of a herd-kye [cowherd] at Whiteside, where I was much better fed and clothed. Father has the dropsy from sitting in wet work, and frequent attacks of bad breath; mother has a large family dependant on our labour.” *Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.

Vinyl Graphics

Banners

Posters

Exhibition Systems Marketing Material Business Print Branded Merchandise

Flags

Printed Signs

Roller Banners

Your local sign, exhibition, print and branded communications experts We offer a range of solutions to help your company stand out from the crowd, including high impact printed banners, posters, roller banners, flags, exhibition systems, outdoor display products, printed stationery, marketing material and branded merchandise.

01506 896621

info@captivatecreative.co.uk www.captivatecreative.co.uk Unit 41 Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston EH54 6GU (entrance at the left of the building)

The Douglas Method

SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN? Try...The Douglas Method The Douglas Method has helped many people to: • Reduce back, neck and shoulder pain • (Re)build fitness and core strength, incl pelvic floor • Improve posture and look slimmer • Improve functioning, even with chronic conditions • Feel and look better Suitable for all ability levels: small classes; expert teaching; industry-leading approach.

Vast experience & success, with ante/post natal, sciatica, prolapse, osteoporosis, injury rehabilitation, MS, arthritis and back care.

Call us on: 07704 216645 susan.douglas231@gmail.com

www.thedouglasmethod.co.uk

Whether you are seriously sporty, have physical limitations, or just want to enjoy life...The Douglas Method is all about helping you feel good in your body: strong, flexible, balanced, and fit for work or play.

And that’s possible starting from wherever you are now...The Douglas Method is a Different Approach to Fitness - Key to The Douglas Method is getting to the root of your aches and pains and then not just working round them, but (where possible) actually resolving them. That’s because the Douglas Method is designed around YOU. Your fitness goals. Your ability level.

Your specific body structure, strengths and weaknesses. In addition, small classes and one-to-one clinical consultations offer you treatment choices depending on the severity of your issues. So you get the results you want, without strain.

See thedouglasmethod. co.uk for more information or contact 07704 216645.

To suit all Ladies, Gents and Children Wedding Packages § Curls § Hair Ups Appointments not always necessary Gift Vouchers are available

BEAUTY ROOM coming soon STYLISTS: Lynn McDonald (Black) Natasha Conway

STAFF WANTED - APPLY WITHIN

Tel: 01506 491 533

6b Jackson Place, Eliburn, Livingston, EH54 6RH KONECT LIVINGSTON 10

BACK II BLACK HAIR SALON

We design beautiful and natural-looking dentures.

We can make them lighter or more secure, and we appreciate how important it is for them to look right and fit comfortably.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

If you would like to know more please contact us, we would love to see you

Telephone: 01506 857717

www.broxburndentist.com

Treat your feet Give your feet some TLC with a treatment at Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry – your local foot care specialist.

Call now for an appointment

01506 466 006 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 4 Bankton Square Murieston Livingston EH54 9EY

KONECT LIVINGSTON 11

ALL TRADES SPECIALIST

EPH

SCOTLAND LTD 10% OAP discount

ALL PLUMBING, GAS & ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN • JOINERY • FLOORING • EXTENSIONS • ROOFLINE • ROOFS • EQUINOX ROOFING • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • EPDM FLAT ROOFS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • WINDOWS & DOORS

Find us on Facebook

Phone: 07739 637319

Email: info@mhdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

www.mhdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

QUOTE KONECT

WHEN BOOKING A BOILER SERVICE OR LANDLORD’S GAS CERTIFICATE

AND PAY JUST £50 + VAT 01506 882 643

contact@ephltd.co.uk www.ephscotlandltd.co.uk 23 Bank Street Mid Calder EH53 0AS

123871

LB250

Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors Mobile: 07730 637 771 For all interior, exterior Email: gary.trudecor@gmail.com painting and decorating jobs For all interior, exterior decorating Call Gary on painting 07730and637 771jobs, please call Gary on 07730 637 771 Email: gary.trudecor@gmail.com

KONECT LIVINGSTON 12

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

For all Installations repairs and services

SPOT THE VAN COMPETITION! Leaflets delivered through participating doors.

WILL IT BE YOUR STREET NEXT!

Central Scotland's One Stop Home Improvement Design Centre Central Scotland's One Stop Home Improvement Design Centre

Roofline

INTRODUCING AUDYAN BLINDS New designer blinds showroom now open

COMING SOON Bespoke Garden Rooms

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WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE

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THINKING OF SELLING IN LIVINGSTON? We have a wealth of knowledge in the local area and offer a MARKET LEADING SERVICE with a friendly professional team available 7 DAYS A WEEK!

SELLING YOUR PROPERTY?

RECOMMEND A FRIEND

Please keep voucher to claim

Please keep voucher to claim

25% OFF OUR FEES

£150.00

...and still receive our full service • • • • • • •

Professional Staff Family Business After Sales Support Accompanied Viewings Regular Feedback Latest Marketing Software Local, experienced and knowledgeable team

If a friend or family member instruct us to sell their home.

Simply contact us with the details of the person you wish to recommend.

Our full service will be provided and when the property sale has been completed, we will send you a cheque for £150.00.

www.knightbain.co.uk 33 East Main Street, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5AB Tel: 01506 852000 Fax: 01506 300450 Email: info@knightbain.co.uk

KONECT LIVINGSTON 15

MASSIVE - OCTOBER SALE AT

RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE

50% OFF

25% OFF

ALL shrubs and trees ALL fertiliser & chemicals ALL ceramic & plastic pots All tools, compost bins etc ALL trellis & hanging baskets Lots more offers throughout the shop

COME AND SEE OUR NEW GIFT SHOP! OVER 500 NEW LINES Incl: bath bombs, incense, soaps, candles, picture frames, mirrors, kids gifts, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

COFFEE SHOP

Open 7 days, with a kids corner

Homemade soup, paninis, baked potatoes, cakes, milkshakes etc...

Tel: 0131 449 4004

Riccarton Garden Centre & Coffee Shop

@riccarton@gc

Open 7 days • huge car park • Riccarton Mains Rd (nr Heriot Watt)

SG GARDEN SERVICES established 18 years • Fully Insured

For all your garden needs Garden tidy-ups, lawns, hedges, treework, patios, driveways, fencing etc.

Patio & driveway cleaning service Contact Steve on

07891 029764 • 01506 885944 ALL YEAR ROUND LANDSCAPES Regular Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Grass cutting, turfing, paving, patios, driveways, mono blocking & fencing

Local, reliable, professional

Call Ryan: 07723 587389 or Email: ryantosney@live.co.uk KONECT LIVINGSTON 16

D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Removals Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more....

Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

High quality timber garden products, log stores and wood fuels

Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops

Summerhouses

Childrens Play Houses

Dog Kennels Garden Stores

Zest Garden Furniture

Woodchip Log Stores Full Range Garden Furniture Firewood Logs and Wood Fuel Softwoods, Hardwoods, Kiln Dried Log Chests

Log & Tool Stores

Sold in small bags or giant bags

Garden Mulch Our New Polytunnel Drying Facility

Delivered to your door using small delivery trucks for easy access Kindling, Firelighters & Range of Briquettes

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website

www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB KONECT LIVINGSTON 17

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Finding beauty in the simplest of things

BY TINA GILBERT

One of my favourite past times is spending time with my cats, playing with them, just looking at them, stroking them, listening to them purr and letting one of them sneak under the covers with me in the morning into the warm and darkness, getting settled for a snooze, such joy. I also love moments first thing in the morning walking around my garden seeing what has changed since my last visit, new flowers opening, others wilting, the ceanothus in full bloom with all the bees pollinating and buzzing, a butterfly paused on a leaf with its wings open and taking pleasure in its beauty, the breeze against the skin and the dew underfoot.

DONALD DOES IT ALL

I have found more and more that pleasure for me now comes in the simplest of moments, some may feel these are ordinary moments that are often not even noticed in life. What would be your simple pleasure that you could take a moment to find and enjoy? It might be seeing the joy in another through their character, it might be the smile on the face of the one you love, hearing their laughter, being around likeminded people who share similar thoughts.

Beauty is what gives us as individuals pleasure, what are the things that give you pleasure? There is more to life than the grinding frantic life that we all lead; can we pause, slow things down and really enjoy the beauty that is all around us?

Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk

Hello my lovelies, Gowers Flowers has a special all year round offer just for you with this flyer.

WELCOME OFFER making a house into a home ■ SLABBING & DECKING ■ PAINTING DECORATING ■ JOINERY WORK ■ AIMS TAPING & PARTITIONINGS DONALD STONE 01506 651212 or 07720 123216 no job too small ■ free quotations and creative advice

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk KONECT LIVINGSTON 18

10% OFF ALL ORDERS

WELCOME1

QUOTING ON ORDERING.

WEDDINGS, CHRISTENINGS, BIRTHDAYS, VALENTINES, CORPORATE EVENTS WE COVER EVERYTHING!

 Local authority approved

5 St Andrews Way, Deans, Livingston EH54 8QH

 Installations Up to 10 year guarantee on all new boilers

 Servicing  Repairs  Maintenance

www.centralhomedevelopments.co.uk KONECT LIVINGSTON 19

www.gmflooring.co.uk

Carpets • Viny • Wood • Laminate Designer Flooring • Large Showrooms • Experienced Staff Personal Service • Expert Fitting

All our carpets come fully fitted No extra cost for underlay, gripper, delivery and expert fitting

Free Estimates, Plan and Design Showrooms OPEN Monday - Saturday 30 Falkirk Road, Linlithgow, 01506 848800 Unit 1 Abbotsford Rise, Dedridge, Livingston, 01506 415212

KIRKTON BUILDERS mail@kirktonbuilders.co.uk 07702 714013 | 07921 TEL: 07921 510312 510312

ALL ASPECTS OF INTERIORS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

DRAWINGS & PLANNING

RENOVATIONS, NEWBUILDS EXTENSIONS & SUN ROOMS

Plastering, painting & decorating Internal and external refurbishment All property maintenance services Mobile: 07941 871 045 Office: 01506 501 007

Email: emeraldpropertymaintenance@msn.com

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This section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian!

If you have information or services that you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share.

See page 3 for our contact details.

Weather-proof & intruder-proof homes The nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping… it’s that time of year when you start to think about how weather-proof – and intruder-proof – your home is. You’ll find all you need from West Lothian-based suppliers to keep your home safe, snug and good-looking this season.

Cost-effective aluminium windows and uPVC come in a range of finishes which simulate wood – and they need very little maintenance during their lifetime.

Aluminium is stronger than uPVC which means thinner frames and more glass - perfect for a wide range of homes including bespoke, contemporary properties. UPVC is perfect if you’re on a tight budget.

It’s cheaper than alternative materials but with no compromise on quality. They come in all styles including sash & case, tilt & turn and casement. Like aluminium and hardwood, uPVC windows are very thermally efficient.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

West Lothian

TRUSTEDTRADER

Looking for a reliable company?

Find a trader you can trust. www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader Tel: 01506 280000 Email: West Lothian tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk TRUSTEDTRADER

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 1

When choosing a new front door make sure that security is at the top of your checklist. Some uPVC or composite doors are reinforced with steel or aluminium - such as the ones fitted by the UPVC Door Shop in Blackburn and Andrew James in Blackburn.

Bi-fold patio doors have become popular in recent years as they fold away completely letting more light into your home. Choose products which hold the police approved, ‘Secured by Design’ status and have multipoint locking systems for added security.

1

If you don’t need new windows or doors but simply want to upgrade your locks make sure that any locks you have fitted are British Standard approved, which is a must for many insurance companies. Take advice from a local locksmith, who besides fitting locks and window locks to existing installations, are usually happy to do a security review on your home and let you know where the weak spots may be.

2

OFF SELECTED CCTV, SECURITY & SMART HOME GET AN EXTRA 5% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT MAPLIN LIVINGSTON, ALMONDVALE RETAIL PARK, ALMONDVALE SOUTH LIVINGSTON. EH54 6RQ *EXCLUDES APPLE PRODUCTS. VALID FROM 1ST OCT TO 31ST OCT.

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3

NO CALLOUT CHARGE FREE QUOTATIONS UPVC SPECIALIST

1. The Lorex CCTV system from Maplin.

2. UPVC bi-fold doors from 1st Choice Living, Bathgate, let more light and air into your home.

3. Add the finishing touch to your front doorway with a canopy from long established family business, the UPVC Door Shop, Blackburn.

4

4. UPVC windows from Andrew James, Blackburn, complement the exterior of this traditional property.

5. Yale easy-fit standard alarm available from Maplin.

Other options for added security include alarms, exterior lighting and CCTV. There is all manner of smart technology available - the Lorex CCTV system for example can be used indoors and out and is connected to your smartphone or tablet so you can keep an eye on your home or business when you’re out and about.

5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

UPVC Door Canopies Professionally manufactured and installed

from only ÂŁ349 available in White, Oak & Rosewood

All Doors are supplied with Door Handles, Letter Plates and a Multi Point Locking System

We are a long established family business. For some friendly advice or a no obligation quote:

Call 01506 655202

www.upvcdoorshop.com Call for a FREE Colour Brochure

all major credit cards accepted

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 3

The top 5 things burglars love According to research from BBC TV Show, Crimewatch, these are five of the top things burglars love: Spare keys - Thousands of burglaries are committed each year using poorly hidden spare keys. The most common places including under a plant pot, a bin, rock or stone and doormat. Seasoned burglars are familiar with all of these hiding spots, so it’s better to leave any extra keys with a trusted neighbour or friend.

Patio doors and ground floor windows They are easier entry points of the home to access. For patio doors, make sure you have secure glazing and locking systems, and for windows, ensure all are fitted with at least one appropriate lock and are closed when you leave the home.

quietly as possible so they’ll target smaller more expensive objects which are easy to grab. Keep all cash, jewellery and electronics secured away in a home safe bolted to the floor or wall.

Good getaways and hideouts - Burglars target areas where they can hide and remain undetected. Limit hiding places around your property by trimming any bushes and hedges, installing security lighting, and putting away any tools or garden furniture that could aid a break-in.

Absent-minded residents - Keep doors and windows locked and keys away from the front door. Don’t assume that because you’re in the home a burglar won’t try and access it. Many thieves will go for occupied homes at night knowing that they contain wallets and phones.

Small and expensive items - Burglars want to be in and out of a property as quickly and

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • uPVC Door Repairs

• Local Locksmith over 10 years

• Emergency Entry Locksmith

• Trustworthy, friendly and Reliable

• Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • All work guaranteed for 12 months • Burglar Prevention Advice

• Fixed Competitive Prices

• Window Locks

• Fast Response

• Keypad Entry Systems

• Family Run Business

Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131 www.westlothianlocksmith.com KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 4

01506 676 444 Windows & Conservatories Ltd

Showroom open 7 days by appointment Unit 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street, Blackburn, West Lothian, EH47 7QU

WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLINE

Andrew James Windows & Conservatories are a local family owned and run company with over 50 years experience in the double glazing industry.

Father James and Son Andrew have over 50 years experience in double glazing installations. From start to finish you deal with Andrew and James who offer a friendly and relaxed approach to double glazing without the hard sell or pushy salesmen.

Installing superior quality products at affordable prices, all of which are covered by a fully comprehensive, insurance backed guarantee. Customer care and satisfaction is their number one priority.

CALL US NOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFERS Call James for free and friendly advice, a no obligation quote or to book your personal appointment at our window and door showroom.

01506 676 444 www.andrewjamesrc.co.uk KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 5

LOCAL FAMILY PLUMBING BUSINESS BASED IN WEST LOTHIAN ● Boiler

Upgrades Servicing ● Gas Work ● Radiators fitted ● Plumbing Work ● Boiler

CALL US ON 01506 238048 www.ctrades.co.uk

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment From

Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR PACKAGE DEALS

£4,250 Including VAT

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU

01506 632913

or T: E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPEN: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm (Or by appointment)

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 6

HIGH QUALITY JOINERY SOLUTIONS

Dewar Plumbing Ltd, 9 Nasmyth Square Houstoun Industrial Estate Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 5GG e. info@dewarplumbing.co.uk www.dewarplumbing.co.uk Find us on Facebook

• Door repairs & replacement • Kitchen planning & installaaon • Wood, Timber & laminate flooring • Fiied wardrobes • Bespoke joinery • Furniture repair & restoraaon • Home efficiency improvements • Window & door draa proofing

07432 495 285 01506 300 190 info@create.scot

FREE ESTIMATES Friendly, reliable and helpful service

David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS

Tel: 07803 289714 Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted?

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 7

BEFORE

AFTER

Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner

Save £££’s on the cost of a new kitchen Don’t replace - reface!

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International Wallpaper Week

International Wallpaper Week 3 -9 October 2016 Yes there is such a thing as International Wallpaper Week. Championed by Graham & Brown, the week encourages consumers to bring high fashion to their homes using wallpaper and show how simple it can be to inject that little bit of style into the home… and wardrobe.

The week will kick start with a stylish stunt in the heart of central London, replicated in capital cities around the world, and will uncover the UK’s most on-trend wallpaper prints for the current season.

Celebrity designers, well-loved retailers and manufacturers will join up to champion the wallpaper industry and offer a wide range of interiors inspiration with designs good enough to wear!

Graham & Brown have recently released their Pure and Innocence wallpaper collections, each reflecting the brand’s heritage and design aesthetic. Pure, the newest collection, focuses on a trenddriven colour palette pairing contemporary metallics with matte base colours. Still incorporating a little drama, the Innocence collection on the other hand encompasses a simpler, timeless feel with organically inspired stone, cream and taupe hues.

Visit the Graham & Brown Outlet store in Livingston between 3rd - 9th October and celebrate International Wallpaper Week with exclusive in-store offers and Superfresco Easy paste-the-wall wallpaper product demos. https://www.grahambrown.com

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Occupational Therapy Road Show Howden Park Centre, Thursday 8th November 2016 10 am to 3pm. Free Entry “Live life your way!”

Occupational Therapy enables people to achieve health, well-being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation.

The Occupational Therapy Services from St John’s Hospital and West Lothian Council are holding an information roadshow on Tuesday 8th November from 10-3pm in the Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Professionals will be available on the day from physical, mental health, paediatric and community services to offer information about how they can help you to continue to participate in activities that you value. There will be information specifically about self-management of illness, managing your personal care, access to work & education, and access to leisure activities.

This will include an opportunity try small items of equipment, discuss specific issues you may have and enjoy some refreshment!

unpaid employment and provide signposting to local services depending on the individuals needs.

• Self and Health Management: To share experiences of how to manage long term conditions for people of any age, both children and adults; How we can help you to help yourself; Information about Self Management Community Resources and how to contact the OT service; Carer Support • Self Care: It’s to empower the public with solutions to existing and potential difficulties with everyday activity of caring for themselves, for example sign posting to different resources and how and when to access an Occupational Therapist.

The Road Show will incorporate stalls on:

• Leisure: Promote awareness of how Occupational Therapy can support children and adults to improve health and well-being through participation in leisure in West Lothian.

Information to include how and when to access Occupational Therapy services and examples of leisure opportunities available in West Lothian.

• Work/Education: Highlight the role of OT in supporting people in education and paid and

Come along and find out what Occupational Therapy can do for you!

We hope to see you there!

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) will work with you to build your confidence, skills and techniques, to improve your independence in everyday activities which are important to you. For example, looking after yourself, looking after your home, managing a job, getting out and about doing the things you enjoy.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 10

propErty matters

“OPEN HOUSE”

By Craig Turpie, Turpie & Co.

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, an Estate Agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.

One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend. Very common abroad, the open house is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, and for good reason.

Firstly, one of the best sources of qualified buyers is via the neighbours. Everybody knows someone who is selling and people tend to buy in an area which is close to their existing network of friends and acquaintances. This is known as sociodemographic mirroring.

When a property goes on show, it is marketed intensely in the neighbourhood so that every neighbour is aware that the property is for sale. If they know anyone who is buying, they are highly likely to invite them round to see the property, or at least look at it on their behalf.

From the seller’s perspective, having an open house can concentrate the viewings around a fixed time and previous clients have commented that they liked the balance of agent accompanied viewings and promotional open viewing weekends forming part of their sales campaign.

Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels.

Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits.

As a “celebration” of a property, an open house can promote intense buyer activity which often prompts a sale, as everybody wants something that everybody else wants!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 12

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Weekends throughout October

A number of our properties will be taking part in Open House days throughout October.

Please visit our website for full details of our Open House properties, directions and brochures.

www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

Some suggestions from what’s new to do with the children around West Lothian this October holiday

Kidzeco

Kidzeco Livingston has a new soft play area. And there are lots of classes running through the holidays in Kidzeco Bathgate including Hartbeeps with Diane. Creation Station will be running taster sessions on 14th October 10 - 12 and Rockstarts will be returning too! Check out the facebook page or website for more information on What’s on in Kidzeco. kidzeco.net

Livingston @ your leisure

Roller skating arena and a sprawling indoor adventure inflatable island and a double decker softplay bus! Open for skaters of all ages and abilities and available for private hire and group bookings: have a go, hone your skills, but above all else, have fun! The indoor soft play and inflatable area mean there’s plenty to occupy young children too.

For more information and booking enquiries, call 01506 413212. For group bookings please contact us by email. www.livingstonatyourleisure.co.uk

Jump Station

Come join in on all the fun in our next generation trampoline park with over 80 interconnected trampolines which have been tailored for people of all ages and skill levels! It’s a trampoline experience like no other with 14 dedicated activity zones to challenge and entertain you. Fitness classes, afterschool clubs in dodgeball, trampolining & cheerleading, plus dedicated tots and junior sessions.

It’s the ideal venue for birthday parties, corporate events and festive occasions with a café onsite. We can tailor packages to suit all needs and budgets. Please contact us on 01506 537 966, email info@jumpstations. co.uk or visit www.jumpstations.co.uk. 3 Kingsthorne Park, Livingston EH54 5DB.

YOYO Softplay & Party Centre Potter Around

Kids’ holiday workshops, every weekday £12 a head.

Monday 17th: Potter’s Wheel - 10.30am-12 noon. Tuesday 18th: Pokemon themed 3D printing - 10.30am-12 noon. Or all day crafting - 10.30am-3.30pm (3D printing decopatch and soaps and lipbalms) £30. Wednesday 19th: Painting on canvas - 10.30am-12noon. Thursday 20th: App Development workshop - 10.30am12noon. Friday 21st: Sweetie making workshop - 2-3.30pm. Workshops may be subject to change and booking is essential.

Call 01506 238961 to book. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

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New large soft play opened this summer in Bathgate. www.facebook.com/ YOYOBathgate/ Tel: 01506 635030 Menzies Rd, Bathgate EH48 1TQ.

Halloween crafts at West Lothian’s Country Parks

Sat 15th October: Broom Making.

Broomstick workshop for high flyers! Collect materials and make a Harry Potter style broom to be proud of. Meet outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm-3.30pm. Cost: £3.65 per broom.

Sun 16th October: Lantern Making. Create luminous lanterns from willow and paper just in time for dark nights and Halloween.

Meet: Almondell Visitor Centre. Time: 2pm3.30pm. Cost: £4.65 per lantern.

OCTOber – Have a SPOOKtacular Halloween in West Lothian!

Summer is a distant memory, the leaves are October is an exciting month in West Lothian, autumn is in full swing, leaves have changed colour, and of course it is the spookiest time of year, because October means Halloween! So why don’t you grab your brooms, leave those cobwebs on the ceiling and have some fun for Halloween in West Lothian!

As the nights start to get darker there will be Spooky Happenings at Almond Valley, mysterious creatures will be lurking around the farm. From the 8th to the 30th of October you can explore a world of Spooky Happenings, shadows and magic. The kids can also enjoy an all-day Halloween party on Saturday 29th October – there will be faBOOlous games to play, mysteries to solve, crafts to enjoy and a scary surprise around every corner.

Enjoy some Halloween fun with the whole family at the Howden Park Centre, Halloween Disco on the 29th October. It is the perfect opportunity for

everyone to dress up as scarily as possible and take part in a fancy dress parade, whilst the kids munch on some gruesome snacks and treats.

If you’re looking for some frightening fun for the Halloween weekend look no further than the Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens Halloween Party! Enjoy either a scary afternoon or a chilling evening in the Dark Woods and the Shed, whilst playing some games or relaxing with a cake and a coffee. Booking is essential for this free event, for more information check out the Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens Facebook page!

A little Halloween joke from Visit West Lothian: Q. Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?

A. Because he has no-BODY to dance with!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook.com/VisitWestLothian Twitter.com: @teamwestlothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 15

Parents in West Lothian

Sleep

Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ve n months an with Quinn 2, Penny s in d her hubby 10 Channa, 33 .

Nicola & Ch an schedules w na both work, jugglin ith the ever-e g hectic vo their two tin y overlords, lving demands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!

I read once that cats spend around 16 hours a day napping. Sixteen hours.

It has been years now since I’ve been able to get even 8 hours of kip in a row so the concept of spending more than half of the day in blissful slumber fills me with the kind of fitful, slobbering avarice that only rabid dogs can understand.

In fact, sleep deprivation itself can be debilitating and frightening – on Quinn’s first week home from the hospital after birth I stayed up all night every night watching him sleep out of worry. By the end of the week I was so deliriously tired I was found sleepwalking, holding an empty bundle of blankets, shouting “Channa! The baby’s head is gone!”.

Over the next 18 months we bumbled through the usual trials and mis-steps, like co-sleeping (great when breast-feeding), to moving into a cot bed and nurturing the vain hope that he might stay in the bed at all during the night (he didn’t) – and every step of the way my sleep quota has stayed stubbornly sub-5 hours per night.

One person who has never had a problem catching Zs is Penelope. In fact as we made our way last Saturday to Five Sisters Zoo, Penny was deep in the Land of Nod and showing no signs of waking – at least under-3s go free - phew! We arrived and started to inspect the map we had been given, trying to locate the position of the zoo’s famous rescued circus lions. As we did so, Quinn ran past displays of parrots, owls, and spider monkeys in a spirited bid for freedom – he had spotted a slide!

reindeer, tapirs, monkeys, skunks, racoons and of course the long awaited lions; ferocious, strutting, roaring … hang on, they’re all asleep!

They were sprawled out very near the boundary fence, possibly in hour 11 of their own 16 hour snoozathon, lying in such human-like attitudes (two were actually spooning at one stage) that they could easily have been humans wearing lion-suits …

We took an obligatory selfie or two, me with the rudely-awakened Penny who upon being set down again immediately reprised her snoozing. We rounded off the experience with cheeseburgers, chips and juice which were really tasty and the smell of which actually woke Penny again.

As we headed for home I merrily chatted away, recounting the beautiful plumage of the Amazon parrots we saw, and the strange pinkish look of the growing edge of a reindeer’s antler, I wondered at the steady silence from Channa in the passenger seat. Yep you’re way ahead of me. Goodnight all … zzzzzzzzzzzz.

In truth for the first hour of our trip Quinn wasn’t actually aware that there were any animals in the place whatsoever, he spent the whole time in the huge and well-appointed playground, going up and down the slides and trying to work a big-boy swing. Penny, meanwhile, continued to sleep.

Enough was enough – we strapped the babies in and hustled deeper into the park to see wolves, KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 16

The obligatory lion selfie at Five Sisters Zoo

River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312

Toy Sale Massive Toy Clearance & Baby Item Sale at The Old Scotmid in Broxburn

on 28th, 29th & 30th October.

10am – 4pm

We have had a donation of excess stock and we need to make space for the items we can use.

Baby Baths, Moses Baskets, Cots, Car Seats and much more will all be available at knock down prices.

Toys starting at £1 each.

Bikes starting at £10 each

Come along & grab a bargain.

Call

0300 123 1070

Or email us at

zoe@riverkids.com

to find out more.

You can donate by going to :

www.justgiving.com/riverkids/donate

and you can set up either a single or a monthly donation.

Please go to

www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 17

contact alex on:

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follow us at AK Limos we are licensed by West Lothian Council

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KING’S CHURCH WEST LOTHIAN

We’re a new church plant made up of people living in the West Lothian area. We want to see a lively church formed with great connections to the local community.

Please see our website or contact us for when and where we’re meeting.

We’d love to welcome you. www.kingschurchwl.org connect@kingschurchwl.org Text: 07860027575

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Christmas Party Nights @ Livi FC

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 20

@Food_Creations

Cooking with Beer

by Anne Pinkerton

October is linked in my mind with the famous Oktober Bier Fest in Munich.

I assumed it was a traditional celebration of a new brew after the year’s grain harvest. However I am quite wrong! The Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria to a Princess Therese in 1810. Since then it has changed from a royal event with horse races into an agricultural and country show and has now morphed in to a fun fair, music, food and beer celebration drawing visitors from all over the world. Beer is at the heart of the festival, starting with a grand procession of carts and horses bringing barrels of the six Reinheitsgebot beers which are tapped by the Mayor of Munich to the sound of gun salutes. Then follows 16 days of fun and drinking.

Beer is good in cooking too! In Britain it has long been part of stews, meat pies and bread making. Stout and oysters are a traditional combination and Welsh Rarebit requires beer as the base for the melting cheese.

Beer batter (225g plain white flour, 285ml light beer, 3 teaspoons of baking powder) for fish or chicken gives a special crisp finish to these meats when deep fried. Irish Guinness makes the most luscious chocolate cake. A newly published cookbook,“Cooking with Beer” by Mark Dredge, contains more than 150 recipes. There is only room here for a few ideas.

Chocolate Stout cake - 2 50ml Stout/Guinness/ Worthington - 2 50g butter - 7 5g cocoa powder - 2 00g granulated sugar - 2 00g soft brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 25ml plain yogurt - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 75g plain flour - 3 flat teaspoonful’s baking powder - F or the topping, if liked. The cake is fine without it.

Method

In a large wide saucepan, heat the stout, add the butter and continue warming till the butter has just melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugars. Beat the eggs and the yoghurt together with the vanilla. Beat into the liquid. Then sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the beery chocolate liquid.

Pour the batter into the 10 inch, paper lined cake tin. Bake for 45 minutes or an hour, till it is just firm to the touch.

Leave till completely cool in the tin.

Either make an icing with 250g cream cheese beaten into 125g icing sugar or serve dusted with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder.

Spicy Sausage Casserole -5 00g Chirizo Sausage or any other hard paprika flavoured sausage, thick sliced - 1 small can continental lager or bitter beer.

- 2 large onions chopped - 2 yellow peppers de-seeded and sliced - 1 can chopped tomatoes - 1 can cannellini beans -O il for frying -S mall amount of plain flour -P epper, paprika, salt Method

Heat a little oil in a heat proof casserole and fry the onions till just browning. Drain and fry the peppers till they colour a little too. Use the flour to take up the oil left from the vegetables and then make a sauce with the beer.

Add all the other ingredients to the pan and bring back to a gentle bubble. Taste and season. Cover with a well-fitting lid and cook, either in the oven or on top of the cooker, slowly for 40 minutes.

Serve with plain boiled potatoes or ribbon noodles and a green salad.

You can make other stews in this way from any meat you enjoy with vegetables to extend a small quantity of protein. The beer gives a rounded flavour and if used as a marinade on the meat for 2 hours or so before cooking, helps to tenderise it. Beef and venison are lovely with Guinness and lighter meats such as pork or chicken with lagers. Some of the fruit flavoured Belgian beers add even more interest to the final dish.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 21

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2016 Christmas Fayre: 1st to 24th December 2 Course Lunch – £14.95 3 course £16.95 2 Course Dinner – £17.95 3 course £20.95 Weekend Dinner Discos - £35.00 9th, 10th and 17th and 23rd December Cabarets with Discos - £37.50 Friday 2nd and Sat 3rd December - Robbie Williams with Amy Winehouse/Blondie Tribute Friday 16th December - Glasgow Blues Brothers SPECIAL OFFER - tables available in adjoining Glen Garry Suite only £19.95 Loch Maree Dinner Discos Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December - £27.50 Saturday 3rd, 10th and 17th December - £27.50 AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES MINIMUM NUMBERS 60 - 3 COURSE WITH DISCO

Senior Citizens Xmas Dance

Tuesday 6th & 20th December or Wednesday 14th December, 12pm - 5pm 3 Course Lunch - £18.50

Christmas Day

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WIN! A family ticket to

Hopetoun House’s Magical Fireworks and Bonfire Night

Saturday 29th October sees the return of West Lothian’s biggest and most spectacular annual fireworks displays.

With an extra touch of magic, wizardry and sorcery this year’s celebrations are guaranteed to be spellbinding!

Taking place against the backdrop of Hopetoun House this magical family evening also includes an enchanting selection of pre-show entertainment, lots of delicious food stalls and a huge bonfire to keep everyone nice and warm.

The evening concludes with a grand finale of magical fireworks set to music which is once again designed and choreographed by the award winning team at 21CC Fireworks Tickets are on sale now at www.hubtickets.co.uk* with adult tickets priced at £13.00 each and £7.00 for children. Children aged 3 and under enter for free. Tickets are also on sale at Hopetoun Farm Shop.

Gates are open for arrivals from 4pm until 6pm, the firework display takes place at approximately 6.30pm and the evening concludes at 8pm. There is ample free parking for broomsticks and cars. *booking fee applies

Konect has teamed up with Hopetoun House to offer readers the chance to win one of three sets of family tickets up for grabs!

To enter please text or email your name, phone number, email address and the word “Fireworks” to 07854 492638 or email editor@konectdirectory. co.uk.

Closing date for entries is 15th October 2016. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date. No cash alternative. Prize is a family ticket i.e. two adult and two child tickets (Children under three do not require a ticket)

Magical Fireworks & Bonfire night SATURDAY OCTOBER 29th

Gates Open at 4pm | For tickets and information visit www.HOPETOUN.co.uk

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West Lothian Update West Lothian’s Bungalow Crisis A startling aspect of the West Lothian housing market is the current premium being paid for bungalows. I’m used to competing with other buyers and paying way above asking prices in the fast-pased Edinburgh market, but several examples of bungalow sales closer to home in West Lothian have recently highlighted just how in-demand this style of property is.

I’ve had a number of situations where it has been a challenge to secure a bungalow purchase for a client because on every occasion we have been up against several other buyers in a closing date scenario and the properties are going for big money. Bungalows are frequently fetching 5-10% above home report value at the moment which is a significant premium in West Lothian (especially as the home reports have already in many cases included an element of this increased marketability in their original valuation figure).

I’ve also acted in a number of private bungalow transactions in recent years, where the property hasn’t even made it to the marketplace before being snapped up.

With over-65s making up around 15% and rising

of the West Lothian population, and builders having virtually stopped building bungalows, I have no doubt the problem will get worse. 20 years ago 7% of new-builds built in the UK were bungalows, but in 2014 that had dropped to just 1%. In the same time period the percentage of flats and maisonettes built doubled from 15% to 33%. This is a stark example of how the price of land has encouraged builders to look up instead of building on one level. It could also be suggested that older retirees are remaining in their privately owned bungalows longer, as a result of a perceived lack of suitable sheltered housing or care home options.

Specialist advice is recommended to all those looking to purchase one of these sought after commodities in West Lothian - I would suggest speaking to a solicitor at an early stage because you will need to have someone on standby to get your offer in ahead of the rest.

Call Sean MacMillan, Solicitor now on 01506 420800 if you require any advice regarding your forthcoming purchase or sale. You may also register on our buyer database so you are the first to know of any bungalows which come up for sale with us in your area.

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By offering property, legal and financial services together, we help you see opportunities that others can’t. So when life and business becomes harder to navigate, let us be your map and compass.

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OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016 9.30am–12.30pm

Principal’s Address 9.30am

INStILLING CoNfIDeNCe INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS Choice for S5 and S6 pupils of SQA Qualifications or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme School Bus pick-up at Haymarket Station West Lothian School Bus stops at East Whitburn, West Calder, Livingston, East Calder, Kirknewton, Bol o Bere and Balerno Up to 100% financial support available for P7 and S1 entry George Watson’s College Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk

www.gwc.org.uk

WHAT’S ON & USEFUL INFORMATION

See pages WL14 -15 for October half term children’s activities.

Saturday 15th October West Lothian Highland Society Monthly Ceilidh Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.30pm. Band will be Robert Whitehead Trio, singer John Caskie and Alvis Kerr piper. Members - £6.00, Non-Members - £7.00.

Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See www.bathgateregal. org for complete listing.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

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library information Almondbank Library Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH T: 01506 283133. E: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9am - 6pm.

Thurs 9am - 7pm. Sat 9am - 1pm. Sora Comics and Manga Group: 4:30 - 6:00pm every second Thurs. New members welcome. Adult Book Group: New members welcome, contact the library for information. Book Bug sessions: Come along and join in with stories songs and rhymes. Contact the library for information.

Carmondean Library Carmondean Connected: Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT T: 01506 777602. E: carmondean.lib@ westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Fri 10am 5pm. Tue & Thu 10am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 5pm. Sat 9am 1pm. IT buddy here from 1—4pm on a Friday for any help with computers - help is free and no need to book.

Carmondean also has a CIS office where you can ask about council services—eg Housing Benefit, Council Tax, repairs to council houses---10am-5pm Mon to Fri --closed for lunch between 1and 2pm and 9-12 on a Sat.

Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY T: 01506 777700.

E: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Mon 10am-3pm. Tues & Fri 11am-5pm. Wed 11am-4pm.

Thurs 10am - 7pm. Sat 9am - 1pm. The Lanthorn Library, continues to be an important part of the Community, we look forward to welcoming our customers, old and new, making use of this valued service in the years ahead.

Buster the Dog

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MUSIC REVIEW & CROSSWORD

Scream if you want to go faster

by James Kerr, Regal Music Club A friend of mine can’t bear to hear about how The Beatles were first at everything. She suspects a revisionist agenda, but the fact is they were pioneers in almost every respect. First group to play a stadium gig. I can’t make it not be true.

Maybe not every single person who saw the Beatles on their 1964/5 tours screamed until they were hoarse but recorded evidence so far suggests otherwise. That evidence, to date, has mainly taken the form of the Shea Stadium film clips and the tardy LP The Beatles At The Hollywood Bowl released in 1977 with the purpose of defeating bootlegs and milking the last of the catalogue following a spate of themed compilations.

Despite being the Beatles’ only official live concert album, the LP is dimly remembered, mainly as

the audience were twice as loud as the band, any interplay drowned out beneath a wall of teen female white noise. Now the ghost is resurrected and released again, courtesy of an uneasy combination of Giles Martin and Ron Howard. The cover design is so bad it could actually harm sales.

Clumsily (and massively) sub-titled to match Ron Howard’s documentary “Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years”, the tapes have been “demixed” in such a way as to finally bring the band above the audience, who remain ever present nonetheless.

The myths of the group playing out of tune, out of time, or singing gibberish are laid to rest. If anything, considering that no person on that stage could possibly have heard any other, the performances are amazingly together, harmonies, solos, excitement and banter all intact.

CROSSWORD

Solution in the November edition of konect Across 1 Main roof beams (7) 5 More (5) 8 Fabric or cloth (7) 9 Doing words (5) 10 Long, narrow hilltop (5) 11 Anguish (7) 12 One score (6) 14 Out of the country (6) 17 Timid (7) 19 Goes up (5) 22 Perfect (5) 23 Unsuccessful (7) 24 Distinguished (5) 25 Brighter (7)

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Down 1 Helicopter blade (5) 2 Mended (5) 3 Apparent (7) 4 Not moving (6) 5 Impish fairies (5) 6 Whirlwind (7) 7 Confident (7) 12 Tightness (7) 13 Sincere (7) 15 On fire (7) 16 Practical (6) 18 Lubricated (5) 20 Crouch down (5) 21 Pointed weapon (5)

CLUBS & CLASSES

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

Jog Scotland

Jog Scotland groups around Livingston aim to get people outdoors and get fit whilst meeting new friends. There are groups suitable for beginners to advanced at different locations and times around Livingston. Check out jogscotland.org.uk.

MS Society afternoon meetings

Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting.

Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help. Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail. co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting.

Lothian Running Club

We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in and around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion

Cycling club - Our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

West Lothian 50 Plus Network

New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

The Livingston Players

Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk

Livingston FC

League players and juniors, social and corporate events.

Almondvale Stadium telephone 01506 417000 or see www. livingstonfc.co.uk

Livingston Speakers Toastmasters Club

A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston.

Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see -www. livingstonspeakers.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/ LivingstonSpeakers

Livingston Ramblers Group

We are a non profit walking group with members from around Livingston including Bathgate, Armadale, East, West and Mid Calder, Kirknewton, Blackburn, Uphall and Broxburn.

We have 3 walking groups. Thursdays, once a fortnignt offering walks of 5 – 8 miles, starting at 10.00 am. Saturday Challenge walks starting at 7.00 or 7.30 am, walks include Corbetts and Munros. Sunday Venture walks start at 8.00am and offer a variety of walks of 7-13 miles, from coast to hills.

You are welcome to try any of our walks. Contact 01506 880980 for further information.

Baby and Toddler activities

Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing KONECT

West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/ changing area and play area for children too!

BELLSQUARRY Spiritual & Psychic Awareness Development Group Bellsquarry Village Hall. Every second Thursday 7:15pm - 8:45pm Please call or email Tracey 07754 499344 ghost. scotland@outlook.com for further information.

CRAIGSHILL New Town Roller Girls

Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.

West Lothian Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU. Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from 5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213.

Craigshill Good Neighbour Network

Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Almondbank Centre. Tel 01506 435851.

Lodge Almondale Social Club

Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome. Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418.

Trampoline Classes for children

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years + . Please call 01506 412314 for more info.

Craigshill Thistle u15’s

Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm - 8.00pm weather permitting (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

Parents Together West Lothian

Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com

Daisy Drop In

Almondbank Centre, Craigshill. Information centre for parents/carers of pre-school children. Drop in, play and have fun! Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 12 noon, Mon & Thurs afternoons 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

Daisy Drop In Playgroup

Letham Community Wing, Craigshill: Playgroup for 2 - 5’s.

Take eligible 2’s. Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.15am - 11.30am, Tues, Wed & Thurs afternoons 12.30pm - 2.45pm. Tel: 01506 238998 or email: daisydropin@hotmail.co.uk for more info.

57 KONECT LIVINGSTON 57

Craigshill Dance Class

Fridays 2 – 3pm. Starts November 6th. Join Craigshill’s new intergenerational dance class for people over 60 and their families. There will be traditional and modern dances, no partners are required and everyone is welcome from 0 – 100.

Classes will run every week except during school holidays, at The Craigshill Thistle Pavilion, Maree Walk. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality, so everyone can take part. Every child must have a participating adult. £1 Individuals / £3 Family of 3 or more, payable each week. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239 or Jane on 07473 102 669. www.generationarts.co.uk

SANDS Lothians (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society) Support group meets 2nd Monday of every month at 7-9pm Pregnancy support group – as and when required. Mother and toddler group- for women who have other children but want to continue to chat and meet others who understand For further information see http://sands-lothians.org.uk.

Current venue Craigsfarm Community Centre, Maree Walk, Craigshill – but venue changing in 2016 please contact SANDS before attending.

West Lothian Gymnastics

Craigwillow Centre. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com

DEANS 13th West Lothian Scouts

Deans Community Hall. Beavers: 6 - 8 years. Tues 6.30 7.30pm. Cubs: 8 - 10 years. Thurs 6.30 - 8.00pm. Scouts: 10 -14 years. Thurs 7.00 – 9.00. We are also looking for new leaders or helpers to help out on the nights. All are welcome.

Please contact Steven Graham steven_graham1@gmx.co.uk or by phone 07786638442 or 1506 630360 after 6.30pm.

Yoga for people with health conditions

Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1.152.30pm. Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

Livingston Station Playgroup

Livingston Station Community Centre. Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds. Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am. £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info.

Deans Community High School Playgroup

Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months.

Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston.

Mon-Fri 9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/week, or flexible days at £4/session (min of 3 per week). For more information please phone Claire or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit.

Yoga

Carmondean Community Centre. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970 409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk.

See www.yogamed.co.uk

Livingston Fiddlers

A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered. Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm.

Contact secretary: eric@livingstonfiddlers.co.uk. Tel 01506 654 189. www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk

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Pilates for people with health conditions Livingston Station Community Centre. Fridays 10.30-11.30am.

Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

Diabetes UK West Lothian Voluntary Group Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston. For more info contact may@dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lothians MS Support Group

Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free.

Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm. Contact the Ability Centre on Carmondean Road on 01506 491750 for more information or facebook page: Lothians MS Support Group.

Deans Art Club

New Deans Community Building. Tuesdays 7 – 9pm.

Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838.

Kiddies Corner

Carmondean Community Centre. For pre-school children.

Kiddies Korner runs on a Tuesday and a Thursday from 9am12.00. Parents, guardians and Childminders are all welcome

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739.

Livingston United Parish Church

Meets on Sundays at Nether Dechmont Community Centre, Fells Rigg. 8.45 – Eucharist. 9.30 – All-age Worship.

10.00 – Children’s Group, Discussion Group and Coffee Bar. 11.00 – Traditional Service. Transport can be provided – call 07806 628506 to arrange. Also meets on Thursdays at Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge, at 10.15am for Holy Communion. www.lupc.org.uk.

Ukulele Club

Deans Community High School. Every Tuesday from 7pm, except during July and August. All are welcome, no standard required, absolute beginners to experienced. It’s for anyone who wants to play the Uke and have fun. If interested please just turn up £2 to cover room hire.

2nd Livingston Girls’ Brigade Company - NEW! Meets Tuesdays in St Andrew’s Church Hall 4A Main Street, Deans. Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45. Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00.

Brigaders (S1-6) 6.30-8.00. For further information email lazylaura@sky.com, phone Laura Brooks on 01506 418272 or find us on facebook.

Slimming World - NEW!

Grand Central Carmondean Wed 7.30 pm. Contact Jen on 07754 498986.

DEDRIDGE Space Academy Children’s Club

Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.30-3.30pm at the Lanthorn Community Centre. Games, stories, songs, science, crafts, cooking and more – free of charge. Visit facebook.com/ lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

JYHS Badminton Club

At James Young High School on Saturdays. Open to school children in the Livingston area of any age or ability. Primary School age (P1-P7) 9am - l0am. High School age (S1-S6) l0am - 11am. Contact: Ann (01506 438717) or Joyce (01506 462430).

Dedridge Spiritualist Church

Crofthead Community Centre, Templer Rise. Wednesdays 7.30pm. We are one of the oldest running spiritualist church in Livingston. We have been serving the community since 1985. We have a different medium every week. No admission fee. Find us on Facebook and website:dedridgespiritualstc hurch.co.uk

Livingston Camera Club

Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge. We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings. The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk. Email – contact@ livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/ livingstoncameraclub twitter – www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub

Café Connect

Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-12.

Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837

The Lanthorn Toddlers Group – Music Makers

Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session

The Lanthorn Toddlers Group – Parent & Toddlers

Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon. Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook Lanthorn Toddler Group.

Cafe Connect Extra

For those suffering with dementia and their carers. 1st Wednesday of the month 2pm-3:30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837.

Lunch Club

12:30pm every Thursday for any over 60s. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 41583.

Bump and Baby Group

Dedridge Baptist Church. For precrawling babies and their carers - Mondays 9:30-11. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves.

Penumbra

Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge. Every fortnight from 14 March 2012. For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house.

For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139.

Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup

Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. For children 2-3 years. Mon-Fri 9.1511.15am term time. £4.50/day includes healthy snack. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@ gmail.com or visit www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk

West Lothian Self-Help Group A free self-help group for adults living with depression, low mood and anxiety or those who support others. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6.30 -8.30 within Crofthead Farm, Dedridge, EH54 6DG.

Parent and Toddler Group

Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683.

Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors.

Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society (LaDARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands. Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world. See our website uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ms0liv/ or just come along on any Tuesday.

Brighter Days

Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_ days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music.

1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company

The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings. Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm. Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm. Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm. For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225.

5th Livingston Boys’ Brigade

Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Anchor Section P1-P3 meet 6:30 to 7:45pm. Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30-8:00pm. Company Section P7 to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm. For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk. Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/ changing area and play area for children too!

Livingston South Community Church With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com for weekly updates.

Lanthorn Readers

Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Informal and relaxed reading group.

Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

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Lanthorn Book Bashers

Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Are you aged between 8 – 11 years old? Come and join the Library Book Bashers. We meet once a month on a Thursday at 6.15pm to discuss our favourite books. New members welcome. Please call 01506 777700 for information.

Livingston Amateur Flute Ensemble

A voluntary group for learning and improving technique of playing flute, percussion, recorder & keyboard. We play a variety of music. Everyone is welcome from experienced players to those wishing to learn and those who played at school and want to get back to playing. Our classes cater for adults and children from 6 years. Thursdays 7 – 9 pm in Crofthead Farm Community Centre, Livingston. For further information please contact Alice on 01506 462623. Email mgolshan@btinternet.com

Livingston Art Association

Howden Park Centre. Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels. For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-artassoc.org.uk.

14th Livingston Guides

Community Wing, Toronto Primary School. Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term. Tel 01506 418285.

Firefly Arts

ELIBURN

Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@ firefly-arts.co.uk

14th West Lothian Scout Troop

Livingston 20 Milers Cycle Rides

Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group

Monthly free guided ride organised by volunteers from West Lothian Sustrans Group. 20 milers are at the easy to moderate level, suitable for occasional and less experienced cyclists to encourage cycling for leisure and commuting.

We favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. We will wait on stragglers, help with punctures. The rides are not suitable for unaccompanied children. We meet monthly at Howden Park Centre, details on our web or Twitter page. Email: livi20milers@outlook.com Web: http://livi20milers.blogspot. co.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMilers

Church of Christ

KNIGHTSRIDGE

Peel Primary School. Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs).

Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year.

Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620.

Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School. Toddlers, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am. After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492.

Garden Place, Eliburn, EH54 6RA, Livingston. Service Times: Sunday Bible Study and Sunday School - 10.00 am.; Worship Service - 11.15 am; Tuesday Bible Study - 7.30 pm.

Little Jewels Baby and Toddler Group

Free Church of Scotland, Jackson Place, Eliburn. Tuesdays 1011:30am, term time only. Play time, craft, snack and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. 50p per family. For more information email littlejewelslivingston@gmail.com or visit us at www.facebook.com/littlejewelslivingston

HOWDEN GOSH - Group Ostomy Self Help

Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time. Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems. Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4. All Ostomists and their partner/friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

29th West Lothian Scout Group

Community Wing, Toronto Primary School. Cubs Mon 6.308.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852

Messy Church

Monthly time of craft, celebration and food for all the family held on the first Sunday of each month from 4-6pm at Mosswood Community Centre. Free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit facebook.com/ lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

Baby/Toddler Stories and Singing Sessions

Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way. Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15 – 11.15am or 12.45 – 2.45pm – “In Betweenies”.

Wed: 1.00 – 2.00pm – “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/ toddler drop in 1.00 – 3.30pm. For more info tel 01506 444970.

3rd Livingston Rainbow Guides

Meet on Tuesdays at Mosswood community centre, Knightsridge 6.45-7.45 pm. For girls aged 5 and attending school. Telephone Rainbow Guide Leader 01506 491781 or email faysue.edgar@gmail.com for further information.

LADYWELL West Lothian Diabetes UK Group

Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW. Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. See http://www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org

Rosebery Centre for Dementia Care

Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Tel: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197

Day care for people with all types of dementia. Stimulating activities, counselling and training and support groups for carers. Volunteers always required. Tel: Nancy on 497046. Email: info@roseberycentre.org.uk. Website: www. roseberycentre.org.uk

Braid House Day Centre

Almond Valley Baptist Church

14th Livingston Rainbows

Labrador Avenue, Howden. Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities.

Cost £5. For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www. braidhouse.co.uk

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A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am. Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston. Contact phone number 07570 790862 or email at avbc@btinternet.com

Kids Club

Forrestbank Community Centre. A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035.

Ladywell Neighbourhood Network

28 Heatherbank, Ladywell. Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness.

Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk

Ladywell Star Community Football Club

Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458

Memory Cafe

Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawk Brae, EH54 6AB. For those suffering with dementia and their carers.

Runs the first Thursday of every month 2pm to 3.30pm.

Slimming World

Cedarbank Baptist Church, Cedarbank, Ladywell, EH54 6DR Thursdays 5.30pm and & 7.30pm. Contact Lisa on 07736 316400. Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm. Contact Jen on 07754 498986.

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE Livingston Village Playgroup

Based in Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. We are now part of Community Playgroups and are based in the large and bright community room of the primary school, with our own secure outdoor area. We run Monday to Friday 9.15am to 11.30am, offering early education through fun and play, with a wide range of resources, to children aged from 2 years. The cost is £7 per session and includes a varied and healthy snack every day.

Pop in for a visit with your child, or please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 417343 for more information.

Livingston Village Parent and Toddler Group

Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2.

Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Termtime only. For more information email livitoddlers@yahoo. co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/livitoddlers

The Wooly Quilters Craft Group

Room 24 Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston. This self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit! Variety of crafts from patchwork & quilting to knitting & spinning. We meet Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm. For more information email: woolyquilters@gmail.com or find us on facebook

Kings Church @ West Lothian

3pm at Livingston Village Community Centre EH54 7EQ. 11th September, 16th October, 6th November. Head along for a warm welcome, modern worship, relevant teaching and great kids activities. Email kingschurchwl@gmail.com for more info about this or our weekly mums and toddlers group.

MURIESTON

Livingston South Community Church

With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th

Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com for weekly updates.

Livingston Cricket Club

Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http:// livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

Livingston Bridge Club

Meets every Wednesday from the first Wednesday in September until the last Wednesday in March at Bankton Mains Bowling Club, 6.45 for 7.00 pm start. Contact Dorothy Doak 01506 437977 for more information.

Murieston Parent and Toddler - NEW!

Thursday 9.30am till 11am. Murieston Village Hall. £1.50 per morning.

OTHER AREAS Livingston Highland Society

Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday between October and April.

Each month we have a different band and guest artist. New venue Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn (previously at Lanthorn Complex). £6 each, non-members £7, new members welcome, contact John Sneddon 01501 770911 for dates and more details.

The Tree Club

Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk

West Lothian Baking Club

We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

West Lothian Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Classes in South Church Hall, Uphall. Starting on Thurs 17th Sept 7.30 to 9.30pm. 10 weeks through to the 19th Nov, then starting the 7th January through to 10th Mar 2016. £3 per week. Teacher Mrs Margaret McGregor. Dancing for fun & fitness, any new beginners very welcome. For more info contact Sandra Cheyne, tel 01506 430600 email sdcheyne77@yahoo.com.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www. konectdirectory.co.uk

Solution to September Crossword

Across: 1 Recess, 4 Sticks, 9 Surname, 10 Inner, 11 Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13 Undoubtedly, 18 Cluster, 20 Uncle, 22 Error, 23 Noticed, 24 Melted, 25 Breeze.

Down: 1 Resist, 2 Cargo, 3 Shampoo, 5 Thief, 6 Central, 7 Survey, 8 Remembering, 14 Neutral, 15 Equator, 16 Scream, 17 Needle, 19 Terse, 21 Cycle.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Bookkeeping 18 Auctions Hoppers Auctions 5 Bathrooms 1st Choice Living 13 Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL 6 MH Developments 12 Builder Almond Building Company 12 Kirkton Builders 20 Building Surveyor David Hastings WL 7 Cafe/Tearoom The Coffee Cup Cafe 4 Car Bodywork JWG Car Care 6 Car Service & Repair LVS Garage Services 5 M & S Auto Solutions 6 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec 45 Cleaning Doctor 45 Carpets & Flooring GM Flooring 20 Kelly’s Carpets 14 Catering Food Creations WL 20 Children’s Activities/Entertainment Jump Station WL 15 Chiropody/Podiatry Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 11 Church Church of Christ, Eliburn 7 Kings Church WL 20 Cleaning Services C and W Cleaning Services WL 6 Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd 4 Donald Does It All 18 Computer Services Evoquent 4 Sprint Computers Conservatories Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 5 Dentist Bankton Dental Practice 2 No 9 Dental Doors UPVC Doors WL 3 Electrician D B Electrics 20 Electric Al 47 Riddell Electrical 12 Simply Electrical WL 7 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 51 Drummond Miller 48 Knight Bain Estate Agents 15 Remax 64 Turpie & Co WL 13

Fitness Classes Douglas Method 10 Florist Gowers Flowers 18 Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd 12 Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes 16 Beatson’s WL 19 D Greaves 16 Riccarton Garden Centre 16 SG Landscapes 16 Woodford Timber WL 19 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 17 Gas Stockists Charles Gas 6 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 48 Graphic Design Captivate Creative Ltd 9 Hairdresser Back II Black 10 HEATING Central Home Developments 19 Heating Services Dewar Plumbing WL 7 Livgas 47 Mech A Tech 49 Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) AK Stretch Limousines WL 18 Hotel Hilcroft Hotel WL 22 Joiner Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL 7 Geoff Vinter Joinery 47 Kitchens Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL 7 S & S Home Improvements WL 8 Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady 50 Locksmith Saltire Lock & Security WL 2 West Lothian Locksmith Company WL 4 Mobility Ableworld WL 23 Med-Ecosse WL 11 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL 18 Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorators 46 Nu Walls WL 7 TML Decor 46 Tru Decor 12 Pet Services Animal Magic 55 K9 Friends Dog Walking 55 Plastering Nu Walls WL 7 Top 2 Bottom Plastering WL 6

Plumbing Services Almondvale Plumbing & Heating Services 47 BJ Fleming 46 Capital Heating WL 6 EPH 12 Property Maintenance Care & Repair 4 Done N Dusted Property Maintenance 45 Emerald Property Maintenance 20 Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel WL 20 Roofing Central Home Developments 19 MH Developments 12 School George Watson’s College 53 Security Services Maplin WL 2 Taxi & Private Hire All The Fours 63 Tiling Service With A Tile 46 Stewart Wilson Tiler 47 Trusted Trader Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader WL 1 Tuition Sax Lessons 6 Vet Riverside Veterinary Practice 55 wallpaper Graham & Brown WL 9 Windows 1st Choice Living 13 Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 5

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

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

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