58mm Vertical [LEFT]
Auldcathie District parkrun opened in January 2024. Team GB Olympic Paraathlete and Winchburgh resident, Ben Rowlings, cut the ribbon. Run Director Ian Fyfe says, “We thought we might get 200, we planned for 400 and ended up with 601 at the first event! Carnage! But great fun and we now regularly have 150+ runners/walkers every week.”
Every Saturday morning a little before 9:30am, a small crowd gathers in Auldcathie Park in Winchburgh, at Bo’ness Foreshore, Cramond and in a few other locations in the surrounding area.
Many dressed in what could be described as “garish casual” attire, and sometimes with a fun dress-up or two thrown in, they are meeting to walk or jog an organised scenic 5km trail through the park.
This is parkrun and parkwalk. It’s a global phenomenon that has been responsible for transforming the mental and physical health of countless people over the past 21 years. Parkrun and parkwalk are the same event: you choose to either walk or run the route.
It’s seemingly incredibly simple: the opportunity to walk or jog once a week and at informal yet organised event. It’s completely free to participate, the trail is fully marshalled, there is the option of recording your time if you wish, going to a nearby cafe for breakfast afterwards, or going straight home.
What’s the attraction? Why has the simple act of meeting for a walk or jog with a bunch of people you don’t know (yet) become such a successful and well-loved institution? There are currently nearly 900 parkrun locations in the UK, with 80 in Scotland; more are being added regularly.
Since its beginnings in England in 2004 parkrun has managed to maintain an informality combined with excellent organisation. Their strapline is “free, for everyone, forever.” For people who want to walk or run with others but are anxious about joining a group, parkrun and parkwalk perfectly strike the balance. You can turn up and be part of it without joining a group, or having to introduce yourself in any way, or committing to attendance. You can participate alone, or with a friend;
you’re encouraged to register, but can go anonymously; attend once, or go every week – nobody is counting except you. Take your dog and your kids; go to one closest home or visit one the other side of the country.
It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and completely judgement-free. People of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels participate. Walk, walk/jog, or run flat out, it’s entirely up to you. There is always a tail-walker so you are never alone at the back. (If you’re very fast you may be alone at the front, but there are marshals to guide you!).
And it can become addictive! Some people travel all over the country - and the worldchasing different parkrun challenges. Some people reach 100 parkruns (or more!) and complete it with balloons and celebration cakes to share; some quietly complete their 100th without telling anyone. You genuinely run your own run, or walk your own walk. The magic of parkrun is that the way you do it is the right way for you, and you will be fully supported by the community regardless.
An article on parkrun and parkwalk would not be complete without mentioning the volunteers who make it happen every week. As a free event, parkrun relies entirely on volunteers to check the course, marshals directing the way and applauding participants, time-keepers, tail-walkers and a host of other roles. People volunteer for many reasons; I have spoken to some who do it to give back as parkrun has helped them turn their own lives around in some way; some do it for the camaraderie and community; some want to be part of parkrun without actually running or walking. For David, who runs and volunteers regularly at Polkemmet, says, “It’s a great community and a good chunk of the volunteers are now very good friends and it is this, as well as the obvious benefits of a run/jog or walk, that make a Saturday morning a parkrun morning.” Whatever the reasons, everyone who volunteers, either one-off or regularly, is making an enormous contribution to a community which is quietly changing lives for the better.
If you are looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health this year, try parkrun on Saturday. Register at parkrun.org.uk and rock up at one of the locations below. All commence at 9:30am every Saturday morning. There is a pre-event briefing so aim to arrive by around 9:15am if you have not been before. If the weather is bad, please check each parkrun Facebook page for updates in case of cancellation. It is unlikely to be cancelled for a bit of rain, but ice or snow may stop play.
• Auldcathie District parkrun
- All details at parkrun.org.uk/ auldcathiedistrict
Updates at facebook.com/ auldcathiedistrictparkrun
• Edinburgh parkrun (Edinburgh Promenade, Cramond)
- All details at parkrun.org.uk/ edinburgh.
Updates at facebook.com/ edinburghparkrun
• Bo’ness Foreshore parkrun
- All details at parkrun.org.uk/ bonessforeshore
Updates at facebook.com/ bonessforeshoreparkrun
• Beecraigs Country Park parkrun
- All details at parkrun.org.uk/ beecraigscountrypark
Updates at facebook.com/ beecraigscountryparkparkrun
• Livingston parkrun
- All details at parkrun.org.uk/ livingston. Updates at facebook.com/ livingstonparkrun
A map of all events is at the main parkrun website: www.parkrun.org.uk
This article was written by Helen-Jane, editor of Konect magazines, who recently discovered the joy of parkrun!
Let,s Give Up ON GIVING UP
Winter is a beautiful season with its cosy lights, warm fires, and crisp weather encouraging us to wrap up well and get outside. However, after the sparkle and shine of Christmas it can feel a little flat when all the twinkly lights come down and we are faced with a darker and colder time of the year.
It’s no surprise then that we are drawn in by the notion that, if only we can make huge, dramatic and often painful changes to our lives, we will expel the darkness and have a bright new future. We convince ourselves that, by declaring that this will be the year that we will give up alcohol, carbohydrates or sugar forever, we will transform our lives. However, choosing to focus only on withholding the things we enjoy is what ensures that many of these aspirations fall at the first hurdle.
It’s important to celebrate the fact that we are already doing many things well, whether that’s managing family commitments or our workload. Sitting down and identifying our achievements instead of putting all our energy into another list of things we think we should give up is a positive first step. When any life changes we want to make are focussed on thinking differently about ourselves and building on what we do well instead of feeling the need to make big sacrifices, everything suddenly feels easier and more sustainable. Deciding to do more of what we love and less of what we think we should do could transform our lives forever.
The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online.
See orrganise.co.uk
Childhood is special. Children in Queensferry and Kirkliston are lucky to be able to grow up in nurturing communities. We need to continue to work together to keep our children growing up happily and safely.
The decision by Queensferry High School community to restrict the use of smartphones is a great step forwards. It shows that teenagers, as well as teachers, recognise the harms done by smartphones. But our children have much more time at home and in their neighbourhoods than they do at school.
Parents from all the local primary schools have been working to eradicate some of the peer pressure around smartphones. We’ve found many parents who are glad to share their worries about handing over such an addictive device. We’ve also met lots of parents who wished we’d started our project earlier, who regret giving their child a smartphone, and want their child back.
We are not against technology. For example, there are lots of non-internet enabled devices available if you want to keep in touch with your child.
A parents’ pact against giving children smartphones can turn the tide and stop most children feeling they need a smartphone when they start secondary school. Many parents have already signed but we need more to stop the pressure on our kids.
You can get more information on our Facebook group: look for “Smartphone Free Childhood - South Queensferry, Dalmeny and Kirkliston” on Facebook and you can sign the pact at www.smartphonefreechildhood.org
This article was contributed by the Queensferry and Kirkliston group of a nationwide campaign called Smartphone Free Childhood. We hope to bring together the parents of our lovely area to sign the online pact - We Will Delay Giving our Children Smartphones Until Age 14.
The sun has yet to breach the horizon and it’s bitterly cold, a thin layer of snow covering the ground, as I make my way across the park from Livingston FC Community Club towards the reservoir.
It’s not long before I reach the water’s edge, but instead of the waterlily patchwork of summer I am met with a three-acre expanse of ice, product of the past week’s freezing temperatures. In that moment, I realise that today my search for the usually abundant water birds may be in vain.
Created in the 1970s, Eliburn Reservoir acts as both a flood prevention measure and a water source for the town of Livingston. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife and is a popular course fishing site, stocked with trout, carp and other species. And it’s as I round a corner approaching one of the numerous fishing platforms that I encounter a wonderful sight that makes my morning.
The entire reservoir is not frozen over after all. At the edge of a triangular inlet, an area roughly twenty metres by ten is free of ice and within it are congregated the reservoir’s entire population of waterfowl. The contrast with the otherwise deserted icesheet is stark.
Today, this is The Centre of Livingston’s bird world. There are adult swans, impossibly white, accompanied by two immature birds - last year’s cygnets. There are ubiquitous mallards too, tufted ducks dapper in white and jet black, coots, moorhens, and the diminutive dabchicks (little grebes) who dive shyly below the surface when I first appear.
The swans are the chief icebreakers of this collective; they have the weight and strength to break through the newly frozen surface before the ice becomes too thick. Drawn by these openings and the need to feed, other species follow suit and it is only by their continual movement that the surface remains ice free. There’s certainly much motion this morning. Ducks dabble back and forth, periodically hauling themselves up on to the edge of the ice to shake and preen. A coot high-steps across the ice on large, lobed feet, like a snorkeler who has forgotten to remove his flippers. One of the young swans tests its wings enthusiastically with a great whooshing of air.
After a while I pull myself away from this engaging scene and continue onwards. Past the dam at the reservoir’s western end the terrain drops away, and the path descends into pinewoods. A woodpecker drums somewhere in the tops. I make my way down through the trees to pick up the Lochshot Burn path. It’s easy walking along this well-made path, accompanied by relaxing babbling of the burn. Within one curve of the waterway stand nine mysterious snow-dusted figures, waiting in the cold - the Livingston Stone Circle, a modern take on the neolithic.
Where the burn flows into the River Almond I bear left and continue along the river in pleasantly wooded surroundings,
stopping on my way to admire the delicate almond-rose hues of a female bullfinch in the overhanging branches. Soon I reach a bridge, which extends Livingston Village’s Main Street across the river. Glancing up to my left I see the historic Livingston Inn and saunter up for a closer look. The Inn dates from c1760 and Robert Burns is reputed to have stayed here. From here you can walk along Main Street and rejoin the river path, accessed just after Bloom Place. The trail then passes through the elongated expanse of Livingston Village Park where the trees on all sides are alive with the calls of a host of winter birds - goldfinch, blue tit, great tit, coal tit and robin. Towards the eastern end of the park, I track away from the water, picking up the Alderstone Path which skips north past the Geddes House business centre where I turn west, making for Cousland Road. Passing briefly through Cousland Woods and a residential street I follow a sign for the Folly Burn path, spiralling up and over a footbridge then on to Peel Park.
Peel Park takes its name from the original Peel of Livingston, a moated, fortified tower house
dating back to the 12th century. All that now remains is a grassy mound marking the site. Adjacent are the ruins of Livingston House which stood here from the 17th to 19th centuries. Today, snow lies upon the cracked and weathered walls, or what’s left of them. I wander through the ruin, pausing in front of the old hearth. In my mind’s eye I am transported back three hundred years to a dark, cold January day when the fire roaring within would have been a welcome sight for the returning residents. Perhaps even Burns himself may have come to call?
GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!
I cross the Folly Burn, following a path northwest beneath Eliburn Road and through some residential streets to join Kirk Road Strip running west. This leads me into Old Livingston Wood. It’s mid-morning now and the sky has cleared to azure blue. The low sun shines through bare birches, casting long shadows across the path, alternating with white snow like one long bar code. Soon, I’m back at the reservoir’s eastern shore. Glancing across the ice, I notice a family now feeding the ducks and swans and, smiling, return to my starting point.
Allow 1.5 -2hrs (6 km), all paths are well surfaced.
This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.
Do you remember the story of how snow got its colour? A long, long time ago everything on earth had its own colour apart from snow.
Snow asked everyone if they would share their colour but no one offered to help apart from the snowdrop who offered to share its colour white with snow, and so snow became coloured white from that time forth.
We mightn’t be hoping for snow this month but we know that the first snowdrops will appear later on and give us carpets of white across our gardens. This carpet is at House of the Binns, the National Trust of Scotland’s property just outside Linlithgow. Seeing these early flowers excites everyone with the thought that Spring is on its way and this enthusiasm
has resulted in the annual great Snowdrop Festival. For details of gardens open under the Snowdrop Festival visit discoverscottishgardens.org We have had more success in establishing snowdrops in our own gardens by planting clumps of them ‘in the green’ rather than the little bulbs available in the autumn. Either buy pots of bulbs from the garden centre or dig up existing clumps of them when they are flowering, or have just finished flowering, and divide them into smaller clumps before replanting. They enjoy soil that doesn’t get waterlogged or too dry in the summer, in sun or partial shade.
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
These energy balls are perfect for snacking and carrying on the go! Packed with slow release carbohydrates in the oats, they’ll give you the energy boost you need! Pluschocolate flavour and no baking required, what more could you ask for?! Various ingredients can be added to the basic recipe, like nut butters or desiccated coconut. You can use Medjool dates instead of honey if you have a food processor or blender- just make sure to check the consistency so you’re able to roll into balls that will keep their shape!
Ingredients:
• 90g oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 3 tbsp cacao powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
• Water
• 2 tbsp honey
1. In a bowl mix together the oats, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and honey
2. Add a tablespoon of water if needed, to help the mixture ball together
3. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until you have approximately 12 balls Keep in an air-tight container for up to 10 days
Recipe supplied by nutritionscotland.org
In collaboration with Dr Laura Wyness (RNutr), the Registered Nutritionists at Nutrition Scotland helped to create the Scottish Eatwell Guide, the first Scottish adaptation of the UK Eatwell Guide. By showcasing the wide range of delicious and nutritious foods available in Scotland, we hope to inspire individuals to adopt a healthy, balanced diet, while also celebrating Scotland’s natural larder. We aim to promote better health outcomes, promote environmental discussions and bolster the economy through the consumption of locally sourced produce.
One of the quickest and easiest ways you can improve your wine drink experience is to upgrade your wine glass!
When I started studying wine at ‘wine school’, we used an ISO standard wine glass. It meant that the glass would not influence the tasting and we could focus on grape variety, aromas, flavours and writing tasting notes.
I decided it was time to start experimenting with different glasses. Could a wine glass really influence the way a wine tastes? You might not believe it, but it can!
My (non-scientific!) experiment involved two bottles of white wine: an oaked chardonnay and an unoaked, crisp grapefruit bright Riesling. I purchased a chardonnay glass and a Riesling glass from Riedel and poured each wine into the wrong glass. The wines tasted the way it should. There was nothing wrong with the way the wines tasted. I then sampled the wine in the correct wine glass - wow! What a difference!
Both wines transformed! The chardonnay glass, a wide, goldfish like goblet glass, encourages you to smile while drinking. The wine to washes across the whole of the palate. The oaked chardonnay’s flavour and texture were enhanced. The acidy in balance. The Riesling glass, like a flute glass, had focused the wine onto the tip of the tongue - ideal when tasting Riesling, but not a creamy character chardonnay! Likewise, the Riesling benefited from the change in glass. The wine became laser focused and balanced.
Give it a try! Treat yourself to a new wine glass and try your favourite wine in it – can you taste a difference?
The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com
SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY
Linlithgow Artisan Market - Linlithgow’s monthly artisan market on the first Saturday of each month. Stalls on the High Street, the Vennel and also indoors in the EH49 Hub (old Library). Lots of unique and local stalls offering foods and drinks, meats, fish and game, fruit and veg, arts and crafts, dog treats, plants, and lots more. 10.00am-3.00pm.
SAT 7TH & SUN 8TH FEBRUARY
Hopetoun House Snowdrop WeekendPart of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, Hopetoun House is open 10.00am-4.00pm (last entry 3.00pm) this weekend. Celebrate the first signs of spring with a refreshing winter walk among these delicate snowdrops. Enjoy Grounds Only or House & Grounds visits, or join one of our popular Ranger-led Snowdrop Guided Walks. Snowdrop Trails, complimentary snowdrop-themed crafts for young children, and the Stables Kitchen will be open for warming treats. Tickets £7/£4. Guided walks must be pre-booked. Full info, tickets and booking via hopetoun.co.uk
WEDNESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY
Linlithgow Family Adventure - With Historic Environment Scotland Rangers. Discover more about Linlithgow’s wildlife, history and landscape with these fun filled sessions featuring many hands on activities at Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Aimed at age 5yrs+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Linlithgow Palace. 10.00am – 12.00noon. FREE BUT BOOKING ESSENTIAL via eventbrite.com/cc/ linlithgow-family-adventure-1743739
FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
Bombastic and melodramatic. Those were the first two words that came to mind when the credits rolled on Edward Berger’s latest tale, Ballad of a Small Player. Reminiscent of Hong Kong and Chinese dramas in both tone and heightened emotion, the film follows Lord Doyle, played immaculately by Colin Farrell, a compulsive gambler who is one hand away from paying off all his debts, and he has a lot of them. From the hotel he’s staying in to the people he’s wronged in the past, everything is closing in. We follow Lord Doyle as he spirals into despair, clinging to the hope that he can find enough money to make that final, life-changing bet.
Visually striking, this may go down as one of the best-looking films on the entire Netflix platform. The score is overwhelming to the senses, its prominence in the mix is impossible to ignore, yet musically sublime. There isn’t a single technical misstep, and performance wise there isn’t a weak link either. Colin Farrell is a generational actor, and with the right material, he can work wonders.
It’s that material, however, that may prove divisive. The narrative, while not cliché, is predictable, and the ending won’t surprise many viewers. It’s a slight disappointment, especially given how central Lord Doyle’s navigation of Macau’s gambling underworld is to the story. Still, the journey is thrilling enough to make it worth watching, and the fact that it’s on Netflix makes it even more accessible.
Galantines Night: Paint, Pizza & ConnectJoin us for Candle Painting & Pizza Evening in South Queensferry and make some new connections in the area! All profits donated to The Ferry Fridge. All materials (for 3 candles and holder) included, local pizza from Rogue Bros, soft drinks provided or BYOB. 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Garden Room at The Priory Church, Hopetoun Road, Queensferry, EH30 9RB. £25 per person + booking fee via eventbrite.co.uk/e/ galentines-in-south-queensferrypaint-pizza-connect-tickets1981090551168?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
RCCG SOLID ROCK PARISH
KIRKLISTON - The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Join us every Sunday for a time of worship. Service starts 11am. Kirkliston Community Centre, 1618 Queensferry Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9AQ. Join our prayer meeting every Tuesday Zoom link: bit.ly/srprayer
CHRIST CHURCH QUEENSFERRY
- Looking for hope, truth, and community? Christ Church Queensferry is a Bible-believing church made up of ordinary people from Queensferry. Whether you’re a committed Christian or just exploring faith, you’re welcome to join us on Sundays at 10:30am in Rosebery Hall, South Queensferry, for worship, teaching, and friendship. You’ll find a warm welcome and a message that matters. For more information visit christchurchqueensferry.org or find us on Facebook.
QUEENSFERRY TENNIS CLUB - Queensferry Tennis Club is a welcoming and vibrant community-based tennis club offering a friendly environment for tennis players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. QTC provides a space for social play, competitive matches, and coaching opportunities with Neil Harden from Deuce Academy. The club’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community, where members can come together to enjoy the sport while building lasting friendships. Please email queensferrytennis@gmail.com for more information
KIRKLISTON COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
- The benefits of being outdoors are well known and you don’t have to go far locally to enjoy it. Come and join in some activities with KCCV and help to maintain the village planters, a small orchard, wildflower area, public gardens and spaces as well as our monthly litter picks. We’re a small friendly group aiming to enhance
Kirkliston. For more information contact www.kccv.org.uk or message 07925 383569
WINCHBURGH STORYTELLERS
- A chance to make friends and practice telling stories / hearing new tales, in a safe supportive space. Everyone’s welcome to come and listen and/ or participate. A story can be myth, legend, life story, fairy or folk tale- 10 minutes maximum. It’s all about oral storytelling, not reading aloud. We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Winchburgh Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. For more information go to marytatterhoodtales.wordpress. com/winchburgh-storytellers
RUNTRIBE QUEENSFERRY - A free, friendly and sociable run club based in South Queensferry who meet every Tuesday 6.25pm at the Seal Monument. The aim of our club is not about time or distance, our aim is to run, socialise and have a good time whilst doing it. We also go for an optional drink at the pub after our weekly session. To find out more, message Emily on 07395 817833 or follow on instagram @ RunTribe_queensferry.
YOGA & CHAIR MOBILITY
- Yoga: Fridays 09.30- 10.30. Kirkliston Community Centre. For mixed ability students. Classes include asana, movement, pranayama and relaxation.
Chair-Based Mobility. Tuesdays 1.00-2.00pm (with optional extra 30 mins for refreshments) Winchburgh Community Centre. A class for anyone who would prefer to sit. Includes some standing practice, breath work and mindful movement. Ideal for anyone with movement restrictions.
One-to-One sessions can be arranged in person or via zoom. For more info
E: yogawithjo21@hotmail.com or, facebook.com/yogajostilwell
LITTLE ARTISTS ART CLUB FRIDAYS - A relaxing class, to unwind & get creative before the weekend ahead. Fridays 12.45-1.45 South Queenferry P1-7. Each week we will focus on a different animal or nature piece, learning facts & working in two different age groups, pencil work in colour/monochrome. For information please contact 07591990020 or see Instagram everychildisanartist_
DANCE FITNESS - Wednesdays South Queensferry. P1-2, 3.00-
3.40pm, P3-7, 3.40-4.30pm. Each week, we will learn a new routine together as a group, to some great music. Children will have the opportunity to suggest their favourite songs. Dance Fitness is for boys and girls of all ages. This class can either compliment your present dance school classes or be a brand new class for you.
HAPPY BODY STUDIO - PILATES & FITNESS - Pilates for all: Monday 18:00 & Thursday 9:30am. Kirkliston Community Centre.
Mum & Baby Postnatal Pilates: Thursday 11:0am, Conifox Adventure Park.
Personal Training & 1:1 sessions available. Pilates is a form of movement that emphasises the activation & strengthening of the core muscles. Pilates can help us improve movement, ease general aches & pains & strengthen our core & stabilising muscles. Everyone can benefit from Pilates. Very suitable for beginners. To learn more visit: www.happybodystudio.com
WINCHBURGH WARRIORS
NETBALL CLUB - We are a recreational netball club for anyone over 18. We will support you whether it’s your first time, or it’s been a long time - we got you! Sessions are every Monday 19:15-20:15 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £6 thereafter. If you have any questions, drop us an email info. winchburghwarriors@gmail.com
ABERCORN CURLING CLUB
- Play weekly on Tuesday evenings at Kinross Ice Rink from September - March with league games and competitions to take part in. All ages and abilities welcome, from beginners to those who’ve curled before. No equipment needed for beginners. Transport can be provided. Fancy a go? Taster sessions can be arranged. It’s active, social and fun. For more information contact abercorncc@gmail.com
YOGA - Whilst moving our bodies in a way that feels good is important, it’s not the only thing that can improve wellbeing. In this Yoga class there will also be breathwork, discussion, meditation and more. It’s not some obscure practice that only the limber and enlightened can do, this is for everyone who has an urge to connect with themselves and their community. 9am Saturdays,
Thomas Chalmers Centre, bookwhen.com/ramyoga Pay as you feel - £1-£10 per class
meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club ( (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk
FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN
SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD
CLEANFERRY - CleanFerry is a group of local volunteers dedicated to reducing the amount of litter in and around South Queensferry and Dalmeny. Evidence shows that cleaner environments have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and more widely benefit the community. Whether you want to do meet new people, do something with friends, gain credit for your Duke of Edinburgh or simply feel good about helping the community CleanFerry is keen to welcome new volunteers. If interested email cleanferry2@gmail.com
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
BABY AND TODDLER
- A volunteer garden team that maintains local areas through weeding and planting, as well as special projects. The group also enjoys tours, social outings and events together. Contact Neil mckinlayassociates@hotmail.co.uk
KIRKY CRAFTERS - Meet new friends and explore your creative side. Meet Thomas Chalmers Centre, The Square, Kirkliston. Fortnightly on a Monday except July and August. For more information please contact Ann on 0131 333 1834 or email ann_ denholm@btinternet.com
SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Breeze, 8. Reckon, 9. Ugly, 10. Subtract, 11. October, 13. Needy, 15. Twice, 17. Staying, 20. Pamphlet, 21. Aids, 22. Hovers, 23. Opened.
DOWN: 1. Tragic, 2. Deny, 3. Measles, 4. Probe, 5. Scarcely, 6. Forced, 12. Occupied, 14. Station, 16. Weapon, 18. Nodded, 19. Close, 21. Apex.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
GROUP - Thursdays 9.30am11.30am at the Church Hall on The Loan, SQ. Mums, Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all welcome. A small fee of £2.00 is payable to cover the rent of the hall and tea/coffee/cakes/ biscuits for the adults. Just turn up, or for more information join the Facebook group, search“South Queensferry Baby and Toddler Group”
WINCHBURGH ART CLUB
We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall. Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
friendly group that meets at the residents lounge at 40 Shore Road, Queensferry to enjoy various entertainments eg. quizzes, games, occasional guest presenters and tea/ coffee/delicious cake. First Wed of each month, 2.003.30pm. £2 per meeting. For more information contact Lorna Russell on 0131 331 5570 or email lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk
WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.
SUPPER CLUB - Run by Queensferry Care, for people with a diagnosis of dementia, or other cognitive impairment, and their carer. This could be a family member, friend or neighbour. This is a unique service in that we support both the carer and the cared for person. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal at The Haven (Queensferry) or a local restaurant. For information contact mail@qccc.org.uk
KIRKLISTON LUNCH CLUB
- Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Kirkliston Community Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Rd, Kirkliston EH29 9AQ. It is for any older person who’d like to meet and eat with others. The cost is no more than £5. Run by Queensferry Care, for more information please contact mail@qccc.org.uk
KIRKLISTON KNITTING GROUP - From beginners to experienced knitters. Meet at Kirkliston Library on Mondays 1.30pm. 16 Station Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9BE.
ACROSS: 7. Breeze, 8. Reckon, 9. Ugly, 10. Subtract, 11. October, 13. Needy, 15. Twice, 17. Staying, 20. Pamphlet, 21. Aids, 22. Hovers, 23. Opened.
DOWN: 1. Tragic, 2. Deny, 3. Measles, 4. Probe, 5. Scarcely, 6. Forced, 12. Occupied, 14. Station, 16. Weapon, 18. Nodded, 19. Close, 21. Apex.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 6
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
