Konect Queensferry March 2025

MARCH 2025

LOCAL HISTORY:

FOOD & DRINK:

LIFE COACHING:

The NEW monthly community magazine for Queensferry, Kirkliston, and Winchburgh

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CALA.CO.UK/SOUTHQUEENSFERRY Images shown are taken from The Almond Apartment at Queensferry Heights and feature fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in our homes. Images are used to suggest possible finishes that can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a Cala representative for further details. Photography has been enhanced in post production. Prices are accurate at the time of going to print. Telephone calls within the British Isles will be charged at local rate. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary. Calls may be recorded for training purposes.

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elcome to March, when it can feel that the winter has more than outstayed its welcome and we grab onto every sign of spring! I love Francine’s approach to it in her Life Coaching column this month – we can’t change the weather but we can change the way we think about it! Joanne in her wine column is also hastening the approach of spring with some springtime sips to try.

Queensferry, Kirkliston and Winchburgh were historically part of the Linlithgowshire and therefore were in the constituency of one of Scotland’s most extraordinary MPs, Peter McLagan. We look at his story in the Local History article this month.

With both Wales and Ireland celebrating national saints days in March, the Recipe looks at food from our Celtic neighbours.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: Peter McLagan MP: The ‘suffragetist in trousers’..................... 8-9 Puzzles..........................................................10 Life Coaching: End-of-winter cheer......... 11 Local Environment: Meet Kevin................14 Garden Project: Begonias..........................16 Recipe: Food from our Celtic Neighbours............................................. 18-19 Film Review...................................................20 Wine Tasting: Springtime Sips..................20 What’s On......................................................21 Clubs & Classes..........................................22

COVER IMAGE: Calm down!!

- see page 16 for some top tips for your window boxes.

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

Konect is delivered to 7500 households in Queensferry, Kirkliston and Winchburgh.

Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout the area.

It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe QUEENSFERRY | 3

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LOCAL HISTORY

PETER MCLAGAN, MP FOR LINLITHGOWSHIRE, SCOTLAND’S FIRST NON-WHITE MP, AND

“SUFFRAGETIST IN TROUSERS ” Peter McLagan MP, was an extraordinary local character, and the longestserving MP, next to Tam Dalyell, that this area had in 300 years. money from it, and he continued with his Peter McLagan was born in 1823 in Demarara, the then-colony of British Guyana agricultural interests - which ranged from the in South America. His father - also known types of manure to be used in growing turnips as Peter - jointly owned a plantation there. to the best measures to control disease in Of his mother we know nothing, only that cattle. We don’t know when or how his political his father had a ‘relationship’ from which he interests were aroused, but he was elected in and an elder brother, John, were born. As a 1865 as MP for the county of Linlithgowshire* result of a decision by the British Parliament – a position which he was to hold for the next to compensate slave owners after the twenty eight years, thereby making him the emancipation of ‘their’ longest serving MP slaves, his father next to Tam Dalyell came to Scotland with “His support for women’s that this area has had his sons where he in 300 years. suffrage earned him purchased the estates During his of Calderbank and parliamentary career the sobriquet of being a Pumpherston. was amongst the ‘suffragetist in trousers’ – he John studied to first to call for the become a doctor of a a rare honour indeed.” establishment at the University separate Minister of Edinburgh, and for Agriculture. He after graduation returned to Demarara where had a range of opinions on such topics as unfortunately he died in 1851. Peter also went the education of children in rural areas (he to Edinburgh University, where he cultivated a regarded rural education as every bit as great interest and knowledge of farming, both important as that to be found in towns, and practical and theoretical. Indeed, so esteemed when primary education became free in 1870 was he that he was invited along with several he wanted all educational endowments to be others to set up the “Scottish Agricultural made over to the State for the sole purpose of Association” – the first of its kind in the world the establishment of secondary education for and an exemplar for the English and all other the ‘poorer classes’); he called for the creation succeeding bodies. of the post of Secretary of State for Scotland and for that post to be a Cabinet one, as When his father died in 1860, Peter became well as for the number of Scottish MPs the Laird of Pumpherston. He invested in shale oil works although didn’t make any significant to be increased to reflect the growth in 8 | QUEENSFERRY

the Scottish population and the amount raised in tax in Scotland (he thought that there should be 70 MPs, which was near to the actual figure of 72 before the creation of the Scottish Parliament); or whether MPs who were atheists should still be allowed to take their seats in Parliament simply by swearing an ‘Oath of Affirmation’ (he thought that that should suffice – indeed, he admits that if he had his way, he would do away with all such oaths).

But even more controversial where his views on women’s suffrage. He believed earnestly that women should be given the right to vote and, more, that anyone who paid rates irrespective of how much they paid should be allowed to vote in local council elections. However it is his support for women’s suffrage which earned him the sobriquet of being a ‘suffragetist in trousers’ – a rare honour indeed.

There is no record of how many times he visited his constituents here, but what we can gather from newspaper reports of meetings he held in Bathgate, Armadale, Linlithgow and Bo’ness, to name a few, he is described as being a ‘household name’ and a man for whom there was no real need for an introduction since he was so well known to all them all – remember this is at a time when there was little in the way of mass communication, except newspapers.

That he was well thought of by his constituents is best exemplified by the outpouring of sympathy and compassion when he was declared bankrupt in June 1893. Although his income by his own calculations stood at some £4000 per annum, his annual expenditures were almost as much. In addition both he and his wife (Elizabeth Anne Taylor a widow whom he had married in 1876 but who died in 1882) were both known for their support of numerous charities and helped build various halls throughout the county. Mr McLagan fell in with bad company commercially speaking, and ended up over £110,000 in debt – an enormous sum in those days.

Whilst the Pumpherston estate was not listed as an asset, all his shares and farm were taken away from him and sold off to help pay his creditors. He was left virtually penniless and as a result of his bankruptcy resigned as the county’s MP on the 2nd June; only three weeks later his political rival for the past eight years Thomass Hope was elected in his stead.

Peter McLagan MP

A few weeks after his resignation and his bankruptcy a testimonial was organised to provide him with some means of comfort for his old age (he was already 70). Within a few weeks the sum of over £1800 was raised in his honour. The last seven years of his life appear to have passed in virtual anonymity, as aside from an obituary notice when he died on the 31st August 1900 there are no other reports.

He was buried in Mid Calder churchyard, and his funeral attended by various local ‘grandees’ was a dignified and solemn occasion; Lord Torphichen himself was one of the pall bearers. *Editor’s Note: Peter’s election as MP was directly related to his inheritance, which sprang from the compensation his father had received as a slave owner. He would not have been able to stand for election without the land holdings of a certain value.

This local history article was contributed by David Main, Bathgate.

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58mm Vertical [RIGHT] LIFE COACHING

MARCH CROSSWORD

Billy Connelly famously said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes, and there can be no argument with that, if what we are talking about is stepping out into the rain in shorts and sandals or going out in winter chills.

But, the issues that so many have with adverse weather conditions has very little to do with what is going on in the sky above us and very much more to do with what’s happening within ourselves.

Going out in the rain, even wearing the right clothes, can dampen more than our spirits but there are some simple steps we can all take to change how we think about cold and damp weather. Sitting by a window in the daylight or wrapping up warm and getting out of doors for half an hour sounds simple but it is a really good place to start and even finding a calming soundtrack of falling rain to support our meditation could change our attitude to the rain falling on us as we walk.

Maybe we will always prefer sunny weather and blue skies but changing how we think about the winter and developing a new attitude is surely better than wishing months of the year away while waiting for spring.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is available for appointments at Forth Physio, Queensferry, and at Linlithgow Chiropractic. She is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 10 | QUEENSFERRY

^^^ Solution in the APRIL edition

ACROSS: 7. Stylish (13), 8. Talking (8), 9. Remove (4), 10. Soaked (7), 12. Attacks with knife (5), 14. Crawled (5), 16. Scratched (7), 19. Female sheep (4), 20. Ten hundred (8), 22. Support (13).

DOWN: 1. Wealthy (4), 2. Sculpture (6), 3. Motors (7), 4. Protrude (5), 5. Accompany (6), 6. Achievable (8), 11. Slinging (8), 13. Dicken’s character (7), 15. Type of gun (6), 17. Presume (6), 18. Mixes (5), 21. Zero (4).

MARCH SUDOKU

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 23

Although there are limited official statistics to tell us how many people are actually suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the link between grey skies and mood is clear and it’s no surprise that a rainy day can have a significant impact on our mood.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Kestrels have been a bit of a sore spot for me when it comes to photographing them until recently. I’ve watched them hovering over a field, using their excellent eyesight to spot a mouse or vole scurrying around in the grass.

They can see in ultraviolet light, which allows them to see the urine trails around rodent burrows. They’re excellent hunters, and I watched this one stoop down from the tallest tree to grab this vole. Whilst they hover, they keep their head perfectly still.

It’s well worth watching a video of it as it’s quite incredible to see.

I’ve been lucky to have a pair hunting not far from my house recently. They were very confiding, allowing me to walk under them as they perched on an overhead wire, where usually they’ve been quite distant.

I’m not one for naming wild animals but my husband has christened this one Kevin.

You can tell it’s a male because it’s got a grey head, whereas the female is generally brown all over. They’re beautiful little birds and much like the foxes I saw last year, they come with a certain sense of nostalgia 14 | QUEENSFERRY

as they featured heavily in the Animals of Farthing Wood.

It’s always enjoyable coming across wildlife like this in such an urban environment and though I hope they might nest over the summer, it’s unlikely given it’s quite busy but you never know.

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

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

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of habits and colours, with different leaf colours as well.

Calm down!! In March we start getting requests for summer bedding plants like the petunias and tuberous begonias in this window box.

But they are too tender to go outside until late April, so resist buying them if you see them at the supermarket. Instead there are lots of tougher plants like pansies, violas and Senetti to cheer up your pots until the tender summer plants can start to fill your garden.

Tuberous Begonias, like these yellow ones, with their great range of colours, have become very popular in recent years, probably since busy lizzies became vulnerable to the dreaded busy lizzie downy mildew. Resistant strains of busy lizzies are now fighting back but we have fallen in love with the begonias because they perform so well in our gardens, in borders and pots. There has been so much interbreeding of begonias that has given us a great range

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If you have some of the unplanted hairy tubers you can start them off in little pots now but you must have a warm light space to grow them on until late April when you can start putting them outside. If you can’t offer them this protection just wait until they are available in garden centres at the end of April. They prefer not to be in full sun, enjoy regular watering and feeding and generally need no more attention, apart from your attention to sit back and enjoy their displays.

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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Two national saints days occur in March: St David of Wales and St Patrick of Ireland. It’s interesting to consider what traditional foods are connected with Scotland’s neighbouring Celtic countries. Both the political and social history and climate of Wales and Ireland have had huge influence on the crops and cooking of the people of these two lands.

Roman imports never influenced Ireland so food was limited to what flourished on this mild, Atlantic-weathered landscape. Oats, wheat and rye, a little later peas and beans, and then dairy cattle hence milk, butter and cheese became the staples and were very important exports.

By the 16th century potatoes arrived, changing the habits and the diet of the pre-industrial population and in time led to the disastrous reliance on this one crop, causing the famine and massive depopulation of the whole island in the 19th century.

Wales is more mountainous and has poorer soils and a harsher climate than Ireland; but it has land links with England and became heavily industrialised in the 19th century. However, people in the two countries had similar basic cooking utensils which led to similarities in

Ingredients:

• 1kg potatoes. Maris Piper or King Edwards are best • 100g butter • Salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg, a little oil

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes if you prefer but it is not necessary.

2. Bring to the boil in a pan of water and cook the potatoes for 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool a little till you can handle them.

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foods. These were a flat griddle and a three legged cooking pot which stood in the fire on the hearth. Hence stews, soups, flatbreads, cheese, autumn fruit and nuts with the addition of the occasional luxury of meat or game became the cuisine of both countries.

Potato cakes, leek soup, Cawl, Bara Brith and Laver bread (nori seaweed) are the traditional foods of Wales. The Irish are proud of their Irish stew, soda breads, pancakes, beer, corned beef (salt beef) champ, Boxty (potato bread), colcannon (bubble and squeak) and cheeses.

All these dishes are good to eat while the days are short and not too warm. They are comfort food at its best and quickest, using ingredients most people have to hand and do not take a great deal of work - just slow, gentle cooking.

3. Oil or well-butter an oven proof metal dish, put a sprig of thyme or some dried thyme leaves on the bottom of the dish.

Slice some of the potatoes and carefully arrange them in circles in the dish. Slice the rest of the tatties and gently mix together with the melted butter, salt, pepper, a little grated nutmeg and a bit more thyme. Turn all this into the dish and firm down.

4. Cover with a circle of non-stick paper and bake in a hot oven, 180o, for 1¼ to 1½ hours. Turn out to serve.

5. Serve with colds meats, grilled chops or fried sausages or black pudding.

Leeks are the national symbol of Wales and are worn in the headgear of the armed forces on St David’s Day. They are good eating at this time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 3 or 4 leeks sliced • 1 onion finely chopped • Chicken breast cut in 4 or 5 pieces • 3 or 4 rashers bacon cut small • 75g butter or some oil • 2 tablespoons plain flour • 3/4 pint milk, or mix of milk and chicken stock.

• Salt, pepper chopped fresh coriander, chives or parsley.

Method:

1. Peel the potatoes if you prefer but it is not necessary.

2. Bring to the boil in a pan of water and cook the potatoes for 3-5 minutes. Drain and cool a little till you can handle them.

3. Oil or well-butter an oven proof metal dish, put a sprig of thyme or some dried thyme leaves on the bottom of the dish.

Slice some of the potatoes and carefully arrange them in circles in the dish. Slice the rest of the tatties and gently mix together with the melted butter, salt, pepper, a little grated nutmeg and a bit more thyme. Turn all this into the dish and firm down.

4. Cover with a circle of non-stick paper and bake in a hot oven, 180o, for 1¼ to 1½ hours. Turn out to serve.

5. Serve with colds meats, grilled chops or fried sausages or black pudding.

• Depending on the time of year and family tradition: carrots, cabbage, kale, turnip, swede or parsnips

Method:

It’s a brave person to offer a recipe for this, as with most traditional food every family has its own way of doing it!

Ingredients:

• 1kg neck of mutton chops, chump chops or shoulder of lamb • 500-750g potatoes • 3 or 4 onions chopped • 100g pearl barley

1. Brown the meat in a little oil (not traditional), put in an ovenproof casserole dish and layer up on top whichever other vegetables you fancy.

2. Brown the onion in the same oil, then add it to the meat. Add the barley and seasoning. Some say white pepper is needed. Add water to just cover the contents of the casserole.

3. Slice the potatoes and layer on top to make a lid. Bake in a medium oven for 2 hours or till the meat is very tender and the potatoes are brown and crispy.

This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and can have pleasure preparing meals for their family and friends.

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WINE TASTING

British animation staples Wallace and Gromit returned to our television sets this Christmas with their latest caper, marking the first time the buddying duo have starred in a direct sequel.

While the previous films reference each other, this film continues the plot of the Wrong Trousers (debatably one of the best pieces of animation ever) as Feathers McGraw returns to steal the blue diamond yet again.

Aardman Animation’s previous film, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, was not my cup of tea, but Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is a return to form for the studio. It features their unique and always funny sense of humour and clever action set pieces that push the limits of stop motion animation.

Gromit is undeniably my favourite character in all of media; his facial expressions bring so much depth and emotion to a character that never barks, let alone talks, and the fact he can stand Wallace even after all these years is a testament to how much free accommodation will make up for his shortfalls. That is honestly my only criticism of this film - as per every previous film, that status quo ultimately resets upon the introduction and similar antics are brought to the forefront. Honestly, how many times do we have to see Wallace not believe Gromit? However, when Feathers McGraw and Gromit begin the chase scene on the canal boats, all is forgiven, and you fall back in love with these characters. A truly scrumptious film.

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

Spring is in the air! Buds are bursting into bloom and the evenings are stretching out. The change is season invites us to swap our bold, fireside winter reds for something fresher and brighter. Spring is a time of renewal, and your wine glass should reflect that!

This springtime, think zesty, aromatic whites; perhaps an English Bacchus, bursting with elderflower and citrus, or a crisp Albariño with notes of sea salt and sunshine. Rosé season officially begins, with Provence-style pinks offering delicate strawberry and lime notes which are perfect for a picnic.

As temperatures start to rise, look out for light, juicy reds. I really like Fleurie from Beaujolais, it has gorgeous floral label and the wine has delicious notes of raspberry and very light tannins. Beaujolais and cool climate Pinot Noirs can be slightly chilled, making them delicious pairings with cold cuts of spring lamb or asparagus dishes.

Wine tasting in spring is an experience all its own. The fresh air sharpens your senses, making floral and fruity notes pop!

To celebrate the arrival of spring, I will be drinking a glass or two of Fiano di Sicilia, a white wine made on the island of Sicily.

Fiano has a delicate floral nose, with a light perfume and bright citrus notes.

The acidity is fresh and clean, and the wine perfectly pairs with grilled fish or seafood.

Spring is fleeting, but a glass of this will make it last just a little longer!

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

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TECH DONATION BOX AT QUEENSFERRY LIBRARY until end March ‘25 Spring clearout? End of tax year tech upgrade? Don’t bin your old devices! Place them in the tech donation box at Queensferry library until and of March. Old tech is collected by the Edinburgh Remakery (www.edinburghremakery. org.uk) and wiped, refurbished or responsibly recycled. Your tech donation helps keep harmful waste out of landfill and refurbished devices are donated via a referral scheme to people who desperately need one. Queensferry Library, 9 Shore Road, South Queensferry, EH30 9RD

of fun. Seasoned dancer or beginner, everyone is welcome. The event will be held at Dalmeny Church, a beautiful venue that sets the perfect atmosphere for a night of dancing and merriment.

So grab your dancing shoes and get ready to reel the night away with us!Light supper provided, BYOB! 7pm, Dalmeny Church, Main Street, Dalmeny, EH30 9TT. Tickets £10/£5 via Dalmeny and Queensferry Church eventbrite page.

FRIDAY 28TH MARCH The 2025 Spring Concert - From the Bathgate Concert Orchestra. Conductor Steven Meikle.

ENTRY BY DONATION, 7.30pm, Winchburgh Parish Church, 1 Millgate, EH52 6TT. WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

SATURDAY 8TH MARCH Women in History (International Women’s Day) - Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of women throughout history at this event in Linlithgow Burgh Halls. A day of interactive workshops and engaging discussions.

Discover the remarkable women who have shaped our world and explore their lasting impact on society. Don’t miss this opportunity to honour the trailblazers, innovators, and leaders who have made history. Organiser: Women in History Funded by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Tickets free but booking essential (limited places) via the What’s On page at www.linlithgowburghhalls.co.uk SUNDAY 16TH MARCH Kirkliston Village Market - A village market serving locals with quality produce and products from independent businesses in and around Kirkliston. Third Sunday of every month, corner of Manse Road/Liston Place, 11.00am – 3.00pm.

See kirklistonvillagemarket.com FRIDAY 14TH MARCH Cèilidh Party - Organised by Dalmeny and Queensferry Church. Join us for a night filled with traditional Scottish music, dancing, and lots QUEENSFERRY | 21

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

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 follow ‘TatterhoodTales’ on Instagram 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 22 | QUEENSFERRY

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, 3.003.40pm, 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 FERRY HARMONICS - Singing group for P7-S6 pupils. Singing is a great way to deal with stress, boost your confidence and build new

skills in good company. We meet at the Queensferry Parish Church Hall, Fridays 16:00-16:45. Contact susan.mcphail@gmail.com or our Facebook page: ‘Ferry Harmonics’ 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 18:45-19:45 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £4 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 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 weeding and planting, as well as you want to do meet new special projects. The group also people, do something with enjoys tours, social outings and friends, gain credit for your Duke events together. Contact Neil of Edinburgh or simply feel good mckinlayassociates@hotmail.co.uk SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY about helping the community KIRKY CRAFTERS - Meet new CROSSWORD CleanFerry is keen to welcome friends and explore your creative new volunteers. If interested side. Meet Thomas Chalmers email cleanferry2@gmail.com Centre, The Square, Kirkliston.

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY Fortnightly on a Monday except BABY AND TODDLER July and August. For more GROUP - Thursdays 9.30am information please contact Ann – 11.30am at the Church Hall on 0131 333 1834 or email ann_ on The Loan, SQ. Mums, denholm@btinternet.com Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all SUPPER CLUB - Run by welcome. A small fee of £3.00 is Queensferry Care, for people payable to cover the rent of the with a diagnosis of dementia, hall, snack for little ones and tea/ or other cognitive impairment, coffee for the adults. Just turn and their carer. This could be up, or for more information join a family member, friend or the Facebook group, search neighbour. This is a unique “South Queensferry Baby and service in that we support Toddler ACROSS: Group” 1. Attach, 4. Asking, 9. Shorten, both the carer and the cared 10. Untie, 11. Extra, 12.ART Extends, WINCHBURGH CLUB for person. It provides an 13. Intertwined, Needing, 20.

Outer, We meet on18.

Thursday mornings opportunity to meet with others 22. Helps, 23.

Thirsty, 24. Rushed, between 9.30 – 11.30 in 25. Ceased. to enjoy an evening meal at DOWN: 1. Answer, 2. Trout, 3. Cottage, Winchburgh Community Hall.

The Haven (Queensferry) or a 5. Stunt, 6. Intense, 7. Grease,are 8. Investigate, Any level, any medium all local restaurant. For information 14. Needles, 15.

Idolise, 16. Anchor, welcome.

If interested, please contact mail@qccc.org.uk 17. Frayed,07980 19. Issue, 21. Tests. contact 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk KIRKLISTON LUNCH CLUB SOLUTION TO SUDOKU - Meets on the 2nd and 4th FRIENDSHIP CLUB - A Thursdays of each month ON PAGE friendly groupXX that meets at the at the Kirkliston Community residents lounge at 40 Shore Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Rd, Road, Queensferry to enjoy Kirkliston EH29 9AQ. It is for various entertainments eg. any older person who’d like to quizzes, games, occasional meet and eat with others. The guest presenters and tea/ cost is no more than £5. Run coffee/delicious cake. First

by Queensferry Care, for more Wed of each month, 2.00information please contact 3.30pm. £2 per meeting. For mail@qccc.org.uk more information contact Lorna KIRKLISTON KNITTING Russell on 0131 331 5570 or GROUP - From beginners to email lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk experienced knitters. Meet at WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS Kirkliston Library on Mondays CLUB - Would you like to 1.30pm. 16 Station Road, develop your speaking skills, Kirkliston, EH29 9BE. overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB Disclaimer: The publisher accept leadership skills, and cannot improve OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL responsibility for loss or damage caused your communication in a relaxed by error in the printing of an advertisement. DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, and friendly environment?

We do not endorse any advertisers in TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT Come along or send us a this publication. All material is accepted message toon find how for publication the out understanding it is NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Winchburgh Speakers copyright free. No part of this Club publication ARE FREE. THERE IS A can help.

We meet fortnightly may be reproduced without prior consent of SMALL CHARGE FOR theWinchburgh publisher. in Primary BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. School (from mid-August to Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. May). president@ SCOT FOR INFORMATION. GeddesContact: House, Kirkton North, Livingston, winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk West Lothian EH54 6GU. FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN Magazine Design: -Alan A volunteer garden team that Stewart Design T: 07729 911858 maintains local areas through

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Attach, 4. Asking, 9. Shorten, 10. Untie, 11. Extra, 12. Extends, 13. Intertwined, 18. Needing, 20. Outer, 22. Helps, 23. Thirsty, 24. Rushed, 25. Ceased.

DOWN: 1. Answer, 2. Trout, 3. Cottage, 5. Stunt, 6. Intense, 7. Grease, 8. Investigate, 14. Needles, 15. Idolise, 16. Anchor, 17. Frayed, 19. Issue, 21. Tests.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 10

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

QUEENSFERRY | 23