November is a time for Remembrance, and this year our article takes a different angle - the Arctic Convoy Museum in the Highlands have contributed a biographical piece about a West Lothian resident who worked on the brutal Arctic Convoys in the Second World War. In her wine column, Joanne has remembrance on her mind too.
Local charity Queensferry Care are looking for support for their lunch and supper clubs, which make a huge difference to the lives of older people. See page 7, and whatever donation you can manage would be much appreciated right here in the community. If you are looking for an “instead of sending Christmas cards” cause to support, this would be ideal. They are also looking for sponsorship from local businesses for their wider services.
There are plenty of Christmas fayres and events on of course, see the What’s On page. It’s always good to support local causes and charities for whom there are important fundraising events - and you always find unique and interesting gifts too.
Thank you as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
Autumn sunrise over the
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
FROM
KIRKNEWTON
TO THE ARCTIC CONVOY:
ADAM LITHGOW
Adam William Pollock Lithgow was born in Glasgow on the 15th July 1915. As a young man he lived in the village of Kirknewton, West Lothian, and worked as a shepherd on farms in the Borders.
Naturally then, Adam was hardened and used to being outdoors in all kinds of weather. In March 1940, at the age of 24, he volunteered for naval service, enlisting for 12 years.
After initial training at Portsmouth and aboard the training carrier HMS Argus as a Stoker, Adam was assigned to HMS Forester (H74), an F-Class destroyer, the first of several destroyers he would serve on. It was aboard HMS Forester that Adam first experienced Arctic Convoy duties. Before he embarked on the most perilous of journeys, he married Ada (Barth) in February 1942, in Surrey.
For four years, more than 1,400 merchant ships under the
flags of 11 states completed their journeys to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk as part of 78 allied convoys, escorted by 441 warships. The convoys delivered vital supplies to the Soviet Union. They assembled in the waters of Loch Ewe and Scapa Flow. The summer route took the convoy high up into the Arctic Circle via Iceland, so as far as possible from Occupied Norway. In winter, the convoys were forced to sail on a more southerly route due to the extent of pack ice, much closer to the Norwegian coastline and German U Boat/ Luftwaffe bases.
The risks were enormous, not only from the threats posed by enemy shipping, mines
and aircraft but also due to mountainous seas and bitter cold. 85 merchantmen and 16 Royal Navy escort vessels were lost along with around 3,000 lives. It was for good reason that Sir Winston Churchill labelled the convoys “the worst journey in the world”.
In late March 1942, Convoy PQ14 assembled at Loch Ewe and sailed for Murmansk via Iceland. HMS Forester, with Adam aboard as ship stoker, was assigned close cover duties, along with HMS Foresight and HMS Edinburgh. One week in, they detached from the convoy to intercept and deter enemy destroyers. Only 7 of the 25 Merchantmen
made it to Murmansk. Most Merchantmen were damaged by pack ice and were forced to return to Iceland. SS Empire Howard was sunk by a German U Boat.
The return convoy (QP11) of 13 merchant ships and eighteen warships, including HMS Forester, sailed for Iceland in late April 1942. They were attacked first by Junker aircraft then by U boats. HMS Edinburgh was significantly damaged by two direct hits and ordered to leave the convoy and return to Murmansk, escorted by HMS Forester and HMS Foresight. But they were intercepted by German destroyers. In the exchanges that followed, all three ships took direct hits. HMS Forester suffered serious damage fore and aft as well as in the boiler room. Twelve men were killed, ncluding the captain, and another nine men were wounded. HMS Edinburgh managed to sink one of the German destroyers before she was struck again midship. HMS Edinburgh finally succumbed to a torpedo from HMS Foresight, once survivors had been rescued. HMS Forester limped back to Murmansk for temporary repair, subsequently arriving at Scapa Flow on 18th May,1942, whereupon she took passage to the Tyne shipyards for repair. It must have been an enormous shock to young Adam’s system to leave the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders and find himself north
of the Arctic Circle aboard a British warship. From the tranquillity of sheep farming to the horrors of war in the most hostile of conditions.
In World War II, a ship’s stoker was a member of the engineering crew responsible for maintaining the ship’s boilers, primarily by managing the coal supply and fire in the furnaces. This was a physically
It was for good reason that Sir Winston Churchill labelled the convoys “the worst journey in the world”.
demanding and dangerous job, often performed in hot, cramped, and dirty conditions.
The stokehold was a dangerous environment with intense heat, the risk of burns, and potential for explosions from boiler malfunctions. The confined spaces and the presence of coal dust also presented health hazards. Ironically, the “Shepherd of the Borders” would have been more equipped than most ratings to bear the freezing conditions in the Arctic Ocean, yet he would have spent most of his time below decks.
In December 1942, Adam joined the I-Class destroyer, HMS Impulsive (D11). He safely completed a further four Arctic Convoys in 1943 (JW53, RA53, JW54A and RA54B). JW53 is notorious for sailing through probably the worst weather of any convoy. Ferocious gales and mountainous seas took their toll on the convoy. Six merchantmen were damaged and were forced to return to Iceland. Even the light cruiser, HMS Sheffield was forced to return to port as some of her armour plating was ripped off by the wind and seas.
In January 1944, Adam transferred to brand new U-Class destroyer HMS Ursa (R22). Two months later, he found himself once again in the Arctic Ocean as HMS Ursa acted as escort to convoys JW58 and RA58. On 6th June 1944,
HMS Ursa was to be found on duty off Gold Beach, protecting allied forces invading Normandy.
Adam spent the next 12 months or so in the Indian Ocean and South Seas engaging Japanese forces. He subsequently went on to serve aboard HMS Comus, HMS Mull of Galloway, and HMS Jupiter.
During his service Adam progressed through the ranks to Petty Officer Stoker Mechanic (POSM). He ended his naval career with HMS Rattlesnake and was discharged in December 1953 after 12.5 years dedicated service.
Sadly, Adam died less than two years after his discharge from the Royal Navy, aged 40. After he left the service he had planned to take his family to New Zealand to continue his sheep farming but medical tests revealed that he had contracted bladder cancer.. Studies have shown that seafarers, including those
who worked as stokers, had a higher incidence of bladder cancer compared to the general population. This is likely due to exposure to various hazardous substances present in the maritime environment.
Adam is buried in Kirknewton. His widow Ada and young son Colin (aged 9) suffered much financial hardship after Adam’s premature death. They remained in Kirknewton until Colin married. Ada passed away in 2014 at the ripe old age of 101.
The “Shepherd of The Borders” served his country well. Adam completed eight Arctic Convoys in his 12.5 years of service, as well as supporting the D-Day Landings and fighting Japanese forces in the Indian Ocean. At 5 foot 4 and a half inches, Adam William Pollock Lithgow was
not a big man physically, but in character, and in industry, he was huge. He, and many other brave men like him, should never be forgotten.
The Arctic Convoy Museum has been working with remote volunteers to uncover stories in their archive. This piece about Adam Lithgow was written by one of the Arctic Convoy Museum Volunteers and submitted by Dr Karen Buchanan, Curator.
The Museum and Exhibition Centre near Loch Ewe is a lasting legacy to those who braved Arctic waters under constant threat of attack from enemy aircraft and u-boats. arcticconvoymuseum.org
Arctic Convoy Museum, Aultbea, IV22 2HZ
Sometimes we fall into relationships that suit us at a particular time in our lives. There are those childhood friendships based on sharing our secrets or that friend we made on the first day in our new job who took us under their wing. Then there are those friends we made when our children were small and we stood at the school gates waiting for the bell to ring. As life moves on our social circles narrow and it can be more difficult to encounter people through shared life experiences. But, maybe we find a new friend who is interesting and funny whose life is full of drama and we are the lucky one they choose to call when there is a new adventure in their life. This can feel exciting but the downside is that the relationship can settle down into a pattern, where one party talks and shares all their
issues and anxieties and the other listens patiently. This is fine if it suits both parties but the problems begin when resentment sets in and the friend who listens and is always available starts to feel put upon and resentful. When a relationship is out of balance we can start to seethe inwardly and decide that it’s all about them and not us. This can signal the breakdown of the friendship but, if we communicated clearly and found the courage to share our feelings honestly we could find that our friendships move onto a new and more equal footing and can be the supportive relationships we needed but hadn’t dared hope for.
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 orrganise.co.uk
SHOWER SAFELY WITH A BMAS BATHROOM
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NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the DECEMBER edition
ACROSS: 7. Type of fruit (6), 8. Opulence (6), 9. Touch (4), 10. Start (8), 11. Modified (7), 13. Impede (5), 15. Remove from home (5), 17. Water closets (7), 20. Calculation (8), 21. Horrid (4), 23. Male relatives (6), 24. Snub (6). DOWN: 1. Manufactured (4), 2. Horse’s fastest pace (6), 3. Observed (7), 4. Chubby (5), 5. Specialist (6), 6. Piece of jewellery (8), 12. Splitting (8), 14. Advisory group (7), 16. Cold (6), 18. Caring (6), 19. Slightly drunk (5), 22. Lie in wait (4).
NOVEMBER SUDOKU
Watch this SPACE
You may not have the luxury of space for a dedicated laundry room, boot room or pantry, but it’s still possible to create chic areas for kicking off footwear, doing the laundry or storing kitchen essentials. A local joiner will be able to help recreate some of the ideas here.
PERFECTLY PRACTICAL
PANTRIES - If you don’t live in an older property with a built-in pantry for storing food and kitchen kit, consider carving off a section of your kitchen, utility or hallway to create one. It can be small but should adjoin your kitchen so that grabbing an ingredient is quick and easy. You’ll need a sturdy worktop, shelves above and utensil rails and drawers below. If a separate room isn’t possible, a free-standing pantry cupboard (vintage or new) in the kitchen is a stylish alternative.
MAKE LIGHT WORK OF LAUNDRY
- A washing machine can be moved into a bathroom, landing cupboard with sliding doors, under the stairs, into a dressing room, garage or large cloakroom. This way, drying clothes and laundry paraphernalia can be kept out of sight, and you won’t have to listen to the spin cycle when cooking supper.
Budget allowing, it’s lovely to hide the washing machine – and tumble dryer, too, if you have one – behind sleek, built-in cabinetry. Add a waterproof worktop, a tiled splashback and a shelf above for detergents and other items. A tall space for storing the ironing board and hanging clothes is ideal, but you can get away with a rail attached to the bottom of a shelf for shirts. A great addition is a ceiling-mounted drying rack with a pulley.
SHOES, BOOTS AND MORE
- Even without a dedicated boot room, you can still create an organised way of storing footwear, coats and umbrellas in your hallway or a utility. If you haven’t got moppable flooring, add a washable rug. Consider tongue-and-groove panelling, tiles, tough vinyl wallpaper or a hard-wearing, wipeable paint for the lower portion of the walls.
A row of sturdy hooks is essential for coats. A high shelf above is handy for hats and how about a bench seat with storage of different heights underneath for shoes and boots? Just add a tall basket for umbrellas.
INSPIRATION: 1 ) Stylish free-standing pantry. This one has deep and shallow shelf space for bottles and jars, with drawers and a wine rack below. Chester double larder in Forest Green, £1,499, The Cotswold Company (www.cotswoldco.com) 2 ) A hand-crafted, bespoke laundry room is the ultimate luxury, with every element designed around your needs. This one is from Harvey Jones (www.harveyjones.com) 3 ) Transform a hallway with a painted storage unit. This one features a tongue-and-groove back panel with a row of five oak pegs and a bench seat with cubby holes below. Haldane hallway storage unit, £995, Cox & Cox (www.coxandcox.co.uk)
WHY DO GARDEN CENTRES BECOME CHRISTMAS EMPORIUMS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Visit any garden centre after October and you will be immersed in Christmas decorations, lights and gifts. This has become the norm in the last twenty years and customers sometimes moan that ‘Christmas’ has started too early, but they then go on to spend!
As we all start to stay indoors our gardening tends to be mainly tidying up and, apart from bulb planting, renewing our indoor plants and refreshing our patio pots, we don’t spend much on our gardens. Garden centres have wonderful teams and to hang onto them we need to find different jobs for them. So catering becomes very important, but not really what the gardening team would choose. So Christmas sales have become the norm, and
the team are brought indoors and become Elves for the last months of the year.
But whatever the weather, when we start selling Christmas trees the Elves have to put on their waterproofs and gloves and manhandle trees, unwrapping them for you to examine them as if you are buying a tree for life, and then rewrapping them to fit into your car. We are opening for three early evenings (Thursdays November 27th, December 4th and 11th) so our customers can enjoy coming out of town, with easy car parking and no crowds between 5pm and 7pm. The sparkle of Christmas lights will kick off an early festive season!
The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
NOVEMBER SUDOKU (HARD)
Crossword and Sudoku (EASY) can be found on p14. See p29 for solutions.
Pear and GingerBircher Muesli
Get your day off to a flying start with this flavoursome breakfast bursting with fruit, nuts, oats and seeds.
Serves 4 | Prep time 30mins, plus at least 4hrs’ refrigeration | Cooking time 2hrs 15 minutes
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe pears, diced
• 30g caster sugar
• 100g rolled oats
• 350ml almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp Opies Stem Ginger syrup
• 1 Opies Stem Ginger
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
To serve:
• 30g pecan halves
• Coconut flakes
Method:
1. Poach the pears by placing them in a pan with the sugar. Cover with water and cook on a low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the pears are tender. Drain and place in a bowl or jar in the fridge.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, pumpkin seeds and syrup, and grate over the ginger. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add the chia seeds and a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mixture. Mix everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the flavours to meld and the oats to soften.
4. Before serving, give the muesli a good stir and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired thickness.
5. Serve the muesli in bowls topped with poached pears, pecans and a scattering of coconut flakes.
For more recipe inspiration using the Opies range of products, visit www.bennettopie.com
There are moments in wine tasting that feel almost magical. When I nose a wine, it often unlocks a hidden door to memory. I’m reminded of Marcel Proust and his famous madeleine — that small, unassuming cake which, dipped in tea, transported him instantly back to his childhood. For me, it’s not a madeleine, but the opening of a bottle of wine and the aroma in the glass.
Our sense of smell is extraordinary. It can summon a long-forgotten moment in an instant. The perfumed scent of Viognier can take me to a summer garden, where the air hums with bees and the fragrance of honeysuckle drifts on the breeze. A glass of Chianti, with its black cherry and trace of wood smoke, recalls autumn walks through leafstrewn woodland, the smell of blackberry fruit and the comforting scent of burnt logs. These moments are deeply personal, yet wonderfully universal. When I’m presenting a wine tasting, I often explore the memory or image a wine evokes. My first question is ‘what season does it remind you of?’ This helps tasters identify a sensory theme that can lead to shared descriptors which help connect with the aroma of wine. We all know what burnt rubber, old leather, or wild herbs smell like, the art lies in finding the image that resonates. Each scent becomes a thread woven into the tapestry of flavour. Wine tasting, in essence, is an act of remembrance. It is a celebration of joy found in a shared, sensory moment.
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
The latest whodunnit by writer and director Rian Johnson, Wake Up Dead Man, is the newest instalment in the Knives Out franchise and currently the last confirmed sequel to the hit 2019 film.
Drawing inspiration from Father Brown mysteries and other eclectic murder mystery novels, Wake Up Dead Man cements the Knives Out series as one of the greatest modern trilogies and establishes Benoit Blanc as an all-time great film detective.
A murder has taken place on Good Friday: Monsignor Jefferson Wicks has been murdered, and the most obvious suspect is Father Jud Duplenticy, who is new to town. Enter Benoit Blanc, who will uncover the truth behind the lies to identify the true culprit.
Addressing contemporary issues such as political discourse, where people spew hatred for its buzz rather than genuine belief, Wake Up Dead Man explores themes of faith, belief, and why we believe. Rian Johnson walks a very fine line, being critical of religion without shaming those who believe in God. For Benoit Blanc, religion is a form of storytelling, and just like film or fictional novels, storytelling can carry emotional weight and alter our worldview.
Surrounding this meaningful storytelling is an incredible mystery with tantalising twists that kept me guessing until the final reveal. Gothically beautiful and accompanied by an amazing score, Wake Up Dead Man, aside from some pacing issues, is nothing short of incredible and a must-see for fans of the Knives Out series or anyone eager to satisfy their love of mysteries.
In select cinemas from 26th Nov and on Netflix from 12th Dec
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.
OUR 2025-26 AUTUMN/WINTER TALKS ARE OPEN TO ALL
Venue: Masonic Lodge, 3 Stoneycroft Road (next to Hawthornbank Community Garden)
Time: 7.30pm on Wednesdays listed below
Cost: Free to Queensferry Heritage Trust members. Annual membership £10 per person; entry on the night £5 per person per talk.
Contact: treasurer@queensferryheritage.org.uk for more information
22nd October
12th November
10th December
14th January
4th February
25th February
11th March
25th March
15th April
Draft Queensferry Place Plan, Julian Farrar or Gillian Smith of Ironside-Farrar
The Sea-Warm Story (water source heat pump technology), Professor Chris McDermott
My time with the Grey Funnel Line, a naval career 1965-96, Peter Collinson
The Queensferry Campus proposal, Councillor Margaret Graham, CEC
The Bridge Between Worlds, Dr Gavin Francis (Author)
Tam Dalyell and The Binns, Gordon Dalyell
Evolution’s Iceberg, Guy Douglas (Author)
11 Places You Shouldn’t Miss, Gillian Tait (Author)
AGM and Magic Lantern Show Featuring Forth Bridge, Frank Hay
Queensferry Heritage Trust (QHT) protects the heritage of Queensferry and promotes its potential; find out more at queensferryheritage.org.uk and QHT’s Facebook page.
QHT works closely with the Queensferry History Group whose members research, record and publish the history of South Queensferry and the surrounding area. Find out more at queensferryhistory.org
Queensferry Heritage Trust looks forward to welcoming you!
Contact: mail@queensferryheritage.org.uk
Queensferry Heritage Trust is a Registered Charity No SCO45644
SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
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
WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER
West Lothian History and Amenity Society - “Scottish Migrations to Ulster in the 17th Century”, talk by Dr John Young, Strathclyde University. 7.30pm, Mackinnon Scout Hall, Mill Road, Linlithgow. Non-members are welcome by donation. If you’d like to join the society (£20 for all seven talks), come to a meeting and speak to any committee member, or email us on wlhaas@hotmail.com
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
Christmas Fair at Winchburgh Parish Church - The Christmas Fair is always a popular event. This year there will be a variety of stalls, with some local crafters and charities adding to the popular church stalls including home baking and crafts, not forgetting the everpopular chocolate tombola. The coffee bar will be open during the event selling filled rolls, homebaking and refreshments including gluten free options. 10.00am – 1.00pm at Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT.
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
Linlithgow Antique Vintage and Collectors Fair - In Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road Linlithgow, EH49 6AG. Over 30 dealers will be selling jewellery, postcards, bottles, militaria, and all kinds of antiques, Ample free parking, disabled access and on site catering. Early entry 9.00am – 10.00am £2; Public entry 10.00am – 3.00pm £1. All proceeds in aid of Linlithgow Heritage trust.
THURSDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
Christmas Light Switch on in Queensferry - All updates and details at: facebook.com/ChristmasInQueensferry
Christmas Lights switch on details for Kirkliston not available at time of press, but updates are at: facebook.com/christmasinkirkliston
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE?
SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
Winchburgh Xmas Farmers Market10.00am – 1.00pm at Winchburgh Marina
SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
Rosyth Community Market - Artisan food, crafts and gifts! Street food and community cafe, free kids activities. Parkgate Community Centre, 10.00am – 2.30pm.
RNLI QUEENSFERRY
FUNDRAISING TEAM seek new volunteers to support local fundraising events and activities including bucket collections, Open Day and Christmas activities; time commitment is flexible. If you would be interested in learning more, please do get in touch: queensferry.fundraising@gmail.com
COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
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 SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUBDancing for adults every Thursday from September 11th until April in St. Andrew Hall, The Loan, South Queensferry at 7:30 – 9:30 pm. This is a fun way to exercise, meet new friends and learn a new skill. The first night is free then £4 per evening for non-members which includes refreshments at breaktime. Come and give it a try. For more information contact: queensferryscdc@gmail.com
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, 3.003.40pm, 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.
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.
SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD
9am Saturdays, Thomas Chalmers Centre, bookwhen. com/ramyoga.Pay as you feel£1-£10 per class 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
to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club ( (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk
FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN
- 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
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 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
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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.
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT
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.
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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
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
