Konect Bathgate February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

bathgate

KING JAMIE’S BATHGATE SILVER MINES local New Year New Kitchen Plus businesses, community Services for Seniors information & more!

Property Matters

S& OFFER ERS H VOUC cal from lo ses s busine

The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

Furniture Furniture and and Interiors Interiors

50,000 50,000 SQ SQ FT FT SHOWROOM SHOWROOM

DON’T DON’T MISS MISS THE THE BARGAINS BARGAINS IN OUR WINTER IN OUR WINTER SALE SALE Sofas, Sofas, Dining Dining & & Bedroom Bedroom Displays, Displays, Desks, Desks, Bookcases, Bookcases, Coffee Coffee Tables, Tables, Lighting, Side Tables, Display Lighting, Side Tables, Display Cabinets Cabinets and some Antiques and some Antiques Bankhead Medway, Sighthill, Edinburgh Bankhead Medway, Sighthill, Edinburgh

Tel: Tel: 0131 0131 453 453 3222 3222 OPEN OPEN 7 7 DAYS DAYS www.shapesedinburgh.co.uk www.shapesedinburgh.co.uk

2 | KONECT BATHGATE

40

FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2017. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things Bathgate and West Lothian! We’re starting off with a local history feature. I spent a bit of time over the holiday learning about the excitement and drama - literally - in London when silver was discovered in the Bathgate hills, see pages 8-9. We’ve also been looking at services for seniors in West Lothian, and there is a feature on this in the West Lothian section of the magazine. And the new year is a good time to think about a new kitchen, so the home improvements column this month is about kitchen design. As usual you can find pretty much everything you need within West Lothian.

The regular Tesco Bathgate competition will be back in the March issue – Tracey has got plenty lined up for this year but I ran out of space in this issue to include the competition.

Thanks for reading Konect!

CONTENTS King Jamie’s Bathgate Silver Mines 08 Cats Protection 38 Herb of the Month 40 Clubs & Classes 44 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

Home Improvement Property Matters Charity – Cyrenians Parenting in West Lothian Food & Drink Visit West Lothian

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL3 WL10 WL16 WL21 WL22 WL24 46

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print.

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

Cover Image: Services for Seniors (see feature in West Lothian View)

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT BATHGATE | 3

t: 01506 510491 m: 07530 386202 ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS:

w: www.dbelectrics.co.uk e: duncan@dbelectrics.co.uk

Domestic

•

Commercial

•

Industrial

Security Lighting Fuse Box Replacements Fault Finding Testing & Certification General Repairs & Maintenance

Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Free Estimates • No job too small

Tel: 07585 509 811

Approved Electrician

Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com

All work guaranteed

71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

40 years experience

Livery LiveryStreet Street Bathgate BathgateEH48 EH484HS 4HS

Winter WinterService Service++ MOT MOT

£120 £120

with withthis thisvoucher. voucher.

Expires Expires 28th 28th February February 2017 2017

AACE CEEXH EXHAAUSTS USTS&&TYRES TYRES 01506 01506 630 630 694 694 AtAt Ace Ace Exhausts Exhausts and and Tyres Tyres wewe have have over over 2828 years years experience experience looking looking after after people people and and their their cars. cars.

From From our our fully fully equipped equipped garage garage in in Bathgate, Bathgate, with with our our time time served served mechanics mechanics atat Ace Ace wewe offer offer a wide a wide range range ofof services services forfor cars cars from from M.O.T’s, M.O.T’s, Servicing, Servicing, Tyres, Tyres, Exhausts, Exhausts, Timing Timing Belts, Belts, 44 Wheel Wheel Laser Laser Alignment, Alignment, Coil Coil Springs, Springs, Engine Engine Diagnostics Diagnostics and and much much more. more.

www.aceexhaustsandtyres.co.uk www.aceexhaustsandtyres.co.uk 4 | KONECT BATHGATE

Opening OpeningTimes Times Mon-Fri Mon-Fri: 8.30am : 8.30amtoto5.00pm 5.00pm Sat Sat: 8.30am : 8.30amtoto12.30pm 12.30pm

High quality timber garden products, log stores and wood fuels s

ng uildi B y a l On Disp le Now Sa Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops

Summerhouses

Children’s Play Houses

Dog Kennels Garden Stores

Zest Garden Furniture

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

Log & Tool Stores

Sold in small bags or giant bags

Garden Mulch Our New Polytunnel Drying Facility

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

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

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

KONECT BATHGATE | 5

Bathgate 01506 632123

E: info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk W: www.mandsauto.co.uk

FREE Winter Check Winter Tyres in stock M and N Catering

Royal British Legion 50 North Bridge St. Bathgate, EH48 4PP 07856 611425 mandncatering@yahoo.com

All functions catered for:

Funerals, birthdays, weddings, christenings, sporting and charity events, family gatherings and outside catering Pre-theatre meals, dinners & lunches.

Bookings being taken NOW.

Bar lunches served:

Thursday & Friday 12.00–3.00pm Saturday 11.00–3.00pm M and N Catering

6 | KONECT BATHGATE

SERVICING & REPAIRS • BRAKES EXHAUSTS • ECU RE-MAPPING TYRES • DIAGNOSTICS *Terms and conditions apply, cannot be used with any other offer, no cash value, call or check website for details.

KONECT BATHGATE | 7

LOCAL HISTORY

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

“OUR SHERIFFDOM OF LINLITHGOW” IN THE SPOTLIGHT When a local collier found some unusual stones at Hilderston, near Cairnpapple in the Bathgate Hills, he couldn’t have imagined the stir in London his discovery would cause – and the personal embarrassment of King James VI himself.

He took a sample of what he suspected to be silver ore to a well-known metallurgist and mining engineer in Leadhills, Sir Bevis Bulmer.

Bulmer was very excited; the silver potential was so promising that the landowner, Sir Thomas Hamilton, went ahead in early 1607 and took a mining lease for Hilderston from King James VI. In fact he took a lease for all mineral rights in the area, including Ballencrieff, Bathgate, Drumcross, Tartraven and Torphichen, and the king, with whom he was on friendly terms, made him “Master of the Metals and Minerals whatsoever within His Highness’s Kingdom of Scotland.”

Hamilton and Bulmer started exploiting the silver at Hilderston straight away. They were presumably smelting on site; we have no details of the process, except that an old map of area shows a smelter house and furnace at the mines.

The Bathgate discovery caused a lot of excitement in London. Four years 8 | KONECT BATHGATE

previously, shortly after his coronation in 1603 uniting the crowns of England and Scotland, James VI had expressed concern about the depletion of England’s silver mines, and had already discussed new prospecting projects with Sir Bulmer. Scotland had previously relied on English mines for silver; perhaps James was keen to prove what his native kingdom could contribute. Robert Cecil (Lord Salisbury) described the silver as “the best token that ever I received out of that kingdom, or any other kingdom of that quality.” The Crown

The King was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events automatically had rights to a tenth of all metal output and by the end of 1607 the Hilderston mine was reported to the Privy Council as making £500 profit per month. King James sent a commission to investigate and bring back ten tonnes of ore for testing at the Tower of London.

Hilderston was described as being “apparently inexhaustible.”

The first large samples of ore on their way to London were lost at sea in December 1607, but by February 1608 ten tonnes had been procured,

with Thomas Hamilton’s co-operation, barrelled and taken to the Tower for testing. Initial results were promising and by May 1608 Hilderston was taken over by the Crown and put under the management of Bulmer.

(The legality of the takeover was questionable and Hamilton was later paid £60,000 Scots in compensation – a rather good deal for him).

At the time of the Crown takeover, fifty nine men were employed at the mine producing ore from a single shaft which Bulmer had named “God’s Blessing,” because of “the wonderfull works of God, that he had seene, which never before, the like thereunto, within any of his Majesties kingdoms [were] known to be.” Another politician in London, Sir William Boyer, wrote in August 1608 that the mine “far exseeds annye that euer was in Garmanie.” In October 1608, the King imported miners from Germany and later from England. At least six further shafts were sunk.

In expectation of the large quantities of rich ore, a processing plant was constructed at Linlithgow and a significant amount of money committed. (The exact location of the plant in Linlithgow has been lost). The finishing touches were made to the smelting mill here in March 1609 - a boy was sent from Linlithgow to the mines at Hilderston to order metal to be brought to the mill, and wine, ale and bread was laid on for the “meltars and workmen at

PHOTO CREDIT: Kirkro ads Colle

ction

the Melting Mill, the first day they began to melt.”

1910: A postcard showing the site of the silver mine.

In the meantime, trials in England on the sample ore were still on-going.

The problem was they were returning different results for the yield of silver.

Very thorough testing using different methods by different experts indicated by December 1608 that things were not all as they had initially seemed. The ore was of variable quality. One trial reported: “Until the same redd-mettle came unto 12 faddomes (18m) deepe, it remained still good; from thence unto 30 fathome (55m) deepe it proved nought.” In August 1609 a further 400 barrels of ore were taken from Hilderston to London. Reading about all the trials, it’s almost as if they were desperately willing for some good results to justify the nationalisation - which was starting to look rash. It took a long time to accept that the mine was in fact exhausted almost before it started; the best silver had been near the surface, and Hamilton had already taken it.

Crown acquisition. The script of the play has not survived, but it caused a political furore as it included a slanderous representation of the King, his Scottish mine project and all his favourites. Three of the actors were imprisoned; the author fled.

James was furious and banned any other plays dealing with contemporary events.

As an indication of the high profile the Bathgate project had in London, a play called “The Silver Mine” was written and staged at Blackfriars Theatre in 1608, during the time that the mine was under consideration for

The accounts from May 1608 onwards demonstrate how unprofitable the nationalised silver mine was. Finally in March 1613 the Crown gave up. It was let to a private firm, and abandoned shortly

afterwards.

There was some mining in the same spot in the 18th century for lead and zinc. And an attempt in the 1870s to find nickel ore, but no metals of value were found and it was abandoned.

Today, you can see three depressions in the ground near the road which are remains of the 18th century shafts, and the ruins of a building which was associated with the silver mine. It’s a very quiet spot near Cairnpapple, and on a bleak day last month I enjoyed walking around the site and imagining the industry and excitement here, 400 years ago.

NOW: “Windy Wa”, the site of the silver mine as it is today.

KONECT BATHGATE | 9

FREE WINTER CHECK

FORMULA 1 Mot Centre Ltd

● BRAKES ● TYRES ● SERVICE ● EXHAUSTS ● REPAIRS ● MOTs MOTs only

£25 8 Bathgate Road, Armadale,EH48 2PE

01501 733773

MOT&Oil Service from

£69

website : www.f1-motcentre.co.uk email : f1mot@yahoo.co.uk 10 | KONECT BATHGATE

01506 635993

enquiries@meadowparkgarage.com www.meadowparkgarage.com

19A Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AB

MOT Servicing Tyres Repairs Exhausts Brakes Batteries

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

Local, reliable, professional

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

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

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

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

Don’tup replace - reface!

Save to 40% on price of a new kitchen Save up to 40% on price of a new kitchen

• • • • •

KITCHEN REFACING KITCHEN REFACING NEW KITCHEN INSTALLATION NEW KITCHEN- INSTALLATION BATHROOMS SUPPLIED & FITTED BATHROOMS - SUPPLIED & FITTED HOME IMPROVEMENTS HOME IMPROVEMENTS

KONECT BATHGATE | 11

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

Roofline

COMING SOON Bespoke Garden Rooms

FEBRUARY OFFER: 6 Windows for £2995.00 (fully fitted) Maximum size, width + height, of each window combined 3500mm, includes standard finish T&C’s apply, offer is based on white windows and a maximum 7 openers.

12 | KONECT BATHGATE

n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! We’re looking forward to another year of all things local, interesting articles, competitions and great offers from local businesses.

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

Please refer to page 3 for our contact details.

NEW YEAR, NEW KITCHEN! - Plan a new kitchen to suit your lifestyle and budget, and the hottest new hobs on the market SERVICES FOR SENIORS - we learned about just some of the services available for seniors and the fantastic work being done by volunteers in the community PARENTING - our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian PROPERTY MATTERS - if you’re buying, selling or letting in West Lothian, keep up to date via Turpie & Co’s Konect topical column VALENTINE’S DAY - suggestions from Visit West Lothian for Valentine’s Day in their regular column

Painting & Decoration Services

m ng ni ai gr w.

ww

David J Lane 01506 336446 07787 597382

m

co

g. in

bl ar KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1

Don’t Don’t move, move, improve. improve.

Create the lifestyle and space you want, Create the lifestyle andstress space want, without the cost and of you moving. without the cost and stress of moving.

Visit our showrooms, consult our award-winning designers Visit our showrooms, consult award-winning designers and see how ekco canour transform your home. and see how ekco can transform your home.

Begin your journey to a new space at Begin your journey to a new space at

EDINBURGH Unit 4 Abbey Lane Abbeyhill Industrial Estate Edinburgh EDINBURGH Unit 4 Abbey Lane EH8 8HL 0131 343Industrial 6007 Estate Edinburgh EH8 8HL Abbeyhill 0131 343 6007

k ekco.co.uk k ekco.co.uk

LIVINGSTON 54 West Main Street Uphall West Lothian EH52 Main 5DW Street LIVINGSTON 54 West 01506 West 857 007 Uphall Lothian EH52 5DW 01506 857 007

kitchens | bathrooms | bifolds | spacekube

WL2 | KONECT WEST kitchens LOTHIAN | bathrooms | bifolds | spacekube

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sleek and minimal Proline kitchen with side-by-side domino hobs

TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND BUDGET

If you’re planning a new kitchen think about what you want from it.

If you enjoy cooking and spend a lot of time there, you may want to set up a working triangle - a tried and tested layout for maximum speed and efficiency. This involves having your cooking surface, sink and refrigerator at each point of the triangle so you can move quickly between them. It may seem a tad rigid but when you’re entertaining guests you don’t want to be slaving away all evening while they enjoy all the fun.

If, however, your kitchen is more of a showpiece with the oven as a handy place to hide presents, then the working triangle doesn’t matter - as long as you have your Prosecco cooler in a handy place - you’re sorted!

Open-plan kitchen / diner becomes ‘broken-plan’ with the addition of an island

CHOOSING YOUR KITCHEN Set a budget. Be realistic but don’t be fooled into buying cheap; a good quality kitchen is an investment that will last for years. It can also add value to your home and deliver the wow factor should you ever want to sell Think about what you would prefer, not what you think will match the age of your property. A Georgian home can look quite stunning with an ultra-modern, minimalist kitchen, just as a new-build can be given a homely feel with a traditional style influenced by Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh What space do you have available? If your area is limited, a single line kitchen (all on one wall) can work best. It’s simple, straightforward and great for smaller budgets. If you have a large kitchen a U-shape can be the best for giving you maximum storage options.

If you have an open-plan lounge/ kitchen adding an island will not only give you more space it can create a welcome dividing line between the two rooms – known as ‘broken-plan.’ If you’re not sure about planning it yourself, a professional kitchen company will help you make the most of your available space, especially if you’re looking to change the shape, along with plumbing and power sockets

DID YOU KNOW? The hob is used more often than any other kitchen appliance.

Turn over for some options for stove-top cooking with the latest hobs on the market.

CONTINUED ON PAGE WL4 KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

GAS HOBS: Gas is still the favoured fuel of the professional chef. Boiling, simmering, searing and flambéing can all be controlled instantly. There are numerous gas hobs on the market, some with wok-burners which give an instant, intense heat for cooking stir-fries. You can buy a decent four-zone, gas hob with a wok-burner from trusted manufacturers for under £200.

ELECTRIC HOBS: Electric ceramic hobs look sleek and stylish and can deliver different cooking zones to suit the size of pots you use. They’re also easy to keep clean and you can own one from just over £100. The one downside is they don’t cool down as quickly as a gas hob when turned off. For this you’d need to look at a ceramic induction hob.

DESIGN • INSTALLATION • SERVICING • REPAIR

• Designer radiator and bathroom suite supplier • Design and install bathrooms, kitchens, boilers & heating • Offer finance on all installations • ‘Buy now, pay later’ scheme on boilers (0% APR if job is paid off within 12 months)

• Covering areas in central Scotland • Offer 10 years parts & labour warranty on all boiler installations

01324 578 559 | www.dmacservicesscotland.co.uk WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

CERAMIC INDUCTION HOBS: Ceramic induction hobs are ingenious. They look like ceramic hobs but are powered by an electro-magnetic field which only heats directly under the pot itself. This means the rest of the surface remains cool which is a real safety feature with little ones running around. The one downside is that it only works with certain pots but this doesn’t mean rushing out to buy a new set. Basically, if a magnet sticks to the bottom of your pot it’ll work with an induction hob.

DOMINO HOBS:

and/or

The new kids on the kitchen block, domino hobs can be added to as your needs grow. You can start off with a two-ring gas or electric domino hob, then add a wok-burner and even a tepanayaki hob. They all sit side by side like a row of dominoes and give you the ultimate flexibility in the kitchen.

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

07432 495 285 01506 300 190 info@create.scot

FREE ESTIMATES Friendly, reliable and helpful service

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL5

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

WL6 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL7

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Trustworthy, Friendly and Reliable • Fixed Competitive Prices • uPVC Door Repairs • Emergency Entry Locksmith • Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • Window Locks • Keypad Entry Systems

Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131 www.westlothianlocksmith.com

WL8 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

House Removals, Rubbish Uplifts, Store Collections, House Clearances, Student Relocations. Two man crew available and MUCH MORE......

0131 513 9558•07786 417 802 www.bestmanwithvan.co.uk

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL9

PROPERTY MATTERS

BY CRAIG TURPIE

Selling your home is only one component of the process, and for most it is not as exciting as the buying component

Many estate agents put substantial emphasis on their ability to find a buyer, and they highlight this as a primary reason to sell through them.

However, in many ways, finding a buyer in the current market is the easy bit! Most switched-on agents have access to most of the buyers in the market, either via their website, property portals like Righmove, Zoopla, S1 Homes as well as their sale boards or existing database of registered buyers.

But the issue is not actually about selling. For most people it’s about moving. Selling your home is only one component of the process, and for most it is not as exciting as the buying component. Yet agents continue to seek to impress prospective sellers with claims about their successes, their investment in technology, their advertising, etc. and how all of these will help clients to sell their home.

That’s fine, but what next? There seems to be a huge gap in estate agency service that provides the reassurance WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

homeowners deserve when they are moving. A significant number of sales fall through prior to missives concluding and the chances of a sale failing to complete can be considerably reduced if the seller’s agents are as concerned about the whole move in context as they are about the sale in isolation. So often, it is issues relating to linked sales or purchases that can be the cause of problems, be they legal, structural or emotional.

An Estate Agents aim should be to make the process of buying and selling the celebration it should be, rather than the daunting process it often is. So when you are considering which Estate Agent to trust with the sale of your home, choose one who’s as interested in your moving plans as they are in your sale. Because that’s what relevant service is all about!

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

““

The difference The difference between a good between a good agent and an agent and an exceptional agent exceptional agent is choice! is choice!

””

NEW NEW SALES SALES PACKAGES PACKAGES

We offer a comprehensive range of sales & marketing We offer a comprehensive of in sales marketing packages for whereverrange you are the&market. packages for wherever you are in the market.

The options may vary but never the award winning personal service and commitment to but achieving the award very best price personal for your home.

The options may vary never the winning service and commitment to achieving the very best price for your home.

Tel: 01506 668448 | www.turpies.com Tel: 01506 668448 | www.turpies.com

WINTER SPECIAL

Aberdein Considine is offering a special gift to people thinking of selling their home this winter – a free Home Report worth hundreds of pounds.

Between now and March, anyone putting their property on the market through our estate agency branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow Shawlands, Glasgow West End, Newton Mearns, Perth, Stirling and West Lothian will have their Home Report cost covered in full.

This saves you nearly £450 on the typical property listed with a value of £150,000. The saving is far greater on more expensive properties and could take nearly £1,000 off the cost of selling at £500,000.

Also, we don’t charge any upfront fees – meaning you won't have to pay a penny until your property is sold.

Why sell with Aberdein Considine?

At Aberdein Considine, we have been selling homes across Scotland since 1981.

FREE HOME REPORT

N UPFROO FEESNT

As a seller, we can offer you the support of some of Scotland’s most experienced property professionals.

Their experience, together with our unique marketing approach, will help you reach more buyers and secure the best possible price for your property.

visit e full details -do/ apply. To se we conditions roperty/page/whatd an s rm Te dco.com/p omereport www.acan freeh

Here’s how:

n We’re big online and on the ground – between our own website and social media, our properties reach almost two million people every month. We also offer national coverage for your home on the high street thanks to our network of 18 offices around Scotland.

n Unlike traditional estate agents and online agents, we can list your properties on major property portals and solicitor property centres such as the ESPC, GSPC and PSPC.

n We have a bank of more than 2,000 people looking to move home. These applicants will be matched to your property if it meets their criteria. n We can offer national press advertising packages in Scotland’s best-selling quality newspapers.

Book a valuation today!

To book a free, no obligation valuation, call 0333 0066 333 or visit www.acandco.com/property/valuemyproperty

we know how the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com WL12 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

LUXURY

LEISURE & FITNESS NEW YEAR ...

NEW YOU Made a new year resolution to get fit and lose some of the pounds you piled on over the festive period?

Then take advantage of our Leisure Club membership offer and start the year as you mean to go on.

Contact our Membership team for more information and for a no obligation showround. There are no contracts and no joining fees, so no minimum commitments required.

Join today and receive your first month FREE and second month HALF PRICE!*

dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk

0131 335 8012

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL13

fo

r 2 BO 0 OK uo 17 N te a Ko nd O ne s W ct av ad e 12 1 1 0

(q

7)

WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

%

FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

OLDER PEOPLE ACTIVE LIVES Getting out and meeting people – new friends and old friends – is something most of us take for granted and it’s essential for a healthy, happy life.

But many people, especially older ones, can encounter barriers. A lack of confidence and feeling lonely if you have no-one to go with, or just not knowing where to start meeting people, can stop you from being able to get out. The problem of loneliness been increasing in recent years, with families becoming more dispersed as people have to move further afield to find work, and the range of services provided by councils has had to be reduced. It’s a crippling but almost invisible problem to suffer from. One local lady describes how low she had got on her own,

I kind of slumped, I wouldn’t open the curtains or pick up the phone.

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

The Cyrenians charity have partnered with the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to provide befriending services to older people in West Lothian. Their new OPAL (Older People Active Lives) scheme helps people who would like to increase their confidence, reduce loneliness and meet new friends. The Cyrenians have been working with people who are excluded from family, home, work or community, for whatever reason, for many years, and in their experience many problems can be traced to social isolation - people feeling disconnected from their local communities. Befriending is a way of preventing this. The following services are delivered via team of local volunteers: One to one support: Volunteers make weekly home visits which both the volunteer and their buddy really look forward to. And besides enjoying the visits for their own sake, the aim is to get to a stage where the older person can get out to groups and start to develop their own local friendships. Volunteers will help identify what groups may be of interest, and accompany their buddy initially if necessary until they are confident to attend by themselves.

They can also offer support to build confidence with using public transport or shopping independently following a fall or a stay in hospital.

Telephone support: a weekly friendship call, for a chat and check-in and help build a trusting relationship.

Groups: Besides helping people access the many groups that already run in West Lothian, OPAL also organises several groups for the over 60s to meet new people and strengthen friendships whilst getting out and doing something they enjoy.

They try not to duplicate activities that are already available, but to add to the range available and are always looking for new ideas. Their groups include a fortnightly Nibble and Natter Digital, Singing for Health, and a book group. There is support to maintain regular attendance.

After meeting a befriender and spending a few months gently re-integrating into the community, the lady quoted above says,

My befriender saved my life… This gives you a future - I didn’t think I had a future.

Are you interested in joining our team of volunteers? Our contact details are on the opposite page >

VOLUNTEERING Our team of local volunteers are essential to the success of services. We are always looking for more to join us! If you could help by lending us your time and skills to make a real difference, please get in touch via the contact details below.

One of our volunteers, Laura, says,

Singing for Health Above: The Singing for Health group is run in partnership with Ageing Well, at the Ability Centre, Carmondean fortnightly on Wednesdays 2.30-4.00pm.

Information: Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Registered Charity No. SC011052.

Below: Nibble and Natter is held fortnightly on Wednesdays 1.30-3.30pm in Royal Scot Court sheltered housing on Academy Street, Bathgate.

I look forward to going to see Mary.

It gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are actually helping somebody. She lights up when she sees me, it’s lovely and it makes me feel better as a person.

GET IN TOUCH If you or someone you know in West Lothian is over 60 years old and in need of help with their social life, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact OPAL, (01506) 815 815 Nibble and Natter

opal@cyrenians.scot

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

SENIORS FEATURE

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUBS

MOOD - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

We’re here to help you get more from your computer/ laptop, iPad/tablet or phone/smartphone devices.

Mental Health Options for Older People with Depression.

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs is run by volunteers to assist over 50’s with their devices. Volunteer tutors will help you find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share!

We aim to help prevent or alleviate mental health problems through participation and social interaction in a group setting. Group activity can help to combat isolation and loneliness, and build self-esteem and confidence. The range of activity and discussion groups include art, games, quizzes, reminiscence and discussion, and we also offer support to link with partner organisations to offer other courses.

We meet weekly at various locations in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

West Lothian branches meet at: Bathgate: James Young Bar, Hopetoun Street Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon Contact : Chris Cosgrove (Bathgate Computer Club) Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Linlithgow: Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Rd Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm Contact: Dougie Baird (Linlithgow Computer Club) Call 07929 120129 or just call in.

Livingston: Muffin Break Café, Almondvale Centre Tuesday mornings 10am - 12 noon Contact: Chris Cosgrove (Livingston Computer Club) Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Referrals are accepted from health and social services voluntary organisation, carers and individuals. Following a referral an appointment will be arranged to meet with the person concerned and, where appropriate, their carer/(s)/family, to explain the project and assess individual need. MOOD also assists carers by signposting other services and agencies which may offer information and support.

For further information or to make a referral, please contact Caroline Donaldson, Project Leader, Paula Lally or Liz Shaw on 01501 749974.

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (An answerphone service is used outwith these hours.

Staff will contact you as soon as possible) Email: moodproject@tiscali.co.uk Address: The MOOD Project, Reveston Lane, Croftmalloch Road, Whitburn, EH27 8HJ

SCOTTISH CHARITY No. SC028944

For more information: Please visit: sscc-scotland.wixsite.com/seniorscomputerclubs or Find us on Facebook

WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

WINTER SALE NOW ON! YOUR LEADING MOBILITY AND STAIRLIFT RETAILER Ableworld Broxburn stocks a very wide range of products including larger items such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs but also many smaller items to help with day to day tasks. The aim is to help people to lead easier, more comfortable and independent lives.

FREE STROLLEY TROLLEY (WORTH OVER £40)

*WITH ALL RISER RECLINER CHAIRS £550 AND OVER PLUS 6 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE ON ALL SCOOTERS, POWERCHAIRS, WHEELCHAIRS AND RISER RECLINERS Pa Fre rk e in g

BROXBURN ABLEWORLD 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN

Tel: (01506) 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk Formally Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to Industrial Estate

Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk facebook.com/

ableworld

twitter.com/

AbleworldUK

www.ableworld.co.uk

Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser NHS Vouchers Welcome Where Applicable *VAT Exempt - Ask in Store for Details. MRP - Manufacturers Recommended Price. Previous Price - Sold for 28 Days in Last 6 months at our Nantwich Store Insurance/Warranty is arranged by Ableworld UK Ltd and provided through Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care, Premier House, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 9SN who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN 308390.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

BY NICOLA JENGAENGA

tame the wiry thicket of a future world-class tobogganist without having your eardrums burst Given that photos of my other half and my delightful progeny are sometimes published alongside the text of this column, it may not have escaped your notice that my kids are mixed race. More specifically they are half-Scottish, half-Zimbabwean – which means a number of things…

more professional solution is now required. But where to find a barber of sufficient moral courage to pit his wits, hairdressing equipment, and professional reputation, against the might of QuasiZimbabwean locks?

1. They have mildly interesting names – Quinton and Penelope (Zimbabweans love a good classic, old-style name).

We had heard from a friend that TopCuts, situated opposite the open-air Greggs in the Livingston Centre, (and their equipment) might be made of sterner stuff, and we set out to get our eldest neatly shorn.

2. They are DEFINITELY getting pushed into doing winter sports as they get a bit older, how many others will be eligible to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics in downhill-skiing, skelton, or toboggan?

3. They have the most unmanageable hair that you can imagine, and its taming and coaxing into a halfway understandable style is a tiring daily job.

Quinn’s hair is particularly unruly – its consistency is something close to a brillo-pad that has been recently run over by a lawn mower, and it grows like a weed. This means that every so often this has to be tackled by a visit to a hairdresser.

Until now we have managed to hack bits off in a vaguely symmetrical way while he has been sleeping, but a

It started off promisingly, with the friendly barber inviting Quinton to sit on the special booster seat, and making a big fuss of him. He wasn’t a fan of the big cape to wear and even less a fan of the clippers as their buzzy, loud, teeth came close to his ears and his hair started falling to the floor!

Slight chaos ensued as we tried to bribe Quinton with a phone, a tablet, and snacks – but all of our go-to tactics to calm a melt-down were to no avail.

Quinn struggled to his feet on the barber’s chair, nearly rupturing other patron’s ear-drums with his screaming and crying, but with heroic persistence the determined barber continued to cut his hair. She

never became impatient or exasperated, continuing to coo softly to him that he was a good brave boy as she clipped and snipped. He calmed right down when she started to sing nursery rhymes to him and he hushed a little to listen.

The end result was a beautifully shorn boy, a happy mummy and daddy, and a crowd of waiting onlookers who had just witnessed their first incidence of what can only be described as extreme-barbering.

Well done TopCuts!

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the ever-evolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

FOOD & DRINK

11TH – 15TH FEBRUARY 11TH – 15TH Popeseye SteakFEBRUARY (160g approx) with choice sauce Popeseye Steak of (160g approx) + Side Dish with choice of sauce + Box of+Sea Salt Praliness Side Dish + Bottle of Calogera Prosecco* + Box of Sea Salt Praliness (white or rose) + Bottle of Calogera Prosecco* (white or rose)

£25.00 £25.00

*Also available with Cairn O’ Mohr non-alcolholic sparkling wine *Also available with Cairn O’ Mohr for £20.00 non-alcolholic sparkling wine for £20.00

Tel: 01506 830 716 www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk Tel: 01506 830 716 Hopetoun Farm Shop is located www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk next door to New Hopetoun Gardens Hopetoun Farm Shop is located on the A904 near Newton next door to New Hopetoun Gardens on the A904 near Newton

WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

February is a strange month for food.

There are no traditional celebrations with special food to look forward to and the new harvests of spring feel miles away. The weather can be cold and the days still seem short; a time when comfort food is needed.

Even in the 16th century the British had a poor reputation for food with French cooks who thought we used too much butter on our vegetables. Fine words count for little but before potatoes became our staple the root veg selection was limited and all of them were the better for some buttering up...flattery.

So we need to look to our roots. Carrots, celeriac, swedes, Jerusalem artichokes, beetroot, sweet potatoes, parsnips and spuds. There are also winter leaves to enjoy such as leeks, chicory and onions and, in neither category, butternut squash. All these can be roasted; indeed a mixture of root vegetables drizzled with oil and a little thyme make a perfect accompaniment to any grilled, baked or roast meat. If there are any leftovers they can become a warming lunchtime soup with the addition of a fried onion and stock from a cube and perhaps some red lentils.

Layering up thin sliced root veg and cooking them in a shallow dish in the oven is another good way to enjoy them. Butter, milk, cream, orange juice or stock will each give a different result. Good seasoning with black pepper, salt and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, lemongrass or ginger make the gratin more interesting. Bread crumbs mixed with a little strong cheese scattered on top will give a crunchy texture to the finished dish.

Some good combinations are:- Sweet potato and potato with milk and cayenne; carrots and parsnips with stock, parsley and ginger; beetroot with orange juice and thyme; potato, cooking apple and fried onion with dripping or butter; celeriac, black pepper, lemongrass

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

we need to look to our

and creamy milk. And not to be left out, Bubble and Squeak -mash, cabbage or any other green leaves. All these need to be baked in the oven at 160oC for about 40 minutes. You can cheat slightly by pre heating the sliced veg for a few minutes in boiling water, draining well and then layering them as you please.

Butternut squash was recently being sold sliced thin and suggested as a substitute for lasagne. Since it was reduced I bought it and tried it, layered up with spinach in a nutmeg white sauce. This is a good way to use this lovely squash.

Leeks or chicory are good blanched, baked in a good cheese or béchamel sauce and eaten for super with a baked potato. If you wrap either veg in a slice of ham and then bake it you have a more substantial meal. 30 to 40 minutes in a hot oven is needed.

Ambrose Heath, the great early 20th century food writer, has this dish in his chapter for February, which is also good with root vegetables.

RECIPE

Gammon baked in milk • 6 gammon rashers (1 per person) brought to a gentle boil for 10 minutes in water (Total weight about 850gm) • Teacup (half a mug full) bread crumbs • 3 level teaspoons brown sugar • Teaspoon mustard • Teaspoon Worcester sauce • 1 yolk of egg • Milk

atin Gcoldrweather comfort food

Butter a shallow baking dish. Lay the dried gammon in and cover with a paste made from all the other ingredients except the milk. Then add enough milk to not quite cover the meat. Bake at 150oC for 3545 minutes. Top up the milk if it looks to becoming dry. This is good with mashed potatoes with the zest and juice of an orange added.

If you need more inspiration for roots there are dozens of recipes for their use in breads, patties, chutney, scones, jam, pickles, tarts and puddings.

And there is always Gardener’s Pie… Shepherd’s Pie without the meat.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

Outside Catering Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering, supplying not only the food but staff and an outdoor bar.

From simple buffets for small groups all the way to multi-course meals for large numbers, we are happy to work with you to provide the perfect catering solution.

Delivered to your chosen venue or your own home, we will work with you on menus to impress, and help you to deliver an enviable experience.

Contact us now events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations @Food_Creations

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

LOVE IS IN THE AIR... IN WEST LOTHIAN! February is the month of love, so why not enjoy a romantic Valentines Day with your loved ones in West Lothian?

With great restaurants to have a romantic, candle-lit dinner, fantastic walks for a loving stroll, you are never short of something to do with your loved ones in West Lothian!

With a great variety of restaurants in West Lothian, you are sure to find something that both you and your loved one can enjoy. From rural restaurants, to country pubs, trendy bars and cute cafĂŠs, you are sure to have the most romantic meal this Valentines Day in West Lothian.

After your fabulously romantic dinner, why not take a stroll in the fresh air, and enjoy some quality time together taking in West Lothian’s scenic views. Take a wander around Linlithgow Peel and appreciate the stunning views over the loch and areas surrounding WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Linlithgow Palace. Enjoy a wander through one of our many country parks, from Almondell and Calderwood to Beecraigs Country Park, there is just so much choice!

Alternatively enjoy an adventure-packed day and try some crazy golf at Paradise Island Adventure Golf or take a day trip to Five Sister Zoo and meet a wonderful variety of animals!

There is so much to do in West Lothian, to plan the perfect Valentines Day for your loved one, take a visit to our website and find the restaurants, walk, activities and events for you.

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Facebook: VisitWestLothian Twitter: @teamwestlothian

2017/18 2017/18 WEDDING WEDDING PACKAGES PACKAGES All prices for 75 day guests / 150 evening guests All prices for 75 day guests / 150 evening guests

WINTER WEDDING WINTER WEDDING January, February & March

January, February & March 2017 2018 2017 2018

£3595 £3795 £3595 | | £3795 WEDDING WEDDING PACKAGE PACKAGE 2017 £4595 | 2018 £4795 2017 £4595 | 2018 £4795

ALL ALL INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE PACKAGE 2017 £7795 | 2018 £7995 2017 £7795 | 2018 £7995 All prices inclusive of V.A.T. All prices inclusive of V.A.T.

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS COMEDY NIGHT COMEDY NIGHT WITH JO CAULFIED WITH JO CAULFIED as seen on Michael McIntyre’s as seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow Comedy Roadshow

6th May :: Tickets £30 6thincludes May a::3 Tickets £30 Course meal

a 3 Courseovernight meal £110 perincludes couple including stay £110 per couple including overnight stay

GREASE VS GREASE VS DIRTY DANCING DIRTY DANCING TRIBUTE TRIBUTE

20th May :: Tickets £35 20th May :: Tickets £35

includes a 3 Course meal a 3 Courseovernight meal £120 perincludes couple including stay £120 per couple including overnight stay

KONECT BATHGATE | 37

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

MAC | FEATURED CAT Mac has just had his first birthday and is looking for his forever home. A playful chap, he occasionally gets overexcited which can lead to a wee nip. For that reason he cannot be rehomed with young children. He would particularly like a home with a garden where he could feel the grass beneath his paws and chase the leaves.

Being able to burn off his energy whilst exploring a new outdoor environment might be just what he needs to curb his occasionally exuberant behaviour indoors.

He also enjoys spending an hour or two on your lap, cosying in on these colder afternoons. He may be ok with other cats but most of all would benefit from having someone around a lot of the day to give him lots of attention. Mac has been fully health checked, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. A home visit can easily be arranged.

Call 01506 298107 or “Contact Us� at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian

38 | KONECT BATHGATE

75

Call now to boost your business

01506 654683

Every b us associa iness, tio or comm n, charity u is uniqu nity event e and

so sho uld you r deliver y syste m be!

r in live est e d We rgh, W ow sg nbu Edi an, Gla i Loth ut abo s u s k - as er area oth

■ Bespoke delivery routes ■ We don’t just deliver, we give you results ■ Discounts for community-based events, associations and charities ■ Unrivalled follow-up service

14/3 Blackburn Road, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH28 2EY

KONECT BATHGATE | 39

HERB OF THE MONTH

URTICA DIOICA The humble nettle (Urtica dioica), well known for its sting, has long been appreciated for its medicinal uses.

The fresh chopped leaves used to be applied as a plaster to septic wounds and the juice to stem nosebleeds.

The Romans were keen on using nettles for ‘urtication’ (beating yourself with nettles to encourage blood to the surface!) which they did to keep themselves warm.

Fortunately these days we can simply turn the heating up, although nettles are still employed in the 21st Century herbal dispensary for many modern day complaints. I find them especially useful for allergic reactions such as hay fever, for insect bites and itchy skin conditions such as urticaria (hives).

My favourite use for nettles though is as a cleansing, detoxifying herb. Ideal at this time of year when we could all do with a bit of an ‘internal spring clean’. Its gentle diuretic action can help to eliminate waste products whilst at the same time filling you up with the goodness of its high levels of natural calcium, potassium and iron – the perfect spring tonic!

Herb of the Month is contributed by Annette Greenfield www.greenfieldherbalist.com

Mobile Mobile Beauty Beauty Therapist Therapist Itec Qualified Itec Qualified

Beauty Jem West Lothian area West Lothian area Contact: Jemma 07540 096 176 Contact: Jemma 07540 096 176 Find us on Facebook for further details Find us on Facebook for further details

The Clean Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross

Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit.

Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100

CLOSING DOWN SALE

30% OFF ALL STOCK TIARAS 15% OFF ALL READY MADE JEWELLERY Beads and findings massively reduced

EVERYTHING MUST GO

● Beads, charms, findings & stringing materials ● Handmade genuine gemstone and costume jewellery

Specialising in herbal medicine & tonics tailored to your specific needs

● Bridal tiara's and jewellery ● Custom made service available

CLOSING ON 25th February

www.greenfieldherbalist.com Call now for an appointment:

01506 842888 or 0777 3013357 annettegreenfield@gmail.com

5 Royal Terrace, Linlithgow EH49 6HQ

40 | KONECT BATHGATE

47 North Bridge Street, Bathgate

01506 639449

MandAJewellery@gmail.com www.facebook.com/mandajewelleryandbeads

Home-Start West Lothian Cameron House, 13a Fairbairn Road, Livingston

01506 415755

www.homestartwl.org.uk Home-Start West Lothian has a proven track record of providing quality support and friendship to vulnerable families in their own homes and communities through volunteer befriending.

We seek people who understand how difficult it is to be a parent and can spare 2 or 3 hours per week to support a local family Or if you would like to join us in our new venture, we are also looking for volunteers to help in our new charity shop which is opening soon Training and on-going support are provided, travel expenses paid

Next training course for home-visiting volunteers will start week beginning 13th February (date & time tbc) It runs for 8 weeks, 3 hours/week.

For an informal discussion or to apply for an application pack please call Carol-Anne Fordyce on 01506 415755 or email admin@homestartwl.org.uk

Home-Start West Lothian is committed to equal opporunities PVG Scheme membership is required Scottish Charity No SC 029770 Company limited by Guarantee 280852

KONECT BATHGATE | 41

Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the West Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to the Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital to serve serve theWest West Lothian Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

• We offer specialised veterinary services offerspecialised specialised veterinary services inWe Orthopaedic surgery, Endoscopy and • • We offer veterinary services inOrthopaedic Orthopaedic surgery,surgery).

Endoscopy and was Laparoscopy (key-hole Ayrton in surgery, Endoscopy and Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients key-hole surgery.in Scotland to offer clients the first practice key-hole surgery. key-hole surgery.

• Our out of hours emergency service is provided • byOur out of vets hours emergency service is provided our nurses here at the Hospital • Our outown of hoursand emergency service is provided by our own vets and nurses here at the Hospital andour on-call staffand are on-site for hospitalised by own vets nurses here at the Hospital and on-call staff are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs and on-call patients 24staff hrs are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ preventative andthat has addedyou discounts off of veterinary treatments • We have a Pethealthcare Health Club to budget monthly for treatments your pets’ preventative healthcare and hasallows added discounts off of veterinary and procedures. preventative healthcare and has added discounts off of veterinary treatments and procedures. and procedures.

• • We and we we have havean anappointed appointedinsurance insurance Weoffer offerdirect directclaims claimsfor for insured insured clients clients and advisor here at the Hospital.

• We offer direct claims for insured clients and we have an appointed insurance advisor here at the Hospital. advisor here at the Hospital.

• • We practicewith: with:in-house in-houselaboratory, laboratory, Weare areaafull fullservice servicemedical medical and and surgical surgical practice radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• We are a full service medical and surgical practice with: in-house laboratory, radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy. radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• • When to stay stay in in the theHospital, Hospital,we wehave have Whenyou youand andyour yourpet petvisit visit us us or or have have to separate cat waiting areas and wards wards for theirHospital, comfort.we have separate dog and cat waiting areas comfort.

• When youdog andand your pet visit us or have to stayfor in their the separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards for their comfort.

Ayrton was awarded awardedHospital Hospitalstatus statusbyby Ayrtonisisan anaccredited accredited‘Veterinary ‘Veterinary Hospital’ Hospital’ and was the College ofofVeterinary Surgeons in 2009 (oneawarded ofonly only88in inScotland).

Scotland).

We theRoyal Royal College Veterinary Surgeons of We Ayrton is an accredited ‘Veterinary Hospital’ and (one was Hospital status by aredelighted delighted have beenawarded awarded International Cat (ICC) are totohave been ‘Gold’ International Cat Care (ICC)asasaWe a‘Cat ‘Cat the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in by 2009 (one of only 8Care in Scotland).

Friendly Practice’ recognition of the the facilities our feline patients.

Friendly Practice’ ininrecognition of Hospitals facilitiesfor forCat ourCare feline patients. are delighted to have been awarded ‘Gold’

by International (ICC) as a ‘Cat Friendly intorecognition ofand the Hospitals facilitieslike for our feline patients.

Welook lookPractice’ forwardto meetingyou you We forward meeting and your pet, ifif you’d you’d likefurther furtherinformation information about our staffand and services,you please our website: about our staff please website: www.ayrton.org.uk We look forward to services, meeting andvisit your pet, if you’dwww.ayrton.org.uk like further information about our staff and services, please visit our website: www.ayrton.org.uk

T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 BurnhouseIndustrial Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West T: Estate, 01501 744736 Burnhouse Whitburn, West Lothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47OLQ OLQ Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 OLQ 42 | KONECT BATHGATE

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BATHGATE Bathgate & District Flower Club We are a friendly group who meet third Monday of each month, Sept to June (except Dec), 7.15pm in the United Reform Church Hall, Majoriebanks Street, Bathgate. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who designs around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes. The Club was established 50 years ago and we celebrate our anniversary year which began in Sept 2016. Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, tel 01506 676965 Bathgate History Group We are a friendly group who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm in The Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate.

We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee.

A warm welcome awaits old and new members, the first meeting for the 2014/2015 session is Wednesday 3rd September. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.

Simply Play Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary

School Community Wing and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www. simplyplay.org or call 01506 856444.

Any Dog ‘ll Do Rescue Group A friendly group of volunteers based in and around Bathgate.

Looking for new members to help raise awareness and fundraise for the dog rescue charity. A good way to meet new, like-minded people and have fun at the same time. Contact Lyn Pattison on info@anydogildorescue.org to find out when the group will next meet and how to get involved.

31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm Bathgate Concert Orchestra We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested

KONECT BATHGATE | 43

in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www.batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.

West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

Yoga Class For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps, Soft Play, Baby & Kidz Times. Please see our events page on facebook for class times and prices, or call Kidzeco Bathgate on 01506 815534.

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street. Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm. Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.

The Stone Ring 40 King Street, Bathgate. Beginners Self awareness & Development. Mon 7-9.30 pm (approx) £6.50. Moot - Every 2nd Wed of the Month. 7-9.30pm (approx) £5. Thai Chi Fridays 6.30-8.30pm (approx) £25 per month.

Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm Newland Concert Brass Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass. org.uk MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support) Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Mon 1pm– 3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534.

Regal Music Club The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.

Bathgate Reading Group Simpson Library, Bathgate. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.

Bathgate Memory Cafe

44 | KONECT BATHGATE

Kaim Park Hotel, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate. A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the 1st Monday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. For more information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533114.

Friends of Polkemmet Country Park Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.

West Lothian Table Tennis Club West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the sport for the first time. Whether you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy. For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david. stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772. See www.wlttc.co.uk.

Paranormal Investigation group based in Bathgate We’re looking for people to join our small group. Will meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30pm venue tbc. Investigations to be carried out approximately every 6-8 weeks at various locations around West Lothian and beyond so own transport essential. Both believers and skeptics welcome. Must be over 18. Please contact Tracey at ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.

Bathgate Fairtrade Group Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to support fairtrade. We meet up periodically and attend local events. If you are interested please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or email mrs_g@btinternet.com West Lothian Run Little Runners – free of charge: Wednesdays at Boghall Community Wing, 6-7pm; Thursdays at Boghall Community Wing 6-7pm (for kids with autism);Saturdays at Kirkton Park, Bathgate 10-11am. Adults - £2 per session. Saturdays from Kirkton Park, Bathgate from 10-11am, taking a different route to the kids.

Book your place in any of the groups at westlothianrun.org.uk.

Generation Dance Bathgate St Mary’s Hall, Livery St. Every Friday 10.30am– 11.30am. Join the community dance club for anyone over 60 years. There’s no need to book, just turn up. Regardless of your mobility, independence and experience, come along, try us and tell your friends. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality. Everyone can take part.

Suggested weekly donation £3. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239. www.generationarts.co.uk Royal British Legion Ex-service male/female organisation. The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing. Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.

Bathgate Bridge Club Meets every Thursday from first Thursday in October until the last Thursday in May at EU Church Hall, Church Park, Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate. 6.45 for 7.00pm start. All Welcome. Contact Georgette Nicol 01506 203498 for more information.

The Regal Youth Company Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Music workshops for 13-25 year olds - Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm, £2. Drama workshops for 13-25 year olds - Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm £2. For

information see www.rycbathgate.com or contact us via our facebook page

westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com

Bathgate Theatre Company Ever wanted to be onstage or help out behind the scenes?

Bathgate Theatre Company are always looking for new members to take part in their annual show which takes place in November with rehearsals usually being every Thursday from 7pm – 9pm at the Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Annual members fee £30 plus £10 insurance if going onstage. For more info contact the Secretary on bathgatetheatrecompany@gmail.com or visit our website www.bathgatetheatrecompany.moonfruit.co.uk

OTHER AREAS

Kirkton Park Tennis Club Welcoming new members to join our developing tennis club! The tennis courts at Kirkton Park in Bathgate have recently been resurfaced and are now open for use. For further information on our club go to our website: KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook. Learn, Play, Enjoy!

Fitsteps Fun and effective dance fitness class inspired and created by Strictly Come Dancing stars Nartalie Lower and Ian Waite. Learn the steos from Tango, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Samba and many more, without the need for a partner. Wednesdays - St Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate 7.30 – 8.15pm. £5 per person. Form more info call Lianne on 07737 927463 www.facebook.com/ moveitdanceandfitsteps Scottish Seniots Computer Club James Young Bar, Hopetoun Street, Bathgate. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share!

Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact : Chris Cosgrove.

Bathgate Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

Physio Led Pilates The Pyramids Fitness Centre, Bathgate, Friday mornings at 10am & 11am. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com WESTER INCH Wester Inch Parent & Toddler Group Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child.

For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@ hotmail.com Simpson Art Club We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138

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

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www. westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion. co.uk Lothian Running Club Welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too).

Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section too from age 6.

Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in Oscars, Ladywell, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details & information, contact Nan McDonald 01506 655739.

The Tree Club Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk Alternative Company Entertainers (ACE) Meet every Thursday in Whitburn academy at 7:00 – 9pm. Ages 5 to 105+. Contact acompanyentertainers@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

Harmony Dance Club Armadale We are a not for profit club for retired ladies, dancing to CDs mostly sequence dancing. We meet every Tuesday afternoon in the Community Centre, South Street Armadale, from 1.30 to 3.30pm. We would welcome old and new members to our club.

Don’t worry if you don’t know the dances, we can teach you.

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

Centrepoint Church Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom. jackson@centrepointchurch.org

West Lothian Gymnastics Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list.

Messy Church Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. Third Thursday of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm.

Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CL ASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK. CHARIT Y AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE, THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

KONECT BATHGATE | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL7 BLINDS Knight Shades Blinds 10 BUILDING SURVEYOR David Hastings WL8 CAR SERVICE AND REPAIR ACE Tyres & Exhausts 4 Formula 1 MOT 10 M&S Auto Solutions 6 Meadowpark Garage 10 CARE SERVICES Home Start West Lothian 41 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services WL24 James Burnett WL24 CATERING Food Creations WL24 M&N Catering 6 CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Jump Station WL20 Young Engineers WL20 CHURCHES Centrepoint Church 43 CLEANING SERVICES The Clean Team 40 Inside & Out 4 COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES Greenfield Herbalist 8 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers WL14 DOG WALKING SERVICES PRW1 Dog Walking 38 DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES Clean Bee 38 The Clean Team 40 DOORS uPVC Door Shop 6

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication.

Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

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

46 | KONECT BATHGATE

LOCKSMITH ELECTRICIAN West Lothian Locksmith Company WL8 DB Electrics 4 Simply Electrical WL6 MOBILITY MC & Co. Electrical WL1 Ableworld WL19 Med Ecosse WL15 ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine WL12 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Remax (Back Cover) 48 Motorhome Hire Scotland WL14 Turpie & Co. WL11 PAINTER/DECORATOR FOOD & GROCERIES David J Lane WL1 Hopetoun Farm Shop WL22 Nu Walls WL6 Manic Street Painters 4 FURNITURE & INTERIORS Shapes 2 PLUMBING SERVICES D-Mac Services Scotland WL4 GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd 5 PRINTING SERVICES Capital Cartridges 7 GARDENS & LANDSCAPING All Year Round Landscapes 10 RECYCLING SERVICES Cash 4 Clothes 7 HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty Jem 40 REMOVALS Man With Van Ltd WL8 HEALTH & FITNESS Dalmahoy WL13 RESTAURANTS Liberta Restaurant 47 HEATING SERVICES Capital Heating WL6 TILING Dewar Plumbing WL5 Service with a Tile 6 Red Hot Condensing Boilers WL7 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME HOME IMPROVEMENT West Lothian Trusted Trader WL8 1st Choice Living 12 TUITION HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION Sax Lessons WL20 HiIlcroft Hotel 42 VET JEWELLERY Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 37 M&A Jewellery 40 Riverside Vets 38 JOINER WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL5 Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL6 KITCHENS Greenburn Glass WL9 Ekco WL2 S and S Home Improvements 11 LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION The Leaflet Lady 39

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

Across: 1 Eels, 3 Checkers, 9 Contact, 10 Nicer, 11 Achievements, 14 Gem, 16 Paths, 17 Dye, 18 Explanations, 21 Comma, 22 Showing, 23 Domestic, 24 Ends Down: Down: 1 Exchange, 2 Lunch, 4 Hit, 5 Conversation, 6 Excited, 7 Sure, 8 Caterpillars, 12 Eaten, 13 Messages, 15 Maximum, 19 Onion, 20 Iced, 22 Ski