Konect Bathgate November 14

NOVEMBER 2014

bathgate

WIN!

ÂŁ30 voucher from Tesco!

FEATURES

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s e busin

Letters home from a young Scots Guard Christmas Special West Lothian Foodbank plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Bathgate

Bathgate Theatre Company Presents

James Scotland’s hilarious comedy

CAMBUSDONALD ROYAL The perfect pre Christmas night out Laugh yourself silly Kleenex provided

All tickets £12

Wednesday 26th - Friday 28th November 7.30 p.m.

Regal Theatre Box Office. 630085

Message Contents from the Editor Features

Another busy month has flown by filled with lots of interviews with local people, business and non-business alike, by the Konect team to pull together this bumper issue.

One subject in the news a lot at the moment is food banks, so I went along to West Lothian Foodbank’s main centre in Whitburn to find out more about what they do and how they are helping local families in crisis, see Charity of the Month article on pages 54-55.

There are two other themes this month. One is world war remembrance, and the other, inevitably, is Christmas. Check through all the businesses in this magazine who have offers on in the run up to Christmas and see how much of your shopping you can do locally.

Congratulations to Lee Anne Thain who won the Tesco Bathgate competition last month. This month’s Tesco prize is a £30 voucher to help towards the cost of your Christmas shopping (see page 53).

If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story.

Letters from a young Scots Guard Christmas Special 36 Fives Tax Link/Let Link S and S

8 12 24 30 36

Regulars Recipe 18, 20 Stone Ring column 22 Walk column 34 Music Review 38 Technology 46 Property Matters 48 Charity of the Month 54

Competitions and Puzzles Crossword 50 Sudoku 50 Tesco prize draw 53

Community What’s on 58 Useful Information 58 Clubs & Classes 60 Index of Advertisers 62

Advertising enquiries Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk | 07854 492638

Next issue: Christmas Beauty Special

Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory 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.

Front cover image: Stock photo

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

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FEATURE

by Helen-Jane Shearer

Letters Home

from a young Scots Guard

A nineteen year old lad writes home to his mother from the trenches in World War 1 France: “I have seen all the life I want to see.”

A bundle of letters nearly 100 years old, written in pencil on scraps of paper, are a poignant testimony to one young man’s experience of war and his longing for home – home that he never saw again.

His family in East Calder kindly let me read them and share some of the contents here.

Tom Pullar enrolled in the Scots Guards in his native North Berwick in 1917 aged nineteen. By spring 1918 he was in France in the thick of trench warfare.

Writing regularly to his mother, Tom’s letters are mostly optimistic, shot through with a clear longing for home and family. His little sister Elsie, who was six years old when her beloved big brother joined the Scots Guards, treasured his letters, bringing them with her to West Lothian when she moved to East Calder.

16th April 1918 “I got your parcel today and I am very thankful to you for sending it so soon. I have just eaten one scone and I don’t think I ever enjoyed anything so much in my life.”

Tom also asks for “a small box of Harrison’s Pomade for we can’t buy it here and the lice have me nearly mad at times...I am lousy as a partridge.”

Touchingly, Tom is concerned to keep his mother’s spirits up and not worry her with details of the hardships. Often an outburst of frustration is immediately followed by a reassurance that things are not too bad after all: “I never used to think much of soldiering at Wellington in fact I used to like it but this is making me more bitter against it every day.

We are not so bad you know one gets used to it and one can always look forward to the end of the war then we will finish with soldiering, at least I will.

They will take me into the army under escort the next time if ever I have to join it again.”

31st May 1918 “Now mother I ask you not to worry so much about me as I am all right out here.....You know you are not to run away with the idea that we live in the trenches all the time we are out here.

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We have our turn at it, and when we get out for a rest we have quite a good time altogether and of course we have to take the good with the bad.” And, looking on the bright side when the weather is good, “There is one thing when the sun is out we are not going about up to the eyes in mud.” - a reference to the notorious mud of the trenches.

Tom’s letters are always signed off “I remain your ever loving and affectionate son Tam.” and almost every one has a reference to coming home.

28th June 1918 “I am sorry to think you have left that house for it was such a nice one. I always looked forward to coming back to it, but never mind when I come back I’ll make sure that you’ll have a decent house to live in.”

Tom was limited as to what he said about the war itself due to censorship – the envelopes are stamped with the Censor’s Office mark. In a letter dated 26th August 1918, he says “I suppose you will understand why I haven’t written the last day or two since you have seen the papers.

I couldn’t very well tell you where I was or what I was going to do, but I have been and came through along with the boys, and I am glad to think you won’t need me to tell you anything about it except that I had the good luck to come through it and that I am glad I was in it along with the boys.”

He is referring to the massive offensive

by Allied troops against the Germans on 8th August 1918 south east of Amiens the turning point of the war. Tom seems relieved not to talk about the details of it, just that he survived.

“I got your parcel today and I am very thankful to you for sending it so soon. I have just eaten one scone and I don’t think I ever enjoyed anything so much in my life.”

22nd September: Tom sends home a map cut out of a newspaper and asks his mother to keep it for him as a souvenir and he will get it framed when he gets home as it shows the “part we went over”.

He also says he has a bit off the wings of a German plane, but that it is too heavy to post home so “I must hang on to it until I come on leave that will be three months yet anyway and lucky if I get it then, but I do think I’ll get leave before the war is over, if all goes well”.

By 25th September, less than two months from the end of the war, Tom writes, “I believe you are getting good news in the papers at home just now....I can’t suppose it will be a great number of months before you have your laddies back again beside you.”

Lance Corporal Tom Pullar

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In a letter dated 2nd October he makes a rare reference to the actual action he is seeing: “Now mother, I must say I have been lucky lately I got a bullet through my mess tin and another through a tin of bully I have in my haversack. Then a bit of shrapnel hit my helmet but it didn’t pierce it, only made a dent in the helmet. Archie was with me nearly all the time and he said I don’t know whether to stay with you or leave you, you seem to be drawing fire but we stuck together nearly all the time. Tell little Elsie her little prayers are being answered and will be too, her ‘ain Tam’ will come back to her some day. It may be a long time yet, but if we exercise a little patience everything will be all right.”

The Spanish Flu pandemic killed more than the war itself. Many of its victims died within hours of coming down with their first symptom, some within a day or two. Estimates put the death toll at 50 – 100 million people worldwide.

During its three year rampage from January 1918 to December 1920, the death toll peaked in October and November 1918 – the time it claimed LCpl Tom Pullar.

Reporting of flu deaths was censored during the war so as not to adversely affect morale, although papers were free to report on its effects in neutral Spain. It was therefore perceived as a Spanish disease, hence the name.

Tell little Elsie her little prayers are being answered and will be too, her ‘ain Tam’ will come back to her some day.

He also sent pressed flowers to his mother that he had picked in a French village they had captured from the Germans. (”Now mother it is a very big village in fact it is as big as North Berwick but of course not nearly so nice.”) His mother had kept the pressed flowers in a little box, they have been perfectly preserved.

Tom’s last letter is dated 3rd November and starts, like many previous ones. “Just a note to let you know I am in still in the best of health, hoping this will find you the same.” and to let her know he had been promoted to Lance Corporal. She must have received this letter just before the end of the war was announced only 8 days later a joyous time for her.

So the next letter is a cruel shock. Dated 22nd November, it comes from the base hospital at Etaples to announce that Tom is dangerously ill in hospital with flu. It is quickly followed by one on 26th November to say he had passed peacefully that day, and enclosing a lock of his hair.

One can barely imagine the grief – and surely the frustration – that Tom’s mother must have felt, that he had survived the war to be taken just days after the armistice by flu.

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Tom’s mother requested these words engraved on his stone. “And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes” - a bill from the Imperial War Graves Commission for 14/3d is also included in the bundle of letters. Tom is buried at the British Cemetery at Etaples and his name is engraved on the war memorial in North Berwick.

With thanks to Margaret Murray of East Calder, Tom’s great niece, for letting us share his letters.

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LOCAL LIFE

Festive Celebrations in Bathgate Town Centre It is fast approaching that time of year when our thoughts turn to the traditional festivities, as well as the cold weather! It appears that 2014 should be no different. This draws us to the annual festive Christmas celebrations in Bathgate town centre, which this year takes place on its traditional first Saturday of December (6th).

These celebrations are now firmly rooted in the community calendar and the event has evolved over the past two decades and more. It was initially perceived as a Friday evening activity: to celebrate the arrival of Christmas and Santa Claus.

It has since developed into the present Saturday event, to assist in drawing in residents and visitors to the town centre, facilitating greater footfall and encouraging the retention of local expenditure, by local people in the local economy.

The 2014 programme (see centre pages) will not fail to disappoint, whether you are a long standing Bathgate resident, a new member of the town’s growing community, or just a visitor who is keen to see what is happening in Bathgate.

There is entertainment for all the family, and their friends, in the Steelyard and Pedestrian Precinct (George Street), all courtesy on the day of West Lothian Council.

The day commences at 12.30 with the welcoming of Santa Claus, and the Santa Parade which assembles at Balbardie Primary School (Torphichen Street). Santa travels by horse and carriage, accompanied by local school children in seasonal costume, with traditional musical entertainment by local bands. Street entertainment is provided for all the family during the afternoon in the Steelyard, to include face painting, street and musical entertainers, Birds of prey, vintage fire engine and kids roundabout. Why not also visit Santa Claus in his Grotto, with those last minute gift requests!

The final spectacle to the day is the traditional Torchlight procession, commencing from 4pm in the Steelyard. Come early to join in or be disappointed. On its return to the Steelyard, there will be a short Carol service, followed by the big Christmas Tree Lights on! The day promises to be a memorable occasion for all the family, so if you are looking for a little treat and experience then pop into the town centre and enjoy what it has to offer this Christmas.

Further detail can be obtained by contacting Nairn Pearson, BID & Town Centre Manager, West Lothian Council, Tel. 01506 637537.

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FEATURE

Scottish Christmas It seemed this year that the commercial slice of society could hardly wait to usher the summer out so that we could start talking about Christmas. I saw Dobbies getting their Christmas stock in place at the end of August and I felt the summer was being swept away. There are plenty of things to look forward to between summer and Christmas but there’s no doubt that Christmas has overshadowed them all.

But did you know that it’s only relatively recently that it has become such a big deal in Scotland?

Christmas wasn’t even a public holiday until 1958 (Boxing Day not until 1974). Here’s a whistle-stop tour of Christmas’ chequered story in Scotland ... ¬ Yule – a celebration of the winter solstice ­ - was celebrated by the Celts (not exclusively in Scotland but in most Celtic cultures). ¬ When Roman Catholicism came to ­ Scotland the church took on the existing pagan celebrations and renamed them. So, many traditions date to pagan rituals - the Yule log, kissing under the misletoe (a Druidic fertility rite) and the house decorated with evergreens, which were regarded with reverence.

Most of our Christmas traditions (the tree, decorations, Santa Claus, presents, stockings at the end of the bed, carols, cards) originated in the Victorian era so England and Scotland developed the same traditions from around that time, but while it was a public holiday in England, it was a working day in Scotland.

And speaking of Christmas cards, here is perhaps one area Scotland has contributed to the Christmas tradition : they can be traced to Leith! A Leith printer and publisher, Charles Drummond, issued a card in 1841 which the greeting “A Gude New Year/And Mony o’ Them”. It was based on a painting by his friend Thomas Sturrock, an artist from Trinity, of a chubby cheerful character.

Just a couple of years later the first Christmas cards to name Christmas day were produced in London by Sir Henry Cole, who is generally credited with having invented them. But the concept had certainly been already been aired in Edinburgh!

So that’s the reason why what we may lack in distinctly Scottish Christmas customs are more than made up for in Hogmanay ones. And where would the world be without “Auld lang syne”?

¬ Still called Yule, the season was celebrated ­ in Scotland much the same as the rest of Catholic Europe ....until the Reformation of 1560, when Scotland formally split from the Catholic church. ¬ Celebration of Christmas was banned in 1580 ­ and an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1640 made it illegal. It abolished the “Yule vacation and all observation thereof in time coming.” Any Catholic mass days (including therefore “Christ’s Mass”) were abolished. ¬ People were fined or even imprisoned for ­ attempting to keep Christmas. *England went through a similar period with Christmas banned by law there too, but this was lifted in 1660 and England went straight back to the Christmas party. ¬ In Scotland however it didn’t make the same ­ comeback. The Scottish Presbyterian Church, with its strong influence on society, remained indifferent to Christmas and the focus of winter celebrations was Hogmanay.

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RECIPE AND FOOD NOTES

by Anne Pinkerton

Getting Ready for Christmas An acquaintance of mine starts her preparations for Christmas in September because she gives hampers of produce she has conserved as jams, jellies, chutney, fruit flavoured gin or sweetmeats.

Icing

She does this because it gives both her and her friends great pleasure; surely the reason for exchanging presents. We can not all be so organized but there are things we can make now which are fun to share and enjoy making.

Silver balls or other coloured cake decorations

Pickles, such as red cabbage, eggs or onions, chutney; curried apple or flavoured vinegars made with herbs or frozen raspberries, gin or vodka flavoured with lemon, orange or late damsons, (we are too late for sloes this year) are all good. There is a still lot of time for making rich Christmas cakes or puddings, mincemeat and clouty dumplings.

Much nearer the time you can make truffles, tablet, mint creams and other sweets.

Now is a good time to make gingerbread tree decoration or even a gingerbread house.

Basic Gingerbread Biscuit recipe 350g plain flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 125g butter 175g soft brown sugar 4 tablespoons golden syrup 1 egg, beaten

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Icing sugar, food colours and a little water or buy ready-made icing pens - more expensive but much less messy if you are doing this with children for fun.

Thin ribbon or coloured string Sift all the dry ingredients together into mixing bowl. Warm the butter, sugar and syrup together DO NOT BOIL - and cool before mixing into the egg.

Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the liquids. Mix to a stiff paste. Divide the mixture 5 or 6 balls. This is makes it easier to handle.

Have a selection of cutters, stars, trees, people or any other shapes you like.

On a well-floured surface roll out the biscuit mixture, and wasting as little as possible, cut the shapes you prefer. Make a hole, so the finished decorations can be hung up.

Bake at 160C for 10-12 minutes till darkened. Leave on a wire rack to go cold. They will be stiff enough to handle then.

Make water icing or use bought icing sticks.

Be as adventurous or wacky as you like decoration can take as long as you like, and be fun to do with friends or children. Leave over night to dry completely. Use them to decorate the tree, hang in the window or anywhere you please. Make double the mixture and become gingerbread architects by constructing a house from 2 roof pieces, 2 gable ends and 2 main walls all glued together with lots of decorative icing. Make paper templates to help yourself in cutting.

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C H R I S T MAS FEAT URE

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RECIPE AND FOOD NOTES

by Food Creations

Simple Curried Chicken (or fish) Sometimes what you want is something tasty, hearty even, yet packed full of flavour and punch.

This is a simple but effective curry sauce that can be used to marinate any meat you like but I particularly like it with chicken, or white fish such as cod or haddock.

Ingredients 4 fl oz of Plain Greek Yoghurt Curry Powder to taste – medium works very well as it does not overpower the meat, especially chicken and white fish 2 tablespoons of Mango Chutney The above is enough for about 4 chicken breasts, 8 chicken legs, or 2 slices of haddock If using chicken breast or fish I prefer to cut the meat into thick strips

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Method Simply mix the yoghurt, curry powder and chutney together in a bowl, add in the meat and coat all over – this can be then be used immediately or left to marinate for a few hours.

To cook simply grill (it’s a bit messy so line the grill with some aluminium foil) until the dressing is nicely browned (caramelised) and then turn and repeat on the other side (and make sure you adjust based on thickness of the meat). or Cook in a medium oven for about 25 minutes.

Serve with rice and a naan bread. Drizzle some greek yoghurt on top and add a slice of lemon, or make a delicious open sandwich with naan or pitta bread base, some spinach leaves and the chicken, or fish, plus some greek youghurt.

Enjoy! - Simon Preece

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The Stone Ring Reiki and Crystal Healing

TAROT READINGS £25 Complimentary Therapies Crystals and Crystal Jewellery Angel Cards Development classes and work shops - contact the shop to see what’s on

Shop open Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00

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We have a range of different classes available every week, each a new experience. Call 07727 178701 for more information.

Workshops with Philip Permutt: 29th November - Crystal dowsing workshop, 10am - 1pm £40 29th November - Crystal communication and divination workshop, 2pm -5pm £40 30th November - Advanced Crystal workshop, 10am - 4pm £75

£20 discount if two or more workshops are booked.

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Tai chi Fridays 6.30 - 8.30 pm, £25 per month

Iolite for November

By The Stone Ring This mineral is often called The Violet Stone and can be used during healing or meditation on the third eye or crown chakra.

Iolite is also useful for the stimulation of visions and is used in some shamanic healing ceremonies to influence the benevolence of the spirits.

An Iolite ring is very often worn by the shaman to ensure accuracy within the vision. It is thought to be quite a powerful medicine.

It also helps one to change painlessly towards spiritual growth.

Iolite also produces an electrical charge when in contact with the auric field and it can both strengthen and align this field.

Iolite can also balance the male and female energies and brings harmony within oneself.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

36Fives As anyone living in Scotland will know, you have to be pretty hardy if you want to exercise or play sports outside. Football is no exception, as the weather has a game plan all of its own. The elements not only hamper the playing experience for the player but also create damp, slippery and sometimes frozen surfaces.

Local business partners Ian Ross and George Turnbull believe that this common set of circumstances, along with the amount of football already being played in West Lothian, demonstrated the demand for an indoor facility in West Lothian and after extensive research they decided to build the first 36Fives indoor football centre on disused land just off Houston Road in Livingston.

Despite public support planning was not a straight-forward process. However in June this year planning was granted and the construction of 36Fives got underway. Despite many challenges – the weather being one of them – the centre opens its doors to welcome players in the middle of this month.

36Fives has 4 state-of-the-art indoor football pitches built to provide the ultimate playing experience for 5/6-a-side football and as the name would imply, they are available any time of day, any day of the year without the constraints and unpredictability of the weather.

36Fives want to give players a better experience than is currently available in the area – the ultimate playing experience. In order to achieve this, 36Fives have chosen the latest FIFA approved 3rd generation football surface and will employ a stringent maintenance schedule to ensure the most comfortable, consistent and durable surface available.

While football may be the primary focus of the new facility, it is important to 36Fives that it is not the only one and the management team are actively working to provide something for everyone regardless of age or ability.

5/6-a-side football will be available all day, every day and 36Fives will also offer players different leagues including ladies only and after school leagues. In addition to football the facility will host a variety of children’s activities, walking football and a range of other fitness classes including circuits and bootcamps. More information for all of these can be found on our website.

36Fives are well aware that it is not only recreational football that is hampered by the weather and are currently working with a number of local sport clubs to provide indoor training time through the coming winter months.

If you are looking to play 5/6-a-side football, need a home for you club or team or are interested in any of our other activities please find us on Facebook, have a look on our website www.36fives.co.uk or email us at info@36fives.co.uk to find out more.

24 konect

indoor Football November 2014 will see the opening of 36Fives Indoor Football West Lothian’s first and only purpose built indoor football facility with 4 rebound fenced pitches built to SFA recommendations (36mx18m) for free flowing 5/6-a-side football games.

36Fives pitches are constructed with the latest 3rd generation football surface technology – a FIFA approved system that gives players the most realistic, comfortable and consistent game available – in an indoor environment where rain, wind and snow are never an issue.

Situated near Houston Interchange in the middle of Livinsgton (see map for more details) the site is easily accessible and offers ample parking with 44 on-site parking spaces. There are also fully equipped changing and shower facilities as well as mains fed water fountains.

While 36Fives is primarily aimed at indoor football we also offer a range of other activities from health and fitness to children’s parties so please visit our website for more information and special opening offers.

36Fives will offer a top quality playing experience for a competitive price and discounts will be available for block bookings, off-peak bookings, students, schools and community groups.

opening soon For more information info@36fives.co.uk www.36fives.co.uk konect 25

ALL TRADES SPECIALIST

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2 - 6 HOPE TOU N STREET, BATH GATE, EH48 4EU EX WALMSLEY FURNITURE SUPERSTORE • VARIOUS OTHER RANGES AVAILABLE konect 27

Ideas from EKCO to help you make your party season a huge success We may be stating the obvious but it’s not long now until Christmas. Between now and then however, we also have Halloween, Guy Fawkes’ night, St Andrew’s Day and, for the Americans among us, Thanksgiving Day on 27 November. If you’re into celebrating one or more of these occasions with a family feast or party but think your home is ill equipped to cope then here are some ideas from EKCO that will help make catering during the party season a much more enjoyable affair.

working space which will help you to get that Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey in and out much more easily.

It’s good to have plenty of chilled sparkling or still wine to hand and packing everything into your fridge or freezer isn’t really ideal. Why not invest in a wine chiller from a company such as Siemens or Neff that’s made for the job? A wine chiller can hold over 30 bottles and will keep the wine at just the right serving temperature.

There’s still time to install bifold doors. For a party to be a huge success you need to make use of all the available space. Instead of cramming people into one room you can fully open your bifold doors from either your dining kitchen or your lounge and let the party spill onto the patio or into the back garden. If the weather’s chilly then a patio heater would keep everyone warm and still allow the party to go with a bang.

If your kitchen’s limited for space it would be worthwhile considering a Neff oven with a Slide&Hide door. The door, instead of opening conventionally which takes up valuable space, fully retracts under the oven when open giving more

To give more cooking area you could look at a Neff induction hob with the unique Flexiduction system. The Flexiduction system means you can lay your pots on any part of the surface instead of just designated areas which means you can get more pots cooking at the one time - perfect for coping with larger parties or a variety of dishes.

A successful party season starts with successful preplanning so give your home the once over and make sure it passes the test.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

SPOTLIGHT ON

Let Link and Tax Link Two new businesses on one of Bathgate’s most prominent corners - South Bridge Street and Whitburn Road – aim to bring a fresh approach to letting and accountancy to West Lothian.

The signage displays the two business names of Let Link (the letting agency) and Tax Link (an accountancy). The businesses were both set up

by Scott Fairbairn, an accountant who has an extensive property portfolio but who became so frustrated at the inflexible and expensive services of letting agents that he decided to start his own agency.

Scott quickly identified that letting agents typically come from estate agents but in practice the services provided by Tax Link are far more complimentary to Let Link – not only do all landlords require tax advice and have to submit Self Assessment Returns, but the relationship between the accountant and both tenants and landlords lasts beyond the period of ownership or

TAX LINK SERVICES Year end accounts Company secretarial assistance PAYE VAT returns Corporation Tax Personal Self Assesment income tax General and on-going proactive tax, accounting and business tax minimisation advice Company formations 30 konect

occupancy. With an estate agent, however, once the house is sold they need never see you again.

Having an experienced landlord at the helm means that Let Link never loses sight of the personal touch required when dealing with people and property. Scott maintains his own portfolio so is hands-on and has a good understanding of the needs of other landlords.

Since setting up in Larkhall in 2003, the business has gone from strength to strength due, Scott believes, to a solid and reliable reputation which has enabled landlords to invest and expand their current portfolios and for Let Link tenants to rent with confidence.

Having an experienced landlord at the helm means that Let Link never loses sight of the personal touch required when dealing with people and property.

They are excited to bring their services to West Lothian, centred in the new office in Bathgate, and are offering an introductory deal of 5% management fees and no hidden costs. “The point about the no hidden costs is important,”

NEW TO BATHGATE

NEW TO BATHGATE

93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ

93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ

Tel: 01506 537999

Tel: 01506 537888

email: enquiries@taxlink.org.uk

email: enquiries@letlink.org.uk

The first years fees

Fully Transferrable

Your LOCAL Letting Solution

Fully Transferrable

Your LOCAL Accountancy

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www.taxlink.org.uk

www.letlink.org.uk

explains Bathgate Office Manager Jacqueline.

“Many agencies offer a similar fee but they add on extra costs. With Let Link you know that once you’ve signed up, there are no other costs.”

sizes with one important common factor – they are all treated as individuals by our friendly and professional staff in order to achieve and, indeed, exceed their business goals.”

They have a range of properties from studio apartments to large family properties. With a wealth of letting experience and a professional hands-on property manager, Let Link is your local solution to hassle-free property management.

On the Tax Link side of the business, Scott’s accountancy background includes investigative work for HM Revenues and Customs. Along with his more “normal” staff, he is ideally qualified to assist with all aspects of dealing with the dreaded Tax Man. When he set up his own accountancy practice it was just himself working from home. Now, the two businesses are based in three different offices and more than eight members of staff, most of whom have been with Scott for a number of years. They must be doing something right!

“There is no ‘typical’ Tax Link client,” explains Scott. “They include businesses of all shapes and

Along with his more “normal” staff, he is ideally qualified to assist with all aspects of dealing with the dreaded Tax Man. Tax Link are not only here to help people in business for themselves, but with the ever more stringent and complicated tax legislation it is becoming more and more crucial that everyone takes some advice to ensure that you are not paying more tax than you have to!

Visit or call Tax Link and Let Link at : 93 South Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1TJ 01506 537999 konect 31

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Saturday 22nd November 12noon – 5pm Bathgate Steelyard

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A full programme of entertainment hosted by Heart Radio Drive Time presenter Paul Harper.

Entertainment includes:

• • • •

The Heart Angels Face Painters The Rolling Drones plus Dance Troupe Cinderella Panto Fun Smash hit pop boy band, Rewind

Plus

• The winner of the Heart Radio Shop Local Competition will be revealed.

• The winner of Enterprising Bathgate’s ‘Bathgate Life’ Photography Competition will also be announced.

There’s also a chance to pick up one of Enterprising Bathgate’s Voucher Books giving you access to lots of bargains and reductions at many of Bathgate’s retailers.

Find out about the new Online Business Guide promoting the businesses and services available in Bathgate.

www.enterprisingbathgate.com 32 konect

ga te

XMAS GIFTS HEALTH AND BEAUTY FOOD AND DRINK GARAGE SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES and much more...

Look out for your

BATHGATE TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES

DISCOUNT VOUCHER BOOK

Shop locally and take advantage of the great promotions & wealth of choice available in your town centre. Enterprising Bathgate are producing a book of ‘Discount and Promotional Vouchers’ which will be delivered to 10,000 local addresses. With many offers available from November to early 2015, it’s a great opportunity to get your xmas gifts, everyday essentials and maybe a few little treats too ...

Christmas in Bathgate Saturday 6 December 2014

The Steelyard and George Street (12.30pm – 5.15pm) Entertainment for all the family organised and provided by West Lothian Council Santa Parade from Balbardie PS (12.30pm) Family and Street Entertainment (1.00 to 4.00pm) Torchlight Procession (4pm for 4.15pm) Carol Singing and switching on the Christmas tree lights (4.45 to 5.15pm) For further details, contact West Lothian Council: Nairn Pearson, BID & Town Centre Manager,

T. 01506 637537

LOCAL WALK

by Karen Murray

Wilsontown Ironworks I’ve often fancied a visit to the Wilsontown Ironworks near Forth as I had heard it is both a fascinating place and also a good venue for a walk.

This walk is a bit further afield, it’s about 25 minutes by car on the A706 towards Lanark. Take the B7016 north of Forth and follow signs for Wilsontown. Turn onto the B7016 signposted for Wilsontown, and go straight ahead at the bend. The Glen car park is on the right-hand side.

There are several paths to explore and you can discover hidden features from the days of the ironworks as well as plants and animals that inhabit the place today such as quaking grass, wild thyme and field gentian.

The Wilson family who established the ironworks left the area with a wonderful legacy of parkland where they planted beech, lime, sycamore, ash and oak trees which now stand beside the native woodland along the banks of the interestingly-named Moose. The various trails around the ironworks are all marked and you can try one or all of them depending on how much time you have. There are three main way-marked trails within the Heathland Forest area and all begin from the Glen Car Park at Wilsontown.

The Glen Walk Walk along the side of the public road past the Moose (Mousewater) and enter the forest at the bend in the road where you can see that there used to be a railway bridge.

The Glen trail begins here. It is an easy half mile circular walk that takes you past the Moose and through beautiful grasslands and broadleaf woodland.

Forest Track

The Ironworks heritage Forestry Commission Scotland looks after the site of Wilsontown Ironworks, now designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Established in 1779, it was only the second coke-fired ironworks in Scotland, and the first ironworks in Lanarkshire.

It was at the forefront of technological advances and was the location for a number of industrial developments that went on to shape and influence iron manufacturing.

Started by three brothers, Robert, John and William Wilson, the business later passed into the hands of William Dixon, who managed the works until it closed in 1842. Coal mining continued until 1955.

Wilsontown was a village of 2000 people from all over the UK and beyond, unusual in that the manufacture set-up and the homes of the people were all in the one place in a small valley.

As you walk the paths today there is only a hint of what once went on there, but forestry work did uncover a large number of bell pits as recently as 2008 and the area has been cleared so that you now get a better indication of how the area once looked.

If the historical landscape is more your thing than the flora and fauna you may prefer to take an organized Ranger-led walk around the ironworks, with an explanation of the subtle lumps and bumps in the landscape that you might miss.

The other two main walks are a bit longer. Cross the road and go over to the ironworks where you will see heritage trails with boards telling you all about the ironworks that used to be based at Wilsontown. You can walk on the various unmarked forestry paths, some of which will take you a few hours to complete but should all lead you back to Wilsontown. You may even spot some deer or bird of prey on your travels if you are lucky.

The Peat Pond Path Another circular walk (my favourite kind), this one leads you through the forest, past a pond and then into Tashieburn woodland before heading back into Heathland Forest. Heathland Forest is the main

wooded area and is owned and cared for by the Forestry Commission. The Peat Pond walk takes you on unsurfaced forest tracks that are a bit uneven and can be muddy so decent footwear is probably best. This particular trail is 1.25 miles in length and won’t take more than half an hour to complete. The Forestry Commission grade this walk as moderate so it makes for a good walk.

Tinto from Wilsontown

Quality Row This trail starts from the same point and is within the Heathland Forest too. It is just 0.75 miles and is a quick 15 minutes easy walk, graded easy and again circular taking you through the Ironworks.

The trail is named after one of the miners rows here and the path used to be the main road to these houses and an old tramway.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

S&S Home Improvements Do you need a new kitchen or a refaced kitchen?

What is a refaced kitchen?

S and S Home Improvements specialise in kitchens, and with years of experience refacing kitchens as well as fitting new ones, they are well-qualified to help answer these questions. Run by William and Audrey Sandilands and based in Bathgate, this local family business has thrived since they set up nearly two years ago.

“When someone comes to us for a new kitchen and needs advice on whether to reface or to get a completely new kitchen, the question is, does your kitchen work for you?” explains Audrey. “Because if it’s working well in terms of the layout and you like it, the best option is probably to reface - it will look like a new kitchen but you will retain the layout and save up to 40% of the cost of a new kitchen. If however you don’t like your kitchen and the layout needs to be changed anyway, then we’re looking at a new kitchen.”

In a refaced kitchen the carcass of the kitchen remains, but all doors and side panels are replaced.

It looks like a new kitchen but you’re saving significantly by not ripping out the existing carcass.

The replacement doors that S and S supply are premium quality. “They are the best you can get,” explains William, “I’m a total perfectionist and wouldn’t be happy with anything less. They come from the best manufacturer.”

William spent a large part of his career working for a large English kitchen refacing company where he got an in-depth knowledge of the field, before leaving the company to have a career change a few years back. He went to college and studied for an HNC in foster caring. Audrey had always worked with children and William built an extension to their home in order to accommodate the larger family.

He describes looking after the foster children as a really good time of life. But when their son Calvin was looking to follow his father into the home improvements industry it made sense for William to set up again and to pass on his skills and knowledge.

They started off with kitchen refacing as that was William’s speciality.

“But one day when I had done a customer’s kitchen she asked me if I would do her bathroom too.” explains William. “And by word of mouth recommendations we ended up doing a lot of bathrooms and other work too.” He employs a plumber and a gas engineer to help him, explaining that it has taken a bit of time to get the right team together but he is happy now that he has some really good tradesmen working with him.

“I do the tiling, and co-ordinate any other trades needed. It’s easier for the customer to have a single point of contact rather than getting all the different trades in,” William also has more control over the quality of the overall job if he is arranging the other trades himself.

They currently have a workshop at home - Calvin was working in it on a coal shelter for a local customer when I visited - but they intend to expand and get premises as soon as possible.

So if you’re got a kitchen project in mind, make S and S your first port of all, they will be happy to advise.

Call William or Audrey on 01506 650397.

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01506 650 397 07450 876 999

info@sashomeimprovements.co.uk

www.sandskitchenreface.co.uk

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cafe & sweetshop 24 South Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1TL

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38 konect

KM540047

Music Review

The Regal Music Club

by James Kerr

This month sees the release of new songs by giants of British music, The Who and (The) Pink Floyd, or at least fractions thereof. “A three legged dog is still the same dog” Michael Stipe once unconvincingly said when mournfully attempting to big up another new three person REM album no one who didn’t get a free press copy was interested in. What about a two legged dog? How fast can it run?

Following the death of John Entwistle in 2002, and having chosen not to adopt a further full time replacement for the very late Keith Moon, the core of Pete Townshend and Rodger Daltry have already released a Who album, Endless Wire (2006) which

played about with the synthesiser sounds of the classic “Who’s Next” period, perhaps trying too hard at times to convince. With 50th anniversary song “Be Lucky”, the T’Who (do you see what I did there?) mix up the backing vocal structure of a solo Townshend songs like “Misunderstood” with classic Daltry rock posturing reminiscent of the band’s mid seventies singles such as “Relay”. The drums are leaden and the bass non existent but even on two legs this greyhound is still running.

Pink Floyd have made no secret that their forthcoming album is comprised of reworked leftovers from “The Division Bell”, so no Rodger Waters, and apparently only one track with vocals, “Louder Than Words”. Combining guitar flourishes which more than suggest the “Wish You Wish Here” period with a elegiac Gilmour vocal, this track is no disgrace to the legacy, albeit that it is impossible to escape the feeling that this is precisely the thought behind the piece, rather than a burning creativity.

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No job too BIG or small ONTRACTING The Professional Property Contracting Service for Scotland

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We’ve got some special offers for 2015 Call now for details: Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

konect 44 konect

HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Livingston, EH54 6AD |634176 Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Howden South www.rsvets.co.uk Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Website: Livingston, EH54 6AD Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Find us on|634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk 64 Mid Street,www.rsvets.co.uk Bathgate, EH48 1QD Website: Tel: 01506 Find us on634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm info@rsvets.co.uk Buster theEmail: Dog

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konect 45

TECHNOLOGY

The Best Christmas Gadgets Buying gadgets can be tricky: if you’re buying for a grown-up there’s a very good chance that they’ve already bought the gadgets they want.

But don’t despair, because it turns out that there are lots of gadget-related gifts you can buy for the person who has everything.

A good place to start is a case. Firms such as Tuff-Luv make really nice vintage leather Kindle cases for around £40. And of course you can get leather cases for other devices such as laptops and tablets too.

If they haven’t already got a tablet, there are plenty of alternatives to the all-conquering iPad and iPad Mini. Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD (£89) is good for ebooks and movies, and a range of affordable Windows 8 tablets have been launched by the likes of Asus, Acer and Toshiba, all below £200.

For sporty types there are stacks of gadget gifts, such as the Fitbit Flex activity tracker (£75), the Zepp motion sensor for tennis players (£129), Garmin’s Forerunner GPS watches (£89) and the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch (£149).

If you really want to delight a gadget fan, this year’s hot technology is the smartwatch - of which LG’s G Watch R is one of the nicest. The price hadn’t been announced as we went to press but the Androidcompatible smartwatch is likely to be keenly priced - not least because Apple has its own smartwatch, which is likely to be a big seller this Christmas.

Creeping up the price scale, how about a drone?

Parrot’s AR.Drone 2.0 (£224) is

GoPro Hero 3 action camera

iGrill Smart Thermometer

Mipow Playbulb Bluetooth speaker

If they fancy themselves as the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella, Belkin’s Chef Stand and Wand (£29) is a smart gift idea. It’s a tablet stand designed specifically for the kitchen, enabling you to see the recipe (or the tutorial videos) without getting it covered in food.

For the more outdoor cooking types, consider iGrill’s range of smartphone-connected thermometers (from around £34.99).

One of the more unusual new gadgets we’ve seen is the PlayBulb, a bluetooth speaker that’s also an LED light bulb. The £59 device is controlled via an iPhone and Android app that enables you play music and, er, turn the light on and off.

46 konect

LG Watch R

a smartphone-controlled quadricopter, a flying drone that can stream high definition video back to the owner’s phone or tablet. There are drones to suit all budgets, from the £36 Quadricopter X4 to drones costing more than £600.

Many bigger drones are designed to carry GoPro cameras, which are small high definition cameras that can be attached to almost anything. We’ve seen GoPros strapped to bike helmets, dog collars, remote controlled cars and even musical instruments. Expect to pay from around £199.

You don’t have to spend lots of money for a great gadget gift, though. The excellent Aeropress coffee maker produces brews that rival the world’s most expensive coffee machines, and you can pick one up - brand new - for around £25.

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We will try and beat any other quote konect 47

PROPERTY MATTERS

by Craig Turpie

Open House The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price.

However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.

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

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

When a property goes on show, it is marketed intensely in the neighbourhood so that every neighbour is aware that the property is for sale. If they know anyone who is buying, they are highly

likely to invite them round to see the property, or at least look at it on their behalf.

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

Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits. Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels.

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

Why not visit our website to see which properties are taking part in our open house weekends on Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November.

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

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West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November

A number of our properties will be taking part in two open house days on Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November between 1pm – 3pm.

Please visit our website for full details of the open house properties, directions and brochures.

www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in the December edition of konect 1

2

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8

9

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12 13

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18 19

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Across 7 Attentiveness (13) 8 Speaking (8) 9 Simple (4) 10 Breaks (7) 12 Prophecies (5) 14 Sound of a bell (5) 16 Happier (7) 19 Exhibit (4) 20 Approximate calculation (8) 22 Enquiry (13) Down 1 Young male horse (4) 2 Way in (6) 3 Lures (7) 4 Boasts (5) 5 A narrow river (6) 6 Absurd talk (8) 11 Eating (8) 13 Held for ransom (7) 15 Solicitor (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Large and heavy (5) 21 Implement (4)

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 62

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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

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Support Worker Vacancies All areas of West Lothian, including Armadale, Broxburn and Livingston Starting Salary from £14,500-£17,000 Casual Support Worker rate £7.50 per hour

FULL AND PART-TIME VACANCIES NOW AVAILABLE Do you want to make a real and lasting difference to peoples lives?

If you do we are looking for caring and supportive people who are:      

Up for a challenge Think on their feet Have lots of patience Calm and reassuring Enabling the person to participate in all aspects of their day to day life Willing to work mornings, evenings and sleepovers.

In return we will provide:

    

Competitive wage Training in all areas Opportunities to complete SVQ Holiday allowance that increases with the length of service Generous Terms & Conditions

The roles will involve working with individuals who have support needs relating to personal care, emotions & communication and/or challenging behaviour.

A significant majority of the roles in our West Lothian teams are female only* and a full driving licence may also be required.

For further details or an application form please contact us:

www.actiongroup.org.uk (website) 01506 410668 (West Lothian office) 0131 475 2315 (HQ office). (*posts are exempt under The Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).

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Local Life & Competition

Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw

Saturday 1st to Tuesday 11th November: • Bathgate British Legion will be in store to collect in

aid of The poppy Appeal. Please show your support.

Thursday 13th November: we are launching our River Kids Christmas Toy Appeal. We are looking for games, jigsaws, books, cuddly toys, selection boxes and much more. All toys old and new are welcome. Help to give these kids a great Christmas.

We also hope to have a Christmas market in our car park at the end of the month. Please keep a look out for more details in store.

My name is Tracey Harrison and I am the community champion for Tesco Bathgate. The main aim of my job is to promote my store as a good neighbour that can bring genuine benefit to my local community.

•

•

If your group or organisation feels I could help in any way please contact me on 07822 866634 or email me at blackburnroad@communityattesco.couk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.

Simpsons Primary School Bathgate

8.20 - 9.20pm

Piloxing with lindsay

£30

voucher to help with Xmas shopping Simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject

Tesco Bathgate Closing date for entries

15th November Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date

Simpsons Primary School Bathgate

7.15 - 8.15pm

zumba with lindsay

e: lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk | m: 07834183084

Piloxing® and all piloxing® logos, zumba® and all zumba® logos are registered trademarks. Used under license.

konect 53

Charity of the Month

West Lothian Foodbank “We’re all only one paycheck away from an emergency.” This is one of the notices at the Whitburn branch of West Lothian Foodbank, and it goes a long way to explaining why there are such diverse reasons for people to use the food bank.

The Whitburn branch is where food donations are divided into parcels for three-days worth of emergency food for individuals and families, and dispatched to the other six food bank distribution locations in West Lothian. I called in to meet manager Kathleen and volunteer worker Julie.

“You can never tell what sort of a day you’re going to have here!” says Kathleen. “There is a common misconception that users of food banks are people who have mismanaged their benefits in some way.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.” For many people, whether they depend on benefits or not, a single event such as an unexpected bill, illness or a delayed payment can push them into a difficult situation. This is where food banks come in. They don’t attempt to address long-term poverty; they provide an emergency stop-gap of three days worth of food and they sign-post people to other services that will help with their long-term situation.

The West Lothian Foodbank is run by Whitburn Pentecostal Church which, like thousands of others in the UK, is a franchisee of a charity called the Trussell Trust. The West Lothian Foodbank has an arrangement with over 90 agencies in West Lothian which identify people in need of emergency food (the Advice Shop, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Social Workers, Weslo, to name a few). They supply a voucher for three days’ supply of food. The voucher must be used within 3 days – it really is for immediate emergency, not to stash away in case you need it in the future. You can get a maximum of three vouchers in six months (although sometimes you get more if things take longer to sort out).

“Often we only see a person here once,” explains Julie. “ We help them through their emergency, and they don’t need to come back.” Others do need all three vouchers but they are signposted to different services that can help, and this information service is an important part of the food bank’s work.

There’s no escaping the fact that food banks are a recent phenomenon. West Lothian Foodbank was

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Donations The Foodbank publish a “shopping list” of items needed. Food donations are not needed until after Christmas, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the people of West Lothian in the past few weeks, although they need donations of Christmas items by mid-November (selection boxes and other Christmas treats). There are drop off points for donations all over West Lothian, most of the churches, banks and supermarkets will take donations.

You can make monetary donations too.

Make cheques payable to West Lothian Foodbank and send to: 33 Market Place, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 0EU. More updates and details on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ westlothianfoodbank set up two years ago. Whitburn was the first branch, and it has grown rapidly in response to need and now serves seven distribution points throughout West Lothian. A combination of factors have changed in the past few years - reduction in working hours at little or no notice; benefits being reduced or stopped without any other change in someone’s circumstances; re-applying for different benefits takes time before money comes in; higher bills.

Kathleen explains that since the referendum they have been inundated with food donations, which is fantastic and they have probably got enough to see them through Christmas now. Another challenge is making the food banks accessible to all who need them – for people in outlying villages, getting to one of the food banks can be a problem. If you need to go on foot, carrying bags back with three days worth of food for a family can be a challenge and with the winter weather approaching it only gets harder.

So Kathleen is currently looking at ways of funding bus travel for those who need it. è

è “We have people in here who have got all their incomings and outgoings listed out in meticulous detail, they know where every penny is. And sometimes there is just not enough time between what’s coming in and what’s going out.” says Julie.

Julie has been volunteering at the food bank for six months. “People come here for food but we give them much more than food, we give them hope,” she explains. When you get to a point of not being able to feed yourself or your family despair can take over, which makes everything more difficult. All the volunteers are trained in listening, and they are able to offer a listening ear, encouragement and help users to feel better about the whole experience. “We offer a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits and take the time to sit down and have a chat. Most people go away feeling a lot better than when they walked in.”

While we work away at changing the circumstances that have led to the need for food banks, in the meantime they are providing a life line for people in crisis.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis and need help from the food bank, please contact the West Lothian Foodbank on 01501 229307 email: info@westlothian.foodbank.org.uk

Whitburn foodbank

“There is a common

misconception that users of

food banks are people who have mismanaged their

benefits in some way. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

konect

Get your advertising wrapped up for the year ahead Book now for 2015 to get our special offer Call now for details: Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Local Life Local Life

Bathgate War Memorial Bathgate WarProjectMemorial Project The Royal British Legion Bathgate Branch and other The individuals Royal Britishhave Legion Bathgate Branch andmissing other interested interested been working to add individuals have been working to add missing names to the names to the Bathgate war memorial and to carry out war,cleaning memorialstonework, and to carryrestoring out repairsfinish (repointing , repairs Bathgate (repointing of existing plaques).

Donations were received from plaques). cleaning stonework, restoring finish of existing individuals from Bathgate and from beyond; severalfrom Bathgate Donations were received individuals Bathgate and beyond;and several Bathgate organisations and Bathgate Town Centre organisations Bathgate Town Centre Management Group - the amount collected was £18,000.

Group -Management the amount collected was £18,000.

A new plaque bronze will plaque will be unveiled on Remembrance Sunday A new bronze be unveiled on Remembrance Sunday (9th (9th November) November) and and on on 11th 11th November November Bathgate’s Bathgate’s schoolchildren will plant poppy for everyforman who is remembered on schoolchildren will plantcrosses poppy crosses every man who is the memorial – the Great War,Great Second WarWorld and the Korean remembered on the memorial – the War,World Second 332 Poppy inscribed by inscribed the schoolchildren War andWar the–Korean War –Crosses 332 Poppy Crosses by the with each individual’s schoolchildren withname. each individual’s name.

Bennie Museum currently has a Great War exhibition on, including a display of the names of all those Bathgate men who fell in the Great War on the centenary of their deaths (273 names over 4 years). Visit the Bennie Museum at 9-11 Mansefield Street, Bathgate. 01506 634944.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER ‘14

The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events.

SAT 1ST SUN 2ND WED 5TH FRI 7TH SAT 8TH FRI 14TH SAT 15TH SUN 16TH WED 19TH THU 20TH FRI 21ST WED 26TH -FRI 28TH

DeaD De-fright-ful terrors a Vision of elVis Philomena - film Weslo ComeDy night maD 4 musiCals mugen taiko Drummers ssW Wrestling the kings sPeeCh plUS

Q & A WITH OScAR WINNINg pRODUcER gARETH EllIS UNWIN

4pm £8 7.30pm £20 7.30pm £4 7.30pm £10 7.30pm £10 7.30pm £15 & £13 7pm £10 & £5 7.30pm £4

Paths of glory - film kent gaVin - royal PhotograPher Pete atkin

7.30pm £15

CambusDonalD royal

7.30pm £12

7.30pm £4 7.30pm £12

See website at WWW.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listings and booking. box offiCe is open 10-2pm weekdays and 1 hour before evening shows.

Ring 01506 630 085 and leave a message.

24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4pS konect 57

What’s On

and Useful Information Sunday 9th November Geocaching Introduction Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using a Satellite receiver (GPS) to find hidden boxes in the Woods. It’s great family fun. Come along, help us find the few Polkemmet boxes and maybe help us hide one of our own. Check out www.geocaching.com. Suitable for: All Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm.

Booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 844516

Monday 17th November Bathgate & District Flower Club Join us for our Annual Open Night at the Regal Theatre Bathgate at 7pm for 7.15 Demonstration by Alison Christie.

Members £5, non members £10.00 includes refreshments.

Contact Carole Hawkins e-mail address carole.hawkins48@yahoo.com

Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in!! West Lothian College, 10.30am to 1pm. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Friday 12th December Christmas Concert Presented by Toccata Ladies Choir 7.30pm at Carmondean Church, Nether Dechmont Farm.

Tickets £5, see toccataladieschoir.co.uk

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

The Stone Ring events Workshops with Phillip Permutt: 29th November - Crystal dowsing workshop, 10am 1pm £40 29th November - Crystal communication and divination workshop, 2pm -5pm £40 30th November - Advanced Crystal workshop, 10am - 4pm £75.

(20 discount if two or more workshops are booked.)

Saturday 22nd November Bathgate Shop Local Fun Family Day 12noon-5pm at the Steelyard. See page 32 for details.

Sunday 30th November Jack & Jill Market With markets across Scotland, and an online market you will find up to 45 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9yrs!

Bathgate Library Information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS Tel 01506 282910 bathgate.lib@westlothian.gov.uk. Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm

Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.

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The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children's events.

See website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listing

See Page 57 for November programme

E-BOOKS ARE HERE! You can now register online and download up to 6 e-books from the library website www.westlothian. librarybooks.co.uk - full instructions on login.

EMAGAZINES Free digital magazines available to all Library customers.

Popular publications available 24/7 Easily read on any internet-enabled device Go to – https:/www.rbdigital.com/westlothian/zinio EAUDIOBOOKS have arrived! – more information from your local library The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk

Local Life

Have you visited Bathgate’s Replica WW1 trench?

The only replica WW1 trench in Scotland!

A replica First World War trench has been built in the garden of Bathgate Partnership Centre. Over six feet high and with all the main features of a World War One trench (parapet, fire-step, sandbags, infantry shelter, etc_ it’s as near as we are likely to get to the experience of being in a real trench.

Members of the public can visit during daylight hours up until the end of November, no booking is necessary. There are guided tours every Tuesday at 10 – 10.30am, no booking necessary for individuals but group tours/class visits need to book.

The first half of the trench illustrates ‘Living in the Trenches’ and with the use of replica objects shows how the troops ate, washed, slept and remained healthy in the trenches.

The second half looks at ‘Fighting in the Trenches’ – how the soldiers coped with gas attacks, sheltered from bombardment, used trench periscopes to avoid snipers, were identified when dead, and went ‘over the top’.

Life in the Trenches photo display in Bathgate Partnership Centre, If you would like more information, or to book a tour, phone Sybil Cavanagh on 01506 282491 or email localhistory@westlothian.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian is working with West Lothian Women’s Aid to provide a tailored money advice service to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse.

We can offer assistance with:

Benefit issues Money management/budgeting Debt Housing issues For more information, please contact: Citizens Advice Bureau on

01506 436132

or West Lothian Women’s Aid on

01506 461938 konect 59

Clubs & Classes

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

BATHGATE Bathgate & District Flower Club NEW!

We are a friendly group who meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from September to June (no meeting in December) in the Regal theatre Bathgate at 7.15pm.

We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who does around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes at each meeting. We also arrange outings each year. The club was established 48 years ago and we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in September 2015. Contact Carole.

Hawkins48@yahoo.com

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.

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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 7:30pm-9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate.

Anyone interested 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.

Zumba with Lindsay Simpson Primary School Bathgate Tuesday 7.15 to 8.15pm East Calder Church Hall Monday 7 to 8pm NEW VENUE Uphall Station, Uphall Institute Hall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm.

Facebook Zumba with Lindsay Email - lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk Tel - 07834 183084

Piloxing with Lindsay Simpson Primary School Bathgate Tuesday 8.20pm to 9.20pm Facebook Piloxing with Lindsay Email - lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk Tel - 07834 183084

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; We also have regular exhibitions in Polkemmet Cafe and the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.

For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138

Parent and Toddler’s St Johns Church, Mid Street.

Fridays during term time, 9.30-11.30 am.

From Birth to Pre-schoolers. For further information, contact Irene on 01506 654579

Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco, 11 King St, Bathgate.

Range of classes including soft play, storytelling, craft and dance. Please call Kidzeco for class times and availability on 01506 815534.

31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street.

Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

Lead a Happier Life We meet monthly to learn about empowering ourselves to lead the life we want and deserve.

With different with guest speakers on happiness related topics. Also meet in between times to go walking/theatre/ other personal development workshops.

Meet 1st Mon of each month at Community Wing, Marina Road, Boghall, Bathgate EH48 1SY (next to the school) 7.00 pm. For more info contact Carol on 07800 772607.

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 - 7pm - 8.30 pm (approx)

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 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.50pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Senior Band Mondays 8.00 – 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, 11 King St, Bathgate.

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.

Pop Skool Dance / Singing fun classes for ALL! Based in the brand new Boghall Community Wing.

Monday Evenings 5.30 - 6.30 Minis (4 - 7yrs) 6.30 - 7.30 Juniors (8 - 11yrs) 6.30 - 8.00 Seniors (12 - 15yrs) 7.30 - 9.00 Elite (16yrs+) www.popskool.com

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.

OTHER AREAS Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Classes The Green Room, Main Street, Kirknewton.

Food for Life Cancer Project – The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival Saturday 8th November, 10am until 4pm

Food for Life Diabetes Initiative – The Power of Food for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Saturday 22nd November, 10am until 4pm Christmas Nutrition and Cooking Class Saturday 13th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm Christmas Nutrition and Cooking Class Saturday 20th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm Places are limited and must be booked in advance as there’s lots of food to sample at each class, recipes and handouts to take away.

To reserve your place call Caroline on 01506 885393, email: caroline@ carolinesplantbaseddiet.com or go to www.carolinesplantbaseddiet.com

Getting Gooey Chocolate and Craft Workshop Livingston’s first chocolate workshop!

Kids make chocolate, sweet and crafting items. Suitable from 2 to 12 years. £8.50 per child - sessions last around 1 hour.

Please check www.gettinggooey.com for session times, call 07576 964099 or email info@gettinggooey.com to book.

Livingston Business Centre, 1 Charlesfield Lane, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7BT.

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.

Pottery Classes Deans Community High - Eastwood Park, Livingston, EH54 8PS. ILA approved, Wed 7pm-9pm, Fri 10am12pm Adults classes – please contact Kim for late entry.

Tutor Kim McCulloch. To join or for more info please contact DCHS 01506 282155 or Kim 07836 332165 or email deanscommunityeducation@wled.org.uk

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

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

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings.

See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk.

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

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick & Cane Shop 35 Accountancy / Bookkeeping TaxLink 31 Aerials Aerial Man 15 Bathrooms 1st Choice 4 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 40 Ekco 29 MH Developments 26 S&S Home Improvements 37 Beauty Dream: U 6 Building Services DB General Builders 4 Building Surveyor David Hastings 43 Cafe Bus Stop Cafe 38 East Meets West 23 Hopetoun Deli 4 Car Bodywork Car Medic 39 Chips Away 43 Finishing Touch 47 Protek 39 Car Service and Repair Ace Exhausts & Tyres 23 Formula 1 MOT 47 M&S Auto Solutions 6 Catering East Meets West 23 Food Creations 21 Charity Action Group 52 Citizens Advice Citizens Advice Bureau 59 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 44 Time For You 44

Community Enterprising Bathgate 32 Complementary Therapies The Stone Ring 22 Computer Repairs A&T Computer Solutions 44 Dog Grooming Bailey's Dog Salon 45 Double Glazing Weathertight Windows and Doors 26 Electrical Simply Electrical 43 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 5 Turpie & Co 49 Firewood Edinburgh Firewood 4 Fitness Piloxing with Lindsay 53 Zumba with Lindsay 53 Furniture Imaginex Furniture & Interiors 27 Gardens and Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes 4 Golf Club Ratho Park Golf Club 41 Hairdressers Dream: U 6 Razor Sharp 7 Highland Dress The Kilt Studio 13 Home Furnishings Imaginex Furniture & Interiors 27 Homes for Sale Taylor Wimpey 11 Hotel Fairway Hotel 15 Hilcroft Hotel 17 Indoor Football 36Fives 25 Joiner SM Joinery Services 41

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Across: Across: 1 Traffic, 5 Ketch, 8 Improve, 9 Ideal, 10 Stern, 11 Theatre, 12 Steady, 14 Spades, 17 Ancient, 19 Tiger, 22 Paths, 23 Athlete, 24 Daddy, 25 Sisters

62 konect

Down: 1 Toils, 2 Apple, 3 Frowned, 4 Chests, 5 Knife, 6 Treated, 7 Helpers, 12 Swapped, 13 Excited, 15 Pitches, 16 Straws, 18 Essay, 20 Geese, 21 Reels

Kitchens Alba Kitchens 13 Ekco 29 S&S Home Improvements 37 Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith 39 Mobility Med-Ecosse 51 Oven Cleaning The Clean Team 15 Painter / Decorator Nu-Walls 43 Plasterer Hannah Roofing & Roughcasting 26 Nu-Walls 43 Property Letting LetLink 31 Property Maintenance AC Contracting 42 Restaurant Fairway Hotel 15 Hilcroft Hotel 17 Karma 16 Roofing Hannah Roofing & Roughcasting 26 Takeaway Baguette Express 63 East Meets West 23 Karma 16 Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd 47 Taxi Bluebird Radio Cars 64 Theatre Bathgate Regal Community Theatre 19, 57 Bathgate Theatre Company 2 Tyres Ace Exhausts & Tyres 23 Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice 45 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 47 Protek 39 Windows Weathertight Windows and Doors 26

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

Ou

ts i av de ai ca la te bl rin e g

5 George Place, Bathgate, EH48 1PA

07594 031 420

Open: Mon/Tues/Wed 8am to 6pm, Thurs/Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 4pm

Call for collection or delivery

We deliver to Bathgate, Blackburn, Armadale and Whitburn - from £1.50

Christmas Deal

Sliced turkey, cranberry sauce with sage & onion stuffing

£1.99

Pizza ● 7” £2.50 ● 10” £4.00 ● 12” £5.50

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Available up to 12 noon

*single filling roll regular drink

with this advert only

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