Konect Bathgate September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

bathgate

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

2 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR SEPTEMBER EDITION

I

t’s one of those months when I am so excited by the breadth and depth of caring, creativity and energy that myself and other Konect writers dig up in West Lothian to write about. And we don’t even come close to covering absolutely everything that’s going on (although give me a few more years…).

Browse through the articles and I hope you’ll see what I mean.

Party in the Park right here in Kirkton Park is the 2nd September; the Regal Film Society is back to liven up the first Wednesday of every month, see the wee feature on p33. Our free-range sports writer David has been speaking to Livingston Boxing Club; I think the upshot is that whatever you think about the sport itself, the Club is doing great things. I visited local charity Carers of West Lothian. Our new Parenting columnist Laura kicks off her column with a charming article about the current craze of rock painting and hiding: if you’ve spotted brightly painted pebbles and so on dotted around in unlikely places, this article will enlighten you!

Remember if you are involved in any events coming up in the autumn, do send in details, we list community and notfor-profit events free of charge in our What’s On section.

COVER IMAGE: See page 26 for more information about Party in the Park

P8 Community Cement: WLCU......................... 6 Carers of West Lothian................................. 8 Gardening: Keep summer going..............15 Property Matters..........................................18 Puzzles..........................................................22 Music Review...............................................23 Health & Beauty...........................................24 Parenting: West Lothian Rocks.................29 What’s On......................................................30 Love Art Deco...............................................33 Sport:Livingston Boxing Club....................34 Clubs & Classes..........................................35

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen.

Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

JENNY THOMSON

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

Email: editor@konect.scot

07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

07772 941899 charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

Account Manager

BATHGATE | 3

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Windows & Doors Kitchens Bathrooms Garage Conversions Sun Lounges & Orangeries Conservatories Roofline

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

COMMUNITY

West Lothian Credit Union: Community Cement When you drive you trust your fellow road users will be licensed, insured and not high on something; we trust our politicians to have the electors’ interests at heart; a careless car mechanic is bad enough but imagine similar shoddiness in a mechanic servicing a jet about to transport 350 passengers. That is one giant dollop of trust. We trust that fellow passengers are well-intentioned, not fanatics without respect for life.

Our magazine prides itself on being community focussed. For a community to function efficiently, yielding good quality of life for its members, there must be large measures of trust, concern for fellow citizens, and respect for the rights and safety of others. Am I mistaken in sensing that breaches of basic trusts are rising? Are social media playing a role?

So it’s a pleasure to report a practical and positive example flourishing here in our community in the shape of the West Lothian Credit Union.

The first Credit Union started in 1849 in Germany and by 1900 they were established across most of Europe. As per the template, WLCU is member-owned and not-for-profit.

“Credit” is misleading as both savings and loans are offered. A more accurate title would be “Community Union”. Today’s sophisticated beast operates under the auspices of the Financial Regulatory bodies, providing guarantees of the individual’s capital up to £85k.

John McClay, 58, CEO of WLCU expands: the Union was founded by current chair Nancy MacGillivray in 1998 in a former church in Deans. In 2008, to accommodate growth, WLCU moved to Almondvale centre in Livingston. Current membership is 3000 adult plus 1400 juvenile being proactively encouraged to groove prudent financial habits.

You can join individually, (I did online, it’s nimps!), or via an employer’s scheme.

Some big names offer the salary deduction facility, like West Lothian Council, Fyffes, Weslo Housing.

The WLCU has 5 paid employees and 25 volunteers - from board members to cashiers. Each year Board members are 6 | BATHGATE

elected by the membership to serve 3 years. John explains convincingly that for loanseekers, the Credit Union should be first call as they’re able to be more personal, flexible and understanding (like Banks and Building Socs used to be, remember?)

“Something for EVERYbody” is the Union mantra in the fight to keep vulnerable souls off the dizzying merry-go-round of payday loan companies and sharks.

Savers receive division of profits (i.e. dividends, not interest) as decided yearly by members. Deposits and withdrawals are executed at the office or online, (withdrawals credited at 3 p.m. daily).

The Union is gearing up to roll out its mobile online loan app.

All loan applications are vetted and determined by HUMANS not computers.

John emphasises the Union WANTS to help in crises, unlike Banks that tend to offer to lend you an umbrella under a cloudless sky.

By joining up - a simple online process - you can demonstrate that community trust is not declining but alive and well and living in West Lothian.

Website: www.westlothiancreditunion.co.uk Facebook: West Lothian Credit Union This feature was contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

“ Without CoWL I would have carried on feeling low and on my own trying to cope with my caring role ” “ I feel like there is a space I can go to so I get a chance to breathe regularly ” “ I am now accepting and understanding of my son’s condition and I am coping with it now ”

Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and you can find yourself doing something you never planned on doing. This can be something fantastic ... or somewhat difficult. in place for that too,” explains Carolann.

I met with a local charity this month who are “We provide one-on-one emotional support there for people who find themselves as either on the phone or here at the Livingston unpaid carers for a loved one. Carers of West premises; anyone who is struggling can call Lothian was set up 25 years ago by carers, for carers. “Generally, willingly taking on the us or drop in, and if there is someone role, it does mean that your own life can end available to see you, they will. You can also up on hold, your career impacted, social life phone for an appointment.” Carers of West impacted, and the emotional and practical Lothian are also happy to make the first call – effects on you are significant” says Carolann contacting yet another organisation Turner, one of the support workers at can be overwhelming, so if they Carers of West Lothian. have a name and phone A carer is a person of any age number and permission to The weekly carer’s who provides unpaid care call, they will do that. coffee morning is on a and support to a spouse, Wednesday. Just drop in They offer peer support partner, relative friends or between 10am and 12 noon through weekly coffee neighbour, who can’t live at Sycamore House (address mornings, which are independently without the below) for tea, coffee, cakes, very popular; they carer’s help. The support chat and peer support. Either have a counselling that a carer provides may to chat about your caring service, support groups, be emotional, personal care role, or to switch off and training such as stressand hygiene, cooking and relax in a supportive management, legal advice, shopping, acting as a environment. a powers of attorney clinic, representative and so on. and practical help. Subject to Besides the rewards, there can be hard funding, they also have access times, and self-care for carers to the Creative Breaks Fund which will allow carers to apply for a short break either with is essential. If you’re the one holding things the person they care for, or on their own together for someone else, you need to look after yourself, for your own sake and for the YOUNG CARERS - There are many children person who is relying on you. Anyone who under the age of 18 who are caring for a finds themselves struggling with any aspect parent, grandparent or sibling. They may of their caring role can access support from be heavily involved in nursing care, doing Carers of West Lothian. household chores, or spending time sitting with them for company; they may be helping “Carers may well have health issues their parents look after a younger sibling themselves, and we have various support 8 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Support for people with learning and physical disabilities - Carers of West Lothian has this year been selected

by West Lothian Council to provide information, advice and support for people with learning and physical disabilities living in West Lothian delivering many of the services that were previously provided

by Capability Scotland in Carmondean’s Ability Centre. If you live in West Lothian and have a learning or physical disability Carers of West Lothian can support you with Benefits Advice, information on services, signposting/referrals to services, information on your rights, access to radar keys and a listening ear.

The carer’s walking group

because their parents have an illness or disability. Young carers may be subjected to extra stress because of the responsibility their bear, or their schooling and social life may be impacted. In whatever situation, the West Lothian Young Carer’s project can help. There are groups, outings, support in school, someone to talk to, and a range of other supports for young carers. The parent of one young carer said, “It gave my daughter something to look forward to, that was just for her. She had the most horrific year, but I can see she is getting through it and that has been with the support of the young carers staff.”

CONTACT INFORMATION Address: Sycamore House, Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX Tel: 01506 448000 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Facebook: /CarersofWestLothian

A coffee morning at CoWL

Carers of West Lothian is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

Registered Scottish Charity No. SC019628.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer, after visiting Carers of West Lothian at Sycamore House, Livingston. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 9

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

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

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Gardening/Exteriors pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

12 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

For all your gardening & landscaping needs Call John

07823 495380

naiagardenservices@gmail.com

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 13

14 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

GARDENING PROJECT

As we move towards the autumn our summer displays in pots on the patio or at the front door can start to look a bit dowdy.

It can seem too soon to replace them but something needs to be done. Hopefully you may have a few spare pots and can introduce a new star performer to take centre stage amongst your summer pots and lift the performance.

The small outdoor cyclamens are perfect for this role. They have been specially bred from various parents including the Persian Cyclamens that we can grow in cool indoor positions and they will perform well outside from now until the end of the year. You could plant small variegated ivies with them and

@KonectMagazines

also bury some dwarf bulbs like crocus or tulips to take over the display next spring.

If you are using compost from a summer planting you must tease it up to get air back into it and add a controlled release fertiliser as it will have been starved on nutrients.

Remember to water regularly, they are your babies and rely on you for everything!

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

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

BATHGATE | 15

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS:

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Home Improvement pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

16 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

PROPERTY MATTERS

Many estate agents will flatter you and promote themselves by claiming that they’ll get you the “highest price in the shortest possible time”. This is easy to say, but not so easy for most agents to justify or indeed deliver!

Effective property sales involve a combination of great presentation, attractive pricing and effective marketing along with a host of other techniques that facilitate a successful sale.

One of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few! This “secret agent” concept is when a property is offered, “offmarket” and can often be hugely effective.

In essence, instead of bringing your property to market in the expected way with the usual initial exposure across the property portals, local advertising, window display, website, etc, it is made quietly known to suitable prequalified buyers that the property is “about to come onto the market”. This “advance notice” really excites buyers as they have privileged or exclusive access to a property that other buyers do not. During this pre-marketing phase buyers are more likely to make a strong offer rather than lose out.

This technique is especially effective for properties that could possibly command an excellent price from one of a small pool of 18 | BATHGATE

buyers, or where the vendor wants to try a particular strategy for a short period of time without exposing the property to the open market.

Successfully achieving sales in this way however relies on good old-fashioned estate agency work including an ongoing bank of suitably qualified and credible buyers and not just relying on the internet to do this job for you.

If you are considering selling your property, make sure you explore all options available to you before deciding what the best marketing strategy is for your property and circumstances. Sometimes a more creative approach can pay real dividends.

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. @KonectMagazines

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 @KonectMagazines 20 | BATHGATE

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 38

CROSSWORD

Solution in the October edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Absorb (6), 8. Worn away (6), 9. Wooden shoe (4), 10. Sailing (8), 11. Stealing (7) 13. Evil spirit (5), 15. Take away (5), 16. Ask for (7), 18. UK mnimum voting age (8), 19 Chilled (4), 21 Well known (6), 22 Decorated (6).

DOWN: 1. Herb (4), 2. Locale (13) 3. Remaining (7), 4. Compassion (5), 5. Donations (13), 6. Fragments (8), 12. Authentic (8), 14. Reconciliation (7), 17. Stop (5), 20. Consumes (4).

West West Lothian Lothian Dippers Dippers (SWI) (SWI) Young people aged 8-12 and 12-16 years Young people aged 8-12 and 12-16 years

DoDo you like crafting?

Would you like to to you like crafting?

Would you like learn new crafts and skills? learn new crafts and skills?

WeWe areare a new a new group group starting starting monthly monthly from from Saturday, Saturday, September September 29th 29th from from 10.30am 10.30am to to 3.30pm 3.30pm in the in the North North Barn, Barn, Carmondean Carmondean Community Community Centre, Centre, EH54 EH54 8AX. 8AX.

If you If you would would like like to to know know more, more, please please contact contact Anne Anne onon register.

You 07885411178 07885411178 oror wldippers@gmail.com wldippers@gmail.com to to register.

You will need adult complete registration form. will need anan adult to to complete thethe registration form.

I I look forward hearing from you. look forward to to hearing from you. www.theswi.org.uk www.theswi.org.uk West West Lothian SWRISWRI is a registered Scottish charity also known as theasSWI No SC022049 Lothian is a registered Scottish charity also known the Charity SWI Charity No SC022049

22 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

MUSIC REVIEW

Back to Frontmen

There is a theory gathering force that pop music, as you and I understand it, is approaching the end of an arc that will close off the term in the manner applied to Classical music - a form of composition and presentation drawing upon a range of recognised scales, melodic restrictions and instrumentation.

At some future point people will write a pop song the way they may write a piece in the Baroque style, or Dixieland, by assembling the pieces and imitating the sounds acceptable within that genre rather than by letting out what is in bursting in their gut to escape. Consider the autotune indentikit content of Radio One or Kiss FM and it is difficult to argue that this phase is not already well underway.

Miles Kane, almost Arctic Monkey and full time Last Shadow Puppet then, with Coup De Grace, presents a series of songs which parrot some

rock common denominator, throwing Marc Bolan flourishes over the blandest of not actual indie pop sounds in an effort to give some second hand authority to lyrics which, despite the assistance of co-writers such as Lana Del Rey, fail to rise above the borrowed glam robes. Proper mega popstar and principal Scissor Sister Jake Shears too wants to buy his way in to a new sound by aligning himself with New Orleans traditions, but his assimilation of Preservation jazz makes no po faced effort to be authentic and is all the better for it. If anything, his self titled album sounds like nothing so much as the songs you don’t entirely remember from the Scissor Sisters first two albums because they were overshadowed by the hits and it’s nice to hear those structures again for the first time.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.

~ VISIT THE NEW STORE IN TOWN ~

NAPIERS BATHGATE

10% OFF Napiers brand products if you bring in this discount coupon.

Only one coupon can be used per visit. Offer expires 1 October 2018.

Only valid at Napiers Bathgate.

A wide range of: Natural Beauty Herbal Skincare Health Supplements Herbal Consultations Health Foods & Teas Green Living Advice and More...

62 George Street, Bathgate EH48 1PD • Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Phone 01506 353 786 • Facebook and Instagram: NapiersBathgate @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 23

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Struggling to lose Weight?

Time to tackle your Stress When you are stressed over a long period, your body gets depleted of nutrients leaving it exhausted, and more likely to crave and overeat sugary, junk food.

Excess cortisol breaks down muscle and encourages fat storage, especially the hardest to shift weight around the middle. Quite simply, in a stressed body, most diets are doomed to fail.

For successful weight loss, make relaxation a priority and carve out some me-time: 1. Practice Deep Breathing every day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night.

2. Reduce your time on Social Media schedule when you go on it. The average person checks their phone/device 85 times a day – is that productive or making you feel better?

3. Practice Mindful Eating - eat at a table, slow down, chat and chew thoroughly.

This relaxes your body and improves your digestion significantly.

4. Find an Exercise you like – exercise is vital for mental fitness; it reduces stress hormones and stimulates the release of endorphins – brain chemicals that act as natural pain killers, boost your mood and improve your ability to sleep.

5. Laugh – do whatever makes you laugh and do it more often. We laugh a lot at nutriclub!

6. Say NO –don’t let other people’s needs overwhelm your own - only do what you want to.

7. Up your Vitamins and Minerals – chronic stress can deplete important vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, various B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc – invest in a multivitamin to keep your levels in check.

To learn more about healthy eating and nutrition-focused weight loss, get in touch with Louise for information on nutriclub classes in Linlithgow.

Longcroft Hall - every Wed at 9.30am Bowling Club, Philip Avenue - every Wed 5.30pm Facebook: /nutriclublinlithgow Tel: 07837 794112 (Louise) e-mail: nutriclub@virginmedia.com Website: www.nutriclub.co.uk 24 | BATHGATE

Are You Worried About Worrying?

By far the most common issue I see with clients is anxiety. This can present itself as worrying, over analysing, mild OCD, physical conditions, claustrophobia, and agoraphobia. In the worst cases it can become debilitating. Here are a few tips and strategies which may help: 1. Delayed Worrying - Daily worrying, and you’ll know exactly what I mean if you are a worrier, is massively draining. It’s also a habit; it turns out, just like any other habit, you can break it by simply becoming aware of it and then replacing it with a new habit. Start by simply noticing when you’re worrying and use the ‘delaying’ technique.

Note the worry down in a notebook and commit to worrying about it in 24 hours. All too often you completely forget to return to that worry, and you begin to see that most worry is just thoughts that come and go - they mean much less than you thought they did.

2. Will the problem be a problem in a year?

- Is the problem or worry something that will still bother you tomorrow? Next week?

Next year? Most problems are short term and aren’t worth the worry and concern we allocate them. Is it a real problem which needs to be addressed, or is it just a drama?

3. A Problem Shared…. Be honest with your family and friends. Explain what worries you and what makes you stressed. The more the people around you understand how you’re feeling, the more they can support you (and this can be reciprocated too).

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. She co-hosts weekly Mind & Soul Clinics at The Retreat Livingston and The Retreat Linlithgow where the focus is on holistic healing and wellbeing.

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 25

The annual Music Festival and Family Fun Day held in Bathgate’s Kirkton Park.

A FREE ENTRY event for all the family with two music stages, childrens rides, food, stalls, and lots of fun...

Free parking available in the grounds of Bathgate Academy next to Kirkton Park. (First come first parked as it get’s busy) Please Park considerately in the surrounding area. Park opens at 11pm with live music from 12 noon to 6pm 26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contacts details are on page 3.

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 27

28 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

PARENTING

Alas the summer holidays are over for another year! While a part of me mourns the seemingly endless days filled with the promise of quality time with the kids, for the most part I welcome the return of a somewhat normal routine and the end of having to come up with something ‘fun’ to do to fill any and all free moments.

But truth be told the end of the holidays is not the end of quality time or the end of having to come up with things to do. If anything fun activities is a must over the first few months of term to ease the transition back into school.

We are not really ‘planners’ when it comes to what we do at the weekends, tending instead to wait and see what mood we’re in. Then we mentally scroll through the list of possible things to do and scurry around coming up with a last minute plan to ‘make the most of the weather’.

Over the last few months I’ve found the best way to give a bit of purpose to our outdoor adventures, whether it be a walk or a bike ride or just a trip to the park, is the latest craze of rock painting. It doesn’t matter if they are searching for painted rocks along the way or seeking out the perfect hiding spot for ones they’ve painted themselves my girls can’t get enough of it. So we recently hunted out some rocks to paint and had fun turning them into ladybirds, rainbows and princesses… although my youngest is only 3 so some of them were just, shall we say, ‘colourful’. @KonectMagazines

Then we loaded up a wee basket on the front of the bike and headed out. We are really spoilt for choice in terms of places to go so we headed out first along the Murieston Trail and round Campbridge Pond and then ended up hiding our rocks in and around Bellsquarry and Williamston Woods. It is a craze that has really taken off so we came home with almost as many as we hid. The girls were very happy with their haul and we will have a good excuse to head out again soon to enjoy the wilderness on our doorstep and hide the ones we found for someone else to find.

So keep your eyes peeled when you are out and about and if you want to get involved check out West Lothian Rocks on Facebook to see where people have been hiding their rocks recently. Happy hunting!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her husband and two young daughters, and their campervan Hank. She enjoys trying new things and rare moments of peace.

BATHGATE | 29

WHAT’S ON

SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER & SUNDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER On Location: Blackness Blackness Castle 12pm – 4pm. Blackness has proven popular in recent times as a filming location, including the TV series Outlander. Come and discover more about the locations and techniques used for filming at Blackness, and enjoy arena performances through the day. Explore our medieval encampment, learn Gaelic songs, discover more about ‘waulking’ and get involved with crafts and stonemasonry.

Included in castle admission price. Free for HES members. Contact Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150, email rangers@hes.scot FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Creatures of the Night Beecraigs Country Park. An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm!

8pm - 9.30pm Suitable for families. Meet at the Sutherland Building at Beecraigs Country Park. Cost: £3.90/adult £2.70/ child. Booking essential, contact Almondell Visitor Centre on 01506 882254 or almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Dogs!

Free microchipping, basic health check, health and training advice and information from The Dogs Trust. Beecraigs Country Park, 11am – 3pm. For more information see: www.dogstrust.org.uk/ communityevents 30 | BATHGATE

WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER

Information day for EU citizens Come and ask questions to a panel of immigration lawyers and experts about Brexit. Find out more about ‘settled status’, access to housing and social benefit, workers’ rights and other rights as EU citizens up to and after Brexit. Almondvale Suite, Livingston Football Club, 6pm - 8pm SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER

Rotary charity Classic/Vintage Car Show A wonderful display of Vintage cars & motorcycles in the picturesque grounds of Hopetoun house. 10.30am – 4pm. Free parking. Adult entry £7.00, children free.

Includes discount voucher to view house.

Contact: davidalmondhill2@gmail.com MONDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER

Broadway Themed Concert with Newland Concert Brass. Come along and enjoy music from the world of musicals from the junior and senior bands. Bathgate Partnership Centre. Doors open 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets £3 each.

Primary school children are free but still require a ticket. For more info please visit www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 31

Become an I Bike volunteer and help run walking and cycling activities at your local schools.

We’re looking for volunteers to help with I Bike activities at your local schools. Bike rides, led walks, bike maintenance sessions, smoothie bike sessions, fun classroom activities, and more!

Our I Bike project supports young people to walk, cycle and scoot to school more often. Your local I Bike Officer works with schools in the Armadale & Bathgate area.

To apply or find out more contact Amanda McKay : amanda.mckay@sustrans.org.uk call/text 07748 700385

www.sustrans.org.uk/scotland/i-bike 0131 346 9777

32 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Gail Whyte

COMMUNITY

Then love the recently rescued Regal Community Theatre in Bathgate. Pete Sneddon has leased the theatre complex, renamed it “Reconnect Regal Theatre” and is pouring his considerable energies into making it once again the Hub of local artistic activities.

Rooms and even the main Theatre itself are available for hire and upcoming are concerts and plays (facebook.com/ bathgateregaltheatre).

In the fold snuggles the Bathgate Regal Film Society, formed in 1999. Gail Whyte, the secretary, has been integral from day one. A former teacher and bookkeeper, Gail boasts a passion for film that started when she was toddling, with “Casablanca” her all-time favourite. She tells me that the society owns all its own modern equipment; membership costs £25 for the season or £5 per night.

As can be gleaned from the programme below, the seven-strong Committee favours Classics including foreign, Independents and Contemporary films. To cover costs, a minimum £200 take is vital. So the average attendance of 40 just about covers it while a rare maximum 80 provides a welcome surplus. Refreshments are available from the centre’s bar facility.

This season opens with a deliberately selected light but topical film “Battle of the Sexes” about the tennis challenge between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. (Guess who won!)

There’s a truism - we only get the politicians we deserve but we also only get the community facilities we support. @KonectMagazines

Roger that! Play it again Sam. PROGRAMME:

Sept 5th - Battle of the Sexes Oct 3rd - The Death of Stalin Oct 31st - The Exorcist (Hallowe’en special) Nov 7th - Journey’s End Nov 21st - The Shape of Water Jan 9th - A Fantastic Woman Feb 6th - Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool Mar 6th - A Matter of Life and Death Apr 3rd - I, Tonya

All showings are at 7.30, all Wednesdays

Membership £25 including entry to all 8 films in the season.

Guest tickets and Hallowe’en special £5.

Enquiries and details from Gail Whyte (email: gail_whyte@hotmail.com)

A few miles across our breathtaking local countryside stands its architectural cousin, the Hippodrome cinema in Bo’ness. It shows a varied programme, from the current Blockbuster through live Opera and RSC Productions to Black and White classics.

The feature is contributed by David Levin.

David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

BATHGATE | 33

Members of Livingston Boxing Club

SPORTS

ASK 100 PEOPLE...

...who is the greatest sportsperson of all time and three will answer Cassius Clay, 96 Muhammad Ali and one ANother, for example Zatopek, Bannister, Laver, Borg, Navratilova, Redgrave, Schumacher, Joyner-Kersee, Phelps, Federer, Bolt, Jordan, Pele, Woods, Messi, Nicklaus, Warne, Comaneci, Sobers, Campese, Indurain, Moses, Best or Lottie Dod (please Google her) ...….......space for your own choice.

None will answer Beckham, (I hope).

You will know that Clay and Ali are one and the same and that what elevated him ultimately above the crowd was his scintillating wit, his razor-sharp intellect and his willingness to voice and unwillingness to compromise, his deepseated convictions.

Ali’s sport divides opinion just as he did. In the blue corner its supporters promulgate its character-building, its fitness, its “keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble” aspects whilst in the red corner its opponents condemn its savagery and contrived aggression. (N.B. At law, a boxer’s fists are deemed lethal weapons). Personally I have long admired the essential courage and the optional but inevitable post-fight respect.

“Commitment!” emphatically opines Allan Fleming when I ask him the major requirements for success in the sport. “Natural ability is a given but commitment and hard work will take a boxer a long way.”

Allan has been head coach at the Livingston Boxing Club since 2008. He boxed himself for the club until 2005 under the astute tutelage of Junior Atinlami. Today these two plus fellow volunteers, Keith Dodds and Lenny Hughes, devote much of their spare time communicating wisdom and experience to up to 35 aspiring boxers each club night (Mondays and Wednesdays 6 p.m.). The fee? £1. No not a misprint. And somehow, along with funds raised by their boxing shows, (watch for them!), the club self-finances; but support of any kind will be gratefully received and put to effective use. They also hope one day to receive some 34 | BATHGATE

funding from the local authority. All coaches are registered and CVP vetted.

They put down the red carpet for everyone adults, children 6 and up, keep-fitters, novice boxers, experienced boxers, welcome one and all. Under 10s (and anyone who doesn’t want to trade punches), are strictly “no contact”, but, says Allan, there is still immense benefit to be derived in balance, coordination, agility, self-confidence and physical condition.

For those who do wish to compete, well there are some big boots to fill: a pair of size 6 actually, that belong to Elaine Greenan aged 34 and a pair of size 10 belonging to Adam Salata age 37, who two years ago brought unprecedented honours to the club by winning the Scottish championships at Welter and Super Heavy weights respectively.

Allan mentions some youngsters he believes well capable of stepping into those boots, so watch out for Livingston talents climbing the rankings.

And whatever your verdict on the sport, (mine’s a split decision), put your hands together for four dedicated coaches who give their time for free to teach West Lothian youngsters the lifetime values of fitness and self-discipline.

Facebook: Livingston Boxing Club The sports column is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer. @KonectMagazines

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

September in West Lothian The kids may be back to school and summer may be quickly drawing to a close but there’s still plenty to do across West Lothian!

In Linlithgow, the annual folk festival is taking place on the 5th – 9th September. Many artists are coming together to across the week to provide something for everyone’s tastes, with a fantastic mix of dance and song. The event will be headlined by the legendary Ralph McTell – an influential figure of the UK folk music scene since the 60’s.

Over at Hopetoun House, the popular Classic Car Show takes place on Sunday 23rd. The event, set to the backdrop of the stunning house, will feature a range of vintage cars and motorcycles.

If none of these are for you, West Lothian is the home to three beautiful country parks.

Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood provide a great opportunity for the family to get out free of charge to spend some quality time with nature.

As September draws to a close, Halloween will shortly be with us! Keep an eye out for next month’s edition for full listings of Halloween events in the area. Until then, you can keep up to date with us using the links below.

If there’s an event you feel we’ve missed, please do get in touch.

Don’t forget, many attractions across the area are taking part in our “Passport to West Lothian” competition – prizes include a free Family ticket to Howden Park Centre’s Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, to free entry to Linlithgow Palace and many more in between! You can still take part as participating venues will have a supply.

For more details of this, visit our website at www.visitwestlothian.co.uk/passport.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BATHGATE NEW KIDS FRIDAY CLUB Calling all P1-P7 children! Looking for some fun? Come & join us every Friday (during term time) from 2pm -3.30pm for a wide range of activities including face /nail painting, arts and crafts, games, baking, snooker and lots more. £1.50 donation per week. Bathgate High Church, Gideon Street, Bathgate. Email; info@bathgatehigh.com.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE Bathgate Partnership Centre, 21 South Bridge Street, EH48 1TL. Manager Liz. Contact: 07591735823.

Open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 11:30am, Mon & Wed 12:30 to 2:15pm. £7.50 per session.

BATHGATE FAIRTRADE GROUP Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian, providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations. If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or Email: mrs_g@btinternet.com RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES Rainbow units - (girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Brownie units - (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Guide units - (girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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.

Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, tel: 01506 676965.

BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP A friendly group who meet on Wednesdays at 2.00pm in the Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate.

We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee served. A warm welcome awaits old and new members. We meet from the first Wednesday in September through to the following April. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.

BATHGATE | 35

BATHGATE ...cont.

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 7:00pm-9:00pm

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.

BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including

36 | BATHGATE

Hartbeeps, Yoga Babiez, Baby Sensory, Iyengar Yoga Warriors and Kids Iyengar Yoga Warriors. Please see our events page on facebook www.facebook.com/kidzeco 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.

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

REGAL MUSIC CLUB The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm – 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. £2.00 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 A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the first Monday of every month between 1.30pm and 3pm at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, Bathgate (Sheltered Housing Complex). Contact 01506 533114 or just turn up and be assured of a warm welcome 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 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.

WEST LOTHIAN RUN Little Runners – free kids running classes, Sundays at Boghall Community Wing 11am – 12pm.

See www.westlothianrun.org.uk for details and to register.

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 info see www.rycbathgate. com or contact us via facebook.

@KonectMagazines

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 KIRKTON PARK TENNIS CLUB Interested in improving your tennis game? Check out our club info at KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk We offer a free trial social session!

Hope to see you on the courts soon.

Learn, Play, Enjoy!

SCOTTISH SENIORS 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.

WEST LOTHIAN SUB AQUA CLUB Come along and join us on a Tuesday evening at Xcite Bathgate swimming pool. Not sure if scubadiving is for you? No problem, we can offer you a taster ‘Try Dive’ to let you experience the freedom of diving. Training is carried out at your pace and our instructors are fully qualified and experienced divers so you will be in safe hands. As a not-for-profit organisation you will be surprised how little our training costs.

To find out more, visit our website www.westlothianscuba.co.uk or come along to Xcite Bathgate at 8pm on a Tuesday for a chat by the pool.

NIBBLE N NATTER Fortnightly get together in Royal Scot Court, Bathgate, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people.

Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you!

Cost is just £1 and all are welcome.

Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Rosemount Gardens, Bathgate - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games.

We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815, email opal@ cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot PILATES St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. Monday evenings 6pm for intermediate/advanced levels and 7pm for beginner/

@KonectMagazines

intermediate levels. Improve posture, flexibility, strength and stability with classical pilates. For booking and further information, contact Maria on 07513 116490 or mariahybszerpilates@gmail.com or check out website mariahybszerpilates.weebly.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.

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

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 westlothian@churchofscotland.org. uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com WEST INCH NETBALL Meet on a Tuesday night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. Arrive anytime after 7 pm, games played between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. £3 per person, per week. All are welcome.

DOTEKI KARATE CLUB Meet on a Monday night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate, 4 – 8 year olds 6.30 – 7.30 pm and 8 years to adults 7.30 – 8.30 pm. No previous experience necessary. Wear a t-shirt, jogging bottoms and bring a bottle of water. For more information visit their Facebook page: Doteki Karate Club; email dotekikarate@gmail.com or phone: 07917351794.

FOOTBALL STAR ACADEMY Meet on a Saturday and Sunday

morning at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate for boys and girls aged 5 and 8 years. Saturday’s Soccer School is between 11 am and 12 noon, Sunday’s Soccer School is 10.30 – 11.30 am. For more information visit their Facebook page: @footballstaracademy1; email footballstaracademy@outlook.com or phone: 07903877987.

TORPHICHEN BROWNIE UNIT (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

OTHER AREAS NEW WEST LOTHIAN CHOIR Armadale Community Centre, Thursdays 6pm - 8pm in Armadale Community Centre. Free, and no audition and no requirement to read music. For information email westlothianchoir@outlook.com COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS ARMADALE Armadale Community Centre, 7 North Street Armadale, EH48 3QB. Manager Arlene. Contact : 07592816761. Open Tuesday to Friday 9;15am to 11;30am £7.50 per session.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA Carmondean House, Carmondean Centre South, Livingston, EH54 8PT. Mon 9.45-11.00am Seasonal yoga; 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.308.45pm Iyengar yoga.

Tues 6.00-7.30pm Ashtanga yoga; 7.45-8.45pm Vinyasa flow yoga.

Wed 5.30-6.30pm Seasonal yoga; 7.00-8.30pm Bihar yoga; 8.309.10pm Meditation.

Thurs 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.30-8.45pm Iyengar yoga.

Fri 9.45-11.00am Iyengar yoga;4.005.00pm Children’s yoga age 8-12; 5.30-6.30pm Vinyasa Flow yoga. For information please call Eva on 07810 824195 TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

BATHGATE | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO AUGUST HERBALIST APPLIANCE REPAIRS CROSSWORD Napiers Bathgate 23 Home Appliance Repair 16 HOTEL BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Dalmahoy Hotel & 1st Choice Living 5 Country Club 39 Ekco Kitchens and Bathrooms 17 JOINERY S and S Home Create Enhanced Spaces 10 Improvements 40 KILTMAKER BOILER SERVICES The Kilt Studio 4 The Gas Engineer 13 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES CAR SERVICING, MOT & Beatson’s Building Supplies 13 REPAIR LOCKSMITH Ace Exhausts & Tyres 11 CVC Locksmiths and M & S Auto Solutions 10 Security 13 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY West Lothian Locksmith 10 ACROSS: 7. Organisations, CLEANING 8. Feelings, 9. Poor, 10. Adapted, MOBILITY SERVICES 12. Admit, 14. Event, 16. College, Discount Carpet Cleaning 4 Ableworld / AMD Mobility 25 19. Slit, 20. Pavement, 22. Opportunities.

CHURCHES DOWN: 1. Free, 2. Wallop,3. Pioneer, PAINTING & DECORATING 4. False, 5. Ripped, 6. Annoying, Centre Point Church 31 Manic Street Painters 16 11. Develops,13. Convent, 15. Nation, COMPLEMENTARY 17. Limits, 18. Spots, 21. Need.

PET SITTING / BOARDING THERAPIES Alicat Purrfections 27 SOLUTION TO SUDOKU Yoga With Amy 4 PLASTERING ON PAGE 22 COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Nu Walls 10 Sprint Computer Repairs 7 PRESSURE WASHING CURTAINS & BLINDS Scotwash Solutions 13 Harvey Bruce 16 ROOFING DOORS / WINDOWS G Hughes Roofing Services 14 UPVC Doors 5 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE ELECTRICIAN County Cars 2 DB Electrics 4 TREE CARE SERVICES SL Electrical 10 Evergreen Tree Surgery 14 ESTATE AGENT TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME Turpie & Co 19 West Lothian Trusted Trader FINANCIAL ADVICE Scheme 11 Link Housing Association 7 TUITION GARDEN CENTRE Kumon 28 Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept New Hopetoun Gardens 15 responsibility for loss or damage caused VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING by error in the printing of an advertisement.

Wyndford Farm Plants 12 Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 20 We do not endorse any advertisers in GARDEN DESIGN / Riverside Vets 27 this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is MAINTENANCE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT copyright free. No part of this publication All Year Round Landscapes 12 SCHEME may be reproduced without prior consent of Evergreen Balerno 14 Developing the Young the publisher.

Naia Garden Services 13 Workforce 31 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, GARDEN FURNITURE AND West Lothian EH54 6GU. BUILDINGS Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. Woodford Timber Scotland 12 M: 07729 911858 GLAZING REPAIRS W: www.universal-appeal.com CR Smith 21 E: info@universal-appeal.com 38 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines