Konect Broxburn February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

broxburn

KING JAMIE’S BATHGATE SILVER MINES New Community Room at Albyn Park Plus local Services for Seniors businesses, community in West Lothian information New Year New Kitchen & more!

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WL3

FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2017. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things Broxburn and West Lothian! We’re starting off with a local history feature. I spent a bit of time over the holiday learning about the excitement and drama - literally – in London when silver was discovered in the Bathgate hills, see pages 8-9.

The new community room at Albyn Park is a fantastic new facility, see page 41 for details. We’ve also been looking at services for seniors in West Lothian, and there is a feature on this in the West Lothian section of the magazine. And the new year is a good time to think about a new kitchen, so the home improvements column this month is about kitchen design. As usual you can find pretty much everything you need within West Lothian.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

CONTENTS King Jamie’s Bathgate Silver Mines 08 What’s On / Useful Information 40 New Community Room at Albyn Park 41 Puzzles 42 Music Review 43 Clubs & Classes 44 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL3 WL10 WL16 WL21 WL22 WL24 46

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to print.

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

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 7,500 homes throughout Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh. Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

COVER IMAGE: Services for seniors, see feature in the West Lothian section

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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LOCAL HISTORY

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilderston was described as being “apparently inexhaustible.”

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Kirkro ads Colle

ction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

afterwards.

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

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

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

KONECT BROXBURN | 9

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

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

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

Please refer to page 3 for our contact details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CONTINUED ON PAGE WL4 KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

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

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

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

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PROPERTY MATTERS

BY CRAIG TURPIE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

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

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

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

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of our volunteers, Laura, says,

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

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

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

I look forward to going to see Mary.

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

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

opal@cyrenians.scot

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

SENIORS FEATURE

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUBS

MOOD - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

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

Mental Health Options for Older People with Depression.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCOTTISH CHARITY No. SC028944

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

WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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

FREE STROLLEY TROLLEY (WORTH OVER £40)

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

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

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

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

ableworld

twitter.com/

AbleworldUK

www.ableworld.co.uk

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

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

WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

BY NICOLA JENGAENGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well done TopCuts!

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

FOOD & DRINK

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

£25.00 £25.00

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

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

WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

February is a strange month for food.

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

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

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

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

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

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

we need to look to our

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

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

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

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

RECIPE

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

atin Gcoldrweather comfort food

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

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

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

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

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

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

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

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call now to boost your business

01506 654683

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

so sho uld you r deliver y syste m be!

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

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

KONECT BROXBURN | 37

BUSTER THE DOG

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices

your business... ...invest in some local advertising this year!

We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com

konect Please contact Charlene 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk www.konectdirectory.co.uk

38 | KONECT BROXBURN

75

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

Call 01506 298107 or “Contact Us� at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian KONECT BROXBURN | 39

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | BROXBURN

LIBRARY INFORMATION

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

BROXBURN LIBRARY

CRAFTERS DESTASH SALE

OPENING TIMES:

10.00am to 12noon in Strathbrock Church Hall, Uphall. (EH52 6BY). Lots of crafters are clearing out their craft supplies to offer you some crafty bargains.

Fabric, wool, card making, beads, ribbons, jewellery making equipment, craft books, haberdashery and much more. Over 25 tables of bargains to browse and buy, and you will be able to stock up on crafting supplies at reasonable prices. Crafting for business or pleasure, youth / childrens leader, teachers, bargains available, come and have a look. Cafe open, selling filled rolls, homebaking and refreshments. Entry free!

Please note new opening times are: Monday & Tuesday: 10.00am - 5.00pm, Wednesday & Friday: 10.00am - 3.00pm, Thursday: 10.00am - 7.00pm & Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm

Bookbug Bounce and Tickle: Free song, story and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Bring a grown-up to join in the fun!

Tuesdays and Wednesdays fortnightly 10.30am.

Computer access is available to find out about Information Services, or simply research a hobby, stay in touch with friends or look for work. This service is available for free – simply drop into your local Library or phone to book a free slot.

Strathbrock Parish Church charity No. SC006336 SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

WEST LOTHIAN HIGHLAND SOCIETY MONTHLY CEILIDH Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.00pm.

Band will be Keith Robertson Duo; Piper - Alvis Kerr or Callum Davidson; Singer - Scott Gardiner.

THEATRES

DAILY FROM FRIDAY 10TH UNTIL SAT 19TH FEBRUARY

FIRST TINGLES OF SPRING AT ALMOND VALLEY MUSEUM & FARM It might be chilly outside, but if you look carefully there are all sorts of signs that spring is on its way.

After braving the spring spotter’s trail, have fun in the warmth of the museum, planting seeds, building nests and joining in other crafts to prepare for the year to come. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957.

CONTACT DETAILS TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK OR CALL 07854 492638

40 | KONECT BROXBURN

HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre. co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

BATHGATE REGAL hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. For upcoming events see website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

COMMUNITY

WHAT’S ON AT THE ALBYN MORE THAN A FOOTBALL CLUB Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) based at the Albyn Park, Greendykes Road, Broxburn have recently opened a new Community Room, providing our community with an indoor area 130m2 with a sprung floor, coloured mood lighting, PA system, TV Screen and kitchen facilities.

COMMUNITY ROOM: Providing the perfect location for sport and fitness classes.

The room can be set up in a theatre, café or class room style, and it ideal for Conferences, Dinners or Sports Classes.

HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER: Monday: Ladies Only Outdoor Fitness (BUSC) 7-8pm £4 per session. Contact: l.lauder@busc.org.uk Yoga 7-8pm £5 per session.

Contact: maxineochiltree@aol.com Tuesday: Taekwondo with TKD School 5.00-8.00pm.

Visit: www.uktc.co.uk Wednesday: iMPACT Dance 5.30-8.30pm. Contact: iMPACTDANCE@outlook.com Thursday: Wildcats Netball (8-11yrs) (Broxburn Academy) 4.15-5.15pm £2.50 per session.

Contact a.forbes@busc.org.uk

KITCHEN FACILITIES: We can cater for your private function, conference or dinner.

Friday: Fun Start Fitness (Strathbrock Community).

3.00-4.00pm £3 per session.

Contact j.pegg@busc.org.uk Saturday: HiiT with Glow 9.15-10.00am £4 per session.

Contact: l.lauder@busc.org.uk For further details on any of the above classes or on hiring our new Community Room: Contact Leigh Lauder (01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk).

Visit our website: www.busc.org.uk or Find us on Facebook (Search: BUSC).

KONECT BROXBURN | 41

PUZZLES

Solution in the March edition of konect

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 62 42 | KONECT BROXBURN

ACROSS 1 Fasten to (6) 4 Enquiring (6) 9 Reduce length (7) 10 Loosen (5) 11 More (5) 12 Stretches (7) 13 Twisted together (11) 18 Requiring (7) 20 Not inner (5) 22 Assists (5) 23 Needing a drink (7) 24 Hurried (6) 25 Stopped (6) DOWN 1 Reply (6) 2 Type of fish (5) 3 Small country house (7) 5 A trick (5) 6 Severe (7) 7 Lubricate (6) 8 Enquire into (11) 14 Used for sewing (7) 15 Worship (7) 16 Fasten (6) 17 Ragged (6) 19 Hand out (5) 21 Trials (5)

ARE YOU AGED 13*-17?

INTERESTED IN AVIATION OR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE? THE AIR CADETS COULD BE FOR YOU.

20 YEARS OR OVER?

WE ARE ALSO RECRUITING FOR ADULT STAFF. YOU DO NOT NEED ANY MILITARY EXPERIENCE, JUST ENTHUSIASM AND AN ENERGETIC OUTLOOK. 1756(Broxburn) Squadron are recruiting now.

E-mail for further information: oc.1756@aircadets.org *The ACO can accept cadets from 12 years old if they are in 2nd year at School"

MUSIC REVIEW

THE GOOD SON In some respects the death of so many respected musicians during the previous year has overwhelmed the attention paid to new releases from those who survive. And surviving is pretty much what Nick Cave is doing just now.

Publicly the album “Skeleton Tree” is not a response to, or catharsis for, the tragic death of Cave’s fifteen year old son who plunged from a Brighton Cliff to his death under the influence of LSD. Kids – don’t do drugs. It is impossible though for the informed listener to divorce the voice of the artist from the suffering of the man.

It doesn’t take a high level empath to be shocked at the opening lines of the album (from “Jesus Alone”).

Proceeding from a sparse and unsettling electronic throb that sounds like it is broadcasting from a stripclub in

BY JAMES KERR

Hell, Cave intones “You fell from the sky / Crash landed in a field / Near the river Adur”. It is inconceivable that he could not have realised the provocative impact of these words. It seems that, as always, the songwriter is challenging his audience.

The album has the gripping cohesion of such early classic collections as “The Firstborn is Dead” in that the music does not resemble that ramshackle Gothic blues, but is again of once piece, rather than the more varied settings found in the recent album “Dig Lazarus Dig” or the simpler but lighter previous release “Push The Sky Away”. There are love songs here which loop around samples, such as the beautiful and atypically uplifting “This Is The Moment”, but soon the darkness falls. Let it surround you.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio and is a member of the local band Snakeskin Shoe Review.

KONECT BROXBURN | 43

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BROXBURN STRATHBROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: MONDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate. TUESDAYS: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft. WEDNESDAYS: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/Rainbows; Dog Obedience. THURSDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. FRIDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club. SATURDAYS: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Broxburn Woodcraft Club

A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. We have a fully equipped workshop supporting all aspects of woodworking including woodturning, pyrography, scrollsawing, the making of toys, furniture, musical instruments, walking sticks and more. For further information use the Contact Us facility on the website: www. broxburnwoodcraftclub.org. Our hours are Mon & Tues 9am9pm, Wed & Fri 9am-12 noon and 6pm -9pm, Thurs 9am-3pm and 6:00pm-9pm.

Livingston Highland Society

Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189 W Main St, Broxburn.

Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday evening between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist.

New members welcome, contact John Sneddon on 01501 770911 for dates and more details

Ladies only outdoor fitness sessions

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. Mondays 7-8pm, with Broxburn United Sports Club (BUSC) and Burn-It. Doesn’t matter your size or level of fitness. BUSC and Burn-It aim to create a fun fitness session based outside to enable ladies to meet their goals. For more info contact Leigh Lauder on 01506 858057 or email l.lauder@busc.org.uk

Alive & Kickin

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. A programme for older members of the community to remain active. Run by Broxburn United Sports Club and includes: WALKING FOOTBALL Tues 10.30am to 12pm, £3 per session with tea/ coffee after. WALKING CLUB on Thurs 10am. Community walk starting and ending at Albyn Park. Free, everyone welcome.

INVIGOR8 MULTI SPORTS Thurs 2-3.30pm £2 per session. Try new sports and learn new skills. Each session is 1 hour of the new sport plus an inspirational/informative chat for 30mins.

For more info contact Leigh Lauder at Albyn Park 01506 858057 or email ll.lauder@busc.org.uk

44 | KONECT BROXBURN

Zumba for Kids

Albyn Park, Greendykes Road. With the Poco Loco crew – learn some rocking dance routines using different styles and rhythms. For girls and boys aged 4 – 12. Fridays 1.15-2.15 (P1P3) 2.25-3.15 (P4-P7) cost £3 per week. To book please contact Aidan Forbes on a.forbes@busc.org.uk or Nina Anderson on nina.anderson@live.co.uk or call 01506 858057.

Broxburn Swimming Club We cater for swimmers from age 3 upwards and cover all levels of swimming from our Learn to Swim programme up to our top competitive squad.

LEARN TO SWIM: Thursday night (6:00 - 7:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool.

SQUAD SWIMMING: Monday and Tuesday (7:30 - 9:00) and Thursday (7:00 - 9:00) - Broxburn Swimming Pool; Friday (6:00 - 8:00) - Armadale Academy pool. For further information please contact: broxburn_asc@hotmail.com STRATHBROCK COMMUNITY CENTRE: 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Huge range of groups and classes including: MONDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Tapestry; U3A, Calligraphy group,Computer Drop-in; Keep fit/Line Dance for over 50s; Zumba, Brownies; WRI; Drama group, Karate. TUESDAYS: Playgroup; Spanish classes; Card making; Line Dancing; Irish Dancing; Ring Craft. WEDNESDAYS: Playgroup, Tai Chi, Scrabble groupl Chatterbook Book Club; Bingo; Computer Beginners Course; Brownies/Rainbows; Dog Obedience. THURSDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Art Group; Genealogy; Healty Respect; Lip Reading; Access to Employment; Drama; Hoola Hoop Class; Chilren’s Club, Youth Group; Guitar lessons, Tai Chi. FRIDAYS: Playgroup (am and pm sessions); Carpet Bowling; after school club; Computer drop in; Tai Kwon Do; Polish Community Group; New Christian Life; Model Car Club. SATURDAYS: Guitar lessons; Dance classes; Tae Kwon Do; Computer classes; Weight Watchers.

Please call Strathbrock Community Centre on 01506 771733 or email linda.sayers@westlothian.gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Church Street Baby & Toddler Group

2 Church Street, Broxburn EH52 5EL. Every Thursday from 09.15-11.00 and is based in the Church Hall behind Broxburn Parish Church. Suitable for children from birth to 3 years.

Each session costs £2 per and includes a healthy snack for the children and a cuppa & biscuit for the grown-ups. Visit our Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/ BroxburnChurchStreetBabyandToddler

Craft Cuppa We are a small group of crafters who meet on Saturday afternoons 1-3 pm at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Community Wing, entrance B. We meet to share expertise, have a natter and a cuppa. We would welcome anyone who wants to come along. For more info please email craftycuppaclub@mail.com or just come along!

West Lothian Iwama Ryu Aikido Club Broxburn Black Belt Academy, EH52 5BB, Broxburn.

Dedicated to the traditional study and practice of Aikido through ken, jo and taijutsu. The club meets at Broxburn BlackBelt Academy Thursdays 8pm to 9:30pm. Come along and give it a try. For information please call 07784 006851 wliwamaryu@gmail.com

Broxburn Gymanstics Club

Broxburn Academy’s Dance Studio, Broxburn Fun filled gymnastics class for children in P1-P7. Hourly classes on Saturday mornings 10am (Beginner), 11am (Intermediate), Advanced 12pm. First week is a free no obligation trial. For more information please contact Gemma on 07775 900624 or broxburngymnasticsclub@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.broxburngymnastics.com Broxburn Scottish Women’s Institute (formerly SWRI) We meet in Broxburn Community Centre at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of each month from September to May. Contact: Fay Young , tel 01506 854141 or email fayyoungis@hotmail.com

UPHALL UPHALL COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE: Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. Huge range of groups and classes including: MONDAYS: Carpet Bowls; U3A Singing for Pleasure; Zumba; Craft Group; WRI; Scottish Country Dancing.

TUESDAYS: Baby & Toddler; Uphall Outreach; 50+ Friendship Group; Walking Group; Indoor Curling; U3A Art Group; Taekwon-Do; Yellow Teapot Club; Youth Club. WEDNESDAYS: Indoor Curling; U3A Book Group; Cairbrock Association; Parkinson’s Uk; U3A History Group; Tea Dance; Zumba; Fusion Youth Group; Tribe West Belly Dance. THURSDAYS: Indoor Curling Adults with Carers; West Lothian Financial Inclusion Network; Line Dancing; U3A Quiz Group, U3A Music Group; Karate; Yellow Teapot Club; West Lothian Y-Cats. FRIDAYS: U3A Poetry Group; U3A Discussion Group; Children’s Club P3-P6); Reiki; Girls Group (S1 upwards). Please call the Community Centre on 01506 854451 or email denise.doig@westlothian. gov.uk for details of times and more information on any of the groups.

Slimming World

South Parish Church, E. Main Street, Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Contact Lisa on 07736 316400

WINCHBURGH Little Flyers After School Club

Winchburgh Community Centre, Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Open during term time, from the end of the school day until 5.45 p.m. Collecting from Winchburgh and Holy Family Primary Schools. Please contact 07518 176781 for more information or see www.littleflyersnursery.com WINCHBURGH COMMUNITY CENTRE: Craigton Park, Winchburgh, EH52 6RW. Huge range of groups and classes including: MONDAYS: Junior Youth Club 7.00pm - 9.15pm.

TUESDAYS: Slimming World 6.30pm - 9.30pm. WEDNESDAYS: Keep Fit 9.30am -10.30am; Computer Club 9.30am-12noon; Night Art 7.00pm-9.00pm; Dog Class 7.00pm-10.00pm.

THURSDAYS: Morning Art 9.30am-12noon; Senior Citizens 1.30pm-4.00pm; Little Flyers 3.00pm-6.00pm; Childrens Club 6.00pm-7.30pm; Guitar Club 7.45pm-9.30pm; Table Tennis 7.45pm-9.30pm. FRIDAYS: Little Flyers 12 noon-6.00pm; Scouts 6.15pm- 9.15pm SATURDAYS: Children’s Activity Club 9.45am12noon; Girls Allowed 7.00pm-9.00pm. For more information on any of the groups please contact the Community Centre on 01506 890348 or email julie.witherwick@westlothian. gov.uk. Winchburgh Community Council meetings are held second Monday of every month except January and July. See www.winchburghcc.org.uk

DECHMONT West Lothian Baking Club

Uphall Playgroup

Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. For children aged 24 months and over. Open Monday to Friday 9:15 - 11:30am during term time. Choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 sessions per week. Each session costs £5 and includes a healthy snack. See http://www. uphallplaygroup.co.uk/ or tel 01506 854451 for further information.

The People’s Café

Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month 11am - 1.30pm at St Andrew’s Care Home, St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, Uphall. For people who have any form of dementia, and their carers, to meet others in a similar situation for support and social contact, a cup of tea or coffee and home baking. Come for the whole session or just drop in.

We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £3 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

Dechmont 50+ Arts Group

This group of enthusiastic amateur painters meet every Wednesday from 13.00 - 16.00 in Dechmont Memorial Hall to practice their art and socialise. There are a few membership places available and new members would be more than welcome irrespective of their painting skills. For more details email dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit their website at dechmontartgroup.wix.com/home.

Gentle Yoga

West Lothian Art

Dechmont Memorial Hall Monday night 6.30-7.30pm at Dechmont Memorial Hall.

Contact Rhona on 01506 811700

West Lothian U3A (University of the 3rd Age)

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 Art is a group of enthusiastic amateur artists who meet regularly to paint, draw and chat in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere on Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm in Uphall Community Education Centre. If you’d like to know more, please email us at info@westlothianart.co.uk A group of retired people who like to keep their minds active by learning in an informal environment. We meet in Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m., when we have speakers on a variety of topics. U3A also has a number of interest Groups who also meet once a month, including Art Appreciation, Singing for Pleasure, History, Walking and Cinema. New members are always welcome – please contact the Membership Secretary Helen on 01506 655976. You will find a list of speakers and a full list of Groups on our website u3asites.org.uk/westlothian

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL7 BLINDS Knightshades 10 BUILDING SERVICES DB General Builders 6 BUILDING SURVEYOR David Hastings WL8 CAR SERVICE AND REPAIR DK’s Autocare 5 JWG Car Care 4 CARPETS Land of Carpets 2 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services WL24 James Burnett WL24 Cleaning Doctor 14 CATERING Food Creations WL24 CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Jump Station WL20 Young Engineers WL20 CLEANING SERVICES Inside & Out 38 Clean Bee 38 COSMETICS Aromabag 6 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers WL14 DENTIST No. 9 Dental 10 DOORS uPVC Door Shop 6 ELECTRICIAN Simply Electrical WL6 MC & Co. Electrical WL1 ESTATE AGENTS Aberdein Considine WL12 Remax (Back Cover) 48 Turpie & Co. WL11 FOOD & GROCERIES Hopetoun Farm Shop WL22 FURNITURE & INTERIORS Shapes 5 GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd 7 GARDENS & LANDSCAPING SG Landscapes 6 HEALTH CARE ABC Hearing 11 HEALTH, BEAUTY Chique Beauty Salon 4 46 | KONECT BROXBURN

Solution to December Crossword HEALTH & FITNESS Dalmahoy WL13 HEATING SERVICES Capital Heating WL6 Dewar Plumbing WL5 Red Hot Condensing Boilers WL7 HIGHLAND DANCING Highland Dance Shop 38 HOME IMPROVEMENT 1st Choice Living 12 IT SUPPORT Evoquent 49 JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL5 KITCHENS Across: 1 Eels, 3 Checkers, 9 Contact, 10 Nicer, Ekco WL2 11 Achievements, 14 Gem, 16 Paths, 17 Dye, LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION 18 Explanations, 21 Comma, 22 Showing, 23 Domestic, 24 Ends The Leaflet Lady 37 Down: 1 Exchange, 2 Lunch, 4 Hit, 5 LOCKSMITH Conversation, 6 Excited, 7 Sure, 8 Caterpillars, West Lothian Locksmith Company 12 Eaten, 13 Messages, 15 Maximum, 19 Onion, WL8 20 Iced, 22 Ski MOBILITY Solution to Sudoku Page 42 Ableworld WL19 Med Ecosse WL15 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL14 PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane WL1 Nu Walls WL6 PET CARE & VETERINARY SERVICES Mackie & Brechin 39 Riverside Vets 39 PLUMBING SERVICES D-Mac Services Scotland WL4 REMOVALS Man With Van Ltd WL8 TAXI Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for All The Fours 47 loss, damage or omission caused by error in TILING & PLASTERING the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Top 2 Bottom Plastering 38 Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication.

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME Adverts are accepted on the understanding West Lothian Trusted Trader WL8 that descriptions of goods and services are TUITION fair and accurate. All material is accepted for Sax Lessons WL20 publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts WINDOWS no liability for any subsequent copyright issues.

Andrew James Windows & No part of this publication may be reproduced Conservatories WL6 without the prior consent of the publisher.

Greenburn Glass WL9 Red Hot Windows 4 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

ALL THE FOURS TAXI SERVICE 78A Barclay Way | Knightsridge | Livingston | West Lothian | EH54 8EZ

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24 HOUR SERVICE 4 TO 16 SEATER WHEELCHAIR ACCESS (INCLUDING TAIL LIFTS)

TAXI CARDS AIRPORTS Small handling charge for credit cards Please note that ALLTHEFOURS on 01506 444444 are totally independent from any other travel service in West Lothian.

KONECT BROXBURN | 47