Konect Broxburn May 17

MAY 2017

broxburn

Gardening Scotland - Discount for Konect Readers local Sing on the Bing - Festival Plus businesses, LIVING WITH DEMENTIA community information Conservatories & Sunrooms & more!

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WL2

FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

ith Dementia Awareness week coming up at the end of May/ beginning of June, we’ve spoken to a Livingston resident who devotes her spare time to helping people living with dementia, see feature on pages 8-9.

This month it’s all about enjoying your garden - in it or from the shelter of a conservatory. Scotland’s Gardening Festival at Ingliston is at the beginning of June, and they are offering Konect readers a discount on ticket entry. And if you don’t have a garden, there is a number of allotment schemes in the local area although several do have waiting lists – our parenting column writer Nic got her allotment this year (see her column in the West Lothian section) so I’m sure we’ll be hearing about the joys of gardening with the added dimension of children “helping.”

The prospect of slightly better weather also brings more options for getting active. It’s a good time if you want to get into good habits over the summer which will stick longer term. There are articles this month on taking small steps to make changes in food and exercise; the food column concentrates on a good breakfast; and there is the local orienteering club, a great activity for all the family - see the info in the West Lothian section.

Don’t forget, the new local music festival in Pumpherston, Sing on the Bing, returns this year on 27th May! Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk COVER IMAGE: The beautiful yellow of the rapeseed fields throughout West Lothian!

CONTENTS Living with dementia Sing on the Bing Bathgate Food Assembly What’s On Clubs & Classes

08 12 50 48 52

WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

Gardening Scotland Parents in West Lothian Conservatories & Sunrooms Property Matters Visit West Lothian Health & Fitness Charity of the Month Health & Fitness Music Review INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL2 WL11 WL12 WL18 WL22 WL24 WL26 WL28 WL30 54

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.

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.

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KONECT BROXBURN | 3

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KONECT BROXBURN | 7

SPECIAL FEATURE

It’s worth it just to see the smiles on their faces

Dementia volunteer Heather Wright lives in Adambrae, Livingston. Trained as a pastry chef, she works in the bakery at Dobbies.

On her day off she volunteers at the West Lothian Day Opportunity Club in Bathgate.

outing. “Bowling is popular,” says Heather. “And to see the big smiles when someone knocks down the pins is a real joy!” The day centre is good for carers too. It means much-needed time off, which they may use to work, get a haircut or enjoy some leisure time.

Regularly visiting a lady living with dementia gave Heather Wright a familiarity with the condition and led to a desire to reach out to others with similar needs. An elder at Livingston Old Parish Church, Heather is involved in pastoral care, which included visiting a member with dementia every Saturday afternoon.

“People with dementia just need a little extra help,” says Heather. “They are individuals, with skills and talents like the rest of us. Sometimes we can trigger a memory and help ‘unlock’ something for them, helping them to enjoy doing something they are good at. I knew one gentleman who was not able to communicate very well and yet he had no trouble going to the piano and playing a song when asked.”

“I got quite close to her,” says Heather. “I would help her, and we would talk about everything. Once she asked me to go out and buy her new slippers. I brought some back and she said, ‘I don’t like those’, so I took them back and brought her another pair. I did this several times before I found a pair she liked.

Eventually she went downhill and she didn’t know who I was, but she still smiled at me when I came through the door.”

Eventually Heather’s friend passed away, and she considered how she might help others living with dementia. “I decided I would like to use my day off to volunteer somewhere,” Heather explains. “So that is what I have done for the past eight years. And I love it—it is so rewarding.”

Heather picks up clients in the morning and drives them to the centre, where volunteers and Alzheimer Scotland staff greet them with a hot drink. The rest of the morning is spent playing games or taking part in other activities. After lunch there may be an 8 | KONECT BROXBURN

Heather believes that anyone who has even a small interest in reaching out to those with dementia should look into the possibilities. There are nine dementia cafés in West Lothian that couldn’t run without volunteers. Dementia Awareness Week (29 May- 4 June) is just around the corner, focusing this year on friendship and kindness. Alzheimer Scotland would be happy to hear from anyone who could help share information about how we can help friends, family and others in our communities who are living with dementia.

For more information, please contact the 24-hour Dementia Helpline, 0808 808 3000 or Alzheimer Scotland’s West Lothian office, 01506 533 108.

Cherie Raby

Dementia is a worldwide problem. In Scotland an estimated 93,000 people are living with the condition. Around 3,200 of these are under the age of 65. One in three people will face a diagnosis of dementia There are 109 different types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most c ommon one (65%) Dementia is an illness—not just part of getting old Cherie Raby is the West Lothian Dementia Advisor for Alzheimer Scotland. Her main role is to support and help guide people who have dementia, and their carers. “I am available to talk to anybody,” she says, “including those who think they might have dementia.” She also helps run Dementia Friends awareness sessions, which provide training for businesses and other organisations that want to be dementia friendly.

“Every community can become more aware of dementia and more supportive,” says Cherie.

Heather Wright Suzanne Green interviewed Heather Wright and Cherie Raby in Livingston for this feature. Suzanne is a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

“Often this simply means making small changes. If we can get people talking about dementia, and raise awareness, then we can break down the stigma surrounding it.

“We want to see people living their lives the way they want to within their community.”

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! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, it’s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate.

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. See page 3 for our contact details.

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Look inside this section for: CONSERVATORIES AND SUNROOMS Add value to your life and your property GARDENING Ideas and ticket discount for Scotland’s Gardening Festival PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian CHARITY OF THE MONTH Living with ME in West Lothian

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Scotland’s garden festival - Gardening Scotland - is the perfect family day out, with an abundance of activities to keep both children and adults entertained. Taking place from Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th June at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, it is the perfect time of year to enjoy the sunshine and get some inspiration for your outdoor space.

An impressive explosion of colour, scent and design awaits visitors to the dazzling new 125m Floral Walkway at this year’s show. The Walkway will showcase some of the UK’s top specialist nurseries, and besides being a spectacular show it will provide you with inspiration and practical ideas for your own garden. Martin Dare said: “We wanted to add something a little different this year.

The Floral Walkway will be a real showstopper with an enormous variety of colours, scents and exciting textures – even the most horticulturally-informed guests will be impressed.” Green fingered enthusiasts have the opportunity to learn about everything from window box arranging to vegetable growing by attending a host of workshops and Q&A sessions. A centrepiece on the Floral Walkway will be a dinosaur-themed Show Garden featuring a wide range of pre-historic plants including horse tail, ferns and palms as well as a Velociraptor.

The dedicated Big Back Garden area will this year feature its biggest range of learning and interactive activities which are sure to excite children of all ages. From seed planting to bouncy castles, grow-your-own areas to bee-keeping and woodland nature displays, there will be activities galore to teach your little ones about all of the adventures they can enjoy in Scotland’s great outdoors.

While children under 16 go free to Gardening Scotland, don’t forget that the event caters for parents too. With Champagne and Pimms bars, a stunning 125 metre floral walkway, fabulous show gardens, local produce, healthy eating, a cookery theatre and so much more, there really is something for everyone.

IMAGES COURTESY OF ‘SCENE AND HERD’

Bring your family along to Gardening Scotland from the 2nd – 4th June and enjoy a truly memorable day out.

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GARDENING PROJECT

CREATE YOUR OWN HERB TOWER THIS SUMMER! You can have instant height on your patio with this tower of pots, if you use herbs rather than summer bedding plants you will also have a ready supply of herbs to hand and your family and friends will be very impressed with your creative skills!

it with compost and sit the next empty pot on top to show you how much space you have to fit in your plants.

Remove the empty pot and plant herbs around the edge, firm the compost and sit on the now filled second pot.

Repeat the process to the top.

To create the herb tower you will need three pots of decreasing size, multi-purpose with added John Innes compost and your choice of young herb plants. You need a 50-75mm (23”) space all round for your plants – so if you start with a 40cm wide pot you’ll need something like a 25-30cm pot and a 15-20cm pot as well.

We suggest you choose Sages and Parsley for the bottom, Oregano and Marjoram for the middle and Thymes for the top. Depending on the sizes of your pots you will be able to fit in 4 plants at the bottom, 3 plants in the middle and either 1 or 3 Thyme plants in the top pot.

We suggest you plant it in situ as it is a bit awkward to move in one stack.

Start with the largest bottom pot. Fill

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SPECIAL FEATURE

WHEN A PRESTIGIOUS CLUB IN EDINBURGH NEEDS A FANCY PAINT JOB DONE, WHO DO THEY CALL? The historic Royal Scot’s Club on Abercromby Place recently redecorated. You could be forgiven for thinking that the imposing pillars in the main entrance hall are genuine marble; they have been expertly re-marbled by special effects painter David Lane of Lane Decor, a West Lothian-based business.

“The club contacted me to re-marble the pillars as they were last done in the 70’s and didn’t go with the current decoration. They were looking to get a grey painted marble effect,” explains David. “I decided on the final colour to make them look real, but got confirmation after each stage and process. The pillars still had to be dominant over the new decoration so it would all look well balanced.

It’s not about slapping some paint on and making it look okay! Nine processes and coatings were carried out for added durability and effect.”

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PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

...avoid a scone-centered spiritual awakening while living off the fat of the land Long time readers of this column will be familiar with my fascination with all things horticultural. There is nothing more awesome to me than putting a minute speck of practically nothing into some dirt then weeks later discovering that the speck has taken it upon itself to metamorphose into a carrot, beetroot, spinach, or courgette.

And if you’re thinking, “Whatever Nicola, these things come in packs in the supermarket! Get with the times!” I put it to you that if you have only ever tasted a spud supplied by Mr Sainsbury and his ilk, then you remain ignorant of the true taste of a potato. And you have my pity.

Can you imagine my joy therefore, when I recently got the exciting news that I had made it to the top of the list for a plot at Deans Meadow Allotments?

We went to choose our plot and measured it up - next was the back breaking work of clearing the ground and digging over the soil. A local saw mill supplied us with and sawed up some treated wooden planks for us to create raised planters with, and we got ourselves a garden bench/box to keep some tools and wellies in...

But what to grow? The agony of choice gripped me! So it was off to Dobbies Garden Centre to purchase the raw materials of our first harvestto-be!

I’m a bit addicted to Dobbies.

Quite a lot of the time it’s a purely hunger-driven trip; the scones!

The purchase and consumption of their perfectly baked, fluffy, tall, sumptuous scones is as close to a genuinely spiritual experience as I will ever have.

So I steered past these snacky distractions and got to the veg seedling sections - potatoes first.

What a choice - each variety of potato had a description written next to where it was stacked. All manner of characteristics are described to help one choose a potato that will perfectly suit one’s tuberific needs... “pale-fleshed tuber” “dry in texture” “excellent masher” “resistant to blight” “red skinned”.

In the end all of these descriptions didn’t matter when I saw that one of the varieties was actually called,

“Nicola”. No-brainer then. But still let’s look at the description and see what we are getting ... “A very attractive and delicious potato.” So with my selfesteem strangely buoyed, and the future wording of my headstone decided upon, we stuffed them into our trolley and with some onions, garlic, peppers, herbs, and tomato seeds, completed my haul.

An obligatory trip to the outdoor playpark, and the traditional ‘oh god where are the children – ah they’re hiding in yet another display-shed’ moment, and we made it out with our haul. I’ll report back with the progress my little farmers have made when the crops start making an appearance!

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 | WL11

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WL12 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down over your garden, safe from the midges and sheltered from the cool of the evening...

Characterised by a large proportion of glazing, conservatories and sunrooms are characterful and versatile, they add value to your property and, done properly, provide you with extra space indoors whilst allowing you to enjoy more of the outdoors and natural light. They can be installed fairly quickly and at much less expense than a full extension. A conservatory works well as a play room, home office, dining room or just extra living and entertaining space - even in the summer the evenings can get a little cool for sitting out, but with a conservatory you can make the most of the evening light, even after the midges have driven you inside after your BBQ! For it to add value to your life as well as your property, plan carefully so that it suits your lifestyle and is usable all year round.

CONSULT LOCAL EXPERTS There is a huge range of options to accommodate almost any property type. Technology in frames and glazing is constantly moving on apace and local companies have their finger on the pulse and will be able to advise you on your options specifically for your property type, budget and space availability. Ask about issues such as planning permission, security on doors and windows, heating and insulation, guarantee and maintenance issues.

Conservatories: Victorian or Edwardian are the classic conservatory designs, Victorian has a rounded end and Edwardian has a square or rectangular end.

P or T-shaped designs tend to be suitable for larger properties.

Edwardian Conservatory

With a conservatory you can make the most of the evening light, even after the midges have driven you inside after your BBQ! DESIGNS Sunrooms: A contemporary looking, solid-roofed extension with panoramic windows rather than walls, it maximises the amount of natural light while still providing the feeling of a solid, enclosed space under a fully-tiled roof.

Contemporary Sunroom

Gable Front: Square or rectangular conservatory with triangular gable at the front. The steeper pitched roof adds light and space to your conservatory by creating an incredibly bright, airy and sophisticated living space.

Lean to: Often the lowest-priced option, usually simple rectangular shape and gently sloping roof and are perfect for homes with smaller gardens or one-storey properties.

Orangerie: has more structure and less glazing than a conservatory, so needs a more solid base. They tend to be more expensive. The main feature is the lantern rooflight surrounded by flat roof.

USE YOUR CONSERVATORY ALL YEAR ROUND Heading into summer, heating may not be the first thing on your mind but it’s essential if you plan to use your conservatory in winter. You can extend your current central heating, placing radiators against the dwarf walls, or take the opportunity to fit underfloor heating. Some systems use convectors, set under the perimeter of the floor and covered with decorative grilles. Most modern conservatories use double glazing filled with Argon gas for heat insulation and noise reduction.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL13

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kitchens | bathrooms | windows + doors | spacekube

ekco_A5_konect_04.17.indd 1

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14/04/2017 09:36:00

Keeping cool in the summer is less of a problem here in Scotland but on the few days a year when it’s actually too warm, opening windows, doors and vents is usually sufficient to get a breeze. However installing blinds is a must to block dazzling sunlight at any time of the year, help heat control in the summer and to cosy it up and help insulate in the winter.

If entertaining and parties are your thing, a room with bifold doors opening onto decking or the garden is perfect; you could even add a drinks bar in the conservatory... In autumn and winter pull down the blinds and switch on the fairy lights.

DECOR You can get away with all sort of things for conservatory décor and furnishing and make it really special. Paint the walls the same colour as the adjacent room to make it feel really part of your home, then have fun with the furniture and accessories. Use the floor, too, as a bridge between the conservatory and the house. Tiled, slate, stone and terracotta floors are beautiful and help reinforce the link between indoors and outdoors. Scatter rugs to add instant warmth and character. Many people choose rattan furniture for a conservatory and it can look fabulous, adding a touch of exotic style to the room. Another

favourite is metal furniture and for a contemporary effect, faux wicker furniture (for both indoors and out) now comes in all sorts of vivid colours and surprisingly sculptural shapes.

Take advice from a knowledgeable local company, always use the best materials, insulation, glazing and roofing you can afford, and you’ll have a beautiful and practical room that will be an asset to your home for years to come.

MORE SPACE, LESS TIME WITH ‘SPACEKUBE’ The new SpaceKube from Ekco is a custom-engineered extension that is built off-site then added to your home in a few short weeks. It’s made from high-grade, sustainable products and will add value to your home in the same way a conservatory, sunroom or traditional extension would.

EKCO is a home-improvements company specialising in quality German kitchens, bathrooms, doors and windows.

This means they can create your spaceKube with your current needs in mind but you can adapt it for another use once the family has flown the nest. So, what may be an extra en-suite bedroom just now, can be adapted in later years to a sun-room where you can open the bi-fold doors and enjoy your summer garden – without having to set foot outside.

Blinds | Shutters | Interiors § § § § § § § §

Large Selection of Blinds Perfect Fit Senses Roller Plantation Shutters Rigid Pvc Verticals Quality at Affordable Prices Soft Furnishings Bespoke Furniture

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Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

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• Window, door and conservatory repairs • Solid and glass conservatory roof upgrades • Conservatory Climate Control units

0800 977 8800 | crsmith.co.uk/fix *Supercedes offers. Only valid when LOTHIAN presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to WL16all|other KONECT WEST improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

PROPERTY MATTERS

Think you’re saving money? It’s often worth closer inspection!

Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed the return of some impressive rates of growth in property values across West Lothian. In this sellers’ market, it has appeared virtually a foregone conclusion that whichever agent you chose to sell your property, a buyer would be found within a few days. Subsequently, vendors can often become less discerning over their choice of agent and may, understandably, be tempted to appoint the agent who charged the lowest fees.

However, in a sellers’ market, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy, as the difference between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant.

If the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive agent is typically up to about 0.75% of the asking price, then this represents a difference of £1,500 in fees on a £200,000 sale. However, the ability of a good agent to negotiate the best terms is worth far more than this amount and this starts long before any offers are received.

Take for example the skills, experience and confidence of a well-established agent who knows the local market well enough to recognise when the conditions might allow for a sale to potentially break through the ceiling price for properties previously sold in the area. When such opportunities arise, the agent must typically be able to back up their optimism with statistics for a surveyor to support the valuation in the Home Buyers Report and mortgage survey. But what if there are no comparable sales to benchmark against, and the reason for the WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

bullish valuation is based solely on their current list of registered buyers who’s search criteria closely matches this particular property type and their knowledge of similar properties being in short supply. The agent must have strong credentials and a credible track record for any building surveyor or mortgage lender to support their recommendations and this is where real value can be added to a client’s eventual selling price.

Only once this value has been established and exceptional marketing material produced does the role of a skilled negotiator come into play as they must now convince the market that this is the new value of properties in that particular area.

Low cost or self-service agents with little or no knowledge of the local area and no active buyers from whom to gather market intelligence, must rely solely on previous sales data and will therefore rarely be able to positively influence property prices.

The Real selling price of a property is the Offer price agreed minus the professional fees and this Real figure can often be overlooked with so many other things to consider when choosing the right selling agent.

The same Low cost/’self-service’ agents also rely on turnover of stock, rather than the actual amount they charge and with stock levels current in short supply, they may be feeling the pinch more than the higher quality agents therefore more focussed on arranging the sale at any price, rather than negotiating the best terms for their client.

Full service agents have a reputation to protect, and they are passionate in their quest to secure the best price for their clients. So, in the examples shown below, the additional £1,500 in fees could actually have protected a potential net loss of £20,000 or more!

AGENT FEE NET PROCEEDS OF SALE BENEFIT TO SELLER (£)

£

Example - For a property with a Home Report of £200,000. The following scenarios show the difference in the net figures received for the sale after agents’ fees have been deducted and also the difference a professionally managed campaign can yield in terms of valuation, offer and selling price in relation to Home Report Value (See below).

It’s your equity. So when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what is more important to you – low fees, or the most money in your pocket, and the security of a well-managed sale?

SELLING PRICE (AGREED OFFER)

£

?

£190,000

£200,000*

£210,000

0.5%

1.0%

1.25%

£189,050

£198,000

£207,375

-

NB: This table is a guide only and any combination of fees/selling price can apply in each case. * Denotes HR Value

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.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

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25BRPL17(SNM)KonectDirectoryFullpage APRIL 2017.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:07 Page 1 25BRPL17(SNM)KonectDirectoryFullpage APRIL 2017.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:07 Page 1

Are you a first time buyer?

Buying Buying your your first first property property can can be be exciting, exciting, but also confusing and expensive. but also confusing and expensive.

However, getting on the property ladder may be easier than you think with the help

However, getting on the property ladder may be easier than you think with the help of Aberdein Considine. of Aberdein Considine.

Sean MacMillan, Partner in charge of Aberdein Considine’s West Lothian SeanEdinburgh MacMillan, Partner has in charge Aberdein West Lothian and branches, pulledof together fiveConsidine’s tips every first time buyer and Edinburgh branches, pulled together five tips every first time buyer should read before buyinghas a house. should read before buying a house.

1) Calculate how much the whole process 1) Calculate will cost how much the whole process will cost Write down how much you’ll be paying for solicitor’s Write down howfees much you’ll be paying for solicitor’s fees, mortgage and calculate any overlap with fees, mortgage fees and calculate any overlap with your current rental property - it all adds up. your current rental property - it all adds up.

2) Investigate your mortgage options 2) Investigate your mortgage options We would advise all first time buyers to make an We would advise time buyers to make an appointment with all an first independent financial adviser appointment with an independent financial adviser (at Aberdein Considine the mortgage advice is free (at Considine advice is free butAberdein please check if you the are mortgage using an alternative but please checkcharge if you are using an alternative adviser as many a fee). adviser as many charge a fee).

With access to thousands of mortgage products and With access to thousands of mortgage products some exclusive deals, independent advisers are and some exclusive independent advisers perfectly placeddeals, to tell you not only how muchare each perfectly placed to tell you not only how much lender will give you but also how that translateseach into lender will give you but also how that translates into monthly payments. monthly payments.

The initial appointment takes less than one hour and The initial appointment takes less thanobtain one hour your adviser will with your permission a and your adviser will with your permission a in 'decision in principle' on your behalf. Aobtain decision 'decision in principle' on your behalf.

A decision in principle or alternatively termed a mortgage promise principle or aalternatively a mortgage promise means that lender is intermed principle willing to lend that means that a lender is in principle willing to lend that amount of money to you. amount of money to you.

This is of course subject to a full mortgage This is of course subject a full mortgage application from you andto verification of your salary application from youThe anddecision verification of your salary and commitments. in principle means and commitments.

The decision in principle you are in a position to narrow your search tomeans you are in ainposition narrow and yourstart search to properties a certaintobudget viewing. properties in a certain budget and start viewing.

3) Find a local solicitor 3) Find a local solicitor It pays to have a local solicitor to advise on the It pays to a local to advise market in have the area you solicitor are looking to buy.on the market in the area you are looking to buy.

With our vast experience of the property market, With our vast experience of the property Aberdein Considine is uniquely placed tomarket, assist you Aberdein Considine is uniquely placed to assist you in buying your ideal property at the cheapest in buying your ideal property at the cheapest possible price. possible price.

Trends develop very quickly in the Edinburgh and Trends develop very quickly the Edinburgh Lothians property market andinbecause of bothand the Lothiansofproperty market and because both volume transactions I am carrying outofand mythe volume of transactions I am carrying out and my detailed knowledge of the local market, I am able to detailed of the local market, able toin keep myknowledge clients ahead of the game.

As Iaam resident keep Lothian my clients ahead of thethe game. a resident in West myself, I know areasAs and properties West I know the areas and properties to lookLothian out formyself, and have my finger on the pulse for to look out for and have my finger on the pulse for current price trends. current price trends.

Most importantly prior to setting out house hunting importantly to setting out house IMost will take the timeprior to explain precisely how hunting the Isystem will take the time explain precisely the works and to what pitfalls to look how out for. system works and what pitfalls to look out for.

4) Viewings and research 4) Viewings and research You now have an idea of your budget and a solicitor You nowso have idea of your budget and a solicitor in place it’s an time to start looking. in place so it’s time to start looking.

Register with property portals such as the ESPC, Register with property suchspeaking as the ESPC, On the Market etc. It isportals also worth with the On theagents Marketto etc. is alsoadvice worth speaking with the estate getIt some and registering to estate agents toon get some and registering to get information their newadvice properties first. get information on their new properties first.

You should view a minimum of five shortlisted You shouldand viewalso a minimum five shortlisted properties read the of home report carefully read the home carefully properties and aalso making decision.

We can report help you with any before before making a decision. questions you may have. We can help you with any questions you may have.

5) Note interest and make an offer 5) Note interest and make an offer Once you have identified the right property you Once have your identified theto right you with shouldyou contact solicitor noteproperty your interest should contact your solicitor to note your interest with the seller's solicitor/estate agent. the seller's solicitor/estate agent.

At this stage your solicitor should advise on the best At this stage your best process which willsolicitor usually should involve advise makingon anthe opening process which will solicitor usually involve making negotiating an opening offer to the seller’s and thereafter seller’s solicitor and thereafter negotiating offer to the on your behalf.

I would note that at Aberdein on your behalf. note that at Aberdein Considine we doI would not charge any fee for unsuccessful Considine we do not charge any fee for unsuccessful offers or for noting interest – we are on your side and offers or for noting interest we are onyou your side and we want to help you get the– property desire. we want to help you get the property you desire.

If you would like to speak to Aberdein Considine’s If you would like visit to speak to Aberdein Considine’s property experts, our branches in Livingston or propertyRoad experts, visit our branches Livingston or Lothian or call 01506 420800 orin0131 222 9000.

Lothian Road or call 01506 420800 or 0131 222 9000.

we we know know how how the land lies the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com www.aberdeinconsidine.com

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

LIFESTYLE

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS TRY ORIENTEERING ROUTES AGAIN IN WEST LOTHIAN! IN WEST LOTHIAN! Summer is finally on its way – the nights are light, the flowers have blossomed and there is a packed programme of events in West Lothian to look forward to! It’s time to take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy the great outdoors, with West Lothian’s fantastic events, attractions and country parks.

Join us on Saturday 27th May for the West Lothian Highland Games in Bathgate’s Meadow Park. The day is set to be a fantastic, colourful and musical spectacle featuring highland dancing, solo piping as well as Pipe Bands, traditional heavy events such as the tug of war and so much more! With a variety of other family attractions including food stalls and demonstrations there will certainly be something there for all the family to enjoy!

Spring season also means that some of West Lothian’s top attractions have opened their doors once again for the season. Outlander fans will be delighted that the iconic Hopetoun House has opened its doors again to the public, so enjoy a day strolling round both the House and Grounds, exploring the real filming locations of the fantastic TV series. Linlithgow Canal Centre has also re-opened, the perfect opportunity to take the family out for a nice relaxing boat trip along the Union Canal!

Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity that exercises both the brain and the body.

The aim is to navigate between control points marked on a special map and decide on the best route get from point to point until you reach the finish. You can go on your own, with friends or in a family group. You can run, jog or walk whatever suits you. People of all ages are welcome to take part and it is particularly suitable for family or other groups.

You don’t need any special equipment to take part, just suitable footwear and clothing which should include leg cover i.e. tracksuit bottoms or similar, bearing in mind it might be a bit muddy!

Interlopers Orienteering Club are putting on a series of events in local parks in the future.

The dates and locations are: • 6th May

Almond Park, Livingston

• 3 June

Calder Wood

• 1st July

Dechmont Law, Livingston

• 2nd September

Eliburn park, Livingston

rd

If you haven’t seen our fabulous new Visitor Guide yet, then check out our leaflet stands at locations across West Lothian or you can simply check out our online version which is available on our website.

There will be a series of courses available for complete beginners to those with a little more experience. Help and assistance will be on hand to tell you what to do.

Just turn up between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:

(Costs are £3 per child or £6 for adults or family groups).

Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:

www.visitwestlothian.co.uk VisitWestLothian @teamwestlothian @VisitWestLothian

WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Full details will be available nearer each date at www. interlopers.org.uk or contact events@interlopers.org.uk Website: Facebook:

www.interlopers.org.uk @interlopersorienteering

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

HEALTH & FITNESS

Summer is approaching and with it thoughts of sunny days, lighter clothing and how to shift those few stubborn pounds - you could start another diet, join a club, get your meals delivered - the options are endless … but with 98% of dieters not maintaining their weight loss for more than two years you might want to try a different approach.

This time, instead of overhauling your whole diet you could start by making some small changes. If for example you want to keep fuller for longer, try: a glass of water half an hour before eating; chia seeds on your porridge; an apple as a mid-morning snack; swapping your sugar laden yoghurt for full fat Greek yoghurt with your own fruit and raw honey; almonds as your on-thego snack.

Look at your lifestyle too. Stress is often the cause of weight around the middle –due to the release of cortisol and adrenaline – your body kicks into fight or flight mode, releasing fat and glucose for energy. With prolonged high levels of cortisol, your body becomes confused about what it needs to do and therefore the glucose (blood sugar) levels stay high, which tells the body to store fat. So it’s important to take time to relax.

Gradually, without too much effort, these small changes will become natural habits and you should start to see significant improvements to your health and weight – result!

LOUISE EWART, Personal Weight Loss Coach You’ll find more advice on small changes for big results and healthy sustainable weight loss at:

Weight Loss with Louise louise50@virginmedia.com

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

10,000 steps per day may seem a daunting amount, but it’s the default target set by Fitbit and other popular fitness devices. And it’s generally accepted as a good target for a healthy minimum daily activity.

Equivalent to about 5 miles (8km), reaching the 10 000 steps requires some restructuring of daily activities for most – for example, walking to get lunch every day, planning an evening walk. Remember though that all steps are not equal – your own target will depend on your gait, the length of your legs, current level of fitness, and so on.

Walking 5 miles a day is a good start and for those of us not so drawn by the idea of running or lifting weights, it’s an attainable and effective goal to aim for. However it’s just as easy to try and incorporate more strenuous activities into your day, exercises that can be done from home. Your regular walk can become a run; or something as simple as a kettlebell or dumbbells at home can make all the difference (although take care to learn how to lift properly to avoid hurting yourself).

Another option is enrolling in local fitness classes, and there are many different ones to chose from. The group atmosphere can help with motivation and the regular weekly classes provides a structure meaning you don’t need as much personal planning to incorporate fitness into weekly plans.

The key point is that whatever your current level of fitness and activity, you need to push yourself a little further in order to make a difference. Whatever stage you’re at, take that first step...

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL25

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

WEST LOTHIAN ME/CFS SELF-HELP GROUP Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is commonly referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). The condition causes long-term fatigue and a number of other symptoms which vary from sufferer to sufferer.

WLMESH supports sufferers and their families, friends and carers. We have a Hub at Kirkton Campus, Livingston, where we host drop-in sessions and holistic therapy days with services such as Bowen, Reiki and Hypnotherapy for our members. We currently have three monthly meetings and also organise various social events throughout the year.

Some of our previous social activities have included canal boat trips, Christmas Dinner and Party nights.

ME/CFS symptoms differ in severity and frequency, and include:

Volunteer with WLMESH: Do you have some spare time?

Do you have any experience serving on committees or willing to learn as you go? Do you have a talent for fundraising? If so, you could be a valuable asset to us!

Sponsored Event: Are you fit and active? Do you run, cycle, swim or even hill walk? If you would be interested in doing a sponsored event or have any other sponsored event ideas we’d love to hear from you.

Easyfundraising: Do you shop online? By creating an account at Easyfundraising.org.uk every time you shop online from selected retailers, those retailers will donate a percentage of what you have bought to the charity you’ve chosen to support. Visit Easyfundraising.org.uk today!

The Big Give: If you would like to donate please visit www.thebiggive.org.uk and search for WLMESH.

• Mental / Cognitive difficulties such as poor concentration, poor short term memory, reduced attention span and brain fog • Pain - muscular and joint pain as well as headaches or migraines • Mental and physical fatigue • Sleep issues - disturbed sleep, hypersomnia, insomnia • Recurring sore throat often with tenderness around the lymph glands The cause of the condition is unknown. A number of sufferers have attributed it to being triggered by a viral infection, typically glandular fever. ME/CFS can affect anyone. It is thought to affect around 250,000 people in the UK, and is three times more common in women than in men. There is no definitive test that proves you suffer from it; usually your GP will run a series of blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms such as anaemia or an underactive thyroid.

If you are a sufferer or family/friend and need support, or able to help our group in any way, please get in touch:

WLMESH is a charity and we rely heavily on donations from the public and fundraisers to run the WLMESH Hub in Livingston and activities offered to members. If you would like to support our charity you can do so in several ways...

www.wlmesh.co.uk WLMESH Hub, 3A Baird Road, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7AZ Call 07804 586553 or email enquiries@wlmesh.co.uk Charity Registered in Scotland No SC023544

WL26 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Family owned and operated since 1994 Family owned and operated since 1994

Accredited Motability Dealer Family owned and operated since 1994 Accredited Motability Dealer Accredited Motability Dealer

0800 169 5182

0131 440 42255182 0800 169 Showroom Opening Times 0800 5182 0131169 440 4225

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 4pm

0131 440 4225Times Showroom Opening Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday Showroom Opening Times10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Ind Est, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk

enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

- Friday 5pm UnitMonday 13-16, 32 Dryden Road,9am Bilston- Glen Ind Est, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Ind Est, www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk

Saturday 10am - 4pm

enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL27

FOOD & DRINK

“Unforgettable” Breathtaking venues, incredible food, and an attention to detail, all add up to making your wedding day the most memorable and special occasion you could wish for.

Let Simon Preece Food Creations

Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 Winner help make it your perfect day!

events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

@Food_Creations

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

Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

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

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100

To be included please contact JENNY on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or, CHARLENE on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

WL28 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

...or a little of what you fancy does you good We have a vast choice of high quality food but even so we still get it wrong. In the midst of the plenty there are people who can’t afford to feed their families properly and at the other end of the spectrum many people have eating disorders and anxieties about food and its preparation.

Choice is not always the answer. It’s said that the population of Britain was best fed and least unfit during food rationing, when choice was limited and food was often dull. (Look at old photos and you will see what a slim population we were!) But despite all the publicity about good diets and sensible eating habits most of us still buy too many snacks, accept too much processed food, think we don’t have the time to cook, and live sedentary lives rather than being active and exercising.

Since the 1870’s food reformers have tried to make us aware of the harm we can do to ourselves as we eat and have promoted many different - and some strange - ideas.

Maximilian Bircher-Benner was one of the people who believed that a diet of raw fruits and vegetables held the most nutritional value. He built a clinic in Switzerland and many went to be treated. He and his sisters worked on recipes to make raw food more appealing, and he insisted people take exercise and help in the garden. His book “Food Science for All” was a hit. His patients were not permitted coffee, alcohol, chocolate or tobacco.

Bircher’s legacy is Muesli. His ideas came from seeing the simple way of life followed by shepherds in the Alps.

THE BASIC MESSAGE IS: Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables Eat less red meat but include some oily fish in the week’s meals. Have small quantities of all the basic food groups Base meals on a starchy food either rice, potatoes, pasta or bread Eat some protein from eggs, fish, meat, beans or pulses Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (soya), cheese, milk, butter Use unsaturated oils and fats especially extra virgin olive oil in small amounts Drink plenty of fluids including water Enjoy your food, eat when you are hungry, share meals with friends and family and be happy MUESLI: A pleasant breakfast

MUESLI (The Original Recipe) • Juice of half a lemon • 2 or 3 small apples • 1 tablespoon nuts, either walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts • 1 tablespoon raw rolled oats, soaked overnight in 3 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon either cream and honey or condensed milk METHOD: Grate the apples (including pips and core) into the lemon juice to stop the flesh going brown. Mix all the other ingredients together.

This is a pleasant breakfast. It’s not a million miles away from good quality cereals offered in packets, but beware of the extra sugars in the granolas and sweetened dried fruits such as mango. Buy dry fruit not the softened varities. You are being sold expensive water!

Healthy eating is not unpleasant. It just requires us to think a little so we can re-establish sensible habits.

But one cannot live on muesli alone! There’s a huge amount of good impartial advice. Look at www.nhs.uk/livewell/healthy-eating. Put the sugar smart app on your phone and see how much sugar is in what you are about to buy - I saw that there were 4.6 sugar lumps in a can of vegetable soup!

The Good Food BBC site has detailed sites for a balanced diet for men and a separate one for women www.bbcgoodfood.com.

did you know?

Bircher worked with another food reformer - John Harvey Kellogg. They both believed in cold baths, sun bathing and chastity. Kellogg promoted the use of yoghurt douches and enemas and thought his cornflakes would lead to a healthy life and suppress libido. The Kellogg brothers were both religious vegetarians. Corn flakes were first sold by their Sanitas Food Company and were promoted as a healthy alternative to the cooked meat and egg breakfast of the day. Other food reformers have left their legacy in what we buy to this day; Grahame Crackers and McVitie’s digestive biscuits.

Both products were believed to help digestion and lead to a healthier way of life.

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL29

MUSIC REVIEW

DOING THE WORD LIKE NOBODY ELSE CAN Although often heard on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 show, and with tracks lining up on film soundtracks, Colchester songwriter Johnno Casson, has not as yet crashed through the mainstream for which we should all hang our heads in shame.

Recording for a decade under the aliases Old Tramp and Snippet, his latest album “Future Melancholy Pop Music” (Folkwit Records) has cast aside the trading names.

In interviews Johnno has described this collection as being his most personal to date, and over 47 minutes the listener is indeed immersed in his personality. These songs are not identikit creations, but proper sparking pop the kind you used to like back in the day, before everyone just moaned about their exes.

New business?

Let us help you get going

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

konect The Lothians’ largest circulation magazine

Current single “Bad Man” sets out the stall. Unapologetic electro acoustic pop bursting with melody and invention, and unashamed to acknowledge the singer’s own status as an old man, a foolish man, but a man ready for the day. Other songs reference a working class childhood spent under the blazing mid-seventies sun, not from an overly sentimental perspective, more channelling the memories of endless days and youthful energy to power the present.

The contrast between more innocent times in society and the absurdity of some aspects of modern living are highlighted in “I Remember” and “Ain’t Got Time For”, the latter a melodica peppered laugh out loud dismissal of the worthless celebrities and leaders who monopolise the media. Included in this list that there is not time for are ridicule and cruelty, qualities alien to Johnno’s music. Give this bloke a chance.

/KonectDirectory 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’.

WL30 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

@KonectDirectory

LUXURY MOTORHOME RENTAL Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Premier Luxury Motorhome Rental Company Family run company providing a friendly personal service.

Fully equipped 2,4,6 berth motorhomes.

First time? Don’t worry! Full guidance & instruction included.

**10% DISCOUNT* DURING MAY 2017**

T: 07825 863915

Camps Industrial Estate, East Calder, EH27 8DF

www.motorhomeescapes.co.uk

*subject to availability

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL31

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WL32 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

%

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"

There’s life in your unwanted furniture and electricals

FREE & FAST COLLECTION You may not want your old sofa, table or fridge, but we do. We’ll collect them from your home and find them a new life. Your donations will fund our pioneering research and help save lives.

BOOK A FREE & FAST COLLECTION:

CALL BHF EDINBURGH STORE 0131 341 2992 bhf.org.uk/collection © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

KONECT BROXBURN | 45

D.B. General Builders Based in Broxburn

● ● ● ● ●

● Driveways Fencing ● Landscaping Decking ● Groundworks Monoblocking Snow clearing Kitchens & Bathrooms

Local ● Established ● Reliable www.dbgeneralbuilders.co.uk david_bathgate@sky.com Call David on

THIS MONTH’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS FEATURE FOCUSES ON CONSERVATORIES AND SUNROOMS

SEE PAGES WL12-WL15 46 | KONECT BROXBURN

07747 062426

UPVC Door Canopies Professionally manufactured and installed

from only £349 Doors include Handles, Letterplate and a Multi Point Locking System

Garden Patio and Hot Tub Canopies Fully Installed from £1499 Fully Inclusive Prices For a no obligation quote

Call 01506 655202 www.upvcdoorshop.com Call for a FREE Colour Brochure

all major credit cards accepted

SG Landscaping Established 18 years

•

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For all your gardening needs Garden tidy-ups, lawns, hedges, treework, patios, driveways, fencing etc.

Patio & driveway cleaning service Contact Steve on

07891 029764 • 01506 885944

KONECT BROXBURN | 47

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | BROXBURN

Jacqueline’s Dog Walking Service

SATURDAY 6TH MAY

Introduction to Orienteering - (Almond Park) Interlopers Orienteering Club. Use a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org.uk. Suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerers. Meet: next to the Rugby Club, Almond South Road, Livingston. Time: Register between 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Cost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors.

Please call: 07760 151311 www.jacspack.co.uk

SUNDAY 14TH MAY

Race for Life at Hopetoun House - 5k or 10k, whichever event you choose and whether you do it in a tutu or just an old pink t-shirt, this is beating caner. A 5k is great for all ages.

Run, jog or walk the only thing that matters is that you’re part of it. Want to push yourself further? Join a 10k. Come along and help us support this fantastic cause. Register online now for both the 5k and the 10k www.hopetoun.co.uk. Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.

75

SATURDAY 20TH MAY

Family Fun Day - 12-4pm at Howden Park. This is a free entry event and is in aid of Cancer Research UK. There will be wristbands (£7) for unlimited use of the large inflatable set up. Free kids’ entertainment, bungee trampolines, kids’ cheroplanes, hook a duck, tombola, tea cups & lots more.

Face painter (donations). There is something for all ages!

SUNDAY 28ND MAY

Grounds Walk at Hopetoun House - Ranger-led walk will lead you through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape and serves to compliment the tour offered inside of the House. Look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the specimen trees and plants of the designed landscape. Cost: Grounds entry fee £4.55 adult £2.80 child. Meet: Main Visitor Car Park. Booking essential, please contact the ranger service on ranger@hopetoun.co.uk or 0131 319 3956.

SATURDAY 1ST JULY

Badger Watch - Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. Suitable for adults and children over 12 years. Meet: Sutherland Building,

by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child. Meet outside Beecraigs Visitor Centre. Free, booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 284516 or email mail@beecraigs.com

CONTACT DETAILS

TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

48 | KONECT BROXBURN

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

THEATRES 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.

BUSTER THE DOG

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all” Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE 29 Main Street, Kirkliston EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203 www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk vets@mackieandbrechin.co.uk

r ent ery ffe rg e o atm su W e on r t st er iving s L a l ur o at

RIVERSIDE PET HEALTH PLAN

KONECT BROXBURN | 49

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

The Food Assembly is a local initiative that brings people together to buy fresh food directly from local farmers and foodmakers.

Launched on 24th April, Bathgate Food Assembly allows customers in West Lothian to order food online from local producers before picking it up weekly at the Regal Theatre, Bathgate. All products come from an average distance of 28 miles from Bathgate - compared to the 600 miles with a supermarket.

Solution in the June edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Scratch (6), 8. Lower spine (6), 9. Settee (4), 10. Very young frogs (8), 11. Normally (7), 13. Closes (5), 15. Not heavy (5), 17. Moves up (7), 20. Keeps you dry (8), 21. Coffee shop (4), 23. Aggravates (6), 24. End (6) DOWN: 1. Repeat (4), 2. Yellow fruit (6), 3. E.g. snake (7), 4. Scottish river (5), 5. Level (6), 6. Skilled (8), 12. Dieting (8), 14. Mortified (7), 16. Terror (6), 18. Getaway (6), 19. Dental care (5), 22. Blaze (4)

Solution on Page 54

SUDOKU

50 | KONECT BROXBURN

Community is at the heart of The Food Assembly – it connects neighbours to farmers, neighbours to each other, and everyone to their food. By choosing to buy local, you’re supporting the local community, as for every £1 spent through Bathgate Food Assembly, 90p stays in the local economy. It also ensures your money reaches the right people; food producers keep over 80% of sales revenue, compared to 15%-25% through supermarkets. Wastage is minimised as all the food is ordered in advance.

Using an iPhone app or laptop, you can choose from unique local products (see sidebox) to get most of your shopping done.

The Bathgate Assembly is organised by food-obsessed Grace Emerton, who loves to share her passion with others. “I am really excited about rolling out our new venture and growing this great initiative to benefit the community in West Lothian. To bring a local food hub to Bathgate that connects people, where we share more than just money for goods - it’s going to have a huge positive impact,” says Grace. “Pricing is similar to what you would pay in supermarkets – but the difference is that you know exactly where it’s coming from.” Grace stumbled across The Food Assembly in Edinburgh as she was looking for something similar as a local outlet for her family’s wild venison produce, and decided to launch a West Lothian outlet. “The aim is for more and more local producers to join so you can get the full variety of goods. We have quite a few more in the pipeline interested in joining.”

food assembly members Lothian-based Food Assembly members so far include: Edinburgh Cyrenian Farm - Kirknewton, supplying fruit and veg Frys Coconut Island - Bathgate, supplying healthy snack bars Marie’s Artisan Soap - Winchburgh, supplying natural handcrafted soaps Highland Ridge Larder - Whitburn, supplying wild venison Becky’s Flowers - Bathgate, supplying cut flowers Decadently Pure - Bathgate, supplying gluten free chocolate Bathgate Fishmonger - Bathgate, supplying fresh fish Other Central-Belt members include: Egglicious Eggs - Stirling, supplying Eggs Ardunan Farm - Strathblane, supplying rare breed pork, free range chicken, duck eggs and lamb Bams Deli - Musselburgh, supplying cheeses Good-Life Farming, Perth, supplying Rose veal Dollop and Scoff - Bonnybridge, supplying jams and chutneys Bon Accord Soft Drinks - Edinburgh, supplying soft drinks Sri Spice - North Queensferry, supplying Spice kits Blondilox - Edinburgh, supplying porridge Jacobite Apiaries - Port Seton, supplying honey IQ chocolate - Stirling, supplying low GI chocolate bars Mara Seaweedm - Edinburgh, supplying seaweed seasoning Cindys Tea - Edinburgh, suppling herbal teas Salt Pig - East Lothian, supplying salt rubs and seasonings Cake Heaven - Stirling, supplying cakes, tray bakes, scones and loaves

Launched in the UK in July 2014, The Food Assembly is the UK branch of a European network that began in France three years ago. West Lothian resident Grace Emerton launched the Bathgate Food Assembly.

Launched by Grace Emerton

Venison from Highland Larder Cyrenians Veg Bag

For more information, please contact Grace on 07968 477383 or email: fabathgate@gmail.com www.foodassembly.com/en/assemblies/9433 www.facebook.com/FABathgate

KONECT BROXBURN | 51

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

52 | 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

Slimming World

South Parish Church, East Main St, Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Canon Hoben Hall, Broxburn, Wednesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30. Please call Lisa on 07736 316400

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.

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.

West Lothian U3A (University of the 3rd Age)

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

West Lothian Art

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

Slimming World

South Parish Church, East Main St, Uphall, EH52 5HY. Tuesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm and Canon Hoben Hall, Broxburn, Wednesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30. Please call 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

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 13.30 - 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

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

Contact Rhona on 01506 811700 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

KONECT BROXBURN | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ATTRACTIONS/DAYS OUT Gardening Scotland Newliston House

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS VET Grove Bedding WL9 Mackie & Brechin 49 Harvey Bruce WL15 Riverside Veterinary 49 BATHROOMS GARDEN & LANDSCAPING WINDOW CLEANING Beatson’s WL6 Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL32 CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 4 Evergreen Balerno 6 WINDOWS Ekco WL14 Gardening Scotland WL2 BEAUTY Andrew James WL12 Green Thumb 5 The Tan Stand 11 CR Smith WL16 New Hopetoun Gardens WL4 BLINDS & SHUTTERS SG Landscapes 47 Harvey Bruce WL15 WL Landscaping and Gardening WL6 SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD Woodford Timber WL7 BUILDER DB General Builders 46 GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd WL5 BUSINESS SUPPORT GSI Events WL1 GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & CC WL25 BUTCHER Living Well (Hilton Edin. Airport) 11 John Lawson Butchers 4 HEATING SERVICES CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Capital Heating WL6 D.K’s Autocare 6 Mech A Tech WL1 LVS Garage Services 7 JOINER CARPET&UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL8 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning WL6 KITCHENS CARPETS & FLOORING Ekco WL14 Land of Carpets 2 Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL8 CATERING Across: 7 Boater, 8 Attack, 9 Ugly, 10 Dramatic, LOCKSMITH 11 Italics, 13 Nippy, 15 Trout, 17 Untying, Food Creations WL28 20 Orchards, 21 Myth, 22 Blends, 23 Author Livingston Locksmith WL20 CHARITY MOBILITY Down: 1 Nought, 2 Stay, 3 Predict, 4 Banal, British Heart Foundation 45 5 Steadily, 6 Scrimp, 12 Laughing, 14 Unusual, Ableworld WL23 CHILDREN’S 16 Rarely, 18 Notion, 19 Crush, 21 Mute Med Ecosse WL27 ACTIVITIES/ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 51 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Broxburn Air Cadets 45 Motorhome Escapes WL31 CLEANING SERVICES Motorhome Hire Scotland WL32 Clean Bee Domestics 48 OVEN CLEANER CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 4 The Clean Team WL28 COMPUTER SERVICES PAINTER/DECORATOR Sprint Computers WL31 Brian McGown Decorator 46 CONSERVATORIES David J Lane WL8 Andrew James WL12 Nu Walls WL8 CR Smith WL16 STS Paints 47 DANCE SUPPLIES PET SERVICES Highland Dance Shop 48 Jacqueline’s Dog Walking Service 48 DENTIST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE No 9 Dental 10 WL Landscaping and Gardening WL6 DOORS RESTAURANT UPVC Doors 47 Dalmahoy Hotel & CC WL25 The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an ESTATE AGENT TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE We do not endorse any advertisers Aberdein Considine WL21 All The Fours 55 advertisement. in this publication. All material is accepted for Alba Property 56 publication on the understanding it is copyright TILING Remax WL17 Service With a Tile 47 free. No part of this publication may be reproduced Turpie WL19 without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Overton Drummond Miller WL20 TRAVEL PRS Independent Travel Expert 4 Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Purple Bricks WL20

54 | KONECT BROXBURN

WL2 10

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

Visit our website on: www.444444.scot

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 | 55

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