Konect Broxburn, November 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

broxburn

CHARITY:

LOCAL SPORT:

Gifts: in West Lothian

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, PROPERTY MATTERS, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh

TO OUR NOVEMBER EDITION

THIS ISSUE

I

’ve really enjoyed putting this issue of Konect together. It’s been a varied month as ever but once again I’m so touched by how much people in West Lothian do for each other. For example, this month at the request of the charities involved, there are pieces on: a new breast cancer charity for helping patients at St John’s; a call for more volunteers for the local group of Alzheimer Scotland; news about a service for older people who are feeling isolated; and some information on a series of sessions at local soft play centres which are set aside for kids with additional support needs.

In addition, I was delighted to meet a Winchburgh resident who is a master chocolatier – see the article on page 11 and pop into his shop in Linlithgow!

All our usual columns are here, autumnal and a bit Christmassy too. I hope you enjoy Konect this month – as ever, I’ve always happy to hear feedback. Thanks for supporting local businesses and organisations.

COVER IMAGE: Fun in Autumn puddles.

See P34 for What’s On in West Lothian.

P8 Gifts: Handmade in West Lothian................. 8 Local People: Sebastian Kobelt.................. 11 Gardening: Terrariums are cool..................12 Charity: Breast Friends and Family.............14 Health & Beauty............................................16 Older People, Active Lives..........................18 Home Improvements....................................25 Property Matters............................................26 Parenting: Get Crafty!...................................31 Music Review................................................32 Puzzles...........................................................32 Sport: From little acorns...............................33 What’s On......................................................34 Clubs & Classes..........................................36

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

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

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

JENNY THOMSON

Email: editor@konect.scot

07772 941899 charlene@konect.scot

Email: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

Account Manager

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FEATURE

Make our talented local artists and craftspeople a priority for finding unusual and special gifts. We’ve selected a few of our favourites.

Cufflinks, fordite & sterling silver £135.00. Wow, Fordite was formed from the build up of layers of old automotive enamel paint during the days of hand-spraying Ford cars in Michigan and Minessota. An eco-friendly gemstone of infinite variety, every single one is unique. Crafted into jewellery in West Lothian by Jewellery by Kirsty Muir. www.kirstymuirjewellery.co.uk Chocolate coated Scottish tablet £3.80.

A novel twist on a traditional Scottish sweet, made in Linlithgow by world-class chocolatier Sebastian Kobelt. www.sebastiankobelt.com Stunning artisan chocolates with a selection of flavours available including black currant & tonca bean, Scottish heather honey & rosemary, sour cherry & green cardamom. Sebastian Kobelt. www.sebastiankobelt.com

Highland cow mugs £22. Handthrown and glazed pottery by Elise Kempster.

Kirknewton Pottery - www.potteraround.co.uk

Natural soy and scented candles with crackle wicks £12 - £20 depending on size.

Handthrown and glazed pottery by Kirsty McDiarmid. Kirknewton Pottery - www.potteraround.co.uk Local craft fairs are ideal for finding a huge range of talented local artists and crafters, along with entertainment and special visitors: see What’s On page for details of some local fairs.

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Vintage Style Coasters, set of 4, £12. Livingston-based business Love Your Vintage Home has a range of designs of these funky vintage-style coasters. www.facebook.com/ LoveYourVintageHome

To do Board and plant pots and Christmas wreath – made by services users at The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre, Broxburn. Proceeds from sales go directly back into funding support for mental health locally. www.facebook.com/ TheBrockGardenWoodandCraftCentre/ @KonectMagazines

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LOCAL PEOPLE

WORLD-CLASS CHOCOLATIER, LOCAL PERSON: SEBASTIAN KOBELT “I like to create something that triggers an emotion” “It’s a long story - longer than we have time for - for how I ended up in Scotland,” says Scotland’s Chocolatier of the year 2018.

I’m visiting Winchburgh resident Sebastian Kobelt, pâtissier and chocolatier, at his shop on Linlithgow High Street. It is a treasure trove of beautifully presented and innovative artisan chocolate and fine patisserie. I’m tempted to get some special Christmas shopping done on the spot.

“This is where my creativity happens, and where I can display it,” he explains. It’s where his buyers from Waldorf Astoria, Gleneagles and other luxury hotels can come and see what Sebastian can do. He is a dessert chef and wholesale supplier for luxury hotels across Scotland, which he runs from a commercial kitchen in Linlithgow. But here on the high street, we all get a chance to see and taste his fabulous creations.

Growing up in East Germany before the wall came down, Sebastian spent a lot of time at his grandfather’s bakery business. “He sold traditional German breads - sourdough, rye bread and so on. Baking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.” So when time came to pick a career it was hardly a choice. The early morning starts of a bakery were not really for him though! He specialises in desserts, pâtisserie and chocolate instead. After an apprenticeship in Berlin, he worked on cruise ships, then moved on to hotels, spending time in the Middle East (making luxury desserts that wouldn’t melt in the heat) and then Ireland.

“Always in my life I am looking for ways to challenge myself, and dealing with the language in Ireland was certainly a challenge,” he jokes.

His career since then has seen him working at Dalhousie Castle, being invited to the World @KonectMagazines

Chocolate Masters competition – in which he represented Germany at the finals – being Head Pastry Chef at RBS, then working with Michelin starred chef Tom Kitchin in Edinburgh.

Eventually though, he wanted to do his own thing.

“I like luxury desserts and chocolates, I like to create something that triggers an emotion. I also like to take something existing and add my own twist to it.” Such as the dark chocolate-coated tablet he sells – what a great idea to offset the very sweet tablet with his luxury dark chocolate.

This year Sebastian is celebrating being awarded Scotland’s Chocolatier of the Year by the Scottish Foods Awards and Academy. He has launched his online shop; but here in Linlithgow we are lucky to be able to go into the shop and buy selection boxes, truffles and a range of other sweet delicacies. Everything is beautifully packaged in small quantities for retail, so you can treat yourself to the experience or get some special Linlithgowmade chocolate for Christmas gifts.

Sebastian Kobelt is at 34 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AE. Open Friday & Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sundays 12 noon to 4pm. Outwith these hours, he can be found at his Mill Road Industrial Estate kitchen, Unit 2, where you can also purchase direct from the kitchen.

Tel: 01506 840602 www.sebastiankobelt.com This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Sebastian Kobelt – and sampling some chocolates and pâtisserie of course! – at his shop in Linlithgow. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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GARDENING PROJECT

foliage plants, succulents or airplants are all suitable but each category of plant needs a different but easy care regime. Pick up our care leaflet, which explains the different requirements, when you are choosing the plants you’d like to use.

Indoor gardening is the order of the day as it cools down outside but we should still try to get our ‘green fix’ from plants.

A glass terrarium or planter is a great way to care for a group of plants indoors. Not only does it look great but it also is a very enjoyable activity, if a little fiddly!

Technically a terrarium is an enclosed glass vessel in which we grow plants but any glass container you might already have, whether sealed or not, is usable. In an enclosed vessel you don’t need to add extra water whereas if the top is open you will need to water occasionally as the water escapes.

Avoid flowering plants as dead flowers will rot and cause you problems. Small

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

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

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

Having been a breast cancer patient at St John’s in Livingston, and supported by a local charity to help her through it, West Lothian resident Hazel Orr was saddened to learn that the charity was closing.

“I didn’t want women, and men, going through what I did without the help I had benefited from,” says Hazel. So along with her sister Mandy, mother Sylvia and daughter Holly, in April this year she set up “Breast Friends and Family,” a charity to help support patients and their families facing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at St John’s.

Hazel Orr

Follow “Breast Friends and Family” on Facebook

Breast Friends and Family support the 150 or so patients (mostly women) who go through treatment for breast cancer at St Johns every year.

Holly

“We want to provide patients with the little things that the NHS are not in a position to, things that make a difference to each individual and to how they feel about themselves,” explains Hazel. “We also want to be in a position to do something for the families of those diagnosed with breast cancer, to help the children and husbands or wives deal with what their family is going through.”

Sylvia

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“I was diagnosed in June 2015 and spent the next year going through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then surgery again just before Christmas 2016.

Throughout my treatment and recovery I was lucky enough to have the support of Bosom Buds, a local charity - support that I didn’t even know I needed! Sadly this charity has now closed, hence we have started Breast Friends and Family.”

Mandy

Working closely with the oncology nurses, they have developed a “goody bag” to supply to every patient. It includes mastectomy bras for those facing breast surgery, headscarfs for those losing their hair due to chemotherapy, cooling towels and creams, a support cushion (“this @KonectMagazines

was a huge emotional as well as practical support to me, as when I saw the cushions on other women’s beds I knew they were going through exactly the same thing”) and plan to include other items as and when funding allows.

“We would love to be able eventually to offer the services that the other charity provided, including eyebrow tattoos for women who lose all their hair, special exercise classes and so on. But we’re starting from scratch with the funding, and are focussing on the goody bags for now.”

Constantly raising funds is hard work, and they will need ongoing support. So far, Breast Friends and Family have benefited from friends and family raising funds through antique fairs, exercise classes and selling donated wigs, and they have organised a number of events coming up in the next few months.

Upcoming Fundraising Events CRAFT STALL AND INFORMATION STAND at St John’s Hospital during November and December. If you have a few hours free and would like to help, or if you have any crafty items you would like to donate for sale, get in touch.

2ND DECEMBER: Christmas Fair, East Calder Partnership Centre. Christmas gifts, tearoom, tombola and raffle, and maybe even a visit from a special guest if he has time! 12.00 midday - 4.00pm.

“We are dedicated to raising funds to keep the charity in a financial position to enable us to help breast cancer patients and their families.”

Consider making Breast Friends and Family your charity to support this Christmas.

Donate at www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/ breastfriendsandfamily If you can help staff stalls, hold events of your own, donate items for raffles and so on, please contact them.

Follow “Breast Friends and Family” on Facebook Contact them via facebook or email info@breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk Breast Friends and Family is a charity registered in Scotland, charity no: SC048332 This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Hazel Orr, founder of Breast Friends and Family. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines. @KonectMagazines

The “goody bag” BROXBURN | 15

HEALTH & BEAUTY

PREPARE YOUR HAIR! During the winter months, cold weather combined with dry indoor heat can wreak havoc on your hair leading to split ends and breakage.

With the heating on indoors it causes dry air which can effect our skin as well as our hair. Moisture masks are the best way to combat this, for your skin too. Try and aim for at least one a week, alternatively switch your regular shampoo for something with a rich moisture base and try using finish-ing oils to lock in moisture.

A leave-in conditioner will help to battle static, and minimising time using heat on your hair in win-ter can help too, try allowing your hair to dry naturally indoors and maybe trying out styles such as buns, braids or ponytails. However it’s critical to dry hair thoroughly before dashing into the cold. Anything that’s cold expands, and that’s what can happen with your wet hair shaft in the cold weather, which puts you at risk for breakage and makes your colour fade faster.

HEALTH

Release Your Anxiety with KCR There is no doubt that physical stresses and strains on your body can cause anxiety. This is often simply from the fatigue of dealing with pain. Conversely, anxiety can also bring about physical symptoms in the body too.

When your body experiences a physical or emotional trauma it can tighten up and/or be jolted out of position. Your body continues to compensate for the pain and discomfort causing it to further be pushed out of balance. The shoulder can drop, and the hip may hike up, and knees can begin to turn inwards as the body becomes quite distorted - the changes happening so gradually that we barely even notice them.

This distortion in the body causes both physical and mental stress as you struggle to cope with the daily aches and pains. This stress in turn can spill over into issues at work and at home.

Hugh Gilbert, physiotherapist and founder of Kinetic Chain Release has discovered that performing a series of gentle mobilisations and releases in a specific sequence can bring the body back into balance promoting physical and mental wellbeing.

KCR is a short and relatively painless procedure which can be performed in around 40 minutes.

Other treatments that can help with anxiety include; 1. Cognitive Coaching - helps you to pan back from daily issues and allow yourself to explore them from different angles. By doing this you can often find new ways of thinking that allow you to find an increased sense of peace with past traumas 2. Massage - is a physical treatment that encourages your body to release endorphins into which calms your nervous system and promotes a deep sense of relaxation 3. Reiki - is a healing energy technique that can help reduce anxiety, pain and discomfort by balancing the energy centres within the body

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 16 | BROXBURN

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

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COMMUNITY

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS SOFT PLAY: Soft play sessions for all children with additional support needs and their families.

Special Soft play sessions reserved for all children with additional support needs and their families, at the following venues: The Hive, Bathgate: every Wednesday 5pm - 7pm.

Closed to general public. www.thehivesoftplay.com Overboard, Polbeth : every Thursday 4pm - 6pm.

Closed to general public. www.overboardsoftplay.co.uk

Leaping Lemurs, West Calder: every Saturday 9am 11am. First hour closed, second hour open to general public but is a quieter time. www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk YOYO, Bathgate: every Sunday 10am - 11am.

Closed to general public. www.yoyosoftplay.co.uk

Jumpstation, Livingston: every Tuesday 4pm - 6pm and Saturday 9am – 10am. Open to general public but a quieter time. www.jumpstations.co.uk All venues have cafe facilities with hot drinks, meals, snacks, juice and cakes. @KonectMagazines

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

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COMMUNITY

“It was so good to have someone to talk to, it has made such a difference to me. I am going to continue with walking. I am feeling so good, I am definitely getting my confidence back”

As the days get shorter, if you have limited mobility or don’t tend to get out much in the winter, you may be dreading the long days alone at home.

You don’t need to sit it out alone though! If you are over 60 and live in West Lothian, there is a local befriending service available to you.

Having someone to talk to can make all the difference, perhaps especially if you are just out of hospital, or recently bereaved, and your family are not close by.

The Cyrenians is a charity delivering a range of services, one of which is called “Older People, Active Lives” (OPAL). They want to make sure that no one is feeling isolated and alone, and can offer companionship at home as well as help with getting out to activities in the community – not just in the winter, but any time of the year.

You don’t need to go through a particular referral process, as you can self-refer. If you are feeling lonely, simply pick up the phone and give them a call. In fact, telephone befriending is something they offer, if you would benefit from a regular blether on the phone!

They also provide support from a befriender who would be matched with you for up to nine months, to enjoy activities from a chat at home over a cuppa, to going out for a walk, shopping, a wee trip to a garden centre, or accompanying you to one of Cyrenian’s social groups for older people - whatever is best for you. It may be that you just need someone to help you with a confidence boost with getting out and about and back into routine after a hospital stay.

If you have on-going mobility or isolation issues, a longer-term befriender may be available too.

OPAL runs a series of social groups in West 18 | BROXBURN

Lothian, with activities such as “Nibble and Natter”, “Singing for health” in partnership with Xcite Aging Well and general activity groups for you to get together with other people in the community on a regular basis. The groups cost £1 to attend and are available for anyone over 60.

“We want people to be able to enjoy living independently in their own homes for as long as possible,” explains Lorna Bryson, Volunteer Coordinator at Cyrenians in Bathgate. “Our services make that more possible by making sure people have a social “safety net” in their lives. Some of our clients are people who have moved into the area later in life in order to be nearer family, but they don’t know anyone and everything may be unfamiliar. An OPAL befriender can help orient them, introduce them to local groups, get library membership sorted and other practical things to set them up for a full and independent social life.”

If you would like to meet a befriender and keep your social life going, the Cyrenians OPAL Older People Active Lives team would be delighted to hear from you! Please contact the team on: Tel.: 01506 815815 Website; www.cyrenians.scot Facebook: OPALCyrenians Cyrenians is a SCIO, registered charity SC011052

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Cyrenians OPAL team in Bathgate.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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INTERIORS

Benefit 1: Shutters keep the warm air in If you want energy efficient windows, one of the best things you can do is to install shutters.

Around 25% to 50% of the heat our radiators output is lost through windows, but with shutters closed at night, you can insulate your windows really well. In fact, a study by Edinburgh World Heritage discovered that you could almost completely stop heat leaking through large Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian windows just by closing shutters. They used a thermal imaging camera to show where heat was escaping from a house. BBC News also covered the story, reporting that closed wooden shutters ‘act like double glazing’.

Benefit 2: Shutters keep the cold air out Forget about heat escaping for a moment – what about cold air getting in through tiny gaps in frames? Shutters are a great way at cutting down on draughts – simply close them up at night for a wonderfully insulated home.

Benefit 3: Shutters save money on your heating bills With less cold air coming in and virtually no heat escaping, you can turn your thermostat right down, reducing your heating bills. It’s a win-win.

Benefit 4: Shutters keep your rooms private When it gets dark early, your neighbours have the perfect opportunity for a good nose into your well-lit living spaces, right? Wrong. With shutters, you can tilt – or completely shut – the louvres so that your rooms remain obscured or unseen.

Benefit 5: Shutters let the light in Woken up to a bright winter morning? Or perhaps it’s a crisp winter evening? Tilting your shutters will allow you to control and maximise the light that’s coming in – letting in the last of the evening’s rays and making the most of those rare sunny days. @KonectMagazines

Benefit 6: Shutters reflect light - Wonder what we mean about maximising the light? Shutter louvres have a reflective surface and, if you tilt them to just the right angle, you’ll reflect more light into the room. When they’re shut, they reflect artificial light, too.

Benefit 7: Shutters don’t suffer from condensation like curtains do - If your home’s not well-ventilated, condensation might be a problem in winter. Shutters don’t suffer from mould-growth like curtains do, and are easy to wipe down and maintain. What’s more, you’re more likely to open your windows in winter if you have shutters to let in just a trickle of fresh air.

Benefit 8: Shutters are low maintenance Talking of wiping down your shutters… you’ll find after months of everyone being indoors all the time during the cold snap, your shutters need little more than a wipe over with a damp cloth or duster to get them looking as good as new. Trips to dry cleaners with bulky curtains – and a week without window dressings as a result? With shutters, those days are over.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Harvey Bruce Interiors. www.harveybruce.co.uk Williamson’s Garden Centre, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6PA BROXBURN | 25

PROPERTY MATTERS

“When your property is professionally managed, it’s all about accountability

Some landlords, especially those who are new to the experience, understandably wish to use a letting agent simply as a route to market in order to find a tenant.

However, whilst a return on investment is one thing, sleeping well at night is quite another! A managed service is not just about chasing late rent, resolving disputes and inventory control.

When your property is professionally managed, it’s all about accountability. This means regular inspections to check that your tenant is treating your investment with the respect it deserves. During these inspections, well-trained staff are able to identify any areas that should be investigated in order to avoid or reduce costs later. An example would be a blocked gutter. Normally, you would only hear about this when the tenant calls you to tell you that water is coming in, plaster has come away from the wall and there is mould on the ceiling. Call in the dehumidifier, plasterer, and painter – and you have a large bill and an unhappy tenant.

One of the most important considerations of a property manager is to get to know their clients’ tenants, and have a good understanding of their plans, often preempting a premature departure, so they can prepare and let the property in time to avoid it being empty.

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Many tenants also prefer to rent a property that is managed through a letting agent, possibly because they have had a “problem landlord” in the past, but more often because they feel that a Letting agent will provide a consistent and professional service to them as tenants as well as to their landlords.

Significantly, since January 2018, all Letting agents in Scotland must be professionally qualified, follow a code of practice and join a register approved by Scottish ministers meaning an even higher level of accountability for Letting agents, which should, in turn, result in a more consistent level of service across the industry.

Most landlords derive great value from a fully managed service and I invite you to experience the difference yourself!

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

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PARENTING

Get Crafty!

When it comes to getting outdoors with the kids seasons don’t come much better than this. From welly walks to foraging for conkers there is no finer time to explore the parks, woods and trails around where you live.

We love to explore the footpaths and walkways around Almondell Country Park where as well as the woodlands and their wares the kids find the various bridges and the aqueduct and viaduct invariably fascinating. Beecraigs also provides plenty to discover including of course the Loch and the Red Deer herd and Highland Cattle, which never fail to draw a smile. Plus the Hideaway Café at Beecraigs Visitor Centre is close by for that much needed cuppa and cake afterwards…an essential ingredient for a good day out in my eyes!

But it’s fair to say that the weather so far during autumn has been a bit of a mixed bag. There are days when we’ve set out hoping for that picture-perfect autumn walk crunching through dry leaves and discovering conkers and acorns as we go, only to find ourselves out in our wellies and waterproofs swishing through piles of wet leaves with ne’er a conker to be seen. And yet as I sit writing @KonectMagazines

this it seems a veritable heat wave has hit us. My littlest has ditched her warm coat in favour of her straw hat and is currently collecting a trove of autumn goodies.

this is our go to activity…the changing of seasons brings endless crafting opportunities.

Rarely does a day pass when my kids don’t come home from school or from a walk or even just back in from the garden with pockets stuffed full of the strangest things that they of course consider to be absolute treasures. Dry leaves, big sticks, odd stones, dried up conker shells...you name it they’ve picked it up and brought it home. And at this time of year when they are positively encouraged to go hunting for conkers and the like, they are even more inclined to forage for random stuff. And there is of course plentiful bounty to be had.

On those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate with the plans you had in mind you might find you are grateful for the bits and bobs you now have to work with. We’ve made conker caterpillars, pinecone hedgehogs, and leafy butterflies. We’ve drawn round leaves, we’ve painted conkers, and we’ve stuck things together and glued things down. Of course instead of a house full of crap from the woods I now have a house full of autumn crafts and still nowhere to put it all…but it passes the time on a rainy afternoon and puts smiles on their wee faces.

What more can you ask for really.

Usually I despair a bit and try my best to encourage them to leave it outside rather than traipse it all into the house.

But after losing that battle on numerous occasions I’ve taken to giving them a big ‘autumn bowl’ for their collections and on a rainy day

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

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PUZZLES

MUSIC REVIEW

The public want what the public get

CROSSWORD

This month I say thank goodness for Spotify and their pals for streaming the new Paul Weller album “True Meanings”.

Solution in the December edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. Companies, corporations (13), 8. Thin layer, film (8), 9. Large stringed instrument (4), 10. Places of education (7), 12. Cinders (5), 14. Crustaceans (5), 16. Roads (7), 19. Chemical element, Zn (4), 20. Courteously (8), 22. Relaying of messages (13) DOWN: 1. Vacant (4), 2. Strong Asian grass (6), 3. At last (7), 4. Enclosed (5), 5. Desires (6), 6. Most furious (8), 11. Passageway (8), 13. Slanted letters (7), 15. Turn into (6), 17. Manor (6), 18. Unlocks (5), 21.

King of the beasts (4)

Solution on Page 38

SUDOKU

32 | BROXBURN

If I had spent £10 on that droning, one note, wavering, folk-lite, old man seeks Nick Drake credibility statement then I would have to have punched my fist through the wall. Five stars reviews all over Amazon so don’t take my word for it, spend your money if Weller is your guy and you have to have every album - I can’t seriously sit in my huge translucent house and lob missiles at you for that - but otherwise stream any three songs and see if you can keep listening till the end of them. Final track “White Horses” piles on the insults by not being a cover of the much loved TV theme which might have lightened the portentous mood. But James, don’t sit on the fence, what did you really think of the album?

It’s not looking good for Elvis Costello either. On his new single “Suspect My Tears” the voice is still in astonishing good shape, but as soon it becomes apparent that the smoky soul intro is not suddenly going to explode into anything remotely spikey, there dawns the horror of a chorus which could last have been heard from a cabaret soul group who had lucked into an appearance on Seaside Special in the seventies.

But James, etc.

Meanwhile, in the actual modern world, the charts are filling up with bangers from girls with one name. “Sucker Punch” by Sigrid has more melody and life than all the music discussed above, which is how it should be. Any guitar and any bass drum, when you’re young. Pump it up.

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’. @KonectMagazines

SPORTS

There’s a yawning gap in my sporting experience - I’ve never launched a netball ball in anger or joy; in fact, I’ve never even held a netball ball! Shock horror! Especially as the game, a derivative of basketball, devised around 1900, is played by over 20 million (mainly in British Commonwealth countries), and is pushing for Olympic status.

I could bridge that gap at West Lothian Netters.

October 2015. Cue a Facebook page, ‘Bounce back to Netball’, designed to seduce couch potatoes back into sport.

Brushing the soil from her eyes, Julia Simpson, (aged “45 going on 15”), found herself enthused enough by the page content to make some enquiries and then create a tentative page of her own to gauge interest.

Interest? With 55 currently active members since their first centre pass was thrown in January 2016, that’s interest with interest! So intense was the level of enthusiasm and application, the club was amongst the first to receive the bronze Scottish Thistle award from the BBN. Boasting an age range, (min.18) of 20 to 60+, the club meets twice a week. Members proudly rock the club’s own badged kit, compete vigorously and joyfully, (sometimes successfully) in tournaments - even hosting their own Festival for West Lothian clubs.

In their Festival, the club displayed an impressive, proactive community spirit by collecting 117 kg of grub for the local food bank - enough for 500 meals!

Julia tells me the group are now like a large extended family, enjoying all manner of @KonectMagazines

activities together, such as meals out, park runs and a stirring victory in the Edinburgh Tattie run would you believe?

So appropriate for reformed couch potatoes.

Some of the members are steaming ahead with qualifications to enable them to umpire and coach. The club has certainly gathered powerful momentum in just a couple of years.

The “family” are unanimous in their belief that, in addition to physical benefits, the mental benefits cannot be overstated. “In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s so comforting to find a haven two nights a week, where friends are ever ready to listen, empathise and share highs and lows.

Spirits are always uplifted.”

Mair T: “warm welcome; lots of laughter” Holly C: “changed my life dramatically” Isobel L: “inclusive, supportive, fun” Lauren S: “a huge release” Emma J: “A godsend” Dawn A: “Lost weight with laughing” Susan A: “Pregnant. Missing WLN so badly”.

Could netball add a new dimension to your life too? “Bounce back to Netball” has mushroomed so, as well as West Lothian Netters, you can choose Winchburgh Warriors Wester Inch Wonders or Linlithgow Flyers.

And soon Levin’s Legionnaires!

Winchburgh Warrors www.facebook.com/winchburghnetball/ Mondays 7-8.30pm (£4) & Fridays 7-8pm (£3) at Winchburgh Primary School New members always welcome!

West Lothian Netters Wednesdays 8pm, Fridays 6pm; £3 (10% discount loyalty scheme).

Facebook: West Lothian Netters Email: livingstonbbn@gmail.com New members always welcome!

Wester Inch Wonders Facebook: Wester Inch Wonders Netball.

Tuesday nights at Simpson Primary School, Wester Inch, Bathgate. £3 pay and play.

New members always welcome!

The sports column is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

BROXBURN | 33

WHAT’S ON

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS

– SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND CAUSES

FIREWORKS

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER: Hopetoun House, www.hopetoun.co.uk

MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER: Deer Park, Livingston, www.deer-park.co.uk

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER: Linlithgow Rugby Football Club - www.facebook.com/LinlithgowRFC/ MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER: Callendar Park, Falkirk www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

SUNDAY 11TH NOVEMBER Winter Warmer Walk at Blackness Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Blackness Bay on the shore of the Firth of Forth. Learn what makes this area such a special place. Discover all about the wildlife inhabiting this internationally important stretch of shoreline. 1Pm – 2.3pm/ Free but booking essential. Contact Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150, email rangers@hes.scot

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.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 34 | BROXBURN

November

10th November - Livingston Craft Association Annual Fair, St Margaret’s Academy, Livingston, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Free entry, over 30 crafters, refreshments available to buy.

24th November - St Peter’s Church, High St Linlithgow. From 10am. Part of Linlithgow Advent Fayre, full day of Christmas entertainment and events.

24th November - Torphichen Christmas Market, Torphichen Community Education Centre, 1pm-4pm. Beautiful and unique artisan stalls showcasing the best of local talent. Start your Christmas shopping in a relaxed style, cafe with homebaking plus children’s activities.

25th November - Christmas Fayre with local business, arts and craft. Legion Scotland, N Bridge St, Bathgate. 1pm – 4pm. In aid of Smalls for All. 25th November - Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day, Inveralmond Community High School, Livi. 11am-3pm. Free entry. Over 60 local craft suppliers providing all manner of gifts and crafts.

Christmas photobooth, kids drawing table, raffle, tombola, Santa’s grotto. Organised by Razzmatazz events.

December

1st December - Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day, Lanthorn Community Centre, Livi, 12pm-4pm. Free entry. Over 40 local craft suppliers providing all manner of gifts and crafts.

Christmas photobooth, kids drawing table, raffle, tombola, Santa’s grotto. Organised by Razzmatazz events.

1st December - Jupiter Artland’s Christmas Fair boutique craft stalls, live music, mulled wine and delicious seasonal street food, Santa’s Grotto, festive Donkeys and Christmas Tree yard and more. www.jupiterartland.org

2nd December - Christmas Fair at Potter Around, Kirknewton. Lots of beautiful pottery for sale.

7th December - Christmas Fayre, West Lothian College, Pavillion B, Executive Suites. 9am – 4pm.

Gifts, craft stalls, homebaking, raffle and tombola. @KonectMagazines

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

With Halloween now been and gone the next big thing on everyone’s calendar is of course... Christmas!

There are a variety of festive (and non-festive) events coming up for all tastes this month.

For the adults, a night of wine tasting takes place at Linlithgow Burgh Halls on November 9th. Taste and learn about wine in a relaxed and sociable environment, perfect for the beginner and enthusiast alike - a perfect winter warmer!

Now into its fifth year, the Five Sisters Zoo illuminations also take place this month.

The official switch on is Saturday 10th, with displays on a variety of evenings during November and December (see our website for full details). This is a great opportunity to see the zoo in a whole light!

Over at Blackness Castle, you can go join them for a “Winter Warmer” on the 11th – The rangers will lead a guided walk which will provide an opportunity to learn about the castle, birds and wildlife in the area.

Towards the end of the month, in Linlithgow’s ever-popular advent fayre takes place on Saturday 24th. The annual event is a great day of festive fun, with a craft fair with the day ending at 5pm for the Grand Torchlight Procession. The procession finishes in time for the Christmas tree lights switch on outside Burgh Halls.

If you’re thinking of getting some Christmas shopping done, Hopetoun House’s Christmas Fair takes place on Friday 30th to Sunday 2nd December. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the high street with a trip to Hopetoun House, with glorious surroundings and a wide selection of gifts for all tastes!

COMMUNITY

NOBODY SHOULD FACE DEMENTIA ALONE Alzheimer Scotland’s newly-refurbished Dementia Resource Centre in Livingston is a bright, welcoming and easily-accessible community hub dedicated to ensuring that nobody has to face dementia alone.

Newly opened at Grampian Court, Dedridge, it will provide a stimulating and sociable environment and access to information, advice and support for people living with dementia and their carers and families across West Lothian. The centre aims to develop an active and imaginative calendar of group activities for a wide range of interests, as well as regular education courses. It will also have a tech hub providing access to a broad range of new technologies to aid daily living.

There are also nine Dementia Cafes across West Lothian, the newest one being The People’s Cafe at Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn. This runs on the 4th Tuesday of the month 10-11:30am, and all are welcome to come along.

Full details of the cafes are available on the Alzheimer Scotland website or contact the West Lothian office at 01506 533108.

OUTREACH SERVICE

Our Dementia advisor, Cherie Raby, is available for a coffee and chat at Morrison’s Cafe, Bathgate the first Monday of every month, 10.30 -12pm. Why not pop along for a coffee and chat, and some advice if you need it?

If you would like to find out about volunteering opportunities, or any of the services offered in West Lothian, please contact the office at WestLothianServices@alzscot.org or call 01506 533108.

For some of these events, booking is essential.

Make sure you visit our website to check prices, dates and any booking information for these and many more events going on this month.

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

BROXBURN | 35

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BROXBURN MEMORIA CAFÉ For people with Early to Moderate Dementia. Strathbrock community centre, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. 2pm to 4pm every 2nd Wednesday of the Month. For more information please contact Maurice - on 07864 502899.

DE-STRESS, GET FIT AND LEARN HOW TO RELAX WITH YOGA Mondays Adult Yoga Classes all levels welcome: Broxburn United Football Club Greendykes Road, EH52 5BP. Claire Chant 1.00-2.30pm Drop in £6.

Tel: 07766602629.

Maxine Burke 7.00-8.00pm Drop in £5.

Tel: 01506 843091.

SCOUTING Come and join in the scouting adventure at our local Beaver, Cub or Scout groups. Meeting once a week at Broxburn Scout hut on Station Road to play games, plan camping trips and earn badges.

• Beavers (Age 6-8) Tuesday night 6pm • Cubs (Age 8-10.5) Tuesday night 7.15pm • Scouts (Age 10.5-14) Friday night 7.30pm Groups are open to all, come along for a free trial!! Email enquiries to jo.cook1403@gmail.com RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Thursday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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

BROXBURN LUNCH-TIME YOGA Monday 13.00-14.30. Adult drop in classes, located in beautiful studio at Broxburn United Sports Club, Greendykes Rd, Broxburn, EH52 5BP. £6 per session (all levels welcome) no booking required. For more details contact Claire on 07766 602629 or clairenicolachant@icloud.com LEARN GUITAR Strathbrock Community Centre. Kids classes: Saturdays during term time; Adult Group Class: Thursday evenings. A fun and friendly way to get started or hone your skills further and become the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be.

For more info call Dan 07794 824544 email danbarr.guitar@gmail.com BROXBURN WOODCRAFT CLUB A members Club located within the community wing of the Strathbrock

36 | BROXBURN

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 9am-9pm, 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 BurnIt. 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 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 (P1-P3) 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.

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 l.lauder@busc.org.uk 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 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 GYMNASTICS 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 w: 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 REGAL YOUTH DRAMA Uphall Community Centre, Tuesdays 7pm – 9pm. Starting 23rd Oct 2018. For more information contact admin@regalyouthcompany.com.

@KonectMagazines

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.

WEST LOTHIAN BAKING CLUB We meet every 6th Monday 7.30 – 9.30pm at Uphall Community Centre 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.

RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

ST ANDREW’S COURT ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people?

Come and join in our activity group in St Andrew’s Court, Uphall, weekly Wednesdays (10am-12midday). A mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot.

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 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

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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

WINCHBURGH WINCHBURGH MORNING ART GROUP We meet in the Winchburgh Community Centre every Thursday (9.30 - 11.30) and we have regular tutors. If interested, please contact the Secretary on 07980 321989 or 01506 859422.

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.

BOUNCE BACK TO NETBALL (WINCHBURGH WARRIORS) Bounce Back to Netball is a Netball Scotland initiative to get women 18+ back into sport. Netball is great fun, fantastic exercise and a fab way to meet new people! Suitable for all levels of fitness/ ability, even complete beginners! Join our friendly group of ladies at either of our weekly sessions which are held at Winchburgh Primary School. Mondays 7.30-9pm (£4) and Fridays 7-8pm (£3) Sessions are drop in with no commitment to attend every week and your first night is free.

Find us on Facebook or email us at winchburghwarriors@gmail.com for further info.

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

GUIDE UNIT (girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Tuesday night.

For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DECHMONT 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.

OTHER AREAS YOGA WITH AMY Thurs 6.15pm – 7.15pm Vinyasa Flow Tues 6.15pm – 7.30pm Vinyasa Flow Kirkliston Edinburgh Leisure Centre, Kirklands Park St, Kirkliston EH29 9EY W: www.yogawithamy.yoga E: amy@yogawithamy.yoga T: 07717 377234.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA Carmondean House, Carmondean Centre South, Livingston, EH54 8PT. Mon 9.45-11.00am Seasonal yoga; 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.30-8.45pm Iyengar yoga. Tues 6.007.30pm Ashtanga yoga; 7.45-8.45pm Vinyasa flow yoga. Wed 5.30-6.30pm Seasonal yoga; 7.00-8.30pm Bihar yoga; 8.30-9.10pm Meditation. Thurs 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.308.45pm Iyengar yoga. Fri 9.45-11.00am Iyengar yoga;4.00-5.00pm Children’s yoga age 8-12;5.30-6.30pm Vinyasa Flow yoga. For information please call Eva on 07810 824195.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.KONECT.SCOT

BROXBURN COMMUNITY COUNCIL bridges the gap between West Lothian Council and our local community.

Our primary purpose is to find out your opinions & needs and then to make the council and other public bodies aware of these.

Our meetings are open to every resident in Broxburn and we extend a warm welcome to those who attend. We meet on the last Monday of every month (except July & December) in the Old Town Centre in Broxburn at 7pm. Email us at chair@broxburncc.org.uk

BROXBURN | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 6 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 28 Dream Doors 7 Taylor Property 6 BOILER SERVICES Gilmour Gas Services 28 The Gas Engineer 23 BUILDING SERVICES S & R Builders 13 CARPET & FLOORING SALES Forever Flooring 6 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 6 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Yoga With Amy 17 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 23 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce 24 DANCE SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 17 DENTIST No.9 Practice 17 DOORS / WINDOWS UPVC Doors 5 ELECTRICIAN SL Electrical 23 ESTATE AGENT Alba Property 20 Drummond Miller LLP 10 Turpie & Co 27 FIREWORKS West Lothian Discount Fireworks 2 GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 12 GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno 13 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 39 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 21 GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 9 38 | BROXBURN

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER JOINERY CROSSWORD Create Enhanced Spaces 22 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 23 West Lothian Locksmith Company 22 MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 40 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 19 PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 28 Manic Street Painters 22 PLASTERING Nu Walls 23 ACROSS: 7. Russia, 8. Coughs, 9. Asia, 10. Addition, 11. Cinemas, 13. Brain, PLUMBING & HEATING 15. Fence, 17. Reverse, 20. Stumbled, SERVICES Edge, 23. Affair, 24. Notion Hometech Heating & 21.

DOWN: 1. Puss, 2. Estate, 3. Bananas, Plumbing 7 4. Acids, 5 Guitar, 6 Theories, 12. Identify, McLellan Plumbing & 14. Heading, 16. Combat, 18. Events, 19. Alert, 22. Grow Heating 22 RESTAURANT SOLUTION TO SUDOKU La Piuma Restaurant 10 ON PAGE 32 SPORT & LEISURE Edinburgh International Climbing Arena - EICA 4 TREE CARE SERVICES Evergreen Tree Surgery 13 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 24 TUITION Kumon Livingston 30 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Dogs Trust 29 Mackie & Brechin 29 Riverside Vets 29 WHAT’S ON Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept Rough Castle Experiences 4 responsibility for loss or damage caused WINDOW CLEANER by error in the printing of an advertisement.

CS Window and Gutter We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted Cleaning 4 for publication on the understanding it is YOUTH EMPLOYMENT copyright free. No part of this publication SCHEME may be reproduced without prior consent of Developing the Young the publisher.

Workforce 30 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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