Konect Directory Calders February 2012

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konectdirectory

Th e C a l d e r s , K i r k n e w t o n a n d Pumpherston February 2012

WIN Afternoon tea for two at The Tearoom, Veitch’s Garden Centre, East Calder crossword competition

LOCAL HISTORY

The Benefits System

– How Mid Calder used to do it

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

Come and join us to study for the International Baccalaureate in S5 & S6 IB students are more likely to attend a top 20 Higher Education Institute* IB students are more likely to achieve a first class honours degree* IB students are almost twice as likely to be studying Medicine or Dentistry* IB students are less likely to be unemployed on graduating* and IB students are more likely to be in graduate jobs with a higher rate of earning*

Interested in finding out more?

Come to the International Baccalaureate Open Evening and meet the teachers and pupils currently studying for the IB at George Watson’s College.

Tuesday 21 February, 6pm–7pm Senior School, George Watson’s College Please email admissions@gwc.org.uk or phone 0131 446 6007 to confirm attendance or for more information. *Higher Education Statistics Agency Report comparison to students with UK qualifications (April 2011) George Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Hello neighbours Welcome to the February issue of the Konect Directory.

Whilst reality is that by now most new year’s resolutions have been broken or abandoned, we have everything we need locally to get us back on track. The most common new year’s resolutions are to do with health/ fitness, spending more time with family and learning something new. Look through the magazine to see what’s available in the area for tuition, fitness or new interests.

In our articles this month we take a look at the topical question of the benefits system... means-testing, administration...in Mid Calder in the 19th century! And our writer Emma Merchant talks to an extraordinary local family who have three 29th February birthdays in the same family!

Contents Feature Article Local Buildings & Their Past 8 Genealogy 18 Local Walk 30 Pets 34 Children & Family 44

Congratulations to Alan Davey of Mid Calder who won the competition prize in the last issue. This month, the Tearoom, newly opened in Veitch’s Garden Centre in East Calder is offering afternoon tea for two. Serving coffee, afternoon teas, high teas and lunches made from locally sourced produce, they are well worth a visit, so try your luck in the crossword competition on page 36.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk The Konect Directory welcomes contributions such as old photographs, or short articles of local interest. The Editor reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication.

Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword Children’s puzzles Community What’s on Useful information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

36 44 46 47 50 54

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. Copies are also left at the libraries, sports centre, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Jenny Thomson, Sales 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Helen-Jane Shearer, Editor 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Design by Kumo Ink Ltd 01506 209 946 studio@kumoink.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph by Jenny Thomson: The Tearoom (at Veitch’s Garden Centre)

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SG Landscapes For all your garden needs Garden tidy-ups, lawns, hedges, treework, patios, driveways, fencing etc Contact Steve on

0800 652 8828 or 07891 029764 www.sglandscapes.co.uk

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or email- akt.blue@blueyonder.co.uk OAKBANK GARAGE SERVICES

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R&I MACDONALD K I LT M A K E R S

Jewellery Workshop 144 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Kiltmakers for over 60 years Highland dress specialists plus Full Highland dress hire.

We make only full hand sewn kilts of the highest standard.

All jewellery & watch repairs

batteries, straps, restringing, stone replacement...

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Money, tax and benefits : How Mid Calder used to do it

W

ith fundamental reforms to the benefits system currently under discussion, questions of means-testing, taxation and benefits are regularly in the news. It’s a subject that affects all of us, and we decided to take a look at how these things were handled in the 19th century, as the Account of the Parish of Mid Calder, written in 1838 by the minister of the time, gives us a good understanding of how the benefits system was handled. The idea of civic duty was well-established, but much more local than today, overseen by the Kirk in conjunction with a local committee and administered by … the schoolmaster!

In the parish of Mid Calder local funds were found to fulfil the 15thcentury law so that ‘the puyr aiget and impotent personis sould be as necessarlie prouidit for’, taking care of course that ‘vagaboundis and strang beggaris be repressit’. The title deeds to land held by the major landowners (the “heritors”) obliged them to pay teinds (Scottish tithes) to the minister and this money was used to provide local benefits. The heritors in the parish of Mid Calder in the mid-19th century included wealthy people such as Lord Torphichen, Lord Morton and Alexander Young of Camilty.

Besides providing for the poor of the parish, they were also responsible for the upkeep of roads, churches and schools.

Weekly collections at the church were the most important source of funds for the poor of the parish. The heritors’ money paid for salaries of church staff and administration, including £5 allowed by the heritors to the schoolmaster for trouble in distributing the poor’s funds and keeping the books, besides other small charges to the beadle for extra trouble at the dispensation of the Sacrament, medicines for the poor, relief given to sick travellers and various other items ... The surgeon gives his trouble

and advice to the poor gratis and charges only for the expense of his medicines.

The heritors’ money also topped up the church collection funds when necessary to cover the relief paid out monthly to those on the regular pauper’s roll.

The rules for claiming benefits in Mid Calder in the 19th century were based on fulfilling three criteria : 1) you were unable to earn a subsistence living due to old age or disability; 2) you had no family able to help (i.e. if you had parents or children who were able to support you, they would be expected to do so and you were not eligible to be on the paupers roll); 3) you had to give any furniture or possessions you had over the the church to contribute to the poor fund (i.e. if you had any savings or assets, you were not eligible).

The subsistence amount was decided by the minister based on the average expenses of a pauper in other parishes in Scotland. He records his reasoning, which could easily be paraphrased to today’s “make work pay.” : It is clear that no individual ought to receive a shilling if he can in any way earn it by his own industry ... In the distribution of parish charity therefore it is necessary to discover on how small a sum weekly any person can reasonably subsist because whatever is given to a pauper beyond what is sufficient to support nature must operate as an inducement to idleness. Hence it is necessary to reduce the allowance to every pauper lower than what an industrious man or woman can earn in such circumstances else the relief they receive will be no spur to industry or economy both of which are requisite to make the poorest person live comfortably. What is given out of the parish funds is intended only as a help and not as a full supply excepting in cases of sickness.

Image School fees in Mid Calder 1830, taken from the Account of the Parish of Mid Calder, John Sommers, 1838.

In the course of the last ten or twelve years many of the lower classes have lost much of that noble spirit of independence for which their fathers were so eminently distinguished although there are others who when reduced almost to the brink of despair would scorn to utter a single complaint and who would be unwilling to have it even supposed that they felt in any degree the pressure of poverty Instances however have lately occurred where children although able were unwilling to support their aged parents and who have absolutely refused to do so from the mistaken notion that the heritors were bound to relieve them of this burden.

Occasional private donations added to the money available for benefits locally – the minister mentions that among the many kind and generous friends of the poor of this parish, none has a greater claim to their gratitude than the Dowager Lady Torpichen of Cramond.

Ever since the decease of the late Lord Torphichen in 1815, her Ladyship has annually remitted to the minister of this parish L10 to be distributed to the most necessitous and deserving of the poor, in additional comforts, over and above all to which they may otherwise be entitled from the parochial funds. This generous act of kindness has excited in the minds of many of the poor themselves the deepest gratitude and as this sum is generally laid out on the purchase of coals her Ladyship’s donation has become a double blessing because the heritors and tenants cart and deliver them in rotation gratis.

After 1845 parochial boards for Poor Relief were established, but the heritors were still required to maintain the church, manse and some roads until an Act of parliament in 1925. There was no concept in Scotland of support for the unemployed until 1921.

Schools There were several schools in the parish of Mid Calder. The main parish school was supported by a bequest from a wealthy local person, and other smaller schools provided by the teachers’ “own adventure”. Education was not compulsory, although almost all children attended school.

The children in all those schools are instructed in the common branches of education and in the female schools they are also taught needle work and knitting. … All the children in the parish from six years and upwards can read and write with the exception of three families who refuse either to attend public worship themselves or from a perverse obstinacy refuse to send their children to school even to be educated gratis.

Parents had to pay school fees except in some circumstances could apply to the minister for financial help from the parish funds. The school fees fixed by the Mid Calder heritors in September 1830 was as follows :

Sources : all citations are from “An Account of the Parish of Mid Calder, with miscellaneous remarks” by John Sommers, 1838.

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Thought for the Month

By Jackie Whigham

Fear of failure, rejection and of being humiliated are our biggest fears in life.

I

t’s these fears that stop us from stepping out of our comfort zone and stop us from doing what truly lights us up. These fears are also the culprits for making us play small in life in a bid to make others feel comfortable in our company.

Fear holds us back and opens a door that allows us to build our very own rut! Where there’s a rut there’s a loss of confidence and self-esteem which ultimately keeps us doing the same old – same old! If we strip these fears back we can see it all stems back to a need to be accepted and worrying what others are thinking about us.

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The only way to break free from this cycle is through faith – faith in yourself. To recognise that when the voices and the opinions on the inside become louder and more important than the voices and the opinions on the outside – you’ve mastered your life.

Make you and your life important enough to listen to your own guidance and dare to step out! It’ll all work out for you…it always does!

Have a great day!

Jackie works in Xcite Sports Centre, East Calder as a Beauty Therapist and Life Coach. For more information you can reach her on 07845 239490 or at jackiewhigham1@aol.com

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Centre for Sport and Exercise Community membership Community membership at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sport & Exercise is available to all.

Membership includes access to all facilities including: Membership

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This membership will allow you to access any of our facilities for £2.90 per visit between 07.30 and 12.15, 14.15 and 16.15 Mon – Fri and all day at the weekend

£29 per year £2.90 per visit £2.70 per 50+ class

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Property management service to landlords & tenants

0131 449 4858 07825 737 846 mail@khproperty.co.uk www.khproperty.co.uk BABERTON GOLF CLUB Special 2012 Offers on Midweek and Young Adult Memberships from January 2012

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Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton! Full memberships also available

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Stone at East Calder

Family history column by Maureen McIntyre

W

hen researching your family tree a great aid to your research are gravestones and the information you can learn from them. If you are visiting a graveyard, remember to take along some water to help clean the stones and a very soft paintbrush; older stones will be neglected and difficult to read.

Many graveyards have had their stones documented and photographed so it is worth checking to see if this has been done before hand.

How many of you walking along the Main Street in East Calder have noticed a coffin top shaped stone, which has been cemented into the wall of one of the buildings, close to the site of the old village well?

Looking at the symbols on the stone, all the carvings seem have a theme – they are all connected, a molten metal ladle, swords, stirrups and horse bridles. All connected to a Blacksmith’s trade.

This grave stone in Larbert Churchyard (Falkirk) commemorates the life of a sea captain.

Many old grave stones would have carvings telling the story of the person whose life the stone commemorated but the shape of this stone looks more like a coffin lid than a grave stone. Dating the stone is very difficult, the carvings are very worn but damage to them could have been done, if as Margaret Young tells us, the waters of the local burn lapped over the stone. Could the stone have been the local blacksmith’s advertisement of the day, or the lid to his coffin?

Margaret Young writes in her booklet East Calder, A Glimpse of the Past : “This stone was originally built into the foundations of the old house. It was on the west side of the building. When the East Kirk burn was in spate, the waters lapped this stone”

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Genealogy is fast becoming one of the most popular hobbies in the country with people becoming addicted to finding out all they can about their ancestors. If you are just starting your tree or if you are having problems with any of your branches, please email me at rootsandbranches@hotmail.

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Tile-a-ramic Specialist in ceramic, mosaic, porcelain & natural stone on walls and floors Under floor heating supplied & fitted Alan McChesney

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

23

Appeal for volunteers to help combat loneliness among older people in West Lothian

C

ontact the Elderly, the charity solely dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, is urgently appealing for volunteers living in West Lothian to spare just a few hours each month to help with the running of local tea parties for the elderly – and enjoy a cuppa and a cake themselves!

The charity aims relieve the acute loneliness of isolated elderly people, aged 75 and above, who live alone, by organising free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of older people within local communities – providing a regular and vital friendship link every month.

Each elderly guest is collected from their home by a volunteer driver, and is taken to a volunteer host’s home, where they join a small group for tea, talk and companionship. The charity is hoping to set up a new group in West Lothian, however, it is currently struggling to recruit: volunteer drivers who are able to pick up the older guests from their homes and accompany them to the gathering each month, volunteer hosts to welcome the group into their homes for tea twice a year and a volunteer coordinator to help organise the monthly tea parties.

Contact the Elderly’s East Scotland Development Officer, Morna O’May, said: “The charity is committed to offering a lifeline of friendship to the oldest and loneliest people, but our hopes of extending this lifeline to even more elderly people in West Lothian are currently fading due to a real shortage of volunteers in the area.

“Anyone who can spare a couple of hours one Sunday a month, has a driving licence, a car and a capacity for 24

drinking tea, is eligible! And for those interested in becoming a host, it would just involve a couple of hours twice a year. It’s not a big commitment, and our volunteers genuinely get as much out of the experience as our older guests, so I’m calling for anyone who is interested in giving something back to their community to please get in touch with me as soon as possible.”

West Lothian residents interested in volunteering for Contact the Elderly once a month as a driver, or twice a year as a host, can contact Morna O’May, Development Officer on 01786 871264 or email: morna.omay@contact-the-elderly.org.uk

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Would you or someone you know benefit from additional care & support at home ?

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25

Indian Head Massage

I

ndian Head Massage is a treatment that has played an important part in Indian life for over 1000 years. It can provide many positive physical benefits through physically working with the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, head and face. It is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. The experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving you feeling energised, revitalised and better able to concentrate. Benefits also include helping increase joint mobility and flexibility in the upper back, neck and shoulders; it improves blood circulation and frees knots of muscular tension.

Whole Body Balance offers Indian Head Massages. The client sits fully clothed in a chair, and Linda will use a range of different movements over the above areas.

Linda’s treatment room is within the Barefoot Chiropody Clinic, 17 Main St, Mid Calder and she is holding an Open Day Saturday 3rd March 10am – 5pm. Come along and sample a ‘taster’ treatment and be entered into our prize draw.

Remember also a gift voucher would make an ideal Mother’s Day present (18th March)

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Visit our friendly new clinic for all your foot care needs.

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Routine Footcare Problem & Ingrown Nails Corns, Callous & Verrucae Nail Surgery Biomechanical Assessments Insoles & Orthotics Footwear Advice To book an appointment please call Jackie on:

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www.barefootchiropody.co.uk 17 MAIN StReet, MId CAldeR, eH53 0AW

26

* Try an IHM taster session at our “Open Day” on 3rd March * A Treatment Gift Voucher may make an ideal Mother’s Day gift (18th March) - * full details online

01506 884115 & 07742 063080

within the Barefoot Chiropody Clinic at17 Main Street, Mid Calder linda@wholebodybalance.co.uk

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Don’t just put up with painful feet...

Foot Clinic

Elizabeth Storrie, Foot Care Professional 124 Main St, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Professional treatment for corns • ingrown nails • hard skin hard-to-cut nails Call 01506 883379 for an appointment

Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments

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Unisex Salon Children Welcome Wed 1/2 Price

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27

Sky Kitchen

The

CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

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29

Winter Gardens to Visit

By Anne Pinkerton

A

t this time of year talking about visiting gardens might seem a bit over-optimistic but there is much pleasure to be had especially on a still crisp day. Looking at the structure and shape of a garden when the trees are leafless can teach you a good deal about good design and seeing colour in swelling twigs and a carpet of snowdrops and yellow aconites will raise the spirits.

There are several wonderful gardens within easy reach of our area and any one would make a delightful destination for a trip out.

The nearest is Malleny House at Balerno.

Both garden and house are owned by The National trust for Scotland. The house is not open to the public but the garden is open all year. There is an honesty-box in the wall at the entrance and you can wander at leisure and see what can grow in our area. There are 4 huge well clipped yew trees forming a focus in the first half of the garden, and from there paths lead to the shrub-rose walk, the green house, the vegetable plot and the herbaceous border.

There is always something to see in flower.

Early in the year I look forward to the grey catkins on the Garrya elliptica on the east wall of the house and the informal planting of spring bulbs. The garden holds the national collection of shrub roses which are in full flower from June till September.

Hopetoun Snow Sunday 26th Februdrop Walk Guided walk 2pm ary – 3.30pm, grounds 10.30am - 4pm open Grounds admission ch arg e £4 .25 adults, £2.50 children. Gu coffee and bakery ided walk is free. Tea, go od s are available.

Meet at the car pa Stables Restaurant rk. (Please note the is not open.)

With the grounds Easter, this is a spenot officially open until the season starts. cial one off walk before Snowdrop Festiva As part of the Scottish l join our Ranger as explore Hopetoun’s we the beautiful, white Grounds and witness car pe t of snowdrops on the woodland floor.

Booking is required for thi s wa lk, to your place please call 0131 319 3956 reserve email ranger@hope or toun.co.uk

30

Dalmeny House at South Queensferry has been host to “Snowdrop Sunday“ for many years and the day is a popular favourite for visiting garden lovers. The grounds at Dalmeny are extensive and you can walk through the carpet of white flowers amongst the trees and then go to the Courtyard for tea and cakes. You could combine the flowers with a “proper” walk along the coastal path between Crammond and South Queensferry. The whole walk is about 4 ½ miles and could take a couple of hours if you get side-tracked by admiring the views down the Forth. The coast path is a great place to walk with children but dogs are NOT allowed because of all the livestock on the estate.

The date for Snowdrop Sunday is not set yet because it depends on the weather and how well on the flowers are this year.

However it will be in February, so look in the press or on the internet for the date.

1)

If you are happy to go a little further away there are three other gardens where snowdrops can be enjoyed in abundance.

Shepherd’s House near Mussleburgh, another National Trust property with a beautiful garden worth of a visit at any time of the year. They have a special winter opening on February 26th and some more unusual snowdrops will be for sale.

Shepherd House, Inveresk, Musselburgh EH21 7TH Open 14th Feb - 1st Mar, Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm

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Images 1) Snowdrops at Dalmeny

2) Pigs at Cambo

Dawyck near Stobo in Peeblesshire is part of the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens group.

Set in a deep ravine the garden houses a tree collection from all over the world. Some plants are as yet unclassified and have been grown from seeds collected by researchers. In winter the bark of the different birches and the texture of pine trees provide an interesting back-drop to the bulbs at ground level. There are seats at any spot from which you might like to stop and stare and a well-marked wheel -chair route makes the garden a place where the less able feel welcome. Later in the year the valley is spectacular with azaleas and rhododendrons. The bird song almost overwhelms the sound of the stream tumbling through the middle of the garden. There is a tea room and shop appropriately housed in a low energy, sedum-roofed building.

The Botanics Edinburgh. Just because you know it is there do not forget to visit. The garden in Edinburgh is one of the finest in the world. It is the headquarters of the research group which has four gardens in Scotland. The new visitor centre is an interesting building and the former Keeper’s House in the centre of the garden is used for art exhibitions. The greenhouses are the perfect place to keep warm in winter whilst learning about plants

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from different climates from all over the world. You can feed the squirrels and watch the huge carp in the greenhouse pools.

In January and February the witch hazel trees are a special treat. They are planted in order of colour from palest yellow to wine red and some have a delightful sent.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens website at www.rbge.org.uk

2)

Cambo Estate, St Andrews. This really is last but not least. The garden has a national reputation for the special collection of rare and strange snowdrops. Wooded walks go to the sea and you can visit the walled garden and feed pigs with potatoes as they work rooting out weeds in areas fenced off for them to clear. There is a beautiful shop full of anything you could think of decorated with snowdrops and a café in the old stable yard offering welcome, warming home-made soup.

The well-stocked plant shop sells some very unusual snowdrops but they can cost up to £15.00 for one bulb!

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31

Village People

By Emma Merchant

staff. Last birthday, when I was 13, Sue bought me a Wii and some games to go with it. But I had to ask a real 13 year old to get me started!”

Malcolm Round

The chances of having a leap year birthday are around 1 in 1,500. But what if your sibling has a leap year birthday too?

M

alcolm celebrates his 14th birthday this month. Like many his age, he loves gadgets, electronic games and The Simpsons.

He also happens to be minister of St. Mungo’s church, Balerno.

How can this be? Malcolm’s birthday is on 29th February and only appears once every four years. This is why he can enjoy a teen birthday later in life than the rest of us.

I visit Malcolm at his office in the Ministry Centre in Balerno. Inside, hundreds of books compete for space with Dr Who memorabilia, light sabres and daleks.

“I love these!” he says, picking up a dalek. “My wife, Sue, often buys me presents appropriate to my leap year age.

This one is remote controlled, and I have great fun sending it out of my office to greet new unsuspecting members of

“My sister, Shelagh, is four years older than me. She was also born on the 29th February. It caused quite a stir when we were little. There was an article about us both in the local press, and a picture of my sister holding me. She’s 15 this year. ” Are there disadvantages to having a leap year birthday?

“No, not really. Our special birthdays are exciting, of course. Other years, I celebrate on the 28th February, and Shelagh on the 1st March. And these days, because I get fewer chances than most to celebrate real birthdays, Sue loves to mark the occasion properly. I couldn’t ignore my special day, even if I wanted to! And old friends tend to remember me on leap years, so I’ll often get a cluster of ‘Happy Birthday’ phone calls, which is nice.”

What is a leap year?

Earth takes approximately 365 and a quarter days to go around the sun, but we usually count just 365 days. Every fourth year we add an extra day to keep up with what is actually happening, and this is known as a leap year. Julius Caesar and his advisers worked the idea out in 45 BC, and incorporated leap years into their Julian calendar. The rule is: leap years must always be divisible by four (like 2012).

But, more accurately, a year is 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 16 seconds – 11 minutes under a quarter day. This may not seem a significant length of time, but ignore those 11 minutes, and slowly but surely, the months begin to slide away from their appropriate seasons at a rate of about three days every four centuries.

Julius Caesar’s calendar worked pretty well for a while, but it wasn’t quite accurate enough, and by the time Pope Gregory XIII ruled the Holy Roman Empire in 1582, Easter Day had been gradually working its way backwards towards winter. Also, the Spring equinox (equal length day and night) was appearing on March 11th, about 10 days earlier than today, which really didn’t suit Pope Gregory.

He worked out that omitting the leap year three times in every four centuries would solve the problem. It did, and we still use his Gregorian calendar today. So now, as well as the ‘divisible by four’ rule, every new century leap year must be divisible by 400, in order to discard a few. This explains why 1600 and 2000 were leap years, but 1900 wasn’t, and nor will be 2100.

32

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He does have one regret, however.

“Yes”, he sighs, “my sister and I always secretly hoped our birthdays would qualify us for a Blue Peter Badge. Sadly, it never happened. Maybe we were just not quite unusual enough.”

In fact, the odds suggest that Malcolm could well be the only man in Scotland to share a leap year birthday with a sibling (other than twins). However, in 1988, the family climbed to new heights of improbability. Malcolm and Sue were planning their move to Balerno, where Malcolm would begin his post as minister of St. Mungo’s Church.

in two generations. That surely qualifies them for a Blue Peter badge!

Many happy returns to Malcolm, his sister Shelagh, and daughter Joanna this month. And many happy returns to any other Konect Directory readers who share this special birthday. We’d love to hear from you!

“Sue was expecting our second child, and our daughter Joanna arrived, you’ve guessed it – on 29th February!”

They were, of course, delighted, and the family take great pleasure in their very special joint celebrations. There is a good chance they are the only family in the UK with three separate leap year birthdays

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33

Vets Tip : Care of Elderly Cats

By Louise Gardiner

C

ats over the age of nine years old are generally classed as ‘senior’. ‘Elderly’ is when they get to around twelve years old, although of course it can vary as every cat is different. Some cats can reach twenty and still have a spring in their step!

spoonful mixed in with their food is enough) are tinned fish – tuna, sardines in tomato sauce, mackerel in oil, or slices of ham, corned beef or chicken. Heating the food up slightly gives it more smell, making it much more tempting than cold food.

Elderly cats tend to slow down; they may go outside less often, sleep more and not groom themselves as much. There are several points to keep an eye on in your elderly cat, things that you may not think about so much when they are younger.

Important and often common medical problems in older cats are kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, dental disease, and hyperthyroidism (where glands in the neck produce too much thyroid hormone). Signs to monitor and discuss with your vet if you are concerned are an increase in drinking, loss of appetite, increase in appetite, weight loss, pain or stiffness when walking, jumping or rising, difficulty eating, and drooling or dropping food when eating.

Their coat may lose condition so try to brush or comb them a few times a week. Older cats tend to seek out warmth so provide cosy, soft beds for them, such as igloo nests or radiator hammocks. Some old cats start to get fussy with their normal food, as their senses (smell, taste, sight and hearing) often decline. Foods that tempt them to eat (sometimes just a small

Louise Gardiner, Vet Nurse West Lothian Pet Sitters

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34

call 07824 469266

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or 07854

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Need a regular dog walker?

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35

Prize Crossword

Win afternoon tea for two at The Tearoom in East Calder. Located within Veitch’s Garden Centre. Open 7 days 10am – 4pm. See page 37 for more details.

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23

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24

19. Leaves (5) 20. Part of a flower (4) 22. Prohibit (3)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th February 2012.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 42

36

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The Tearoom at Veitch’s Garden Centre

T

he Tearoom is a new tea room open from 28th January at Veitch’s Garden Centre, East Calder.

Decorated with colourful quilts and patchwork curtains from Mary’s Patch, the Tearoom will be a relaxing and fun place where you can drink good leaf tea, quality coffee and food which, whenever possible, has been locally sourced.

Teas, coffees and cakes/scones are available in the mornings, served on vintage china; light lunches of soup, filled rolls, panninis, baked potatoes and savoury tarts served at lunch time; and afternoon teas in the afternoon. The menu will be changed on a regular basis and there are weekly specials which will be advertised a week in advance.

The food is prepared and baked on site in the Tearoom kitchen by two very

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

enthusiastic chefs. The Konect Directory sampled some of the cupcakes on offer – including a delicious raspberry sponge topped with chocolate ganache. For the lunch menu, locally produced Threipmuir lamb and beef as well as locally-grown vegetables are used.

With thoughtful touches such as different sized soup bowls to cater for different sized appetites, and unlimited hot water for you to top up your tea, the Tearoom is determined that your visit to them will be an experience you’ll want to repeat!

37

February Recipe and Food Notes : Herring

By Anne Pinkerton

H

ow are Rollmops, Silver Darlings, Bloaters and Kippers connected?

They are all words or descriptions for/of herrings.

Neil Gunn, in his book “Silver Darlings,” writes of the importance of these abundant fish to the displaced highland communities who were moved at the time of the clearances from their lands to the coast.

Great wealth came from the hard work involved in the export of the fish. Many Scots women and girls followed the catch season down the coast of Britain ending up as far away as Great Yarmouth in East Anglia.

Herring are oily fish, rich in omega 3 and are a valuable healthy food. They are best eaten fresh; however to preserve them for transport and to prolong their season, they can be salted, pickled, hot and cold smoked and cured. All these processes result in something delicious.

38

Herrings can also be canned. The Germans are especially good at this, and add tomato, white wine or mustard sauces. These and boil-in-the bag kippers are excellent stand bys for quick meals.

Countries around the North Sea, including Scotland, value the herring for sustaining their coastal populations and there are many traditional recipes. The most simple is from The Netherlands. The Dutch regard raw herring as a delicacy, Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch New). All they do is fillet and skin the fish and then eat it with chopped raw onion. Hollandse Nieuwe is only available in spring when the first seasonal catch of herring is brought in. This is celebrated in Herring Festivals and the first barrel of Hollandse Nieuwe is traditionally sold at auction for charity.

Many coastal towns around Britain are proud of their smoking of herring and regard their Kipper as the best. The Jug Method is probably the most simple and least messy way to cook Kippers.

Jugged Kippers Have ready a tall heat proof jug. Boil a kettle full of water. Put the Kippers head down into the jug and pour in the boiling water so the fish is covered. Leave the fish heating through while you butter some brown bread. Eat the fish with the bread and perhaps a squeeze of lemon.

This makes a simple lunch, high tea or supper dish and avoids all the mess and smells associated with grilling or frying fish. Try this and the boil-in-thebag kipper will only be used in an emergency because the real thing is so good.

Kippers also make easy Kedgeree or Pate.

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Herring in Oatmeal with Mustard Sauce This has to be Scotland’s gift to good food. The ingredients are simple, the method easy and the result fit for the best table.

2 fish per person For the sauce: 50 gm butter 50gm plain white flour 1/2 pt milk Spoonful Dijon or other mustard Seasoning and vinegar Medium oatmeal Method Cut the head and tail off the fish and open down the belly; or ask the person on the fish counter to do it for you.

Flatten out the fish on a plate and cover with oatmeal - press the meal into the fish, turn the fish over and make sure both sides are well covered.

Make the sauce; Melt the butter in a pan and add the flour. Mix well and cook a little, add the milk little by little, cooking between additions so as to avoid lumps. When you have a creamy consistency add the mustard and salt and pepper and a little vinegar. Taste. Correct seasoning to your preference. The sauce should be sharp, mustardy but not so strong as to overwhelm the fish.

Cook the fish either by frying in a very hot pan or under a hot grill.

This would be good with watercress and rocket leaves or wilted spinach.

Soused Herring or Rollmops This is from a 1947 Cannon Cooker Cookery book.

6 medium-sized Herring 2 bay leaves 1 large mild onion 2 cloves 1 teaspoon salt 2 dried chillies 12 black peppercorns blade of mace Equal quantities of white wine vinegar and water to cover Method Wash, scale, clean, behead, bone and fillet the fish.

Roll up the Herring pieces and secure with a toothpick.

Slice the onion finely and set the slices in a shallow baking dish; the fish should fit snugly into the dish; season with salt.

Scatter the spices over and lay the bay leaves at the edge of the dish. Put in the Herrings and cover with the vinegar water mix Bake for one hour at mark 5 ,160°C Serve cold. The fish will keep covered in its liquor for up to a week in the fridge.

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39

Calder Villa

clean as part of their emphasis on quality in every aspect of their service.

I

f you like your Chinese takeaway to be made-to-order with fresh ingredients, try Calder Villa in Bank Street, Mid Calder.

Appetiser promot any purchase abov ion will be entitled to e £20 a free appetiser.

A home delivery service is available of course, and here too Calder Villa is careful to make sure your food arrives in good condition. “We control the number of deliveries done by our drivers each trip,” explains Kingsley. “We don’t let a driver deliver too many orders each time. With this control, we deliver the meal faster from the kitchen to the customer, so the customer will get a better quality meal”.

I spoke to Kingsley, the supervisor at Calder Villa, to find out more about what makes their food special. “We take delivery of fresh ingredients here every other day,” he explained. “Our customers tell us that they can tell from the taste and the texture of our food that it is made with fresh ingredients.” This applies to the meat as well as the fruit and vegetables.

They manage to provide this fresh, quality food at a very competitive price. A happy meal for one person is just £7, and consists of a starter, a main course and desert. The main course is a generous full portion, the same as you get with a regular meal. And besides their extensive Chinese menu, there is a small selection of Thai food as well as the usual European options including sirloin steaks, omelettes.

All of the chefs working at Calder Villa have many years’ experience cooking Chinese food in the Livingston area so have a good understanding of local tastes and requirements. They prepare all food to order, meaning that they don’t have dishes of food waiting in case someone orders it, but rather they commence cooking for you from fresh ingredients when you place your order.

So take advantage of the 10% discount voucher on this page and try Calder Villa for your next Chinese takeaway. They are confident you’ll be back for more!

Kingsley also explains that they place a priority on keeping the premises very

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ORDERS With this Voucher

Must state this offer before ordering!

(Excludes all Set Meals) Please cut out

Chinese Cuisine to takeaway

11 Bank Street, Mid Calder, Livingston EH53 0AS delivery service available

01506 88 47 30

40

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

41

MID CALDER GALA NEEDS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS Help us celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by celebrating our Gala Queens and Gala Days throughout the ages.

Do you have any old photographs of the Gala, from any decade, that you could let us reproduce?

If you do, please contact Judith on 07412 247953 or e-mail judith.chalmers@talktalk.net ALL PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE RETURNED

Across: 1 Tape, 3 Precedes, 9 Opposed, 10 Numbs, 11 Surroundings, 14 Raw, 16 Issue, 17 Dye, 18 Enthusiastic, 21 Alive, 22 Belgium, 23 Together, 24 Glad.

Down: 1 Trousers, 2 Paper, 4 Rod, 5 Considerable, 6 Damaged, 7 Sash, 8 Astonishment, 12 Nests, 13 Welcomed, 15 Winning, 19 Twirl, 20 Tart, 22 Bye. 42

Solution to Sudoku

Solution Dec 11 / Jan 12 crossword

Solutions

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewtonk, EH27 8DD. Editor :Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

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Michael Cochrane Maths Tuition Maths graduate teacher with 10+ years experience, tuition at higher, advanced higher, standard grade, intermediate levels, etc. One-to-one tuition.

Phone 07851825610. 33 Staunton Rise, Dedridge West, Livingston, EH54 6PB.

Primary Maths Tuition phone Elizabeth Cochrane retired primary teacher, 40 years experience on 01506 536140.

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Rich and varied experiences to help your baby develop in every way

Come and

join us

Classes for Babies from birth to 13 months Classes run throughout Edinburgh, NEW CLASSES being held in Honey Pot Ceramics in EICA Ratho.

Tuesday 10-10.40am.

Emma-Louise Beeson

0781 886 3334

edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk

www.babysensory.com

With this advert you may attend a FREE trial class or receive 10% off a Block Booking of 10 classes!

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

45

What’s On? February

konectdirectory

the

Saturday 4th February Scots Night at Oakbank Bowling Club, East Calder.

Bookbug sessions East Calder libra starting ry Thursday 2nd February Bookbug Sessions and friendly eventsare free, fun toddlers, preschoo for babies, families to enjoy tolers and their session lasts aroundgether. Each and includes song 30 minutres rhymes. 1.45p.m. –s, stories and Places are limited 2.15p.m. in the library or coso please ask 01506 883633 to bontact us on ok a place.

Potter Scrapbooking Group at nd Arou d to If you have always wante ng bri ft, cra s thi at go a have s and along your precious photo nd to ha on le op pe be l wil there expert help. If you are already and an p’ ‘cro the n joi t no why ideas. have some fun swapping ning 9 gin be ys da urs Th ate Altern February. 7.30-9.30pm. £7.50. Includes tea/coffee l be biscuits. Basic materials wil provided.

Saturday 18th Feb Ladies Day at Oakbank Bowling Club, East Calder.

2pm 2 pm – late. Tickets £10. Comedian/ cabaret/disco/karaoke/food – All welcome

46

Wednesday 29th February Open meeting, West Lothian Branch of Dyslexia Scotland.

7pm - 9pm at the Hub, West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP. Guest speaker : Shirley Illman, Principal Teacher, Dyslexia Support, part of the Literacy Services team which supports pupils and teaching staff in primary and secondary schools throughout West Lothian.

There will also be an opportunity to chat, everyone is welcome to come along. For further information, please contact dswestlothian@ gmail.com or call 01786 44 66 50.

For more advice about Dyslexia, call the Dyslexia Scotland Helpline on 0844 800 84 84 or email: helpline@ dyslexiascotland.org.uk.

Saturday 3rd March Open day at Whole Body Balance, Mid Calder Calder. 10am to 5pm. “Taster” Indian Head Massage (IHM) session £10.00; prize draw for full IHM treatment; information and refreshments available.

Saturday 3rd March Lisa Mac at Oakbank Bowling Club, East Calder. Cabaret £5.00 – All welcome

February half term activities 13th - 17th February There is a range of activities for children during half term at EICA Ratho (see advert on page 45), Honey Pot Ceramics (www.honeypotceramics.com) and Potter Around (www.potteraround.co.uk)

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Useful Information

To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post details to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD

Last Post Times

Mobile M obile library timetable Alternate Tuesdays in: Wilkieston Elmbank Wilkieston Hatton Inch Haig

1.15pm - 1.25pm 1.30pm - 1.40pm 1.45pm - 1.55pm 2.00pm - 2.10pm

Kirknewton Kaimes Crescent Sawmill Roosevelt Rd Churchill Way Braekirk

2.15pm - 2.50pm 2.55pm - 3.20pm 3.30pm - 3.40pm 3.45pm - 3.55pm 4.00pm - 4.10pm

konect

Registration of Bir th, Death and Ma rriage Registration Offices in West Lothian pro vide advice and assistance to anyone requiring information on the registration of births , deaths, marriages an d civil partnerships, and issue copy extract cer tificates. We can con duct civil partnership cer emonies and give ad vice on recording a change of name. No appoint ments are necessary at Eas t Calder Registration Office, situated within the library at 200 Main Street East Calder. The offi ce is open 10 - 12 an d25 Monday to Friday.

East Calder Library information Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 email: ail: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri: 10.00am - 5.30pm Tues & Thurs: 10.00am - 8.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 1.00pm

directory

cil mmunity Coun East Calder Co ery month in the ev of y da es 1st Tu re at 7.00pm Community Cent cil mmunity Coun Kirknewton Co ery month in the ev of y da 2nd Tues 0pm Village Hall at 6.3 cil mmunity Coun Mid Calder Co every month in the of ay July and 2nd Thursd 7.30pm. (Recess Institute Hall at August).

Every Wednesday in: Mid Calder Spottiswood Cir 5.40pm - 5.50pm Spottiswoode Cre 5.50pm - 6.05pm Almondside 6.10pm - 6.25pm Post Office 6.30pm - 7.00pm

Kirknewton Post Office Mon - Fri 5.00pm then a few minutes later from the box near the level crossing. Sat 11.15am East Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.20pm Sat 11.15am Mid Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.35am Pumpherston Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.00am

The Mobile Library timetables are currently under review and updated ones will be available soon.

A new service with bigger libraries and a wider selection of books is due to be launched soon.

Collection from box at Livingston Delivery Office, Fairbairn Road, at 6.30pm

Opening times Mon: Wed: Thursday:

(from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Winter / Spring (Term 2) Mon 9/1/12 - Fri 30/3/12 Mid Term: Fri 10/2/12 - Tue 21/2/12

2.00pm - 5.00pm 2.30pm - 4.30pm 2.00pm - 6.00pm

the

School Term dates

Pumpherston umpherston Library information Pumpherston Primary School, Main Street 01506 435837

East Calder Medical Practice 147 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW 01506 882882 St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

47

Inside & Out

By Tony Foster

I

f you like putting your feet up at home or love to go out, each month Tony Foster will take you through the highlights of what to do and where to go across the Lothians.

INSIDE My sweet Valentine We are feeling the love at Inside & Out this month. Yes, it is Valentine’s Day on the 14th February and we couldn’t ignore the event.

Recommended books this month include “My Sweet Valentine” by Annie Groves.

Out in paperback this novel is an emotional portrayal of the lives of four women as Valentine’s Day approaches, in 1941 wartime London.

The second of our books is written by Sophie Kinsella, who is the author of the popular Shopaholic series, the first of which is now the hit movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic”. Her new novel “I’ve Got Your Number” begins with the loss of an engagement ring. Then the heroine of our story, Poppy, loses her phone. That’s what happens when you drink too much bubbly at a charity do!

Then she finds a phone but businessman Sam Roxton, who lost the mobile in the first place, wants it back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life. Chaos, of course, continues…

Love, Love Me Do There are two albums out by the remaining living Beatles in February.

“Kisses On The Bottom” is a collection of standards Paul McCartney grew up listening to in his childhood as well as two new McCartney songs “My Valentine” and “Only Our Hearts”. With 48

guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, McCartney’s new album is a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home. It is released on 6th February.

A week earlier Beatles drummer Ringo Starr releases “Ringo 2012”. The album features seven new songs and two covers including the great “Think It Over”, originally written and recorded by the late Buddy Holly.

One Day After one day together - 15th July 1988, their university graduation - Emma Morley (played by Catwoman Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew begin a friendship that will last a lifetime. She is a working class girl of principle and ambition who dreams of making the world a better place. He is a wealthy charmer who dreams that the world will be his playground. Based on the best selling novel “One Day” by David Nicholls this perfect Valentine DVD will make you laugh and cry all in one night!

If you fancy something slightly different then “Borgen” is Denmark’s answer to “The West Wing” and is brought to you from the Executive Producer of “The Killing”. Birgitte Nyborg is a 40-year-old political party leader, who successfully secures a surprise election victory, only to discover that the biggest challenge still lies ahead of her. Privately, Birgitte leads a happy family life with her husband and two children, but she is a woman with a burning commitment, a big heart and too little time. Her challenge to be a successful politician and remain true to her beliefs involves personal sacrifice with far reaching consequences. The 10 episode box set is out on the 6th February.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

OUTSIDE Singin I’m a Billy he’s a Tim Celtic mad Tim and Rangers daft Billy find themselves banged up in the same court cell on the day of an Old Firm match. Des Dillon’s hilarious old firm comedy ‘Singin I’m a Billy he’s a Tim’ went down a storm the last time it played at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston. So much so it is back for a two night run on 17th and 18th February.

Hansel and Gretel Scottish Opera perform ‘Hansel and Gretel’ at Edinburgh Festival Theatre from Valentines night for a three night run.

Hansel and Gretel are getting under their mother’s feet, so she sends them into the woods to collect strawberries.

As darkness falls, they realise they are lost. Terrified, they spend the night on the forest floor. Next morning, to their amazement, they discover a house made of gingerbread and are soon helping themselves, unaware that they are falling straight into a trap set by the fabled Wicked Witch. Based on the Grimms’ fairy tale, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel is both wonderfully unsettling and moving, a story of poverty, magic and triumph over adversity.

The Six Nations It’s the first chance for the players of the Six Nations to show what they can do on the international stage, after the Rugby World Cup in New Zeland. The English and the French look frontrunners, but it really could be anyone’s tournament.

Games at Murrayfield include Scotland v England on the 4th February and Scotland v France on 26th February.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Inside and Oot on You can also follow line Ins Out online at the blo ide and g insideandoot.wordp ‘www. ress.com’ - this features the ‘directo r’s article, online links an cut’ of this have an event you wod videos. If you mention online or in uld like us to future issues of Konect then e mail insideandoot@gmail .com.

Love the Muppets If there is a date movie for Valetine’s night then “The Vow” seems to tick all the right boxes. A car accident puts Paige (Rachael McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo works to win her heart again. I’m filling up just writing this!

However the movie of the month has to be “The Muppets”. Did you ever wonder what happened to all your favourite characters? Kermit is depressed in his Hollywood mansion. Animal is in rehab for anger management. Fozzie performs in ‘The Moopets’ tribute band. Gonzo is a high class plumber and Miss Piggy is the fashion editor at Vogue Paris.

The Muppet Theatre is under threat from a greedy oil tycoon and three Muppet fans want the team to reunite to save the day. Amy Adams, from Enchantment, stars.

49

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more...

Busy Bee Club at Honey Pot Ceramics Friday’s 1 – 5pm term time. Arts and crafts, £10, booking essential. See www.honeypotceramics. com or call 0131 333 6348.

EAST CALDER Zumba with Lindsay Monday East Calder Church Hall 7pm to 8pm Wednesday Uphall south parish church Hall 6pm to 7 pm Check out my facebook page - zumba with Lindsay for more details or contact me at: lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk 07834183084 www.zumba.com Ditch the workout and join the party East Calder Colts FC East Calder Park.

We are currently recruiting for an U9’s team born 2002/2003. Please come along to our soccer school Mondays 5pm - 6pm, ages P2 -P4 at East Calder Sports Centre. Any information required re Soccer School or any of our teams please visit our website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Coach Graham Hamilton on 07545 758385. All welcome.

East Calder Bowling Club Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every Fri 2pm – 4pm.

We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com, members can find details here of competitions, play by dates, club news.

Zumba with Lorraine Tues, Mid Calder institute hall 7.15pm -8.15pm Wed and Fri East Calder church hall 9.30am -10.;30am Thurs Mid Calder Primary School 8.30pm – 9.30pm Sat Mid Calder Institute Hall 10am- 11am Kids zumbatomic classes age 7 -12, East Calder scout hall Wed 3.45pm – 4.30pm, please contact Lorraine as spaces are limited. Lorraine Farmer 07816 835926, email lfarmer@f2s.com Circuit Training Sunday’s 6 – 7pm East Calder Scout Hall, £3 per session. An instructor-led class of pre set workout stations, the complete body workout, suitable for all levels of fitness, 16yrs plus. Under 16s welcome with participating adult, see website for further details Please contact: Email ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk Tel: 07808 161634 Web: www.amcfitness.co.uk Yoga for Everyone East Calder Community Centre Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact Frances Shearsby (Secretary) on 01506 494591, for more information.

Boys Brigade East Calder Church Hall Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm.

Company Section (age 11-18) Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm Calll Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367 East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre.

Mon-Fri 9am-11:15am from 2 years For the best introduction to your child’s education lots of fun to be had! £4 per session. Contact Carol or Helen 01506 881923 Scottish Slimmers Pigeon Club Tues 6.00pm Call 0800 362636 for more info.

Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre 1st Tues of every month. Drop in for advice and support 1.30pm – 3.30pm Rainbows, Brownies and Guides East Calder Primary School Rainbows Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm Guides Mon 7 – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30 – 9pm Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 Douglas Pilates See www.douglaspilates.co.uk or call 01506 870062 for class times and venue.

Little Kicks football East Calder Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace, EH53 0BS. Saturday mornings 9.30 -10.15 :18 months old to 2 years 3 months 10.30 - 11.15 : 2 years old to 3 1/2 years old 11.30 - 12.15 : 3 1/2 years old to 5 years old All welcome for a free trial - boys and girls.... contact Deborah on 01506 881709 or 07590 849119 or email dparis@littlekicks.co.uk.

See our website www.littlekicks.co.uk for more information.

Needlecraft Club East Calder Community Centre Thur 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Sheila (Secretary) on 0131 333 2217

Karate East Calder Sports Centre Ages 5 - 15 yrs . Junior Class: Fri 6.00pm - 7.00pm Intermediate/Advanced Class: Fri 7.00pm - 8.00pm Wadokai Karate, both boys and girls welcome, £4.00/session. Contact David Ewing on 0131 657 2085 Patchwork Classes We run patchwork classes throughout the week at Marys’ Patch. Monday 10-12, 1-3, Tuesday 10-12, 1-3, Wednesday 9.30-11.30, 12.30-2.30, Thursday 9.30-11.30, 12.30-2.30 Saturday 10-2. Knitting classes also available.

Firefly Arts (Youth Theatre) East Calder Primary School Juniors (P5 - P7) Fridays 2.30pm - 4pm £2.50 per week (1st week free). Classes also availble in Kirknewton, West Calder & Howden Park Contact 01506 773883 East Calder Old Folks Club East Calder Community Centre Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary) Cathy Bird Highland Dancers in East Calder Community Centre Tuesdays 4yrs up, 5-30-6-20pm.

Advanced Club in East Calder Community Centre Tues 6.30pm – 8.30pm tel: 07809 423592 email: cathybird.gb@gmail.com www.cathybirdhighlanddance.co.uk East Calder Scout Group Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs) Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs) Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs) Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889 eastcalderscouts.org.uk Step Into Dance with Vicky East Calder Church Hall Highland, Cheerleading, Tap, Freestyle Disco, Ballet, Hip Hop and a boys-only Hip Hop. Classes for ages 2 to adult, on Thurs & Fri. See www.stepintodancewithvicky.co.uk for more information or contact 07719 646942 Breast Feeding Support Group East Calder Community Centre Wed 11.30am – 12.30pm except during school holidays. Free. Contact Health Visitor via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582 Young Mums East Calder Community Centre Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582 Bingo Pigeon Club, East Calder Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

Adult Line Dance Class East Calder Pigeon Club Mondays: Beginners 7pm, Improvers 8pm, Advanced 9pm. Tel Cathy Bird 07809 423592 email cathybird.gb@gmail.com East Calder Youth Club East Calder Community Centre Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts. Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473 EC Allsteps Cheerleaders East Calder Church Hall and West Lothian College Competitive cheerleading squad.

Also adult squad fun class at East Calder Sports Centre Mon 9.00pm - 10.00pm. For more information see www.ecallstepcheerleaders.co.uk or call 07719 646942

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm For girls aged 5-7. Please contact Gill Greaves for more information on 01506 883261 Kirknewton Starlets Kirknewton Primary School Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30pm - 6.30pm.

Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm.

For info contact Trisha t.ewing@btinternet.com Craft Club at Potter Around Potter Around, Overton Farm Fri 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Different arts/crafts projects each week including glass, clay, painting, jewellery making. £10, all materials, drink & snack supplied.

Call 01506 238961 or see www.potteraround.co.uk Jewellery Workshops Potter Around, Overton Farm Alternate Tuesdays with the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned in the intervening weeks. 7-9pm, £15. Booking essential. Call 01506 238961 or see www.potteraround.co.uk Scrapbooking Group Potter Around, Overton Farm If you have always wanted to have a go at this craft, bring along your precious photos and there will be people on hand to help. If you are already an expert why not join the ‘crop’ and have some fun swopping ideas. Alternate Thursdays beginning 9 February. 7.30-9.30pm. £7.50. Includes tea/ coffee biscuits. Basic materials will be provided. Call 01506 238961 or see www.potteraround.co.uk Knitting Club at Potter Around Alternating between Tues 7.30 – 9.30pm and Wed 10.30am – noon : call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for dates. £4.50 per head – includes tea and coffee

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more...

Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun.

2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall Hatton Sports Club Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208 Cathy Bird Highland Dancers Kirknewton Village Hall, Fridays 3-6yrs 5.30-6.20pm; 7+ yrs 6.30-7.20pm tel: 07809 423592 email: cathybird.gb@gmail.com www.cathybirdhighlanddance .co.uk Firefly Arts (Youth Theatre) Kirknewton Village Hall Juniors (P5-P7) Tues 4.30 - 6.00pm £2.50 per week (1st week free). Classes also availble in East Calder, West Calder & Howden Park Contact 01506 773883 KASPARS Afterschool Club Kirknewton Church Hall. Afterschool care Mon Thu 3.15 - 6.00, Fri 12.30 - 6.00.

Breakfast Club Mon - Fri 8.00 - start of school.

Call 07871 791000 Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall Mon – Fri 9.00am – 11.15am Ages 2 to 5 yrs. £4.00 per session. Call in and see us during session times Toddler Group Kirknewton Church Hall Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, fridndly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am Kirknewton Pensioners Club Kirknewton Village Hall 1st Wednesday of Month 1.00pm - 3.30pm and 3rd Thursday of Month 7.00pm - 9.00pm Everyone aged 60 years and over welcome

MID CALDER Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month at the “Tap Shop” The Midcalder Inn, Mid Calder at 8pm Calder Bells Glenalmond Hall, Mid Calder Rehersals Mondays 7.30pm New members welcome

Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall Tuesdays 10.00 Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101 The Willows Playgroup School Lane, Mid Calder Recently refurbished, places available for children from 2 years.

Mon – Thurs 9-11am. £4 per session. Snack provided, nappy changing facilities.

For more information please contact Sam on 01506 882832.

Zumba with Lorraine Tues, Mid Calder institute hall 7.15pm -8.15pm Wed and Fri East Calder church hall 9.30am -10.;30am Thurs Mid Calder Primary School 8.30pm – 9.30pm Sat Mid Calder Institute Hall 10am- 11am Kids zumbatomic classes age 7 -12, East Calder scout hall Wed 3.45pm – 4.30pm, please contact Lorraine as spaces are limited. Lorraine Farmer 07816 835926, email lfarmer@f2s.com Yoga Classes Masonic Hall Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.00pm Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115 www.wholebodybalance.co.uk Pilates Classes Institute Hall, Market St. Wed 10.00am - 11.00am Beginners class Contact Rhona 01506 811700 rhonawatt@btconnect.com Welcome Cafe Glenalmond Hall Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Cafe all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

Choral Highlights Ladies Choir Kirk of Calder, Mid Calder Rehersals Sundays 12pm - 1.00pm in summer and 7.30pm-8.45pm in winter. Musicals, Scottish. religious, pop and some very quirky little numbers!

2 concerts per year, requests to sing at other venues considered. New members very welcome, please contact John Rankin 01506 880029 Mid Calder Camera Club Institute Hall, Market Street Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Fred Roe at 01506 202190 or Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org Contact Carole 883934 contact@mid-calder-colts.org

Pumpherston United FC Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information , please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights.

Contact Katrina Wallace on 01506 883816

CHURCHES Church of Scotland Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder church, Main St Sunday School and creche available

Mid Calder Toddler Group Institute Hall Tues 9.15-11.15, £1 per toddler. For more info, please call 07949159097 or email lindacarragher@hotmail.com Mid Calder School of Dance Mid Calder Institute Hall Tap, Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm & Fri 6.15pm - 9.00pm. Various ages Contact Heather 01501733054

POLBETH Polbeth W.R.I. 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome.

Further information on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON Zumba with Lindsay Monday East Calder Church Hall 7pm to 8pm Wednesday Uphall south parish church Hall 6pm to 7 pm Check out my facebook page - zumba with Lindsay for more details or contact me at: lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk 07834183084 www.zumba.com Ditch the workout and join the party

Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse CourtEast Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 075 888 458 14. groenstes@yahoo. com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk Mid Calder services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available.

Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall.

The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

WEST CALDER 18th West Lothian Scout Group West Kirk Hall, West Calder Beavers Mon 6-7pm, Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm, Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 – 14 years. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

West Calder Walking Group Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main St. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Pumpherston, Mid Calder & Broxburn Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult. www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division The Scottish Starlets

konectdirectory

The Look Group Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12, meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Saturday, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254

To include your club or class, email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post to The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Charity and not-forprofit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

the

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Accountant/Bookkeeping Kevin Thomson Accountant 4 Architect Plan It Design 4 Barbers TJ’S Barbers 27 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 29 Beauty Bliss Beauty 27 Got 2 Glow 26 Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy 10 Looks Divine 10 Utopia 11 Building Surveyor David Hastings 33 Car Sales Calder Motor Co 20 Colin Nixon 23 Hermiston Motors 21 Car Service/Repair Calder Motor Co 20 Chips Away 20 Colin Nixon 23 Hermiston Motors 21 Kirknewton Garage 22 Oakbank Garage Services 4 Car Wash A71 Hot Foam Carwash 22 Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Doctor 7 Cattery South Lodge Cattery 35 Children’s activities Baby Sensory 45 EICA 45 Honeypot Ceramics 45 Chiropodist Barefoot Chiropody and Podiatry 26 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 39 Complementary Therapies Whole Body Balance 26 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 7

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Dentist No9 Dentist 12 Design, Print & Websites Kumo Ink Ltd 43 Dog Grooming Scruff Busters 35 Dog Walking Paws Don’t Pause 35 Walk-u-r-dog 35 Electrician A&A Electrical 33 Gavin Beatson Electrical 19 John Nothard 19 Fish Merchant John Anderson Fish Van 5 Fitness Douglas Pilates 27 Florist Vicky’s flowers 7 Food Real Foods 56 The Whole Shebag 39 Footcare Foot Clinic 27 Furniture Grant’s of Bathgate 15 Garden & Landscaping SG Landscapes 4 Woodford Timber Scotland17 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 16 Hairdresser L V Hair Design 27 Handyman 1st Call Handyman 14 West Lothian Handyman 19 Healthcare Primecare Health Ltd 25 House Clearance ScotClear 5 Independent School George Watson’s college 2 Jewellery Jennifer Rose Jewellery 10 Jewellery Workshop 7

Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Logs Reservoir Logs Mobility Products Northern Healthcare Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorator’s TML Décor Pet services West Lothian Pet Sitters Physiotherapy SportsActive HW Plumbing Services Brown’s Plumbing Calder Gas EPH Podiatrist Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry Property Services K & H Property Public House Black Bull Restaurant Sky Kitchen Sewing Services/Supplies Mary’s Patch Soft Furnishing Knight Shades Blinds Systems Stylerite Blinds Takeaway Calder Villa Sky Kitchen Tattooist Inkwell Tattoo Studio Telephone Engineer John McGraw Telephone Engineer Tiler B. Edwards Tiling Tile-a-ramic Tuition Elizabeth and Michael Cochrane Maths

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