Konect Calders February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017

KING JAMIE’S BATHGATE SILVER MINES East Calder Gala Needs You! Plus local Services for Seniors businesses, community in West Lothian information New Year New Kitchen & more!

S& OFFER ERS H VOUC cal from lo ses s busine

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

Furniture Furniture and and Interiors Interiors

50,000 50,000 SQ SQ FT FT SHOWROOM SHOWROOM

DON’T DON’T MISS MISS THE THE BARGAINS BARGAINS IN OUR WINTER IN OUR WINTER SALE SALE Sofas, Sofas, Dining Dining & & Bedroom Bedroom Displays, Displays, Desks, Desks, Bookcases, Bookcases, Coffee Coffee Tables, Tables, Lighting, Side Tables, Display Lighting, Side Tables, Display Cabinets Cabinets and some Antiques and some Antiques Bankhead Medway, Sighthill, Edinburgh Bankhead Medway, Sighthill, Edinburgh

Tel: Tel: 0131 0131 453 453 3222 3222 OPEN OPEN 7 7 DAYS DAYS www.shapesedinburgh.co.uk www.shapesedinburgh.co.uk

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52

FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2017. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local and West Lothian! We’re starting off with a local history feature. I spent a bit of time over the holiday learning about the excitement and drama - literally – in London when silver was discovered in the Bathgate hills, see pages 8-9. We’ve also been looking at services for seniors in West Lothian, and there is a feature on this in the West Lothian section of the magazine. And the new year is a good time to think about a new kitchen, so the home improvements column this month is about kitchen design. As usual you can find pretty much everything you need within West Lothian.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

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

CONTENTS King Jamie’s Bathgate Silver Mines Thought for the Month Music Review Walk Puzzles What’s on / Useful Information Clubs & Classes

08 12 46 52 56 57 58

WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL3 WL10 WL16 WL21 WL22 WL24 62

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

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

Konect is delivered to 5500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month. Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.

Cover Image: A romantic walk on Valentine’s Day

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT CALDERS | 3

AKT Bookkeeping Retired QS/Contracts Administrator can offer at reasonable rates the following services to small contractors in the building, landscaping or M&E sectors:

Re-Measurement | Payment Application | Invoicing Correspondence | Dispute Settlement

Contact:

07984 583859

Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

For details please call Michael on

Local family-ru n busines s

07711 240999 / 01506 411334 mjanderson0310@gmail.com Improving homes all over

All trades specialists Double Glazing | Roofline | Roofs Kitchens | Bathrooms | Flooring Attic Conversions | Extensions Find us on Facebook 4 | KONECT CALDERS

for all our pictures

LVS Garage Services Livingston has been providing servicing and MOT services since our founding in 1986. It is our mission to achieve total customer satisfaction in everything we do.

Find us on Facebook

Wheel Balancing & Tracking

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Visit our new live website: livingstontyres.co.uk

Book online, pay when fitted!

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer.

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KONECT CALDERS | 5

Craigcrook Joinery sMALL WORKS AND REPAIRS

John Wilson

07734 906812 jh.wilson@virginmedia.com 101 Mansfield, East Calder, EH53 0JF

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High quality timber garden products, log stores and wood fuels s

ng uildi B y a l On Disp le Now Sa Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops

Summerhouses

Children’s Play Houses

Dog Kennels Garden Stores

Zest Garden Furniture

Woodchip Log Stores Full Range Garden Furniture Firewood Logs and Wood Fuel Softwoods, Hardwoods, Kiln Dried Log Chests

Log & Tool Stores

Sold in small bags or giant bags

Garden Mulch Our New Polytunnel Drying Facility

Delivered to your door using small delivery trucks for easy access Kindling, Firelighters & Range of Briquettes

Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices www.champfleurieestate.co.uk

Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB

KONECT CALDERS | 7

LOCAL HISTORY

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilderston was described as being “apparently inexhaustible.”

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTO CREDIT: Kirkro ads Colle

ction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

afterwards.

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

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

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

KONECT CALDERS | 9

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HERB OF THE MONTH

URTICA DIOICA

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

The humble nettle (Urtica dioica), well known for its sting, has long been appreciated for its medicinal uses.

The fresh chopped leaves used to be applied as a plaster to septic wounds and the juice to stem nosebleeds.

The Romans were keen on using nettles for ‘urtication’ (beating yourself with nettles to encourage blood to the surface!) which they did to keep themselves warm.

Fortunately these days we can simply turn the heating up, although nettles are still employed in the 21st Century herbal dispensary for many modern day complaints. I find them especially useful for allergic reactions such as hay fever, for insect bites and itchy skin conditions such as urticaria (hives).

My favourite use for nettles though is as a cleansing, detoxifying herb. Ideal at this time of year when we could all do with a bit of an ‘internal spring clean’. Its gentle diuretic action can help to eliminate waste products whilst at the same time filling you up with the goodness of its high levels of natural calcium, potassium and iron – the perfect spring tonic!

Herb of the Month is contributed by Annette Greenfield www.greenfieldherbalist.com

Nicola Brett B.A. Hons

Prom Dresses and Alterations “Bridal, bridesmaid and mother of the bride, designed and hand crafted exclusively for you”

07980 851756 215 Main Street, East Calder West Lothian, EH53 0EH

www.notabenedesignuk.co.uk

Specialising in herbal medicine & tonics tailored to your specific needs

www.greenfieldherbalist.com Call now for an appointment:

01506 842888 or 0777 3013357 annettegreenfield@gmail.com

5 Royal Terrace, Linlithgow EH49 6HQ

KONECT CALDERS | 11

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

BY TAMMY WOOD

CRAFTING FOR COMFORT Ever wondered what to do with yourself during the long winter nights, when you are bored, the TV is rubbish and it’s too cold and dark to go outside…

WHY NOT START CRAFTING? Crafting has many benefits, it can ease stress, increases happiness and it can help with anxiety and depression. It can help with anger issues, as crafting is very calming. There may also be a benefit for our ageing brains as crafting keeps the brain functioning and reduces the age process.

Once you start crafting your focus is on the task in hand and you can “while away the hours” doing something you enjoy and forget about all the stresses in your life. Crafting is great for brain maintenance and overall wellbeing.

WHAT TYPES OF CRAFTING CAN I DO? Types of crafting can include quilting, painting/sketching, cross-stitch, crochet, knitting, embroidery, felting, woodcraft, pottery, glass craft, jewellery, flower-craft, decoupage, card making…the list is endless and there is a craft to suit everyone.

HOW DO I GET STARTED? • Local craft stores will be happy to help and guide you • Check if there are any local crafting groups near you • Go online and learn from the many tutorials on youtube • Find a local class and learn your new craft then continue at home in your own time Go on give it a try….get crafty!

Thought of the Month is contributed by Tammy Wood | www.happinessworks.co.uk | happinessworks@outlook.com

With yarns to suit every budget. 1000’s of Patterns, Books, Needles and Notions.

We offer a friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. Classes available for both Knitters and Crocheters.

Ironing Service Free Collection and Delivery

Find us at Just Sew, 57 Main Street, West Calder, EH55 8DP

Telephone: 01506 873139 Email: di@justsewonline.com 12 | KONECT CALDERS

Jane & Friends Hairdressers

109 Main Street, East Calder

01506 880704

Up-do’s for special occasions Open: Tue/Wed/Fri - 9am - 5pm Thur - 11am - 7pm Sat - 9am - 3pm Closed: Sunday & Monday

OAP specials: All day Tues/Wed Thur 11am - 4pm

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7 Day Membership: £68.75 per month 6 Day Members: £61.88 per month, 5 Day Members: £51.56 per month Young Adult (18-19): £15 per month, Young Adult (20-21): £20 per month, Young Adult (22-25): £30 per month, Young Adult (26-30): £40 per month 12 ROUND MEMBERSHIP FOR £300 – contact us for details With the SGL affiliation fee of £12.60 Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

TRIAL ROUNDS FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS AT £10.00 Club: 0131 453 4911 Mon-Fri Pro shop: 0131 453 3555 Sat-Sun

EAST CALDER BOWLING CLUB 255 Main Street · East Calder · EH53 0EL Tel: 01506 497008 Emaill: info@ecbcnews.co.uk www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com

Annual General Meeting Sunday 5th March 2017 11am Bingo: Sundays & Wednesdays 8pm~9:30pm Check our facebook page for upcoming events

Memberships available All levels.

Contact heatherwhyte@ rocketmail.com

Function Suite for hire

for members and non-members* (*with sponsorship from a member)

14 | KONECT CALDERS

Email: manager@baberton.co.uk Website: www.babertongc.com

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

Call 01506 298107 or “Contact Us” at www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian

BUSTER THE DOG

Doggies Love Walkies Friendly, reliable and trustworthy dog walking service Home visits are available for small animals, dogs & cats Daily dog walking made in small groups We are also fully insured and Police checked

07818 231719

doggieslovewalkies@hotmail.co.uk

Alistair Taylor

• • • •

BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service

0131 451 5111

5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX

Tillychance Dog Grooming Services 111 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP

Please contact Suzanne on 01506 880015 s_buglass@hotmail.co.uk

Tillychance Dog Grooming Services

City & Guilds trained

NEW SHOP NOW OPEN Pet supplies for your dogs, cats, rabbits, birds. Orders welcome and local home deliveries available.

01506 880015 thepetstop2016@outlook.com 111 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP Like us on Facebook: The Pet Stop at Tillychance

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SG GARDEN & HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES Established 18 years

•

Fully insured

For all your gardening & landscaping needs and general home improvements Contact Steve or Jamie

07891 029764 • 01506 885944

Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors

For all Installations repairs and services

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

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Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

Contact us on: Tel: 07810 835 974 E: info@aalandscapesandgardens.co.uk www.AALandscapesandGardens.co.uk DO YOU WANT A PROFESSIONALLY MAINTAINED GARDEN AT A PREDICTABLE COST? Our unique system means you can create a fixed price package that suits your garden.

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DEVELOP YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE? Our dedicated landscaping team can provide everything you need. Our work is designed and built to last, and is covered by a 10-year guarantee.

16 | KONECT CALDERS

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KONECT CALDERS | 17

• • • •

the bees knees nursery

Nursery for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years Flexible childcare options Full and part-time sessions Small, home-from-home nursery, in the heart of the community • Large learning garden • Range of childcare vouchers accepted • Wraparound service to/from Currie Primary Nursery

Opening hours: Mon- Fri 7.30am-5.30pm

Enquiries: tel: 07770 060 373 email: thebeeskneesplaygroup@virginmedia.com www.thebeeskneesnursery.co.uk

DYNAMIC MARTIAL ARTS

Jeet Kune Do-Kali-Grappling-Self Defence Rolling 12 Week Fundamentals Course This unique course teaches the fundamentals and gives a great insight into the arts of Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts. Areas covered include: Wk 1-2: Boxing

Wk 7-8: Stick/Knife

Wk 3-4: JKD Kickboxing

Wk 9-10: Grappling

Wk 5-6: FMA Dirty Boxing

Wk 11-12: Self Defence

Currie Community Centre, 280 Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5RU

Enroll anytime Wednesday from 8.00pm - 9.00pm East Calder Scout Hall £6.00 per session OR £60.00 upfront cost (full 12 week saving £12 - to be paid at first class)

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!

Once the course is finished you will be able to join the association and carry on training in the weekly classes.

For more information, contact Chris:

07946 670 294 www.dynamicmartialarts.co.uk

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

There’s life in your unwanted furniture and electricals

FREE & FAST COLLECTION

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

BOOK A FREE & FAST COLLECTION:

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

18 | KONECT CALDERS

COMMUNITY

EAST CALDER & DISTRICT GALA The Gala is nearly 100 years old and we hope to celebrate that milestone in 2020.

We are most grateful to all the helpers we have on the run up to the Gala Day itself each year. However in the past 6 months we have seen a good few of our Committee Members retire / move away from East Calder. We need to replace these volunteers so that we can continue to discuss, plan, agree and go forward in the coming months to make East Calder Gala Week 2017 as best we can.

We meet in the Community Centre on the second Thursday of the month from September to June, 7.30–8.30pm.

We would welcome enquires from anyone interested in keeping the Gala alive here in East Calder by getting involved and joining the Committee. Please contact Eddy Goodfellow (Secretary) on 01506 495082.

Registered Scottish Charity Number SC007100.

ANGELA ELIZABETH PRIVATE NURSERY The longest-running private nursery in West Lothian

...the caring nursery Babies & children from 3 months - 5 years Open 52 weeks a year 7.30 am - 6.00pm Full or part time spaces available

Daily Activities : ● Sand &Water ● Baking ● Painting ● Glueing ... and much, much more! ● weekly sports class with A-Star Sports ● weekly French lessons

/ Pick up to Drop off rity tho local au es nurseri

New! garden room & mud kitchen

Secure outdoor play

Breakfast & afternoon snack provided

t: e:

0131 333 1949

enquiries@angelaelizabethnursey.co.uk

w:

School House, Bonnington Road, Wilkieston, EH27 8BD

www.angelaelizabethnursery.co.uk

KONECT CALDERS | 19

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader Check Customer reviews www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner on Trusted Trader www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner

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20 | KONECT CALDERS

n a i h t o West L

VIEW

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

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

Please refer to page 3 for our contact details.

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

Painting & Decoration Services

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David J Lane 01506 336446 07787 597382

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sleek and minimal Proline kitchen with side-by-side domino hobs

TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND BUDGET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn over for some options for stove-top cooking with the latest hobs on the market.

CONTINUED ON PAGE WL4 KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

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

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

DESIGN • INSTALLATION • SERVICING • REPAIR

• Designer radiator and bathroom suite supplier • Design and install bathrooms, kitchens, boilers & heating • Offer finance on all installations • ‘Buy now, pay later’ scheme on boilers (0% APR if job is paid off within 12 months)

• Covering areas in central Scotland • Offer 10 years parts & labour warranty on all boiler installations

01324 578 559 | www.dmacservicesscotland.co.uk WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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

DOMINO HOBS:

and/or

The new kids on the kitchen block, domino hobs can be added to as your needs grow. You can start off with a two-ring gas or electric domino hob, then add a wok-burner and even a tepanayaki hob. They all sit side by side like a row of dominoes and give you the ultimate flexibility in the kitchen.

HIGH QUALITY JOINERY SOLUTIONS • Door repairs & replacement • Kitchen planning & installaaon • Wood, Timber & laminate flooring • Fiied wardrobes • Bespoke joinery • Furniture repair & restoraaon • Home efficiency improvements • Window & door draa proofing

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FREE ESTIMATES Friendly, reliable and helpful service

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL5

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For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

WL6 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL7

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WL8 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL9

PROPERTY MATTERS

BY CRAIG TURPIE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

““

The difference The difference between a good between a good agent and an agent and an exceptional agent exceptional agent is choice! is choice!

””

NEW NEW SALES SALES PACKAGES PACKAGES

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The options may vary but never the award winning personal service and commitment to but achieving the award very best price personal for your home.

The options may vary never the winning service and commitment to achieving the very best price for your home.

Tel: 01506 668448 | www.turpies.com Tel: 01506 668448 | www.turpies.com

WINTER SPECIAL

Aberdein Considine is offering a special gift to people thinking of selling their home this winter – a free Home Report worth hundreds of pounds.

Between now and March, anyone putting their property on the market through our estate agency branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow Shawlands, Glasgow West End, Newton Mearns, Perth, Stirling and West Lothian will have their Home Report cost covered in full.

This saves you nearly £450 on the typical property listed with a value of £150,000. The saving is far greater on more expensive properties and could take nearly £1,000 off the cost of selling at £500,000.

Also, we don’t charge any upfront fees – meaning you won't have to pay a penny until your property is sold.

Why sell with Aberdein Considine?

At Aberdein Considine, we have been selling homes across Scotland since 1981.

FREE HOME REPORT

N UPFROO FEESNT

As a seller, we can offer you the support of some of Scotland’s most experienced property professionals.

Their experience, together with our unique marketing approach, will help you reach more buyers and secure the best possible price for your property.

visit e full details -do/ apply. To se we conditions roperty/page/whatd an s rm Te dco.com/p omereport www.acan freeh

Here’s how:

n We’re big online and on the ground – between our own website and social media, our properties reach almost two million people every month. We also offer national coverage for your home on the high street thanks to our network of 18 offices around Scotland.

n Unlike traditional estate agents and online agents, we can list your properties on major property portals and solicitor property centres such as the ESPC, GSPC and PSPC.

n We have a bank of more than 2,000 people looking to move home. These applicants will be matched to your property if it meets their criteria. n We can offer national press advertising packages in Scotland’s best-selling quality newspapers.

Book a valuation today!

To book a free, no obligation valuation, call 0333 0066 333 or visit www.acandco.com/property/valuemyproperty

we know how the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com WL12 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

LUXURY

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Then take advantage of our Leisure Club membership offer and start the year as you mean to go on.

Contact our Membership team for more information and for a no obligation showround. There are no contracts and no joining fees, so no minimum commitments required.

Join today and receive your first month FREE and second month HALF PRICE!*

dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk

0131 335 8012

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL13

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

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

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

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

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of our volunteers, Laura, says,

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

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

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

I look forward to going to see Mary.

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

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

opal@cyrenians.scot

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

SENIORS FEATURE

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUBS

MOOD - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

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

Mental Health Options for Older People with Depression.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCOTTISH CHARITY No. SC028944

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

WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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

FREE STROLLEY TROLLEY (WORTH OVER £40)

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

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

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

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

ableworld

twitter.com/

AbleworldUK

www.ableworld.co.uk

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL19

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

WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

BY NICOLA JENGAENGA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well done TopCuts!

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

FOOD & DRINK

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

£25.00 £25.00

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

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

WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

February is a strange month for food.

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

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

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

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

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

BY HELEN-JANE SHEARER

we need to look to our

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

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

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

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

RECIPE

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

atin Gcoldrweather comfort food

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

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

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

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

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

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

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

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

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sky Kitchen

Telephone Orders Welcome

CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

535 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE Family Run Local Italian Restaurant For reservations & enquiries:

Tel: 0131 442 2715 or Email: ristorantealborgo@hotmail.co.uk

Lunch 12-2pm 2 course £9.50 ● 3 course £11.50 Dinner 5.30pm onwards Closed Mondays

BOOK NOW

Unit 6 Calder Drive, East Calder (On the B7015 next to Colin Nixon)

01506 885115

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK (Closed Monday) FROM 4.30pm - 11.00pm

SPECIAL OFFER Until 28th February 2017

20% OFF

For Valentine’s Day

ANY MEALS SITTING IN ONLY

Personallised Gift Vouchers Function, Party Room available

(not takeaway) WITH THIS VOUCHER

The Clean Team

CHARLES GAS CALOR GAS STOCKLIST Next to Clifton Garage, East Calder, EH53 0HS

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross

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

Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

SUNDAY-THURSDAY

07710 788457 New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100

charlesgas@btinternet.com

Full range of Butane, Propane and Forklift Cyclinder in stock.

We supply both business and domestic customers.

Suburban Window Cleaning

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

Window cleaning Rhones cleaned & painted Free estimates for houses, offices, shops, pubs, clubs.

Licenced and insured

Call Ian on 07834 685663 KONECT CALDERS | 45

MUSIC REVIEW

BY JAMES KERR

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

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

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

Proceeding from a sparse and unsettling electronic throb

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

The album has the gripping cohesion of such early classic collections as “The Firstborn is Dead” in that the music does not resemble that ramshackle Gothic blues, but is again of once piece, rather than the more varied settings found in the recent album “Dig Lazarus Dig” or the simpler but lighter previous release “Push The Sky Away”.

There are love songs here which loop around samples, such as the beautiful and atypically uplifting “This Is The Moment”, but soon the darkness falls. Let it surround you.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

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

Can you spare a couple of hours of your time this March to volunteer as a collector?

Help us give out daffodil pins and collect donations for Marie Curie in Edinburgh and The Lothians

To donate your time or for more information get in touch with Fiona at fiona.bushby@mariecurie.org.uk or call 0131 470 2290 46 | KONECT CALDERS

VALENTINE’S SPECIALS: 3 COURSES FOR £14.95pp* Friday 10th February - Tuesday 14th February STARTERS

Soup of the Day - £3.25 Served with a Warm Crusty Roll Smoked Salmon Filo ‘Money-Bags’ - £3.95 Trickled with a Saffron & Lemon Dressing Mozzarella Risotto Balls - £3.95 Served with a Pesto Mayonnaise Dip MAINS

‘Valentine’ of Chicken - £9.95 Served with a Champagne & Tarragon Elixir Sirloin Steak Garni - £14.50 (*or £5 supplement) Served with either Peppercorn or Diane Sauce Breaded Pork Fillet Hunter Style - £8.95 Served with Savoury Rice & Cajun Corn on the Cob Poached Haddock stuffed with Prawns - £8.95 Coated in a Dugléré Sauce DESSERTS

‘Sweet Temptation’ Sharing Platter - £6.95 (Profiteroles with Salted Caramel & Chocolate Sauce, Eton Mess & Lemon Torte) Facebook: The Grapes Bistro, East Calder

Booking in advance is advised!

| The Grapes Bistro Ltd. | 130 Main Street, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0HD | 01506 881896 | | Registered in Scotland No. SC482192 | VAT Registration No. 196 1903 82 |

KONECT CALDERS | 47

FOODPICKS

Five of our top picks to make the special person in your life very happy indeed 1. FOR THE PERFECT AFTERNOON DATE Visit The Tower and enjoy a champagne afternoon tea overlooking Edinburgh Castle - the perfect romantic afternoon date.

2. F OR THE SERIOUS FOODIE If you have a serious foodie in your life, surprise them with a little known foodie experience at Sheraton’s One Square. Dining On The Pass sees you enjoy a five or seven course dinner right inside the kitchen. Their friendly head chef will host your evening and design a unique menu especially for you - the good news is it’s not as expensive as you might think, go and check it out.

3. FOR THE STEAK LOVER What’s more romantic than sharing steak? Try the Chop and Ale House in Linlithgow. This cosy bothy style restaurant specialises in steak and chops. Enjoy with a bottle of Champany Own Label wine.

Alternatively, Monteiths on the Royal Mile is a low-lit intimate restaurant, ideal for a Valentine’s dinner. We recommend the chateaubriand for two.

4. TRADITIONAL The Italians do romance the best. If your loved one likes nothing more than a traditional meal out, give Mamma Roma’s a try.

They’ve been going since 1995, they must be doing something right!

5. THE SURPRISE CHOICE I’ll never know why 21212 isn’t better known, it deserves to be. If you’ve been to most of the top restaurants in Edinburgh and are looking for fresh inspiration, we recommend you give 21212 a try - they do a lunch and dinner service and you can choose, 3, 4 or 5 courses.

The monthly Foodpicks column is contributed by local blogger Erica Douglas of www.foodinburgh.com. Erica provides us with inspiration on where to eat and drink next in and around Edinburgh and West Lothian. Join the Foodinburgh Supper Clb for a monthly digest and offers for some of their favourite monthly choices.

48 | KONECT CALDERS

BY ERICA DOUGLAS

BLACK BULL INN Market Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AA Tel: 01506 882170

Email: blackbullmidcalder@sky.com

MID CALDER IS HOLDING IT’S FIRST EVER

Beer Festival 10th - 12th February Live Music Food available £5.00 entry

Available for anyone eating in with this advert 1 voucher per table with a minimum spend of £15 on food. Valid from 2nd January until Sat 28th Jan 2017. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Have you got your BLACK CARD yet?

Ask today to get great savings off your food bill

facebook.com/blackbullmc KONECT CALDERS | 49

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KONECT CALDERS | 51

WALK

BY KAREN MURRAY

In the process of looking for a new place to stretch the legs, I came across an article from the Woodland Trust about relatively new woodland, planted as Scotland’s First World War Centenary Wood.

first colourful display of wild flowers made an appearance in 2015. This display gets better each year. The Woodland Trust aims for this wood to become a haven for local wildlife, including insects, goldfinches and pipistrelle bats and it will link up pockets of existing woodland, creating new wildlife corridors.

Nestled in the Pentland Hills, Dreghorn Woods was officially opened in 2015. Owned by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), it’s one of four large areas of woodland being created through the First World War Centenary Woods Project. It includes a stone structure created as a space to rest, reflect and remember those who lived through the First World War. Eventually more than 50,000 native trees will be planted in the Pentland Hills to create a living, growing memorial.

The site for the woodland is steeped in military history and has been used as a training ground for over 100 years. During WWI many troops had their first experience of trenches on this mock battlefield.

One of them was Captain William

A grove of rowan trees within the woods is dedicated to the hundreds of soldiers from Leith who died in the Quintinshill Rail Disaster. Rowan, known in folklore as the traveller’s tree, was chosen to also remember those who never returned from the long journey from Scotland to the front lines.

People from the local community have been helping to sow five acres of wildflowers and plant native trees including rowan, cherry, birch and Scots pine. Several thousand trees have already been planted and the 52 | KONECT CALDERS

There was a very specialised kind of mud there. We called it Dreghorn Sludge. It caked on to your kilt so that the pleats lacerated your knees like knives

Ewart Gladstone-Millar. His daughter Lynne Gladstone-Millar is a local historian who successfully campaigned to preserve the training trenches. His first posting was to Mortonhall and every day the soldiers marched to the training trenches in the Dreghorn Woods to prepare themselves for France.

Lynne remembers her father saying: “There was a very specialised kind of mud there. We called it Dreghorn Sludge. It caked on to your kilt so that the pleats lacerated your knees like knives.” That sludge is now nurturing the new trees that have been planted.

The new trees include an avenue of 50 wild service trees, planted to provide an annual flash of red during autumn when visitors can embrace the views across the city from the ‘Rest and Reflect’ stone seating area.

The avenue is known as ‘The Weir Todd Walk’ and is dedicated to Euro Millions winner Chris Weir’s husband Colin Weir’s grandfathers who served in the First World War, and his father who served in the Second World War. Chris said: “William, Jimmy and James were all very public spirited and wanted to be in the service of their country. The Weir Todd Walk is dedicated to their memory and is a place for all to enjoy, reflecting on the service of many Scots servicemen.”

Dreghorn Woods is situated near the Dreghorn Barracks so you might come across a group of soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment Scotland, marching with rather scary looking guns! Don’t worry – the guns aren’t loaded, but you may just need to skip out of the way rather promptly.

Don’t let that put you off – anyone is welcome to wander

these woods. Dreghorn Wood is only a small part of this vast arena. It makes for a compact walk and will stretch the legs but if you have the inclination and equipment you could walk to the Castlelaw Hill Fort over the other side of the hills.

There are no waymarked routes but there is a map of the area at the entrance to the wood.

HOW TO GET THERE: Take the exit for Dreghorn off the A720 city bypass. If you are going East cross over the bypass and then take the sliproad down to join the bypass again exiting to the left.

There is a barrier but if your car is too high (like mine) you can park before the barrier and walk in.

Coming from the East simply take the Dreghorn Link slip and then the first left to the same place. There is a car park and access to the woods.

Walking along a tarmac road you will soon see the map of the area and a gate to your left giving to access to the Pentland Hills.

DREGHORN BARRACKS: Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment Scotland walking though the Woodland Trust’s First World War memorial planting

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CONTRIBUTOR: The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen lives in West Lothian and is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).

KONECT CALDERS | 53

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konect

The Lothians’ largest-circulation local magazine series 54 | KONECT CALDERS

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KONECT CALDERS | 55

PUZZLES

Solution in the March edition of konect

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 61 56 | KONECT CALDERS

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

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON

THEATRES

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

SILENT AUCTION East Calder Sunday School (EnerJ) are holding a silent action and fun morning 10am-12noon in East Calder Church Hall, to bring the community together and raise funds to get a bus for a family outing in June. Face painting and other entertainment for children, with refreshments for everyone. We would like to invite you all to come along and join us for this event!

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

We are hoping there will be a wide range of items for auction – Donations would be gratefully received.

Please phone Elizabeth Pennykid (01506 491149) if you have any good quality items to donate.

Kirknewton & East Calder Parish Church Charity Number: SC006973 DAILY FROM FRIDAY 10TH UNTIL SAT 19TH FEBRUARY

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

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

SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

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

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

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

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

DISCLAIMER 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, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer M: 07854 492638 E: hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

KONECT CALDERS | 57

WHAT’S ON & USEFUL INFORMATION

LIBRARY INFORMATION

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

East Calder Library Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ T: 01506 883633 E: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Firefly Arts

OPENING TIMES: Mon & Fri 10am – 5pm, Tues 10am-3pm, Wed 11am-4pm, Thurs 12pm-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Please note Registration Services are now available by appointment only. Monday – 2.00 to 4.30. Wednesday – 11am1pm. Friday – 2.00 to 4.30. Telephone 01506 883633.

Lothian Running Club

Other facilities we offer are: free internet access, cheap printing facilities and free scanning. There are daily papers to read and magazines to browse in a warm safe environment.

Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre.

See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@ westlothianclarion.co.uk

Book bug sessions: Monday 14th November 10.30-11 & Saturday 26th November 10.30-11 with Scottish theme for book Week Scotland.

Adult book groups: Thursday 17th November 5.45-6.45 & Thursday 26thNovember 5.30-6.45 Local poet Colin Mitchell presenting his new book of poems as part of Book Week Scotland Junior Craft Table: Friday 25th November 2-4pm.

Pumpherston Library Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF T: 01506 280996.

E: pumpherston.lib@westlothian.gov.uk OPENING TIMES: Monday – 14.00 to 17.00.

Wednesday – 14.30 to 16.30. Thursday – 14.00 to 18.00.

West Calder Library & Customer Information Service

West Calder Library and Customer Information Services are temporarily relocated at 24-26 Main Street, West Calder. T: 01506 771630.

OPENING TIMES: Monday – 10.00 to 16.00.

Tuesday – 10.00 to 19.00. Wednesday – 11.00 to 16.00. Thursday – 11.00 to 18.00. Friday – 10.00 to 15.00. Saturday – 10.00 to 13.00. CIS enquiry desk closed each day 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm.

58 | KONECT CALDERS

Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub. co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion

West Lothian Baking Club We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook.

West Lothian Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Classes in South Church Hall, Uphall Starting on Thurs 17th Sept 7.30 to 9.30pm. 10 weeks through to the 19th Nov, then starting the 7th January through to 10th Mar 2016. £3 per week. Teacher Mrs Margaret McGregor. Dancing for fun & fitness, any new beginners very welcome. For more info contact Sandra Cheyne, tel 01506 430600 email sdcheyne77@ yahoo.com.

West Lothian Gymnastics

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months 3 years and 35 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list.

First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail. com.

EAST CALDER Ante-natal Yoga - Yamma Mamma

Prepare for your Baby with Yoga birth preparation and fitness.

Sunday morning 10am to 11.30am. For more details please contact Ruth on 07767 777044 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

Forget-Me-Not Café

East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court. Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

East Calder Bowling Club

Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every friday 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 and club news.

East Calder Jog Scotland Group

Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

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 Colts FC

East Calder Park. Soccer school every Friday night and teams for all ages groups please check website for details http://www. eastcalderfc.co.uk/

East Calder Old Folks Club

East Calder Community Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and nonpensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle

East Calder Community Centre. Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE.

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.

New Mums Group

This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Community Centre. Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Breast Feeding Support Group

East Calder Church Hall. Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

Bingo

Pigeon Club, East Calder. Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

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. Call Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

East Calder Playgroup

Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows Mon 6.30 – 7.30pm and Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm. Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm. Guides: Wed 7.30-9pm. Monday Guides meet in Kirknewton Chuch Hall 7pm-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com. Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640.

Toddler Clinic

East Calder Health Centre. 1st Tues every month. Drop in for advice & support 1.30–3.30pm.

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

East Calder Needlecraft Club We are a group of ladies who would like to invite you to our weakly Thursday meetings, between 7 and 9.30 pm in the Community Centre. We enjoy a range of needlecrafts including cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing. Friendly tuition given. Our members range in age from 18 to 80. Outings include a trip to Hobby Craft in Glasgow, S.E.C.C. Also away day trips - something to please everyone. Tea and biscuits provided.

Please contact 01506 882427 for more information.

East Calder Old Tyme Dance Club

East Calder Community Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Iain MacPhail, accordionist. Beginners/learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club.

Slimming World

Pigeon Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesdays at 9.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information.

West Lothian Eagles – Aussie Rules Football We have just started and are looking for new players, of all shapes and sizes, beginners especially for free training sessions. Get fit, have a laugh, make new friends and play a new sport. We train mainly in East Calder football pitch on the Main St. on Monday evenings at 7.15pm but we also train on various other places throughout West Lothian.

Check the facebook page for details. www.facebook.com/ wleaglesarfc/

KIRKNEWTON Mini & Me Music Group

The Green Room Thursdays 2pm-2.45pm. Songs, stories and rhymes just for the little ones. Meet other mums & make new friends. Contact Amanda on 07814 055499.

Kirknewton Youth Group

Village hall or Green Room. Fridays 6-8pm. For P7+. Please Contact Jennifer at jenniferkirknewton@gmail.com

Kirknewton Starlets

Kirknewton Primary School. Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30 - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha on email t.ewing@btinternet.com

Kosy Kaff

Kirknewton Village Hall. Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

Pilates Classes

Kirknewton Village Hall: Tuesdays 6.45pm to 7.35pm (Improvers and Intermediates); Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am (Intermediates) and 10.10am to 11.00am (Beginners and Improvers). Balerno Scouts Hall: Tuesdays 9.10am to 10.00am (mixed). For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

Kirknewton Rainbows and Brownies

Kirknewton Village Hall. Rainbows Wed 5pm-6.15pm; Brownies Wed 6.30pm-8pm. Contact Gill on 01506 883261 or gillww@ hotmail.com

KONECT CALDERS | 59

Toddler Group

Kirknewton Church Hall. Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, friendly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am.

Physio Pilates Classes

Modified Pilates taught by a Chartered Physiotherapist.

Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays 6.45pm and 7.45pm - suitable for beginners or improvers. Spaces are limited so for more information or to book contact Dianne on 07795466464. diannemackenzie1@gmail.com. Facebook: Physio Pilates Classes.

Myra Mackie School of Dance

Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and 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.

Star Harmonies

Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-3011am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45am- Little Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv’n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:30-9:30pm The Liv’n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www. starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

Hatton Sports Club

West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club

Kirknewton Runners

Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

Kirknewton Stompers

Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking.

Simply Play

Kaspars Out of School Care for Kirknewton. Kirknewton Primary School. Mon – Thu 3.15-6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00. Call 07871 791000

Kirknewton Women’s 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.

Potter Around

Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307.

Welcome Café

Glenalmond Hall. Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Café 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.

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 Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC

Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD. Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewllery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround. co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

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.

Kirknewton Play Group

Yoga Classes

Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9.15am to 11.30am. Ages 2 to 4 1/2 years. £5 per session. Call in and see us during session times or email kirknewtonplaygroup@yahoo.com

Celtic Stepz

Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes. Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674

MID CALDER 5th West Lothian Mid Calder Cub Group

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Thursdays 7.20 to 8.30. New cubs welcome. Aged betweem 8 – 10 years. Please contact Vroni on 07900 907297.

Mid Calder School of Dance

Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054.

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Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group

Institute Hall, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-11am. £1 per baby / £1.50 per toddler per session, all welcome. Please email midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for more details.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night, Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights. To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections.

Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

Folk Club The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir We would like to invite all ladies with a love for singing and music to come and join us. You don’t have to be able to read music. We are a well established three part choir and have a membership of around 20 ladies. We sing a wide variety of songs including music from films and shows, spiritual, traditional and pop music. We hold two concerts annually, one before Christmas and one in the summer accompanied by West Calder Brass Band. We also sing at venues across the region on request. The choir practices in Kirk of Calder on Wednesdays 7.30 - 8.45pm. New members are always most welcome to join.

Contact John Rankine - 01506 880029.

POLBETH Star Harmonies

Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church. Mondays: Drama: 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-45-7-25pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+.

DANCE: 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-7-30pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pmP3-P7. Tuesdays: 3-15-3-45pm- Baby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez. Other classes in Mid Calder. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

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 info on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON 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

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.

St Theresa’s Catholic Church Masses - 11.30AM every Sunday. 9am every Monday and Friday.

6pm every Wednesday. Confessions - After Mass on Sundays, or on request. www.livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk; 01506 880918 frpaul@livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk.

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

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 56

Uphall Station Creative Play

Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.

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 Sat, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254.

WEST CALDER West Lothian Fibromyalgia Support Group

Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. There is no group meet in July, August or December. See sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.

18th West Lothian Scout Group

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

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 yrs.

Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

West Calder Walking Group

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

CHURCHES Polbeth Harwood Church

Service 11:15 am every Sunday. West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 8 Manse Court, East Calder EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884802

Kirknewton and East Calder Church Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School available. Website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ADMINISTRATION QS Services 4 BARBERS TJ Barbers 11 BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL7 BOOKKEEPING AKT Bookkeeping 4 BUILDING SERVICES Almond Building Company 54 Madison Garrad 6 Build-It 51 BUILDING SURVEYOR David Hastings WL8 Plan-It 51 BOWLING CLUB East Calder Bowling Club 14 CAR SERVICE AND REPAIR LVS Garage 5 JWG Car Care 54 Kirknewton Garage 55 Autocare Solutions 55 CARPETS Land of Carpets 2 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services WL24 James Burnett WL24 CATERING Food Creations WL24 CHARITIES British Heart Foundation 18 Marie Curie Cancer Care 46 CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT Jump Station WL20 Young Engineers WL20 CHIROPODIST Foot Clinic 11 CLEANING SERVICES Inside & Out 38 Clean Bee 38 COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES Greenfield Herbalist 11 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers WL14 DENTIST No. 9 Dental 10 Artis Dental 10 Currie Dental Care 13 DOORS uPVC Door Shop 6 DRESSMAKING\ALTERATIONS Note Bene Design 11 Just Sew 12 ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical 50 Simply Electrical WL6 MC & Co. Electrical WL1

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Riddell Electrical 6 ESTATE AGENTS Aberdein Considine WL12 Remax (Back Cover) 64 Turpie & Co. WL11 FLORISTS Vicky’s Flowers 11 FOOD & GROCERIES Hopetoun Farm Shop WL22 FURNITURE & INTERIORS Shapes 2 GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors 16 GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd 7 GARDENS & LANDSCAPING SG Landscapes 16 AA Landscaping 16 D Greaves 16 GAS SUPPLIES Charles Gas 45 GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club 14 HAIRDRESSING Jane & Friends 13 HANDY MAN SERVICES 1st Call Handy Man 51 HEALTH & FITNESS Dalmahoy WL13 HEATING SERVICES Capital Heating WL6 Red Hot Condensing Boilers WL7 HIGHLAND DANCING SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop 18 HOME IMPROVEMENT Anderson Home Improvement 4 S&S Home Improvements 20 JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL5 Craigcrook Joinery 6 Geoff Vinter Joinery 50 KITCHENS Ekco WL2 LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION The Leaflet Lady 37 LIFE COACH Life Coach Edinburgh 4 LOCKSMITH West Lothian Locksmith Co. WL8 MARTIAL ARTS Dynamic Martial Arts 18 MOBILITY Ableworld WL19 Med Ecosse WL15

MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Hire Scotland WL14 NURSERY The Bee’s Knees 18 Angela Elizabeth Nursery 19 OVEN CLEANING The Clean Team 45 PAINTER/DECORATOR Braekirk Decorators 50 David J Lane WL1 Nu Walls WL6 PET SERVICES Doggies Love Walkies 15 Tilly Chance Dog Grooming 15 Milrig Kennels 15 PET SUPPLIES The Pet Stop @ Tilly Chance 15 PLUMBING SERVICES Currievale Plumbing 50 EPH 50 D-Mac Services Scotland WL4 Dewar Plumbing WL5 RESTAURANT/PUBLIC HOUSE Al Borgo 45 The Grapes Bistro 47 The Black Bull 49 REMOVALS Man With Van Ltd WL8 STORAGE Storage Containers 54 TAKE AWAY Sky Kitchen 45 TAXI All The Fours 63 TILING & PLASTERING Top 2 Bottom Plastering 4 Alexander Aitken 50 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader WL8 TUITION Sax Lessons WL20 VET Riverside Vet 15 WINDOW CLEANING Suburban Window Cleaning 45 WINDOWS Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL6 Greenburn Glass WL9 Red Hot Windows 51

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

Visit our website on: www.444444.scot

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

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

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