Konect Directory Livingston August 11

F

E E R

K nect direî‚ ory

Launch issue: August 2011

The

O

The new community magazine for Livingston WIN Family day pass to Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Local History LIVINGSTON MILL

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

1

The Window & Door Factory Ltd ...bringing trade prices direct to you!

• WINDOWS GUARANTEED • DOORS FINANCE • CONSERVATORIES Finance Available • SOFFITS • FACIAS Credit Cards • EXTENSIONS Accepted • ALUMINIUM & REPAIRS • EXTENSIONS • SUNLOUNGES • GARAGE CONVERSIONS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • FLATROOFS For a free quotation please call:

01506 432211 01506 439012

www.thewindowanddoorfactory.co.uk

Or visit our showroom at: Unit 9, Kelvin Square, Houston Ind Est, Livingston

Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm Sat 8.30am - 12 noon 2

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Hello neighbours Welcome to the first issue of your new community magazine, The Konect Directory for Livingston.

We’ve been producing this magazine for the Calders area for just over two years and it has become and indispensable handbook in local households – an entertaining read with specially-written articles on local people, local history and local businesses. We’re now bringing it to Livingston too.

The aim is to put local people in touch with the great range of businesses and facilities that we have on our doorsteps. It also contains puzzles and competitions, and for this first issue we have teamed up with Almond Valley Heritage Centre to offer you the chance to win a family day pass, so turn to the crossword competition on page 36 for your chance to win.

We’ve also put together pages of useful information, what’s on and a list of clubs and classes in the area. I’m sure there’s more going

Contents Local History Livingston Mill Local Walk Pets Recipe Children & Family

8 26 28 32 42

on that we have listed on the What’s On page for this month, so if you have an event on in September that you would like to promote or you’re involved in a community club that’s not listed, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month.

The Konect Directory will be delivered to you free of charge every second month. We are looking for distributors to help deliver it, so if you would like to be paid for a few hours’ gentle exercise each month please contact distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 01506 668580 Please support our local businesses, and thanks for reading the Konect Directory!

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

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

36 36 42 41 40 44 46

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each.

Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations throughout Livingston.

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

Helen-Jane Shearer, Editor 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph: The Threshing Barn at Livingston Mill

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

Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

‘No job too small’...we will even change a light bulb.

Kris Keegan Proprietor

Kris Keegan

Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609

t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston

e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk EH54 7DW w. www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk w.www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk

Alex’s Driving School

•Intensive Courses •Refresher Courses •Motorway lessons •Block booking discounts •Pass plus courses •Collection from home/work •Nervous pupils welcome •Competetive Prices

L

Alex Hastie DSA ADI

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Bombay Spice Indian Restaurant

79 Main Street, West Calder, EH55 8EB

01506 872215

01506 872722

FULLY LICENCED

OPENING HOURS 4pm-11pm

7 DAYS A WEEK

TAKEAWAY AND HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

DELIVERY HOURS 4pm-10pm

7 DAYS A WEEK

Sunday Special Offer

3 course Meal for 2 + bottle of house wine £30.95 with this voucher

20% OFF from your total bill

valid until 30 Sept 2011

when you come with this voucher Mon-Sat

valid until 30 sept 2011

Takeaway Set meal for 1 £9.95 Set meal for 2 £16.95 Set meal for 4 £32.95

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

5

MHPS

Property Services

Tel: 0772 551 1892 T

0844 504 5960

w: www.mhpsproperty.co.uk e: mhps.property@btinternet.com • ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION/TESTING • PLUMBING SERVICES • GCH INSTALLATION/SERVICE • DECORATION • LANDLORD PAT & PIR TESTING • HOME ENERGY REPORTS • GENERAL REPAIRS

Birch Marr Property Services Ltd

West Lothian’s New Independent Estate Agency We offer a ‘one stop shop’ from your initial enquiry to conclusion of sale of your property

Our local Agency offers:

· Excellent Introductory Offers · FREE Market Appraisal of your home · FREE Escorted Viewings · Access to 95% Mortgages (subject to status) · Multi Website Listings · Professional & Friendly Service · Available days, evenings & weekends Tel: 01506 885692 offering optimum flexibility to you 0771 537 4331

www.birch-marr.co.uk Email: birchmarrproperty@gmail.com

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Goldst r

TAXIS 01506

43 20 10 444 300 (Formerly Calder Taxis)

Summer Special

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Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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Livingston Mill

T

he noise of mill machinery grinding grain, of water from the River Almond swooshing over a huge waterwheel and of the periodic tap-tapping of the millstone dresser’s pick......these are some of the sounds that would have been familiar at old Livingston Mill until just a few decades ago. Now home to Almond Valley Heritage Centre, our popular local family attraction with animal farm and shale oil museum, today it rings with the sound of families having a great day out.

But for centuries it was an important working mill and farm.

The well-preserved mill buildings that we can visit today date from 1770, although there is evidence that there has been a mill on this site for six or seven hundred years, as indeed there have in the past been many mills along the Almond. The Livingston Mill was used primarily for shelling and grinding oats and for grinding corn and peas. Grain was brought here from farms in Bellsquarry, Grange, Alderstone, Ladywell and West Calder.

From 1880 the site also incorporated a kiln for drying oats. The grain was hoisted to the top floor then poured down onto the kiln floor which consisted of hot plates which were heated from a furnace below.

The grain was spread in a layer two to

2)

1)

three inches thick, and it took around eight hours to dry, being turned regularly with a wooden rake and spade. It was then shovelled into sacks and hoisted up to the top floor ready for the milling process.

The millstones themselves were turned by the 16’ (4.9m) waterwheel, which was powered from the Almond. A lade from the river, starting approximately half a mile upstream at the weir, fed into the mill pond which acted as a reservoir for starting the wheel in dry weather, then the flow of water from the mill pond to the wheel was controlled by a sluice immediately in front of the wheel. The power from this was directed off to different parts machinery for the working of the mill, including hoists, millstones and the threshing machine. The waterwheel you can see today has been rebuilt in recent decades, but retains the original iron axle from 1790. You can also see the large millstones, lying pretty much as they were left when the mill ceased production.

They represent a part of the laborious and complicated process involved in getting the grain from the field to the table – and which we nowadays take for granted when tucking into our porridge oats. The millstones also represent a craft that is all but lost : selecting the right type of stone, dressing the millstones, fine-tuning the machinery so that there is maximum power and minimum vibration, and so on. In flour mills this was particularly important as the tiniest spark from incorrectly tuned millstones could ignite the flour and cause an explosion. Mill stones had to be “dressed” regularly – the carefully designed series of grooves in the stones had to be re-cut to keep them sharp.

Millstone dressers were itinerant workers who travelled from mill to mill offering

Images 1) Millpond 2) Livingston Mill overflow, flowing beside the buttery 3) Livingston Mill buildings

their services to the mill owners.

Nowadays grinding is usually done by steel rollers, but stonegound meal is often considered to have superior flavour and nutritional qualities.

Livingston Mill has some unique features.

It includes a small buttery and creamery which was added in 1880 and was housed in a small separate building opposite the waterwheel. The butter churns were turned by a small waterwheel powered from a separate sluice fed from the mill pond and produced up to 25kgs of butter at a time. There was a weekly butter and buttermilk round from the farm, which delivered as far as Pumpherston. The buttery ceased production in 1928.

Livingston Mill worked up to the1940s, then was left to fall derelict until restoration work began in the 1960s by local volunteers, later supported by the Livingston Development Corporation.

The aim of the Livingston Development Corporation was to retain original farm steadings around the area and that would form the nucleus of new communities.

Livingston Mill was one such steading.

The community farm was added later, and the shale oil museum housed in one of the farm buildings. Eventually all the community projects on the site were amalgamated into the Almond Valley Heritage Trust in 1990. The Trust receives some revenue from the Council for the museum, but mainly funds itself via the visitor farm.

Mills are rare nowadays, especially one that can actually be started up with a working waterwheel, so this is a rare treasure we have on our doorstep. The millpond is now enjoyed by ducks and geese, and there is a host of other animals for children to get close up to. In addition several playgrounds, a narrow-gauge railway, tractor rides, the museum and tearoom all means that it is a perfect day out for the whole family.

“Go Wild” is the summer holiday programme of activities for children, running every day until 14th August.

3)

Recreating the lives of our prehistoric ancestors, children and their families can lend a hand in constructing a prehistoric encampment and learn skills essential for prehistoric living. There’s a shelter and fences to be build, crops to plant, and livestock to tend. And between all of this hard work there’s need to make fire, prepare food, make clothing and bedding, and even go hunting.

You can WIN a family day pass to Almond Valley Heritage Centre. See the crossword on page 36.

With thanks to Robin Chesters of Almond Valley Heritage Trust.

Almond Valley Herita ge Trust is an independent registered that exists to preserve museum the history and envir and interpret Lothian and to makeonment of West accessible, engaging this heritage all. The Trust holds aand enjoyed by museum objects that collection of memories of everydayrecord and unlock Lothian and the collec life in West as being of national tion is recognised Members of the publiimportance. many of the objects, c have donated are held in store for and many further The Trust would grfuture exhibitions. further donations. eatly welcome interested in almosThey are was once made or t anything that used in West Lothian or has some association. Even mu other local can be significant! Yo ndane objects Trust on 01506 414957u can contact the Millfield, Livingston, or visit them at EH54 7AR.

ANDREW STORRY LANDROVER SPECIALISTS

C&S

Landrover Sales, Service & Repair

▪ ▪

Landrovers Discoveries

▪ Freelanders ▪ Range Rovers

WANTED

MOTORCYCLE WORKSHOP

01506 883121

OTHER MAKES/MODELS CONSIDERED

West Badallan Farm, Fauldhouse Tel: 07879 897011 or 01501 770615

Unit 2, Calder Drive-In, East Calder, EH53 0ET Proprietors: Crichton & Sheilagh Campbell

Motorcycle Servicing & Repairs Now doing MOT’s onsite!

Open late Tues & Thurs ‘till 8pm We now supply accessories - tyres, chain & sprockets, chain sprays & oils Fast and Friendly service Come and see us at the Workshop

t 01506 857453 m 07752 992774

Pick up & delivery of bikes available

M B A SPECIALISTS

1 Letham Holdings, Uphall Station Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LX Mon-Fri 8.30-5.30 Sat 8.30-1.00

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Service & Repair Centre Collection & Delivery Available Only manufacturers parts used so will not affect your warranty.

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www.mbaspecialists.co.uk 10

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£20 off GARAGE SERVICES FU

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs ✓Kerbed alloys ✓Bumper scuffs

The Friendly Garage

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LIVINGSTON SUPERCENTRE ✓Paintwork scratches

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Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call ChipsAway F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate

D EE RS NT I PA RA RE UA G Y at any D&G Autocare Garage LL U Vouchers may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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01506 871 891 01234 456MOT’s 789 or 0800 028 OFF 7878 TYRES 15% HALF PRICE or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk

at any D&G Autocare Garage

* £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Offer only available through ChipsAway Franchisee Name until 31st January 2011.

Please produce advert at time of estimate.

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One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

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One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

The Friendly Garage

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CLUTCH REPLACEMENT

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at any D&G Autocare Garage

at any D&G Autocare Garage

Vouchers may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

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EXCLUDES CATALYTIC CONVERTERS One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

Unit 3, New Houstoun Business Park, Livingston. EH54 5BZ

The Friendly Garage

FIND A LOCAL D&G GARAGE 15%ONLINE OFFATTYRES HALF PRICE MOT’s

at any D&G Autocare Garage www.dandgautocare.co.uk

at any D&G Autocare Garage Vouchers may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Vouchers may not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

One voucher per transaction. Valid at time of purchase only.

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Thought for the Month

By Tina Gilbert

Tina Gilbert

Being not doing How often in life do we take the time to just be? In our busy and often stressful lives we are constantly doing; always on the go, always thinking of the events of the past or plans for the future. The unsettled mind is jumping from one thing to the next rarely taking the time to just be in the present moment.

As you read this, stop and take a moment to be present, take a deeper breath in and a longer breath out. Take a few moments for yourself to be present with your breath, count the breath in for three and count the breath out for three, know that you are breathing. When you breathe out relax your face and body, soften and enjoy the experience of this moment. As you breathe, listen to the sounds around you, what do you hear? Appreciate the sounds, as you sip your tea or coffee, really enjoy the taste.

wholebodybalance INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

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www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

L V Hair Design Lynn Veitch

Unisex Salon Children Welcome Mon & Wed 1/2 Price OAP Days

Cuts · Colours · Perms · Styling Hair Extensions & Colour Corrections Gift Vouchers Available

Tel: 07525 838721 or 01506 880018 Almondell Garden Centre Raw Farm, East Calder

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Take time for yourself each day, even if it is only for five minutes to stop doing and be present with full awareness in each moment. Slow down the breath, relax, engage with your senses and truly enjoy being totally in each and every moment.

Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation, you can contact her on: 07834 970409

Relaxation by Kate

Your Livingston mobile therapist Your home is your sanctuary and place to relax HNC Complementary

Therapist •Aromatherapy Diploma Massage •Reflexology Therapist •Hot Stone Massage •Swedish Massage 07907 950440

Kate261@live.co.uk

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Nikki’s Hair & Beauty Salon

Your one stop shop

Specialists in all aspects of hair and beauty from top to toe

01506 873300

Experienced Cut & Colour technicians

10% Discount with this advert

valid until 30 Nov 2011

Open 6 days a week Mon-Fri 9 - 5 Sat 7.30 - 3 105 Chapelton Drive, Polbeth EH55 8SQ

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Jean Paton Colette Paton & Lisa

Rosslyn Alternatives are based in Livingston and Roslin where they provide the following: : : : : THERAPIES : : : : Relaxing Massage – Remedial Massage – Hot Stone Therapy

: : : : TRAINING : : : :

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MTI Diploma in Holistic MTI Diploma in Holistic Massage Massage (Enrolling Now) Introduction to Holistic Massage – Hot Stone Therapy

HSE Approved First Aid Courses

Unique Hairstylists TEL: 01506 870202 11 East End, West Calder

Visit our Website for more information: www.rosslynalternatives.co.uk Ros Cope and Lynn Turner are both registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council

Please e-mail or call either Ros or Lynn : ros@rosslynalternatives.co.uk – 07990 747013 lynn@rosslynalternatives.co.uk – 07721 687095

Lumière

RA 60 x 90 advert.indd 1

15/04/2011 13:09:51

Beauty Therapies by Jackie Whigham

pedicures, manicures, massage, facials, eyelash perming/ tints, false eyelashes,waxing and more....

for toes

SPECIAL OFFER 25% OFF your first treatment when you bring this voucher Gift Vouchers also available.

Offer is valid throughout Aug and Sep and cannot be used alongside any other offers.

For appoinments, pricing and any questions call Jackie on 07845 239490 email jackiewhigham1@aol.com or find me on You will find Lumiere at Xcite in East Calder Sports Centre EH53 0JN in peaceful surroundings with plenty of free parking outside To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Local Crafters: Paper craft

By Karen Murray

P

otter Around opened in Kirknewton in October of last year with the aim of bringing a range of crafts under one roof and showcasing the talents of local crafters, as well as offering classes in a range of different techniques.

One of the crafts we wanted to include was the ever-popular art of paper craft. Staff member Irene de Luca has been crafting in all manner of media for over 40 years and is a valued member of the local WRI. She started us off by teaching children to make beautiful Christmas decorations as well as cards.

We then learned of the closure of the Paper Mill in Livingston and got in touch with Kim Fairgrieve who worked at the shop for nine years learning all there is to know about the craft of working with paper and card.

She set up Kraftz @ Kimz at Veitch’s Garden Centre (East Calder) in order to keep doing what she loved best and was delighted to get the chance to offer evening classes to her customers at Potter Around premises in Kirknewton.

Kim produces highly professionally made cards and brings all the tools and necessary equipment to teach anyone to make them.

Full of enthusiasm for what she does, the classes are always lively and inspirational.

Paper crafting might seem very simple to the uninitiated but a lot of patience is required to master the techniques and Kim knows them all. In a class you will learn everything from stamping to rolling on backgrounds, cutting stencils with Sizzix and Cricut machines to using ribbons and stickers. You will paint and punch, cut and weave and the end results are stunning.

It might seem ridiculous to say it but in the world of crafters, the count down to Christmas has begun so Kim is now working on her festive designs!

In addition to Irene’s many skills and Kim’s fabulous techniques, you can also learn paper crafting from another former Paper Mill staff member Gill. She has established Perfect Papercrafts in Livingston and makes delightful cards and mini memory books. However Gill was looking for a venue to run her classes sell her products and we were happy to oblige.

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Kim Fairgrieve of Kraft @ Kimz

The memory books are perfect for a new baby or a child’s first day at school. The work is intricate and detailed and you can simply order the style you want that will be individually tailored to your needs. If you want to be more creative, Gill will show you how you can make your very own.

West Lothian is a very creative place and the more you look, the more wonderfully creative people you find. Handmade gifts are very sought after these days so it is perfect that there are talented people who can make them or teach you how to make them yourself.

Join a class, meet the paper crafters or buy a gift at Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian.

See www.potteraround.co.uk As the word paper der the name of the materives from papyrus, from beaten reeds in ial manufactured surprise that the craftancient Egypt, it is no paper has a long and of making things in are of course many foresteemed history. There from origami to decou ms of paper crafting most popular is card page, but by far the making.

The custom of sendin be traced back to the g greeting cards can exchanged messages ancient Chinese who New Year. By the ear of goodwill to celebrate paper greeting cards ly 1400s, handmade in Europe. By the 185 were being exchanged printing, greeting car0s with advances in expensive and handmds were no longer produced. However, ade but became mass as is so often the way, the tide had turned on ce more and the era of the hand-crafted and personal greeting card is back.

One of Gill’s memory books

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

15

The Art of Matchmaking

M

any people like to have a go at matchmaking amongst friends and family. To a more or less formalised degree matchmakers have been part of many cultures for centuries.

Drawing on a wide social network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, for many people, is the way to find their partner. But what if you haven’t got that kind of network for whatever reason, or just don’t have the time to sift through endless profiles on an internet dating site? That’s where a Personal Introduction Agency can help. Allure Confidential, recently established locally, aims to offer a totally confidential, discreet and safe matchmaking service to men and women throughout the UK. Allure Confidential directors meet all their clients in person in order to gain an indepth understanding of their needs and to build a profile of them so that they can offer compatible matches. “We treat all our clients as individuals with honesty and integrity. Everyone is special and unique, no matter your age or background. Whether you are at the pinnacle of your career or taking your first steps climbing the ladder, we will tailor our service to meet all your requirements. We appreciate how difficult it is to find that special someone and are completely attuned to our client’s needs - this is crucial to our mutual success. In return, we only ask for your trust to let us do all the work for you.”

Both directors are business professionals who have worked for many years within the corporate environment, one in Relationship and Stakeholder Management and the other in Accounting. They have a keen interest in human behaviour and relationships and one has recently achieved her Diploma in Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques. They have gained extensive experience in working with people building trust amongst friends and colleagues, all of this is fortified by a deep knowledge of human relationships.

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What tips can they offer for a first dat e?

• Don’t be late • Be yourself • Relax and be con fident • Don’t be too phy sical – remember first impressions count • Manners and respec • Don’t stare at oth t go a long way er wo you are with your dat men/men when • Don’t dominate the e conversation – listen a little • Don’t complain con stantly. We all have bad days but compla inin off especially when this g puts people is the first impression they get • Grooming – dress appropriately At the end of the dat e, see her/him again tell if you would like to the do not tell her/him you m you will call, but will call if you don’t intend to.

ing sites?

Don’t trust on-line dat sed on-line by Don’t want to be recogni someone you know? ething wonderful, do When you experience some to share it with? eon som had you h you wis to work less?

Wish you had a reason ugh time to look for eno e hav to m see er Nev that someone special? e wading through Don’t want to waste tim endless e-mails? hundreds of profiles and t?

Don’t know where to star wering yes to these If you find yourself ans - let Allure her furt no k loo questions, to help you find a rk wo the all do tial Confiden r. tne par a te, ma l sou a friend,

Once you join Allure Confidential they aim to offer you as many matches as possible, but stress that their service is more about quality of the match rather than quantity.

They will help arrange all aspects of your first date, and follow up afterwards. We’re all human and rarely get it “right first time” but with a highly personalised professional service your chances of getting it right soon are much higher!

Remember: nothing is impossible!

Allure Confidential are running a special half price summer offer for Konect readers – 50% off membership fee until 30th September 2011.

You can contact Allure Confidential by phone on 0845 519 7729, e-mail enquiry@allureconfidential.co.uk or visit their website at www.allureconfidential.co.uk for more information.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

20% off

Lynn McDonald BSc, MChS.

our annual

membership fee

Tel: 01506 871 567

Call 0845 519 7729

appointments areflexible, flexible,with with evenings evenings and OurOur appointments are andweekends weekends www.allureconfidential.co.uk available upon request, please visit available upon request

Special summer offer

34B East End, West Calder EH55 8AD

www.allureconfidential.co.uk

Please call to discuss your requirements and to make an appointment

of o r PODIATRY/ CHIROPODY P CLINIC t c NEW PATIENTS ne WELCOME Ko

50%off

our annual membership fee. Valid until 30 Sept 2011

Call 0845 519 7729

Special Offer

Bring this advert and receive your first routine podiatry treatment for only £20.00 valid until 31 Oct 2011

Professional podiatry services include: Routine footcare (Corns / Hard skin / nails) Nail problems · Veruccae · Nail Surgery Biomechanical assessments Insoles / orthotics · Footcare advice Registered with the Health Professions Council

Gerard Johnstone (Chiropractor)

183 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW

Not sure if chiropractic can help?

Then please come for a FREE information 15 minute consultation (for all new clients) valid until 30th Sept 2011

Treatment for : Back Pain ■ Sciatica ■ Sports Injuries ■ Low Back Pain ■ Migraines ■ Neck Pain ■ Shoulder Problems ■ Prolapsed Disc (Slipped Disc) and many other conditions

Please call Gerard on

01506 880444 Payment accepted by cash, cheque or card To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

17

Greenburn Golf Club 6 Greenburn Road, Fauldhouse, West Lothian EH47 9HJ Tel: 01501 770292 Fax: 01501 772615 E-mail: administrator@greenburngolfclub.co.uk

Amazing Summer Offer GGC £250

SPECIAL OFFER Join Greenburn Golf Club in August/September 2011 for an amazing £250. That’s £250 for 8 months Golf !!!!!!

Enjoy the full benefits of being a Club Member: Official CONGU handicap, Competitive Golf, Play at your own convenience, A sport for life, Value for Money, Access to cheaper golf elsewhere.

This offer is open to new members only, please quote GRB/amzoffer 2011 If you are interested in becoming a member at Greenburn Golf Club then you can down load a membership application form from our web site; contact the Club Administrator at the above email address or telephone 01501 770292

18

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

19

Do im n’t pr mo ov v e! e

Advanced Property Solutions Ltd 25 Baberton Mains Dell, Edinburgh EH14 3DQ Office: 0131 442 1794 Mobile:07759646241 email: enquire.aps@hotmail.co.uk

Exceptional service at acceptable prices.

All estimates free, insurance work welcome.

Extensions/Conversions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors Internal & External, Facings & Skirting’s, Window’s, Fencing & Decking, Locks & Ironmongery, Staircases, Ceilings, Flooring, Loft Ladders, Shopfitting, Partitioning & Office fit-out, Plumbing/Electrics, Decoration.

David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS

Tel: 01506 880161 or 07803 289714 Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted?

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

Professional expertise in:

· Preparation of specification and drawings · Submission for Planning approval and Building Warrant · Assistance with competitive tenders and selection of contractors · Site and financial supervision to final account and certification · Energy and H&SE issues

email: wmachastings@aol.com 20

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SPEX DIRECT On the High Street OPTICIANS 10-12 East Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5AE

Tel/Fax: 01506 858186

FREE EYE TEST*

All UK residents living in Scotland are entitled to a FREE EYE TEST at least every 2 years

FREE GLASSES*

With every NHS eye test done in practice. We will supply a FREE PAIR OF GLASSES. No purchase necessary

HOUSEBOUND WE CAN COME TO YOU! Get INTERNET AND FACTORY PRICES from your optician.

Old and new customers are welcome to come and see FRED AND TRISH NICOLL in our bigger brighter premises COMPLETE PRICE GLASSES* Includes Frames and Lenses Single Vision 1 Pair £ 35 2 Pairs £ 60 3 Pairs £ 70 Bifocals 1 Pair £ 55 2 Pairs £100 3 Pairs £140 Varifocals 1 Pair £ 65 2 Pairs £120 3 Pairs £170 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

LENS PRICE PER PAIR* Single Vision Mar Single Vision 1.6 Mar Single Vision 1.67 High Index Lenses R24, D25 & D28 Bifocals

£ 27 £ 32 £ 45 £ 55 £ 37

Varifocals from £ 40 Kodak FreeformVarifocals with clean and clear coat from £105

* restrictions apply 21

Gap year in South Africa Laura McDonald

M

y name is Laura McDonald and I live in West Calder. I am 17 and have just completed my 6th year at West Calder High School. In December 2010, I attended a challenging 4 day selection course for Project Trust (see side box) which tested my suitability for going overseas. I was delighted to be accepted and will be going to a township in South Africa called Botlokwa in the Limpopo Provence where I’ll be teaching computer literacy, English, maths, music and art in a local school for students from 14 to 21 years old. Class sizes can range from 25 to 65 people!

In the region I’ll be staying in they speak Zulu. It is one of South Africa’s poorer areas.

I will be staying with a host family and will learn about the African culture. I will be accompanied by a fellow Project Trust volunteer who will be staying next door to me; we’ve been told that one of us is going to have an outdoor loo!

I have recently returned from training on the Isle of Coll, which included team building, teaching skills, and how to stay safe and healthy. They even included a lesson on how to hand wash and iron clothes, which I’m sure everyone found helpful!

I have returned home from my training more confident and motivated to start my new life overseas. I met lots of people who will be going with me and I will hopefully get to see some of them throughout my year. Many of us have already planned our New Year celebrations in Cape Town!

After my gap year, I am hoping to study Events Management at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. I currently hold a conditional offer for a deferred place in 2012.

Project Trust

ofit, registered, non-pr Project Trust is a ity which specialises in ar educational ch avers overseas for an 8-12 sending school-lehas a rigorous selection month period. It teers must attend a process - all volun on the Hebridean island residential courseof Project Trust is to of Coll. The aim to have an educational enable individualslearning and appreciating experience while Project Trust has volunteer the local culture. er 20 countries throughout placements in ovthe Americas. For more Africa, Asia and www.projecttrust.org.uk information, see

Any donation, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated; every penny counts towards my fundraising total...

Please make cheques payable to PROJECT TRUST and send them to: Laura McDonald, 15 Burngrange Park, West Calder, EH55 8HF. If you prefer you can call Project Trust directly and simply quote “Laura McDonald” or donate online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/lauramcdonald You can contact me on lauramcdonald94@hotmail.co.uk or tel 01506 870247

Fundraising As part of my commitment to Project Trust I am currently fundraising for the charity and have a target of £4700 which has to be raised before I depart on 25th of August.

Since January I have managed to raise a total of… £3980! I’ve held fund raising events such as a charity gig, a race night, and a BBQ and raffle! I am currently planning a Ceilidh for the end of July and also a Quiz Night at one of my local pubs.

22

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Marys’ Patch

“The Barn” at Veitchs Garden Centre, East Calder

Tel: 01506 882440

le a s y a d lar’ 2 u c a t c e ‘Sp gust u A 0 2 18

Opening Times:

Mon to Sat 10-5 Sunday 11-4

We stock around 2000 bolts of quality patchwork fabrics, plus yarns, haberdashery and patchwork/knitting classes

www.maryspatch.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

23

On the Boardwalk

By Karen Murray

F

or the serious walker, a boardwalk might be considered a cop out. However, the main point of a boardwalk is to preserve the land beneath while allowing you to walk in the environment and enjoy it.

The other reason boardwalks are so great is that they are an added incentive to persuade children to go for a walk. Mine change their shrill cries of ‘Oh no, not a walk’ to ‘Great, let’s go’ when we mention it might be a boardwalk.

Our usual haunt is the boardwalk at Red Moss near Balerno, but through a friend who works at Scottish Natural Heritage I have discovered a new place for us to visit as a family namely Blawhorn Moss, near Blackridge. The wooden pathways now winding around this ancient habitat not only preserve the habitat, they keep the visitor safe too – if you stray off them you might just find yourself waist-deep in layers of soil and moss that have been vegetating for 1,200 years!

reserve. Bog habitat is still under threat nationally - almost 94% of the UK’s lowland raised bog habitat has been lost since the end of the 19th century. Large areas of these deep peat deposits were dug out for fuel, drained for farming or planted for forestry.

The bog, which has over twelve thousand years of moss growth, is a survivor of a huge area of peat which once covered the entire area of central Scotland. Flora is many and varied with a carpet of sphagnum moss, heather, cotton grass, crowberry, hair moss and even the insect eating round leaved sundew – which has been known to eat even dragonflies. That little nugget of information could certainly intrigue a child and keep their interest in the outdoors!

For the budding ornithologist, many different birds visit the moss at different times of year including the red grouse, snipe, curlew, redshank, teal, skylark, hen harrier and short eared owl. Butterflies and dragonflies are also regularly seen at the reserve as are frogs and toads.

As recently as 2008 Blawhorn - one of the largest and best examples of lowland raised peat bogs in the Lothians – was re-declared as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). The 110 hectare Blawhorn Moss is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage and they are keen for people to visit this internationally recognised

26

With all the talk of bog, you might wonder why it is such a great place for a walk. In the past bogs were simply considered only suitable for cutting the peat or for draining, but that has all changed. A walk across the bog affords a real close encounter with nature as well as some fabulous views. Bogs also act as a carbon sink, trapping carbon dioxide and helping combat global warming.

Blawhorn is one of the best examples in central Scotland.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Perhaps the best time to visit the bog in terms of wildlife is from April to July but you will always find something of interest at any time of year.

from orn is said to come The name Blawh Blackridge of e lag vil al loc e the days when th tween aching station be was a midway co n was used or wh asgow. Bla Edinburgh and Gl coaches ing tch wa r fo as a viewing point be blown en a horn would approaching, wh the hill at wn do aching inn to signal to the co rn’.

Ho ow ‘Bl me na e e th Blackridge, henc

This is only a short walk, but if you fancy a longer walk, you can start with Blawhorn and the reserve then links into the local path network.

Blawhorn can be found northwest of the village of Blackridge, four miles west of Armadale It can easily be reached from Junction 4 of the M8, heading west for three miles on the A89 to Blackridge. The car park is clearly signposted and is open 8am to 9pm (summer) and 8am to 6pm (winter).

Photo by GeoJuice

on Flickr

7 DAYS 24/7 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

27

Vet’s Tip: Rabbit Care

R

abbits are the third most popular domestic pet in the U.K., and yet are one of the most neglected.

It is estimated there are over one million rabbits living as pets in the U.K. and many of these bright, intelligent creatures lives could be greatly improved through just a few changes.

Rabbits are highly sociable animals and love to live in pairs, especially a neutered male and female. A single rabbit living alone is easily bored, and has no opportunity of bonding with a partner by mutual grooming or resting side by side – both entirely natural instincts.

Rabbits enjoy human company too and can often be more sociable than some cats! My four rabbits are often to be found relaxing on the sofa, stretched out in front of the TV!

Rabbits were never designed to live in a confined space. They need space to run, jump, explore and share companionship with their own kind, so must have accommodation to allow these natural behaviours. They should have space to run around, outside of their living quarters, for a minimum two to three hours a day. A large secure run attached to their hutch is ideal, as this gives the rabbit freedom to exercise when he wants. Hutches should be tall enough so the rabbit can stretch up on its hind legs, and long enough so they can run freely from one end to the other – a minimum guideline is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft with an 8ft run attached.

Vet’s tip provided by Louise Gardiner, VN, West Lothian Pet Sitters

Pick up and drop off service Please call Jackie McGeachie on louise@westlothianpetsitters.co.uk www.westlothianpetsitters.co.uk

01506 206012 or 07954 414542

07591 351 789

Alanna Bertram Dog Groomer Keep your best friend healthy and happy!

Shuttlehall West Calder EH55 8QZ

07789 755101

ponyta43@hotmail.com

28

Attention all dog lovers Would you know what to do if anything happened to your dog or one in your care?

Canine First Aid Training courses

•

One day courses covering all aspects of accident or injury.

Instructor To make a booking call

CFRI0055

Jan: 01506 209974 or 07912 434381

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

New Business for West Lothian ADVERTISMENT

i

Care Pet Cremation and Burial Services is a brand new business in West Lothian and I would like to introduce myself and the business to its residents and pet owners. My name is Alex Baxter and after realising the lack of such a local service within West Lothian I decided to investigate current practices and provide a more caring and personal service to pet owners.

Having lost my pet in 2010, the decision to offer this service became my ambition. I hadn’t given any thought to what we would do when she died, and when she did I was so grief-stricken I couldn’t make decisions which seemed so cold and uncaring. Had a local service like this been offered to me prior to my pet’s illness I would have felt relieved that someone else cared as much for my dog as I had.

At iCare Pet Crem, we aim to provide the same level of dignity and professionalism to your pets as we would if they were human. They would be collected and handled sensitively by iCare Pet Crem staff, including collection from your local veterinary practice should they die there, and would then be transported in an iCare vehicle and never with clinical waste, which is unfortunately how some current practices operate. Your pet would be cremated individually so you are guaranteed to receive your pet’s ashes, which again is something that is not always carried out elsewhere.

Our pets are integrated into our families and into our hearts and when they die, we grieve for them in the same way as losing a family member. At iCare Pet Crem, we are offering a registration and pre-payment plan so that you don’t need to worry about these final details in your time of grief. Most of us don’t think

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

about the death of our family pets, but when the time comes, you can be secure in the knowledge that your pet is given a caring, sensitive and dignified send-off.

Your pet’s ashes can be collected or hand delivered to your address in a scatter tube and suede bag or a casket or urn of your choice. Sometimes people don’t know what to do when their pet dies, so this method allows you to decide whether you would choose to bury the scatter tube, scatter your pet’s ashes in their favourite place, or sometime in the future transfer their ashes to a sealed casket, tribute box or picture frame.

There is no rush to make these decisions, we will support and guide you all the way.

To register your Pet with iCare Pet Crem please call us or visit our website and complete the on-line registration form.

This service is free and can make such a difference coping with a loss in the future. iCare Pet Crem is a West Lothian business here to serve the needs of West Lothian pet owners. Please feel free to give us a call at any time or visit our website for more information on the full list of services we offer including our Pet register and Pre Payment plan.

29

School holidays - who needs ‘em?

By Helen-Jane Shearer

W

hile most of us are either enjoying or enduring the long school holidays with the children at home, for a number of families the school term calendar has no impact on their arrangements; their children are educated outwith the school system. I met up with one such family last month to learn a bit more about their lifestyle.

The Davidsons live in Livingston. Parents Morag and Kevin run an IT business and the children are home-educated. They started off at a primary school in Edinburgh, which they were so pleased with that when they moved to Livingston they kept the children in the Edinburgh school and travelled each day. But with a change of head teacher, the school no longer met their needs so they took the children out of school while they looked for another in Livingston. During that time they noticed that the children were learning fast at home and were happy and fulfilled. They abandoned the search for a school; home education was working and they were all loving it. Their eldest daughter had by this time already had gained a scholarship to a secondary school in Edinburgh and was happy there, but the other children were still primary school age.

Home education is the ultimate in individually tailored education as children don’t have to fit in with the way the rest of a class is working. They can find their own style and pace. Morag sees herself as a facilitator rather than a teacher. “I let them have a lot of freedom to follow their own interests,” says Morag. “We talk about things a lot, and we provide them

Sam, Morag, Jenn

a

with whatever they need to pursue their interests.” They rarely sit at a desk with worksheets; learning happens through involving the children in everyday activities as well as providing them with the books and materials they want to do their own projects. As we chatted Finlay, aged 2, trotted past counting fluently. And they are lucky in that all of the children are good readers, mainly self-taught. Cameron, aged 8, is an avid reader, having read all the Harry Potter books when he was 6.

Bekah, aged 5, is just learning to read and loves ballet too. But reaching benchmarks and comparing her children to others is just not something that Morag and Kevin do, or find the least bit useful. They know that each of their children are learning to the best of their ability and that is what matters. Sam (12), having spent most of her primary school years at home, got a bursary for Mary Erskine last year despite scepticism from some that she would not have a chance, as competition is fierce for the small number of places. She won a place and decided to give secondary school a go.

I ask her how she has found her first year at school. “We haven’t done anything yet that I hadn’t already done at home” she says.

“I finish my lessons early and the teachers give me extra puzzles and things to do”.

So why is she there? “Well, we decided we’d give it a fair go and see how it goes.”

Sam is interested in the performing arts and this year for the second year running she has a role in the Macrobert panto in Stirling, Jackie and the Beanstalk (see www.macrobert.org/panto.htm). This involves two months full time off school from November to January, as well as a significant commitment throughout the late summer and autumn. My impression is that a couple of months off school is unlikely to be a problem for Sam! Sam’s older sister Jenna (14) is also keen on the performing arts, and successfully auditioned for a place on the SQA Higher in dance at Howden Park Centre.

In addition she is working towards Royal Academy of Dance vocational qualifications via the Central Scotland Ballet School.

m, Cameron, Sa

a, Bekah

Finlay, Jenn

She hopes to go to the The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, so has a clear idea of what she wants to do and how to get there. In her spare time she loves knitting and has set up a small business called Jenna’s Knits, selling her knitwear to family, friends and online.

Morag feels that learning how to learn is a key skill that home education is giving her children, and it is that ability to carve out their own paths and pick up new skills that is so valuable in later life.

A typical day for the Davidsons might include a visit to the library, and the older children might help the younger ones with a science experiment or some baking.

There is a busy home education community across Edinburgh and the central belt, and the Davidsons join in organised excursions as and when things come up which interest them. Most days there are clubs and activities to attend - for the older girls their dance classes, for the others Tae Kwon Do, judo, swimming. There is only one day of the week when they don’t have any clubs on, and they have a busy social life. Morag leaves the older girls to arrange their cinema trips and so on with their friends, who come from a wide geographical area thanks to the fact that they attend clubs not only in Livingston but also in Falkirk, South Queensferry and Edinburgh.

How does home-educating fit in with both parents working? “We both work from home, so we share in looking after the children and visiting customers.” Morag can usually manage all the desk time she needs for administration work during the day while the children are occupied with their own things. Report writing and project planning all happens in the evening after the younger children are in bed. Does Morag ever feel she needs a bit of “me

time”? “For me I don’t feel it’s that important. There are plenty of times when the children are away, at activities, at friends’ houses or with their god-mother.”

So as we’re tearing our hair out wondering what to do with the children these holidays, coping with the refrain of “I’m bored, what can I do?” let’s reflect that when children’s lives are not divided up for them by adults into “school” and “holiday” they can be learning, enjoying life at their own pace and developing without having either their education or their entertainment handed to them on a plate.

Home Education - Did From www.schoolhou you know? se.

• Children must be ed org.uk ucated between the ages of 5 and 16, but they need never attend school.

• Children’s educatio n is the responsibility of their parents, not the state.

• Home education is a choice which carrie s equal weight in law to • Parents need no for schooling. mal qualifications to educate their own chi ldren.

• Home educators ne ed not stick to a designated timetable or school hours, and need not follow any set • Some children are ho curriculum. because of school-relatme educated as bullying or unmet ed problems such special education needs.

• Home educated chi ldr qualifications if/when en can obtain it suits them.

• Home education is a proven, highly successful alternative to research has consisten schooling and tly shown that home educated children do better academically and socially than the ir sch counterparts, especially ooled if they come from poorer backgrounds.

• The Scottish Governm statutory guidance on ent has issued elective home education which sho uld be followed by local authorities.

Crushed Raspberry Tart

L

ate summer means fresh raspberries, mushed up with fresh creme fraiche and wrapped in soft flakey pastry.

An incredibly simple yet tasty recipe from www.eatseasonably.co.uk Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • 1 packet of puff pastry • 1 egg, beaten • 200g/ 8oz creme fraiche • 200g/8oz raspberries INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/Gas 4.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out a 20cm (8”) circle.

Then, with the remaining pastry cut out 1cm (0.5”) strips to make a boarder around the edge of the tart.

Brush the beaten egg around the edge of the tart, roughly 1cm (0.5”) thick, then lay the 1cm (0.5”) strips of pastry on the egg to create an edge to the tart and brush the egg onto this.

Put the pastry on to a baking tray & bake for 20 minutes until golden brown, then take out and leave to cool.

Spread the crème fraiche over the pastry base.

Slightly crush the raspberries with a fork & spoon over the crème fraiche.

Wedding, celebration, novelty and sculpted cakes

Web: www.houseofbrownsugar.co.uk

Tel: 01506 492015

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Rasberry facts

• Raspberries are me mbers of the rose family.

• There are approxim ately 200 different species of raspberries . people are aware of While most red and black raspberries, they also come in purple and gold.

• Raspberries are hig h naturally have no fat vitamin C and , cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of iron and folate • Raspberries only las t days in the fridge. If for two to three you want to keep raspberries on hand, fre then allow the fruit to eze them and temperature when rea thaw at room dy to use. When freezing raspberries, you have two options : if you freeze the fruit without sugar, it will keep for about three months. However, if you add sugar and then freeze, it will las t in the freezer for a full year.

• The minute you pu ll the fruit from the plant it stops ripening – will not ripen once pic unripe berries ked!

Fresh local organic produce delivered to your door

Vegetables * Fruit * Milk * Eggs & Wholefoods SPECIAL OFFER:

First standard vegetable box for £8.50 (normal price £11.50) FREE DELIVERY To order or for more information contact: bags@thewholeshebag.com or call: 01501 785436 or check out

www.thewholeshebag.com

SOPA Membership S14 Organic Membership UK3

Steven Belford Traditional Butcher 12A Main St, Deans, EH55 8DF Tel: 01506 410627 OPEN Mon-Fri 7:30am-5.00pm ▪ Wed & Sat 7:30am-1.00pm Supplying a wide range of prime quality traceable Scottish meat, including bacon and chicken. Steak pies, susages and burgers all home made to traditional recipes and ready cooked meats.

Bakery products including bread, rolls, pies, filled rolls etc.

South Cobbinshaw West Calder, West Lothian EH55 8LQ ~ Tel 01501 785 436 ~ bags@thewholeshe SOPA Membership 814 Certification UK3

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

33

J

Veitc R &FAMiLY RUN h GARdeN ceNtRe

&

PLANt NURseRY Almondell Garden Centre, East Calder, EH53 0ET

Tel: 01506 880018

JMC GARDENING SERVICES ■ garden maintenance ■ gardens tidied ■ rubbish cleared Call ■ creocote and John McHale fence repairs West Calder 01506 871863 07836 266639

Bedding Plants Shrubs and Trees NOW ALL IN STOCK

Garden Furniture Pots & Containers Can be filled to order

GET PAID TO KEEP FIT!

We’re looking for local people to help deliver the Konect Directory every month.

If you would like to be paid for a few hours’ gentle exercise each month delivering the magazine door to door, please contact: distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk

or call 01506 668580.

34

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Tel: 0131 333 1320 email: info@bridgeinn.com

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

35

Prize Crossword

Win a family day pass to Almond Valley Heritage Centre. See feature on pages 8-9.

Across 1. Located (6) 4. Flatulent (5) 8. Score (4) 9. Doorway (8) 10. Wither (7) 12. Prevail (5) 13. Gammy (4) 14. Locations (5) 17. Earnings (5) 20. Bottom of ship’s hull (4) 22. Succulent (5) 23. Having all tickets sold (4,3) 24. Province in E China (8) 25. Oxidize (4) 26. Having an edge (5) 27. Pertaining to scenery (6) Down 1. Winged horse (7) 2. Crash (7) 3. Fuel oil (6) 5. Crew of an aircraft (7) 6. Submerging (7) 7. Sharp (4) 11. Bodies of water (5) 15. Final part (4,3) 16. Horizon (7) 18. Loud enough to be heard (7) 19. Diabolical (7) 21. Lives in rented rooms (6) 22. New Orleans music (4)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 12th August, 2011.

Sudoku

DEAR LOTTERY PRIZE WINNERS....

Sudoku solution on page 45

TELEPHONE ENGINEER

BARROWFIELD LEATHER COMPANY LTD.

Tel/Fax: 01506 872222

New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky •••• Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets •••• Repair to internal phone and broadband faults •••• Old style phones converted to work on UK sockets

Specialist in Leather Goods and most materials Design and Repair

I CAN SUPPLY AND INSTALL

EST.

Easy to use big button amplified hearing aid compatible phone with hands free calling •••• Loud audio phone ringers with flash indicators

Free estimates – no call out charge

Belts Pouches Carry Cases Flag Holders Leather Lacing Wedding Favours Promotional Material Nail Bags Industrial Products

1892

Bespoke Designs to order

Contact John McGraw Tel : 0131 555 1314 Mob : 07771 927796

Unit 11, Society Place West Calder workshops, EH55 8EA

ALL AREAS – PROMPT - RELIABLE

Licensed Tattoo Studio

NOW OPEN at 153a Main Street, East Calder Over 18's only Give a present that will last a lifetime Gift vouchers available for birthdays etc.

Custom and traditional tattoos

To Book an Appointment call Charlie Tel: 07825 813461 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

37

CALDER FRAMING 01506 870333

GALLERY

Unit 10 West Calder Workspace Society Place, West Calder

Canvas Stretching All types of Picture Framing Cross stitch and Football tops In fact anything is possible!

Tues - Fri 10am - 5 pm

Selection of Paintings on Sale

Local volunteers needed for Boxer Welfare Scotland

B

oxer Welfare Scotland is a charity rescuing and rehoming boxers all over Scotland.

It is run completely by volunteers who aim to ďŹ nd a forever home for all the dogs in our care.

Can you offer a loving home to a boxer?

Can you give some of your time to help out?

Can you fund raise?

Can you donate?

Some of the dogs in our care have heartbreaking stories to tell but they all deserve another chance.

us for rehoming and she is only 5 years old.

Help us to help these unfortunate dogs ďŹ nd the home they deserve.

Holly (pictured) was hit by a train then used for breeding and was then handed over to

Tel 01224 515101 www.boxerwelfarescotland.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

39

Useful Information School Term dates

Last Post Times

Autumn (Term 1) Tue 16/8/11 - Thu 22/12/11 Sept Hol Mon 19/09/11 - Tue 20/09/11 Break Mon 17/10/11 - Mon 24/10/11

Almondvale Centre (above Asda), EH54 6HS tel 01506 444213 Opening times Mon – Sat: 08.30 – 18.00 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.30, Sat 12noon

(from www.westlothian.gov.uk)

Library Information Almondbank Library Craigshill Shopping Mall, EH54 5EJ Tel: 01506 777500 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 Carmondean Library (Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00

Main Street, Livingston Village, EH54 7AF tel 01506 460102 Opening times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Wed: 09.00 – 13.00 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 17.00, Wed: 11.00 Sat: 11.00 22 Fernbank, Ladywell, EH54 6DT tel 01506 433968 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 12noon Cameron Way, Knightsridge, EH54 8HF tel 01506 444068 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 11.00 108 The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5ED tel 01506 432411 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 16.30, Sat 11.30 Unit 4 Carmondean Centre, Deans, EH54 8PT tel 01506 435311 Opening times Mon - Fri: 08.30 – 17.30 Sat: 08.30 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.25, Sat 11.30 The Post Box at the main delivery office on Fairbairn Road, EH54 6TT, tel 01506 414441 has a final collection time of 18.30 Mon-Fri and 12.30 on Saturday. Please note that there are no ‘counter’ facilities at this office.

40

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What’s On? August St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

Medical Centres Deans and Eliburn Medical Practice, Carmondean Health Centre, EH54 8PY. Tel: 0844 477 3144 www.deansmedicalpractice.co.uk.

Dedridge Medical Group, Nigel Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QQ. Tel: 01506 414586 www.dedridgemedicalgroup.co.uk Howden Medical Group, Howden Health Centre, Howden Road West, EH54 6TP Tel :01506 423800 www.howdenmedical.co.uk Craigshill Health Centre, The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5DY. Tel: 01506 432621 Murieston Medical Practice, Hamilton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9JZ Tel: 01506 461 464 www.murieston.scot.nhs.uk Morrison’s Pharmacy 01506 430449

Howden Park Centre a busy Howden Park Centre has luding live programme of events inc rkshops and music, dance, theatre, wo te at www. bsi we exhibitions. See their complete for k o.u e.c ntr kce howdenpar up to date listing.

Saturday 6th August “The Garden” A tense new drama about families and the secrets we keep to protect them. By Peapod Productions.

3pm, Howden Park Centre. Tickets £10, concessions £8. Box Office 01506 777666 Sunday 14th August Almondell Bat Walk Looking and listening for bats. Enjoy an evening with this elusive night-flyer. Booking essential, suitable for all, call the Ranger Service for details - Almondell & Calderwood Country Park - 01506 882254. Adult £3.15, Child £2.50.

Friday 19th August Pamper Evening, Crofthead Farm, Dedridge Come along and get pampered with lots of treatments on offer at very reasonable prices plus items for sales (Babycakes & Balloons, Frog Prince Designs, Phoenix Cards, Aromatherapy, Sweet as...., Cakes and The Body Shop – What more could you ask for at a Pamper Evening?! Tickets only £3 and all proceeds go to Armdale’s Blues 99’s. This is not a ladies only night, men are welcome too!

For tickets and more info call 07523 321909.

Feel free to bring your own bottle.

Sunday 28th August Angela Musk and Band Singer/songwriter from Blackburn.

7.30pm, Howden Park Centre. Tickets £8, concessions £6. Box office 01506 777666

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

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

41

TE S! A R PI ZLER PUZ

Michael Cochrane Piano Tuition

Experienced teacher (10+ years), classical, easy listening, jazz, hymns, etc.

Presentation for ABRSM exams Excellent pass record

Phone Michael on 07851 825610 33 Staunton Rise, Dedridge West, Livingston, EH54 6PB

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

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

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

EC Allsteps Cheerleaders

EC Allsteps Cheerleaders, based in East Calder, have had a great season this year, competing up and down the country including in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and Liverpool coming home every time with fantastic results.

Vicky Hamilton, Head Coach, says, “Thank you to all the girls for working so hard, you have all made me One Very Proud Coach and I’m looking forward to our New Season already.”

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Jennifer Crabbe, Abbi Horsburgh, Rachael McDonald, Karen Murphy, Zoe Stephenson and Head Coach Vicky Hamilton went out to Florida earlier this year to represent Scotland in the ICU Worlds Competition. They are so grateful to everyone who helped raise over £3000 to make their dreams come true.

43

Clubs and Classes

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

The Livingston Players Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience.

For more information please contact Alex on 01506 495531 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk Livingston FC Almondvale Stadium League players and juniors, social and corporate events.

Tel 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk

CRAIGSHILL Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Craigs Farm Campus Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Tel 01506 435851

DEANS Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon For more information tel 01506 439568 Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon

DEDRIDGE Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors

ELIBURN Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School Toddlers - Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492

14th West Lothian Scout Troop Peel Primary School Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs) Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year.

Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620

HOWDEN Livingston Art Association Howden Park Centre Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels.

For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk.

29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.307.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852 14th Livingston Guides Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term Tel 01506 418285

KNIGHTSRIDGE Baby/Toddler Stories and Singing Sessions Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15 – 11.15am or 12.45 – 2.45pm – “In Betweenies” Wed:1.00 – 2.00pm – “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00 – 3.30pm For more info tel 01506 444970

LADYWELL Zumba with Lynn Tait Inveralmond High School Zumba fitness is an International dance fitness class for all ages and fitness levels. Come join my Party at Inveralmond High School Tues 7 - 8pm, Wed 7.30 - 8.30pm, Thurs 7 - 8pm.

No need to book. For more information contact Lynn Tait on 07592 810783 or lynn.tait@blueyonder.co.uk. www.zumbawithlynnt.co.uk.

Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School A range of teams and fixtures.

See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

Solution to Sudoku

SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am tel 01506 462458 Kids Club Forrestbank Community Centre A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only Tel 01506 430035

MURIESTON Circuit Training A high energy instructor led class of preset workout stations to increase overall fitness and stamina, improve muscular strength and endurance, the complete body workout.

No coordination required! No dancing! No frills!

No fuss! Just Focus on Fitness.

Suitable for all levels of fitness (16yrs and over) £3 per session (under 16’s of high school age welcome when accompanied by a participating adult) Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Murieston Village Hall Tues 7.30-8.30pm Harburn Village Hall For further details please contact: ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk, tel 07808161634 or see www.amcfitness.co.uk Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar.

See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

K nect re rer ry r y

The O The

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

The Solution to this month’s Crossword will be shown here in next month’s issue...

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

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

Index of Advertisers Accountant AKT 4 Animal Artist Jude Walczynska 39 Art Gallery & Framer Calder Framing 39 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 25 Beauty Lumiere 13 Nikki Salon 12 Building Surveyor David Hastings 45 Business Opportunity The Utility Warehouse 34 Butcher Steven Belford 33 Cake Maker Delicimo Cakes 32 Brown Sugar Cakes 32 Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Doctor 6 Hydro Clean 7 Car Sales Andrew Storry 10 MBA Specialists 10 Car & Motorcycle Service/Repair Andrew Storry 10 C&S Motorcyle Workshop 10 MBA Specialists 10 Chips Away 11 Chiropodist McDonald Footcare 17 Chiropractor Chiropractic Care WL 14 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 32 Cleaning Doctor 6 Complimentary Therapies Kate Mobile Therapist 12 Rosslyn Alternatives 13 Whole Body Balance 12 Computer Repairs SC-Tec Ltd 4

Dance School Step into Dance 43 Dating Services Allure Confidential 17 Debt Management Debt FC 4 Design & Print Services Delta House 24 Dog Grooming Alanna Bertrum 28 Mucky Mutts 28 Dog First Aid Canine First Aid Training 28 Dog Walking West Lothian Pet Sitters 34 Driving Instructor Alex’s Driving School 4 Estate Agent Birch Marr 6 Fitness One Life Leisure 47 Florist AP Flowers 17 Food Real Foods 48 The Whole Shebag 33 Garden & Landscaping JMC Gardening Services 34 Veitch Garden Centre 34 Golf Deer Park Golf & Country Club 7 Greenburn Golf Club 18 Hairdressers LV Hair Design 12 Nikki Salon 12 Unique Hairdressing 13 Handyman West Lothian Handyman 4 Home Improvements Advanced Property Solutions Ltd 20 MHPS Property Services 6 Window and Door Factory 2 Hotel The Bridge Inn 35

Leather Products Barrowfield Leather Logs Reservoir Logs Optician Lothian Optical Ltd Spex Direct Pet Crematorium iCare Plumbing Services Weir Plumbing & Heating Public House The Bridge Inn Calder Inn Removals Dial a Van Restaurants Bombay Spice The Bridge Inn Sewing Supplies Marys’ Patch Soft Furnishing Knight Shades Blinds Tattooist Inkwell Tattoo Studio Taxi Goldstar Taxis Real Radio Cars Telephone Engineer John McGraw Tuition Michael Cochrane Maths Michael Cochrane Piano Utilities & Mobile Phones The Utility Warehouse Vet Lamond Veterinary Clinic Window Tinting Magma

37 34 15 21 29 20 35 16 10 5 35 23 19 37 7 27 37 43 43 34 32 27

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