Konect Livingston May 2015

MAY 2015

livingston

FEATUREs

West Lothian Highland Games & British Pipe Band Championships - Early bird ticket offer!

WIN!

Warhammer set from Potter Around s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Livingston

08

FEATURE

M ess ag e f rom the edito r e celebrate one of West W Lothian’s biggest events of the year in this issue –

the West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships, which take place in Bathgate and is a fantastic family day out that we are very lucky to have here in West Lothian. See the article on pages 8-9 and make sure you get your early bird special offer family pass!

West Lothian’s only Warhammer club and stockist, Potter Around, is running a competition with a great prize on offer, see page 35 for details.

With a host of other local community, event and services information, we hope you find the magazine informative and entertaining. If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story in an upcoming issue.

FEATUREs West Lothian Highland Games West Lothian – the Dar k Side

08 47

REGULARS Style Thought for the Month Music Review Proper ty Matter s Recipe

18 20 26 40 48

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Warhammer Competition Crossword Sudoku

35 44 44

COMMUNITY Toccata Ladies Choir What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

45 46 46 50

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

54

Advertising Enquiries Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Get paid to keep fit! We’re looking for local people to help deliver Konect door to door in Livingston. If you are interested please call 07904 443005 or email distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk for more information.

Front cover: British Pipe Band Championships 2014.

Photo by Stuart Vance.

KONECT

JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of /KonectDirectory 10,000 homes each. Extra copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston. @KonectDirectory

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1stMay May- -4th 4thJune June2014 2015 1st 2pm-6pm Wednesdays to Sundays Admission £4.00 ALL PROCEEDS TO CHARITY 4

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FEATURE

With new attractions added for this year, the West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships is shaping up to be its biggest ever.

Win an ipad!

Take part in treasure hunt on the day! For child ren up to the age of 16, two ipads to be won. Co llect an entry form at the gate.

of room, so we’re able to put on more family fun activities. We really want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the day.”

Besides the usual attractions there will be cookery demonstrations and photography demonstrations (run by West Lothian College) and even a medieval re-enactment! Children up to the age of 16 can enrol in a treasure hunt on the day for a chance to win one of two ipads. So there really is something for everyone. The Games themselves consist of the traditional Highland heavy athletics including tossing the caber, as well as a Highland Dance competition, children’s entertainment and facepainting and the ever popular Veteran’s Hill Race – a dash up Cairnpapple Hill. A host of craft and local food stalls complete the picture.

If you’ve attended the West Lothian Highland Games in recent years (an annual fixture in West Lothian’s calendar since 1972) you would be forgiven for thinking that this remarkable event is organised by a large and well-funded committee... but Konect has been talking to the organisers in the run up to this year’s event and was amazed to discover that in fact it is all done by an extremely dedicated and enthusiastic team of about 10 local people! Added to the fact that it takes place a week apart from Bathgate’s other major event of the summer - the Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival - it is an extraordinary achievement for a small town.

“We’ve got a lot of new attractions planned for the Games this year to broaden the appeal of the event,” says Alex Linkston, Chairman of Bathgate 2015, the combined committee for the Games and the British Pipe Band Championships. “It has moved to Balbardie Park where there is plenty

Photo by Stuart Vance

The West Lothian Highland Games have for the past two years run alongside the British Pipe Band Championships, which Bathgate successfully bid to host for a total of three years. The second largest Pipe Band Championships in the world, it sees 5000 pipers and drummers descend on Bathgate.

This year will be the third and final year that the Championships will be held here. Pipe bands are an integral part of Highland Games all over Scotland, and the West Lothian Games actually started out in its first year in 1972 as a pipe band competition.

At the time, the pipe major of the Bathgate and Torphichen Pipe Band, Alex Samuel, was keen to set up a pipe band championship and after some discussion as to whether it should be part of the long-standing Bathgate Procession celebrations, they decided that it should be a separate event. The next year in 1973, youth athletics and some other events were added and so began the West Lothian Highland Games.

“We get a lot of help on the ground on the day from a large team of volunteers. And for the committee itself, we start work for the next year the month after the event, when we start raising funds for the next year.” They need about £50,000 to run the Highland Games, and closer to £150,000 to fund the combined Games and Pipe Band Championship.

Most of the funding comes from business sponsorships, and West Lothian Council are also very supportive. Ticket sales make up the rest of the funding....and with their special early bird deal of £20 for a family ticket this year, it is fantastic value for a day’s entertainment. There will be a free shuttle bus on the day taking visitors from further afield from Bathgate railway station to Balbardie Park.

Business sponsorship opportunities – sponsorship packages to suit all budgets.

Please call 01506 652792 for information.

The Committee is always looking for new members to join. “It’s hard work but very satisfying,” says Alex, “You get a great sense of achievement when it all comes together on the day, it’s very rewarding.”

We’re very fortunate in Bathgate to have this event, thanks to a lot of hard work on the part of the organisers and the generosity of the sponsors, many of whom are local businesses. So put 30th May in the calendar and make sure you get your early bird family ticket now!

With thanks for information to: Alex Linskton, Cllr Jim Walker & Tom Tierney

ren) dults, 2 chld a (2 t e k c ti y r famil online, in cket of £20 fo ailable NOW v A . d o ri Early bird ti gston. e p a limited Centre, Livin rk a P n e d available for w o .co.uk eH nparkcentre hone from th e p d r w o o n .h o w rs w e p it w 77666 or vis Tel 01506 7

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Music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Hugh Wheeler

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No matter how hard we try to avoid emotional pain / challenge, we find we just can’t, it follows us everywhere. How do we react when things go wrong? Do we become self critical; what’s wrong with me, why can’t I cope, why me? Do we fight against it, creating tension in our body that we carry around? Do we become distracted by negative thoughts creating lowered mood? What we resist however, persists; pain x resistance = suffering.

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MUSIC REVIEW

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THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING.

by James Kerr, Regal Music Club

A friend is going to see Brian Wilson at the Hydro for £65. Oh, I said, that’s a bargain. A £65 bargain because I naturally expected the price to be upwards of £75. How did that happen?

Recently I bought a pack of replica 70’s ephemera including pop fan club magazines and concert tickets. Two of the tickets were from late 1973 - Roxy Music at £1.25 and Elton John at £1.65. 1973 Elton John is pretty much toppermost of the poppermost, comparable with anyone you like in a stadium now. So let’s compare those prices with another entertainment, the 1974 Star Trek and Marvel annuals (both published autumn 1973). The Marvel annual is black and white at 70p, the Star Trek is full colour at 75p. This means it cost roughly two annuals to see Roxy Music or Elton John give or take 15p. A similar annual at Christmas today would cost around £8.

Adjusting for the poorer quality and reduced page count, you could assume a like for like publication cost of, say £12. Therefore using the annual/ticket price yardstick you could reasonably expect a ticket to see, say, Ed Sheeran, or, indeed, Elton John, to be no more than £25.

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Another friend read an early version of this theory and pronounced sagely, “What you have to understand is that the price of goods has gone down, and the cost of services has increased.” Really? You think? If only I could come up with some kind of mechanism to demonstrate that.

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7th June 2015

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Head and shoulders above the rest First Class Nursery 2 Kirk Lane, Livingston Village West Lothian, EH54 7AY Tel: 01506 411112 www.firstclassnurseryltd.co.uk ∏ ∏ ∏ ∏

Family run business Highly experience and qualified primary teachers Fully registered nursery school with Education Scotland Registered childcare provider

We provide 2.5 hours FREE childcare per full day for all pre-school children aged 3-5, ALL YEAR! Terms & Conditions: Hours cannot be ‘rolled over’ or accumulated (e.g. during absence or holidays) This is only available to children who attend a FULL DAY session

Would you know what to do if your child, family member or colleague was choking or had heart failure?

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Kiddy Aid workshop, for parents wanting to be in the know.

Bulk discounts available.

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PAYG memberships available - no joining fee Gold - £50/month, Silver - £40/month, Bronze - £30/month

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competition

by Potter Around

The world of Warhammer may be something you simply don’t understand, but if you have a boy aged 8 to grown up with a propensity for gaming, modelling and general geekiness, you are very likely to be acquainted with this fantasy world.

And if you are that said boy, you will be delighted to know that we at Potter Around are approved suppliers of the Warhammer and Warhammer 40K models, paints and accessories. We have a large supply in stock and can order anything in quickly (with no postage costs).

We also have a fantastic shed given over to the realm of boys and their models, tables set up with boards for gaming and painting stations. We have a number of models that can be borrowed for playing.

Every Saturday 2-4pm the ‘shed’ opens and the world of Warhammer comes to West Lothian. There are a number of lads well versed in the world who can show any ‘newbies’ the ropes – give you tips on painting, explain the rules of the game etc. We are the only venue in West Lothian to both sell models and have a well appointed space in which to play, offering help and advice for those wanting access to this mysterious and fantastic world.

It’s a game of strategy Pop in anytime to check out the stock and come along on a Saturdays to have some fun. There will be painting competitions from time to time so look out for these. All we ask is that you buy your supplies from us.

The games we play and the majority of models kept in stock are 40K based but we have Fantasy Models too and well as rule books and complete sets and of course, we can order anything in including all the paints and accessories.

Warhammer is a great hobby for a young lad to take up if you are looking for something new to occupy your child as it keeps the brain active, involves a lot of strategy and does not involve a screen of any kind. And if you are more of a modeller than a gamer, you can order tools and paints and model to your heart’s content with plenty space and no worries about making a mess in your parent’s home!

Call if you want more details or pop in to check us out. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8DD

Enter the draw to win a box of your favourite models (up to value of £22). Simply text or email your name, phone number and answer to 07854 492638 or email editor@ konectdirectory.co.uk with the subject “Warhammer”.

Q: What is the name of the weekly magazine that goes with the game of Warhammer?

Closing date for entries 15th May 2015

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property matters

by Craig Turpie

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price.

However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.

One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend.

Very common abroad, the open house is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, and for good reason.

Firstly, one of the best sources of qualified buyers is via the neighbours. Everybody knows someone who is selling and people tend to buy in an area which is close to their existing network of friends and acquaintances. This is known as socio-demographic mirroring.

When a property goes on show, it is marketed intensely in the neighbourhood so that every neighbour is aware that the property is for sale. If they know anyone who is buying, they

are highly likely to invite them round to see the property, or at least look at it on their behalf.

From the seller’s perspective, having an open house can concentrate the viewings around a fixed time and previous clients have commented that they liked the balance of agent accompanied viewings and promotional open viewing weekends forming part of their sales campaign.

Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits.

Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels.

As a “celebration” of a property, an open house can promote intense buyer activity which often prompts a sale, as everybody wants something that everybody else wants!

Why not visit our website to see which properties are taking part in our open house weekends on Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May.

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May

A number of our properties will be taking part in two open house days on Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May between 1pm – 3pm.

Please visit our website for full details of the open house properties, directions and brochures.

www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

Interiors feature

EKCO’s top tips for hosting the perfect barbecue As the warmer weather begins to kick in and the nights become longer our thoughts start to turn to entertaining close friends and family.

Good conversation, chilled wine and sumptuous barbecued food. So, to put you in the mood and get the juices flowing here are some top tips from EKCO to make your barbecue sizzle.

1

Charcoal or gas – First things first, what type of barbecue should you buy? Charcoal barbecues, the choice of purists, are cheaper and the charcoal permeates every inch of the food to impart that traditional chargrilled flavour. They also tend to take up less space than a gas barbecue so storage in the winter months is easier. On the downside they take a bit more practice when cooking as the heat remains pretty constant so you need make sure you keep turning your food to ensure even cooking throughout. A gas barbecue on the other hand won’t give you that authentic outdoor taste but on the plus side they can be fired up quickly and the temperature is easily controlled.

2

Your outdoor space – A well laid patio area is ideal for entertaining. Plenty of seating around a table to keep the company close together for the witty repartee is a must. When the sun goes down you want to make sure the party continues.

By replacing your existing sliding patio doors for

bifold doors you can open them up fully to create one space between your home and your garden.

This means that your guests can stay warm and sheltered but still enjoy the outdoors.

3

Theme – You could choose a theme for your barbecue day. How about a Mexican fiesta with sizzling fajitas, jugs of Margaritas or ice cold bottles of beer complete with the obligatory wedges of lime to keep the flies away from your drinks?

4

Food – Mention barbecue and most people will fire up the sausages and burgers. While this is fine you really want to try something different. For a Tex Mex theme you could look at succulent baby back ribs. Or how about brisket beef with a side order of salsa and black bean, corn and tomato salad? There are thousands of recipes online so you’ll never be stuck.

5

Drink – Your choice of drinks is important.

There’s nothing like an ice cold beer when it’s hot. Or, a themed drink like a Margarita or Mojito but drinking in the sun can be deadly so make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and jugs of ice cold water on hand. Never encourage anyone to drink alcohol if they’ve made it clear that they’re not in the mood and there are plenty of recipes for soft cocktails available on the web. The golden rule is whatever you are serving, making sure it’s ice cold.

An inflatable beer chiller is ideal but if you feel like splashing out you can always buy an electric wine cooler for your kitchen.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the June edition of konect

Across 1 Small tunnel (6) 4 Rubbed out (6) 9 Stretchy (7) 10 Young females (5) 11 Type of music (5) 12 External (7) 13 Translated (11) 18 Window covering (7) 20 Nip (5) 22 Smell (5) 23 Passion (7) 24 Female relation (6) 25 Harsh (6) Down 1 Combines (6) 2 Highways (5) 3 Result (7) 5 Correct (5) 6 Outlive (7) 7 Bowls (6) 8 Escorted (11) 14 Becomes thinner (7) 15 Blow up (7) 16 Reverberates (6) 17 Alter (6) 19 Consent (5) 21 Innocent (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 53

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KONECT

COMMUNITY

Evening of Music Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May 2015

was a fantastic experience and brought home the trophy for the Light Entertainment class. In March the choir had another foray into competitions by entering the Ladies Choir Class at the Glasgow Music Festival. Toccata gave a wonderful performance winning the class.

Toccata Ladies Choir returns to Howden Park Centre this year with a varied programme for your entertainment. There will be some favourite songs from film and musical with a sprinkling of traditional and contemporary songs. The choir as always is skilfully directed by Eleanor Howat.

This year sees the National Youth Choir of Scotland Chamber Choir join Toccata for a rousing finale, as well as singing their own selection of music during the evening.Last year Toccata competed in the Bangor International Choir Festival, which

It is said that ‘Music is the universal language’ and Toccata hopes that, after listening to our music making, the audience would surely testify to that.

There will be something for everyone, come along and join us.

The evening begins at 7.30pm. Tickets held at £10.

More Information www.toccataladieschoir.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See page opposite for upcoming events and website at www.bathgateregal. org for complete listing.

and Useful Information Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May Evening of Music with Toccata Ladies Choir Howden Park Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets held at £10. See page 45 for more details and www.toccataladieschoir. co.uk

Saturday 9th May Williamston Primary School Spring Fair Bankton Lane, Murieston. 11am - 1.30pm. Craft and Gift Stalls, Pre-loved toys and books, Food Court / Cafe, Bake Off, Competition, Tombola & Raffle, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Games.

Saturday 9th May Eliburn Orienteering Event Come and celebrate the opening of the new orienteering course at Eliburn and have fun learning how to orienteer with this introduction for all. Suitable for: All Meet: Eliburn Park Time: drop in between 2pm - 4pm. Cost: Free. Led by West Lothian Ranger Service.

Saturday 9th May Movies and Musicals – Newland Concert Brass A charity fundraising concert featuring well loved music from the world of cinema and stage in aid of the British Heart Foundation and SCAD Research. www.bhf.org.uk http://scad.lcbru.le.ac.uk/. 7pm at the Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Tickets £6 each, on sale now in person at the Regal Box Office or tel 01506 630085 and online at bathgateregal.org

Sunday 10th May Jack and Jill Market Up to 45 stall bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9 yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in! Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston. 10.30am – 1pm. www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Saturday 30th May West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships Balbardie Park, Bathgate. Great family entertainment.

Tickets at the gate Adults £12, children £5, under 5s free.

Parking onsite £5. Or get early bird family pass for £20.

See pages 8-9 for full details.

30th May to 5th July Livingston Art Association 45th Annual Exhibition At Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE Tel 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk. Disabled Access.

All welcome Mon to Fri 9 -7 Sat 10 - 5 Sun 11 – 5.

Refreshments available at The Bistro. Preview Night Friday 29th May. Drop in and Draw Saturday 30th May. 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.

46

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

LIVINGSTON library information Almondbank Library Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH T: 01506 283133. E: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Monday, Wednesday & Friday – 09.00 to 18.00. Tuesday & Thursday – 09.00 to 20.00. Saturday – 09.00 to 13.00.

Graphic Novel group: Thursday 30th April and 14th and 28th May 6 – 7.30pm. All new members welcome.

Book bug: Tuesday 5th May,19th May, 2nd and 16th June at 2.00pm. Stories, songs and rhymes for preschool children and parents.

Adult Book Group: Thursday 30th April and 28th May 6.30 – 7.30pm. All new members welcome.

Carmondean Library Carmondean Connected: Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT T: 01506 777602. E: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Monday, Wednesday & Friday – 09.00 to 18.00. Tuesday & Thursday – 09.00 to 20.00. Saturday – 09.00 to 13.00.

Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY T: 01506 777700. E: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Monday & Friday – 09.00 to 18.00.

Tuesday & Thursday – 09.00 to 20.00. Wednesday – 11.00 to 18.00. Saturday – 09.00 to 13.00.

MAY BANK HOLIDAY: Please note Lanthorn Library will be closed on Monday 4th May. BOOKBUG WEEK MAY 2015: Come along to the Library for a week of Teddy and Bedtime Fun. We will be telling bedtime tales and dressing our Bears in their PJ’s. We would love to invite you, and your teddies, to come along to the Library in your pyjamas to cuddle in and listen to a bedtime story together. Tell us your favourite bedtime story ever. Make your own dress up Teddy and design a pair of Teddy Pyjamas. Can’t wait to see you on Tuesday 19th May @ 10.30am & Wednesday 20th May 3.30pm.

BOOK BUG SESSION: Tuesday 5th May @ 10.30. Suitable for all under 3’s and their grown- ups. Fun Rhymes, Songs & Stories.

STORYTIME & CRAFT: Teddy Bears Galore - Story & Craft, Wednesday 6th May @ 3.30pm. Are you aged between 8 – 11 years old? Come and join the Library Book Bashers. We meet once a month to discuss our favourite books.

LANTHORN BOOK BASHERS: Junior Chatterbooks group. Thursday 14th May @ 6.15pm. New members welcome.

ADULT BOOK GROUP: Thursday 28th May @ 6pm.

Reading a selection of Classic Novels this month. Ask in the Library for details.

KONECT

Local author feature

Are your ancestors involved?

Bathgate resident Margaret Hubble has recently published a book of factual short stories set in West Lothian from 1769 to 1869.

Margaret is a professional genealogist and she thought it would be interesting to look at High Court cases from around this time as they describe not only the places, but also what life was like in those times. And High Court cases tend to deal with the dark side of life ….

Here is an example of one of the stories:

Culpable Homicide At Mounteerie, Bathgate 19th May 1844 On a pleasant Sunday afternoon in May 1844 a dreadful attack took place at Mounteerie, near Cathlaw, Bathgate.

Dundas McCriner, an agricultural worker, his wife Marion Wardrop, and their young daughter, Isabella, lived there in a small cottage. Their next-door neighbour Janet Tripney had heard noises from their house six weeks before when Mcriner, clearly inebriated, had attacked his wife with a poker, giving her a black eye. The couple had moved to Mounteerie from Bathgate, where rumours had circulated about McCriner abusing Marion. Janet was not happy about the goings on next door.

Marion’s two sisters, her brother and the boyfriend of one of her sisters had walked up from Bathgate to visit the McCriners. It was over an hour’s walk and they had taken some liquid refreshment on arrival. After a convivial time they had set off for home. The McCriners accompanied them as far as the Ballencrieff Tollhouse where the whole party stopped off for yet another nip of whisky, chased down with a bottle of strong ale. The visitors had then left the McCriners at the road leading to Sunnyside, thinking that the little family would return home. They seemed to be on good terms

and nothing was amiss. Perhaps it would have been better if they had gone home at that point.

But instead of going home, Dundas, Marion and Isabella had gone back to the Tollhouse where more liquor was consumed. It was getting late and Marion mentioned to her husband that they should be getting home, as Isabella was tired.

A violent death, however, awaited poor Marion.

Despite witness statements that Marion herself was not overly intoxicated, she was found in the early hours of the next morning, wet and mortally injured, lying near to the gate at Sunnyside.

The story which Dundas McCriner told at his trial was that his wife had returned homewards intoxicated, stopping off at a neighbour’s house on the way. He had collected her there and the neighbour had walked part-way up the road with them. According to his statement, Marion had gone out slamming the door; he had then fallen asleep with the child on his knee, waking up three hours later. On searching for Marion, he had found her lying in the middle of the road, cold, wet and mortally injured. But what had actually occurred?

Well, the story unfolds in Margaret’s book!

The stories are set in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn, Uphall, East, West and Mid Calder, Whitburn, Dechmont and Torphichen and all involve all manner of crimes. Many local surnames feature – you may find your ancestors mentioned!

West Lothian, the Dark Side, by Margaret Hubble is published

by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform and is available for purchase in paperback or Kindle from www.amazon.co.uk

RECIPE & FOOD NOTES

By Anne Pinkerton

Our food shopping has almost lost touch with the seasonal production of the basic ingredients.

The supermarkets do remind us - announcing in April that new season Jersey Royals are in store, or that these are the first Scottish strawberries - but otherwise it’s by promotions for “summer sizzles” or “winter comfort food.” Even so these need a little checking by looking out of the window because the weather and day length will often tell you it’s not yet whatever season the marketers hope it is!

By May we can buy new season vegetables grown in Britain: finger carrots, peas, spring greens, salad leaves, spinach and asparagus. Food usually tastes better from local growers because it’s harvested when ready and brought to your plate more quickly - not, as with much fruit grown abroad, picked in the anticipation that the long trip to your kitchen will give it time to ripen.

Around us in West Lothian there are several suppliers whose whole business is local food.

Some deliver boxes of produce, others you buy on site. Some shops for example MacIver at Currie will have marmalade oranges and damsons when the supermarkets do not. On the A71 at Burnwynd the tiny shop sells potatoes and other veg but also duck eggs. On the edge of East Calder the small holding growing leeks, cabbage, neeps and really good potatoes sells their own and other people’s produce. They are open when the huge carrot sign is up beside the road.

Grow Wild in Broxburn, The Whole Shebag in West Calder and Fruit n Veg to You in Livingston do veg box deliveries. You receive regular supplies of fresh fruit and veg which change as the growing season progresses.

The Cyrenians at their farm and orchard in Humbie Holdings, Kirknewton, grow a wide range of fruit, veg and herbs. They also keep

48

hens and bees and sell lemon curd, jams and chutneys made from farm produce. Some of their production goes to the market in Morningside (every 3rd Saturday in the month, next dates May 16th and June 20th) and they are planning to start a local weekly box scheme. This will be distributed from The Green Room in Kirknewton.

See their questionnaire at www.surveymonkey. com/s/3HR7K7B There are hopes that the local community could become more involved in growing fresh foods and that the Cyrenians could become part of a Community Supported Agriculture Farm.

“Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and the local community. Benefits are enjoyed by all sides: farmers for instance can receive a more stable and secure income and closer connection with their community, and consumers can benefit by eating fresh healthy food, feeling more connected to the land where their food is grown and learning new skills.”

Over the hills from us at Whitmuir the farm has a restaurant, art gallery and food shop. Children can feed the hens and see the food growing. Plants are for sale and the range of menus in the restaurant prove that ethically sourced food just tastes good!

The monthly farmers’ market at Balerno (every 2nd Saturday in the month, next dates are May 9th & June 13th) has bread, cheese, meat, preserves and vegetables all from small local producers.

The Saturday farmers’ market under the castle in Edinburgh has a wonderful selection of the best Scottish food, everything grown within 50 miles of us (except the coffee and tea). Shopping like this is a social event; it’s interesting to talk to the people who know all about their produce. They can explain how to get the best from unfamiliar cuts of meat or give recipes for different vegetables.

Buying local keeps you in touch with the seasons and helps you be in control of the quality of the food you eat.

KONECT

Asparagus with new potatoes Best with British asparagus and potatoes 1kg asparagus 1kg small new potatoes (Ayrshire are good) 6 slices Parma or other finely sliced ham 400g unsalted butter melted Lemon juice Method: Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough piece of stem. Keep these for soup. Tie the stems into 6 bundles. Rubber bands are fine for this. Wash the potatoes and scrape if you wish. Put potatoes and tough bits of stalk in a deep pan and cover with water bring to the boil and then stand the asparagus bundles on top. Cover, use foil if the pan is not tall enough, and continue cooking 15 minutes or till asparagus is tender. Remove it and carefully wrap the bundles in the ham. Drain the potatoes (keep the water and stalks for soup) and arrange everything on a serving dish. Pour some of the butter over the vegetables and put the rest in a warm jug with lemon juice. Serve with crusty beard to mop up the juices.

Asparagus with new potatoes If you are feeling grand you can make hollandaise sauce for this in place of the butter sauce.

Spring time luxury!

clubs & classes

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

Jog Scotland Jog Scotland groups around Livingston aim to get people outdoors and get fit whilst meeting new friends. There are groups suitable for beginners to advanced at different locations and times around Livingston. Check out jogscotland.org.uk.

MS Society afternoon meetings Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting. Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help. Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting.

Lothian Running Club 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 and 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 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

Craigshill Good Neighbour Network 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. Almondbank Centre.

Tel 01506 435851.

Lodge Almondale Social Club Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome. Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418.

Trampoline Classes for children Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years + . Please call 01506 412314 for more info.

Craigshill Thistle u15’s Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm 8.00pm weather permitting (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

West Lothian 50 Plus Network

Parents Together West Lothian

New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum.

Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com

The Livingston Players Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk

Livingston FC League players and juniors, social and corporate events.

Almondvale Stadium telephone 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk

Livingston Speakers Toastmasters Club A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston.

Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see www.livingstonspeakers.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/ LivingstonSpeakers

CRAIGSHILL New Town Roller Girls

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5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213.

New Town Entertainers Rehearse at Craigsfarm on Mon and Wed from 7pm for annual pantomime production. Open to anyone over 14 yrs. Membership is £10 adults and £5 under 18s. For more information please contact Jan Dignon on 01506 431803.

DEANS 13th West Lothian Scouts Deans Community Hall Beavers: 6 - 8 years. Tues 6.30 - 7.30pm Cubs: 8 - 10 years. Thurs 6.30 - 8.00pm Scouts: 10 -14 years. Thurs 7.00 – 9.00 We are also looking for new leaders or helpers to help out on the nights. All are welcome. Please contact Steven Graham steven_ graham1@gmx.co.uk or by phone 07786638442 or 1506 630360 after 6.30pm.

Yoga for people with health conditions Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1.152.30pm. Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

Livingston Station Playgroup

Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.

Livingston Station Community Centre. Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds. Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am. £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info.

West Lothian Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Deans Community High School Playgroup

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU. Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from

Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months. Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston. Mon-Fri KONECT

9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/week, or flexible days at £4/ session (min of 3 per week). For more information please phone Claire or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit.

Yoga Carmondean Community Centre. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970 409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk. See www.yogamed.co.uk

Livingston Fiddlers A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered.

Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@ livingstonfiddlers.co.uk. Tel 01506 654 189. www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk

DEDRIDGE Space Academy Children’s Club Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.30-3.30pm at the Lanthorn Community Centre. Games, stories, songs, science, crafts, cooking and more – free of charge. Visit facebook.com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

JYHS Badminton Club At James Young High School on Saturdays. Open to school children in the Livingston area of any age or ability. Primary School age (P1P7) 9am - l0am. High School age (S1-S6) l0am - 11am Contact: Ann (01506 438717) or Joyce (01506 462430)

Dedridge Spiritualist Church

Pilates for people with health conditions

Crofthead Community Centre, Templer Rise. Wednesdays 7.30pm. We are one of the oldest running spiritualist church in Livingston. We have been serving the community since 1985. We have a different medium every week. No admission fee. Find us on Facebook and website:dedridgespiritualstchurch.co.uk

Livingston Station Community Centre. Fridays 10.30-11.30am. Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

Livingston Camera Club

Pottery Classes Deans community High - Eastwood Park, Livingston, EH54 8PS. ILA approved. Wed 7pm-9pm, Fri 10am-12pm. Adults classes – please contact Kim for late entry. Tutor Kim McCulloch. To join or for more information please contact DCHS 01506 282155 or Kim 07836 332165 or email deanscommunityeducation@wled.org.uk

Diabetes UK West Lothian Voluntary Group Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston. For more info contact may@ dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www. west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends.

Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free. For more info and for dates of this month’s fortnightly meetings, contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107. Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm.

Deans Art Club New Deans Community Building. Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838.

Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre. For Preschool Children.

Tues 9.00am – 12 noon. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon. For more info tel 01506 439568.

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739.

Livingston United Parish Church Meets on Sundays at Nether Dechmont Community Centre, Fells Rigg. 8.45 – Eucharist. 9.30 – All-age Worship. 10.00 – Children’s Group, Discussion Group and Coffee Bar. 11.00 – Traditional Service.

Transport can be provided – call 07806 628506 to arrange. Also meets on Thursdays at Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge, at 10.15am for Holy Communion. www.lupc.org.uk.

KONECT

Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge. We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings.

The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk.

Email – contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub twitter – www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub

Baby and Toddler 0-5 years - Wednes days 9:15-11:15 am.

Café Connect Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-12. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837

The Lanthorn Toddlers Group – Music Makers Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session

The Lanthorn Toddlers Group – Parent & Toddlers Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon. Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook Lanthorn Toddler Group.

Dementia Café For those suffering with dementia and their carers. 1st Wednesday of the month 2pm-3:30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837

Lunch Club 12:30pm every Thursday for any over 60s. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 41583

Bump and Baby Group Dedridge Baptist Church. For precrawling babies and their carers - Mondays 9:30-11. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves.

Penumbra Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge. Every fortnight from 14 March 2012. For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house. For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139.

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clubs & classes Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. For children 2-3 years. Mon-Fri 9.15-11.15am term time. £4.50/day includes healthy snack. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@gmail.com or visit www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk

Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society (LaDARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands. Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world.

See our website uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ms0liv/ or just come along on any Tuesday.

Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail. com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children.

Activities available will include arts, crafts and music.

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

1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge.

Meet on Wednesday evenings. Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm.

Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm. Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm. For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225.

5th Livingston Boys’ Brigade Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Anchor Section P1-P3 meet 6:30 to 7:45pm. Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30-8:00pm. Company Section P7 to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm. For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk.

Livingston South Community Church We are situated in the south of the town. Everyone welcome.

Alternating venues for Sunday worship: Sunday 30th June 2013 - Lanthorn, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Sunday 7th July 2013 Murieston Community Hall, Murieston, and alternately thereafter.

All services commence at 10am. Check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com. Charity number is SC044088.

Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Informal and relaxed reading group.

Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@ westlothian.gov.uk

ELIBURN 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.

Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School Toddlers, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am

52

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.

HOWDEN GOSH - Group Ostomy Self Help Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time. Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems. Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4.

All Ostomists and their partner/friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary Schoo. Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852

14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Tel: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197

Braid House Day Centre Labrador Avenue, Howden. Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities. Cost £5. For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www.braidhouse.co.uk

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.

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.

Firefly Arts 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 email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk

KNIGHTSRIDGE Messy Church Monthly time of craft, celebration and food for all the family held on the first Sunday of each month from 4-6pm at Mosswood Community Centre. Free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit facebook.com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

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 West Lothian Diabetes UK Group Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. See http://www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org KONECT

Rosebery Centre for Dementia Care

Livingston South Community Church

Day care for people with all types of dementia. Stimulating activities, counselling and training and support groups for carers.

Volunteers always required. Tel: Nancy on 497046. Email: info@ roseberycentre.org.uk. Website: www.roseberycentre.org.uk

We are situated in the south of the town. Alternating venues for Sunday worship: Sunday 30th June 2013 - Lanthorn, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Sunday 7th July 2013 - Murieston Community Hall, Murieston and alternately thereafter. All services commence at 10am. Everyone welcome, check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com. Charity number is SC044088.

Almond Valley Baptist Church A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am. Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston. Contact phone number 07570 790862 or email at avbc@btinternet.com

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

Ladywell Neighbourhood Network 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell. Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness.

Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk

Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE Physiotherapist Led Pilates Classes Danz 4 u studio, Centrex House, Kirkton Campus. Fridays, 1011am. All bookings online: www.physioledpilates.com.

Email: lucy@physioledpilates.com. Tel: 07415426228

Livingston Village Playgroup Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. For children 2yrs 3 months to 5 years. 9.30 - 11.30am Mon - Fri, £4/session including snack. Child can attend between 2 & 5 sessions a week. For more information please contact the placement secretary 01506 417343.

Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http:// livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

OTHER AREAS Livingston Highland Society Monthly ceilidhs on a Saturday between October and April. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. New venue Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn (previously at Lanthorn Complex). £5 each, new members welcome, contact John Sneddon 01501 770911 for dates and more details.

Fighters Hive Gym Unit 5, Block 2, Whiteside Industrial Estate, Bathgate Classes every evening including Fighter’s Fitness, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Ladies Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, Children’s Muay Thai, Strength and Conditioning. Please call for class times, contact Ashe: fightershive@gmail.com, 07702 751740.

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 April Crossword Across: 1 Burrow, 4 Erased, 9 Elastic, 10 Girls, 11 Disco, 12 Outside, 13 Interpreted, 18 Curtain, 20 Pinch, 22 Odour, 23 Emotion, 24 Sister, 25 Severe. Down: 1 Blends, 2 Roads, 3 Outcome, 5 Right, 6 Survive, 7 Dishes, 8 Accompanied, 14 Narrows, 15 Explode, 16 Echoes, 17 Change, 19 Agree, 21 Naive.

Livingston Village Parent and Toddler Group Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2.

Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Term-time only.

For more information email livitoddlers@yahoo.co.uk or visit www. facebook.com/livitoddlers

The Wooly Quilters Craft Group Room 24 Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston. This self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit! Variety of crafts from patchwork & quilting to knitting & spinning. We meet Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm. For more information email: woolyquilters@ gmail.com or find us on facebook

MURIESTON

Solution to Sudoku Page 44

Livingston Walking Group Looking for Fitness Friendship and Fun! Meeting on Wednesday afternoons 2-4pm ending the walk with tea and cake and a good blether! Contact Penny Clark to join penmex55@hotmail.co.uk

Bankton Mains Bowling Club Free Coaching Lessons for both Adult and Junior bowlers. Junior Coaching is on every Tuesday 5pm till 6pm and Sunday 11am till 12am for children aged 8 till 16 years old. Memberships available now for Full, Family, Social, and Junior members. Special deal for Family Membership. Hire of the function hall available. For more info go our website at www.banktonmains.co.uk or phone 01506 460233.

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53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accessories Gifts Central

22

Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Bookkeeping

26

Aerials Aerial Man Attractions/Days Out Newliston House

Plumbing Services Almondvale Plumbing & Heating Services BJ Fleming EPH Livingston Plumbing Co

5 31 14 30

Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance MHPS Property Services

24 12

Public House The Scots Grill

28

Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel The Scots Grill

19 28

Roofing MH Developments Simply Roofing

30 5

Soft Furnishings Style Rite Blinds

31

Sports Facilities 36 Fives Indoor Football

11

22

Swimming Classes Swim IT Ltd

21

16

Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd

20

Electrician D B Electrics Electric Al Riddell Electrical Simply Electrical

22 12 30 26

6

Estate Agent Turpie & Co

41

4

First Aid Training First Aid In Action

34

Fitness Classes Fighters Hive Gym Moves Fitness

34 20

Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd The Garage Door Company

12 14

Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes ARG Landscaping Beatson’s D Greaves Riccarton Garden Centre

24 6 25 24 24

Gifts Gifts Central

Bathrooms 1st Choice Living Bathgate Bathroom Studio Ekco MH Developments

37 27 43 30

Beauty Beauty @ No. 20A

21

Builder Almond Building Company David Bathgate Madison Garrad

30 14 6

Building Surveyor David Hastings

12

Cafe/Tearoom Little Whispers Sanctuary

23

Car Bodywork Car Medic Chips Away

Golf Club Baberton Golf Club

33 32

Car Sales Inch Volkswagen

Heating Services L & S Heating Mech A Tech

22 6

13

Car Service & Repair Inch Volkswagen M & S Auto Solutions Pumpherston Autocentre

Homes for Sale CALA Homes

10

13 33 32

Hotel Hilcroft Hotel

19

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec Cleaning Doctor Hydro-Kleen

37 36 45

Children’s Activities / Entertainment Getting Gooey Chocolate & Craft Workshop Children’s Nursery First Class Nursery

Joiner Geoff Vinter Joinery

5

Kitchens Ekco Ian Merriman S & S Home Improvements

43 37 29

34

Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady

27

34

Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

Chiropody/Podiatry Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry

23

Cleaning Services C and W Cleaning Services Call Alfred Ltd Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd Donald Does It All Strata Cleaning Limited

36 4 36 26 25

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance Little Whispers Sanctuary

5 23

Computer Services Sprint Computers

15

Dentist Bankton Dental Practice No 9 Dental

56 18

5

Mobility Ableworld Glenmore Mobility & Furniture Med-Ecosse

7 16 55

Oven Cleaner Shiny Bright Ovens

36

Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorators Nu Walls TML Decor

31 31 33

Pet Services Animal Magic Fur & Feather Morven’s Dog Grooming

39 38 39

Plastering Nu Walls

31

Taxi & Private Hire Lothian Radio Cars

2

Telecoms Services John McGraw

12

Theatre/Entertainment The Livingston Players

17

Tiling Service With A Tile Stewart Wilson Tiler

26 14

Vet Albyn Veterinary Centre Riverside Veterinary Practice

38 39

Windows 1st Choice Living Heritage Windows Red Hot Windows Weathertight Windows & Doors

37 22 30 15

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 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

54

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