Konect Directory Livingston June 12

konect the

directory

The community magazine for Livingston June 2012

WIN £20 Wikaniko gift voucher.

crossword competition

Feature article:

The Laird O’ Livingston’s Legacy

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Hello neighbours It’s definitely the count-down to summer, and June seems to be a good time to think about gardens – we’ve been learning this month about a special garden planted in Livingston at the site of Eliburn’s Peel Park around 350 years ago. And anyone with an interest in the healing power of plants will be interested to read that at that time doctors were influential in botany as well as in medicine, see the feature article on pages 8-9.

In addition to our regular columns, there are a couple of articles this month on businesses run by local people working hard and going the extra mile for their customers – read about Onelife Leisure on page 10, and a very different business storytelling - on page 14.

Contents Feature Article The Laird O’ Livingston’s Legacy Local Walk Pets Recipe Children & Family

8 26 28 36 38

Congratulations to Helen McKinstray of Deans who won the crossword competition in the last issue, and to Andy Targett of Adambrae who won the competition prize in the April issue. This month, you could with a £20 gift voucher to spend with local Wikaniko traders, a one-stop shop for all things eco from organic health and beauty products through to household cleaning.

Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and for supporting local businesses!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638 The Konect Directory welcomes contributions such as old photographs, or short articles of local interest. The Editor reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication.

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

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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, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Design by Kumo Ink Ltd 01506 209 946 studio@kumoink.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph by Jenny Thomson: Onelife Leisure

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AKT Bookkeeping

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Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT

Painter & Decorator Graining & Marbling Faux Effects - All wallpapers specialist Lincrusta - Gilding - Painted Furniture Highly Skilled Kirknewton

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7

The Laird O’ Livingston’s Legacy

By Yvonne MacMillan

E

liburn South’s Peel Park was once the location of the Laird O’ Livingston’s physic garden. Patrick Murray (1634 – 1671) had a passion for collecting and growing plants. Described as “one of the most promising men of science of his time”, Murray’s physic garden in the grounds of his home at Livingston Peel stocked 1,000 species of plants, and when he died this invaluable collection became the foundation for today’s Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

Physic gardens were European medieval medicinal gardens where medicine, botany and gardening inter-linked and doctors were as well known and influential in botany as medicine. Botanic gardens followed physic gardens when whole continents began to be discovered and shiploads of new species were brought back to Europe for scientific interest.

A botanical pioneer and “famous for collecting seeds, plants and exotica”, Patrick Murray was a good friend of Robert Sibbald (1641 – 1722) and Andrew Balfour (1630 – 1694), two Scottish physicians and botanists who went on to found the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.

The garden at Livingston inspired them to start a medical garden in Edinburgh – a place where supplies of fresh plants and herbs for medical prescriptions were on hand and medical students would study botany. Sibbald and Balfour wrote an official list for the medical profession of acceptable drugs and how to make them (The Pharmacopoeia, published 29 years later in 1699), a great advance in regulating medical care in the 17th century. Work on the first physic garden for physicians in Edinburgh began in 1670.

The following year, Patrick Murray, Laird O’ Livingston, died of a fever at the age of 35 in Avignon, France, whilst on a two year-long trip to France and Italy. Murray had bequeathed his precious plants to Andrew Balfour and the massive task of digging up and transplanting the collection

got underway. Plants were carefully and painstakingly moved, cartload by cartload, to a rented 40ft x 40ft allotment in St Anne’s Yards, in the grounds of the Palace of Holyrood House - the site of today’s public car park for the Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Five years later with the garden flourishing, the plants were uprooted again, to a bigger plot of land leased from the Town Council - next to where platform 11 in Waverley Station stands today (a commemorative plaque marks the spot). A final move in the early 1820s to Inverleith Row, a change of name to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and the journey of Murray’s plants was complete.

The Murray family seat at Livingston Peel was a fortified stone tower on a large, earthen mound and surrounded by a moat built in 1124 by de Leving, a Flemish nobleman invited to Scotland by King David 1.* In return for military service to the king, de Leving was given a grant of land. Other more humble dwellings sprang up around the tower with the people attracted by work and its protection. The settlement became known as Leving’s toun, then as time passed this name became Livingston.

A street sign near the entrance to Peel Park holds on to the old spelling - Leving Place – a connection with the past.

Originally from Elibank in Peebles-shire, the Murray family acquired Livingston Peel and surrounding lands in 1512. Livingston was a huge but sparsely populated parish (around 2,000 inhabitants), stretching 10 miles

1)

Images

1) Livingston Peel - The LDC built a grassy mound with cobblestone moat, wooden bridge and steps to the top where the original Peel would have stood.

2) Livingston Place - the manor house built by Patrick Murray’s nephew when he inherited the estate. The LDC built a stone outline of the manor house as nothing remained of it.

manor house close to the Peel called Livingston Place. A low stone wall erected by the LDC on the line of the original manor house’s foundations give an idea of its size. A fitting tribute to the Laird O’ Livingston saw Lord Murray of Elibank plant Livingston’s 500,000th tree on the new town’s 10th anniversary in 1972 in the recreated Patrick Murray Physic Garden.

2)

from Dechmont in the east to Fauldhouse in the west. Mainly, it was rough, open countryside, dotted with small patches of cultivated land and large areas of wet moorland like Drumshoreland, Easter Inch, Whitburn and Fauldhouse moors.

In 1995, Livingston Development Corporation (LDC) commemorated Patrick Murray’s contribution to the natural science of botany by recreating a physic garden in Peel Park, the site of Murray’s original garden. At the heart of the LDC’s garden, an information panel and diagram (sadly now hard to read) shows the layout of different beds – medicinal plants of 1670, culinary herbs of 1670, medicinal plants used from 1670 to the present day – although now, ivy swamps the other plants. Box and yew hedging give structure, dividing the beds and bordering paths and other larger, open spaces, tempting you to explore. Rows of lollipop-like trees line ramrod-straight walkways leading off in all directions like the points of a compass and give the garden an open, spacious feeling.

The only survivors from the old estate are the mature trees.

About 30 paces from the information point, the LDC built a circular grass mound surrounded by a cobblestone moat, a wooden bridge and 16 steps take you to the top. This simple structure represents the original Livingston Peel. Although Patrick Murray lived in the Peel, his nephew who inherited the estate built a substantial

Plant collectors risked life and limb on their quests for new species. Like Murray, they had a thirst for knowledge and were driven by a need to explore nature and share their discoveries - our landscapes were shaped by their efforts. *Historians have differing opinions on the origin of the name Livingston, and the identity of de Leving himself. The information here is just one of several possible explanations.

Information from West Lothian Local History Library and The Sibbald Physic Garden by Dr M A Eastwood

Livistona is a ge nu palms native to s of 36 species of so Asia, Australasia uth and south eastern an ranging in size fro d the Horn of Africa tree size. They we m pot plant size to Brown, an Englishre discovered by Robert botanist, in 1810 named after Pa and trick Murray.

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“Tell me a story.....”

T

he art of story telling is as old as the hills and we all love the company of someone who can spin a good yarn. But what role does a modern, formally qualified Storyteller play in our community today?

I met up with Colin Williamson, a newlyqualified Storyteller from Livingston, to learn more about his work.

“Storytelling is a very powerful way of passing on information. I specialise in Scottish history and Celtic folklore and have told stories in schools, nurseries, museums and libraries. My storytelling is interactive, the audience become part of the story – children become Viking warriors or Highlanders on the move.” Colin is passionate about stories and loves bringing historical events and legends to life. It’s all about the storyteller personally bringing their own imagination or interpretation to a story and taking the listeners with them. One of Colin’s strengths is adapting ancient tales and legends to explain principles to children such as social responsibility, fairness and conflict resolution, so it’s not just learning about historical events.

Colin also firmly believes that storytelling can be the key to unlocking the joy of learning for children who are struggling to read, or for whom traditional methods of learning are not working for whatever reason. “I’ve been told by teachers that my stories have held the attention of pupils in their class who usually can’t concentrate for more than a few short minutes at a time,” he explains.

And he should know. His own story – struggling with severe dyslexia all the way through school, eventually getting a degree from Edinburgh University as a mature student – is a lesson in the value of approaching learning from many different points of view. The written word was a mystery to him as a young child, but when his father took him out in the hills or to sites of ancient battles

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and told him stories, he could visualise events and they stuck in his memory in a way that the written word never did – and still doesn’t.

After graduating with an MA degree in Scottish Ethnology, Colin spent some time as an interactive costume guide at Mary King’s Close on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. He was then a tour guide for a Highland tours company. But when that work came to an end, he decided to combine his love of history and Scottish culture, his rich voice and his love of passing on information person to person … and to become a professional Storyteller. He is very grateful to Harrysmuir Primary School, where he first started off gaining experience of Storytelling on his way to formal accreditation from the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh.

He gained his accreditation in early 2012 after three years of storytelling experience and assessment, and has just set up Scotstory, a business to spread the magic of storytelling as far as possible.

Colin has always been heavily involved in volunteer and community work, and as a result has a huge amount of experience of working with people of all ages and abilities. From digging ditches on the Isle of Mull with disadvantaged inner-city youngsters to working as a befriender and supporter for disabled adults locally.

He is a founding member of the West Lothian branch of Dyslexia Scotland, and volunteers for Radio Grapevine (the radio station for St John’s Hospital) where he produces the Friday Night Show. And you can hear him every Friday after the 9pm news on the Radio Grapevine website – telling stories.

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ou may have noticed a distinctive blue van in the area recently... it’s a new gardening business run by Dan Greaves of Kirknewton. “I’ve always enjoyed garden construction and had experience of working in my father’s carpentry business, building pergolas, fencing and decking. I also spent time working with a friend who does landscape gardening.” Wanting a career change after years of managing a chain of clothing stores, Dan decided to set up his own gardening business at the end of 2011.

He has thrown his considerable energy and creativity into it - he loves the creative aspect of garden design and construction, but also does general maintenance including grass cutting, clearing and borders. He brings his years of experience in management to bear – someone who knows how to be organised and get things done is just what you want whether you’ve got a large garden project on or want a regular maintenance gardener.

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Thought for the Month

By Tina Gilbert

T

he spirit in which we do something is as important as the act itself.

Sometimes we have a sense of feeling trapped or working too hard, maybe long hours, starting to feel exhausted and helpless. Feeling trapped makes you feel anxious, less creative, less flexible and you might then say yes to something with gritted teeth, tense jaw, with negative thoughts and a critical or judging mind; all of which creates a narrow focus on your life.

Your life has a chance to step out of this pattern to become richer, more flexible and more creative. Williams & Penman in their book “Mindfulness –Finding Peace in a frantic world”, suggests that the trapped feeling may come from your past; a time when you had to prove something to yourself or others that, over time, has got locked into a habit. This habit destroys any playfulness within you and

over time removes all the spirit you once had. Do you recognise any of this within you?

Turn towards and observe yourself and notice if your world has become so frantic from ingrained habits and patterns. The process of turning towards it in itself is often enough to bring about some change. Think about this moment right now, you are in control of your destiny and can change the way you feel about any moment. If you think about the spirit in which you do things and open your heart, welcome experience in whether good or bad and see if you can start to have fun again and notice if your life starts to feel richer, warmer and more flexible. Give it a go; you might just enjoy it much more than before.

Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation.

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Along the Lin’s Mill Loop

By Karen Murray

I

t never ceases to amaze me just how many different walks or variations on a walk you can do in the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, although I had thought I had done them all.

However, chatting to one of the Rangers, she told me about the Lin’s Mill Loop which is one of the ranger-led walks, so I decided to give it a go and talked my husband into a ‘romantic’ evening walk.

was the last person in Scotland to die of the plague in 1645 and his wife had to put his body in a sack and drag him into the woods for burial. Gravestone inscription - “Here lys the Dust of William Lin, Right Heritor of Linsmill who died in the year of Our Lord 1645” (While the plague raged at Uphall, the corpses were disposed of by dumping them in the dungeons of the ruined castle of Strathbrock).

I have to confess it was rather later in the evening when we eventually ventured out so we maybe didn’t get the best of the views, but it was nonetheless very enjoyable, breathing in the evening air and avoiding the swooping bats!

The walk begins at the suspension bridge below the Visitor Centre and follows the footpath by the canal feeder. It is a little overgrown but at this time of year the wild flowers tower along the side of the path adding vibrant colour. You come across a number of stiles and kissing gates along the way which always adds to the appeal for kids and eventually you will spot Illieston Castle on the left through the trees.

Illieston Castle was the ancient hun seat of the Kings of Scotland, part ting icularly of James II and James IV. The hou se was renovated in 1665 by Mr John Ellis.

“MIE 1665” can be seen on the pillar of the main gateway. The house is now in private ownership.

You will come to some steep steps at the end of the path where you turn left onto a minor road at the top. Follow this road straight on to the Union Canal at Lin’s Mill Aqueduct.

At this point you might want to take a break and you can reflect on the time of the plague if you feel so moved.

Right Heritor of Lin’s Mill, William Lin 26

Once suitably rested you go down the steps at the side of the aqueduct, under the aqueduct and back up the steps the other side. Now you are on the other side of the Union Canal.

Follow the canal towpath over the aqueduct towards Broxburn but leave at the first exit you come to which is farm road and carry on that road crossing onto a minor road. You go past Muirend Cottage, Lookaboutye Farm and the TA Centre at Drumshoreland before coming to crossroads.

At the crossroads, turn left and you are on the road back to the country park and the north car park. On the right hand side if you look carefully you should see the Wallace Stone just off the roadside, erected in memory of William Wallace by the 11th Earl of Buchan, David Steward Erskine and his wife Margaret Fraser who owned the estate then.

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William Wallace is said to have hunted Drumshoreland Moss when he was looking for King Edward who was encamped at Kirkliston. just before the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. The stone bears an inscription in Latin dedicating it to Wallace and the date 15th October 1784.

It may be the earliest surviving memorial in Scotland dedicated to Wallace. The stone is one of a pair; the other stone in the park and is dedicated to Sir Simon Fraser, ancestor of Margaret Fraser, who fought with Robert the Bruce.

You will come to the entrance pillars to the north end of the park. Through the pillars, the drive descends steeply downhill to the Visitor Centre.

To get in as much light as possible, we actually drove to the north entrance of the car park near the pillars and so began and ended the walk there.

Not all the walk takes part within the boundaries of the country park but it is still a pleasant stroll, not too arduous but with much to see along the way.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Walk distance - approx 6kms Duration - 2-2.5 hours Walks in company are often preferable, so if you fancy this walk and don’t want to go it alone why not contact the Rangers at Almondell & Calderwood to see when they are next leading this walk?

Contact the Ranger Service at Almondell on 01506 882254. Or there are various local walking groups you can join for walks in your local area, for example the Adambrae, Bellsquarry and Murieston Walking Group, see our Clubs and Classes listings for details. If you are involved in other walking groups in Livingston which would like to be listed in the magazine just email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk.

27

Vet’s Tip:

How to Train Your Own Pudsey

A

nyone watching Britain’s Got Talent will have been impressed at how well trained and happy Pudsey the dog was during his doggy dancing routines. No dog trained with force could have achieved this amazing feat. Pudsey has been trained with kindness and rewards, so if you want your dog to be like Pudsey you should click and treat not yell and beat! It can be hard to know the best way to train your dog so here are some simple facts: Many people believe they need to be the pack leader to have a well behaved dog.

The dominance myth has actually been disproven for over 20 years. The infamous Cesar Milan has a huge following yet any qualified trainer or behaviourist will frown when hearing his name! Several countries have banned his tour and will not broadcast his show.

Modern science tells us that rewards are more effective than punishment. Would you rather be paid to go to work every day or

do it to avoid being yelled at all the time? I know what would motivate me more!

Dogs treated with harsh methods are more likely to develop behaviour problems such as aggression. Bear in mind that the top reason for dogs to be euthanised is due to a behaviour problem and dogs that go to puppy classes are far less likely to be rehomed.

The dog training industry is unregulated meaning that anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist without having qualifications or knowledge. In fact many trainers use methods which break animal welfare laws.

With half a million pounds and the admiration of Simon Cowell on offer perhaps it’s time to get out the treats and have fun with your dog?!

Pet’s Tip written by Joanne Drysdale BSc - dog behaviourist at Edinburgh Dog Training, see www.joannedrysdale.co.uk

AniMalagic Dog grooming Livingston

07830 262123 Licenced home boarding & dog walking www.k9friends.co.uk

www.animalmagic.eu

28

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Ian Merriman Ltd

A

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BE FO RE

Hn Pne Kitn

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

Rejuvinate your old kitchen units and furniture.

Have them hand painted in a colour of your choice.

Ian Merriman Ltd 0131 478 7339

ian@kitchenspainted.com

www.kitchenspainted.com

73 Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, EH14 5ND To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

29

£20 off FU

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

D

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

✓Paintwork scratches

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

Please produce advert at time of estimate.

30

L

FU

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

31

Prize Crossword

Win ÂŁ20 Wikaniko gift voucher, see advert on page 20 and more information at www.wikanikowithcarla.com Across

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Written announcement (6) Film regulator (6) Fan (7) Subject (5) Type of hat (5) Closest to (7) Sound transmitters (11) Ruler (7) Edition (5) Tale (5) Easily seen (7) Lower down (6) Helpful (6)

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Close to (6) Stopwatch (5) Custodian of museum (7) Surplus (5) Most important (7) Repeat aloud (6) Carried along (11)

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14. Make better (7) 15. Beginnings (7) 16. Stopped (6)

17. Relating to teeth (6) 19. Type of poem (5) 21. Horizontal board (5)

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

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 44

32

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R&I MACDONALD K I LT M A K E R S Kiltmakers for over 60 years Highland dress specialists plus Full Highland dress hire.

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

45 Main Street, West Calder EH55 8DP Tel/Fax 01506 872678 Email todd@macdonaldkiltmakers.co.uk www.macdonaldkiltmakers.co.uk

BARROWFIELD LEATHER COMPANY LTD.

Tel/Fax: 01506 872222 Specialist in Leather Goods and most materials Design and Repair

EST.

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

1892

Bespoke Designs to order

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

33

All under one roof at

Va eitch R Jlm& G rden Centre l l onde

A

Almondell Garden Centre, East Calder, EH53 0ET

R V ei t c h J& Tel: 01506 880018

JUNE OFFER Hanging Baskets Now available

Wed 1/2 Price OAP Day

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of Bathgate Ltd

• City Centre Selection at Out of Town Prices • Personal Friendly Service • Great Deals on Sofas, Furniture, Beds and

Floor Coverings • Many New Ranges Now In Stock

GRANT’S OF BATHGATE 74 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PP

Tel : 01506 633286 www.grantsofbathgate.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

35

June Recipe and Food Notes

By Anne Pinkerton

F

“

laming June”, or so the saying goes! I think this has more to do with summer in England than for us a bit north of Potter’s Bar. To us in Scotland June is often the kindest month and with luck we can enjoy the wonderful very long days, flowers and food from the garden or allotment.

Cleaver gardeners may have their first new potatoes and broad beans, herbs will be well up and there are elderflowers, sorrel and garlic leaves we can harvest from the wild.

This may all be a bit of a dream when you have a family to feed, not enough time and less in the budget than you hoped.

There are still ways to make your food feel summery and leave you with to time to enjoy the long days and good weather if we get any.

Pasta with cream and new vegetables Cook which ever shape of pasta you most enjoy and when it is ready have the following ready to add : A dash of olive oil 1 egg beaten into ¼ pint double or whipping cream Cooked asparagus chopped or new tiny broad beans or fresh peas just cooked.

A rasher or 2 of thin crisp cooked bacon per person, broken up Salt and a good grinding of black pepper Chopped chives or mint or sorrel leaves.

Chose the herb which will go best with the veg you are eating. eg. mint with peas.

At the last moment add the veg, oil, herbs, bacon and then the cream and egg to the hot, drained pasta. Give it a quick mix to coat the pasta with the rest of the ingredients and there you are…a quick summer meal making expensive ingredients go further and still tasting good.

June is often a month people plan for outside events, galas and weddings.

Summer celebration food is a British strength. Think of cold, decorated poached Scottish salmon, bowls of strawberries and meringues and puddings decorated with crystallized flowers or fruit. Rare roast beef sliced thin with tiny new potatoes and mint, followed by stewed apricots and cream are all simple and delicious.

36

Greek Courgette Fritters 2 large or 3 smaller courgettes, grated 150gm Greek Feta cheese, crumbled. Danish Feta is less strong tasting, I prefer the Greek original.

Chopped mint leaves 2 eggs beaten Salt and pepper and a little ground coriander if liked.

Plain flour Oil for frying In a bowl, mix all (except the oil) ingredients together. You will have a sloppy looking mess!

A little at a time, mix in plain flour to take up the liquid and make a thick dropping

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consistency. This might take 100gm or a little more flour.

Heat the oil in a frying pan till it is just smoking - any hotter and the fritters will burn, too cold and they will be oily.

Drop pudding-spoonfuls of mixture into the pan and cook till brown and crisp, turn the fritters and cook the other side. Keep the fritters hot on a dish with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Cook in batches till all the mixture is used up.

Serve with a tomato salad and some black olives and crusty bread.

Flowers in food There are several flowers which are good to eat and when added to salads or as decoration to puddings give the dish a summery look. The Cyrenians grow salads on their holding at Humbie near Kirknewton, and include nasturtiums, snapdragon, violas, borage, chive flowers and pot marigolds in their salad mix. They sell them to the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Why not try them yourself? For fun you can crystallize rose petals with egg white and caster sugar and use them on cakes. Both violets and roses can be found in the cake decorating shelves of the super-market.

Elderflower cordial On a dry day pick about 10 big heads of elderflowers. If you can, take them home quickly or keep them in a paper bag till you are there. This is because the dry flowers carry the yeast which will give the syrup a genuine flowery taste. If the flowers are wet they will make an unpleasant flavoured brew.

Put the elderflower heads in a heat proof bowl.

Slowly dissolve 450gm of sugar in ¾ pint of water. When this is done bring the syrup to the boil and then pour it over the elderflower heads. Cover with a clean cloth and set aside to go cold. Leave for a day to steep.

Bottle in a screw topped jar and keep in the fridge.

This can be diluted to taste with fizzy water, used to make elderflower water ice or be added to the fruit when cooking gooseberries.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Life can be a bowl of cherries

Eating more super foods, raw & fresh foods can literally bring a smile to your face

And so can...

Free delivery for online orders over £15

Shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk 37 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3JU 8 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JH

Vegetarian • Fairtrade • Special diet • Organic

37

Useful Information & What’s On? June Last Post Times

St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

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

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

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: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 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.

School Term dates (from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Spring / Summer (Term 3) Tue 17/4/12 - Fri 29/6/12 Queens’s Jubilee: Tue 5/6/12 To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

38

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 st Lothian Dyslexia Scotland We Lothian is a local group Dyslexia Scotland West rmation to adults and offering support and info and to their parents, children with dyslexia, anyone with an interest and s teachers, employer in dyslexia. ay g will be on Wednesd Our next Open Meetin 9pm at The Hub, 6th June, 2012 7pm Almondvale Crescent, West Lothian College, guest speaker is o Livingston EH54 7EP. The ult Basic Education wh Marion Phillips from Ad lexia-friendly tutoring, dys ut will be talking abo rning, visual stress and useful strategies for leathe uses of technology and coloured overlays, for dyslexic learners. nce to chat and pick up There will also be a cha tion. Our meetings are rma some advice and info everyone is welcome. informal and friendly and tact the Branch by con ase For more details ple com) or by phone ail. gm n@ email (dswestlothia . on 07927 962120 Howden Park Centr e Howden Park Centre has programme of events inc a busy music, dance, theatre, luding live workshops and exhibitions. See the at www.howdenparkce ir website for complete up to dat ntre.co.uk e listing.

p45

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Order your canvas online today, it’s easy!

Use our most popular web option of uploading your own image, pick the size you want & we will print, wrap & deliver your canvas - simple!

Try us now...

Excellent for: capturing a special event, birthday presents, anniversary presents, special occasions, wedding presents or just getting your favourite image onto canvas

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

39

Business card competition Send in your business card to enter the prize draw. Winner drawn at random will receive a half page advertisement in the Livingston edition of the Konect Directory for 3 months.

Closing date : 20th June, 2012 Send entries via email or post : ● email to : hj@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject line “Business Card Competition” ● post to : The Konect Directory Overton Farmhouse Kirknewton, EH27 8DD

Win a FREE ad in the Konect Directory for three months!

konect the

directory

Successfully connecting local people with local businesses!

Three distinctly local magazines covering: • Livingston • The Calders, Kirknewton and Pumpherston • Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton

Contact us:

Reaching 32,400 local households and businesses

Advertising & booking enquiries: Jenny Thomson -

jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

07824 469 266

All other enquiries: Helen-Jane Shearer -

hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

07854 492 638

WWW.

www.konectdirectory.co.uk www.facebook.com/The Konect Directory

40

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Th

Q: hOW DID ROMANS CUT HAIR? A: WITH A PAIR OF CAESARS!

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CHARIOT TOGA HORSE COLISEUM ROME

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dID YOU KNOW? Rome was founded NEARLY 3,000 YEARS AGO by THE first king, Romulus.

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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 Parents Together West Lothian Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers.

Meet at Beatlie School Campus, Craigshill, first Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com 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 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 - 8.00 pm 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.

DEANS 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 For more info tel 01506 439568. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon Livingston Station playgroup 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.

42

Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends, or anyone interested in learning about the condition. Meetings are informal, provide support and information and activities which promote wellbeing.

Meetings and membership is free. If you would like to join us, come along to the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7pm-8:30pm and see what we are all about! For more information and for dates of this month’s fortnightly meetings, please contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107.

DEDRIDGE Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. Every Mon 7.15pm - 9.30pm from early Sept to late May, with the club reverting to an active summer syllabus between these dates.

Monday evenings form the formal part of the club activities. Evening activities range from speakers, presentations, competitions, critique, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre Templar Rise, Dedridge EH54 6DG For children 2 -3years.

Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15am – 11.15am (during school term time) £4.25 per day including healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email croftheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk 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 1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45pm Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00pm Brigaders (S1+) 7.30-9.15pm For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Natalie Corner on 01506 415968

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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 Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge If you enjoy reading why not join our reading group?

The group is informal and very relaxed with some members attending every meeting and others dropping in when they particularly like the sound of a book! Free. The group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/ coffee and biscuits. New members always welcome.

For more information contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

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

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 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 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

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE

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

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

HOWDEN

MURIESTON

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

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

14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School.

Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Telephone: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197.

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 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Adambrae, Bellsquarry & Murieston (ABM) Walking Group Looking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship - then join our Ladies Walking Group. We meet on Mondays at 10.00. Contact Penny Clark penmex2@hotmail.co.uk for details.

Livingston Bridge Club We meet on Wednesdays 6.45pm at Bankton Mains Bowling Club. All standards welcome, classes can be arranged also. New season starts Wed 7th Sept.

Murieston Parent and Toddler Group Murieston Village Hall (beside Livingston South Station) For preschool children. Thurs 9.30 – 11am. £1 per child, includes crafts, snack and tea/coffee for the parents. For more information tel 01506 418120.

43

konect the

directory

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-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Solution May 12 crossword

AMC Fitness Circuit Training The complete body workout: a high energy instructorled class of pre-set workout stations. Tues 7.30 – 8.30pm Harburn Village Hall Body Conditioning Sculpt & tone the whole body: a low impact resistance based class. Targets problem areas, strengthens the core, improves posture and balance. Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm Harburn Village Hall Boxercise Punch your way to a perfect physique: a high energy fast paced class, designed to increase overall fitness and also great fun. Thurs 7.30 – 8.30pm Murieston Village Hall No dancing! No frills! No fuss! Just Focus on Fitness.

All classes suitable for all levels of fitness, £3 per session. For further details please contact: ailsa@ amcfitness.co.uk or tel 07808161634. www.amcfitness.co.uk

Solution April 12 crossword

Mini Music Makers Murieston Scout Hall, off Bankton Walk, EH54 9LE Open up the world of music for you and your child with NYCoS Mini Music Makers. These fun interactive sessions introduce to music for children and their parent/ carers through singing, rhymes and bouncing games.

Thurs mornings from 12 Jan – 29 Mar £4 per class, block booking advised.

Email catherine.williams@nycos.co.uk or call 0141 248 2943 to book your place. Find out more at www.nycos.co.uk

Solution to Sudoku

Total Toning A low impact class designed to sculpt and tone the whole body. Target problem areas, strengthen the core, improve posture & balance.

Wednesdays 6.15 – 7.15pm Harburn Village Hall All classes suitable for all levels of fitness, £3 per session. For further details please contact: Email: ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk, tel: 07808161634, web: www.amcfitness.co.uk

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

p38 Library

Information

Lanthorn Library

Almondbank Library

Craigshill Shopping Mall, EH54 5EJ Tel: 01506 777500 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times 09.30 – 18.00 Mon & Fri 10.00 – 18.00 Wed Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 09.30 – 13.00 Sat

Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times 09.30 – 18.00 Mon & Fri 10.00 – 18.00 Wed Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 09.30 – 13.00 Sat Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Jubilee teacake and a blether Monday 4th June 10.00am - 12.00pm

The library will be closed Tuesday 5th June 2012

The library will be closed Tuesday 5th June 2012

The Queen opened the Lanthorn on 25th June 1977. In her Silver Jubilee Year celebrate our 35th birthday on the weekend of 23rd/25th June

Bookbug and storytelling sessions are held in the library on alternate Tuesdays, open to all under 5’s and their grown-ups, a lovely free and fun activity to enjoy. Please contact the Library for more information.

The Library will be relocating to new premises in Shiel House during the month of June. We apologise in advance for any closures/disruption which may occur at short notice.

June events at Lanthorn Chatterbooks 3.45pm on Wed 6th June Open to all children in P5 to P7 Bookgroup 6.30pm on Thurs 7th June Lively discussions and refreshments Bookbug 2.30pm on Wed 13th June For all under 3’s and their grown ups

Carmondean Library

(Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times 09.30 – 18.00 Mon & Fri Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 The library will be closed Tuesday 5th June 2012 Author visit – Gordon Anthony Thursday 7th June 18.30 – 19.45 Talk and discussion about the author’s new book World’s End

Summer Read in

g Challenge Summer Reading Challenge for 20 12 is going to be a W orldwide Advent ure.

Come along and register for the Summer Reading Challenge in the week beginning Monday 25th Ju ne and be ready to begin the Adve nture from Monday 2n d July 2012.

Details available from the Library Staff in any of the th ree libraires.

Book signing Saturday 9th June 10.00am – 12.00pm Please contact the Library if you wish to attend any of these sessions as numbers will be limited.

Please note there will be restricted access to Library Services on the Thursday 7th June To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop 27 Accountant AKT Bookkeeping 6 LAW Accountancy 4 Aerials Aerial Man 30 Artland and Sculpture Park Jupiter Artland 48 Attractions Jupiter Artland 48 Beauty MobileBeauty by Weez 4 One Life Leisure 11 Builder David Bathgate 6 Building Surveyor David Hastings 29 Canvas Prints The Livingston Print Company 39 Car Sales Colin Nixon 31 Car Service/Repair Chips Away 30 Colin Nixon 31 Ceramics Art & Craft Honeypot Ceramics 15 Children’s Activities GMAC Martial Arts 16 Honeypot Ceramics 15 Chiropodist Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 12 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 21 Hydro-Kleen 21 Time For You Ltd 7 Complimentary Therapies Rosslyn Alternatives 22 Whole Body Balance 22 Dentist No 9 Dental 16 Dog Grooming Animal Magic 28 Mucky Mutts 28

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Electrician Gavin Beatson Electrical 6 Fishery Morton Fishings 33 Fitness DCL Fitness 16 One Life Leisure 11 Susan Douglas Pilates 16 Florist AP Flowers 15 Food Real Foods 37 Footcare McDonald Footcare 23 Framing Scot Frames 5 Furniture Grant’s of Bathgate 35 Garden and Landscaping D Greaves 19 Woodford Timber 18 Garden Centre Riccarton 19 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 15 Harburn Golf Club 5 Hairdresser DRL Hair Studio 17 Goldilocks Hair Salon 23 LV Hair Design 34 Handyman West Lothian Handyman 6 Health and Beauty Real Foods 37 Home Improvements Bathgate Bathroom Studio 25 Ian Merriman 29 MHPS Property Services 5 Window and Door Factory 2 Ironing Pressed On Time 5 Kilt Makers MacDonald Kilt Makers 33 Leather Products Barrowfield Leather 33

Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Logs Reservoir Logs Makeup Artist Making Faces Mobility Products NHS Mobility Optician Lothian Optical Painter/Decorator DM Decorators Lane Decor Plasterer Top 2 Bottom Plastering Plumber Weir Plumbing Pony Riding Kirknewton Riding & Trekking Property Management K & H Property Pub Bridge Inn Restaurant Bridge Inn Sewing Services & Supplies Mary’s Patch Soft Furnishing Knight Shades blinds Storyteller Scotstory Tattooist Inkwell Tattoo Taxi Real Radio Cars Tearoom T 4 2 at No. 52 Tearoom Telephone Engineer John McGraw Telephone Engineer Veterinary Albyn Veterinary Centre Window Cleaning Suburban Window Cleaning

21 4 22 12 13 6 6 5 29

28 33 47 47 34 24 15 23 4 15 34

6 28

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Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Newly awarded 4* by visitscotland

Summer at The Bridge Inn Come and enjoy ...

Delicious award-winning food on the terrace BBQs in the sun check the website for dates

Lunchtime and evening cruises on the Union Canal Family friendly beer garden

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

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Weekly drop in workshops for children.

Two hour sessions of fun and informal hands on activities in the magical outdoor environment of Jupiter. June to August Visit our website for more information on our Summer Artsparks courses and our very popular pre-school groups Littlesparks

Summer Events at Jupiter

Tours, talks, performances, workshops for families and adults of all ages, artists events including a barge trip and a blue moon picnic at the end of August

OPENING TIMES

BANK HOLIDAYS

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY 10.00AM - 5.00PM

MONDAY 10.00AM - 5.00PM

11 MAY - 16 SEPTEMBER 2012

4 JUNE + 27 AUGUST 2012

There is so much to do this summer at Jupiter to find out more and to book visit

www.jupiterartland.org