Konect Directory Livingston May 12

konect the

directory

The community magazine for Livingston May 2012

WIN WIN ÂŁ20 Wikaniko gift voucher.

crossword competition

Feature article: Livingston’s Explorers PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

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Message from the Editor

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Hello neighbours If you think you know your local area really well, take a look at the article on pages 8 and 9 where our writer Yvonne MacMillan interviewed some local people whose hobby involves exploring the area - specially the parts that the rest of us don’t or can’t get at, such as underground tunnels!

Other articles this month take us just slightly further afield – our walk takes us up to Morton Fishery, just off the A71 near Mid Calder, and for our Charity of the Month we have been learning about a little-known group who work on the Union Canal near Broxburn Congratulations to Andy Targett of Adambrae who won the crossword competition in the last issue, and to

Contents Feature Article Livingston’s Explorers Local Walk Pets Recipe Children & Family

8 14 17 24 28

Andrew Read of Deans who won the competition prize in the March issue.

This month, you could win 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 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

28 28 32 32 34 38

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.

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

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

Front cover photograph Jenny Thomson: View from Dechmont Law

3

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7

Livingston’s Explorers

Urban explorers, documenting the unseen

By Yvonne MacMillan

1)

I

nside the Caw Burn storm drain in Pumpherston, it’s pitch black and dangerous.

Two figures walk upright clutching high-powered torches as they make their way carefully along the concrete tunnel.

Senses on full alert, they feel excited – more aware of things. The smooth, damp walls glisten in the torchlight and the foot-deep water roars and echoes in the confined space - yet they can still hear the traffic above their heads. On the pair trudge for about 2 hours, deep beneath Houston Industrial Estate, till eventually the space narrows, and they turn back.

Finding out more about Caw Burn storm drain and the risky hobby of urban exploring, I’m in the Pumpherston home of Caroline Robertson and Tina Doyle, a mother and daughter team of urban explorers. Tina explains the Caw Burn drain was built to filter the waste from Houston Industrial Estate and points out the added risk of exploring drains – how heavy rainfall locally and in surrounding areas very quickly raises the water levels. The burn itself once flowed above ground, Caroline says, winding its way across the land where the offices, factories and warehouses now stand.

“My dad told me he used to swim in the Caw Burn when he was wee.”

or film the uninhabited space. The unspoken rule among urban explorers is, “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”

Caroline, a Care Assistant in Broxburn, and daughter Tina, dog-lover and rock music fan who works at Linwater Breeding Kennels, remember how their urban exploring began. In 2004 when Tina was 18 years old, they went for a walk in the grounds of the unoccupied Bangour Village Hospital. Spotting a villa’s door hanging open, they popped their heads round it – but were “Too scared to do anything else!” on that occasion. Caroline had worked there and was curious to see what it looked like now. The air of general decay shocked her. Personal things like ornaments lay around in the dust and debris and thinking of all the human stories made her feel sad she says, but, “The history of it all was so interesting.”

“Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”

Urban explorers find any kind of derelict, abandoned buildings and hidden structures fascinating. Above ground or below ground it doesn’t matter. Disused factories, old houses, asylums, hospitals, storm drains, culverts, tunnels and bunkers - places the rest of us wouldn’t give a second glance, maybe don’t even know exist, are right up their street.

Inside these sites, they photograph

Back home and online, Tina discovered a world-wide community of urban explorers, and she and her mum were hooked. Since then they’ve explored more than 100 sites, mainly in the central belt, and many local sites too, like the ROC (Royal Observer Corps) Post in West Calder - a hidden bunker which was a nuclear monitoring post – and a shale mine in Mid Calder. Tina films each one

Images 1) underground in Pumpherston 2) Paper rolls at the abandoned EDS facility, Livingston

and loves the creative process of filming, editing and selecting atmospheric tracks before uploading them to YouTube.

Why urban exploring? “It’s like going back in time,” says Caroline. Old houses, abandoned hospitals and anything underground are her favourite places. Her daughter says, “I like the architecture, even seeing things like old wallpaper - it must be like visiting the Titanic, that sense of the past.” She prefers exploring derelict mortuaries but likes underground places too – storm drains (especially Victorian-era drains made of lovely red brick), caves and tunnels – these fascinate her, “You don’t think what’s under your feet.”

Caroline and Tina stress the safety precautions they take and accept that sometimes they’re in places they perhaps shouldn’t be. Rotten floorboards, broken glass, somebody sleeping rough are just some of the hazards. “You have to concentrate at all times,” says Caroline, “we know there are potential dangers, we do it at our own risk.” They don’t scrimp on their gear and have a list as long as your arm - torches, extra batteries, mobile phone, steel-toed boots, sturdy walking boots, gloves, masks in case of asbestos – to mention a few. And, they both say firmly, “If there’s no way in, we don’t touch it, we go away.”

Another local place they’ve explored is the EDS Facility, an industrial site in Livingston’s Kirkton Campus. Built 2)

in 1975, it printed Government giro cheques. The plant shut in 2005 and the several hundred workers were made redundant. The local press at the time reported “a near riot” in the building over the terms and conditions of the redundancies.

Caroline remembers the factory at its peak. She lived in Ladywell at the time, and the local residents often talked about the constant thump, thump of the factory’s machines. Now there’s only stillness and silence in the huge, debris-strewn complex of 6 main halls, plant rooms, and maze of corridors and stairs, the dust-covered phones waiting patiently for a call that’s never going to come. “It was very strange when we were inside filming,” says Caroline, “I kept thinking of all the workers who had lost their jobs.”

Often, empty buildings get demolished, this was the fate of the disused McEwans Fountain Brewery - with its trademark Laughing Cavalier logo - in Edinburgh.

But not before Caroline and Tina explored and filmed it, and by doing this, feel they’ve kept the building and its past alive. People are interested in seeing the films and photos on her website Tina says, because they may have worked or lived in these buildings - it brings back memories.

And when West Lothian’s Local History Library made a public appeal for help in identifying the ward in an old photo of Bangour Village Hospital, Caroline and Tina came to the rescue, “ We realised it was ward 21 because of the two pillars and type of doors.” It was another piece in the puzzle for the library.

Both plan more exploring - further afield now Tina’s passed her driving test - no need to pester her brother for a lift any more, “He charged us for the petrol!” says Tina, “he doesn’t like urban exploring.”

To see photos and film footage visit http://www.youtube.com/user/TeEnZiE

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Views from the Morton Road Karen Murray celebrates the return of evening walks in daylight

N

ow that we are enjoying longer days - albeit with rather haphazard weather - it is time to recommence those evening walks. Most folk will try and walk in the morning during the winter months but as I am not a morning person I have been walking in the dark with the Kirknewton Stompers. That took care of exercise and company, but now I can walk in the daylight I can enjoy the surroundings of where I am walking too and that is all part of the pleasure.

So I am back to finding different routes and new places to walk. My sons have been fishing with their grandpa and whilst they have yet to actually catch something - just like their grandpa who has never had much luck when fishing - they love the experience of being outdoors and they always have a walk around the loch or fishery they are at.

Part of my dad’s love of fishing is the walk to the fishery and the peace and tranquility found there. Mentioning recently that they wanted to go fishing again the boys reminded me that there is always a good walk to be had near a fishery.

Therefore for my regular Sunday evening walk I headed with a friend to Morton Fishery to see what all the fuss was 14

about. It was unfortunately a rather dull, wet evening and there was no one around.

The fishery is on a reservoir and covers 22 acres. It is really rather beautiful. With a thin veil of mist drifting over the water, the effect was somewhat ethereal and all sound was dampened. Tall fir trees surround the area but as the reservoir is raised there are also views over the Pentlands as the fishery nestled right in the foothills of the range.

The path around the reservoir is grassy and therefore decent footwear is best as it could be slippy, but it is a fairly gentle stroll and the circuit around will take about 25 minutes. We needed the exercise due to an excess of Easter eggs, so we walked around twice and then took a stroll down the Morton road, back the way we had driven up. It was well worth the wander, as the mist had lifted and the whole vista opened up. The height of the road from the reservoir allows you to look down on the vale below and as the evening was drawing in, the twinkling lights of Livingston and Mid and East Calder were laid out below us.

It was incredibly pretty. Topped off with a couple of deer darting back into the trees and I was feeling very refreshed after a hard day at work.

If you are not in a hurry, you could park at the bottom of the Morton Road off the A71 and walk all the way up to the fishery along the single track road, walk around the fishery and back down again. A good training walk for anyone in training for the numerous charity walks coming up.

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BABERTON GOLF CLUB Special 2012 Offers on Full, Midweek and Young Adult Memberships from May 2012

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Vet’s Tip Pets and Poisons

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eople use many poisonous materials around the home and garden every day such as pesticides, weed killers, fertilisers, paints, detergents, and various household cleaners.

But medications intended for humans are just as likely to be the cause of poisoning.

Just one ibuprofen can cause serious health problems to a small animal whose body mass is significantly less than that of a human. Often dogs will take stale or mouldy food from a bin if they are able to, or drink stagnant water.

Poisoning symptoms may include trembling and shaking uncontrollably and difficulty walking. He/she may be vomiting or have diarrhoea.

If you think your pet has been poisoned it is important that she is examined by your vet and treated appropriately. Make sure you keep the animal warm and quiet, and try to determine what the poison was, when it was ingested, and the amount swallowed.

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Bathgate Bathroom Studio

I

n the heart of Bathgate town centre you will find a bathroom specialist with a remarkable family history, stretching back to mid 19th century.

The Bathroom Studio in Hopetoun Street is a modern bathroom showroom full of contemporary and practical ideas to meet the needs of customers today. However the family roots of the business can be traced back to the 1840s, when the original firm of J.B. Marr & Sons, Plumbers, was established in Bathgate town centre.

Caroline Irvine (nee Marr), co-owner of today’s specialist bathroom business, is the sixth generation of the Marr family to run a plumbing or bathroom business in the town, with six members of the extended family currently employed in the business.

“We cover the full spectrum, from as little as a shower installation through to full luxury bathrooms,” explains Marie Marr, Showroom Manager. “We carry out all work with our own fitting teams who are fully qualified in all aspects of bathroom installation, joinery, plumbing and tiling, meaning that the work is carried out efficiently and we can keep a close eye on quality control.” An extensive range of reputable brands is offered, including Mira and Aqualisa for showers; Vitra, Ideal Standard and Roca for sanitaryware, and Utopia fitted furniture.

The Bathroom Studio has just completed a major refurbishment of the showroom

JB Marr & Sons, early 20th Century

and office premises at Hopetoun Street, with extended space to display the latest design solutions for the modern bathroom or shower room. With over 20 complete displays, as well as extensive tile and shower wall ranges, the new showroom is well worth a visit.

The Bathroom Studio is a perfect example of a family-run business moving with the times to meet the needs of the present day, as illustrated by these comments from satisfied customers : “....For turning our dreams into reality we are delighted with our new en suite bathroom. We were really impressed with the level of professionalism and customer service we received from everyone - very refreshing in this day and age!” Mr & Mrs Stewart “Many thanks for an outstanding job” Philip

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of the the completion room To help celebrate Bath e Th t en m ish rb showroom refu g an Open Event in mid Studio is holdin ng May. me to come alo Everyone is welco 0 pm until 8.00 pm on 1.0 m fro e til 4.00 any tim and 10.00 am un Friday 18th May 19th May. There there pm on Saturday aw including prizes from will be a free dr and special offers on local businesses package deals.

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21

Thought for the Month Coping with stress

By Tina Gilbert

M

odern life is stressful; there is less time for family, more worries and anxiety; you may feel irritable and that your demands outweigh your ability to cope. Life is so busy that we have forgotten how to slow down and relax. The busier we are the more we fail to recognise the messages telling us to slow down. We talk about being too busy to rest and when we do rest we feel guilty!

If we are exposed to too much stress we can start to get headaches, dizziness, frequent colds, neck tension, back ache and have difficulty sleeping. For some stress can be described as exciting, stimulating and even thrilling such as new projects. Stress therefore is unique to each one of us. What is stressful for one is positive for another. Deliberately putting yourself into challenging situations can be considered good and bad stress.

Take a moment to think about your last week, then write two columns - on the left are all the things that drain your energy such staying up late, difficult conversations, saying yes to everything, and on the right are all the things that nourish you and give you pleasure such as laughing with friends, having a bath, reading or going out. Take time to reflect over whether the columns are balanced?

If not, what can change? Do you need more nourishing activities and can you remove some depleting ones? Take a moment be kind to yourself, make some small changes that will bring a little more balance into your life. You deserve it.

Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation.

Visit her website at http://yogamed.co.uk

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Treat your feet Give your feet some TLC with a treatment at Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry – your local foot care specialist.

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23

May Recipe and Food Notes

By Anne Pinkerton

S

everal food writers say May is the start of the food year. Many delicious and delicate new flavours come into the shops and food in the -it is to be hoped - warmer weather can be lighter. Spring chicken, British lamb, eggs, new potatoes especially “Jersey Royals”, English asparagus, and by the end of the month gooseberries and French Apricots arrive for us to enjoy. Salmon, trout, herrings and crayfish are the best of the fish catch now.

Spring Vegetable Soup Serves 4 Little Gem lettuce 2 leeks 2 carrots 2 pints stock, good cubes are fine 2 beaten egg yolks 2 small white turnips Half head of sweet pointed cabbage Cup of frozen peas or petits pois 50-75gm butter some fresh chervil or flat leaf parsley seasoning

Method Scrub or wash the vegetables and cut them all finely. You can grate the leeks, carrots and turnips. This makes the cooking time correct for all the vegetables.

In a large heavy-bottomed pan melt the butter and slowly cook the veg. Start with the carrots and turnips add the leeks and peas then the cabbage, lastly the lettuce and the herbs. When they are all soft but not browned add the stock and cook together gently for 15 minutes. Check the flavour and just as you are ready for it add some stock to the egg yolks and then add this to the rest of the soup. (If you do it this way the soup will be thickened and creamy - if you add the undiluted egg to the stock and it will cook to ribbons as it makes contact with the hot liquid. Both taste fine but the first way looks nicer.)

Hot Cucumber Watercress and cucumber both make good spring soup. Cucumber is a very good as a HOT vegetable with fish. Try it!

Serves 4 2 cucumbers peeled cut in half lengthways and the seeds scooped out. Then cut them in to inch lengths.

50gm butter a little dill weed chopped black pepper grated rind of a lemon Method Melt the butter in a saucepan add the cucumber and the lemon rind. Cover with a lid that fits tightly and steam the cucumber for about 5 minutes. Do not let it brown - give it a shake to make sure it is not sticking. Serve with a good twist of pepper and the chopped dill.

This is delicious with grilled lamb chops or salmon.

Salmon Steaks in cream 4 salmon steaks, about 1 inch thick Salt and pepper Butter for greasing the dish ¾ pint single cream 1 bay leaf

24

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May Recipe and Food Notes: (Continued)  Method

Chose an oven proof dish which will just hold the fish snug when laid out flat. Butter the dish, lay in the wiped steaks, season with salt and pepper and pour over enough of the cream to cover the fish. Put the bay leaf in the cream. Cover the dish with a layer of foil. To make the seal even better, cover with cling wrap and foil.

Bake at 160oC for 20 minutes. Do not overcook. Be careful when opening the foil especially if you have used cling wrap as well because there will be very hot steam released as you do so.

Serve with wedges of lemon and plain boiled new potatoes and some of the hot cucumber!

Lamb with Asparagus.

Serves 6 1 kilo shoulder of lamb meat trimmed and cubed 1 kilo asparagus 1 heaped table-spoon plain flour 4 small onions Butter for cooking ¼ pint single cream Salt, pepper and juice of a lemon Method Tie the asparagus in 2 or 3 bundles (rubber bands are fine for this) and stand in a tall saucepan with water half way up the stalks.

Cook gently till tender, about 15 minutes.

Drain but keep the cooking liquid. Cut off the tips and keep for decoration. Puree the stalks. A blender wand is great for this job.

The traditional way is to rub the vegetable through a sieve; this is a bit more work but the consistency is perfect.

With the butter, brown the meat and chopped onions in a casserole dish. Add the flour and work in all the juices and tasty bits. On a gentle heat gradually blend in about ½ pint of the asparagus cooking liquid. This will make a smooth, creamy sauce. Cover the casserole and cook slowly either on the hob, or in an160oC oven, till the meat is tender. About 50 minutes.

When the meat is cooked stir in the puree

26

and re-heat with the cream. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. The sauce should be fairly thick. Add the asparagus tips to the dish.

Again, boiled new potatoes are the best accompaniment to this spring stew.

Gooseberry Batter Pudding In a book called “A Feast of Scotland” by Janet Warren I found this idea for a May pudding. It is similar to a French early summer dish but they use cherries. Is this more evidence of the auld alliance? This is in effect a sweet Yorkshire pudding. ¾ pint milk 3 large eggs 50gm plain flour 100gm sugar 300gm gooseberries Sifted icing sugar grated nutmeg Butter a 2 pint ovenproof dish. Put the top and tailed fruit into the dish.

Either by hand or with a blender wand or electric hand whisk, make a batter from the other ingredients, except the icing sugar.

Pour this over the fruit and bake at 200oC/ gas 6 for 40-50 minutes till puffy and well risen - just like a Yorkshire pudding. Sift the icing sugar over the surface and eat with cold pouring cream, crème fraiche or plain yoghurt.

You can use frozen or well-drained tinned or bottled fruit for this dish.

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Prize Crossword

Win ÂŁ20 Wikaniko gift voucher, see advert on page 18

Across 1.

5.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

15.

18.

19.

20.

21.

1

Sketch (7) Naval map (5) Expel (5) Woman’s holdall (7) Promotional literature (13) Informal (6) Thick-set (6) Used to cool food (13) Conclusions (7) Perfect (5) Sea rising and falling (5) Medicinal syrup (7)

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Musical drama (5) Robbers (7) Worldwide (13) Pertaining to cultural group (6) Deep thinking (13) Saunter (5)

2

3

8

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

14 15

16

17

18

19

20

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7. Firmly (7) 11. Right (7) 13. Nearest (7)

14. Receptacle (6) 16. Dimmed (5) 17. Bottom of the feet (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 May 2012.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 36

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Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Birch Marr Estate Agency

New Office opening in May 2012 at 11 Market Street, Mid Calder

· Fully Regulated, Independent Agency · Free Market Appraisal of your Home · Fixed Price Legal Conveyancing · Arrangement of your Home Report · Fully Escorted Viewings · Friendly, Professional & Proactive Service · NO UPFRONT FEES to sell your home (if desired) Please see our website for FULL details: www.birch-marr.co.uk Email: office@birch-marr.co.uk 01506 885692 0771 537 4331

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Charity Of The Month Bridge 19 – 40 Canal Society

Bluebell

T

his month I learnt a little more about a small society who work away at helping local people to make the most of one of the great amenities in this area – the Union Canal.

Bridge 19-40 is one of the smallest and friendliest canal societies on the Lowland Canals, looking after the Union Canal between Bridge 19, just east of the M8, and Bridge 40, just west of Philipstoun.

One of the main aims of the society is to encourage local people to take an interest in the canal and to help maintain it as a pleasant amenity to enjoy boating on, walking or cycling alongside, or fishing in. In fact, anything but throwing rubbish in.

The Society owns a boat, Bluebell, which they have lovingly restored from a vandalised and neglected hull to a smart boat which they now use to provide boat trips. This is a fantastic family-friendly activity for a Sunday afternoon; you get to see the canal from a different perspective when you are aboard the boat, and it’s a great stress-reliever - being on a boat on a canal is very therapeutic.

The boat trips run on the first Sunday of each month from April to October, from 1pm to 4pm, departing from Port Buchan, Broxburn. You just turn up and go. The trips cost just £3 per adult and £2 per child, and last about 30 to 35 minutes. Light refreshments are provided, and all funds go towards the cost of running Bluebell and the maintenance of the canal.

Bluebell and her crew are also available for hire for private bookings for groups of up to twelve people. Tea and coffee are supplied, or you can bring your own drinks and food.

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The boat is hired by the hour and trips start from Port Buchan. A two-hour trip would take you to the Almond Aquaduct and back, or to Winchburgh and back.

Perfect for family outings, group outings, and celebrations of all kinds, you can bring your own food or arrange for tea and coffee to be included!

All members of the Society are volunteers, and the group is based at Bell’s Mill Wharf in Winchburgh, which it leases from British Waterways. Members meet on the first Wednesday of every month, and during the summer months the business meeting is followed by a work party at the wharf where general tidying up and maintenance is carried out.

If you have an interest in the Union Canal or would like to be involved in the activities of the Canal Society, why not get in touch with Bridge 19-40 and find out more? It is a registered charity, and new members to the group will be warmly welcomed.

Call 01506 890605 for more information or visit the website at www.bridge19-40.org.uk.

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TELEPHONE ENGINEER New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky •••• Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets •••• Repair to internal phone and broadband faults •••• Old style phones converted to work on UK sockets I CAN SUPPLY AND INSTALL Easy to use big button amplified hearing aid compatible phone with hands free calling •••• Loud audio phone ringers with flash indicators

Free estimates – no call out charge

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

Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

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

Kris Keegan Proprietor

Kris Keegan

Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609

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

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

ALL AREAS – PROMPT - RELIABLE

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Useful Information & What’s On? May Last Post Times 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 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.

Saturday 12th May Spring Fair Dedridge Baptist Church Baby &Toddler Group Spring Fair 1-4pm. Stalls, family fun, cafe, and more! All proceeds going to St John’s Special Care To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

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Howden Park Howden Park Ce Centre programme of ntre has a busy music, dance, thevents including live and exhibitions eatre, workshops . See their webs at www.howden ite for complete up parkcentre.co.uk complete up to to date listing for date listing.

Baby Unit and Beatlie School. Stalls still available. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QR For further details contact Becky Wapshott rwapshott@googlemail. com Friday 25th May Ladies Night at Crofthead Farm Community Centre, Dedridge.

7pm – 9.30pm, £3 entry. All proceeds go to the SIMBA charity who make memory boxes for parents who have suffered the loss of a baby.

Different Stalls and Beauty Treatments are available on the night.

Saturday 26th May Peel Primary School Summer Fete 10.00am - 1.00pm. Stalls include unique homemade crafts, specialist gift traders, book stall, . There will also be tea/coffee/juice, homebaking, tombola, face painting, balloons, temporary tattoos, nail art and endless list of other activities for children.

School Term dates (from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Spring / Summer (Term 3) Tue 17/4/12 - Fri 29/6/12 May Holiday: Mon 7/5/12 - Wed 9/5/12 Queens’s Jubilee: Tue 5/6/12 St John’s Hospital 01506 523000 Medical Centres Deans and Eliburn Medical Practice, Carmondean Health Centre, EH54 8PY. Tel: 0844 477 3144 www.deansmedicalpractice.co.uk Dedridge Medical Group, Nigel Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QQ. Tel: 01506 414586 www.dedridgemedicalgroup.co.uk Howden Medical Group, Howden Health Centre, Howden Road West, EH54 6TP Tel :01506 423800 www.howdenmedical.co.uk Craigshill Health Centre, The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5DY. Tel: 01506 432621 Murieston Medical Practice, Hamilton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9JZ Tel: 01506 461 464 www.murieston.scot.nhs.uk Morrison’s Pharmacy 01506 430449

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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 FREE DELIVERY INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE Terms and conditions apply

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

Tel : 01506 633286 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

www.grantsofbathgate.co.uk 33

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 Zumba With Zumba® the steps are easy to follow, the music is really funky and fun and everyone has a smile on their face. So if you want to have a giggle, shake and groove off the extra pounds and meet new friends come along – it would be great to see you there. As a little incentive I offer a loyalty card, after 10 sessions you get one free!! Place: Deans Community High School, Livingston Day: Thursday evenings.

Time: 6.30pm - 7.30pm Cost: £3.50 per class Contact Kathleen: 07917 181928 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.

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.

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.

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 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

Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 Kiddies Corner 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Carmondean Community Centre, Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon visitors For more info tel 01506 439568. Child minders mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers 34 available MonPlease & Wed remember 9.00am – 12to noon

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.

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

Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620

HOWDEN 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 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.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

14th Livingston Guides Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term Tel 01506 418285

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

LADYWELL 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 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

MURIESTON Circuit training A high energy instructor led class of pre set workout stations including resistance bands, weights, boxing... and more. Increase overall fitness and stamina, improve muscular strength & endurance, the complete body workout. No coordination required! No dancing!

No frills! No fuss! Just Focus on Fitness.

Thurs 7.30 – 8.30pm Murieston Village Hall Tues 7.30 – 8.30pm Harburn Village Hall Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

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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.

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

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 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 March 12 crossword

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

Solution to Sudoku

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 and Wednesdays at 18.30. Contact Penny Clark penmex2@hotmail.co.uk for details.

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

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Library Information

Almondbank Library

Craigshill Shopping Mall, EH54 5EJ Tel: 01506 777500 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 The library will be closed Monday 7th May 2012 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.

Carmondean Library

(Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 The library will be closed Monday 7th May 2012

nt Elections Local Governme ondbank and Alm Please note that will be used ies rar lib an de Carmon ll be closed wi so ns tio as polling sta ay 2nd esd dn from 1.00pm on We May. 3rd y da urs Th May. Closed May. 4th y da Fri Re-open 1.00pm

Police surgery Thursday 10th May 11.00 till 13.00 Come along and meet your local community police officers Livingston 50 As part of the ongoing celebrations the Library will have the best selling novels of 1962 available to borrow.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Local Government Election Please note the Library will be used as a Polling Station so will close at 1.00pm on Wednesday 2nd May Closed Thursday 3rd May Re-open at 1.00pm on Friday 4th May

Lanthorn Library

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

Library will be closed Monday 7th May 2012 May is a great time to do a digital spring cleaning of your library account. Log into the West Lothian catalogue and update your e-mail address to make sure you receive the Library notifications that help and inform you. While you’re logged in, you can also change your PIN, phone number, notice preferences, and preferred pickup location for hold requests.

Library events for May Chatterbooks – Wednesday 2nd May 3.45p.m.

Open for all junior readers P5 to P7.

Book group – Thursday May 3rd 6.30pm. Book group choice this month is James Craig “Never Apologise, Never Explain”. Come along and exchange views on a selection of different authors.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers - Saturday 26th May 10am – 12pm. Spring into May by creating your own flower designs Book Bug – Wednesday 16th 2.30p.m. Fun Rhymes and stories under 3’s, bring along your own adult to join in.

Storytelling – Tuesday 29th 10.30a.m. Exciting stories for the under 5’s and their grown ups.

Banned books – Challenging censorship in Literature In the past these books have been deemed too political,,too sexy or too anti religious to be on the library shelf. A small selection of books will be available in the library, come along and see if you would agree with the ban.

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Index of Advertisers Accountant AKT Bookkeeping 6 Aerials Aerial Man 12 Attractions Newliston 7 Builder David Bathgate 6 Building Surveyor David Hastings Car Sales Colin Nixon 13 Car Service/Repair Chips Away 12 Colin Nixon 13 Ceramics Art & Craft Honeypot Ceramics 10 Children’s Activities GMAC Martial Arts 10 Chiropodist Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 23 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 11 Hydro-Kleen 11 Clearance Services ScotClear Clothing The Agency 31 Complimentary Therapies Rosslyn Alternatives 22 Dentist No 9 Dental 19 Dog Grooming Animal Magic 17 Mucky Mutts 17 Electrician Gavin Beatson Electrical 6 Fishery Morton Fishings 29 Fitness AMC Fitness DCL Fitness 18 One Life Leisure 5

Florist AP Flowers 10 Food Real Foods 25 Whole Shebag 25 Framing Scot Frames 7 Furniture Grant’s of Bathgate 33 Garden and Landscaping Woodford Timber 39 Garden Centre Riccarton 11 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 15 Hairdresser Goldilocks Hair Salon 19 LV Hair Design 16 Handyman West Lothian Handyman 31 Home Improvements Bathgate Bathroom Studio 21 Extensions and Sun Lounge Builders Ian Merriman 25 MHPS Property Services Window and Door Factory 2 Heritage Windows 7 Kennels Fur & Feathers 17 Kilt Makers MacDonald Kilt Makers 10 Leather Products Barrowfield Leather 18 Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith 6 Logs Reservoir Logs 31 Makeup Artist Making Faces 22

Mobility Products NHS Mobility 23 Painter/Decorator DM Decorators 6 Lane Decor 6 TML Decor 29 Plumber Weir Plumbing 29 Pony riding Kirknewton Riding & Trekking 17 Printing The Livingston Print Company 31 Property Management K & H Property 7 Pub Bridge Inn 27 Restaurant Ashoka Shak Bridge Inn 27 Sewing Services & Supplies Mary’s Patch 16 Soft Furnishing Knight Shades blinds 40 Tattooist Inkwell Tattoo 18 Tearoom T 4 2 at No. 52 4 Mary’s Patch 16 Telephone Engineer John McGraw Telephone Engineer 31 Tuition Elizabeth and Michael Cochrane Maths 10 Veterinary Albyn Veterinary Centre 17 Window Cleaning Suburban Window Cleaning 6

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers