Konect Livingston November 14

NOVEMBER 2014

livingston

FEATURES

Letters home from a young Scots Guard Christmas Special West Lothian Foodbank plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Livingston

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s e busin

Best NHS Practice Practice of the Year (South)

We are now registering new NHS patients

Message Contents from the Editor Features

Another busy month has flown by filled with lots of interviews with local people, business and non-business alike, by the Konect team to pull together this bumper issue. One subject in the news a lot at the moment is food banks, so I went along to West Lothian Foodbank’s main centre in Whitburn to find out more about what they do and how they are helping local families in crisis, see Charity of the Month article on pages 64-65.

There are two other themes this month. One is world war remembrance, and the other, inevitably, is Christmas. Check through all the businesses in this magazine who have offers on in the run up to Christmas and see how much of your shopping you can do locally.

If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk | 07854 492638

Next issue: Christmas Beauty Special

Letters from a young Scots Guard Christmas Special Torphichen Arms 36 Fives S and S Tax Link/Let Link Wonderland Beauty

8 14 28 32 34 48 54

Regulars Recipe Property Matters Thought for the Month Charity of the Month

20, 22 44 52 64

Competitions and Puzzles Crossword 60 Sudoku 60

Community What’s on 62 Useful Information 62 Clubs & Classes 66 Index of Advertisers 70

Advertising enquiries Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory 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.

Front cover: Stock image

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FEATURE

by Helen-Jane Shearer

Letters Home

from a young Scots Guard

A nineteen year old lad writes home to his mother from the trenches in World War 1 France: “I have seen all the life I want to see.”

A bundle of letters nearly 100 years old, written in pencil on scraps of paper, are a poignant testimony to one young man’s experience of war and his longing for home – home that he never saw again.

His family in East Calder kindly let me read them and share some of the contents here.

Tom Pullar enrolled in the Scots Guards in his native North Berwick in 1917 aged nineteen. By spring 1918 he was in France in the thick of trench warfare.

Writing regularly to his mother, Tom’s letters are mostly optimistic, shot through with a clear longing for home and family. His little sister Elsie, who was six years old when her beloved big brother joined the Scots Guards, treasured his letters, bringing them with her to West Lothian when she moved to East Calder.

16th April 1918 “I got your parcel today and I am very thankful to you for sending it so soon. I have just eaten one scone and I don’t think I ever enjoyed anything so much in my life.”

Tom also asks for “a small box of Harrison’s Pomade for we can’t buy it here and the lice have me nearly mad at times...I am lousy as a partridge.”

Touchingly, Tom is concerned to keep his mother’s spirits up and not worry her with details of the hardships. Often an outburst of frustration is immediately followed by a reassurance that things are not too bad after all: “I never used to think much of soldiering at Wellington in fact I used to like it but this is making me more bitter against it every day.

We are not so bad you know one gets used to it and one can always look forward to the end of the war then we will finish with soldiering, at least I will. They will take me into the army under escort the next time if ever I have to join it again.”

31st May 1918 “Now mother I ask you not to worry so much about me as I am all right out here.....You know you are not to run away with the idea that we live in the trenches all the time we are out here.

We have our turn at it, and when we get out for a rest we have quite a good time altogether and of course we have to take the good with the bad.” And, looking on the bright side when the weather is good, “There is one thing when the sun is out we are not going about up to the eyes in mud.” - a reference to the notorious mud of the trenches.

Tom’s letters are always signed off “I remain your ever loving and affectionate son Tam.” and almost every one has a reference to coming home.

28th June 1918 “I am sorry to think you have left that house for it was such a nice one. I always looked forward to coming back to it, but never mind when I come back I’ll make sure that you’ll have a decent house to live in.”

Tom was limited as to what he said about the war itself due to censorship – the envelopes are

stamped with the Censor’s Office mark. In a letter dated 26th August 1918, he says “I suppose you will understand why I haven’t written the last day or two since you have seen the papers. I couldn’t very well tell you where I was or what I was going to do, but I have been and came through along with the boys, and I am glad to think you won’t need me to tell you anything about it except that I had the good luck to come through it and that I am glad I was in it along with the boys.”

Lance Corporal Tom Pullar

He is referring to the massive offensive by Allied troops against the Germans on 8th August 1918 south east of Amiens - the turning point of the war.

Tom seems relieved not to talk about the details of it, just that he survived.

22nd September: Tom sends home a map cut out of a newspaper and asks his mother to keep it for him as a souvenir and he will get it framed when he gets home as it shows the “part we went over”.

He also says he has a bit off the wings of a German

“I got your parcel today and I am very thankful to you for sending it so soon.

I have just eaten one scone and I don’t think I ever enjoyed anything so much in my life.” plane, but that it is too heavy to post home so “I must hang on to it until I come on leave that will be three months yet anyway and lucky if I get it then, but I do think I’ll get leave before the war is over, if all goes well”.

By 25th September, less than two months from the end of the war, Tom writes, “I believe you are getting good news in the papers at home just now....I can’t suppose it will be a great number of months before you have your laddies back again beside you.”

In a letter dated 2nd October he makes a rare reference to the actual action he is seeing: “Now mother, I must say I have been lucky lately I got a bullet through my mess tin and another through a tin of bully I have in my haversack. Then a bit of shrapnel hit my helmet but it didn’t pierce it, only made a dent in the helmet. Archie was with me nearly all the time and he said I don’t know whether to stay with you or leave you, you seem to be drawing fire but we stuck together nearly all the time. Tell little Elsie her little prayers are being answered and will be too, her ‘ain Tam’ will come

back to her some day. It may be a long time yet, but if we exercise a little patience everything will be all right.”

He also sent pressed flowers to his mother that he had picked in a French village they had captured from the Germans. (”Now mother it is a very big village in fact it is as big as North Berwick but of course not nearly so nice.”) His mother had kept the pressed flowers in a little box, they have been perfectly preserved.

Tom’s last letter is dated 3rd November and starts, like many previous ones. “Just a note to let you know I am in still in the best of health, hoping this è

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è will find you the same.” and to let her know he had been promoted to Lance Corporal. She must have received this letter just before the end of the war was announced only 8 days later - a joyous time for her.

So the next letter is a cruel shock. Dated 22nd November, it comes from the base hospital at Etaples to announce that Tom is dangerously ill in hospital with flu. It is quickly followed by one on 26th November to say he had passed peacefully that day, and enclosing a lock of his hair.

One can barely imagine the grief – and surely the frustration – that Tom’s mother must have felt, that he had survived the war to be taken just days after the armistice by flu.

The Spanish Flu pandemic killed more than the war itself. Many of its victims died within hours of coming down with their first symptom, some within a day or two. Estimates put the death toll at 50 – 100 million people worldwide.

During its three year rampage from January 1918 to December 1920, the death toll peaked in October and November 1918 – the time it claimed LCpl Tom Pullar. Reporting of flu deaths was censored during the war so as not to adversely affect morale, although papers were free to report on its effects in neutral Spain. It was therefore perceived as a Spanish disease, hence the name.

Tom’s mother requested these words engraved on his stone. “And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes” - a bill from the Imperial War Graves Commission for 14/3d is also included in the bundle of letters. Tom is buried at the British Cemetery at Etaples and his name is engraved on the war memorial in North Berwick.

With thanks to Margaret Murray of East Calder, Tom’s great niece, for letting us share his letters.

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www.rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk konect 13

FEATURE

Scottish Christmas It seemed this year that the commercial slice of society could hardly wait to usher the summer out so that we could start talking about Christmas. I saw Dobbies getting their Christmas stock in place at the end of August and I felt the summer was being swept away. There are plenty of things to look forward to between summer and Christmas but there’s no doubt that Christmas has overshadowed them all.

But did you know that it’s only relatively recently that it has become such a big deal in Scotland?

Christmas wasn’t even a public holiday until 1958 (Boxing Day not until 1974). Here’s a whistle-stop tour of Christmas’ chequered story in Scotland ... ­­ Yule – a celebration of the winter solstice - was celebrated by the Celts (not exclusively in Scotland but in most Celtic cultures). ­­ When Roman Catholicism came to Scotland the church took on the existing pagan celebrations and renamed them. So, many traditions date to pagan rituals - the Yule log, kissing under the misletoe (a Druidic fertility rite) and the house decorated with evergreens, which were regarded with reverence.

Most of our Christmas traditions (the tree, decorations, Santa Claus, presents, stockings at the end of the bed, carols, cards) originated in the Victorian era so England and Scotland developed the same traditions from around that time, but while it was a public holiday in England, it was a working day in Scotland.

And speaking of Christmas cards, here is perhaps one area Scotland has contributed to the Christmas tradition : they can be traced to Leith! A Leith printer and publisher, Charles Drummond, issued a card in 1841 which the greeting “A Gude New Year/ And Mony o’ Them”. It was based on a painting by his friend Thomas Sturrock, an artist from Trinity, of a chubby cheerful character.

Just a couple of years later the first Christmas cards to name Christmas day were produced in London by Sir Henry Cole, who is generally credited with having invented them. But the concept had certainly been already been aired in Edinburgh!

So that’s the reason why what we may lack in distinctly Scottish Christmas customs are more than made up for in Hogmanay ones. And where would the world be without “Auld lang syne”?

­­­­ Still called Yule, the season was celebrated in Scotland much the same as the rest of Catholic Europe ....until the Reformation of 1560, when Scotland formally split from the Catholic church. ­­ Celebration of Christmas was banned in 1580 and an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1640 made it illegal. It abolished the “Yule vacation and all observation thereof in time coming.” Any Catholic mass days (including therefore “Christ’s Mass”) were abolished. ­­ People were fined or even imprisoned for attempting to keep Christmas. *England went through a similar period with Christmas banned by law there too, but this was lifted in 1660 and England went straight back to the Christmas party. ­­ In Scotland however it didn’t make the same comeback. The Scottish Presbyterian Church, with its strong influence on society, remained indifferent to Christmas and the focus of winter celebrations was Hogmanay.

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CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

The New Town Entertainers present

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C H R I S T MAS FEAT URE

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TECHNOLOGY

The Best Christmas Gadgets Buying gadgets can be tricky: if you’re buying for a grown-up there’s a very good chance that they’ve already bought the gadgets they want.

But don’t despair, because it turns out that there are lots of gadget-related gifts you can buy for the person who has everything.

A good place to start is a case. Firms such as Tuff-Luv make really nice vintage leather Kindle cases for around £40. And of course you can get leather cases for other devices such as laptops and tablets too.

If they haven’t already got a tablet, there are plenty of alternatives to the all-conquering iPad and iPad Mini. Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD (£89) is good for ebooks and movies, and a range of affordable Windows 8 tablets have been launched by the likes of Asus, Acer and Toshiba, all below £200.

For sporty types there are stacks of gadget gifts, such as the Fitbit Flex activity tracker (£75), the Zepp motion sensor for tennis players (£129), Garmin’s Forerunner GPS watches (£89) and the TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch (£149).

If you really want to delight a gadget fan, this year’s hot technology is the smartwatch - of which LG’s G Watch R is one of the nicest. The price hadn’t been announced as we went to press but the Androidcompatible smartwatch is likely to be keenly priced - not least because Apple has its own smartwatch, which is likely to be a big seller this Christmas.

Creeping up the price scale, how about a drone?

Parrot’s AR.Drone 2.0 (£224) is

GoPro Hero 3 action camera

iGrill Smart Thermometer

Mipow Playbulb Bluetooth speaker

If they fancy themselves as the next Jamie Oliver or Nigella, Belkin’s Chef Stand and Wand (£29) is a smart gift idea. It’s a tablet stand designed specifically for the kitchen, enabling you to see the recipe (or the tutorial videos) without getting it covered in food. For the more outdoor cooking types, consider iGrill’s range of smartphoneconnected thermometers (from around £34.99).

One of the more unusual new gadgets we’ve seen is the PlayBulb, a bluetooth speaker that’s also an LED light bulb. The £59 device is controlled via an iPhone and Android app that enables you play music and, er, turn the light on and off.

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LG Watch R

a smartphone-controlled quadricopter, a flying drone that can stream high definition video back to the owner’s phone or tablet. There are drones to suit all budgets, from the £36 Quadricopter X4 to drones costing more than £600.

Many bigger drones are designed to carry GoPro cameras, which are small high definition cameras that can be attached to almost anything. We’ve seen GoPros strapped to bike helmets, dog collars, remote controlled cars and even musical instruments. Expect to pay from around £199.

You don’t have to spend lots of money for a great gadget gift, though. The excellent Aeropress coffee maker produces brews that rival the world’s most expensive coffee machines, and you can pick one up - brand new - for around £25.

CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

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CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

C H R I S T MAS FEAT URE

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RECIPE AND FOOD NOTES

by Anne Pinkerton

Getting Ready for Christmas An acquaintance of mine starts her preparations for Christmas in September because she gives hampers of produce she has conserved as jams, jellies, chutney, fruit flavoured gin or sweetmeats.

Icing

She does this because it gives both her and her friends great pleasure; surely the reason for exchanging presents. We can not all be so organized but there are things we can make now which are fun to share and enjoy making.

Silver balls or other coloured cake decorations

Pickles, such as red cabbage, eggs or onions, chutney; curried apple or flavoured vinegars made with herbs or frozen raspberries, gin or vodka flavoured with lemon, orange or late damsons, (we are too late for sloes this year) are all good. There is a still lot of time for making rich Christmas cakes or puddings, mincemeat and clouty dumplings.

Much nearer the time you can make truffles, tablet, mint creams and other sweets.

Now is a good time to make gingerbread tree decoration or even a gingerbread house.

Basic Gingerbread Biscuit recipe 350g plain flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 125g butter 175g soft brown sugar 4 tablespoons golden syrup 1 egg, beaten

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Icing sugar, food colours and a little water or buy ready-made icing pens - more expensive but much less messy if you are doing this with children for fun.

Thin ribbon or coloured string Sift all the dry ingredients together into mixing bowl. Warm the butter, sugar and syrup together DO NOT BOIL - and cool before mixing into the egg.

Make a well in the middle of the flour and add the liquids. Mix to a stiff paste. Divide the mixture 5 or 6 balls. This is makes it easier to handle.

Have a selection of cutters, stars, trees, people or any other shapes you like.

On a well-floured surface roll out the biscuit mixture, and wasting as little as possible, cut the shapes you prefer. Make a hole, so the finished decorations can be hung up.

Bake at 160C for 10-12 minutes till darkened. Leave on a wire rack to go cold. They will be stiff enough to handle then.

Make water icing or use bought icing sticks.

Be as adventurous or wacky as you like decoration can take as long as you like, and be fun to do with friends or children. Leave over night to dry completely. Use them to decorate the tree, hang in the window or anywhere you please. Make double the mixture and become gingerbread architects by constructing a house from 2 roof pieces, 2 gable ends and 2 main walls all glued together with lots of decorative icing. Make paper templates to help yourself in cutting.

CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

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RECIPE AND FOOD NOTES

by Food Creations

Simple Curried Chicken (or fish) Sometimes what you want is something tasty, hearty even, yet packed full of flavour and punch.

This is a simple but effective curry sauce that can be used to marinate any meat you like but I particularly like it with chicken, or white fish such as cod or haddock.

Ingredients 4 fl oz of Plain Greek Yoghurt Curry Powder to taste – medium works very well as it does not overpower the meat, especially chicken and white fish 2 tablespoons of Mango Chutney The above is enough for about 4 chicken breasts, 8 chicken legs, or 2 slices of haddock If using chicken breast or fish I prefer to cut the meat into thick strips

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Method Simply mix the yoghurt, curry powder and chutney together in a bowl, add in the meat and coat all over – this can be then be used immediately or left to marinate for a few hours.

To cook simply grill (it’s a bit messy so line the grill with some aluminium foil) until the dressing is nicely browned (caramelised) and then turn and repeat on the other side (and make sure you adjust based on thickness of the meat). or Cook in a medium oven for about 25 minutes.

Serve with rice and a naan bread. Drizzle some greek yoghurt on top and add a slice of lemon, or make a delicious open sandwich with naan or pitta bread base, some spinach leaves and the chicken, or fish, plus some greek youghurt.

Enjoy! - Simon Preece

CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

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CH RI S TM A S FE A TURE

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Competitive wage Training in all areas Opportunities to complete SVQ Holiday allowance that increases with the length of service Generous Terms & Conditions

The roles will involve working with individuals who have support needs relating to personal care, emotions & communication and/or challenging behaviour.

A significant majority of the roles in our West Lothian teams are female only* and a full driving licence may also be required.

For further details or an application form please contact us:

www.actiongroup.org.uk (website) 01506 410668 (West Lothian office) 0131 475 2315 (HQ office). (*posts are exempt under The Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1).

konect 27

SPOTLIGHT ON

Torphichen Arms Mid Calder “The Torph” in Mid Calder has recently undergone an impressive refurbishment in keeping with its character as an important historic building, and has re-opened with a completely transformed look and a new food service.

Chef Stephen Cornwall, who has previously worked at the Riccarton Arms in Currie and Kinleith Arms in Juniper Green, has developed an extensive menu that combines hearty pub food with some gourmet touches. Food is served seven days a week, families are welcome and a children’s menu is available. With everything from nibbles (starting at £2.95) through traditional starters and mains there is something to please everyone. Separate fish sections and grill sections on the menu have six options each, not to mention the sandwich sections. A nice touch on the menu is a selection “for those with a smaller appetite.”

They have also developed a Christmas menu which is available throughout December, and are taking bookings for Christmas party nights now. They hope to welcome many local families, businesses and other groups for your special Christmas night out. As well as doing full justice to the traditional Christmas turkey dinner with all the trimmings (3 courses) there are of course vegetarian options for all courses besides some interesting alternatives - the breaded brie wedges with salad and cranberry sauce caught my eye as an alternative starter, and there is a pan-fried salmon option for mains.

The Torphichen Arms also now offers a full Sunday breakfast from 12noon to 3pm.

Landlady Irene has been at the helm of the Torphichen Arms now for 8 years and is delighted with this long-awaited refurbishment. Call in and check out the new menu, Irene will be delighted to welcome you.

TORPHICHEN ARMS 36 Bank Street Mid Calder EH53 0AR Contact us on

01506 880020 NEWLY REFURBISHED

Meals now being served - full menu available TIMES FOR FOOD Monday - Friday: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 8pm Saturday: 12pm - 8pm | Sunday: 12.30pm - 7pm Xmas menu available throughout December BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Every Thursday Poker from 7.30pm

konect 29

No job too BIG or small ONTRACTING The Professional Property Contracting Service for Scotland

Whether you are a Landlord or Letting Agent looking for a quick turnaround or a Home Owner looking to make improvements.

We offer a competitive fee and an unbeatable professional service.

Locksmith Services ■ Painting and Decorating Joinery ■ Plumbing and Electrical Property Clearance ■ Garden Maintenance General Property Repairs ■ Cleaning

FREE quotations

01506 420803 admin@accontracting.co.uk

30 konect

AC Contracting (Scotland) Ltd Unit 3 Ochil House Beveridge Square Livingston EH54 6QF

C and W Cleaning Services www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

0131 334 2080 Livingston 0800 695 1101

Edinburgh ‘formally Cleaning Doctor’

Your local Blinds ■ Carpets ■ Rugs ■ Upholstery ■ specialists Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Fabric Protection • Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Experts • Spot, Stain, Odour & Dust Mite Removal • Curtains Cleaned in Situation - no taking down • Milk, Urine & Pet Accidents Neutralised

Call: Bill Weir Free: 0800 695 7570 Tel: 01506 880 357 Mob: 07921 068 926 www. aquateccg.co.uk Email: bill.weir@aquateccg.co.uk

01506 237086

www.livingstontiles.co.uk facebook.com/livingstontiles ∙ Largest selection of quality wall and floor tiles in Livingston ∙ Friendly personal service ∙ Full range of Tile adhesive & accessories

We sell: Bathrooms, Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass, Stone & Mosaic Tiles

Open 6 Days a week

see website for opening hours

Unit 5 Abbotsford Rise, Dedridge East Industrial Estate, Livingston EH54 6QD konect 31

SPOTLIGHT ON

36Fives As anyone living in Scotland will know, you have to be pretty hardy if you want to exercise or play sports outside. Football is no exception, as the weather has a game plan all of its own. The elements not only hamper the playing experience for the player but also create damp, slippery and sometimes frozen surfaces.

Local business partners Ian Ross and George Turnbull believe that this common set of circumstances, along with the amount of football already being played in West Lothian, demonstrated the demand for an indoor facility in West Lothian and after extensive research they decided to build the first 36Fives indoor football centre on disused land just off Houston Road in Livingston.

Despite public support planning was not a straight-forward process. However in June this year planning was granted and the construction of 36Fives got underway. Despite many challenges – the weather being one of them – the centre opens its doors to welcome players in the middle of this month.

36Fives has 4 state-of-the-art indoor football pitches built to provide the ultimate playing experience for 5/6-a-side football and as the name would imply, they are available any time of day, any day of the year without the constraints and unpredictability of the weather.

36Fives want to give players a better experience than is currently available in the area – the ultimate playing experience. In order to achieve this, 36Fives have chosen the latest FIFA approved 3rd generation football surface and will employ a stringent maintenance schedule to ensure the most comfortable, consistent and durable surface available.

While football may be the primary focus of the new facility, it is important to 36Fives that it is not the only one and the management team are actively working to provide something for everyone regardless of age or ability.

5/6-a-side football will be available all day, every day and 36Fives will also offer players different leagues including ladies only and after school leagues. In addition to football the facility will host a variety of children’s activities, walking football and a range of other fitness classes including circuits and bootcamps. More information for all of these can be found on our website.

36Fives are well aware that it is not only recreational football that is hampered by the weather and are currently working with a number of local sport clubs to provide indoor training time through the coming winter months.

If you are looking to play 5/6-a-side football, need a home for you club or team or are interested in any of our other activities please find us on Facebook, have a look on our website www.36fives.co.uk or email us at info@36fives.co.uk to find out more.

32 konect

indoor Football November 2014 will see the opening of 36Fives Indoor Football West Lothian’s first and only purpose built indoor football facility with 4 rebound fenced pitches built to SFA recommendations (36mx18m) for free flowing 5/6-a-side football games.

36Fives pitches are constructed with the latest 3rd generation football surface technology – a FIFA approved system that gives players the most realistic, comfortable and consistent game available – in an indoor environment where rain, wind and snow are never an issue.

Situated near Houston Interchange in the middle of Livinsgton (see map for more details) the site is easily accessible and offers ample parking with 44 on-site parking spaces. There are also fully equipped changing and shower facilities as well as mains fed water fountains.

While 36Fives is primarily aimed at indoor football we also offer a range of other activities from health and fitness to children’s parties so please visit our website for more information and special opening offers.

36Fives will offer a top quality playing experience for a competitive price and discounts will be available for block bookings, off-peak bookings, students, schools and community groups.

opening soon For more information info@36fives.co.uk www.36fives.co.uk konect 33

SPOTLIGHT ON

S&S Home Improvements Do you need a new kitchen or a refaced kitchen?

What is a refaced kitchen?

S and S Home Improvements specialise in kitchens, and with years of experience refacing kitchens as well as fitting new ones, they are well-qualified to help answer these questions. Run by William and Audrey Sandilands and based in Bathgate, this local family business has thrived since they set up nearly two years ago.

“When someone comes to us for a new kitchen and needs advice on whether to reface or to get a completely new kitchen, the question is, does your kitchen work for you?” explains Audrey. “Because if it’s working well in terms of the layout and you like it, the best option is probably to reface - it will look like a new kitchen but you will retain the layout and save up to 40% of the cost of a new kitchen. If however you don’t like your kitchen and the layout needs to be changed anyway, then we’re looking at a new kitchen.”

In a refaced kitchen the carcass of the kitchen remains, but all doors and side panels are replaced.

It looks like a new kitchen but you’re saving significantly by not ripping out the existing carcass.

The replacement doors that S and S supply are premium quality. “They are the best you can get,” explains William, “I’m a total perfectionist and wouldn’t be happy with anything less. They come from the best manufacturer.”

William spent a large part of his career working for a large English kitchen refacing company where he got an in-depth knowledge of the field, before leaving the company to have a career change a few years back. He went to college and studied for an HNC in foster caring. Audrey had always worked with children and William built an extension to their home in order to accommodate the larger family.

He describes looking after the foster children as a really good time of life. But when their son Calvin was looking to follow his father into the home improvements industry it made sense for William to set up again and to pass on his skills and knowledge. They started off with kitchen refacing as that was William’s speciality.

“But one day when I had done a customer’s kitchen she asked me if I would do her bathroom too.” explains William. “And by word of mouth recommendations we ended up doing a lot of bathrooms and other work too.” He employs a plumber and a gas engineer to help him, explaining that it has taken a bit of time to get the right team together but he is happy now that he has some really good tradesmen working with him.

“I do the tiling, and co-ordinate any other trades needed. It’s easier for the customer to have a single point of contact rather than getting all the different trades in,” William also has more control over the quality of the overall job if he is arranging the other trades himself.

They currently have a workshop at home - Calvin was working in it on a coal shelter for a local customer when I visited - but they intend to expand and get premises as soon as possible.

So if you’re got a kitchen project in mind, make S and S your first port of all, they will be happy to advise.

Call William or Audrey on 01506 650397.

34 konect

01506 650 397 07450 876 999

info@sashomeimprovements.co.uk

www.sandskitchenreface.co.uk

FIXED PRICE INCLUDING VAT AND FITTING

THE FIXED PRICE KITCHEN WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • 10 units, any combination • Stainless Steel - Single Oven • Hood • Hob • Sink & Taps • 2 x 3m laminate worktops 38mm thick • Two lengths of cornice, plinth and pelmet • Vast range of doors with 6 yr guarantee • Professionally designed and installed • Can also provide tiling and flooring (not included in price) ALSO AVAILABLE

BEFORE

AFTER REFACE

Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader

• Kitchen Refacing • Bathrooms - supplied and fitted • Save up to 40% on price of new kitchen

FOR LESS STRESS, CHOOSE S&S! konect 35

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IN BATHGATE

Saturday 22nd November 12noon – 5pm Bathgate Steelyard

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A full programme of entertainment hosted by Heart Radio Drive Time presenter Paul Harper.

Entertainment includes:

• • • •

The Heart Angels Face Painters The Rolling Drones plus Dance Troupe Cinderella Panto Fun Smash hit pop boy band, Rewind

Plus

• The winner of the Heart Radio Shop Local Competition will be revealed.

• The winner of Enterprising Bathgate’s ‘Bathgate Life’ Photography Competition will also be announced.

There’s also a chance to pick up one of Enterprising Bathgate’s Voucher Books giving you access to lots of bargains and reductions at many of Bathgate’s retailers.

Find out about the new Online Business Guide promoting the businesses and services available in Bathgate.

www.enterprisingbathgate.com 36 konect

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XMAS GIFTS HEALTH AND BEAUTY FOOD AND DRINK GARAGE SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES and much more...

Look out for your

BATHGATE TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES

DISCOUNT VOUCHER BOOK

Shop locally and take advantage of the great promotions & wealth of choice available in your town centre. Enterprising Bathgate are producing a book of ‘Discount and Promotional Vouchers’ which will be delivered to 10,000 local addresses. With many offers available from November to early 2015, it’s a great opportunity to get your xmas gifts, everyday essentials and maybe a few little treats too ...

Christmas in Bathgate Saturday 6 December 2014

The Steelyard and George Street (12.30pm – 5.15pm) Entertainment for all the family organised and provided by West Lothian Council Santa Parade from Balbardie PS (12.30pm) Family and Street Entertainment (1.00 to 4.00pm) Torchlight Procession (4pm for 4.15pm) Carol Singing and switching on the Christmas tree lights (4.45 to 5.15pm) For further details, contact West Lothian Council: Nairn Pearson, BID & Town Centre Manager,

T. 01506 637537

konect 37

HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Livingston, EH54 6AD |634176 Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Howden South www.rsvets.co.uk Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Website: Livingston, EH54 6AD Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Find us on|634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk 64 Mid Street,www.rsvets.co.uk Bathgate, EH48 1QD Website: Tel: 01506 Find us on634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm

Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking after your pets healthh!

rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines HEALTH PLAn Two free health checks a year for your pet

Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh!

Flea and protection

- all year round

rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines Convenient monthly payments Directchecks Debit HEALTH PLAn Two freebyhealth a year for your pet

Discounts on- additional services Budget monthly the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh!

Flea and protection Discounts-on all long year term roundmedication LicensedAccidental veterinaryInjury medicines Optional Cover Convenient monthly payments

by Direct Debit Two free health checks a year Extended Payment Scheme for your pet Discounts on additional services Flea and worm protection Discounts on long term medication - all year round Optional Accidental Injury Cover Convenient monthly payments

by Direct Debit Extended Payment Scheme Discounts on additional services

Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Website: www.rsvets.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Discounts on long term medication

24 Hour EmErgEncy SErvicE

Extended Payment Scheme

38 konect

Optional Accidental Injury Cover

Buster the Dog

AniMalagic Dog grooming Livingston

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

www.animalmagic.eu

Your local

Cattery

with the

Personal Touch

0131 333 2648 • 07427 630 269 alicatscattery@outlook.com • www.alicatscattery.co.uk

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2014 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED 6 Day Play Sun—Fri, Midweek Play Mon—Fri, Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

TRIAL ROUNDS FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS AT £10

Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri email: manager@baberton.co.uk

Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun website: www.babertongolfclub.com

Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton!

konect 39

CHOOSE A CARPET CLEANING PACKAGE TO SUIT YOU: • • • • • • •

Our top of the range, carpet protecting Premiere Package; The highly thorough Standard Cleaning Package; The Newborn Baby Package; Your cat and dog loving Pet Package; Our dust mite killing and allergy friendly Asthmatic Package; The germ killing Bacteria, Virus & Mould Killing Package and; The carpet from Hell busting Extreme Clean Package.

“I saw Hydro Kleen advertised in the Konect directory. I got 3 carpets cleaned in my house for a fantastic price. The service was outstanding, very trustworthy people.

My carpets looked and smelt brand new.

Couldn't have asked for a nicer company to do my carpets. Well recommended.”

Rebecca Govan

TEL: 08000 463 422 MOB: 07789 007 072

YOU CAN CALL US FOR: • • •

• • •

neighbours and I would have no hesitation in doing the same. Hydro Kleen gave honest advice on the job requirements, cleaned our carpets and worked hard to reduce some really bad stains all at a very reasonable cost. A really competent company” Archie Miller, Balerno

EMAIL: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk WEB: www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk 40 konect

Specialist carpet cleaning; Rug collection, cleaning & drop off; Store Floor Cleaning including marble, travertine, slate, limestone, porcelain and ceramic; Upholstery cleaning; Leather cleaning & repairs; Fully insured & highly trained.

WEST LOTHIAN LOCKSMITHS PROVIDE 24HR LOCK & SECURITY LOCKED OUT? WE GAIN ENTRY UPVC DOUBLE GLAZING DOOR LOCK REPAIRS ALL MAKES OF LOCKS FITTED, CHANGED OR UPGRADED ELECTRONIC SECURITY DOOR ENTRY SYSTEMS AND ALARMS FITTED LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FRIENDLY & RELIABLE www.westlothianlocksmith.com Call 01506 238048 or 07542 781131

StyleRite BLINDS

Up to

50%

DISCOUNT ON VERTICAL & ROLLER

BLINDS

The Complete Measuring and Fitting Service

Turning your house into a home

We supply and fit the following ranges: Vertical Roller Wooded Pleated Apex Roman Panel Venetian Vision Shutters Conservatory Perfect Fit Intu Blinds Printed Blinds PVC Plus a wide range of made-to-measure curtains tiebacks poles.

Visit our showroom or call to arrange a home visit

01506 461721 www.stylerite-blinds.co.uk

Visit our showroom Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 11am - 4pm Unit 10, Abbotsford Rise, Dedridge East Industrial Estate, Livingston EH54 6QD

konect 41

Ideas from EKCO to help you make your party season a huge success We may be stating the obvious but it’s not long now until Christmas. Between now and then however, we also have Halloween, Guy Fawkes’ night, St Andrew’s Day and, for the Americans among us, Thanksgiving Day on 27 November. If you’re into celebrating one or more of these occasions with a family feast or party but think your home is ill equipped to cope then here are some ideas from EKCO that will help make catering during the party season a much more enjoyable affair.

working space which will help you to get that Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey in and out much more easily.

It’s good to have plenty of chilled sparkling or still wine to hand and packing everything into your fridge or freezer isn’t really ideal. Why not invest in a wine chiller from a company such as Siemens or Neff that’s made for the job? A wine chiller can hold over 30 bottles and will keep the wine at just the right serving temperature.

There’s still time to install bifold doors. For a party to be a huge success you need to make use of all the available space. Instead of cramming people into one room you can fully open your bifold doors from either your dining kitchen or your lounge and let the party spill onto the patio or into the back garden. If the weather’s chilly then a patio heater would keep everyone warm and still allow the party to go with a bang.

If your kitchen’s limited for space it would be worthwhile considering a Neff oven with a Slide&Hide door. The door, instead of opening conventionally which takes up valuable space, fully retracts under the oven when open giving more

To give more cooking area you could look at a Neff induction hob with the unique Flexiduction system. The Flexiduction system means you can lay your pots on any part of the surface instead of just designated areas which means you can get more pots cooking at the one time - perfect for coping with larger parties or a variety of dishes.

A successful party season starts with successful pre-planning so give your home the once over and make sure it passes the test.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

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K

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

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

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

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

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

konect 43

PROPERTY MATTERS

by Craig Turpie

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

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

One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend. Very common abroad, the open house is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, and for good reason.

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

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

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

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

Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits. Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels.

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

Why not visit our website to see which properties are taking part in our open house weekends on Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November.

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

44 konect

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November

A number of our properties will be taking part in two open house days on Sunday 2nd and Sunday 9th November between 1pm – 3pm.

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

www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

NO PASS, NO FEE...SIMPLES!* The only garage in Scotland with this amazing offer.

SERVICING & REPAIRS BRAKES EXHAUSTS DIAGNOSTICS ECU RE-MAPPING NEW AND PW TYRES 01506 632123 - Bathgate

Email - info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk Web - www.mandsauto.co.uk

COME WITH CONFIDENCE

25% OFF

EXHAUSTS 2055516 - 44.95* 1956515 - 39.95* 2254517 - 49.95*

(price includes valve, balance and old tyre disposal) *while stock lasts

WINTER CHECK

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NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

*Terms and conditions apply, cannot be used with any other offer, photocopies not accepted, no cash value, call or check website for details, please mention voucher when booking.

We will try and beat any other quote 46 konect

DONALD DOES IT ALL

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

making a house into a home ■ SLABBING & DECKING ■ PAINTING DECORATING ■ JOINERY WORK ■ AIMS TAPING & PARTITIONINGS

01506 630036

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

DONALD STONE 01506 651212 or 07720 123216 no job too small ■ free quotations and creative advice

D.B. General Builders ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Fencing ■ Driveways Decking ■ Landscaping Monoblocking ■ Groundworks Home renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms

Call David on

07747 062426

Local ■ Established ■ Reliable www.dbgeneralbuilders.co.uk david_bathgate@sky.com

■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

Braekirk Decorator’s

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

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

First class decorator

64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton, EH27 8BL

Interior and Exterior work Wallpaper hanging

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

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

email: wmachastings@gmail.com

Call Willie Jamieson 07779 186298 maryjamieson64@googlemail.com

From the smallest jobs to the biggest projects.

We can handle it.

Expertise. Reliability. Value.

That’s what APHS is all about.

Call 07841 922 533 or 07921 150 560 www.almondvale-plumbing.co.uk

konect 47

SPOTLIGHT ON

Let Link and Tax Link Two new businesses on one of Bathgate’s most prominent corners - South Bridge Street and Whitburn Road – aim to bring a fresh approach to letting and accountancy to West Lothian.

The signage displays the two business names of Let Link (the letting agency) and Tax Link (an accountancy). The businesses were both set up

by Scott Fairbairn, an accountant who has an extensive property portfolio but who became so frustrated at the inflexible and expensive services of letting agents that he decided to start his own agency.

Scott quickly identified that letting agents typically come from estate agents but in practice the services provided by Tax Link are far more complimentary to Let Link – not only do all landlords require tax advice and have to submit Self Assessment Returns, but the relationship between the accountant and both tenants and

TAX LINK SERVICES Year end accounts Company secretarial assistance PAYE VAT returns Corporation Tax Personal Self Assesment income tax General and on-going proactive tax, accounting and business tax minimisation advice Company formations 48 konect

landlords lasts beyond the period of ownership or occupancy. With an estate agent, however, once the house is sold they need never see you again.

Having an experienced landlord at the helm means that Let Link never loses sight of the personal touch required when dealing with people and property. Scott maintains his own portfolio so is hands-on and has a good understanding of the needs of other landlords.

Having an experienced landlord at the helm means that Let Link never loses sight of the personal touch required when dealing with people and property.

Since setting up in Larkhall in 2003, the business has gone from strength to strength due, Scott believes, to a solid and reliable reputation which has enabled landlords to invest and expand their current portfolios and for Let Link tenants to rent with confidence.

They are excited to bring their services to West Lothian, centred in the new office in Bathgate, and are offering an introductory deal of 5% management fees and no hidden costs.

NEW TO BATHGATE

NEW TO BATHGATE

93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ

93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ

Tel: 01506 537999

Tel: 01506 537888

email: enquiries@taxlink.org.uk

email: enquiries@letlink.org.uk

The first years fees

Fully Transferrable

Your LOCAL Letting Solution

Fully Transferrable

Your LOCAL Accountancy

The first 3 months management fees

www.taxlink.org.uk

www.letlink.org.uk

“The point about the no hidden costs is important,” explains Bathgate Office Manager Jacqueline.

“Many agencies offer a similar fee but they add on extra costs. With Let Link you know that once you’ve signed up, there are no other costs.”

explains Scott. “They include businesses of all shapes and sizes with one important common factor – they are all treated as individuals by our friendly and professional staff in order to achieve and, indeed, exceed their business goals.”

They have a range of properties from studio apartments to large family properties. With a wealth of letting experience and a professional hands-on property manager, Let Link is your local solution to hassle-free property management.

On the Tax Link side of the business, Scott’s accountancy background includes investigative work for HM Revenues and Customs. Along with his more “normal” staff, he is ideally qualified to assist with all aspects of dealing with the dreaded Tax Man. When he set up his own accountancy practice it was just himself working from home. Now, the two businesses are based in three different offices and more than eight members of staff, most of whom have been with Scott for a number of years. They must be doing something right! “There is no ‘typical’ Tax Link client,”

Along with his more “normal” staff, he is ideally qualified to assist with all aspects of dealing with the dreaded Tax Man. Tax Link are not only here to help people in business for themselves, but with the ever more stringent and complicated tax legislation it is becoming more and more crucial that everyone takes some advice to ensure that you are not paying more tax than you have to!

Visit or call Tax Link and Let Link at : 93 South Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1TJ 01506 537999 konect 49

ÂŁ20 off FU

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

by Tina Gilbert

Following your heart: living according to your values Sometimes illness makes you stop / pause and take stock of where you are, what you are doing and the chance to ask yourself the question: am I living my life according to what I value and what my heart is telling me is the right path?

Your values form the foundations of your life, determine choices you make and the paths you choose. Few people stop to work out their values and live then by the values of others around them or those of their parents stemming from childhood.

If you are living by the values of others, you might be in the wrong job and on the wrong path and direction in life. If you don’t know your values, you wander through life not knowing what you should be doing!

Becoming unwell and confined to the house

and bed due to a horrible infection, changed the direction and path of someone close to me recently.

The chance to reflect, work out what was important and take an open and honest look current at circumstances provided insight that initiated change.

Are you happy and contented or unhappy and frustrated? If it is the latter, ask which part of your life you are unhappy with, what is important to you and be honest with yourself, making small changes can create deep fulfilment. Life is about trusting your feelings, taking chances, finding happiness, learning from the past and realising things can change.

Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk.

M.C. FITNESS GYM Across from St John’s Hospital, Livingston

“INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH” Your life depends on it!

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01506 412 323

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

Call now for an appointment

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Wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes (crow’s feet) are removed with muscle relaxant treatment Lines below the nose and around the mouth and chin are reduced with dermal filler containing Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance Chemical peels give you a fresher, younger look, also effective for acne Lip enhancement with dermal fillers gives you fuller, more sensual lips Treatment with dermal roller is effective for acne, acne scarring and stretch marks

By Anita De Longie Medial Aesthetic Practitioner, trained in Harley Street, London

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For a free consultation, call 07730 756498 konect 53

SPOTLIGHT ON

Wonderland Hair and Beauty Creating the perfect salon is a dream that local hairdressers Sophie Laidlaw and Liam Wickham have been working on for years...and with a combined 26 years’ experience in the hairdressing business between them, they finally opened Wonderland Hair & Beauty in Livingston in March last year.

Having heard they won a major industry prize in September – the Newcomer of the Year prize at the British Hairdressing Business Awards in London – I visited to see what it’s all about.

“We’ve worked in many different salons and have tried to distil the best practice from across the industry into what we’re creating here at Wonderland,”explains Sophie. ‘We’ve tried to do something new by creating ners a haven of inspiration and Wonderland ow creativity in Livingston m ia &L Sophie to rival anything found in the world’s biggest cities.” Wonderland was the only Scottish salon to make it through to the finals. All the other finalists were city centre salons, and Wonderland came home overall winners, a remarkable achievement.

A team of great stylists is the first ingredient in the recipe for success. Sophie herself works for ghd – the styling products company – and travels extensively styling hair for photoshoots and fashion shows, so she is a direct link for the salon into the fashion industry. They have recruited other experienced stylists who are attracted by the team ethos at Wonderland including most recently Kirsty, their experienced colour technician.

Sophie believes that a key element of their success is their emphasis on creating a happy team as

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an essential first step in providing a premium service.

All customers are offered a “menu” of complimentary treatments on arrival. Currently a range of mini massages, the options vary so that there is regularly something different. The service seems very slick, which belies the careful planning and attention to detail that goes into it – everything from timing of the treatments to the brand of oils and creams used.

A great range of teas and coffees are served at Wonderland

Coffees are complimentary of course, and for tea-lovers Wonderland offer an artisan “tea of the month.” This is a really special range of teas, and the day I was there it was a delicious green and jasmine tea. “The idea behind the teas and coffees is that we’re appealing to all the senses when you come here,” says Liam.

They have managed to achieve a first class service (“Can I take you coat? Which complimentary treatment would you like? Can I get you a coffee?”) with great hairdressing – which is afterall what it’s all about – in a friendly and relaxed salon atmosphere.

So how close have they got to their perfect salon so far? “I don’t think we’ll ever get there totally as we’re always wanting to push forward and improve, bring in new ideas and services!” says Sophie.

Liam and Sophie would like to invite you to try Wonderland :

Call Wonderland on 01506 429922 See wonderlandlivingston.co.uk

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Tatta Ltd

Laser tattoo removal

Professional Service Fading for cover up or full removal Advanced Laser Technology Enhanced removal technique Free consultation

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Gentle exercise for improved health

Gentl imp

Classes for people living with health conditions like arthritis, MS, COPD, back pain and many others.

Classes for people conditions like art back pain and

Livingston Station Community Centre Gentle Pilates Fridays 10.30-11.30am, £5

Livingston Station Community Centre Gentle Pilates Fridays 10.30-11.30a £5

Ability Centre, Livingston Seated Yoga - Stretch, relax, breathe, meditate Wednesdays 1.15-2.30, £3 Call: 07436102726 joanna@kiccactive.org.uk

Ability Centre, Living Seated Yoga - Stretch relax, breathe, medit Wednesdays 1.15-2.3 £3 Call: 0743 joanna@kicca

www.kiccactive.org.uk

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konect 55

Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985

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Pruce Independent Plumbing

Home 01506 462753 Mobile 07748 802 016

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Martin Pruce

3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

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

t: 07563 548348

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

MHPS Property Services Trusted property maintenance & repairs

Electrical • Plumbing Gas • General repairs

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Large or Small Jobs Interior & Exterior Work Homes & Commercial Properties We’ve got it covered!

Just call us for advice or a no-obligation quote:

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LOCAL FAMILY PLUMBING BUSINESS SERVING WEST LOTHIAN 24HR EMERGENCY PLUMBING FULL BATHROOM & SHOWER INSTALLATIONS SINKS, TAPS, PIPEWORK & WATER CYLINDERS REPLACED GUTTER CLEANING & REPAIR BOILERS & RADIATORS REPLACED

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konect 57

ALL YEAR ROUND LANDSCAPES Regular Garden Maintenance and Landscaping Grass cutting, turfing, paving, patios, driveways, mono blocking & fencing

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All aspects of building work undertaken including bricklaying, stonework lime pointing, extensions, driveways and garden walls.

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konect 59

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in the December edition of konect 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12 13

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18 19

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Across 7 Attentiveness (13) 8 Speaking (8) 9 Simple (4) 10 Breaks (7) 12 Prophecies (5) 14 Sound of a bell (5) 16 Happier (7) 19 Exhibit (4) 20 Approximate calculation (8) 22 Enquiry (13) Down 1 Young male horse (4) 2 Way in (6) 3 Lures (7) 4 Boasts (5) 5 A narrow river (6) 6 Absurd talk (8) 11 Eating (8) 13 Held for ransom (7) 15 Solicitor (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Large and heavy (5) 21 Implement (4)

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 69

60 konect

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

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Accredited Motability Dealer

konect 61

What’s On

and Useful Information Saturday 1st November Dechmont Art & Craft Exhibition 10.30 - 4.00 pm Dechmont Memorial Community Hall, Main Street, Dechmont, EH52 6LJ This annual event has stalls selling paintings and crafts produced by members of the Dechmont Art Group.

Ideal presents for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas or for your home. You will find the hall next door to Dechmont Infant School. All welcome. Free entry. For more information please email dechmontartgroup@gmail.com or visit our website at dechmontartgroup.wix.com/home.

Saturday 15th November Livingston Highland Society Ceilidh Strathbrock Community Centre Broxburn, 7.30 – 11.15pm.

Band & Guest(s) : Ian Cruickshank Trio & McLean sisters on Fiddle. Tickets £5

Howden Park Centre

has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

Sunday 30th November Jack & Jill Market With markets across Scotland, and an online market you will find up to 45 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in!! West Lothian College, 10.30am to 1pm. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

29th November - 7th December 2014 New Town Entertainers present Peter Pan At Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Weekends – 2.00pm, Weekdays – 7.00pm. To book please call the Box Office on 01506 777666. Tickets £8.50 Family Tickets £32.00. Share of proceeds to go to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, London

Friday 12th December Christmas Concert Presented by Toccata Ladies Choir 7.30pm at Carmondean Church, Nether Dechmont Farm.

Tickets £5, see toccataladieschoir.co.uk

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

Livingston Library Information Almondbank Library Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH. Tel: 01506 283133 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00

Carmondean Library (Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@ westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00

Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Wed 11.00 – 18.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00

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Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian is working with West Lothian Women’s Aid to provide a tailored money advice service to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse.

We can offer assistance with:

Benefit issues Money management/budgeting Debt Housing issues For more information, please contact: Citizens Advice Bureau on

01506 436132

or West Lothian Women’s Aid on

01506 461938

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER ‘14

The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events.

SAT 1ST SUN 2ND WED 5TH FRI 7TH SAT 8TH FRI 14TH SAT 15TH SUN 16TH WED 19TH THU 20TH FRI 21ST WED 26TH -FRI 28TH

DeaD De-fright-ful terrors a Vision of elVis Philomena - film Weslo ComeDy night maD 4 musiCals mugen taiko Drummers ssW Wrestling the kings sPeeCh plUS

Q & A WITH OScAR WINNINg pRODUcER gARETH EllIS UNWIN

4pm £8 7.30pm £20 7.30pm £4 7.30pm £10 7.30pm £10 7.30pm £15 & £13 7pm £10 & £5 7.30pm £4

Paths of glory - film kent gaVin - royal PhotograPher Pete atkin

7.30pm £15

CambusDonalD royal

7.30pm £12

7.30pm £4 7.30pm £12

See website at WWW.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listings and booking. box offiCe is open 10-2pm weekdays and 1 hour before evening shows.

Ring 01506 630 085 and leave a message.

24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4pS konect 63

Charity of the Month

West Lothian Foodbank “We’re all only one paycheck away from an emergency.” This is one of the notices at the Whitburn branch of West Lothian Foodbank, and it goes a long way to explaining why there are such diverse reasons for people to use the food bank.

The Whitburn branch is where food donations are divided into parcels for three-days worth of emergency food for individuals and families, and dispatched to the other six food bank distribution locations in West Lothian. I called in to meet manager Kathleen and volunteer worker Julie.

“You can never tell what sort of a day you’re going to have here!” says Kathleen. “There is a common misconception that users of food banks are people who have mismanaged their benefits in some way.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.” For many people, whether they depend on benefits or not, a single event such as an unexpected bill, illness or a delayed payment can push them into a difficult situation. This is where food banks come in. They don’t attempt to address long-term poverty; they provide an emergency stop-gap of three days worth of food and they sign-post people to other services that will help with their long-term situation.

The West Lothian Foodbank is run by Whitburn Pentecostal Church which, like thousands of others in the UK, is a franchisee of a charity called the Trussell Trust. The West Lothian Foodbank has an arrangement with over 90 agencies in West Lothian which identify people in need of emergency food (the Advice Shop, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Social Workers, Weslo, to name a few). They supply a voucher for three days’ supply of food. The voucher must be used within 3 days – it really is for immediate emergency, not to stash away in case you need it in the future. You can get a maximum of three vouchers in six months (although sometimes you get more if things take longer to sort out).

“Often we only see a person here once,” explains Julie. “ We help them through their emergency, and they don’t need to come back.” Others do need all three vouchers but they are signposted to different services that can help, and this information service is an important part of the food bank’s work.

There’s no escaping the fact that food banks are a recent phenomenon. West Lothian Foodbank was

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Donations The Foodbank publish a “shopping list” of items needed. Food donations are not needed until after Christmas, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the people of West Lothian in the past few weeks, although they need donations of Christmas items by mid-November (selection boxes and other Christmas treats). There are drop off points for donations all over West Lothian, most of the churches, banks and supermarkets will take donations.

You can make monetary donations too.

Make cheques payable to West Lothian Foodbank and send to: 33 Market Place, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 0EU. More updates and details on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ westlothianfoodbank set up two years ago. Whitburn was the first branch, and it has grown rapidly in response to need and now serves seven distribution points throughout West Lothian. A combination of factors have changed in the past few years - reduction in working hours at little or no notice; benefits being reduced or stopped without any other change in someone’s circumstances; re-applying for different benefits takes time before money comes in; higher bills.

Kathleen explains that since the referendum they have been inundated with food donations, which is fantastic and they have probably got enough to see them through Christmas now. Another challenge is making the food banks accessible to all who need them – for people in outlying villages, getting to one of the food banks can be a problem. If you need to go on foot, carrying bags back with three days worth of food for a family can be a challenge and with the winter weather approaching it only gets harder.

So Kathleen is currently looking at ways of funding bus travel for those who need it. è

è “We have people in here who have got all their incomings and outgoings listed out in meticulous detail, they know where every penny is. And sometimes there is just not enough time between what’s coming in and what’s going out.” says Julie.

Julie has been volunteering at the food bank for six months. “People come here for food but we give them much more than food, we give them hope,” she explains. When you get to a point of not being able to feed yourself or your family despair can take over, which makes everything more difficult. All the volunteers are trained in listening, and they are able to offer a listening ear, encouragement and help users to feel better about the whole experience. “We offer a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits and take the time to sit down and have a chat. Most people go away feeling a lot better than when they walked in.”

While we work away at changing the circumstances that have led to the need for food banks, in the meantime they are providing a life line for people in crisis.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis and need help from the food bank, please contact the West Lothian Foodbank on 01501 229307 email: info@westlothian.foodbank.org.uk

Whitburn foodbank

“There is a common

misconception that users

of food banks are people

who have mismanaged their benefits in some way. That

couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Clubs & Classes

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

Getting Gooey Chocolate and Craft Workshop Livingston’s first chocolate workshop! Kids make chocolate, sweet and crafting items.

Suitable from 2 to 12 years. £8.50 per child - sessions last around 1 hour. Please check www.gettinggooey.com for session times, call 07576 964099 or email info@ gettinggooey.com to book.

Livingston Business Centre, 1 Charlesfield Lane, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7BT.

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

MS Society afternoon meetings Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting.

Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help.

Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting.

Lothian Running Club We welcome runners of any standard.

We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6.

Training sessions in and around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www. lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club - Our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm.

Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739

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West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc.

See www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510.

Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

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

For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk

Firefly Arts Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts. co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE www.fireflyarts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk

Livingston FC League players and juniors, social and corporate events. Almondvale Stadium Tel 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk

Livingston Speakers Toastmasters Club A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston. Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see www.livingstonspeakers.org.uk http:// www.facebook.com/LivingstonSpeakers

CRAIGSHILL West Lothian Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from 5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213.

Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden.

Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Almondbank Centre.

Tel 01506 435851

Lodge Almondale Social Club Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club.

The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome.

Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418

Trampoline Classes for children Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years + .

Please call 01506 412314 for more info.

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

For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

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. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com

DEANS Deans Community High School Playgroup Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months.

Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston Mon-Fri 9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/ week, or flexible days at £4/session (min of 2 per week). For more information please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit.

Pilates for people with health conditions Livingston Station Community Centre Fridays 10.30-11.30am. Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

Yoga for people with health conditions Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road.

Wednesdays 1.15-2.30pm. Call Joanna on 07436 102726 for more information.

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

Livingston Fiddlers A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events.

New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered.

Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.309.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@livingstonfiddlers.co.uk Tel 01506 654 189 www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk

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

Diabetes UK West Lothian Voluntary Group Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston.

For more info contact may@dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages.

Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities.

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

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.

Deans Art Club New Deans Community Building Tuesdays 7 – 9pm.

Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838.

Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children.

Tues 9.00am – 12 noon. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon.

For more info tel 01506 439568.

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

Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings. The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk. Email: contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/ livingstoncameraclub twitter www.twitter. com/LiviCamClub

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

Cafe Connect Friendly community cafe with homebaking and refreshments Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-12 Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise.

Contact 01506 415837

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

The Lanthorn Toddlers Group – Parent & Toddlers Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon.

Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@ gmail.com Or find us on Facebook Lanthorn Toddler Group.

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

Contact 01506 415837

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

Contact 01506 41583

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

Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society (LaDARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands.

Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world. See our website uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ms0liv/ or just come along on any Tuesday.

Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders.

The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm.

For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music.

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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

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

Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG For children 2-3 years. Mon-Thurs 9.1511.15 am term time. £4.25/day includes healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5 years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk

1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings.

Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225

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

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

Everyone welcome.

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

All services commence at 10am.

Check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail. com. Charity number is SC044088.

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

Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome.

Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

ELIBURN 14th West Lothian Scout Troop Peel Primary School. Girls and boys.

Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs) Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year. Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620

Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish PreSchool 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

HOWDEN GOSH - Group Ostomy Self Help Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time.

Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems. Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4. All Ostomists and their partner/friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.307.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852

14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm.

Girls 5 years old and attending school.

Tel: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197

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.

Braid House Day Centre Labrador Avenue, Howden. Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities. Cost £5.

For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www.braidhouse.co.uk

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

Fitsteps - Get fit ‘Strictly style!’

Ballroom and Latin dance fitness class- no partner required Wednesday 6.15-7.00pm, Inveralmond Community High School - £4.00 Wednesday 7.30-8.15pm, St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate - £4.00 Thursday 7.30-8.15pm - Currie Community High School - £4.50 Classes start week beg 6th Jan 2014. For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463.

Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com, Like us on facebook http://www.facebook. com/moveitdanceandfitness

Almond Valley Baptist Church A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston Contact phone number 07946 835037 or email at almondvalleybc@yahoo.co.uk

Kids Club Forrestbank Community Centre A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035

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

For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk

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

Volunteers always required.

Tel: Nancy on 497046.

Email - info@roseberycentre.org.uk.

Website: www.roseberycentre.org.uk

Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School.

A range of teams and fixtures.

See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm.

Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE Physiotherapist Led Pilates Classes Danz 4 u studio, Centrex House, Kirkton Campus. Fridays, 10-11am.

All bookings online: www.physioledpilates.com.

Email: lucy@physioledpilates.com Tel: 07415426228

Livingston Village Playgroup Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village.

For children 2yrs 3 months to 5 years.

9.30 - 11.30am Mon - Fri, £4/session including snack.

Child can attend between 2 & 5 sessions a week. For more information please contact the placement secretary 01506 417343

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

Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am.

For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family.

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

MURIESTON

Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Classes NEW!

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

Bankton Mains Bowling Club Free Coaching Lessons for both Adult and Junior bowlers.

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

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

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

All services commence at 10am. Everyone welcome, check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@ gmail.com.

Charity number is SC044088.

Livingston Cricket Club

OTHER AREAS

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

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Places are limited and must be booked in advance as there’s lots of food to sample at each class, recipes and handouts to take away. To reserve your place call Caroline on 01506 885393, email: caroline@ carolinesplantbaseddiet.com or go to www. carolinesplantbaseddiet.com

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory. co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings.

See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk.

Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar.

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

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The Green Room, Main Street, Kirknewton.

Food for Life Cancer Project – The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival Saturday 8th November, 10am until 4pm Food for Life Diabetes Initiative – The Power of Food for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Saturday 22nd November, 10am until 4pm Christmas Nutrition and Cooking Class Saturday 13th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm Christmas Nutrition and Cooking Class Saturday 20th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm

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Across: Across: 1 Traffic, 5 Ketch, 8 Improve, 9 Ideal, 10 Stern, 11 Theatre, 12 Steady, 14 Spades, 17 Ancient, 19 Tiger, 22 Paths, 23 Athlete, 24 Daddy, 25 Sisters

Down: 1 Toils, 2 Apple, 3 Frowned, 4 Chests, 5 Knife, 6 Treated, 7 Helpers, 12 Swapped, 13 Excited, 15 Pitches, 16 Straws, 18 Essay, 20 Geese, 21 Reels

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop 13 Accountancy / Bookkeeping Taxlink 49 Aerials Aerial Man 25 Bathrooms 1st Choice 4 Anderson Home Improvements 58 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 71 Ekco 43 S&S Home Improvements 35 Shower Boards Scotland 11 Beauty Beauty Within Therapies 25 Skin Elegance 53 The Toning & Beauty Clinic 21 Building Services Almond Building Company 57 David Hastings Building Surveyor 47 DB General Builders 47 Dean Jones Building Services 59 Cafe The Coffee Cup Cafe 25 Car Bodywork Car Medic 51 Chips Away 50 Finishing Touch 46 Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions 51 Car Service and Repair AMK Auto Centre 12 Central Garage 51 LVS Garage Centre 7 M&S Auto Solutions 46 Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery Aquatec 31 C&W Cleaning Services 31 Hydro Kleen Scotland 40 Catering Food Creations 23 Cattery AliCats Cattery 39 Charity Action Group 27 British Heart Foundation 26 Chiropodist Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 53 Citizens Advice Citizens Advice Bureau 62 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 31 DBM Facilities Management 10 Community Enterprising Bathgate 36 Complementary Therapies Beauty Within Therapies Computer Repairs Sprint Computer Repairs 38 Tec-Support 55 Crafts Livingston Craft Association 24

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Dentist Bankton Dental Practice 2 No9 Dentist 21 Dog Grooming Animal Magic 39 Double Glazing Red Hot Windows 47 Dressmaking / Alterations Katrin Design 4 Electrical Simply Electrical 57 Entertainment Livingston New Town Entertainers 15 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 5 Turpie & Co 45 Firewood Edinburgh Firewood 4 Fitness KICC Active 55 MC Fitness 52 Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes 58 D Greaves 58 Donald Does It All 47 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 39 Ratho Park Golf Club 13 Hotel Hilcroft Hotel 17 Indoor Football 36Fives 33 Joiner Donald Does It All 47 Geoff Vinter Joinery 56 James Lander 10 Michael Dickson Joinery 11 Sandy Mudie Joinery 6 Kitchens 1st Choice 4 Anderson Home Improvements 58 Ekco 43 Ian Merriman 56 S&S Home Improvements 35 Locksmith West Lothian Locksmiths 41 Mobility Med-Ecosse 61 Painter / Decorator Braekirk Decorators 47 Donald Does It All 47 EDC Painters and Decorators 57 IMS Painting 4 JD Decorators 57 Nu Walls 56 TML Decor 58 Plasterer Nu Walls 56 Plumbing Services Almondvale Plumbing & Heating 47 BJ Fleming Domestic Plumbing 59 EPH Scotland 59 Livingston Plumbing Company 57 Pruce Independent Plumbers 56

Property Letting LetLink 49 Property Maintenance AC Contracting 30 Cleaning & Maintenance 10 MHPS 57 TML Decor 58 Public House Livingston Inn 18 Torphichen Arms 29 Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel 17 Roof Repairs Anderson Home Improvements 58 Cleaning & Maintenance 10 McCulloch Roofing 11 Security Circle Security 6 Soft Furnishing Knight Shades Blinds 25 Style Rite Blinds 41 Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd 55 Taxi Lothian Radio Cars 72 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 41 Theatre Bathgate Regal Community Theatre 19, 63 Tiler Livingston Tiles 31 Service With A Tile 58 Tuition High School Maths Tuition 55 Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice 38 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 46 The Wheel Specialists 50 Window Cleaning Suburban Window Cleaning 10 Windows Red Hot Windows 47

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

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

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