Konect Linlithgow, June 2019

JUNE 2019

linlithgow

CHARITY: WHAT’S ON:

LOCAL PEOPLE:

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for the Linlithgow area

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR JUNE EDITION ummer in Linlithgow is always incredibly busy, hardly a weekend goes past without something on. It’s Marches season of course, with all the associated events put on by a dedicated bunch of volunteers.

The first week of June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to thank volunteers for their contributions that keep our communities running in so many ways, as well as celebrating volunteering and finding ways locally of getting involved. Volunteering is open to everyone as is a great way of not only contributing to a cause you care about, but is rewarding personally - a way of learning new skills, gaining confidence, being part of a community, gaining experience and of course having fun! There is a huge range of organisations always happy to had a helping hand. A volunteer at an event I was at recently said, “I can’t imagine not volunteering now. It becomes part of your life.”

Our Charity of the Month for this issue is HandiCabs Lothian – like me, you may have seen their white and green liveried taxi and bus buzzing around locally (Tesco Linlithgow is on their bus route, amongst other destinations), and not realised exactly who and what they are for.

They provide a fantastic service, and you may know someone who could benefit from using them but perhaps doesn’t realise – take a look at the feature on pages 24-25. They are also looking for volunteers.

Wishing all readers a wonderful Marches day and all associated celebrations and events. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy the magazine.

P31 Perambulation of the Marches...................... 8 Local People: 16 Green Fingers.................12 Gardening: Transformers!...........................15 Puzzles...........................................................18 Property Matters............................................22 Charity: HandiCabs Lothian........................24 Interiors: Sustainable roller blinds...............26 Bridge column...............................................29 Local People: The Stevens..........................30 What’s On......................................................31 Parenting: Find their spark!..........................24 Music Review................................................32 Vet’s Tip..........................................................35 Clubs & Classes............................................36

COVER IMAGE: Perambulation of the Marches.

See P8-9. Photo by Ron Smith and David Shirres.

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

LINLITHGOW | 3

4 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 5

6 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Frog lightweight quality kids’ bikes available in store.

Get your order in to avoid disappointment this Christmas.

Elevation Cycles, 103 High Street, Linlithgow

01506 845390 www.elevationcycles.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 7

Perambulation of the Marches

The evening of Wednesday 12 June 2019, will see a few of the guid folk of Linlithgow, and hopefully a few visitors too, taking part in the sixth Perambulation of the Marches, organised by Linlithgow Civic Trust. All are invited to this year’s walk round the town’s old boundaries.

“So what is it all about?” I hear you ask!

Linlithgow is one of Scotland’s most ancient Royal Burghs, and a tradition dating back to the 16th century is the annual Riding of the Marches, on the first Tuesday after the second Thursday in June. This involves the inspection of the extremities of the Royal Burgh’s interests, including those at Linlithgow Bridge and at the port of Blackness.

The Perambulation of the Marches complements the official Riding of the Marches, giving townsfolk and visitors alike the opportunity to walk the line of a recorded boundary (or ‘marches’) of the Royal Burgh – in this case the Parliamentary Boundary as established in 1832.

The Perambulation of the Marches is an event open to all. It is of course a walk which can be enjoyed at any time.

The walk is 4 miles (6.5 km) long, and passes by seven out of eight march stones (one original and seven replicas installed in 2014) marking the old boundary. The walk passes many features of historical or architectural interest.

The Perambulation of the Marches starts at 7pm at March Stone No. 1 in front of St Ninian’s Craigmailen Church on Falkirk Road (just west of the West Port Hotel) and proceeds in a clockwise direction round the route.

8 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

The walk is led by the Provost, flagbearers and halberdiers of the Deacon’s Court, and the Town Crier. At each March Stone on the route, a standard is mounted on the stone and a piper plays.

The Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS) will be providing refreshments at Linlithgow Canal Centre (payment by voluntary donation) where there is a break, and the Linlithgow Reed Band will be there too to provide some light entertainment.

The Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Gala Queen Emilie and her Chief Lady in Waiting Mairi will be present to welcome the participants in Rosemount Park.

Linlithgow & Linlithgow Bridge Community Council has produced a detailed booklet on the route of the Perambulation, and free copies will be distributed at the start of the walk. In the meantime, copies can also be obtained at the Burgh Halls, the public library, Far from the Madding Crowd, the Palace, the LUCS Canal Tearoom and elsewhere in the town.

It perhaps goes without saying but participants should take care at all road crossings and cooperate with the volunteer stewards who will be on hand to assist. Participants should also be aware that there are steps in two locations, one set particularly steep.

At the end, in Code (the back function room) at the West Port Hotel, certificates will be issued to those who have completed the entire walk, and where well-earned refreshments can also be purchased.

The organisers are hoping for another big turn out again this year and look forward to seeing you all. Why not bring your fourlegged friends too.

Anyone interested in the other activities of Linlithgow Civic Trust should visit their website at www.lbt.scot/civic-trust This article was contributed by Allan M Robertson, Linlithgow Civic Trust Perambulation Co-ordinator. Linlithgow Civic Trust is part of Linlithgow Burgh Trust. Linlithgow Burgh Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Scottish Charity No. SC047211. @KonectMagazines

PHOTO CREDIT: Ron Smith and David Shirres LINLITHGOW | 9

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Stop Buying, Start Living

THE PROVOST’S WRESTLING DINNER IN THE MARCHES MARQUEE 14TH JUNE 2019 7.30PM TICKETS £30 DRESS - LOUNGE SUIT Tickets available from Norman Cummings 07808 473767 | norman@nctextiles.co.uk Robert Hardie 07870 251499 | robert.hardie@btinternet.com

SPONSORS ACL Hire - Part of the Avis Group Brookfield Metal Recycling Ltd. Greensteam Valeting Ltd. Kingsfield Golf & Leisure D&J Sibbald, Bathgate Nor Dan UK Ltd.

10 | LINLITHGOW

There’s one big thing that keeps people from the life they dream of. It’s not confidence or motivation or a great business idea. It’s consumption.

Maintaining the lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed becomes all consuming.

It keeps a person (or more likely persons) working at least 40 hours or more per week to ensure they earn enough money to maintain their lifestyle. This would be absolutely fine if they were happy, but they’re not.

The answer to this unhappiness? To buy more of course. The adverts have promised that when we own a particular model of car or a diamond encrusted watch we will have ‘arrived’ and will finally be happy.

The truth? Big companies and the advertising machines behind them will never allow you to be happy. Happiness equals satisfaction and satisfaction means no more purchases.

If you truly want to be happy then take some time out from being a consumer to assess what you really want from your life. You might be surprised to find that you have goals and ambitions and hopes and dreams that have nothing to do with accumulating money and buying stuff. You may discover that to be truly happy you require much less money than you thought and you now have the freedom of choice. You can choose to work forty hours a week or you can choose to go part-time. You may even choose to volunteer or start a microbusiness that allows you to pursue a passion.

When you stop believing that buying leads to happiness and you realise that happiness is a mindset – you can begin to create the life that you desire.

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 11

Dougal and Lesley

GREEN FINGERS,

OR HOW TO GROW A BUSINESS

Ideal mentors would be Lesley Watson and Dougal Philip, who set up New Hopetoun Gardens 41 years ago and today oversee a thriving concern that employs almost forty staff. Lesley is well known to TV gardening fans as a stalwart of the evergreen “Beechgrove Garden” programme for 16 years, till the demands of travelling became excessive.

Over four decades, their working and personal relationships have matured effectively, like the red wines that Dougal adores, till today they mesh like Rolls Royce gears.

Dougal quietly impresses. A son of Watford, his four-year stint at St Andrews Uni, (where he achieved an M.A. in Geographical Studies), led him to a new home and a consuming career. Through the calm exterior, the passions shine: passion for their two families (between them four children, four grandchildren, though none aspire to enter the business), his business, his gardening, his wine, his charity work, his clientele and his mission to foster the love of gardening. The business acumen is in the DNA, as Dougal was born into the George Philip dynasty, a map and book publishing company established in 1834 and sold 20 years ago.

The Garden Centre emanated from a chance remark in a chance encounter at a dinner party: Dougal (already a self-employed, self-taught landscaper), suggested the struggling Hopetoun House could generate fresh revenue by setting up a garden centre, whereupon the factor of the trust promptly 12 | LINLITHGOW

offered Dougal the opportunity he couldn’t refuse; but, by golly, it was hard going, as Dougal also had to continue his landscaping business to make ends meet.

A major breakthrough came in 1988 when Hopetoun Gardens took gold in the Glasgow Garden Festival; turnover doubled in a year!

There was consequential glory - judging Show Gardens every year at the prestigious RHS shows in Cardiff, Malvern, Hampton Court and Chelsea; vice- presidency of the RHS; chair of Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, which fills a yawning void in the provision of pastoral and material care for gardeners in hard times. Once, Dougal explains, the focus was almost entirely on problems in retirement for, like ministers, gardeners usually had homes that went with their jobs. Today, sad to say, the vast preponderance of need lies in the fields of debt and mental health.

I asked Dougal for “a secret.” I hope you relish the reply!

“I was working at Hopetoun House when they had Royal visitors. I knock on the door of Princess Margaret’s room as I need to @KonectMagazines

tend the plants and flowers. No answer, so I gingerly open the door and peek in.

Just a dishevelled, unmade bed so in I go and I’m watering away when a nervous voice squeaks ‘Who’s there?’ I freeze but manage to stutter ‘Just me, ma’am, watering your plants. So sorry!’ and I flee. I later had to endure a grilling from her security and from Hopetoun hierarchy but escaped unpunished. She was so tiny, she was lost amid the covers on the large bed.”

I guess one reason for the success of the Philips is that they still have the common touch, which includes stints on the info desks, (“we’re not smart enough for the tills!”), and frequent interaction with customers - advising, commiserating, inspiring.

And the future? More time walking (wherever they be), reading - crime for Dougal, classics for Lesley, fundraising for Perennial and, for sure, continuing to spread far afield their infectious enthusiasm for gardening, gardens and gardeners.

@KonectMagazines

Tearoom Terrace

You can visit New Hopetoun Gardens from 10.00am - 5.00pm daily. The garden itself is a joy to wander through, with different themed areas for inspiration and a well-stocked garden centre. There is a gift shop, and a tea room which is open daily from 10.00am - 4.30pm, (lunches served 11.30am - 3.00pm)

This article was written by David Levin after interviewing Dougal and Lesley at New Hopetoun Gardens. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

LINLITHGOW | 13

14 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

If you only grow one edible thing... …Let it be one of the ‘transformers’. ‘Small in volume, large in flavour, transformers add zip and zest to your meals’ says Mark Diacono, the well-known gardener/cook.

We recommend a dozen great transformers to grow in your garden. They are a mix of herbs, salad crops and veggies that can turn a good dish into an exquisite dish.

Our top recommendations this summer would be to try a mint, perhaps spearmint, to add zest to new potatoes, garden peas or perhaps a courgette frittata. Chives with its edible, crunchy purple flowers and leaves to chop over a potato salad or to add an oniony zip to a green salad.

A third character that, like these other two, is so easy and reliable to grow would be one of

@KonectMagazines

the rosemary bushes. The different ones are all great transformers and our favourite thing is to chop the leaves finely and sprinkle them over parboiled potatoes before you roast them in the oven with some rapeseed oil.

Pick up our full list of transformers in our purple piglet project leaflet.

Rosemaried Roast Potatoes

Salad Trough

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

LINLITHGOW | 15

16 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Welding and Fabrication Solutions Ltd All of metal work work | gates Allaspects aspects of metal railings | fencing | repairs gates | railings | fencing structural steel work repairs | structural steel work Aluminium / stainless steel

T: 01506 827110 M: 07778 339980 E: wafsltd@btconnect.com www.weldfabsolutions.com Unit 13 Links Court, Bo’ness, EH51 9UD

Design | Advice | Manufacture | Installation

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 17

SUDOKU

PUZZLES

Sudoku Solution on Page 38.

CROSSWORD

Solution in the July edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Manage, rule over (6), 8. Outfitter (6), 9. Information (4), 10. Set sail (8), 11. Most simple (7), 13. Vacant (5), 15. Caper, amazing feat (5), 16. Protection (7), 18. Stress, accent (8), 19. Otherwise (4), 21. Foolish (6), 22. 5 cent coin (6) DOWN: 1. Settee (4), 2. Connections, alliances (13), 3. Examine, study in detail (7), 4. Plump, rotund (5), 5. Outside edge of circle (13), 6. Household (8), 12. Tries (8), 14. Taunting, goading (7), 17. Separate, detached (5), 20. Trunk of plant (4)

delivering more Put yourself in safe hands with our highly experienced legal and property teams.

Estate Agency and Conveyancing Buying, selling and marketing of residential and commercial property.

Private Client Wills, trusts, inheritance tax, powers of attorney, guardianship.

Family Law Divorce and separation, contact and residence, adoption.

Immigration All visa applications , citizenship, EU Law, appeals.

64 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TL

T: 01506 656645 W: drummondmiller.co.uk 18 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

First Signs Of SUmmeR ~

Blackness Boat Club Seeking inspiration, my gaze wandered over the Forth across to the Ochil hills, with all in between out-of-focus, nigh invisible.

Then my eye registered the lofty giraffe, busy in the boatyard, methodically attaching ropes to static yachts that foamed at the mouth, desperate for action, then lifting them into the fray.

We humans often miss what’s under our noses and, to prove the point, here, right on my doorstep, dwelt perfect subject matter Blackness Boat Club, proof of the powers of motivation.

For the three centuries to 1680, the village was the port for Linlithgow and, fleetingly, ranked second only to Leith amongst Scottish ports. The Castle, of course, was a major attraction long before “Outlander”.

So many of the locals sailed that around 1970 they had a “Eureka!” moment and formed the Club, a straightforward project that merely required reclaiming a large tract of land from a possessive river and building a clubhouse, boatyard and sea defences.

Today, two of those pioneering members still enjoy the fruits of their labours. One, Drew Storer, (apparently a fiercely competitive sailor, to the extent of tying a bucket to the stern of a rival’s boat though I think the Commodore told me tongue-incheek!), has fascinating tales: Drew was actually born in the Castle complex, (where his grandad was a stonemason), in 1951. His mum powered the boiler with driftwood because they had no electricity

till 1958. As they later owned the village’s first telly, Drew was Mr Popular every “Wells Fargo” night!

He tells of idyllic days, heightened by mass football games, (no prisoners!) and swimming off the pier.

I met Drew in the club; excited by my sudden inspiration, I had barged in, encountered the warmest, cuppa-backed welcome from chef of the day, Audrey, and Club Commodore, Jack McKay. Jack was sailing before he could walk, as his dad helped found the Bo’ness club. He rejoices the Club is healthy again after a few lean years and there is a great “family” atmosphere. They are eager to acquire new members, especially youngsters.

Andy Wallace, member since ‘72, tells me they have a handful of competitive races a year depending on conditions, are planning to hold educational courses, that there are wonderful sails to Limekilns, Aberdour, Queensferry Harbour, Culross e.g., and “exchange” trips with other clubs...

There’s a homely licensed bar (with a secret I dare not share), and regular events like curry nights and quiz nights. Though no sailor, (aged 16 on a tramp steamer “Rite of Passage” holiday, on the Ship Canal from Partington Coal basin to Dublin, I vomited as we passed the Liver Building!) I am signing on as a social member. What with the Blackness Inn re-opening and the Boat Club, we’ll be the Ibiza of the UK. One member especially reflects the true community feel I discovered here. Colin Wilson, immune to the banter of his so-called mates, displays a luxuriant head of shoulder-length hair. He aims to let it grow down to his buttocks then he’ll have it shaven off entirely, to raise funds for Cancer Research, in honour of his late father-in-law.

Sail on silver bird.

This article was written by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 19

The Power of Pre-Marketing There is a strong argument for creating maximum exposure for a property during its time on the market, and much of an Estate Agent’s effort and resources are spent achieving the right exposure in the right places.

However, one of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few!

Many sellers like the idea of an initial period of quiet marketing, especially in instances of a marriage break up, a death in the family, a prominent house in a small town, financial difficulties or any other reason where people It works by taking advantage of the fact that don’t yet want it to be publicly known that people enjoy being offered something on they are selling. The concept also reduces an exclusive basis, especially when it is a the risk of overexposure or of the property property that is “just about to come onto the “going stale” on the market and provides the market”. Good Estate Agents often offer their opportunity to gauge buyer feedback and new instructions “off-market” to their pregather market intelligence to help position registered “hottest” buyers first, resulting an open-market campaign should it be in sales that were never even advertised! required.

Additionally, promoting to potential buyers Of course, it does rely on a strong register that they also have properties that don’t of qualified buyers, extensive knowledge appear on their website or any portals of the local area and some ‘good old creates a curiosity and a feeling that the fashioned estate agency work’ which, in buyer could be missing out on something the days of a heavy reliance on internet good. This encourages people to register advertising, is often overlooked. with the agent in order to gain access to a potentially popular property with little or no competition.

The monthly Property Matters column is The prices achieved using this method tend contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a to be good as well, as buyers of such a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and property know that (a) it is unlikely that the Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of seller would consider anything other than the West Lothian Property Market and over the asking price during these early days of 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing and (b) don’t want to lose out. marketing.

22 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

You’ve probably seen the HandiCabs minibus dropping people off at the Centre, Morrisons, Dobbies or Tesco and not given it a second thought; that’s certainly the case for me. But last month I was contacted by the organisation looking for help with letting people know what they do, because it is so much more than specialist transport for wheelchair users.

“You might need help with transport for a wide range of reasons. Handicabs is about making sure people are not stuck, for whatever reason, and that includes people who are isolated due to a lack of public transport where they live and have no other means of getting about,” explains Gary Toner, Assistant Operations Manager. “And of course we help people who have mobility challenges and cannot use public transport, which covers a broad range of issues.” It may be that you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemo, or have a longer term challenge – whatever the case, HandiCabs is there to help. There are a lot of people in the community who could benefit but don’t know about it.

Handicabs Lothian covers Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, and offers two services which are a lifeline to many people in the community. Dial-A-Bus is a scheduled regular bus service Mondays to Fridays, to and from popular shopping destinations, where you book on and are collected from and dropped off at your home as opposed to a bus stop.

24 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Dial-A-Ride is more like a taxi service, where you book your date, time and destination. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, airport drop-off or collection, social night out; Edinburgh Tattoo; even a Christmas Day dinner trip has been booked in the past.

Both services are “door through door” i.e. the driver is willing and able to assist with, for example, carrying your shopping bags into your kitchen; taking you right into the airport terminal building; giving you that extra helping hand with getting your coat on, whatever is required. “Many of our drivers have been with us a long time. They have built a personal rapport with customers, know them well and what their particular preferences are. And the banter on the bus between the regular customer is part of what makes it a really enjoyable service,” explains Laura Kearney.

Laura joined HandiCabs last year and is tasked with finding new sources of grant income for the charity, as, whilst the four councils in the areas covered provide operational funding, new sources are needed in order to be able to replace vehicles, as funding for this is dropping off.

A certain amount of the cost is also offset by the fares customers pay, although theses are kept very low – Dial-A-Bus is £3.80 return anywhere in West Lothian; Dial-ARide is £4.75 for the first mile and 40p per mile thereafter, fixed rate. (Your first journye on Dial-A- Bus is free, and you get £5 off your first Dial-A-Ride, to try the services).

HandiCabs allow their customers, crucially, some independence that they wouldn’t otherwise have. It takes the pressure off family members, and gives you more independence to get your weekly shopping and jobs done, freeing up those “lifts for mum” for other events. It’s also a social safety net for many; Laura recounts an incident where one regular customer hadn’t booked on the bus, and the driver commented that she was missing, asking her friend if she was ok. Her friend said “She is coming, she’s waiting.” She had just forgotten to call and book, so they swung round and collected her. The camaradie of the group of regular customers made this possible. @KonectMagazines

Gary has been with HandiCabs for 26 years, starting out as a driver, then moving onto dispatch and now management. There are several others who are long serving, and the drivers tend to stay for a good number of years. It speaks volumes for the ethos of the charity, the work they do, the relationships with each other and with customers. “It’s like a big family. We even have a few families where several members of the family all work or volunteer here” says Laura.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Volunteers are very welcome to help out with driving, dispatch or other work in the offices to keep things going behind the scenes. There are offices in Bathgate and Bilston Glen (Midlothian).

Dial-A-Ride enabled me to become more independent and gave me a new lease of life.

I was able to go to Livingston to meet friends; travel on a day out to Edinburgh Festival and to hospitals. If this service was not available I would be confined to my home town which has limited shop entrances for wheelchairs.

Dial-A-Ride gives an excellent service. I cannot travel on ordinary bus service or taxis.

I no longer exist, but live.

HandiCabs Customer If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with getting out of the house, as a one off or regular, please call HandiCabs to see if they can assist. The cheery team will be happy to answer any questions. A registration form needs to be completed in order to start using one of the services.

Contact HandiCabs Lothian on: • Dial-a-Ride: 01506 633953 • Dial-a-Bus: 01506 633336

You can also find them online at www.hcltransport.org.uk and on facebook @handicabs.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Laura Kearney and Gary Toner of HandiCabs Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

LINLITHGOW | 25

INTERIORS

Plastic debris + Beach = Devastation We can’t get away from the plastics problem; the debate about how to deal with our environmentally devastating plastic habit permeates every part of our lives and most of us are keen to do whatever we can to help address the problem.

So our interiors column this month is contributed by local company Harvey Bruce, who are now supplying a sustainable roller blind with fabric made from recycled plastic ocean waste.

This unique eco-thread blind fabric, called Greenscreen Sea-Tex, is helping tackle the waste pollution problem in our oceans. The fabric uses an innovative high performance eco-thread called FLX yarn. Created by the engineering company Bionic, it’s formed by heating and spinning dozens of strands of recycled plastic together, recovered from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities.

FLX yarn is strong and versatile, and comes with a 2-3% openness factor which means the fabric weave is tight; great for privacy, light control and retaining heat and energy in your home. There are five standard Sea-Tex colours including graphite, haze, sand, pearl and white, as well as custom options available.

There is a conservative estimate that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans with even more continually washing up on shorelines. This incredible amount of plastic waste is having a serious 26 | LINLITHGOW

detrimental effect on the environment and marine ecosystems around the world. Types of plastic waste found include cups, bottles, milk cartons and abandoned fishing nets that can all poison or trap marine life including fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and whales. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly, often taking hundreds of years, so any plastic waste remains in the ocean for a very long time. This build-up of plastic waste has also accumulated into five ocean gyres - large circulating systems of wind-driven surface currents located across the world including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Floating plastic trapped within these gyres is estimated to take at least ten years to cycle back out again.

Volunteers around the world are tackling this growing issue through organised cleanups of shorelines and coastal communities. Plastic and other debris is removed and recycled to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. There is still a long way to go, but finding commercial uses for recycling plastic is one way of keeping it out of the oceans, and as a bonus it makes a very suitable blind fabric.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Derek Lamb of Harvey Bruce Interiors, Houston Mains, Williamson Garden Centre, Uphall, EH52 6PA. www.harveybruce.co.uk | Tel: 0800 756 5286 @KonectMagazines

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 27

BRIDGE COLUMN

A Bidding Question As dealer (North) with the following hand, you open and pass. East passes and partner opens 1Heart. West passes. What should you respond?

K A Q 8

10 Q 6 5

6 3 7 3 2

Answer: 2NT. Whilst a response of 1 Spade would be technically correct, you must remember that, because you opened and passed, partner is not necessarily promising a rebid. Therefore, you must let partner know that you almost have an opening hand. 2NT will show your partner 11 points.

NB: As you know, a response of 2NT usually shows 11-12 points. However, you cannot have 12 points otherwise you would have opened 1NT. This month’s puzzle was kindly provided by bridge professional Denis O’Sullivan, who, with his wife Jane, runs a number of UK based bridge events throughout the year.

In particular, there are three bridge holidays (March, July, November) at the beautiful Cally Palace Hotel in Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Galloway which I can strongly recommend from personal experience. If you wish to know more about these bridge breaks consult the website: www.begin-bridge.co.uk The Bridge Column is contributed by John Samson. John is a member of the Pentland Bridge Club and the Balerno Bridge Club.

Feedback to jsamson23@hotmail.com with heading ‘Konect – Bridge Column’.

28 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 29

The Stevens family

A

ting new chapter... i c x e n

in Melbourne

Craig and Fiona Stevens have been living family life in Linlithgow for the last seven years. But they’re about to start an exciting new chapter, moving to Australia with their children Ruaridh, 6 and Ailish, 3.

“Craig and I met three years after after he’d moved to London from Melbourne, and I was working down there. We married a couple of years later, and decided to move up to Linlithgow where I grew up, and be closer to family.

Through having Ruaridh, and then Ailish, we’ve met a lot of good friends in the town and found opportunities to get involved with different groups. I’ve helped with playgroup, supporting our nursery and chairing the fundraising team for Linlithgow Primary.”

And likewise, Craig has made time to be part of the Linlithgow Round Table. Including being one of Santa’s helpers; fundraising round Linlithgow with the Santa Sleigh.

“Craig has also brought a bit of Australia to Linlithgow. As well as playing and umpiring for Aussie Rules, he’s been a key part

in bringing West Lothian’s Aussie Rules to Linlithgow Rugby Club training ground.”

“We’re excited about our move down under moving to a city like Melbourne will definitely have benefits for all four of us. And not just the sunshine! We’re looking forward to new experiences, having Craig’s side of the family near and seeing a different, maybe even less hectic, way of life to here in Scotland. The kids are also excited about having Melbourne friends and Linlithgow friends.

But there will definitely be a lot of things we’ll miss about life here in Linlithgow too.

Mostly people - we have a great network of friends, neighbours and family on my side close by. It’s the sort of place that feels safe and kids can play outside in the street on Summer evenings (if it’s dry!). We’ve also enjoyed having opportunities for the kids to try different clubs and groups here, and get involved as parents too. I’m sure we’ll continue to do that in Melbourne.”

On behalf of everyone in Linlithgow who knows them, we wish Craig, Fiona, Ruaridh and Ailish the very best of luck for their big move!

This article was written by Louise Taylor, after speaking with Craig and Fiona. Louise lives in Linlithgow and as well as writing, she likes running and researching family history.

30 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

SUMMER BOAT TRIPS ON THE UNION CANAL WISHING ALL READERS A FANTASTIC MARCHES DAY ON THE 18TH JUNE, AND RELATED EVENTS. SEE PAGES 8-10, AND MUCH MORE AT WWW.LINLITHGOWMARCHES.ORG SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Seashore Foraging - Explore the shore with Anna Canning from Floramedica and find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle.

Venue: Blackness Castle. Cost: £10, book via historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/ SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Wildflower Wander - Join a Historic Environment Scotland Ranger on a guided walk to learn more about the flowers and plants that can be found around Linlithgow Loch and Peel. 1pm-3pm at Linlithgow Palace. Free of charge. For more information please contact HES on 0131 652 8150 rangers@hes.scot SATURDAY 22ND JUNE Linlithgow Classic Cars - Monthly meet up at the Cross, Linlithgow, 4th Saturday of every month through the summer. 10am – 2pm. See www.linlithgowclassics.co.uk SATURDAY 29TH & SUNDAY 30TH JUNE Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace - Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances as Linlithgow hosts Historic Environment Scotland’s annual jousting tournament. Watch as noble knights battle it out to be crowned champion. Buy your event tickets online in advance to save 10%. Book via www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/whats-on/ (Historic Environment Scotland members free) DAILY UNTIL 6TH AUGUST In the Footsteps of John Muir – photography exhibition - At Blackness Castle. Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks @KonectMagazines

Weekends until 29th Sept (inclusive) • Short Town trips aboard Victoria • 2½ hour Aqueduct cruises (does not run on Sunday 18th August due to the Canal Fun Day) • Weekdays between 1st July and 16th August 2019: Short Town trips aboard Victoria On the last Sunday in May, June, July and August we also offer a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. These cruises are either outward by boat and return by bus or outward by bus and return by boat. The total trip takes around six hours and must be booked in advance.

For more information on all trips please see the Linlithgow Union Canal Society website www.lucs.org.uk he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, last entry 5pm. Included in castle entry price.

DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den-Building Adventures at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. www.almondvalley.co.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

LINLITHGOW | 31

MUSIC REVIEW

Nobody listens to techno

Madonna believes she is being discriminated against for being 60. This could be the case, pop music has always been a release for the young, it spoils it if your gran likes it, or, as in this case, makes it.

Maybe it is not her age that is the issue with grim new single “Crave”. It could be the slavish imitation of one thousand autotune merchants, complete with imported generic relationship misery, rather than anything resembling the spark that has run through previous attempts to keep up with the pack. Plus, that eyepatch.

It’s over, you’re too old, let go.

In a week for it, Mark Hoppus (47) of Blink 182 takes the bare faced cheek award for making the statement “After playing in this band for 27 years, I want to push it and do different things and take blink to places where we haven’t been before,” and then delivering “Blame It On My Youth”, an anaemic soundalike to every Blink 182 single previously and, I

32 | LINLITHGOW

confidently predict, yet to come. From the title I was hoping for a knowing barb, nodding to the conundrum faced by middle aged Californian rockers whose shorts are now not the only things which are baggy, but, you know, Blink 182. I have listened to this so that you don’t have to.

Which brings us to Beiber. Twenty Five year old Beiber. Who would have thought we would be so pleased to see him at this party, even if he has bought his nerdy mate Ed Sheeran along. Tech- nically Ed gets top billing, well, he is twenty eight, but this is Justin’s show. I played this yesterday and it forced the sun to come out. The sound of the summer, proper pop.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regalradio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.

@KonectMagazines

PARENTING

Having fun.. .

Find their spark at Jupiter Artland! ...at Artsparks

” “Jencks Walk the

My girls are just bursting with energy at this time of year. The weather perks up and so do they. And it seems they are always desperate to get outside.

And so I am always on the lookout for new things to try…especially as the summer holidays draw nearer and seven weeks of empty days looms ahead of us. But right now I’m giving myself a big parenting pat on the back for finding a great new activity that they both loved and are dying to go back and do again.

At Easter they went along to Artsparks at Jupiter Artland for the first time; two-hour sessions during the school holidays that promised to be filled with fun art and craft activities and lots of outdoor play. And boy did they deliver!

I wasn’t sure how they’d take to it; my littlest in particular can go one way or the other when you try to drop her off at activities where adults don’t get to come along for the ride. And I knew they’d be in different groups because of their ages (it’s always more of a gamble when they don’t have a pal with them). But when we first arrived at the woodland classroom to drop them off

it was a hive of activity with outdoor crafts and activities going on everywhere we looked. They were hesitant only because they didn’t seem to know where to begin. And honestly I kind of wanted to join in too! So my husband and I made a swift exit as they got stuck in and before we’d even made it out of the gate one of them was bubble painting and the other was spray painting a canvas strung between a couple of trees.

It was a gorgeous sunny day so we decided to just make the most of the beautiful surroundings of Jupiter Artland. We wandered along the sculpture trail and then sat down on “the Jencks” where we stumbled across the older kids doing some pond dipping. I could see my eldest jumping up and down with excitement from a mile off.

By the time the sessions finished they were both paint-splattered and sun-kissed but absolutely beaming from ear to ear.

They didn’t stop talking

about it for days and of all the things they did over Easter (which was a lot!) it was the one thing that really seemed to capture their imaginations. They have been asking ever since if they can go again.

So if you are on the lookout for something different to do during the school holidays I would definitely recommend checking out www.jupiterartland.org for more information. Jupiter Artland are offering twohour Summer Sessions on Fridays in July and August for 3-5 and 5-10 year olds.

We will definitely be booking for my girls to go back for more…they have lovingly preserved their paintsplattered clothing especially for the occasion!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

Oriana with her dog Tyler

Dogs

can help your HEALTH AND WELLBEING If you have recently retired, you might still be getting used to retirement and being at home. Or maybe you work from home and don’t see many people all day. Perhaps you don’t exercise as much as you would like to and want to improve your fitness and wellbeing.

If you are an experienced dog lover then PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk has an opportunity for dog lovers to join their team of pet sitters.

“It’s a great way to meet new people and their dogs, keep active and healthy and get paid a little extra too”, says Oriana, who owns PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk Branch who have been providing holiday care for dogs in West Lothian, Falkirk and surrounding areas since 2018.

Oriana explains, “I’ve always wanted to work in a pet care environment and decided to open PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk when I had the opportunity to change career. I’ve had dogs for many years and know how difficult it can be to find the right care for your beloved family pet when you go on holiday. I have a great team of pet sitters, we’re like a PetStay family and sometimes I meet our doggy guests too, which is great!”

Marion, who recently joined the PetStay team says, “being a PetStay host has really helped me get fitter and healthier.

I have lost over a stone in the 7 months I have been part of the PetStay team. I have met lovely dogs and their owners. Our 34 | LINLITHGOW

customers have peace of mind that their much-loved family pet will be given one to one attention and lots of cuddles! I live on my own which can be lonely at times so I really enjoy the companionship of a doggy guest. I used to have my own dog, but I can’t commit to owning my own dog anymore, so this is a great way to get my “doggy fix”. PetStay are great they make sure that I am matched to the dog that best suits me and my lifestyle. It’s flexible too.”

This article was contributed by Oriana McArthur of PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk. For more information on becoming a pet sitter please contact Oriana on 07795 179340, or oriana@petstay.net or visit www.petstay.net @KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

VET’S TIP

leads When to put your dog on a lead and how to make sure it interacts safely with other dogs - and other wildlife - are always tricky dilemmas for pet-owners.

Some are fairly straightforward – keep your dog on a lead anywhere near farming livestock or where it may disturb wildlife – for example, there have been notices up around Linlithgow Loch reminding dogowners to keep their pets on a leash while the loch’s waterfowl are nesting. And it’s essential to keep a dog on a lead near a busy road.

But it can be harder to judge when is best to keep your dog on a lead around other dogs. That’s why we’re backing The Friendly Pet Nurse’s Respect The Lead campaign.

The main point is – and the clue is in the name! – to respect the fact that another dog may be on a lead for a reason; it could be a rescue dog rebuilding its confidence, or a dog recovering from an injury. So while your dog might be happy to interact with others, a dog on a lead may not be.

A dog on a lead can feel very cornered by another dog rushing over energetically, however friendly the approach is meant to be – and cornered animals tend to lash out.

And if you can’t recall your dog reliably, keep it on the lead yourself!

For more details on the Respect The Lead campaign, visit www.thefriendlypetnurse. co.uk/respect The monthly Vet’s Tip column is contributed by Stuart McMorrow. Stewart is head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road.

Please call 01506 844 165, or visit their website at www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 35

CLUBS & CLASSES

June

Jupiter Artland, West Lothians newest five star attraction, has recently reopened for the season. Check out the sculptures set amongst the beautiful backdrop of West Lothian countryside. New for 2019 is the partnership with Edinburgh based restaurant “Fhior” – providing tasty, seasonal food after a day’s exploring!

At Blackness Castle, join Anna Canning from Floramedica to find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle. A perfect way to explore the “ship that never sailed” as well as learning something new.

Sunday 9th June from 1pm to 3.30pm One of the big highlights of the month is always the Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. This year’s jousting takes place on the weekend of Saturday 29th June until Sunday 30th June – and tickets are now available, although it is free for Historic Environment Scotland members.

And last but not least, for the Abba fans – Europe’s leading tribute band, Abbamania, comes to Howden Park Centre on the 30th June. A sensational two hour show featuring record breaking and timeless hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen which will have you dancing in the aisles.

There’s plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our website for full listings of events, as well as inspiration for places you can go this month? Don’t forget some events this month will need pre-booking, so don’t miss out - head to www.visitwestlothian.co.uk to find out more.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 36 | LINLITHGOW

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

LINLITHGOW LINLITHGOW BSL GROUP LISTING Are you a BSL user or have learned British Sign Language and don’t want to lose the skill? This group meets at the West Port Hotel for a BSL chat. Anyone welcome, Deaf and hearing of various levels from interpreters to beginners attend the group for a chat in this wonderful language. We meet every two weeks during term time and occasionally for holiday events. For dates please check out our facebook by searching “Linlithgow BSL group.” Alternatively you can contact Alice Lane on 078168 29946.

LINLITHGOW LONGCROFT TABLE TENNIS GROUP (LLTTG) The club will restart for the new 2018/19 season on Wednesday 5th September.

The LLTTG meets every Wednesday night from 8.15pm to 9.45pm in the Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue and gives an opportunity to play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere.

Open to everyone and we have a mixed range of ages and ability. No special kit is required. Bats can be provided. Cost is £3.00 per night or £2.00 for under 18’s. For further information please contact Allan Scott on 01506 842602.

RAINBOW UNITS (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNITS (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

GUIDE UNITS (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. For more information please visit www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

SENIOR SECTION UNIT (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on Friday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/ get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

POSITIVE PATHWAYS – BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Meets in the Canal Tearoom at 6.30 pm on Thursdays fortnightly. The group is led by a trained bereavement listener. £3 per meeting which goes towards the cost of hiring the tearoom. There is no magic formula which will take away the pain, but by listening and sharing with others, it is often possible to lessen the sense of isolation, chaos and despair felt after the death of a loved one. You will be warmly welcomed. For further information contact Sheila Rae by phoning or texting 07719 966273 or email sheila.ruth.rae@gmail.com. Bereavement Support Team St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow.

2ND LINLITHGOW GIRLS BRIGADE Girls Brigade P1 – S6. Come and join in the fun 6.30 Wednesday evening in term time. St Michaels Kirk Hall, Cross House. Contact Captain Clare at 2ndlinlithgowgirlsbrigade@gmail.com

@KonectMagazines

2ND LINLITHGOW BOYS BRIGADE Meet at Cross House on a Thursday evening. Anchor Boys (P2-P3) 6.30pm-7.30pm; Junior Section (P4-P6) 7.00pm8.15pm; Company/Seniors (P7-S6) 7.45pm-9.45pm.

You can contact us on facebook at 2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade or email us at linlithgowBB@outlook.com.

CLASSICAL PILATES CLASS – FIRST CLASS FREE! Linlithgow Bowling Club on Thursdays at 10am. Improve posture, flexibility, strength and stability with classical pilates. For booking and further information contact Maria on 07513 116490, e: mariahybszerpilates@gmail.com or check our website mariahybszerpilates.weebly.com NUTRICLUB Nutrition-focussed weight-loss classes in Linlithgow. To learn more about healthy eating and nutrition focused weight loss, get in touch with Louise.

Tel: 07837 794112 www.nutriclub.co.uk www.facebook. com/nutriclublinlithgow.

SANGSCHULE We are a friendly and informal group who meet together to sing and learn new songs from our tutors. Meeting most Wednesdays in term-time in Linlithgow Academy staff room, 7.30-9.30pm All welcome, no experience needed, no need to read music. Under-16s must be accompanied. More details from Susan on 01506 843592, and on our website www. angelfire.com/folk/sangschule/programme LINLITHGOW NIBBLE & NATTER Are you over 60?

Looking to get out and meet some new people? Come and join our weekly get together in Longcroft Hall, Linlithgow, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people. Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you! Cost is just £1 and all are welcome. If you’d like more info get in touch with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) service on 01506 815815 or e: opal@cyrenians.scot LINLITHGOW WRITERS CIRCLE We meet every second Wednesday in the Linlithgow Tap in Linlithgow, from 7.30pm until 10pm. It’s for aspiring writers in and around Linlithgow to come together and write, share our work for critique and make some writing friends. It’s free to come along. For further details e:linlithgowwriters@ gmail.com or findr us on Facebook.

2ND WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8-10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome.

THE CARING CAFE Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am-12noon. For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on tel: 01506 845137 or e: co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more info: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.

LINLITHGOW KEEP FIT CLUB We meet every Thursday from 19:00-21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have

@KonectMagazines

limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or e: gallacherbrian@hotmail.com for further information.

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA We meet weekly on Monday 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. We are a friendly group and welcome players aged 16+ with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent.

New Players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook BADMINTON CLUB Small, friendly club meets Wednesday evenings at Lowport Centre, 7-9pm. We are looking for new members who have played before.

Adults only.

LINLITHGOW & DISTRICT EMBROIDERS GUILD Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome.

SUNSHINE SINGALONG Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 121.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss.

Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall.

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Star and Garter (Above the lounge), Station Road. Thursday nights 7pm – 9pm. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Contact: Tom Lambert, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07418 331656 or just call in.

FORTH VALLEY ORIENTEERS Come and try orienteering! Learn to navigate with map and compass with FVO club coaches. Junior classes (9-13 years old, with or without parent). Adult newcomer classes for all ages. £5 per session. Contact Jen Lenoard on 01506 843552 or e: membership@fvo.org.uk for more info.

MALE VOICE CHOIR We meet every Monday from 19:45 in the Rugby Club. If you would like to come and try us out please do. Or if you have any questions please phone Chris Thomas on 07823 884802.

STEP TOGETHER FAMILY SUPPORT Support for those affected by the addictive behaviour of a loved one. Being in a close relationship with someone struggling with addiction can be a painful, frustrating and lonely journey. Our group focuses on establishing healthier relationships with our loved one and others, restoring balance to our lives and developing more helpful coping strategies. We meet in the evening on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. For more info call or text 07592 226917.

LINLITHGOW BRIDGE CLUB Meet every Tues and Thurs in the Burgh Halls at 6.45pm. Play starts at 7pm.

New members are always welcome. If you would like more information please contact the club president Alasdair McKechnie on 01506 842293 or email alasdairmckechnie@btinternet.com TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

LINLITHGOW | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 27

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 S and S Home Improvements 39 The Bath Hub Falkirk 6 BEAUTICIAN Browhau5 Microblading BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer

4 16

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Lothian Buses 20

COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 29

CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce

27

DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING McFarlane Brickwork 7 ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller Turpie & Co.

18 23

FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES John Gillan Fencing and Landscaping 4 Welding & Fabrication Solutions 17

GARAGE DOORS Garolla

16

GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 13

GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno

GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 38 | LINLITHGOW

14 21

GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 11 JOINERY DJMS Geoff Vinter Joinery

17 28

LANDLORD SERVICES Let Link 6 Turpie & Co 23 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 15

LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Service 14

LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 27 OVEN CLEANING Shiny Bright Ovens

PEST CONTROL Frontline Pest Control PLASTERING Nu Walls

WHAT’S ON Spectacular Jousting

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce

40

32

SOLUTION

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 18

27 4 16

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 16

Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 7

McLellan Plumbing

ROOFING Taylor Roofs

SPORT & LEISURE Elevation Cycles

28 5 7

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 4 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Mackie & Brechin

35

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines