Konect Linlithgow September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

COMMUNITY:

INTERIORS:

SPORT:

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

The monthly community magazine for the Linlithgow area

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR SEPTEMBER EDITION

S

eptember is the annual national Doors Open Days, a chance to see inside some buildings that are not normally open to the public, and some public ones which put on special tours for the Doors Open Days. West Lothian’s Doors Open is coordinated by the Linlithgow Civic Trust and there are buildings of different styles open, take a look at their article on pages 12-13.

September is a time of getting back into routine after the holidays, especially if you have children at school or college. It’s a good time to look at joining in new social or sports activities, and as ever the Clubs and Classes pages at the back of Konect are packed with list plenty of options. Also the West Lothian 50+ Network is a lively social group welcoming new members, see their article on page 9.

It’s also a good time to get some home improvements booked in of you’re wanting work done before the weather gets wintery.

Please support local businesses and check the traders in these pages for quotes All our usual columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P28 Interiors: Window Shutters........................... 11 Doors Open Days.........................................12 Property Matters............................................14 Charity: 1st Step............................................16 Gardening: Summer Glut.............................17 What’s On......................................................20 Vet’s Tip..........................................................21 Health.............................................................24 Sport: Small Fry.............................................26 Parenting: Crazy about Canals...................28 What’s On......................................................30 Bridge Column..............................................32 Clubs & Classes............................................32

COVER IMAGE: St Michael’s Church: See P12 for more about ‘West Lothian’s Doors Open Days’

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

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ST LOT WE

TWORK NE

AN 50+ HI

BEST MEDICINE FOR THE OVER 50s There’s a new trend in “social prescribing” - referring patients to social activities to improve wellbeing and reduce demand on health services.

It’s particularly pertinent to older people, where social isolation – loneliness - has been linked to very adverse health effects.

The West Lothian 50+ Network has known this for the last 25 years and continues to address the problem with their prescription for activity, companionship and fun.

The 400 strong membership organisation for West Lothian residents aged over 50 celebrates its silver anniversary this year. Some of its founders are still going strong, passing on the baton to younger members who are introducing new ideas whilst maintaining the principle of “making things happen for ourselves.”

Over 35 interest groups are on offer - from walking, bowls, board games, music and crafts - all run by volunteer members who want to share their knowledge or passion. A “men only” group recognises that older men have particular difficulty in creating changes in their lifestyle.

The Network helps to give a sense of purpose, often called into question after retirement, bereavement or when families spread their wings. Through activities which keep mind and body active, there’s the chance to meet a new network of friends and companions. Members have called the organisation a “life saver”, especially after the loss of a partner, a close friend, or as a newcomer to the area.

Some activities are purely social – bingo night, beetle drive, cheese and wine evening, car treasure hunt – with lots to look forward to in the coming months including a race night, craft fair, St Andrew’s dinner and Christmas parties.

The chance to go on holiday with a group of friends is very attractive, especially for those who find themselves alone in later life, and the @KonectMagazines

Group outing to Rosslyn organisation of group holidays has always been an important part of the Network’s offering, which has seen members venture far and A day at the races wide over the years.

A new activity this year has been the monthly coach trip on the last Sunday of each month.

Come rain or shine, members have enjoyed days out in Dundee, St Andrews, Loch Lomond, Callander, Melrose, Alnwick and more. “Better than staying indoors in front of the telly” can frequently be heard.

There’s an over-riding determination to enjoy oneself and enjoy good company that permeates most of the West Lothian 50+ Network’s activities. It might be explained by the organisation’s motto: “Make the rest of your life the best of your life”. Members seem determined to do just that.

If you would like to find out more about the West Lothian 50+ Network and how to join in the fun there’s lots of information online, or you can call or visit our Bathgate based office..

This article was contributed by the West Lothian 50+ Network.

Website: www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk Facebook: @westlothian50plusnetwork Email: wlothian50plus@btconnect.com Tel: (01506) 635510 Address: 48G Linbar House, North Bridge Street, Bathgate Scottish Charity No. SC024257 Info.:

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INTERIORS

Window shutters are an often-overlooked form of window furnishing.

Most people turn to curtains or blinds to dress their windows, but shutters can offer an attractive and quirky alternative, and they have many practical benefits, too.

Sound and Thermal Insulation - While shutters are closed, the wooden panels offer good sound insulation, and some heat insulation, too. This works both ways – in the summer, it’s possible to open the windows while keeping the panels shut, allowing air to flow while keeping the heat from the sun out.

You can achieve similar results with thick, heavy curtains if you want a more traditional look for your living room. Shutters make a good choice for a kitchen or bathroom, however, where thicker fabrics aren’t ideal. That leads us to…

Low Maintenance Requirements - Blinds and curtains can attract dust, and keeping the fabrics clean can be difficult. Plantation shutters are a good choice for people with allergies, because they are easy to keep clean. Simply wipe them down with a damp cloth from time to time and you won’t have any issues with dust build-up.

When you need a fresh look, simply re-paint the shutter in a different colour!

Added Privacy - When you close a set of shutters they cover the whole window. When you adjust the louvres you can let light in, without making it easy for people to see inside your home, in a similar way to how you can let a little light in by adjusting venetian blinds.

Curtains, on the other hand, are either open or closed, so unless you have net curtains behind them to filter the light, you lose all privacy when you open them.

They look fabulous - Interior shutters are a nice added-extra that could make your home more @KonectMagazines

appealing to prospective buyers. They are a more ‘semi-permanent’ fixture than curtains or blinds, however, and this could backfire if the prospective buyer doesn’t like them. That said, it’s relatively easy to remove a set of shutters and replace them with blinds or curtains if that’s what the buyer prefers, and you can remind them of this.

UV Protection - Shutters with louvres can be angled to control how much light gets into the room – in much the same way that blinds can be angled. When you want to let light flood into the room, the panels can be fully opened. Adjusting the louvres can direct light away from furniture and flooring, prolonging the life of the furniture and preventing patterns from fading.

Many shutters are finished with a UV-protective layer, which will protect the paint or wood stain finish, and stop the panels from warping.

Shutters are timeless, and are a stylish and eye-catching window treatment. They may not suit every room, but there is a certain appeal to having them on the ground floor – especially for kitchens, and “the den”. If you like the soft and elegant look of curtains, don’t forget that you can use tie backs as a trim around your shutters, to enjoy the best of both worlds.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Harvey Bruce Interiors. www.harveybruce.co.uk Williamson’s Garden Centre, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6PA LINLITHGOW | 11

WEST LOTHIAN

DOORS OPEN DAYS: HAVE A LOOK INSIDE THE COUNTY’S BUILDINGS!

The weekend of 14th / 15th September 2019 will see the annual Doors Open Days event taking place in and around Linlithgow, and throughout West Lothian.

Doors Open Days forms part of Scotland’s contribution to European Heritage Days, which sees over 25 million people from 50 countries take part annually, uniting our communities in a unique celebration of heritage in our own special ways.

Doors Open Days is now Scotland’s largest free cultural festival. It celebrates the built environment and gives free access to around 1,000 venues across the country throughout the month of September, every year.

Doors Open Days is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust with annual support from Historic Environment Scotland and others. Local area programmes are coordinated by a network of local authorities, heritage consultancies, civic societies and heritage groups who are in turn supported by a large number of volunteers, businesses, community organisations and building owners.

Linlithgow Civic Trust has organised West Lothian’s Doors Open Days since 2011 and are proud to be doing so once more in 2019. We have a varied programme again this year.

There are a few of the regular participants this year including the Crossview Studios and the Canal Centre in Linlithgow, Duntarvie Castle near Winchburgh and a number of ecclesiastical properties in and around Linlithgow including St Michael’s Parish Church, Abercorn Parish Church and Kingscavil Church.

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Blackburn House in Bathgate makes a welcome return, as do Strathbrock St Machan’s and Strathbrock St Nicholas’ Churches in Uphall. Donaldson’s in Linlithgow also returns to the programme.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow

There is also the new Linlithgow Museum, opened in Easter 2019 having moved from Annet House to the new Tam Dalyell House St Michael’s (aka Linlithgow Partnership Centre) a short Interior distance along the High Street. The dramatic 1960s Boghall Parish Church in Bathgate and the more traditional Category A Listed Kirk of Calder in Mid Calder are also back in the programme this year.

Copies of the programme for West Lothian have been distributed in a number of venues throughout West Lothian. Pick one up and hopefully it will inspire you to take part. The programme can also be downloaded from the Linlithgow Civic Trust Doors Open Days website at lbt.scot/civic-trust.

Please note that this year the Doors Open Days event in West Lothian coincides, as it often does, with the Linlithgow Folk Festival event.

The overlap has been mutually advantageous – well exemplified on sunny afternoons when building visitors have mingled with the audiences at the various music sessions.

Coincidentally, the Doors Open Days event is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Linlithgow Folk Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Now if that is not an excuse for a cultural celebration I don’t know what is!

For more details of what is happening with Doors Open Days in West Lothian and across the country as whole, check out the official event website at www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

This article was contributed by Allan M Robertson, Linlithgow Civic Trust and West Lothian Doors Open Day Co-ordinator. For more details about the activities of the Scottish Civic Trust visit www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk/.

For more details on the activities of Linlithgow Civic Trust visit lbt.scot/civic-trust.

St Michael’s West Doors Linlithgow Museum

Donaldson’s Exterior

Duntarvie Castle

Blackburn House

Donaldson’s Interior

Kirk of Calder

Linlithgow Civic Trust is part of Linlithgow Burgh Trust. Linlithgow Burgh Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Scottish Charity No. SC047211). @KonectMagazines

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A ‘Must do’ if you plan to sell your home in the next 6 months!

Gain a real marketing advantage We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, wellmaintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too?

The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.

Market your home all-year round Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ – that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year.

Plan ahead and get ahead There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in – and the right ones really set the tone.

At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always 14 | LINLITHGOW

retake new external photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.

Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’ At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next six months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees.

If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside. The exterior picture is after all the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.

Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now.

Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

Show your home in its ‘best light’

If you are thinking about selling your home before next spring, contact us to book your external photography now. *No contract or payment required until you are ready to sell.

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448 @KonectMagazines

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MARIA THROP - "Everything is very much a partnership" Described by one volunteer as having “given her life back again”, 1st Step Development Ventures is a Linlithgow-based charity. Maria Throp, their Development Manager, talks about how far they’ve come.

“We started around four years ago, as a support group cafe for people who have been affected by addiction, meeting in the Longcroft Hall. We soon realised that there were a range of talents, skills and experience among the group, and we saw an opportunity to put them to good use and do great things.

So we piloted bike refurbishment courses, which proved very popular. We then worked with Police Scotland who let us use their Linlithgow garage when we needed bigger space for working on the bikes. We could see then that we had keen interest and local support. Including the bikes, which are very generously donated by local people.

Everything is very much a partnership - the use of the Longcroft Hall comes from St Ninian’s Church, the Police support us by lending us their garage and we hold our bimonthly bike sales with help from St John’s Church cafe and Autobits next door. They can all see the benefit of supporting the people we work with.”

At the end of the six week bike refurbishment course, volunteers can keep the bikes. As well as having learned a new skill, there are health benefits of cycling. “We’ve recently received funding from National Lottery, so we 16 | LINLITHGOW

will be able to roll out our bike refurbishment courses targeting people affected by addiction. It has meant we are able to offer this support 5 days a week. We also have support from West Lothian Council - allowing us to have a workshop at the Linlithgow recycling centre.”

For those perhaps not quite as interested in bikes, 1st Steps also run similar projects for gardening and catering. “The Mustard Seed offers training and support in catering, and as volunteers develop, they go on to offer outside catering. At the moment we provide this for other community groups, and private orders too.

We’ve had very positive feedback from day one. And we get repeat orders from people because the food is fresh, healthy and very tasty; as well as because they want to support our good work!”

1st Step’s next bike sale is on Saturday 14th September 10.00-12.00pm from 183 High Street, Linlithgow.

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

Coping with a summer glut in the garden

Remove from heat, add 250g Philadelphia light cheese, 1 tsp chopped chives, 1 tsp chopped parsley, black pepper & lemon juice to season. Blend in food processor until smooth. Serve hot or chilled with garnish of chopped parsley and chives.

We often have a glut of some crop or other in the garden at this time of the year, whether it is courgettes, tomatoes, apples or grapes.

This summer it is all four, and our new Purple Piglet Project has a recipe for each of these crops: Cream of Courgette Soup, Bruschetta, Apple and Parsnip salad & Grape Chutney with no added sugar.

CREAM OF COURGETTE SOUP

You can never keep up with the production of courgettes and this soup is a lovely different way to eat them – Dougal likes it chilled.

Gently fry a chopped garlic clove in rapeseed oil till soft add 1kg chopped courgettes, more oil and a crumbled stock cube and cook for 5 minutes. Add water to cover courgettes, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes.

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

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

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VET’S TIP

BUSTER THE DOG

Pet Anxiety We are all lovely people here at Westport Vets, really. I say that because there some of our furry patients aren’t always so keen to see us.

Pets can get anxious about a trip to the vet – but it’s perhaps unsurprising as they are often here because there is something wrong with them. Or, at the least they are going to be prodded a bit to check nothing is amiss.

However, there are a number of wee changes to routine which can make a difference. Take Brodie, a toy poodle who, at nearly 17 years, has much experience of coming along to the see us.

He usually waits sitting on his owner’s lap, shaking from head to tail. But last month he arrived calm, composed and so relaxed that he lay back to snooze. The change came after wearing a ThunderShirt which applies a gentle, constant pressure on the torso.

Other tricks can be to walk to the vets, something most dogs enjoy so therefore inducing a feeling of happiness. Think about indulging them with treats or their favourite toy or trying a pheromone spray – which is said to mimic the natural feel-good chemicals that animals release.

Like the many methods designed to help calm our companions, every animal is affected individually what works for one can work very differently for another, so discuss the options with your vet.

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

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Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian, Falkirk, and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

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LIFE COACHING

The Road Ahead Is Always Full of POSSIBILITIES By early September most of us have had our summer break and Autumn is nearly here.

Many young people are looking forward to the beginning of a shiny, new future while a growing number of not so young people are making the changes that they always dreamt. Whether it’s a new job or a new direction in their current job.

Those heading off to college and university are looking forward to new and exciting adventures but those who didn’t get the results they needed may be feeling that they have missed an opportunity which they had set their heart on and they can struggle to believe that there are always other options and choices to be made. How many people do you know who selected a career at seventeen or eighteen and say they are still

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totally happy with the choices they made?

We can all make lots of changes throughout our lives and what we defined as ‘success’ at fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, thirty or any age can look really different when we look back from further down the road.

Life isn’t a straight line stretching as far as the eye can see. Being flexible and revising our ideas and decisions as we move through life helps us all to grow and achieve our own, individual version of success.

Supporting our young people to see that the world is always full of opportunity is the greatest gift that we can give them.

The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is a locally based NLP coach, Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner who runs www.orrganise.co.uk She set up the business to support people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us all back in life.

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id you know your local Hearing Aid Audiologist Amanda Brady is a four time runner up in the UK Audiologist of the Year? This means that clients nominated her for showing exception skills in understanding of their hearing problems, product selection, futting and tuning of the hearing aids and her aftercare service.

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You have Tommy Maybury to thank or blame for my articles; I could have been a Liverpool Echo headline.

I hated the water, felt fundamental fear. Aged 9, determined to conquer the fear on a school session, untutored, teeth clenched, I descended the pool steps and foolishly commenced to walk from one end to the other, (unaware that the pool deepened). I clearly remember feeling chuffed - until the water rose over my mouth; I panicked and started to thrash and yes, my short life did flash before me. Enter Tommy, the school bully. He had spotted my impending doom (where were the teachers?) dived in and classically rescued me.

It didn’t stop him knocking seven bells out of me on a subsequent occasion but I guess he’d earned the right.

There’s little chance of similar disaster befalling the mites who experience the water before they can even walk and talk, either with parents or in a formal teaching environment. Olympic gold medallist, Rebecca Adlington, took her baby, Summer, for the first time at four weeks, before she’d even had her jabs! Humans learn effectively via play, so positive aqua experiences in formative 26 | LINLITHGOW

years create a strong foundation for progress. Whilst it’s not true that babies are born with the ability to swim, they do have reflexes that make it look that way.

“Bradycardia response” causes babies to hold their breath and open their eyes underwater. A second reflex “laryngeal” - enables baby to seal off the throat and divert water to the stomach. These reflexes prevail until baby is about six months old but by around age one, they’ve gone.

Further, a baby supported belly down in water will automatically move arms and legs as if swimming. Babies can’t keep heads above water so, as well as avoiding the risk of drowning, it must be ensured that the infant doesn’t swallow too much pool water (10% of body weight max).

What a wonderful gift at dawn of life: to get used to the water, to feel comfortable in it, not to panic if water floods an orifice.

According to the Swimming Teachers’ Association, carefully introduced submersions should help establish a platform for the growth of water confidence for life. But correct submersion is vital and must

be done “with the baby” not “to the baby”: a great opportunity for early bonding, especially with grandparents! Truly uplifting to participate.

Former nanny, Maggie, describes the heady exhilaration of the experience: “You give full attention to the instructions. You feel nervous, apprehensive. But you just have to let go and the thrill when you see the sheer joy on baby’s face, well it’s one of my loveliest memories. They quickly reach the stage where they can’t get in the water fast enough and moan when you take them out.” A picture of a happy baby Freya underwater adorns Maggie’s wall, confirming her feelings.

I beg you to consider it for your family’s baby - Tommy Mayburys are rare. Do use acknowledged specialists or at least take guidance from experts before you start. And, FYI, I can manage a breadth (on a good day).

The sports column is contributed by David Levin.

David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian who describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer. @KonectMagazines

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PARENTING

Crazy about Canals

Ahoy there!

rd!

When you’ve lived somewhere for a while All aboa it’s easy to feel like you know a place.

Especially as a parent. Knowing all the good places to take your kids is a must!

But I’m always surprised how many people forget about the Union Canal in West Lothian. There are lots of things to do with kids beyond just enjoying a family walk along the towpaths (although there is a lot to be said for that as well).

To really experience the canal in all its glory taking kids out on a boat trip is a must. Linlithgow Union Canal Society run town boat trips and longer Aqueduct Cruises from Linlithgow every Saturday and Sunday until the end of September. Kids can check out the only canal museum in Scotland and the tearoom at Linlithgow Canal Centre is open at weekends as well for an extra treat.

Or you can enjoy a canal boat trip from Port Buchan in Broxburn. On the first Sunday of the month Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society do short trips on their boat Bluebell or you can head out on a round trip cruise over 28 | LINLITHGOW

Lin’s Mill Aqueduct on some Saturdays.

appreciate that…they at least get a shot of being Captain!

A canal boat really is a boat trip like no other. My two love watching the world go by and spotting wildlife along the way. You don’t usually have to book the shorter boat trips either. You can just be spontaneous and turn up when the mood takes you or when you are at a loss for what to do with the kids at the weekend.

For something a bit different I’d also recommend checking out Narrowboat Farm on the banks of the canal just east of Linlithgow.

It is something still relatively new and completely quirky and different. You can enjoy fresh pickings from their honesty box Veg Shack; ask about their Friday afternoon Farm Club for kids and families. And keep an eye out for news of their spooky Pumpkin Picking canal cruises come October too.

They are sure to book up early!

All these trips and services are run solely by volunteers and purely for the love of it. So everyone involved is really passionate…and in my experience great with the kids. They really want to encourage use of the canals so it is a great cause to support and teach children about.

Every time we’ve done it my girls have managed to get their hands on the tiller as well. So it’s a great way to support the community and if they are too young to really

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. @KonectMagazines

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PLEASE GIVE BLOOD

Donations of blood will be welcomed at any one of the four sessions run by the Blood Transfusion Service in The Low Port Centre in Blackness Road, Linlithgow as follows: SUN 22ND SEPTEMBER 2019: 10.30am - 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 3.40pm MON 23RD SEPTEMBER 2019: 2.10pm - 4.00pm & 5.30pm - 7.30pm

NEW DONORS, (i.e. anyone in good health over the age of 17 years) are always needed and they, along with all the existing volunteers, will be welcomed along to the Sessions to ensure that hospital demand for blood and blood products can be met in the coming days ahead.

As every minute, someone in Scotland is receiving a blood transfusion, there continues to be a constant urgent need for more blood donors; so it is very important that those who can give blood do come along. Donors must make sure they have had something to eat and drink before donating!

Antique, Vintage & Collector Fair 14th September 2019 9:00am - 4:00pm Admission £1.00 Linlithgow Academy Braehead Road Linlithgow EH49 6EH Refreshments Available Ample FREE Parking linlithgow@blueyonder,co.uk In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust

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SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Antonine Ensemble Concert - 7.30pm in St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. Directed by Alison Hastie, and featuring Sue Evans of Armadale as soloist in Bach’s glittering Flute concerto. Admission free, donations are invited for the MHF Mental Health Foundation WEDNESDAY 11TH TO SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER Linlithgow Folk Festival, 20th anniversary - Five funfilled days with the friendly folk of Linlithgow! Programme available from www.linlithgowfolk.com SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER Abercorn Church Doors Open Day - Come and enjoy homebaking, tea and coffee in Abercorn Church hall from 11am until 4pm. There will also be home-made jams and crafts available. The historic church and museum will also be open to visitors during this time. All welcome.

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER Foam Dart Thunder! Nerf event - Battle it out inside one of the stands at the home of Falkirk FC, Falkirk Stadium! There will be team and individual games across multi levels! This event is recommended for everyone aged 8 and over – parent’s discretion applies though – absolutely no children under the age of 6. Anyone under 8 must have a paying adult playing with them. Mums and Dads are encouraged to join in! Information and tickets www.foamdartthunder.com DAILY FROM 5TH TO 31ST OCTOBER Spooky Happenings at Almond Valley Heritage Centre As the nights get darker, mysterious creatures emerge from the dark corners of the old farm. Grab your trail sheet and look out for the clues on your spooky quest.

Find your way through a world of magic and shadows with mysteries to solve, games to play, and some scary surprises around every corner. Get creative in the craft area where you can make spooky masks and manufacture monsters. All of this silly scary fun can be enjoyed any day from the 5th of October until Halloween during usual opening hours (10.00-17.00) with no need to book in advance. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

LINLITHGOW FILM SOCIETY

Linlithgow Academy Theatre, Braehead Rd, 7:30pm Adults £6, Concessions £5, Under 16 £4.

See www.linlithgowfilmsociety.org.uk • Mon 16th Sept: A STAR IS BORN • Mon 23th Sept: GREEN BOOK • Mon 7th Oct: RETURN OF THE HERO • Mon 21th Oct: FIRST MAN

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.

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LINLITHGOW | 31

BRIDGE COLUMN

St Andrew Bridge Club, Glasgow Some weeks ago, I was lucky enough to visit St. Andrew Bridge Club off Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow during their Sunday afternoon session. It was recommended by a bridge pal, Doreen, who agreed to be my partner for the afternoon. We did quite well, scooping up a few brownie points.

For a while now I’ve been wrestling with the problem of how to help social bridge players make the transition to playing at club level. The Sunday afternoon sessions at this club are as close as you can get to a perfect solution. It combines the friendliness of social play with the professionalism of club play. The table money is £5 which includes a hot drink.

For 30p you can also have a biscuit. Play begins about 1pm and is finished by the back of four. There is no tea break as such, but the pace of play is relaxed enough that you can help yourself from the trolley without undue stress. The scoring is automatic with BridgeMate and results are available about ten minutes after play ends, so you can find out how you did before you go home. It’s located in a very pleasant part of Glasgow, near Kelvingrove Park, so would make an ideal day trip. Being close to the major transport hub of Charing Cross station it’s easy to get to by public transport. Finally, if you happen to have a competitive spirit there are plenty of good players to test your skill against.

All in all, a wonderful club to visit. (I’m thinking of joining).

The Bridge Column is contributed by John Samson. John lives in Currie, Midlothian and plays at various venues around Scotland.

Feedback to intro-bridge@hotmail.co.uk 32 | LINLITHGOW

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

LINLITHGOW NEW FITSTEPS An energetic, upbeat dance fitness class that mixes the graceful steps of Ballroom and the uptempo steps of Latin to create fun-filled classes where you don’t even realise you’re getting fit! No partner required.

Wednesday 7.30-8.30pm, Linlithgow Rugby Football Club, 34 Mains Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6DB. £5 per class. moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Tel 07737 927463 NEW LINLITHGOW FILM SOCIETY Love seeing films with friends? Then come and join us at Linlithgow Film Society every two weeks between September and March for an interesting and varied programme of films.

All performances are shown at Linlithgow Academy Theatre, curtain up 7.30pm. Annual membership subscriptions are available and Guest Tickets are available for all performances at the door. If you would like more information please see our web site www. linlithgowfilmsociety.org.uk or contact Anton Shelton on 01506 670436 or email antonks2000@gmail.com.

PROBUS CLUB We meet in Linlithgow Rose Club from 10.00am-12.00pm every second Wednesday from September to May. The club is for retired or semi-retired men and women or others who may work shifts or have flexible work hours. We have a varied programme of talks and presentations as well as entertainment, team quizzes and visits to places of interest. To get in touch or to find out about planned events visit our web site at www.bolinprobus.org. Or, feel free to come along as a guest and see if you would like to join.

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 2019/20 season on Wednesday 4th September – playing through until the end of June. The LLTTG meets every Wednesday night from 7.30 pm in the Shields Room and from 8.15pm in the Main Hall of the Longcroft Halls, Philip Avenue giving an opportunity to play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere. Finishing time is 9.45pm in both halls. Open to everyone and we have a mixed range of ages and ability. No special kit is required. Bats can be provided. Annual Membership is £10.00 and charge per night is £3.00 or £2.00 for under 18’s. For further information please contact Allan Scott Tel. 01506 842602 or visit our website www.linlithgowlongcroftttgroup.co.uk 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.

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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 2ND LINLITHGOW BOYS BRIGADE Meet at Cross House on a Thursday evening. Anchor Boys (P2-P3) 6.30pm7.30pm; Junior Section (P4-P6) 7.00pm-8.15pm; 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. Under16s 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

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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 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 SING-A-LONG Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12-1.30pm. 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 | 33

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair

5

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 S and S Home Improvements 35 BEAUTICIAN Browhau5 Microblading

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Cyrenians COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce

DENTIST Livingston Dental Care

5 8 20 10 24

DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING McFarlane Brickwork 23 ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS Eeek Escape Rooms

ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller LLP Turpie & Co.

5 4 14

FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES Welding & Fabrication Solutions 4

GARAGE DOORS Garolla

GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno

23 17 22

GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 18 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith

19

HEARING AIDS & SERVICES ABC Hearing 25

JOINERY DJMS - Domestic Joinery & Maintenance Services 10 Geoff Vinter Joinery 12 LANDLORD SERVICES Weslo Property Management 6 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 22

LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 6 West Lothian Locksmith 12

PEST CONTROL Frontline Pest Control

PLASTERING Nu Walls

23 6

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 8 McLellan Plumbin & Heating 6 ROOFING Taylor Roofs

7

SPORTS CLASSES SwimSprouts

27

TUITION Kumon Linlithgow

27

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce

20

TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 7

VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Mackie & Brechin 21

MARKETING / LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady 36

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