Konect Linlithgow April 2022

APRIL 2022

LOCAL CHARITY:

SPOTLIGHT:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

PLUS: HEALTH & beauty, Puzzles, and MUCH morE inside!

2 | LINLITHGOW

P28

I

had my eyes opened, excuse the pun, on Linlithgow High Street this month at Robert Callander Eyewear; opened to a whole world of luxury eyewear shopping.

If your experience of choosing frames and lenses is a chore, you can’t decide what looks best and have ever felt less than ecstatic about your glasses – then you need to visit Robert Callander. See the article on page 13 to find out why.

Our charity this month is Braid Health and Wellbeing. They are based in Livingston and serve people all over West Lothian and beyond, providing vital quality-of-life services for isolated, vulnerable or older people in the community. It’s all about enhancing lives with social connections and meaningful, enjoyable activities. Check the article on pages 8-9 and get in touch with them if you know someone who could benefit.

And for a smile –just look at the photo of the puffins in the Local Environment column.

Wishing all readers and customers a lovely Easter. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

THIS ISSUE Charity: Braid Health & Wellbeing..................8 Spotlight: Robert Callander Eyewear.......... 13 Living Well: The Care Conversation............ 15 Life coaching: What we believe................... 16

Puzzles........................................................ 22 / 29 Property Matters: Quick Response

Property Marketing.......................................... 24 Local Environment: Roll up, roll up!............. 28 Vet’s Tip: Microchipping your cat................ 29 Parenting: It’s wheelie good!......................... 30 Local Lab: Energy Bills................................... 32 Film Review: Spiritwalker................................ 34

COVER IMAGE: Easter Sunday, 17th April 2022

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Konect is delivered monthly to 7500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 3

4 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 5

6 | LINLITHGOW

@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 | 7

Sensory Room - available for hire

If you or anyone you know is struggling with isolation, neurological or age-related conditions, there may be a Braid Health & Wellbeing service that can help.

Braid Health & Wellbeing has been providing support to enhance the quality of life for elderly, isolated or vulnerable individuals in the community for over 40 years. They are a lifeline and a highly valued resource for the many people who come through their doors, with services and activities aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing. They provide opportunities for socialising, learning new skills and promoting independence.

Based in Livingston, Braid Health & Wellbeing support people all over West Lothian, and with digital access to some services, from further afield too. The goal for 2022 is to develop different ways for people to access help with a variety of support options.

DAY SERVICE - The Day Service is specialist care and an opportunity for the over 55s to make friends, socialise and receive wellbeing support through individual care and support plans.

Run from the day care centre in Livingston, there are various stimulating activities including bingo, reminiscence workshops, light exercise, quizzes, brain games, arts and crafts, Magic Table, cooking classes and even a top-class train set for any railway enthusiasts! Staff will support you to identify personal needs and interests to match the activities available. There is a resident artist based within the centre, and frequent visits from entertainers.

Funded places are available for those eligible for a West Lothian Council Day Service referral.

Either social work or your GP can make the 8 | LINLITHGOW

referral. For those who do not meet the criteria for council support, you can attend as a private client. You, a family member, your social worker or a healthcare professional can contact Braid Health directly to arrange a start date.

LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOPS - Life skills are vital for helping people maintain their independence, promote mobility, balance and coordination and reduce deconditioning; any activity that is meaningful, useful or rewarding to an individual can be considered a life skill.

Braid Health runs Life Skills Workshops for individuals living with dementia or neurological conditions, mental health conditions or learning difficulties, and for individuals in the ageing process. They cover skills such as cooking, cleaning and everyday living skills. With assistance from an occupational therapist, Braid Health Life Skills Workshops help people to reach specific goals to maintain, improve or learn new life skills, whether this is cooking a meal, making the bed or safely using the shower or bath.

Life Skills Workshops are held at the Braid Health & Wellbeing Centre in Livingston and are free for over 60s.

TEA AND CHAT GROUPS - Tea & Chat is for anyone in the community to come together and socialise, meet new people, enjoy some free tea and biscuits, and have a chat with others. Free of charge, and held at Braid Health & Wellbeing on the last Monday of the month at 2.00pm. @KonectMagazines

CARERS’ SUPPORT GROUP

Tea & Chat

ROOMS FOR HIRE, INCLUDING SENSORY ROOMS - We now have several rooms available for hire including a dark and light Sensory Room, along with a Reminiscence and Life Skills room. There are also 3 meeting rooms available which can accommodate up to 50 people.

All rooms are available 7 days a week 8.30am - 10.00pm For more information on any Braid Health & Wellbeing service, or to enquire about room hire, please contact Sophie at: sophieq@braidhealth.scot

Services and activities aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing Developing access to a variety of support options

Braid Health & Wellbeing, Labrador Avenue, Livingston, EH54 6BU.

www.braidhealth.scot @BraidHealthandWellbeing

Braid Health and Wellbeing is a charity registered in Scotland, number: SC012574 @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 9

SMALL AD

BIG Impact

www.aquateccarpetcleaning.co.uk

To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

10 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 11

12 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Robert Callander Eyewear in Linlithgow celebrate their 21st birthday this month. That’s 21 years of treating customers to an indulgent personal styling experience that is second to none in the eyewear world. I visited them to find out why customers come from all over Scotland to get their glasses fitted here.

“We have one speciality here, and that is eyewear,” explains Robert. “Our collections of artisan frames are passionately curated from around the world. We have our finger on the pulse of frame design and we go to great lengths to secure special collections.”

Robert travels to exhibitions all over the world, and the frames chosen are all made by craftsmen who specialise exclusively in making frames; they are not an add-on to other fashion product ranges. So many of the frames on offer are not available in the UK outside of London, apart from here at Robert Callander.

In addition to their passion for frames, the practice has been championing digital lens design for many years, and continues to invest in the latest technology. They were one of the first in Scotland to use a digital measurement machine, and the 4th generation of the equipment, an ImpressionIST4, is on order as we speak.

“Digital lens design allows a much greater individualisation of the lens. As an example, our ‘office lenses’ have been in very high demand over the past two years, since people have been using video calls much more. A common @KonectMagazines

problem is lifting the chin to focus on the screen properly, and consequently giving the rest of the conference a view up your nose!” So Robert Callander Eyewear make lenses that will allow you to focus in precisely the right place when looking at your screen. And besides the high-tech lens, of course, you’ll be triggering glasses-envy with your unique and funky frames.

It doesn’t stop there. They produce high performance anti-glare lenses for night-time driving (which are not simply an anti-glare coating) and other special lenses for whatever your particular challenges are.

Choosing your glasses at Robert Callander Eyewear is a fun, indulgent and high-value experience, combining the latest technology for the very best lenses, with an individualised personal styling service. “In terms of service, we also take a cue from the hospitality sector; we’re known for our coffee here too.”

They will stand side by side with you to understand your needs and desires, and ensure you get the very best specs you have ever had – glasses that fit perfectly, express your style and that you’ll truly love to wear.

Visit: www.callanderopt.co.uk

61 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ED Tel 01506 670766 This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after visiting Robert Callander Eyewear in Linlithgow. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

LINLITHGOW | 13

IMAGES: Robert Callander Eyewear

When was the last time you chose new glasses, were thoroughly pampered and walked out feeling fabulous?

14 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LIVING WELL

Home Instead’s research found that despite a third of adults saying they were concerned about their parents’ physical health, 81% were reluctant to speak to them about care.

Graham Stevenson, owner of Home Instead Livingston is encouraging anyone with an elderly family member to have the care conversation. He says: “Too many people put off the care conversation with older loved ones, whether that’s because it’s an uncomfortable subject or because we think it’s not urgent. It’s best to broach the subject early on, even when it isn’t necessarily needed. That means that if you later require care, you’ve already established what kind of support you want and all you need to do is put the wheels in motion.

@KonectMagazines

“We are a team that supports families as they explore the care options available. We know that it’s a big step, so we work with you to develop the best care plan and make your transition into care as easy as possible.”

Home Instead provides care services to ageing adults across West Lothian, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, and medication reminders.

Home Instead is looking for Care Professionals to join the team, seeking caring individuals who can make a difference to the lives of local older people. Full training is provided, and Home Instead is with new recruits every step of the way as they settle into their role.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

LINLITHGOW | 15

LIFE COACHING

It might seem obvious but the old adage that we get more of what we focus on is true for all of us.

Our routine consists of work, eat, sleep, repeat. Sometimes we raise our heads above the parapet and register that there is a big world out there or we cast an envious glance at people who we believe are more popular, more sorted and definitely more successful before returning to those old familiar thoughts and feelings Maybe we are haunted by memories of the playground or some criticism that we can’t shake off. Or still resentful of some half-buried memory of that time when we weren’t chosen for the netball team or allowed to select the sciences when making choices at school.

We tell ourselves that all this was because we

weren’t good enough and carry it with us in our hearts where it festers quietly and gets in our way. Every time a half-formed dream puts its head above the parapet we say “oh, not me, I could never do that!”

But, what if we decided to bat away any of that familiar self-criticism. Instead of “no you can’t” let’s try saying “yes you can.”

Every small change makes a big difference and what we tell ourselves seems to be a really good place to start.

I am fond of saying that it takes three weeks to make a new habit and, if we start today, we could completely transform our lives and how great would that be?

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

Award winning care homes

Our expert care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite* care. With some of the highest care ratings, we’re here to help you at every step of your journey.

Call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com

Trusted to care.

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine * Subject to availability

16 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 17

20 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

FROM JUST

£18

PER TREATMENT* *Based on 5 annual treatments with a lawn size up to 40m2

HELP YOUR LAWN TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE Over the last 35 years our love for lawns has continued to grow. We combine our passion and enthusiasm with innovative technology and dedicated customer service as we continue to revolutionise UK Lawn Care. Our groundbreaking Lawn Treatment Programmes keep your grass looking its best all year round, ensuring your lawn receives the love and attention it deserves.

Joi n our natio n of Law n Lovers

Email: edinburgh@greenthumb.co.uk Call: 0131 322 7314 Visit: greenthumb.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 21

PUZZLE

Solution in the May edition of Konect

APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Denied (7), 5. Not ours (5), 8. Amazing (9), 9. Spot (3), 10. Nap (5), 12. Replies (7), 13. Nearly (13), 15. Mum’s mother (7), 17. Healed (5), 19. Lodging house (3), 20. Ethereal (9), 22. Dizzy (5), 23. Convent (7).

DOWN: 1. Disagreements (5), 2. Supporter (3), 3. Used for cleaning (7), 4. Insistence (13), 5. Sailboat (5), 6. Vests, boxers (9), 7. Fulfil (7), 11. Made clear (9), 13. Fishing (7), 14. Sale by bidding (7), 16. Covered with fine powder (5), 18. Hold up (5), 21. Employ (3).

Welding and Fabrication Solutions Ltd All aspects of metal work work | gates All 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 22 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 23

Quick Response Property Marketing Whilst not new, QR codes have become increasingly familiar in our lives over the past couple of years, mostly thanks to Test & Protect check ins, covid testing and so on.

This has created an opportunity for us to re-introduce QR codes to benefit home buyers even more now by linking directly to every individual property listing.

ABOVE: Brochure and Window Card examples 24 | LINLITHGOW

We first introduced QR codes on our brochures, window cards and property adverts 10 years ago, when very few people had heard of them or were familiar with how to use them. (We were the first estate agents to do so and believe we are still the only agents using them).

Each property we offer for H ER E AN sale has a unique QR C S code. By placing this on all sales materials property adverts, newspaper columns or magazine editorials, property brochure, window cards - potential buyers have a quick and easy way of viewing all the property details such as photos, videos and floor plans instantly. This saves time having to search on the Agent’s website or property portals such as Rightmove (or even remembering to search for it later).

This in turn often leads to an enquiry being sent directly to us with a viewing @KonectMagazines

request, simply by giving the buyer easy access to all of the information on the spot.

QR codes are a great example of how new marketing technology not only sits well alongside traditional products but improves them with a new level of customer experience.

relying on browsers to try and find the property online via their smartphone or at a later time via another device. By displaying the QR code on the window card, the potential buyer can instantly access all the property details and make an enquiry directly.

QR TO SHOWCASE ONLINE AND INTERACTIVE DETAILS

SC

We regularly hear of agents advising sellers that there is no requirement for a printed property brochure or a high street office. This advice is generally offered in order to cut costs or from an online or ‘out of town’ agent with no visible high street presence. However the examples below demonstrate why both of these traditional marketing channels are important, and how modern technology works alongside them to enhance the user experience and campaign effectiveness.

QR TO GRAB IMPULSE INTEREST Highly visible window displays on a busy street attracts passers by to stop and look at the properties being advertised in the window. They may not be looking for a property or thinking about selling, or they may have a particular or specific location in mind when searching online.

Seeing a property in the window often sparks interest, and can trigger an instant response via a QR code - rather than

A

ER E NH

Similarly, when someone has viewed a property with one of our agents, they are always given a printed brochure.

This acts as a constant visual reminder of the house they have viewed. It can often be several days before a buyer decides to take further action, often after seeing the brochure again perhaps on their coffee table or breakfast bar.

A unique QR code printed on the brochure allows the buyer to access the online property details instantly without having to search multiple websites to find it again.

Ultimately, it makes it easier for buyers to view your property. This is particularly effective when accessing property videos, virtual tours, drone imagery, animated walkthroughs and the other innovative tools we use to showcase properties.

That’s why it’s called Quick Response and it’s just one of the many ways we aim to make house buying and selling as simple and pleasurable as possible.

Use your smartphone camera to scan QR codes

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

LINLITHGOW | 25

PENICUIK 01968 670061

www.beatsons.co.uk

Eastfield ind est, Penicuik, EH26 8BA

P O S T, S L AT S & PA N E L S DECKING & TIMBER ARTIFICIAL GRASS P O RC E L A I N PAV I N G S TO N E PAV I N G AG G R E G AT E S

Fire Alarms

INTERLINKED - SUITABLE FOR ALL HOMES

BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE

Heat

£26 .50 INC

NEW Premium Paving INTORE AND ONLINE

26 | LINLITHGOW

PENICUIK 01968 670061

Smoke

£24 .86 INC

CO

£46 .75 INC

IN STOCK

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 27

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The circus is coming to town! Did you know that “circus” is the collective name for a group of puffins? They are after all called the clowns of the sea (amongst many other things) so it’s only fitting.

I’ve been looking forward to writing this for many reasons but the main one is that it signifies that puffins will be back on our shores for the first time since last August.

They’ve not touched land since they left, instead spending the whole winter in the Atlantic Ocean and return to coastlines up and down the U.K. for the breeding season.

I know what you’re thinking, there’s no puffins in West Lothian or Edinburgh you silly billy! Well, you are technically correct but you can get a short boat trip out to see some of our puffin colonies from South Queensferry, North Berwick, or take a jaunt over the bridge to Anstruther and get some award winning fish and chips whilst you’re there. There’s a small population on Craigleith Island but the highest numbers are on the Isle of May, which is a wonderful place to visit and you’ll also find other 28 | LINLITHGOW

seabirds such as razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

A word of warning though, if you go in artic tern breeding season make sure to pack a hat or stand beside someone tall as you run the gauntlet through the nesting colony.

I’m spending a week with the circus in July and maybe I’ll see you there.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

PUZZLE

APRIL SUDOKU

Did you know that it is now the law to have your cat microchipped?

The law means that owners must microchip their cats by the time they are 20 weeks old and keep their contact details up to date on a pet microchipping database Owners who don’t microchip their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or face a fine of up to £500.

The new law was brought to help reunite stray cats with their owners – there are more than 10.8 million pet cats in the UK with as many as 2.8 million unchipped.

Around eight out of ten stray cats coming into the rescue centres of the charity Cats Protection are unchipped.

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 22. See page 34 for solutions.

Microchipping is already compulsory for dogs and it’s a really simple procedure to insert a small chip with a unique serial number under a cat’s skin. It hurts no more than a regular vaccination and is done on animals, even tiny kittens, when they are awake – there is no need for them to be anaesthetised for this.

The chip is usually implanted between the shoulder blades. It’s only as big as a grain of rice and your cat won’t even know it’s there once it’s in. There is no battery so there is nothing to keep charged or replace so the same microchip will last your pet’s lifetime with no side effects. And better than a collar or an ID tag, it won’t come off.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road.

01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 29

PARENTING

Weeeeee!

It’s Wheelie G D!

n!

Family fu

So with spring finally in the air we decided it was time to get the kids bikes out of hibernation.

My eldest has been dying to get back on her bike for ages and she’s not been shy about asking (nagging) us to take her out. My youngest on the other hand is still at that awkward stage where she can ride her bike like a pro… as long as it’s flat, but throw in a hill and suddenly it’s far too much like hard work. So she’s picky about where she wants to ride.

We love going cycling as a family. It’s a great way to explore and the kids always feel like we are going on an adventure. But I’ll be honest we don’t do it in all weathers so during the winter we don’t get out much and it can be hard to get back in the habit of it after a few months off.

It seems like every weekend we’ve been free it’s been teeming with rain but we finally got a break and decided to head out and do something a bit different to hopefully appeal to both of them and get them back in the swing of things.

30 | LINLITHGOW

We headed to the new pump track that is now open at Balbardie Park in Bathgate. It’s not far from Xcite Bathgate for anyone who doesn’t know the area and it was just opened this year, which is how I heard about it. I didn’t even know what a pump track was so if it is a mystery to you too I can tell you what Google told me. A pump track is basically designed to be ridden without needing to pedal, so you just use your bodyweight to ‘pump’ yourself round the track. It sounds weird but it makes sense once you see the kids in action.

When we were there we saw kids doing it with bikes, balance bikes, scooters, and skateboards. I was amazed at the speed some of them were able to go round. It was a great place for the kids to build skills and confidence, especially after the winter when they’ve not been on their bikes as much.

My youngest will be much

happier heading back to the off-road trails at Beecraigs having had a go at this.

It was lovely as well seeing kids of all ages and stages giving it a go, and doing their own thing depending on what they were capable of. I even spotted an adult or two!

The new track is apparently the longest pump track in West Lothian and is the area’s first floodlit track as well so will be great in the winter too.

But summer is on the way first, and here’s to getting plenty of time on two wheels!

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

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 31

LOCAL LAB

With energy prices in the news nearly every day, many of us are keeping an eye on how much energy we’re using.

Since October we’ve seen energy companies going bust whilst energy bills rise. This resulted from several factors around the world. Colder weather and coming out of lockdown led to increased demand for energy, particularly gas. At the same time, outages at nuclear power stations and lower levels of wind meant that less energy was being produced. This led to the wholesale price of energy to increase, which we have seen reflected in our bills.

As part of the UK’s sanctions against Russia, imports of Russian oil and oil products are being phased out by 2023 and there are discussions of banning imports of natural gas, used by UK households to heat our homes. These sanctions, alongside economic uncertainty, all mean that energy bills are continuing to rise.

What is the impact of our energy use?

In 2020, households in Scotland paid an average of over £1000 on their electricity and gas each year. For nearly a quarter of Scottish households, this means they spend more than 10% of their income on their energy bills and are in fuel poverty; and the typical annual UK energy bill is predicted to reach £2000.

Our energy use also has an impact on the environment, being responsible for over 75% of human-caused greenhouse gases globally, around a third of which comes from the energy we use in our homes. With over 97% of energy in Scotland being produced by renewable sources, it’s one of the leading countries in renewable energy production, but many households still use wood or coal burning stoves for heating with an estimated 80,000 tonnes of coal used each year.

32 | LINLITHGOW

I heard a lot about COP26 and ‘Net Zero’ last year, what does it mean for energy use?

COP26 in Glasgow brought together thousands of people including world leaders, company representatives, scientists and activists, to discuss climate change and our response to it.

One key topic was net zero emissions, which means not emitting more greenhouse gases than we remove from the environment. Over 130 countries have pledged or are discussing targets to reach Net Zero with many setting a target to meet this by 2050; the Scottish government is committing to meet it by 2045.

This means moving away from heating with fossil fuels and making sure our houses are energy efficient. Some steps to achieve this are already planned such as government-set energy efficiency targets and a ban on the sale of new gas boilers from 2030.

Interested in taking part in research?

If this has caught your interest, I am currently in the early stages of a study looking at how people are using energy in their homes. This study consists of completing 5 online surveys recording your energy use and views towards over a period of 8 months and anyone aged over 18 who pays their own energy bills can take part. If you would like to take part or want more information, you can get in contact by emailing energyresearchqueries@gmail.com This article was contributed

by Sophie Watson. Sophie is studying for a PhD at Heriot-Watt University as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Psychology and Economics. Bringing together the two fields, her research aims to explain how households use and view energy. @KonectMagazines

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

WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today! No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every Thursday 7.00pm9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media.

W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com DOWN TO EARTH YOGA AND MASSAGE - Yoga for everyone regardless of age, sex or your flexibility level. Private sessions available or spread the cost and practice with a friend/s. No experience necessary and beginners are welcomed. Massage in a warm welcoming safe environment.

Choose from a clothed floor based Thai Yoga Massage or an oil massage on a table with hints of Swedish and Thai fusion.

Contact Kirsty to book on 07936 925040. Quote ‘Konect’ for £10 off first treatment or session.

TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW Under appropriate guidelines our club has restarted for the 2021/22 season.

Wednesdays, Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45 pm Annual Membership £10.00 £3.00 per night (Under 18’s £2.00). Play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status on the West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme.

Contact Allan Scott on 07485 001819 or e-mail linlithgowlttg@gmail.com WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship.

Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

@KonectMagazines

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semiretired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting and keep active. We’ve been meeting on Zoom for the past 18 months but many of our groups are starting to meet again.

For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274.

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all.

Contact generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.309.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Players aged 13+ with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk or search for us on Facebook.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn.

Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

LOCHSIDE PLAYGROUP - Parentrun playgroup located in Linlithgow provides 2.5hrs registered childcare during West Lothian School term-time for children aged 2yrs 3mths to 5 years, 9.15-11.45am Monday-Thursday. A great setting for children to begin their journey into nursery/school, ensuring a stimulating and caring environment (with healthy snacks). Council-funded places for 2-year-olds available to eligible families. Contact us for more information/to add a child to the waiting list, email: lochsideplaygroup@yahoo. com, through our website www.lochsideplaygroup.org or on Facebook.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults.

Services currently via Zoom/phone: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling.

For information: Tel.: 01506 448000 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Website: www.carers-westlothian.com

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £10. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

LINLITHGOW | 33

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

What happens when you mix the iconic Quantum Leap with John Wick?

You get Spiritwalker Spiritwalker,, a truly special South Korean action thriller. Waking up with no memory and learning that every 12 hours he switches bodies, our main character has one mission - uncover the truth and find out who he is!

Spiritwalker simply grabbed me with its opening scene.

You are dropped into this situation just like the main character. You have no idea what is happening and the way the film pulls back its layers to reveal the truth is expertly done. What stands out in this film is that it’s a masterclass in editing; while it’s a very serious film there are moments of levity that expertly uses cuts to make you burst out into laughter.

While I wished there was more action, the action we get is nothing short of incredible and expertly done.

The final action scene alone will go down as one of the best action scenes of the year and contains fantastic choreography and is amazingly shot. All the performances are great but Yoon Kye-Sang as the lead is a true stand-out. He is amazing and brings his character to life. Spiritwalker is truly special film. It’s a film I can’t wait to watch again, and it’s a film I want to share with everyone. It’s another prime example of why I love Asian cinema and how some of the most exciting and original films come from Asia.

Spiritwalker is available on digital platforms from 31st March 2022.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

34 | LINLITHGOW

ACROSS: 1. Cash, 3. Chess set, 9. Upbraid, 10. Email, 11. Spring greens, 14. Let, 16. Bongo, 17. Hip, 18. Rollerskater, 21. Riots, 22. Bayonet, 23. Pedestal, 24. Golf.

DOWN: 1. Counsels, 2. Sober, 4. Hid, 5. Skeleton keys, 6. Staunch, 7. Tale, 8. Cannibalises, 12. Goner, 13. Aperitif, 15. Twofold, 19. Tango, 20. Grip, 22. Boa.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 29

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: Alan Stewart t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines