Konect Linlithgow April 2024

APRIL 2024

LOCAL HISTORY: WHAT’S ON:

CLUBS & CLASSES:

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pring is definitely underway as I write this - the finishing touches to the April issue have been done with sun streaming though the office window. Spring, with its unfailing return of buds and flowers every year, often brings an energy to get things done.

You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for Konect readers - look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: the Whitten Fountain.................. 8 Living Well: Funding for care...........................14 Clubs & Classes: Come and run with Lothian Running Club.........................................16 Property Matters: Showcasing West Lothian....................................................................20 Garden: Can you smell the strawberries?....24 Puzzles............................................................26 / 29 Local Environment: Stop and think................28 Vet’s Tip: World Hamster Day..........................29 Film Review: Jericho Ridge..............................30 Life Coaching: Something in the air...............30 What’s On: Linlithgow Moondance................31 What’s On..............................................................32

COVER IMAGE: What’s On: Linlithgow Moondance - tickets available!

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

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe LINLITHGOW | 3

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01506 841630 07500 058437 www.sutherlandmayfair.co.uk Sutherland Mayfair Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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LINLITHGOW | 7

LOCAL HISTORY

In the mid to late 19th century, many public drinking fountains were installed in towns and cities throughout Scotland.

Such items were actively promoted by temperance societies such as the Linlithgow Rechabites – an order founded in 1835 and mentioned in the Rev Andrew Bell’s New Statistical Account of Linlithgow in 1845. The idea was to provide clean drinking water for working men to keep them out of the pubs.

The positioning of this well outside the Star and Garter was not coincidental! Surprisingly however, the finance for its construction was provided by a relative of the publican who ran the aforementioned inn!

The benefactor was John Charles Whitten, sheriff clerk of Edinburgh, responsible for organising the work of the Sheriff Court from1872 to 1882. On his death in 1889, he left a legacy of £1700 (about £275,000 today) to provide for a public water supply– and the planting of trees along the East High Street.

Whitten lived at 3 Duncan Street, in the Southwest area of Edinburgh. He was unmarried and happy to leave a sizeable sum to the burgh which he had obviously enjoyed visiting. His generosity is commemorated in the street name “Whitten Lane” which runs beside The Line Gallery at 246 High Street.

possibly constructed by the Glasgow firm of George Smith and Co whose catalogue ABOVE: The Whitten shows very similar Fountain beside the examples. It was Star and Garter during probably supplied with a visit of the local hunt water from a natural spring which once fed a dipping well beside the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, situated where Tesco is today.

Sadly, the elaborate structure is no more. It was removed during World War Two – supposedly to be melted down and used for war equipment. In actual fact, very little salvaged metal was used in this way. The Town Council was probably happy to see it go as, in the days of increasing motor transport, it was in the way.

The “fountain” was made from cast iron and

ABOVE: Town Crier Collins, flanked by Halberdiers Robertson and Skinner, beside the Whitten Fountain in the 1920s.

ABOVE: The Whitten Fountain photographed in 1908.

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This article was contributed by Linlithgow local historian Bruce Jamieson.

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Award winning care quality With some of the highest regulatory ratings than any provider, families can enjoy peace of mind that their loved ones are expertly cared for.

If you’re considering a care home, call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine

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LIVING WELL

Ensuring quality care for individuals in the comfort of their own home is a priority for many as they grow older. However, financing such care can be daunting for families, with many unaware of the funding that is available to them, regardless of financial circumstances.

The most common avenue for funding is through Self-Directed Support (SDS) offered by local councils, which is designed to help empower individuals to manage their care services, offering them control over who provides and arranges these.

In addition to any funding available through SDS, security benefits can also help to meet the cost of the care and support at home. These include: Adult Disability Payment - A new payment replacing Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance in Scotland for

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those having difficulty with daily living activities or getting around because of a health condition or disability Attendance Allowance – for people not claiming another disability benefit, who have reached State Pension age and need help with care or supervision during the day, night, or both Carer’s Allowance – for people caring for someone for 35+ hours a week that is in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment.

By understanding the options available, funding and support can be secured so that individuals in need of care at home can arrange this without waiting for a crisis to arise.

For more information on accessing funding for care, contact Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222 or visit their website: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

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COME AND RUN WITH LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB A friendly and enthusiastic running club catering for all abilities, on road, track and trails!

Coached Sessions

Twice weekly coached group sessions, mixed ability groups. If you can run 5km without stopping there’ll be a group for you.

Tuesday Junior Track Session (£2) Tuesday road session (FREE) | Thursday track session (£3.10)

Social Run

Each Wednesday we have a 5mile/8km social run around Livingston.

Providing a safe and sociable option for your midweek run. With regrouping en-route to cater for mixed abilities. (Age 16+)

Membership

Adult membership is £20/year | juniors £10/year.

Benefits include: Subsidised track sessions, free races, club training plan, coached group sessions

Contact us at:

Website: www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk Facebook: @LothianRC

6.5K & 10K ADULT RACE 2.5K JUNIOR RACE SUNDAY 23RD JUNE 2024 ALL FINISHERS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW TO WIN AN OONI OVEN

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Showcasing

BATHGATE

and surrounding local area

Showcasing

LIVINGSTON and surrounding local area

Showcasing

LINLITHGOW

and surrounding local area

Showcasing

TORPHICHEN

and surrounding local area

All of our Location Videos can be viewed on our website www.turpies.com,YouTube Channel (Search: ‘Turpie & Co.’), or by scanning the QR codes above.

Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate – Offers Over £425,000

Academy Place, Bathgate – Offers Over £325,000

Parkview, Westfield – Offers Over £425,000 20 | LINLITHGOW

Mosside Terrace, Bathgate – Offers Over £400,000

Roy Drive, Murieston – Offers Over £575,000

Pitcaple Gardens, Bellsquarry - £POA

West Cairn View, Murieston - £POA LINLITHGOW | 21

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There is still time to plant some young strawberry plants to get a small crop this summer.

They are easier to look after if you can plant them in the ground and you’ll probably get bigger crops than if you plant them in pots or a special strawberry pot with planting holes up the sides. This is because they can go and find their own water supply and not be so reliant on you!

We recommend you plant different varieties if you have space, an early, mid-season (Wimbledon time) and a late variety. If you only have space for half a dozen plants go for a late variety now to give it a longer season to grow and bear fruit this year.

EARLY: try Malling Centenary, very sweet modern variety

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MID: choose Elsanta, another modern variety with a delicious sweet flavour LATE: select Malling Allure, sweet shapely juicy fruit (July)

NEW WORLD MINTED STRAWBERRIES Half your strawberries into a bowl and add 1 tbsp castor sugar and a handful of chopped mint leaves (use spearmint or apple mint), leave for 30 minutes.

10 minutes before serving pour over a generous measure of New World Red Wine. Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche and a garnish of mint leaves. Enjoy!

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

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

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The crossword solution will be published in the May edition of Konect

APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Sight (6), 8. Female relative (6), 9. Largest continent (4), 10. Fit and healthy (8), 11. Beetles, ants etc (7), 13. .Animal furs (5), 15. Invoices (5), 17. Considers (7), 20. Taking small bites (8), 21. Solely (4), 23. Distributed (6), 24. A capital city (6).

DOWN: 1. Fasteners (4), 2. Buccaneer (6), 3. Young children (7), 4. Sailing boat (5), 5. Involuntary action (6), 6. Menacing (8), 12. Loudest (8), 14. Harshly (7), 16. Hard work (6), 18. Drenches (6), 19. Feathered friends? (5), 22. Stolen goods (4).

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I try not to get on my soapbox too much when writing these articles however, I can’t get something out of my mind.

Fearing it’d had been injured, I was on the phone to the SSPCA about one of last years cygnets (it was fine and got up to have a stretch, just as I connected with an operator, obviously!) I noticed it was trying to eat something on the ground without success.

Turns out the potential item of food was a cigarette butt, which thankfully, it didn’t swallow.

To put it bluntly, I find the litter issue across West Lothian utterly disgraceful. I remember people coming to my school talking about litter, so this isn’t a new problem but it’s one which seems to be getting worse. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it’s everywhere you look, from riverbanks to paths, and seemingly worst of all, the off-ramps of motorways and roundabouts.

Never mind around roadside lay-bys, where various vehicles park up and drivers seemingly don’t care to take their litter home with them (not all, I’m sure) The West Lothian 28 | LINLITHGOW

Litter Pickers do an amazing job at clearing the local area up but it’s a seemingly endless task. Whatever age you are, if you drop litter or throw something from your car, just stop it.

Litter has a serious impact on the environment in many ways and could be avoided if you act differently and take it home.

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

APRIL SUDOKU

APRIL SUDOKU

This month sees World Hamster Day marked on April 12. Yes, these little furry creatures have a whole day of celebration to themselves!

Hamster are very popular pets and we see a lot of Westport Vets but they are not ideal for children as they are nocturnal, meaning they are only active a night.

They are also very active animals – in the wild they travel for miles each night so they need a very large living space. A lot The crossword puzzle canmarket be found of hamster cages on the areon not page XX. See appropriate aspage they XX are for toosolutions. small. And make sure your cage has a secure lid and doors – hamsters are expert escape artists!

Hamsters need enrichment to keep them active and give them the opportunity to behave as they would in the wild. They APRIL SUDOKU need places to hide, explore, play, chew, climb and a deep layer of litter where they can burrow, sleep and store their food.

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. Seepage page32 XXfor forsolutions. solutions.

26. See

APRIL SUDOKU

Not all enjoy a cuddle, however hamsters will benefit from regular gentle handling.

When picking them up, make sure their feet are supported and always try to scoop them rather than picking them up by their shoulders or their skin. Tasty treats can help you build up a trusting bond.

And bear in mind, Syrian hamsters are solitary and territorial - they must be kept as single pets as they are highly aggressive with their own kind!

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 The crossword puzzle can7SF. be found on page XX. XX for solutions.

01506 844See 165page | www.westportvets.com

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

LINLITHGOW | 29

LIFE COACHING

Something in the AIR Assault on Precinct 13 is a truly iconic film. It has had a lasting impact even 48 years later. So, heading into Jericho Ridge it is hard not to see the Assault on Precinct 13 influence.

While a paper-thin comparison - the single location setting of being stuck in a police station while being shot at from all directions - the similarities are there. However, Jericho Ridge does a good job of not being overshadowed by the comparisons. It follows Deputy Sheriff Tabby Temple while she is trapped in her remote sheriff’s office because murderous attackers are targeting the office.

The film has a vibe and aesthetic that can be described as nifty. The action takes place entirely in the sheriff’s office and does an incredible job at establishing the geography of the building. You never get confused about where everything is in relation to our characters. The great geography leads to efficacious action. While bullets can be seen flying across the screen, you never think about where they are coming from, you feel the dread and tension as you hope our characters make it out alive.

Nikki Amuka-Bird and Zack Morris do a good job as their respective characters and allow you to get sucked into this world. The dysfunctional mother-son relationship in this film felt genuine.

Jericho Ridge is a very good time. It is a film that is so well-acted and directed that it overcomes any flaws that may be present.

Jericho Ridge will be in cinemas on the 25th of April. It will also be released digitally from the 29th of April.

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.

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In years gone by, the first bright yellow daffodils in shops and gardens heralded a beautiful new season which many of us thrived on and, somehow, spirits always seemed to lift with that brighter sky and the burst of colour in gardens everywhere.

Recently though, there seems to be something in the air and that optimistic approach to spring isn’t as prevalent as it used to be. In the last few days I have heard several people complaining that the sky is grey, the temperature is low and that things just aren’t what they used to be.

The issue is that we all put enormous emphasis on the world outside of ourselves and look externally for the things that uplift us, whether that’s a sunny day, a smile from a stranger or even whether or not it stops raining. Our desire to be in control of the uncontrollable lies at the heart of much of the anxiety and distress we all feel from time to time. Pinning our hopes on the sun shining, winning the lottery or anything else that is outside of our own influence is a fast track to disappointment and anxiety.

Instead of wishing that the sun would shine or that the roads would be less busy, we could focus instead on what we can control. The weather is never going to be something we can do anything about but we can decide to wear something bright and cheerful and decide to make the very best of the day we are living in regardless of what’s outside our window.

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

On Saturday 15th June the indoor marquee at Linlithgow rugby club will open its doors to 400 women of all ages who will dance the night away.

Held in the Marches marquee, a beautiful location where soft flowing fabrics drape the ceiling and fairy lights adorn the roof and walls, creating an enchanting setting to host one of the best nights of the year – the Linlithgow Moondance.

Back for its 4th year, we are delighted to be able to hold this event again in aid of two worthy charities: Breast Cancer Now and Make 2nds Count. Many will have heard of Breast Cancer Now, a charity providing support for today and hope for the future for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Our second charity this year is Make 2nds Count, a family focussed charity dedicated to giving hope to women and men living with secondary breast cancer. Secondary breast cancer, also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, is a cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It can be treated but cannot be cured.

Last year’s event raised £9,211. This year, with your help, we hope to exceed £10,000.

Doors open at 7.30pm with a glass of fizz on arrival and from then until midnight there’ll be live music, dancing, a bar, and a raffle with some fantastic prizes kindly donated by local companies and those further afield.

delighted the five-piece band will be gracing our stage for a second year. The reception they received last year was phenomenal, the dance floor was packed the whole evening and Jamie, the lead singer, happily mingled while belting out some brilliant tracks. Hop over to our Facebook page to get a flavour of the atmosphere.

Since 2018 we have managed to retain the same ticket price - £15 for a fantastic night out. If you have already bought your ticket and feel that you would liked to have spent a little more, why not buy an extra raffle ticket on the night in the knowledge that you’re helping two deserving charities.

Yet again, a stream of ticket sales since January suggests another sell-out.

Tickets are available from the Moondance team consisting of local ladies: Amanda Bannister, Kirstin Crombie, Christine Evans, Helen Hassall, Bridget McGee and Angela Moran. They can also be purchased from Linlithgow outlets - Beautique Beauty Salon, The Thread Counter, Flowers by Carolyn, by messaging the Facebook page, or email Linlithgowmoondance@gmail.com.

Look forward to seeing you there!

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Graceland back to play again. We’ve had so many requests for their return that we are This article was contributed by Linlithgow Moondance. Keep up with the latest news on our Facebook page @linlithgowmoondance or scan the QR code at the top of the page.

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SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 29

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

TUESDAY 16TH APRIL Astronomy Evening at Muiravonside - Join the Association of Falkirk Astronomers for a special event all about the night sky. An indoor presentation will be followed (weather permitting!) by some outdoor observations of the stars! This event is suitable for ages 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Muiravonside Country Park, The Load, Whitecross, EH49 6LW. 10.30am, £4 per person, book ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, at www.falkirkleisureandculture.org 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse,

26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

TH DAILY UNTIL SUNDAY25.

14Fearful, APRIL Easter Eggcitement at DOWN: Almond Valley Heritage 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, Centre - Celebrate the wonders of springtime.

Search 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the chick trail, 18. Coffee, 20. cheery Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open. and get creative with colours and crafts. Meet the new SOLUTION TO SUDOKU arrivals on the farm and, over the Easter weekend, (29thONduck PAGE XXIncluded 1st), cheer on our famous plastic race. in admission at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

SATURDAY 4TH MAY Scottish National Bottle Show - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road EH49 7JA. Dealers from all over Scotland and the north of England, selling all types of vintage bottles. Early entry 8.00am til 10.00am £2.00 Thereafter free entry. In support of Linlithgow Heritage Trust (Linlithgow Museum)

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 Design T: 07729 911858

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FRIDAY 17TH MAY Constant Follower (solo) + support - Multiple Scottish Album of the Year nominee Stephen McAll aka Constant Follower comes Disclaimer: to St Peter’s Linlithgow an The publisher cannotfor accept responsibility loss or damageChurch, caused intimate performance. St Peter’s ScottishforEpiscopal by error in the printing of an advertisement.

153 High Street, EH49 7AB. 7.30pm, viaadvertisers Eventbrite We do not tickets endorse any in publication.Follower All material isisaccepted (search for Constant Follower).this Constant the for publication on the understanding it is band formed around songwriter Stephen McAll. His debut copyright free. No part of this publication album for legendary New Yorkmay indie label Shimmy Disc wasof be reproduced without prior consent theAlbum publisher.of the Year Award nominated for the 2022 Scottish Lothian Publications Ltd. and found its way onto the topPublisher: of multiple ‘Best Albums Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, of 2021’ lists, leading to a string of notable performances West Lothian EH54 6GU. including Austin’s SXSW 2022 and SXSW 2023, and a Magazine Design: spellbinding set from the crown ofStewart Scotland’s Alan Design National Wallace Monument. A triumphT:after the album 07729tragedy, 911858

was McAll’s first work many years after an unprovoked attack in his late teens left him with catastrophic head injuries, partially paralysed and unable to write or play guitar.

The following decade was spent recovering, learning to live, and eventually picking up the guitar to allow the songs that form his acclaimed debut ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’ to emerge. McAll’s solo performances are a testament to his profound storytelling and musical resonance, enchanting audiences with their authenticity and heartfelt expression.

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 | 33

WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to join our friendly Winchburgh Speakers Club? The next block of sessions starts in August.

If you interested in finding out more about Winchburgh Speakers Club why not come along, or send us a message to find out more about how it can help you develop your speaking skills and your confidence, in a warm and friendly environment. Contact: president@winchburghspeakersclub. org.uk SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm).

All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year.

You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB - A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled.

Contact Hetty Redwood for details, hettyredwood@gmail.com or 07719 603120 BADMINTON - LINLITHGOW We play badminton at Springfield Community Centre on Mondays 1012noon during school terms. Open to all. If interested please contact Diana Marchant 01506 848625 or 07789 295 301.

WINCHBURGH ART CLUB - We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall.

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk 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

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you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media.

W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW Wednesdays - Longcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm 9.45pm. Annual Membership £12.00 [Under 18’s £6.00] Play Table Tennis in a friendly atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status (West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme) and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For those of a more competitive nature there is the opportunity to represent our team in the Stirlingshire & Midland Counties League. Contact Allan Scott T: 07485 001819 E: linlithgowlttg@gmail.com W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk 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.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given.

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

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Any players 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.

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

All our carers groups are offered

blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: 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. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com 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.

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 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 £24. 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.