Konect Linithgow August 2024

AUGUST 2024

CHARITY:

SPOTLIGHT:

LOCAL HISTORY:

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t’s okay to talk – but how easy is it to actually find someone you’re comfortable talking to? This seems particularly challenging for men, which is why the charity Andy’s Man Club is growing at such a rapid rate. A national charity but with groups all over the country, there is a group starting soon in Linlithgow. See the feature on pages 8 - 10.

We’re excited about the new distillery in Blackness producing whisky and rum.

Read about Blackness Bay Distillery on page 7, they offer quirky and original tours with the option to eat at the renowned Lobster Pot afterwards.

With spotlight features on a diverse range of local businesses, lots of activities for all the family, and all our usual columns - I hope you enjoy the magazine this month as much as I have enjoyed putting it together!

Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Spotlight: Blackness Bay Distillers............. 7 Charity: Andy’s Man Club............................ 8 Living Well: Perception of old age............14 Property Matters: Open to new possibilities...................................................24 Spotlight: Mackie & Brechin......................26 Local Environment: Childhood Memories.......................................................28 Vet’s Tip: Pet Breeders...............................29 Garden Project: Evergreen Herbs............30 Puzzles..........................................................33 Life Coaching: Digital Detox......................33 Local History: Local Ephemera.................34 What’s On......................................................36 Film Review: Only the river flows..............40

COVER IMAGE: Going through a storm? Come along to Andy’s Man Club - See p8-10 for more.

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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heather buds, and thistle flowers; a Jacobite Dark Spiced “Outlandish “ Rum; a white Blackness Bay Navy Rum; and Oak Aged Rum. After some hesitation by the authorities, the distillery has recently been granted the trademark “Mary Queen of Scotch “ for its single malt Scotch whisky, which is currently maturing in oak barrels in our cellars.

Blackness Bay Distillery is a newly opened craft business in the oldest building in Blackness on Sea village. We are a family-run business committed to the culture, history and traditions of the area.

The distillery produces whisky and rum in traditional twin copper stills in the time-honoured way, using Scottish malted barley from Alloa to produce single malt, single cask batches of whisky each with its individual characteristics.

Our rums are produced directly from raw sugar cane molasses. These are fermented and distilled adding spices and botanicals to produce a range of rums including Flower of Scotland Pink Rum containing rose petals,

We specialise in unique quirky tours of our distillery culminating if required in a meal at our award-winning pub/restaurant, The Lobster Pot, already well-known for its seafood. Tours include the history of the locality, its Jacobite connections and association with Mary Queen of Scots. Visitors also learn about the history of craft distilling in Scotland and see how it is still conducted lagely unchanged.

Perfect for parties, locals and visitors alike.

Book now at www.blacknessbaydistillery.co.uk Blackness Bay Distillery, Shore Road, Blackness on Sea, Linlithgow, EH49 7NL “Blackness Bay Distillery”

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Monday evenings between 7pm and 9pm: the time when men are most vulnerable to losing their lives by suicide.

So discovered the founders of Andy’s Man Club, a club set up initially for male suicide prevention, and which has rapidly become much broader than that.

Andy’s Man Club meets at an ever-increasing number of towns and villages across Scotland, every Monday night from 7pm to 9pm.

It’s a place where men can come and talk about absolutely anything that is bothering them. Work, debt, relationships, health, loneliness, and all the feelings that culturally you’ve been conditioned to believe you should just deal with alone.

While it’s hard to say with any certainty why male suicide is much higher than female, it’s thought that men’s reluctance or inability to talk about their struggles is a major contributing factor.

Andy’s Man Club provides a space to talk in a safe, sympathetic and non-judgemental environment alongside other men who have “ I hit rock bottom at Christmas last year, my taken exactly that world as I knew it fell apart. I started going to same step through Andy’s Man Club in the new year. It was one of the the venue door on a hardest things that I have ever done! But I am glad Monday night.

to say that it has been one of the best. Listening to each different guy’s story has given me a new perspective and outlook. It has given me the context that I needed to gather my thoughts and prepare for my next chapter with positivity ”

The exponential growth of the charity in Scotland speaks for itself of how utterly essential it is proving to be.

September marks “The more we can A, has been attending Andy’s Man Club in seven years since normalise talking West Lothian since January 2024 Alex helped facilitate about things, the the first Andy’s Man better,” says Alex Club in Perth. There McClintock, Head of Groups in Scotland. are now 42 across Scotland; that’s a new one “Despite a lot of progress in recent years, opening every couple of months. men are still expected to be the strong one, to “man up,” deal with their problems alone and not show their feelings. If you’re a certain age you may remember as a kid being threatened, ‘If you cry, I’ll give you something to cry about!’ and there are elements of this attitude that persist.”

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The charity is named after Andy Roberts, a young man from Halifax (Yorkshire) who took his own life in 2016. His mum and brotherin-law opened up a room in Halifax later that year and invited men to come and talk. At the first meeting, nine men turned up; this year, all

across the UK 4,600 men attend their local Andy’s Man Club.

G has been attending AMC in West Lothian since March 2023. “I had been off work for a while and had no motivation to do anything and felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I wanted to shut the world out. I had seen a thing on social media promoting Andy’s Man Club, I contacted the Facebook page and went along in March of last year. I haven’t missed a Monday night since. AMC sets me up for the week, I like seeing the journey every man takes when they walk through the doors for the first time, and see them start to recover and get stronger week by week and hope I’m playing a part in helping them like others helped me. I would encourage anyone who is feeling down or just not themselves to come along to a meeting. It’s good to talk”

“ I could always speak, but over the last 18 months AMC has taught me how to talk and open up about how I am feeling instead of hiding away ” K, has been attending Andy’s Man Club in West Lothian since February 2023 Alex became involved when he had hit rock bottom personally and had made an attempt on his own life. He went to his first Andy’s Man Club meeting in Halifax and spoke about things he had never shared with anyone. He went with his friend of 20 years. “We thought we knew everything about each others’ lives, until we went to Andy’s Man Club together. He was gobsmacked by what I had to say, he’d had no idea what I had been going through.”

Having experienced the transformative power of talking, Alex became a passionate advocate for Andy’s Man Club and went on to formally become the charity’s development champion in Scotland.

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“It sets you up for the week,” says Alex.

“Instead of dreading Mondays, it’s now my best day as I get to go to my Club and I look forward to it.” For the majority of men who attend, it becomes a regular habit, a constant therapy - much like going to the gym regularly but for maintaining good mental health instead of physical. The benefits of just going and getting stuff of your chest regularly is immense. And it not only helps you; you’re helping other men by sharing your problems so that they too know they are not alone.

There is no need to book, no need to give your name or contact details and no need even to speak if you don’t feel up for it.

It’s not unusual for men to come for a few weeks and just listen before sharing their own situations. Simply turn up and get tea and biscuits. What is the worst that could happen?

The charity’s aim is for there to be 1500 clubs all across the UK, so that men have no excuse not to come!

• If you are feeling low for any reason, get along to an Andy’s Man Club near you next Monday! We have listed all the local ones*. >>>

• If you are interested in opening a branch of Andy’s Man Club locally please contact info@andysmanclub.co.uk

• If you are able offer a venue free of charge for a Club to run on a Monday evening, please contact info@ andysmanclub. co.uk. There is always a need for venues in order to keep up with surging demand for the Clubs to run.

ALWAYS FREE, ALWAYS 7pm - 9pm, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT (EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS) ARMADALE: Armadale Partnership Centre, North Street, Armadale, EH48 3QB BATHGATE: Regal Reconnect Theatre, 24 - 34 North Bridge St, Bathgate, EH48 4PS BROXBURN: Entrance B, Strathbrock Community Centre, 189A West Main St, Broxburn, EH52 5LH DALGETY BAY: That Place in The Bay, 10a Ridge Way, Dalgety Bay, KY11 9JN DUNFERMLINE (SOUTH): Dunfermline Sports Club, McKane Park, Limekilns Road, Dunfermline, KY12 7XA DUNFERMLINE (NORTH): Townhill Bowling Club, Green Street, Townhill, Dunfermline, KY12 0HE EDINBURGH (MERCHISTON): North Merchiston Club, Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 1EP EDINBURGH (SOUTH GYLE): Upstairs food quarter, The Space to Be, Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh, EH12 9JY KIRKLISTON: STARTING SEPTEMBER! LINLITHGOW: COMING SOON! LIVINGSTON #1: Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Livingston EH54 5BP LIVINGSTON #2: Livingston Cricket Club, 10A Murieston Valley, Liinvgston EH54 9HB ROSYTH: Rosyth Eats, 115 Queensferry Road, Rosyth, KY11 2PS For more information about Andy’s Man Club, please visit andysmanclub.co.uk

#ITSOKAYTOTALK #ANDYSMANCLUB

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with Alex McClintock, Head of Groups Scotland for Andy’s Man Club, and with an attendee of a West Lothian Andy’s Man Club. Helen-Jane is the Editor of Konect magazines 10 | LINLITHGOW

*All group location details are correct at time of printing and may be subject to change. Please visit the Andy’s Man Club website ( www.andysmanclub.co.uk ) for the latest information.

You don’t need to have mental health challenges or to be desperate before attending Andy’s Man Club. It’s much better to go before you get that low.

AUGUST SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 36

AUGUST CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the September edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Not moving (6), 8. Conflict (6), 9. Horrible (4), 10. Wrapper for letter (8), 11. Thrift (7), 13. Loosen (5), 15. Type of snake (5), 17. Country dwelling (7), 20. Against the current (8), 21. Certain (4), 23. Cruel (6), 24. Necessary (6).

DOWN: 1. Celestial body (4), 2. Part of a flower (6), 3. Shrieks (7), 4. Higher up (5), 5. Pinched (6), 6. Tossing (8), 12. Hacking (8), 14. Order (7), 16. Keep (6), 18. Examined (6), 19. Fixes (5), 22. Regrets (4).

HALF-PAGE Hz ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

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LIVING WELL

Home Instead recently conducted research to better understand the hopes, fears and aspirations of our ageing population.

The findings, captured in our report ‘The New Ageing Index’, show that many older people feel excluded and marginalised, leading to an increased sense of isolation and loneliness.

The survey of 1,000 adults covered a wide range of topics from health and wellbeing to technology, politics and social care. Whilst the sense of exclusion is not to be celebrated, the survey did show that retirees are living more active, healthy and dynamic lifestyles and are eager to embrace everything from technology to sport and dating in later life.

Some of the key findings included: • Over a third of respondents believe being old is like being cancelled

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• Their dynamic lifestyles start with fitness – with an incredible 89% of the UK’s oldest people now endorsing an active lifestyle • 7 in 10 people aged over 75 are worried about not being able to look after themselves, with 80% saying they would prefer to be treated at home if they became ill • Independence is a priority – people are more concerned about the prospect of ending up a care home (44%) than they would be about the death of a partner (36%) The broader findings indicate that traditional stereotypes about retirement and old age have become outdated, with today’s older generation wanting to continue to remain active, have fun – and to be involved.

For more information or to read a full copy of the report, visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/newageing-index/ 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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PROPERTY MATTERS

The value of being open

At Turpie & Co, we love ‘open house days’ and we know buyers and sellers alike love them too. An open house day is simply a day when a house is open for anyone who wants to view it during a given period of time - usually, but not always, over a weekend.

Making it easier for people

Open days are popular with most buyers and they offer a different viewing experience to a pre-booked, agent-accompanied viewing. Feedback from previous events has shown that buyers who are at the early stages of house hunting, and not quite ready to register with an agent, are more likely to attend an open day than arrange a private viewing.

At one of our previous events, the open day attracted a near neighbour to a property we were marketing. The buyer lived in the same street and didn’t feel comfortable or ready to arrange a formal viewing – but they went on to submit an offer on the property the following week and bought it. This story illustrates just how an open day used appropriately can really serve to broaden the exposure of your property and draw in more people who might not otherwise have been reached via other marketing channels.

Everyone is different – so options need to be too

There’s no such thing as a ‘typical buyer’ as the buying process starts long before

any viewings take place. Someone just contemplating a move has a different motivation and criteria to those who have sold their property and need to move quickly. A collective open house event provides the opportunity for any buyer to view several similarly priced or located properties one after the other, regardless of their position or what stage they’re at in the process.

Getting it right

A good estate agent should have wellorganised open days as part of their sales toolkit, and should be well-versed in running them. Typically, the estate agent hosts the viewings but sellers can also show the property themselves if the open day is part of a larger coordinated event. If it’s the latter, the agent should coach owners on how best to present the property on the day and also how to potentially handle several viewers in the house at the same time.

However, these events are not simply something that should be deployed always: any promotional activity should be matched to the requirements of individual sellers, the expectations of buyers and the current market conditions. Above all, everything should be part of an agreed marketing plan that can attract the right buyers and create the right conditions for the best sale.

Why not visit our website to see which properties are taking part in our Open Viewing Day on Saturday 3rd August.

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.

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Mackie

&Brechin:

progressive healthcare, personal touch With 60% of veterinary practices in the UK now owned by large corporate entities, genuinely independent vets who are invested in their communities are increasingly rare.

Over the past few years, local vets one by one have been offered tempting deals to sell their practices, and ownership is quietly transferred to one of just six corporates in the UK. Part of the strategy has been to make sure they continue to appear local so that customers are not aware.

Mackie & Brechin, with surgeries in Kirkliston and Linlithgow, have resolutely refused this business model. They are one of very few independent practices left, dedicated to maintaining the traditional values of a community vet whilst remaining at the forefront of best practice with investment in training, equipment and facilities.

What does this mean for you when choosing a vet for your beloved four-legged family member?

“For us, it’s about direct accountability. We are up-front; nothing is hidden behind a corporate

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entity,” explains Niall Dickson, one of the three partner vets at Mackie and Brechin. “The owners live and work here, we are directly accountable to our customers, and we really care.”

It’s clear that the whole team here cares deeply about customers and their beloved pets. Having nailed their colours to the mast in terms of resisting corporate takeover, they are passionate about providing the very best care in all aspects of your pet’s health. With a combined experience of 130 years between them, the partner and assistant vets, plus dedicated nursing, management and reception teams, all work together so that from the moment you walk through the door you can be sure you are in the very best hands. Pamela Hinton is the practice manager, and explains, “We know how much people’s pets mean to them and understand how stressful it can be to choose a vet who you can trust with their care.

That’s why we welcome questions and will always take time to speak to people about any concerns.

Being approachable and accountable are part of our core values.”

Behind the scenes, the vets routinely discuss cases and share advice to ensure they are making the best decisions as a whole. With a very low turnover of vets, nurses and other staff, you will get to know the whole team over time, so if you particularly want to see the same vet for each visit, they will do their best to accommodate this. The practice has a strong focus on preventative healthcare, with their flagship Pet Healthcare Plan which includes regular comprehensive check-ups, vaccines, and a host of other benefits designed to keep your pet in the best possible health and identifying any problems early.

Continually investing in the latest equipment and training, the practice facilities include a state-of-the-art in-house laboratory, diagnostic imaging, anaesthetic monitoring and surgical facilities. “At the same time, if a problem or condition is outwith our expertise and requires a specialist consultant, we will discuss it with the owners and set realistic expectations,” explains Niall. “If seeing a specialist is outwith your budget, we’ll discuss options for what we can do in-house; the most important thing is that you are fully informed and given all the information needed to be able to make a decision.”

Mackie & Brechin was originally a mixed practice with mostly agricultural clients, set up by David Mackie’s grandfather after the First World War, and servicing a large area from Falkirk to the Borders. As the central belt developed the practice naturally moved to specialising in small animals. They still have clients from a wide area, thanks to word of mouth recommendations and their long-standing reputation, and people bring their pets from all areas of Edinburgh and the Lothians, Central Region and Fife to the Kirkliston

and Linlithgow practices. Niall became a partner alongside David in 2010 and was joined in 2017 by long term vets Geoff and Simon when David retired. Together they have built on the core practice values to continually improve, invest and to offer a premium quality service.

Choosing a vet can be difficult especially if you have recently moved into the area and don’t necessarily have a network to make recommendations for you, but with Mackie and Brechin you can be sure that their long history and reputation speaks for itself.

Please thoroughly explore in more detail on their website at www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk or contact them for a chat: Tel.: 0131 333 3203 Email: reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after visiting Mackie and Brechin in Kirkliston and speaking with Niall Dickson BVM&S GP CERT (Small Animal Medicine) MRCVS and Practice Manager Pamela Hinton.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.

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We were photographing foxes a few weeks ago and looking back through the images, it resurfaced a memory from our childhood. We were obsessed with the Animals of Farthing wood, whether it was the book, TV series or magazine, it was a huge deal for us and was probably what really sparked our love for wildlife.

Thinking about the storyline of the book, it somewhat predicted the future and the challenges wildlife has faced because of humans. For those unfamiliar with the premise, it follows a group of animals forced to move from their home, Farthing Wood, because humans were clearing the land to make way for houses. The book tracks their journey as they seek out a new home at a nature reserve called White Deer Park.

Listening back to the theme tune whilst writing this has given me a wonderful sense of nostalgia for when we raced home from school, ready to watch the next episode or devour the next issue of the magazine.

This vixen has done incredibly well to raise a beautiful family of four very healthy cubs, despite having a visible limp. We’ve been back to see them since I took this shot and the 28 | LINLITHGOW

group has nearly doubled in size. We couldn’t believe it when there were eight or nine foxes charging around, which now included a dog fox aka Dad, we suspect.

Did you know that foxes can retract their claws like a cat? I didn’t. Every day’s a school day!

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

So you’ve decided to get a puppy! Now you need to find a reputable breeder in order to avoid the cruel puppy farm industry and ensure your new member of the family doesn’t come with a myriad of health and other problems.

Check any breeder is registered with their local council (on the council website) and if they claim to be Kennel Club registered, check they actually are. Don’t buy an animal from social media.

There is a ban on third-party sales of puppies under six months – they must be sold directly from the breeder or rehomed from a shelter.

They must also be sold from the place they were born so make sure you see

the location the pup was born in and the mother, father and any siblings.

Ask to see the breeder’s licence, insurance cover and proof of health certificates for the parents – don’t take their word that they exist. Reputable breeders won’t mind this nor you asking lots of questions. There shouldn’t be several litters available at the same time especially of different breeds.

If you are buying a pedigree, make sure the breeder has had health tests on the parents for any genetic conditions common to the breed. Again, ask to see the actual paperwork.

Puppies should not be sold under eight weeks old and should be microchipped.

Most of all, trust your gut instinct – if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com

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flowering now clip them back to encourage new growth.

have a crop EVERGREEN HERBS ARE Ifofyou new potatoes in garden try our ALMOST TOO GOOD TO EAT! the Crushed Potato

This pot of herbs will still be looking great in the winter, the evergreen ones will still be pickable but the pot will give so much pleasure sitting on a sunny patio as well.

There is still time this month to create your own potful of herbs!

Choose evergreen herbs like Rosemary, Parsley, Lemon Variegated Thyme and Purple Sage. Our pot has also got an Alpine Strawberry, French Tarragon, Golden Marjoram and a clump of Chives. All herbs we like to use in cooking and flower arranging.

If you already have your own herbs in pots they would enjoy a liquid feed a couple of times this month and if they have finished

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Salad.

Boil unpeeled new potatoes until tender, drain and crush roughly with a fork and add 4 tbsp white wine and return to heat for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, a thinly sliced red onion and 3 tbsp mixed herbs – parsley, chervil, chives and mint (from a separate pot to control its spreading!). Serve warm.

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

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

I love collecting local ephemera – that is memorabilia, usually printed, meant for a short-term purpose.

Take this telegram, for example, sent in 1938 using the telegraph cable which linked the UK and India, first created in the 1860s.

The message was sent by Victor Alexander John Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow, when he was Viceroy of India (pictured). Its recipient was John Anderson, a Scottish politician, born in Edinburgh in 1882.

He was educated at George Watson’s College (where he was dux of the school) and Edinburgh University, before entering the Civil Service. In 1932, he was appointed Governor of Bengal and sailed out to India where he was met by the Marquess of Linlithgow with whom he developed a close relationship.

In January 1938, he returned to Britain and was elected as an MP representing the Scottish Universities – an event for which he was congratulated in the aforementioned telegram. Anderson went on to serve in the cabinet during World War Two - being primarily responsible for evacuation and civil defence. One of his contributions was the promotion of a metal structure which could be buried in the garden as a protection against bomb blast – the Anderson shelter.

ABOVE: An unused Anderson shelter put to use as a garden shed in Preston Crescent.

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The second piece of local ephemera is this 1908 invoice from George Gillespie (right) who operated his Ironmongery establishment at 68 High Street – now the home of Costa Coffee.

Looking at the elaborate invoice heading, it would appear that the shop certainly catered for a wide variety of goods and services!

The statement records the purchase of two oilskin coats bought for workers employed by the Town Council Cleansing Department.

The last item is a postcard (below) sent from St Michael’s Hospital to Topsy Johnson in the Royal Hospital, Weymouth.

It was posted in April 1916 when Linlithgow’s local hospice was being used as an emergency quarantine treatment centre for soldiers brought home from the fighting in France with unknown illnesses caused by the dreadful, insanitary conditions in the trenches.

On the other side of the card is a photo of the hospital - a building which served the town for many years but whose future is now sadly uncertain.

This article was contributed by Bruce Jamieson who, from September to December, is continuing his monthly, fully illustrated Zoom Presentations on topics of local history. For full information contact Bruce on: bruceajamieson@ yahoo.com

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LIFE COACHING

We have all become used to the zoom and teams meetings that are now a daily part of our lives and working remotely or from home has become the norm.

Outside of our working lives, this increase in the use of screen time has changed how many of us relate to other people and some important relationships that used to be face to face have become digitised. Online dating has become more prevalent and the old way of meeting future partners in pubs and clubs or just by chance is no longer the norm.

These new ways of working and socialising can very easily take over more and more of our lives if we are not careful but setting a tech curfew at a certain time every day could make a real difference to all our lives.

For those who can’t bear the thought of missing a message or an email, the aim of this detox is not to cut off our relationship with technology but to set limits on the connection to our screens. Young people will be able to go home from school at the end of the day and leave the people they don’t want to be permanently connected to behind them and the rest of us can simply disconnect from the pressures of work and working relationships.

Best of all, disconnecting our devices doesn’t mean that we are going to miss anything important. Unless we have decided to go and live in a cave someone will definitely tell us if anything of life shattering importance has happened that we need to know about.

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

Chinese film noirs are not the genre of films I would associate with the country, but in all honesty my preconceived bias on what China produces might be out of tune.

Taking place in rural China in the 90’s, Only the River Flows follows Ma Zhe, a detective who must solve the murder of a woman. It has a culprit that at face value seems obvious, but Ma Zhe wants to delve deeper into the case and uncover the truth. The film takes huge swings, takes risks and tests its audience.

While I do not think that every moment works, I loved how it never played anything safe. It plays with your idea of how a murder mystery should play out and takes you on a journey which from the opening moments is truly gripping, pulls you in and never lets you go till the credit roll.

The film is confidently directed by Wei Shujun, who showcases a directing style that is unique and has a true voice to it. There are many shots that, even days after seeing the film, are ingrained in my head and have stuck with me psychologically in very distinctive and unexplainable ways. My biggest issue with the film is the choices made in the latter half. It left me wanting more, I just wanted to have the cherry on top. Only the River Flows is a solid thriller and worth the watch.

Exclusively in cinemas from 16 August 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.

LINLITHGOW | 35

JULY CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*SORRY!

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU XX ON PAGE 11

JULY CROSSWORD* O O P S SATURDAY 3RD AUG Meet the Bees O Join the Muiravonside beekeepers to discover the R amazing world of honey bees and have a chance to see W RourObee N G hives up close! Please note the meadow path is a little steep Y and uneven in places. Not suitable for those with bee sting allergies. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children under 6. Muiravonside Country Park, 1pm. £4.28, tickets/info via www.falkirkleisureandculture.org/ whats-on

WEEKENDS THROUGH THE SUMMER Canal Cruises Aqueduct cruises run from the Linlithgow Union Canal centre on Saturdays and Sundays until 29th September (except 4th *SORRY! August) 2½ hour cruise from the canal basin in Linlithgow to A technical errorCanal meant that the Avon Aqueduct, which carries the Union overlast the month’s was tallest printed in with River Avon. The Avon Aqueduct is thecrossword longest and the wrong puzzle board.

Scotland and the second longest in Britain. £13 Adult, £11 Concession, £7 Child. Information and booking online via SOLUTION TO SUDOKU www.lucs.org.uk ON PAGE XX TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST Dirty Dancing at Bo’ness Hippodrome First fundraiser for Bo’ness Fair Day 2025! Fair Day film nights are back, with a fundraising screening of Dirty Dancing. Relive the magic of this classic film at 7pm at the Hippodrome Cinema. Tickets at tikt.link/bfddirtydancing SATURDAY 10TH AND SUNDAY 11TH AUGUST Pop up Market At Youthspace (LYPP), hosted by Art of Morrow. Work from local artists and small makers, including artwork, homewares and jewellery, home baking and other sweet treats.

Youthspace, 29 The Vennel, Linlithgow, 10am - 4pm

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SUNDAY 18TH AUGUSTthe publisher.

Publisher:& Lothian Publications Ltd. Summer Concert for baritone piano House, Kirkton North, Livingston, Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild.Geddes Baritone Findlay Peters from West Lothian EH54 6GU. Glasgow’s RCS. “He has a voice that can only be described Design: as enchanting and mesmerizingMagazine – when Alan StewartFindlay Design sings you don’t want him to stop.” (BBC Radio 3,911858 2022). The T: 07729

accompanist is Sandy Ronnie. A selection of classical, Scottish and popular music.

2.00 pm at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Linithgow.

Free entry, but we will invite donations at the door.

THURSDAY 29TH AUGUST 2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade Enrolment Night - Held at Cross House (via the Vennel car park) between 6.30-7.30pm. If you would like further information, please contact us at 2linlithgow@boys-brigade.org.uk SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Linlithgow Antique Vintage and Collectors Fair - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 6JA. Early entry 9am £2.

Public entry 10am - 3pm £1. Ample free parking, disabled access,on site catering. Procceds in support of Linlithgow Museum 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.

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

WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE CHILDREN - A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face.

We meet up at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445 WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Primary School (from midAugust to May). 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 10-12noon 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 LINLITHGOW | 37

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 7.00pm-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 semiretired 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 38 | LINLITHGOW

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/West-Lothianu3a-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 (termtime) 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.