Konect Linlithgow December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

COMMUNITY: GARDEN PROJECT:

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s we head into the festive season, I’d like to thank all the businesses, local expert contributors and organisations who have been part of another wonderful 11 issues of Konect in 2023.

Always focusing on making things better, some of the topics we’ve covered this year include foraging for wild food, local clubs including West Lothian Netters, organic veggie boxes for a good cause, support for veterans with sight loss, the local blood donation centre, coping with baby loss, tackling loneliness for older people in the community, and making sure every child goes to school with a warn coat, thanks to West Lothian School Bank. We’ve touched on localg history, some lovely walks and wonderful wildlife photos; we’ve shared local job opportunities, and much more.

To round off the year, we revisit Blood Bikes Scotland for our charity feature. Run entirely by volunteers from within our local communities, they operate throughout West Lothian and beyond. With the NHS under so much strain, Blood Bikes Scotland provide it with an incredibly valuable support service. See pages 8-9 and please consider a wee donation.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.

THIS ISSUE Charity: Blood Bikes Scotland..................... 8 Living Well: Dementia at Christmas.........10 History: George Washington Wilson........14 Garden: Indoor festive displays................18 Property Matters: How long has it been on the market?..............................................20 Local Environment: An early invasion......26 Vety’s Tip: Christmas Stress......................27 Film Review: Chicken Run - Dawn of the Nugget...........................................................28 Life Coaching: Christmas Cheer!.............28 Community: Linlithgow Rotary Tree of Light...............................................................29 What’s On......................................................30 Clubs & Classes..........................................31

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When Blood Bikes Scotland were asked to help with the urgent transport of medication from Birmingham to Dundee, they were part of a critical relay operation to save a life with a ground-breaking treatment.

The cargo was an extraordinary medication consisting of donated human faeces, a lifesaving treatment called a faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) which is used to tackle really serious cases of C-difficile. The assignment illustrates very well much of Blood Bikes Scotland’s work - sometimes unglamorous, but absolutely essential.

Blood Bikes Scotland (BBS) is a voluntary organisation which supports the NHS by transporting, free of charge, blood and other test samples from wards to laboratories. They also deliver medication to patients’ homes, and support GPs, District Nurses, care homes and community hospitals with transport of small, urgent items.

“Behind every journey made on the bikes, there’s a patient – someone is waiting for a critical test result, medication, equipment or urgent medical notes,” explains David O’Rourke, Threemiletown resident and Operations Manager at Blood Bikes

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Scotland. And the many thousands of journeys not only save the NHS a significant amount of money, but mean the fast transport network is in place to help save lives, as in the case of the FMT relay.

The bikes can get through traffic quickly – especially useful during rush hours – so they can get pathology samples to labs quickly, or urgent medication to patients who need it. Other items needing transport include surgical instruments and, believe it or not, physical files of patient notes or x-rays urgently needed by medics.

While speed is of the essence for much of their work, the biggest benefit is cost avoidance for the NHS. By being on-call to provide transport free of charge, BBS saves the NHS a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on their own vehicles and drivers, external courier services and taxis.

Blood Bikes Scotland cover the Lothians, Forth Valley, Borders, Fife and Tayside, where they have service level agreements in place with each of the NHS Boards. Sister organisations support NHS Boards elsewhere in Scotland and the UK, and they all work together in relays when necessary to cover long distances.

Whilst not blue-light vehicles, the incredible value of the service provided by blood bikes is formally recognised in that, like the emergency services, their vehicles are exempt from road tax.

Riders are out in all weather conditions. A fleet of 15 motorcycles is supplemented by five cars to transport larger equipment (although they have been known to strap a walking frame to the back of a motorcycle on one occasion when it was urgently needed!) The motorcycles are modified to allow larger loads to be carried, with panniers and a tray on most of them. The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB) have recently negotiated with Yamaha to build

* All figures relate to financial year 2022/2023

custom, manufacturer-approved bikes so, like police bikes, they come from the factory ready to ride. The custom bikes are based on the Yamaha Tracer 9GT, and Blood Bikes Scotland will be progressively expanding their use. The fleet also includes one Zero electric motorbike suitable for short fast runs.

A team of 188 volunteer riders and controllers works 70 operational shifts per week across the five regions. BBS delivers its service 7 days a week, including public holidays, and in 2022/23 they received 7796 requests for transport and saved the NHS over a quarter of a million pounds – money that can be used directly for frontline services instead.

Volunteer riders, controllers and everyone involved provides the service completely free of charge.

It’s a fundamental principle of BBS Scotland since its inception that no-one takes a salary.

The monthly overhead for the charity of running the bikes 365 days a year (tyres, insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs) is around £6000*. The service is entirely dependent on donations from the public, grant bodies and corporate sponsors; they take nothing from the NHS or Scottish Government, so they are grateful for every single donation. You can raise money for Blood Bikes Scotland while shopping online, completely free of charge to you – see the sidebox for details.

They were once once called on to take a teddy bear to a distraught little girl in the Royal Edinburgh Hospital who had left it behind and was unable to settle. Teddy promptly arrived by motorcycle (which was on its way anyway with other jobs for the hospital) to the great relief of the girl, her parents and the nurses. There are some things whose value you just can’t measure.

GIVE AS YOU LIVE – free and easy way to raise money Shop with a huge number of retailers via Give as You Live, and a percentage of your purchase value is donated to BBS. Please see www.giveasyoulive.com/ join/bloodbikesscotland Direct donations are also welcome from the public and businesses. See ways to donate at www.bloodbikesscotland.co.uk/donate

VOLUNTEER! Volunteers are always welcome to join the current team of 188 volunteers covering the area including the Lothians, from Tayside and Fife to the Borders and as far west as Forth Valley. Riders need an advanced riding qualification.

Non-riding volunteers are also welcome; every shift needs a Controller, the point of contact between the NHS and the riders.

Please contact BBS at the details below.

For more information see: www.bloodbikesscotland.co.uk Blood Bikes Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC049314.

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LIVING WELL

The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but for someone with dementia it can be a confusing, stressful, and challenging time.

To help, we have created a list of simple yet impactful ways to support a loved one with dementia over the Christmas period.

Create Familiarity: Introduce changes slowly, decorating with familiar ornaments and maintaining a consistent holiday routine where possible. A familiar environment can provide comfort and reduce anxiety for someone with dementia.

Sensory-friendly Celebrations: Opt for soft lighting, gentle music, and minimize noise.

Creating a calm atmosphere can help prevent sensory overload and ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Simple, Meaningful Activities: Engage in activities that hold sentimental value.

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Wrapping presents, listening to holiday music, or reminiscing with photo albums can spark positive memories and connections.

Mindful Socialising: Keep gatherings small and intimate to avoid overwhelming your loved one.

Provide a quiet space where they can retreat if needed.

Focus on the Positives: Think about what you can do together rather than what you can’t.

Remind visitors not to turn things in to a memory test (e.g. “who am I?” or “can you remember who gave you that gift?”) and refrain from correcting or arguing with the person Patience and Flexibility: Understand that plans may need to be adjusted. Be patient and flexible, adapting activities to your loved one’s comfort level and energy.

If you need help or advice over the festive period, you can contact Alzheimer Scotland on their 24-hour Helpline: 0808 808 3000.

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

GEORGE WASHINGTON WILSON This lovely, hand-coloured, glass lantern slide of Linlithgow is the work of eminent Scottish photographer, George Washington Wilson.

It depicts some fascinating details of the burgh in 1886 including the tower of St Michael’s Church which had lost its stone crown just sixty years before. In front of it, with the bell tower and red-pantiled roof, is the town’s Grammar School – in which Linlithgow lads had been taught for hundreds of years. Sadly, it was to burn down just 16 years later.

To the right, the building with the twin towers, and a triangular pediment is the newly built property of butcher John Meikle. To the extreme left, the back of the Victoria Hall is just visible. It had just been opened the year before, in honour of the Golden Jubilee of the queen.

George Washington Wilson was born in Alvah, Banffshire, in 1823 and, after an excellent, if brief, education at a school near Turriff, he left home at the age of 12 to train as a carpenter. After a few years, he decided to take up portrait painting, setting up a business in Aberdeen catering for local, wealthy families.

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In 1852 he branched out into portrait photography, notably being invited to Balmoral to photograph the royal family.

By the 1860s he was producing annually over 150,000 photographic images of hundreds of sites across Scotland, working in a studio which eventually employed 15 men, 21 women, two boys and two girls.

Included among his pictures was one of Linlithgow Palace showing a Russian cannon captured by a British naval expedition to Bomarsund during the Crimean War. It probably arrived in Linlithgow thanks to the influence of the Falkirkborn commander of the enterprise, Admiral Sir Charles Napier. Sadly, it was taken away during World War Two to be melted down.

On March 9th, 1893, the photographic business became a limited company and, on that very same day, George Washington Wilson unexpectedly died, aged seventy.

The company finally ceasing trading in 1908 and eventually some 40,000 glass plate negatives were given to Aberdeen University Library which ten years ago placed every image on to an accessible, digital website.

This article was contributed by local historian Bruce Jamieson

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Using waterproof bowls, like old chamber pots, or brass jelly pans, its is easy and fun to create your own indoor display.

We always put a 2cm layer of fine gravel in the bottom to hold any excess water. Then fill up with a houseplant compost and you’re ready to go.

If you are including candles a tall pillar candle sitting on the gravel is the safest choice to avoid it falling over. The main plants we use are Hyacinth bulbs (the ones in these pictures are the festive/Roman variety where each bulb has several fragrant flowers, smaller than the usual large single fragrant flowers from forced regular hyacinth bulbs; short Tete a Tete daffodils; Christmas Rose Verboom; ivy plants. To decorate the top of

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the display use moss (rake out some from your lawn!), pebbles or small fir cones.

The flowers last longer if you keep them in a cool light position so think about moving them in and out of warm and cool rooms to suit your festive entertaining. Water when the compost feels dry.

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

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

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“How Long Has It Been On The Market?”

One of the first things a buyer will ask an estate agent when offered a property is, “How long has it been on the market?” and with good reason.

Buying a property is a large transaction and it takes courage to commit to undertake such an apparently huge decision – often with very little support other than pure instinct.

One of the most persuasive and apparently reliable indications as to the suitability of a property is to check out whether other people have expressed an interest. There is great comfort in knowing that you are not the only one who would like to buy the property.

Once people hear that others have expressed an interest, then everyone seems to want the property, as the power of “social proof” kicks in. This competition can often stimulate a quick sale at a high price, and usually occurs when a property is attractively priced in relation to other properties available for sale and is new to market.

Of course the opposite is also true. When the price of a property is overly ambitious, the

excitement that should surround a property that is new on the market is reduced, and it can begin to go stale. This is when nobody has made an offer and the property is seen to be repeatedly advertised. When buyers find out that it is no longer new on the market they think “Well nobody else wanted it – perhaps we are making a mistake.”

So our advice would be to position your property as one of the best available in its price range from day one. This will prompt interest and encourage asking price offers from qualified buyers. Under your agent’s advice, you should then have a choice of buyer, resulting in a fast, reliable, sale at the highest price the market will pay.

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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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Well, I didn’t expect to be writing about waxwings arriving on our shores so early in the season but here we are! Over the last few weeks, there’s been an irruption of these stunning birds across the U.K., which is much earlier than usual.

The ones I’ve photographed in Edinburgh arrive like clockwork to the same street, at roughly the same time each year (if my Facebook memories are anything to go by) but this is more than a month before that date.

Every few years there’s a boom in numbers and it’s usually because the crop of berries has been poor in Scandinavia and Russia.

Instead, they’re over here feasting on rowan berries of all colours in some of the most random places. This was taken behind Tesco in Dunblane (wildlife photography is very glamorous), although there have been some in Edinburgh, Livingston, and Bathgate. The biggest flock has been seen in Elgin, with one video showing numbers exceeding 500! That would be a sight for the eyes and a treat for the ears, to see them wheeling around or chattering at the tops of trees.

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Eating between 800-1000 berries a day the bohemian waxwings can get drunk on berries which have over fermented and flocks have been known to simultaneously hit windows on their drunken adventures around town.

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, it’s because of the little flashes of colour on their wings, which resemble wax. Easy!

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

Christmas can be a pretty stressful time for everyone but we humans have one advantage over our pets – we know why and for how long routines have changed.

For our pets though the whole Christmas upheaval can be an anxious time. Last year at Westport we saw some pets showing behaviour changes and stress around the Christmas tree and presents – in these cases this was actually because their owners had moved the pet’s bed to put the Christmas tree up in Its place and added presents below it. Pets consider the location of their beds as well as the bed itself to be their personal space so when the animal could no longer go and rest in their space they became stressed. And adding items into their usual space which they couldn’t have – i.e. the presents – was conflicting and confusing.

It is important that pets have a safe personal space to rest in and this should remain the same, particularly during busy times. Make sure visitors know where your pet’s personal space is and if your pet gets anxious with visitors, consider meeting somewhere else or seeing people while out on your dog’s walk – some pets are happier meeting people outside first.

Try to keep their toilet, feeding and exercise routine the same and consider safety gates if they need to be kept out of an area – this allows them to still see what’s going on.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 27

LIFE COACHING

Aardman has created gems over the years. The Wrong Trousers is a true classic of stop-motion. Every time we get to the train scene, I cannot help but be enthralled by the creative set piece.

This creativity continued into the first Chicken Run film. It’s a fun, unique and great film in Aardman’s filmography. But in the year 2023, the quality of animation especially family-friendly animation has skyrocketed in quality. This year alone we had Puss in Boots: The Last Wish which was an incredible piece of art.

So, heading into Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the long-awaited sequel to the original, I had high expectations. Leaving the film, I’m more confused than anything.

On the one hand, it is a beautiful film with bright and colourful stop-motion animation that is some of the best I’ve seen in years.

And certain scenes had me grinning from ear to ear. When this film works it’s a great time.

On the other hand, there are many story beats I found to be lazy and poorly written.

Some of the story is riddled with cliches that I feel 15 years ago would have got a pass but now I feel like it screams the writers do not know how to write child characters. At the end of the day, the film comes out just before Christmas and honestly, it’s worth a watch during the festive period - while I found it lacklustre it might be fun with the whole family.

Available on

from 15th December

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 recent years the true meaning of Christmas seems to have been lost.

The quest to find that perfect gift or to see people that we haven’t spent any time with over the previous twelve months can overshadow everything else.

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that everyone else is having a much better time than we are and that we are missing out on something that others are enjoying. This is made worse by the version of reality that we see in television adverts, in glossy magazines or on social media.

This time of year can be anxiety inducing for everyone, but there are some positive and supportive things we can all do that allows us to shift our focus to the positive aspects of the season and let go of the bits that make us anxious.

Creating a relaxing and comfortable environment around ourselves and our families is one of the best things we can ever do for ourselves and those we love and this is even more true over the festive season.

We might decide to wear something sparkly for the whole of December or put on our comfiest pyjamas and watch box sets at every spare moment for days on end.

Whatever we decide we want to do, clearly seeing an image of the Christmas we want to create in our minds and doing what we need to do to achieve that can be the first steps towards a holiday season that is truly enjoyable for us and for everyone around us.

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

Linlithgow’s

Rotary Tree of Light Rotary is all about helping communities wherever they are in the world but most especially locally. The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange are once again supporting local charitable organisations with its Rotary Tree of Light festive fund raising initiative and are hoping for the support of the townsfolk of Linlithgow and surrounding areas.

The town’s Christmas tree at Linlithgow Cross, placed right at the very heart of the community, will provide a focal point for both remembrance and celebration.

First and foremost, the tree is a tree of remembrance - a beacon of light and hope in the bleakest of circumstances for some who look on Christmas with trepidation and even despair.

The tree can also be a tree of celebration — perhaps of a friend or family member past or present, or to celebrate a milestone event such as a significant anniversary or birthday, or even a new arrival.

For those that wish it, the names of the people who are to be acknowledged and the tributes written are displayed on panels encircling the base of the tree as well as on the dedicated Tree of Light website.

The Club hopes that the big-hearted folks of Linlithgow will once again help raise a significant amount for various organisations working locally. This year, the Club are proud to be able to promote and support the following charitable causes •

River Kids is a West Lothian based children’s charity that supports disadvantaged children and their families by providing the children with opportunities to reach their full potential through educational, financial and emotional support, and volunteering and employment opportunities. They also deliver the West Lothian Toy Appeal.

• Linlithgow & District Day Care Centre is a charity supporting frail, elderly people living in Linlithgow and the surrounding area with varying degrees of dementia.

They provide relief for the family or carer, as well as a meeting place for groups and

individuals to preserve their health and wellbeing.

•

Quiet Waters provides counselling and bereavement support services to help those in need find a constructive way forward with their problems. They provide face-to-face counselling sessions. Other services include bereavement listening services, a partnership with HM Prison Stirling, and the provision of training for their volunteers and external agencies.

The Benevolent Fund of The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange will be able to disburse any Gift Aid received from these donations to all these good causes.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Alan Steel Asset Management, Pacitti Jones, Stewart Electrical, and Cala Homes East, every penny of every pound of public donations goes to the designated charities.

The event runs from the end of November until the end of December. Dedication packs can be found at a variety of shops along the High Street and other locations in and around Linlithgow. Look out for the Tree of Light posters displayed around the town. Forms can also be downloaded from the website at linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk where there are instructions on what to do. Donations can also be made online via Jumblebee at jumblebee. co.uk/linlithgowsrotarytreeoflight More information can be found at linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk or on Facebook at Facebook/LinlithgowTreeOfLight

This article was contributed by Allan M Robertson, The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange administration@linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk LINLITHGOW | 29

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER Christmas Craft Market - With Muiravonside Community Growing Area. Come along for some Christmas shopping at our festive market. We will have stalls from a variety of local crafters, selling beautiful homemade items including original artwork, candles and jewellery. No booking required. 11.00am - 3.00pm at Muiravonside Country Park SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER Sing a song of Christmas - Come and hear the Linlithgow Ladies Choir “Sing a song of Christmas”. St Michael ‘s Church, 4.00pm. Entry is by donation (cash or card accepted). We look forward to entertaining you and hope you enjoy our Sing a song for Christmas programme.

SATURDAY 16TH AND 23RD DECEMBER Christmas Tree Festival, Winchburgh Church - The Big Opening is at 11.00am on the 16th with Santa arriving at his Grotto, with carols from Winchburgh Community Choir at 12noon.

Teas, coffees and Christmas goodies. 11.00am-3.00pm, with local schools, Guides and Brownies, and community groups of all ages taking part. More on our Facebook page (Pardovan Kingscavil & Winchburgh Church) and on our posters.

DAILY UNTIL 7TH JANUARY 2024 Scotland’s Rock Art - Pre-historic Rock Art is one of Scotland’s greatest mysteries. This exhibition drawn from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, looks to trace its connections through time and place. Exhibition at Blackness Castle, included in usual opening times and entry fee. www.historicenvironment.scot 17TH, 19TH AND 20TH JANUARY Pantomime! Cinderella by the Linlithgow Players - A magical family pantomime to brighten up January days, complete with a host of local references. Linlithgow Players are joined by dancers from the Central Scotland Ballet School. Linlithgow Academy Theatre on Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th January 7 pm and Saturday 20th January 2.30 pm. Tickets £14 adult and £8 child (16 and under). Opening night offer is £10 adult and £8 child. Tickets via www.linlithgowplayers.org.uk, Far from the Madding Crowd or Box Office 07849 448999.

SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY Scottish Sinfonia - Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. A programme of Wagner, Mendelssohn and Dvorak.

St Michael’s Parish Church, EH49 6AL Tickets: £16, U26 £6, Children free. Also included in Linlithgow Arts Guild Season Ticket. www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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ACROSS: 1. Trumpet, 5. Cycle, 8. Luckier, 9. Attic, 10. Sweet, 11. Worship, 12. Expire, 14. Teases, 17. Tobacco, 19. Conch, 22. Rules, 23. Caravan, 24. Discs, 25. Destroy.

DOWN: 1. Tells, 2. Uncle, 3. Painter, 4. Thrown, 5. Chair, 6. Catches, 7. Escapes, 12. Entered, 13. Pebbles, 15. Escorts, 16. Forced, 18. Casts, 20. Never, 21. Handy.

SORRY, NO SUDOKU PUZZLE THIS MONTH

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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.

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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

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.

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