Konect Linlithgow July 2024

JULY 2024

LOCAL PEOPLE: LOCAL HISTORY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

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here is plenty going on locally this summer for all the family, including cycling sessions for primary school aged children, ideas for pet-loving kids in the Vet’s Tip this month, and events such as Art in the Garden at New Hopetoun Gardens (always worth a visit). The next open day at Almondell Model Engineering is on 3rd August – see the What’s On page.

If you’re looking for Edinburgh Fringe recommendations for next month, why not support local artists from Linlithgow who have a show at the Fringe – see page 30 for details.

The local history article touches on local trip and travel planning Victorian-style, and all our regular columns are here too.

Whether you’re staying home or going away for the holidays, I hope you have a lovely summer.

Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

History: The Road through Linlithgow............. 8 Living Well: Keeping elderly parents well at home..........................................................14 Puzzles....................................................................16 Life Coaching: Summertime Blues.................16 Speakers Club......................................................21 Garden Project: Visiting Gardens...................24 Local Environment: What are you saying?..28 Vets Tip: Kids’ summer fun with pets............29 Fringe Connections.............................................30 Local People.........................................................31 What’s On..............................................................32 Film Review: The Fall Guy.................................33

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all readers a fantastic summer, home or away

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

THE ROAD THROUGH LINLITHGOW

- TRAVEL PLANNING IN A DIFFERENT ERA I recently came across a delightful book called “The Contour Road Book of Scotland,” published around 1899 and heralding itself as an “entirely new departure in Mapping.”

From using the stars and terrain for directions, through to GPS in our pockets accurate to within a couple of metres (and including up to the minute traffic conditions), the issue of mapping, travel planning and generally finding one’s way around is one that has been in constant evolution for millennia.

The Contour Road Book of Scotland gives a fascinating insight into one moment in time in this evolution, and a glimpse of what was important to the traveller in Scotland of 1899. Aimed it seems particularly at cyclists, it explains, “There are numerous Road Maps in existence, but everyone has felt that even the best of these do not convey much more than a general idea of the course of a road, while the Road Books, however detailed they may be, can only give a very vague indication of the profile.”

Linlithgow has been on a main route for centuries. The Avon at Linlithgow Bridge was first forded in the Middle Ages, when there would have been rough tracks. Over the centuries, Linlithgow developed into a well-resourced stopping place between Edinburgh and Stirling as well as a royal destination in its own right.

From the 1700s major roads in Scotland were constructed as toll or turnpike roads, managed by Turnpike Trusts. Contractors were appointed for construction, and ‘roadmen’ employed for maintenance including shifting horse manure into piles in little stone laybys. Constant upkeep 8 | LINLITHGOW

was needed, and just as now, budgets were always a concern. Linlithgow was on one of the three main turnpike routes between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the 18th century, which passed through Falkirk and Kirkintilloch. The Star and Garter, Westport Hotel and The Bridge Inn were all at different times coaching inns with accommodation for horses. The New Statistical Account of 1845 records that the roads in Linlithgow parish, about seven miles of which were turnpike roads, were in “good order, and the funds of the trusts are in a better state than most, having but a small amount of debt.”

As of 1899, the road from Edinburgh to Stirling is described in the Coutour Road Book as: “Class I. A very fine road to Kirkliston, then not quite so good as far as Linlithgow. From thence to Larbert and Plean is exceedingly good, but from this point the road is much poorer into Stirling.

The road is paved, and rough, through Linlithgow and Falkirk.” I particularly like the entry for the Linlithgow to Queensferry road, described simply as: “a number of curious and very confusing turns.”

any given town. This was a few decades before most towns had electric street lighting. There are tables of rates for taking your bike on the train, ferry timetables including pier charges, and heights of principal mountains and road passes.

364 roads throughout Scotland are described, organised by departure and destination main towns or cities. There is a brief subjective description of the road, its surface condition, a drawing of the hill profile along it, distances to main stops, location of inns and hotels, and a note of objects of interest along the way. It also includes a series of lamplighting tables, so that you could work out what time in the evening the lamplighter would be round in

The book has a series of adverts at the end, promoting other maps and guidebooks, rain wear, hotels and spas.

With highly accurate GPS, trip advisor, traffic updates and much more in our pockets, the experience of being lost is very different now to what it was. Certainly, trip planning is a very different experience, although concern about the state of the road surface is one thing that seems to have been a constant since the Romans left.

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor.

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LIVING WELL

to keep your elderly parents well at home We’ve all heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. While certain health issues may be unavoidable, in many cases early intervention can avoid a difficult situation.

It’s important not to view any deterioration in someone’s health as simply ‘getting old’.

Inactivity, missed appointments, depression, a poor appetite, as well as trips and falls are all warning signs that require attention.

• Doctors orders - It’s important to keep up with doctors’ appointments and other checkups such as hearing and eyesight. It can be helpful to have systems in place, such as calendars or reminders, to help the person remember things like appointments or when to take their medication.

• Keep physically and mentally active - With warmer weather now upon us, encourage simple exercise such as short walks or an activity

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like gardening, which can help to maintain muscle and flexibility while relieving stress.

• Maintain a healthy diet - Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Choose wholegrain options, include oily fish in your diet and cut down on sugary snacks.

• Keep hydrated - It’s important to keep hydrated as it is involved in many important functions including regulating body temperature, helping our brains to function, and helping to prevent constipation.

• Companionship - Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. Encourage your loved one to take part in local activities or one of the many communityrun social groups. Why not check out Home Instead’s “What’s on Where Guide” for ideas: www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian/whats-onwhere or contact us on 01506 346046.

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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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

LIFE COACHING

JULY CROSSWORD

We have all heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can be brought on by the lack of light in winter or is just a simple and natural reaction to long cold days. Few of us may have considered the very real concept of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer.

After all, aren’t we all meant to get excited at the prospect of sunny days and don’t we spend the months between Christmas and June longing for that special time of year?

Well it may surprise you to learn that, for many of us, the answer to those questions is a resounding NO!! ^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Well known (6), 4. Long curtains (6), 9. Grandparent (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Flavour (5), 12. Loosening (7), 13. Marvellous (11), 18. Season’s crop (7), 20. Star sign (5), 22. Bet (5), 23. One of the three r’s (7), 24. Go back (6), 25. Alcove (6).

DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 30

JULY SUDOKU

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Summer can have its own special stressors and so many reasons to feel bad about ourselves. We compare ourselves to those glossy magazine or social media images, look around us and see what we tell ourselves is ‘Everyone Else’ describing their exciting summer plans which look so much better than what we are going to be doing and we decide that what we are planing is never going to be good enough.

It’s important to remember that the only person we have to please is ourselves and trying to live up to what we think the summer holidays should look like, sunny weather, days is not a recipe for happy times.

Wouldn’t it be great to take the pressure off ourselves for once and for all and just decide to be kinder to ourselves? This year, let’s all have the summer that suits us and enjoy every moment we spend with our favourite people.

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 ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

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WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB

Become a better speaker, a better presenter and a better leader Q: Who are Winchburgh Speakers Club?

A: Winchburgh Speakers Club is formed of members of the local community and surrounding areas. The club is also part of the Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC). The club is run on a voluntary basis, with people who are brought together by their enthusiasm for speaking.

Q: What is the aim of the club?

A: The club’s aim is to bring people together from all walks of life and provide a safe space in which to practice public speaking, develop communication skills, conquer nerves, and help to support and build confidence in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Everyone attending has the opportunity to speak. This isn’t as scary as it sounds. Everyone who comes along is invited to participate in speaking by engaging in the fun activities that take place as part of the meeting programme. It doesn’t mean that everyone must prepare and deliver a speech at every meeting. Speeches are presented on a voluntary basis and only when members are ready to do so, and in line with the Speakers Guide.

Q: What can someone expect when they attend?

A: There is a standard agenda each week which sets out the format of the meeting and comprises of relatable, and easy to respond to, warm up activities and topics sessions which are quick, fun, and different each week. Speakers who have volunteered to deliver a speech are welcomed up during the meeting and offered the opportunity to speak. At the end of the speech members receive friendly constructive feedback, to help them learn and develop as a speaker while continuing their speaking journey.

Q: What can it help people with?

A: The simple answer is absolutely any situation where you speak and communicate, from; job promotions, presentations, speaking in college/work, speaking at weddings/retirals, volunteering, or communicating messages.

The possibilities are endless. It can help people to overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and be able to present positive well constructed feedback.

Q: What can members achieve while at the club?

A: Members are provided with a Speakers Guide which explains everything they need to know about the club, constructing speeches, and the development pathway.

The development pathway is CPD certified and allows members to choose how far they want to progress. There are three main stages of certificates of achievement, namely Foundation level, ASC achievement level, and diploma level.

Q: How can I get involved?

A: The club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at Winchburgh Primary School (subject to club holidays during June to August). Your first session is free, and membership fees equate to approx. £5 per meeting which are collected to cover the terms you are present for. If you are interested in coming along to find out more about the club, and/or would like to become a member contact us for further information either by email: president@winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/WinchburghSC LINLITHGOW | 21

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DE-STRESS THIS SUMMER

BY VISITING GARDENS We believe that here is no therapy quite like strolling around a lovely garden with a friend, the perfect de-stressing cure for feeling over stressed whether you are a gardener or not.

Lesley and I have just had a week in the Loire Valley doing just this and combined with great food and wine we are completely laid back now.

June is the change over month for the formal beds at Villandry; the Spring bedding in the beds in the foreground has been replanted with summer performers: courgettes, lettuces and chard. The beds in the middle are still to have their spring performers replaced: the red cabbages, borage and Iceberg lettuces will now be replaced.

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You don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the therapy, here at New Hopetoun Gardens our summer event in July and August is ‘art in the garden’ when artists working in Scotland install their original works of art in our demonstration gardens. Entry as always is free, does that not reduce any stress from the word go? Also check out these two websites for great gardens in which to de-stress here in Scotland: www.discoverscottishgardens.org www.scotlandsgardens.org The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

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Sometimes you look at wildlife and wonder what they’re saying to each other. It does look like the puffin on the left is telling the other one something quite interesting. Sharing locations of good sand eels, talking about the weather that day.

This was taken on the Isle of May, a small island in the Forth, which you can access from Anstruther or North Berwick by boat. It’s a seabird haven, with the cliffs full of these wonderful little birds and their companions such as kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills.

Having stayed in the North Atlantic all winter, they return to their breeding grounds across the U.K. to meet up with their mate. One of the main challenges our seabirds face is availability of food and studies of birds across various locations found they are having to travel further to find it. Recently, sandeel fishing in U.K. waters has been banned although this is being challenged by the E.U. post Brexit. They’re caught and processed for fish oil and animal feed, including for farmed salmon. Without going off on too much of a rant, I struggle to understand the rationale for decisions like this, which put endangered 28 | LINLITHGOW

species at even more risk. Our nature is facing some of its toughest, most challenging times and we should be doing all we can to protect it without fearing being told we’re “too green” Maybe that’s what the puffins are saying, please help us!

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

KIDS’ SUMMER FUN WITH PETS

Do you have a small person in your household who loves animals?

Whether your family has a pet or not, there’s plenty going on locally over the summer holiday to indulge their love of animals, teach them more about looking after a pet and who knows, maybe even set them on a path to a career working with animals like the team at Westport!

Lots of attractions host “experience” days – for instance, Woodland Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rumford has a beekeeping experience this month. If your young person fancies learning more about working with animals, Hopetoun House’s summer events include a session on how to be a ranger on July 28, while Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder does daily keeper talks.

Why not learn about becoming an even better owner at a local dog show? P in the Park at Cousland Park Farm in Midlothian on July 13 and 14 has come and try activities, expert workshops and demos. Or Paws at the Palace, at Scone, on September 1 also has lots of doggy fun on offer.

Edinburgh Zoo has a summer school, while Whitelee Countryside Rangers host a free “Boggy Beasties” summer holiday club for six to 12 year olds on several dates in July. And don’t forget Muiravonside Country Park has a farm that’s free to visit and slightly further afield the National Museum of Rural Life has a working farm.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 29

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

If you plan to visit the Fringe, come and support local artists.

ACROSS: 1. Famous, 4. Drapes, 9. Grandma, 10. Agree, 11. Taste, 12. Untying, 13. Outstanding, 18. Harvest, 20. Virgo, 22. Wager, 23. Reading, 24. Return, 25. Recess.

DOWN: 1. Fights, 2. Meals, 3. Undress, 5. React, 6. Portion, 7. Sledge, 8. Manufacture, 14. Upright, 15. Deviate, 16. Shower, 17. Boughs, 19. Error, 21. Raise.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 16

Founded in deepest darkest 2020 by husband and wife team Jacob and Ashley Brown from Linlithgow, Bottoms 1. Famous, 4. Drapes, Up Theatre have been wowingACROSS: audiences across 9. Grandma, 10. Agree, 11. Taste, 12. Untying, 13. Outstanding, Harvest, 20. Virgo, central Scotland ever since. Fostering an18. atmosphere 22. Wager, 23. Reading, 24. Return, 25. Recess. of experimentation and inclusion, their back catalogue includes Zoom plays exploringDOWN: gender in medieval 1. Fights, 2. Meals, 3. Undress, 5. React, 6. Portion, 7. Sledge, Britain, workshops around daring scripts, and (of course) 8. Manufacture, 14. Upright, 15. Deviate, adventure-based improv. Last16. year marked their debut at Shower, 17. Boughs, 19. Error, 21. Raise.

Fringe and they’re proud to announce their return, this time TO SUDOKU with The Space @ Surgeons’SOLUTION Hall.

ON PAGE XX

Mistakes were Made

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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Three heroes. One dungeon. No dragons. After their smash-hit debut last year, Mistakes Were Made comes to Surgeons’ Hall with another chapter of their zany and chaotic tabletop improv show! When the party’s rescue mission in a haunted hospital goes wrong, they’ll need all their wits to escape… and to survive your dice rolls.

You shape the action from the comfort of your seat in this exhilarating and hilarious show! Bottoms Up Theatre Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept does improv different. Every responsibility night theforadventure loss or damagetakes caused in the printing of anforce advertisement. a different turn as dice rolledbybyerror the audience We do not endorse any advertisers in the heroes to work new complications into the existing this publication. All material is accepted script. Sh!t Faced Shakespeare meetsonWho’s Line Isit Itis for publication the understanding free. No part ofon this a publication Anyway? Meets Critical Rolecopyright as a new twist classic may be reproduced without prior consent of improv format returns to Edinburgh.

You’ll be eagerly the publisher. awaiting your turn with the dice as the hilarious action Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. unfolds. (tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mistakesGeddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. were-made-haunted-hospital) Magazine Design: 16+ (Guideline) | Venue: The Hall Alan Space@Surgeon’s Stewart Design 17:05 | 50 mins | August 2th911858 -10th, 12th-17th T: 07729

Trains, weddings, moving days THEATRE COUPLE’S NEW LIFE IN LINLITHGOW

Taking a show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be a challenge at the best of times, but especially when you’ve just moved house. New Linlithgow residents Ashley and Jacob Brown talk improv comedy, fitting theatre around their jobs, and falling in love with the town from the train.

It was a shared love of theatre that first drew Ashley and Jacob together as 16-year-olds in St Andrews. “I’d seen her around school before but we only actually spoke in that first drama class,” Jacob says, “I think it was playing Titania and Bottom later that term that really sealed the deal.”

Nine years on, almost to the day, the couple got married in Linlithgow Burgh Halls. “Jacob studied in Edinburgh and I was in Glasgow, so one of us was on the train every weekend,” Ashley continues. “We both loved the sight of the steeple on St Michael’s whenever we came through, and when we visited the Palace we absolutely fell in love with the town.”

Currently Jacob works as a manager at the University of Glasgow and Ashley is a PhD researcher there, but they’ve never lost touch with their theatrical roots. They both acted throughout their undergrad degrees and – drawing on their first performance together – founded Bottoms Up Theatre during lockdown.

“We’d hoped to go to Fringe in 2020, but lockdown got in the way,” Jacob elaborates.

“Instead, we had a great time working out how to use Zoom as a venue to stage new material.”

Bottoms Up Theatre did finally make it to Free Fringe last year with their comedy show Mistakes Were Made, and are gearing up to return this August with Mistakes Were Made: Haunted Hospital.

“It’s been a really exciting show to work on - we loosely script an adventure comedy with the cast, but then ask the audience for improv prompts as we go. It always ends up a little different from what we expect!” Ashley holds up a handful of 20-sided dice. “The audience roll these and the show changes in response to the number on top.”

Last year the couple commuted through to Edinburgh from Glasgow every day - this year that commute’s a little shorter thanks to them buying a flat in the town they got married in. “It was always the plan to move out of the city,” Jacob says, “and when we saw the right place for the right price, we jumped at it! We’ve more or less finished settling in now, and we’re very happy to be living in Linlithgow.”

Meanwhile, Mistakes Were Made: Haunted Hospital has just finished a successful preview run in Glasgow, and rehearsals are full steam ahead for Fringe. If you’re in Edinburgh for the first two weeks of the Fringe, why not drop by? www.facebook.com/BottomsUpTheatre www.instagram.com/bottomsuptheatre tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mistakeswere-made-haunted-hospital LINLITHGOW | 31

DAILY UNTIL THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST Summer Adventures at Almond Valley Schools Out, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the fun of the summer. Daily alpaca feeding, meet the Clydesdales, animal handling, train and tractor rides and den building - how are you going to fit it all in one visit! Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR WEEKENDS THROUGH THE SUMMER Canal Cruises - Aqueduct cruises run from the Linlithgow Union Canal centre on Saturdays and Sundays until 29th September (excluding 4th August). 2½ hour cruise from the canal basin in Linlithgow to the Avon Aqueduct, which carries the Union Canal over the River Avon. The Avon Aqueduct is the longest and tallest in Scotland and the second longest in Britain, after the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales. £13 Adult, £11 Concession, £7 Child. Information and booking online via www.lucs.org.uk SUNDAY 14 JULY Coastal Capers - Come along to Blackness Castle and explore the seashore with the Historic Environment Scotland Rangers. Make some art and learn about the creatures that live call the shore their home. Blackness Castle, EH49 7NH, 1.00-3.00pm. FREE TH

2ND, 11TH, 15TH 23RD JULY & 1ST, 5TH AUGUST Learn to Ride cycle skills for kids - For primary school age children who don’t know how to ride a bike or are new to pedalling.

Support and a safe space to improve and learn whatever point they are at in their cycling journey. Each session will involve a warm up and fun games while learning to ride or build confidence in their cycling skills in a fenced, traffic free environment. The sessions are free and will be run by qualified cycling coaches.

Organised by the Linlithgow Community Development Trust. West Lothian Cycle Circuit, McGinley Way, Linlithgow, EH49 6SQ. FREE BUT BOOKING ESSENTIAl via Eventbrite.

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9TH, 18TH & 22ND & 30TH JULY Family Fun cycle sessions - For families to have fun enjoying cycling activities together. The sessions are free and will be run by qualified cycling coaches offering support and a safe space for parents/carers and their children who are already able to cycle to come and have some fun, riding together and learn some new skills and drills in a fenced, traffic free environment. Bring a water bottle/snack/bike helmet and gloves.

THURSDAY 25TH JULY West Lothian Prostate Cancer support meeting - West Lothian Prostate Cancer support group provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.

Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7:00pm on Thursday 25th July at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.

SATURDAY 27TH JULY West Lothian Pride - Howden Park Centre.

Live music and entertainment, parade through town centre, information stalls, food and drink vendors. www.westlothianpride.org.uk SATURDAY 3RD & SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - A fantastic family day out, with train rides on their new extended track through the woodland. Tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, picnic area. 10.30 – 4.00pm. Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF UNTIL 30TH SEPTEMBER Unseen Objects Exhibition - An opportunity to see an eclectic mix of rarely seen objects from Linlithgow Museum’s storage bay as selected by the museum’s volunteers, staff and trustees - you never know what you’ll find! Free entry, museum summer opening times. Linlithgow Museum, 93 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EZ.

Stunts have been around since the beginning of cinema. From Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan, from Stagecoach to Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning.

Cinema has been shaped by the men and women who risk their lives to film some of the most dangerous feats.

The Fall Guy is a true love letter to stunt work. Focusing on our titular stuntman Colt Seavers, played by the always charismatic Ryan Gosling, as he comes back to work on a project directed by the love of his life that slipped through his grasp. Colt will do anything to reconnect with Joby but while filming the new film the main star has gone missing. Colt has been tasked to find him.

My biggest issue is present from the quick summary I gave: the film has two plot lines, the rom-com and the action-based manhunt. There is too much going on, and when the film is at its best, it focuses on the love storyline. Putting that aside though, The Fall Guy is an utter blast. The humour is topnotch. Ryan Gosling is such a talented actor that even the smallest action can be funny. Then the action and stunt work kicked into high gear and some moments blew me away.

There is a helicopter fall that will make you audibly gasp.

The Fall Guy is just a good time and a solid watch.

It is the perfect love letter for stunt work and performers, and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Available to buy or rent on digital platforms.

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.

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 mid-August 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 LINLITHGOW | 33

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 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, 34 | LINLITHGOW

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/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 (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.

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