Konect Linlithgow June 2023

JUNE 2023

LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

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f you’ve ever considered getting fruit and veggie boxes delivered, now is the time!

Not only can you get locally-grown, fresh organic produce delivered – the healthiest option - you will be supporting a fantastic charity at the same time. See the article on Cyrenians Farm on pages 8-9 and do consider trying their produce delivery, or getting involved in some of their workshops.

School Bank West Lothian are running an appeal over the summer to make sure that every child in West Lothian goes back to school in August with their head held high. Please see the article on their uniform appeal on pages 32-33 All our usual columns are here. I particularly love the local environment column this month about the black swan at Linlithgow Loch! I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local Charity: Veggie boxes for good!..........8 Life Coaching: What can Reiki do for me?................................................................ 12 Living Well: Loneliness Awareness............. 14 Local Environment: The Black Swan........... 20 Garden Project: Transformers...................... 21 Property Matters: The Right People............ 24 Puzzles................................................................ 27 Vet’s Tip: Travel with Pets.............................. 28 Film Review: John Wick Chapter 4.............. 30 Local Charity: Back to School with head held high!................................................. 32 What’s On........................................................... 34

COVER IMAGE: Welcome to Cyrenians Farm!

See our charity feature on p8.

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

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Welding and Fabrication Solutions Ltd All aspects of metal work work | gates All aspects of metal railings | fencing | repairs gates | railings | fencing structural steel work repairs | structural steel work Aluminium / stainless steel

T: 01506 827110 M: 07778 339980 E: wafsltd@btconnect.com www.weldfabsolutions.com Unit 13 Links Court, Bo’ness, EH51 9UD

Design | Advice | Manufacture | Installation

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www.aquateccarpetcleaning.co.uk

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Made to measure curtains & blinds • Large selection of blinds, hundreds of fabrics to choose from at home • Tracks, Poles & Pelmets • Upholstery & Re-Upholstery • Re-spray service • Soft Furnishings • Outdoor Upholstery • Lampshades • Houles Paris Luxury trimmings • Public & Commercial spaces service

Call me for a free in-home appointment: Marc Van Cartier-Kerr 07935 819068 Visit: marcvck.com Email: marc@marcvck.com

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Marc Van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN

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Tucked away only 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre and situated near Kirknewton in West Lothian, you will find Cyrenians Farm, a small rural haven not only growing food, but also growing skills and community.

Cyrenians Farm is a social enterprise run by homelessness charity Cyrenians. The farm is home to an orchard of 250 heritage apples trees, a young person’s residential community, a thriving educational and outdoor activity portfolio and is the base of their organic veg bag subscription service.

The young person’s residential community is one of several communities run by Cyrenians and is the heart of the organisation’s work: directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents are supported to develop their confidence to live independently, whilst also building valuable life skills and experiences to help them eventually move on and flourish in their own homes. From shared meals, to applying for learning and employment opportunities, navigating the day to day demands of household management, each member is supported towards a more independent future.

However, the community aspect is not solely focused on the residents. The farm also welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, who contribute to the farm.

Whether they’re hobbyist gardeners looking to use their existing skills to make a difference, or participants eager to learn new skills and meet new people, the farm has created 8 | LINLITHGOW

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a safe and supportive environment for people to thrive. Being a destination for growing skills and improving well-being is an important focus of the farm’s work, through educational courses and accredited training, the farm has helped develop rural skills and built confidence in younger people facing tough realities. Teaching green skills such as sustainable woodland management, marketgardening and woodwork has helped those who may have had difficulty engaging with main stream education to become active and engaged, developing new skills and confidence through experiential, learner-led courses.

To further support Cyrenians’ wider work, the farm host beginner friendly workshops open to the public, from creating wonderful bouquets using the farm’s own seasonal sustainable cut flowers to full day tuition in wood crafting and wilderness living skills, it has become a great space to try your hand at something new – why not book a course from their upcoming dates on the 10th June and 30th September?

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Their orchard has been lovingly cared for over 18 years, producing more than 25 varieties of delicious apples that alongside other organic produce is available through the farm’s organic veg and fruit bag service, alongside limited runs of jams, squeezed juices and chutneys.

On top of raising vital funds, growing produce to Soil Association organic standards has allowed them to tackle environmental issues too, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, by restricting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and other methods.

Whether you want to volunteer, buy organic produce, or support their social enterprise, you can be part of their mission to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. Visit cyrenians.scot/farm to find out more.

This article was contributed by Cyrenians Farm Enterprise. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052.

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LIFE COACHING

Many of us are increasingly focussed on different ways of feeling good and, even people who have never been interested in alternative therapies and have listened patiently when I described the benefits of self care have begun to ask for recommendations and advice.

This is no surprise when we remember that stress and anxiety has a more detrimental effect on our health and well being than many of the accepted stressors. In fact, I was browsing through some online articles recently and was surprised to read that, while it is universally accepted that smoking, overeating, sitting down all the time or having too much alcohol can have a detrimental effect on us, anxiety and stress is every bit as damaging to our long term health.

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Bearing this in mind, it is wonderful to build self care into our every day lives. It is great to be able to treat ourselves to a massage or a facial but what if I told you that we all have access to an amazing treatment at our fingertips?

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and relaxation and is available to us all.

There are no side effects and it can be used safely and effectively alongside any other more conventional treatments. It is spiritual in nature but is not a religion and there is no dogma and nothing that you must believe in order to feel the benefits.

Reiki may enhance and accelerate our own natural healing process and after the last few years, who wouldn’t benefit from that?

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

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Dementia advice from experts

One step at a time A video guide to navigating dementia Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers.

Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

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LIVING WELL

Loneliness Awareness Week is intended to shine a light on the issue of loneliness among older adults, with one in four adults over the age of 60 reporting feeling lonely.

This can have an adverse effect upon an individual’s physical and mental health, making it more likely that they will experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Recognising the signs of loneliness, such as withdrawal, lack of interest, or changes in sleep patterns, enables us to take proactive steps to address it such as: • Encouraging Community Engagement Participating in community activities and groups can foster a sense of belonging.

Encourage older adults to join clubs, volunteer at local organisations, or attend social gatherings. This not only provides opportunities for social interaction but also enables them to pursue interests, learn new

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skills, and share experiences with likeminded individuals.

• Embracing Technology - With the advancement of technology, digital platforms offer avenues for connection and communication. Teach older adults to navigate smartphones, tablets, or computers to stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media or email.

• Companionship or Befriending Services Connect older adults with companionship or befriending services. Trained volunteers or professionals can provide regular social interaction and companionship via phone calls, home visits, or accompanying them to activities to help combat loneliness and establish supportive relationships.

For information, advice, or someone friendly to talk to, you can contact The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090, Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

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

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

One reason birds amuse me is because of the random places they turn up.

This month it’s been the turn of the black swan, which has been the star attraction at Linlithgow Loch over the last few weeks.

They’re not a native species to Scotland or the U.K. but hail from Australia (where they’re a protected species) and by all accounts you’re tripping over them in Perth! Wikipedia states they have “erratic migration patterns” Now, whilst there’s every chance it could be a migration gone wrong, it’s more likely this is an escapee from a private collection somewhere.

Another example of how random it is, this photo is actually from when I visited Orkney in 2020 and there was one hanging out near the Ring of Brodgar (a neolithic standing stone circle) of all places.

It seems to have been accepted amongst the mute swans which gather in the shadow of Linlithgow Palace. It is a shame though because unless it moves on to somewhere with another black swan, it won’t be able to find a mate to breed with, which is quite sad.

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Other than having a very cool red eye and being smaller, there’s not any difference to our swans. I try not to photograph nonnative species but when a black swan turns up, you go to see it, fail to take good photos and revert to showing a picture of one from 2 years ago, many many miles away!

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

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

them equally regularly. Sit the pot in a sunny place, near your kitchen door for quick access.

“IF YOU ONLY GROW ONE THING, LET IT BE THE TRANSFORMERS” Pick up our purple So writes Mark Diacono in his book The Kitchen Garden. These plants are small in volume but large in flavour and will add zip and zest to your meals, turning even a good dish into an exquisite dish!

They are either herbs, salad crops or veggies and they can all be ornamental in your garden or on a windowsill as well as being edible.

We have planted this pot with a lovely mix of herbs: sages, rosemary, thyme, parsley and golden marjoram. We used a peat free Multipurpose +John Innes compost, poking the heads of the plants into the holes from inside the pot as the rootballs were too big to squeeze through the holes from the outside. We’ll pick from them regularly and liquid feed and water

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piglet project leaflet on Growing Transformers on your next visit.

Other favourite transformers include basil (grown indoors on a sunny windowsill), chives (break up their purple flowers over a potato salad), coriander, dill, French tarragon, rocket, garlic and spring onions.

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

The Right People Despite the fact that many people regard estate agents as more or less the same, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent.

For example, there are many services and innovations which can make a difference to how effectively your property is marketed, and how the subsequent sale is handled.

These could be the use of drone videos, twilight photography, interactive floor plans, professional copywriting, bespoke social media campaigns, multi-media window displays, online client progress tracking, chain management and innovative sale boards to name but a few.

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However, despite the advances in technology it is the people that make or break a service-led industry such as our own.

Natasha Sales Manager

Kirsty Sales Support

Jamie Property Valuer

Selling your home is an intensely personal and emotive experience, and unless a sale is handled with sensitivity, courtesy, consideration and care, then such add-ons are wasted.

Excellence in recruitment should be as important as achieving high prices or securing fast moves for clients as every member of staff should be reflection of the core values of the company that they represent. Among the most valued of these qualities include transparent and honest communication delivered by qualified and experienced professionals who exhibit the highest levels of personal integrity.

Regular and meaningful communication is key, delivered by pleasant and personable people who are thoroughly on your side throughout your move.

Of course, they may not always tell you what you want to hear – but then there are plenty of estate agents who will – it’s your call but we all know the saying that sincerity is worth more than flattery!

Anne Marie Viewing Agent

Lynda Sales Support

Craig & Gillian Directors

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

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58mm Vertical [RIGHT]

JUNE CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

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JUNE SUDOKU

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Are you looking to travel abroad with your pet this summer? If so, you need to get organised well in advance as some of the paperwork can take a while.

You will need an animal health certificate for your dog, cat or ferret if you’re travelling from Scotland (or Wales or England) to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can add up to five pets to an animal health certificate but if you are lucky enough to be going abroad more than once this summer, you need a fresh animal health certificate each time.

Animal health certificates (AHC) need to be signed by an official veterinarian (OV) so check your vet is one (we have OVs at each of our three practices). Once you’ve got a certificate, you have ten days to enter the EU or Northern Ireland and four months to return to Britain.

To get an animal health certificate your pet needs an up-to-date rabies vaccination so if that’s not in place, bear in mind you must wait a minimum of 21 days after the vaccination before you can get your AHC – and day one is the first day after the vaccination.

is finding your customers • Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 45,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

It’s easy to be included! editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

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Your pet also needs to be microchipped – and the person travelling with the pet needs to be the one who takes the pet to get its AHC. The rules are different for non-EU countries – check the gov.uk website for details.

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

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I love action films. There is no genre of cinema that entices me more than a great action flick and it’s one I have somewhat a good knowledge and understanding of.

It’s why I find recent MCU outings to be truly lacking as the action looks like a grey blur. I’m paying to see the action, so I hate it when film makers make it hard to see the action.

The John Wick franchise however has been the opposite of that. It’s a franchise that understands that clarity is the most important thing when it comes to action. So with that it in mind its not too much of a reach to say that John Wick Chapter 4 is a masterpiece.

The final 40 minutes are the definition of engaging and creative action that had my jaw hit the floor. The choreography is nothing short of masterful and the way the camera captures every moment in luscious and beautiful shot is incredible.

SUMMER CONCERT

Keanu Reeves, while he doesn’t talk much, is great as this character. The rest of the cast are great and contains action legends like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

Dancing through time……

John Wick Chapter 4 is a must-see film, full stop. Is it debatably too long at 2 hours 50 mins? Yes and no; I wouldn’t want it any other way. This film is simply one of the best action films ever made.

^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϭϬƚŚ :ƵŶĞ Ͳ ϳ͘ϯϬ Ɖŵ ƌƵĐĞĨŝĞůĚƐ ŚƵƌĐŚ͕ tŚŝƚďƵƌŶ

Available to pre-order now on digital and physical 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.

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Get paid to keep fit!

Help ENSURE EVERY CHILD can go back to school with their head held high!

The School Bank West Lothian are asking their supporters to dig deep this summer to help provide a uniform pack for a local child.

Most children start the new school year with brand new uniform, PE kit, jacket, and footwear but sadly this is not the case for all children. Last year they provided over 700 packs for children going to school in August and they anticipate the demand for this year to be far greater.

Door to door A5 magazine delivery, a few hours once per month in your local area

With each school pack that is provided, one family can worry less about coping with the ever-increasing cost of the school day, and one child can worry less about how they look compared to their classmates.

Referral feedback consistently highlights the positive impact the service brings to young people and their families, including the alleviation of financial stress, anxiety and poor mental health

(subject to routes being available)

For more information on helping us deliver Konect magazines please email distro@konect.scot

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bags to be added to packs. among both children and their parents, young people being valued the same 3. You could buy brand new polo shirts as their peers and engaging positively in (all colours), white shirts (high school education, a reduction in bullying and an children only), trousers/ skirts (grey/ increase in school attendance. School black) and jumpers (all colours) which uniform is so much more than a new uniform will be kept in stock and then given to or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s a child when a suitable the feeling of belonging to referral is received. your school community and 4. Alternatively, you can being like your classmates.

School uniform is so donate. For example, £10 The transformative power much more than a new could buy a 5-pack of white of these feelings cannot be shirts for a teenager, £20 underestimated. uniform or a pair of could buy a pair of school shiny shoes, it’s the Can you help “Sponsor A shoes, and the organisation Child” and help ensure every feeling of belonging to estimates the cost of a full child in West Lothian looks pack to be £140, your school community uniform forward to going to school although all donations are and being like your in August, feeling confident, gratefully received. focused on learning rather classmates. The 5. Or if your child has any than what they are wearing. transformative power of uniform/jackets that they no There are several ways the longer use, they can be rethese feelings cannot public can help support the used by School Bank West be underestimated appeal: Lothian.

1. Become a Sponsor and By helping The School Bank buy a uniform pack. Once West Lothian to provide registered you will be something as small as a contacted when a referral for a child is school pack, we are all delivering a far bigger received. It’s then up to you to buy any of message: that every child, within every the items required for the child, hand them community, deserves to feel like they belong over to the School Bank West Lothian who at school. then pass them on to the child.

Check out the pinned post at the top of their 2. You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, school bags, PE kit and gym

Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian” for more details and links to register or donate.

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian, registered charity number SC046483.

Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org

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MAY CROSSWORD* TH SUNDAY O O P4 SJUNE Outdoor Yoga & Relaxation - Join Hatha Yoga practitioner Susan Ross for a O gentle morning of guided meditation, yoga and relaxation in the peaceful surroundings of Muiravonside Country R Park. Attendees must be aged 12 or over, and all under 18s W O N G adult. £10 for adults, £6 for under R must be accompanied by an 18s. 11:00am – 12:30pm.

Muiravonside Country Park, The Loan, Y Whitecross, EH49 6LW. Booking & into at www.falkirkleisureandculture.org/venues/muiravonside-country-park SUNDAY 4TH JUNE Summer Concert - Linlithgow String Orchestra. Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 2,30pm. Telemann, Purcell, Lambert + Jazz, Charleston and Scottish Fiddle Tunes! Tickets £10/£8, on the door *Sorry!or in advance via their website www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk

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

*Sorry!

A technical error meant that last SUNDAYS THROUGH THE SUMMER month’s crossword 4THthe JUNE, 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPTEMBER was printed -with Open wrong puzzle board.Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre

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

and TO parking.

Extended train SOLUTION SUDOKU route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 ONsubsequent PAGE XXrides. Driver Experience

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU 32 ON PAGE XX

SATURDAY 17TH JUNE Meadow Guided Walk - Join the Rangers at Muiravonside Country park for a guided walk around our beautiful meadow to discover the amazing wildlife it supports, including special orchids and amazing butterflies, bees, moths and dragonflies.

We’ll discover why this special habitat is so important. Suitable for ages 12+, children must be accompanied by an adult.

1:30pm - 2:30pm, £2 per person SUNDAY 25TH JUNE Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept Beautiful Butterflies - Muiravonside is home to at least 14 responsibility for loss or damage caused different species of butterfly! Join the Rangers for a fun afternoon by error in the printing of an advertisement. of spotting (sunshine permitting!) and butterfly-themed Webutterfly do not endorse any advertisers in games and All crafts.

This is a family event suitable for children this publication. material is accepted aged 5-12.on Allthechildren must for publication understanding it isbe accompanied by an adult.

1:00pm – 2:30pm, per child (adults free) copyright free.

No part of £2 this publication may beSATURDAY reproduced without consent 1ST prior JULY TO of SUNDAY 2ND JULY the publisher.

Spectacular Jousting - Skill, speed and the ultimate fight for glory.Lothian Watch as four Ltd. knights compete in captivating battles to Publisher: Publications Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, be crowned the champion!

Lances will collide and crumble, and West Lothian EH54 6GU. the only thing drowning out the rumble of approaching steeds will be the roaring crowds as clashes are won and lost. Prepare Magazine Design: for afternoon Alanan Stewart Design of exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills, as911858 well as the chance to explore our living history camps.

M: 07729 Linlithgow Palace, 11:30 – 4:30pm. Tickets from Historic E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com Environment Scotland online at www.historicenvironment.scot

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.

- All welcome. Free admission

£8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and toilets. Open 10:30am - 4:00pm.

Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Rd, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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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 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

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Membership £10.00, £3.00/night [Under 18’s £2.00] 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 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 £20. 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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