Konect Linlithgow May 2024

MAY 2024

LOCAL CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Stop the spread

LOCAL CHARITY:

P28

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est Lothian Bike Library are encouraging people to try e-bikes this summer, and they have a range of them available for hire at very reasonable rates. If you’re thinking about how an e-bike could make your commute better, or are just curious to try and see if you’d get on well with one, please see the article on pages 8-9 and get in touch with the Bike Library. They offer a host of other bike-related services and do fantastic work in the community too.

Eczema Outreach Support is a UK-wide charity that started here in Linlithgow, and now supports thousands of families all over the UK. Still headquartered here on the High Street, they are moving into a new space in the Linlithgow Partnership Centre. See the article on pages 32-33 for more information on the support they offer.

May 13th -19th is Dementia Action week.

The Living Well column from Home Instead this month describes how to spot signs of dementia and how it is different from usual signs of ageing.

As ever, you will find everything you need for home, garden, eating out and entertainment in the pages of this magazine. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Charity: Fancy trying an e-bike?....................... 8 Living Well: Signs of dementia........................14 Puzzles....................................................................16 Property Matters: Showcasing West

Lothian....................................................................20 Garden Project: A posy a week......................24 Local Environment: Stop the spread.............28 Vet’s Tip: Lyme Disease....................................29

What’s On..............................................................30 Film Review: A bittersweet life.........................31 Life Coaching: The things we can control...32 Charity: Eczema Outreach Support...............32

COVER IMAGE: Fancy trying an e-bike? - See pages 8-9 for more details.

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

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Fancy trying an e-bike?

West Lothian Bike Library has a fleet of e-bikes available for hire. If you’re thinking about getting an e-bike this summer, or are curious to see if one would work for your commute, this is a perfect opportunity to try before you buy.

The bike library, set up in 2018, exists to make cycling accessible for all. They have every kind of bike available for hire, including specially adapted bikes to accommodate disabilities, a host of bike-related services and support, as well as free hire for people who are not able to afford their own bike (subject to referral).

The latest initiative is all about making e-bikes more accessible. E-bikes help you reach where you need to go more quickly and with less effort and more joy, reducing the physical strain and worries about “keeping up.”’ They make cycling an easier option for everyday trips such as the school run, daily commutes, or simply enjoying a fun day out.

According to the Scottish Household Survey, in 2022 more than half of the trips taken were less than 5 km, and 26% of journeys covering less than 1km were made by car. These sorts of trips can be done with an e-bike – an option that makes you feel good and save money while helping the local environment by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

The West Lothian Bike Library is a fantastic

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Angela Constance MSP tries a cargo bike, which is available for community groups to borrow

resource in Livingston and a friendly, supportive community where anyone can get hands-on support with e-bikes and adaptive cycles. In partnership with Go e-bike, an initiative delivered

by SEStran, the Library offers everything from training to maintenance, making it easy for anyone to try out these bikes and boost their confidence riding them.

More broadly, West Lothian Bike Library offers all types of bike hire on a half day/full day basis, cycling training, bike recycling (donated bikes repaired and given a new life), Dr Bike sessions and led rides as well as competitively-priced bike servicing and repairs. Their services are available to anyone! Here are some ways they can help you: • It’s been a long time since you were last on a bike, but you want to give it a go with a bit of friendly support.

• You’re struggling to fund your travel to work or training, and a temporary loan of a bike or e-bike could really help you out.

• Your balance is perhaps not what it used to be due to health issues, or you have a condition that limits your mobility, and you could do with a bike that gives you additional support.

• Your organisation wants to get more staff or students on bikes. West Lothian Bike Library supports all local ASN schools. For example, Ogilvie School Campus, which caters for pupils with severe and complex learning disabilities, many of whom would not have access to a bike or have the opportunities to learn cycling skills elsewhere. Mairi Ritchie, Acting Principal Teacher, said, “West Lothian Bike Library has supported us with gaining funds for new bikes and trikes for the pupils here, as well as training and supporting staff with the delivery of Bikeability courses, to help pupils increase their confidence with cycle skills. They have given us their time and skills, which have been indispensable to us and helped us fix and maintain our bikes that we use for classes. We have also had some bike donations, which have been really appreciated and are used well. Our school has a role of 109 pupils at present, and just now there are approximately 80 pupils using the bikes on a regular basis, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without West Lothian Bike Library. Without their expertise and support, our pupils wouldn’t have been given the cycling experiences that they get.”

For more information, please contact the West Lothian Bike Library on 07724 667321 www.wlbikelibrary.co.uk info@wlbikelibrary.co.uk Crofthead Farm, Templar Rise, Livingston EH54 6DG

Open Monday to Thursday between 9.00am and 1.00pm, and other times by appointment.

West Lothian 50+ Network going on a Led Ride using WL Bike Library eBikes

See also www.dotheridething.co.uk for more information on the South East Scotland e-bike accessibility initiative.

LINLITHGOW | 9

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LIVING WELL

As people get older, they are likely to become more forgetful and notice changes in their mental abilities. Though frustrating, these changes are a normal part of ageing. So how does this differ from dementia?

With dementia, this worsening in mental abilities is much more serious. For a healthcare professional to diagnose dementia, symptoms must be significantly affecting daily life, such as difficulty completing daily tasks about the house, in the community or at work.

Normal signs of ageing: • Forgetting people’s names • Struggling to remember day-to-day events or experiences • Misplacing items (e.g. keys or glasses) around the house • Finding it hard to follow conversations • Forgetting appointments or important dates • Getting lost While someone might worry that these are the early signs of dementia, for most this is not the case.

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Symptoms of dementia: • Memory loss • Confusion and needing help with daily tasks • Struggling with planning and decision making • Problems with language and understanding • Changes in behaviour The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, but there are also less common types such as Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia. While they may share some similar symptoms, this is not always the case.

It is therefore important not to try to diagnose dementia in yourself or someone else and instead seek the opinion of a qualified health professional.

For information and support prior to a diagnosis or memory assessment, contact the Memory Information Support Team (MIST) on 01506 448 000 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

LINLITHGOW | 15

58mm Vertical [LEFT]

MAY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the June edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. A large sea (13), 8. Disclosed (8), 9. Opposed to (4), 10. Move forward (7), 12. Allude to (5), 14. Learn (5), 16. Not coolest (7), 19. Zn (4), 20. Fizzy drink (8), 22. Practical example (13).

DOWN: 1. Not there (4), 2. Picture house (6), 3. Think about (7), 4. Unrefined (5), 5. Breathe in (6), 6. Insensitive (8), 11. Thorough (8), 13. Mallets (7), 15. Physician (6), 17. Tiny (6), 18. Show embarrassment (5).

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 30

MAY SUDOKU

16 | LINLITHGOW

ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

LINLITHGOW | 17

Showcasing

BATHGATE

and surrounding local area

Showcasing

LIVINGSTON and surrounding local area

Showcasing

LINLITHGOW

and surrounding local area

Showcasing

TORPHICHEN

and surrounding local area

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‘Your garden should be able to supply you with at least a posy of flowers every week of the year’!

To help your garden fulfil this obligation this summer you should be sowing some annual flower seeds this month, the soil is warm enough now to sow the seeds directly into the soil. Sow them in straight lines so you can see which seedlings you planted and want to grow and any not in the line will be annual weeds that you can hoe out.

These flowers in little glass vases were picked in July and, from left to right, are Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sunflower Vanilla Ice, Viper’s Bugloss (Echium Blue Bedder), and Nasturtium.

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But there are so many annual flowers that you might choose. Do you like a mix of colours in the vase, or do you have a favourite colour palette for your home? Perhaps a blue colour theme with a sparkle of white (Choose Nigella, Cerinthe and Gypsophila). You might plan a more vibrant, exciting theme with fiery colours like red, orange and yellow (choose a bright coloured Cosmos, a yellow Antirrhinum and a Marigold).

Sit back and enjoy the anticipation of vases filled with annual flowers this summer!

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

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

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Our native red squirrel is facing a serious threat. One of the main causes of the population decline (amongst many other reasons) was the introduction of the much larger, non-native grey squirrel.

Originally introduced in 1876 to populate the grounds of stately homes, it wasn’t made illegal to release them until 1930. By that point, the damage had already been done. They carry a disease called squirrel pox, which they’re immune to but easily spreads to red squirrels and when infected, they usually succumb to it within a couple of weeks. It’s an awful disease and I can’t imagine the suffering the little squirrel will go through.

Now, whilst there are no red squirrels in West Lothian or Edinburgh, you only need to take a short drive over the bridge to start seeing them. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks there’s been a confirmed case of squirrel pox in Dunfermline and a red squirrel sadly lost its life. There have also been grey squirrel sightings in current red squirrel strongholds, including Aberfoyle and Dunkeld.

If you visit the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel 28 | LINLITHGOW

website, you’ll get tips on what we can do to help. The disease is spread through infected feeders, so these must be taken down and thoroughly cleaned with an anti viral solution such as Virkon S. Those who either live or know people who live where the territories cross over are key in stopping the spread of greys further North.

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

May is Lyme disease awareness month and is something pet owners should definitely be aware of.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by an infected tick bite. Ticks are tiny (usually) grey-brown egg-shaped blood-sucking bugs and can be found anywhere – they attach themselves to their hosts - you or your pet! - by crawling or climbing on to them.

The danger comes if an infected tick passes that infection on through the bite.

Symptoms in dogs can include loss of appetite, lameness, and swollen and painful joints – for human symptoms see lymediseaseuk.com.

Luckily if caught early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics so it’s good to get into the habit of checking your dog every time they have been outside – the longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk.

Ticks can be removed with a tick remover – we recommend O’Tom Tick Twisters – but avoid squeezing the body or leaving the head in. Ticks burrow clockwise so remove by twisting anti-clockwise with the tick remover. Dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet in a tissue before washing your hands.

Prevention is key - treatments which repel ticks or kill them quickly include tick collars and tablets – discuss the best option for your pet with your vet. Cats can also get Lyme disease although it’s rare – dog tick treatment should never be used on cats and vice versa.

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 APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Vision, 8. Auntie, 9. Asia, 10. Athletic, 11. Insects, 13. Pelts, 15. Bills, 17. Ponders, 20. Nibbling, 21. Only, 23. Issued, 24. London.

DOWN: 1. Zips, 2. Pirate, 3. Infants, 4. Yacht, 5. Sneeze, 6. Sinister, 12. Noisiest, 14. Roughly, 16. Labour, 18. Drowns, 19. Birds, 22. Loot.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 16

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

30 | LINLITHGOW

SOLUTION TO APRIL SATURDAY 4TH MAY CROSSWORD Scottish National Bottle Show - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road EH49 7JA. Dealers from all over Scotland and the north of England, selling all types of vintage bottles. Early entry 8 am til 10 am £2.00. Thereafter free entry. In support of Linlithgow Heritage Trust (Linlithgow Museum).

FRIDAY 10TH MAY Badger Watch at Muiravonside - To celebrate Falkirk Science Festival and Scottish Badger Week, join the Rangers to find out all about these fascinating creatures. If we’re very lucky we may get a glimpse of our resident badgers from the visitor centre as night falls! This event is suitable for ages 8+.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Muiravonside Country Park, The Load, Whitecross, EH49 6LW. 8:15pm, £4 per person, book at www.falkirkleisureandculture.org ACROSS: 7. Vision, 8. Auntie, 9. Asia, 10. Athletic, 11. Insects, 13. Pelts, 15. Bills, THURSDAY 16TH MAY 17. Ponders, 20. Nibbling, West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group21.- Only, Help for 23. Issued, 24. London. men recently diagnosed and speakers on Prostate Cancer Research and from Macmillan team on “Improving DOWN: 1. Zips, 2. Pirate, 3.the Infants, Yacht, 5. Sneeze, 6. Sinister, 12.

Noisiest, Cancer Journey.” Meet 7.00pm4.Crofthead Community Centre, 14. Roughly, 16. Labour, 18. Drowns, Livingston, EH54 6DG. 19. Birds, 22. Loot.

FRIDAY 17TH MAY SOLUTION TO SUDOKU Constant Follower (solo) + support ON PAGE XX - Multiple Scottish Album of the Year nominee Stephen McAll aka Constant Follower comes to St Peter’s Linlithgow for an intimate performance. St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church, 153 High Street, EH49 7AB. 7.30pm, tickets via Eventbrite (search for Constant Follower).

Constant Follower is the band formed around songwriter Stephen McAll. His debut album for legendary New York indie label Shimmy Disc was nominated for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year Award and found its way onto the top of multiple ‘Best Albums of 2021’ lists, leading to a string of notable performances including Austin’s SXSW 2022 and SXSW 2023, and a spellbinding set from the crown of Scotland’s National Wallace Monument. A triumph after tragedy, the album was McAll’s first work many years after an unprovoked Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept attack in his late teens left him with catastrophic head injuries, for loss or damage caused partially paralysed and unable toresponsibility write or play guitar.

The by error in the printing of an advertisement. following decade was spent recovering, learning to live, and We do not endorse any advertisers in eventually picking up the guitar this to allow the All songs that form his publication. material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is acclaimed debut ‘Neither Is, Nor Ever Was’ to emerge. McAll’s copyright free. No part of this publication solo performances are a testament to his profound storytelling may be reproduced without prior consent of and musical resonance, enchanting audiences with their the publisher. authenticity and heartfelt expression.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton COMMUNITY North, Livingston, WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? West Lothian EH54 6GU. AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. Magazine Design: TH EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15 OF THE MONTH Alan Stewart Design FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. T: 07729 911858

Kim Jee-woon is debatably one of my favourite filmmakers working today. So, it was a treat to watch a film of his that I had never seen before.

A Bittersweet Life is a crime thriller that follows our lead Kim Sun-woo, played by Lee Byunghun, who is a high-ranking enforcer to crime boss Kang. He is given a simple task; while Kang is away Kim must keep an eye on Kang’s young girlfriend and if she is with another younger man, call Kang or deal with the matter himself. From there things slowly start to spiral out of control and Kim has to deal with the consequences of his actions.

There is never a dull moment in this film. From the opening brawl to when the credits rolled, I was gripped and immersed in the world. What

allowed me to become so invested was the fantastic performances and strong writing/direction. Lee Byung-hun is utterly incredible and continues to prove why he is one of the best actors working today. The supporting cast is also fantastic and allows every character to have so many fascinating layers to them.

Kim Jee-woon did a fantastic job writing and directing this film. He subverted my expectations from what I was expecting and told a story and loneliness and emptiness that only he could do. A Bittersweet Life is just simply excellent. A defining film of the 2000s and a must-watch film no questions asked. The film is just sublime.

A Bittersweet Life is available now 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.

LINLITHGOW | 31

LIFE COACHING

At this time of year, a switch seems to go on in most people’s heads as they turn their attention to Spring and warmer weather.

Everywhere we look there are holiday adverts, colourful clothes and beautiful flowers which all build expectation and excitement about good times to come.

While all this is quite understandable after a long, wet winter, the weather and it’s unpredictable nature is outwith all our control and focusing only on sunshine and brighter days can lead to disappointment when the sun doesn’t shine.

The principle of focusing on what we can control applies to almost all aspects of our lives. We can’t really influence how our partner, friends, family or colleagues behave and most of us would agree that trying to do that would inevitably lead to frustration when faced with the inevitable disappointment.

If we can’t control the behaviour of the people we actually know, how likely is it that we can exert even a tiny amount of influence over the weather, the interest rate or whether that total stranger is going to be kind?

Deciding that the only things that we can all control is our own reactions and behaviour and letting go of the belief that we can change other people’s actions will make a real difference to all our lives.

Recognising that the only thing that any of us can have any impact on is ourselves and our own thoughts is an important first step towards developing a new and very healthy habit of acceptance.

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 32 | LINLITHGOW

A Linlithgow-based charity for children with eczema is on the move – a few doors down on the High Street.

Eczema Outreach Support (EOS) has been in the town since it was founded in 2011 by a mum frustrated at the lack of support for families with eczema. Growing from a local support group, the charity is now a UK-wide organisation supporting over 4000 families in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

EOS provides one to one support for families struggling with their child’s skin and organises events and meet ups as well as advocates for better practices for those with the condition.

After a decade at their office in Linlithgow High Street, EOS has moved to a new space within Linlithgow Partnership Centre, joining Linlithgow Library and Linlithgow Museum in the former County Buildings for West Lothian Council.

The move comes at a time of change for EOS, with a new CEO, Suzi Holland, appointed in 2023 and rapid membership growth.

Suzi said, “There has been huge changes at EOS over the past few years, since Covid really. Charities, like all organisations, have had to adapt, and we have found success moving some of our events online and

creating a focus on supporting the mental health of our young members.

Emily

“We have also really changed the way we operate as a team and have become more flexible with our staff. As a result, more are working from home to fit in with family life and we have even recruited team members that live in other parts of the country and can’t commute into the office.”

Thanks to the flexible working policy, EOS have downsized their office space despite the team growing in numbers.

Suzi continued. “Many of our team have young families – myself included – and we want to make balancing work life and home life as harmonious as possible.

“We have also used the move to look at ways we can embed ourselves more in the local community. We have a great team of local volunteers that help us deliver services including making welcome packs and helping us raise vital funds and we have worked with Linlithgow Academy in the past to giving volunteering experience to pupils.”

EOS is a completely free service for families with a child or young person with eczema. As well as tailored support for parents and carers, EOS organise regular events both in person and online. These can be for children to meet others with the skin condition, a chance for parents to share experiences or be hosted with a dermatologist to give expert advice and tips.

Suzi Holland, CEO

The Wilson family have been members of EOS since 2019 and have attended several events with daughter Emily (8) who has suffered from eczema since she was a baby.

Mum Rebecca said: “We were really struggling when Emily was a tot, she was covered from head to toe in blistering, painful eczema. She didn’t sleep, she would scratch until she was covered in blood and she was allergic to lots of things.

“I was finding it hard to cope when we learned about EOS. All a sudden I had support and people who understood what we were going through as a family. I was given lots of practical advice in dealing with eczema from my family worker and at events Emily got to meet other kids with skin like hers and I could compare notes and tips with other parents.

“It’s been a lifeline and now Emily’s skin is much better but we are still so thankful.”

Emily is running in Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for EOS to show her appreciation for the charity.

EOS is free to join to anyone with a child or young person aged 0-17 with eczema. You can join at eos.org.uk This article was contributed by Eczema Outreach Scotland, Scottish Charity Number SC042392.

LINLITHGOW | 33

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today!

No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach

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

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

Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested?

Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

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

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

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Any players with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome.

Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk or search for us on Facebook.

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

All our carers groups are offered

blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.

Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all.

Contact generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn.

Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.