Konect Linlithgow November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

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urday, 11 th Sat

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: LOCAL WALK:

Reme

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r e b m e v o N

T

he nights are drawing in and its the season for fireworks and winter fayres.

Shopping at local fayres makes a huge difference to the charities and organisations who use these events to fundraise. It also means you find unique and often handmade gifts, and are supporting local businesses, so it’s a win for everyone, often with some home baking on the side! Check the What’s On page for details of some upcoming events.

November is also about Remembrance, so we have two articles this month relating to war history - one about the Edinburgh War Hospital that was located here in West Lothian on the site that is now being developed into housing, and the walk feature this month takes us into Edinburgh on the trail of the war poets.

All our usual very practical and informative columns from our local contributors are here, including some fascinating local history from Bruce Jamieson, who runs a series of Zoom local history presentations in aid of local causes – see page 33.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month, thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P28 History: Bangour Village Military Hospital............................................................ 8 Living Well: What is Live-in Care?............10 Life Coaching: It’s not a catastrophe.......12 Garden Project: Autumn Ornaments.......16 Property Matters: Top of Market Service...........................................................20 Film Review: The Killer................................24 Puzzles..........................................................24 Local Environment: Good as Gold...........28 Vet’s Tip: Handling & Confidence............29 Walk: Craiglockhart War Poet’s Trail........30 What’s On......................................................32 History: A Linlithgow Time Capsule.........33

COVER IMAGE: Remembrance Day Saturday, 11th November 2023

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

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

BANGOUR VILLAGE MILITARY HOSPITAL The development of Bangour Village near Dechmont promises to blend history and heritage with woodland and wellbeing. It’s ambitious; the site certainly carries a weight of fascinating history, from the stately Bangour House - home of the poet William Hamilton in the 16th century - through opening in 1906 as a ground-breaking facility for mental health patients, a war hospital and film location, to name a few.

The information in this article is reproduced from the Medical Memories website medicalmemories.wixsite.com, with information from the Fauldhouse Remembers Group and the West Lothian Courier archives.

The War Office announced in May 1915 that it was taking over Bangour Village Hospital for use as a war hospital. The mental health patients were moved to other asylums, and the hospital was converted and ready for army patients within six weeks.

The fact that a railway line led right in into the hospital grounds made Bangour particularly suitable, and the hospital’s capacity was increased from 800 to 1,350 beds within the first three weeks. The first train carrying 100 casualties arrived at the now renamed Edinburgh War Hospital on 12 June 1915.

Ever increasing casualties meant patient numbers increased and by autumn 1918, it reached its maximum - 3,036 patients, including 1,200 in a ‘marquee hospital’ in the grounds. Some 55 of the beds were for officers, the rest of other ranks.

Bangour Memorial Church built to commemorate the hospital’s role during WW1 8 | LINLITHGOW

Every local community in West Lothian was active in organising fundraising to pay for treats for the wounded soldiers of Bangour.

Fauldhouse, like many communities in West Lothian, adopted a ward – Ward 20, a surgical ward - and raised funds especially for it. As well as money, the committee collected food: fruit, vegetables, cakes, biscuits - and particularly eggs for the soldiers and delivered them every fortnight or so to the men of Ward 20.

Sometimes the ladies themselves buttered the scones and served tea to the soldiers. On many occasions, local societies would organise outings for the men, bringing them by char-abanc to a hall in Fauldhouse where they were typically entertained to a concert, games, or a film show, and a ‘knife-and-fork tea’. Sometimes a party of Fauldhouse ‘artistes’ gave a concert to the patients at Bangour.

A number of West Lothian young women were employed as Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses at Bangour, including Sarah Irving (née Irving) of Fauldhouse. Many years later, as a centenarian, she was interviewed about her long life in the West Lothian Courier of 26 September 1986: Q. I believe you worked as a nurse up at Bangour hospital A. Yes, I did, I was with the Voluntary Aid Detachment for about 3½ years.

Q. What were conditions like up there at that time?

A. Terrible, hundreds of young men arriving home from the front with the most appalling injuries. I can still see them now at times, some with arms and legs missing. It was a terrible time.

On 26 October 1917, the West Lothian Courier reported: “ENTERTAINMENT OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS On Saturday last a company of 30 wounded soldiers under the care of Sister Metcalf from Ward 20 of Bangour Military Hospital, were entertained in the Masonic Hall, at the invitation of the [Fauldhouse] Dancing Committee... The soldiers were conveyed from and to Bangour by motor charabanc, kindly supplied by Picture House directors. The company proceeded to the Picture House, to a special matinee kindly arranged by Mr Forrester, manager.

Mrs Izatt collected the sum of 30s for the Fag Fund, which supplied each soldier with fags and left a surplus which enabled them to take a few smokes to their comrades.

They were then entertained to a splendid tea, purveyed by Crofthead Co-operative Society, who also granted the use of their piano. Thereafter a concert programme was gone through, which was followed by a

dance. Altogether the evening was a great success, and the soldiers left about 8 o’clock, having thoroughly enjoyed their outing.”

The information in this article is reproduced from the Medical Memories website medicalmemories.wixsite.com, taking information too from the Fauldhouse Remembers Group and the West Lothian Courier archives.

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LIVING WELL

Many families mistakenly think that care homes are the only option once independent living becomes difficult for older friends and relatives. However, there is an alternative which allows seniors to remain safe and comfortable within their own homes.

Live-in care is not a particularly well-known service, but is now coming into its own as a safer alternative to residential care homes.

Live-in care means having a 24/7, fully trained carer living with you in your own home. The live-in carer will support the client with all their specific needs and keep them safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

A live-in carer will help with personal care, meal preparation, medication, housekeeping, and other daily domestic tasks and be on hand to help from when you wake up in the morning

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until bedtime. They will typically work for 7 days a week on rota with another live-in carer.

Many elderly couples who want to remain in the relaxed and familiar surroundings of their own home also choose live-in care as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to buying two spaces in a residential care home.

To accommodate a live-in carer in your home, you will need to provide them with their own private bedroom and access to kitchen and bathroom facilities.

There are numerous care providers that offer live-in care, from national organisations to locally run offices such as Home Instead. For more information on Live-In Care solutions from Home Instead, please contact 01506 346046 or info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk 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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LIFE COACHING

, It s Not A CATASTROPHE! After the events of recent years, we could be forgiven for giving way to pessimistic thinking. But, always assuming the worst in any situation or as a response to the smallest challenge can mean that we turn every little problem into a big one which can feel insurmountable.

This type of negative thinking is sometimes referred to as catastrophising and happens when every challenge we face becomes a huge issue. This habit is often rooted in our early life and can be difficult to break.

Calling time on this kind of thinking can be challenging but it can be done and one of the most power-ful things we can all do is to look for evidence from the past to find times when we faced situations that scared us and everything worked out just fine.

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Perhaps a loved one disagreed with us or we got negative feedback at work that didn’t lead to the end of our relationship or career. By changing our focus from what could possibly go wrong to the many times when all was well, we can begin to change our perspective.

Mindful thinking is one of the most positive new habits we can all develop. When we find ourselves worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet we can tell ourselves to STOP and decide to put our focus on what’s in front of us right now. Not borrowing troubles from next week, next month or never is a habit that we can all start on today.

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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AUTUMN ORNAMENTS As autumn takes a firm hold of our gardens are there any projects you might undertake outside?

Adding an ornament can further stamp your personality on the garden, it can add an interesting viewpoint from inside on those short days of daylight over the winter which could also be brought to life by feathered visitors to a birdbath or feeding station.

As fans of the Arts and Crafts movement we hold true to William Morris’s view that you should only have things in your home (and garden!) that you believe to be beautiful or useful, ideally both. An attractive birdbath is certainly both and can be a life saver for birds over the winter as a source of unfrozen water to drink and preen in, but remember to keep it filled with clean unfrozen water.

Looking out of our kitchen window we see

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Phoebe the cat, a gift from Dougal’s colleagues at RHS when he retired from RHS Council, eyeing up the birdbath.

Ornaments can tell a tale, but in fact the truth is that the birds caught by cats are generally the weakest ones that possibly won’t make it through winter.

Our real-life cat, Henry, wears a bell to warn our feathered visitors of his approach – but anyway, he is too well-fed to be bothered with catching birds, but mice are fair game in his eyes.

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

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

LINLITHGOW | 17

PROPERTY MATTERS

All Sellers Receive Top-of-Market Service!

Only a handful of estate agency brands in West Lothian are known to handle the top of the market – million-pound-plus properties that warrant the type of marketing that’s in keeping with the status of both the property itself - and its owner.

At Turpie and Co, we are proud of our reputation for selling exclusive homes.

However it is not only the properties’ value that has supported this reputation – it’s the style and service level behind the sale that is especially appreciated by our clients.

These are discerning sellers who expect not only professional photography, extensive specialist marketing and exposure, agentled videos, expert-accompanied viewings, online sales tracking etc, but also a degree of discretion, understanding and sensitivity. Oh yes, and a good measure of proactivity as well as superb negotiating skills.

Our clients naturally wish to be treated as an individual with a unique set of circumstances, with care and respect, and an attention to detail that demonstrates that we really have listened to their needs. Our guidance, in return, is straight-

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talking advice with integrity - not just telling our clients what they want to hear!

This approach lies at the core of our business and is a reflection of every director and staff member at Turpie and Co. It is unthinkable that these values should be watered down according to the value of the property - they apply to all our instructions! We hope that every one of our clients, be they selling a onebedroom flat, a terraced house, a cottage or a family home, feels as cherished and valued as a client selling a country estate.

Why not put us to the test, we’d love to help you move – whatever you’re selling.

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

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David Fincher has always been a methodical and purposeful filmmaker.

So, combining that with the story of a methodical and purposeful assassin, who after an assassination attempt goes unexpectedly wrong hunts down everyone involved - the pairing is the definition of a match made in heaven.

The opening chapter is a true showcase of Fincher’s directing and Michael Fassbender’s acting. The scene follows the titular Killer as he awaits his target. We see how the killer blends in, what his heart rate needs to be before taking the shot, and the stretching he does to make sure that he is at the top of his game. While the film has narration throughout, chapter 1 highlights the rules the killer follows to make sure he is an effective assassin. We are with this opening kill for at least 20 minutes and we get a taste of every reason why I love this film.

The slow and methodical pacing allows the viewer to enter the mindset of Fassbender’s character and understand every decision he makes going forward. But a true standout in the opening is the incredible score by longtime collaborators Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It is a feast to the ears like no other.

You could write a 5-page essay on why the opening is effective.

The opening chapter is just the appetiser for a delicious 5-course meal that over two hours is a pure delight and proves why David Fincher is one of the best filmmakers working today.

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 ADD SOLUTION DETAILS from Kirknewton.

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NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the December edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Brass instrument (7), 5. Two wheeled transport (5), 8. More fortunate (7), 9. Room under the eaves (5), 10. Not sour (5), 11. Adore, revere (7), 12. Come to an end (6), 14. Irritates, annoys (6), 17. Used for cigarettes (7), 19. Seashell (5), 22. Regulations (5), 23. Holiday home (7), 24. Found in the spine (5), 25. Ruin (7).

DOWN: 1. Informs (5), 2. Male relative (5), 3. Artist (7), 4. Flung (6), 5. Seat (5), 6. Fasteners (7), 7. Gets away (7), 12. Went into (7), 13. Small stones (7), 15. Accompanies (7), 16. Compelled (6), 18. Supports for broken bones (5), 20. Not ever (5), 21. Useful (5).

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 32

58mm Vertical [RIGHT]

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Now, you might be thinking you already know what the smallest bird in the UK is. The little Jenny wren, surely? It’s actually the elusive goldcrest!

Weighing the same as a 2 pence piece or 4 skittles (all measurements shall henceforth be done using skittles) this tiny little bird takes the crown for our smallest bird and though this picture doesn’t show it overly well, that crown is actually a stripe of gold running between its eyes to the top of its head.

This has been a lot of fun to research, so here’s my top 3 facts about these little birds. In Sweden, they’re called “Kungsfågel” which translates to “the king bird”. I found out when I went there to photograph golden eagles, which are just a touch bigger than the goldcrest. There’s also a myth they rode on the back of woodcocks during migration, earning them the name “Woodcock pilot”. The collective name for them is a goldcrest cuddle! That’s just adorable if you ask me.

Although we have a healthy breeding population here, their numbers swell in winter as we’re joined by their 28 | LINLITHGOW

Scandinavian friends. I’d been at Beecraigs photographing crossbills when I heard the high pitched chatter of this little bird (they sound similar to long tailed tits if you’re keeping an ear out) foraging for insects in the pine trees.

Over the years, this is the best photo I’ve got because they have ants in their pants and barely sit still.

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

Taking your pet to the vet or grooming parlour can be an anxious time – for them. But with a little training it is possible to keep frayed nerves at bay.

Between appointments, take mini visits on the route for a treat or play, and with lots of praise without going in.

At home, slowly work on building their confidence in handling. Start on an area your pet is comfortable with. For example, if this is their chest, gently touch their chest, say “yes” and give them a treat.

Work on one area at a time with the aim of building up duration. Watch out how they are reacting - if they move away from you they are letting you know they are not comfortable. Understanding signs of stress is a vital tool.

Just five to ten minutes of handling training every day allows handling tasks to become a daily routine in a positive way, plus it’s a wonderful way to build a bond with your pet!

Speak to your vet team or groomer about positions you could work on at home, for example how you may be asked to hold your pet for an examination.

We also run confidence clinics when the practice is closed for anxious pets and social visits in working hours when pets can pop in for a treat. These little visits make a huge difference to how pets cope with future treatments.

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

This walk takes us into Edinburgh. In keeping with the Remembrance theme this month, a walk at Craiglockhart is an interesting way to learn about and connect with a place that was the inspiration for some of our most famous war poetry.

Walks through the Craiglockhart hills were a popular way of exercising and relaxing for the shell- shocked soldiers who were treated at the pioneering Craiglockhart War Hospital. Wilfred Owen was one such patient, and Dulce et Decorum est was written during his time here.

This trail starts at Napier University Craiglockhart campus, and is about three miles in total. It’s divided into two loops, so if you are short of time you can do either one of them in less than an hour. The slopes are steep in places and the paths can be muddy so wear sensible shoes. Before you set off, why not take the opportunity to visit the War Poets collection within Napier University? It is on permanent display and is open to the public for self-guided visits during normal Craiglockhart Campus Library opening times, see www.napier.ac.uk/warpoets.

Craiglockhart Poet’s Trail 30 | LINLITHGOW

Wellington Memorial Cairn

wall ahead. Check again to your left for golfers playing to the green on your right. When safe to do so, walk along the wall and cross a gap. On the left hand side of the wall, a plaque, erected by the Golf Club, includes excerpts from Sassoon’s ‘Dreamers’ and Owen’s ‘Requiem for Doomed Youth’. Exit the golf course by turning right down steps and walk for 500 yards along the side of the University campus to the gate where you entered the woods. You can now return to the University or turn right after 80 yards to start the Northern loop.

NORTHERN LOOP SOUTHERN LOOP

Leave the campus by the main entrance and pass the ruins of Craiglockhart Castle (a 5th century tower house) on your left. Cross Glenlockhart Road and turn right. After 200 yards cross the road again and enter woodland through a wooden gate marked ‘Golf Course Caution’. Turn left and follow a steep path uphill through a stand of pine trees branching right then right again at a three way junction. The path meanders through gorse thickets for 300 yards to a trig point on the summit.

An Iron Age fort stood here in Roman times though the archaeology has been disrupted

by WW1 gun emplacements built to protect Edinburgh after the Zeppelin raids of 1916.

There are stunning 360 degree views. Above you, buzzards may be circling and kestrels hovering. Return to the junction, turn right and follow the path round the flank of the hill for 350 yards looking left to check the position of golfers on the Merchants Golf Course.

When the path ends, check again to your left and give priority to any golfers playing to the green in front of you. Listen for shouts of ‘Fore’ and take care not to interfere with play or distract players. Follow the fringe of the rough to your right and walk towards the low stone

Leave the University, cross the road and turn right as before but then turn left after 100 yards down a signposted path between two houses.

Continue downhill for 800 yards through mature beech, ash and chestnut trees. You may see or hear woodpeckers.

Behind the Tennis Centre, pass a wall of graffiti art before reaching Craiglockhart Pond, a haven for ducks, swans and water birds. At the foot of the pond, a Social History Board includes photographs of the War Poets and some information about the work of the Hospital. Cross the stone causeway in front of the pond and leave by the stone steps. Turn left then right then left again at the main Colinton Road. After 300 yards, you will see the shops of Happy Valley. Cross at the pedestrian lights to view the ‘Hillside’ statue commissioned by Craiglockhart Community Council. The quotes from ‘Spring Offensive’ on the statue are testament to Owen’s love of nature.

A short diversion round the corner into Craiglockhart Road North takes you to a stone cairn marking the spot where a Wellington bomber crashed in 1942. Go back to Colinton Road, cross at the lights again and continue right for 800 yards to return to the University.

Alternatively, turn left then immediately right towards the Leisure Centre and pass through a gate on your left to the top of the pond. From here you can return to the University by the woodland path.

The walk information here is an abridged version of a trail leaflet produced by the Friends of Craiglockhart Woods and Napier University to commemorate the connection with the war poets. It is used with their permission. Why not pick up the full leaflet with maps more details while you are in at the War Poets collection. www.craiglockhartwoods.org LINLITHGOW | 31

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD DAILY UNTIL 7TH JANUARY 2024 Scotland’s Rock Art ~ Pre-historic Rock Art is one of Scotland’s greatest mysteries. This exhibition drawn from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, looks to trace its connections through time and place. Exhibition at Blackness Castle, included in usual opening times and entry fee. www.historicenvironment.scot

ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, 10. Tired, 11. Teeth, 12. Unaware, 13. Competition, 18. Grandma, 20. Awful, 22. Organ, 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy.

DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, 6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, 15. Tractor, 16. Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, 21. Flare.

SOLUTION TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION TO ON PAGE 24 XX

SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER Trumpet & Piano ~ Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. An outstanding charismatic young graduate trumpet player, accompanied by a travelled solo pianist, ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, 10. Tired, chamber musician and accompanist play13.aCompetition, wide 18. Grandma, 11. Teeth, 12. Unaware, 20. Awful, 22. Organ,with 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy. ranging programme of classical items some jazz, DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, some lighter music and some pieces by Florence Price.

6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, St Michael’s Parish Church, EH49 6AL Tickets: £16,21.U26 15. Tractor, 16.

Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, Flare. £6, Children free. Also included in Linlithgow Arts Guild SOLUTION TO SUDOKU Season Ticket. www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk ON PAGE XX SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER Winter Fayre, Cats Protection ~ Various stalls (cat-related and others) - tombola and raffle, tea, coffee and hot food. Newyearfield Community Centre, Ladywell, Livingston. 1.00pm.

SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER West Lothian Producers Market - Local and Scottish businesses and producers of food, drink, home and hand crafted items.

11.00am – 3.00pm, Livingston Cricket Club, 10A Murieston Valley, Livingston, EH54 9HB.

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We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

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SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER Disclaimer: publisher cannot accept Christmas Craft Market ~ WithTheMuiravonside responsibility for loss or damage caused Community Growing Area. Come along for ofsome by error in the printing an advertisement.

Christmas shopping at our festive will have We do notmarket. endorse anyWe advertisers in this publication.

All material is accepted stalls from a variety of local crafters, selling beautiful for publication on the understanding it is homemade items including original artwork, copyright free.

No part of candles this publication may be reproduced without–prior consent of and jewellery. No booking required.

11.00am 3.00pm the publisher. at Muiravonside Country Park.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

House, Kirkton North, Livingston, WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR Geddes EVENT HERE? West Lothian EH54 6GU. COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE Magazine Design: FREE OF CHARGE. Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858

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LOCAL HISTORY

The Glasgow Herald edition of January 2nd, 1888, carried the heading “JUBILEE TOWN HALL FOR LINLITHGOW” and began, “The ancient royal burgh is fast losing its quaint appearance, owing to the demolition of old, and the erection of new, buildings – a process which has been going on with great rapidity during the last few years.”

One building which had recently been demolished was Brockley’s Land, seen here in an1885 watercolour.

5 Brockley’s Land, watercolour, 188

On the cleared site, on December 31st, 1887, was laid the foundation stone of the Jubilee Hall, or the Victoria Hall - as it came to be called – named to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. Beneath the inaugural block was placed a glass bottle containing twelve coins of the year 1887 from the sovereign downwards, copies of contemporary newspapers and documents relating to the fund-raising which had gathered £2,800 towards the cost of the building.

The finished hall opened its doors just over a year later and was described by Provost Gilmour as “a fitting ornament to Linlithgow.”

Two principal donors, Andrew Carnegie and the Earl of Hopetoun, had been invited but neither was able to attend. Instead, the hall was officially declared open by Lord Rosebery – who 7 years later was to become Prime Minister.

For many decades, the Hall provided a venue for countless local events until it became a cinema in the 1950s. By the 1990s, it was showing distinct signs of its age and deteriorating rapidly. It was demolished in 2008 when the time capsule was unearthed.

Unfortunately, the finder sold off some of the more valuable coins so only a few remain, along with the written ephemera. What is left will shortly be put on display in the town museum.

Two of Bruce Jamieson’s local history Zoom presentations are still to come.

They are “Linlithgow in World War Two” on November 10th and “Linlithgow’s Fascinating Folk” on December 7th.

For more information contact Bruce at bruceajamieson@yahoo.com

Victoria Hall, 1931, with its gothic tow ers

This article was contributed by Bruce Jamieson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 £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 semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

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