Konect Linlithgow September 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

FEATURE:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: PARENTING:

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ummer may be starting to fade, but there are still plenty of opportunities for getting out and about locally, which here at Konect is what we love to do. In her parenting column, Laura shares a trip with the kids to Blawhorn Moss, which is one of my favourite places to go too, and there’s also a short feature on the West Lothian solar system trail - a quirky way of bringing a fun focus to some simple walks or bike rides locally. There is also an open day this month at Almondell Model Engineering Centre, always worth a visit.

The Linlithgow Folk Festival is back to running a full programme of concerts and sessions this year. The festival kicks off on Thursday 15th September with a ‘Stramash’ at the Black Bitch Tavern and sessions will take place there throughout the weekend.

See www.linlithgowfolk.com for full details of the programme.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

As ever, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

THIS ISSUE Feature: West Lothian Solar System Trail..........8 Charity: “They’re indispensable”.......................12 Coaching: Switching off the panic button......13 Living Well: Rising cost of living........................14 Property Matters: The “all year summer advantage”...............................................................18 Garden Project: Summer into Autumn............21 Spotlight: Taylor Talks Trades............................22 What’s On..................................................................24 Local Environment: Mama knows best...........26 Vet’s Tip: Pet Emergencies.................................27 Puzzles.......................................................................27 Parenting: Blown Away by Blawhorn Moss...28 Film Review...............................................................30

COVER IMAGE: Summer starting to fade.

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Konect is delivered monthly to 7500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

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Linlithgow • Alison 07902 775839 kumon.co.uk

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LINLITHGOW | 7

Near the Balvornie BBQ area in Beecraigs Country Park, you may have noticed two plaques in the wall of the building in front of the public toilets – a plain black one, and one inscribed with “I could be.”

They are part of an installation of 11 sculptures dotted around West Lothian, representing the solar system. Known collectively as the Kirkhill Pillar Project, they were installed in 2008 with the aim of recreating an unusual 18th century project - a model of the solar system, as it was understood at that time.

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The Kirkhill estate in Broxburn was home in the 18th century to this project. The slightly eccentric 11th Earl of Buchan who lived here, David Steuart Erskine, fancied himself as a patron of the arts and part of the Scottish Enlightenment.

He took it upon himself to offer poetry writing advice to Robert Burns, and when Walter Scott was ill in 1819 the Earl busied himself with funeral plans!

Scott later graciously commented that Buchan's “immense vanity bordering upon insanity, obscured or rather eclipsed, very considerable talents…” @KonectMagazines

So it's perhaps no surprise that he decided to tackle a scale model of the solar system. Completed in 1776, it consisted of the sun and larger known planets made from stone, and the smaller planets from bronze. He also made a stone pillar, carved with Latin inscriptions and recording the astronomical equations he used for the size of the planets and their relative distances from the sun. The pillar had a belltower and cross. The Earl also predicted the position the planets will be in on 20th May 2255 (no-one knows why he picked this date, but it may be to do with the transit of Venus). He used a scale of 12,283 miles 23/100 to an inch for his model, an odd scale but the astronomical information on the pillar is apparently quite accurate.

This pillar is all that remains of the original model. It stood in the garden at Kirkhill in a bad state of repair until it was rescued and relocated to Almondell Country Park and renovated in 1988. It stands in front of the Visitor Centre. This location was chosen as Almondell House was built by Henry Erskine, the Earl’s younger brother.

At the centre of the modern model is the sun – a lightbox with a diameter of 1.83m on Broxburn Academy - appropriately cited as the Academy is close to Kirkhill House, the site of the original model. Ten further sculptures representing the eight planets, an asteroid and the dwarf planet Pluto are distributed to scale across West Lothian in their orbits. The plaque at Beecraigs represents Pluto, the furthest from the sun and which at that stage had recently been downgraded to dwarf planet.

Kirkhill Pillar in Almondell Country Park

Finding all 11 installations makes for a fun trail to complete with the children over the course of a few walks or bike rides, and gives a focus for some local exploring.

Start with Pluto at Beecraigs, and work your way through the nine other installations planets until you get the sun at Broxburn Academy.

For the locations of all the installations, and more information see the Kirkhill Pillar Project website at www.kirkhillpillarproject.org.uk @KonectMagazines

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Marc van Cartier-Kerr

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LINLITHGOW | 11

Two people are strolling along a forested footpath, immersed in conversation and laughter.

The genial pair are a one-to-one volunteer befriender and an older person, who meet regularly to enjoy a walk.

One-to-one befriending is just one of the many ways in which you can volunteer with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) as volunteers are needed now, more than ever, as we move forward from the pandemic which engendered loneliness and isolation.

West Lothian organisation Cyrenians OPAL aims to sustain or enhance older people’s wellbeing and independence. They support individuals aged 60 and above to re-connect socially either on a one-to-one basis or at OPAL’s activity, social or walking groups.

OPAL is able to do so with the help of dedicated volunteers, such as the aforementioned volunteer, who says of the one-to-one walks: “I have now had 3 walks with my walking buddy. All have been very rewarding for me and I hope for both of us.

A regular walk gives structure to the week, and something to look forward to and plan for.

A good stimulus to our mental health.”

This volunteer’s walking companion is an older lady whom he has been carefully matched with, who found him to be “a very interesting man… very easy conversation”.

OPAL is appealing to people from across West Lothian to give their time by

volunteering to either facilitate at one of the groups, become a volunteer driver or befriender to visit or go on outings with an older person.

One lady who is able to attend an OPAL activity group thanks to a volunteer driver, shares how the volunteers and attending the group are important to her; “The experience I’ve had with the OPAL volunteers has been completely positive, they give their time out of the goodness of their hearts and I couldn’t be part of Cyrenians OPAL without the gentleman who drives me, he’s very kind. To me, they’re indispensable.”

“I enjoy going to the OPAL groups. One of the things I enjoy is that I manage to laugh and for people who live on their own, the opportunity for laughing is limited.”

Volunteering is often just as beneficial for the volunteer as it is for the individuals they support. By giving just a few hours each week, volunteering provides the opportunity to use your skills and share passions, meet new people and connect to your local area.

“I would recommend being an OPAL volunteer to anyone.” Another volunteer adds; “Because as well as supporting all the service users, OPAL supports their volunteers extremely well…your contribution will be valued, however big or small it is.”

Cyrenians OPAL welcome people to get in touch and join their vibrant community of volunteers.

Please contact them on: Email: opal@cyrenians.scot Phone: 01506 815815

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, Bathgate www.cyrenians.scot/how-we-help/129-older-people-active-lives 12 | LINLITHGOW

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LIFE COACHING

We have all heard about the flight or fight response that protects us from danger by placing us into a state of high alert.

That dry mouth, rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms is all too familiar and is an understandable response when we must react quickly to genuine threats, whether that’s a car swerving into our path or a sudden awareness of footsteps behind us.

However, it’s far less useful if we live with heightened fear and anxiety when we are going about our day to day lives.

The last few years seems to have ignited a kind of anxiety that has become increasingly common. Somehow, the fact that life can change overnight has shaken everyone’s confidence.

Most of us found that time really challenging and now that the world has opened up again, it’s tempting to assume that things would revert to what we had always thought of as normal. However, for many of us, life has changed for ever and we have had to learn new ways of being.

Living in the moment we are in right now and dealing only with the situations that are in front of us somehow frees us all up from some of that heightened anxiety. Dialling down or actually switching off the panic button, unless of course you are actually being chased by a bear, will help us all to embrace our new ‘normal’ and decide how we want our future to look.

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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LIVING WELL

Many of us are, understandably, worried about the rising cost of living but for the elderly this may be too big to handle.

More than a million older people on low incomes who would benefit from some extra financial help are going without because they are unaware that they qualify for pension credit and that a successful claim can act as a passport that opens the door to a wide range of other support.

What help is available?

• Cost of Living Payment of £650, paid in two instalments with the second due later this year • Cold weather payment of £25, paid when temperatures are below 0°C over 7 consecutive days • If eligible, £150 off energy bills through the Warm Home discount scheme

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• Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills in winter • Free TV licence (if over 75) • Free NHS dental treatment • Help towards the cost of glasses • Support with travel to hospital costs • Council Tax Support • Housing Benefit to help cover rent • Additional pension credit payments for some carers Unfortunately it is estimated that around three quarters of a million pensions are missing out on this important benefit right now. The sooner people act, the sooner they will find out if they are eligible for some of the additional financial help, and this could be life-changing for them.

Useful numbers to call for support or advice: Age Scotland – FREE national advice line – 0800 12 44 222.

Pension Credit claim line – 0800 99 1234.

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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PROPERTY MATTERS

Gain a real marketing advantage - We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, well-maintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too? The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.

Market your home all-year round - Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ – that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year.

Plan ahead and get ahead - There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in – and the right ones really set the tone.

At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing

software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always retake new external photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.

Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’ - At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next six months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees.

If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside. The exterior picture is after all the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.

Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now. Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.

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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KEEP SUMMER GOING INTO THE AUTUMN As we move towards the autumn our summer displays in pots on the patio or at the front door can start to look a bit dowdy.

It can seem too soon to replace them but something needs to be done. Hopefully you may have a few spare pots and can introduce a new star performer to take centre stage amongst your summer pots and lift the performance.

The small outdoor cyclamens are perfect for this role. They have been specially bred from various parents including the

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Persian Cyclamens that we can grow in cool indoor positions and they will perform well outside from now until the end of the year. You could plant small variegated ivies with them and also bury some dwarf bulbs like crocus or tulips to take over the display next spring.

If you are using compost from a summer planting you must tease it up to get air back into it and add a controlled release fertiliser as it will have been starved on nutrients. Remember to water regularly, they are your babies and rely on you for everything!

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

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The ingredients for a successful trades business:

Taylor Talks TRADES “I’m a people person. I like hearing people’s stories, and sharing mine.”

Jamie Taylor of Taylor Roofs is talking about his new podcast, “Taylor Talks Trades.” Now into its 11th episode, it’s a goldmine of insights into the minds of the founders of some of West Lothian’s leading trades businesses.

“I’d been thinking about doing a podcast for a long time. One of the reasons initially was that I wanted to show people what’s possible when you get into the trades,” says Jamie.

“We’re dealing with a skills shortage affecting the roofing industry and other trades, so I want to show school leavers as well as older people considering a career change, what can be achieved.”

It’s already developed into a lot more than this.

Jamie’s guests so far have been owners of local businesses including roofing, landscape gardening, stone masonry, groundworks and cleaning, to name a few. They all took different and sometimes unconventional routes to where they are now - running successful trades businesses, employing teams of people, and pushing their limits in personal and professional development. There’s one whose mum wouldn’t speak to him for year when he threw in the chance to pursue a career as an architect to work in the trades instead (she now works in his business and couldn’t be prouder); there’s the apprentice machinist who worked in three or four different sectors including recruitment, before finding his niche in landscape gardening; and many other stories.

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Jamie’s own route into running Taylor Roofs, which now employs around 30 staff, was one that he forged entirely by himself in the face of a lot of external pressures and now runs alongside his wife Kelly. The podcast is a treasury of inspirational stories and insights into businessowners’ mindset and outlook that you otherwise rarely get a chance to see.

Podcast guests share the lows as well as the highs. It can often be lonely running a business.

“It’s easy to get down, but when you take the time to look around at what you’ve achieved, you realise how far you’ve come. The podcast is about sharing that, it’s to be motivational. It’s going to be tough out there anyway, so let’s put some fun into it while we’re at it,” says Jamie.

While the podcast focuses on trades, much of the experiences and insights that are coming out are common to many business owners and Jamie is considering a series on other sectors too. “I don’t have a specific agenda for the podcast though. The YouTube channel builds trust in my brand if customers want to watch it before employing us. So it’s a brilliant way to connect with an audience.

But, I’m doing it simply because it feels like a good thing to do and people are enjoying it.”

Find “Taylor Roofs” channel on YouTube to watch Taylor Talks Trades. @KonectMagazines

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15TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER Linlithgow Folk Festival - Full programme of concerts and sessions, see www.linlithgowfolk.com for details.

SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Almondell Model Engineering Centre Open Day - Train rides £4, guided tours £2, tea, coffee & snacks. Almond Model Enginering Centre, Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF. edinburgh-sme.org.uk SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER Birding at Blackness - Drop in to Blackness Castle between 10.30am and 2.30pm, and join the Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on the battlements. Lookout on the surrounding environment and learn about the wildlife that call this area home. There are steep stairs, slopes and rough terrain at the castle. www. historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER Bathgate Hills Venture Story Telling Day - A day to celebrate our amazing local hills, with events at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in morning, and Reconnect Regal in afternoon and evening.T he results of the children”s storytelling competition will be exhibited at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in the morning, a foraging walk in the hills with a local herbalist at lunchtime, a story telling workshop at the Reconnet Regal in the afternoon, and an evening of stories, skits, Bathgate Youth Band and drama at the Regal in the evening.

All brought to you with support from Year of Stories 2022. For more information see www. bathgatehills.co.uk/2022/06/09/bhv-storytellingday-oct-2022/ WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 24 | LINLITHGOW

“I’m Greg, your Greensleeves lawn care expert, based in West Lothian.”

Rather than run a regular advert in this space, I thought I’d just give you a little update instead… As usual, the first six months of this year have been super busy – when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy their gardens more, so attentions are drawn to their lawns.

We have been improving lawns almost every day since I moved up from Yorkshire, at the start of the year, yet we still have a bit more space to take on new customers who are looking to enjoy the summer in their own garden.

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Email: westlothian@greensleeves-uk.com Call: 01506 251 241

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The desire to help wildlife comes naturally to many of us and quite frequently you read stories about baby deer or hare found in the long grass at this time of year, which understandably makes us think perhaps they’ve been abandoned.

What’s usually happened is Mum has gone off to feed, leaving her offspring where she believes is safe and somewhere she’ll return to in just a few hours. It’s quite normal and at this time of year you may find a little leveret (a baby hare) hiding in what seems like the most unusual place. A lot of fields have been cut back for silage now we’re through the bird nesting season so the hares are more obvi-ous than before and your attention will likely be drawn to a small little brown fur ball with its ears tucked back, thinking its invisible.

The best thing to do is leave it where you found it but if you can, keep an eye on the situation from a safe distance and if it really seems like Mum hasn’t returned then you could consider calling the SSP-CA for advice.

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This hare is probably the youngest one I’ve seen and was thankfully quite tolerant.

If you do want something to make you go “awww” then I suggest googling a young leveret because they are quite frankly adorable and will absolutely put a big smile on your face, which is why nature therapy is so wonderful!

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

PUZZLE

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

PET EMERGENCIES If your pet needed emergency care and you were away, is there consent in place to have them treated?

This last is an issue we have come across frequently this year – perhaps because holidays have been delayed so much people have forgotten or just aren’t aware as the last time they went they didn’t have a pet. As a vet, though, I can tell you it’s stressful trying to get hold of an owner abroad for consent for an emergency.

So do make sure whoever is looking after your pet has consent in place before you go. A good idea is to email the practice with a named contact of who is looking after your pet and the dates so the details are in writing. And if you are going to be uncontactable, it would be best if your pet had the details of their holiday carer on their tag.

SORRY, we didn’t have room for a crossword puzzle this month!

You can also get extra names added to your pet’s microchip, which you can do online yourself. That can be your pet’s holiday carer but can just be an extra contact, perhaps a family member in case you are uncontactable.

And the reverse, if you were taken ill suddenly and your pet was home alone, would anyone know? At the clinic we have pet emergency cards for your wallet or purse which let emergency services know that your pet is home alone.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road.

01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

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PARENTING

I don’t know about you but at some times of year it feels like we spend a lot of time driving places. Holidays, family visits, collecting random stuff my husband has bought on Gumtree! There’s always something.

We fill the time in the car as best we can with games and of course a few snacks thrown in for good measure…all to try to avoid the usual “are we there yet” chat. There’s inevitably a game of i-Spy at some point. Once you get past the predictable grass, trees, road (they rarely come up with anything original) it’s usually a wind turbine that someone will “spy” next. And it feels like this always leads to a lot of questions.

Oh the joys of inquiring minds.

In recent months as we’ve been driving about the kids have been intrigued by the large areas shaved off roundabouts along the A71.

Even I found myself wondering what on Earth was going on. I was practically giddy when I discovered the reason behind it and was able – for once – to provide an awesome answer to their questions.

For anyone not in the know it was due to massive wind farm components being transported through West Lothian. This of course did nothing to allay their preoccupation with wind turbines.

So we decided to see if we could get a bit closer to satisfy their curiosity.

Another mum - always the best source of wisdom - had suggested checking out Blawhorn Moss near Bathgate.

We parked at the Blawhorn Moss car park where there is a 28 | LINLITHGOW

handy visitor map detailing the various waymarked walking routes. We then followed an easy, short route to a newly extended boardwalk, which the kids were delighted to run around at top speed. As you look out across the moss you can see the wind turbines in all their glory. We were lucky to be there on a gorgeous sunny day so we could sit on the benches along the boardwalk and contemplate…what it would be like to climb up one if it needed fixed and what would happen if you stood too close.

And they loved the sculptures that lined the boardwalk inspired by the flora and fauna. They were jumping about pretending to be hair moss blowing in the wind and in the end it was all I could do to get them heading back towards the car park.

There was signage along the way with information about the wind turbines and the surrounding nature reserve.

After COP26 earlier in the year the kids have both done a lot of learning at school about climate change and the benefits of reducing pollution so they were excited to know something about it already.

The parenting column is contributed

by Laura Archibald.

Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

We still don’t know if a wind turbine can blow your clothes off (answers on a postcard please) but I can guarantee next time we spy one on a road trip we’ll have a lot more to talk about.

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SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE Can a punk song save the world?? That is the question posed by Fish Story, a 2009 Japanese film based on the book written by Kotaro Isaka who also wrote the book for the latest Brad Pitt trainwreck of a film called Bullet Train.

However, unlike that film, Fish Story is a true delight and is simply fantastic! The film follows four stories which are based in the years 1975, 1982, 2009 and 2012. All the years are connected by the song Fish Story.

While the film will not blow your mind in terms of cinematography or its soundtrack, everything else makes up for it. The four stories are all utterly engaging and riveting, and no two feel the same. How all the stories are interconnected throughout the different timespans and edited together is utterly flawless. One moment you are going from a story about hidden messages in songs and seeing the future, the next moment it’s a boat heist. While in a way that sounds like it could cause major whiplash, the film somehow nails a consistent tone throughout, allowing everything to flow well together. All the acting is great and there truly isn’t a bad performance in the entire film.

ACROSS: 1. Starve, 4. Doodle, 9. Complex, 10. Salad, 11. Extra, 12. Matches, 13. Appointment, 18. Deposit, 20. Night, 22. Olive, 23. Outcome, 24. System, 25. Grasps.

DOWN: 1. Secret, 2. Admit, 3. Volcano, 5. Onset, 6. Dolphin, 7. Eldest, 8. Examination, 14. Puppies, 15. Monster, 16. Idiots, 17. Utters, 19. Swede, 21. Grows.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 27

But a key factor they had to get right was the song and luckily the song Fish Story is an utter banger and I listen to it a lot in my free time. Fish Story is honestly a personal favourite film of mine, and it is worthy of a watch.

Available on DVD, Blu-ray, Digitally and to stream on the Arrow Video Channel on Prime.

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.

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 M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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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 - Under appropriate guidelines our club has restarted for the 2021/22 season.

Wednesdays, Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45 pm Annual Membership £10.00 £3.00 per night (Under 18’s £2.00). Play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status on the West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme. Contact Allan Scott on 07485 001819 or e-mail linlithgowlttg@gmail.com 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

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wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given.

For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook. com/West-Lothianu3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274.

LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (termtime) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Players aged 13+ 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.

LOCHSIDE PLAYGROUP - Parentrun playgroup located in Linlithgow provides 2.5hrs registered childcare during West Lothian School term-time for children aged 2yrs 3mths to 5 years, 9.15-11.45am Monday-Thursday. A great setting for children to begin their journey into nursery/school, ensuring a stimulating and caring environment (with healthy snacks). Councilfunded places for 2-year-olds available to eligible families.

Contact us for more information/ to add a child to the waiting list, email: lochsideplaygroup@yahoo. com, through our website www. lochsideplaygroup.org or on Facebook.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/phone: 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. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling.

For information: Tel.: 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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