Konect Linlithgow September 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

RECIPE:

LOCAL HISTORY: LIVING WELL:

P26

W

ith schools back into routine, I thought I’d run a local history piece about children – and how different life was for local kids when the mines were in their heyday here. It’s a thoughtprovoking series of extracts from a parliamentary report on children’s working conditions in the 1800s, which included investigations at many mines here in West Lothian.

It’s not been much of a summer weatherwise, but gardeners are irrepressible in their optimism, it’s one thing I love about gardening! In the garden project column, Dougal talks about planning now for spring bulb displays. Even if you don’t have a garden, planting a pot of bulbs to enjoy on your doorstep or windowsill will bring joy now and in the future!

I hope you find the magazine useful this month. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: Back to school, if you were lucky!...................................................... 8 Life Coaching: What kind of friendship......................................................13 Puzzles..................................................13 / 27 Living Well: Looking after brain health.............................................................14 Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin..........................22 Garden Project: Planting for spring displays.........................................................24 Local Environment: Time flies...................26 Vet’s Tip: Guinea Pig Awareness.............27 What’s On......................................................28 Film Review: The Goldman Case.............29

COVER IMAGE: Late summer in Linlithgow.

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LOCAL HISTORY

BACK TO SCHOOL - IF YOU WERE LUCKY

West Lothian schools have been back a couple of weeks; the back-to-school moaning from the kids has subsided as they settle back to routine.

But when coal-mining was in its heyday in West Lothian, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits. Many had no chance of getting an education; others might be lucky enough to have access to a night-school after a 12 – 14 hour shift below ground, if their health held out.

The fate of children in mines led to public pressure on parliament to conduct an enquiry into conditions, the results of which was published in 1842. It makes for an arresting read. We hear the voices of real children, in what was then Linlithgowshire, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied - some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did. The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended self-regulation and the employment of women and children underground, and for boys under 10. It was a long and slow evolution.

The report notes that even where there were schools, in general the children of colliers did not attend. “It is quite common for children and young persons employed in various branches of trade and manufacture through the day to attend week evening schools and at Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire, where the collier population amounts to about 500, though the parochial school is stated to be the best in the county, the colliers seldom send their children to it. At this early age, then, supplied but scantily

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with the bare elements of reading and writing, is the miserable child sent to his daily toil with pain and suffering, unseen and insidious disease, his mind and body alike exposed to the corruption of a viscous atmosphere.”

Here are some extracts from the East of Scotland report, where we hear the voices of children interviewed at local mines:

Margaret Chirce, age 12 years, putter*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen “I shute the carts with sister, who is much older than me, in the Kipps Pit. I do not know my sister’s age, am sure she is much older, as she is a big bit bigger than me; after shuting up the brae, I throw the coals over with a shovel into the hurley, which is pushed to pit bottom.

I do not like the work so well as what I did before my father forced me down; my work was that of a herd-kye [cowherd] at Whiteside, where I was much better fed and clothed. Father has the dropsy from sitting in wet work, and frequent attacks of bad breath; mother has a large family dependant on our labour.”

Thomas Smith, coal-hewer*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen “Can’t say what age I am, nor what place was born in - I may be 12 or 14. I work 12 to 14 hours daily at houking the coal [cutting or picking] with father; sometimes I draw or push the carts; the carts hold four hutchies, which is equal to 14cwt. - this is the usual weight drawn and pushed by girls and boys.”

Mary Sneddon, age 15 years, putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire “I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirkyard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place.”

Thomas Brown, age 10 years, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate “I go down at three in the morning, and come up at four and sometimes six at night, and work 9 or 10 days in the fortnight; work very hard, as father is no strong the now, and mother is dead.

about the death and therefore no inquiry. I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”

Peter Andrew, age 11 years, putter*, Polkemmet, Whitburn “I work about 12 hours daily, three or four morning till three or four afternoon. Get porridge or tea sent, as live just convenient to the engine; … Father and three brothers work below; two of my brothers write very well; I am not the length of writing yet; do not go to school at present, I shall do as summer advances; the moor is not good to cross, and the teacher lives far away.”

Robert Beveridge, age 15 years, coalhewer* at Polkemmet, Whitburn “I have been below near five years; work 11 and 12 hours, sometimes longer. Mother was a farmer’s daughter, and she had nine of us; she never wrought below, nor have any women here; the lassies go into the fields or to service.” *Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.

I hurry the hurlies [draw the carts] in harness.”

John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate “I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years... I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, and is a series of extracts and images from the “Children’s Employment Commission 1842, on the Employment of Children and Young Persons in the Collieries and iron works of the East of Scotland, and the State, Condition, and Treatment of such Children and Young Persons. The full text is available online at The Coalmining History Resource Centre, www.cmhrc.co.uk With thanks to Picks Publishing and Ian Winstanley LINLITHGOW | 9

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LIFE COACHING

Throughout our lives we have so many different versions of friendship, from those early schooldays when getting picked for the netball team was the most important thing in our lives, to the friend who let us cry on their shoulder when things went wrong with those first romantic dreams.

When we are young it seems so much easier to make friends, the way we begin relationships and what we take from them can be so much simpler. Sometimes just sharing an experience was enough to build a relationship at that stage.

It can be really difficult to make friends as grown-ups because we move in different settings once we leave education.

That’s why many adult friendships start in the workplace or in local community groups such as mother and toddler groups or parents groups at our children’s school.

However, just like the friendships we make in school, all of these have a time limited element and often don’t continue when those activities cease.

Suddenly, we can find ourselves trying to connect with new friends without having those things in common. This can feel really daunting as the natural paths to friendship we always relied on seem to dry up.

This doesn’t mean that we are doomed to a lonely life with no-one for company; it’s more of an invitation to make new friends who fit the life we are living now. It’s liberating to remember that we don’t need to make friends with everyone and if we remember that, we can make space for the right people to come into our lives.

The crossword solution will be published in the October edition

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Alcove (6), 4. Pieces of wood (6), 9. Family name (7), 10. Not outer (5), 11. Pry (5), 12. Compel (7), 13. Most definitely (11), 18. Group (7), 20. Male relative (5), 22. Mistake (5), 23. Observed (7), 24. Thawed (6), 25. Light wind (6).

DOWN: 1. Fight back (6), 2. Freight (5), 3. Liquid soap (7), 5. Robber (5), 6. Middle (7), 7. Inspect (6), 8. Recalling (11), 14. Impartial (7), 15. Latitude zero degrees (7), 16. Squeal (6), 17. Aggravate (6), 19. Abrupt (5), 21. Form of transport (5).

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 LINLITHGOW | 13

LIVING WELL

We now understand a great deal more about what impacts our brain health than we did even 10 years ago. For example, it’s now known that the diseases and risk factors that lead to dementia often start in midlife.

Some of these are things we cannot change, such as family history or genetics, but many others we can, such as lifestyle: TAKE EXERCISE - Regular exercise helps maintain a good blood supply to the brain, improves mental wellbeing and promotes good quality sleep.

EAT WELL - Your diet is vital for ensuring your brain gets the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy weight can help avoid conditions which impact on your brain health, like diabetes STAY CONNECTED - Your brain thrives on the stimulation of being with other people, continuing to learn, and challenging yourself mentally

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REDUCE RISKS - Stopping smoking, even later in life, or reducing your alcohol consumption to within the recommended limits can reduce the damage done to your brain.

SWITCH OFF - Long-term stress can harm the brain and make it harder to keep on top of these other factors. So make time for yourself, and the things that help you relax.

BE AWARE - Some medical conditions can have an effect upon your brain’s wellbeing, such as high blood pressure. Monitor your overall health with regular check-ups. Pick up on any concerns early, follow medical advice, and take any medications as prescribed.

For more information, visit brainhealth.scot or contact the West Lothian Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre on 01506 533108

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Apple Tarte Tatin

Hit the sweet spot! Tarte tatin has an air of sophistication that brings with it a reputation for being difficult or time-consuming to make. In reality, it’s uncomplicated and undemanding - especially if you use readyrolled pastry.

Ingredients:

• 75g ready-rolled puff pastry • 35g caster sugar • 30g butter • ¼ tsp vanilla extract • A small pinch of salt • 140g baking apples (around 1 small apple), peeled, cored and cut into 1cm slices

To serve: • Whipped cream, ice cream or creme fraiche

Serves 4 Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan, gas mark 4.

2. Unroll your pastry sheet and cut it into a circle the size of a heavy frying pan.

3. Add the sugar to your pan and heat over a medium heat. Don’t stir it but let it melt, then gently swill it around the pan as it turns to liquid. It will start to caramelise and turn a golden colour, this will take 4-5 minutes.

4. Once the sugar is golden, turn off the heat and add in the butter. Add in the vanilla and a small pinch of salt, and stir again to combine everything.

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5. Once combined, place the apples on top of the caramel, arranging them in any way you like but trying to keep them in a single layer as much as possible. Lay the circle of pastry on top of the apples and tuck it around the edges of the pan slightly. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden.

6. Once baked, take your serving plate and place it face down on top of the skillet.

Carefully but confidently flip the plate and skillet over, turning out the tarte so the apples face upwards. Serve with whipped cream, ice cream or creme fraiche

Recipe is extracted from One Pot, One Portion recipes for people who eat, cook or live alone, but are tired of washing up, by Eleanor Wilkinson, published Ebury Press. photography by Dan Jones.

LINLITHGOW | 23

IT’S TIME TO PLAN FOR YOUR SPRING DISPLAYS AGAIN! September is the best month to choose spring flowering bulbs for your pots and borders, although if we get an Indian summer you may choose to delay planting them until the summer displays have finished in October.

If you are going to plant some winter flowering pansies on top you should make sure you get them planted by the middle of October at the latest.

This pot has four different bulbs planted in it; they were planted in layers starting with the biggest bulbs at the bottom. It allows you to pack the pot with bulbs to give you this generous display next spring. Each bulb will find its way up between the bulbs above it!

The pink Hyacinth Pink Pearl is wonderfully fragrant, we planted it about halfway down

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the pot then covered it with the peat-free Multipurpose with added John Innes Compost. Next in went the Tulip Pretty Princess, the tulip leaves are very dramatic before the flowers appear. Some more compost and then the white Narcissus Thalia. Finally, the little white Chionodoxa, we can only offer the blue one this autumn but you could use Ornithogalum White Trophy if you didn’t want to add blue to your creation.

Pop in some winter flowering pansies to delight you until the bulbs push through in the New Year and then water the pot well and leave it sitting outside.

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

LINLITHGOW | 25

I can’t believe we’re in mid-August already (as I write this anyway!) One of my favourite seasons of the year is already coming to a close. No, not Summer but seabird season.

It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago we were eagerly anticipating the return of the hardy birds and now they’re leaving for the winter.

I visited St Abb’s Head (AKA New Asgard for the Marvel fans) with friends to check out the seabird colonies found along the cliffs. They’ve got an increasing population of nesting Gannets, which is very exciting.

Despite the impact Avian flu has had, the Bass Rock is now at capacity and the birds are spreading further afield to find new territories. Final breeding numbers for our biggest seabirds aren’t yet known but it does look like 2024 has been promising.

One of the reasons Avian Flu was able to spread like it did is because of how tightly packed these nesting colonies can be.

This picture shows that quite well, with the species mixed in together all squabbling for the best nesting spots, which are usually found nearer the top of cliffs.

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It’s all a cycle though. As we say goodbye to our seabirds, we welcome another species and soon the same shoreline will be covered in Atlantic grey seals returning for pupping season. In 2023, there were 1818 seal pups born on the reserve. I wonder what 2024 will bring?

Ths 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

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

It’s guinea pig awareness week this month – September 23rd to 27th – so for this column I’m talking about some of the basics for looking after these very popular furry pets.

The awareness week highlights five areas which are key to caring for your cavy; diet, health, behaviour, environment and companionship.

Important points for guinea pigs’ diet including lots of fresh hay, some nuggets with vitamin C (as they can’t produce this themselves), fresh water and a few veggies – avoid muesli-style guinea pig food as they’ll just pick out the bits they like and leave the rest!

In terms of health, keep an eye on long haired types to make sure their fur doesn’t get matted and check their nails aren’t getting too long – Westport nurses do nail clips if you aren’t keen!

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 13. See page 28 for solutions.

Cavies are prey animals so their natural behaviour is to hide if they feel in any way threatened so make sure they always have a safe space to bury away in. And whether you keep your guinea pig indoors or out, it’s essential they have a large, secure space where they can exercise.

Guinea pigs should never be kept alone – littermates are best and if you are keeping a male and female together, make sure the male is neutered first. Don’t house guinea pigs with rabbits or chinchillas.

For more information on how to keep your piggies happy, visit guineapigalliance.com or speak to your vet.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 27

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

TUESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER Hippodrome Talk - Hear about the history of the Bo’ness Hippodrome in a talk by Falkirk Council’s Arts Development Officer, Alison Strauss. 2pm-3pm at Speirs Centre, Primrose Place, Alloa.

FK10 1JJ. Free, please book by calling 01259 452262. This is part of the National Library of Scotland’s touring display Going to the Pictures.

ACROSS: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.

DOWN: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 27

SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Linlithgow Antique Vintage and Collectors Fair - Queen ACROSS: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 6JA. Early entry 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 9am £2. Public entry 10am - 3pm £1.

Ample parking, disabled 15 Cobra, 17 free Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 support Unkind, 24 of Needed. access,on site catering. Procceds in Linlithgow Museum TH 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 7TH & SUNDAY 8DOWN: 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, Siege on the Forth - One of Scotland’s most impressive 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, strongholds, with spectacular views19across to the Fife coast and Mends, 22 Rues.

Forth bridges, Blackness Castle has served as an artillery fortress, TO SUDOKU royal castle, prison and armamentsSOLUTION depot. Come along and discover more about the rich history of ship that sailed!

ONnever PAGE XX 12pm – 4pm each day, tickets and info via www.historicenvironment.scot.

Ticket enquiries ticketing@hes.scot

FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER Scottish Chamber Orchestra come to Linlithgow - Hosted

by Linlithgow Arts Guild, the SCO will play music by Wagner, Mozart and Beethoven in St. Michael’s Parish Church. 7.30pm. Tickets £20/£10./£6, please book via the Scottish Chamber Orchestra website www.sco.org.uk

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.

SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Blackness Birding - Head up to the battlements of Blackness Castle with Historic Environment Scotland rangers, for a bird’s eye view of the Firth of Forth and enjoy the wonderfully diverse bird life around its shores. Content aimed at ages 8 and over. 1pm – 3pm.

Info at www.historicenvironment.scot

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept WEEKENDS THROUGH THE SUMMER responsibility for loss or damage caused Canal Cruises - Aqueduct cruises run from the Linlithgow by error in the printing of an advertisement.

Union Canal centre on Saturdays and Sundays until We do not endorse any29th advertisers in thiscanal publication.

Allin material is accepted September. 2½ hour cruise from the basin Linlithgow to the for publication on the understanding it is Avon Aqueduct, which carries the Union Canal over the River Avon. copyright free. No part of this publication £13 Adult, £11 Concession, £7 Child.

Information and booking online may be reproduced without prior consent of via www.lucs.org.uk the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS AREWest FREE OFEH54 CHARGE. Lothian 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOTAlan

BY Stewart 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR Design FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. T: 07729 911858

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Magazine Design:

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

French crime dramas are a huge green flag for me. How Europe handles courtroom crime is unlike any other.

So, saying The Goldman Case hooked me from the beginning would be an understatement. It is based on the true story of Pierre Goldman, a far-left militant who is sentenced to life in prison for four armed robberies, one of which led to the death of two women. He fully admits to committing three of the four robberies but pleads his innocence for the murder. The film focuses on the re-trial, and we see how the court proceedings unfold.

As mentioned before the film is utterly gripping from the beginning. Every witness testimony or sudden outburst is enthralling. The performances are what make this film. Arthur Arari (who coincidentally co-wrote Anatomy of a Fall) is excellent as lawyer Georges Kiejman.

Seeing him dissect witnesses while can be funny at times and is also truly haunting. Many scenes discuss the racism and prejudice prevalent at the time and especially in hindsight certain actions characters make still lurk in the back of my mind.

However, the true standout is Arieh Worthalter as Pierre Goldman. His performance is stellar and there are many moments where you can feel how charismatic he is. By the end of the film will be on his side.

The Goldman Case is a great film, while some moments are random. The courtroom drama itself is so compelling that by the end I was on the edge of my seat.

In Cinemas from the 20 September 2024 The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE CHILDREN - A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face.

We meet up at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445 WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Primary School (from midAugust to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm). All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year. You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB - A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends.

All designs created in the demonstration are raffled. Contact Hetty Redwood for details, hettyredwood@gmail.com or 07719 603120 BADMINTON - LINLITHGOW - We play badminton at Springfield Community Centre on Mondays 10-12noon during school terms.

Open to all. If interested please contact Diana Marchant 01506 848625 or 07789 295 301.

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

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk LINLITHGOW | 29

WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today!

No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know!

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

W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW - Wednesdays - Longcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45pm. Annual Membership £12.00 [Under 18’s £6.00] Play Table Tennis in a friendly atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status (West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme) and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For those of a more competitive nature there is the opportunity to represent our team in the Stirlingshire & Midland Counties League.

Contact Allan Scott T: 07485 001819 E: linlithgowlttg@gmail.com W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon.

An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, 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 30 | LINLITHGOW

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. 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.