Konect Livingston July 17

JULY 2017

livingston

INTERVIEW: HOW TO CELEBRATE TURNING 80!

Summer Holiday What’s On Guide Plus local Barbecue Guide businesses, WEST LOTHIAN FESTIVAL community information & more!

OF RUNNING S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine

The community magazine for Livingston

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PAGE 08

FEATURE

M E SSAG E FR O M TH E ED I T O R Our July Konect has a lovely summery look about it - let’s hope our sunny graphics don’t look out of place and we actually get some nice weather. We’ve pulled together a guide to some children’s holiday activities all over West Lothian, so you’re sure to find something to do on the sunny days... and the inevitable rainy ones.

Summer is a good time to be getting out and active too. I spoke to the organisers of West Lothian Run, who are busy planning for the August running event and would love to see more people signing up for one of the runs - and training out and about in our lovely country parks over the next few weeks.

The food notes are all about BBQs. Our local charity feature is here, as well as our other regular columns. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

CONTENTS West Lothian Festival of Running 08 Health & Beauty 13 Thought for the Month 14 Charity of the Month 18 Interview: Amy Gilchrist 42 Recipe and Food Notes 44 Puzzles 48 What’s On Summer Holiday Special 46 Clubs & Classes 49 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW Visit West Lothian Property Matters Parents in West Lothian Music Review

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL01 WL10 WL15 WL16 54

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

COVER IMAGE: BBQ GUIDE: See our ‘Recipe & Food Notes’ feature on page 44

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Extra copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 3

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Your friendly local Club for tennis, squash and racketball and our newest sport, Padel Tennis (Europe’s fastest-growing sport)

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 7

COMMUNITY

A passion for running and fundraising made Armadale-based personal trainer Paul Brown the ideal candidate for taking on the management recently of local charity West Lothian Run. “We’ve renamed the August event the ‘Festival of Running’ this year, and are planning to make it into an event with something for all the family,” explains Paul. There is be a range of different runs, plus they hope to put on other activities in the park on the day such as inflatables. New for this year there is a Kids Kilometre for 3-7 year olds (with a parent in tow!), plus the usual 2k, 5k and half marathon runs. All the runs are based at Meadow Park in Bathgate, with the half marathon starting and ending there.

The aim of West Lothian Run is to put on affordable events which promote health and wellbeing, as well as to provide a structure for people to raise funds for their own chosen causes. It was founded in 2009 by Bathgate-resident Lindsay Colman, who recently handed over the reins.

Paul is now managing it, along with his wife Jennifer Brown and Laura Scott. The entrance fees for the runs are very reasonable, making it an accessible way for you to raise money for your chosen charities. All races are professionally tracked and timed, and a team of volunteer marshals help out on the day.

One thing Paul cannot be accused of is a lack of energy. Last year he ran seven full marathons in seven days, culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon at which he achieved his personal best time, despite it being the last one of the seven.

He raised over £4000 for charity! This year, his personal challenge was 500 miles in 5 weeks, again culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon, raising funds for SANDS Lothian. For next year he is thinking of doing an iron man triathalon challenge.

Paul Brown (Manager of West Lothian Run) completing his gruelling "7 marathons in 7 days" challenge last year.

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Paul, Jennifer and Laura are keen to put on other running events throughout the year. There is already an Easter run at Beecraigs (it was missed this year but will be back next year) and a Santa Fun Run in Livingston each December.

“We have so many lovely places to run in West Lothian. I’d like to do something in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park and other

locations,” says Paul. He’d also like to set up more running groups for people of all ages and stages to get out and get running around West Lothian. There is already a weekly running group for kids at Boghall Community Wing, the West Lothian Little Runners.

WEST LOTHIAN RUN: Promoting health and wellbeing in West Lothian

Paul is a personal trainer and besides his charitable work for West Lothian Run and his personal fundraising challenges, he offers one to one personal training, group training and running training. He is offering a kids summer holiday active bootcamp - a two week block for children from 5 to 12 years old – so if you’re still looking for summer activity ideas, search for Paul Brown Personal Training on Facebook for details.

“There is definitely an interest and appetite for running locally,” says Paul, “although we’d be delighted to see even more people signing up for the West Lothian Festival of Running this year!”

HEALTHY KIDS: West Lothian Little Runners, with Paul Brown

THUMBS UP: Fun on the run

To find out more visit www.westlothianrun.org.uk, or search West Lothian Run on Facebook.

West Lothian Run is a charity registered in Scotland.

Charity No. SCO40806.

Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Paul Brown, manager of West Lothian Run, for this article.

Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 9

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S T Y L I S T S WA N T E D

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

PATTERNS FOR LIVING

Life, as you know, can feel difficult - sometimes we can feel stuck and powerless. Unfortunately, this can become a painful, self-perpetuating spiral.

Go with ideas!: Give your stylist as much information as possible. Tear out pictures from maga-zines, celebrity references, even bring in photos of friends with hair you like! Be descriptive with what you don't want as well as what you do want. These are equally important pieces of information for your hairdresser.

It’s good to talk: It's important that you feel comfortable enough to chat with your stylist as com-munication and building trust will encourage a great relationship with your hairdresser. Don't just think about the haircut you're having right now, but think about the haircut you'll be having in the future.

Be realistic: Your hairdresser will advise you on what's best for your hair and which styles will suit you, as well as recommending colour that will enhance your features and flatter your skintone. Lis-ten to your stylist! Your hair is a representation of their work and they always want you to look your best!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk

It’s crucial to understand that the brain is a 'pattern-matching' organ. In other words, as we move around our day, our senses (unconsciously) scan the environment and 'patterns' pop up - pathways of brain cells which inform us how to behave, according to what we've practised in the past.

This is fine for the things we're okay with but, unfortunately, unhelpful thoughts and behaviours work in exactly the same way.

They keep occurring only because we have practised them - not because they are 'truth' or because we are incapable of changing them.

The key to change is to notice the pattern when it’s happening and do something different which will give you an outcome you actually want. And then practice! Are you ready to roll up your sleeves?

Change really is possible ... new patterns of thought or behaviour repeated again and again create new pathways which then, after about 6 weeks, become the norm. And so your sense of self-control grows and you come to know that you really can create the change you want!

This column is contributed by Rosanna Veitch.

“I have worked as a counsellor for 30 years and am delighted to have been asked to write a little column here. I see clients of all ages and with all forms of emotional distress in my peaceful therapy room at my home. Please feel free to call for a chat. Everyone is welcome, and I'm happy to adjust my fee if money is tight.” See www.effectivecounsellingedinburgh.com KONECT LIVINGSTON | 13

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

We are several months into the year now and I have paused to reflect on the busyness of my life. It creeps up and then before you know it, life is full on and too busy!!

stuff? Sometimes my work doesn’t feel like work as I love what I do but it is not the same as taking time off to relax and nourish yourself, time to go out with loved ones. Changes need to happen.

I realised this recently when at the start of the month, looking at my calendar, I had no days off!!

Classes to prepare and teach, 4 evenings each week, work during the day, workshops to prepare, for the weekends coming up and more. What I realised was that I was using every spare minute to do something related to work, stopping to relax was non existent.

I found that taking time to reflect was crucial.

What could I let go of and this question wasn’t easy! But the answers came and I let go of a few classes to create a little more space in the evening and during the day, I also let go of a significant part of my working life to free us some weekends. The end result is that life feels more balanced, settled, less pressured and time out... essential.

On reflection I found myself asking, when was I going to spend time with my loved ones or have time out to relax and not think of work related

Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk

7 Day Membership: £68.75 per month 6 Day Members: £61.88 per month, 5 Day Members: £51.56 per month Young Adult (18-19): £15 per month, Young Adult (20-21): £20 per month, Young Adult (22-25): £30 per month, Young Adult (26-30): £40 per month 12 ROUND MEMBERSHIP FOR £300 – contact us for details With the SGL affiliation fee of £12.60 Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

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Email: manager@baberton.co.uk Website: www.babertongc.com

OPAL (Older People, Active Lives)

Helping older people to stay active, independent & connected!

The OPAL service supports residents across West Lothian aged 60+ who are feeling isolated or lonely and who need some short term help to get out and about and connect with the local community.

This free service operates all year round, with our dedicated team of trained volunteers.

We offer:

• Telephone support - a friendly weekly call to share experiences and just •

enjoy a chat.

One-to-one support - working with you to help rebuild confidence, connect with the local community, meet new people and get out and about!

• A variety of local groups* - providing a welcoming and relaxed way of getting to know folk locally and sharing hobbies and interests.

If you would like to refer yourself or would just like more information please contact us: 01506 815 815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot *small charge is applicable for attending groups only.

Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 15

J AY OIN M ON OR E E CL CO U UR B SE S

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• 5 day membership available.

• Membership entitles you to discounted golf at “1892 Club” and “Association of James Braid courses” (That’s over 100 courses in Scotland alone).

BEST VALUE GOLF IN WEST LOTHIAN Memberships available in ALL CATEGORIES

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We can remove your Dings, Dents & Scratches BODYWORK & ALLOY WHEEL REPAIRS

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z PROTECT AND SECURE YOUR VEHICLE, YOUR ASSETS, YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR TOOLS DETER CRIMINALS ATTACKING YOUR VAN DON’T LET 2017 BE A GOOD YEAR FOR CRIME! Protectavan is a Livingston based company that installs specialist locks for the light commercial vehicle market, we help fleet operators and owners alike protect vans and cargo areas from attack.

With years of experience, you can have peace of mind knowing that the service we provide is very professional, flexible and efficient.

Should you wish to protect your vehicle have security products fitted or simply discuss your security requirements I will be happy to help.

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 17

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

ADVOCACY ‘OUTCOME’ REPORTING – VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS NEEDED!

EARS is an independent advocacy service that has been helping people in the Lothians since 1999. It supports people to speak up for themselves, and where they can’t, provides an advocate to speak for them.

The volunteer service in West Lothian is coordinated by local resident Karen Strang, who has worked for the service since 2016. Karen says, “Providing support and assistance to people are regarded as some of the important aspects of advocacy. Quotes from advocacy partners have included: ‘It makes such a difference having someone to speak to’ and ‘Thank you so much for all the help you’ve given me, I couldn’t have done this on my own.’”

If you have a concern about your care, accommodation, money, a legal issue or another matter and are finding things difficult, an independent advocate can help you express your concerns when talking to other people, such as professionals and carers. If you don’t feel confident about speaking up, or you feel no-one is listening, you may want support from someone who is independent of your situation.

An EARS advocate will be 100% on your side.

They will take time to listen to you; they won’t tell you what to do, give you advice or offer an opinion on your situation, but will assist you in making informed decisions about your situation, and provide support where you, or others, may be worried that you are at risk of being harmed. They can attend meetings or appointments with you or for you, assist with writing letters, emails or making phone calls, and taking forward any issues that are important to you. It’s about having a sympathetic person beside you to help navigate systems, meetings and communications which can sometimes be overwhelming.

EARS advocates are trained and experienced in independent advocacy. They are not part of any statutory or private organisations (such as social work departments, NHS or private companies), and the service is free and confidential. They are 18 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

We are looking at a new way of recording and reporting on the ‘advocacy experience’ that we provide. To do this we need people to interview people who have been supported

by EARS, to hear their stories, identify the outcomes achieved, collate the information into a database and report on the findings. If you would be interested in helping with this, or would like further information, please contact Karen Strang on the contact details below.

Visit www.ears-advocacy.org.uk for more information.

EARS Advocacy Service, 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6EE Tel.: Email:

01506 205840 or 0131 478 8866 info@ears-advocacy.org.uk

also experienced in working with people who have dementia. In West Lothian, you can access the EARS Advocacy services if you are: • An adult (16yrs+) with a physical disability and/or an acquired brain injury (ABI) • An adult (16yrs+) with a learning disability and/or on the Autism Spectrum including Asperger’s • An older person living in the community using a health or social care service, or living in a residential care setting • An adult (any age) who is a stroke survivor and have had a stroke within the past 2 years Any professional, relative, carer or friend can make a referral, or you can refer yourself. There is no waiting list for the service.

CHARITY INFORMATION: The Edinburgh Advocacy & Representation Service is a company limited by guarantee. No. 218085 & a registered Scottish Charity No. SC031518.

Trading as EARS Advocacy Service.

Helen-Jane (Editor) spoke to Karen Strang of EARS Advocacy for this article and compiled the information from their published materials.

75

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Let Konect find your leads It’s easy to be included!

Please contact: Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk www.konectdirectory.co.uk

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 19

20 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

Den Building Adventures at Almond Valley - Daily from Sat 1st July to Tue 22nd August Linlithgow Holiday Club with Historic Environment Scotland - Every Tue during the holidays Days out with Thomas (Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway) - 29th & 30th July River Kids Duck Race & Fun Day (Holmes Park, Broxburn) - Sun 9th July (See poster on WL14)

It’s finally summer in West Lothian, and as always we have a fun packed season for you!

Whether you are looking for sunny days out with the family, or you are trying to let your hair down after a long week at work, West Lothian always has something for you to try!

Spectacular Jousting is back at Linlithgow Palace on the 1st & 2nd July. Hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of a lance splintering as the brave knights stage an unforgettable display in the magnificent setting of Linlithgow Palace Peel.

Try some family fun activities with the rangers at Hopetoun this July! With lots of activities from learning about moths, and enjoying a ranger led walk through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape – be sure to look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the stunning trees and plants!

Arts & Craft Club at Potter Around Daily throughout the holidays

Visit our

Summer Holiday ‘What’s On’ page

Enjoy a treat after a long week at work, and take a visit to Artisan Cheesecakes. With different flavoured cheesecakes on offer every day, they really do aim to make all cheesecake-lovers dreams come true! Try one of their extravagant cheesecakes or savour one of their fantastic cheesecake shakes – your favourite cheesecake in a milkshake, what’s not to love!

For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:

www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1

Blinds | Shutters | Interiors § § § § § § § §

Large Selection of Blinds Perfect Fit Senses Roller Plantation Shutters Rigid Pvc Verticals Quality at Affordable Prices Soft Furnishings Bespoke Furniture

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Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com

For more information, please visit www.gsi-events.com or email arlene@gsi-events.com Range of services we offer: • Direct mail fulfilment & personalisation • SMS campaigns • Storage and distribution • Print & postage solutions • Packing/Corporate goodybags WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

GARDENING PROJECT Providing regular food is important, particularly to build up the bodyweight of the young hogs if they are to survive their winter hibernation. Whatever you do don’t give them milk or bread as they are lactose intolerant. Give them special hedgehog food and put it out in the evening and remove in the morning.

Four good reasons to encourage hedgehogs into your garden.

1 2 3 4

They eat slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, leatherjackets and so on They are really cute and everyone loves them!

They are happy in rural or urban gardens They are an important element in our ecosystem

But what can you do to encourage them into your garden? They need to roam over quite large areas so they need small access holes for them to get in and out of your garden.

A source of water is important and hibernating homes will soon be found by them in sheltered private corners of your garden for their hibernation from October / November to March / April.

This is one of a family of hedgehogs spotted in the garden centre.

The gardening project is contributed by New Hopetoun Gardens. Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.

TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.…

Growing Tatties in a Tub, Creating a Miniature Garden, Growing a Climbing Rose up a Post…loads to choose from!

New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk

WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL5

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Linlithgow Loch, West Lothian. 55.980280°N, -3.5973411°W

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Should I sell during the Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together

Holidays ?

Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer.

Firstly, your house is likely to look its very best.

The bright days and long evenings mean that your accommodation will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated.

Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! If it is a family house, children’s slide/swings etc. can only make the house feel more like a home - a real hot button for the family buyer.

to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a higher price in return for a swift purchase.

September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position.

Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together.

So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply buyer demand for quality properties this summer. It could pay you handsomely.

Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc. get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice, as other sellers delay bringing their property to market or sometimes withdraw their homes over the summer holidays.

Those with children may be under some pressure

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.

WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nil. This surprised me even more than I imagine it surprises you, and yet it seems to be true.

Even my body parts are only occasionally my own, due to Penny’s recent discovery of the possessive pronoun “my.”

“My blanket!” “My juice!” “My hand!” (while grasping my hand to her face).

A particularly contentious issue just now is bedtime story books – so much so that we have made a return to board books for the time being. Several bedtime favourites have been reduced to literary confetti after particularly feisty discussions about whose they were.

One such book was a beautiful soft cover book gifted to us by the Book Bugs programme for toddlers. Its title is ‘Hooray for Fish!’ and so mesmerising were the bright drawings and rhyming couplets within minutes grabs were made and countered, and one of the fish was given a swift fin-ectomy. Mmm … where can we find sturdier fish that we don’t have to fight over? That gave me an idea…

I’d never been to Deep Sea World so to be honest wasn’t sure what to expect – it was bigger than I expected but despite its size, pretty difficult to find your way to given the large amount of roadworks across the bridge just now. But with plenty of parking and a nice gentle slope down to the entrance for buggies, we were ready to see some real life aquatic chums.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip for Quinton was the sub-aquarium travelator. It’s like a moving walkway at an airport but more meandering. Oh and with fish. But it wasn’t the fish that thrilled Quinn … the travelator itself provided so many exciting

and dangerous possibilities … jumping on and off it, lying down and trying to roll off it, lying half on and half off … After around 4 trips on the travelator and approximately one fish noticed, maximum, we were delighted to find that it was seal-feeding time! The observation area for this spectacle offered a great view and although there were loads of folk in the audience we heard everything and saw the seals as they followed various mimed instructions in return for a fish. It was remarkable to see how they took turns, dutifully waiting until each nudged their nose to a grey stick with a yellow ball attached, then retreating to scoff their fishy treat while others got their shot too.

What a thought - I bet mummy seal has never had to endure cries of “My kelp!” or “My minnow! … they simply co-operate, obey the grey stick and yellow ball contraption and everyone ends up happy.

As we exited through the gift shop, various small toys were pawed and played with for a few seconds each but nothing grabbed their attention so much as to ask to make it ‘MY’ such-and-such.

We lingered slightly longer than we might have while I looked in earnest for a souvenir grey stick topped with a yellow ball for our own use at home.

No such flipper-ing luck.

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga. Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa.

They juggle hectic work schedules with the everevolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

MUSIC REVIEW

Two weeks ago I was hanging about Fopp in Edinburgh and I heard songs playing which stopped me in my tracks. Last time that happened to the same degree was in 2005 with Sufjan Steven’s Illinoise album which I still play every week so I thought I should pay attention.

The album in question was Goths by The Mountain Goats. After I got over my vanity irritation at having no idea at all who they were I purchased the CD – no streaming, straight in, as it should be. Without hesitation this is the cleverest, warmest songwriting I have heard so far this year.

Unless the joke is on me, this album is a straight faced exploration of Goth culture

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

from the perspective of eighties America. Deadpan to an extent that makes Luke Haines seem like Joe Dolce, the songs are guitar free (as proudly proclaimed on the sleeve), highly melodic, synth pop and woodwind explorations of such semitragic subjects as Andrew Eldritch moving back to Leeds, the demise of Gene Loves Jezebel, and Portuguese Goth Metal. I know, same old stuff you hear anywhere.

Indeed, John Darnielle’s lyrics are so wonderfully crafted as to make the writer feel that everybody else should just give up and spend another ten years practising until they can come up with something to equal “To be fair to Gene Loves Jezebel/Billy Corgan brought them on stage/It was in 2011/It’s on their Wikipedia page/But for the most part/However big that chorused bass may throb/You and me and all of us/Are going to have to find a job”. What? Just me?

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.

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Macmillan @ Carmondean Connected Cancer Information and Support Service West Lothian Council is working with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Services. If you’re affected by cancer you may want to know there’s someone you can turn to for help. If you want to find information, support and practical help or would just like someone to talk to, come along to our drop in service where you can talk through issues and concerns with our volunteers. We can offer you, your family and carer(s): • •

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LOCAL PEOPLE

In January this year, Livingston resident Ms Amy Gilchrist celebrated her 80th birthday - but rather than a conventional party, she decided to draw on her philanthropic side and hold a charity event.

Her nephew’s three year old grandson Jacob had a brain tumor removed last year, and is fortunately on the road to recovery. With a case for support so close to home, what better way to celebrate turning 80 than by raising money for the hospital which had treated Jacob? “I thought to myself, ‘What more could I want? I don’t need anything,’” she explains.

This led to a birthday party fundraiser raising £900 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital!

Amy is incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, and can’t believe how much was raised. Amazed at people’s generosity, she sat in her living room counting up the ‘tens’ and thinking she must have been dreaming!

“I couldn’t think of a better place for the money to go,” says Amy. She was very impressed with the children’s ward at the hospital, with its facilities for friends or family to stay overnight, Disney characters lining the walls (painted by volunteers), and even a small cinema! Amy was so glad to have been able to contribute what she did to a 42 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

clearly worthy cause - and she could not have done it without all her friends. The party was held in a local church café, with food and drink. She had planned to have music playing, but so many people turned up you couldn’t hear the music for the buzz of the talking! Her granddaughter remarked she was shocked at how popular her Gran was, which gave Amy a good old chuckle.

What more could I want?

I don’t need anything Interviewing Amy was a privilege and her story about her birthday fundraiser was truly heartwarming. But, as a resident myself in Kirknewton since the early 2000s, I was fascinated to hear Amy’s stories about her own life in Kirknewton.

Born in 1937, she lived in Kirknewton her whole childhood, attending school in East Calder where she met many friends including her late husband, Jim. She and Jim were married

CHARIT Y: donatio Amy with the n chequ e

in 1958 when they were 21.

Amy’s story tugged on my heart strings as she recounted how, just 3 months after their marriage, Jim had been called to do his National Service.

She said she remembered sobbing her heart out, unable to bear the thought of two years without him. But, somehow she muddled through, and they went on to start a family when he returned. Amy now has three lovely adult sons. As someone who recently left school, I found Amy’s stories about her school years interesting and amusing.

She relayed that Kirknewton had quite a ‘tough’ reputation when she was growing up.

Apparently, there used to be a lot of fighting on the school bus, and one day the fighting got so bad and out of control that the bus driver simply closed the doors and drove the whole lot of them to the police station! Safe to say, all involved received a stern telling off from the headmaster Mr Gibb – whether they had been fighting or not.

Speaking of Mr Gibb, Amy recounted another story that really amused me - to do with

the belt, a hard concept for me to wrap my head around. Amy promises she was never on the receiving end of a strike, but remembers one time when the students were lining up to get the belt, suddenly one of the boys refused it. In a quick-fire flash of events, the boy ran out the room, and in an attempt to stop him being pursued, his older brother lifted one of the inkwells and threw it at Mr Gibb’s face, before he too ran out of the building!

Amy laughed at clearly remembering the sight of Mr Gibb dripping with ink, and once he had got over the shock he assured the whole school that, “no one would be allowed to get away with that again.”

It was a pleasure to interview Amy and hear such anecdotes about her life. But the main point she wanted to get across to the community is her immense gratitude for those who donated at her birthday fundraiser. It is when people give selflessly like this for a great cause that I fully realise the extent of humanity’s innate goodness.

On behalf of Amy, thank you to everyone who made this donation possible - and to contrast Mr Gibb, I very much hope people will be allowed to ‘get away with this’ again.

This article was contributed

by Cara McKeown who interviewed Amy Gilchrist in Livingston. Cara studies Social Anthropology at Edinburgh University. She lives in Kirknewton and writes occasionally for Konect.

COMMUNITY

Photography exhibition from River Forth Fisheries Trust and West Lothian College puts the focus on the Rivers Almond and Avon.

West Lothian College has teamed up with the River Forth Fisheries Trust to display the work of the NC Photography Students as part of the RiverLife: Almond & Avon Project. The students, who have used the rivers and tributaries to create their Higher portfolio, have picked one photograph which best represents their local river.

Highlighting the natural, industrial and cultural heritage of the two rivers, the photographs cover many aspects of urban rivers and their surroundings. From the symmetry of the culverts that keep the river flowing as roads and railways wind across the catchments to the beauty in the flow of the water as it moves across rocks and stone, these pieces are a representation of diversity in everyday surroundings.

The display is now open free of charge at the Almondell & Calderwood Country

Park visitor centre until Sunday 13th August and will transport people along the length of both the River Almond and the River Avon. Visitors then have an opportunity to explore the River Almond, or the tributaries Linhouse Water and Murieston Water, which meander through the 220-acre country park between East Calder and Broxburn.

INFINITE TEARS: Jenny Young

LOST IN THE RIVER: Holly Leishman

This article was contributed by the River Forth Fisheries Trust.

River Forth Fisheries Trust is a charity registered in Scotland (SC040311).

See www.fishforth.co.uk for more information and follow RiverLife:Almond & Avon on Facebook.

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 43

FOOD & DRINK

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In good weather, they are a relaxed way to feed a group of friends without the hassle of a formal meal.

A successful barbecue involves a bit of planning and preparation but once the fire is lit and the people gather the party will take on its own life.

There are many different BBQ designs ranging from the disposable foil box, to elaborate stainless steel wheeled monsters, or custom-built brick and clay cookers based on Mediterranean designs. Portable kettle barbecues are best because the wind effects the rate of the burning of the fire and they can be positioned wherever is best on the day, and easily stored when not needed. The ultimate small barbecue must be the Lotus Grill which can be used safely on any surface excellent for picnics. The best barbecue we had was in an old builder’s wheelbarrow. The body was filled with sand and the rack from an old gas oven rested on 6 bricks. You could cook kebabs for 10 on it and it could be placed wherever the wind direction decreed. It was trundled out of the way when not in use.

All over the world street food relies on charcoal grills for fast, fresh snacks. Meat, fish or fruit and vegetables are cooked on wooden sticks or wrapped in leaves and traditionally are accompanied by flat breads and sauces.

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Barbecues are fun, social and let us hark back to our most basic love of fire.

The southern states of the US have a long tradition of barbecues. There are barbecue competitions at State fairs and they take the whole business very seriously.

Australia thinks it invented the barby and it’s often the way their Christmas meal is celebrated. Both these countries cook steaks of meat; these take some skill.

Smaller pieces of tender meat are easier. Chicken legs and wings, lamb chops, burgers, sausages, salmon or tuna steaks and of course any kind of meat kebab are all easier to get right. Whole birds, suckling pig

BARBECUE: A relaxed way to feed your family and friends

particularly good grilled over charcoal. It’s a street food all over the world. Cook till the kernels are just browning, not black, and they will be sweet. Serve with a drizzle of honey.

Fish is underestimated as a barbecue food. Tuna or swordfish steaks cook quickly and are oily enough to cope with grilling. Skewers of prawns in their shells, cubes of salmon and squid make fine grilled kebabs.

Use the oil and lemon basting on them too. Almost any other fish can be cooked in foil parcels on the barbecue.

Mackerel with their bellies stuffed with gooseberries and dill are wonderful this way.

and baby lamb all take practice and knowledge if you are to avoid food poisoning or a very long wait for the meal. For a big party or a fund-raising event engage a professional pig roast or ox roast specialist. There are several in and around Edinburgh.

You might wonder what fruit and barbecues are good together. Pineapple or peach halves are both perfect grill subjects. Take care though!

They don’t need long, a few moments only because the natural sugars burn and then taste nasty.

The remark about food poisoning is not made lightly.

Never cook meats that could still be partly frozen on a barbecue because fire temperatures are not easily controlled and something a bit charred and looking cooked may be at perfect bug temperature in the middle. Use common sense, pre-prepare all the food to be cooked in your kitchen in clean surroundings and do not leave uncooked food uncovered in the garden.

Pork is the most common meat for a barbecue, but my favourite is lamb.

Whole small chops on the bone cook in 10/15 minutes Try leg of lamb cubed and skewered with onion and red pepper, basted with oil and lemon. Cook, turning all the time for 10 minutes, and serve with salads, hot rice or bread It’s not only meat that is good from the barbecue. Veg kebabs made with a combination of peppers, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, courgette, small sweetcorn or cherry tomatoes are delicious. Or add cubes of halloumi cheese and scatter some oregano over them when they are cooked.

Have a jar of oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice to hand.

You need 4 times the oil to lemon. Baste the kebabs before and at the very end of cooking. They will take about 10 minutes to cook and will need turning just as you would meat kebabs. Whole sweetcorn is

DID YOU KNOW? Barbecue sauce was first bottled in Kentucky in 1903; Heinz didn’t catch up till 1940. Most of these concoctions are used both for basting or marinating and as an extra with the cooked food. The most popular base tomato is varied with vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise or fruit. You can make your own by mixing, in proportions as you see fit, tomato sauce, mango chutney, brown sauce, soy sauce and Branson pickle. Liquidise to make it smooth.

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 45

DAILY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS - ARTS & CRAFT CLUB AT POTTER AROUND Mon-Thurs 10.30am -12.30pm. £50 incl snack & juice. Feel free to bring a packed lunch. Potter Around, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. www.potteraround.co.uk Call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for details and to book.

Clay modelling, Oil painting, Fantasy models, cake & craft and more!

Fridays half day activity for £15 or whole day for £30.

DAILY FROM SATURDAY 1ST JULY UNTIL TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST - DEN BUILDING ADVENTURES AT ALMOND VALLEY Learn how to survive in the wild! Suitable for children and parents of all ages, 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. No need to book, just drop in. Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. www.almondvalley.co.uk EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE HOLIDAYS LINLITHGOW HOLIDAY CLUB WITH HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND Booking essential for all activities, call 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot.

All activities meet at Linlithgow Peel and are suitable for children ages 8-12. Minibeast adventure, make paint, dyes & sculptures, step back in time at the Palace, and more!

SUNDAY 9 JULY - DUCK RACE & FUN DAY In aid of local charity River Kids. Bouncy Castle, children’s rides, big slide and duck races! Holmes Park, Broxburn – next to the Squirrel Nursery. 11am - 3pm TH

19TH JULY - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY East Calder Park. Join the West Lothian Country Parks Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities! Drop in between 11am – 3pm Cost: Free.

THURSDAY 20TH JULY - CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun! Suitable for parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to Polkemmet. Meet outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. 10am-11.30am. Cost free, booking essential - call the Rangers on 01501 743905 or email polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BATHGATE REGAL Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August. Performing arts summer camp with show for family & friends on the Friday afternoon. Drama, singing and dance classes for 4-18 years in Bathgate Regal Theatre. 9.00-3.30pm daily. £100 per child, to book please contact Bathgate Regal box office on 01506 630085 or visit www.bathgateregal.org/whatson/ and select July for the calendar.

ACTIVITY WEEKS - WEST LOTHIAN COUNTRY PARK RANGERS Fun-packed outdoor activities: build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much more. 9.00am – 4.30pm daily. Suitable for 5 - 11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors. Cost: £89.

Monday 24th July - Friday 28th July at Almondell & Calderwood. Meet at Almondell Visitor Centre. 9am – 4.30pm. Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 882254, email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk Monday 14th August- Friday 18th August at Beecraigs.

Meet at Sutherland Building, by the Animal Attraction.

Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 284516, email mail@beecraigs.com

46 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

29TH & 30TH JULY - DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS Join the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway as they welcome Thomas for a day of family fun.

Tickets £14, advance booking essential. Visit, www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/day-out-with-thomas/ OWL ENCOUNTERS AND PHOTO SHOOT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT SUMMER AT THE SCOTTISH OWL CENTRE, within Polkemmet Country Park. See www.scottishowlcentre.com/whatson.html for packages and prices.

FIVE SISTERS ZOO, Gavieside, West Calder, EH55 8PT. Daily handling sessions, talks & feeds. Open daily from 10am. See fivesisterszoo.co.uk for admission prices and zoo details.

DEEP SEA WORLD – Book online to save money on Deep Sea World entry tickets under the Forth Rail Bridge at North Queensferry. www.deepseaworld.com. Our parenting column writer Nic visited this month, see her account in the Parenting column on page WL15.

12TH, 19TH, 26TH JULY & 2ND, 9TH AUGUST - SCOTCH HOP Linlithgow Palace. Dance in the open-air courtyard of the Palace! (If the weather is poor, event is at the Low Port Centre nearby). Wednesdays on the above dates at 7.30pm – approx 10pm. Suitable for all ages and abilities, with an experienced caller. Tickets on the door, cash only, £8.50/£6.50, under 12s free. www.scotchhop.org.uk 2ND AUGUST - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in Craigton Park. Suitable for: Families Meet: Craigton Park, off Craigton Place, Winchburgh. Time: Drop in between 11am-3pm. Cost: Free.

THURSDAY 3RD AUGUST - ULTIMATE POP PARTY Howden Park Centre. The UK's number one tribute acts to Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Little Mix for one night of pure pop magic! 7pm. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £14/ £12. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666 SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST - BADGER WATCH Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. Short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Suitable for adults & children over 12 years old. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park Time: 8pm – 9.30pm Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH AUGUST - FUNBOX Underwater Adventure. Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin (formerly the stars of The Singing Kettle) for their all new show where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. Shows at 1pm & 3.30pm both days.

Tickets: £13.50, £48 of family 4. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 47

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Solution on Page 54

Solution in the August edition of konect

ACROSS: 7. Picture house (6) 8. Annually (6) 9. Successor (4) 10. Type of artist (8) 11. Space craft (7) 13. Loosen (5) 15. Perfume (5) 17. The mean (7) 20. Put into order (8) 21.

Knitting stitch (4) 23. Taken without consent (6) 24. Almost (6) DOWN: 1. American coin (4) 2. Longs for (6) 3. Incorrectly (7) 4. Thick sweet liquid (5) 5. Occur (6) 6. Permitting (8) 12. Precise (8) 14. Obvious (7) 16. Tidily (6) 18. Revoke (6) 19. Representative (5) 22. Annoy (4)

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SOCIAL EVENTS

ALPHA SUNDAY SERVICES

WEEKLY GROUPS

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

JOG SCOTLAND Jog Scotland groups around Livingston aim to get people outdoors and get fit whilst meeting new friends. There are groups suitable for beginners to advanced at different locations and times around Livingston. Check out jogscotland.org.uk.

MS SOCIETY AFTERNOON MEETINGS Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting. Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help.

Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting.

ALMONDVALE SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Muffin Break Café, Almondvale Centre, Livingston. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Tuesday mornings 10am - 12 noon.

Contact: Chris Cosgrove. Livingston Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

LIVINGSTON SPEAKERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB

LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB

A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills.

Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston. Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see -www. livingstonspeakers.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/LivingstonSpeakers

We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in and around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park.

For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/changing area and play area for children too!

WEST LOTHIAN CLARION Cycling club - Our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

THE LIVINGSTON PLAYERS Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk LIVINGSTON FC League players and juniors, social and corporate events.Almondvale Stadium telephone 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP We are a non profit walking group with members from around Livingston including Bathgate, Armadale, East, West and Mid Calder, Kirknewton, Blackburn, Uphall and Broxburn. We have 3 walking groups. Thursdays, once a fortnignt offering walks of 5 – 8 miles, starting at 10.00 am. Saturday Challenge walks starting at 7.00 or 7.30 am, walks include Corbetts and Munros. Sunday Venture walks start at 8.00am and offer a variety of walks of 7-13 miles, from coast to hills. You are welcome to try any of our walks.

Contact 01506 880980 for further information

BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES

PHYSIO LED PILATES The Dance Studio at West Lothian College, Almondvale, Livingston. Wed evenings at 6pm & 7pm. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please visit www.physioledpilates.com

BELLSQUARRY

SPIRITUAL & PSYCHIC AWARENESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP Bellsquarry Village Hall. Every second Thursday 7:15pm - 8:45pm Please call or email Tracey 07754 499344 ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.

BROWNIES Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Tues nights. For more information please see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

CRAIGSHILL ACTIVITY GROUP NEW! Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Craigengar Park, Craigshill - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot NEW TOWN ROLLER GIRLS Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite.

New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.

WEST LOTHIAN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CLUB Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU. Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from 5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213.

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CRAIGSHILL GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK

DEANS BOWLING CLUB NEW!

Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending.

Almondbank Centre. Tel 01506 435851.

Bowling Season is April – October, Social Club open all year round 7 days/week (Mon-Fri 12:30 – 23:00 & Sat/Sun 11:00 – 23:30). Entertainment plus bingo every Saturday evening and bingo every Wednesday evening. Other social events such as quiz nights, race nights, fundraisers held regularly over the year. Hall available for bookings (ex Wednesdays or Saturdays). To our members & their guests, thank you for your continued support for our Club. Non members welcome. Applications open for bowling and social membership. Deans Bowling Club, 2 Main Street, Deans, Livingston, EH54 8BE. Tel. 01506 413789 or find us on Facebook.

LODGE ALMONDALE SOCIAL CLUB Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening.

Non members welcome. Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418.

TRAMPOLINE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years + . Please call 01506 412314 for more info.

CRAIGSHILL THISTLE U15’S Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm - 8.00pm weather permitting (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

PARENTS TOGETHER WEST LOTHIAN Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com DAISY DROP IN Almondbank Centre, Craigshill. Information centre for parents/carers of preschool children. Drop in, play and have fun! Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 12 noon, Mon & Thurs afternoons 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

CRAIGSHILL DANCE CLASS Riverside Wing, Craigsfarm. Wednesdays 5.30-6.30pm. Fridays 2.00– 3.00pm. Join Craigshill’s new intergenerational dance class for people over 60 and their families. There will be traditional and modern dances, no partners are required and everyone is welcome from 0 – 100. Classes will run every week except during school holidays. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality, so everyone can take part. Every child must have a participating adult. £1 Individuals / £3 Family of 3 or more, payable each week. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239 or Jane on 07473 102 669. www.generationarts.co.uk SANDS LOTHIANS (STILLBIRTH & NEONATAL DEATH SOCIETY) Support group meets 2nd Monday of every month at 7-9pm Pregnancy support group – as and when required. Mother and toddler groupfor women who have other children but want to continue to chat and meet others who understand. For further information see http://sands-lothians.org. uk. Current venue Craigsfarm Community Centre, Maree Walk, Craigshill – but venue changing in 2016 please contact SANDS before attending.

WEST LOTHIAN GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com

13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Deans Community Hall. BEAVERS: 6 - 8 years. Tues 6.30 - 7.30pm.

CUBS: 8 - 10 years. Thurs 6.30 - 8.00pm. SCOUTS: 10 -14 years. Thurs 7.00 – 9.00. We are also looking for new leaders or helpers to help out on the nights. All are welcome. Please contact Steven Graham steven_graham1@ gmx.co.uk or by phone 07786638442 or 1506 630360 after 6.30pm.

YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1.15-2.30pm.

Contact Bijam on 07966 573 804 or email: info@yogawithbijam.co.uk LIVINGSTON STATION PLAYGROUP Livingston Station Community Centre - Livingston Station Community Centre. Spaces available for 2-5 year olds. Monday – Friday mornings 9.10 – 11.30. Monday and Wednesday Afternoons 12.15-2.35. £5 per session inclusive of a healthy snack. Please contact us on 07930 372345 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on Facebook for more information.

DEANS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL PLAYGROUP Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months. Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston. Mon-Fri 9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/week, or flexible days at £4/session (min of 3 per week). For more information please phone Claire or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit.

YOGA Carmondean Community Centre. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970 409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk. See www.yogamed.co.uk LIVINGSTON FIDDLERS A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered. Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@ livingstonfiddlers.co.uk. Tel 01506 654 189. www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk PILATES FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS Livingston Station Community Centre. Mondays 11.00am - 12noon & Fridays 10.30-11.30am. Contact Rhona at rhonawatt@btconnect.com DIABETES UK WEST LOTHIAN VOLUNTARY GROUP Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston. For more info contact may@dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup. org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages.

LOTHIANS MS SUPPORT GROUP

SINGING FOR HEALTH NEW!

Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free.

Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm. Contact the Ability Centre on Carmondean Road on 01506 491750 for more information or facebook page: Lothians MS Support Group.

Come and join our fortnightly singing group at the Ability Centre in Carmondean. No singing skills required! We enjoy doing our versions of classic songs together and have a great time while doing it. Cost is £1.20 per session – all welcome! Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot

New Deans Community Building. Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome.

We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838.

DEANS

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DEANS ART CLUB

KIDDIES CORNER

CAFÉ CONNECT

Carmondean Community Centre. For pre-school children. Kiddies Korner runs on a Tuesday and a Thursday from 9am-12.00. Parents, guardians and Childminders are all welcome

Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-12. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise.

Contact 01506 415837

LIVINGSTON UNITED PARISH CHURCH

THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – MUSIC MAKERS

Meets on Sundays at Nether Dechmont Community Centre, Fells Rigg. 8.45 – Eucharist. 9.30 – All-age Worship. 10.00 – Children’s Group, Discussion Group and Coffee Bar. 11.00 – Traditional Service. Transport can be provided – call 07806 628506 to arrange. Also meets on Thursdays at Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge, at 10.15am for Holy Communion. www.lupc.org.uk.

Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session

UKULELE CLUB Deans Community High School. Every Tuesday from 7pm, except during July and August. All are welcome, no standard required, absolute beginners to experienced. It’s for anyone who wants to play the Uke and have fun. If interested please just turn up £2 to cover room hire.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES Carmondean Comunity Centre. FREE courses and weekly drop-in’s for cancer patients.

Email: Tina@yogamed.co.uk for more information MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND QIGONG Carmondean Community Centre. FREE courses and weekly drop-in’s for families / friends of patients. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland.org for more information 2ND LIVINGSTON GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY Meets Tuesdays in St Andrew’s Church Hall 4A Main Street, Deans.

Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45. Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00. Brigaders (S1-6) 6.30-8.00. For further information email lazylaura@sky.com, phone Laura Brooks on 01506 418272 or find us on facebook.

RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Wed & Mon nights | Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon nights | Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon nights For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DEDRIDGE SPACE ACADEMY CHILDREN’S CLUB Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.30-3.30pm at the Lanthorn Community Centre. Games, stories, songs, science, crafts, cooking and more – free of charge. Visit facebook.com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

JYHS BADMINTON CLUB At James Young High School on Saturdays. Open to school children in the Livingston area of any age or ability. Primary School age (P1-P7) 9am - l0am.

High School age (S1-S6) l0am - 11am. Contact: Ann (01506 438717) or Joyce (01506 462430).

DEDRIDGE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH Crofthead Community Centre, Templer Rise. Wednesdays 7.30pm. We are one of the oldest running spiritualist church in Livingston. We have been serving the community since 1985. We have a different medium every week.

Noadmissionfee.FindusonFacebookandwebsite:dedridgespiritualstchurch.co.uk LIVINGSTON CAMERA CLUB Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge. We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings. The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www.livingstoncameraclub.org. uk. Email – contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/ livingstoncameraclub twitter – www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub

THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – PARENT & TODDLERS Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon. Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook Lanthorn Toddler Group.

CAFE CONNECT EXTRA For those suffering with dementia and their carers. 1st Wednesday of the month 2pm-3:30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837.

LUNCH CLUB 12:30pm every Thursday for any over 60s. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 41583.

BUMP AND BABY GROUP Dedridge Baptist Church. For precrawling babies and their carers - Mondays 9:30-11. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves.

CROFTHEAD HICKORY HOUSE PLAYGROUP Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. For children 2-3 years. Mon-Fri 9.15-11.15am term time. £4.50/ day includes healthy snack. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@gmail.com or visit www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A free self-help group for adults living with depression, low mood and anxiety or those who support others. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7.00 - 9.00pm within Crofthead Farm, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. DEDRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Wednesdays 9.15am – 11.15am: Baby and Toddler group (children 0-5 years old) Fridays 10-11am: Little Fishes. (Children 0-5 years old) 50p per child. Crafts and snacks. 01506 415837 Facebook: Dedridge Baptist Church 0-5 groups.

LIVINGSTON & DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (LADARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands. Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world. See our website uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/ms0liv/ or just come along on any Tuesday.

BRIGHTER DAYS Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music.

1ST LIVINGSTON GIRLS BRIGADE COMPANY The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings. Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm. Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm. Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm. For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225.

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5TH LIVINGSTON BOYS’ BRIGADE Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Anchor Section P1-P3 meet 6:30 to 7:45pm. Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30-8:00pm. Company Section P7 to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm. For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk BABY & TODDLER ACTIVIES Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/changing area and play area for children too!

HOWDEN GOSH - GROUP OSTOMY SELF HELP Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time.

Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems.

Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4. All Ostomists and their partner/ friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP

With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@ gmail.com for weekly updates.

Community Wing, Toronto Primary School. Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852

LANTHORN READERS Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Informal and relaxed reading group.

Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk LANTHORN BOOK BASHERS Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Are you aged between 8 – 11 years old? Come and join the Library Book Bashers. We meet once a month on a Thursday at 6.15pm to discuss our favourite books. New members welcome. Please call 01506 777700 for information.

LIVINGSTON AMATEUR FLUTE ENSEMBLE A voluntary group for learning and improving technique of playing flute, percussion, recorder & keyboard. We play a variety of music. Everyone is welcome from experienced players to those wishing to learn and those who played at school and want to get back to playing. Our classes cater for adults and children from 6 years. Thursdays 7 – 9 pm in Crofthead Farm Community Centre, Livingston. For further information please contact Alice on 01506 462623. Email mgolshan@btinternet.com

ELIBURN 14TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT TROOP Peel Primary School. Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs). Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year. Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620.

SUNSHINE BREAK, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School. Toddlers, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am. After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492.

BRAID HOUSE DAY CENTRE Labrador Avenue, Howden. Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities. Cost £5. For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www. braidhouse.co.uk LIVINGSTON ART ASSOCIATION Howden Park Centre. Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels. For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk.

FIREFLY ARTS Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian.

Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk LIVINGSTON 20 MILERS CYCLE RIDES Monthly free guided ride organised by volunteers from West Lothian Sustrans Group. 20 milers are at the easy to moderate level, suitable for occasional and less experienced cyclists to encourage cycling for leisure and commuting. We favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. We will wait on stragglers, help with punctures.

The rides are not suitable for unaccompanied children. We meet monthly at Howden Park Centre, details on our web or Twitter page. Email: livi20milers@outlook.com Web: http://livi20milers.blogspot.co.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMilers RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years), Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years), and Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) all take place on Tues nights in Howden.

For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KNIGHTSRIDGE

CHURCH OF CHRIST

MESSY CHURCH

Garden Place, Eliburn, EH54 6RA, Livingston. Service Times: Sunday Bible Study and Sunday School - 10.00 am.; Worship Service - 11.15 am; Tuesday Bible Study - 7.30 pm.

Monthly time of craft, celebration and food for all the family held on the first Sunday of each month from 4-6pm at Mosswood Community Centre. Free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit facebook.com/ lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

LITTLE JEWELS BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Free Church of Scotland, Jackson Place, Eliburn. Tuesdays 10-11:30am, term time only. Play time, craft, snack and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. 50p per family. For more information email littlejewelslivingston@gmail.com or visit us at www.facebook.com/ littlejewelslivingston

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BABY/TODDLER STORIES AND SINGING SESSIONS Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way. Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15 – 11.15am or 12.45 – 2.45pm – “In Betweenies”. Wed: 1.00 – 2.00pm – “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00 – 3.30pm. For more info tel 01506 444970.

RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES NEW!

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP

Rainbow unit for girls aged 5-7, Tuesday nights. For more information see wwwgirlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com

Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2.

Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Term-time only. For more information email livitoddlers@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/livitoddlers

LADYWELL WEST LOTHIAN DIABETES UK GROUP

RAINBOW, BROWNIES, GUIDES

Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW. Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. See http://www.west-lothian. diabetesukgroup.org

Rainbow unit (girls 5 - 7 years) Wed nights.

Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon nights Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

ALMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

MURIESTON

A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am. Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston. Contact phone number 07570 790862 or email at avbc@btinternet.com KIDS CLUB Forrestbank Community Centre. A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035.

LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell. Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness. Befriending service and much more.

For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk LADYWELL STAR COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk SPPA (SCOTTISH PRE-SCHOOL PLAY ASSOCIATION) GROUP Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458 MEMORY CAFE Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawk Brae, EH54 6AB. For those suffering with dementia and their carers. Runs the first Thursday of every month 2pm to 3.30pm.

WEST LOTHIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in Oscars, Ladywell, from 7pm9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739 RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & SENIOR SECTION Rainbow unit (girls 5 - 7 years) and Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) take place on Wed nights in Ladywell. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) take place every other Thurs night. For more information see www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PLAYGROUP Based in Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. We are now part of Community Playgroups and are based in the large and bright community room of the primary school, with our own secure outdoor area. We run Monday to Friday 9.15am to 11.30am, offering early education through fun and play, with a wide range of resources, to children aged from 2 years. The cost is £7 per session and includes a varied and healthy snack every day. Pop in for a visit with your child, or please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 417343 for more information.

RAINBOW, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights.

Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights.

Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon & Tues nights.

Senior Section unit (girls14 - 25 years) Thurs nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

KINGS CHURCH @ WEST LOTHIAN A relaxed and friendly family church. Our meetings are a mix of modern worship, relevant teaching from the bible and fun activities for kids. Visit us online at www.kingschurchwl.org or contact connect@kingschurchwl.org for more info.

LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@ gmail.com for weekly updates.

LIVINGSTON CRICKET CLUB Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http:// livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795 LIVINGSTON BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Wednesday from the first Wednesday in September until the last Wednesday in March at Bankton Mains Bowling Club, 6.45 for 7.00 pm start.

Contact Dorothy Doak 01506 437977 for more information.

MURIESTON PARENT AND TODDLER Thursday 9.30am till 11am. Murieston Village Hall. £1.50 per morning.

LIVI DADS Playgroup for dads and preschoolers. Craft, snack, games, music and bacon rolls for the dads. Every Saturday 10-11.30am Livingston Village Community Centre, EH54 7EQ

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. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING AKT Bookkeeping 7 Accountancy & Training Prof. Services 7 APPLIANCE REPAIR 5 Domestic Appliance Repairs BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL16 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Harvey Bruce WL2 BUILDER Almond Building Company 38 Build It 39 BUILDING SURVEYOR Plan It 39 BUSINESS SUPPORT WL2 GSI Events BUTCHER John Lawson Butchers 4 CAFE/TEAROOM The Coffee Cup Cafe 15 Little Whispers Sanctuary 5 CAR BODYWORK 16 JWG Car Care CAR SERVICE & REPAIR 17 Formula 1 MOT CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING 19 Aquatec Cleaning Doctor (Alistair) 19 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning WL2 CATERING Food Creations 44 Food of Valhalla 44 CHARITY Cyrenians 15 CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES / ENTERTAINMENT 20 Merchiston Activity Camps CHURCH Kings Church 48 CLEANING SERVICES 19 Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Donald Does It All 6 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES 5 Little Whispers Sanctuary COMPUTER SERVICES Evoquent 4 Sprint Computers WL12 CONSERVATORIES WL9 CR Smith COUNSELLING Rosanna Veitch 13 DENTIST No 9 Dental 12 DOORS UPVC Doors 6 ELECTRICIAN D B Electrics 7 Electric Al 38 Riddell Electrical 38 Clan Electrical 6 ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine WL8 Drummond Miller WL6 Remax 56 Turpie & Co WL11 FENCING/GATES The Smithy 6

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FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Grove Bedding Harvey Bruce GARAGE DOORS Max's Garage Doors Ltd GARDEN & LANDSCAPING All Year Round Landscapes Beatson's D Greaves Evergreen Balerno Garden Angel Lady Gardener Greenhart Landscaping New Hopetoun Gardens WL Landscaping & Gardening Woodford Timber GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd GIFTS New Hopetoun Gardens GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club Bathgate Golf Club HAIRDRESSER Back II Black Eskimo Blonde Hair Karen Paterson Mobile Hairdresser HEATING SERVICES Mech A Tech HOLIDAY HOUSE Chalet Tummel Bridge IRONING SERVICES De-Creased Ironing Service JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd Geoff Vinter Joinery KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd S & S Home Improvements Dream Doors LOCKSMITH West Lothian Locksmith Company MOBILITY Ableworld MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team PAINTER/DECORATOR Braekirk Decorators David J Lane EDC Painters & Decorators Manic Street Painters Nu Walls TML Decor PET SERVICES Animal Magic Doggies Love Walkies PLASTERING Nu Walls PLUMBING SERVICES Almondvale Plumbing & Heating BJ Fleming Capital Heating EPH Plumb It PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WL Landscaping & Gardening

WL3 WL2 16 10 WL5 10 10 4 10 WL4 WL6 WL5 11 WL4 14 16 12 15 15

ROOFING R&D Roofing SPORTS FACILITIES Hatton Sports Club TANNING STUDIO Sun Shack TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE All The Fours TRAVEL Chalet Tummel Bridge TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader TUITION Sax Lessons VEHICLE SECURITY Protect A Van VET Riverside Veterinary Practice WINDOWS CR Smith

37 7 47 55 5 WL7 7 17 41 WL9

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 48

WL7 5 5 WL2 38 WL2 2 5 WL6 WL13

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

WL12 44 40 WL7 37 37 WL6 40 41 41 WL6 40 40 WL7 38 39 WL6

ACROSS: 7 August, 8 Prince, 9 Stun, 10 Relation, 11 Present, 13 Oddly, 15 Start, 17 Playful, 20 Bungalow, 21 Hike, 22 Stalls, 23 Rodent DOWN: 1 Mutter, 2 Ruin, 3 Staring, 4 Apple, 5 Birthday, 6 School, 12 Struggle, 14 Glowers, 16 Taunts, 18 Unkind, 19 Close, 21 Hide

Calls may be recorded

Visit our website on: www.444444.scot KONECT LIVINGSTON | 55

78A Barclay Way | Knightsridge | Livingston | West Lothian | EH54 8EZ