FEBRUARY 2021
FEATURE:
Have you discovered BATHGATE’S HILLS? LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:
FEATURE:
t’s been a challenging start to the year, and not what we were all hoping for.
However, as ever, the local area is a rich source of inspiration and information. I became aware of a group called the West Lothian Dippers through a request for help with a fundraiser. Their photos of swimming in icy waters are attention-grabbing, and the hope is that it will raise awareness of the fundraiser, and some funds for a rare cancer charity. See pages 8 – 10 and chip in if you can.
There are a couple of other features focusing on outdoors activities – not what we’d usually be publishing in February, but this is not a normal February, and the outdoors is the only other option to being in the house! Local education business, Love Outdoor Learning, have contributed a column to help families homeschooling with some ideas, and we have a feature on discovering the Bathgate Hills – plenty of wonderful walks in quiet spots, which we can access without going far from home, with features of interest to be explored. It’s time to wrap up, take your flask and go. All our usual columns are here, our team of local contributors have all pulled together their inspirational, interesting and informative takes on their areas of expertise to start the year off for us. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations
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P14 Feature: West Lothian Dippers................................8 Have you discovered Bathgate’s Hills?.............14 Property Matters: Be Advised…not “Sold”!!....20 Dental Health: Top Tips............................................24 Hair: The Daily Style...................................................25 Thought for the Month...............................................26 Garden Project: Spending time in the garden.............................................................................28 Local Environment: The Robin..............................31 Spotlight: Trash Panda.............................................32 Feature: Love Outdoor Learning..........................36 Parenting: Home Schooling 2.0............................40 Film Review: Versus...................................................42 Puzzles............................................................................42
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CHARLENE GAFFNEY COVER IMAGE: ‘Dip A Day FebHooray!’: Find out more on P8. @KonectMagazines
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WestL thianDippers In the sea, lochs and reservoirs; in freezing or (occasionally) balmy weather, West Lothian’s wild swimmers are in the water for an invigorating dip all year round. Before we dive into this article, one thing needs to be clear; swimming in cold water, and especially in a body of water outdoors that you are not familiar with, is a dangerous activity for any age. If you’re inspired to give it a go, visit the West Lothian Dippers Facebook group (more information below) for advice and guidance. “We love the compliment of being called ‘crazy’, of course. But we do it because it feels so good. There’s a childlike pleasure in wild swimming, and in the winter especially, the burning, pins and needles-feeling of freezing water on your skin is extremely invigorating.” I’m speaking with Lesley and Victoria, the West Lothian residents who set up the Facebook group “West Lothian Dippers” in 2019, because they wanted to find others locally to try wild swimming with.
On a typical winter’s day swim, the water will be no more than 3 to 4 ºC. “If you’re properly acclimatised, in a swimsuit you can stay in for 3 to 4 minutes in the winter. In a wetsuit, it’s feasible to stay in for up to 20 minutes.”
The benefits to mental and physical health are huge ”
The group has seen a surge in popularity in the past year since lockdown and now has nearly 1,000 hardy wild-swimming members. One member, John Keogh, has committed to a Dip a Day Challenge in February, where, rain or shine (and definitely cold!) he will swim every day outdoors in shorts only, to raise money for Sarcoma UK. It’s John’s fundraiser that has prompted this article in Konect. “Our favourite spots are Avon Lagoon near Linlithgow, Harperrig Reservoir on the edge 8 | LIVINGSTON
of the Pentlands in Kirknewton, and in the sea near Hopetoun,” explains Lesley. They go further afield when covid travel restrictions are not in place, but these have been the best spots within West Lothian during the restrictions.
The sea is a little warmer than the lochs and reservoirs, and brings more than the odd encounter with a trout or seaweed (“I leap like a salmon if my foot accidentally touches seaweed, I hate it”).
In the sea at Blackness, the Dippers are often accompanied by an inquisitive seal they have affectionately named Cedrick. “I met Cedrick when we were swimming there one day,” says Lesley. “We were in the sea, swimming away from Blackness Castle, and he followed us at a distance of about 100 metres, disappearing and re-appearing every so often.” The seals are curious and like to keep an eye on the swimmers, although they are very protective of their young so it’s best to avoid the area when there are pups. @KonectMagazines
The benefits to mental and physical health to being in the water are huge, and that is what keeps the West Lothian Dippers going back in. It’s invigorating, and a short dip makes you feel very alive in a way that an indoors heated pool can’t match. For new wild swimmers, you don’t just jump straight in. It’s important to acclimatise your body. “I took cold showers and cold baths to prepare for the winter water,” explains Victoria. It’s dangerous to go straight into cold water if you’re not used to it. Blood pressure shoots up and you can be at risk of a heart attack, regardless of your age. Your body temperature will continue to drop even after you get out of the water, so you need to be able to get somewhere warm quickly.
West Lothian Dippers Lesley and Eddie at Threipmuir Reservoir
It’s important to know the water before you go in, and you need a plan for getting out and getting warm, especially in winter. Each body of water has different potential hazards, whether it’s an active reservoir, an inactive one, a loch or the sea. Active reservoirs, for example, have sluice gates that are opened remotely and regardless of how strong a swimmer you are, you’d never survive the pull of the water being let out if you’re near the dam when they open. So joining a group such as West Lothian Dippers is highly recommended for keeping safe, so that people can share advice and information on local water spots, and, subject to social distancing, swim with others. No-one can make the decision for you if it’s safe for you to go in. You make that decision yourself. But the group is there to share information and support. There is a strong a social element to the group which welcomes members of all ages to enjoy wild swimming. People of all ages and fitness levels, from families with children, people who are doing IronMan challenges, through to older people. Some like to bring their paddle boards or kayaks.
Sea swimming near Blackness Castle Find out more about John’s ‘Dip A Day FebHooray’ Challenge on p10
“We did a night swim recently, and those who didn’t want to go in the water sat by the fire and watched. We did BBQs last summer and will do again when social distancing allows.” For more information, search “West Lothian Dippers” group on Facebook. @KonectMagazines
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JOHN’S ‘DIP A DAY FEBHOORAY’ CHALLENGE FOR SARCOMA UK The West Lothian Dippers are supporting one of their members who throughout February will be taking a wild dip a day, in shorts only, to raise money for Sarcoma UK in memory of his son-in-law. “In warm memory of our late son-in-law, Shaun McKinley(34), I’m supporting Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by Sarcoma Cancer, and campaigns for better treatments. “Shaun died eight short months after being diagnosed. He had complained of a sore back for a few months and was eventually given a blood test by his GP. Three days later he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Sarcoma Cancer (terminal, no cure). “Shock, heartbreak and despair barely describes how we felt as a family. My daughter would soon be a widow and two wee boys left without their daddy, the youngest who’d just turned 2 years old. Planning their future like any young couple, took on a whole new meaning. Rather than planning a holiday, they wondered if Shaun could return home for a few weeks. Rather than planning a possible house move they were organising a Hospice. Rather than planning Christmas Dinner they were planning Shaun’s funeral. “And so, to my challenge: I will take a dip in the sea, every day in February 2021,wearing
only my bathing trunks. Whilst it won’t bring Shaun back or eradicate the pain and the hurt, it will hopefully help prevent other families from going through a similar tragedy. “Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep the Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care. Together we can help change this. Thank you for your support; it is very much appreciated.” Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ dip-a-day-in-febhooray to donate to John’s challenge. Sarcoma UK receives no Government funding and is fully funded from voluntary donations. Please visit www.sarcoma.org.uk for more information. West Lothian Dippers are supporting John in February by doing a Bobble Hat challenge - swimming daily during February in hats crocheted in the Sacroma UK colours to help raise awareness.
This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Lesley of the West Lothian Dippers. We hope to raise support for John’s fundraiser on behalf of Sarcoma UK. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.
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Have you discovered BATHGATE’S HILLS? There’s no longer any silver to be mined in the Bathgate Hills, but during the lockdowns of 2020 many who walked in the Bathgate Hills for the first time may have thought they had struck gold. The hills’ rich history, interesting features and proximity to the towns of Bathgate, Livingston and Linlithgow meant many people discovered an area full of fantastic short walks without leaving their local authority area. Encompassing an area north of the M8 and the A89, and south of Linlithgow, between Dechmont in the east and Boghall and Bathgate in the west, the Bathgate hills also take in Torphichen, site of the 12th century stronghold of the Knights of St John and the well-loved Beecraigs Country Park.
Accessing the hills from Livingston is easy via the Drumcross Road, where you’ll find
Raven Craig, a 54.5-hectare hilly woodland, used as a deer park from 1750-1805 by land-owner Lord Hopetoun and quarried in 1875 in vain efforts to unearth silver. Follow a series of footpaths up to the Bronze Age cairn for excellent views over the Forth and the Pentland Hills. Just north of here you’ll find Cairnpapple and the Knock, both sites with significant archaeological history. The Knock has always been popular for local walks and picnics. At 305 metres, this glacially sculpted crag and tail hill created by an outcrop of quartz-dolerite is about 305 million years old. It falls short of being the highest summit in these hills but is excellent viewpoint over Rosyth and the Forth bridges. The top can be reached from a minor road that skirts its western flank. Here you’ll find a bronze disc indicator in memory of the Sutherland family who gifted four and a half acres of land to Bathgate Town Council. The highest point in the Bathgate Hills is Cairnpapple, at 312 metres. An important prehistoric monument, Cairnpapple was used as a burial and ceremonial site from about 3000 to 1400 BC, a once-sacred hilltop where people first held rituals and raised neolithic monuments some 5,500 years ago. You can visit a Neolithic henge, see the site of a great timber circle and descend into a Bronze Age cist grave (now covered by a modern, domed chamber).
CHOOSE BATHGATE is an initiative of Enterprising Bathgate, the managing company for Bathgate’s Business Improvement District. 14 | LIVINGSTON
On your way to Cairnpapple you’ll pass the Hilderston Silver Mine Quarry, first in operation between 1606 and 1614. In 1608 German miners were brought in to work the deposits, indicating their skill and knowledge of mining geology at this @KonectMagazines
Refuge Stone and the Witchcraig Wall time. The quarry re-opened in the 18th century to work lead and zinc and reexcavated during the 19th century, but no further economic deposits of silver or lead were found. If you normally make a beeline to Beecraigs, a family favourite for its loch walks, deer sightings, playground and BBQ areas, why not stop off at the Witchcraig Woodland and Korean War Memorial along the way? This eight-hectare site combines a memorial garden and hilly, woodland with walking routes and excellent views. Opened in June 2000 to mark the 50th anniversary of the war’s commencement, 110 Korean Fir trees and around 1100 Scottish trees represent the servicemen who were killed in the conflict. Follow the signpost behind the memorial to the Refuge Stone and Witchcraig Wall, an uphill walk with views across the Forth. You can rest at the Witchcraig Wall, a small enclosure with seating which exhibits the geological heritage and diversity of Central Scotland, with 43 rocks from the region integrated into the structure. @KonectMagazines
IMAGE CREDIT: David Mowbray and Lisa Wright, Digital Dreams Photography
In the stone wall behind you’ll find a 12th century Refuge Stone, etched with the Cross of Lorraine, one of a number of surviving boundary stones around Torphichen where the Knights of St John established a Preceptory in 1124. The stones formed a one mile circle around the Preceptory which was as much a sanctuary as the church itself, offering protection to any criminals who entered its precincts. For many, the best part about getting out for a good walk and fresh air, is working up a thirst and an appetite and finding a great place to relax afterwards. If you’ve yet to discover the Bathgate Hills, don’t also overlook the great choice of eateries and hostelries in Bathgate. There’s a huge selection of pubs, hotels, restaurants, cafes and takeaways, with something to suit every taste and budget. To plan before you go, visit www.ChooseBathgate.com This article was contributed by Enterprising Bathgate. LIVINGSTON | 15
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PROPERTY MATTERS
Be Advised…not “Sold”!! In 2020, 72% of the properties sold by Turpie & Co achieved a selling price at or above the Home Report Value.
This alone is an impressive statistic but how and why it was achieved is the real message to take away.
It’s probably not something that people give much thought to but the best Estate Agents set, influence and often create the property market in any particular area. It happens over time by building trust with buyers and sellers, gaining respect from industry professionals and building a reputation for success by achieving outstanding and consistent results. Not all Estate Agents are able to provide the same services therefore not all Estate Agents are able to achieve the same results! - This naturally influences the advice that some Estate Agents will recommend. Like any profession, it’s not uncommon for property agents to change jobs and this has become much more common in recent times in the buoyant West Lothian property market. This presents a scenario, however where the same individual could offer different and, more importantly, conflicting advice based on which company they are representing at that time rather than what advice is best for your property sale. Homeowners should be mindful of this and identify an agent who is well established in the area who you are confident will give you honest, consistent and relevant advice specific to your needs.
Ultimately an Estate Agent should be measured by the results achieved but it shouldn’t be taken for granted that every company or individual has the same knowledge or experience to achieve the best outcome. A good (or bad) example of this last year was a property in Livingston which sold for £90,000 less than an identical property in the same street less than 6 months apart simply due to differing advice. This is £90,000 of real money and represented a 20% loss in comparison to the gain made by the other sellers. As a homeowner, it’s easy to assume that everyone knows the process of buying and selling houses but the reality is that most people go through this experience only a few times in their life time. Markets change, lifestyles change, laws change and it is also the role of an Estate Agent to guide buyers and sellers through this process. Ultimately though, the main aim of an agent should be to make buyers and sellers happy with the service received and satisfied that the advice they have been given has added value to the process and ultimately the bottom line. It’s your asset and your money so when selling your home, make sure you’re getting specific, honest and impartial advice that is unique to your property and not being sold on whatever services a particular company can offer.
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. 20 | LIVINGSTON
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DENTAL HEALTH
Tips for healthy teeth and gums Good oral hygiene is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Research has shown that there is an association between health of person’s mouth and their overall health. Following are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 1. Brush twice a day - Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. Use small circular motions, brush front, back and top of each tooth. Spit out, but do not rinse your mouth with water. 2. Floss or use interdental brushes once a day - This can remove plaque from areas in between teeth that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. These are the areas where dental decay are most often present. 3. Limit sugary foods and drinks - Try to avoid sticky sugar containing foods altogether. Eat sugary foods at meal times only. 4. Be aware of acid erosion of Enamel Acids in our foods and drinks can cause teeth wear. This will lead to sensitivity and associated problems from teeth. Most common culprits are fizzy drinks and certain fruit juices. Avoid highly acidic foods/drinks and DO NOT brush your teeth for at least 30mins after a meal/drink. 5. Visit your dentist regularly - It is recommended that you see your dentist every 6 months for a check-up. Any decay or gum disease can be identified early and fixed. Dentist will also check for any signs of Oral cancer and any other dental problems and signs of some medical problems that are often seen in the mouth.
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Dr Vineeth Balachandran provides Dental Implants and Invisalign Orthodontics at Bankton Dental Practice, Livingston. The practices also provide a full range of Dental and Hygienist Services. www.banktondental.co.uk 24 | LIVINGSTON
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LIFE COACHING
THE DAILY STYLE
A lot of people ask me on social media what I use to style my own hair. My hair is naturally frizzy, curly, and bleached. It’s all going on. I thought I’d share my absolute must-haves for getting ready, even if it is just to sit in the living room!
First up my favourite cleanse & conditioner at the moment is the Davines nou nou range. Ideal for colour treated and especially bleached hair for nourishment, strength and moisture. Good preparation is essential for achieving a great blow dry. After washing I (almost) always apply Wella wonderbalm - a rich blend of vitamins, minerals and peptides, repairing and reconstructing but also makes the hair feel really soft and supple and has a super smoothing effect. I’m quite picky about the type of brush I use as my hair is prone to knotting and breakage so the paddle brush by Ghd is pretty much the only brush I use for general blow drying. I prefer a flat base and wider bristled, it’s really great for detangling longer hair. Lastly my favourite hairdryer the Ghd Helios. I can blast my hair off and get a pretty smooth finish with minimal effort, and if I actually put effort into it I get an amazing blow dry! It’s light and quick and really smooths the cuticle down whilst making voluminous styles easy peasy to master and last for ages. Follow us on Instagram to watch a video of these products and more in action @wonderland_ livingston
The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk @KonectMagazines
New Year ... NEW WAY
Covid continues to be talked about as if it is an uninvited guest, an interloper with the temerity to shake everything up and prevent us from doing what we always did. There has never been a time in living memory when life was so unpredictable and felt so different. Most of us have lived for years doing the same things year in and year out and any losses and other changes we have experienced have been limited to ourselves, and those close to us.
The trouble with life being the same for long periods of time is that we get used to that being the case and we begin to believe that nothing will ever change and it can be really difficult to adapt to any unpredictable life events. At the end of last year, many were fixated on the hope that 2021 was somehow going to be a reversal of fortunes and that a magic wand would be waved somewhere in the universe which would turn everything round and we could all breathe a huge, collective sigh of relief. None of us know how long we are going to be living with the restrictions we are currently experiencing so this is the time to adopt new habits to support us, whether that’s walking in nature every day or simply sharing our feelings with people we trust. These are really challenging times, but we can all use this time to develop positive new, habits that will support us into the future, whatever that looks like. 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 LIVINGSTON | 25
Coping with challenges and difficulty We are in the most relentless times like none before in my lifetime! It seems never ending! They say hope is on the horizon with the vaccine now being rolled out, but at times is just doesn’t feel that way. When I am struggling and have emotions or anxiety that I’m finding difficult, I use my compassion practice of the “self compassion break” which was developed by Kristin Neff. It’s a wonderful practice, quite short and supports me in the moment that difficulty is arising. It is important not to run away or get busy
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which is what I used to do. First of all, I bring my hands to my heart and just acknowledge “this is a moment of difficulty”, saying it to myself. Secondly, I say “difficulty is part of life and I am not alone in this difficulty, many others are feeling this too”. This acknowledges our connection with others in the world having a similar challenge. The third part is holding is with kindness and care by bringing a gesture of soothing and saying to ourselves, “can I be kind to myself in this moment” or “can I hold this moment with care and love”. If you create 3 mantras finding your own words, repeat them and allow them to flow with ease and you might notice what happens in your experience, it might transform by itself without doing anything else. Try it and see, it’s helped me enormously. Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches** yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk (**All my classes are currently running online)
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Looking forward to spending time in the garden Despite the lovely promise of vaccinations, it seems inevitable that we will all be spending more time in our gardens this spring and summer. What are your plans for your outdoor plot this year?
Even if you just have a balcony or small garden outside your patio doors you can create something quite special as your outdoor refuge. This small basement garden is furnished with evergreen plants that look great all year round, bird feeders to encourage visiting birds to entertain you, a patio table and chairs and even a self-contained water feature. The bold tropical leaves of Fatsia japonica (the castor oil plant) contrast with the climbing honeysuckle and small dark leaves of
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Inside outside Viburnum tinus in the back left hand corner. Seasonal planted pots add an ever-changing decoration to your patio. At this time you can add spring bulbs already growing in pots, primulas and winter flowering heathers. If the patio is safely in your garden, you might even consider adding a firepit. On cool days and evenings sitting around a wee fire outside is very relaxing and uplifting. We hope you will enjoy your garden this spring! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
The
Robin Whilst we weren’t lucky enough to have a white Christmas, we were certainly treated to a few days of the white stuff, which created a rather beautiful winter wonderland. I had promised an article about waxwings, but they haven’t turned up, (unless you live in Elgin), and we can’t travel to see them, so I’ve turned my attention to Britain’s most popular bird, the robin.
saying is “loved ones are near when robins appear”, and as we again face uncertain times, we like to think they represent the hope we all continue to hold.
They’re the ones currently singing their hearts out in the morning whilst it’s still dark, and is one of the reasons they’re so special. The robin is one of the only birds who sing throughout winter, and we definitely love hearing them filling the streets with their melodic tune.
This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography
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Imagine a well-being hub alongside a cultural hive of recording studios, photography and other creative spaces, where you can access a range of mental health support activities. This is the vision of West Lothian couple Katy Forrester and Adrian McNab, co-founders of Trash Panda. It’s an idea that has been growing on them for a few years. They are both passionate about mental health issues, and saw a way of using their background in music and the creative arts to spin off a mental health support facility in their home town. “The idea is that when you walk through the door of Trash Panda HQ, no-one will know whether you’re coming to record a song, for a photoshoot, or for a mental health support session,” explains Katy. The premises will be located in central Bathgate and accessible to all, and is opening in the Spring (subject to lease being finalised). In the meantime, some support services are up and running already. SUPPORT - All Trash Panda’s support services are free of charge. They are funded by the commercial sound engineering, room hire and photography side of the business. • The Sounding Board is a phone-based service at present, which anyone can call if they need to reach out for support. Trash Panda also offer Walk and Talk sessions face to face (distanced) in West Lothian, so you can grab a takeaway coffee and meet someone from Trash Panda for a walk and chat outdoors in nature – a wellproven formula for keeping healthy • There is a free weekly yoga class (currently streamed online) and the aim is, as Covid restrictions allow, to run fitness classes, cooking and a range of other activities that support mental health and well-being MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS SERVICES The studio rooms at Trash Panda HQ will be purpose-built, state-of-the-art rehearsal and 32 | LIVINGSTON
recording spaces. Adrian is a professional sound engineer with a long history on the Scottish music scene, so music is a big part of Trash Panda. With music lessons gradually disappearing from the school curriculum, Katy and Adrian want to use their new space to help make music lessons accessible and will be offering affordable room hire for music teachers. The state-of-the-art facilities will also be available for live streams, podcasts and other commercial activities for the local business community, all of which will go back into supporting the Trash Panda mental health and well-being hub. ARE YOU INVOLVED IN PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN WEST LOTHIAN? Katy and Adrian would love to hear from you. The aim is not to duplicate all the fantastic support that is already out there, but to fill in any gaps and offer signposting to existing services. IF YOU NEED SUPPORT, TRASH PANDA IS HERE FOR YOU. For a chat, a walk, for signposting to other services, or someone to talk to while you’re on a waiting list for other services; many more services are planned. See contact details below to get in touch. Trash Panda merchandise is available for sale from their website and all purchases support provision of mental health services. Follow Trash Panda on Facebook@TrashPandaHQ and Instagram @trashpanda_hq Website: www.trashpandahq.com Phone: 07591 565 962 @KonectMagazines
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CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Lockdown Learning -
Outdoors Lockdown learning can be hard! Maths and literacy are one thing but then you are asked to head outdoors and build a den or other outdoor tasks. Never mind that you are trying to juggle running a home, supporting all the learning, and fitting in your job somewhere.
Why do teachers throw in these outdoor learning tasks? Being a teacher, I used outdoor learning as it had so many benefits. It helps consolidate learning and create memories. It also develops team working skills, enhances communication, aids the development of imagination and so much more. But more than that, heading outdoors 3 times a week for as little as 20 minutes each time improves mental health for young and old alike. I hear you though, getting to the woods and building a den takes so much more than just 20 minutes.
Here are some 20-minute walk ideas. It might be a walk in the woods, around your town or village or even just to the shops and back. We have kept them simple, requiring no resources or tools. The last thing you want to think about is grabbing extra bits!
Numbers and Letters
A number or letter hunt can be a lot of fun and is great for all ages. With younger children, it is all about recognition and knowing what they look like. Can they sound out the letter or tell you what number comes before or after the number they find. With older children, can they add or multiply the numbers together, great for mental maths! Or can they turn car license plates into words, MLK could become milk! I loved doing this with my mum and still play that game now! 36 | LIVINGSTON
Flora and fauna
Did you know the average 3 year old can identify over 100 brands but can struggle to name a single tree or plant? So, on your walk, take your time to help your child identify them. Start where you are confident, it might be with types of birds, dogs or trees, and build up from there. When I was learning the trees I would pick a different one each week and see how many times I could spot it throughout that week. It is a simple but effective way to learn them. If you do not know them yourself, it is a fun way to learn them together. This is a good way to develop identification skills, observation, and even develop your child’s vocabulary. Even if you cannot get outdoors to complete the big tasks schools set this month, why not just try and incorporate some of these activities into your walks and trust that these will help your child learn and make progress! This article was contributed by Carol Murdoch. Carol is a teacher, tutor and Director of Love Outdoor Learning, an educational organisation based in West Lothian that helps children connect with the natural environment. @KonectMagazines
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PARENTING
Home Schooling 2.0
Once again, we find ourselves emotionally and mentally muddling through a lockdown and home schooling. Only this time the dark nights and cold weather mean the feeling of being cooped up within your own four walls seems even worse.
1st February is the magic date we are aiming for but with this under constant review there seems to be a general feeling we should see this as a marathon and not a sprint. I hope by the time you’re reading this the kids are happily back in their classrooms. But I imagine it’s entirely possible I’ll still be sitting here at my picnic table home office desk trying to help my eldest remember her Teams password while shouting phonics at my youngest and trying to squeeze in more than 20 minutes of my own work in a day. Having been down this road before, and after the many ups and downs of the last year, the best rule of thumb seems to be to hope for the best but plan for the worst. Be as organised as possible all while knowing that most days will not go at all like you planned!
We are all in this together – that’s what I keep hearing but of course your ‘this’ could
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be very different to someone else’s. Same storm different life rafts and all that.
This is terrifying for one person and a chance for calm and to slow down for another. This is working from home for one and the closing of a family business for another. It is utter loneliness for one and craving personal space for another. This is a chance to teach for some but drowning in home schooling responsibility for others. You can only do what you can do…at least that’s what I keep telling myself. I’m determined this time not to let it stress me out. When I’m stressed the kids get anxious and that more than anything is what I want to avoid. So, we are taking one day at a time and finding little things to look forward to. Like a walk around Five Sisters Zoo one weekend. They have currently opened their grounds for local West Lothian residents to get exercise. They are also
offering new short online classes and activity sheets aimed at primary kids each Tuesday and Thursday at 11am.
It’s not a complete remedy for weeks with the weight of your children’s education on your shoulders or a miracle cure for parental guilt but these days I’ll reach out and grab hold with two hands to anything that brings the kids a bit of joy or makes life a little easier. If we’re going to get through doing this side hustle in teaching for which we are completely unqualified, things like this might just be enough to keep us going. The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.
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LIVINGSTON | 41
PUZZLES
FILM REVIEW
CROSSWORD
^ ^ ^ Solution in the March edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Hint (4), 3. Contrary (8), 9. Error (7), 10. Frolic (5), 11. Eager (12), 13. Informal (6), 15. Titbit (6), 17. Alphabetical reference books (12), 20. Propose (5), 21. Produces lava (7), 22. Vacations (8), 23. Wagers (4). DOWN: 1 Business (8), 2 Distressed (5), 4 Lyrical (6), 5 From time to time (12), 6 Suggests (7), 7 Acquire (4), 8 Produced (12), 12 Flowers (8), 14 Talented (7), 16 Carry (6), 18 Picture (5), 19 Weapon (4).
^ ^ ^ Solution in the March edition of Konect
SUDOKU
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Versus can easily be described in one word. Insane. I honestly had a blast watching Versus, it’s just flat out fun. The action is simply bananas and I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing Yakuza members kill zombies in fun and gory ways is just thrilling. Watching the Yakuza just unloading a bunch of bullets into the first zombie they encounter; I knew I was in for a good time. While some of the action is over-edited and the camera is a bit close at some points (which is probably due to its budget) but even with those issues the action is just so entertaining. But since this is a zombie film, we’ve got to talk about the zombies and mainly the practical effects. Some of the practical effects are jaw-dropping and, in my opinion, really add to the overall experience of this film despite the limited budget. However not everything works well and in my opinion the story and acting really hold the film back. It clearly feels like the “plot” was constructed in a way so that all of the insanity could occur. While I’m not against this approach, I still want the plot to make logical sense. The acting, while not as bad as the plot, still isn’t remarkable; everyone just serves their respective roles fine. Versus isn’t trying to be the next Citizen Kane. It is however fun and engaging. I honestly highly recommend Versus for anyone who likes weird Japanese films. 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. @KonectMagazines