Konect Livingston July 2019

JULY 2019

LOCAL PEOPLE:

PLUS: PROPERTY MATTERS, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The community magazine for Livingston

TO OUR JULY EDITION

THIS ISSUE

W

ith the summer school holidays upon us, this month’s magazine has a theme of various things to do with the family and children over the holidays – not an exhaustive guide, but a few highlights of a wide range of things in the area to suit different ages and interests. There is a new escape room attraction – eeek! - in Linlithgow. And take the time to visit New Hopetoun Garden’s art trail during July and August, and get lunch in their Orangery Tea Room; just a couple of examples of excellent attractions right on our doorstep.

In Laura’s parenting column she gives some money-saving tips if you’re entertaining young children over the summer.

You may have seen the HandiCabs white and green liveried taxi and bus buzzing around locally and not realised exactly who and what they are for. They provide a fantastic service, and you may know someone who could benefit from using them but perhaps doesn’t realise – take a look at our feature on pages 4243. They are also looking for volunteers.

Whether you’re going away, or staying local over the holidays, I hope all our readers manage to get a break and a refresh over the next few weeks. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P42 Local People: Jackie McGeachie................. 8 Property Matters............................................14 Gardening: Art in the garden.......................16 Health & Beauty............................................24 Thought for the Month..................................30 Music Review................................................30 Interiors: Sustainable Roller Blinds.............36 The Brock: A Mind Garden............................ 8 Puzzles...........................................................39 Vet’s Tip..........................................................40 Charity: HandiCabs Lothian........................42 What’s On......................................................44 Parenting: Money saving tips for summer..........................................................45 Clubs & Classes............................................49

COVER IMAGE: See the parenting column on P45 for ideas and money-saving tips for the summer holidays

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

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

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Account Manager

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Jackie Mcgeachie: “I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol” “I stopped drinking 16 years ago. It was a very isolating experience. For a long time I’ve wanted to create a place where people who don’t drink can meet socially on the weekends.”

I’m talking with Jackie Mcgeachie, founder of the fledgeling “Sobriety Café” in Livingston.

Jackie’s life was very nearly ruined by alcohol, but having managed to get her life back on track she has had in her heart for several years to open such a venue. She says, “When I stopped drinking, I dreamed of having somewhere to go and socialise at the weekends. I was 32; I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol.

You have to leave your friends behind; your drinking buddies don’t understand what you’re doing, and if you’re in recovery you don’t want to go out anywhere where there is alcohol. It makes it very difficult to socialise at that stage when you’re fragile.”

“I know if I hadn’t stopped drinking when I did, I’d be dead now.” Jackie’s story is one she is happy to share, and she now lives life to the full. She runs a dog-grooming business, Mucky Mutts, which she set up in 2006, after working for a decade at Edinburgh Zoo and then as a veterinary nurse. “I also had a short spell working in an office but realised I couldn’t live without animals!” she says. Since getting her life back she has travelled extensively, and most recently, undertook an extraordinary trip to Namibia to work with pangolins. She is passionate about animal welfare.

“Hardly anyone has heard of pangolins, but they are highly endangered as they are hunted for their scales and their meat. I was watching a David Attenborough documentary on them last February, was utterly fascinated and just felt it was part of my journey to go and work with 8 | LIVINGSTON

Jackie in Namibia with an endangered Pangolin

them.” After watching the programme, Jackie contacted the Endangered Species Trust and by the summer she was on a plane on her way to Namibia to spend two weeks volunteering there. Pangolin scales are believed to have medicinal properties, in China, and eating their meat is also a huge status symbol as it is very rare and expensive.

“It was an amazing experience, to be so close to an animal that may well be extinct in the near future,” she says.

Back to Livingston, the Sobriety Café is currently a pop-up cafe at Craigsfarm every second Sunday afternoon. “Eventually I’d love to have it more regularly, somewhere you can go to relax, have a bite to eat, a bit of a dance on a Saturday night perhaps,” says Jackie. But it’s small steps at the moment, she started it in February and is funding it herself. Between 1pm and 3pm on a Sunday, you can meet up for tea, coffee, chat and a bacon roll. There is a group of regulars and Jackie wants to get the word out to anyone who may be interested – it’s for people who lead alcohol-free lives, people who don’t drink or who would like to not drink.

For more information on the Sobriety Cafe please call Jackie on 07954 414542 or search “Sobriety Café” on Facebook.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting Jackie in Livingston.

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

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A team successfully escaped!

“We’re puzzle geeks,” explains Ellie, co-owner of Linlithgow’s new escape room, eeek! Along with her husband Euan (and with a willing father-in-law roped in for practical help!) they have created a unique escape room experience with a special Linlithgow twist.

For those not familiar with the concept of an escape room, they have popped up all over Britain in the past few years. It’s a fun family, team or group activity where you’re immersed in a room and as a team you have to complete a series of puzzles based on the theme of the escape room, in order to solve a problem and get out within a time limit.

eeek! is a bespoke set of puzzles lovingly created by Ellie and Euan themselves, so if you’re an escape enthusiast and like to try them all, this will be a different experience.

Being a Linlithgow family-run business, their scenario has a heritage Mary Queen of Scots theme. You’re transported to 1587, one hour before Mary’s execution, and you have to save her and change the course of history!

“You don’t need to know anything about Mary, or history, to enjoy the puzzles,” explains Ellie, “but if you happen to like history too, everything in the theme is historically accurate so it adds an extra element of enjoyment.”

It opened in January this year. I met Ellie at the premises, a listed building on Linlithgow’s High Street. You walk straight into a “dungeon” and it’s clear it’s been a labour of love. “I was looking for something different to do; I was an Executive PA in the Chief Constable’s office, and loved it but all my salary was going in childcare. I needed a different balance.” A family trip to Massachusetts last summer provided the tipping point; a cousin runs an escape room there, and encouraged Ellie to go for it.

Having always loved puzzles, and wanting @KonectMagazines

to do something more family-orientated, and with her youngest about to start nursery, everything lined up. On the plane on the way home, she made the decision; and six months, a lot of puzzling, planning and building later, Eeek! opened its doors.

There is currently one escape scenario, but Ellie and Euan plan to add another one soon. And they are not stopping there! eeek! also offers a brand new concept - “Escape Dinners” - with a range of local eateries and venues. “It’s a game played in a restaurant (or other venue) by teams who come together for food, drink and puzzles! Our game is called “The Last Bottle” and is set in the prohibition era. Your favourite boozy establishment is being closed down, and you’re competing for the last bottle of wine. Each table has the same clues and it’s a race to win the Last Bottle!” So far, their monthly game at Du Vin Bouchers has been a sell-out, and other dates and venues are being added at Mason Belles and the Star and Garter. They have taken the game to other venues and to private homes for parties. A meal out with a difference for a special occasion, group event or corporate team building!

You need to put this on your to-do list this summer! For more information, see www.eeekescaperooms.com.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting eeek! and meeting Ellie. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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Great advice is the real home advantage If you are looking to sell your home, the chances are that you’ll invite 2 – 3 estate agents to appraise your property and get a range of values and fees.

It is important to dig deeper to see how the valuation figure was reached and the service that you will be getting as you look to sell your largest asset. the owners who invited three different estate You should be looking for evidence that estate agents have done more than baseline research, agents to value their home. Our firm was one, and, having recently sold similar houses in the to give you the best and most commercially area (achieving a price above the previous focused advice. There is no substitute for ceiling price), we were well-placed to advise experience and market knowledge, and a on current market activity, demand and professional estate agent will be able to value value. The other two estate agents were also your property to a figure that they are confident well known locally but very different in style of achieving or exceeding. and experience at the premium end of the Look for good practice - Some agents will call property market in West Lothian. Sales figures a surveyor for advice before visiting the property and market intelligence are not immediately then inform sellers that a surveyor will ‘support’ available to agents and surveyors and only that particular agent’s valuation. Look out for this the selling agent has this data for an exclusive bad practice: it goes against everything that a period. Without this knowledge (or experience), professional estate agent should be trying to the other two agents valued the property at achieve. The truth is that it is not a surveyor’s job £50,000 and £60,000 lower than the figure that to drive the price on your property: the surveyor should simply be able to justify the valuation on a we anticipated the market might support. We also had knowledge of buyers who had missed Home Report to a lender. out on other properties and knew they were still It is the role of the estate agent to drive the actively looking. market forward or break the ceiling price in a Get a better result - We achieved exactly the particular area. It is only the most proactive figure that we had estimated and a return to estate agents who will have the latest market the client of approximately £50,000 more than intelligence and an overview of how many they would likely have achieved by choosing active and credible buyers are currently in the one of the other agents. It really highlights the market looking for this type of property in this importance of selecting the right company to particular area. Based on this too, good estate handle the sale of your property. And making agents can often ‘create a market’ that may not even exist yet by packaging properties to target sure that you are in fact getting the best advice groups of highly specific potential buyers. You - otherwise it could prove very costly. should look for one who has experience and a proven track record in achieving results for The monthly Property Matters column is clients who have a similar property as yours, contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a either in value, location, type etc. Above all, you director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and are looking for best advice, based on the latest Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of professional knowledge of the market. the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and Look for market knowledge - A recent marketing. house sale could have been very costly for 14 | LIVINGSTON

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Relax and Enjoy Now that the Spring rush to get our gardens in order has passed it must be time for us to relax and enjoy our gardens or even visit other gardens and relax and enjoy them?

Lesley and I find it hard to resist the temptation to buy plants or ornaments for our garden when we visit other gardens… and we don’t have any spare space for them. But if we both love something we happily give into temptation and will always find a space somewhere. We love looking out from the house at a special plant or piece of art in the garden ad we are very lucky that we have garden around all four sides of our house so there are many opportunities for another view.

Lesley says that if she can’t sleep during the night she doesn’t have to resort to counting sheep as she mentally walks around the

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garden counting our pieces of art installed all round the garden. If you need some inspiration for your own garden please visit New Hopetoun Gardens in July and August and explore our ‘art in the garden’ event. We install the outdoor work of artists working in Scotland in our 20 demonstration gardens.

James Parker’s Garroch Twist in the shady garden at New Hopetoun Gardens

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

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THE BEST BLOW DRY… Lots of clients ask me about styling their hair and the best way to get it to last.

My best advice is to do it straight after you wash it. If you potter about with a towel on your head it will trap the heat and start to dry from the root- flat! Making it really difficult to get volume.

Secondly apply your product, (I love extra volume mousse on any hair type!) Make sure to really work it through so it’s evenly distributed then blast out all of the excess moisture. I’d do this with the head upside down or using a paddle brush to push the hair upwards. Once it’s 70% dry that’s when I’d switch to the brush you want to style with and work with a nozzle to direct the airflow, also using your heat settings. Hot to mould and cold to hold!

Make sure when using moisturisers on your face or shoulders to leave a space around the hairline as the heat of your skin will force it to travel and could be the first factor in your blow dry flattening!

ABetter Relationship With Your Partner

Much of our disappointment in life is a result of expectation. We expect things to be happier, more fulfilling, more successful than they are – and we are left feeling dissatisfied. The same is true for relationships.

Expectation is everything. In the beginning you have high hopes. The wedding day was meticulously planned and that was supposed to mark the beginning of a perfect journey of unity. Naturally, you run into the first issues, or you discover something you don’t like about your partner. Your high expectations aren’t met and suddenly you start to feel disappointed.

You try to change the person to meet your expectations - but your attempts are met with resistance and you start to feel resentful. You may start thinking that the person you once loved is making you unhappy.

Sound familiar? To fix this cycle you need to change your perspective. Firstly, both parties need to understand that any friction isn’t personal, it has simply resulted from misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. Both parties need to consider their expectations objectively. The husband’s viewpoint that his wife spends too much, is simply that: a viewpoint. The wife that thinks her husband doesn’t clean enough is expressing a viewpoint based on her own expectations. Neither partner is right or wrong here – there is simply a difference of opinion and expectation which needs to be discussed.

The solution to most relationship issues of this nature is to sit down and discuss expectations and agree on what is acceptable for both parties.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 24 | LIVINGSTON

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching @KonectMagazines

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LIVINGSTON | 27

Everybody knows we’re in trouble

On the cover of the new Jenny Lewis album, “On The Run”, the artist is pictured in the act of what the Daily Mail relentlessly calls “putting on a busty display”.

It is no good saying “my eyes are up here” because her eyes are not there, along with the rest of her missing head. The photo is a continuation of the theme begun on previous album, Voyager, which has exactly the same cropped pose, but that time in a Garm Parsons-esque Nudie suit. There is an obvious joke to be made in that respect, I’m not stooping.

Boobtastic cover aside then, what awaits?

There is a greater uniformity of sound and style this time around. Divorced from time and place this is close to the classic singer/ songwriter albums of old with more than a hint of Laurel Canyon ennui in the voice. The cover pose is said to be a nod to her mother’s occupation as a Vegas hostess, and there is an air of songs being set in that strange twilight between glamour and gutter. Opener “Heads Gonna Roll” sets the tone of knackered majesty, a lugubrious stroll through the maze of modern relationships underpinned by the somnambulistic drumming of no less that Ringo Starr. Also appearing throughout, Don Was, Jim Keltner, and Ryan Adams, although that last name is being seriously downplayed in interviews now. Often sparse, the songs are piano based (played by Lewis), gone are the country affectations of old.

Maybe thinking about what Aimee Mann was releasing twenty years ago would take the shine of this mid tempo melancholy slightly, but in a world of autotune and writing by committee we badly need honesty and beauty like this.

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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Sometimes we say and do things with the best of intentions out of our underlying concern for another and their happiness.

Or we may be seeking answers or information that ease our discomfort, or we may be finding out information for another. How we go about this is so important and even with the best intentions of kindness, hurt can happen in someone else by the way we relay information, ask questions or probe.

I found this out recently when I unintentionally hurt someone close to me by wanting clarity on a situation. We never know how anyone will react or respond to our requests, what might feel comfortable with us, may not feel comfortable for another. Once done, it can’t be undone!

I needed information to feel better in myself, hearing news that made me feel uncomfortable, I sought out clarity. I might have sat with the discomfort a little longer, processed it more and explored other ways to deal with the issue or just waited to see what happened, rather than moving too quickly to get out of my discomfort.

The end result could not have been more removed from what I expected.

Once started there was no going back.

I hurt and offended by my request to gain information. The end result was much more hurt in myself for seeking information that caused pain in someone dear to me. How we say things, the way we say things, so impacts others.

Sometimes it is better to let it go.

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

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INTERIORS

Plastic debris + Beach = Devastation We can’t get away from the plastics problem; the debate about how to deal with our environmentally devastating plastic habit permeates every part of our lives and most of us are keen to do whatever we can to help address the problem.

So our interiors column this month is contributed by local company Harvey Bruce, who are now supplying a sustainable roller blind with fabric made from recycled plastic ocean waste.

This unique eco-thread blind fabric, called Greenscreen Sea-Tex, is helping tackle the waste pollution problem in our oceans. The fabric uses an innovative high performance eco-thread called FLX yarn. Created by the engineering company Bionic, it’s formed by heating and spinning dozens of strands of recycled plastic together, recovered from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities.

FLX yarn is strong and versatile, and comes with a 2-3% openness factor which means the fabric weave is tight; great for privacy, light control and retaining heat and energy in your home. There are five standard Sea-Tex colours including graphite, haze, sand, pearl and white, as well as custom options available.

There is a conservative estimate that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans with even more continually washing up on shorelines. This incredible amount of plastic waste is having a serious 36 | LIVINGSTON

detrimental effect on the environment and marine ecosystems around the world. Types of plastic waste found include cups, bottles, milk cartons and abandoned fishing nets that can all poison or trap marine life including fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and whales. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly, often taking hundreds of years, so any plastic waste remains in the ocean for a very long time. This build-up of plastic waste has also accumulated into five ocean gyres - large circulating systems of wind-driven surface currents located across the world including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Floating plastic trapped within these gyres is estimated to take at least ten years to cycle back out again.

Volunteers around the world are tackling this growing issue through organised cleanups of shorelines and coastal communities. Plastic and other debris is removed and recycled to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. There is still a long way to go, but finding commercial uses for recycling plastic is one way of keeping it out of the oceans, and as a bonus it makes a very suitable blind fabric.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Derek Lamb of Harvey Bruce Interiors, Houston Mains, Williamson Garden Centre, Uphall, EH52 6PA. www.harveybruce.co.uk | Tel: 0800 756 5286 @KonectMagazines

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LIVINGSTON | 37

A beautiful new community garden is being created behind Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn.

Being in a garden and surrounded by greenery and plants can be beneficial to mental health and well-being, so it’s good news for the community that The Brock Garden Centre (which is a hidden gem in Broxburn and has a long history in West Lothian, see side box) is creating a garden for anyone in the community to come and enjoy here.

Staff and service users at The Brock came up with the concept and design for a therapeutic “Mind Garden.” “The idea is to have a space where mental health in all its forms is embraced,” explains Kevin, General Manager at The Brock “and where people can come and just relax. There will be some seating areas, a water feature, some artwork and of course lots of planted areas”

The Brock has acquired the use of an extra plot of land from West Lothian Council, and have designed the garden to maximise the space to the full. It will be accessed via the Garden Centre, and will be fully accessible.

Within the overall theme of mental health, there will be areas within the garden exploring different aspects of mental health with a view to breaking down stigma. “We envisage a badger trail, with each of our badger sculptures representing a different aspect of mental health.

And it will be a serene place where everyone is welcome to just come and wander and sit.”

The hard landscaping is nearly completed, and now volunteers are needed to help with the planting!

With 500 saplings to go in, and many plants, a small army is needed from this summer onwards to help the staff and service users at The Brock to get all the plants in! The garden should be ready to open later in the year, with an official opening next summer. If you would like to help create this special space, please contact koen@thebrock.org 38 | LIVINGSTON

THE BROCK

Unique in West Lothian, The Brock traces its beginnings to when Bangour Village Hospital at Dechmont was a psychiatric hospital. There was a garden centre there with plants cultivated by the service users, and when the hospital closed down the NHS moved the gardening facility to Dedridge. It moved to Broxburn in 2011, with a plot of land behind the Partnership Centre provided by West Lothian Council.

It is still not very well known in the community, but is the only place in West Lothian where members of the community who have chronic mental health conditions are able to come and get the therapeutic benefits of gardening, woodwork and other craft activities. Support them by buying your plants & garden furniture here!

Open weekdays 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Closed weekends.

The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH Directions: Follow the carpark around the to back of the Partnership Centre.

There is plenty of parking, and the entrance is near to the back door of the Partnership Centre.

Tel: 01506 858080 Email: info@thebrock.org The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO44528.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting The Brock and speaking with Kevin McElroy, General Manager, and Koen Van der Straeten, Operations and Project Manager. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the August edition of Konect

Our contact details are on page 3.

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SUDOKU

Solution on Page 53

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian, Falkirk, and Edinburgh (West)?

ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4) DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15 Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3)

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VACCINATIONS

We all want to protect our pets and one important way of doing this is through regular vaccinations.

Those little injections – that your pet probably won’t even notice as they enjoy cuddles and fuss from you and the vet– can protect your pet from serious diseases, some of which could be fatal.

Vaccines present a largely harmless form of the virus or bacterium that causes disease so the immune system remembers how it dealt with the vaccine and is able to fight the disease. After a primary course, boosters are necessary as your pet’s immune response gradually fades over time. Most vet practices send reminders when boosters are due and it’s important to try to keep to the schedule and your

vet will always tailor your pet’s vaccination programme according to their needs.

Many practices also offer a pet health plan, allowing the cost of vaccination and other preventative health care to be spread evenly across the year, and often offering a cost saving for plan members.

To find out more about the diseases vets commonly vaccinate against, and to learn about other preventative care available, speak to your vet.

The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Michael McCallum BVM&S, MRCVS, GP Cert(Ophthal), Vet Surgeon and Director, The Lamond Vet Clinic

LAMOND Veterinary CLINIC YOUR PETS ARE OUR PRIORITY

ASK ABOUT THE LAMOND HEALTH CARE PLAN, GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUDGET MONTHLY AND SAVE MONEY ON YOUR PETS’ PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE The Lamond Veterinary Clinic Limited Bankton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9EY Telephone: 01506 461 462 E: info@lamondvet.co.uk

www.lamondvet.co.uk

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contacts details are on page 3.

@KonectMagazines

LIVINGSTON | 41

You’ve probably seen the HandiCabs minibus dropping people off at the Centre, Morrisons, Dobbies or Tesco and not given it a second thought; that’s certainly the case for me. But last month I was contacted by the organisation looking for help with letting people know what they do, because it is so much more than specialist transport for wheelchair users.

“You might need help with transport for a wide range of reasons. Handicabs is about making sure people are not stuck, for whatever reason, and that includes people who are isolated due to a lack of public transport where they live and have no other means of getting about,” explains Gary Toner, Assistant Operations Manager. “And of course we help people who have mobility challenges and cannot use public transport, which covers a broad range of issues.” It may be that you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemo, or have a longer term challenge – whatever the case, HandiCabs is there to help. There are a lot of people in the community who could benefit but don’t know about it.

Handicabs Lothian covers Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, and offers two services which are a lifeline to many people in the community. Dial-A-Bus is a scheduled regular bus service Mondays to Fridays, to and from popular shopping destinations, where you book on and are collected from and dropped off at your home as opposed to a bus stop.

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Dial-A-Ride is more like a taxi service, where you book your date, time and destination. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, airport drop-off or collection, social night out; Edinburgh Tattoo; even a Christmas Day dinner trip has been booked in the past.

Both services are “door through door” i.e. the driver is willing and able to assist with, for example, carrying your shopping bags into your kitchen; taking you right into the airport terminal building; giving you that extra helping hand with getting your coat on, whatever is required. “Many of our drivers have been with us a long time. They have built a personal rapport with customers, know them well and what their particular preferences are. And the banter on the bus between the regular customer is part of what makes it a really enjoyable service,” explains Laura Kearney.

Laura joined HandiCabs last year and is tasked with finding new sources of grant income for the charity, as, whilst the four councils in the areas covered provide operational funding, new sources are needed in order to be able to replace vehicles, as funding for this is dropping off.

A certain amount of the cost is also offset by the fares customers pay, although theses are kept very low – Dial-A-Bus is £3.80 return anywhere in West Lothian; Dial-ARide is £4.75 for the first mile and 40p per mile thereafter, fixed rate. (Your first journye on Dial-A- Bus is free, and you get £5 off your first Dial-A-Ride, to try the services).

HandiCabs allow their customers, crucially, some independence that they wouldn’t otherwise have. It takes the pressure off family members, and gives you more independence to get your weekly shopping and jobs done, freeing up those “lifts for mum” for other events. It’s also a social safety net for many; Laura recounts an incident where one regular customer hadn’t booked on the bus, and the driver commented that she was missing, asking her friend if she was ok. Her friend said “She is coming, she’s waiting.” She had just forgotten to call and book, so they swung round and collected her. The camaradie of the group of regular customers made this possible. @KonectMagazines

Gary has been with HandiCabs for 26 years, starting out as a driver, then moving onto dispatch and now management. There are several others who are long serving, and the drivers tend to stay for a good number of years. It speaks volumes for the ethos of the charity, the work they do, the relationships with each other and with customers. “It’s like a big family. We even have a few families where several members of the family all work or volunteer here” says Laura.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Volunteers are very welcome to help out with driving, dispatch or other work in the offices to keep things going behind the scenes. There are offices in Bathgate and Bilston Glen (Midlothian).

Dial-A-Ride enabled me to become more independent and gave me a new lease of life.

I was able to go to Livingston to meet friends; travel on a day out to Edinburgh Festival and to hospitals. If this service was not available I would be confined to my home town which has limited shop entrances for wheelchairs.

Dial-A-Ride gives an excellent service. I cannot travel on ordinary bus service or taxis.

I no longer exist, but live.

HandiCabs Customer If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with getting out of the house, as a one off or regular, please call HandiCabs to see if they can assist. The cheery team will be happy to answer any questions. A registration form needs to be completed in order to start using one of the services.

Contact HandiCabs Lothian on: • Dial-a-Ride: 01506 633953 • Dial-a-Bus: 01506 633336

You can also find them online at www.hcltransport.org.uk and on facebook @handicabs.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Laura Kearney and Gary Toner of HandiCabs Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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July DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den building adventures at Almond Valley - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. For more information please see www. almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957. The Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR. SUNDAY 7TH JULY, 4TH AUGUST & 1ST SEPT Sunday Boat Trips On The Union Canal - Join us aboard narrowboat Bluebell at Port Buchan in Broxburn and enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Union Canal. £5, meet at Port Buchan. Regular departures between 1pm to 4pm. For information please call 0779 557 3927 or email events@bridge19-40.co.uk KIDS SUMMER WORKSHOPS AT POTTER AROUND Pottery, felting, art on canvas, mosaics, bath bombs, slime and more! Mon to Fri throughout the holidays, prices £12 - £15 per session. Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton. For details and booking please contact Potter Around on 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY Wild Wednesday at Peel Park - Join the West Lothian Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of inspired activities. 11am – 3pm, free, Peel Park, Eliburn.

DAILY UNTIL 6TH AUGUST In the Footsteps of John Muir – photography exhibition - At Blackness Castle. Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, last entry 5pm. Included in castle entry price.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 44 | LIVINGSTON

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family, or an evening of music, there’s something for everyone right on our doorsteps.

In Linlithgow, be prepared to dance as Scotch Hop has returned for the summer months. Prepare to meet people from all across the world on Wednesday evenings from 19.30 in the stunning backdrop of the Linlithgow Palace Courtyard (or Low Port Centre in the event of rainy weather); it’s definitely a fun one to try – no experience necessary!

Looking ahead, Party at the Palace returns on the weekend of Saturday 10th / Sunday 11th August. The award winning two day party is one of the most easily accessible music festivals in Scotland, featuring acts such as The Charlatans, KT Tunstall, Midgeure and many, many more. Tickets are still available so don’t miss out.

Why not make the most of the weather with a BBQ at one of West Lothians Country Parks? Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood each offer BBQ pit hire. You bring the food, and the stunning views are provided! If you’re at Polkemmet, don’t miss out on the Scottish Owl Centre – one of the largest collections of owls in Europe. Open daily, with fun flying displays and opportunities to meet the birds up close throughout the day.

There’s always plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our collection of fun day out ideas on our website – the perfect inspiration for whatever the Scottish weather throws at us! www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

PARENTING

Almond Valley Five sisters zoo

So it’s July already and summer holidays are upon us again. The kids are looking forward to seven weeks of uninterrupted freedom.

And I’m looking forward to some quality family time doing something more exciting than ferrying them from one activity to the next.

The holidays mean a break from the everyday routine of family life. But that doesn’t mean it’s really a break…for parents anyway.

Juggling childcare and finding fun things to do is more like hard work, and it can very quickly get expensive! With every fun day out the bar is raised for the next and sadly the seemingly endless summer doesn’t mean endless pots of money with which to enjoy it.

So if you want to keep your hands out of the kids’ piggy banks here are my tips: 1. Think about a season pass. You don’t need to use it year-round to get your money’s worth. Often you only have to go 3 or 4 times and it’s paid for itself. And you could just get a pass for the kids, that way it can be used by whoever takes them… parents, grandparents, friends. We’ve got great value from an Almond Valley membership during the summer.

2. Look out for summer events. You may still have to pay an entry fee at your favourite attractions but somehow you always come away feeling like the money’s been worth it.

And there are lots of free and one-off events too. Anyone else looking forward to the first ever Livingston Soapbox Race in August?

Spectators just make a donation.

3. Pack a picnic. I love nothing more than indulging in lunch out on a day trip but so @KonectMagazines

often this is the unanticipated spending that easily adds-up. So take a packed lunch and maybe just treat the kids to an ice cream. We headed to new shop The Sweet Life in West Calder for a treat after a trip to Five Sisters Zoo and would definitely recommend it!

4. Plan ahead. Often attractions will offer a discount if you buy tickets online in advance, or there might be a group discount you can take advantage of if you can get a group of friends to go together.

5. Keep an eye out for offers. It might discounts from the likes of itison, or Groupon but it is always worth doing a quick Google search before you head out in case there is an offer available.

6. Make the most of free places. There’s plenty of outdoor exploring to be done that doesn’t cost a penny. Follow the Stick Man Trail and find the fairy village at Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden, see if you can walk all the way around Linlithgow Loch, spot the wildlife at Beecraigs, go on a nature walk around one of the country parks, or simply try out a cycle path or play park you’ve never been to before.

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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THE PLAY CAFÉ CONCEPT

A bright airy room, a series of mini play-zones and an open plan table arrangement where you can sit with your coffee or lunch and watch your preschoolers play – welcome to Tots Spot, a unique play cafe for West Lothian.

Tots Spot is the creation of Danielle and Simone, and was a concept they had wanted to put into action for a long time. When the former library building in East Calder became available it proved to be the ideal premises, and Tots Spot has been open a year this summer. “We’d visited play cafes in Edinburgh and really wanted one closer home.

Soft plays are too noisy and intense for Simone’s son, so we used to go to play cafes in Edinburgh, designed for up to six year olds, a more calm play environment and, best of all, we can sit and keep an eye on them without needing to crawl up slides and squeeze through tunnels!” They have achieved a lot in their first year, and have plenty of ideas to keep developing what they have already started here.

The idea was for it to feel like a big homely living room. Instead of soft play, it is more role-play with, for example, a play kitchen; a ship; a nurse’s station; lego table; a little house; dress ups, and more. These are arranged around the edges of the room, and the cafe tables are beside them. It is all very open and airy and there is also a cosy sofa corner, popular with mum and babies.

Danielle left her job in marketing when her daughter was young, and set up a business called “Baby Sensory” which she ran for a few years before selling it. With her husband Steve, they run West Lothian Football Academy, and her mum runs a private nursery, so early years activities and development are very much in the family. Along with her business partner Simone, who is a mortgage advisor, they run Tots Spot as a not-for-profit community resource. “We wanted to create somewhere that is safe and easy for young parents to come with their little ones, meet other people and find a community, support and activities.” So besides the cafe itself, a whole host of meet-ups, classes, groups and activities happen at Tots Spot. New mummy meet ups, breastfeeding support, baby massage, music, @KonectMagazines

and a range of pop-up shops, to name a few.

“We’re foodies, so the food in the café is very important to us,” explains Danielle. The kitchen is small, but the idea is that the cafe element generates enough income to cover the costs of keeping the centre running (they do takeaway coffees too).

Like a soft-play, there is an entry fee, although that also covers some of the support meet ups, and they give passes free of charge to groups and charities. Entry is for unlimited play time, and is free for under 6 months, £2.25 for 6 to 12 months, and £3.95 for 1 to 6 years.

There is a good sized garden area at the back which they are hoping to make available this summer with outdoor seating and play equipment.

Please see their facebook page @totsspotlivingston or call 01506 207770 for more information.

Tots Spot is a Community Interest Company registered in Scotland, number 620101.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Tots Spot, chatting with Danielle and sampling the coffee! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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W NE H E VO IT D B ED LU U R IN NT N E & BA ER B TH S LA G C AT K B E, U R N If you are aged between 60 and 85, and have some time on your hands, you could help out at a local primary school as part of a research project into how older adults and primary school pupils all benefit from the interaction.

The project, entitled Generation for Generation, has been running at four primary schools in West Lothian and volunteers are needed for the school year 2019/2020. Older adults support pupils from P1-P4 in activities including reading and writing, and the beneficial effects on both adults and on children’s attainment is being measured. The project is led by the University of Strathclyde. Anna Krzeczkowska, PhD Researcher explains, “One of the researchers lives in West Lothian. We initially advertised the scheme in the Generations Working Together bulletin and the Headteacher from Blackburn Primary, Mrs Eileen Brennan, contacted us expressing interest in the project. She then invited other schools from the cluster to take part. Thus, it was the amazing and proactive attitude of the schools in West Lothian that brought us here.”

Another adult taking part in the project, Jerry, said: “I am really enjoying just helping the children plus teachers and I am certainly experiencing and seeing things in a fresh light. I should have done something like this before I became a parent myself!”

One of the volunteers, Mona, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying working with a Primary 2 group. The children are enthusiastic, well-mannered and well behaved. It’s great to be able to help and encourage them to meet their potential.”

This article was contributed by Anna Krzeczkowska, PhD Researcher, Generation for Generation. The research is being conducted by the University of Strathclyde and is supervised by Dr Louise Brown Nicholls, l.nicholls@strath.ac.uk

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The researchers are seeking volunteers who would be willing to commit four hours per day, two days per week, for six months in the next school year (September 2019 March 2020). Prior experience of working in schools or with children is not required.

You can apply to join one of the four participating primary schools, which are in Bathgate, Whitburn, and Blackburn.

Information on the study, including participation, can be obtained by emailing anna.krzeczkowska@strath.ac.uk or calling 07376 468498.

@KonectDirectory

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

LIVINGSTON 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.

LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB 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.

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 Tue - Thu 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 visit 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 An enthusiastic group of walkers who enjoy a varied programme of mountain, coastal and woodland walks to suit different abilities. We welcome new members. Walks are on most Sundays, second Thursdays and one Saturday a month. Thursday walks are 5-8 miles with minimal ascent, meet at Livingston Football Club carpark 10am. Saturday walks are more challenging with Munros and Corbetts, starting 7 or 8am from Livingston North railway station. Sunday walks are more varied, around 10-12 miles with some mountain, coastal or woodland, meet at Livingston North

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railway station at 8 or 9am. Please check us out on Facebook or contact Hilda on 01506 882399 for more details.

ALMONDVALE SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Waterstones Bookshop Cafe (upstairs), 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 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, or find us on facebook @LivingstonSpeakers

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 more info.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can you can email us on us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

CRAIGSHILL LIVINGSTON KARATE CLUB Classes every Tuesday at Craigswood Sports Centre. 18.00 – 19.00 Dragon Ninjas Class: suitable for 5 – 7 year olds; 19.00 – 20.30 class suitable for adults and children from 8 years. Your first class is free, thereafter there is a special rate of £35 which includes two months of classes and a karate suit. Membership includes free entry to Westerinch Karate Club. Register your interest via our website www.livingstonkarateclub.co.uk ACTIVITY GROUP 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, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot

NEW TOWN ROLLER DERBY Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page (/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.

CRAIGSHILL GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK 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.

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 7.308.30 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 pre-school 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 5.306.30pm. 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

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CRAIGSHILL ...cont.

WEST LOTHIAN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill. A variety of classes including open play sessions for 18 months-5 years Mon, Wed & Fri, structured Pre School classes on selected days for boys and girls. Learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes led by fully qualified coaches with morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months-3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to our recreational pathway at age 5 without waiting list. Recreational programme for school age children, a competitive section, and we host adult circuit classes, adult gymnastics classes & parties are also available. Please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com

DEANS NEW LIVINGSTON STATION PARENT AND TODDLERS Group meets on Tues & Thurs 10am-11.30am during school term time at Livingston Station Community Centre, Deans. Cost 50p for children under 18months, £1.50 for 18months upwards.

Price includes a snack.

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/ Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer TaiChi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page -www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk for more information.

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 group- for women who have other children but want to continue to chat and meet others who understand. For further information see www.sands-lothians.org.uk. Unit 3, Carmondean Business Units, Carmondean Centre South Road, Livingston, EH54 8PT CRAFT ‘N’ STITCH CLUB Livingston Station Community Centre, Wed 1.30pm - 3.30pm. We do a variety of stitching and craft work and are looking for new members and new ideas, if you are interested in coming along to see us or joining us contact Grace on 01506 415719.

RAMPAGING ROOKS JUNIOR CHESS CLUB Deans Community High School - Meets every Wednesday from 5:30-7:00. For further information contact rampagingrooks@gmail.com or just turn up during the session. Cost is £2 per session.

SINGING FOR HEALTH 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

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doing it. Cost is £1.20 per session – all welcome! Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot

YOGA Carmondean Community Centre, Mondays 6.30 – 7.45 and Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk.

See www.yogamed.co.uk 13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Livingston Station Centre Deans on Tuesday nights for Beavers 6.30pm till 7.30pm and Thursday nights 6.30pm till 9.00pm for Cubs/Scouts.

If you or someone you know would be interested in coming on board as a leader, adult helper or executive member please get in touch. Steven Graham G.S.L stevengraham162@gmail.com 07786638442.

YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:15pm.

Contact Bijam on 07966 573 804 or email: info@yogawithbijam.co.uk

LIVINGSTON STATION PLAYGROUP Livingston Station Community Centre.

Spaces available for 2-5 year olds. Monday – Friday mornings 9.10 – 11.30. £5 per session and £1 per week for a healthy snack. Please contact us on 07525 156407 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on Facebook for more information.

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

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

Meet at the Ability Centre, Carmondean, EH54 8PT on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-8.30pm. For more information please contact Martin Donnelly, Treasurer on 07703 383431.

DEANS ART CLUB 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 Sue Campbell on 01506 413447, or Eileen Griffiths on 01506 239576.

KIDDIES CORNER 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.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES Carmondean Comunity Centre. FREE courses and weekly dropin’s for cancer patients. Email: Tina@yogamed.co.uk for more information LIVINGSTON UNITED PARISH CHURCH 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.

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.

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.

RAINBOW UNITS (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday and Monday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DEDRIDGE KINGS CHURCH WEST LOTHIAN A family friendly church meeting every Sunday at 3pm. Our meetings are a mix of modern worship, teaching from the bible and fun activities for kids. We hold other events like Alpha, bingo nights and a Summer Funday. Check out www.kingschurchwl.org or contact connect@kingschurchwl.org for more info.

DEDRIDGE GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK A local voluntary organisation offering Mother/Toddler Group, Lunch & Social Groups, Craft Classes, Gentle Exercise and volunteering opportunities.

Based in Lanthorn Community Complex. Tel: 01506 416137

SPACE ACADEMY CHILDREN’S CLUB Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.303.30pm 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.

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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. No admission fee. Find us on Facebook and website: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 – /livingstoncameraclub Twitter – @LiviCamClub CAFÉ CONNECT Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:3012. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise.

Contact 01506 415837.

CAFE CONNECT EXTRA For those suffering with dementia, and their carers.

First Wednesday of the month except Jan and July, 2pm – 3.30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QR. For further information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533108 .

THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – MUSIC MAKERS Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session.

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’.

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.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS CROFTHEAD Crofthead Community Centre, Templar Rise, EH54 6DG. £7.50 per session. Manager: Alexis, contact 07591 734489.

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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 www.LADARS.org.uk 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.

1 LIVINGSTON GIRLS BRIGADE COMPANY The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge.

Meet on Wednesday evenings.

Explorers (P1-3) 6.30pm till 7.45pm.

Juniors (P4-7) 6.30pm till 8.00pm.

Brigaders (S1+) 6.30pm till 8.00pm.

For further information please email admin@5livingston.co.uk or telephone Mairi Dalgleish on 01506 440303 ST

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 6:30-8:15pm. 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!

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.

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 group practice cater for adults and children from 6 years. For further information please contact Alice on 01506 462623.

Email: mgolshan951@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.

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

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 find us on facebook @littlejewelslivingston

LIVINGSTON | 51

HOWDEN LIVINGSTON ART ASSOCIATION Tuition and workshops in and pottery at Howden Park Centre Tues 10am-12 and 7-9pm; Thursday 10am-12.

Painting at Midcalder Institute Hall, Tues 10am-12 & 7-9; Wed 10am-12; Thurs 10-12 & 7-9pm; Friday untutored open session 10am-12. Free Taster sessions and visitors welcome. Annual subscription £45 [discounts after 1st Jan] and small weekly tuition fee to Tutors.

Contact us at liviartassoc@msn.com, See us at www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk and Find us on facebook.

GENERATION DANCE Thursdays 11.30 - 12.30 at Howden Park Centre. This is a community dance class for age 60+ and is an accessible group for all abilities. Vintage – Intermediate dance class. Thursdays 12.45 - 1.45 at Howden Park Centre. For those age 60+ that are ready to take their dance to the next level.

HOWDEN PARENT & TODDLERS Every Friday morning (during term time) from 9.30 till 11.30am in the Salvation Army Hall, Kingsport Avenue, Howden. £2 per Parent/ child. Contact Fiona Mitchell on 07747 850695 or email feesngravy@gmail.com for more details.

MEMORIA CAFÉ FOR PEOPLE WITH EARLY TO MODERATE DEMENTIA Braid House, Labrador Avenue, EH54 6BU. From 2pm to 4pm 3rd Tuesday of every month. Contact Maurice on 07864 502899.

WEST LOTHIAN GENERATION ARTS Helps people stay healthy mentally and physically by offering classes of seated dance, singing and arts. Classes are held in St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate, for over sixties, on Fridays at 10.30am and Howden Park Centre, Livingston, on Thursdays at 1130 a.m. Further info from generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com 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.

ST MUNGO’S LIVINGSTON Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday at 10.30am, St Margaret’s Academy. www.stmungos.org

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP Community Wing at Toronto Primary. Cubs Mon 6:30 - 8pm, Beavers Wed 6:30 7:30pm, Scouts 7:45 – 9:30pm, Fri 7 -9pm.

Call David 07876 776012.

52 | LIVINGSTON

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 01506 333005 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 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: www.livi20milers.blogspot.co.uk/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/LMilers RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KNIGHTSRIDGE 12TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP Knightsridge Primary School, Girls and Boys. Beavers (6-8) Tue 6:15 – 7pm. Cubs (8-10) Tue 7:15 – 8:45pm. Scouts (10-14) Mon 6:30 – 8:30. Contact Neil 07986 538582; www.12thwestlothianscouts.org.uk MESSY CHURCH 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.

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: 1.002.00pm - “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00-3.30pm. For more info tel 01506 444970.

LADYWELL RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow unit for girls aged 5-7, Tuesday nights. For more information see wwwgirlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com CELEBRATE RECOVERY Forrestbank Community Centre, Forrestbank, EH54 6DX. Thursdays 1.30pm to 3.00pm. If you’re struggling with addiction issues come along or tel. Brian 07534 335528 Email brianwilsonferguson@outlook.com

WEST LOTHIAN DIABETES UK GROUP Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW. Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm.

See www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org ALMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 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 For those suffering with dementia, and their carers. Newyearfield Farm Community Centre Hawk Brae, Livingston, EH54 6AB. Third Thursday of the month 2.15pm-3.30pm. For further information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533108

WEST LOTHIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Meets on the Second Tuesday of the month in Oscar’s Ladywell from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 07855 238078.

RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

SENIOR SECTION UNIT (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on every other Thursday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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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.

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP 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 RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

MURIESTON LIVINGSTON ROUND TABLE Livingston Cricket Club, Murieston, EH54 9HB. The BEST young men’s club in the world: have fun, help your community and develop new skills. If you’re a man aged 18 - 45, why not come along to a couple of events and see what we’re all about?

Business meetings 1st Thurs of the month; social event 3rd Thurs of the month. For more info please email membership@ livingstonroundtable.co.uk or text Join and your postcode to 60066.

RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday & Tuesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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SENIOR SECTION UNIT (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on Thursday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

LIVINGSTON CRICKET CLUB Cricket fixtures & busy social calendar.

See www.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.

CHURCHES OASIS CHRISTIAN CENTRE Come and join us at Oasis Christian Centre, Fells Rigg, Carmondean for lively family worship with teaching from the Bible at 10.30am.

We celebrate the Lord’s Supper every second week. For further details please visit our website at oasischristiancentrelivingston.org.uk.

ACROSS: 7. Govern, 8. Tailor, 9. Data, 10. Launched, 11. Easiest, 13. Empty, 15. Stunt, 16. Defence, 18. Emphasis, 19. Else, 21. Stupid, 22. Nickel.

DOWN: 1. Sofa, 2. Relationships, 3. Analyse, 4. Stout, 5. Circumference, 6. Domestic, 12. Attempts, 14. Teasing, 17. Aside, 20. Stem.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 43

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions.

See their website at: www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

LIVINGSTON | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

PAINTING & DECORATING ELECTRICIAN ACCOUNTANCY & Bennett and Heath 5 BOOKKEEPING Braekirk Decorators 6 Electric Al 35 AKT Bookkeeping 26 Manic Street Painters 12 Riddell Electrical Services 34 Mountain Enterprises TML Decor 32 Tax Consultancy 26 ENTERTAINMENT & PEST CONTROL ATTRACTIONS APPLIANCE REPAIRS Frontline Pest Control 21 Aerial Adventures 7 Home Appliance Repair 4 PET SITTING / BOARDING Eeek Escape Rooms 12 ARCHITECT PetStay 41 ESTATE AGENT LanArc 9 Drummond Miller 27 PLASTERING Plan-It 31 Turpie & Co 15 Nu Walls 10 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS YOPA 9 PLUMBING & HEATING 1st Choice Living 5 SERVICES Bathgate Bathroom Studio 4 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES John Gillan Fencing and Almondvale Plumbing & Bespoke 55 Landscaping 20 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 Heating Services 10 S and S Home GARAGE DOORS BJ Fleming Plumbing Garolla 35 Improvements 33 Services 35 Max’s Garage Doors 34 EPH Scotland 6 BEAUTICIAN GARDEN CENTRE Mech A Tech Home Heating Browhau5 Microblading 25 New Hopetoun Gardens 16 Services 9 BOILER SERVICES GARDEN DESIGN / McLellan Plumbing 37 The Gas Engineer 6 MAINTENANCE Plumb-It 31 BUILDER All Year Round Landscapes 21 Build-It 31 Evergreen Balerno 18 ROOFING G Hughes Roofing Services 31 John Gillan Fencing and CAR SERVICING, MOT & Taylor Roofs 11 Landscaping 20 REPAIR R Grieve Landscapers 19 SOLICITORS & LEGAL JWG Car Care 34 GARDEN FURNITURE AND Premier Garage Services 34 Purdie MacLean Solicitors 26 BUILDINGS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Champfleurie Estate 17 CLEANING County Cars 56 GLAZING REPAIRS Aquatec 4 TREE CARE SERVICES CR Smith 29 Cleaning Doctor 32 Arbscape Tree Surgery 20 James Burnett Carpet GOLF CLUB Trees4Scotland 19 Baberton Golf Club 12 Cleaning 5 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME GYM / HEALTH CLUB CHILDREN’S NURSERY Dalmahoy Hotel & Country West Lothian Trusted Trader Angela Elizabeth Nursery 46 Club 22 Scheme 11 COMPLEMENTARY HAIR SALON VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING THERAPIES Back II Black 23 Lamond Veterinary Clinic 40 Choose You - Yoga studio Copper & Penny 25 Riverside Veterinary Practice 41 and wellness hub 25 HANDYMAN Juliana Bowyer Physical WINDOW & GUTTER Donald Does It All 10 Therapies 25 CLEANING COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS JOINERY CS Window and Gutter DJMS Domestic Joinery & Sprint Computer Repairs 27 Cleaning 21 Maintenance Services 10 CURTAINS & BLINDS Geoff Vinter Joinery 37 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Harvey Bruce 37 SCHEME LANDLORD SERVICES Developing the Young DENTIST Let Link 6 Bankton Dental Practice 28 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Workforce 46 No.9 Practice 23 Beatson’s Building Supplies 18 DOG BOARDING LAWNS K9 Friends 41 Green Thumb Lawn Service 21 DOORS / WINDOWS LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 4 DC Double Glazing 5 54 | LIVINGSTON

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