Konect Livingston December 2021

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022

LOCAL HISTORY:

PARENTING: SPOTLIGHT:

P32 elcome to the festive 2021 issue of Konect!

Have a look through the local businesses here for a host of special offers for the season, as well as gift vouchers and other gift ideas. All our columnists share their wonderful expertise for the season in this issue, and here’s hoping it will be a much more normal time than last Christmas.

For some, it’s not an easy season and there are a few ways of helping our neighbours and local friends who may be having a tough time. Home Instead are running a “Be a Santa” campaign for older people (see page 16); the Rock Trust are looking for people who can offer a spare room for young people at risk of homelessness – not just over the winter but any time (see page 4); and the Cyrenians have plenty planned for helping older people get through the winter (see page 17).

The Nobel prizes will be presented on the 10th December, as always, on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. So I hope you enjoy the history article this month about Nobel’s very close links to central Scotland.

Wishing all our readers and customers a safe and happy festive season.

Thank you for reading Konect this year.

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THIS ISSUE Local History: How dynamite came to Scotland..........................................................8 / 46 Thought for the Month: Perception...................10 Spotlight: FLOAT your way to wellbeing.........13 Hair: How to gift haircare......................................14 Living Well: Bringing Christmas cheer............16 Charity: Cyrenials OPAL, it’s good to be back......................................................................17 Home Improvement: Smoke Alarms...............19 Puzzles.......................................................................22 Property Matters: Buy to Let portfolios............28 Local Environment: Merry Christmas...............32 Garden Project: Cheering winter pots.............37 Parenting: This mum loves Christmas.............40 Film Review: Raging Fire.....................................43

Konect is delivered to 20,000 homes in selected areas of Livingston and Uphall, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes per month.

It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 LIVINGSTON | 3

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Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 ~ 1896)

LOCAL HISTORY

The Nobel Prizes are announced every December; world-famous coveted prizes for those who confer “the greatest benefit on mankind.” They are named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who, horrified that his armaments and explosives empire would earn him the epitaph “Merchant of Death,” left his fortune for the furtherance of world peace and progress.

But what does this Swedish and indeed global story have to do with this area?

Alfred Nobel himself lived for a period of time in the area, having in a cottage in Laurieston, near Falkirk. His story meets that of a former Falkirk High School pupil, George McRoberts, a local chemist and explosives expert who founded a chemical factory at Westquarter, and who was instrumental in helping Nobel establish in Scotland the world’s first and largest factory for his revolutionary new explosive – dynamite.

a nitroglycerine explosion at his family’s armaments factory in Sweden in 1864 killed his own brother and four others. Undaunted, Alfred pressed on and a year later with German business partners he built a factory at an isolated location near Hamburg.

This business (Alfred Nobel & Company) exported a liquid blend of nitroglycerin and gunpowder called “Blasting Oil,” but it was still extremely unstable; the factory buildings were destroyed twice in explosions.

But Alfred was tenacious and, carrying out experiments on a raft anchored on the Born in Sweden in River Elbe , by 1833, Nobel was 1866 he found a a prolific inventor.

Initially marketed as Nobel’s Blasting way of stabilising Dynamite, his most nitroglycerine by Powder, he changed the name to famous invention, absorbing it into dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis revolutionised the a siliceous clay “power.”

He patented it, and was on construction of which could be the road to massive fortune tunnels, canals, shaped into lengths railways and roads and handled fairly as well as the safely.

This, together with a safety fuse mining industry. Previously, black powder and detonator (that he also invented), was (gunpowder) had been used for mining and dynamite. Initially marketed as Nobel’s quarrying, but industrialists were looking Blasting Powder, he changed the name to for a high explosive. One discovered by an dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis - “power.”

Italian chemist in 1847 – nitroglycerine - was He patented it, and was on the road to powerful but highly unstable and dangerous, massive fortune. and Alfred Nobel was one of many looking for a safe way of using it. The route was punctuated by explosions and tragedy; 8 | LIVINGSTON

Dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use in several countries, but in the UK it took

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Nobel two years of persistence to gain some relaxation of regulations governing explosives.

The Explosives Act of 1869 prohibited the manufacture, transport or sale of nitroglycerine or any product containing it in the UK.

Nobel’s cottage in Laurieston Swing Bridge at the Reddingmuir Westquarter factory (1930)

McRoberts became Nobel’s chief chemist and factory manager at Ardeer in 1874. He relocated from Laurieston to Ardeer, selling his home “Hawthorn Cottage” at 1 Polmont Road, Laurieston, to Alfred Nobel. Hawthorn Cottage is still a private residence and is the only building remaining in Scotland that is directly associated with Nobel.

The barren sand dunes of Ardeer shifted constantly with the wind. Nobel wasn’t a fan.

“Only the rabbits find a little nourishment here; they eat a substance which quite unjustifiably goes by the name of grass,” he wrote drily. McRoberts solved this problem of the drifting dunes by spreading ashes over the sandhills and rough bent grass was grew over the new surface.

The swing bridge today

By 1876 Nobel decided to manufacture his detonators in Scotland too instead of importing them, and he chose the Westquarter factory to make them, using mercury fulminate brought in from abroad. A couple of years later he decided to also make the fulminate on site here, and a purpose-built factory was added to the Westquarter site, about half a kilometre south at Reddingmuirhead on the other side Continued on page 46... @KonectMagazines

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CREDIT: Historic Environment Scotland

Although not able to set up in England, he turned to Scotland where he gained the backing of some Scottish entrepreneurs including one George McRoberts. McRoberts had just founded the Westquarter Chemical Company in 1871, manufacturing sulphuric acid. He and a co-investor raised the substantial investment required for Nobel to build a dynamite factory in Scotland, and the British Dynamite Company was formed. Nobel also bought a half share of McRoberts’ Westquarter Chemical Company, since the sulphuric acid was a key ingredient for dynamite manufacture, and the two men were close business partners. Ardeer in Ayrshire was chosen as a sufficiently remote site for the factory, the first charge was produced there in January 1873 by Alfred Nobel himself; and the British Dynamite Company started taking orders.

It's been brought to my attention recently that what I perceive regarding a situation isn't the reality of another person’s experience. Our thoughts and beliefs often come from our perception of the situation which we believed to be real and true.

However, when you pause to share and communicate with the other person, what can be discovered is their experience isn’t what you perceive it to be!

Perception is: “the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses” or “the way in which something is regarded, understood or interpreted.”

Perception creates meaning in our world.

When I shared my perception of a situation with this person, their view was very different; two people in the same place with very different perceptions of the situation.

Experience plays a big role, interpretation too.

This is why good communication is vital; to clarify similarities and differences and prevent confusion. Do you ever pause to think about whether your perception is the same as somebody else’s. The phrase “Seeing is believing” is made up of our own unique experience of the world!

Take a belief you've held for a long time and pretend you believe in the exact opposite for a few minutes. Notice how you feel when you do this. How does it make you feel when you fight the other corner? There's no right or wrong, just an opportunity to understand where other people are coming from. It’s a great practice to start the New Year with, have a go.

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) 10 | LIVINGSTON

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FLOAT is a premium new health spa in West Lothian offering a unique well-being experience.

It allows you enter a deeply restorative, meditative state by weightlessly floating in a pod of Epsom salt water, with all external stimulation - including sound and light – completely removed.

People use float therapy for different reasons: it’s excellent for managing stress, anxiety and PTSD; it’s used by sportspeople to prepare mentally and physically for performance; and some people find their minds become incredibly creative under the conditions of sensory deprivation.

The high concentration of salt means that floating is effortless, allowing every muscle in your body to completely relax and trigger the release of endorphins. In addition, the health benefits of soaking in Epsom salts include pain relief, improved muscle and nerve function and skin condition.

Leaving the stresses of the external environment behind starts as soon as you step through the door of FLOAT at their luxury, purpose-built centre on Glasgow Road in Bathgate.

I booked a session to try it when they opened in November. The largest float therapy centre in Scotland, there is exquisite attention to detail here at every stage of your experience, from the calming décor that welcomes you, to the carefully-selected organic toiletries provided.

Each pod is in its own private room, where you shower before your float. FLOAT’s pods drain completely between each customer; you can see it filling freshly for your session while you shower. The pod designs here have a low threshold and a fully-opening lid, making them easier to access for people with mobility issues.

When you’re ready, step into the pod and, for the full experience, close the lid completely. For the first five minutes there is relaxing music and soft mood lighting, then it fades to silence and @KonectMagazines

darkness. (You can control the intensity of the experience by opting to leave the mood lighting on, or leaving the lid partially open). Initially I thought a full hour of doing absolutely nothing would drag. But it takes time for your body and mind to fully let go, and when they do, you very pleasantly lose track of time. There is nothing but the occasional sound of the water gently lapping.

The weightlessness, and the total absence of all usual sensory inputs for your mind to process, is deeply calming and restorative; you need make no effort to shut them out, as they are simply not there. The health benefits for both mind and body are becoming more and more understood and many people float regularly as an essential part of their health routine.

All too soon, the mood lights and music fade in to signal the end of the float. Shower again to rinse off the salt - beautiful toiletries are provided - and there is a pamper room equipped with Dyson supersonic hair dryers for you to prepare to emerge into the outside world. As a finishing touch, a hot drink awaits you in the post-float room before you leave feeling thoroughly recharged.

For more information, to book a session or purchase gift vouchers, visit floatscotland.co.uk or call 01506 639489. FLOAT, 6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA This article was contributed by Helen-Jane after experiencing a luxury float therapy session at FLOAT, Bathgate. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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HOW TO GIFT HAIR CARE It’s no secret that the festive season is the best time of year to stock up on haircare and beauty products. So, when it comes to buying for others there’s a few things you can do to get gifting haircare just right.

Moisture treatments are a fantastic stocking filler. At this time of year when the central heating is blasting and the air outside is dry and cold many of us suffer dehydration in our hair leading to static, so a hydration treatment is the perfect gift on its own or part of a full cleansing regime.

Does the person you’re buying for have coloured hair? Hydrating and or colour shampoo/conditioner, this hair will also benefit from moisture treatments.

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If it is extremely damaged/chemically treated? Look for nourishment, protein and hydration in your shampoo and conditioner.

Treatments are essential and an oil is a great gift for someone with dashed hair If it’s extremely curly or wavy a curl enhancing regime could be the way to go which will smooth and add extra hydration.

Curl creams and curl styling products will always be well received by curly girls.

After that still not sure? Buy a voucher for a salon you know they’ll love or the salon they visit. The salon will appreciate you shopping local and your loved one gets to pamper themselves for a few hours and who wouldn’t love that!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com 14 | LIVINGSTON

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LIVING WELL

Christmas Cheer

Bringing to elderly people this year!

Businesses, organisations and schools across Livingston and West Lothian are coming together this Christmas to bring cheer to our local elderly population.

The ‘Be a Santa’ campaign, launched by local home care company, Home Instead Livingston, asks the community to donate gifts which are then distributed to older people who may not otherwise receive anything this Christmas.

Graham Stevenson, owner of Home Instead Livingston commented: “Many older people have been badly affected by the lockdown periods, feeling lonely and isolated - factors which are heightened throughout the Christmas period.

“Our ‘Be a Santa’ campaign brings the

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community together. We give well-deserved gifts to the older people in our local area at Christmas time. It’s key to remind them that we are thinking of them, and they are not alone.”

Home Instead is pleased that many local businesses and organisations have already signed up to take part, including local supermarkets and garden centres, but we’d like more to get involved. You can make a difference by donating a small gift at one of the local drop-off points or by purchasing something from Home Instead Livingston’s Amazon Wish List.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can ‘Be a Santa’ this Christmas, please call 01506 346046 or visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston/be-asanta-to-a-senior-8/ to find out how and where you can donate.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 539541 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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“Tis the season to be jolly” is certainly the feeling at OPAL now that most of our services have resumed. There have been joyful reunions between volunteers and the older people we support whether at our local groups or visiting them again in their own homes.

Looking ahead, we have created a diverse winter package to suit all needs including blether buddies, online groups and in person groups, one-to-one support, digital support, pen-pals, walks catering for all abilities and shopping support.

Our one-to-one service focusses specifically on what matters to the individual, what they would like to achieve from the service and their personal interests. We then look for a likeminded volunteer as a suitable companion and introductions are made. Our volunteers can offer support to promote independence and well-being through visits, outings, shopping and other activities.

Our varied group activity plan includes gentle exercise, quizzes, entertainment, sing-a-longs, walking, meal get-togethers, cooking, book club and much more.

Anyone living in West Lothian over the age of 60 is welcome to come along and join in the fun and festivities planned for the months ahead. Alternatively, if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, we have

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Mates and meals a wide range of roles available and a robust training and support programme to cater for all.

Whether administrator, digital assistant, group facilitator, driver, coordinator or befriender, we have something to suit everyone. We have training sessions running every month throughout the year which include core and group skills, befriending safely during the pandemic, dementia friends, falls awareness and sighted guidance. We also offer bespoke, more tailored training for specialist work such as walk leader training with Paths For All. As a valued OPAL volunteer, you will have access to ongoing support and supervision, celebration events and encouragement to develop new or existing skills should you wish to do so. This may be by leading a group activity, doing a presentation on something of interest or supporting other volunteers on their journey.

So, if you are pondering what your new year’s resolution should be this year, give us a call and we will let you know more about the benefits to you and how best you may support older people in your local area.

For further information please call 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. Tel: 01506 815 815. Registered charity number SC011052.

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More information

New Scottish Home Smoke Alarm Requirements

• Scottish Government website: www.gov.scot/publications/fire-andsmoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes • Older and disabled homeowners on low incomes can also contact their local “Care and Repair,” which gives independent advice and help: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/ at-home

From February 2022 all Scottish homes should have tamper-proof, interlinked (if one goes off they all sound) smoke alarms in living room and hall, and heat alarm in kitchen. In rooms with a gas, oil or solid fuel appliance, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will also be mandatory.

Rented homes should already comply.

Alarms are either wired into your electricity mains or have long-life batteries sealed into the alarm so it cannot be disabled.

Mains-wired alarms last longer than battery installations. They require installation by a qualified electrician. If other work needs to be done, such as a rewiring or major alterations, get alarms done at the same time. Recently built homes are likely to already have mains-wired interlinked alarms. Professional installers often suggest battery systems for existing properties since there is no disruptive work involved.

Battery-operated units can be installed on a DIY basis. They have a life of about 10 years, then must be replaced. The batteries cannot be removed to disable the alarm or be replaced.

The Scottish Government gives typical DIY cost as £220 for battery alarms.

Most existing smoke, heat and CO alarms are not tamper-proof or interlinked so do not meet new regulations. They are still widely on sale. They could be used in addition to the new installation.

Here are some things to think about for a DIY installation or to ask your installer: TESTING - Think about testing (weekly) in planning your system. You need to reach ceiling mounted alarm test buttons (use a stick!) and check they all sound. Some systems have a remote control that helps. They are loud!

Use ear plugs when testing.

ESCAPE PLAN - Have an escape plan should alarms sound. @KonectMagazines

RESEARCH - Search online to compare suppliers and makes. Installation and user instructions should be available on manufacturer or supplier websites. Read these carefully to help decide whether to go DIY or to employ a professional.

Ensure the specification is for Scotland (England and Wales are different) and check manufacturer and/or supplier support (you might need it!).

If batteries are replaceable, they do not meet the new Scottish regulations.

The interlinking process differs between makes. Some are easier than others (similar to linking cordless phones). Instructions must be followed very precisely.

Alarms are fixed to the ceiling or high on a wall with screws or glue so you need a stepladder.

COSTS - Excluding installation, expect to pay £35 to £80 for each fire alarm (depending on make and features) and about £20 for each non-linked CO alarm. It is worth searching prices. Some suppliers offer discounted kits for Scotland.

In summary, for a DIY installation do plenty of online research, follow instructions precisely, take care on the stepladder and you should succeed! For professional installation, contact a reputable qualified electrician.

This article was contributed by Brian Shearey, Ratho. Brian has done his own DIY installation and is an amateur but experienced DIYer LIVINGSTON | 19

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PUZZLES

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Harbour (4), 3. Precious stones (8), 9. Implement (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Short sleep (3), 16. Coarse (5), 17. Pronoun (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Modify (5), 22. Design (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Musical instrument (4).

DOWN: 1. Imagining (8), 2. Wash (5), 4. Frozen water (3), 5. Sizes (12), 6. Créche (7), 7. Vomit (4), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Enumerate (5), 13. Pest (8), 15. Make ready (7), 19. All (5), 20. Imitation (4), 22. Vegetable (3).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

SUDOKU

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Selling a Buy-To-Let Property Portfolio Homeowners are not the only ones cashing in on the current housing boom. Landlords with buy-to-let investment properties are also capitalising on the shortage of properties for sale in the first-time buyer price bracket in anticipation that we may be nearing the top of the current market cycle.

Selling an investment property often requires a different approach to that of a typical sales campaign, and selling a portfolio of rental properties needs to be carefully planned to maximise the return on investment and ensure that the timing is in line with the seller’s exit strategy.

We have handled two portfolio sales recently and adopted very different selling strategies for each case.

The first campaign comprised of a block of six apartments in a small self-contained development in a town centre location. Each property had a sitting tenant. In addition to retaining the ongoing rental income from the outset, the main attraction of this portfolio to a new investor was the unique opportunity to have full ownership, therefore control, over the whole flatted development. This type of block ownership also allows a landlord to appoint a factor of their choice or maintain the development themselves meaning communal repairs, maintenance, upgrading can all be planned and factored into an investment schedule without the need for consultation or agreement from neighbours or third-party owners.

We suggested the optimum route to market in this case to be via an ‘off-market’ campaign introducing the portfolio as a whole to a list of pre-qualified investors. This approach had a number of benefits for both buyer and seller

and most importantly the tenants who enjoyed a seamless transfer of ownership without the stress and uncertainty of an open market sale.

The second buy-to let portfolio comprised of nine apartments in different blocks which formed part of a large-scale development.

Some of the tenants had already given notice to move on and the timing of this coincided with the landlord’s plans to exit the private rental sector. Our recommendations were based around staggered sales spanning three tax years over an 18-month period beginning with the properties that were already empty.

Careful and considerate consultation with the tenants resulted in a ‘win/win’ sale and purchases to some sitting tenants with the remainder of the properties being listed on the open market at carefully coordinated times in line with the plan. This approach attracted competitive interest from buyers in the market at the specific time of each individual campaign and avoided the potential impact that multiple properties for sale in the same development at the same time may have had.

Every buy-to-let portfolio has unique characteristics and careful consideration should be given to ensure the correct campaign strategy is used to optimise the sale.

If you are a buy-to-let investor looking to sell or buy single or portfolio rental properties please contact us to discuss the selling options or portfolios currently available.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I’ve gone a little further afield for this one, to the Glenshee area where I visit quite regularly to photograph red squirrels, and eat cake.

Thankfully, the squirrels were quite happy to take part in a festive photoshoot in return for some peanuts. At this time of year they’re busy caching their food, ready to see them through the winter when supplies are running low. It’s quite common for them to forget where they’ve buried their stash, which is why red squirrels are one of the best sources for tree planting! What’s their loss is nature’s gain. They also test their food for freshness and will discard a hazelnut which doesn’t sound like it’s worth eating. This is different to the invasive greys who are much less fussy and why they can out compete the native reds for food where their habitats cross over.

When it’s cold, squirrels will tuck themselves away in their drey high up in the canopies and will use their fluffy tails as insulation to keep themselves warm. They have huge variations in colours, from very dark (making 32 | LIVINGSTON

them easy to mistake for the grey squirrel) to bright orange, or red with blonde little tails.

You can see red squirrels at Morton Lochs (Tayport) Eskrigg Reserve (Lockerbie) or Aberfoyle. These places are great to spend a few hours wandering around whilst keeping a look out for squirrels scampering around the woodlands.

We hope you all have a lovely Christmas & New Year. See you in 2022!

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.

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CHEERING WINTER

During the short days of December and January it’s very cheering to have some planted pots near your front door or outside the patio doors to keep your spirits up!

There are lots of evergreen perennials and shrubs that you could use this month and so long as you use a frostproof pot they will be quite safe outside all winter.

This little group of pots has winter flowering heathers, the red berries of Gaultheria, a grassy Carex, Ivy, an upright golden Yew conifer, a flowering Christmas rose (Hellebore) and a variegated dwarf Skimmia with its pink buds which will open in the Spring. We have used some coloured dogwood stems pushed into one of the pots to give the group some festive flair and used some gold sprayed pine cones as a mulch around the conifer.

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If you are using a pot already full of compost left over from a summer display you need to tease it up with a trowel and work in some slowrelease fertiliser before you plant it.

If you need new compost a peat free multipurpose compost will be just the thing to use. If you are Winter choosing a new pot, or perhaps a Pots new group of pots, you can enjoy letting your ‘inner designer’ choose the colours and shapes – contrasting heights make for an interesting group, as in this picture’ where we have chosen the same coloured and similarly shaped planters.

Just remember that even if it rains, most of the water will bounce off the plants and not get into the pot so your plants will depend on you for all their water. You do feel a little silly to be seen watering your pots on a wet day, but your plants will appreciate your efforts!

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

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PARENTING

This Mum Loves

Christmas ... but it’s still a lot of work!

Forget kids writing their lists for Santa, at this time of year it’s parents the world over who are making lists and checking them twice.

After the kids explored all Two words that strike whitefor them…who’s idea was it to hot fear into most parents: invite an Elf on the Shelf into our the hidden corners of Far Christmas shopping. household, oh yeah…mine!!

From The Madding Crowd – a treasure trove of not just There’s nothing I love more Who can even fathom the toys books but all sorts of gifts than dawdling round the wish list currently doing the and stationery as well - we shops at Christmas, soaking rounds? I don’t know what nipped along to Rouken Glen in the festive cheer, seeing the half the things are they talk Garden Centre to check out excitement on the kids faces, about. Last year even after all the decorations. Of course humming along to the same I intercepted a scribbled list every single one had to be old Christmas tunes (even bound for the North Pole I had touched as we looked around. as someone else nearby is to instigate a lot of teatime And then we stopped in to moaning about Christmas conversations to help me Mannerstons Café because of music everywhere). But I can’t decipher what was actually course it wouldn’t be Christmas really relax enough to do that being asked for. without a milkshake in front of until the Christmas shopping Often it feels like a stab in the a roaring fire…yes I know, kids at least for the kids - is done. dark as to what kids actually are weird.

I spend a lot of November and want. But get it wrong and often December waiting for you’ll soon know about it. Most Here’s to hoping the biggest, baddest, coolest toys are that moment when the kids children have yet to learn the under the tree this year! announce what they want for socially necessary art of hiding Christmas. Hoping it will be disappointment so if they hate something reasonable and what they get it will be painfully easy to source…all the while obvious. knowing that more than likely Despite the stress of it all, a friend of theirs will casually after almost all our Christmas mention something to them shopping was done online in the playground the week last year I am craving those before Christmas and that Christmas shopping moments will suddenly be at the top of (even those when I have to their list. Of course I will then The parenting column try to sneak something to the explain that they’ve already is contributed by Laura till without the kids seeing it). written their letters to Santa Archibald. Laura lives in West So determined to shop local (any sensible parent gets that Lothian with her family and at least a little bit we headed locked down at the earliest their campervan Hank. She possible opportunity) only to be out late night shopping one is mummy, wife, blogger and Thursday to Linlithgow for it’s told it’s okay they will ask their full-time personal assistant to quirky independent shops. her two girlie girls.

Elf to tell Santa and he’ll get it 40 | LIVINGSTON

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LIVINGSTON | 41

42 | LIVINGSTON

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Donnie Yen is back and this time he won’t be making men out of you as he’s using his Kung-fu fists to seek justice. Raging Fire is the latest cop action epic and the final film by the late great legendary Hong Kong director Benny Chan.

Raging Fire delivers in the action department. This film contains some of the best action scenes of the year. The final fight alone is simply a masterclass in martial arts action and is honestly excellent. The way the fights are shot and edited are great, and while the editing in the gunfights is perhaps not as solid compared to the martial arts fights, everything is still crystal clear, and it never becomes visually confusing.

However, if you head into Raging Fire wanting a great story, you’ll be slightly disappointed. While the story does pick up in the second hour, the first hour is sadly more of the same when it comes to Donnie Yen cop films. If you’ve seen Kill Zone or Flash Point, certain plot points that happen in Raging Fire are unfortunately predictable and formulaic. But the second hour is great, the story picks up and goes in a unique and fun direction, the action starts kicking into high gear and the actors are giving more to do which is great as both Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse (the antagonist) are great in this. If you’re into Hong Kong action films check out Raging Fire, it’s a really fun time.

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.

LIVINGSTON | 43

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

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested?

Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

SONGWRITING GROUP - Broxburn, Strathbrock Community Centre, Entrance B, Room GP3.

1st Thursday of the month. As of January 2022 we are going to go back to the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

These are informal evenings aimed at encouraging musicians and songwriters (adults) of all levels and abilities who would like to share their idea, techniques and songs with others in an informal, friendly environment. For further information, please contact Annie on 07824 667889.

TABLE TENNIS CLUB - Thursday night 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Livingston Village Primary School. For more information contact Graeme 07368 921472.

CROCHET CLUB WORKSHOPS - 6.00pm – 9.00pm. 3rd Monday of the month - Gooey Events Livingston Village.

If you'd like to learn a new craft, or build your crochet abilities - this is the club for you! Learn a new crochet project each month, from baskets, to granny squares.

Beginners encouraged! No commitment, Just book your space each month by contacting Leigh at 07715251123 / thecolourdasher@gmail.com (£32 - materials and tuition provided) Follow @thecolourdasher on Facebook to see the list of workshops.

LIVINGSTON STATION PARENT AND TODDLERS GROUP - All parents/carers and toddlers are welcome to attend. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning during school term from 10am to 11.30am, Deans Community Hall. Cost is £1.50. A snack is provided. For more information contact Pat Campbell on 01506 410478 or 07730 537796.

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB - Do you need some help with your laptop, tablet or smart phone?

We can provide friendly practical advice on using and getting the most from the technology. Come along as often Waterstone's Cafe in The Centre from 10.00 - 12.00am every Tuesday. Contact Chris Cosgrove for information on 07778 704860.

WEST LOTHIAN U3A - u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi-retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting and keep active. We've been meeting on Zoom for the past 18 months but many of our groups are starting to meet again.

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

44 | LIVINGSTON

LIVINGSTON SUBBUTEO CLUB - Intending to restart the Livingston Subbuteo Club and looking for ex members or new starts who might be interested. Contact Malc on 07815 699186 - maddandad94@gmail.com MUSIC 4 U - Musical activities, fellowship and fun for people with dementia and their carers throughout West Lothian. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Carmondean Community Complex (parish church section) from 2 - 3.30 pm. It begins with afternoon tea then musical activities delivered by people with dementia expertise and musical ability, all volunteers. There's no cost. Great fun for everybody! More information from Nancy Burgoyne on 01506 419904 or email burgoynenancy49@gmail.com CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us?

We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or join us, please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029.

We'd love to welcome singers from across West Lothian.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar Yoga Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa Flow - Tues 6.00-7.00pm and 7.20-8.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.30-10.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.00-7.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston.

Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/phone: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling.

For information: Tel.: 01506 448000 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Website: www.carers-westlothian.com GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

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MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services.

Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £10. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

INDOOR TABLE CRICKET

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING A NEW INDOOR TABLE CRICKET CLUB?

Based at Livingston Cricket Club, the new group will be for disabled children and young adults up to the age of 25 with learning disabilities. Cricket Scotland for Disability are helping to set up the group up, the Rotary Club are also supporting with funding and the project has 100% backing from Livingston Cricket Club. For more information, or to enquire about supporting or taking part, please contact Jenny Anderson on 07909 645 084 or email jenny. anderson@talktalk.net

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 22 ACROSS: 1. Closest, 5. Cheap, 8. Buffalo, 9. Chill, 10. Syrup, 11. Plateau, 12. Ballet, 14. Fettle, 17. Grandma, 19. Edged, 22. Inner, 23. Amateur, 24. Giddy, 25. Artists.

DOWN: 1. Cubes, 2. Offer, 3. Example, 4. Troops, 5. Cocoa, 6. Evident, 7. Pollute, 12. Begging, 13. Learned, 15. Elegant, 16. Banana, 18. Dirty, 20. Guess, 21. Dares.

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

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LIVINGSTON | 45

of the Union Canal. There was a swing bridge across the canal linking the two factories.

Both McRoberts and Nobel died in 1896 – McRoberts in Scotland in January and Nobel in Italy in December. The worldwide Nobel business empire at the time consisted of more than 90 factories manufacturing explosives and ammunition.

A new factory was opened at Linlithgow in 1902.

It was named the Regent Factory in a nod to Linlithgow’s link with the Regent of Scotland James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was assassinated in Linlithgow in 1570. His death was the first recorded assassination by a firearm, so it seems fitting that this name was chosen for an explosives factory. The Nobel factory was located at the end of High Street where Tesco and the Regent Square flats are today. It manufactured safety fuses for the mining industry, mining explosives and detonators.

At the onset of war in 1914 Nobel’s in Linlithgow successfully tendered for the War Office contract to provide guns, shells, small arms and ammunitions. Ironically given Alfred’s will, the Regent factory flourished and expanded as the war continued. Work also continued at Ardeer and Westquarter in the production and development of explosives and detonators throughout and after the two world wars. At its peak during World War II, the Westquarter works employed 1,700 people, predominantly women, producing detonators.

Nothing remains today of the three Scottish armaments factories at Ardeer, Westquarter or Linlithgow, although walking the sites for this article I found the old swing bridge in the canal at Reddingmuirhead. There are very few references to the industry, even in street names. Nobel didn’t want his legacy to be about armaments and explosives though, so perhaps just as well the name is fading here, and his famous prizes take centre stage.

This article was written by Helen-Jane.

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

46 | LIVINGSTON

Merchant of Death In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in a newspaper. Entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” it was a case of mistaken identity as it was Alfred’s brother Ludvig who had died.

However it made Alfred think about how he would be remembered, and he eventually changed his will, specifying that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The peace element is awarded to the person who has “done the most to bring about the brotherhood of nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the formation or popularisation of peace congresses.” Alfred Nobel died in December 1896 in his villa in San Remo, Italy, from a cerebral haemorrhage.

A spoonful of high explosive - for your heart Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and high blood pressure, amongst other things, and is a World Health Association Essential Medicine.

Don’t try this at home, but diluting it makes it non-explosive . . .

Alfred Nobel was bothered with poor health throughout his life, and when first prescribed nitroglycerin in 1890 he refused it. A couple of months before his death in 1896 however, he wrote: “My heart trouble will keep me here in Paris for another few days at least, until my doctors are in complete agreement about my immediate treatment. Isn’t it the irony of fate that I have been prescribed N/G 1 [nitroglycerin] to be taken internally!

They call it Trinitrin, so as not to scare the chemist and the public.”

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The Nobel Prize medal

...continued from page 9