Konect Livingston June 2023

JUNE 2023

LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL CHARITY:

PROPERTY MATTERS:

The community magazine for Livingston

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f you’ve ever considered getting fruit and veggie boxes delivered, now is the time! Not only can you get locallygrown, fresh organic produce delivered – the healthiest option - you will be supporting a fantastic charity at the same time. See the article on Cyrenians Farm on pages 8-9 and do consider trying their produce delivery, or getting involved in some of their workshops.

School Bank West Lothian are running an appeal over the summer to make sure that every child in West Lothian goes back to school in August with their head held high. Please see the article on their uniform appeal on pages 34-35 All our usual columns are here. I particularly love the local environment column this month about the black swan at Linlithgow! I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local Charity: Veggie boxes for good!..... 8 Living Well: Loneliness Awareness..........12 Thought for the Month.................................14 Property Matters: Off market doesn’t mean off limits..............................................22 Garden Project: Transformers...................29 Puzzles..........................................................32 Film Review: John Wick Chapter 4...........32 Bathgate Market: Back for a 5-week trial period.....................................................34 Local Charity: Back to School with head held high!......................................................34 Local environment: The Black Swan........36

COVER IMAGE: Welcome to Cyrenians Farm!

See our charity feature on p8.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 @KonectMagazines

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 LIVINGSTON | 3

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Tucked away only 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre and situated near Kirknewton in West Lothian, you will find Cyrenians Farm, a small rural haven not only growing food, but also growing skills and community.

Cyrenians Farm is a social enterprise run by homelessness charity Cyrenians. The farm is home to an orchard of 250 heritage apples trees, a young person’s residential community, a thriving educational and outdoor activity portfolio and is the base of their organic veg bag subscription service.

The young person’s residential community is one of several communities run by Cyrenians and is the heart of the organisation’s work: directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents are supported to develop their confidence to live independently, whilst also building valuable life skills and experiences to help them eventually move on and flourish in their own homes. From shared meals, to applying for learning and employment opportunities, navigating the day to day demands of household management, each member is supported towards a more independent future.

However, the community aspect is not solely focused on the residents. The farm also welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, who contribute to the farm.

Whether they’re hobbyist gardeners looking to use their existing skills to make a difference, or participants eager to learn new skills and meet new people, the farm has created 8 | LIVINGSTON

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a safe and supportive environment for people to thrive. Being a destination for growing skills and improving well-being is an important focus of the farm’s work, through educational courses and accredited training, the farm has helped develop rural skills and built confidence in younger people facing tough realities. Teaching green skills such as sustainable woodland management, marketgardening and woodwork has helped those who may have had difficulty engaging with main stream education to become active and engaged, developing new skills and confidence through experiential, learner-led courses.

To further support Cyrenians’ wider work, the farm host beginner friendly workshops open to the public, from creating wonderful bouquets using the farm’s own seasonal sustainable cut flowers to full day tuition in wood crafting and wilderness living skills, it has become a great space to try your hand at something new – why not book a course from their upcoming dates on the 10th June and 30th September?

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Their orchard has been lovingly cared for over 18 years, producing more than 25 varieties of delicious apples that alongside other organic produce is available through the farm’s organic veg and fruit bag service, alongside limited runs of jams, squeezed juices and chutneys.

On top of raising vital funds, growing produce to Soil Association organic standards has allowed them to tackle environmental issues too, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, by restricting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and other methods.

Whether you want to volunteer, buy organic produce, or support their social enterprise, you can be part of their mission to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. Visit cyrenians.scot/farm to find out more.

This article was contributed by Cyrenians Farm Enterprise. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052.

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LIVING WELL

Loneliness Awareness Week is intended to shine a light on the issue of loneliness among older adults, with one in four adults over the age of 60 reporting feeling lonely.

This can have an adverse effect upon an individual’s physical and mental health, making it more likely that they will experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Recognising the signs of loneliness, such as withdrawal, lack of interest, or changes in sleep patterns, enables us to take proactive steps to address it such as: • Encouraging Community Engagement Participating in community activities and groups can foster a sense of belonging.

Encourage older adults to join clubs, volunteer at local organisations, or attend social gatherings. This not only provides opportunities for social interaction but also enables them to pursue interests, learn new

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skills, and share experiences with likeminded individuals.

• Embracing Technology - With the advancement of technology, digital platforms offer avenues for connection and communication. Teach older adults to navigate smartphones, tablets, or computers to stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media or email.

• Companionship or Befriending Services Connect older adults with companionship or befriending services. Trained volunteers or professionals can provide regular social interaction and companionship via phone calls, home visits, or accompanying them to activities to help combat loneliness and establish supportive relationships.

For information, advice, or someone friendly to talk to, you can contact The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090, Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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LIVINGSTON | 13

A BALANCED MIND Do you see the good in others or do you only see their faults? Do you see the good in yourself or are you self critical? How does it make you feel when the mind only sees the negative/critical vs the mind seeing the good/positive?

It is a well known fact that the mind defaults in the vast majority of people to the negative, and over our lifetime this default habit becomes strong, happening often without us realising!

We need therefore to work at first of all seeing what is arising in the mind and secondly training it to be different.

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I would therefore like to invite you to pick someone close to you and work on seeing the good in them, looking at their strengths, positive qualities and achievements. The more you do this the more it will naturally grow. If your default is strong, you might find this challenging or resist it but if you manage to give it a go, see how it changes the way you feel about them. Begin to notice any shift in relationship.

You can do this for yourself too. What are you good at? What have you done well recently?

What have you achieved? What are your strengths and good qualities?

This practice helps to train the mind to be more balanced and start to open to more positive and good. It can also change our mood and how we feel generally and therefore well worth trying. Give it a go.

Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches* yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk (*Tue classes in person - Thu classes online)

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Dementia advice from experts

One step at a time A video guide to navigating dementia Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers.

Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Off-market doesn’t have to mean off-limits Finding your dream home via direct mail At Turpie and Co, we know that finding and buying a property in the current market can be frustrating. The number of properties coming to market in most areas is lower than in previous years and buyer activity remains competitive. comes to the market (regardless of One of the most enjoyable aspects of who they are selling their property our business is helping movers find with) offering to help them source the their dream home. Many buyers don’t perfect property for their onward move. realise that what they see advertised on the online portals is just a snapshot of We can be very selective what is actually available to in terms of who we are purchase at any given time.

We can now targeting and why we Over the years we have witnessed many buyers suffer from ‘buyer’s remorse’ when the house they’ve always coveted comes to market just months after they’ve moved into a new property.

So sometimes you need to take a different approach.

discreetly approach home owners on a buyer’s behalf should a particular house or area be of interest.

We can effectively target the homes that no one else can.

To this end, we have invested in innovative new technology allowing us to post out a carefully crafted series of letters to specific people or addresses. One of the benefits of this new system is that it allows us to write to sellers as soon as their property 22 | LIVINGSTON

are targeting them (for example, “We have a chain-free, cash buyer with a budget of X amount who has told us they may be interested in purchasing your property.”)

For many years we have worked to earn the trust of local homeowners by educating them with relevant market updates, news and insights – we know that homeowners are more likely to respond to reputable brands that they can trust. Whilst indiscriminate mail dropping rarely works and can @KonectMagazines

teach an audience to ignore marketing, this is different. It enables us to target specific homeowners with personalised and relevant communications that will help them find the perfect buyer. We can match buyers to their dream home, before the property reaches the open market.

This service is unique in the West Lothian area, and benefits both buyer and seller.

It is a further development of our longstanding “Turpie Confidential” service, where we specialise in the sale of offmarket properties. Properties sold via Turpie Confidential do not appear in the public domain and many of our recent sales and purchases have been conducted in this way. Instead of bringing a property to open market with the usual initial exposure across the property portals

such as Rightmove and Zoopla, we make it quietly known that a property is for sale to suitable pre-qualified buyers. The new system lets us take this a step further and we can now discreetly approach home owners on a buyer’s behalf should a particular house or area be of interest. We can effectively target the homes that no one else can.

If you are currently on the market and still haven’t found a new home, or if you are delaying bringing your house to market as you just can’t find what you are looking for then speak to us and we may be able to assist you.

Call: Email: Visit:

01506 668448 info@turpies.com www.turpies.com

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. @KonectMagazines

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making a house into a home ■ SLABBING & DECKING ■ PAINTING DECORATING ■ JOINERY WORK ■ AIMS TAPING & PARTITIONINGS DONALD STONE 01506 651212 or 07720 123216 no job too small ■ free quotations and creative advice

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them equally regularly. Sit the pot in a sunny place, near your kitchen door for quick access.

“IF YOU ONLY GROW ONE THING, LET IT BE THE TRANSFORMERS” Pick up our purple So writes Mark Diacono in his book The Kitchen Garden. These plants are small in volume but large in flavour and will add zip and zest to your meals, turning even a good dish into an exquisite dish!

They are either herbs, salad crops or veggies and they can all be ornamental in your garden or on a windowsill as well as being edible.

We have planted this pot with a lovely mix of herbs: sages, rosemary, thyme, parsley and golden marjoram. We used a peat free Multipurpose +John Innes compost, poking the heads of the plants into the holes from inside the pot as the rootballs were too big to squeeze through the holes from the outside. We’ll pick from them regularly and liquid feed and water

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piglet project leaflet on Growing Transformers on your next visit.

Other favourite transformers include basil (grown indoors on a sunny windowsill), chives (break up their purple flowers over a potato salad), coriander, dill, French tarragon, rocket, garlic and spring onions.

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

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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60mm Vertical [RIGHT]

JUNE CROSSWORD

I love action films. There is no genre of cinema that entices me more than a great action flick and it’s one I have somewhat a good knowledge and understanding of.

It’s why I find recent MCU outings to be truly lacking as the action looks like a grey blur. I’m paying to see the action, so I hate it when film makers make it hard to see the action.

The final 40 minutes are the definition of engaging and creative action that had my jaw hit the floor. The choreography is nothing short of masterful and the way the camera captures every moment in luscious and beautiful shot is incredible.

Keanu Reeves, while he doesn’t talk much, is great as this character. The rest of the cast are great and contains action legends like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

John Wick Chapter 4 is a must-see film, full stop. Is it debatably too long at 2 hours 50 mins? Yes and no; I wouldn’t want it any other way. This film is simply one of the best action films ever made.

Available to pre-order now on digital and physical platforms.

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.

ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 32 | LIVINGSTON

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4).

DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

JUNE SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34 37

The John Wick franchise however has been the opposite of that. It’s a franchise that understands that clarity is the most important thing when it comes to action. So with that it in mind its not too much of a reach to say that John Wick Chapter 4 is a masterpiece.

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Tel 01506 437096

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EVERY

SATURDAY STARTS ON

JUNE 10TH JULY 8TH*

9AM TO 2PM

Help ENSURE EVERY CHILD can go back to school with their head held high!

The School Bank West Lothian are asking their supporters to dig deep this summer to help provide a uniform pack for a local child.

Most children start the new school year with brand new uniform, PE kit, jacket, and footwear but sadly this is not the case for all children. Last year they provided over 700 packs for children going to school in August and they anticipate the demand for this year to be far greater.

With each school pack that is provided, one family can worry less about coping with the ever-increasing cost of the school day, and one child can worry less about how they look compared to their classmates.

Referral feedback consistently highlights the positive impact the service brings to young people and their families, including the alleviation of financial stress, anxiety and poor mental health

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bags to be added to packs. among both children and their parents, young people being valued the same 3. You could buy brand new polo shirts as their peers and engaging positively in (all colours), white shirts (high school education, a reduction in bullying and an children only), trousers/ skirts (grey/ increase in school attendance. School black) and jumpers (all colours) which uniform is so much more than a new uniform will be kept in stock and then given to or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s a child when a suitable the feeling of belonging to referral is received. your school community and 4. Alternatively, you can being like your classmates.

School uniform is so donate. For example, £10 The transformative power much more than a new could buy a 5-pack of white of these feelings cannot be shirts for a teenager, £20 underestimated. uniform or a pair of could buy a pair of school shiny shoes, it’s the Can you help “Sponsor A shoes, and the organisation Child” and help ensure every feeling of belonging to estimates the cost of a full child in West Lothian looks pack to be £140, your school community uniform forward to going to school although all donations are and being like your in August, feeling confident, gratefully received. focused on learning rather classmates. The 5. Or if your child has any than what they are wearing. transformative power of uniform/jackets that they no There are several ways the longer use, they can be rethese feelings cannot public can help support the used by School Bank West be underestimated appeal: Lothian.

1. Become a Sponsor and By helping The School Bank buy a uniform pack. Once West Lothian to provide registered you will be something as small as a contacted when a referral for a child is school pack, we are all delivering a far bigger received. It’s then up to you to buy any of message: that every child, within every the items required for the child, hand them community, deserves to feel like they belong over to the School Bank West Lothian who at school. then pass them on to the child.

Check out the pinned post at the top of their 2. You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, school bags, PE kit and gym

Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian” for more details and links to register or donate.

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian, registered charity number SC046483.

Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

One reason birds amuse me is because of the random places they turn up.

This month it’s been the turn of the black swan, which has been the star attraction at Linlithgow Loch over the last few weeks.

They’re not a native species to Scotland or the U.K. but hail from Australia (where they’re a protected species) and by all accounts you’re tripping over them in Perth! Wikipedia states they have “erratic migration patterns” Now, whilst there’s every chance it could be a migration gone wrong, it’s more likely this is an escapee from a private collection somewhere.

Another example of how random it is, this photo is actually from when I visited Orkney in 2020 and there was one hanging out near the Ring of Brodgar (a neolithic standing stone circle) of all places.

It seems to have been accepted amongst the mute swans which gather in the shadow of Linlithgow Palace. It is a shame though because unless it moves on to somewhere with another black swan, it won’t be able to find a mate to breed with, which is quite sad.

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Other than having a very cool red eye and being smaller, there’s not any difference to our swans. I try not to photograph nonnative species but when a black swan turns up, you go to see it, fail to take good photos and revert to showing a picture of one from 2 years ago, many many miles away!

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

MAY CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*Sorry!

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION SOLUTION TO TO SUDOKU SUDOKU ON ON PAGE PAGE XX 32

MAY CROSSWORD* SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

LIVINGSTON SPORTING MEMORIES CLUB - If you had a keen interest in sports as a youngster and still have a passion for chatting about sport, then Livingston Sporting Memories Club will be right up your street.

We meet every Monday at Livingston Cricket Club, 10.30am12noon to chat about our shared love for sport and enjoy a cuppa and cake. Come along and join us, you’ll receive a warm welcome. Contact Isobel (07584 290726), Jenny (07909 645084).

WEST LOTHIAN TREFOIL GUILD - 18+ Ladies group.

Ecclesmachan Village Hall 1st Tuesday of month Feb - Jun & Sept - Nov plus other ad-hoc meetings. For information please contact trefoilguild@girlguiding. co.uk or 02078346242.

WEST LOTHIAN NETTERS - Recreational netball club for adults 18+. A welcoming inclusive group, no prior experience or knowledge of netball required. Wednesdays 7.15-8.45pm in the Sports Hall at West Lothian College. Cost £4.50. Also Junior club (age 11-16) Wednesdays 7-8pm at Inveralmond Community High School. Cost £2.50. Pre-booking essential at bookwhen.com/ westlothiannetters

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. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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For more information, visit or send us a message at facebook.com/West-LothianNetters-902394399845386 LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY SHED - Join us at the Barn Cafe at Carmondean Community Centre, Netherdechmont Farm, Fells Rigg, Carmondean, Livingston EH54 8AX on a Friday morning from around 11:00am to 1:00pm for coffee, bacon rolls and a chat plus hear about our active projects for community gardens, photography, woodwork and excursions. We are also evaluating other crafts and

O O P S activities. Membership is free and O all are welcome. Please contact info@livingstoncommunityshed.

R co.uk or 01506 W 495101.

R O N G LIVINGSTON PROBUS CLUB Y - A local group for retired and semi-retired men who regularly meet to enjoy interesting guest speakers and make new friends in a comfortable environment.

We also join together for lunches, social nights, and *Sorry! occasional outings. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays A technical error of the month from 10am–noon, meant that last Sept to May, in Deer Park month’s crossword Golf & Country Club and very was printedwelcome with the new members. warmly wrong puzzle board.

Interested?

Contact Bill Nimmo, Probus Secretary, on 01506 SOLUTION TO SUDOKU 853617.

ON PAGE XX LIVINGSTON LADIES

PROBUS CLUB - We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St Andrews Church Deans from 10.00am.

You’ll find a varied programme of speakers, tea, coffee and good company.

For more details contact Karen Stewart on Duncoillie@sky.com

WEST CALDER BRIDGE CLUB (WCBC) - WCBC invites you to come along and play the challenging card game of Bridge.

All are welcome from beginners to experienced players.

Beginners sit with more Disclaimer: Thecan publisher cannot accept experienced players or have responsibility for loss or damage caused learning sessions.

WCBC meets by error in the printing of an advertisement. until 10pm.

Weon doTuesdays not endorse 7pm any advertisers in The cost is All £2.50. this publication. material is accepted

for publication on the understanding it is West Kirk of Calder, West Main copyright free. No part of this publication Street, West Calder, EH55 8EN.of may be reproduced without prior consent theSee publisher. www.westcalderbridgeclub.

org.uk for further information and

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. contact numbers.

Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. LIVINGSTON AND DISTRICT

AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY Magazine Design: - We are based Alan Stewart Design in the Crofthead Centre, Templar M:Community 07729 911858 Livingston and are a E: Rise, hello@alanstewartdesign.com of the Radio Society W:member www.alanstewartdesign.com

LIVINGSTON | 37

of Great Britain. Meeting every Tuesday 19:00 to 21:00, our club brings together members of all ages in a licensed pursuit which is technical, scientific and promotes local and international friendship through radio. We provide training for all three levels of amateur operating licences in friendly and relaxed atmosphere Email: cco_ edin@btinternet.com Tel: 07710 441423 13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP - Livingston Station Community Centre, Deans. We’re looking for more youth and adult members, and would like to hear from parents/guardians who would like to get involved as a sectional assistant or leader.

BEAVERS: Tues 6.30pm-7.30pm (ages 6-8) CUBS: Thur 6.30pm-8.00pm (ages 8-10) SCOUTS: Thur 7.00pm-9.00pm (ages 10-14) If you are interested please contact Steven Graham on 07786 638442 or stevengraham162@gmail.com WEST LOTHIAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group can provide help and information and the opportunity to talk to men with recent treatment experience to give 'man to man' background to help them make a choice of the treatment they may be offered. Please contact for more information Duncan Wallace on 01506 632309 or Gordon Stuart on 01506 651388 or check our web site www.elprostatecancersupport. co.uk

- 14.30. For information contact Paulina on 07729 969989 or funlittleeducation@gmail.com. All welcome.

LIVINGSTON SPEAKERS - If you've ever felt scared about public speaking, get anxious when giving presentations or avoid speaking up at meetings.... then Livingston Speakers can help. We offer a safe, supportive environment where you can practice and get valuable feedback from the other members...and it doesn't matter if you make a mistake or freeze on the spot.

We meet at Crofthead Farm Community Centre or online on Zoom please contact helen. toastmaster@gmail.com or call 07733 100595 for more information.

LIVINGSTON UKELELE CLUB - Meet every Tuesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm in the Carmondean community Centre "West Barn".

From beginners to experienced players all are welcome. We charge £2 per evening to cover the cost of the hall. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

DEDRIDGE GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK - Monday Coffee Morning10.00amto12noon,cost£1.

Tuesday ladies Lunch club 12.30 to 2.30 two course Lunch, Tea, Coffee then 1 Hour of Arts and Crafts /Games Cost £4.50 Friday Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1.00 Contact No. 01506 416137, venue Crofthead farm, Dedridge, Livingston.

LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP - Walk with us every week on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Variety of walks to suit all abilities from challenging to gentle.

All are welcome. For full walk details see: Ramblers webpage. www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland and on Facebook: www.facebook. com/livingstonramblers. Contact us: info@livingstonramblers.org. uk or via Facebook messenger on Livingston Ramblers Group.

ART CLUB AT DEANS - Every Tuesday, 7.00-9.00pm, Deans Community centre (opp the Coop). Come and join our friendly bunch. Bring your own projects or learn new skills. We give guidance/ tuition in drawing, acrylics and watercolours plus specialist techniques like silk painting. Check out our gallery in the centre or visit our FB page 'Deans Community Art Club'. Contact Jim Tripney 07748 517452.

FUN LITTLE EDUCATION Playgroup available for children from 2 years old. Beech House Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX. Monday to Friday 9.30

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP - We are looking for new members. Beavers 6-8 years Thursday 6.30-7.30pm, Cubs 8-10 years Monday 6.30-8.00pm,

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Scouts 10-14 years Wednesday 7.00-9.00pm all at Toronto Primary School Community Hall. For more information please contact Group Scout Leader David Nicol on 07876 776012 or david29wl@gmail.com MURIESTON COMMUNITY GARDEN - Become a volunteer for a new community garden next to Livingston South Railway Station.

Help transform rough ground into a beautiful, tranquil garden for all to enjoy. See details at www.muriestoncg.org.uk, follow Facebook page "Murieston Community Garden", or join private Facebook group "Murieston Community Garden Volunteers". Details will also be posted on the noticeboard at Livingston South Station. Help needed for building, gardening and administration. All welcome, no gardening experience required.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS Available for children from 2 years old. Daily session cost £9.00 per session, eligible 2 funding accepted. Locations: • Crofthead Community Centre, Dedridge - Sessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am E: crofthead@ communityplaygroups.org T: 07904 623123 • Uphall Community Centre Sessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am E: uphall@communityplaygroups.org T: 07939 252519 • West Calder Community Centre - Sessions available Mon to Thurs 9.15am - 11.30am E: westcalder@ communityplaygroups.org T: 07985 645869 WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested?

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

SONGWRITING GROUP Looking for new members.

We meet 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm - 9.00pm.

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.

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. Includes messy play.

A snack is provided. For information contact Facebook “Parent and Toddler Livingston Station Deans” or Stace Mclauchlan on 07760 853310.

WEST LOTHIAN U3A - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time?

Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semiretired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and nongiven. For more information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/ home Facebook: www.facebook. com/West-Lothianu3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274 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. @KonectMagazines

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 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 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.4511.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk T: 07810 824 195 W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

For information: T.: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer.

Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others.

Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way.

Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510.

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

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