Konect Livingston June 2022

JUNE 2022

WIN! £250 voucher with

FINANCE: LOCAL HISTORY:

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P26 in 6 people are affected by a mental health challenge at any given time. A gloomy statistic, but the flip side is that there are wonderful people all around who are moved to do what they can to provide help and support – to friends, family or in a broader community sense. I interviewed one such local person for the charity article this month. Misty Hannah is a West Lothian resident who has taken the plunge to set up an organisation with a fresh approach to supporting people, in what she saw as a gap in the services currently available. Compassionate Accompaniment CIC is as much about prevention as support too, see the article on pages 8-9.

There are a couple of articles relating to another topic affecting everyone – energy prices – as well as a local history article to enjoy, and all our regular columns from our contributing experts.

Following on from April’s Easter Egg hunt, this month we are running another Treasure Hunt! The prize is a £250 voucher from Harvey Bruce for window blinds. This is your chance to get stunning new blinds fitted from an award-winning local family business with a large selection of blinds, see their advert on page 7. And get hunting – find the 5 gold medallions hidden within this magazine, then head to our website konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Full information and Ts & Cs are on our website.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. As ever, let me know what you think!

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

THIS ISSUE Charity: Compassionate Accompaniment.........8 Living Well: Understanding Parkinsons.............12 Hair: Olaplex explained............................................13 Garden Project: Purple Piglet Projects...............20 Property Matters: Virtually staging or renovating......................................................................22 Finance: Smart Meters..............................................26 Puzzles............................................................................30 Money Matters: The energy crisis........................33 Local Environment: Protecting wildlife................36 Parenting: Stage School!.........................................38 Thought for the Month...............................................40 What’s On......................................................................41 History: The Laird O’ Livingston’s Legacy........42 Film Review: The Batman........................................46

COVER IMAGE: It's Summertime ... hopefully!

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It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe LIVINGSTON | 3

Marc van Cartier-Kerr

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Caring for ourselves is essential for our health and well-being and helps us to care for our communities.

This is the central principle of a new health and well-being service set up by West Lothian resident Misty Hannah: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. Misty wanted to fill what she noticed is a gap in community support services for emotional and mental well-being.

Working with cancer patients, she was primarily moved to help people cope with the often overwhelming anxiety they experience during the cancer care process.

But her vision for the new service is much more than that. It brings together therapies and ideas from many years of experience and research in Sensory Awareness and compassionate care practices. Learning how to feel seen, heard, connected and more aware of what your body is communicating can transform the way you approach life’s challenges. Misty’s vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to access the resources within themselves for resilience and well-being. Compassionate Accompaniment offers support across the Central Belt for anyone struggling with isolation, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, exhaustion, recovery from surgery, or end-of-life.

“Compassionate Accompaniment” is about helping you to accompany yourself with compassion and kindness. Some challenges in life are with us for the long term, or are things that

CONTACT DETAILS:

For support, more information, book a place at the next Share Our Table, or to volunteer, please contact Compassionate Accompaniment CIC: 8 | LIVINGSTON

we have to learn to live with. There are support services out there (some provided by the NHS) but finding out about them and accessing them can be difficult, or there are long wait times.

The unique principle behind Compassionate Accompaniment is that you are given the support to create self care practices that help you live with these challenges in your daily life without them becoming overwhelming.

“When things are uncomfortable or painful, many of us want to turn away from them,” says Misty.

“But turning away means we’re still carrying them, which can sometimes manifest as chronic health conditions or even illness.” More and more studies are showing that compassionate care is hugely beneficial to our well being and can help to prevent illness and alleviate chronic health conditions. “When we find ways to be with what is difficult, we may find treasures and resources within ourselves we never knew we had.”

Compassionate Accompaniment provides 1 to 1 and group sessions that are delivered both in person and online. Support sessions are rooted in meeting each person where they are as they are and are based on somatic sensory awareness – tracking body sensations to feel what is really happening in you, and find ways to support yourself. Our bodies hold onto stresses and trauma in different ways t: (Misty Hannah) 07752 680 261 w: compassionateaccompaniment.com e: connect@compassionateaccompaniment.com @compassionaccompaniment @compassionate_accompaniment @KonectMagazines

so by learning to identify where tensions are, checking in with your body’s natural rhythms with attention to breath and body sensations allows your mind and body to work together to release them.

Misty is passionate that everyone should be able to access the support they need. “We would never turn anyone away simply because they can’t afford to pay for help,” says Misty.

“Compassionate Accompaniment is a community interest company, and operates on the basis of pay-what-you-can.” Sensory Awareness is a life practice. It changes the way we see ourselves so that we can prioritise self-care and be healthier not only for ourselves but to be there for others too.

If you or someone you know needs support with self compassion/well being, grief support, caregiver support or end of life accompaniment, Compassionate Accompaniment is here to help. Misty would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering in administration or fund-raising event organisation roles. All contact details are at the end of this article.

YOU’RE INVITED! - Share Our Table

Gatherings: A day to celebrate life with a farm to table lunch, Compassionate Care workshop and time to be with the animals.

Yes, we are hoping we will get to hold baby goats.

You will have time to spend with wonderful farm animals! Being with animals has become a growing part of our work. More and more research is showing how animals can assist us with calming our nervous systems, relieving depression and anxiety, and bringing a sense of connection and compassion with ourselves and other beings.

All ticket sales go towards funding our free services for compassionate care, grief support for 1:1 and groups, end of life accompaniment and our future therapet visits. Please email to register your interest and for more information. The next gathering will be Saturday 24th September.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after meeting Misty Hannah, Founder & Director of Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

ABOUT MISTY

Misty has been a Tai Chi/Qi Gong practitioner for over 20 years. She is also the only Sensory Awareness Leader in the UK and delivers weekly online sessions for people all over the world, and she is an Misty Hannah, End of Life Companion MA, SME/T, with a focus on grief Founder & support. The cancer Director of care organisation Compassionate she works for locally Accompaniment brought her in to CIC. develop and deliver Qi Gong sessions for “Caring for patients, a service that ourselves helps has proved immensely us care for the beneficial with the world” number of people attending quickly reaching full capacity.

From her early years she knew the value of dance and movement as a way of healing and connection, and has a Masters degree in Dance and Somatic Well-Being. She received funding in 2019 from Firstport to set up Compassionate Accompaniment CIC - her vision for bringing all these threads together to reach as many people as possible with compassionate care services.

She has recently been awarded additional funding this year to continue bringing these services to communities.

DO YOU HAVE A FRIENDLY AND SOCIABLE DOG? - Compassionate

Accompaniment is partnering with Canine Concern to offer their new service - bringing pets to visit people who are not able to live with one themselves at home, in care homes, hospitals and universities. The health benefits of spending time with pets is well-known, and therapet visits are often transformative and an essential element of emotional support.

If you have a friendly and sociable dog, could you volunteer to accompany them on emotional support visits?

You would receive full training and always be with a Compassionate Accompaniment volunteer on a visit. Please contact Compassionate Accompaniment for more information on how you and your pet can volunteer.

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LIVING WELL

Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 1 in every 100 people over the age of 65. It’s thought to be slightly more common in men than in women. Most people develop the condition at approximately the age of 60, but one in 12 people with Parkinson’s disease have symptoms before the age of 50.

Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive neurological condition which causes cells in the brain to stop working properly and over time these cells are lost altogether. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine and symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

Researchers think a combination of age, genetics and environmental factors cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die.

Although there are over 40 symptoms, the 3 main symptoms are: tremor/shaking, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. However

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symptoms vary for each person and can change from day to day and even hour to hour.

Many symptoms can be treated or managed with medications and therapies and many people can lead active and fulfilling lives.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

1. Investigating symptoms, reviewing medical history, and conducting a medical examination for typical signs of Parkinson’s 2. Response to Parkinson’s drugs 3. Tests carried out by specialists including MRI scans, heart scan, lumbar puncture (testing spinal fluid surrounding the brain) If you think you may have Parkinson’s, you should speak with your GP so they can refer you to a Parkinson’s specialist. You can also receive free, confidential help and advice by contacting Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303.

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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Olaplex explained…

Olaplex launched in the UK in June 2014. It was highly anticipated as the first of its kind and I remember actually bringing it back from Dubai so we could be the first to work with it in Scotland!

It’s still a hugely popular product and now a full range. What’s so special about it?

Here’s the easy explanation: Every time you wash your hair or have a chemical service you break down disulphur bonds within the hair.

Sometimes those bonds don’t reconnect which leads to breakage. If you add Olaplex into your chemical service for example hilites - as your colour breaks down those bonds in order to do its job Olaplex basically grabs hold of all the bonds and then when the second part of the treatment is applied it forces them all back together resulting in minimal damage. This is your Olaplex in salon treatment, it can also be done without colour in between appointments for bond strengthening.

Olaplex shampoo, conditioner and home masking regime work on the same principal. The full range aims to nourish, hydrate and protect those bonds.

Since Olaplex launched there has been many similar ‘plex’s’ brought to the market, ask your hairdresser about upgrading your service.

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

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The Ratho based canal charity Seagull Trust Cruises has restarted its trips for people with special needs, but is struggling to provide the pre-Covid level of service. After two years of no sailings on the Union Canal the Trust has lost some crew volunteers.

As Chairman David Mieras explains, the boats are ready and are beginning to welcome back familiar faces.

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“As the bookings increase, which we hope they will, we need more volunteers to keep sailing. Ideally we aim to operate seven days a week, two or more times a day.

Some crew members moved on and there are now vacancies.”

He is confident that the trips are safe for both crew and clients “Safety measures are already in place. We know many have missed coming out with us, so we want to meet that demand. We also look forward to greeting new organisations, groups or individuals who would benefit.”

The charity relies on donations to cover costs and operates solely using trained volunteers.

“It’s an important social service but it’s also enjoyable - meeting people and learning new skills on our lovely canal.” adds David.

If you’d like to volunteer (training is provided) or can offer a donation then contact David on 0131 445 2022.

If you’d like to book a trip then contact Carole on 07511 055 081.

This article was contributed by Seagull Trust Cruises www.seagulltrust.org.uk @KonectMagazines

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Planting dwarf alpine plants and truly miniature conifers in a trough is a great way to enjoy these small plants and makes an attractive feature in a sunny part of your garden. Once you’ve collected all the things you will need, putting them together will only take you half an hour or so, a great weekend project!

Our purple piglet project leaflet explains exactly how to go about creating your alpine trough and the best plants to choose and how to arrange them in your trough. If it isn’t very sunny where you want to sit the trough we have a list of plants that will cope with these conditions.

The three things to remember when creating your trough is good drainage, good drainage and good drainage! Drowning

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Alpine trough these little plants is the easiest way of killing them. Our leaflet will show you how to create good drainage, from the drainage holes in the bottom of the trough, through layers of gravel to a really gritty compost (John Innes No 1 + Potting grit 50/50).

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

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The benefits of virtually staging or renovating As Estate Agents we are often asked if we offer a service to prospective sellers providing advice on what they might consider doing to their property in order to best present it to the market when selling. This can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to major renovation or remodelling work.

It’s a service we not only enjoy providing but it can prove invaluable to the seller, potentially saving thousands of pounds in unnecessary expense. Most sellers are aware of the importance of making the right first impressions and sometimes making even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on the kerb appeal (online and actual) of their property to potential buyers.

Technology has long played a part in property marketing however the evolution of photographic and video equipment coupled with the continuing development of sophisticated editing software has allowed advancement in this area that can benefit sellers whether or not they have the appetite or budget to make the recommended improvements to their property prior to listing for sale on the open market.

Two products that our agency uses regularly are ‘Virtual Staging’ and ‘Virtual Renovation’ imagery. These allow sellers to digitally enhance or alter the actual image 22 | LIVINGSTON

taken of a particular room (or rooms) in their property via virtual staging by, for example, adding or removing furniture or changing the décor or carpets.

This is particularly helpful for buyers who are considering viewing a property that is empty, possibly an ex-rental property that the Landlord has decided to sell, or perhaps an executory sale when a family may be selling on behalf of a relative or as part of an estate, in order to show perspective or scale in relation to furniture or even how a room might be furnished or laid out.

The Virtual Renovation product takes the possibilities a stage further and is often used in conjunction with Virtual Staging. This allows buyers to see how a property could look after future renovation work has been carried out and is often used by sellers if they are selling their property with planning permission already in place to extend or remodel the existing footprint or layout without the work having been carried out. @KonectMagazines

Occasionally we may suggest to the homeowner that potential buyers may want to consider changing the layout or current configuration of the property by perhaps removing a wall to open a kitchen up into a kitchen/diner/ family space or the reverse of this to potentially split one large bedroom into 2 smaller rooms with connecting bathroom which might appeal to a broader market and also potentially add some value.

Both of these products begin with professionally photographing the property in the same way as any standard campaign.

Certain rooms are then identified for digital

Virtually renovated enhancement and passed to the graphic designers to carry out the virtual staging or renovation to the brief provided.

The technology is so flexible that it allows us to choose the style of furniture, colour of décor, carpets even the artwork on the walls and soft furnishing accessories.

Every image used in a sales campaign that has been enhanced using this technology is of course clearly identified in the marketing and sales particulars to ensure they are not misleading and we always have the original photographs of the ‘actual’ room should anyone wish to see these prior to arranging a viewing.

If you are considering selling your property and need some advice on how best to present your property to the market (virtually or otherwise) please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our experienced property managers would be happy to arrange a free visit and consultation.

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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FINANCE

After two years of living in lockdown, Scottish people are more open to the benefits of flexible living, including the way they use energy. A survey carried out by Smart Energy GB earlier this year showed 66% feel that flexible working as a result of the pandemic has led to a better work/life balance, and 75% would be willing to change when they do their chores, to save energy and money.

Smart meters are the next generation of digital gas and electricity meters, providing automatic meter readings and near-real time energy use information. They allow for better management of energy demand and supply, providing people with the visibility needed to reduce their usage, and making the best and most efficient use of wind and solar power.

Grahame lives in a four-bedroom detached house in West Lothian with his wife and two children, and had his smart meter installed in February 2019. He is passionate about decarbonising his home and using energy more efficiently.

“It seemed utterly crazy to me that my old energy meter couldn’t tell me what how much gas and electricity I was using or how much it cost. We are living in an era where we track everything we do, yet people are still unable to see how much they’re spending on a basic everyday item. Needless to say, when a smart meter became available to me, I jumped at the chance. The installation was a doddle and we fixed the in-home display to the hall wall so we could see at a glance how much energy we were using and how often.

“We wanted to get a smart meter for a number of reasons, the main one being that it fits well with our move towards using more sustainable products and living a greener lifestyle. We have invested in an electric vehicle, two home batteries, a ground source heat pump and

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solar panels, but getting a smart meter installed was as simple and easy as our smaller lifestyle changes, like using less plastic or recycling.

“The smart meter has been a great addition to our household, and one of the main benefits has been access to cheaper and greener energy on a smart time-of-use tariff. My smart meter provides half-hourly readings to my energy supplier, and my supplier gives me really cheap electricity between 00:30 and 04.30 every night in return. That means I can charge my home battery at a minimal cost overnight, and then use the stored energy the next day to power all the day-to-day activities in our house. I worked out recently that if I had remained on a standard tariff, it would have cost me £2000 for 125 days electricity use, but through using my smart time-of-use tariff I only paid £526 for the same amount.

“My goal in life is to make no negative impact on the planet, and to live as sustainably as possible and I genuinely believe that getting a smart meter fitted is a small easy step we can all take to help achieve that.”

This article is contributed by Smart Energy GB, the not-for-profit, government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain to understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment.

For more information visit smartenergyGB.org

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MONEY MATTERS

How to protect your financial well-being in an energy crisis Average annual energy bills shot up in April as the energy price cap increased.

With the cap set to rise again in October, the energy crunch is significantly eroding people’s income and savings – and threatening a financial well-being crisis.

Energy price rises are part of a wider inflation crunch, which is eroding people’s income and savings further.

Energy Saving Trust provides tips for smaller energy-saving actions, including how to improve heating-system efficiency, and generate and store other types of renewable power. Many energy-saving actions need no investment and are still a positive step for your finances and the environment. You also could

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save significant amounts of money, and CO2, if you choose an electric car when purchasing your next vehicle.

Next, look at all your other income, savings and spending in detail. This will help you see what you can change or reprioritise to balance and protect your finances against inflation.

In a low-interest, high-inflation environment, cash will lose value in real terms. It’s also sensible to look at whether your pension and investments can still support your long-term goals too.

Alongside improving energy efficiency, these changes can help you cope better with inflation, give you more control and certainty, and improve your longer-term financial well-being.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

The last couple of articles I’ve written have been quite light-hearted but this one is going to be somewhat more serious.

We’re in the middle of nesting season and birds are working incredibly hard to raise this year’s brood, facing many challenges including potentially adverse weather and predators on the lookout for an easy meal.

These are things we can’t control but what we can, is our behaviour around the wildlife. Just last week I had to shout at someone to put their dog on a lead as it crashed around the local ponds, scaring away coots and moorhens. The bigger concern came from the male swan who is defending his nest from anything which comes too close, and made a beeline for the dog. This could end badly for both the swan and the dog if it came to a full attack (I’ve seen pictures of something similar in Musselburgh recently).

It doesn’t apply to just nesting birds on ponds but coastal areas, and farmland where there are animals grazing. I’m not 36 | LIVINGSTON

trying to lecture anyone but equally, I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your dog on a lead at this time of year. Even if you think your dog can be trusted off lead, it’s still an animal with its own mind and could easily be distracted by something unexpectedly.

Wildlife has a hard enough time as it is and we should be doing as much as we possibly can to protect it.

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

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PARENTING

A wicked week at stage school!

Something wicked this way comes…ah yes, it’s the summer holidays!

Another seven weeks off school approaches. Don’t get me wrong I’m certainly looking forward to a few weeks off work with the fam. As usual though it’s the other five weeks of no school which worry me. And so the annual challenge of coming up with what to do with the kids while I’m at work begins.

However, unlike some years I know what is at the top of their list.

They’ve only asked me about it approximately 3,284 times since Easter.

During the Easter holidays this year my girls both went to the Proscenium Stage School Easter camp. A week of singing, dance and drama that had them staging shows around the house for weeks afterwards.

I had planned to have a week off with them over Easter to enjoy some quality time. But then my eldest was snooping through my social media - as only a child who is yet to get a phone of their own can - and she spotted that for the Proscenium Easter week they were going to be doing stuff from both Wicked and High School Musical. Well there was no way I could compete with that.

So off they went each day with their packed lunch and their song sheets.

No complaining that they didn’t want to go. No asking why they couldn’t just stay at home and play. They were literally dying to get down there each day. And each day they came home and promptly disappeared off to practise in front of the mirror. I’ve never seen them throw themselves into something with such abandon.

38 | LIVINGSTON

By the time Friday came I was dying to see more. I helped them at home in the evenings to learn some lines and practise song words but they were very set on not spoiling the show, so they never let me see too much. Of course after two years of no school assemblies or Nativity performances to coo over I was a pretty sure bet.

So Friday came and there I was in the front row ready to clap and cheer at whatever was about to happen on the stage. With all the screeching and giggling when they were “practising” at home I wasn’t convinced they could have achieved that much and that would have been fine. But I was amazed at what they had put together in just a week.

Seeing all the kids’ happy, smiling faces absolutely delighted with themselves for putting on a show was nothing short of magic.

Ever since then all they’ve been asking me is when they can go back to Proscenium. Those weekly classes are looking more and more appealing just to get some peace.

Needless to say I’m now stalking their social media so I’ll be the first to hear about their summer week.

That’ll be one down, four weeks to go!

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. @KonectMagazines

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LIVINGSTON | 39

Meeting OURSELVES just as we are What does it mean to meet ourselves just as we are? Firstly, it’s an act of kindness to ourselves to turn towards what is here, in this moment and hold it with kindness.

In yoga tonight, I asked the group to observe how they were meeting themselves and it’s an interesting question to ask! During the postures, yoga movements, meditation or relaxation are you expecting it to be different to what it is? How do you speak to yourself in the moments on the mat, with kindness or a harsh critical tone? What is the mood or feeling like during practice? What thoughts are going through the mind? How are you meeting you and can you meet yourself just as you are?

This of course can be applied to any activity or any moment, however practicing awareness in a class can help raise awareness off the mat and open the possibility or potential to open to kindness and acceptance.

Throughout the class we would pause to notice the mind and our relationship to the internal dialogue and how that can affect feelings and moods. Only by noticing our habitual patterning can we see what’s there and cultivate an attitude of kindness and acceptance of our normal default patterns and then work with the mind skillfully and in a different way.

Cultivating kindness towards ourselves will help cultivate kindness towards others and therefore it is so worth doing. How are you meeting you right now?

Got a story?

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS LOCAL! If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby..... get in touch via

editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in

the Livingston or Uphall area to be

featured in the Livingston magazine)

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) 40 | LIVINGSTON

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SATURDAY 4TH JUNE Keep our Park Beautiful

There’s always lots of jobs to do in the country park. If you'd like to join the Friends of Almondell and help to keep our park beautiful, why not come along to our next Saturday session - on the first Saturday of every month?

Meet at the Visitor Centre in Almondell Country Park at 10am until 12pm.

See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell FRIDAY 17TH JUNE The Freddie & Queen Experience

The Freddie & Queen Experience are the UK's premier Queen & Freddie Mercury Tribute Band who are internationally & critically acclaimed. The fully live 5-piece band perform with replica outfits instruments & perform a full recreation of Queen's Live shows, based around Queen at their very best, the 86 'Magic tour'. It's simply a great show not to missed!

Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Tickets £24, book via Howden Park Website www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk SUNDAY 26TH JUNE Wildlife Wander

Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Discover what calls the loch its home, how it was created and what makes Linlithgow Peel such a special place.

Meet Outside Linlithgow Palace, 1pm until 3pm Free, but booking essential via HES website www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/whats-on @KonectMagazines

25TH JUNE TO 16TH AUGUST Summertime Discoveries

Almond Valley Heritage Centre summer holiday activities. Down in the woods there are quests and experiments, things to create, and strange stories to be told. Usual opening hours and entry fees, see www.almondvalley.co.uk TUESDAY 28TH JUNE Wild at Art

Historic Environment Scotland summer holiday club at Linlithgow Peel. Get arty in the woods, using only the materials that nature has to offer. Aimed at children aged between 8 and 12, must be accompanied by an adult.

10am – 12pm. Free, but booking essential via HES website www.historicenvironment. scot/visit-a-place/whats-on SATURDAY 2ND JULY Craigsfarm Trader’s Fair

Come and discover great qulity products from all over West Lothian. Everyday essentials, luxury gifts, tasty treats. 10am – 2pm, Craigsfarm Community Hub, Craigshill.

See page 47 for details SATURDAY 2ND JULY TO SUNDAY 3RD JULY - Spectacular Jousting

At Linlithgow Palace. Experience an afternoon of exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills as the brave and courageous knights battle it out at the Historic Environment Scotland annual jousting tournament. 11.30 am to 4.30pm. Free for HES members, ticketed for non members. See prices and book at www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/whats-on LIVINGSTON | 41

LOCAL HISTORY

THE

LAIRD O’ LIVINGSTON’S LEGACY

Eliburn South’s Peel Park was once the location of the Laird O’ Livingston’s physic garden.

Patrick Murray, Laird O’ Livingston (1634 – 1671) had a passion for collecting and growing plants. Described as “one of the most promising men of science of his time”, Murray’s physic garden in the grounds of his home at Livingston Peel stocked 1,000 species of plants, and when he died this invaluable collection became the foundation for today’s Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

Physic gardens were European medieval medicinal gardens where medicine, botany and gardening inter-linked and doctors were as well known and influential in botany as medicine. Botanic gardens followed physic gardens when whole continents began to be discovered and shiploads of new species were brought back to Europe for scientific interest.

A botanical pioneer and “famous for collecting seeds, plants and exotica”, Patrick Murray was a good friend of Robert Sibbald (1641 – 1722) and Andrew Balfour (1630 – 1694), two Scottish physicians and botanists who went on to found the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh. The garden at Livingston inspired them to start a medical garden in Edinburgh – a place where supplies of fresh plants and herbs for medical prescriptions were on hand and medical students would study botany. Sibbald and Balfour wrote an official list for the medical profession of acceptable drugs and how to make them (The Pharmacopoeia, published 29 years later in 1699), a great advance in regulating medical care in the 17th century.

Work on the first physic garden for physicians in Edinburgh began in 1670.

The following year, Patrick Murray, Laird O’ Livingston, died of a fever at the age of 35 in Avignon, France, whilst on a two year-long trip to France and Italy. Murray had bequeathed his precious plants to Andrew Balfour and the massive task of digging up and transplanting the collection got underway. Plants were carefully and painstakingly moved, cartload by cartload, to a rented 40ft x 40ft allotment in St Anne’s Yards, in the grounds of the Palace of Holyrood House - the site of today’s public car park for the Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Five years later with the garden flourishing, the plants were uprooted again, to a bigger plot of land leased from the Town Council - next to where platform 11 in Waverley Station stands today (a commemorative plaque marks the spot). A final move in the early 1820s to Inverleith Row, a change of name to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and the journey of Murray’s plants was complete.

42 | LIVINGSTON

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The Murray family seat at Livingston Peel was a fortified stone tower on a large, earthen mound and surrounded by a moat built in 1124 by de Leving, a Flemish nobleman invited to Scotland by King David 1.* In return for military service to the king, de Leving was given a grant of land.

Other more humble dwellings sprang up around the tower with the people attracted by work and its protection. The settlement became known as Leving’s toun, then as time passed this name became Livingston.

A street sign near the entrance to Peel Park holds on to the old spelling - Leving Place – a connection with the past.

Originally from Elibank in Peebles-shire, the Murray family acquired Livingston Peel and surrounding lands in 1512. Livingston was a huge but sparsely populated parish (around 2,000 inhabitants), stretching 10 miles from Dechmont in the east to Fauldhouse in the west. Mainly, it was rough, open countryside, dotted with small patches of cultivated land and large areas of wet moorland like Drumshoreland, Easter Inch, Whitburn and Fauldhouse moors. *Historians have differing opinions on the origin of the name Livingston, and the identity of de Leving himself. The information here is just one of several possible explanations. @KonectMagazines

In 1995, Livingston Development Corporation (LDC) commemorated Patrick Murray’s contribution to the natural science of botany by recreating a physic garden in Peel Park, the site of Murray’s original garden. At the heart of the LDC’s garden, an information panel and diagram (sadly now hard to read) shows the layout of different beds – medicinal plants of 1670, culinary herbs of 1670, medicinal plants used from 1670 to the present day – although now, ivy swamps the other plants. Box and yew hedging give structure, dividing the beds and bordering paths and other larger, open spaces, tempting you to explore. Rows of lollipop-like trees line ramrod-straight walkways leading off in all directions like the points of a compass and give the garden an open, spacious feeling. The only survivors from the old estate are the mature trees.

About 30 paces from the information point, the LDC built a circular grass mound surrounded by a cobblestone moat, a wooden bridge and 16 steps take you to the top. This simple structure represents the original Livingston Peel. Although Patrick Murray lived in the Peel, his nephew who inherited the estate built a substantial manor house close to the Peel called Livingston Place. A low stone wall erected by the LDC on the line of the original manor house’s foundations give an idea of its size. A fitting tribute to the Laird O’ Livingston saw Lord Murray of Elibank plant Livingston’s 500,000th tree on the new town’s 10th anniversary in 1972 in the recreated Patrick Murray Physic Garden.

Plant collectors risked life and limb on their quests for new species. Like Murray, they had a thirst for knowledge and were driven by a need to explore nature and share their discoveries our landscapes were shaped by their efforts.

This article was written by Yvonne MacMillan, and first published in Konect June 2012. Information from West Lothian Local History Library and The Sibbald Physic Garden by Dr M A Eastwood.

LIVINGSTON | 43

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

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 can sit with more experienced players or have learning sessions.

WCBC meets on Tuesdays 7pm until 10pm. The cost is £2.50.

West Kirk of Calder, West Main Street, West Calder, EH55 8EN. See www. westcalderbridgeclub.org.uk for further information and contact numbers.

LIVINGSTON AND DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY - We are based in the Crofthead Community Centre, Templar Rise, Livingston and are a member of the Radio Society 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 years Cubs: Thurs 6.30pm - 8.00pm ages 8-10 years Scouts: Thurs 7.00pm till 9.00 pm ages 10-14 years 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 LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP Walk with us every week on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Variety of walks to suit all abilities from challenging

44 | LIVINGSTON

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.

FUN LITTLE EDUCATION - Playgroup available for children from 2 years old.

Beech House Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX. Monday to Friday 9.30 - 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 Morning 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1.00 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.

ART CLUB AT DEANS - Every Tuesday, 7.00-9.00pm, Deans Community centre (opp the Co-op).

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.

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, 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.murieston-cg.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 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.

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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.

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.

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 semi-retired 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 non-given.

For more information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-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.

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

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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/Yin - Tues 6.007.00pm 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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

MACMILLAN INFORMATION & SUPPORT SERVICE Our hubs are open and we’re here to help. To make an appointment call 01506 283053.

Tuesday Strathbrock Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am and 11.15am.

Wednesday Bathgate Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm.

Thursday Livingston North Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am and 11.15am.

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: Benefits advice, Emotional support, Cancer information, Grants, Blue badges, Treatment travel costs and much more.

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.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A

LIVINGSTON | 45

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The world’s greatest detective is back and this time he is doing detective work. It’s strange to think that after many incarnations of this beloved character it took so long for the detective side of the character to be front and centre.

Similar to films like Seven, The Batman is a story about Batman trying to solve the crimes being committed by the Riddler.

ACROSS: 1. Oven, 3. Admitted, 9. Extract, 10. Tower, 11. Contemporary, 14. Mrs, 16. Plane, 17. See, 18. Explanations, 21. China, 22. Emotion, 23. Disaster, 24. Cell.

DOWN: 1. Overcome, 2. Eaten, 4. Dot, 5. Intersection, 6. Thwarts, 7. Dire, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Plain, 13. Personal, 15. Sixties, 19. Olive, 20. Acid, 22. Ewe.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 30

The film spans a massive 2 hours and 56 minutes runtime.

It’s simply too long, and can really drag at times; I wish it was closer to 2 hours than 3. Also, the crimes that are committed feel watered down and not gruesome enough.

They tell you that these crimes are horrific and shocking, but personally I was never truly shocked by the crimes. I feel that it was held back by trying to go for a PG-13 rating in America and I’m shocked it got a 15 rating in the UK. There are many positives though. The film is just gorgeous from the opening shot and it’s the best-looking superhero film in a long time. The cast is amazing: Robert Patterson does a great job and Colin Farrell is unrecognisable. There are many scenes that are truly gripping. But at the end of the day, the film is simply way to long. Rewatching this film was more of a slog than a joy - and I hate saying that as there is a lot to love about this film.

Available to rent on all major 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.

46 | LIVINGSTON

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 t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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something for everyone!

Craigsfarm Traders Fair Craigsfarm Saturday 9th October 10-2pm Traders Fair

www.craigsfarm.org.uk info@craigsfarm.org.uk 01506 894639 Craigsfarm Community Hub Maree Walk, Livingston EH54 5BP

Saturday 9th October 10-2pm Shop local and support local, small businesses at our regular traders market in Livingston. Join us to discover great quality products from all over the West Lothian area. From everyday essentials to luxury gifts, and even some tasty treats, there will be Shop local andsomething support local, small businesses at our for everyone! regular traders market in Livingston. Join us to discover great quality products from all over the www.craigsfarm.org.uk info@craigsfarm.org.uk West Lothian area. From everyday essentials to 01506 894639 luxury gifts, and even some tasty treats, thereHub will be Craigsfarm Community Maree Walk, Livingston EH54 5BP something for everyone! @KonectMagazines

www.craigsfarm.org.uk LIVINGSTON | 47 info@craigsfarm.org.uk