Konect Livingston March 2022

MARCH 2022

CHARITY:

~ EAT CAKE TO SUPPORT CHARITY

PARENTING:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

P38

S

pring is in the air, and with it, spring cleaning – not to mention fixing of storm damage from the past month. The clocks go forward on Sunday 27th March and it’s nice to think the longer days are coming. Whether you’re cleaning inside and out, sorting the garden ready for spring, looking for ideas or needing repairs done, browse the pages of this edition to find businesses to help you with everything you need. If you’re clearing out kids’ toys too, see Laura’s parenting column for tips on what to do with them.

Our charity this month is the Larder, who have opened a new bakery service as a fundraiser for one of their projects - providing high quality hot meals to people in West Lothian experiencing food poverty. You can support a good cause by eating cake what’s not to like? See the feature on page 9.

With a short local walk to enjoy along with all our usual columns, I hope you find this issue inspirational, interesting and informative! As ever, let me know!

THIS ISSUE Charity: The Larder...................................................9 Hair: Disco girls.......................................................12 Puzzles...............................................................12 / 39 Living Well: Alzheimer’s Warning Signs..........13 Walk: Hermand Wood, a hidden gem............14 Garden Project: Tattie Tub Time.......................20 Property Matters: Telling the complete story...26 Film Review...............................................................28 Thought for the Month...........................................34 Parenting: Don’t despair, donate!.....................36 Local Environment: Linlithgow Loch’s Star Attraction...........................................................38

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

COVER IMAGE: Spring promise

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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LIVINGSTON | 5

We are a small family run business established in 1996 who specialise in installation, maintenance, service and repair of domestic gas appliances.

Maintenance Contracts Central Heating Installation Boiler Upgrades Boiler Service & Repairs Fire Service & Repairs Cooker Installation Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Radiator Replacements and System Flushing

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LIVINGSTON | 7

When you order delicious cakes and savoury items from The Larder’s Bakery in Livingston, the money you spend goes directly to helping families locally experiencing food poverty.

The bakery was set up at the end of last year by well-established local food and learning charity, The Larder, to provide an income stream that would help fund their training courses and Catalyst Kitchen project.

The Catalyst Kitchen makes high-quality freshly cooked meals and delivers them

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to local individuals and families affected by food insecurity. The vision is to provide choice, dignity and nutritious food – elements often not present in traditional food solutions. People referred to the Catalyst Kitchen receive two high-quality, cooked meals per week, delivered to

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their door by volunteers, chilled and ready to reheat. The service has been described as “a lifeline,” “revolutionary,” “invaluable,” and “life-changing”. However, The Larder needs income streams to fund it, and they opened the bakery to provide one such income source.

All the cakes and savoury baking are handmade in Livingston by the Larder’s chefs, using fresh high quality ingredients which are sourced locally as much as possible. You get top quality cakes; beneficiaries of the Catalyst Kitchen get top quality dinners.

The bakery menu is refreshed regularly with monthly specials, but you can always buy regular favourites including: Salted caramel & tablet brownies, triple choc and vegan choc brownies and classic shortbread. Savoury favourites include haggis bonbons, veggie haggis bonbons and arancinis. Tea boxes with a selection of sweet and savoury items are also available.

The shop will be fitted out at their premises at Brucefield Industrial Estate in Livingston over the coming months. In the meantime, you can conveniently order online during the week and collect straight from their kitchen there on Thursdays and Fridays 9am - 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 2pm.

Your cakes are packaged in eco-friendly biodegradable and recyclable containers.

Visit shop.thelarder.org and feel good about every bite.

Enjoy local, handmade baking and help change lives for the better!

For more information visit www.thelarder.org Facebook @LarderTraining

This article was written by Helen-Jane after visiting the Bakery and tasting some of their delicious cakes! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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Caring for a loved one?

We understand that considering a care home can be daunting. Our free guides provide practical and emotional advice as you navigate caring for a friend or family member.

Call us on 0330 127 7678 for a friendly chat or to request A helping hand guide, or download a copy at careuk.com/a-helping-hand

Trusted to care.

A helping hand Advice and inspiration for families caring for an older loved one

For family carers

Our care homes in Edinburgh Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine

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LIVINGSTON | 11

PUZZLE

MARCH CROSSWORD

Technology has a way of prompting trends and with the launch of Ghd’s brand new 14mm ‘thin tong’ as part of their Ghd curve range most of us can’t wait to get our hands on it.

DOWN: 1. Advises (8), 2. Serious (5), 4. Stowed away (3), 5. Lock picks (8,4), 6. Loyal (7), 7. Story (4), 8. Eats its own kind (12), 12. Doomed (5), 13. Alcoholic appetiser (8), 15. Twice as much (7), 19. South American dance (5), 20. Hold tightly (4), 22. Type of snake (3).

Crossword solution in the April edition of Konect. This month’s sudoku puzzle can be found on page 39 of this magazine.

The tighter and smaller sections that are wrapped the springier the curl. Keep all your winds in the same direction - away from the face for the perfect disco curl.

For a softer appearance taking larger sections and looser winds will look much more natural and is actually really beautiful to enhance natural curls hair that’s been diffuser dried. Try working through random pieces and once cooled shake it out with some shine spray or a little dry texturiser at the root for the ‘last nights disco curl’ look.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston.www.wonderlandlivingston.com 12 | LIVINGSTON

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Photo: Andrew Moore - Hair: Sophie @wonderland

ACROSS: 1. Money (4), 3. Used in board game (5,3), 9. Scold severely (7), 10. Electronic post (5), 11. Young cabbage plants (6,6), 14. To allow (3), 16. Type of drum (5), 17. Joint (3), 18. Seen in a rink (6-6), 21. Violent disturbances (5), 22. Stabbing weapon (7), 23. Supporting column (8), 24. Popular sport (4).

One thing I would say about using such a small barrelled wand is that you definitely need to have length to work with, when you wrap a curl tightly around a smaller barrel the curl will bounce much more so if your hair is above shoulder length not only will it be difficult to use but the outcome may make your hair look short and give a round appearance. This wand is ideal for below shoulder length and below.

LIVING WELL

Alzheimer’s

Warning Signs of to look out for

Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but all forms of dementia have in common a high risk of behavioural disorders - changes in personality and people behaving out of character. Here are some warning signs to look out for: Memory loss that disrupts daily life: One of the most common signs, especially forgetting recently learned information.

Challenges in planning or solving problems: Changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks: trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game.

Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.

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Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: They may not realise they are the person in the mirror, for instance.

New problems with words in speaking or writing: trouble following or joining a conversation.

Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: Placing things in random unusual places. Sometimes the person may accuse others of stealing the items.

Decreased or poor judgment: Changes in judgment or decision making Changes in mood or personality: Some can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, or with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

If you have questions or concerns about dementia, it is best to speak with your GP, who can help guide you in the right direction.

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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Stepping out of my car and onto the wooden boardwalk, coated in white from last night’s light snowfall, feels like stepping onto a conveyor, leading into a realm of tranquillity.

Quickly, I find myself amongst gnarled and lichen-encrusted birch, standing old and wise, like sentinels of a faery kingdom. A small flock of chaffinches alights in the branches above my head and carry out a cursory inspection of my progress.

Head to West Calder and take the B7008 towards Harburn. Before you get to Harburn itself, take the right turn signposted for the Dog’s Trust centre. The entrance to the wood is a short distance along on the left, marked only by a humble wooden sign and parking space for a few vehicles.

This hidden gem lies within an otherwise unremarkable landscape of open farm fields and commercial conifer plantations, a mere stone’s throw from the bustle of the central belt.

Despite the snow I am sure of foot on the boardwalk’s mesh covering, and grateful too for the elevation above saturated ground. In

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places the walkway bridges ditches and dark pools, whose still waters mirror the bare trunks and branches above, as if they are thrusting downward into a mysterious parallel underworld.

In those short sections where I traverse snowcovered mud, the surface is partially frozen and I am pleasantly rewarded with a sensation not unlike stepping into the most delicious chocolate pudding, dusted in icing sugar. The forest floor is a jumble of fallen trees and branches, their wood now supporting a variety of bracket fungi, mosses and lichens. In summer, blaeberries will shine like dark pearls from the low brush and the foliage will resonate with the hum of hoverflies.

For now, the bushy undergrowth has receded, and ragged stumps punctuate the carpet of frosted green and brown, some like peculiar creatures peering at me above the tufts.

Forming a brief circuit which can be completed in around twenty-five minutes (although I recommend taking an hour) the walk skirts round to the far edge of the wood, the fields visible beyond. Here, tall scots pine are mixed in with the birch and on one of these I spot a treecreeper spiralling upwards, constantly probing the crevices of the bark with its slightly curved bill, before descending to start anew on an adjacent trunk. Another, more distant, movement in my peripheral vision grabs my attention and I turn to see a roe deer step nimbly and with caution on limbs like young willow stems. It regards me for a moment before bounding over the fence to melt into the vegetation beyond. Using a stile to follow suit I take the next section of path which runs parallel to a water channel where a copse of alder enjoy the saturated conditions. Further along there are beech too and, looking directly upwards into the branches of one of these, I am cheered by the site of foraging goldfinches @KonectMagazines

- the smallest of all European birds, with a thin trill call like the flourish of a tiny violin. I watch as they dangle inverted from distal twigs, pecking amongst the few remaining husks of beech mast. To my right, a wren flits past and disappears, Alice-like, into a cavity in the root mass of a fallen tree.

The final stretch of the walk is across the more open ground of a marsh-meadow, the afternoon winter sun casting a weak warmth upon my back. This reminds me that in a few short months this meadow will harbour an array of chest-high grasses and wildflowers together with a host of attendant invertebrates. As I contemplate the scene, a buzzard, with slow flaps of broad wings, rises from between clumps of compact rushes to perch in a tree by the road.

By the time I make my return journey, the wind turbines have come to a standstill and the eastern horizon is a glowing seam of bright amber. Back home, on my map I struggle to pinpoint the wood.

It’s tiny; the tree cover would fit easily within the area of one of the surrounding fields. Zooming out, it is quickly lost amongst the patchwork of

pasture, road and town. Yet, when I think of my walk, the life I witnessed, and its calming, restorative effect, the power of such spaces hits home. How wonderful it would be to have more places like Hermand Wood.

Hermand Birchwood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, situated on a raised bog and is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. For more information visit: www. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/hermandbirchwood This article was contributed by William Weir.

William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

When I moved into the area, I couldn’t find anywhere cooking spicy jerked food. So I set up Jay’s Jerk Kitchen to share the wonderful authentic taste of Jamaica with you!

Jerk is a style of cooking. Traditionally, meat is seasoned in a special blend of herbs and spices, including scotch bonnet and pimento (allspice) and then smoked on a jerk pan. We use Halal chicken and fresh ingredients to make your taste buds tickle.

We provide excellent authentic Jamaican home-cooked meals at value pricing. Many families are on a tight budget but still want a weekend treat, so platters of various sizes can be created to suit your budget.

Everything is packaged in compostable packaging and delivered to your door step!

Please visit www.jaysjerkkitchen.co.uk for more information and to order online. I can’t wait to cook for you.

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LIVINGSTON | 17

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LIVINGSTON | 25

PROPERTY MATTERS

Tell the complete story to reach the right buyers A buyer who is not interested in a property won’t read five words about it. But an interested prospect will devour all the information you can provide. The more specifically you can speak to their particular needs and wants, the more likely they are to view and ultimately to buy.

Every property agent talks about the importance of marketing, although many take a reductionist approach where everything gets boiled down to a commodity. This can be not only dull and uninteresting, but it misses crucial opportunities to find the buyer who is the perfect match - and who is therefore willing to pay the best price.

People buy a house, but their emotions turn it into a “home.” A successful campaign starts by identifying who would be the perfect buyers for the home, considering the features 26 | LIVINGSTON

and benefits of the property. What are the lifestyle benefits of the home? How did the current owners use it? Is it a party home or is it a great refuge from modern busy life?

The campaign is then designed to capture the interest and stimulate desire in the target prospects by telling the complete story so that they can visualise their new life there. The story will draw on things such as: Who are the owners and why did they buy/ build this particular home? Do they have any quirks that are reflected @KonectMagazines

Twilight imagery – shows off outside features like hidden lighting

“This impeccably restored period villa offers generous, luxurious accommodation for a family looking for a characterful home they can fall in love with”

here? What was their dream for the property and how did they accomplish it? It will also potentially go into the history of the property, details about the area, and any architecture, design and construction details.

Hand in hand with the story, lifestyle photography in a property campaign is extremely effective. It captures much more than the bricks and mortar; it shows the lifestyle the buyer can expect to attain. In addition, including local and landscape photography allows buyers to see what

surrounds their potential new home. Beautiful images of walks, landmarks and amenities bring the brochure to life. At Turpie & Co we often do location spreads and have invested in videos showing off key towns in West Lothian and the surrounding area.

Combining carefully-researched longstyle, emotional response text with lifestyle photography showcases the truly unique potential of every property, and will effortlessly attract the perfect buyers.

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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When the opening credits for this film rolled at roughly 40 minutes in, I knew I was witnessing something special.

Drive My Car is a film that is co-written and directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and is Japan’s entry for the 94th Academy Awards (the Oscars). Drive My Car clocks in at 3 hours long and is simply a breeze to get through. From the opening moments the film grabs you and keeps you invested for its entire runtime.

The film is very performance driven and due to this if there was a single weak performance the whole film would fall apart. So, it’s excellent that everyone in the cast gives a strong performance and is simply fantastic. The film has beautiful cinematography, there’s lots of driving and every driving scene is visually stunning. I also love how information is presented using cinematography. It’s simply just a greatlooking film.

The story of film is unique and interesting.

There’s a very strange opening that feels out of place when watching it but makes more sense as the film progresses, and the story is excellent, going in directions I didn’t expect.

There’s a reason the credits roll 40 minutes in - by that point you are on board and ready to be taken on a great journey. Drive My Car is simply a great film that I hope that more people will check it out. It is long journey, but it is worth the drive.

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 07547 623263 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

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.

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Discovering what’s As I've started the year, I've approached it quite differently to usual. Instead of setting resolutions, I've been looking at what is important to me and making sure I am moving in that direction.

Quite often we are on the hamster wheel of life not pausing to reflect on this. I realised that making sure I have a balance of work life and downtime is so important. So I’m making sure I’m connected in with people and communities that feel nourishing and that I value and also know they value me; thinking about which friends haven't

I spoken to in a long while, and how to connect with them.

Nature can also be so healing too. Going for a walk by the sea, breathing in the sea air even if it's raining and a dull day! Putting on waterproof layers and getting out and about, pausing to chat to people, open to the changing picture around me. We can learn from nature; winter can be about hunkering down resting, digesting and sleeping, while spring is about new life, new growth.

One thing for sure is that change is happening all around us all of the time. We change, circumstances change, people change. Can we be in the flow of life, letting life live through us, not resisting! This is always work in progress, but starting as we mean to go on or setting an intention is a good start.

Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches** yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk (**All my classes are currently running online)

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LIVINGSTON | 35

PARENTING

Spring cleaning?

Don’t despair, donate!

It is that time of year when everyone inexplicably starts to turn their minds to spring cleaning. Clearing out cupboards, drawers, bookshelves and toy boxes!

I generally find I’ve not got the time or energy to give our home a complete refresh. I admire pretty storage boxes and then wonder how on earth I’d fit everything in that needs a place to go! But I can always lay my hands on something my kids have grown out of or some toy they no longer play with. So that’s one area where I at least have hope I might achieve something.

Generally speaking it’s a false hope. My kids DO NOT like to part with anything. Usually it’s parents who can’t bear to part with the memories attached to childhood books and toys.

Not me. I’d happily haul away at least a car boot full given half the chance. But if I dare even suggest it might be time to find a new home for anything my girls’ immediately disagree and then spend the next week playing with it in silent protest against my utter cheek.

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I have had some success in the past suggesting some things could go to the attic if they are not ready to part with them. But this feels like such a waste and this year I am determined that some of the lovely things that have made my kids so happy can go to a good cause and make some other child smile.

Of course persuading the little darlings to part with things is only half the battle.

What do you do with it after that? If I leave stuff sitting around the house for too long they’ll absolutely pilfer from the donation boxes until they are empty again. So here goes…

Kidzeco is a social enterprise based in West Lothian with a mission to provide families with high quality pre-loved children’s clothes, toys, and essential equipment at affordable prices. They have locations in Bathgate and Livingston and are always in need of quality items…

and I know from experience they will help you lug in your heavy bags!

River Kids children’s charity supports disadvantaged children and their families in West Lothian and the wider community and they run the West Lothian Toy Appeal which is now an allyear-round event. They are heavily reliant on donations of all kinds of good quality second-hand items at their warehouse in Broxburn.

Spring is not the season of giving but that doesn’t mean you can’t spread a little joy!

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 | 37

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

It’s nearly the time of year when Linlithgow Loch’s star attraction makes its appearance.

The great crested grebe can fly under the radar throughout winter when their plumage isn’t quite as striking as it will be soon. They morph from almost black and white to their spectacular breeding plumage with those bronze head feathers, and very impressive crest on top of their head.

They have an unusual and elegant courtship display, which is commonly referred to as a dance and involves lots of head bobbing, and shakes to show off that beautiful crest.

The grand finale is when they both dive down to gather some weeds before rushing across the water together. It doesn’t last long and can be hard to capture on camera, which is clearly evidenced by the fact I’m not sharing an image of this display!

Great crested grebe nests are built on the surface of the water, and as they aren’t always the most structurally sound they are very susceptible to flooding and if Spring is too wet then it can really impact the success 38 | LIVINGSTON

of their breeding season. Their young are affectionately nicknamed “humbugs” due to their striped feather patterns, which you can be lucky enough to see as they catch a ride on their parents back, where it’s much warmer and safer than the cold water.

How can you spot them? Look for the photographers gathered in the corner of the loch, hoping to catch a shot of their wonderful courtship ritual.

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

PUZZLE

MARCH SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 12. See page 42 for solutions.

Tel 01506 437096

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

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

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• 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LIVINGSTON SUBBUTEO CLUB - Intending to restart the Livingston Subbuteo Club and looking for ex members or new starts who might be interested.

Contact Malc on 07815 699186 maddandad94@gmail.com MUSIC 4 U - Musical activities, fellowship and fun for people with dementia and their carers throughout West Lothian. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Carmondean Community Complex (parish church section) from 2 - 3.30 pm. It begins with afternoon tea then musical activities delivered by people with dementia expertise and musical ability, all volunteers. There's no cost.

Great fun for everybody! More information from Nancy Burgoyne on 01506 419904 or email burgoynenancy49@gmail.com CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or join us, please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029. We'd love to welcome singers from across West Lothian.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar Yoga - Mon 7.308.45pm; Vinyasa Flow - 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.

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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 £10. 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 information.

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ACROSS: 1. Majesty, 5. Basil, 8. Sprinkler, 9. Arc, 10. Sabre, 12. Outpost, 13. Flamethrowers, 15. Dukedom, 17. Exams, 19. Ego, 20. Elevation, 22.

Yield, 23 Strayed.

DOWN: 1. Masks, 2. Jar, 3. Sincere, 4. Yellowhammers, 5. Beret, 6. Soap opera, 7. Locates, 11. Black hole, 13. Fidgety, 14. Open-air, 16. Dread, 18. Synod, 21. Ivy.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 39

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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