Konect Queensferry December 2024

DEC 2024 / JAN 2025

INTERIORS: LOCAL CHARITY:

WINE:

The NEW monthly community magazine for Queensferry, Kirkliston, and Winchburgh

r e b m e c e D

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ecember already! Here at Konect we’ve clocked up another year of discovering and celebrating with each issue the endless energy, kindness and creativity in the local area, and there is no better time than the festive season to reflect on it.

There is always more to be done and the Forth Bridges Men’s Shed, set up in recent years, is proving not only a wonderful place to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst men, but also to get involved in wee projects locally for the broader benefit of the community. They will be delighted to hear from you if you’d like to be involved in any way, see pages 8-9.

For a change of scenery and a crisp winter walk, our walk feature this month takes us down to Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, starting in Mid Calder, with a detailed guide to the flora and fauna to be enjoyed.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the season out and about locally, check the What’s On section for ideas.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so will be back in the new year with the February issue. Wishing all our readers, advertisers and local organisations featured in Konect a wonderful and peaceful festive season.

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

P14 Wine: “Drink before spring!”............................... 8 Local Charity: Forth Bridges Men’s Shed...... 8 Puzzles............................................................10 / 15 Garden Project: Viewed from the window... 11 Recipe: Devils on Horseback..........................14 Life Coaching: Christmas is coming, oh yes it is!.............................................................14 Interiors: Creating a cosy winter haven........15 Local Environment: Getting creative..............16 Local Walk: Almondell, in detail......................18 Film Review...........................................................20 What’s On..............................................................21 Clubs & Classes..................................................22

‘TIS THE SEASON: Wishing all our readers a wonderful and peaceful festive season

Konect is delivered to 7500 households in Queensferry, Kirkliston and Winchburgh.

Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout the area.

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

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0808 281 7663 | taylorroofs.co.uk

3 Firth Road, Houstoun Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 5DJ

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WINE TASTING

Did you know that in the 17th century, wine from the Champagne region came with a peculiar warning: "Drink before spring!"

Back then, Champagne was nothing like the sparkling, refined drink we enjoy today.

Instead, it was a still, weak red wine prone to an unexpected hazard—it often exploded as temperatures rose!

In the winter, when temperatures dropped, winemakers assumed the still Champagne was ready, that fermentation had finished, and the wine was shipped to be consumed in the UK. However, as the seasons changed and temperatures began to rise, the dormant yeast within the wine would reactivate. This second fermentation created a little more alcohol and carbon dioxide. The pressure within the fragile glass bottle would build until it was released, either through consumption or explosion!

While winemakers in Champagne worked to resolve this issue (bottles shouldn't spontaneously explode, after all), their volatile wine found surprising fans. French royalty delighted in the bubbly, unpredictable drink and demanded more. It was English scientist Christopher Merret who first properly investigated secondary fermentation and Dom Pérignon, the French monk is credited with inventing Champagne. Dom Pérignon was originally tasked with solving the exploding bottle problem!

Over the years, winemakers have unlocked the science of secondary fermentation, giving birth to the iconic sparkling wine we know today. Modern Champagne is bottled in thick glass to withstand the pressure, with its signature mushroom-shaped cork held firmly in place by a wire cage.

The foil-wrapped neck often bears the word "Champagne" proudly stamped, a mark of its celebrated legacy.

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com 8 | QUEENSFERRY

Forth Bridges Men’s Shed Forth Bridges Men’s Shed (FBMS) originated as a group of like-minded men who originally got together in a portacabin at Craigie Farm for small practical projects including fruit and vegetable growing in polytunnels.

Covid struck, and access to Craigie Farm was lost. Some of the men kept in touch by communal online video sessions and, when restrictions were eased, met outside on a monthly basis at the picnic coffee stop by the road bridge offices.

Eventually they started meeting in the Courtroom at Rosebery Hall which led to a more formal group seeking a more permanent home, in turn leading to the establishment of FBMS as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a formal constitution and registration with OSCR (the Scottish Charities regulator) in 2021, along the lines of the overarching Scottish Men’s Shed Association.

The charity’s objectives are to provide a safe community space for men over the age of 18 in and around South Queensferry and Kirkliston, to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds and workshops, but for men to enjoy together, to help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, to have fun, meet old and new friends, be creative, or “Just dae somethin’”.

The new base for FBMS in 2022 became the Community Cafe at School Lane in South Queensferry where every week on Wednesdays they now meet socially for coffee and chat, light lunch, and mostly unplanned activities, but with an eye to developing projects allowing skills and knowledge transfer between the ‘Shedders,’ as the members are now informally known.

Hobbies are encouraged, crafts and games are shared, and since 2023 a small number of the Shedders have engaged in craft fayres in Kirkliston as a jumping off point for starting to generate a small income in order

The charity’s objectives are to provide a safe community space for men over the age of 18 in and around South Queensferry and Kirkliston, to connect, converse and create. to maintain self-sufficiency in paying for kitchen supplies and hand tools.

A number of very generous sponsors have enabled the development of a permanent dedicated FBMS workshop portacabin at Hallyards Farm near Kirkliston, which has now been kitted out with benches and a growing set of tools and equipment. Planning for off-grid power provision in the form of solar panels and/ or wind turbine generator to charge batteries continuously is underway. First aid training and training for use of advanced woodworking tools is planned, with an emphasis on health and safety through partially supervised working practices.

Whereas School Lane in Queensferry is available only on Wednesdays, the Hallyards workshop is theoretically available every day of the week.

The growing list of sponsors and donors, financially and in other ways, includes (in no particular order) SMSA, EVOC, Edinburgh Airport Community Fund, Almond Community Fund (CEC), Jim Liddell Memorial Dinner fund, Hallyards Farm, Howdens Newbridge, Cala Homes and various donations of tools, materials and small amounts of money from members of the public.

Local projects and services have included refurbishing benches at South Queensferry cemetery, building ‘mud kitchens’ for primary

schools, and assembling self-build storage units for Queensferry primary school. A possible long term future project, amongst others, will be a local ‘repair shop’ along the lines of the popular television series.

To summarise, we are now a fully operational community charity group of between twenty five and thirty men who welcome and promote health and well-being amongst men of all ages, backgrounds, or ethnic origins to come and share what we all have to offer each other. There are no bosses, we are all equals.

If you would like to join Forth Bridges Men’s Shed or find out more about us before committing to being a member, you are very welcome to come along to School Lane at the Queensferry Community Cafe where we meet every Wednesday from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Stay for coffee or a light lunch and have a chat. There will always be someone ready to listen to your life experience, and to share something of their own.

You can also download a membership form from our website: www.forth-bridges-mens-shed.site/sp This article was contributed by Bill McKay, Secretary, Forth Bridges Men’s Shed. FBMS is a Scottish charity, number SC051057 QUEENSFERRY | 9

The crossword solution will be published in the FEBRUARY edition

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Snake-like fish (4), 3. Board game (8), 9. Get in touch (7), 10. Better (5), 11. Accomplishments (12), 14. Jewel (3), 16. Tracks (5), 17. Change colour (3), 18. Clarifications (12), 21. Punctuation mark (5), 22. Displaying (7), 23. Home-help (8), 24. Finishes (4).

DOWN: 1. Swap (8), 2. Midday meal (5), 4. Slap (3), 5. Dialogue (12), 6. Enthusiastic (7), 7. Certain (4), 8. Animals with many legs (12), 12. Consumed (5), 13. Texts (8), 15. Largest amount (7), 19. Vegetable (5), 20. Cooled (4), 22. Winter sport (3).

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A NIGHT VIEW FROM WINDOW With long nights and short days we like to light up some of the views in the evenings from our windows, and Henry the cat enjoys looking out from the warmth of the house!

We do have some artworks in the garden that we can see from inside but for the festive season the patio is our main focus. We always decorate the table, usually with a wreath made from clippings from garden plants and laid flat, perhaps with a pot of winter flowering heather or a Christmas Rose as well as a lantern with a candle burning in it.

Lesley usually has some Christmas lights trained on the pergola or through a shrub, she says that ladies can do lights as well as men, after all it’s just like plugging the iron in! LED lights are low voltage and so long as you plug them into the mains in the dry (use

a waterproof box for this) they are very safe and use very little electricity in the garden. Most sets include an automatic timer that has them on for 6 or 8 hours and then off for 18 or 16 hours.

There are lots of battery-powered lights available that will do the same job and the batteries last for a long time. They have similar functions as the mains operated sets. Here our patio is also lit up by an LED security light fixed above the patio door on the house wall.

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

LIFE COACHING

Christmas is coming - OH YES IT IS! Time certainly flies and we feel that most keenly when Christmas is approaching.

For many of us, it just seems like five minutes since we put away all those decorations and squared our shoulders for a bright shiny new year and yet, here we are again. Glitter and shine are everywhere we look and we are encouraged to spend, spend, spend.

Dried fruit is good for you; the slow release of the minerals and vitamins all dried fruits contain help foster good heart, gut, brain and muscle health.

In the winter the new harvest is at its best and dried fruit is at the heart of many special dishes, not least Christmas Cake, mince-meat and Christmas Pudding. Dried fruit also enhances and enriches savoury cooking. Many seasonal recipes include dried fruit such as dried apples or apricots in stuffing and sultanas in kedgeree.

DEVILS ON HORSEBACK For a Christmas treat either with drinks before the meal or in the old traditional way as a savoury at the end of a formal meal try Devils on Horseback. They are not difficult to make and freeze well, so can be made well before you need them. You will have sticky fingers but it is worth it.

• 24 large stone-free prunes • BranstonPickle,oryourownchutneyifithasbits.

• 12 rashers streaky bacon smoked or not as you prefer.

• Cocktail sticks Stuff the cavity left by the plumb stone with the lumpy bits of Branston Pickle. That is the sticky part! Stretch the bacon by smoothing it out with the back of a knife. Cut each rasher in half and the roll each prune in a half slice. Secure with a wooden cocktail stick. Freeze to store.

To cook from frozen, space the devils out on a baking sheet covered in non-stick paper and bake in a hot, 180/200oC oven for about 10/15 minutes. Serve cooling from the oven. Take care; the sugar in the Branston will keep very hot.

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Most people react to the very mention of the festive season in one of two ways. They are either happy and excited or they start stressing out and begin the process of taking all the joy out of the season for themselves and everyone else they come into contact with.

However we feel about Christmas, it’s important to remember that we always have choices and the power to make the festive season exactly right for ourselves. This could be the year that we all decide to celebrate exactly as we want to, we can take things easy and enjoy all those small moments. Special things like taking down and unwrapping those familiar decorations with all the memories they evoke, dress up or don’t dress up, spend time with our very favourite people or close the door and just be with ourselves. Cook from scratch or buy ready made food to pop into the microwave and choose a meal that is made up of things we actually like to eat.

Let’s all decide to enjoy our own individual version of the perfect Christmas whether we sparkle with our family and friends or just sparkle by ourselves.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is available for appointments at Forth Physio, Queensferry, and at Linlithgow Chiropractic. She is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

CREATING A

CosyWinter

As December sweeps HAVEN into South Queensferry, there’s nothing better than transforming your home into a snug retreat.

Winter here calls for warmth and comfort, and I love helping clients embrace the season with thoughtful touches that make all the difference.

Layering textures is my go-to for cosy charm. Soft throws over sofas, velvet cushions, and woollen blankets are essentials. If it’s something you’d want to snuggle up in on a frosty evening, it’s perfect for your space.

Heavy, lined curtains are a must for our chilly Scottish winters. Fabrics like velvet or thick wool not only keep the heat in but add a luxurious finish. Pair them with thermal blinds for extra insulation—an absolute game-changer for older properties in Edinburgh.

Winter light is fleeting, but warm lighting can create that comforting glow we crave. Table lamps with warm bulbs or flickering candles instantly bring a sense of calm to a room. I love using lighting to create inviting little corners for reading or relaxing.

Nothing says winter like a few seasonal touches. Scented candles, evergreen wreaths, and pinecones instantly make your home feel festive. I often collect foliage on local walks to create unique displays—another way to bring a little bit of Scotland’s charm indoors.

A few mindful changes can transform your home into a winter haven. Whether you’re preparing for festive gatherings or quiet nights by the fire, these simple ideas will help your home feel as cosy as a South Queensferry café on a crisp winter’s day.

Wishing you a warm and joyful season!

DECEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 10. See page 20 for solutions.

The interiors column was contributed

by Carla Mackay. Carla helps clients in Queensferry and the surrounding areas create beautiful, comfortable homes. www.carlamackayinteriors.co.uk QUEENSFERRY | 15

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I might upset a few people with this but the bird in this shot is called a fieldfare and they’re part of the thrush family.

They migrate here from Northern Europe and it’s not uncommon to find them with flocks of redwing or waxwings as they roam the skies on the hunt for berries. One of my favourite places to see them is on the sea buckthorn down at Aberlady. Now is when I might cause controversy when I say that’s as exciting at it gets. There are no cool anecdotes about them, they’re just lovelylooking birds who we only get to see during the winter.

Instead, let’s look at this from a photography angle. What do you think the background of this image might be? It was in a very urban environment and it may surprise you to know it was in fact someone’s house. I wasn’t looking in their window or anything, that’d be a bit weird. Whilst it’s always nice to have a bit of blue sky, it’s quite a boring backdrop for images so if you’re out photographing something, even taking a couple of steps in the opposite direction could completely 16 | QUEENSFERRY

change up your background and make it far more appealing. It can also help get rid of some annoying grass or other distraction, as long as you aren’t disturbing the species.

The fieldfare should be back imminently, if not already (I haven’t seen any) looking to spend their winter in Scotland.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

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A busy morning, a busy week, a busy season. My mind turns over the issues of the day as I lock my bike to a post by the Mid Calder car park. Yet, such thoughts quickly vapourise as I step into the morning sun’s intense rays. I shield my eyes from the glare, searing low over the horizon from a cloudless pale blue winter sky.

I set off, crossing the footbridge over the Linhouse Water, just as it meets the River Almond; it’s the first of many crossings I will make this morning. A woodpigeon is feasting on hawthorn berries by the railing. The path climbs the far bank, bearing left, past trees adorned with holly and ivy, whose fruits will also provide important sustenance for many birds over winter, the ivy packing more energy for its weight than a Mars bar.

The white noise rush of water over a weir fills the air; a heron stands with elegant poise at its base, while two crows indulge in an aerial scuffle above.

I walk on. The gush of the weir recedes, and the waters calm to a laminar, tranquil

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flow. Reflected in the water’s gently rippled surface are the forms of a great variety of trees. These act like monuments to Henry Erskine, founder of the Almondell Estate over two-hundred years ago, who laid out some of these original walks and had a fondness for woodland gardens. There are sycamores, willow, limes and beech. There are non-native conifers, including sequoiadendron, growing to great heights on the far bank. There are larches too, dressed in gold, needles ready to fall and be replaced with starbursts of green come spring.

I watch as a squirrel deftly retrieves a larch cone from a branch overhanging the water. As it ascends with its bounty, it is joined by another in the branches above. They dislodge golden needles which begin to fall like snow around me and on the rocks below.

I cross the river by another footbridge, following the signs for Cycle Route 75 and the Shale Trail.

This takes me along by the canal feeder channel which is drawn from the river at this point and runs alongside it. Soon, I pass under one of the nine mighty arches of the Camps Viaduct.

A narrow, peaked-roof wooden shelter has been built under the arch to protect pedestrians - it looks like it has been lifted straight out of Hobbiton. A little farther on, I come upon a majestic old beech tree by the path, giant roots running like quicksilver through the deep carpet of fallen leaves lying below its immense form.

It is surrounded by young beech saplings – its children and grandchildren.

I pass, but do not cross, the Almondell Bridge and descend towards the water’s edge to take in the view of this impressive structure, which crouches protectively over the watercourse – elegant, yet emanating strength and solidity.

Down by the rocky banks, the air is thick

GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!

CREDIT: All image by William Weir

with a mossy dampness which transports me instantaneously back to childhood days messing about by the river.

Keeping to the lower (blue signposted) path from here allows a better view of the most diminutive of today’s bridges, the pretty Dell Bridge, with its babbling burn beneath.

Continuing on this path, I eventually emerge into what was originally the estate’s walled garden.

Two stone walls remain, along which a variety of young fruit trees have recently been planted by the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, in a nod to the history of what was once a productive market garden.

Emerging at the eastern side of the garden, I join the tarmac road which heads out of the park towards Broxburn. However, after a short way, I turn left at a signpost, heading uphill on a grassy path. I turn left again at the top of the rise to track back along the side of the valley. Here, the vegetation consists of hazel, gorse and smaller trees, interspersed with dark stems of decaying thistle and dock. I gaze over the valley’s treetops to East Calder beyond. The sounds of construction – which curiously I could not hear in the valley below – now drift across from the far side. I continue until the path leads me down a few steps and switchbacks to rejoin the main route.

This time I cross the Almondell Bridge, turning right on reaching the far side to cut across the grassy plain bounded by the river’s meander, walking adjacent to the Route 75 cycleway. I then come upon perhaps the most curious bridge of the day. This one carries the canal feeder over the river, covered over with a metal plate walkway for pedestrians. Pausing partway across, I enjoy the view of the river and viaduct. Curious rock formations rise from the riverbed; vertical rock strata coated in bright green moss – like the bony armour of some gigantic, submerged lizard. These are from the Burdie-House limestone layer, part of the West Lothian Oil Shales group.

Once across, I retrace my steps from the outward leg back to the car park at Mid Calder. As I do so, I recall my feelings as I set off, noting how my walk has quietened thoughts of our busy human world and its attendant worries, this beautiful park acting like a protective crucible from the clamour. A couple of hours in nature may just be the perfect antidote to the season’s stresses – where better to spend it than amidst the joys of lovely Almondell?

With grateful thanks to the Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.

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.

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SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Encyclopedias, 8. Declared, 9. Gigs, 10. Minster, 12. Aorta, 14. Corgi, 16.

Erasure, 19. Fail, 20. Applause, 22. Demonstration.

DOWN: 1. Knee, 2. Cycles, 3. Alarmed, 4. Spade, 5. Adagio, 6. Daughter, 11. Isolated, 13. Prepare, 15. Gallon, 17. Starts, 18. False, 21. Slog.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 17

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7.

8. Declared, IVF is a true scientific breakthrough ofEncyclopedias, the modern age.

9. Gigs, 10. Minster, 12. Aorta, 14. Corgi, 16.

It has given millions of women the opportunity to have Erasure, 19. Fail, 20. Applause, children that once would not 22. have been an option.

Demonstration.

DOWN: 1. Knee, 3. Alarmed, As stated in the film Joy, having a child is2.aCycles, choice but Spade, 5. Adagio, 6. Daughter, 11. Isolated, for thousands, it is not. So why4. is it wrong for science to 13. Prepare, 15. Gallon, 17. Starts, 18. False, give options to many more women?

21. Slog. Years ago, this film would have been a showcase of the power of science and SOLUTION TO SUDOKU a happy story of the advancement of reproductive care.

ON PAGE However, in 2024 it is a stark reminder of XX a past that is echoing to this very day. Joy has a pro-choice message.

Even though the choice is around having a child or not. It is easy to see the parallels between the challenges faced by the development of IVF to what is currently happening with abortion.

We see many scenes of the doctors explaining that is IVF just like false teeth; it’s not a sin and that IVF would destigmatise the idea that women who cannot have children are lesser than those who can. What was achieved

by Jean Purdy, Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe was nothing short of a marvel and this film perfectly and thrilling showcases that.

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

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With wonderful performances Disclaimer:

by Thomasin Mckenzie, The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss short or damage caused James Norton and Bill Nighy, Joy is nothing of a great error in the printing of an advertisement. film. While tackling a very real by issue it’s also very easy to We do not endorse any advertisers in watch and flies at a brisk pace. worthy All watch. thisA publication. material is accepted

for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication Available to watch on NETFLIX may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

House, Kirkton North, Livingston, The Film Review is contributedGeddes

by Robert Ewing. Robert West Lothian EH54 6GU. is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light Magazine Design: on films that may not be on people’s radar.

Robert is from Alan Stewart Design Kirknewton.

T: 07729 911858

Where to see Santa

He’s a busy man and most places require advance bookings! If you have not yet booked, check these local venues for availability!

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Winchburgh Christmas Tree Light Switch On Entertainment from school and community choirs, Santa Claus and a selection box for every child.

Mulled wine, mince pies, treats and refreshments.

From 5.00pm, in Tally Ho car park, Main Street, Winchburgh .Lights switch on at 6.00pm.

FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER Adults Jesmonite Casting Workshop - Have a go at creating a coaster from jesmonite. No experience necessary. Winchburgh Community Centre, 9.30 -11.30am. Free, but numbers are very limited and will be offered on first come first served basis. Book at forms.office.com/e/iuAMhPfbz5 TH

SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER Christmas Amble at Linlithgow Peel - Join a Historic Environment Scotland Ranger for a warming winter amble and learn a bit about some festive plants and animals. 1.00pm – 3.00pm, free. A circular walk around Linlithgow Loch, approximately 2.3 miles in length. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear with good grips, a snack and a drink.

TH

SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER Kirkliston Village Market - A village market serving locals with quality produce and products from independent businesses in and around Kirkliston. Third Sunday of every month, corner of Manse Road/Liston Place, 11.00am – 3.00pm. See kirklistonvillagemarket.com FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER South Queensferry Carol Singing - 6.00pm in Hawthorn Bank Gardens, EH30 9HU. Hot drinks, mince pies, a collection will be taken for the upkeep of the garden. Singing led by the Ferry Blend choir. Organised by GreenFerry.

SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY Kirkliston Community Fridge Birthday Celebration - Join us to celebrate our 2nd birthday as well as the opening of our new home. The Thomas Chalmers Centre, Kirkliston, 10.00am-2.00pm. There will be refreshments, prizes, tombola and some special guests.

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

Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway - Santa Steam Train experience. Santa will meet you on board your round trip to North Pole South (aka Birkhill) and hand out presents.

Entertainment and a seasonal refreshmen included. Weekends through December. £24 per person plus booking fee, information and booking at www.bkrailway.co.uk Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston Full Xmas experience including Elf school, toy workshop, reindeer flying school, cookie decorating with Mrs Claus, Magic Forest journey and meet Santa himself in his living room, includes a gift. £22.70 per child, information and booking at conifox.co.uk The Bridge Inn, Linlithgow - Experience the enchantment of Santa’s Grotto and enjoy a gift from Santa. 23rd December 6-8pm, £15 per child, book by calling 01506 539888 Dobbies Dunfermline or Livingston Magical journey to meet Santa in his grotto.

Daily to 24th December, £12.99 per child, includes a gift. Information and booking at events.dobbies.com Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Meet Santa in his cosy cottage. Fri to Sun through December, £10 per child. 4 minutes with Santa plus a gift. Also midweek Santa for tots and toddlers, and ASN Friendly Santa Visits on selected dates. Details on online booking for all Santa visits at www.almondvalley.co.uk/ whats-on/christmas-events The Centre, Livingston - Santa’s Grotto is nestled at the heart of the giant Christmas Tree near Waterstones. Daily until 24th Dec, includes a gift from Santa. From £6 per child, plus £1.50 online booking fee. Information and booking at www.bookfatherchristmas. co.uk/Livingston House of the Binns, Queensferry - Santa Claus and his elves are visiting the House of the Binns this festive season! Santa will meet you in the Blue Room of the House which will be magically decorated by Santa’s elves.

Gift and seasonal certificate included. £16 per child. Saturdays and Sundays from 7th to 22nd, December, various times, information and booking via eventbrite QUEENSFERRY | 21

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

HAPPY BODY STUDIO - PILATES & FITNESS - Pilates for all: Monday 18:00 & Thursday 9:30am. Kirkliston Community Centre.

Mum & Baby Postnatal Pilates: Thursday 11:0am, Conifox Adventure Park.

Personal Training & 1:1 sessions available. Pilates is a form of movement that emphasises the activation & strengthening of the core muscles. Pilates can help us improve movement, ease general aches & pains & strengthen our core & stabilising muscles. Everyone can benefit from Pilates. Very suitable for beginners. To learn more visit: www.happybodystudio.com FERRY HARMONICS - Singing group for P7-S6 pupils. Singing is a great way to deal with stress, boost your confidence and build new skills in good company. We meet at the Queensferry Parish Church Hall, Fridays 16:00-16:45. Contact susan. mcphail@gmail.com or our Facebook page: ‘Ferry Harmonics’ WINCHBURGH WARRIORS NETBALL CLUB - We are a recreational netball club for anyone over 18. We will support you whether it’s your first time, or it’s been a long time - we got you! Sessions are every Monday 18:45-19:45 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £4 thereafter. If you have any questions, drop us an email info. winchburghwarriors@gmail.com.

ABERCORN CURLING CLUB Play weekly on Tuesday evenings at Kinross Ice Rink from September - March with league games and competitions to take part in. All ages and abilities welcome, from beginners to those who’ve curled before. No equipment needed for beginners. Transport can be provided. Fancy a go? Taster sessions can be arranged. It’s active, social and fun. For more information contact abercorncc@gmail.com YOGA - Whilst moving our bodies in a way that feels good is important, it’s not the only thing that can improve wellbeing. In this Yoga class there will also be breathwork, discussion, meditation and more. It’s not some obscure practice that only the limber and enlightened can do, this is for everyone who has an urge to connect

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with themselves and their community.

9am Saturdays, Thomas Chalmers Centre, bookwhen.com/ramyoga.Pay as you feel - £1-£10 per class CLEANFERRY - CleanFerry is a group of local volunteers dedicated to reducing the amount of litter in and around South Queensferry and Dalmeny. Evidence shows that cleaner environments have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and more widely benefit the community.

Whether you want to do meet new people, do something with friends, gain credit for your Duke of Edinburgh or simply feel good about helping the community CleanFerry is keen to welcome new volunteers. If interested email cleanferry2@gmail.com SOUTH QUEENSFERRY BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Thursdays 9.30am – 11.30am at the Church Hall on The Loan, SQ. Mums, Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all welcome. A small fee of £3.00 is payable to cover the rent of the hall, snack for little ones and tea/coffee for the adults. Just turn up, or for more information join the Facebook group, search “South Queensferry Baby and Toddler Group” WINCHBURGH ART CLUB We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall.

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk FRIENDSHIP CLUB - A friendly group that meets at the residents lounge at 40 Shore Road, Queensferry to enjoy various entertainments eg. quizzes, games, occasional guest presenters and tea/coffee/delicious cake. First Wed of each month, 2.00-3.30pm. £2 per meeting. For more information contact Lorna Russell on 0131 331 5570 or email lorna.russell@qccc. org.uk WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help.

We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh

Primary School (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN - A volunteer garden team that maintains local areas through weeding and planting, as well as special projects. The group also enjoys tours, social outings and events together. Contact Neil mckinlayassociates@hotmail.co.uk KIRKY CRAFTERS - Meet new friends and explore your creative side. Meet Thomas Chalmers Centre, The Square, Kirkliston. Fortnightly on a Monday except July and August.

For more information please contact Ann on 0131 333 1834 or email ann_denholm@btinternet.com SUPPER CLUB - Run by Queensferry Care, for people with a diagnosis of dementia, or other cognitive impairment, and their carer. This could be a family member, friend or neighbour. This is a unique service in that we support both the carer and the cared for person. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal at The Haven (Queensferry) or a local restaurant. For information contact mail@qccc.org.uk KIRKLISTON LUNCH CLUB - Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Kirkliston Community Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Rd, Kirkliston EH29 9AQ. It is for any older person who’d like to meet and eat with others.

The cost is no more than £5. Run

by Queensferry Care, for more information please contact mail@ qccc.org.uk KIRKLISTON KNITTING GROUP - From beginners to experienced knitters. Meet at Kirkliston Library on Mondays 1.30pm. 16 Station Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9BE

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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