After the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices to go and anoint the bodyof Jesus. Very earlyon Sunday morning, at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they said to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” Then they looked up and saw that the stone had already been rolled back. So they entered the tomb, where they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe - and they were alarmed.
“Don't be alarmed,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here - he has been raised! Look, here is the place where he was placed. Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter: ‘He is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him, just as he told you.’”
So they went out and ran from the tomb, distressed and terrified. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
After Jesus rose from death early on Sunday, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and told his companions. They were mourning and crying and when they heard her say that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe her.
After this, Jesus appeared in a different manner to two of them while they were on their way to the country. They returned and told the others, but these would not believe it.
Last of all, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them, because they did not have faith and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive. He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.”
After the Lord Jesus had talked with them, he was taken up to heaven and sat at the right side of God. The disciples went and preached everywhere and the Lord worked with them and proved that their preaching was true by the miracles that were performed.
Mark 16 vv. 1 - 20
For this year’s Lenten Bible Study, we opted to use the materials prepared by our friends from the Church of England called ‘Living Hope’; since we need to be reminded that we need not give in to despair and hopelessness but live in hope.
In a world filled with uncertainty – whether through global crises (as we witness now), personal struggles or unforeseen challenges – the season of Easter stands as a powerful reminder that hope is not lost. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not just an event in history; it is a living reality that speaks directly to our fears, doubts and anxieties. No matter how dark our circumstances may seem, Easter assures us that God’s light shines into our darkness.
The disciples knew what it was like to experience fear and uncertainty. After Jesus’ crucifixion, they hid behind locked doors, afraid and disoriented (John 20:19). Their world had been turned upside down but, on Easter morning, everything changed. They saw the empty tomb: proof that death had been defeated and, when Jesus appeared to them, their grief turned into joy. This is the essence of Easter: moving from despair to hope, from death to life.
Many of us find ourselves in similar moments of uncertainty. We may be struggling with loss, financial hardships, health concerns or simply the weight of the unknown and uncertainties in our world bearing down on us. Yet, Easter reminds us that our hope is not in worldly security but in the risen Christ. As 1 Peter 1:3 declares, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This living hope is not just for eternity but for today – it is an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19).
Every one of us faced seasons of uncertainty when we wondered if God was truly at work but time and again, we have seen His faithfulness in ways we didn’t expect. Just as Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), opening their eyes, He walks with us through our uncertainties and fears, reminding us that we are never alone. Easter calls us to embrace this living hope; not just for ourselves but for others. We are invited to be bearers of hope, sharing Christ’s love in a world desperate for reassurance. This might mean offering encouragement to a struggling friend, serving those in need or simply choosing faith over fear in our daily lives. Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in His hands.
This Easter, may we hold onto the promise that Christ’s victory is our victory. May we trust that even in our uncertainty, God is at work, bringing renewal and new life. And may we live as people of the resurrection, proclaiming with joy: He is risen! He is risen indeed! And that is what living hope means.
Café/soup at St Andrews – soup served from 11.30am to 1pm
Art club pm for kids 9 years and over at St Andrews
EVERY THURSDAY
Coffee Morning at Village Kirk
Craft Group at St Andrew’s
EVERY FRIDAY
Friday Club & Cooking Session at St Andrew’s
“Easter is a time when God turned the inevitability of death into the invincibility of life.” – Clarence W. Hall
EASTER SERVICES 2025
Palm Sunday 13th April Joint service. Village Kirk 10.30 am
Holy Week. Monday 14th April 7pm Livingston United Church, Carmondean – Joint Service
Tuesday 15th April 7 pm Kirk of Calder, Joint service
Wednesday 16th April 7pm St Andrew’s Deans
Thursday 17th April 7 pm Village Kirk – Maundy Thursday communion
Friday 18th April 7pm Village Kirk – Good Friday service
Easter Sunday. 20 April
Christian Aid Sunday
Communion 1st June.
8.30am, Outdoor service, Eliburn Park
Breakfast St Andrews. 9am Joint service St Andrews. 10am
11th May
Both places of worship
LIVINGSTON OLD PRAYER LIFE
Recently we have been looking at rejuvenating our churches’ prayer life. We do have our ‘Breathing Space’ on a Wednesday but we are looking to increase our commitments to pray for our community. We have a new Livingston Old Prayer Group on WhatsApp. If you would like to join the group to find out who and what we are praying for, then please contact Jeanette or Nelu. If you have any prayer request, you can add them to tomorrow’s prayer tree in both the Village Kirk and St. Andrew's or let Nelu, Jeanette or Lesley B know and they will update the Prayer Group. You can also send prayer requests to livingstonoldprayer@gmail.com
A REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2024
Due to the sudden and unexpected death of the Rev Gordon Jamieson, our Treasurer, it has been a challenging task to pick up the accounts where he leD them. We are grateful to Jack Pyper who stepped in to help but also members of our finance team and a couple of people from the presbytery finance team, who helped us with puFng the accounts together, especially Rev. Dr Iain May.
Our offerings in 2024 (including tax recovery on GiD Aid) amounted to £79,065, which was a decrease from last year’s £80.395 (this was also due to the fact that we only recovered GiD Aid for three months of the year, due to the death of the Treasurer who was our GiD Aid person). In addiKon, £2,598 was contributed at the Soup Lunches and Coffee Mornings on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We also received two grants amounKng to £2,135 for community projects, most of which was for the Friday Youth Cooking Club, to use for equipment and cooking expenses.
Other sources of unrestricted income included £1,125 from funerals, £1,840 from interest on our two cash accounts, £1,137 from investment dividends and £4,099 from outside groups which used our premises for their acKviKes.
In 2024 the congregaKon received three legacies totalling £25,272.48 from former members of the congregaKon. £18,868.07 from the estate of the late Ian Drummond, £5,904.41 from the estate of the late Winie Easton and £500 from the estate of the late S Wisby. The congregaKon is very appreciaKve of these generous gestures. Total unrestricted receipts amounted to £125,259.
The largest payment was our ‘Giving to Grow’ ContribuKon (formerly Ministries and Mission) of £53,162. As part of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian, our Presbytery Dues were £1,005.
Expenditure on general fabric maintenance was £38,528 (compared with 9,341 in 2023). This was because we were not able to do major maintenance works unKl the Presbytery Plan was approved last year. These included two large expenses: lime washing the Village Kirk and replacing the manse kitchen.
The cost of Electricity and Gas increased to £14,062 (from £7,256 last year). A direct comparison with the 2023 total is not helpful as the same number of invoices were not received in each year.
Other payments increased but were largely in line with previous years.
At the end of 2024 there was a deficit of £12,260 on our receipts and payments to/from unrestricted funds. The reason for the deficit was the cost of the new manse windows and doors, which was taken from the General Fund, leaving the Fabric Fund intact for future fabric projects.
During 2024 the congregaKon was able to organise contribuKons to the following chariKes - £936 to ChrisKan Aid, £532 to Macmillan Cancer Care, £222 to Combat Stress, and £532 to BriKsh Heart FoundaKon.
We express our thanks for our members’ generosity which helps us to con1nue to minister to our parish. This year will be a challenging year as we envisage a larger deficit due to an increase in costs and es1mated reduced income con1nua1on due to the loss of a few members who gave generously. Please con1nue to support the church generously as by doing so we serve God and reach out with the Good News of the Gospel to the people in our parish and beyond.
A TRIBUTE TO SARAH ‘SADIE’ ELLIOTT
Sadie was born on the 11th of February 1943 in Seafield the second youngest child to a family of 13 children. She was educated at Seafield Primary, Livingston StaKon Primary, Redhouse Primary, and then at Lindsay High School in Bathgate and Herriot WaM College, from where she went to Moray House College, Edinburgh, where she qualified as a teacher.
Sadie started work as a Business Studies Teacher at Lindsay High School in 1963 at the young age of 20, not a lot older than some of the students she was teaching. She then went to teach at Bathgate Academy, on to Blackburn Academy and then back to Bathgate Academy where she held posiKons as Assistant Headteacher and AcKng Deputy Headteacher. Sadie reKred from teaching in July 2003 having served for 40 years and three months, with only one week off for a chest infecKon.
Sadie was bapKsed in the Village Kirk where she aMended Sunday School and Bible Class. She joined the Church in 1958 and went on to become a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent for 25 years. She led a Youth Group with Jean Galloway, a fellow teacher and good friend of Sadie, at St Andrew’s Church every Saturday evening for five years.
Sadie was very acKve in our church: she aMended summer missions in Prestwick, Girvan, Ayr and Leven and led a team of summer mission from this church to Oban for 10 years.
Sadie was also Clerk to the Board for seven years and conKnued to acKvely contribute to the work of the Board; perhaps because she was a business studies teacher, she used to regularly ask quesKons about finances.
Sadie became an Elder in 1978, one of the first women Elders in this church and she served the church faithfully, being a diligent Elder and pastor for the members in her pastoral district. In 1980 she became an Elder Trainer, training Elders in the presbytery up unKl a few years ago. She organised Alpha courses and bible study groups here at Livingston Old, unKl last year. She was involved in Holiday Clubs, Messy Church and with chaplaincy work in the schools – Bubble Gum n’ Fluff and Easter Code. She offered support to many by phone, especially during COVID and developed a regular prayer email group which enabled people to pray for one another and we had a lot of posiKve feedback of answers to prayers. She sourced Scripture Union literature and Daily Bread devoKonal material for the congregaKon.
Sadie felt the call to serve the wider church and on the 30th June 1977, she was set apart as a Reader and began to conduct services in churches across the presbytery unKl she had to slow down because of her health. She was a presbytery Elder for many years and elected as Moderator of West Lothian Presbytery for 2006/2007. She was vice-convenor of St Ninian’s ChrisKan Centre in Crieff and led a number of conferences there for Bible Class Groups and Ladies’ Fellowships.
Sadie was a friend to all here in our church: an encourager of many, she was sensiKve to the needs of many, showing love and compassion. She was a great support for me and my family when we arrived here, helping with seMling in and with wise advice.
Sadie loved her family and was very close to all her nephews and nieces who gave her great support. For her 80th birthday, they organised a family gathering that she enjoyed enormously and told everyone about.
With Sadie’s death we have all lost a treasured person but also so much more; we as a church lost a staunch supporter, one that inspired us and helped us focus on our call and mission here; the family lost the last person of the older generaKon but also one that had so much knowledge and was the reference point for many. She will be greatly missed by all.
JESUS WANTS SINNERS
Just as you thought things were obvious
Each time you thought you knew you could explain to us, So as to invite love, trust, excitement, That underneath the everlasting arms is truth. These ENORMOUS words
Outside a dark stone building of forbidding proportions prompt:
‘Did you see that Mum?ʼ
ʼWhat does that even mean?’
‘What does he want them for?ʼ
We explore the options; Nefarious purposes?
To trap other normal people like us? Like County Lines
Are you able to tell me, Now I’m able to read,
Something about the someone whose name I know?
Have we, who maybe understand the context of this massive hoarding, Ever thought someone passing, Not knowing the stories of rescuing lost sheep, Or rejoicing at finding lost treasure, Might run terrified as, perhaps,
‘You only want to shoot us down in flames; Like everyone else does.ʼ
Sue Davies
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WILLIE!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WILLIE GROVES ON HIS 90th BIRTHDAY
Willie Groves was born in Whitburn and attended Whitburn Primary School and Bathgate Academy. He was my late husband’s best friend and they met at the Scouts. It was a church company led by the Minister, Rev W B McMartin, and they spent many camping holidays at Stobo near Peebles. He was also Best Man at our Wedding.
When Willie left school, he started work as a mine surveyor in Polkemmet Colliery, Whitburn but then moved to LDC as a surveyor. After he married, he moved to Howden in Livingston and then later to Millfield, when he transferred his lines to Livingston Old where he is a faithful member and has held many positions.
Willie was a keen golfer and played three times a week at Harburn Golf Club with the “coffin dodgers” and LDC colleagues. He loved his holidays and enjoyed many holidays abroad with his sister; travelling to South Africa and Australia to visit his nephew, Canada, America and many European countries. They also enjoyed cruises. After his sister could no longer accompany him, he went on coach holidays on his own and would also take his car to Harthill to catch the City Link to Buchanan Street Bus Station where he would jump on the first bus leaving for Ayr or Largs!
Unfortunately, a decline in his health and his eyesight, led him to give up his golf and his car and eventually he moved to Sheltered Housing accommodation in Broxburn last year.
He celebrated his 90th Birthday on 8th February with family and friends at a gathering organised by his son, Alan. Willie keeps in touch with what is happening in Livingston Old through the Newsletter (which I read out to him) and the visits from Nelu, Jeanette and other church members. Willie’s birthday milestone was announced in church on Sunday 9th February where those present signed a card and added a special message. He was thrilled when a few members visited next day with the card. He enjoyed listening to the names and messages being read out and was particularly taken by one which said that he was “the best Santa Claus ever!” (this referred to Livingston Old Sunday School parties).
Agnes Mackie
What a privilege to reach 60 years of marriage!
ADer a four-year courtship, during which Kme I did my nurse training and Clive joined the army for a six-year commitment, we were married in StraSord upon Avon Methodist church. Clive was staKoned there and I took a posiKon working in theatre at StraSord General Hospital. One year later, our eldest son Warren was born.
We returned to Edinburgh in 1967 when Clive leD the army. Clive worked as a welder and I did some bank work at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. In 1969 our second son Robin was born.
In 1972 Clive came to work in Livingston where we have made our life. We have always been very family orientated and enjoyed caravan holidays with the boys.
Like all families the boys grew up and leD home to make their own lives. Clive and I then widened our horizons. We were able to travel more and enjoy holidays on the conKnent and in USA and Canada.
During that Kme our family also grew with the arrival of our grandchildren. Many happy Kmes have been shared with them during holidays together plus babysiFng duKes.
We have also been blessed with good health unKl the last two years. During that Kme our family and friends have been supporKve to us . We have so much to be thankful for and know that our ChrisKan faith has guided us through it.
We celebrated our Diamond Wedding with friends and family at Bistro 19 where a great night was had by all. Then we had a second celebraKon on our actual anniversary at our coffee morning with our church family and don't forget our card from the King and Queen. How lucky we have been.
As we move forward, we are now enjoying the delights of our great grandchildren. Our faith has carried us through this journey.
Many thanks to all who joined in helping with our celebraKons; it has been greatly appreciated.
Clive and Grace Millward
LIVING HOPE
I can’t believe that I have made it. It seems like ages ago that I arrived to join you all here in Livingston to start my probaKonary placement and yet, looking back, Kme has moved so quickly. It has been a privilege to get to know everyone, to share life with you and sadly to say goodbye to others I came to know and love. As I reflect on my journey to this moment, there have been highs and lows. God has brought me to this point, a compleKon of my training but there are so many adventures ahead; conKnuing to minister with you and looking forward wondering which parish God is calling me to serve.
We have just started our Lenten Bible studies on the theme of ‘Living Hope’. If we were to look just at the news, we would wonder if there could be any hope. But, as we were reflecKng in our study, our hope is not wishing that things would get beMer but it is grounded in the person and character of God. No maMer how meandering our journey, what circumstances come our way or what hardships we face, we have a living hope. Jesus who came from the Father to live amongst us; to face the same struggles and yet live a perfect life and allow himself to be crucified on Good Friday and rise from the dead on Easter Sunday and promises to return to complete the work he has started.
That same love and power gives us hope. Hope that keeps us on our journey, hope that what we see on the news is not the end of the story and that God will make all things right in the end. That’s the hope that keeps me going when things get tough or uncertain and I pray that this hope will keep you going too.
Jeanette Wilson
SOUP ON SUNDAYS
has been doing a roaring trade over the last few months but we sKll have space at the table if you would like to join us. We are open to the whole community so bring your family, friends and neighbours with you. We are serving a tasty hot bowl of soup and bread from 12.30 - 1.15pm on the last Sunday of each month, except July & December. You will find us in the hall at St. Andrew's, Deans on 29.3.25, 27.4 25, 25.5.25 & 29.6.25. Not only is the soup tasty, it is free; donaKons accepted but not essenKal. The conversaKon and company is excepKonal too. Look forward to chaFng with you there.
Lesley Balaj
FAIRTRADE AT EASTER
COCOA FARMERS
Chocolate is one of the UK’s favourite foods. The farmers growing cocoa, however, do not reap the rewards of its popularity with many experiencing extreme poverty. Together with farmers and businesses, Fairtrade is working for a fairer future.
Millions of cocoa farmers work extremely hard, under gruelling conditions and yet do not earn a living income. On average, cocoa farmers earn just 6% of the final value of a bar of chocolate.
When terms of trade don’t work for cocoa farmers, it exacerbates poverty and contributes to persistent problems like discrimination, exploitation and deforestation, which threaten the future of cocoa farming communities and the future of cocoa itself.
Fairtrade sets social, economic and environmental standards for both companies and farmers and workers. For companies that includes paying a fair price for the produce, for farmers it includes workers’ rights and protection of the environment.
Cocoa farmers are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, through unpredictable weather patterns and new crop-threatening diseases and pests. In addition, due to the poor returns for significant labour, the younger generation are choosing careers outside of farming, which also threatens the future of cocoa.
Only Fairtrade focuses on sustainable pricing, with the safety net of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the additional Fairtrade Premium, going further than any other certification label.
The Fairtrade standards and the Fairtrade Premium are proven to limit the risks caused by the volatility of the market, with farmers more able to develop their businesses and invest in their communities.
This Easter, as we buy our chocolate eggs to remind us of the miracle of the stone being rolled away and new life for everyone else, consider buying a fairtrade Easter egg. These can be purchased at most supermarkets; just look for the fairtrade symbol.
Lesley Balaj
GREEN ENERGY HELPLINE
We support householders in Central and Southern Scotland to access low carbon technologies through tailored advice on the best options for them. This includes advice on sustainable energy technologies for the home as well as on smart meters, tariffs and electric vehicles.
We’ll develop a personalised plan with information, signposting to funding and further support. We also provide guidance on how to get the most out of new measures such as solar panels, heat pumps and more.
Call 0800 008 7766
Fast forward many years.
MY FAITH JOURNEY –WHERE IT BEGAN
This is a liMle insight into how and why I became a member of Livingston Old Parish Church.
My interest in the Church started from a very young age. My whole family would aMend a service every Sunday. This included my parents, grandmother, myself, and younger brother. I can sKll clearly remember how my mother liked us both to be dressed smartly in our kilts.
As we were sKll very young, around 6 years old, we found it difficult to understand the main church service. However, we both very much enjoyed Sunday School, where our grandmother was a teacher. She was also a member of the SalvaKon Army, something we have always been very proud of.
As many of you know, I am a very keen walker and enjoy spending Kme with my dog, Oscar. During many of these walks I would walk past and admire Livingston Village Kirk and the elevated posiKon on which it sat.
Around 8 years ago, it was a Thursday morning during a cold winter’s day. The snow was falling heavily and I happened to be walking past the Kirk, when I noKced it was the weekly Coffee Morning. I decided on a whim to go in for a coffee. On entering, I was met by a very friendly, sociable and welcoming atmosphere.
On arriving home, I started to think of how my morning had turned out, and that my experience was something similar to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
Two months later, I officially became a member of Livingston Old Parish Church.
Larry Nicoll
“The beauty of Easter lies in its message… no matter how heavy the past, a fresh start is always within reach.”
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
As a youngster I was always intrigued by the mystery surrounding The Ark of the Covenant.
The Ark of the Covenant, also the Ark of TesKmony and The Ark of the Lord, was the chest in which were kept the original stone Tablets of Law that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai. Built according to specificaKons dictated by God himself, it was an arKfact of terrible power and awesome presence, someKmes appearing to have a will of its own. Its disappearance is one of the great mysteries of biblical history and there have been numerous, though suspect and ideologically moKvated, claims to have tracked it down.
The Ark was the most holy piece of furniture ever made. According to the book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to build a chest or ark, in which to house the Tablets of Law inscribed with the Ten Commandments and gave very specific instrucKons: it was to be two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide and high. At the Kme of Moses, the cubit was probably the royal cubit of Egypt which was 53 cm, making the Ark 1.3 m long and 76 cm wide and deep, roughly the size of a coffee table. God instructed that the Ark was to be constructed from seKm wood, an expensive and durable kind of acacia, covered with gold and with a band of gold around the rim. Two rods of goldcovered seKm fiMed into sets of golden rings on each side of the chest allowing the ancient Hebrews to carry it with them on their wanderings. When they stopped and made camp, they followed more divine instrucKons in seFng up a tent shrine known as the Tabernacle or Sanctuary. The Tabernacle was a frame of planks and pillars of seKm wood with fixtures of brass, silver and gold, draped with fabrics of linen, goat hair and leather. It could be dismantled and used to help pack the Ark.
The Ark was constructed to hold the Tablets of Law but other items were supposed to be placed in the Tabernacle and, possibly, the Ark itself; golden vessel of manna from heaven and the rod of Aaron which had undergone a miraculous transformaKon. Placed either in or alongside the Ark, was a book of Law wriMen by Moses. When the Tabernacle was finally superseded by the Temple of Solomon, the innermost sanctum, known as the Holy of Holies, was constructed along the same lines. According to the book of Kings, by this Kme the Ark contained only the Tablets.
The last menKon of the Ark was in 623 BC. What happened to the Ark aDer this is a great mystery. One theory is that it was destroyed or carried away by invaders.
Eddie Forde
YOUTH CLUB
The Youth Club meets in St Andrew’s Church on a Friday from 2.00pm unKl 3.30pm and it is for schoolchildren in Primary 5 to 7. On average there are about 12 children aMending each week and they are kept very busy.
With guidance from the volunteers, they enjoy cooking and baking both savoury and sweet items that they have suggested they would like to make. Very seldom do their finished products make it out of the hall as they are eaten as soon as they are ready!
There are also talented volunteers who enjoy sharing their craDing skills with both the volunteers and children. All have lots of fun and plenty of paKence trying to achieve a replica of the sample which they been shown and how to make it step by step.
If you can spare a couple of hours on a Friday aDernoon to volunteer, let Nelu know. You will be made very welcome and can do the cooking, baking and craDing too.
Friday Club meets every Friday from 2 to 3:30 pm in the church hall at St. Andrews. Entry is £1, with an optional tuck shop available for an additional £1. For more information or to register, please email livioldfridayclub@gmail.com.
No matter how long the winter, Easter reminds us that warmth, light, and new possibilities always return.
The passing of Alex McConnell in March was very sad news and our condolences go to Alice and his family. Alex was known to many and had time for all. As a small tribute, I have repeated an article that Alex wrote for the Christmas 2015 newsletter. - Editor
DOES OUR CURRENT SCOTTISH POLICE GIVE A SERVICE? MusingsofanOldVillageBobby
In 1957, I joined the Lothians & Peebles Constabulary which later became Lothian & Borders Police Force and was again expanded to include Edinburgh City Police. My ‘appointments’ were:- a warrant card, a notebook and pencil, a whistle on a chain and a foot-long wooden truncheon or baton. The baton, which I understand was produced by inmates of a Scottish prison who were learning woodworking skills, had a leather wrist strap at the handle end. It was retained in a specially designed pocket on the outside of the right leg of one’s trousers (designed prior to the employment of women in the Force) and the leather strap had to be tucked into the nearby pocket unless needed, as to go about with the strap showing was considered to be a sign of aggression. Compare that, with the appearance of our modern officers, equipped with their belts laden with extending truncheons, hand-cuffs, pepper sprays, tasers, two-way radios and, in some instances, firearms.
I did my initial training at Townhead Gardens, Whitburn - no Tulliallan luxury then - where I was told that I would be required to devote all of my time to the Service: which was, to Patrol, Watch and Guard. My principal duties would be the three P’s viz. the Protection of life and property, the Preservation of peace and the Prosecution (not persecution) of offenders. Quite noble ideals!
I was first ‘posted’ to a large Burgh where the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act 1892 was the legislation used to control the conduct of local citizens. An old widow, who allowed her chimney to catch or be on fire, could be fined two shillings and six pence at the Burgh Court!
The officer-in-charge of the Burgh was a Chief Inspector; a tall, elegant man who looked and was, a very capable person. During the ‘Honest Lass and Lad’ festivity, he instructed me to accompany him to prepare for a parade. We had not gone far when he discovered he had left his soft brown leather gloves on his desk and asked me to “nip back and get them”. Anxious to do well, I ran back to the office and retrieved them. He thanked me and then said, “Alex, officers in uniform don’t run. It’s not dignified; they just walk briskly” Another lesson! Times though, were about to change because, within a couple of months, Edinburgh City Police began exhibiting posters depicting a shadowy figure being pursued by a running policeman, with the caption, “Watch out, there’s a thief about”.
It was also at this station, where I encountered a ‘couthie’ old Sergeant, who was nearing his retirement. Although there was no way of knowing it then, I was later to occupy the County Station where he had served for a few years before being promoted. Unlike most of the other associates, who normally looked at the front or sports page of their newspaper first, I saw that he went straight for the ‘Deaths Column’. I suggested that was a morbid kind of attitude but he replied, “Och man! You sometimes see a good job going here before it gets advertised”.
On another occasion, he had honoured me with his company on patrol of my beat, shortly after I had returned from second year training at Polkemmet. A new pedestrian crossing had just been installed there and, as we approached the location, I saw that a platform lorry was parked within the studs (before zig-zags), while the driver was carrying bags of potatoes into a nearby shop. Having just learned allabout the crossings at the Training College, I accosted the driver and noted his particulars along with the details of his lorry and its position. Just
then, the Sergeant intervened and pointed out to the lorry driver that he would just have to park his lorry a wee bit farther along the street next time. As we walked away, I asked if it would be alright to include him as corroboration for my report. He chuckled a bit and then said, “Nah, Nah, lad! He’ll no dae it again; besides, he’s jist a working man like oorsells”. Humanity at work? There were no ‘quotas’ operated then.
My next ‘posting’ was as Junior Constable to a county location which had two hazards in the form of the Chief Constable’s son and family residing there, as well as the County Convener, who was also Chairman of the then Joint Police Committee.
The Senior Constable was an ex-Navy man who had received lashes as a punishment while in the Boys’ Service. His attitude to punishment for crime was, emphatically, the birch and the rope; he used to say that he would have been prepared to administer them if they could not get anybody else to do it.
I had three Senior Constables during the 7 years I spent there but as he was a Hearts supporter and I went to Easter Road then (famous five and all that) we accommodated each other very well, depending on which team was playing at home.
My next Senior Constable caused some consternation in the village, as he was the first Roman Catholic to have been posted there. His cousin played midfield for the ’Hibees’ then and he often got a complementary ticket which meant I only got to Easter Road on my days off. Otherwise, I found him to be a very good workmate and, in my view, a good policeman. He was quite pious about his religion as was emphasised by some incidents.
The local Masonic Lodge held their meetings on a Friday evening and, since the local butcher was a prominent member, they always had excellent steak pies for their tea. The pies were heated in the entrance hall and there was a tradition that they included two pies in case the passing policemen looked in on their rounds. I took my new companion up the stair to introduce him and, as normal, we were proffered a steak pie each. My companion checked his watch and then politely asked if they could keep it warm for half an hour or so. He was not allowed to eat meat on a Friday but we did go back after midnight and he conceded that the pies were really exceptional.
On another occasion, we met to begin our patrols, as we had two golf clubs, two explosives magazines, two pubs, a post office and numerous shops on the beat. He was an immaculate dresser and I noticed a smudge on his forehead, just below the peak of his cap. I drew his attention to the ‘smudge’ and, as I reached to wipe it off, he recoiled indignantly saying, “That stays”. He had been to the Ash Wednesday Service earlier in the evening.
About this time, we were plagued by a ‘knicker knocker’ i.e. someone who stole items of ladies underwear off the washing lines. I made arrangements for a woman who had a teenage daughter, to put something tempting out on her line as her house backed on to an open field that was bounded by the Union Canal on one side, woodland next to a quarry at the back and the main road at the top of the hill which gave a bit of light. We had slipped into the house just as evening was approaching and took up position in the kitchen where we could watch out of the window. The lady, being of a benevolent disposition, came through with cups of tea for us, along with pieces of chocolate sponge she had obviously made especially for the occasion. I was just scanning the sponge to see what the biggest bit was and managed a look out of the window when, Consternation! There was the clothes rope bobbing up and down with the pillowcases and towels intact but only the pegs hanging where the lingerie had been on display. We scrambled out as quickly as we could and made quick checks all around, as well as a look about the street for anyone with lace hanging out of their pockets. It was to no avail! We sheepishly returned to apologise for allowing the loss of the garments but also had time to finish the chocolate sponge.
Although it was a bit of an embarrassment, I encouraged the lady to tell people what had happened and, for some time, no more washing was stolen as the culprit became aware that we were prepared to set traps for him.
My next Senior Constable was a bit of a trial. I became dissatisfied with the situation and was negotiating a transfer to another Force when I was offered a move to a single man station, which I promptly accepted. I had never heard of the recent phenomenon of ‘multitasking’ but, in those days, a policeman performed several functions that seem to have been abandoned now. I dealt with lost and found property, stray dogs and often acted as a Citizens Advisor, as a policeman was thought to be a clever sort of chap. I served summonses and citations, frequently helping the recipients to write letters pleading guilty. I was also the local authority’s ‘Diseases of Animals’ Inspector, with responsibility for issuing movement licences for animals going out of my area and also checking the arrivals of those from other areas. My wife and I were heavily involved with other prominent residents in organising an O.A.P. Association, Gala Committee, Annual Flower Show and a Youth Club.
Since the U.S.A.F. had a Base on my beat with housing for families in the village, I had to deal with quite a few Alien Registration Certificates, as wives and children fell into that category. The ‘Yanks’ were very fire conscious and had a number of fire-hydrants installed in their housing complex with strict prohibitions on parking vehicles nearby. There was no Scottish legislation to cover this but woe betides any of their own personnel who violated these rules. Another benefit derived from their presence was, as some personnel were housed in a small village off the A70 road which was prone to blockage by snow in the winter, they maintained a large ‘Mac’ snowplough which kept the road open as required. The local roads department certainly missed that service when they left.
The ‘Base’ was put to good use after the Yanks left, as the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders were reformed there when the Northern Ireland disturbances took place. They were followed by the Black Watch, who created the name ‘Ritchie Camp’ after a former officer of distinction. When the military left the area, the police station was also closed. The official reason given was, ”Increased efficiency through centralisation” and the village was thereafter policed from a town five miles away.
I then served for 5 years as a Detective Constable before promotion to uniformed Sergeant, being quite proud to be allocated the identification ‘F1’.
I served for 30 years and enjoyed most of the time in country areas where I was conscious of being in a position to mainly help the people there. Very few of the changes I saw introduced were, in my view, an improvement. Now I look at the men and women doing ‘the job’ and do not envy them their task while conceding that I wouldn’t be able to do it now. I would still have the desire to go and talk to the folk about their complaints; not just ‘give the place a ‘fly-by’’ in a vehicle. They do not appear to have the time or the personnel to give the service as I did.
Alex McConnell Police Sergeant (Retd.)
FESTIVE COFFEE MORNING AT THE KIRK
I would like to share the very happy and festive faces at the Village Kirk Thursday Coffee Morning. Crackers, party hats, mince pies, cakes, tea & coffee and lots of other yummy delights made this a very happy occasion.
Santa even paid a visit and handed out gifts to us all courtesy of “Home Instead”
A big thank you to our “Barista’s” for keeping us supplied with coffee and tea . A great time was had by all.
Irene Gallacher
THE FEAST THAT REFUSES TO KEEP STILL
Readers may be forgiven for believing that this has to do with eating cheese at bedtime - a surefire way to cause a far from peaceful night's rest.
No, it's not that, as I will attempt to explain. Quite a few years ago there used to live a couple in ‘The Danders’; four cottages knocked into one just outside the gate of the Old Manse. The pair were doctors in the medical sense but the wife was also a ‘DD’, a Doctor of Divinity. They were, of course, the Stewarts; well-remembered by older members of the congregation and stalwart members of the Livingston Old Parish for many years.
Quite often, Margaret Stewart would lead our Worship when Ewing Smith was a visiting Minister at another Kirk or on holiday and one such occasion I recall very clearly. We had reached that part of the Service which is devoted to children. I and I suspect many others who are young at heart rather than youthful in years, began to pay extra close attention to what was being said.
Margaret introduced her ‘Time for Children’ by asking a question. This was on a Sunday in March or early April and the question had somehow a topical twist to it. It concerned a particular A.A. Milne character who was beginning to be a bit of a pest to his friends, Christopher Robin et al. Who was it - and why ? No-one answered and there was a lengthy moment of silence which, getting on a touch in years notwithstanding, I thought may be correct. Was it ‘Tigger’ and was it because he was so bouncy ?
It so happened that it was that rumbustious personage that Margaret was thinking about. But why did Margaret ask the question in the first place ? I mentioned March and April a few lines ago and that is the clue! The main Festival of the Christian Year falls in one of those two months but when, precisely, is not the easiest thing to guess unless you know when the Jewish Feast of the Passover falls and this in turn is to do with the timing of the phases of the Moon. The Moon does not stay still, relative to the orbit of the Earth and, of course Tigger does not sit still at any time, You could use up a whole heap of vellum talking about the reasons for Easter to be recognised at different times in different years and so I will just give one simple example. In 2024 Easter Sunday fell on the 31st March but this year it will be a fortnight later. I have read that from an early to a late commemoration can be as much as thirty-five days.
The Council of Nicaea, back in AD 325, tried to fix Easter in one place but not with any lasting success. The Christian Church in the West follows one tradition and the Eastern one, mainly Orthodox and Coptic, follow similarly ancient traditions. It is unlikely that anything will change this. So, we will go on commemorating Easter in one year under summer-like sunshine, and the next with snow on the ground.
Tom Inglis
Faith isn’t about understanding everything but about trusting that Easter’s promise of renewal is always true.
Déjà vu or…………?
For as long as I can recall, I have had one abiding memory. In it I am a child, cradled in the arms of my mother as she speaks to another woman. They are standing on a grassy ridge overlooking a large red brick building with tall chimneys and many windows.
My Perthshire farming ancestors would ‘hum’ and the Ulster Scots would certainly ‘haw’ but I have to confess to being born in England. Blame it on the Army or blame it on the War but there is no denying my birth certificate which gives ‘Place of Birth’as “Moatlands, Brenchley, Kent”. My mother could tell me no more than that Moatlands was a big house commandeered as a maternity home, removed from the threat of bombing in London.
My own research revealed that Moatlands was built in the 19th Century for a Lord Mayor of London and in 1941, it was taken over as a maternity hospital. Post-war it became a night club, was subsequently badly damaged by fire and lay derelict until it was restored as a golf club.
In the mid-80’s, I was driving on business from Suffolk to Hampshire and realised that I would pass close to Brenchley. I turned off and eventually into the village of Brenchley with no clear idea of what to do next. At that point, a signpost indicating “Moatlands Golf Club” caught my eye and I decided to follow the direction indicated. A drive down pleasant leafy lanes eventually brought me to a closed and imposing arched gate surmounted by a coat of arms and, a little further on, the entrance to the Club itself and thus the mansion of ‘Moatlands’..
I found my way to the bar and spoke to the Steward who was very helpful and confirmed that, yes, this was the former maternity home and I was by no means the first person to make that inquiry. He offered to show me the rooms previously used as wards and only lack of time prevented me from taking up his offer; a decision that I now regret. However, I did have enough time for a quick look around the grounds.
Leaving the house, I followed a path leading up to a grassy ridge from which I would gain a good view of the house and its surroundings. Stopping at the top I turned and, looking back, had a view that bewildered me. Confronting me was a red brick building with tall chimneys and many windows – it was the building of my earliest memory! But how could it be? I would have been days – little more than a week-old at most – my eyes barely open! How could I possibly have a memory of the place of my birth? – and yet I did! I do not think I mis-identified the building: my memory was clear and the details unchanging. It is one of those things that defies explanation.
I heard later that the golf club folded and the house was bought by a footballer with deep pockets as a private residence, the greens left to nature. I wonder if, on quiet nights, the sound of babies crying can still be heard?
Barry McKay
A MORAL DILEMMA?
A former NaKonal Convenor of the Church of Scotland's Temperance and Morals CommiMee holidayed annually with his wife in Newtonmore. At this Kme, Newtonmore was a favourite holiday resort for ministers. At this Kme also, the main concerns of the Temperance and Morals CommiMee were drink and gambling and Rev. ‘X’ had been appointed convenor just before he went on holiday.
What a ragging he received from several of his ministerial colleagues with whom he golfed regularly on holiday. Knowing that he enjoyed the occasional sherry, they inquired whether he was going to change his ways or whether they could expect to see a change in the church's policy with regard to drink. "I agree drink is a problem", he said, " but the real curse is gambling. That will certainly be my main concern".
Three hours later, as they were approaching the 18th green, the minister's daughter came rushing out from the clubhouse. "Daddy," she said," you will never guess what’s happened. Mummy has won the jackpot in the one-armed bandit in the clubhouse."
His friends could scarcely restrain a chuckle but her father was not amused. NoKcing his face drop, his daughter said, "Don't worry, Dad. She's not keeping the money. She's buying drinks for everyone.”
From ‘Laughter Lines’ by Rev. James A. Simpson, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
GIFT AID - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows charities to reclaim the tax that you have already paid on your donations through UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax.
All individual donations are eligible for the scheme. We can claim Gift Aid on your offerings made in the last four years and on your future subscriptions.
Q. Will Gift Aid cost me anything?
Gift Aid doesn’t cost you a penny. By agreeing, it means that we can reclaim the tax on your offerings, if you are a UK taxpayer, directly from HMRC.
Q. Are there any hidden charges?
No. Gift Aid is taken from tax you’ve already paid, so there’s no charge to you. It doesn’t affect your tax status either.
Q. Am I eligible for Gift Aid?
To be eligible you must be a UK taxpayer, paying tax on your salary, savings, investments, pensions or capital gains. All these qualify, if the total tax you pay is at least equal to the amount we, and other charities you donate to, can reclaim on your donations.
Q. What if I am a pensioner?
You may still be paying tax on a private pension plan or a savings account or pay Capital Gains Tax if you sell property or shares. You are still eligible if you have paid enough tax during the year to cover your donations (i.e. 25% of the value of your gifts).
Q. How much more will my donations be worth?
For every offering you make, we receive an extra 25% from the government. It also counts for your past offerings up to four years ago.
Q. Do I have to make a declaration for every donation?
No. Once you’ve signed up for Gift Aid you won’t have to do it again. You should however, let us know if your tax status changes.
Q. What if I give through Gift Aid to other charities?
You can Gift Aid all your donations to different charities – you just have to tick the Gift Aid declaration for each charity you support and make sure you pay enough tax to cover them.
Gift Aid Declaration
The Church of Scotland
Name of congregation: _____________________________________________
Donor's Full Name: _____________________________________________
I wish the Congregation to treat all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations. The congregation may also treat donations in the four years prior to this tax year (6th April to 5th April) as Gift Aid Donations.
I confirm that I have paid or will pay an annual amount of Income Tax and/or capital Gains Tax that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities which I support will reclaim on my gifts. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.
Signature of Donor: ..........................................................
Date of signing: .................................
Please give the completed form to the Treasurer
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you move house and change your address, please let us know either by email, post or letting your Elder know.
Email livingstonoldparish@gmail.com
Post
If you change your address, please let the Treasurer know by returning the form below.
