West Lothian Council delivers

Community News

 

Welcome to West Lothian's online news service -

Community News.

You can use Community News to tell people in your local community and throughout West Lothian what is happening in your area and publicise your events and initiatives.  We have dedicated pages for your council ward so you will be able to find out what is happening locally.  If you have any news, just email us or phone 01506 774056.  We can also take pictures, although you must guarantee that you have permission from anyone who appears in the picture that it can be published online.

• CLICK HERE (new window) for pictures from Seafield Gala It's a Knockout and pram race
• CLICK HERE (new window) for pictures and video from Polbeth Gala
• CLICK HERE (new window) for pictures and video from Broxburn Gala
• CLICK HERE (new window)  for pictures from Deans Gala
• CLICK HERE (new window) for pictures and video from The Marches
• CLICK HERE (new window) for Livingston Village Gala pictures
• CLICK HERE (new window) for East Calder Gala pictures
• CLICK HERE (new window) for Bathgate Procession pictures
• CLICK HERE (new window)  for Parkhead Gala pictures
• CLICK HERE (new window) for Mid Calder Gala pictures
• CLICK HERE (new window) for Deans Community High School 'Fairwell' video

It's a knockout at Seafield

The weather held up on Thursday evening, 2 July, for Seafield Gala It's a Knockout event.

Young and old enjoyed the event, which helps get everyone in the village in the mood for the gala day on Saturday, 4 July.

This year's theme is American Independence Day.

CLICK HERE (new window) for pictures.

West Lothian artist makes an exhibition of himself

Linlithgow artist Leo du Feu is exhibiting his works at the Waters of Scotland exhibition, which runs from 3 July to 25 September.

The solo exhibition can be viewed at the Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House, 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Leo, from Linlithgow, was awarded a 2010 ROSL Arts Commonwealth Travel Scholarship.

He graduated in 2006 with a BA(Honours) Drawing and Painting Degree from Edinburgh College of Art. Since then, leo has painted full time, helped by a Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust start-up grant.

Next year, he plans to travel to Canada, thanks to a prestigious Royal Over-Seas League Arts Commonwealth Travel Scholarship.

Examples of Leo's work can be seen on his website, www.leodufeu.co.uk (new window)

Royal train driver celebrates diamond anniversary

Former train driver George Murphy, who drove Her Majesty The Queen from Edinburgh to Glasgow, celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary with wife Emma on Wednesday, 1 July.

George received a £10 bonus for transporting his royal passenger, on 29 July 1986.

Transport was the link between George and Emma. Whilst he worked on the railways, she worked as a bus conductress.

Emma, from Armadale, and George, from Uphall Station - where the couple now live - were married on 1 July 1949 in St Anthony's Church, Armadale. "There wasn't a cloud in the sky," said George, "it was a glorious day."

Emma and george have a son and daughter, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

And their recipe for a long and happy marriage? "Happiness," said George. "Never go to bed on an argument," suggested Emma.

The couple, who asked people not to give them presents but instead make a donation to CHAS, were presented with flowers by Provost Tom Kerr. They presented a cheque for £977 to CHAS.

Happy anniversary for housing association

A West Lothian housing association is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Almond Housing Association plans to involve tenants, schools, committee and staff in a number of activities.

A garden competition is planned, with judging due to take place in August.

Police appeal to local community for help

Police are appealing to the local community for help in solving an incident in Bathgate About 11.30am on Wednesday, 1 July.

A 65- year-old woman, who had returned to her car in the Tesco car park, was approached by two males, asking for directions.

They placed a map over the passenger seat where the woman's handbag had previously been placed. later, she discovered her purse was missing. On contacting her bank, transactions had already been made.

Both suspects are described as seeming to be of Mediterranean origin. One was slimly built aged between 45 and 50 and with dark hair. The other is described as aged between 40 and 45 and of medium build. They had a dark-coloured car.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, should contact Bathgate police station on 01506652323, or call Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800555 111.

They're all winners

Aaron Sneddon from St Nicholas Primary School, Broxburn, won a competition to design the 2009 Christmas Card for the Young Scot team.

Aaron was presented with a laptop computer for his efforts.

The competition was one of three organised by the Young Scot team, who visited 65 Primary Schools in West Lothian to talk to youngsters.

Katryna McLeod, from Linlithgow Bridge Primary School, won a competition to find two piggy banks hidden in The Centre, Livingston. John Alan, from Croftmalloch Primary School, won a competition to design a tent. He was presented with  a tent from Millets, in The Centre, Livingston.

The local Young Scot website address is: www.youngscot.org/westlothian (new window)

Nothing fishy about catch

The fish of the month at beecraigs Loch was a triploid rainbow  trout, weighing in at a massive 9lbs. 13ozs.

It was caught by B. Muirhead fishing with Bathgate British Legion angling club.

Bookings and enquires can be made at the Park Centre on 01506 844516.

Happy homecoming for Robert

An Armadale man who left his hometown 40 years ago has returned for the first time since leaving.

Robert Baird returned for a visit as part of the Year of Homecoming.

His wife, Carol, is visiting Armadale for the first time ever.

Both have enjoyed the visit, particularly the gala day. "A lot has changed, but a lot is still the same," said Robert.

Carol's been busy taking pictures of everything during her visit. "I've had to get myself another memory card, as I've been taking so many photographs," she said.

The couple were presented with a small memento of their visit by Provost Tom Kerr. Also pictured is former Armadale councillor Jim Sibbald.

Small in numbers but big in enthusiasm

One of West Lothian's smallest villages, Longridge, celebrates its 100th anniversary gala this year, on 29 August.

Armed Forces flag presented to local TA

The flag which was flown at West Lothian House to  mark the first Armed Forces Day was presented to the local TA on Monday, 29 June, by provost Tom Kerr.

Provost Kerr handed over the flag to Frank McCue, President of the Livingston Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Armed Forces Day will now become an annual day to celebrate the work of the Armed Forces community.

Two local cadets were chosen to raise the flag at West Lothian House, as representatives from the Armed Forces and the TA in Bathgate and Livingston looked on, alongside Provost Kerr, Councillors Carl John, Robert de Bold and John Cochrane.

CLICK HERE (new window) to access the Armed Forces Day website.

Busy gala weekend

It was another busy gala weekend in West Lothian, with Polbeth, Whitburn and Winchburgh galas all taking place.

And on Sunday night, 27 June, Seafield Gala Week sprung into action with its annual pram race.

Fancy dress was much in evidence at all the galas.

The first round of the gala season finishes on Saturday, 4 July, with Seafield Gala Day. the theme this year is American Independence Day.

This week's speed camera locations

Mobile speed cameras will be operational at the following locations in West Lothian during the week beginning Monday, 29 June:

A89 Armadale; A706 Longridge; A706 Cairnie Place, Whitburn; A899 Deer Park; A899 Lizzie Bryce and A71 Polbeth.

Pupils are fit for a queen

Youngsters in West Lothian are on the ball when it comes to Europe. 

Pupils from St Joseph's RC Primary in Linlithgow, who won the local West Lothian heat of Euroquiz 2009, represented the area at the national final in the Scottish Parliament.

And Mid Calder Primary School won a national poster competition.

As part of their prize, the Mid Calder pupils, their teacher and the council's International Partnerships Officer will now attend the Scottish Parliament's 10th Anniversary Event on Wednesday 1 July - an event at which Queen Elizabeth II will be in attendance.

To recognise the achievements of the pupils who represented West Lothian in both the quiz and the poster competition, they were invited, with their class teachers, to a special lunch in the newly reopened Howden Park Centre.

Surprise in store at Murrayfield variety show

Murrayfield Primary School, Blackburn, proved they could put on a variety show to compete with the best, when they held their end-of-term event on Wednesday night, 24 June.

But there was a real shock for the pupils - and parents - when Britain's Got Talent finalist Andy Muir made a surprise appearance at the end of the show.

Andy's appearance had been kept a closely guarded secret from the pupils. The singer, from Fauldhouse, was kept busy signing autographs from excited pupils, long after the variety show had finished.

"I was delighted to take part," said Andy, who is considering a career move to London.

Loch photography is now music to Martine's ears

One woman's bid to picture Linlithgow Loch every day of the year is continuing apace.

But now, Martine Stead is set to add a musical accompaniment.

For she's also working on bringing out a DVD of her photographs, set to the tune of 'Linlithgow Loch' written by Bob Proudfoot.

Martine also managed to capture her first rainbow over Linlithgow Loch, after seven months of taking pictures. CLICK HERE (new window) to view the picture

"The loch has been very busy," added Martine,  "new cygnets and coot chicks hatched in the first couple of weeks of June. I was astonished at how 'fully formed' they are when they hatch - out of the egg and into the water, little feet paddling and fuzzy heads bobbing, no messing about."

Motorists advised of overnight road closure

The B7015, from the junction with Howden South Road, Livingston, to the junction with Calderpark Road, Mid Calder, will be closed for bridge repairs overnight from 8pm on Monday 6 July.

The road will re-open again at 6am on Tuesday 7 July.

Alternative routes are available via Howden South Road, Almondvale Boulevard, Almondvale Drive, Almondvale Road, A899 Livingston Road and B8046 Calderpark Road.

Fun day goes down a treat at Howden Park

The family fun day at Howden Park was enjoyed by young and old alike.

The event was to celebrate the re-opening of Howden Park Centre.

Activities included kite-flying, live bands, break dancing, live theatre and African drumming.

Despite all the activites, there was still time for a little rest for these members of Sambalistic.

Bridge to close for six weeks for essential repairs

A West Lothian bridge will be closed for six weeks from Monday 22 June, to allow essential repair work to be carried out.

Polbeth bridge carries an unclassified road, Polbeth Road, over the West Calder Burn.

For safety reasons, Polbeth Road will be closed at the bridge to allow full refurbishment works to be undertaken.

In order to take advantage of the the road closure, improvements will also be undertaken to the road surfacing either side of the structure.

Signs will be placed notifying the public of the diversion routes.

Prize winning pupils pick up 20 awards

Pupils at Knightsridge Primary School picked up 20 awards in the Relationships Scotland's My Family design competition.

Relationships Scotland invited primary school children from all over the country to make a picture of My Family.

Thousands of entries were submitted, and prizewinners chosen to form a travelling exhibition to mark Families Day 2009.

The pupils were presented with their prizes at the Scottish Parliament by broadcaster and journalist Kaye Adams.

The three age-group winning pictures are turned into free postcards for Families Day, which are being distributed by Ikea in Edinburgh.

Two of the postcards which will accompany the exhibition have been designed by Knightsridge pupils.

Tennis on the menu for Olwyn

Pupils at a West Lothian school will be glued to Wimbledon for the next two weeks.

For a home economics teacher at Inveralmond Community High School is taking part in her 25th consecutive Wimbledon.

Olwyn Roy is one of the sport's leading umpires.

She officiated at the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal epic final in 2007 and also at last year?s ladies final.

Although the pupils at Inveralmond are generally well behaved, Olwyn?s teacher skills are good training for keeping top class tennis players in line. But she reckons that today?s players are much better behaved anyway than their counterparts of yesteryear.

Her hero is Roger Federer, and Olwyn umpired his first ever grass match in Britain when he was just 16 years old. ?But I didn?t spot his potential,? she laughed.

Olwyn, who continues to also play tennis three or four times a week, said she wished to thank the pupils and staff at Inveralmond for all their support.

Everything in the garden is lovely

Staff from SKY TV have helped transform part of the garden at Colinshiel Court housing with care development, Armadale, into an eco-friendly area.

The work was carried out under the auspices of the Global Action project.

Along with Tom Wallace, from the project, staff from SKY spent three days carrying out the work. And it was all done using local produce.

"The garden is lovely and they have done a great job," said Lynne McDougall, manager at Colinshiel Court.

Eco prize guys at primary event

The winners of the Howden St Andrews and Toronto Primary School Eco House awards were presented with their prizes by the Leader of the Council, Peter Johnston.

Becca Grant was winner of the event, which promotes environmental awareness. The runner-up prize went to Ronnan Isdale

The competition is an annual event sponsored by Howden Community Council.

The Council Leader said: "I would like to congratulate the Howden Community Council for their continuing sponsorship of this event which promotes environmental awareness but also brings our two local schools together.

"I was also very impressed by the knowledge the children displayed and congratulate all of them and their teachers for the hard work they have put into the competition.

"Special congratulations to our two winners Becca and Ronnan."

Baby classes are a sign of the times

A young West Lothian mum has combined her fascination for sign language with bringing up her baby daughter and running a business.

Kerry Laurie, from Kirkton, Livingston Village, runs the Babysigners teaching network in West Lothian and east Edinburgh.

"I've always been interested in sign language since my husband signed me up for a British Sign Language course," said Kerry, whose daughter, Gracie, celebrated her first birthday just recently.

"I also wanted to be with Gracie, so I looked into franchising."

After a period of training, Kerry is now running babysigning classes at Bathgate community centre, as well as Livingston and Edinburgh.

"The classes are small and friendly," explained Kerry, "typically about eight parents and their babies and are more like a playgroup than a lesson, with songs, puppets and stories to keep it all fun."

Kerry said the signs are just as easy for babies to learn as waving, clapping and pointing. "Using sign language is a wonderful way to communicate with your baby before they develop sufficient control over their voice to talk," she added.

Now babies as young as six months old are learning to communicate before they can speak a single word.

Kerry's newest class started at St Mary's Church Hall, Bathgate, on Friday 26 June. Anyone interested in signing up for the class can contact her by e-mail on Kerry.laurie@babysigners.co.uk or by phone on 07552 185889. You can also visit the website www.babysigners.co.uk (new window)

Kerry praised Business Gateway West Lothian for their assistance in helping her start her business. "They were a great help," she added, "and still keep in touch with me."

• Business Gateway can be contacted on 01506 777400.

Road partially closed for a day

Polkemmet Road, Whitburn, will close from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday 11 August between the junction with the U19 to the junction with Burnhouse Industrial Estate.

The closure is to accommodate a crane to remove an overhead cable and pylon.

An alternative route is available via Dixon Terrace, Longridge Road, West Main Street and Polkemmet Road. Pedestrians can be escorted through the site when safe.

Fifty not out for Kevin

A West Lothian blood donor has been presented with a silver gilt in recognition of his 50 donations.

The presentation was made to Kevin Martin at the recent blood donor session at West calder.

A silver badge for 25 donations was presented to Stuart MacPherson and Karen Burns. Donors leslie Barnes, Sharon Meek, Harel Size amd Bridget Doonan were presented with bronze badges for their 10 donations.

A total of 109 donations was accepted from the 131 people who turned up to the session.