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Bathgate - news
Project looks to tell the tale of Bathgate truck and tractor plant
Organisers of a project to research, record, preserve and tell the story of the Bathgate truck and tractor plant workers are holding an open day at the town's Regal Community Theatre on Saturday 9 October.
At one time, the plant employed up to 7,000 workers.
2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the coming of the plant to Bathgate and the 25th anniversary of its closure.
"At this stage we are trying to let as many people and organisations know about the project and to encourage former workers and those interested in researching the history of the plant or who have other information to share to come to our open day, said Elizabeth Bryan, area tutor organiser with Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Area Workers' Educational Association.
The open meeting takes place from 10am to 12.30pm.
Community fayre at Wester Inch
Wester Inch Community Fayre takes place at Simpson Primary School from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 4 September.
As well as offering a fun day out for the family, the event provides an opportunity for people to learn more about what's going on in the area.
Activities include a DJ and live music from local talent, the chance to take a health MOT, fun and games, an opportunity to win some prizes and craft and home baking stalls.
For younger visitors, there will also be story reading, bounce and tickle reading event for toddlers, face painting, the library bus and even a fire engine.
Information will also be available on some of the many new projects in the pipeline for the town, including the new train station.
Enterprising Bathgate will also be on hand to represent local businesses and show the major improvements planned for the town centre, while council staff from a variety of services will also be available to advise in areas such as recycling, the environment, advice shop, trading standards and much more.
A number of Bathgate societies, organisations, and clubs, Bathgate Regal Theatre and Bathgate Volunteer Centre are also attending to showcase their work.
Organisers are also looking for donations for the main raffle. Anyone looking to donate should contact 0787 928 3397 or 0790 954 7673.
Town centre improvements
St David's Square and Steelyard public realm works are progressing.
A wi-fi zone feasibility study is currently underway through Enterprising Bathgate Ltd. Signage strategy will be implemented in late summer.
A Premises Improvement Scheme is underway through Enterprising Bathgate Ltd.
Fab time had by all
The exchange, based in Beinrode, in the Eichsfeld area of Germany provided the opportunity for all to understand the culture and history of the area.
The programme was interesting and stimulating and also involved a lot of fun.
The main issue for all young people with and without a disability was to understand the different languages. Music, video and interactive sessions helped all understand each other.
Planning is already underway for a visit to Poland in July 2011.
Community Learning at Bathgate Community Centre
Welcome to Computing: a basic introduction to using a Computer, course normally lasts for 10 weeks with sessions being 2 hours long. A Certificate is awarded at the end of this Course
Using Spreadsheets: an SQA certificated Course, which covers the basic skills in using Spreadsheets, including Formulas, Formatting and practical applications of Spreadsheets. Those who enrol in this course should be able to demonstrate basic skills in using a computer.
Word Processing: an SQA certificated Course which covers the main features of Microsoft Word, including page set up, formatting text etc. Those who enrol in this course should be able to demonstrate basic skills in using a computer.
Monday: Welcome to Computing 1- 3.30pm; Using Spreadsheets 7- 9.30 pm
Tuesday: Word Processing 1 - 3.30pm
Wednesday: Welcome to Computing 1 - 3.30pm; Welcome to Computing 7 - 9.30pm
Thursday: Using Spreadsheets 1 - 3.30pm; Word Processing 7 - 9.30 pm
We also offer a Friday Morning Drop In session from 10 - 12 for Learning Support and computer problem solving.
Bite Size Learning :
Fun Courses in learning how to get the best out of your computer, such as Digital Photography, Downloading Music, Using Social Networking sites, such as Facebook, Designing Newsletters & Calendars, Basic Website design and construction. These courses usually take place over two 2-hour sessions.
ESOL - Basic help with English as a second language for those wishing to learn or improve their English.
We currently have some vacancies in Bathgate, Broxburn and Livingston for this Course.
These Courses are offered free of charge, and anyone interested in taking part should register their interest by telephoning our Freephone Number. 0800 121 4695 or email: cbal@westlothian.gov.uk
PC Passport is offered by West Lothian College at the following venues:
Bathgate community centre, Monday 9.30 am; Armadale community centre, Tuesday 1-4pm; Whitburn community centre, Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm
For further information on enrolment call 01506 427602 or 427547. These classes may be subject to cancellation depending on numbers.
Area winners announced in gardening competition
Judging of West Lothian Council's annual Gardens' Competition has been completed for this year and the area winners selected.
The winners for the Bathgate area are: 1 - Mr John Kennedy, 33 Whitelaw Drive, Bathgate. 2 - Mr and Mrs McPhillips, 27 Marmion Road, Bathgate. 3 - Mr Ian Keith, 138 Falside Crescent, Bathgate.
The winners of the best flower garden, best vegetable garden, best Livingston garden, Oatridge College Award and the West Lothian Gardener of the Year title will be announced at the prize giving ceremony on Friday 5 November at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow.
Volunteers wanted for tidy-up
The Keep Wester Inch Village Tidy campaign is organising a half-day for volunteers to help clean and tidy the village from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 11 September.
Volunteers will be supplied with gloves, aprons, bin bags etc.
The meeting point for the tidy-up is the community notice board opposite Simpson Primary School.
Refreshments will be available. Please email us if you wish to volunteer.
Anyone wanting to help should email westerinchassoc@googlemail.com
Stephanie reaches out for help with fundraiser
A young Bathgate mum is holding a fund-raising charity masquerade ball in aid of Reach - a charity that supports children with upper limb abnormalities.
For Stephanie Tennant's eight-month-old son Daniel (pictured above) was born with a similar abnormality.
"I was not aware of Reach until he was born," said Stephanie, "and, as you can imagine, this was a hard time for me.
"But the hospital put me in touch with Reach and the help I received was amazing."
Now Stephanie is busy organising the big fund-raising night, at the Cairn Hotel, Bathgate, on Saturday 4 September.
Family and friends have all rallied round to help Stephanie, and her two brothers will be getting waxed on the night in aid of the charity.
Tickets for the ball are selling quite well, but there are still plenty available. And Stephanie is hoping that local companies will donate items for raffle or auction.
"All companies who donate will recieve promotion on the night," added Stephanie.
- Anyone wishing to donate or looking for tickets, can contact Stephanie on stephanie_tennant@hotmail.com
Party in park to launch music festival
A party in the park on Sunday 12 September will launch the Bathgate Music Festival 2010.
The party, in Kirkton Park, includes Boghall Family Fun Day, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and live bands between 12.30 and 5pm.
Bands lined up to play include: Fire and I, Flip Banshee, YAP Music, Columbia, Look Left Again and The Amorettes.
The music festival runs until 18 September
As well as a variety of musical acts at a host of venues throughout the town during the week, 'Live at the Steelyard' on Saturday 18 September, will provide a lively line up of free musical entertainment between 11.15am and 3pm.
All ages are catered for during the week, including babies and toddlers, with Judith Gray hosting a Mini Music Makers taster session in the Regal community theatre on Wednesday, 15 September.
Skerryvore are performing with West Lothian Schools Pipe Band at the Regal community theatre from 7pm on Sunday 12 September. Tickets cost £12 or £9 for concessions .
