the 60p ISSUE 35 JULY 2015 BLACK bitch Linlithgow’s news by Linlithgow people Travis & Chic... 10% off Party at the Party at the Palace Palace Tickets p12 see page 13
Folk Fae Lithgae, New Hopetoun Gardens, EasyGo Bikes, St Michael’s Flower Festival Plus Complete Health, Linlithgow Rose CFC, Perambulation, House Buying... and lots more! FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE OUR NEW WEBSITE www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk Linlithgow Chiropractic & Massage Therapies Linlithgow Chiropractic can help with: Our professional Massage Treatments: • Back and Neck pain • Sports Massage • Migraine • Deep Tissue Massage & Trigger Point Therapy • Lifestyle, Nutrition & Exercise advice • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Sports Injuries • Myofascial Release • Extremity Joints Conditions and Osteoarthritis • Lower back, Neck, Shoulder and leg massage • Special care for Pregnancy and Children • Cold Laser Therapy - pre/post operation recovery • Mobility check-up for Seniors • Kinesio Taping • Customised Orthotics • Thai Foot Massage
Complimentary Consultations available upon request!
Call us on 01506 844488 Visit us at: 39 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ED Connect with us at: www.facebook.com/LinlithgowChiropractic www.linlithgowchiropractic.com Healthcare for all
Massage for Every Body Let an experienced, professionally qualified what’s massage therapist ease away those aches, pains, stresses and strains… new... Advanced Sports/ WE’VE REFURBISHED! Remedial Massage incorporating myofascial release. Loosens tight muscles, increases flexibility… happiness is homemade! Aromatherapy Massage for relaxation and wellbeing, using Soups, panini, toasties, posh sandwiches, organic oils to energise, balance, calm… baked potatoes, gluten and dairy free cakes, Organic Facials homemade cakes and desserts, ice creams, nourish your skin naturally without synthetic smoothies & juices and speciality teas & coffees. chemicals. Blissful face, scalp, neck massage… Remember to use your Loyalty card. Reflexology based on feet reflexes to enhance relaxation and wellbeing… So friendly.
Pregnancy Massage Open 7 Days. Outside seating relaxing and therapeutic for mum to be. Dogs eat and drink free (outside!) Can help low back pain… SUPPORTING & SOURCING Irene Sandham t. 01506 846799 PRODUCTS LOCALLY email: [email protected] www.massageforeverybody.co.uk t: 01506 843333 3 THE CROSS, LINLITHGOW BENEFIT FROM PARKING AT THE DOOR
2 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 3
[email protected] Electric Bikes – Electric Bikes with Alistair on trial – Health Complete with a smile – footballers Young season great another – new Dodds John in town author Palace at the Party Competition Ticket Discounts and to guide Your Events Local – Lithgae Fae Folk Thorin Elisabet Planning debacle Young Linlithgow Housebuyers? chance! No – Perambulation go again! we around – Race Boat Canal feeling sinking that – Our old favourite Hop Scotch Gardens Hopetoun New Art! – Garden Flower St Michael’s of Light Festival – Palace at the Party line-up the
15 16 17 19 22 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Contents
P5
Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want
LOCAL
100%
P6 Next copy copy Next deadline 2015. 11 Aug The paper we are using is FSC approved. approved. FSC is using are we paper The Planning decision Shock!decision
P14
(electric) bike! bike! (electric) Get on yer
No place for first time buyers time first for No place
Contact the Black Bitch Black the Contact [email protected] advertise: to and editorial For 713024 07767 David Tait, Editor:
– David Shirres 7,8 Page 15 – David Tait, P5, – Martine Stead, Fae - P4 Folk Images Martin – Linda P16 and Lesley, P10 – Dougal Anderson, Sue of P9 – courtesy Find us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter us on Twitter Follow Find us on Facebook, The Linlithgow Community Magazine (aka The Black Bitch) is The Black (aka Magazine Community The Linlithgow
a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO): SCO42542 Organisation Incorporated Charitable a Scottish local news & events. & news local your local magazine with magazine local your Community Magazine - Magazine Community We’re Linlithgow’s Linlithgow’s We’re Folk Fae Lithgae ELISABET THORIN
t is now twenty years since Elisabet Thorin and her “I’ve started doing a bit more with people, which is partner, Gail Boardman, opened up the Line Gallery something I have never really done, partly because I’m in Linlithgow High Street. fairly shy. You need to be confident to approach people. I I’m practising at being a people photographer. Usually The Line is an independent contemporary art gallery, my work involves nature, a lot of ruined houses and showing regular exhibitions of fine and applied arts. atmosphere in nature, I want the before and after in my Exhibiting artists include painters, basket makers, pictures, hinting at something beyond the image itself. I am interested in the intensity, clarity and uncertainty jewellers and photographers. Elisabet herself is a contained within a moment frozen in time.” photographer, something she was first involved in Photography has been a life-long passion for Elisabet and as an eight year old in her native Sweden. she feels she is still learning, whether that is on her travels abroad, to countries such as India, or in the local area. Elisabet graduated at Boras and Uppsala Universities and It is something she would love to devote more time to. was Director of Culture for a large local authority in Sweden, Away from helping to run a busy art gallery and taking before coming to Scotland in 1994. Having run art galleries photographs, in recent years Elisabet has taken up for other people, she always wanted to open up one of her beekeeping and has several hives around Linlithgow. own, a dream she finally realised the following year. “It’s a thing you can do for the environment that isn’t all “It was an adventure and still is”, she told me. “It’s a huge that difficult”, she says, “It’s educational and interesting amount of fun and a huge amount of work and now we are and you learn a lot more about nature.” Unfortunately, doing lots of other things too. We have twelve exhibitions in the poor weather this year has caused some of the hives to a year, for about three to four weeks each. We have staged swarm, which means that the bees have left to find a more so many artists over the years, I couldn’t count them all.” suitable environment. The Gallery has a great reputation for encouraging young Another great passion is taking part in field trials with her artists, as Elisabet explained: English Pointer dogs, Talisker and CJ, and the three of them “A lot of artists, like Lesley Anne Derks, have stayed are well known to dog walkers who go round the loch. with us. We meet them when they’re young, we show them Elisabet loves Linlithgow and feels it is a privilege to live and support them and then they stay with us throughout here. “Linlithgow is great. It suits me size-wise and there their careers. We also help to encourage artists who are lots of activities within easy reach. It’s a small town perhaps haven’t shown for a number of years and surrounded by lots of nature and yet it’s a vibrant town. I really enjoy that.” It’s a really, really nice place to live and I like the people a lot. If you smile, you get a smile back.” An exhibition in June featured a range of Elisabet’s most recent photographs, many of which are a departure from her usual work. Murdoch Kennedy
4 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015
LINLITHGOW ABANDONED? Town Groups Reeling from Lack of Council Support by David Tait, Editor
embers of several town Council – sits on around £350,000 of groups who take an available funds, with town enhancing Mactive interest in the projects approved but little or no development of Linlithgow have been action taken for nearly two years. Sheer left shocked by a recent decision by frustration has caused the departure of West Lothian Council to approve an members who have over many years application to build another out of made exceptional contributions to the centre supermarket on Edinburgh enhancement of the town – how can Road in Linlithgow. lost goodwill be better engaged for The decision seems to fly in the face the future? not only of the Council’s current Local To that can be added the Council’s Development Plan and their own recent refusal to support the Victoria Hall Trust report which concluded that Linlithgow in its efforts over the last two years to did not require additional supermarket have something done with the High capacity but also ignores Scottish Street eyesore and wasted opportunity “Excuse me! Government planning advice clearly that is now the Victoria Hall. Sitting in favouring town centre focused Is this the way the centre of Linlithgow’s Outstanding www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk development. Conservation Area, this structure, always Objections to the siting of the a bit of a misfit on the High Street but to the new development on Edinburgh Road originally funded by the community for supermarket were lodged by the Community community use, has been wholly Council, Civic Trust, Linlithgow neglected for many years when efforts on Edinburgh Business Association and the to invest to maintain and improve it failed to win approval. Linlithgow Town Centre BID as Road?” well as a clutch of town residents. Having regularly canvassed opinion Objectors were worried about the on the High Street and online effect that the new supermarket questionnaires, and with over 420 might have on High Street members, the Trust firmly believes it businesses, with the closure enjoys the overwhelming support of “Even as a one-off decision this of the more centrally placed Tesco the community for action to be taken to regenerate the site and bring a much- would be hugely perplexing another possible consequence. needed “hub” for community activities, but it isn’t a one-off. It follows All objections were swept aside in the including a community theatre/cinema. a refusal by the Council to rush to develop a gap site which, as The present owner having publicly well as being designated for housing, declared a refusal to negotiate, the participate in a “charrette” could well be the last feasible site to add Trust must now consider a Compulsory to give the people of the town car parking capacity near the railway Purchase Order (CPO). Normal a professionally managed station – a need already under supplied procedure is for the relevant Council and which will no doubt be even authority to raise the action but once opportunity to express their greater once electrification of the again West Lothian Council has refused ideas on their town’s future line is complete. to enter constructive discussions with despite over £20,000 of grant the Trust for no reason that would stand Even as a one-off decision this would be funding being available from hugely perplexing but it isn’t a one-off. up to analysis, the Trust having offered It follows a refusal by the Council to to do the bulk of the work required and the Scottish Government and participate in a “charrette” to give the to raise the funds to purchase. Historic Scotland to finance people of the town a professionally When individuals who have freely the project. No financial managed opportunity to express their and willingly given their time for the ideas on their town’s future despite over benefit of the community give up the contribution was even required £20,000 of grant funding being available ghost and resign then something is from the Council, only a few from the Scottish Government and clearly going wrong somewhere. hours of staff representation at Historic Scotland to finance the project. By common consent West Lothian No financial contribution was even Council is considered remote and the event – a wasted, and long required from the Council, only a few disconnected from the town and that overdue, opportunity.” hours of staff representation at the is a situation that surely cannot event – a wasted, and long overdue, continue. With current pressure on opportunity. Council budgets, and more to come, Meantime, the Town Management every town that wants to maintain Group – a forum for discussion and its standards cannot afford to lose action, formed in 2006, comprising volunteers and, more likely, will many local groups and West Lothian need to gain very many more.
Want to comment? Get in touch at: [email protected] 5 A STEEP LADDER TO CLIMB – FIRST-TIME BUYING IN LINLITHGOW...
ast August we bought our first Like anyone purchasing a house, whether house. According to the Council of for the first time or as a well-seasoned home LMortgage Lenders we were average buyer, it was necessary to research the Brits purchasing our first property market in the area and consider what we between the ages of 29 and 33. could purchase within our means. During We were renting in Linlithgow, perfect for our research I was very interested to learn accessing both Edinburgh (where I work) that fifteen new four and five bedroom and Glasgow (where my partner works). houses had been built on East Mill lane We didn’t buy our first property here, but with the luxury Linlithgow newbie in mind, we did purchase in Falkirk. with the home builder’s brochure offering a long list of reasons to buy in Linlithgow. Again, according to the Council of These houses were in the region of £479,995 Mortgage Lenders, first time buyers must (for a four bed), so were out of our price pull together an average of 20 per cent range by a Linlithgow country mile. deposit on their first property with many calling upon the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to offer a helping hand(bag). Driving from the Blackness Road I noted 66 fairly new We were fortunate to be able to put down retirement/sheltered housing a deposit on a house straight away – the flats which were echoed in a result of our frugal younger years and a new development of 41 flats on conviction to be independent. Linlithgow High Street - but During our property search I realised I had another thirty we had initially settled upon the years before we could apply. idea of living in Linlithgow as Scouring through a multitude of internet it is my partner’s home town, sites I read with interest how a planning a fantastic commuter town for application had been lodged for 600 new houses on the Burghmuir site at the north those working in the cities, and east end of Linlithgow, but reading on, that a great place to raise a family. number had fallen to 200. Initially it was And of course it is beautiful, reported that Wallace Land who had lodged and with just about everything the application were looking to build 25 per cent affordable housing from the allocation, you could possibly need on your but this number was more likely to become front doorstep. 15 per cent because a new secondary school in Winchburgh could be on the cards. However, we soon noticed that we were having trouble locating properties which We did come across a two-bedroom ground suited us and within our price bracket as floor flat and submitted an offer. It wasn’t first-time buyers. accepted but instead we purchased a two bedroom house in Falkirk with a garden for Rightmove, the UK’s largest property portal exactly forty thousand pounds less. recently reported that the average price of a property in Linlithgow is £200,283, The decision is still to be made by compared with neighbouring towns - West Lothian Council as to whether Polmont (£120,555) and Falkirk (£124,636), the proposed Burghmuir development with Linlithgow’s property prices matching goes ahead, and with the proportion of closer with those in Edinburgh, at £233,795. affordable housing earmarked.
We visited an impartial mortgage adviser In the meantime we are saving our and went through the fairly vigorous pennies and hopefully, one way or the assessment process to scope what we could other we will make it to the dizzy heights afford, then applied this to our expectations of the Linlithgow housing ladder. in Linlithgow.
Rebecca Bell
6 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 PERAMBULATION OF THE MARCHES, 2015 Photography by David Shirres.
The Perambulation procession in the Peel. The flagbearers lead the way along the lochside path.
he evening of Wednesday 10 Committee, was the participation of June saw Linlithgow’s second the Gala Queen, Dominique Delahunty, T Perambulation of the Marches who ably greeted the leading party event, still very much a new tradition beside the march stone in Rosemount in the making but well on its way to Park. We are also grateful to all who becoming a permanent feature in the acted as stewards at the various road general Marches celebrations. crossings and to David Shirres who once again acted as our ‘official’ Once again in ideal weather photographer. conditions, the people of Linlithgow took a four-mile walk, following as Those who completed the route Piper playing at March Stone No. 4 in closely as possible the 19th century collected their certificates at the West Springfield Road, with newly-planted boundary of the Royal Burgh of Port Hotel where the Civic Trust and the Burgh Beautiful flowerbed in the Linlithgow (originally the Linlithgow Ramblers had publications foreground. ‘Parliamentary Boundary’) and stalls. Approaching 300 people took stopping at each of the march stones part in the event in one way or another, on the route. At the West Port start, an overall increase since last year. leaflets on the Perambulation, and Perhaps one day we’ll reach the the places of interest en route, were popularity levels of the long-established distributed free of charge by members equivalent event in Lanark where of the Community Council. These around 2,500 regularly take part over leaflets can still be obtained from a route of similar length. the Burgh Halls, the Annet House It would be great to see a bigger Museum and the library. turn-out of all ages next year – this is As last year, the procession was led a great opportunity for the community Linlithgow Reed Band at the by the Provost, flagbearers and to come out in force to take part. There Canal Basin. halberdiers of the Deacons Court, along is no need to register beforehand – with the Town Crier and Ross Miller, leave your computer and TV screens the town piper. Jim Carlin took part for for an evening and just turn up at 7pm the first time as Provost. Additional on Wednesday, 8 June 2016, when we high-quality musical entertainment, look forward to seeing you there. provided by the Reed Band, added to Long live the Perambulation the atmosphere at the Canal Basin of the Marches! where the Linlithgow Union Canal Society (LUCS) laid on refreshments for a well-earned break. The Gala Queen, Dominique Delahunty, Ron Smith atop the March Stone in Rosemount Park, Also new this year, thanks to the along with the leading party. involvement of the Gala Day
Want to comment? Get in touch at: [email protected] 7 Cardboard capers at canal society Funday
or over 25 years, August has seen cardboard boats being paddled around a course in the Fcanal basin until they either sink or complete the task set by the organisers. This is all part of the Linlithgow Union Canal Society’s annual Funday, which sees the canal basin come alive. This year the Funday takes place on 16th August.
The cardboard boat race was born in 1989, when the canal society (LUCS) organised a water regatta as part of the celebrations that year to mark the 600th anniversary of Linlithgow’s Burgh Charter. Since then Sun hundreds of boats have delighted the packed crowd around the canal basin. 16 As in any race there are rules. The most important one AUG is that all boats must be constructed entirely out of cardboard. Paint can be applied, but only above the water line and the use of any waterproof material and buoyancy aids is prohibited. Prizes are awarded for the fastest team to complete the course, the fastest team under 14, most entertaining boat/crew, most interesting boat design, best new entry and the Wooden Spoon, which is given to the best capsize or slowest boat. Entry forms are available at http://www.lucs.org.uk/canal-fun-day/ 16 boats took part last year and the winner completed the course in one minute 30 seconds. Only eight of the boats sank taking between two seconds and one minute eleven seconds to do so. Of course there is much more to the Funday than the cardboard raft race. There are various stalls in Learmonth Gardens, including a Punch and Judy show. Musicians from Linlithgow Folk Festival Association entertain the crowds by the canal tea room, the barbeque serves burgers and, of course, there are frequent boat trips on offer. Do come to the basin on 16th August and join in the fun!
David Shirres
Relax and explore our many HIRE.SALES.SERVICE. attractions including The John Muir Way, The Union Canal, SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE: The Palace & Loch etc.
> 10% DISCOUNT ON ANY HIRE ! > REDUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ANY BIKE PURCHASED AT RRP ! ( WE’LL TAKE OFF THE ONE DAY HIRE PRICE)
t. 01506 237 162 m. 07794 056722 [email protected] Unit 8, Mill Place Business Units, Mill Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow EH49 7TL
8 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 99
[email protected] Wednesday 22 July Wednesday 5 August Wednesday 12 August Wednesday > 29 July > Wednesday > > door, at the be bought can Tickets £6.50 for and adults £8.50 for priced when go free Under-12s concessions. fancy If you adult. an by accompanied save can you evenings a few attending £26 priced ticket, with a season money concessions. £20 for and adults for and tea includes also price ticket The there And interval. the at shortbread of rain. case will be a year this feature A new is no need to worry about the Scottish Scottish the about to worry need no is have organisers - the weather summer in on standby Centre Port Low the will make which system, PA new hear to dancers the for it easier Palace the throughout caller the been made has This courtyard. financial of the because possible Linlithgow to offered support Fund’s Big Lottery the by Hop Scotch West and All programme, for Awards Arts Community Council Lothian Scheme. Grants at www.scotchhop.org.uk more See or www.facebook.com/ LinlithgowScotchHop. on 0131 331 1528 information Further ScotchHopCommittee@gmail. or from com.
Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want “It is very much ‘Scottish much ‘Scottish “It is very who set up the event event up the set who Carswell, John Carmichael. John and through dancers the lead will bands The an Gordons, Gay the like old favourites Military Two the and Reel Eightsome be able will also dancers the But Step. the like to try lesser-known dances Boston Tea the Dance, Shortbread Tap. Gypsy the and Party starts at 7.30pm, evening Each are: dates year’s this and 15 July > Wednesday in 1989, stressed that it is an event for an event it is that stressed in 1989, everyone. are the dances all’. All for dancing so demonstrated, and also out, called the steps,know need to don’t people Iain bands: best dance of Scotland’s Wayne Occasionals, The Anderson, MacLennan Matthew Robertson, or indeed even understand English.” English.” understand even or indeed international of the proud is John with visitors event, of the attraction including world, the over all from USA the Russia, Korea, South Nepal, to keen also is he But Australia. and to locals Linlithgow more encourage in night, “It is a fantastic part. take on our and right an amazing venue, that the pleased very are We doorstep. support, much local so receives event more even to see like would but we us. It’s a great joining folk Linlithgow family.” the whole for evening five showcase will also event The
TIME TO LOOK OUT OUT LOOK TO TIME - SHOES DANCING YOUR IS BACK! HOP SCOTCH
his summer sees the 26th the sees summer his in the Hop Scotch annual of surrounding spectacular
Wed AUG
JULY & JULY T
tartan is definitely encouraged!” tartan is definitely Scotch Hop a really special event Hop a really Scotch but, wearing code no dress there’s plus a friendly atmosphere, makes plus a friendly atmosphere, – informal it’s very And new people. unique venue of Linlithgow Palace, Palace, Linlithgow of unique venue and meet exercise of a bit get evening, the Linlithgow social calendar. The calendar. social the Linlithgow to spend an way It’s a great year. every great fun and one of the highlights of the highlights fun and one of great Scottish music and dance. But it is also But dance. music and Scottish culture – showcasing traditional traditional – showcasing culture celebration of the best of Scottish the best of of celebration : “Scotch Hop is a real Hop is a real : “Scotch said caller, country’s best Scottish dance bands, bands, dance Scottish best country’s back to come visitors inspired have dance the and committee organising take part. The sounds of some of the of some sounds The part. take courtyard, Palace in the fountain historic of the, one MCutcheon Sheila from overseas – travel to Linlithgow to to Linlithgow – travel overseas from the round sight of kilts swirling the and again. time and time Dancers from all over the UK – and the over all from Dancers ceilidh dances. ceilidh for a procession of reels, jigs and jigs of reels, a procession for the Palace’s grand open-air courtyard open-air courtyard grand Palace’s the Hundreds of dancers will step out in out will step of dancers Hundreds the sound of fiddles and accordions. accordions. of fiddles and sound the historic Palace walls will ring out with out will ring walls Palace historic – evenings in July and August, the August, and in July – evenings On five – hopefully fine and sunnyand fine hopefully – On five Linlithgow Palace. Linlithgow Palace. 5. Use your house and garden walls to hang plaques, mirrors ART IN THE GARDEN and mosaics – think ‘inside-outside’, we have a blackboard in New Hopetoun Garden the gardens to encourage young folk to express themselves. e are passionate about displaying art in 6. Choose plants with strong architectural shapes as works of Wthe garden and feel that there are so many art – the distinctive bristly shapes of dwarf pines, the flowing opportunities for including bits of art in every grace of Japanese maples, the bold strappy leaves of garden. To encourage you all to share in this phormiums and silver birches with their creative fun we run ‘art in the garden’ in July and clean white branches. August. Lesley has 11 artists working in Scotland 7. Incorporate different materials into install around three dozen of their original pieces your paving like pebbles, bricks or of art in our themed gardens around the outside of mosaics to create interesting patterns the garden centre. During the summer visitors vote and strong lines. for their favourite piece and all those voting for the 8. Positioning ‘found’ stones or winner have their names put into a draw driftwood from your travels and to win Garden Gift Vouchers! holidays into planters or borders can create useful focal points, costs If Lesley can’t get to sleep at night she starts counting nothing and preserves happy memories. the pieces of art we have in our own garden and she Yarn Bombing is a trend that is catching on never gets to the 36th before she is fast asleep! They in the UK – wrapping trees and objects with range from the practical bird bath to the mosaic covered yarn, rope, knitting or crocheting to slte, from the galvanised metal and glass giant plant to personalise inanimate objects and make a wooden ‘conker’ swing. We have things we have found our own environment more personal. Susan on holiday travels and glass hearts bought in Mexico. White has given this dead tree life, fun and We have painted all manner of things ourselves – walls, humour with her knitting. arches and pots and laid patterned paving. Gardening can be such a great way to express your creative nature 9. Temporary creations can be made by and making your own works of art doesn’t need to cost planted pot recipes of beautiful plants. the earth. We also love buying pieces of art to display 10. Lovely pots and urns can be as effective as statues placed in the garden, it is as creative as interior decorating. cleverly in your borders. They don’t need to be planted and narrow necked urns make great ‘vases’ for old seed heads or cones fixed to bamboo stems. Perhaps you could send us some pictures of your own garden creations that we could share with others? Dougal Philip and Lesley
So much
Here are our top 10 tips to being creative more than in your own garden: just a garden 1. Make sure you create a view into your garden from every window of your house – Dougal’s favourite view is centre looking down from the bathroom each morning while he does his teeth – when shaving he finds he needs to keep an eye on the mirror! 2. Create focal points in every view using birdbaths, sundials, arches, statues or perhaps the Lithic Fire’s sandstone ‘Firepit’ – beautiful and very practical. 3. Add colour to walls, fences, arches and arbours to create different moods and styles. Ratho Byres Forge’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ of 52 butterflies in different shades of blues flying down the dry river bed in our woodland brings life “ART IN THE and wonder to the garden. GARDEN” 4. Repeat elements from inside your FREE EVENT home outdoors such as flooring IN JULY & AUGUST materials, colours and shapes. We used a mix of timber decking and artificial grass to bring the indoors outdoors in our art in the garden Newton Village by Winchburgh showgarden. West Lothian EH52 6QZ. 01506 834433 Visit us today at www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk
10 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 ST. MICHAEL’S FLOWER FESTIVAL
or three days in May this year, St Michael’s Parish Church was transformed into a giant floral display, Fmade up of many individual arrangements all based on the theme of ‘Light’. This very impressive show was attended by more than 600 visitors and raised a total of almost £3000. The money will go towards the cost of the ‘Empowered’ project which had re-wired and re-lit the church during 2014. The theme of ‘Light’ reflected the project’s installation of a new low energy LED lighting system in the Church and the floral displays depicted selected Bible passages in imaginative and varied ways. Perhaps one of the most imaginative followed how light and power are found in the sun and then converted through photosynthesis, fossil fuels, coal power stations, nuclear power, hydroelectricity, wind turbines, solar voltaic panels into the electric light and power that we all have in our homes. www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk A display by St Michael’s RC church illustrated words from the Bible ‘shining light on the world’
A display depicting the pillar of fire which provided light so the Israelites could travel by night during their Exodus from Egypt.
Another display used imagery reflecting the creation of the John Muir Way and Muir’s view of the natural world
The members of the church’s flower group, under the leadership of Mrs Sandra Stewart, were very grateful for the assistance of other members of the church, involvement of other congregations and organisations in the town together with local businesses. Thanks go to all concerned. As a date for the diary, the final major fundraising event for the Empowered project will be a sound and light show on 13 and 14 November in St Michael’s Church. This multi-media Son et Lumiere presentation, ‘St Michael’s - The Local Legacy’, has been written by Bruce Jamieson, the well known local historian who wrote the story of Linlithgow during the war years which met with such acclaim. The musical score by Andrew Sutherland, organist at St Michael’s, includes a cast of 50 singers and this, together with recorded voices and live actors, promises to be a very exciting evening. Come along and hear some interesting stories about our town. You might be surprised! Fri&Sat Margaret Henderson 13 &14 NOV
Want to comment? Get in touch at: [email protected] 11 Travis
PARTY at the PALACE... Peter Ferguson ast year’s Party At The Palace to the stage on Saturday, with a set of & John Richardson brought more than 12,000 summery, nostalgic tunes (hopefully people to the usually-pastoral to match to the sunny weather), like L their breakout single ‘Fill My Little this band is set to turn many heads Linlithgow, to be part of a concert World’ and the larger-than-life, when they perform. Get down to the featuring some of Scotland’s best ‘Never Be Lonely’. Peel nice and early to see some music. This year is set to be even Returning from last year is singer- developing talent in the form of the bigger, with great bands from all songwriter Horse McDonald, who is battle of the bands winner. over the world coming to be a part set to wow us again with her powerful of the fun. voice and emotional lyrics. SUNDAY Also joining us is Justin Carrie, Disco gods CHIC, with their frontman of alternative rock outfit Del SATURDAY mastermind Nile Rodgers, headline on Amitri. With that same style that made Sunday. With ubiquitous tracks filled At their only show in the UK this year Del Amitri so famous (having five of with a funky flair, like ‘Le Freak’ and and headlining on Saturday is Travis, their albums enter the national Top 10 ‘Good Times’, their impact on the pop the monumental soft rock band hailing in the charts), one that could be both world is renowned. Even though they from Glasgow. With two BRIT Awards plucky and upbeat (like in ‘Roll To Me’) entered the scene at the turn of the 80s, under their belt, expect to hear some of and also poignant, like in the when disco was allegedly dying, CHIC their greatest songs from a 25-year long observational ballad ‘Nothing Ever managed to stay fresh in the public eye career, including ‘Sing’ and ‘Why Does Happens’. Yet singles from Currie’s solo with band-based instrumentation and It Always Rain On Me?’ However, also career, like ‘If I Ever Loved You’ and catchy hooks. Along with their classic expect tracks from their most recent ‘Every Song’s The Same’ should also disco standards, we can also expect album, ‘Where You Stand’, like the make an appearance. songs from their more recent efforts acoustic-spun ‘Mother’, as well as the Also playing on Saturday is Little Eye. such as the heavy-bass, hip ‘I’ll be titular track. Despite being more underappreciated There’ (released just this year). His Even with such a prominent band than some other acts here, their energy recent Hyde Park gig in front of 80,000 headlining on Saturday, the other acts and modern edge makes them fresh people saw him run through all his are not outshone. While last year had and stand out. Winning Clyde 1’s In collaborations and you’ll know every a focus on sophisti-pop, this year Party Demand Band of the Year contest in one of them from David Bowie’s At The Palace looks set to have an array 2009, their debut ‘Fighting The Future’ ‘Let Dance’ as well as his hits with of 00s-era indie rock. One of this genre’s was released just last year. With defiant Madonna, Duran Duran and Diana pioneers, The Feeling, is also to take singles like ‘Choked Up’ and ‘Disco’, Ross amongst others.
12 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 CHIC with Nile Rodgers
In contrast to this is Gaelic singer- contemporaries The Hoosiers and songwriter Julie Fowlis, best known The Feeling, this indie pop trio shot PARTY at the PALACE... for her additions to the soundtrack of to the top of the charts in the mid-00s Pixar’s 2012 film ‘Brave’. While Runrig with their self-titled debut, powered and Capercaillie fused rock with their by the sunny vibe in ‘She’s So Lovely’, Celtic roots, Fowlis keeps her songs ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and later ‘This Ain’t stripped to their basics, creating A Love Song’. Having performed at the beautiful and lilting tracks like the Royal Albert Hall and proud supporters poignant ‘Tha Mo Ghaol Air Aird a’ of McBusted at their 2014 tour, this Chuan’ (My Love Is On High Seas) whimsical group will be great for fans or the fast-tempo ‘Hug Air a’ Bhonaid of the Saturday acts. Mhoir’ (Celebrate The Great Bonnet). With such a brilliant line-up The “Easy way” In the same vein of singer-songwriters ranging from disco to indie rock is Nina Nesbitt. Achieving fame in 2011 after being noticed by Example to folk, you don’t want to miss this to buy your ticket and Ed Sheeran, her talent for concert especially since it is right storytelling through brooding ballads at your doorstep. With improved from home and get with an astounding, distinct brogue facilities and bigger acts, this voice sets her out as a talent to listen year’s Party At The Palace looks a 10% discount... to. Fiercely independent from any label despite her wide attention, keep your set to be the best yet. ears open for songs such as ‘Hold You’, 1. Log onto LinlithgowPlus at: ‘Stay Out’ and ‘Mr C’. Sat/Sun http://bit.ly/1NNEuFO On the topic of reimagining Highland culture are the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. 8&9 With a tongue-in-cheek edge to 2. At checkout click on: their work, this ensemble blends AUG conventional instrumentation with the sound of bagpipes to add a folk flavour to their covers, an eclectic collection from Avicci’s ‘Wake Me Up’ to rock 3. Add code: medleys to Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’. BB10 Their inventiveness will surely and claim off all surprise and entertain. 10% Perhaps one of the most successful Party at the Palace tickets. bands performing over the weekend is Scouting For Girls. Like their Ian Macartney No fuss!
Want to comment? Get in touch at: [email protected] 13 John Davidson even more what John and tasting session and Peter have done for afternoon pub crawl, the work experience Linlithgow and what they rock and roll lifestyle with a real are doing again this year indeed. It can’t be said It’s Party at the in bringing such superb however that I haven’t difference... musicians into our learnt a lot from the pair, Palace time... humble little town. and I’m still impressed en straight hours that they managed to Book your table in a catering tent The professional and pull off last year’s Party Twith queues collected manner that at The Palace to early and get out the door on two they deal with the divas the standard they did consecutive days would that they have to put up with no previous not usually be my idea with is admirable, and experience of events that a 10% discount... they didn’t even pay me of a good time, but when size and complexity. to say that. Having been 1. Log onto LinlithgowPlus at: I heard that some of shadowing them for some It may come as a relief Scotland’s biggest time at meetings with to those attending this http://bit.ly/1TkSB93 musical talent would be a variety of different year that it won’t be playing fifteen minutes’ organisations, I would people my age serving 2. At checkout click on: walk from my house, have to say that food as a result of one of I wanted to be involved the term work experience many learning curves in last year’s Party at has occasionally been from last year, however The Palace in any way dominated by experience I look forward to getting I could to help make the as opposed to work. as involved as possible with the event again 3. Add code: event a success and DW10 A meeting with people this year and enjoying and claim off all ensure that it was the from the McEwan’s some more great 10% first of many. marketing team for music in the scenic meals (food only). example, which I thought surroundings that this Having put on a concert might be about the great town has to offer. myself since then, (yes, company’s sponsorship Sat & Sun 8,9 Aug. Noon - Midnight it’s me from the last of the event, was not issue) I now appreciate much more than a beer friday 7th saturday 8th
ast year’s Party at the Palace put Saturday 8 August sees a Family LLinlithgow firmly on the map as a Fun Day at The Cross and The Scots music festival ‘must’ for young Vennel which promises to live up and old as 12,000 came together to to its name. rock in the shadow of the imposing On stage, there will be performances historic attraction. by the winners of the West Lothian’s Now, thanks to the backing of Schools Talent Competition, and businesses throughout the town other fun acts. With families at the centre, this year’s PATP just got bigger heart of all that Linlithgow BID is and better, with bonus events adding laying on, there will be children’s to the draw of what promises to be a funfair rides, street performers, face magic weekend. It’s all down to the painting and balloons for all. There Linlithgow Town Centre Business will also be an array of stalls, offering Improvement District (BID) which a great variety of goods and services. aims to do all it can to boost the Linlithgow BID looks forward to attractiveness and appeal of the welcoming you at one or more of Royal Burgh’s heart. our events - we want to do all we On Friday 7 August at 6pm, in a can to make it a weekend to curtain-raiser to PATP, there will be a remember for locals and Battle of the Bands. Four local outfits visitors alike. will compete for the ultimate prize - The stage is set - opening PATP, starring Travis and Chic with Nile Rogers. join the Party! Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants will be open late for the occasion. Bring the kids, savour the atmosphere, and support the young musicians in their bid to hit the big stage.
14 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 15
With the motor disengaged, I aimed the up hill and took off. At first,it felt merely slow. As the hill bit more sharply, however, the dead weights of motor and battery arrested my progress like anvils on my ankles. The chunky speedometer let me know fallen I’d to 4mph; walking speed. I heaved and huffed, puffed and pushed. I made it, but hated it. clothes My were stuck clammily to me and I needed a breather. The second climb was done on 50% power. The assist amplified my effort magnificently. The speedo read about 9mph the whole way up. Much, much better. As I aligned myself for the third, full- powered ascent, a conventional cyclist came to halt at the red light beside me. “Hiya mate, you going up?” I asked, indicating Back Station Road. “Aye,” puffed the lycra-clad gent. “Fancy a race?” He certainly did. linedWe at the up red light, side byside. a moment,For Linlithgow was Le Mans. The green blinked on, and we took off. the motor do the hard work. He beat me the to by top four metres. He was red-faced a wreck, gulping the at muggy June air and taking squirts from his drink bottle. I cruised a gentle to stop beside him. I pointed that out if the hill had been a half-mile have have won and I’d longer, he’d suffered a cardiac arrest. He dashed into an early lead, but I was soon on his tail. hit the We meat of the hill. His sinuous legs sawed away desperately. Conversely I was totally relaxed, letting The conclusion? This bike is aThe conclusion? hybrid. as does a push work not It bike, but, if are you willing in put to a very amount effort moderate of willthen it than more meet you halfway. will It flatten the hills and willshorten the cover straights. You easily distances and terrain that would challenge a cyclist. road And with can you of it do none the daft lycra! Alistair Heather Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want Gordon briefly explained the additional handlebar controls before releasing me on the road. he explained, motor, The is there to reduce effort required, not increase speed. canIt be can off it completely, provide a graduated level assistance, of can it or completely power test the bike. these To different settings in extremis I went Back to Station Road. hill The from the traffic lights theto canal bridge resembles a tarmac ski slope and would provide a stiff test the for machinery. I rode three it up times. Once with power, no then with half assist and finally with maximum assist. The EasygoThe range includes little step- through town shuttles and dual-suspension fat-tyredbehemoths. I selected a standard £1000 model.was It painted half white, half acidic tangerine, and looked like a chunky melding a town of bike and a mountain bike. is the at of Easygoof greeted me,
“Electric bikes really are the way ycling is undergoing a high undergoing is ycling a joy is boom, which tech the excludes but some, for
Electric bikes on trial... on bikes Electric knees! your to power More answer a resounding ‘Yes’. a resounding answer The Germans and Chinese would Chinese and Germans The ease provided by new technologies? technologies? new by provided ease pleasure of cycling with the speed and speed with the of cycling pleasure third way, a way to combine the old the combine to a way way, third Linlithgow on our day off. Is there a there Is off. day on our Linlithgow slaves up and down the hills around around hills the down up and slaves don’t want to flog ourselves like galley like ourselves flog to want don’t best in hypertight lycra. Maybe we Maybe lycra. best in hypertight majority. Maybe we don’t feel our feel don’t we Maybe majority. reduce or amplify your output.” as you like. The electric motor just helps pedal, and can make it as challenging mile without tiring yourself still out. You fit to start with, and can ride for mile after forward. need don’t to be You particularly Scotland. and introduced his vision the for bikes in learn more. Gordon business unit in Linlithgow Bridge to This week I visited their fastidiously clean Scottish vanguard this of new technology. Linlithgow’s Easygo Electric Bikes Electric Easygo Linlithgow’s more in Europe. sold in the last decade in China, millions One hundred and fifty million have been exploded in popularity in those countries. pedallingwith electric motor power, have Electric bikes, machines that supplement C COMPLETE HEALTH AT THE MILLSTONE - HEALTHY ADVICE WITH A SMILE
id you know that Complete more common – Complete Health can The shop is also a haven for local Health at the Millstone has provide a food intolerance test, as well foodies. They stock fresh fruit and Dbeen on our High Street as gluten and dairy free products. vegetables (almost impossible to get since 1978? The current owner, anywhere else on the High Street), Gail Laing, started her life in The > People often turn to natural and free-range eggs and – in the summer Millstone as a Saturday girl while herbal solutions when traditional – delicious allotment strawberries. she was still at school. After she medicines from the doctor don’t work That is on top of their range of dried left school Gail worked at a firm or have side effects. Common medical fruits, nuts, herbs, spices and of Searchers of Records, based in complaints (including hay fever, low specialist cook’s products – everything Register House in Edinburgh. But energy, muscle and joint aches, stress, from preserved lemons, Moroccan she wanted a change, and longed insomnia, menopause symptoms and spices and olive oil to pomegranate to be her own boss. many more) can be treated with molasses and high quality flour. Oh, natural products which are non and Mary’s homemade tablet. Gail also So, in 1992, aged just 23, Gail took addictive and safe. We hear scare sells locally-produced honey, great for the plunge and bought out the shop – stories about people taking medicines the hay fever season, and delicious investing her own savings and with they have bought online, but Gail only heather honey in both jars and combs. some family help. The shop has been carries natural medicines from trusted a healthy presence on Linlithgow’s suppliers, who manufacture their own At Christmas they do a roaring trade High Street ever since, with 23 years products and don’t supply to chain in selling exactly-measured amounts of specialising in natural and organic stores. Christmas cake ingredients – just bring products. in your recipe and they will package up > Gail sells a range of natural beauty the exact quantities of everything you Four years ago, when she moved into products, none of which have been need. No mistakes, no need for scales larger premises, Gail renamed the tested on animals. That includes hair and no waste! business Complete Health at the colorants for people with sensitive Millstone. And Linlithgow man and scalps, which are also safe for those Gail offers discount on bulk orders regular customer Alex Salmond who have lost their hair to and free delivery within the local area. ‘officially’ opened the new shop! chemotherapy. Complete Health at the Millstone 159 High Street, Linlithgow EH49 7EJ Gail is a real expert. She runs the > Complete Health offers a wide range Open: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm shop with her mum, Mary, and the pair of chemical-free Ecover cleaning (closed Sunday) Tel: 01506 847270 pride themselves in offering specialist products including washing up liquid, Email: millstonecompletehealth@ help and advice with warm and laundry liquid, fabric conditioner and hotmail.co.uk friendly service. hand soap. They are kind on the environment and safe to use in your Website: www. The shop sells a huge range of home. To cut down on packaging you completehealthatthemillstone.co.uk products, many of which are impossible can bring your empty containers back to buy anywhere else locally. It meets to the shop to be re-filled. And if you Facebook: https://www.facebook. the needs of the growing number of want to try an Ecover product, Gail will com/completehealthatthemillstone people who are increasingly concerned let you bring in your own container to about the chemicals and toxins take home a sample. Linda Martin & contained in our foods and the products Rachel Johnston we use on ourselves and in our homes. > And for the newest members of For example: the family, the shop stocks a whole range of chemical-free and organic > Food intolerances are becoming baby products.
16 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 1717
Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want and its various groups with the means to continue. Your Your to continue. means with the groups its various and by much appreciated very are donations and sponsorship actions subsequent our that hope we and involved everyone kindness. your repaid have from volunteers, our all thank to like also would We those to fundraisers and coaches parents, administrators, our support and transport and with equipment help that on the always are We country. the throughout players think if you so Club the around volunteers for lookout This is an ideal opportunity to say thank you to those that that to those you thank to say opportunity ideal an is This Club Football Community Rose Linlithgow provided have get in touch. please offer, to something have you of players. group our fantastic to must go words final The and respect commitment, dedication, your for you Thank - season next again you see to hope we and fair play all. muddy boots and HAIL THE GALLANT!! Vice-president Linlithgow Rose Rose Linlithgow Vice-president Club. Football Community Jim Gilfeather Jim
END OF SEASON 2014/15 REVIEW. 2014/15 OF SEASON END LINLITHGOW ROSE ROSE LINLITHGOW CLUB FOOTBALL COMMUNITY
a break over the summer and as we all we as and summer the over a break flops, flip boots for muddy our swap he football fraternity traditionally has has traditionally fraternity football he
and enjoyment to all. enjoyment and that will enable all weather, year round continued fun continued round year weather, all will enable that provides players, coaches and volunteers with facilities volunteers and coaches players, provides Linlithgow Leisure Centre. This fantastic investment investment fantastic This Centre. Leisure Linlithgow synthetic pitch and improved changing facilities at facilities changing improved and pitch synthetic forward to using the new, full size, 3rd Generation Generation 3rd full size, new, the to using forward West Lothian Council and Sport Scotland, we are looking are we Scotland, Sport and Council Lothian West the over 50’s, which aims to provide an opportunity for for opportunity an to provide aims which 50’s, over the Leisure, Lothian at West partners with our In conjunction on Monday mornings for for mornings on Monday initiative Football A Walking underway. also is pace, relaxed at a more fun exercise involving women and over 35’s men up and running. running. up and men 35’s over and women involving The club continues to grow and develop, with new groups groups with new develop, and to grow continues club The will continue into next year. next into will continue An achievement award was also received by our team team our by received also was award An achievement cause great of this on behalf fundraising and Promotion recent gathering. recent Scotland. Prostate charity cancer of national promotion The work of the flourishing girls’ section was section girls’ flourishing of the work The at a awards Achievement with Outstanding presented up and link their through coverage press national donated to Donaldson’s school. school. to Donaldson’s donated were girls the when club the by recognised was success attracted group the promotions, league back to back of football strips we received as part of the award was was award of the part as received we strips of football Molloy Grace players, of the two when recognised with Scotland awarded were McGonigle, Tara and Their club. the for first the caps, 15 international under three earning as well As Amateurs. LRCFC year, of the community should benefit from this accolade and a set a and accolade this from benefit should community Gordon Strachan. The club decided that the wider the that decided club The Strachan. Gordon made by Scottish football legends Kenny Dalglish and and Dalglish Kenny legends football Scottish by made SFA national grassroots awards. The presentation was was presentation The awards. grassroots national SFA at the Year of the Club 2014 Community named being At Hampden Park in September, we were delighted at were we in September, Park Hampden At T
community. Award for commitment to football in the football to commitment for Award the club itself received a Special Recognition Recognition a Special received itself club the with the Local Service to Sport Award and Award Sport to Service Local with the respected coach John Adams was presented presented was Adams John coach respected Celebrating Sport Awards, where our where Awards, Sport Celebrating honoured at the West Lothian Council Council Lothian West at the honoured During the season, LRCFC was doubly doubly was LRCFC season, the During forward to the future. the to forward of the year’s highlights, as well as looking as well highlights, as year’s of the its right that we take time to reflect on some on reflect to time take we its right that NATURALIST-EXPLORER CHARLES WYVILLE THOMSON LINLITHGOW’S FAMOUS OCEANOGRAPHER
o you know the connection during two expeditions in the seas the work of artists from the eminent between the American Space off the north of Scotland where he had Clayton and Bell, London workshop, DShuttle Programme and discovered a wide variety of life forms, was erected above the high altar of the Linlithgow? This was the question many previously believed extinct, at church. Its theme is The Creation –based put to me recently – and I said that depths up to 650 fathoms. He became on the words of the 104th Psalm. The I was stumped. However, the answer increasingly eager to form a mission lower four panels show the “great and was obvious – once I was told. The to explore the depths of all the wide sea, wherein are things creeping ill-fated space craft which blew up world’s oceans. innumerable, both small and great over the Atlantic in January 1986 beasts. There go the ships: there is that was called ‘Challenger’ and was On December 21st, 1872, his goal was leviathan, whom thou hast made to named after the sailing ship which achieved when he set sail on board play therein.” carried naturalist-explorer Charles a converted naval warship, HMS Wyville Thomson on his 70,000 Challenger, and spent three years ‘sailing I often look up at this tribute to the mile voyage around the world’s the Seven Seas’, discovering, amongst great oceanographer – the window, and oceans. This eminent scientist was many other scientific findings, some his headstone just outside, a tribute to born in Linlithgow. He is buried 4700 previously unknown marine species. his lasting legacy. I always smile at the in St. Michael’s Churchyard – and His name is still remembered in the red lobster depicted on the sea bed. commemorated in the ‘Challenger Wyville-Thomson Ridge, a 125 mile long, Obviously the designers were unaware Window’ inside the church. undersea feature stretching from the that living lobsters are blue-black in Faroe Islands to Scotland. On his return, colour! This ‘father of oceanography’ was born many honours were bestowed upon in the year 1830, in Bonsyde House – an him, culminating in his knighthood Sadly the ship ‘Challenger’ has no early 19th century residence built for his by Queen Victoria. such marks of respect. She was father, an eminent surgeon in the East decommissioned in 1878 and converted India Company. On its high position In the 1960s, his birthplace was converted into a receiving hulk (a prison ship) in above the town, the elegant mansion into a hotel and, under various names the River Medway, where she stayed once boasted a beautiful garden. including the ‘Allanvale’ and ‘The Earl until she was broken up in 1921. It is of Moray’ has remained so to the said that the elegant wood panelling in Thomson attended Edinburgh University present day. the reception area in the Bonsyde Hotel where he first studied medicine and then is made from oak salvaged from the natural sciences. After gaining his It was in this building, in 1882, that ship. The only other remaining piece degree, he undertook a succession of Wyville Thomson died - hailed by his of ‘Challenger’ is her figurehead prestigious, academic jobs before colleagues as one of the greatest which is on display in the National becoming Professor of Natural History scientists who had ever lived. His funeral Oceanography Centre, Southampton. in Edinburgh. By 1870, he had turned took place in St. Michael’s and featured his attention to the study of marine a glowing eulogy by Professor Balfour. invertebrates, his appetite whetted Three years later, a stained glass window, Bruce Jamieson
Skin Conditions, Children’s Complaints Annette Contact Stress, Anxiety, Low Mood & Energy Problems Annette today Greenfield Joint & Muscle Complaints, Female Conditions Targeting your health problems 01506 842888 Respiratory & Digestive Complaints with powerful plant extracts Request a leaflet www.greenfieldherbalist.com Herbal Tonics, Food Intolerance Testing
5 Royal Terrace, Linlithgow, EH49 6HQ t: 01506 842888 m: 0777 3013357 e: [email protected]
18 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015
www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 19
t
Recognised
PC registered C EH49 7AE EH49 Linlithgow H
26c High Stree High 26c althcare Insurers Graham Karen He [email protected] 01506 238189 Pamela Armstrong Armstrong Pamela Tel.
www.linlithgowphysiotherapy.co.uk
hysiotherapy inlithgow
L P
Back/Neck Pain Back/Neck Sports Injuries Joint/Muscle Pain Care Ante/post Natal PilatesModified Bladder Problems Headaches Dizziness Acupuncture
Physiotherapy Clinic. Local Physiotherapy We can with: help o o o o o o o o o
Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want a as Advertiser Alloa on the a journalist as trained Having and an arts publicist, as on to work went later he teenager, Scotland. Communities at officer a communications latterly serial an artist who is a involves novel first “My quips, John the bones of from public sculptures who makes killer slightest the not bears course, of killer, his victims. My with whom artists the wonderful of to any resemblance I worked.” planning is he Insomnia, to Cafe sequel the While writing no Although Linlithgow. in or around classes to run writing people who from to hear love would John set yet are dates out in finding interested are who and writing creative enjoy creative “I may run general says: He classes. the about more such as writing crime, ones, or topic-specific writing classes most are on what people depending genres, other or horror, in.” interested information, more for list mailing on the name your put To with the website his form on contact out the fill simply website The line. subject in the Classes” “Writing words link also can You http://jakk1954.wix.com/johndodds. is: blog (http://bonemachines. his through Dodds John to (@Jakk54). or twitter wordpress.com)
, you Crimewave “Mind you, I may well feature Linlithgow Linlithgow feature I may well “Mind you, adds, He . On those shows, shows, . On those Terrify to Tales and Sofa Starship “Not only is it peaceful and picturesque here, but it but here, only is it peaceful and picturesque “Not cottish writer, John Dodds, has returned from a seven a seven from returned has Dodds, John writer, cottish Author in Linlithgow. live to in Bulgaria sojourn year he Chronicles, Kendrick The thrillers, crime of the
podcasts podcasts and Pseudopod as such others as well as John has also done some narration himself, such as on the as such himself, narration some done also has John experiencing them for the first time.” the first them for experiencing feels like they were written by someone else and I am else someone written by they were like feels because listening to these great actors performing my work work my performing actors great listening to these because stories. short of John’s some narrate others hear also can of course. free, are podcasts The happen. I feel that’s also true of my Kendrick audiobooks, Kendrick my true of that’s also happen. I feel Cafe Insomnia, Cafe work, latest with his and, romance historical new something made the performance funny; were know from paranormal romantic comedy to science fiction, to science comedy romantic paranormal from I didn’t at bits laughing myself I found unforgettable. was scenery the route was full of surprises, like the aqueduct like surprises, full of was the route scenery range These of fiction, too. kinds writes other John Horror), the audience reaction, for it, and being there actor perform Falkirk Wheel and back. Quite apart from the wonderful the wonderful Wheel and back. Quite apart from Falkirk and Best Fantasy Year’s in The mentions honourable received an Seeing event. Lizard Monday Theatre’s The Traverse “Only recently my wife, Carole, and I cycled to the and I cycled Carole, wife, my “Only said, recently He stories of his (three horror and crime for mainly While known at performed which was ‘Trainers’, called monologue comic the loch, or cycling on the canal towpath. towpath. canal on the loch, or cycling the amazingly enough.” stalagmites, a short “was says, he pieces,” slice-of-life earlier “One my of Among John’s favourite things to do here are walks around around walks are do here to things favourite John’s Among containing them even one of canal tunnels, and the long fiction. serio-comic mainstream and I haven’t seen her from that day to this.” to that day her from seen and I haven’t ago when I was publicist at the Third Eye Centre in Glasgow, in Glasgow, Centre Eye publicist at the Third when I was ago here. She and I worked together something like thirty years years thirty like something together She and I worked here. former colleague, Gail Boardman, of The Line Gallery, lives Gallery, Line The of Gail Boardman, colleague, former “It’s also a place of coincidences. For instance, I realised a I realised instance, For coincidences. of a place “It’s also of sports and clubs, which makes the place feel quite buzzy. quite buzzy. feel the place which makes sports and clubs, of crafts activities seem very popular, as well as the wide range range as the wide as well popular, very activities seem crafts adding, adding, and Arts too. creativity, of is a lot there as though seems also John says he already feels very much at home in Linlithgow, in Linlithgow, home much at very feels already he says John Vampire Slayer, Babylon 5, Torchwood and much more.” and Torchwood 5, Babylon Slayer, Vampire and Kali’s Kiss. Robin is known for appearances in Buffy The in Buffy appearances Kiss. for is known Robin and Kali’s brilliant voice actor for the Kendrick books Bone Machines the Kendrick actor for voice brilliant Robin Sachs, who sadly died a few years ago, was also a also was ago, years died a few who sadly Sachs, Robin many big name authors to his credit. My previous narrator, narrator, previous My to his credit. name authors big many books. John is an award-winning audiobook narrator, with audiobook narrator, books. John is an award-winning Lee, who also narrates one of the huge Game of Thrones Thrones Game of the huge of one narrates who also Lee, novel, Babylon Slide, which came out in February, is John in February, which came out Slide, Babylon novel, “The actor who narrates my third Kendrick Kendrick third my “The actor who narrates explains, He George R R Martin, who wrote the Game of Thrones novels. of Thrones Game the wrote who R R Martin, George promises not to bump off any local residents in the name name in the residents local off any bump to not promises notably writers, big name several with in common something stage, since they are either in audio or ebook formats, he has has he or ebook formats, audio in either are they since stage, While you won’t find any of John’s books in paperback at this paperback in books John’s of any find won’t While you “I like the place and the people I’ve met here too much,” too much,” met here I’ve and the people the place “I like victims.” a bit.” for Glasgow of out Kendrick, Tom detective, of research. next my for location another seek I’ll probably “So jokes. he myget to excuse – if I can find an crime novel next in my S
IN LINLITHGOW CRIME TIME CRIME The Black Bitch Magazine DONATE TODAY AND HELP US GROW...
www.linlithgowcommunity magazine.co.uk/donate
Inquire Within to develop emotional intelligence Learn Mindful Meditation and emotional regulation de-stress heal transform Mindful your mind your body your life Focused Productive Mindful Meditation 6-week Beginners Course Balanced Starting Meditation is clinically proven to reduce stress, 5 August & 23 September tension & anxiety. It helps develop focus, calmness, Clear Wednesdays clarity, flexibility, insight, emotional & physical 7pm-9pm well-being along with benefitting your life’s work Calm Cross House, Linlithgow EH49 7AL and play. More dates through the year. www.healingpaths.co.uk 07957 469105
20 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 21
LOGOS SIGNAGE WEBSITES
TO CREATE CREATE TO [email protected] EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS BROCHURES BROCHURES m: 07843 856922 856922 m: 07843 ADVERTISING ADVERTISING MAGAZINE BLACK BITCH BITCH BLACK
WE DESIGN THE WE WORK WITH WE WORK WITH www.cghcreative.co.uk call today: chris hamilton call today: LOCAL BUSINESSES BUSINESSES LOCAL CALL GARY ON CALL GARY
DESIGN CONSULTANCY, LINLITHGOW DESIGN CONSULTANCY, cgh creative cgh 01506 202878 or 07841 551096
* Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want
value £250. value
daily Fresh
Minimum order Quote BSW15 Dec 31st 2015.
10% available available cupcakes and treats treats and discount on wedding cake orders placed on or before Problems Call Today Hip,Knee, Lower Back
wedding cake includes a includes cake wedding you the time to discuss all all discuss to time the you
Designer Designer
[email protected] www.trulydesignercakes.co.uk
No 1 The Cross, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7EY Lothian, West Linlithgow, No 1 The Cross, tel: 01506 671133 email: tel: wedding cake ideas and requirements. ideas cake wedding
your Bespoke colours and finishing touches can be created to suit your your suit to be created can touches and finishing colours Bespoke individual style. Scrumptious a Truly Choosing giving shop our at tasting cake personal Enjoy the elegance and quality of a Truly Scrumptious wedding cake. cake. wedding Scrumptious a Truly of and quality elegance the Enjoy
WIN A FAMILY YOUR TICKET MAGAZINE FOR PARTY AT NEEDS YOU! THE PALACE The Linlithgow Black Bitch magazine is written, designed, typeset and distributed entirely by volunteers. There is always loads to be done, and we are always on the look-out for new people 10% off to join our wee team. Party at the Palace to Black Bitch readers That might be writing some articles, doing a bit of proof-reading, interviewing people, taking photos, delivering the finished magazine through people’s letterboxes or helping with general admin tasks from home. You can volunteer as much or as little time as you can spare. We are a friendly bunch, and a mix of old hands and new volunteers who have just joined us. Fancy finding out more? Contact us at: [email protected] How many people attended last years Party at the Palace Last month’s a) 10,000 Jura Competition b) 12,000 winner... c) 83,000 One winner will receive Calum a family ticket. Baird Email the editor, David Tait: [email protected]
22 Black Bitch Issue 35 July 2015 www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk 2323
7.00 7.00
Magazine [email protected]
DONATE TODAY The Black Bitch
magazine.co.uk/donate
AND HELP US GROW.www.linlithgowcommunity Folk Session, 2.00pm Session, Folk Festival Folk Linlithgow meeting Council Community Festival Folk Linlithgow Festival Folk Linlithgow Night Quiz Court Deacons Festival Folk Linlithgow pm, Burgh Halls pm, Burgh
Financially Financially Linlithgow. Pride & Passion www.linlithgow.com/pride_passion.htm Linlithgow’s National Award Winning IFA Winning Award National Linlithgow’s 7.30 Linlithgow 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1pm, Boghall LINLITHGOW RAMBLERS WALKING CALENDAR walks exciting many so With monthly the in across pencilled out check not why calendar details for www.linlithgow.com of walk,duration type on the point. meeting your and Dunfermline Wanderers 1st XI Wanderers Dunfermline Thu 10 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Sun 20 Sun 22 Tue 25 Fri for 7.30pm, Queen Margarets Hall Queen Margarets 7.30pm, for Linlithgow Linlithgow Black Bitch Tavern Black Linlithgow Orchestra Chamber Scottish The Church Parish St Michael’s 7.30pm, protected by Alan Steel Asset Management Management Steel Asset Alan by protected www.linlithgow.com
Want to comment? Get in touch at: Get in touch to comment? Want For more details and more events visit the the visit events more and details more For at page on what’s
WLCCA 3rd XI vs. Livingston Livingston XI vs. 3rd WLCCA Folk Session, 2.00pm Session, Folk meeting Council Community WLCCA 1st XI vs. Watsonians Watsonians 1st XI vs. WLCCA WLCCA 2nd XI vs. XI vs. 2nd WLCCA Folk Session, 8.00pm Session, Folk WLCCA 3rd XI vs. XI vs. 3rd WLCCA Party at the Palace – CHIC Palace the at Party
Party at the Palace – Travis Palace the at Party Edinburgh 1st XI vs. WLCCA WLCCA 3rd XI vs. Dunnikier XI vs. 3rd WLCCA Thu 3 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Football & Cricketers’ Arms & Cricketers’ Football Westquarter 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Westquarter Ground Cricket 7.30pm, Burgh Halls Burgh 7.30pm, Sept 5 Sat 6 Sun Sun 16 Sun 22 Sat 23 Sun 25 Tue Sat 8 Sat 8 Sat 9 Sun 15 Sat stitches and see some of the Guild’s Guild’s the of some see and stitches on display. work of the - “Battle Palace at the Party Bands”
Family Fun Day, The Cross and and Cross The Day, Fun Family Vennel The Cricket 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall South Ground 2nd XI, 1.00pm, Boghall Cricket Cricket XI, 1.00pm, Boghall 2nd Ground 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Black Bitch Tavern Black Download the Linlithgow App Today! App Linlithgow the Download
7.45pm-9.45pm, Low Port Port Low 7.45pm-9.45pm, Linlithgow Speakers Club Club Speakers Linlithgow WLCCA 3rd XI vs. Glenrothes Glenrothes XI vs. 3rd WLCCA WLCCA 1st XI vs. Gala 1st XI Gala vs. 1st XI WLCCA
WLCCA 1st XI vs. Kelso, Kelso, 1st XI vs. WLCCA Folk Session, 8.00pm Session, Folk WLCCA 3rd XI vs. Dalgety Bay Bay Dalgety XI vs. 3rd WLCCA Embroiderers Guild in Guild Embroiderers
WLCCA 2nd XI vs. Fauldhouse Fauldhouse XI vs. 2nd WLCCA
Embroiderers Guild in Guild Embroiderers AND HELP US GROW... AND HELP US www.linlithgowcommunitymagazine.co.uk/donate DONATE TODAY DONATE The Black Bitch Magazine Bitch Black The
1.00pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1.00pm, Boghall 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall
National Day of Stitch. Try out a few a few out of Stitch. Try Day National Linlithgow Library. 10.00am - 1.00pm, Library. Linlithgow
Football & Cricketers’ Arms & Cricketers’ Football Sat 1 Sat
Centre, Blackness Rd Blackness Centre, Meeting
Fri 7 Fri
Thu 6 Tue 4 Tue
Sun 2 Sun Aug
Sat 25 Sat Tue 21 21 Tue Sun 19 Sun Sat 18 Sat July
work on display. work stitches and see some of the Guild’s Guild’s of the some see and stitches National Day of Stitch. Try out a few a few out of Stitch. Try Day National Linlithgow Library. 1.30am - 3.30pm, Library. Linlithgow Black Bitch Tavern Black Folk Session, 2.00pm, Session, Folk 3rd Xi, 1pm Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket Boghall Xi, 1pm 3rd 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1pm, Boghall display. and see some of the Guild’s work on work Guild’s of the some see and Day of Stitch. Try out a few stitches stitches a few out Stitch. Try of Day Library. 10.00am - 1.00pm, National 10.00am - 1.00pm, National Library. Embroiderers Guild in Linlithgow in Linlithgow Guild Embroiderers 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Cricket Ground Cricket 1st XI, 1pm, Boghall Events List Events Black Bitch Issue 35 Black BitchIssue 35 Greensteam -thefuture of carcleaning (served until7pm) (served & Lasagne Steak Pie homemade including our 2 for£11.99 Selected mains and neighbours) (get together withfriends Discounts for 3ormore cars you to come We are now mobile letsus in valets onMondays 30%OFF. Now openMondays -all booked Coming inJuly... NewKIDSmenu!&LUNCHTIME Telephone: 01506842777website: www.thebridgeinn.net interior motorhome cleaning steam GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE NOW COFFEE –FREETEA, ANDFREEWIFI www.greensteamscotland.com [email protected] July 2015
TELEPHONE: 01506846512 3 courses 2 courses 1 course 12noon daily from Lunches served Senior Citizens interior motorhome
£4.99 £6.99 £5.99 - 2.30pm EH49 7SF EH49 Linlithgow Estate, Industrial Road Unit 16 Mill ARCO PLAYBUGS
GREENSTEAM
Mill Road Industrial Estate cleaning steam before car mat Set cheese & macaroni soup, lasagne homemade including our £11.00 3courses £9.00 2courses
HUNTERS Menu POST OFFICE WE’VE STOP PRESS... MOBILE !
GONE
cleaning steam after car mat
black bitch design & production: cghcreative.co.uk