Groups pitch for Almond funds
invited along to pitch to each other on Thursday, February 27.
A total of nine groups presented their ideas before all groups voted for their favourite pitch.
The projects included West Lothian Food Train, which will purchase resources for their shopping service and newly launched Eat Well Buddy Service; Ladywell Neighbourhood Network to buy materials for a new digital photography group to improve the health and wellbeing of local people; and First Steps Playgroup to fund children’s music therapy sessions twice a week for 16 weeks.
Also pitching their ideas was Ladywell Community Fridge to s e c u re a consistent supply of fresh and non-perishable food for their Community Fridge Project in Ladywell, The Schoolbank West Lothian to purchase school clothes, shoes, jackets, PE kits and stationery to support families experiencing financial hardships.
Also pitching were Riverside PTA to build a community garden for the children who attend Riverside Primary School, the Daisy Drop In Playgroup to buy an outdoor climbing frame for the 30 plus children who attend, West Lothian 50+ Network to purchase materials and promote awareness of the services and activities available through the network and the West Lothian Youth Action Project to secure a consistent supply of fresh and non-perishable food for the Community Fridge Project based in Craigshill.
Following the presentations, votes were cast and as soup was served there was an opportunity for networking whilst votes were counted.
The funding decisions were then announced by Almond HA’s CEO, George Webster and cheques were distributed to each group.
This allowed each group to leave with their funding to start their projects.
A spokesperson Almond said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for local groups to network and build connections.
“Some groups have already planned to collaborate on their community projects to make them bigger and better.”
The Courier and The Garage Whitburn have teamed up to offer one lucky reader a free MOT.
The award-winning mechanics are also offering more tips on staying safe while driving and this week are tackling the topic of glare from bright headlights.
The nights might be getting lighter but drivers say they increasingly feel they are suffering more from the effect of dazzling headlights.
Half of regular drivers in a recent RAC Survey say they are suffering more form the effect of dazzling headlights than they were just 12 months ago.
The owner of The Garage, Ian Robertson, said: “Being dazzled by headlights at night is an issue that isn’t going away and seems to be getting worse.
“But there a few simple maintenance tasks can make night driving easier.”
These include ensuring your windscreen is clean, inside and out as well as mirrors.
Ian continued: “When a glass surface is dirty or streaked, any light that hits it can scatter and create glare.
“This should be a priority day or night, as a dirty windscreen can obscure objects on the road.
“You should always make sure your windscreen is clear of condensation and ice. Windscreens often get a thin hazy film on the inside. You can remove this film easily by using a water and vinegar solutions.
“You should also clean the car mirrors. Interior mirrors get the same hazy film, cleaning the surface will aid in reducing glare.
“Keep your headlights clean. The outer casing of your headlights can become dirty over time. Giving them a once-over will increase your visibility and can reduce the glare to other motorists.”
Ian continued: “Don’t look directly at the glare from oncoming traffic. If the glare is too much, look down to the right at the white line.
“This can act as a guide to the road shape. Once passed, focus back on the road ahead.
“Also reduce the brightness of the dashboard lights. This should limit reflections, and stop you having to readjust your eyes from the dark road to the dashboard.
“Finally regularly check if your headlights are all in full working order.
“Check the beam angle, see if it’s too high, low. If you’re not sure drop into The Garage for a quick beam check having fully working lights is essential for safety on the road and at the same time having them set for the correct beam will reduce you being the cause of dazzling another driver.”