Livingston South - news

Keep on dancing at the farm

Crofthead Farm community centre has a busy summer programme of activities.

A number of workshops are running at the centre, aimed at both primary and secondary school children.

These include streetdance, guitars for beginners and stage and screen make up.

For details, contact the centre on 01506 775991.

Free for all at family fun day

The Lanthorn community centre is to hold a family day from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 26 July.

As there is no gala this year in Dedridge, the management committee will fund the day and provide everything for free.

Community coaching at Livi

Livingston FC is running its popular community programme of football coaching for youngsters again this summer.

Aimed at boys and girls from four to 14, training camps are based at Livingston, Broxburn, Armadale, Linlithgow and Uphall, and run until 15 August.

The cost for the week is £30 and includes a match day ticket.

For further details, or to book a place contact Leigh Robertson on 01506 403341 or e-mail leigh.robertson@livingstonfc.co.uk

Bridging the gap at Dedridge pond

A gap has been bridged at the Dedridge Pond, next to the Lanthorn community centre.

For the old bridge often flooded, meaning that residents had to take the long way round when visiting the centre.

But a replacement bridge has now been lowered into place.

Members of the Dedridge Environment and Ecology Project (DEEP) were there to welcome its arrival, along with Councillor Robert De Bold, who has executive responsibility for the Environment.

"Even before it was unloaded, one young mother, who was passing, said that it was a lovely bridge and it was so much better than the old one," commented Wilma Shearer, secretary of DEEP, "and she was right."

Wilma added: "A cheer went up when it fitted exactly first time.  It was a wonderful moment, and I think everyone will agree it certainly is a lovely bridge."

Michael makes his mark with public

There's no doubting the popularity of the Lanthorn community centre in Dedridge.

It's been at the hub of the local community for many years.

But the centre has particular significance for Michael Wilkie, who was born with Down's Syndrome.

For not only has Michael been a regular at the centre since an early age, attending the church and Boys' Brigade, he's now also a valuable member of the team. Every Tuesday, Michael helps greet the public at the Lanthorn and carries out a variety of tasks.

"I love my job here," said Michael, who doesn't get paid as it would affect his benefits. "I love working with everybody."

And the feeling's mutual, it seems. "We all love having Michael here," said Donna Lee, centre co-ordinator at the Lanthorn.

Dedicated e-mail address set up to help search for missing pensioner

Police have set up a dedicated email address for use by anyone with information relating to missing Livingston woman, Mary Ferns.

E-mails can now be sent direct to the incident room inbox, operationfacet@lbp.pnn.police.uk.

It is more than three weeks since 88-year-old Mary disappeared from her home in Howden, to go shopping on 17 June.

Investigations are currently continuing in and around the town, with ongoing searches, and house-to-house enquiries. Officers are also investigating unconfirmed sightings in Edinburgh between 17 and 19 June, but police are still keen to talk to anyone who may have seen Mary since, or who knows where she is.

Superintendent Chris Griffiths said: "As each day passes we are growing more and more concerned for Mary's safety.

"By setting up this dedicated email address we are trying to make it as easy as possible for anyone with any information to get in touch with the inquiry team."

• Police are also asking anyone involved in the retail or accommodation business, or any friends, or acquaintances of Mary who are resident in Edinburgh, to contact the Incident Room at Livingston Police Station, on 01506 445680.

New directory highlights activities for young people

A directory detailing activities for young people in the Dedridge area is now available online.

The directory was produced by the James Young High School Locality Planning group, made up of representatives from local groups and organisations.

As well as being available online, copies of the directory are being distributed through the school and can also be had in the Library, the Lanthorn Community Complex, Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre and the Baptist Church.

The directory can be accessed at http://www.getonlineandlearn.org.uk/site/youth/DYAD/page/index_html (new window)