The Black Bitch
The new issue of The Black Bitch Magazine is now available on their website, featuring all the latest community news. As the issue is online only due to Covid-19 please share with anyone that may not have access.
However, a Special Edition of the magazine is being designed and printed especially for people in the community without access to the internet. Over the last three months being connected online has been a social lifeline for many people, a way to connect to those around us.
Linlithgow Community Development Trust (LCDT) recognise that feelings of isolation may be exacerbated by not having access to this important lifeline. To help address this LCDT is funding the design and printing of a special magazine edition.
This edition will contain a selection of articles from the current issue in a clear 12pt font size. Copies will be distributed to identified households via local organisations including Linlithgow Link, 1st Step, LYPP, the Coronavirus Support Group, churches, Bield Housing Association and Linlithgow Day Care Centre.
Wilson’s Newsagents has also kindly offered to help distribute the magazine to customers they know don’t use the internet, as well as including a copy in their deliveries to customers that are currently housebound.
If you have a relative, friend or neighbour, not online, who enjoys reading The Black Bitch Magazine, please let them know about this special edition created for them.
To request a copy, they can call the Linlithgow Coronavirus Support Helpline on 01506 200 838.
Stay Home, Stay Safe – Long Live the Marches
Despite the absence of a physical Marches Day this year Linlithgow Community Development Trust wish everyone in the town a very happy Marches Day for next Tuesday.
You can enjoy a wee sense of the atmosphere of Linlithgow’s civic festival by checking out the wonderful Linlithgow Marches videos available on Facebook.
A huge thank you to the Linlithgow Deacons Court who have produced this brilliant series of virtual Marches videos. Long live the marches!
Take the Right Step
Have you been affected by the current coronavirus situation and do you need some advice or help?
1st Step and West Lothian Council Advice Shop are teaming up to offer advice over the phone or email on issues that you might be worried about.
This includes advice around debt; any benefits you may be entitled to claim, what you can claim if you’re self-employed or not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), housing/tenancy issues and rent arrears.
All you need to do if you would like advice is to private message us with your email or mobile number and we will arrange for someone to contact you. You do NOT need to tell us what it is about just that you would like an appointment.
Business Spotlight – Bright Star Toys
Linlithgow Community Development Trust are starting a new regular feature, spotlighting local businesses. First up is Bright Star Toys!
Bright Star Toys is a relatively new business on Linlithgow High Street run by Ian Melville. He has been keeping his business as visible as possible, even though its doors have been closed due to Covid-19.
Ian has adapted by offering a free local doorstep delivery three days a week and a new click and collect service. Many of the shop’s products are now available to browse and purchase online on the new website. Although other products are available and Ian is happy to advise what else is available in-store. To arrange a delivery or collection call 01506 846326 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Ian said the feedback he’s received since launching the delivery service had been “unbelievable”. “We have been so touched by all the support. I can only say a massive thank you to all our customers, old and new.”
Although much of the business caters for youngsters, Ian has been finding there is also increased demand from adults looking for board games and adult jigsaws. The best seller for children remains Squishmallows, with new ones coming out regularly!
You can read more about Bright Star Toys in the latest edition of The Black Bitch Magazine on page 7. Follow them on Facebook for all the latest updates or visit www.brightstartoys.co.uk to find out more!
Community Group Spotlight – Linlithgow Link
There is also a new community spotlight feature! If your group would like to be featured please email [email protected]. The week we are finding out all about Linlithgow Link.
Linlithgow Link is a voluntary group set up in 1979 to provide a service to the community.
The services provided are:
- A car service for those unable to use public transport, we offer a friendly volunteer driver to take the client to a medical appointment.
- Befriending and visiting those in the community who may feel isolated through age or ill health.
- Caring Café once a month at the Low Port Centre which is run by Link volunteers.
- Tuesday group which is held every Tuesday afternoon at Bield Housing West Port, a get together for the group with a cup of tea and cake.
At the moment, all of the above is unfortunately cancelled due to Covid-19. The volunteers are keeping busy though, picking up prescriptions doing some shopping. They are also handing out goody bags that contain some treats, essential supplies, word search book and colouring book.
We are extremely thankful for the donations we have received which will enable us to make up more bags to give out to the community at this difficult time.
We would also like to thank Queen Margaret Hall who have offered their space to make up goody bags and to the Day Care Centre who have offered the use of their mini-van to provide transport to medical appointments.
Latest Covid-19 Guidance
The current advice from Scottish Government is to protect yourself and others by:
- staying at home
- only going outside for essential food, health and work reasons
- staying 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people
- washing your hands regularly and as soon as you get home
We are now in Phase 1 of the route map for moving out of lockdown which now also allows meetings of two households outside whilst staying 2 metres apart.