President Tom Kerr welcomed members and guest Rory Cameron from Grange Club to the weekly meeting. He then introduced our speaker Dr Jamie Thomson, son of the Club vice-President.

Jamie, having obtained a PhD in Chemistry decided that Bunsen burners and test tubes held no attraction and chose to use his specialised knowledge in the field of patents and copyrights.

Following further study, which required French and German language ability he qualified as a Patent Attorney, and in a remarkably lucid manner described some of the areas in which he was involved. He detailed the four hurdles to be negotiated in obtaining a Patent, which expires after 20 years while copyright expires after 10 years but is renewable thereafter.

In proposing a vote of thanks Thom Pollock expressed his surprise at the vast and complex subject area covered.

No going back for Stop the Downgrade councillors

They've changed the face of West Lothian politics, if not forever (and who knows?), certainly for the next few years.

Prior to the May local government elections, few would have predicted that the Action to Save St John's councillors would be the key members of West Lothian Council.

But as the votes added up at the count in West Lothian College, it soon became apparent that the three elected councillors, Gordon Beurskens, John Cochrane and Ellen Glass, were going to play a key role in forming the new administration.

And so it proved.

Given that much of the pre-election literature was based on Labour's removal of services from St John's, it was never likely that the three were going to lend their support in that direction. Even the prospect of Ellen Glass becoming West Lothian's first lady Provost couldn't detach the councillors from their principles.

Ironically, Labour also offered Councillor Cochrane the role of West Lothian Council representative on the Board of Lothian NHS, a position which the chairman, Dr Charles Winstanley fought hard, but ultimately unsuccessfully, to defeat.

All three councillors now hold key posts in the SNP-led administration.

As they come to terms with having so much power, the three are also learning to get to know each other. "I knew Ellen from my time at St John's," said Councillor Cochrane, "but I didn't know Gordon."

Fortunately, all three have managed to get along rather well and there are no signs of any cracks appearing in the group. For reasons best known to themselves, the Labour Party have targeted Councillor Beurskens as the most likely to jump ship. "But it ain't going to happen," he assured.

However, all three were quick to point out that whilst they're not about to sign up for Labour Party membership, neither can the SNP take their support for granted.

Their veto has brought a stability to local government in West Lothian. "We're not going to destabilise the situation," said Gordon, "but we will take decisions based on merit and it may be there will be times when we will vote against the SNP.

"We're not anti-Labour and not pro SNP."

Gordon admitted to being "flabbergasted" when he was elected. He was so shocked, he had to take the following evening off. But he's since taken to being a councillor like a duck takes to water and can be found in his office at West Lothian House from 7am most weekday mornings.

Councillor Cochrane has more experience of St John's than Gordon and has been elected leader of the group of three. His recent appointment to the Board of NHS Lothian is a major victory for the three.

The councillor, who is now chair of West Lothian licensing Board, says he found his first meeting there "awe inspiring." But there was a post-meeting consensus amongst West Lothian's licensing fraternity that the councillor had hit the ground running at the meeting. John praised his officials for making his debut that bit easier.

Surprisingly, as an ex Royal Navy man and chair of the licensing board, John hardly ever drinks. "But I'm not teetotal," he quickly points out. "I am a great believer in not drinking and driving, and I have zero tolerance when it comes to that.

"Smoking Hamlets is my biggest vice."

None of the three have a particularly political background, albeit they are now seasoned campaigners. "We were naive," admitted Gordon, "but it's been a very steep learning curve, the biggest of my life so far."

Their election was based on stopping the removal of services from St John's and restoring those that were taken away. And John says that at least one box can now be ticked, given that there will be no more loss of services from the West Lothian Hospital.

For the three, there's lots to be going on with - opposing car parking charges at St John's, the creation of St John's as one of two emergency hospitals in the Lothians and the return of services to the hospital.

It's remarkable just how much has been achieved by such a small group of councillor in such a short space of time.

But that's just the beginning.

As they say on their website www.stopthedowngrade.org BE PATIENT.

"Progress will be slow. However, what matters is the destination! We are working towards re-establishing St John’s as a fully-fledged, fully-staffed emergency general hospital which will evolve to meet the long-term needs of the rapidly expanding local population as well as making a significant contribution to the totality of health care across the whole of Lothian."

Having been privileged to spend a few hours in their company, I have no doubt that the Stop the Downgrade councillors have just the right blend of experience, enthusiasm and determination to succeed.

I just wouldn't like to be the people who try and get in their way!!!

Eddie Anderson

This year's garden competition winners

Linlithgow Area
1.      Anthony Oxbrow, 58 Kingsfield, Linlithgow
2.      Michal & Malcolm Muszynski, 6 Willowdean, Bridgend
3.      Dave du Feu, 2 Greenpark Cottages, Edinburgh Road, Linlithgow

Broxburn Area
1.      Andrew & Susan Ross, 40 Loanfoot Road, Uphall
2.      George & Mary Miller, ‘Bellemonte,’ Faucheldean, Winchburgh     

Bathgate Area
1.      Edward & Monica McPhillips, 27 Marmion Road, Bathgate
2.      Eddie Glen, 135 Marina Road, Boghall, Bathgate
3.      Derek Rhind, 22 Inch Crescent, Bathgate

Armadale Area
1.      Andy Park, 54 Avondale Drive, Armadale
2.      Elizabeth McAlpine, 12 Manse Avenue, Armadale
3.      David  Reid, 8 Kaemuir Court, Westfield

Whitburn Area
1.      Jamie Robertson, 45 Northfield Crescent, Longridge
2.      David Laird, 7 Millbank Square, Whitburn
3.      Therese Mullen, 18 Lomond Crescent, Whitburn

West Calder Area
1.      William Anderson, 51 Hartwood Road, West Calder
2.      William & Annie Watt, Old Powder Mill, Camilty, West Calder
3.      Peter Baird, 30 Polbeth Road, Polbeth

Blackburn Area
1.      Frazer & Lynn Henderson, 2 Elizabeth Gardens, Stoneyburn
2.      Jim Wallace, Burnbank Cottage, 31 West Main Street, Blackburn
3.        Matthew Campbell, 36 East Main Street, Blackburn

Livingston North Area
1.      Helen Taylor, 17 Farm Place, Eliburn, Livingston
2.      Robert Johnstone, 61 Dunlin Brae, Ladywell, Livingston
3.      Pat Broadfoot, 3 Ryebank, Ladywell, Livingston

Livingston Central Area
1.      Margaret Campbell-Morgan, 49 Corston Park, Craigshill, Livingston
2.      Margaret Levins, 36 Melbourne Street, Craigshill, Livingston
3.      Peter Kerr, 31 Toronto Avenue, Howden, Livingston

Livingston South Area
1.      Kim Vance, 7 Lyon Drive, Murieston, Livingston
2.      Caroline Cunningham, 108 Bankton Brae, Murieston, Livingston
3.      Florence Broderick, 5 Lyon Drive, Murieston, Livingston

Wildlife Category
1.      Frazer & Lynn Henderson, 2 Elizabeth Gardens, Stoneyburn
2.      Helen Taylor, 17 Farm Place, Eliburn, Livingston
3.      Kim Vance, 7 Lyon Drive, Murieston, Livingston

Retail & Licensed Premises
1.      Derek Scott, Ashcroft Farm House, East Calder
2.      Peter Waddell, Park Bistro, Linlithgow.

Can you give Barney a home?   
 
Can you help provide a home for Barney?

WE'VE teamed up with the Dogs Trust at West Calder to help home 'New Arrivals'

Every week, we'll feature a dog who has newly arrived at the centre and looking for a good home.

This week - we're looking for a home for Barney - a 5 year old male cross breed, who has recently arrived at Dogs Trust West Calder and is currently looking for a new home.

Barney is a big friendly boy who is looking for an active home.  Barney enjoys the company of other dogs and is happy to be around children of all ages.  Barney likes to chase a football and he loves lots of attention. Barney is happy to be left home alone for part of the day and will make a great family dog.

If you can provide a home for Barney, phone Dogs Trust on (01506) 873459.