Prone to the odd leak, the Black Bridge Gallery or rather Bike Shed roof and guttering just couldn't cope with the deluge of water and it ran in under the skirting board like a small burn! We were flooded out! It was a much as we could do to sweep the water straight out the front door and into the path of some unsuspecting members of the public.
Thank goodness for the kindness and support of Anne, Andy, Simon and our very own Cllr Donnier Kerr for mucking in and getting the place back in shape in time for the opening. Lorna and Steph from Merkinch Enterprise took care of all the food prep and by 6pm, you would never have known we had such a crisis except from my wet hair! The rest of the night went without a hitch, but I won't be forgetting it anytime soon!
'It's OK! Just keep smiling and pretend like this isn't happening!'
[ add comment ] ( 4 views )
Thursday 2nd July - Monday 13th July
It's that time of year again and the 6th annual Arts In Merkinch Summer Festival and Exhibition returns to the Motorbike Shed - or as we like to call it - The Black Bridge Gallery!!
With workshops and activities for children and adults over 10 days, this year's festival looks like it's going to be as busy as ever! One of the highlights will be a performance by Edinburgh based company Sleekit productions, called 'A History of Scotland (in 60 minutes or less). Aimed at all ages over 5 this show is a crazy, action packed journey through the history of our country.
As always the motorbike shed on Grant Street will be transformed into a gallery showing works of art from local artists who live in and around Merkinch. There's still time to submit your work. Contact Annie for full details.
To book into any of the workshops you should call Merkinch Enterprise on 01463 240085 and Lorna on reception will help you out, if you need any other information ask for Annie on that number or 07834 6083980.
[ add comment ] ( 7 views )
Thursday 2nd July - Monday 13th July
It's that time of year again and the 6th annual Arts In Merkinch Summer Festival and Exhibition returns to the Motorbike Shed - or as we like to call it - The Black Bridge Gallery!!
With workshops and activities for children and adults over 10 days, this year's festival looks like it's going to be as busy as ever! One of the highlights will be a performance by Edinburgh based company Sleekit productions, called 'A History of Scotland (in 60 minutes or less). Aimed at all ages over 5 this show is a crazy, action packed journey through the history of our country.
As always the motorbike shed on Grant Street will be transformed into a gallery showing works of art from local artists who live in and around Merkinch. There's still time to submit your work. Contact Annie for full details.
To book into any of the workshops you should call Merkinch Enterprise on 01463 240085 and Lorna on reception will help you out, if you need any other information ask for Annie on that number or 07834 6083980.
[ add comment ] ( 5 views )
At the last Partnership meeting on 26th May Project Officer Anne Sutherland gave an update on projects and groups she is currently working with:
"The Merkinch Healthy Network held a meeting on 14th May, the Merkinch Directory of local groups and projects has been circulated to the group and feedback was very positive.
At the meeting the Homeless Centre Manager gave a very informative presentation and members identified childcare as a priority issue in the Merkinch area, particularly for parents trying to access services dealing with substance misuse issues.
Merkinch School Parent Council is currently looking at fundraising for new playground equipment. A Fun Day will be held at the school on 27th June.
Inverness High School Rural Skills Group has started work in the Corbett Centre community garden, there will be regular sessions after the school holidays.
A network for professionals working with young people in Merkinch and Dalneigh has been set up,the first meeting was held on 15th May. The network is an opportunity for agencies to come together, share information and explore opportunities for joint working.
Graham Ross, Community Learning, and I are working on an update of the 2008 Merkinch Conversation. Many of the issues raised by the local community are in fact being addressed. The update will be circulated in the next issue of News and Views".
[ add comment ] ( 7 views )
The launch of Operation Respect took place in Merkinch on 15th May, attended by members of the steering group responsible for taking the project forward - Northern Constabulary, Highland Council, Merkinch Partnership, the Street Pastors and local Ward Members.
The aim of the multi-agency Operation is to make Merkinch a cleaner, safer, better place for everyone who lives and works there.
Cllr Peter Corbett, Chair of the Merkinch Partnership says:
"We are looking for a sustainable solution to the needs of the community in Merkinch. This operation aims to support all members of the community, to reassure people in Merkinch that we are listening to their concerns, and to raise awareness of the need to support facilities such as diversionary activities for young people. Everyone shares a responsibility for improving the community from a responsible alcohol sales strategy by licensees, to share their concerns with community councils, to supporting youth projects. There are already a number of diversionary activities for young people during the week, but we are aware that there is a need for more of this type of provision at the weekends."
Anne Sutherland, Merkinch Partnership Project Officer added:
"This new initiative will benefit the whole community. A number of people are already doing a lot to support young people in particular in Merkinch and we will be looking for more volunteers or people with new ideas and suggestions. Young people have been given questionnaires to find out what they want. As part of the scheme, Street Pastors will be getting to know the whole community in the coming weeks. They will be present on Friday and Saturday evenings along with local police officers, and are very enthusiastic about working with the community in Merkinch. "The steering group will continue to meet and get other partners involved, looking at improved youth development and facilities, transport and better use of amenity space and stronger links with licensed trade. "
Feedback from the street pastors and the local community has been very positive and at the last steering group meeting Northern Constabulary reported a 50% drop in calls during the time the street pastors were in the area.
[ add comment ] ( 7 views )
Merkinch Greenspace have planned another fun-filled event for all the family. With stalls, environmental displays, music, nature walks, photographic exhibition, sports tasters and give-a-ways this is a day not to be missed.
This year BBC Breathing Spaces and Springwatch have got involved and you can come along to the event and 'do one thing for nature' getting involved in your local green space.
[ add comment ] ( 6 views )
At the Partnership meeting on 21st April, the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers did a presentation on the Green Gym, which takes place in the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. Activities carried out by the Green Gym include footpath work, healthy walks, educational activities, environmental art, photography and recording.
Members also looked at Fairer Scotland Funding proposals from BTCV, Step it Up Highland and the Escape Group. The funding process for applications to Fairer Scotland has not yet been confirmed, new proposals will be presented to the Partnership for advice and comment.
Fairer Scotland Funding has been approved by Highland Council Resources Committee on 15th April for the following continuation projects:
• Partnership Officer post
• Sports Co-ordinator post
• Arts Worker post
• Ness Soaps
• IT training for the unemployed
• Merkinch Greenspace
• Mp33
The Partnership Officer presented an update on the Arts and Sports projects.
The next meeting will be held on 26th May at 4.00pm in Merkinch Community Centre.
[ add comment ] ( 5 views )
Calendar