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Conference focuses on helping Merkinch move forward

Community Project Officer Brian MacLeod with guest speaker, local MP Charles Kennedy, leader of the LibDems.

“MOVING Forward” was the title of the conference in the Corbett Centre on 20th November aimed at helping the area share in the increasing wealth of the city.

Often categorised by its low unemployment and high benefit dependency, all the agencies present indicated that there was now an opportunity for Merkinch people to develop amenities and employment in the area.

Guest speaker Charles Kennedy, local MP and leader of the Liberal Democrat party, in his opening speech outlined the effect that wider national issues had impacted on the area—the failure of the Child Support Agency; Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, which he had some reservations about; and the positive effect that the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board—now Highlands and Islands Enterprise—had had in stemming the population drain in the north.

The next two speakers were David Andrews of the City of Inverness Green Space Partnership, who spoke of the need to develop the city wisely, maintaining our play and wild areas, and Frank Millsop from COPE in Shetland. He gave the history of how a local organisation had developed a family of businesses: packing and distributing sandwiches; making and selling cosmetics; making and selling knitting kits; offering vending, photocopying and fax distribution services; running a nursery garden to help farmers grow willow wind breaks; manufacturing wooden garden furniture, also making domestic and franchising industrial compost bins; roasting coffee shops; opening a pet food shop, a furniture recycling and scrap store… the list seemed endless. A fair proportion of those employed were disabled, and in six years they had grown a business with a trading income of £350,000.

This inspiring talk was followed by a series of workshops. The conference split into two groups—one developing environmental themes and the other exploring economic development potential. After the initial think-tank sessions both brought out a wide range of ideas.

Regarding the environment, it was felt that more use could be made of the river/ waterfront and Carnarc Point and visitor facilities had to be improved. The focus also fell on dog-fouling, motor bikes, the need to clear up overgrown areas, provide allotments, better seating and lighting. In natural areas there was a need for wildlife info boards and a wildflower meadow; and throughout the area more tree planting. Play areas for all age groups were needed and this was an opportunity to involve the area’s children.
The economic group came up with an even longer list in the way of manufacturing, recycling and services. It was agreed that a city centre retail outlet was vital for any soap, gifts, coffe etc. Recycling was also a popular theme, and Services ranged from Fairtrade and guided walks to a secondhand bookshop answering local tastes and lunch deliveries.

However, high on the agenda was the need for more childcare services. The Childcare Partnership is currently carrying out research into local needs.

There was also a crying need for business premises where small operations could be started. The various agencies present were asked to look into this.

The conference heard that the City Partnership Office had earmarked a six-figure sum for capital funding in Merkinch. On the down side, it was pointed out that when the community project officer post finished in June, it could not be renewed—however, funding might be found for some not dissimilar post with perhaps a slight change of focus.

An action list was drawn up to forward the most pressing ideas, and it was agreed to hold another meeting in March to note progress.

Welcoming smile at Enterprise

LISA Mackenzie, our new administrator/receptionist had an interesting childhood, travelling round Europe with her family.

She also lived in Belgium for five years where she learned to speak fluent French and Flemish.

Back in the Highlands for the last five years, Lisa, aged 20, has picked up an HNC in Tourism at Inverness College and she also worked at Inverness Caley Thistle Stadium before joining Merkinch Enterprise this autumn.

Lisa’s hobbies include socialising, music and—naturally—travel.

Mace installs cash dispenser

A much-needed and long-wanted facility has arrived in Merkinch—a hole-in-the-wall cash dispenser.
However the ATM at the Mace store in Thornbush Road is not so much a hole in the wall as a box on a stick! So neat is the dispenser, tucked away behind the door, many quite regular customers have still not noticed it!

The ATM is a very welcome addition to local facilities and is available when the shop is open—7.30am to 7.30pm every day except Sunday, when it is 9am to 6pm.

The Thornbush store’s staff also have ways of encouraging generous customers to deposit their small change—for charity. Young and old are happy to pop their small change ‘shrapnel’ into buckets and jars. They have raised over £300 for Children in Need, £20.35 for the Breakfast Club in a Guess the Donkey’s Birthday contest (won by Sean MacLauchlan). New Start received £66.51 and currently there is a collection for the Corbett Centre. Well done, Mace customers!

What’s so good about life in Merkinch

A SURVEY of a cross-section of Merkinch folk was carried out last month and way ahead of the reasons why we enjoy living here was the people and the community spirit.

The good variety of shops and facilities, good housing and lovely environment also came high on the list, as did the good school and nursery facilities, the increased police presence, the youth club, the football and the bookies!

On the downside, many felt Merkinch could be better if there were better play areas, improved bus services and street lighting, cleaner paths, less dog muck and a crack down on drugs and other anti-social behaviour.

The survey, organised under the Community Participatory Appraisal, was carried out by groups from mp33. To collate the results involved taking over the Community Centre café for several days. Great sheets of paper covered all the available wall space as the answers were listed for summarising.
Pictured above is local lad Robbie Williamson and Catharine Niven from Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, one of several Community Learning & Leisure officers involved in compiling the study.

Fireworks, phones and fencing at MCC

MARGARET Rae of Benula Road has been co-opted on to Merkinch Community Council as a representative of the local residents’ association. She replaces previously co-opted member, Mark Campbell, who forfeited his membership by reason of non-attendance.

Community Council members at their November meeting heard that following meetings with Anderson Street residents, and various authorities, the problems in Anderson Street and also Madras Street were being addressed. The recently appointed caretakers would also be keeping an eye on the situation.

On the whole fireworks had been less of a problem this year in most areas, Councillor Peter Corbett told members. Outwith recognised festivals, members of the public now have to get permission to hold a firework display.

Members thanked Cllr Corbett for refunding £606 from his discretionary fund towards the floral display. The community council itself contributed £250 towards the display.

Councillor Chrissie Cumming pointed out that it was not councillors who would decide housing stock ownership. No decision was taken at the recent Highland Council meeting, but even if they had rejected it, the matter would still be decided eventually by the Scottish Executive and Westminster.

Broken fencing beside the railway line has been mended following a Health & Safety Executive directive, Lorna Macleod reported.

Ali Locke, SKRA, reported that there were 16 voids in South Kessock—two were on offer and the other 14 undergoing refurbishment.

Community Project Officer Brian Macleod brought to the community council’s attention the under-staffing problem at mp33. Cllr Corbett said he would look into the matter.

Dell McClurg of the South Kessock Environmental Project, objected to the use of the word “ramshackle” in the minutes with reference to the former ticket office. However, other members said the word was appropriate and she conceded it was difficult to maintain.

The report from Community Beat Officers A MacRae and P Underwood continued positively. Safer Scotland had proved very successful and they are now targeting drivers who use hand-held mobile phones. They are also taking positive steps towards setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Community Council secretary Alex Macleod briefly reported on a meeting he attended regarding the four different voting systems which would be operating at the next election.

The next meeting will be in Merkinch Community Centre on 13th January; on the agenda will be the updating and amendment of the constitution.

Huntly House Open Day

THE Salvation Army’s hostel for the homeless at Huntly House held an Open Day last month.

Staff and residents took over the former manager’s house in Huntly Place and set up a very interesting display of the centre’s many facilities and various projects they have undertaken including the Yosser and Resettlement projects.

There were also head massages on offer and visitors could see around the Caber Ceilidh developments where such skills as pottery, woodwork and computing can be pursued.

Guests were treated to a buffet lunch catered by the residents and the centre was praised for making their visit so interesting.

New partnership aims to improve life for those affected by breast cancer

A NEW partnership between Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Citizens Advice Bureau aims to improve the service by offering a one-stop shop for advice, medical, financial and social, to patients with breast cancer, their partners and carers.

Representatives from the new partnership and also from the Highland Breast Care Centre visited the Janny’s Hoose to discuss the improvements the new partnership would make for those affected by the disease.

It is a fact that 64% of those with terminal cancer do not get the benefits they are entitled to, and by teaming up Macmillan Nurses do not have to discuss non-medical problems but can concentrate on the care of their patients.

Advisers from the partnership, which is based at Raigmore but also goes to people’s homes, are specialists in benefits and grants accessible to patients and their carers—there are generous and quick grants available for, say, a washing machine for a patient who needs a lot of bed linen.
However, although breast cancer is a common illness it has a high recovery rate. Even so, there are all sorts of questions that arise, such as matters of nutrition, work issues, emotional issues connected with mastectomy, and so forth. This is where the Highland Breast Care Association (HBCA) can also come in useful, offering invaluable confidential advice and support from highly trained volunteers who have personal experience of the problems.

Members meet monthly in the Palace Hotel and discuss stress management, exercise, nutrition etc. Partners can learn about massage and other ways to support patients and former patients.
The Macmillan CAB Partnership can be contacted on 706259, the Brest Care Centre on 705605, and the HBCA on 233232, 238889 or 793367.

briefs…

• SOUTH Kessock Residents Association are holding a Christmas party from 12 to 2pm for those aged 10 and under at the Craigton Avenue show house on Saturday 18th December. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Well done Merkinch teenager Amanda Welham, who beat off competition from fellow pupils to represent the High School in the Highland finals of the Future Chef contest this month. Good luck, Amanda!
• LAST month sea cadets at TS Briton in Kessock Road had a visit from the Navy’s top brass. Vice-Admiral James Burnell-Nugen, Second Sea Lord and commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command was in the city to discuss a new course being run by Inverness College to prepare RN hopefuls in core naval skills. He inspected the youngsters, accompanied by Lieutenant James Pirie, himself a former Inverness Sea Cadet in the 1970s.
• DIARY date for January—Huntly House residents are holding a sale of work on 29th. Among items on sale will be pottery and wooden bird boxes and other items made by the residents.
• THE Community Centre hope to run a range of new activities next year. So if you have any special interest you would like to take part in—as long as it’s legal!—contact Cheryl on 239563.

Find some time everyday to laugh

CHRISTMAS can be a stressful time of year. Laughter releases endorphins which can help reduce your stress. So put on a funny movie, tell a joke or play a silly game with your family. Most of all enjoy yourself.

The Janny's Hoose would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Jean Mackay
Janny's Hoose Healthy Living Centre
Merkinch Primary School,
Telford Road
Inverness IV3 8HY
01463 226348

Corbett Centre VIP celebrate national day well in advance

THE Corbett VIP charity held a St Andrew’s Dance a bit early, in aid of funds.

Though St Andrew’s Day is not until the 30th of November it was the nearest date suitable for everyone.
Merkinch Pipe Major Tommy Cameron with Pipers Blair Anderson, Ian MacLennan and Jill Omand played stirring music and there was a display by Lauren and Claire of the Elizabeth Fraser School of Highland Dancing.

Jim Forbes and the “Highland Style” dance band played for the dancing and, thanks to all the artistes, everyone had a great time.

There will be a sale of work in the Corbett Centre on Thursday 2nd December from 11am with tea, coffee, refreshments and a number of stalls. This is in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline and the Beslan Children’s Appeal in particular. Everyone welcome.

The Centre hosted the recent successful Merkinch Moving Forward conference.

Festive fun at the Friendship Club

THE Friendship Club is all set for an entertaining time this month with a trip to Eden Court pantomime, Cinderella, on 8th December. The month kicks off on the 1st with a visit by children from the Merkinch Nursery School who will pop over from across the way to entertain the oldsters with their singing. On the 15th there will be a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings followed by a scenic bus tour stopping off at the Anchor and Chain, North Kessock for mulled wine and home baking. The month is rounded off on the 22nd with a visit from Frankie Fraser. The club meets every Wednesday at the Community Centre, enjoying an inexpensive lunch and good company.

John and Lana shine brighter than all the rest

Pictured are, from left: back row— Judges Adrian Clark, Highland Council arts officer; Beth Cranidge, principal teacher of music at Inverness High School; and George Gordon, Aviemore who reached the finals in TV’s Stars in Your Eyes programme. Front row—John Tolmie, Lana Vanzetta, and organiser Elsie Normington.

THERE was a full house at Merkinch Community Centre on 20th November when “Stars in Your Eyes” came to Coronation Park. There was a wide age range among those brave enough to tread the boards as Jolson and Elvis, the Beverley Sisters and Tina Turner.

The winners were John Tolmie in the adult section who rendered “Red, Red Robin” in Jolson style while little Lana Vanzetta won with Hilary Duff’s “So Yesterday” in the Children’s section. David Geddes was named runner-up for his impersonation of Elvis Presley singing “Don’t Be Cruel”.

The event was organised by Elsie Normington who leads the Singing for Pleasure Group. The group will be singing carols on 19th December at 6pm in the Centre.

Before/after school care

PARENTS are reminded that there are still several places at the Early Birds Breakfast Club and the After-School Club at Merkinch community Centre. At the Breakfast Club youngsters get a nourishing, well-balanced breakfast and a teeth-brushing session as well as various activities. The After-School Club cares for children until parents return from work. Both are a boon to working parents who can have peace of mind that their offspring are fruitfully engaged until they get home. For more details contact Alison Berg at the Centre on (01463) 239563.

Five vie for top spot in A League

THE Inverness & District Darts League stands as follows as of week ending Saturday 13th November, the latest available as we went to press:

13th November: Uncle Bob’s and Portland A share top spot in the A League but Fluke, City Taxis and Tarradale are just a point behind.

Dows lead Shots by a point at the top of the B League.

Gun Lodge are a point ahead of Jolly Drover and Clach Club in the C but the Clach have played a game less than the other two.

Barrie Mackay (Haugh), Kevin Maclean (Portland B) and Derek Maclean (Uncle Bobs) hit two 180s apiece and hitting one maximum each were Shane Wharton and Shonnie Macleod of Portland B, Richie Devlin and Jim Hunter Portland A, Graham Calder (Legion A), Taff Daniel (Portland E), Stuart Murcar (Dows), Gil Graham (Tarradale) Ally Matheson Norman Matheson and Kevin Manson all Drouthy Duck and Jim McNair and Trevor Bell (Uncle Bobs). Top check outs were Donnie Maclean (City Taxis) 136, Allan Fraser (Tarradale) 128, Joe Spence (Tarradale)114, Shane Wharton (Portland B) 110,Willie Wallis (Portland X) 110, Jimmy Mackenzie (Fluke) 106 and Robbie Mutch (Uncle Bobs) 101.

6th November: Ninety two players competed for the three league singles titles at the Clach Club last week. The A League winner was Stevie Mitchell (City Taxis) he beat Eddie Edwards (Portland A) in the final . Stevie from Invergordon and Eddie from Lossiemouth are both in their first season in the Inverness winter league. The losing semi finalists were Andy MacIntosh (City Taxis) and the 1999 winner Stevie Falconer (Portland A). The B League title went to youngster Wayne Ridgers (Legion B) he beat veteran Barrie Mackay (Haugh) in the final, losing in the semi-finals were the 2003 Inverness Singles champion Colin Robertson (Shots) and Paul Macdonald (Dows). Peter Woolley (Jolly Drover) has won the last two summer league C league doubles titles and is also the holder of the winter C league doubles and he added the C League singles to his tally when he beat Robert Anthony (Clach Club) in this years final. Losing semi-finalists were Rhonda Philip and Grant Henderson both of Portland X.

Stevie on his way to the title scored six 180s and checked out on 116, 111 and 104, Stevie Falconer, Andy MacIntosh and Robbie Mutch (Uncle Bobs) all scored two 180s others were scored by Stuart Murcar (Dows), Kevin Maclean (Portland B), Rhonda Philip (Portland X), Bomber Godsman (City Taxis), Barry Maclean (Portland A), Donald Mackay (Legion A), Trevor Bell (Uncle Bobs) and Barrie MacKay (Haugh). Other high check outs were Bomber Godsman 117, Andy Macintosh 115, Robert Mackenzie (City Taxis) 108, Eddie Edwards 105, Andy Davidson (Innes Bar) 104, Wayne Ridgers 103 and Stevie Falconer 100.

Chieftain have now withdrawn from the C League.

Out of School

MRS P’s replacement at Merkinch Primary is Mrs B — Suzanne Bebbington, that is. Originally from Plymouth, she and her husband Ian liked the area so much when they came visited on holidays that they decided to come here to live. Now they live at Abriachan with children John (9) and Clair (13) and Ian works at Raigmore.

Mrs Bebbington has in the past been a legal secretary and also worked in the media and done voluntary work in schools. Mrs P lent her a helping hand to get on top of all the jobs that a school secretary has to do and now Mrs B is thoroughly enjoying her days in Merkinch.

Among her hobbies are swimming, cross-stitch and looking after the family’s Green Alexander parrot, Tiko

Fliperz

FLIPERZ Nursery youngsters are putting on a Nativity Play on Thursday 16th December and their Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday 21st December.

FLIPERZ closes on Thursday 23rd December for the festive break and re-opens on Monday 10th January.

FLIPERZ is always grateful for any spare time that people can give as parent helpers/ volunteers. Says Denise: “If you feel you have a gift or talent in an area that can be explored within the Nursery, please offer your services.

“Any help would be greatly appreciated—also if you have any spare wood for our woodwork bench or scarves for dancing, that would be a great help.”

Have a happy festive season!

mp33

Hi there!

First, a big thanks to video artist Gavin Lockhart and the New Dynamic Project. The Kessock Court projection on 13th November was blessed with fair weather and drew a good crowd of around 80.
All those involved in the Project thoroughly enjoyed it. “I felt like a star” said one. One of the viewers told News & Views —”It was so vivid — really excellent.”

Hopefully there will be another chance to see the video films later this winter, probably indoors this time.
If you are a bit rusty in the area of computing and spelling, don’t forget we have “Spellbound” sessions on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 12. Using interesting programmes on the computer, you can go at your own pace, and there is a tutor there to give one-to-one help if you need it. If you don’t want your kids to leave you behind, come and have a browse and see if it for you.
On a sad note — we lose Bruce this month. He finishes on the 10th and will be going on holiday, travelling the wide world, before settling down. Wherever he goes, we wish him all the best — he will be much missed.

We’d like to wish all mp33 users a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year when it comes.
We will be closing on the 23rd December and will not re-open until 10th January. We have some exciting new challenges up our sleeve for 2005—so, watch this space!

See you...

All at mp33 ,
December‘04

FANCY having a go at some funky dancing? Then come along on Monday mornings to the Community Centre between 10.30am and 11.30am. Book if you want to place your child in the creche. The sessions will be held on 29th November, 6th and 13th December and are open to all women over 17.

THE Escape Group and others are going to be making Christmas decorations with a Scandinavian flavour on Wednesday mornings, 8th and 15th December.

TEENAGE parents and parents-to-be — don’t forget Capers is on every Tuesday morning in the Methodist Church hall in Huntly Street.

THE Junior Youth Club is off to see Cinderella, the Eden Court pantomime, on 13th December and closes on the 20th. Meanwhile the Senior Youth Club’s panto trip is on the 15th and they close on the 22nd.

The Juniors re-open on 17th January and the Seniors on the 19th. All at mp33 want to thank the staff who work with the youth club sessions.

This project is being part-financed by the European Union under the Inverness and Nairn CED programme.