A helping hand to be found in Merkinch every Tuesday

After a spell of dreary wet weather, the sun came out for the official opening of the Local Nature Reserve at South Kessock. Local youngsters and officials joined Environment Minister Mike Russell See full report below.

It is unlikely that Merkinch has seen quite so many people on the streets, especially on a bitter January evening. Thousands turned out to enjoy the firework display on the Kessock Bridge, all 12 minutes of it, which ended Highland 2007 Year of Culture.

New faces at Fliperz

Meet the latest staff at Fliperz child-care centre. Top left is Lani who started full-time in December, replacing Susan. Beside her is Helen, a part-time member of staff who succeeded Grace at the same time. They join Laura , front, who clocks up her first year this month. Fliperz has seven staff: three full-time, including manager Denise, and four part-time.

New tutor takes over at art group

MERKINCH Art Group, which meets every Thursday evening in the Community Centre, has a new tutor. Sarah Barnes will replace Georgina Coburn, who has led the group for almost two years. Sarah also tutors at Hilton.
The art group, which started because of the amount of interest shown after the first Merkinch Festival in 2004, has gone from strength to strength. Under Georgina's guidance members have experimented with a wide range of materials and tried a variety of skills: they have made woodprints at Highland Print Studios, tried out mixed media at Inchmore, and even made their own paper as well as going on outings to local galleries.
Most adults will happily confess to not being able to draw a straight line, but you don't have to be a Rembrandt or a Leonardo da Vinci to find pleasure in art. As children, we all happily draw and paint, but for some reason this seems to evaporate as we grow older and more self-conscious. But with a little of encouragement and a willingness to try new things, many find a lot of fun and satisfaction. Why not give it a go - new members are always welcome.
The cost is £2 per night and materials are provided when necessary. For details ring Annie on 240085 or just turn up at 7pm on a Thursday evening.

Fliperz to benefit from daily's charity fund

Dolphins and drains, bans and boundaries, hazards and the Hoose

MERKINCH Community Council are bringing the matter of the South Kessock Environmental Project, sometimes called the Dolphin Centre, back into focus. The project was put on the back burner after their plans to build an ambitious new centre fell through due to difficulties with the foundations at the proposed site, and all their efforts went into having the Westfield turned into a Local Nature Reserve (see page 6 for full report).

At the community council's January meeting members agreed that a series of special meetings for members with a particular interest should be set up to further the matter. Dell McClurg reported that there was a great deal of support for the project. And various tradesmen had offered to carry out work on the building if the materials could be provided. They had opened the Centre during the Highland 2007 firework display to allow people to use the toilets and a lot of interest in and enthusiasm for the project had been expressed. Dell also expressed concern at the length of time that the noisy pipe-laying operation from North Kessock to the South Kessock pumping station was going on. Originally, when they had expressed concern over the effect on dolphins and other marine life, they were told that the boat would only be there for six days.

Members were reminded that the annual clean-up would be held sometime during Keep Scotland Beautiful month in April - the precise date to be confirmed later. She hoped more volunteers would come forward this year to take part in the clean-up drive.

Ivor Bissett, who was unable to stand as a community councillor because of a quirk in the Merkinch boundary line which cuts out a small section of Abban Street, has been co-opted on to the council without voting rights until the re-aligning of the boundary can be resolved with Highland Council.

Yvonne Stewart, who because of health reasons at the time of the elections was unable to qualify as a community councillor , was welcomed as a voting member.

The issue of whether one-time community councillor Donnie Kerr should be allowed to attend meetings now that he was a Highland Council member was again discussed briefly. At the December meeting Inverness City Manager David Haas made a prolonged and passionate plea that the community council overturn their previous decision to ban Mr Kerr and forget the past. But members would only agree to discuss it again in January.

At the January meeting it was agreed by eight votes to two that the Standing Order under which the ban was made should stand. Some new members who did not know any of the circumstances, abstained.
When it comes to crime, the picture in Inverness is improving, according to Sergeant Vincent Teugh who accompanied Merkinch Community Beat Officer Iain Buchanan. In 2007, for instance, the city saw 90 assaults in the month of December compared to 122 the same month in 2006.

Thefts, housebreaking and other offences were similarly down. Things in Merkinch were also changing: "It is definitely a lot quieter," Sgt Teugh said. Sgt Teugh, who covers all the CBOs in Inverness, is familiar with the Merkinch area as he worked in the area with Constable Anne Urquhart 10 years ago. CBO Buchanan said that he was still acquainting himself with local organisations and individuals. He assured members that he was here to help. He said that it was his intention to use the Community House in Craigton Avenue as a point of contact.

The Community Council agreed to contribute £500 toward the production costs of News and Views.

Councillor Bet McAllister reported that Highland Council had agreed to apply for Lottery funding for the Janny's Hoose. Should that not prove successful, Highland Council had around £100,000 available to spend on the Janny's Hoose and another similar project.

Helen Geddes once again raised the matter of local drains, particularly those in Grant Street and Upper Kessock Street. She felt that the CRF money being spent on smartening up Grant Street could be better used sorting out the drains.

Residents should not have to be endlessly complaining about the situation, which is a serious health hazard.

Members reported another hazard - the traffic bollard at the south end of Thornbush Road. It was also reported that the bottom had fallen out of the can recycling container at Harbour Court.
Residents' groups reported that: a total of 120 people turned up at the South Kessock Grotto; and ACTRA were holding a meeting on 5th February.
Anne McCreadie reported that the Community Centre had had a really busy December and that lots of exciting developments were planned for the coming months.
At the December meting, the first following the community council elections, Garry Wells was elected chairman with Ali Locke being his deputy. On the resignation of Anne Sutherland as secretary, Sandra Bowie was elected. While Brian Cain remains as treasurer.

Chairman Garry Wells raised the question of a summer fete, or gala. He felt that there should be some co-ordination between the various community groups and a concerted effort made to pull together.
Anne McCreadie said that the Community Centre had not held a gala last year because they lacked sufficient manpower to run it. It was agreed to put the matter on the February agenda.
The February meeting of the community council will be held at the Community Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday 21 February.

briefs…

• HAVE you heard Billy Nelson's DVD. The highly popular entertainer, one of the founders of the famous Merkinch Burns Suppers, brought it out just before Christmas and it also features the Singing for Pleasure group who sing the chorus to Billy's rendering of "Westering Home to the Ferry". If you are interested in having a copy, ring Merkinch Community Centre on 239563.

 

• THE winners in Jim Smith's annual £100 draw in aid of the Macmillan Oncology Unit at Raigmore were: Pam at the Chemist's who won a bottle of 8-year-old Bell's whisky; Finlay in Mooney's (Black Bottle whisky); Lady at the Laundry (Apricot Liqueur; and Belle Williamson (wine). The prizes were donated by Ian and Ali Williamson, Derek Williamson and Jim Smith.

 

• THE Highland Council's Project Design Unit and engineers Mott MacDonald showed a comprehensive plan to protect Inverness from potential flooding at Merkinch Community Centre in December. Principal scheme affecting Merkinch is the plan to build a low wall along Huntly Place and down Kessock Road. The plans can be seen on Highland Council's website http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/emergencies/flooding/flooding-riverness-flooding-inverness.htm

 

• A SHORT animation film by artists from the Studi'03 group is to be shown at the Community Centre on 31st January at 7.30pm. Funded by Highland 2007 and with the support of Highland Print Studio, the film is on the theme of "Dr Who". There will also be an exhibition of drawings connected with the film. January also saw the Corbett Centre's annual buffet and concert on the 15th.

 

• THE Silver Cinema Club film, on Monday 11th February in the Community Centre at 2pm, is the comedy "Sister Act II" starring Whoopi Goldberg. Cost £2.50, carers free.

THE JANNY'S HOOSE

Cast off the pounds with a brisk walk

ACCORDING to experts (my black jeans) I've put on too much weight.

It's been piling on for a while, but I hate diets. It always feels like a penance. However, all is not lost. I actually lost a pound over Christmas, not from doing without because I did my fair share of munching, but because I'd read somewhere that the most important thing you could do to improve your health was to take more exercise.

I'd always imagined that meant doing aerobics or jogging and that's really not me. I hate getting breathless and sweaty.

The good news is that walking is much better for losing weight, so I did a bit of walking. I walked short distances instead of getting in the car or on the bus.
On nice days I went for a longer walk. We're really lucky that we're so close to nice places to walk to from our homes. There's nothing quite like a stroll along the seashore to clear away the cobwebs. And if you can persuade a friend to go with you that's even better. It helps to tire the kids out too, so they don't get bored and they sleep better at night.

If you'd like to lose weight, why not join us, we've got a weigh-in to give you help, encouragement and inspiration, walking, and lots of other activities to keep you on track, including a drop-in if you want to stop smoking.

We've an addition to the staff for this term - Lyndsay is a third year nutrition student so she'll be on hand to help with any aspect of food. Why not pop in and see what we've got to offer?

Jean Mackay The Janny's Hoose (01463 226348) Janny's Santa

THE Janny's Hoose may not have had their usual Christmas party last year, but Santa still managed to come along, and here little Kieran Shields is pictured meeting a particularly hirsute Santa!
The Hoose has had the axe hanging over it in recent months, but the campaign to keep it open is going well, and last month First Minister Alex Salmond became involved.

The Other Side of Air

Cats and birds cause litter hazard

Merkinch nature reserve welcomed by Minister

ENVIRONMENT Minister Michael Russell welcomed the creation of the 50th Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in Scotland's fastest growing city on 10th December.

The new LNR in Merkinch - the only one in the Highlands - covers almost 55 hectares. It will receive its official community opening in spring 2008.

LNRs are important areas as they help protect nature close to housing, may improve peoples' quality of life, and provide an outdoor learning experience for schoolchildren and adults. Under the LNR process, SNH provides advice and support for communities keen to improve an area by having it declared an LNR. This can involve improving site access, conserving important habitats and species or giving opportunities for environmental action.

SNH area staff have worked closely with Merkinch Greenspace (formerly South Kessock Environmental Company) by providing this advice and support. Merkinch Greenspace has in turn worked with Merkinch Partnership, The Highland Council, British Waterways and Greeninverness. Like all LNRs, it will be managed by the local council and the local community with support from the other public agencies through an agreed management plan.

Michael Russell, Minister for the Environment, said: "I am delighted that Merkinch in Inverness has been chosen as the site of the 50th LNR in Scotland - it is a suitable reward for Scotland's fastest growing city. The reserve will also assist the economic profile of Inverness by acting as a lure for visitors to stay a little longer and visit this varied site. Local Councillor Peter Corbett said: "It is quite unique to have something of this type in the Highlands and in the South Kessock area, which usually gets identified for other things. This new reserve is recognition of the value that the local community have placed on this special area for many years."

The vision for Merkinch LNR is to create the best Local Nature Reserve in Scotland: a place where people and biodiversity co-exist to each other's mutual benefit.

Merkinch Greenspace has been awarded funding by the Community Regeneration Fund, SNH and HIE Inverness and East Highland. The grant will be used to employ a consultant to prepare a detailed management plan and install gateway markers with maps and interpretation.

The aims for Merkinch LNR are to conserve its habitats; maximise the biodiversity value of the area; improve site access; encourage the community to be involved in managing the reserve; provide environmental education opportunities and promote the value of the reserve to local residents and visitors.

Merkinch LNR has such natural heritage interests as coastal grassland; mudflats, salt marshes, freshwater pools, wet heath, and woodland. It also provides an important habitat for mute swans and a range of wading bird species.

The shore is also immediately next to the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins and underwater habitats.

Each year, LNR managers and SNH run the Local Nature Reserve Celebrations, a fortnight of events designed to highlight the importance of Local Nature Reserves and to encourage people to visit them. This year's event runs from 26 May-10 June with a link to the BBC Springwatch programme.

Return of the florists

Thanks to their popularity, Annette Stoker has returned to take a further series of Flower Arranging Workshops in Merkinch Community Centre on a Thursday evening. They commenced on 17th January from 7pm to 9pm for seven weeks. All abilities welcome. Contact Gail Smith, Centre Co-ordinator on 01463 239563 for further details - it may not be too late!

Meet Merkinch's new community warden

CLAIRE Richardson is the new Community Warden for Merkinch. She succeeds Liz Murray who has returned once again to the Housing Department. Originally from Manchester, Claire became tired of running a long-distance romance with her partner who works in Inverness, so in August 2006 she moved North.

Her career has been varied - she studied Art & Design at Preston and her first job was designing sportswear. Among the projects she worked on were the leotards for the Commonwealth Games. In Inverness she has turned to teaching and has worked tutoring arts and crafts at Bogbain and painting with youngsters at Hilton. Those who took part in the Fabric Decoration workshop at last year's Merkinch Festival will remember Claire as the tutor there.

Claire is grateful to Liz Murray for her help and support. "She's keeping me right - she's a big help."
Claire's hobbies are, well, arts and crafts, naturally! And she likes to socialise and she admits her favourite music is Indie.

Partnership focuses on young people, the unemployed and the streetscape

LORRAINE Cran from mp33 attended the November meeting to present an update on the work being done with local young people. The Partnership is keen to see a co-ordinated approach to all the youth work being carried out in Merkinch and is planning to host a seminar where agencies working with young people can meet and discuss future joint working opportunities.

The Partnership Officer has been liaising with Youth For Christ, which is based in Inverness High School - they are keen to have a presence in Merkinch and in particular in the area of street work with young people.

The Merkinch Sports Plan also focuses on young people and aims to give them opportunities to build confidence and realise potential. After-school sports activities will be starting this term in Merkinch School and the Partnership is working with mp33 and Active Schools to look at activities for older young people. Improvements have also been carried out to existing sports facilities in the Westfield.

The Partnership is continuing its work on the Merkinch Streetscape project.
Areas along the riverside have been cleared, the railings on Grant Street will be removed shortly and the proposed improvements to the shopping precinct area have been given the go ahead. Funding for the latter project will come from Inverness City Partnership and will include a new bus shelter, lighting, seating and paving.

The Arts Plan drawn up by Arts in Merkinch and funded by the Partnership is being delivered. The Plan includes the street art project in Grant Street (pictured above), pottery classes and the Merkinch Theatre Group.

The street art project was led by local artist Marc Delaye, who worked with a group of boys from mp33 - the feedback from this has been very positive.

Unfortunately, plans for a similar project on a site in Thornbush Road have been shelved due to complaints from two local residents and Marc is currently working on a wall at Glendoe Terrace.

The Outreach Service being delivered by Working for Families in Merkinch has been very successful. This project started in September 2007 and is being funded by JobCentre+.

The aim is to engage with those people in Merkinch who are long-term unemployed and offer them a route back into employment - the service offers help with driving lessons, training, college courses, transition into work, job interviews and is currently funding a part-time post in a charity based in Grant Street.

For more information on any of the above projects please contact Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989.

Sports Nooz

Soccer Seven team have busy winter

MERKINCH Primary School Soccer Sevens football team have been busy over the last three months despite the poor weather.
Because of the poor conditions they only managed one game, against Croy Primary School, and this was played in terrible weather but the team performed well despite this. Coaching has continued in the Merkinch School on Saturday mornings with coaches Peter Corbett, Liz Murray and Chris Evans putting the squad through their paces. There was a short break during the festive period and the squad made use of the sports centre on a couple of occasions which they enjoyed immensely.

On the social side the team and coaches had a great night out at Eden Court Theatre at the pantomime which was a "first" for some of the team.

Said Peter Corbett, "We have also been very lucky to receive tickets - through Lifescan - for Caley Thistle's matches against Gretna, Celtic and St.Mirren which proved great days out for the team. Our thanks go to Lifescan for their generosity and support."

Portland A increase their lead at the top

IN the Inverness City Taxis Darts League, results on 8th January 2008 were as follows:
A League :- City Taxis 9 Uncle Bobs 3, Portland A 10 Culloden Moor Inn 2, Tarradale 12 Oscars 0.
B League :- Legion A 8 Portland E 4, Mojo's 3 Deeno's 9, Portland Spikey's 12 Smithton 0, Caley Club 8 Finlay's 4.
C League :- Portland X 6 Raigmore 6, The Drover 4 Legion B 8, Smithton B 4 Brockie's Lodge 8, Thistle 3 East End Arrows 9.

Portland A increased their lead at the top of the A League to three points as second-placed Uncle Bobs lost to City Taxis; the latter move into second place a point better of than Bobs with Portland B a further two points back.
B League leaders Legion A beat second placed Portland E to increase their lead to five points. Deeno's join Portland E in second place with Spikey's a further point behind. The same margin separates Finlay's in fourth and Caley Club in fifth.
Smithton B lost their 100% league record when they lost to Brockie's Lodge and they are now only two points in front of East End Arrows and Portland X are another point behind in third while Brockie's are in fourth but only four points behind the leaders.
Maximums were scored week by Liam Perks (Brockie's Lodge), George Macleod (Finlay's), Colin Robertson (Deeno's), Stevie Falconer (Portland A), Jim Hunter (Portland A) Barrie Mackay (Culloden Moor Inn), Derek Maclean (City Taxis) and Alan MacKinnon City Taxis hit two. Kevin Clark City Taxis hit 177 and the top check outs were Robbie Mutch (Uncle Bobs) 132, Trevor Bell (Uncle Bobs) 116 and Hugh Graham (Finlay's) 100.
The best legs all came from Portland A players Richie Devlin and Jim Hunter with 14 darters and Peter Macdonald with 15.
The last two winners of the Supreme Cup met in the quarter final of the 2007 event and it was the holders Portland A who beat stable mates Portland B.
The game could not have been closer with the lead changing hands four times but at no time did the advantage go beyond one and therefore it took the roll-up to separate them.
C League leaders Smithton B lost the first three games to B League side Deeno's in the other quarter Final but then took seven games in succession to win the right to play Portland A in the semi final. In the Consolation Shield Legion A proved just too strong for East End Arrows winning the first seven singles however five of these went to 2-1 so the new inexperienced team gave a good account of themselves. The other consolation tie matched old rivals Portland E and Portland Spikey's and it proved a much closer affair with the singles ending level after both teams had been in front Portland E took the first double before Spikey's took three in a row to clinch their place in the semi final. Taff Daniel of Portland E had a 145 check out.

Health advice

Midwinter - brrr! Do you need a tonic?
FEELING low in energy, feeling tired or having a poor appetite are common complaints. In most cases, these things happen after an illness. These symptoms are not usually long-lived, returning to normal will generally happen within a few weeks.
Your pharmacist advises…

• Do a little more exercise day by day. Walking or stretching are good starting points.
• Eat more food that has good energy stores such as meats, vegetables, fruit, bread, potatoes and rice.
• Eat less fat and sweet sugars such as cake and biscuits.
• Make sure you get all the vitamins you need. It is best to get the vitamins from the food you eat. Our pharmacist can advise if you need to take a supplement.
• Tell your pharmacist if you have any of the following symptoms: sleepiness in the day, a high thirst, going to the toilet often, blurred vision, weight loss that you cannot explain, very heavy periods, indigestion, a change in your bowel habits or in your stools, dizziness or severe pain.
• If you are worried about your health and think you need a tonic, ask our pharmacist for advice.

Panto stars take a bow

CINDERELLA, the Merkinch Theatre Group's first panto and only their second production, was a great success and played to a full house. The audience booed the baddies and cheered the goodies and everyone had a good time, despite the fact that the producer, Amanda, was off ill the last week of rehearsal. The panto marked the end of a very busy and entertaining month at the Community Centre.

Ness Soaps Xmas gift shop success

The former art.tm building on Bank Street was redolent with lovely fragrances when Ness Soaps held their successful pre-Christmas Gift shop in December. The Merkinch-based business once again joined with L'Arche, who were offering their scented candles. Pictured are some of those who attended the opening.

Santa meets a Friend

Santa isn't just for the young, but the young at heart as well! Jean, a member of the Friendship Lunch Club got a nice surprise gift from Santa. The Club meets each Wednesday from 12 - 2pm. They enjoy good food, good company, entertainment, games and trips out and the club is open to all senior citizens. Contact Centre Co-ordinator Gail Smith on 239563.

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