Crescent refurb gets the thumbs up

THE refurbishment of Maclennan Crescent is top class, according to local councillor Peter Corbett who was one of a group of Highland councillors who toured the development last month.

“It is an excellent refurbishment — it’s really nice. They have done a really good job.”

The crescent will have 44 Albyn houses and the housing association also plan to site their offices there.
Former Maclennan Crescent resident came up with the story of how the street came to be named. It seems that in 1929, when the far end of Anderson Street was still known as Capel Inch Road, the new street was named after a councillor, Donald Maclennan. His contribution to the welfare of the people is not fully known, but it appears that he got on the wrong side of the Provost of the day following an argument as to whether Loch Duntelchaig should be stocked with salmon or trout!

At any rate, a suggestion that the refurbished crescent be renamed was not met with any enthusiasm.
Councillor Corbett also reported that the demolition of the empty houses in North and South Kessock Courts would be £80,000. Currently, of the 88 vacant council houses in Inverness, 27 were in Merkinch incl;uding 13 in South Kessock.

The community council agreed to send a letter of sympathy to the family of little Nathan Stewart who drowned in the Muirtown Basin last month.

Councillor Corbett has asked for a site meeting with the Macmillans, owners of the former Tawse’s Yard, and planning and environmental authorities.

Latest report from the Police Board show that the Northern Constabulary area is the safest place in Britain, with a detection rate of 66%.

Merkinch Community Centre, in conjunction with Elsie Normington and Arts in Merkinch, is to organise a “Stars in their Eyes” concert on 20th November, members were told. Anyone wishing to take part should register their interest at the Centre.

The South Kessock project has been going well, Dell McClurg reported. Mp33 had held a barbecue there with Bobo the Clown for entertainment, and the Singing for Pleasure group had a most successful Songs of Praise session during Gala Week.

Ali Locke of SKRA reported that the Tool Club was going well and they were investing in more “winter tools”. A snowplough, one member enquired?

Railtrack had responded to complaints about safety in the Wyvis Place area, but there was still no progress.

Community Project Officer Brian Macleod said there was a shift in designation from “social inclusion” to “community regeneration”. On 20th November local MP Charles Kennedy is to attend a seminar/conference being held in the Corbett Centre to further the ideas of environmental improvement, both natural and social, and wealth creation that have been initiated in the area. Members responded very positively to the idea of such an event.

Members refused to take a stance on the issue of transfer of housing stock from the council to the private sector. All except secretary Alec Macleod agreed that they were not representative of tenants, but would leave it to tenants’ groups and then support whatever view they decided on.
Some members complained at the lateness of the minutes and Mr Macleod said he would post them in future.

The next meeting is on 7th October.

GUEST rat Harry Huber (left) from Vienna joined Merkinch’s Rat Race team of Martin Pieraccini, Brian Macleod and Bruce Crichton in the Inverness Raft Race on Saturday 28th July. They didn’t quite repeat their success of last year when, as the Merkinch Marauders, they won their class and came in second overall. But they still came in 2nd in their class, winning a £50 prize. And Harry was to learn that the River Ness is not so warm as the Blue Danube when their rat-nosed raft capsized as they came in after the finish. Well done, lads!

Meet Cheryl - helping make things happen at the Community Centre

HOW community centres are organised has undergone a shake-up in recent months and the much-awaited new face at Merkinch is the friendly co-ordinator Cheryl Williams, one of four in the Inverness area.

Brought up in London, Cheryl first came to Scotland a dozen years ago, initially to Oban, and she arrived in Inverness seven years back as a hotel conference manager. She has had a wide range of jobs, in personnel, marketing, advocacy and latterly in Victim Support.

Cheryl arrived in Merkinch in Gala Week and feels very much at home in the area. “There’s a nice atmosphere and it’s good how people all mix,” she said. “I’m looking forward very much to being here.”
Cheryl will be found in her office at the Community Centre mainly midweek, in the afternoons.

Tribute paid to South Kessock stalwart

ROBBIE, the volunteer who has been delivering News & Views round South Kessock for more years than we can remember, has retired from his onerous monthly task.

For many years Robbie, who lives in Carnarc Crescent, gave sterling service to the South Kessock community, single-handedly popping the monthly community newsletter into more than 500 letterboxes in the eight streets. In recent months he began to feel that he wanted to cut back a bit and now he is giving up entirely.

Mrs Bette McArdle, who edits News & Views, paid tribute to Robbie and his sterling support over the years. “He gave excellent service to the community, and we will miss his contribution to the newsletter’s success.” No-one has yet been appointed to cover his area.

Rowdy children and drunks make life in Anderson Street a misery

MUCH attention is given to the misery caused by anti-social behaviour in South Kessock, Benula Road and Glendoe Terrace.

But some residents of Anderson Street and the surrounding area feel they are suffering just as much and nothing is being done about it.

A report has been compiled containing accounts of around 40 common occurrences. Just some of the grievances include:

• Children, some as young as six years of age, screaming, banging, shouting and swearing outside people’s homes throughout the day and sometimes late at night. Cruelty to cats and dogs.
• Theft, graffiti and vandalism.
• People speeding up and down Anderson Street on motorbikes. Children cycling in and around the area, endangering themselves and other road users. Bikes and toys left lying around.
  
  Some adults are not much better. Tenants have witnessed:
• Adults and gangs of people fighting, shouting, swearing and playing music very loud. Some even climb in and out of windows and “behaving like idiots”.
• Drunks urinating, vomiting and lying around in public areas.
• Noisy revving cars and horns going off late at night.
• Thoughtlessly parked vehicles block access making it difficult especially for mums with push-chairs.
  
  Generally:
• Rubbish is strewn around, including used condoms and sometimes needles; loose rubbish being put into wheelie bins without first being put into rubbish bags.
• Washhouse and bin areas left filthy. Drains are often clogged with waste and rubbish.
• Passing cars and motorbikes appear to use Anderson Street as a race track.
• There are suspicions of drug abuse and dealing in the area.
• Last and not least – dog-fouling. The report says, “This is especially bad behind the housing near the waterside causing a dreadful smell and a health hazard for youngsters.

The report concludes that due to the increasing use of scanners by anti-social residents, calls to police yield no results. If names are given out across the police channel, the identified callers are intimidated, “Confidence in the police is at an all-time low,” says the report.

“There are a small minority of parents who have a disregard for the welfare and safety of their own children and an indifference and contempt towards the rights and well-being of their neighbours.”

The report will be brought to the attention of the local councillors and other authorities in the hope that something can be done about the complaints.

Arts in Merkinch plans its winter programme

Graham and one of the Corbett Centre’s talented arts group show one of their hangings.

ARTS in Merkinch is planning to organise “Colourful Corners” in various locations in Merkinch. These would likely take the form of murals or paintings on weatherproof boards that could brighten dull corners in the area.

The Corbett Centre has contributed some attractive hangings for use in the Community Centre and other indoor venues — these were first seen during the Gala.

It is hoped to identify a projection area in Grant Street, to show some of the video films being made locally.

At AIM committee’s August meeting Brian Macleod proposed that there should be a display board in Grant Street, either at the bus stop or on Brown Street railings to show such exhibits as the Street Action montage made by Merkinch Primary children and first seen at the AIM festival in April. AIM is also keen to launch classes in such subjects as drawing and painting, traditional music, computing for the retired, according to demand.

Those interested, please fill in the slip below and hand it in.

Tina Olsen, Eden Court’s outreach worker in Merkinch was congratulated on her efforts for the Gala—the ginormous Cup and Clach strips were a great hit.

The “Rotating Doors” and “Football” videos were shown in Falcon Square when the big screen was there, members were told.

The Writers’ Group was going well and members were looking forward to the Inverness Book Festival 7-9th October at Eden Court and Inverness Library.

The Writers’ Group’s next meeting is in the Janny’s Hoose on 21st September.

Members discussed the possibility of applying for an Awards for All grant as their funds are very limited.
The Local History Group held their first Story Walk in Gala Week and despite the rain 12 adults and 10 youngsters enjoyed their walk and the contribution of Helen Geddes.

The Group’s next meeting is in the Community Centre on 9th September at 7.30pm.

Following requests from young people, there is to be a Stars in their Eyes concert on 20th November.

It was agreed to offer every assistance, and AIM is to organise staging and publicity for the event.

Janny’s Hoose back in business after summer

THE Janny’s Hoose is open again after the long summer break. We have some new faces and a few changes to the outside of the Hoose. Judith has joined us as our new clerical assistant, and Cath is back with us 4 days a week. We have Christina Edgar, a health visitor, with us every Thursday afternoon for a child health clinic, and the community midwives are here every Monday afternoon.

The garden is all ready for planting and we have our new patio ready for the sunshine.

We have lots of exciting plans for the coming term. Pop in some time and see what we have to offer, the kettle’s always on the boil. Our opening hours are Monday – Wednesday 9 –3, Thursday 9-3.30, and Friday 9-12.

Jean Mackay, 226348.

Meet Merkinch’s family champion

A NEW initiative from the Scottish Executive to help parents move towards finding sustainable employment is being launched in the Highlands – and Merkinch is one of the areas chosen to test out the idea.

“We’re parent champions,” said Anne Sutherland, local representative of Working With Families, “and we’ll be working in conjunction with NCH. We’ll mainly be working for families where there is unemployment and barriers to finding work such as lack of childcare provision, health issues or social pressures.”

Anne aims to work one-to-one with individuals, befriending, mentoring and supporting those who want to get “closer to the labour market”.

Anne's support package could include sourcing help with childcare, travel costs, training costs and perhaps — most beneficial — a guiding hand and friendship along the way.

Originally from Wick, Anne has lived in Inverness for the last 10 years and, as a single parent herself, has experience of some of the problems she is likely to encounter.

With a career background in the DSS, Job Centres and the Career Service, she has also the means to help those who feel they are in a rut.

So if you want to improve your family’s quality of life, if you need to boost your confidence, feel you need courses to polish up your job or life skills, need help with childcare, want to gain qualifications to get a job or improve your prospects for a better one, then Anne can do something to help.

She lives in Merkinch and her office is at 1 Tannery Court where you can drop in any time Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Her office number is 710469 and her work mobile is 07843 312 642.

Working For Families will operate in conjunction with NCH, mp33, the Janny’s Hoose and other associated services.

Didn’t they do well!

THE Escape Group were recently awarded certificates from Chris Mackenzie (standing second left) of the WEA (Workers Educational Association).

It followed much research work and report-writing which they each did to complete a study on a subject of local interest. These ranged from head lice to heart disease!

The Escape Group members carried out their studies over several months and hope to gain an SQA certificate. Those involved included Doreen Le Plongeon, Jennifer Lornie, Violet Read, Carla Rae, Katrina Read, Maggie Healey and Christine Griffiths.

briefs…

• ACTIVE Adults programme for September includes a visit to Inverness Museum on the 7th, and a trip to Rosemarkie on the 14th. The Inverness Over-50s Inter-club Quiz is the following week and on the 28th the group aim to hold a business meeting. They met on Tuesday afternoons and anyone interested can contact the Community Centre on 293569.
• A SOUTH Kessock woman has won a mountain bike in a competition run by the Mace store in Thornbush Road. Their current competition has a prize of a washing machine.
• THE shop on the corner of Grant Street and Lower Kessock Street that was formerly Mackay’s Electrical Appliances has been leased by multimedia artist Gordon Eccles as a studio/gallery. Originally from Edinburgh, Mr Eccles spent some years in Amsterdam, teaching and working with young people.
• CUBS and Scouts have just started up again after the summer break in St And-rew’s Cathedral Hall in Kenneth Street. The Cubs are open to boys aged 8 to 10 and a half and they meet on Tuesdays from 6.30-8.15pm. The Scouts, aged 10 and a half to 14, meet on Mondays from 7-9pm. The boys do badge work and are planning a Halloween party. More details from Diane Fryer on Inverness 220545.

Little enough sun - but it shone for Merkinch Gala

MERKINCH Gala Day on 28th July was blessed with fine sunny weather and the whole community turned out to celebrate.

The parade from Grant Street to the Community Centre was led, as always by a grand turn-out of pipers. The crowd was delighted to see two of the Clach team, with the silverware they won last season, take part, just before heading off for a friendly at Caley Stadium.

The giant paper version of the Cup and the Clach strip added a topical element to the parade — and some of the gallant ladies from the Active Adults group were in fancy dress as story-book characters.
After Provost Bill Smith, dressed in full regalia, had performed the official crowning ceremony, local charities and organisations offered a variety of fundraising stalls and entertainments.

This was the first event in Merkinch that the new Community Centre co-ordinator , Cheryl Williams, attended and she was made very welcome.

Pictured are: charming trio of Active Adults; the giant Lilywhites strip declares “Champs No1”; Provost Smith performs the crowning ceremony; the pipes and drums keep the parade in order; victorious Clachnacuddin players brought along their silverware to show the crowd; the giant paper version of the Cup created by Tina Olsen of Eden Court and local youngsters at the Community Centre.

FORMER Community Beat Officer in the Merkinch area, Anne Urquhart (second left) was promoted to CB Sergeant earlier this summer and last month the community said a formal farewell.

Merkinch Community Council chairman Ali Maclean presented her with a bunch of flowers and a gift token.

In response Anne said: “I’m really, really upset at leaving the Merkinch. It’s the best job I ever had in the Northern Constabulary. Merkinch was a fantastic place to work in.”

She was aware of the concern in the area that the level of policing was perhaps going to be reduced – but she stressed that after she was promoted there was no gap: Ali Macrae started right off followed by Pat Underwood – a Merkincher – shortly after.

Introducing them both to those present, Anne said: “Neither had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the job – it is just what they were looking for. Both are very committed.” Present were members of Merkinch Community Council and other local groups.

Kids in danger from trolley menace

EARLIER this summer three youngsters had a close shave in Lower Kessock Street when a car had to screech to a halt, inches from a supermarket trolley they were riding. A witness to the incident said, “The kid that was pushing them tried to get it off the road, but couldn’t get it up on the pavement. They were lucky to escape without injury. People don’t realise when they take away trolleys and leave them lying about that it could lead to a fatal incident. Kids love anything on wheels, but parents should warn them of the danger — it happens quite often around here.”

Join your local website

LOCAL clubs and organisations, businesses and churches, youth groups and pensioners clubs, those with an interest in history and those wanting to advertise some future event — all are invited to take part in the Merkinch community website. And it’s FREE!

The site is a platform and a portrait, a commercial as well as a cultural outlet, a place to gather and broadcast information, reminiscences, opinions… in other words, whatever the folk of Merkinch want it to be.

Last but not least, you can find the contents of News & Views since January/February 2004 on the Community Website, with links to all the News & Views archives elsewhere.

So join in and have your say. Its success is in your hands. In the first instance email info@merkinch.info
or phone Merkinch Enterprise on Inverness 240085.
www.merkinch.info

Right royal outing

EARLIER this summer two well-kent Merkinch ladies went to London to rub shoulders with the great and the good. Anne McCreadie and Dell McClurg attended the Royal Garden Party and were also invited to the opening of the Diana Memorial Fountain where they got to shake hands with Prince William.

Among the other things they got up to in their brief trip to London – it was Dell’s first foray south of the border – was a visit to the House of Commons as a guest of Inverness MP David Stewart, and a whirl round The Eye.

Out of School

A MEMORIAL service conducted by school chaplain Rev Chris Smart to commemorate the short life of P4 pupil Nathan Stewart was held at Merkinch Primary on Thursday 26th August.

The funeral service was held on Monday 30th at Trinity Church by Rev Iain McRitchie.

Eight-year-old Nathan, who lived in Benula Road, was playing with friends and fellow-pupils Lee Munro and Dillon Blackwood near the canal on the Monday evening when he and Lee fell in the Muirtown Basin.
Dillon was able to hold on to Lee, but tragically Nathan was lost. James Fraser, who was walking his dog, dived in to look for Nathan, but had difficulty locating him in the dark waters. By the time he was brought up, the boy could not be resuscitated.

None of the boys could swim and calls have gone out for all primary school children to be given swimming lessons.

The thoughts of the community go out to Nathan’s family and friends at this tragic time.

Death of former Clach manager

BILLY Robertson, a lifelong supporter of the Lilywhites died suddenly last month, aged 65, at his home in Oldtown Road and was buried following a service in St Michael’s, Abban Street.

At one time or another he played in goal for Caley and Thistle as well as Clach from the late ’50s and early ’60s. Later he became a trainer with Clach and trained the side that won 1974/5 Highland League championship under the management of Sandy Wallace.

He took over as manager in 1980/1 and went on to lead the Lilies to victory in the Highland League Cup the following year. And the season after that the Clach won the North of Scotland Cup.

After his four successful years managing at Grant Street, Mr Robertson remained an enthusiastic supporter of the club and was not only a season ticket holder but also a shareholder. In 1990, he was involved in the Save the Clach campaign when the club hit financial difficulties.

Mr Robertson recently retired after many years in the motor trade. He is survived by his wife Margaret, son Stephen and grandchildren Kelly, Craig and Hayley.

AJ wears the Fliperz colours

ALASDAIR “AJ” Campbell popped into the Merkinch Enterprise office the other day to show us his new purple sweat shirt with the colourful Fliperz badge. AJ’s mum asked us if there was a uniform that he could wear, so Fliperz obliged. Anyone interested in getting a top like AJ’s can ask at Fliperz or at 14 Grant Street.

Merkinch Enterprise
AGM
at 12 Grant Street
on Tuesday 21st September
at 7pm.

mp33

Hi there!

Hope you all had a good summer. This year’s summer programme proved popular with a variety of new and adventurous activities such as gorge-walking and the high ropes course at Badaguish.

If anyone taking part in all the various activities would like a copy of any photos, just drop in at mp33.
Once again Loch Morlich gave us sunshine and lots of fun for all who came along.

Trampoline sessions for S1 pupils started up again at Inverness High School on 31st August. Any S1 wishing to take part should contact Miss Erskine.

If you are S1 or older and handy with a screwdriver — or you can persuade a parent or other adult to help — come and help build mobile skateboard ramps. Speak to Caroline at mp33 if you can help.
The Youth Clubs have started up again after the summer holidays— new memberships are just £2.
Well done to the members of the Escape Group who completed their WEA Local Investigation project and have the certificates to prove it!

Caroline wishes to thank all those who sponsored her to undertake the Zip Slide at the Inverness Highland Games. Money raised goes to the Marie Curie Cancer Care.
What’s next, you may ask? Well, the Escape Group has video artist Gavin Lockhart returning this month.

The project he is going to work with us on Wednesday mornings (9.30am to 12 noon) is “Live in a Scottish Livingroom”. There is a creche available, but you MUST book.

We also have Handy Mandy to help with furniture restoring. This is on Mondays, same times—and again you must book for a creche place.

New Start has kindly offered to let us choose small pieces of furniture which we can work on and take home afterwards.

Roni is looking for help. She says, “What would you like to see running in our community?” Ideas so far include First Aid, Art, Swimming, Massage, Help with Literacy. Any more ideas? Contact Roni.
Also teenage parents or parents-to-be—don’t forget about Capers which meets in Huntly Street Methodist Church hall on Tuesdays 11am to 1pm. Come for a chat and a coffee, pick up some useful info and have some fun.

Finally, we say our farewells to Caroline this month, as she is leaving mp33. She will be much missed and everyone wishes her well for the future.

Drop in sometime to find out what is going on this autumn. See you soon.

All at mp33 ,
September‘04

Summer programme gallery

IT MAY have been a bit on the damp side—but no-one seemed to care when the Escape Group held their barbecue at South Kessock. The entertainment ranged from Bubbles the Clown to blowing bubbles and everyone had a good time.

Sun and fun on Speyside

LEFT — Some of the mp33 regulars had a great day out in the sun at Loch Morlich.

BELOW — Water sports is the name of the game when the weather gets warm.

Escaping to Banffshire

BELOW, LEFT AND RIGHT — The Escape Group went east to visit the fishing museum in Buckie and on the way they stopped at Duff House to enjoy the picnic facilities there. Isn’t it amazing how good food tastes in the open air!

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