Phone it in, police urge

IF YOU witness a disturbance, vandalism or a crime, or if you are intimidated in the street, report it to the police. Even if you know the perpetrators will likely be long gone before the police can arrive, it still helps them identify trouble spots and use their resources to the best advantage in combating crime.

That was the message from Community Beat Officers Ali Macrae and Pat Underwood at the August meeting of Merkinch Community Council. The police have no control over where CCTV cameras are placed, but they might be able to turn them on a trouble spot at short notice.

They reported a general improvement this summer and although there had been 44 incidences of children and youths gathering in July compared to 37 in the same month last year, vandalism had seen a big reduction from 43 incidents last July to 28 this year. Consumption of alcohol in public places was down as well, though community council members complained that under Friars Bridge was still an intimidating place.

Northern Constabulary continued to run numerous operations to tackle drugs, driving offences and house-breaking. August was designated as Child Safety month and car seats would be checked.

The Community Council's planning sub-committee is to meet to discuss the latest planning developments, the August meeting heard. Plans for flats at the Carse had been shelved meantime, developments in Abban Street had not gone to Highland Council's planning committee, and new plans for Grant Street had still to be discussed.

Community Warden Liz Murray reported that the walls at Coronation Road and at Madras Street had now been painted. Members discussed what could be done to make the path at Coronation Road more agreeable. An inspection of gardens in South Kessock was leading to names of vulnerable tenants needing help being forwarded to Volunteering Highland. She was taking part with the schools of raising litter awareness and hoping to persuade some Grant Street shops to refresh their paintwork. Members agreed to increase their annual contribution towards the cost of producing News & Views from £500 to £750 as a one-off grant.

A disagreement arose over the question of minutes, but it was ruled that once these had been passed they could not be changed.

The next meeting is in Merkinch Primary on 15th September at 7.30pm.

Pottering around on Manic Mondays

THERE was lots of fun for youngsters during the school holidays at Merkinch Community Centre particularly on Mondays when the Manic Mondays programme offered them a range of activities. Always popular was the pottery wheel and Lorraine Cran of mp33 is seen (left) demonstrating how to turn out a pot.

Trinity Church reaches out in South Kessock

MEET Jackie Mackenzie (right) - she's a parish elder at Trinity Church of Scotland in Huntly Place and is currently involved in the Trinity's campaign to reach out into the community.

Once a month Jackie will be running a "surgery" at the Showhouse, adjacent to the Community House in Craigton Avenue. She will be there on the last Friday of the month from 5pm to 7pm to answer questions anyone may have about the Church of Scotland. At other times Jackie can be reached on 220710.

Jackie is pictured at the Trinity's display at the highly successful South Kessock Open Day in Craigton Avenue.

Merkinch dancers' success

IN THE recent UKA Highland Dancing Examinations the following Merkinch pupils at the Fraser School of Highland Dancing were tested by Alison Gordon of Huntly.

In the Master Uni-Ted, Courtney Fraser and Danielle Mackay were Highly Commended. Other Highly Commended dancers were:

Uni-Ted Badge Red - Sarah Berg, June Mundie; Uni-Ted Badge Green - Nikki Falconer; Highland Intro I - Saffron Murray, Kirsty Schultz, Carla Shand, Francesca Jackson, Nikki Falconer.

In the Highland Silver-Bar, Derri McPhee gained Distinction as did Rebecca Fraser in both the Highland Gold Bar 3 and National Basrracks' Johnnie Gold.

Derri McPhee gained Honours in the Sailor's Hornpipe Bronze-Bar and Distinction in the Irish Jig Bronze, and Rebecca Fraser gained Distinction in the Irish Jig 1st Gold Thistle.

This term's classes begin on Thursday 1st September. The Beginners' Highland Dance Class takes place in Merkinch Community Centre between 4pm and 4.45pm on Thursday afternoons. This is followed by the Exam & Display Class which finishes at 5.45pm. There is a pre-school class in the Spectrum Centre on Tuesday afternoons at 4.30pm. Enquiries to Inverness 729477.

Refurb for Fliperz

OVER the holidays Fliperz Childcare Centre at Merkinch Hall was a hive of activity - but of a different sort from usual. Workmen have given the Childcare Centre a major refurbishment and a whole new look. Now manager Denise Mudge has a much-needed office upstairs, and under the splendid staircase is a child-sized area for a range of games and activities. More cupboard space, a new central heating system, , new kitchen equipment, new décor and flooring complete the refurb. Still to come are new toys and equipment for the children.

The project was financed through two applications: one, part of a joint project across Inverness to the New Opportunities Fund through Highland Pre-School Services. The Fliperz element was also supported by the Community Economic Development Fund through Inverness & Nairn Enterprise-this first award came to £12,500. The second award of £10,000 also includes some revenue funding support for the Centre and provided the additional finance required to enable a full refurbishment. This award came from Working for Families Highland through Highland Opportunities Ltd.

Merkinch Enterprise would like to thank all the groups and individuals within this process that has resulted in the provision of a quality upgraded facility for the benefit of the community of the Merkinch.

briefs…

• A NEW residents' group has been formed in Merkinch for an experimental three months. Capel Inch Residents Association held its first meeting last month. It is for people who live in Anderson, Madras, Nelson, Jamaica, and Brown Streets. Chairman is John Macleod and secretary is Ian Byrne, both Madras Street. The next meeting is at the Community Centre on Tuesday 6th September at 7.30pm. All residents from the area are welcome.

 

• PREPARATIONS for the Merkinch Gala and their regular session at Rollerbowl kept the members of Active Adults fairly busy last month, but they did have a couple of outings, to North Kessock and to Strathpeffer. They meet on Tuesday afternoons at the Community Centre and new members are always welcome.

 

• THE Wednesday lunch club at the Community Centre, which meets on Wednesdays went on an outing last month to Cawdor Castle, Nairn harbour and links. They have also enjoyed a few bingo games. The lunch club always has room for more and anyone who wants to come along and enjoy some company and a good lunch is very welcome.

 

• THE Tool Club, which is based at Craigton Avenue Community House, has closed its summer service. However members can still borrow tools by contacting Ali Locke at No 40 week nights between 6.30 and 7.30pm only. The Tool Club is not only useful for gardeners; it also has a range of tools for DIY projects.

 

• WINNER of the August Nicol's Killer Quiz is Gordon Mackintosh, 25 St Andrew's Drive, Inverness. Congratulations. answers on page 10.

New activities for a new term at the Janny's Hoose

THE Janny's Hoose staff and volunteers are all back from their holidays and raring to go!

We have our usual activities on offer as well as some new ones. Most activities are starting the week commencing 29 August. The insert in this newsletter has details. The Wednesday walks have started, but we have moved the time forward to 1pm to allow us plenty of time to get back to school before the wee ones come out.

Our monthly recipe bag is in preparation so if you fancy making a Spanish omelette come and find out how easy and quick it is to do.

Want to do something different? Come in and let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Whatever your problem we can lend a listening ear and a cuppa. We know where you can get help for many of life's problems, personal, children or partners.

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

letter to the editor...

Janny's Hoose really helped me with baby blues

HAVING just had a baby and feeling down, the support I received from the staff at the Janny's Hoose has been first class.
The staff are always on hand with a cuppa and a friendly ear. The counsellor is also first rate and to me a life-saver. Thanks to their support my home and personal life are back on track and I now enjoy my child.

Yours sincerely, Name and address supplied.

Youngsters all set for Uganda trip

TWENTY-five pupils from Inverness high School accompanied by 15 parents and school staff are all set to leave for Uganda next month. The party leaves for Kampala on 6th October.

Their major fund-raiser, The Big Day, made £3000 and the youngsters have been bag-packing in supermarkets and organising sponsored events to raise the necessary cash. On 2nd October they are holding a special event in the Mustard Seed when invited guests will enjoy a meal and fashion show while pupils wait tables and help in the kitchen. Anyone wishing to help the project can contact Sarah Dowling at IHS.

Fun Day for all in South Kessock

SOUTH Kessock Residents Association and Highland Council held a Fun Day on 5th August at Craigton Avenue Community House.
A good day was had by all with a steady stream of people attending. It was commented that not one child could be found in the streets of South Kessock as they were all at the fun day.

Attractions included a bouncy castle, face painting, beat the goalie with Clach's Ali Ridgers in goal, the stocks with PC Ally Macrae, Ali Locke and Councillor Peter Corbett getting a good soaking - however, visiting MP Danny Alexander could not be persuaded to go in to the stocks!

Right: Clach's Ali Ridgers with some of the Lilywhite fans who had a go at the goal.

The Police and Fire Brigade were in attendance as was the Army with a penalty shoot-out, a paint-ball tent, Corbett Centre ran a BBQ, and tables included mp33/ Job Centre, Trinity Church, SSPCA, PDSA/ Epona Vets, British Transport Police who had a model railway, and Mr Platt ran his duck stall. Teas, coffees sandwiches were served, also juice and crisps for the kids were all free of charge.

Our thanks go to all those volunteers who helped on the day to Yvonne and Carol who did a lot of fundraising and legwork, Highland Council and all the local business, organisations and individuals who donated generously to the day these include: Blackbridge Furnishings; Lochiel Bar; Ricky's Ice-cream Van; Macdougall and Hastie, Butchers; Spar Shop, Thornbush Road; Inverness Glass/ Cairngorm Windows; Gaelforce Marine; Finlay, Macdonald & Macintre joiners; Donnie's car sales; Highland Smiddy; Trinity Church; Salvation Army and Colin Rowes, Video Stop; Merkinch Post Office.

Wanted: Your view on developments

South Kessock Project seeks your ideas

CONSULTANTS have been appointed to make a feasibility study into the development of the South Kessock Environmental Project. Once an off-shoot of Merkinch Community Council, the project has been run from the former South Kessock ferry office for over a decade.

But earlier this summer the South Kessock Environmental Company was formed and last month they appointed Ken McKinnon and his partner to look into ways of developing the successful project.

Dell McClurg, one of those who were very much involved with the project from the beginning, told News & Views: "We'd like to hear people's ideas.

"For instance, would they like to see solar energy being used in the building; besides a display area for our heritage and environmental collection, should there be a café, a play-park perhaps? We'd like to hear from as many as possible what they think"

Anyone with ideas on the subject can contact Dell McClurg through the Community Centre.

Community Centre wants your comments on hall plan

CONSIDERATION is currently being given to a proposal to develop the gym hall at Merkinch Community Centre to turn it into a multi-purpose facility.

Last month Elsie Normington was appointed as consultant to carry out a study into the feasibility of the idea.
Mrs Normington has been responsible for a number of musical events at the Centre in recent years - she set up the Singing for Pleasure Group, which has proved so popular that it now has a waiting list, and she was the driving force behind a couple of highly successful community concerts.

Over the next seven or eight weeks she will be preparing her report and so that the community will have their views included she is asking for people to come forward and say what they think.

"It is proposed to apply for funding to purchase a stage, lighting, theatrical drapes, a sound system and so forth," she said.

"We would like to hear your comments and ideas on this proposal."

New member on housing board

ALEC MacLeod, Abbey Court, has been appointed to the new shadow Highland Housing Association Board. The Board consists of five councillors, five tenants and five independent people.

Busy summer for Ness Soaps volunteers

Pictured at the Inverness Highland Games are, from the left: Roz Innes of Ness Soaps, Anne Sutherland, Community Development Officer, and Eosaph Mackenzie and Ian Roberts of Ness Soaps.

THIS has been a busy summer for the infant Merkinch firm, Ness Soaps. The volunteers behind the project have been visiting major events with their fragrant hand-made products gaining useful marketing information.

Venues visited have included Inverness Highland Games, the Black Isle Show, Belladrum Festival, the Clan Mackenzie Gathering and Strathpeffer Games, Merkinch Gala and the Floral Hall. Still to come is a date at the Dores Gala on 3rd September.
The good news is that Ness Soaps hope to acquire premises soon to be their office as well as a small shop area; the soap will continue to be made and packaged at the Corbett Centre. Merkinch Enterprise has meanwhile agreed to do the paperwork for Merkinch Development Ventures (MDV), Ness Soaps umbrella company.

Recently four of the volunteers from Ness Soaps visited Shetland to learn about COPE, the Lerwick-based social firm which runs a number of businesses in the islands. The result is that, in conjunction with COPE, MDV is to run a distribution centre from premises on the Carsegate. They plan to import goods through Inverness Harbour and distribute them from the Carsegate to other social enterprises throughout the Highlands and Islands.

All those involved in MDV are currently volunteers, but it is hoped to employ some workers next year.

HIDDEN aspects of the mundane were the theme of an exhibition of photographs on show at Merkinch community Centre last month. Inverness-based Ken Gowans showed his collection of works - a combination of photographs, text and typography entitled Drive-Thru' - which explored the effects that globalisation and consumerism are having on society. A number of the photographs were taken in Merkinch. Ken has recently graduated from Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen.

is on hand for victims of crime or racial abuse

IF YOU have been a victim or a witness of crime - a theft, assault, break-in etc - then besides the loss of your property or work you may well suffer emotional damage.

Talking to friends and family can help, of course, but too often we don't want to burden others with our distress. However there are people who are experienced, discreet and with a willing ear who can lend both practical and emotional support at such a time.

They are Victim Support Highland (VSH) and they are based in Tomnahurich Street. However on Wednesday 7th September they are running a drop-in session at the Community House in Craigton Avenue from 10am to 12 noon.

VSH offers not only practical help and emotional support, help with insurance and compensation claims, and support in court, but they will also arrange interpretation and translation services for those who need them. VSH stress that their service is FREE and entirely CONFIDENTIAL.

They also help with people who have been victims of racial harassment, discrimination or abuse.

So if you have suffered from crime or racial abuse and need some support, call in at Craigton Avenue or visit the VSH offices in Tomnahurich Street.

Details of how to contact VSH can be found on the advert on page 12.

• Victim Support Highland are always looking for suitable volunteers to train to carry out their work. Volunteers require to be flexible and non-judgmental.

Food bank project set to open in Merkinch

A PROJECT to help people out when they find themselves in dire straits is set to open in Merkinch this month. The charity Blythswood Care, who are more usually associated with help to Eastern Europe, have tried out the food bank concept in other parts of the country with considerable success.

Recently shoppers at the Tesco store in Tomnahurich Street were asked to donate something from their shopping basket. Altogether 820 kilos of food were collected.

Project coordinator Lorna Dempster explained it was a voucher-based scheme - the vouchers would be distributed by GPs, health visitors, social workers and other care professionals. The Food Bank would bridge the gap between a family finding themselves in difficulty and actually receiving benefits, which could take a few days.

consumer advice…

Getting away from it all? Make sure you're covered

IT MAY be a little late in the year to be thinking of holidays, but Highland Trading Standards have some useful advice for travellers at any time of year.

Holidays in the sun are still popular with families and singles alike. Unpredictable British weather, tempting low-cost flights abroad and the chance of going somewhere exotic and exciting are all factors in choosing a holiday abroad. However, before you pack the sun cream and head off for two weeks of relaxation take time to look over the following tips to avoid problems:

• l If you book your holiday through a travel agent, they will only be liable for certain parts of the deal - your holiday contract is likely to be with a tour operator.

 

• Make sure you know who is liable for what. If in doubt, ASK YOUR TRAVEL AGENT FOR CLARIFICATION. Make sure you read the booking terms and conditions, and that you understand them. Take a printed copy of these terms with you when you go on holiday.

 

• Get any special requests in writing, and ensure that they are passed on to the tour operator.

 

• Check that you have adequate insurance and take the policy, or a copy, on holiday.

 

• Check that the tour operator is bonded - does the agent belong to a trade association? (e,g ABTA)

 

• Carefully check your written confirmation, and clear up any omissions, or anything you are not happy with, QUICKLY.

 

• If you have a problem while you are on holiday, make sure you complain to the local representative at the time, which might be able to sort things out.

 

• If it is not sorted out quickly, gather good evidence, such as photos of dirty accommodation and take the matter up with the tour operator, in writing as soon as possible after you return.

 

• Above all, try to be reasonable, realistic and objective about any problems you experienced on your holiday. Remember, it is unlikely that the tour operator will have any control over local customs and cultures.

 

• If buying flight tickets only and you don't get the tickets straight away, make sure that the agent, or their intermediary, has an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) which is granted by the Civil Aviation Authority and are a legal requirement for firms selling air travel.
  This means that if the travel firm goes out of business, the Civil Aviation Authority, will arrange for refunds to people who cannot travel and to pay for people abroad to finish their holidays and fly home.

 

• It's a good idea to book your holiday by payment of a credit card if possible. If you have a credit card, and your holiday costs more than £100, it is worth paying for the holiday using this facility, or even just for a part of it, such as the deposit. This is because the Consumer Credit Act 1974 S.75 makes the credit card company equally liable for any breaches of contract; from the trader going bust, to having a rotten holiday. Make sure, though, that the payment transaction is with the tour operator, not the travel agent.
  Sometimes, the tour operator might change important parts of the holiday after you have booked. If the change is a significant one, such as moving you to a different hotel that you are not happy with, or altering the itinerary, or there is a major change in the flight times, for example, they will probably be in breach of contract.

 

• You should be given the option to cancel and be given a full refund, if you wish.

 

• You might want to try to negotiate a change in the booking to another holiday offered by the operator for a similar price.

If you feel there has been a misrepresentation of any facilities or other aspects of the holiday, either verbally or in writing then please contact Highland Trading Standards Service either through our email address which is: consumer.advice@highland.gov.uk or alternatively consumers can write or visit our offices at:

Trading Standards Unit
Highland Council
38 Harbour Road
Inverness.

your pet...Get your pet in shape

GETTING your pet's diet right from early on in life will add to everyone's enjoyment of life-your pet's, yours and your vets!
Dogs have a wide range of body weights, and their dietary needs are different for each type, age and lifestyle. For example, a working sheepdog will have a much higher energy requirement than a typical family poet so you need to work out your individual dog's energy needs and feed a well-balanced diet for optimal health.

If your dog needs to lose weight, the first stage is to make an appointment with the vet for your dog to have a check-up.
A weight loss programme aims for a reduction of 15% bodyweight over three to four months or until the target is reached. It is a good idea to split the food into two or three small meals a day. Weight loss should be a gradual, long-term project. Commercial foods have a clear advantage over home-made diets in this respect - the energy content is displayed and will be consistent.

Those designed for weight reduction also take into account the vital food components as well. Since a dog on a diet is taking in fewer calories it needs an increased amount of essential nutrients relative to the energy content.

As we all know, exercise is as important as diet in a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise is vital for any dog, but even more so if your dog is on a diet. The vet will be able to advise you on the amount needed, depending on the breed of dog and its stage in life.

Some dogs will need restricted exercise - for example, dogs with arthritic joints usually need frequent short walks rather than one long one.
In a healthy dog, a brisk one-hour walk will increase a dog's energy expenditure by about 10% as well as increasing the resting metabolic rate. Exercise will benefit a dog's owner as well. Not only will it increase your calorie output, but also you will meet other dog owners on daily walks, always ready for a chat!

Reunion reminder

TICKETS are disappearing fast for the Techie (Inverness Technical High School) Reunion planned for 24th September.
All those who left school in 1960 or earlier are invited to come along to the Chieftain Hotel at 7pm that night and enjoy a finger buffet, a refreshment or two and a good crack.

To reserve a place or find out more about the event you can ring one of the following:

Marlene on 01463 782502
Janice on 01463 225889
Marie on 01463 236997
Kay on 01463 230062.

mp33

Merkinch young folk go outward bound

A PARTY of young people from Inverness High School, many of them Merkinchers, went off to Fort William last month on an outward bound experience. Ten girls and boys from the XL Group will be following a Princes Trust curriculum at the Lochiel Outward Bound Centre.

The youngsters have been fund-raising for some time and raised £600 through such schemes as selling home-made rock buns to the HIS staff! The Outward Bound centre matches this pound for pound. Among those accompanying the party was Lorraine Cran from mp33.

Out and about this summer

Pictured above are some of the local children as they set off on a strawberry-picking expedition this summer. Said one parent: "The kids had a great time and the strawberries tasted really good."

A number of those parents who went along said that they could not afford to go on holiday so that these outings were a blessing.

"It is company for the children, and for the parents too," said one. "And it gave us something to look forward to," said another.

Asked for ideas about possible outings in the future, it was suggested that they go to the Fun House at Coylumbridge, Bogbain Farm, the Osprey Centre at Boat of Garten and Kincraig, to see working sheepdogs.
Others fancied camping, a boat trip, an outing to Edinburgh Zoo and more visits to the beach.

• Quad-biking and horse-riding at Broomhill Riding School on the Black Isle are among the activities enjoyed by teenagers through the mp33 Summer Programme. Sadly there are no photographs of some of the more dramatic moments!

 

• It is hoped to run a weekly Smoking Cessation Session every week this autumn. Also the Careers people will be holding sessions one hour a week after school hours for those seeking advice or ideas.
  It is also proposed to hold a Girls' Session on a weekly basis.
  All these are yet to be finalised - but keep in touch and you can find out when they are due to start.

 

• Landmark, Abriachan, Embo beach, Highland Wildlife Park and strawberry picking were among the highlights this summer for the Escape Group.

Manic Mondays

MANIC Mondays proved popular at Merkinch Community Centre this summer. A combined effort by various agencies resulted in pupils on their school holidays having a range of interesting things to do on Mondays throughout the summer. The days proved popular with a total of 164 attendances clocked up, averaging 41 per Monday.

Above - some glorious culinary concoction. We're not sure what it is, but it has cocktail umbrellas!

Left - It may look like a rather odd-shaped parasol, but this is actually a jellyfish in the making in preparation for the Gala Parade.
Right - More fun at the potter's wheel, kindly lent by the Salvation Army.

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