Community discusses the role for wardens
A BID for cash to establish a Community Warden in Merkinch proved successful, and last month three meetings were held to discuss with all sections of the local community just how best such a warden can make a positive difference. The questions that Highland Council's housing department wanted to know was what individuals feel about Merkinch as a place to live, and what aspects of anti-social behaviour worried people most.
"This will affect how we use the community warden," said senior housing officer Ann Edwards.
The meetings were on 12th March in the morning, the 17th in the afternoon and the 25th in the evening.
The aim of community wardens is to improve the quality of life for residents in the area. This is part of a two-year pilot initiative, and Dalneigh and Hilton are also to take part, with wardens of their own. Wardens will focus on reducing crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. They will provide a grass-roots link between you and the relevant agencies, and be the eyes and ears of the community. They don't expect to be the answer to all the problems of the neighbourhood, but with co-operation and by working together, it is hoped they can make an improvement.
Community wardens will have no legal powers, such as those the police have, but they can act as witnesses and assist in monitoring Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).
It is hoped to set up focus groups so that the warden can be used to meet the community's priorities.
New Labour Visit
A whole posse of New Labour politicians emerged from a blizzard of snow, security and the national Press to arrive at Merkinch Community Centre to take part in "The Big Conversation". The topic was anti-social behaviour and seen discussing the subject here is Inverness East MP David Stewart (right). But who else arrived.
New computers for Merkinch
Pictured left is Bruce at mp33 with their new equipment received at the end of February. Also receiving new equipment is Tony from the community training centre at Merkinch Enterprise. It is now fully installed and available for the benefit of the users within the community.
MERKINCH Enterprise have recently been successful in their long term search for financial assistance to replace the ageing computers in their Community Training Centre at Number 6 Grant Street.
This was finally achieved through assistance from the Highland Well-being Alliance Social Inclusion Partnership, who were able to provide the majority of the required finance to not only replace the equipment in their Community Training Centre but also within the same package provide the latest equipment for client use at mp33 also providing a useful community service in Grant Street.
"It's always difficult to source finance and more so on this occasion as we were attempting to replace the equipment for an existing project, I would therefore like to take this opportunity on behalf of the staff and clients of both organisations to thank the Well-being Alliance for this timely and positive support for the community" said Colin Downie of the Enterprise.
Merkinch Enterprise is also continuing with their successful free Information Technology training for the Merkinch community members in their Training Programme for 2004 which is financed through the European Social Fund, and supported by Inverness & Nairn Enterprise.
This year the project has also received financial support from the Well-being Alliance.
"This is an excellent opportunity for members of the community using these services to either learn the basics of how to use a computer or simply update their existing skills using the latest software and hardware," said Tony.
Come and be a friend to the Janny's Hoose
Last month the Janny's Hoose held a house-warming day with events, activities and snacks. Pictured is Andrew entertaining some of the visitors with his story-telling skills.
THE Janny's Hoose was set up to help the children of Merkinch, their parents, grandparents and carers to improve their well-being.
It's in the Janitor's house at Merkinch Primary. We've been going just over a year, and we will be holding our AGM on Wednesday 28th April at 7 pm in the school.
Come along and find out what we've been up to during our first year, and more importantly what we are going to be doing in our second year. We don't like boring meetings so plans are afoot to include a surprise.
We're busy recruiting friends to the Janny's Hoose to help with ideas for activities and organising (and going on) jollies.
Would you like to get involved? You could help us and have a great deal of fun yourself along the way. Get in touch if you are interested -we'd love to hear from you.
After Easter we have new activities planned: Katie will be coming in to teach massage and simple remedies for common ailments. This will be on Thursdays 1.30- 2.30pm starting on 15 April. Places are limited so please phone or pop in and book your place. Watch out for other exciting things to do. Oh yes, and we are still running our drop-in sessions for parents on Thursdays from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Come and have a cuppa and a blether.
Jean and Maree,
The Janny's Hoose, 226348
Merkinch Festival has its own fringe
THE Arts in Merkinch Festival, which opens on 2 April, received an unscheduled advance publicity boost last month when artists Petra Staudacher and Alexander Macpherson (pictured right) invited members of the public into the Black Bridge Gallery to view their installation "The Manhattan Project". This work marks the 50th anniversary of the development of the atom bomb. Petra and Alexander, who live in Harbour Court, hope to enter it for the Turner Prize.
Are your kids bored?
MERKINCH Easter Playscheme will be running Monday to Thursday, both weeks of the Easter holidays. Parents will need to stay with the children but lots of interesting activities are planned-games, crafts and the bouncy castle. These will be from 2pm-4pm Monday to Wednesday, and on the Thursdays there will be trips in the minibus, to The Islands one week and to Dores the next, leaving at 1pm and returning at 5pm. Cost is 50p per day, and although the scheme is for primary age children, younger ones can accompany them. Best to book trips in advance-ring the Community Centre on 239563.
More lunch club fun for Friends
FIONA Gilmour of the Social Work department is the guest speaker at the Friendship Club on Wednesday 7th April. She will be discussing the Help Call initiative.
On the 14th members will enjoy a Bingo session, while on the 21st there will be a visit to the Floral Hall.
The Handy Person Scheme is the topic on 28th April when Sarah Barker will come and explain how it works.
Leading the Lilies to success
CLACH is coming towards the end of a highly successful season. At time of going to press it was not yet known whether they would clinch the Highland League title-but they certainly seemed to be heading that way.
The Lilywhites manager, Robbie Williamson, has certainly made steady progress with Inverness's other team after a couple of years at Grant Street park as manager.
A Merkincher born and bred, Robbie began his football career with Clach, going on to play with Caley and Ross County before returning to Grant Street first as player, then assistant manager and then manager.
"Things have gone very well this season," he told News & Views. "We signed a lot of new players last summer, and though we are sitting second top at the moment we do have a number of games in hand, delayed because of wintry conditions."
We spoke to Robbie the morning of their home match against Wick, which they won. The next was away against Fraserburgh - again a win for the Lilies.
"Because of the weather, we still have six games after that," said Robbie, "so we'll be playing two games a week until the season finishes in early April.
"Six of our last seven games will be away-it makes for a tough end to the season," he said.
Among the new signings were some whom Williamson managed to attract from the Scottish League. Then there's Merkinch player Ali Ridgers.
"We have a good mixture of youth and experience."
Williamson attended Merkinch Primary and Inverness High and lived in both Madras Street and Kessock Road. Recently he moved to North Kessock. He is married to Invernessian Linda and they have two boys, Jake who is three-and-a-half and Ben, aged one. Jakje is apparently already showing potential!
Williamson gives tribute to the Clach fans who have given such tremendous support throughout the season, both home and away.
"We'd like to give them a big thanks-without their support I don't think we would be where we are today."
- Watch out this summer for the return of our Spotlight on the Lilywhites feature, focusing on today's Clach players.
New faces on the Community Council
A "SMILEY Face" has been set up in Kessock Road and appears to be proving effective, Councillor Peter Corbett reported to Merkinch Community Council at their March meeting in the Primary School. It is hoped that a second of these anti-speeding devices will be installed. "Often people don't realise they are speeding," members agreed. In the eight streets of South Kessock there is a 20mph advisory speed, but Kessock Road was never included in the zone.
- Progress in Maclennan Crescent's council-funded development is being delayed until August, but the demolition of the housing association side is due to go ahead any time.
Former Crescent resident Alec Macleod said the development was a complete transformation and it was remarkable what was being achieved. - Co-opted as new members are: Mark Campbell, 59 Kessock Road; Helen Geddes, 3 Shoe Lane; and James Sutherland, 12 Carse Road. Alec Macleod is the new secretary of the Community Council.
- Crime statistics in Merkinch are down again this year compared to the same time last year, Community Beat Officer Anne Urquhart reported. Vandalism and drink-driving, stolen vehicles and assaults were all down on January February last year. Youth calls were down from 84 to 53, though there were fluctuations. CBO Urquhart stressed that the police continued to need intelligence. She also said there was a number of ongoing inquiries involving the drugs squad.
- At a session in the Community Centre, a total of 24 bikes were security marked.
- The South Kessock development of the Dolphin heritage centre is moving on, Anne McCreadie reported. They had been to see other not dissimilar projects, such as Anam Cara at Leachkin.
- Bringing the Welfare Hall back into public use was going to take a long time, Community Project Officer Brian Macleod reported. Currently they were getting advice on how to set up a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. But the purpose and the internal design of the hall would have to be thrashed out. Brian also reported on the latest about the AIM festival programme.
- Brian Cain retired from the South Kessock Residents Association on 7th January, members heard. As a result the Tool Club is currently in suspension.
- The Fire Brigade has identified South Kessock as a "hot spot" and currently there is a risk assessment being carried out.
- Members also discussed the possibility of another pedestrian crossing and also an ATM in Grant Street.
- The next meeting is on Thursday 8th April in the Community Centre at 7.30pm.
briefs.
- THE Community Website, currently under construction, is due to open this summer. If any Merkinchers have items for inclusion please send via email to info@merkinch.com
- A DISCO at the Corbett Centre last month raised £180 towards the Callum Moir Swimming with Dolphins Appeal. This was topped by a generous £200 cheque from a Merkinch mother.
- AND if your youngsters (aged 7 to 12) want something to do 10.30am-12.30pm on Monday 29th to Wednesday 31st, let them come along to the Community Centre and create an artwork for the Global Art Project with artist Diane Roberts.
- DR Kitty Campbell, herself a diabetic, will be the guest speaker at the local group of UK Diabetes' April meeting in the National Hotel, Dingwall. At the meeting on 28th at 7.30pm she will be discussing alternative medicine and how it can help diabetics.
- THE Active Adults group will: be having an Easter Bonnet session on 6th April, be going to Rollerbowl on the 13th, visiting the antique shop and tearoom at Dochgarroch on the 20th and be enjoying a quiz and games on the 27th.
The Big Crack with the PM
Above - Jack McConnel shares a joke, while below, members of the Active Adults group get Tony Blair clued up.
THE Big Conversation at Merkinch Community Centre at the end of February had been promised an appearance by Scottish first minister Jack McConnel and other New Labour personalities, in Inverness for the Scottish party conference. However, there was some surprise when PM Tony Blair turned up with some Westminster heavyweights, not to mention a small army of security men in black coats!
Anti-social Behaviour was the tabled topic, but questions ranged from the war in Iraq to the developmental progress of little Leo.
Counting the cost of dropping litter
LITTER and fly tipping display contempt for other members of society. That's the view of Highland Regional Council, who have launched a spring offensive against rubbish in our streets and public places.
"The mess created is offensive and unhygienic," says Jim Fraser of the TEC Services Department. "It can attract rats and pose a risk to public health. It can also cause damage to the environment and danger to wildlife."
The Highland Council offers a free uplift service for the collection of excess or bulky waste including garden waste. "It is no longer acceptable to simply dump your waste somewhere in the locality, without showing any regard for other people or the environment that we all share and should want to look after."
Mr Fraser goes on to point out that a minimal amount of effort is required to properly dispose of your waste.
"Simply put your litter in a bin or take it home, or if you cannot wait for a Council collection take it to the Waste & Recycling Centre at Henderson Drive, Inverness or phone (01463) 230634 and arrange a free uplift."
Remember:
- It is dirty.
- It causes damage to the environment.
- It is against the law.
- It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to throw down or otherwise deposit waste in ANY place where the public are permitted or entitled to have access whether on payment or not.
"A £50 fixed penalty notice can be issued to offenders by Local Authority Officers," said Mr Fraser. For more serious offences such as fly tipping a person will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal where you can expect to go to court and be fined anything up to £20,000 and 6 months in jail.
"Consider all of these things before you dispose of your waste and ensure you bin it or make proper alternative arrangements for it's disposal.
"We all have a duty to look after our environment, he said. "It is a known fact that legislation alone will not work which is why the Highland Council believe that working with businesses, individuals and communities will be far more effective in the longer term.
"Please support your Council in their efforts and inform them of any information you may have in relation to littering or fly tipping in your area."
Sports Nooz
Ducks take Clach Shield but lose out in Ross Cup
THE Portland A quartet of Gordon Morison, Davey Fraser, John Mackenzie and Jim Hunter beat their own team mates Steve Falconer, Keith Stephen, Barry Maclean and Denny Grant in the final of the Inverness Fours. The losing semi-finalists were Beaufort and Uncle Bobs.
The Clach Shield went to Drouthy Duck ( Norman Matheson, Ian Cushnie, Davey Fraser and Kevin Manson) they beat Legion A ( Alan Goddard, Stuart Pearce, Donald Mackay, Billy Sweeney and James Craig) in the final.
The losing semi-finalists were Tarradale and Haugh. 180s were scored by Alan Goddard (Legion A), Norman Matheson (Drouthy Duck), Davey Fraser (Drouthy Duck) Davey Fraser (Portland A), Barry Maclean (PortlandA) x2, Jim Hunter (Portland A) and Alan MacKinnon (Beaufort).
The latter also checked out on 161 and 116 and hit a 12-dart leg; other top check outs were done by legion A Donald Mackay on 118 and Alan Goddard 106 Gordon Morison hit a 14 dart leg.
Supreme Cup
The all Ross-shire Supreme Cup final between Tarradale and Drouthy Duck was a closely contested affair and no team held more than a one leg lead at any time.
It was all square at the end of the singles with Billy Dickson, Donnie Mackenzie, Alan Fraser and John Macleod securing wins for Tarradale and Norman Matheson , Ronnie Sutherland, Ian Cushnie and Ally Matheson for the Duck. The doubles still could not separate the sides and it took the roll-up to give Tarradale the cup. Brian Fraser (Tarradale) scored a 180. Ian Cushnie (Drouthy Duck ) checked out 124 and Alan Fraser (Tarradale) finished 110.
Earlier in the month it was reported.
The qualifiers for the Fours Finals were Portland A1 & 2, Beaufort 1, Fluke 1, Shots 1, Clach Club 2, Uncle Bobs 2 and Clachnaharry 2 plus another two unknown teams. Dougie Milne of Uncle Bobs scored two 180s and hit a 13 dart leg other 180s were scored by Robbie Mutch also Uncle Bobs and Ally McGinely and Dave Nelson of Shots, Ally also checked out on 113.
B League leaders Legion A faced two important fixtures during the month playing second-placed Shots and third-placed Dows. There was one point between the top two and Dows were three points behind the leaders but have a game in hand so it is still all to play for. The C league has completed early as they have fewer teams so they played their league cup on a round robin basis.
Debut for Clach's newest players
Pictured before their first match are the recently-formed Clach Juniors in their new strips.
When Craig Stewart and Robbie Williamson realised there was no Under-12 football sessions at the Community Centre, due to Tubby's other commitments, they set about righting the situation. As an adult is needed to supervise sessions, Bruce Campbell offered his services.
Now the Under-12s have the opportunity to join in training sessions every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 6.30pm for just 50p a time. Around 16 to 20 youngsters take part at each session. For their first match Clach manager Robbie Williamson offered the youngsters the chance to play at Clach Park on 13th March when they had a three-way eight-a-side event with Dalneigh and Kingairloch, near Fort William.
Bowlers celebrate 80 years
Pictured are, from left: club secretary Angus Shearer, Provost Bill Smith, and club president John Nairne.
WATERLOO Bowling Club celebrate the 80th anniversary of their founding this year, and last month a civic reception was held in the Town House to mark the event. Club members and their guests enjoyed a pleasant evening socialising and catching up with old friends.
Calling all Merkinch Public School leavers of 1954
IT IS 50 years this summer since we, the classes of Miss MacVicar, Mr Fraser and Mr Grant left the Merkinch Public School, say Winnie (Rose) MacDonald and Phyllis (Wiseman) Pieraccini.
Some have maintained contact throughout the years, while many of us only recently have caught up with old pals-something to do with passing the 60 mark perhaps!
A reunion is planned for May 29th in the Beaufort Hotel, as it would be great to see as many as possible of the 1954 leavers.
The boys are reasonably easy to identify but, as most of the girls will have married, they are harder to find.
If you know of the whereabouts of anyone who has moved away, or know the married names of any of the girls-or wish to attend the reunion, please ring Winnie on Inverness 237075 or Phyllis on 222407.
Out of School
- OFFICIAL Class Photographs are to be taken at the school on 27th April.
- REPRESENTATIVES of Merkinch Primary's School Board last month attended a seminar on the powers and responsibilities of school boards.
- MPS school uniform list has been extended to include v-neck cardigans. They cost £9 each and come in bottle green and grey with a school badge printed on them. The school has plenty of sweat shirts (5/6 yrs and 7/8 yrs) also white t-shirts in good condition. All items cost only 50p donation to school funds. Outgrown school uniforms, including PE shorts and t-shirts can be donated for "recycling".
- THE school is also always on the look-out for any old printer, copier or fax machine toner cartridges.
- A TOTAL of 83 pupils at MPS gained gold awards last term, indicating that they earned 95% or more points and that their behaviour was a credit to the school.
- LAST month Merkinch and Dalneigh played friendly football match after school. The final score was 4-2 for Merkinch.
- THE school broke up for the Easter holidays on Friday 26th March and re-opens for the children on Wednesday 14th April.
The May Day holiday will be on Monday 3rd May. - MPS is collecting the Tesco Computers for Schools for vouchers - all contributions welcome.
- DO YOU have any scraps of fabric or oddments of wool that you won't ever use? Pupils at Merkinch Primary School are still looking for materials for their arts and crafts projects.
Any spare paving stones?
FLIPERZ recently spread a big load of bark in their garden. Now they are looking for any spare/old paving stones to make further improvements. Ring Denise on 234232.
Merkinch's own arts festival is launched
ARTS in Merkinch kicks off its inaugural festival on 2nd April with the opening of the Black Bridge Gallery. The exhibition, Images of Merkinch, will feature paintings, drawings, photographs and craft works by Merkinchers as well as other local painters. There will also be a display of work from Merkinch Primary School pupils.
Transformed into a gallery for the three weeks of the event is No4 Grant Street which will be known as the Black Bridge Gallery.
Other events are as follows:
Wednesday 7th - Poetry Workshop with Choman Hardi in the gallery.
Wednesday 14th - Evening poetry and storytelling in The Lochiel.
Wednesday 21st - Ceilidh in Merkinch Community Centre featuring local artistes and Merkincher Sandy Mabon reading from his book "The Boys from the Ferry" which is to be published this summer.
Sundays throughout April-the South Kessock heritage centre will be open.
Already there have been meetings with a view to setting up a Local History Group, and there are proposals to start up a local Music-making for Fun group. And the idea of a play-reading group has been suggested.
Do come along to the festival events, and drop in at the gallery when you are passing. Look out for posters letting you know when and where events will be.
mp33
Hi there!
The Escape Group is about to set up as a club on its own. This group of young mums has been meeting regularly under the aegis of mp33 for some time, and now they are going to go solo. A public meeting was held last month and the group will set up as a separate club after the Easter holidays.
Thanks to all who came along to the public meeting, particularly those who agreed to take an active role on the committee. We wish them every success for the future.
- Our swimming sessions for mums, babies and toddlers have proved very popular and these will resume after Easter until the Summer, and hopefully later in the year. It costs just £1 per week and transport is provided. Everyone has noticed an improvement in the children's confidence in the water, which will make learning to swim much easier for them.
- Also stopping over the Easter holidays is the teenage parent sessions mp33 runs along with the NCH in Huntly Street on Tuesday mornings from 11am until 1pm. But they will be starting up again after Easter with all the things for kids to play so that mums can have a chat and a cuppa at the café.
- Now we're past the equinox, and though it is still pretty chilly Summer is just around the corner. So, what do you want to do this Summer? If any members of the various groups have any bright ideas of places you would like to go, thimngs you'd like to do or trips you would like to make-come and share them with us. We will be finalising the Summer activities programme over the next few weeks, so now is the time to have your say.
As always, you are always welcome at mp33, and we will be open over Easter, so do drop in. See you soon.
All at mp33,
April'04
- GET your name in quickly for a skateboarding trip to Dundee and Perth on Saturday 2nd April-first come, first served. We'll be taking the video camera!
- THE Youth Clubs will be closed over Easter and will restart on Monday 26th April for the Juniors and on the 28th for the Seniors. The previous Wednesday-the 21st- sees the Arts in Merkinch Ceilidh in the Community Centre, and Seniors are welcome to come along and take part-there will be singing, music, story-telling and lots of good fun. Watch out for posters with details of other Festival events.
- THERE will be Easter trips for youth club members over the Easter holidays. Pop in to mp33 and get details.
- THE Youth Club finals took place on 20th March at the Aquadome and Charleston Academy Community Complex. Teams taking part were: girls' senior football, team pool, girls' senior pool, boys' junior pool, and darts senior and junior.
- POOL practice took place on the 12th and 19th of last month at the Community Centre. Caroline says, "Well done to all those who came along."
- And the Girls' Group were exercising their skills at Rollerbowl on the 23rd.
- A FISHING trip to Aviemore took place on Sunday 29th March
Escape for Merkinch mums
THE Escape Group recently had a very enjoyable workshop at Merkinch Community Centre making Devil Sticks, a form of oriental martial arts.
Mp33 are grateful to Claire Crowle of Eden Court Outreach and Kenny Riddle of Bikes Inverness who contributed the inner tubes.
Helping with homework
IS your child going in to P1 after the summer holidays? Will you be in a position to help hime/her with homework?
If this is a concern then there is help available. On Wednesdays between 10.30 and 11.30am and 1.15 to 2.15pm for the four weeks from 21st April to 12th May, there will be free sessions at Merkinch Nursery in the Parent room. There will be a creche if needed.
If this is a worry for you, just pop along and have a word with Rhoda at Merkinch Nursery for details.
From messing with clay to beauty and brain-work
THE programme for the Escape Group over the next couple of months is as follows:
Mondays 10am - 12
- April 19th to 26th. Ceramics using clay with Deborah Carter.
- May 10th to June 7th. Time Out for Parents (5 weeks, BOOK THROUGH THE JANNY'S HOOSE)
- June 21st. Visit to the Hair and Beauty department at Inverness College. Prices are very affordable ranging from £3 for a shampoo and set or a cut and blow dry. Beauty treatments are equally a bargain with a manicure/pedicure costing £3 and the most expensive treatment, aromatherapy, costing £6. More details from Roni at mp33. Wednesdays 10am - 12
- April 21st to June 16th. The WEA are offering the chance to take part in a course called Local Investigation.
This is done through initial discussion with a tutor, who will support the participants through their research. On completion of this course those taking part will receive an SQA qualification.
All the sessions will be held at Merkinch Community Centre where a creche will be provided-though you must book in advance.
If you are interested please book your place with Roni at mp33, telephone 717639.