Jan / Feb 2004

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Defiant member again flouts authority of council chairman

MERKINCH Community Council meeting broke up in disarray on 15th January as members began to walk out over the question of discipline and chairman Ali MacLean was forced to bring the meeting to a close.
At issue was the continuing problem of Mr Donnie Kerr's refusal to apologise for remarks made to Highland Councillors Peter Corbett and Chrissie Cumming and for breach of Standing Orders regarding the authority of the chairman.

At the December meeting minutes secretary Alec Macleod raised the question of the "outstanding disciplinary matter". "Unfortunately under our last Community Council a member (Mr Kerr) had to be expelled because he would not desist from abuse," he said. "We reaffirmed Standing Orders then brought forward a motion of no confidence and it was put to the vote with a crushing result against the person concerned, who came back and questioned the chair's truthfulness." At some length and with much drama, Mr Macleod then went on to outline the history of the matter ending by asking chairman Ali Maclean if he stood by the council's previous ruling.

Councillors were asked for their comments on the matter. These ranged from the conciliatory view of then secretary Anne McCreadie who told Mr Kerr that he was an intelligent person who could be an asset if he didn't rub people up the wrong way to Councillor Corbett's remarks that he was a pain who had brought the community council into disrepute and was impossible to work with.
Mr Kerr agreed that he had been expelled but claimed that as this was a new council, following the recent elections, the matter was no longer relevant. "I am surprised so much time is being wasted when this area has so many problems," he said.
Mr Kerr was then repeatedly pressed for an apology and eventually, and in a dismissive manner, said that he if he had ever done anything to offend anyone in the whole of Inverness he apologised.
"That's ridiculous," said Councillor Corbett, who attends as the local Highland Council representative and had previously said the matter was up to Community Council members to decide.

The matter was left to one side as there was pressure to close the meeting. Earlier, office-bearers were elected as follows: Chairman, Ali MacLean; vice-chairman, Alistair Locke; treasurer, Brian Cain. Anne McCreadie agreed to act as secretary until another could be found. Last year she had already intimated her decision to stand down from the post.
Members also agreed that the agenda item Any Other Competent Business should be replaced by Any Other Notified Business with seven days' notice to allow information on the matter to be gathered.

At the January meeting, however, the matter of Mr Kerr's recalcitrance was raised once again, when Mr MacLeod pressed for the apology "as minuted" and not the one Mr Kerr had chosen to give in December.
After much discussion, sometimes heated, there was a motion that the authority of the chair be upheld. The three new members on the community council were advised that if they were not familiar with the issues they could abstain. Mr Kerr put up a counter motion that they should get on with the agenda, which proved an appealing argument to some. After the vote was taken it was agreed five to four that an apology must be forthcoming in terms of Standing Order 5.

At this point Mr Kerr said that he had consulted with the Association of Community Councils and that Douglas Murray of that body said the matter of Mr Kerr's apology was not relevant. He refused to leave the meeting as Mr Murray had advised him not to leave. It was pointed out that this was Merkinch Community Council and not the ACC.
Mr MacLeod accused Mr Kerr of once again defying the authority of the chair, and there was a call for the police to remove Mr Kerr.
He refused to do so and one of the new members started to make personal remarks at which point a number of others rose to their feet and Mr MacLean closed the meeting.

Earlier secretary Anne McCreadie had reiterated her resignation and it was left to the office-bearers to find a successor. No date has been fixed for the next meeting, but it is hoped it will be sometime this month.

No reports were made but afterwards Community Beat Officer Anne Urquhart told News & Views that several motorists had been reported for Road Traffic Offences in the last month and others had been warned. The Torvean Working Group were looking at the possibility of providing for motor bike enthusiasts. There is to be a site meeting on 20th February.

Cats' Chorus
 
WHAT a happy bunch! They're the Cats' Chorus from mp33, just one of a string of entertaining acts to take part in a memorable community evening of music and song at Merkinch Community Centre. (pictured left)

Councillors chip in grand support for your community newsletter

LOCAL Councillors Peter Corbett and Chrissie Cumming have donated £500 each from their discretionary budgets to support Merkinch's community newsletter, News & Views.

"Merkinch Enterprise would like to take this opportunity to thank both Peter Corbett and Chrissie Cumming for their support towards the running costs of the newsletter," said Colin Downie, Chief Executive of Merkinch Enterprise.

The free newsletter, delivered to 2500 homes and business premises in Merkinch each month, has always been a feature of Merkinch Enterprise's work in the area. The charity has been financing News & Views since the first regular issue back in May 1995. Between April 1996 and April 1999 the costs were supported with the aid of a lottery award.

But since then, the costs of production, paper and ink etc have been met by donations from advertisers and organisations within the community, with the shortfall always being met by Merkinch Enterprise.
Said Mr Downie, "The production cost of the newsletter is over £1000 per issue, coming to around £12,000 per year. After the income generated through advertising and sponsors etc, this leaves the remainder to be financed by Merkinch Enterprise at a figure around £4000 per year.
"While this shortfall is always met by Merkinch Enterprise as part of their remit to 'work for the community', we are very appreciative of the contributions made by the Councillors and others who support us."

Scary creation set to burn

We know it is a long time since Christmas, never mind Bonfire Night, but we couldn't resist this picture of Willy Willow, one of the Corbett Centre Creations group efforts, seen here along with a section of the mp33 dragon. Meanwhile the Centre's art group, who regularly meet at art.tm's premises in Seafield Road, are hoping to go to Edinburgh to see the exhibition of the famous French artist, Degas.
 

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FOUND in Telford Road over the festive period - an unusual ladies silver bracelet of Celtic-type design. To recover, ring 221027 with details.

ONE, possibly even two, Smiley Face signs are to be temporarily installed on Kessock Road any day now in a drive to get motorists to slow down. The 20 mile-per-hour zone within the scheme has proved very effective in cutting speed and accident rates, but it does not cover Kessock Road. It is hoped the signs will make drivers more aware of their speed, Councillor Peter Corbett told News & Views.

LUCKY winner of the December Nicol's Killer Quiz is Kenneth Scott, 79 Wyvis Place. Congratulations!

AN Information Day held at Merkinch Community Centre on 19th January was well attended with many trooping in to find out more about what choices and opportunities are available to them. Among those taking part were Merkinch Enterprise, mp33, the Janny's Hoose, the Workers Educational Association (WEA), Voluntary Highland, Adult Basic Education (ABE), Inverness College, Action Team for Jobs, and the Childminders Association.

CONTACT the Elderly are always on the look-out for people willing to act as volunteer hostesses and volunteer drivers to help with their scheme. The idea is that once a month elderly people, often nearly housebound at this time of year, can be taken out to meet others for a cup of tea and a chat. If you are interested, contact the organiser, Alan Michael on Inverness 790410.

COUNCILLORS Corbett and Cumming are changing the days of their surgeries to Saturday and Tuesday respectively.

Fight the winter blues at the Janny's Hoose

THE start of the New Year means exciting new additions and activities at The Janny's Hoose. Most of us find the dark winter days and nights long and depressing, as it can leave us feeling tired all the time. Does this sound like you? You could be suffering from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which affects about 10% of the population.

Using a 'lightbox' may help! 20 minutes daily is all it takes to put a bit of sunshine back into your life. Book your FREE sessions by contacting the Hoose: 226348.

We have also invited a variety of people to come along each week to give information, advice, and answer your questions about different health issues.
The groups called 'Health Matters' begin on Wednesday 4th February starting with:
4th Diet and behaviour;
11th February: Dealing with wetting and soiling in children:
18th February: Dyslexia;
25th February: Co-ordination problems.

Issues covered in March will be Bereavement, Asthma and Dental Health. More details later. For any of you who haven't come in to see what The Janny's Hoose is all about - now is your chance!

The Hoose is an informal, fun and relaxing place to visit. Pop in on Tuesday mornings 9.00 - 11.30 am for a coffee and a chat, and find out what we're up to.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.
Jean Mackay, 226348

Ever thought of becoming a registered child-minder?

EVER thought of making a career out of child-minding, helping others as well as yourself in the process? If you enjoy working with children, have you thought of becoming a registered child-minder?

The Scottish Childminding Association is running a free course next month at the Janny's Hoose, covering the full range of topics you have to be aware of.

The 30-hour course will be spread over four Thursdays over the month. Assistance with child-care costs will be available, and pre-booking will be required. (See details in back page ad).

The SCA exists to promote childminding as a quality childcare service. To achieve this, the Association aims to offer every possible support to members, parents and employers by campaigning both at central and local government level for the resources necessary to provide training, information, support and advice to existing and prospective childminders.

Registered Childminders require a range of skills to provide a reliable, high quality, home-based childcare service and Childminders are encouraged to take a professional approach to their work.
As with other forms of day care, Childminders are required to register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.

Support is given to new and individual Childminders and encouragement given to encourage the formation of childminding groups. The SCA's Highland team offer assistance to new and evolving groups as well as established ones. A fundamental aspect of the service is to provide information to parents and Childminders and there is a range of informative publications.

The sessions at the preparation course being run in the Janny's Hoose are informal and topics covered include how to register, taking a professional approach to your work, equal opportunities in childcare, assertiveness, child development and setting limits on children's behaviour.

Interested? Then do something about it today as there is sure to be plenty of interest.

Open Art Competition and Show

THE Merkinch Community Arts Revolution is running an art competition this Easter. If you enjoy sketching, painting, photography, mosaic or marquetry - or any other kind of crafts - come and join in. The theme is Merkinch itself, and there will be open categories for adults and kids, and also a section for those who live in Merkinch. Prizes are being donated by Inverness Arts Society among others. The exact times and venue for the exhibition had still to be confirmed at time of going to press, but there will be details and entry forms soon. Register your interest with exhibition organiser Bette McArdle, 221027.

Getting into a meditative mood

ONE-day and weekend workshops on meditation and movement, psychic healing, personal spiritual development and self discovery entitled The Magic of Angels, Singing and Dancing the Soul and Doorways to the Heart are run all over the country by Grahame Wyllie and Fiona Mackenzie who hope to come to Merkinch in May. Their website is www.iona-light.co.uk.

Although these courses cost £42 per day and £130 for weekend events, the organisers hope to run some meditation sessions at the Janny's Hoose.

A six-week meditation course for beginners is set to start every Thursday evening at the Janny's Hoose from 7.15pm - 8.30pm approximately, starting 19th February - 25th March 2004. There will be no charge for the course. Anyone interested should contact Jean on 01463 226348 to register for the course.
The course is open to men and women who would like 'time out' from their current situation in order find peace, meet like-minded people, learn some new ways of looking at life and to have some fun.

Oh what a night that was!

Backstage, and youngsters are ready to go on.

THE concert instigated by the Singing for Pleasure group and held on December 16th in Merkinch Community Centre proved an outstanding success. The gym was bursting at the seams with performers of all ages and audience and there was a real community spirit as one act after another took the stage. Those taking part besides Singing for pleasure included groups from mp33 and youngsters from both Merkinch Primary and Inverness High Schools.

The audience participated with great enthusiasm when called on to join in and everyone had a great time. Merkinch's Councillor Peter Corbett said: "Congratulations to everyone concerned for a marvellous concert. It was a joy to watch the amazing talent on show-young and old-who enthralled the 200-plus audience. There are too many groups and people who participated and who assisted to mention them all, but a special vote of thanks must go to the organiser, Elsie Normington, who did a fantastic job of putting it all together on the night.
"We've known for a long time that there is an abundance of untapped talent in the Merkinch area and I look forward to future concerts."

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• A DATE for Valentine's Day! Police are going to be available on Saturday 14th February at Merkinch Community Centre to security mark your bicycle and your videos. This may not prevent your property from being stolen, but it will help you prove that it is yours if and when recovered. The police will also be offering advice on helmets, lights and other personal and road safety issues.

 

• THORNBUSH Area Residents Association are holding a Special Public Meeting in the Community Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday 4th February. On the agenda is the adoption of a new constitution - details from Hugh Macdonald or at the Community Centre.

 

• MEETINGS of Diabetes UK for 2004 are still being finalised but the provisional programme starts off on Tuesday 17th February when Ian Whyte, Consultant Ophthalmologist with the Highland Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will be the guest speaker. That's at the Beaufort Hotel, Culduthel Road at 7.30pm. In March an open night focusing on carers is planned while in April it is hoped to meet in Dingwall. May sees the branch's Annual General Meeting.

Busy days at Corbett Centre

THE Corbett Centre held a Burns supper on 22nd January, their first big event of the year. Featured were local pipers Blair Anderson and Tommy Cameron.

Around 100 attended and Corbett Centre attenders Sandy Drummond, Joan Maclennan, Cindie MacLennan, Elizabeth Cameron and Margaret Mackenzie recited and sang works by the Bard, and Derek Thain played the accordion. The Corbett Centre's regular correspondent Michael Bolster has left to live in the Aberdeen area, and everyone wishes him all the best for the future.

Since Michael's last report at the beginning of December, the Centre held a Christmas Buffet and Dance in the Craigmonie Hotel. They danced to Lock, Stock and Barrel, and everyone had a great time. December was very busy at the Centre and there were lots of activities before it closed on Christmas Eve for a festive break.

NCH Inverness Family Project

THE Women's Group which meets at the NCH Inverness Family Project in Quayside Court took part in the annual Blythswood Christmas Shoe Box Appeal for families in Eastern Europe. Toothbrushes, soap and toiletries are luxuries and high on the wish list for Christmas. Altogether the group filled six boxes - two for teenage girls, two for teenage boys, one for a woman and a box for a new baby/expectant mother.

Pictured is Dell McLurg of NCH (centre back) with some of the group members with their gifts.

New hands at School Board helm

NEW chairman of MPS School Board is Bette McArdle, community member, secretary is Joan Tracey and treasurer Sandra Vanzetta, both parent members. At their December meeting members agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to Ingrid Frost, retiring secretary and committee member for her contribution to the work of the Board over the years. Headteacher Sheena Morrison reported that she had been informed that the school's response to action points suggested by Her Majesty's Inspectorate had been judged satisfactory.

On the agenda for the Board's next meeting on 10th February is the date for the Prize Bingo fund-raiser, deferred from before Christmas. Also to be discussed are the school's anti-bullying policy and arrangements for pupil pick-up at the end of the school day.

Want to lose weight fast? Fat chance!

WE ALL know that the only way to lose weight is to establish a low-fat, low-sugar, balanced and suitably portioned diet along with a reasonable exercise routine. But we can't help thinking there must be an easier way that we can buy into.?

But all the advice is to beware the slimming pills and potions, which just lose pounds from the pocket. That's the New Year diet warning from the Trading Standards Institute and health experts.
"Following Christmas and New Year festivities many people will be hoping for an easy way to lose weight and may be tempted by the array of slimming products," they say. "Many of these are marketed by mail-shots, over the telephone or on the internet."

But investigations by Trading Standards officers around the country have found that few, if any, of the "quick fixes" will actually cause weight loss - and many will cost you dearly.
Some of the most outrageous claims have resulted in prosecutions - but Trading Standards officers say that for every one brought to justice, many more are waiting to appear on the market.

Among the claims made for so-called slimming products have been:

• Slim while you sleep.

 

• You can continue to eat all your favourite foods but still lose weight.

 

• Guaranteed to lose 10lbs to 15lbs per month without altering your diet.

 

• Medically proven to burn even 60lbs of fat without restrictive diets.

 

• Mercilessly attack, burn and eliminate fat deposits.

 

• Melts fat in your body by the gallon.

 

• Works so fast your waistline shrinks by at least one size in just 24 hours.

 

• You can eat anything you want and as much as you like, you don't need to do any exercise.

 

• You lose extra pounds meal after meal simply by taking ****.

All baloney!

Prosecutions brought by Trading Standards services against the distributors of slimming products have relied upon legislation covering claims made in advertisements.

Professor John Garrow, an expert on nutritional treatments for human obesity, has worked alongside trading standards officers in many such cases and says: "Claims that a pill will dissolve away your fat are always untrue. Claims that the pill will speed up your metabolism or reduce the calories you absorb from your diet are usually untrue. "In the rare event that these claims are true, the rate of weight loss caused is very slow and would be more cheaply, safely and conveniently achieved by just eating a little less and/or a bit of exercising."
Users will, in fact, often experience a weight loss if they follow the instructions of these products closely because, invariably, when the small print is read, it says that the product should be used as part of a strict diet plan. The "strict diet plan" would in itself result in that weight loss without the aid of the expensive pill or potion. "The most effective way to lose weight is through sensible eating and exercise.
"This means eating regularly - at least three, balanced, small meals a day to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, regulate the appetite and avoid binge eating.
"The meals should include five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and not too much fat."

Besides, prosecutions by Trading Standards services, in the past four years the Advertising Standards Authority has made over 100 separate adjudications against advertisers making false and misleading slimming claims.

For further information please contact their Consumer Advice Line: 0845 600 4222 or email on: consumer.advice@highland.gov.uk or log on to the website on www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/highland
Highland Trading Standards can be contacted at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF.

Panto prize pickers

THIS year when we picked our Eden Court panto prize-winners we enlisted the assistance of two lovely young ladies from Forbes Pharmacy in Grant Street - Liusaidh Mathieson (left) who is a medical student at Dundee University and was home in Inverness for the holidays and helping out in the busy shop, and Sandra Lyall, trainee dispenser. Out of the hat they picked lucky winner Stacey Johnstone, 79 Wyvis Place, who won a family ticket. The Johnstone family went along to see "Jack and the Beanstalk" and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, thanks to Eden Court and their continuing sponsorship of this annual competition.

Sport

PORTLAND A are one point clear of Uncle Bobs and two in front of Drouthy Duck at the top of the A League after all three won last week (Week 7).

Legion A go three clear in the B League but they have played a game more than everybody else, and they didn't have a game the following week so wins for Shots, Dows and Portland E would leave two points covering the top four at the halfway stage of the league.

The C League is very much a two-horse race with Clachnaharry two points above Raigmore; Macallums are a further five points adrift in third.

180s were scored this week by Trevor Bell (Uncle Bobs), Davey Fraser (Drouthy Duck), Brian Fraser (Tarradale) and Barry Maclean, Richie Devlin, Angus Maclennan and John Mackenzie, all of Portland A.

Barry also hit a 14-dart leg and Garry Briggs of Innes Bar had a 15 darter. Top check outs came from Iain Cushnie (Drouthy Duck) 139, Davey Morrison (Raigmore) 120 and Brian Sutherland (Innes) 110.

The previous week was one of mixed fortune for Uncle Bobs starting on the Tuesday they beat Beaufort to reach the semi final of the Supreme Cup.

Two nights later the same two teams met on league business and this time it was Beaufort who came out on top and as a result Drouthy Duck overtake Uncle Bobs and move in to second place in the A League. B League team Shots also progressed to the semi finals of the Supreme at the expense of A league team Portland B and are the only Inverness team left in the competition as the other teams at that stage are Ross-shire teams Tarradale and Drouthy Duck and Nairn's Uncle Bobs.

Shots are now the only team not to have lost a game this season. Clachnaharry lost their 100% league record after being beaten by Macallums and are now level with Raigmore at the top of the C League and they play each other tonight (Thursday).

180s were scored by Iain Carson (Haugh) and Bob Cooper ( Clach Club) top check outs were 138 by Evan Macdonald (Beaufort) and 113 by Kenny Simpson (Drouthy Duck).

Kempo students' grade success

STUDENTS at the Kempo martial arts classes held in Merkinch Community Centre were graded on 20th December with the following results:

Juniors

White Belt - Amy Thomson and William Murray.
Yellow Stripe - Jordan MacDonald and Ivee Adam.
Orange Stripe - John Fraser, Chris Taylor and Mark Lewis.
Full Orange Belt - Katy Taylor.
Full Red Belt - Daniel Anderson, James Ross, Ryan Forbes and Ryan Thomson.

Adults

White Belt - Peter Cochran.
Blue Stripe - Alan Mitchell.
Ryan Forbes was judged the Best Junior Male Student, Katy the Best Junior Female Student and Daniel Anderson the Most Improved Student. Well done, all!

Out of School

• ONE of the highlights of last term at Merkinch Primary School was a visit by two helicopters from the RAF 669 Squadron who paid a flying lunchtime visit to the school, landing on the playing fields. Everyone had to put their fingers in their ears because of the engine noise.
  Once the engines were turned off the pupils got to go inside the helicopters, the younger ones accompanied by teachers. The youngsters really enjoyed the visit, and what with all these handsome RAF crew around, so did the teachers!

 

• P4 were very upset to bid farewell to Mr Kemp who has left MPS to work at Charleston Academy. He has been succeeded by Miss Young.

 

• Pupils from P6 and P7 who attended the Children's Classic Concert at Eden Court Theatre last term won praise from theatre staff who said they were the best behaved of all the children's groups. The youngsters thoroughly enjoyed the concert which included music from Lord of the Rings, the Magic Flute Overture and the Harry Potter Suite. Said one: "It was marvellous."

 

• P6 and P7 were also busy ourdoors and indoors. Last term they had a trip to Abriachan, where they explored the forest. They also had a visit from Jack Gemmel, news editor at the Inverness Courier who gave them some tips on their report writing for the Merkinch Times.

 

• TWO P6 girls, Aimee Louise Wilson and Sophie Reid, raised £13.23 for Children in Need by organising a guess-the-number-of-sweets competition.

 

• AT Inverness High School, P2 pupils Louise Vanzetta, Kasia Lasota and Eilidh Stimpson won prizes in Inverness College's "Women into the Construction Industry" competition. The Swimming team - Vikki MacDonald, Laura Anderson, Liam MacDonald and Ethan Cascarino - were only beaten into 2nd place by four-tenths of a second in the Inverness Schools Relay Competition. Well done all!

 

• BY dint of sponsored aerobics, IHS pupils raised £1266.77 for LEPRA, the charity which helps those affected by Leprosy.

 

• GUIDANCE teachers at IHS are: Blue House, Mrs L Brown; Yellow House, Mrs J Swan; Green House, Mr F Mackenzie; Red House, Mrs K Philips. These are the first point of contact for parents who have concerns. Number to ring is 01463 233586.

Merkinch pub set to re-open

THE Merkinch Arms is set to re-open again, with the original name, the Lochiel. The pub has been closed for some months, but Inverness businessman Robert Laidlaw is the new tenant, and he told the News & Views that he aims to open the doors within the next couple of weeks. The interior is being refurbished and he aims to create a comfortable environment for a full range of customers. Mr Laidlaw, who previously ran shops in Greig Street and Dalneigh as well as other parts of the town, said: "It will be a properly run bar - any problems and they're out the door from day one. I want everyone to be happy to come here." He also aims to resurrect darts, dominoes and pool teams and introduce karaoke nights as well as videos, TVs, a juke box and a full range of entertainment.

Mp33

Hi there!

Well it's a new year, a new start and there are lots of new things to do. Once again mp33 and the Janny's Hoose are running a range of workshops - there's sure to be something of interest to everyone.

On Mondays, from 9.30 to 12 there are arts and crafts sessions at the Community Centre. Last year some very successful mosaics were made; now you can try out various other things, something different every week - on the 23rd, for instance, there is to be flower arranging.

On Wednesdays, from 10am to 12 there's something new - "Life Actually". Directed by Kathy Kershaw, participants are invited to look at their lives, hopes, fears and dreams. The course is lots of fun, involving sticky situations you can get into and how to get out of them, and how to make changes you want in your life. These sessions have already started and run until 11th February.

On both Mondays and Wednesdays there is a free crèche.

On Thursdays starting 5th February there are swimming sessions at the Aquadome from 11am to noon for mums and toddlers. Cost is £1 a week including transport. Book through mp33 and if you want further details on any of these see Roni at mp33 or ring her on 717639.

Last month there were various one-off sessions on childcare, taking a positive view on life and an information day.

There's always something interesting going on, so drop in at mp33 and see what there is for you. And if you have any bright ideas of your own for outings or activities that you would like to see us organise, do drop in and share them.

See you soon.

All at mp33,
February '04

• At the Junior Youth Club this month (every Monday) there will be mosaics on the 2nd and again on the 9th along with bingo and photo shoot. On the 16th there is a club quiz planned. The last 20 minutes or so of each session there are games.

 

• At the Senior Youth Club, on Wednesdays, there is SG Help on the 4th and club quiz with prizes on the11th. The 18th sees a football tournament at Smithton and on the 25th there is a Speaker Spot and a pool competition.

 

• Teenage parents, remember - mp33 and the NCH hold Tuesday morning sessions from 11am to 1pm in Huntly Street Methodist church hall. Come and have a cuppa and let your youngsters enjoy each others company as well. For more details ring Dell on 712572 or Roni on 717639.

 

• Do you like to write? Everyone has a book in them, they say. If you hope to write yours some day, why not start now. The annual Neil Gunn writing competition, for adults and secondary pupils, closes on 12th April. Short stories up to 2500 words or poems up to 40 lines are invited. Prizes are £300, £200 and £100 in each category. Drop into mp33 for details and an entry form.

 

Mosaic moments

Just before Christmas there was a screening of the Ossian project video at Merkinch Community Centre which developed into a bit of a party and general celebration of mp33 activities. Here Roni (above) is pictured with some of the mosaics produced at the arts and crafts sessions.

The Dolphin

By Kayleigh Berg

THERE was a concert at the Community Centre before Christmas; a lot of the grouops who use the Centre were performing.

The After-School Club did the Christmas Alphabet. We had to practise for a few weeks, and we made our own costumes.
People who were doing the letters of the alphabet were Jordan, Shannon, Jas, Leigh, Channelle, Suzanne, Gemma, Amy and myself. The angels were Maria and Shauni, Robert was Santa, little Sara was a Christmas princess, Karra was the tree, Kerry was the fairy, and Alison was Santa's little helper.

We also sang Merry Christmas and the dancers were Sasha, Chantelle, Nicola, Sarah, Jessica, Debbie and Lana. Our costumes were very good - everyone had helped to make them at the Club. We all enjoyed ourselves at the concert, which was a great success - there were lots of people there. When we had finished doing our little bit, people kept saying how well we had done. It was a lot of fun taking part in the concert.

Design your own skate park

Calling all skateboarders and BMXers! Would you like the chance to design your own skatepark? There is a meeting at mp33 on Friday 6th February 4pm to 5pm to look at what could be achieved. If you can't make it, drop into mp33 and discuss your views with Caroline. Open to anyone S1 upwards.

At the festive get-together were four of the 10 members of the Escape group who were presented with their Emergency First Aid certificates: from left- Carla Rae, Alex Stewart, Violet Reid and Katrina Reid. Emma Sharpley, Alison Berg, Kerry MacDonald, Elizabeth Ross, Emma Cameron and Debbie Cousins also gained their certificates. mp33 are grateful to Robert Dineen of St Andrews Ambulance Association who tutored them.

Left-Gavin Lockhart, the video artist who led mp33's Ossian project mapping out aspects of life in the Highlands today. He is seen here leaving the Community Centre after the inaugural showing of the Merkinch video.