Who do you want as a landlord?

COUNCIL house tenants are once again being asked to consider the possible transfer of housing stock to a non-profit-making housing association.

Councillor Chrissie Cumming told the June meeting of Merkinch Community Council that Highland Council had decided to ask tenants for their opinion once again, despite the fact that the last time they were asked 98% of tenants voted to stay with the Council.

If houses were turned over to a housing association, existing tenants would still have the right to buy, though the level of discount for newer tenants might be modified. "It's up to the tenants, not to the councillors," Cllr Cumming stressed adding, "I would advise all tenants to write back making their views clear." She also pointed out that some councillors in the Inverness area did not have a single council house tenant in their area.

Chairman Ali MacLean said that the Scottish Executive had made it very clear that they would make it very difficult for Councils which did not fall into line with their policy of transferring housing stock and there would be an array of financial penalties for those who did not toe the line. Members could not agree whether to express their views on the matter: some felt it would be best to wait until the consultation was completed, others thought they should clarify their stance. Cllr Cumming said, "All you have to do is write back and tell them your worries."

It's clear that a lot of concentration is required to learn the finer points of skate-boarding! Recently enthusiasts from mp33 visited Alness to practise their skills.

New Training & Development Officer

MERKINCH Enterprise's new Training & Development officer is Martin McLauchlan. Originally from North London, Martin had been coming to Dornoch on holiday to visit family for some years, and two years ago he and his wife Mary came North; they now live in Conon Bridge. Martin (48) is very well qualified for his new post-he has a degree in Computing Science and taught at Newcastle University for 24 years.

Out of School

A FUN Day organised by P7 pupils and their teacher Miss Dick on 23rd June was a brilliant success. There were stalls, activities, competitions and free food tasting, indoors and out. Two days later pupils were allowed to come to school in fancy dress if they paid 30p for the privilege.

Altogether a total of £207.28 was raised for the four House charities: Kelvin - Children in Need, Fleming - Munlochy Animal Sanctuary, Telford - SSPCC, and Watt - SSPCA. Competition winners were: Teddy's name - Debbie McGillivray, Teddy's birthday - Rowanne Morrison, sweets - Dale Hamilton. n Despite the rain in the summer term, the Garden Club have managed to keep on top of things as well as they were able. "At least we don't have to water anything!" they say.

P1B pupils planted sunflower and cornflower seeds at the beginning of term and have been enjoying watching the results of their efforts.

• In May pupils from P4 and P5 went on a trip to Glen Affric. Meanwhile P2 pupils have been going swimming every week at the Aquadome.

 

• And back in March P3S took part in the Highland Music Festival. They sang The Curry Song and gained second place in their class.

 

• On Friday 18th June P6 went to Eden Court to a special schools' performance of Scottish Opera's "The Minotaur". Afterwards the Merkinch pupils were among the few who were allowed to go backstage. The pupils mostly thought the best bit was the Minotaur and the way the labyrinth was staged; only the singing was a bit hard to understand.

 

• The school sports were cancelled because of bad weather-twice.

Two gala days in Merkinch planned for July

MERKINCH Community Centre Gala on Saturday 31st July kicks off with a parade from the Grant Street car park to the Centre, where there will be a range of stalls and competitions and a programme of entertainment and displays.

This year there is to be a Gala Prince and Princess plus two attendants - they are being chosen at a special disco on Friday 2nd July.

Tina Olsen, the new Eden Court outreach officer replacing Claire Crowle, is planning something spectacular in the way of street theatre for the parade. She will be working on her ideas at the Centre the week of 19th-23rd July, and anyone interested in helping can contact mp33.
Groups as well as individuals are invited to take part - stalls can be rented for £10 each - and anyone who wants to run a new activity will be welcomed. Among the ideas being mooted are children's sports, pet show, and a car boot sale.
Volunteers are also being sought to help with setting up and clearing up and to man Centre stalls. Donations of baking, raffle prizes etc will be welcomed.

It is hoped to extend the gala activities for the whole of the week 25th-31st July and the Singing for Pleasure group aims to launch the week with a Songs of Praise session at Kessock Point between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday 25th (in the Community Centre if wet).

It is hoped to hold the first Story-Walk during the week, exploring local history by visiting various sites of interest around Merkinch and sharing stories and memories that are evoked. Other activities being considered are a coffee morning, prize bingo, and a gala dance - not necessarily to be held at the Centre.

It is also hoped that the Highland Council can support the extension of the Gala event by holding the Craigton Avenue Open Day during the week.
Anyone interested in being involved in taking part in planning the event (or an event) should contact Rose at the Centre on 239563.

• Merkinch is to have a double helping of galas this month when the Lilywhites return to the field on Saturday 17th July, just two weeks before the Community Centre's event on the 31st.
  Though discussions were held in the hope of co-ordinating the events, we understand agreement was not reached.
  We were unable to obtain details of the Clach event before we went to press, but the club will undoubtedly be celebrating their heroic and well-deserved successes of last season.

Ways to prevent heart disease

FOLLOWING the death earlier this year of a 42-year-old male in the Merkinch area from previously undiagnosed ischaemic heart disease (IHD), it transpired that this man had a strong family history of heart disease.

In an attempt to increase awareness of IHD issues in the local community, Fairfield Medical Practice wrote to 116 males between the ages of 30 and 50 who lived in areas designated by the Scottish Executive as being "deprived".

Said a spokesman for the practice: "We held two open evenings between 6pm and 8pm where people could turn up without appointments and be offered advice on IHD prevention and risk assessment. On hand were leaflets about IHD, samples of healthy food and drinks, and a video presentation."

Six men turned up on each evening and out of the total of 12, only two had responded to the individual mailing (out of 116).
The others attended because they were aware that we were holding an open evening, either because they or their partners or family members had noticed some posters that were displayed in the surgery for the two weeks prior.

Statistical results were as follows:

• Eleven out of the 12 men had normal blood pressures - one had borderline hypertension which is to be followed up;

 

• three had normal body mass index (BMI); five were overweight; four were obese;

 

• four out of 12 were smokers and

 

• four out of 12 had a positive family history of IHD.

 

• Exercise levels were low for five of the 12, medium for five, and high for two.

 

• Cholesterol levels ranged from 4.5 to 6.4 (average 5.5)

No new cases of diabetes-Type 2 diabetes is often set off by being overweight - were diagnosed. Said the spokesman, "It was pleasing to see a turn out of motivated young males but disappointing that only two out of 116 men who were individually invited turned up on the evenings.

briefs...

• THIS month the Friendship Club, which meets on Wednesdays for lunch, are planning a varied programme of events: 7th-flower-arranging; 14th- an all day bus run to Achiltibuie; 21st-bingo; 28th-a speaker from the Corbett Centre.

 

• TRINITY Church's new minister, Rev Alistair Murray, is to be inducted on Friday 2nd July. After the church ceremony a number of ministers from the Presbytery will join the congregation for a buffet, speeches and music in the church hall. Originally from Ireland, Rev Murray is married and has a son, presently at university.

 

• SCOTLAND'S Calling, UK Diabetes major fundraiser, will be at Eden Court on Friday 9th July. Stars include Joe Gordon and Sally Logan, Johnny Bogan, boy piper Kevin Haggerty, the Elizabeth Fraser dancers and compere is Ian Simpson from Moray Firth Radio. Tickets are £10 and £8 concession.

 

• THERE is once again a shop in South Kessock. The former Thornbush Stores reopened on 9th June as an independent Mace store selling alcohol and newspapers as well as a full range of groceries. New owner is Mr AA Macdonald, who already owns a Mace store in Conon Bridge. There has been a very positive response from local people, staff report.

The janny's hoose

Be smart about sunshine

THE summer holiday season has arrived already, and everyone at the Janny's Hoose is looking forward to a well-earned break!

All of our activities will stop over the summer, except for the ante-natal clinic, which will continue on Monday afternoons 2-3pm.

We are all hopeful that the sun will be shining over the next few weeks, which means if we're outdoors, we'll need to be extra careful with our skin.

Cancer Research UK have developed a SUNSMART code to help keep you safe in the sun:

• Stay in the shade 11-3pm

 

• Make sure you never burn

 

• Always cover up

 

• Remember to take extra care of children

 

• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.

The winners of our Prize draw last month were Karen Grigor who won a health grill and Maggie Healy who won a kitchen Utensil Set. Congratulations to both of them.

Hope to see you all again soon.

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

Corbett Centre art group keep busy

THE Corbett Centre art group, now known as Studi'03 are continuing to be busy with some of their work currently on show in Glasgow.

Earlier this year they had a splendid one-evening show at the Corbett Centre as well as contributing work to the AIM Festival show in the Black Bridge Gallery and soon they will have a display in the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall.

Currently they are working on prints for a show run by Project Ability. Portraits completed last month are presently on show at the PA's Gallery which is in Albion Place, Glasgow.

BBs prepare for trip to France

A GROUP from Trinity Church Boys' Brigade are set to travel to Gorge du Tarne in the South of France on 19th July for an 11-day visit.

The 25-strong party of boys and their accompanying adults will make the journey there and back by coach.

For some it is a return visit - two years ago a smaller group went to the same place and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a first for the brigade: previously their camps had all been in the UK.
The BBs are grateful to FS Auto Body of Carsegate Road who sponsored their tee-shirts and all the others who have supported their fundraising efforts.

Final Farewell for Ivor

IVOR Souter, manager at Merkinch Community Centre for the last 17 years, made his farewells last month - he is about to move on to Millburn Academy - based post in the restructuring of Highland Council's Community Leisure and Learning Department. MCC management committee presented him with various gifts, including a telescope, whisky and a crystal decanter set.

Pictured are. From left: Councillor Peter Corbett; Anne McCreadie, chair of the Centre's Board; Ian Maclennan, Centre assistant; Ivor and his wife Mary. Clair Pieraccini, Board member; Rose Macintosh, Centre receptionist/admin; and Dell McClurg, Board member. Ivor's role will be covered by a part-time Co-ordinator and by Graham Ross, formerly of Charleston, who will be responsible for all the High School area.

Back comes your favourite man from the moon

MISTER Boom, the Caithnessian moon man, makes his annual summer trip to Inverness, Planet Earth, to entertain children and adults alike.

Teenagers who remember the fun they had with Mr Boom are welcome to bring along wee earthling brothers and sisters. All are invited to come along and join in the singing and circle dancing. Dress up as space creatures if you like. Use your imagination!

The favourite of both children and their mums and grannies, musical entertainer Mr Boom returns from the moon with another sing-and-dance-along sessions for ages four to 104.

The show is on Monday 26th July at 3.30pm at Merkinch Community Centre either outside on the grass or inside depending on the weather. Entry is £1.50.

Rail dangers, new flats and a supermarket

ALEC Macleod, replaced as Merkinch Community Council secretary because of his non-appearance without explanation on two occasions this spring, fought successfully to have his position restored at the June meeting, which followed the AGM.

He explained that he had unexpectedly collapsed in the street without warning on the day of the March meeting and was taken to Raigmore. Although he had recovered to a degree, on the day of the April meeting he was again back in hospital.

There was some discussion as to whether Mr Macleod's appointment, decided by a sub-committee of office-bearers in February was just until the AGM or whether it was for the full term of the present community council.

• Howden's was to close in August to allow Lidl to progress their plans to create their biggest store in Scotland.

 

• Members heard that a South Kessock resident said she was prepared to lead basketball sessions in the floodlit all-weather area in the West Field. It was suggested that she contact mp33 regarding the matter.

 

• It was reported that a new Community Beat Officer had been appointed-PC Ali MacRae.

 

• South Kessock Residents Association held its AGM on 27th May and the following were appointed office-bearers: chair-Ali Locke; vice-chair-Vic Rawlins, who is also to act as repair co-ordinator; secretary-Linda Macrae; treasurer Yvonne Stewart.

 

• Once again the fears about danger of people from South Kessock crossing the railway line to go to and from the Carse were raised. Although adjacent lampposts had been painted with unclimbable paint, there seemed to be more than ever using the short-cut. People were even taking buggies across as well as supermarket trolleys. Linda Macleod, representing Wyvis Place residents, said that she had managed to attract the attention of not only local crime prevention officers and British Transport Police but also Railtrack representatives from Glasgow. It was not yet known what action they would take, and various suggestions were put up by members.

 

• Anne McCreadie reported that the Community Centre's Gala Day would be on 31st July and asked if any members would be prepared to assist

 

• Stuart Graham of Gael Force Marine was seeking planning permission to build 24 flats between his premises and the council housing in Anderson Street. The flats would be 3 or 4-storeys high.

 

• The next meeting of the community council is to take place at 7.30pm on 19th August.

A good time was had by all.

THE Beaufort Hotel was the scene of much reminiscing when the Merkinch Public School class of 1954/55 held a reunion recently.
It was the first time many of the former classmates had seen each other for 50 years as some went on to the Techie, others to the Royal Academy. There was such a lot of catching up to do that one evening was hardly long enough.

It all started when Pat MacGregor, now Mrs Coulter, up North on holiday, spoke to a teacher in the school garden when she was looking for old classmates.

After much publicising and research, most of the class were contacted and almost 40 were able to turn up on the evening.

(pictured left) Furthest travelled was Evelyn (Pysie) Macleod, now Mrs Daff, who travelled up from Spalding in Lincolnshire where she is a sales rep with a mail order company. She is pictured with Alick Smith, a security surveyor from Ness-side, and Isabel McDougall (Mrs Davidson) a secretary who lives in Hilton.

(pictured center) From left, Pat MacGregor (Mrs Coulter) and organisers Phyllis Wiseman (Mrs Ray Pieraccini) and Winnie Rose (Mrs Macdonald).

(pictured right) Oh I mind him, but who is that? The organisers put some old class photographs on display and these caused much interest.

Glendoe tenants count their blessings

DESPITE the poor publicity that Glendoe Terrace sometimes attracts in the press, the local Residents Association is proud of what it has achieved so far.

"Back yards have been resurfaced, and new fencing and washing lines put up," says the association's chairman, Dawn McGivern. "We have new front doors and bin areas, and some of the houses - though not yet all - have been rewired to European standards."

Extra car parking space has also been made at the front of the flats and a small play area for youngsters created.

On the down side, there is still no play equipment yet! Also the terrible problem of people dumping rubbish outside is still no better.

Local children went a trip to Landmark and to the panto at Christmas. "Some adults visited Milton's community house to get ideas for ours," said Dawn.

The association's next meeting is on 27th July - details from Dawn McGivern on (01463) 241424.

Top marks for local nursery school

FOLLOWING the recent glowing report from the Care Commission and the HM Inspectorate of Education, Merkinch Nursery School has completed a double success with its award as a health-promoting school. So not only do the 80 nursery pupils - 40 in the morning, 40 in the afternoon - receive a first class learning experience at their school on Coronation Park but they are adopting a healthy lifestyle, through diet, exercise and hygiene.

Acting head teacher Rhoda Ross (left) is assisted by job-share teachers, Dawn Reed and Carolyn Sweeney; nursery nurses Mary Bell and Maureen Maclennan and learning support auxiliary, Lynne Rennie.

Rhoda said: "We have a very experienced staff, who enjoy working in this warm community. "We involve parents in everything we do and receive excellent support from the community."

Local Councillor Peter Corbett could not be more pleased with the splendid learning centre operating within the Merkinch community.

He said: "We have an absolute gem of a nursery school here and Miss Ross and her experienced staff deserve the utmost praise for what they are achieving. The HMIE report on the nursery school is one of the best you will read and it reflects well on the whole community."

New Mormon elders

TWO new representatives of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormons, are currently visiting in the Merkinch and wider Inverness area.

Kevin Anderson from California has been here a few months and more recently arrived is Joseph Bautista from Sweden - though with Mediterranean roots.

Package holidays - avoid the holiday blues

HOLIDAYS are no longer restricted to two weeks in the sun. Lots of companies offer package holidays to exotic parts of the world at any time of year.

From hill walking holidays in the Himalayas to cruises down the Nile. With a range of choices of destinations and inclusions it's important to remember a few points before going to book that dream trip away:

REMEMBER!

• 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?

 

• 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, who 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.

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.

A leaflet covering consumers holiday queries can be obtained from our 'Consumer Advice Line' on 0845 600 4222 or a copy obtained from our web site on www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/highland.

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 on the above 'Consumer Advice Line' number of through our email address which is:
consumer.advice@highland.gov.uk.

Alternatively consumers can write or visit our offices at:

Trading Standards Unit
Highland Council
38 Harbour Road, Inverness.

Sporting Nooz

Be on side with the Lilywhites this season

August 2004
7th-Clach v Inverurie
14th-Huntly v Clach
21st- no game
28th- First Round of the Tennents Scottish Qualifying Cup.

September
4th-Clach v Deveronvale
11th-Q-Cup 2nd Round. Keith v Clach.
18th-Clach v Forres.
25th-Fort William v Clach.

October
2nd-Q-Cup Semi-finals. Clach v Wick.
9th-Fraserburgh v Clach.
16th-Clach v Buckie.
23rd-Cove v Clach.
30th- Q-Cup Final. Clach v Nairn.

November
6th-Lossiemouth v Clach.
13th-Clach v Brora.
20th-Tennents Scottish Cup First Round.
27th-Nairn v Clach.

December
4th-Clach v Rothes.
11th-S-Cup 2nd Round.
18th-Inverurie v Clach.
27th-Clach v Huntly.

January 2005
3rd- no game.
8th- S-Cup 3rd Round.
15th-Devernvale v Clach.
22nd-Clach v Keith.
29th-Forres v Clach.

February
5th-S-Cup 4th Round. Clach v Fort William.
12th- Wick v Clach.
19th-Clach v Fraserburgh.
26th-S-Cup 5th Round.
Buckie v Clach.

March
5th-Clach v Cove.
12th-Rothes v Clach.
19th-Clach v Lossiemouth.
26th-Brora v Clach.

Fun with Fliperz

Fliperz annual pedal-push

FLIPERZ Nursery and Day Care Centre held their annual pedal push fundraiser recently. They raised £500 which was split between the Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore and Fliperz funds. On Monday 28th June, Sandra MacKenzie from SCBU came to receive a £250 cheque from the youngsters.

Pictured right: "Women drivers!" this young lad seems to be saying of one enthusiastic cyclist.
Below: Fliperz assistant Angela MacKenzie is pictured with Sandra from SCBU and some of the youngsters who took part in the pedal-push event.

Writers' group established

FOLLOWING on from the successful poetry and story-telling workshops held during the Arts in Merkinch Festival in April, a local Writers' Group has been set up.

Leading the group, which meets once a month, is Kurdistani-born Choman Hardi, who is poet in residence at Moniack Mhor writers' centre. She is holding a series of six workshops, the first of which took place at the Community Centre on 22nd June. The next is on Tuesday 20th July at the Janny's Hoose.

Anyone with an interest in any form of writing is welcome to come along and join in. More details are available from Community Project Officer Brian Macleod at Merkinch Enterprise, 14 Grant Street, tel 240085.

Join Merkinch 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!

Visitors to the site will not only come from Merkinch, but also from all round the world, so anything that might be of interest to tourists as well as locals is invited. It 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.

What you can see now is just the beginning. The areas open at the moment include: information about the Community Council and the Community Centre; a list of traders with contact details (those not yet on it who want to be included can find a form onsite to fill in); the text of the book "Merkinch Revisited"; areas of special interest including health, education etc; and a gallery.

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.

mp33

Hi there!

Capers is running an interesting programme of events every Tuesday over the summer for teenage parents and parents-to-be.

First is a "Garden Party" at Quayside Court from 11am to 1pm at the NCH garden. Then on the 20th there is to be a forest walk at Abriachan, leaving mp33 car park at 10am and returning at 4pm. Remember to wear clothes suitable foir the weather and, of course, comfy shoes!

The same advice goes for the 27th when there is a trip to the Black Isle Wildlife Park, always a favourite with the wee ones.
Again we will leave at 10am and be back for 4pm.

In August there will be Strathspey trips - to the Funhouse at Coylumbridge and to Landmark. If you want to take part in any of the trips either contact Dell at NCH on 712572 or Roni at mp33 on 717639 for a booking form.

As always, parents will be responsible for their own children on these trips. Meanwhile the Escape Group and mp33 will both be running a summer programme of events - see this page and over.

At mp33 we won't be closing over the summer, so drop in sometime to find out what else is going on. See you soon.

All at mp33 ,
July'04

mp33/ Escape Group Summer Programme

Wednesday 21st July - LANDMARK. Meet at Merkinch Community Centre at 9.30am, returning 4.30pm. Cost is £4 for adults, £1 for children.

Wednesday 28th July - DORNOCH. Meet Merkinch Community Centre at 9.30am, returning 4.30pm. Cost £2 for adults, £1 for children.

Wednesday 4th August - MACDUFF SEA-LIFE. Meet Merkinch Community Centre at 9.30am, returning 4.30pm. Cost £3 for adults, £1 for children.

Wednesday 11th August - "ON YOUR DOORSTEP". Meet at Merkinch Community Centre at 11am. Adults £1, children, free.

• Trips must be paid at mp33 before the day of the trip.

 

• Adults are responsible for their own children at all times.

 

• If you want, bring your own packed lunches and drinks - it works out cheaper.

 

• Bring suitable clothing and comfy shoes, and don't forget waterproof jackets and sun-cream - you could need both!

 

• There are cameras at mp33 if you want to take one, have a word with Roni.