Fly-tipping eyesore is a danger

DUE to a broken gate at the former Tawse yard on Glendoe Terrace, fly-tipping of every kind of rubbish-from fridges to builders' rubble-is once again taking place.

At the May meeting of Merkinch Community Council, members agreed that it was "a real eyesore" and dangerous. They heard that the Technical Services Department of Highland Council had written to the site owners, the Macmillan brothers, to ask them to repair the gate and make secure the site, which has planning permission for housing. Local residents were advised that if they spotted anyone fly-tipping that they should ring the police right away.

• Still in that area, members heard of the state of the playpark in Benula Road which suffers from dog's dirt, broken glass and vandalism. The Council says playparks are cleaned once a month unless they get a call. Councillor Peter Corbett said that it would cost £15,000 to fence the playpark off; he said he would raise the concern with the Council.

 

• Councillor Corbett went on to report that both North and South Kessock Courts were to be demolished and there was now no-one resident in either. The area is to be developed by a housing association, but so far the plans put forward had been "very poor".

  A feasibility study on the remaining block of flats on Anderson Street, adjacent to the women's refuge, was being drawn up, he added.
  Community Council members said that once again, something required to be done about the flats at Quayside, Harbour and Tannery Courts. There were major concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing. Members felt the concierge system was not fulfilling its role, and it was commonly understood that the cameras had not been working for a long time.

  Councillor Corbett also reported that discussions were still underway about the possibility of cameras going to the police's Burnett Road area office rather than the concierge office.

• Community Beat Officer Ann Urquhart announced that this would be her last attendance in her present role as she had been promoted to Community Beat Sergeant. There were currently no major police issues in the area, though there were ongoing operations. "However, these things go in spates," she said. "Last week there was an outbreak of damage to cars in the Crown."
  Members expressed their regret at losing CBO Urquhart: "We'll really miss you," they said. They also were concerned that the policing situation would slip back. "We need two beat officers here," Councillor Corbett said, adding that he would continue to press for the level of policing to be maintained in the area.

 

• Ali Locke of South Kessock Residents Association said that voids in the area were now down to single figures and were awaiting repairs. There was a waiting list for housing.

 

• Community Project Officer Brian Macleod reported on the success of the Arts in Merkinch April festival. Following on from that there was to be a six-month writers' group project with Moniack's poet-in-residence Choman Hardi, the local history group were to meet again on 3rd June, and there was to be a meeting regarding the proposed community band later in the month.
  A group was meeting to explore the potential of various business ideas for the area.

 

• A Travel Plan project to improve the safety of children going to and from Merkinch Primary School was intimated to the Community Council. Members agreed that they would like to see more details of the plan before passing comment. The project was being coordinated by teacher Miss Avril Lumsden.

 

• The Tech Services department had written to say they were trying to keep on top of litter problems. They were willing to assist anyone having an environmental clear-up with plastic bags etc.

 

• It was reported that rats were back in the Carse Road and Birnie Terrace area, "still outside at the moment" according to one member.

 

• Lorna Macleod, Wyvis Place, was appointed Community Council secretary.

 

• Members agreed that it would be a good idea for their minutes to be posted on the Merkinch Community Website.

 

• It was agreed to write to Clachnacuddin Football Club congratulating them on their League and Cup success.

 

• Traffic wardens were currently checking up particularly on tax discs.

 

• The Tool Club will now be open weekdays from 6-7.30pm rather than in the mornings.

 

• It was reported that kids had been playing around the electrical transformer in Kessock Road.

There's no mistaking that smile. and we don't mean Cherie Blair's! Mairi MacDougall and Alistair Locke (pictured right) were among hundreds from, all over the country who were invited to a reception in Downing Street following their participation in the Big Conversation earlier this year.

Changes at the 'Enterprise'

ONCE again there are staff changes at Merkinch Enterprise, with one member having already left at the end of April, and another set to go in mid-June.

Ian Street has moved on after more than two years as Training and Development Officer, a time in which he left his mark within the Training Centre and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges presented during his stay with the organisation.
He has moved to DJM Communications where he has taken up the post of Sales Consultant.

* * *

Amanda Young, (pictured above) our receptionist and admin assistant for almost a year, has been successful as a main point of contact for the office and her presence will be missed.
She is leaving shortly to enter into training as an assistant manager with Carlton plc in Inverness.

* Amanda raised over £200 for charity with her recent abseil at Raigmore. Thanks to all who supported her.

Exploring all the opportunities

FOLLOWING the article in the May issue of News & Views a small group of like-minded individuals have come together to investigate the possibilities of creating job opportunities through new community businesses in the Merkinch area.

Community businesses have been successful in other areas of Scotland. We hear a lot about the vibrant economy of Inverness, so let's do it here in Merkinch.

The next meeting is due to be held at Merkinch Enterprise on Thursday 10th June at 3pm so if you have any ideas or may like to get involved why not come along.
Further information can be had from Brian MacLeod, Community Project Officer who is based at Merkinch Enterprises office in Grant Street, telephone 240085.

End of an era at Community Centre

AFTER more than 17 years as manager of Merkinch Community Centre, Ivor Souter (pictured right) will be leaving in mid-June to take up a similar role in the Millburn Academy area. He will be succeeded by Graham Ross, who has been based at Charleston Community Complex for many years and will now have responsibility for the Inverness High School catchment area.

The changes are all due to a shake-up in Highland Council's Community Learning and Leisure Department.

Ivor, who is from Nairn, and started his working life with the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, as the DSS was then known, in Newcastle. He returned north to be a welder at McDiarmids at Ardersier and while there took an interest in voluntary youth work.
Deciding on a change in career, he went to College in Dundee to study Community Education and after gaining his Diploma worked in the tough Whitfield area, a large housing estate with no facilities.
He arrived in Merkinch in August 1986 and has been involved, along with other members of the community in many developments in the area.

"Certainly I have regrets about leaving," he said, "but change could benefit both the Community Centre and myself, and I look forward to the future."

Ivor's wife Mary also works for Highland Council and the couple have three children-Daniel, a structural engineer, who lives in America, and Dorothy and Robert, both studying in Glasgow-she forensic chemistry and he politics and history.

Anne McCreadie, chairman of the Centre's management committee for the last 12 years said, "We wish Ivor every success in his new role."

briefs...

• THIS month sees the Active Adults go on two expeditions-one to Revack in Speyside on Tuesday the 8th and the other to Abriachan and Drumnadrochit on the 22nd. They also hope to have Sheila Mackay of the Inverness Local History Forum back, and to make a couple of visits to Rollerbowl. These visits to the bowling alley are clearly paying off, as the Merkinch team once again won the Over-50s Cup at the last Rollerbowl Challenge at the end of April. Last month the group visited Auldearn, and next month they will undoubtedly be making plans for their contribution to Gala Day which is on 31st July.

 

• TWENTY-FIVE youngsters from Merkinch are all set to go to Hampden-in the company of six adults-on 20th June to attend the Live and Loud concert.

 

• THE Singing for Pleasure Group performed at the Barn Church, Culloden on 28th May in aid of the Blythswood charity.

 

• A disco will be held at Merkinch Community Centre on Friday 2nd July for primary school children. During the disco a Gala Prince, Gala Princess and two attendants will be chosen for Gala Day, which is on 31st July.

Start the day the healthy way

MOST of us lead such busy lives these days that it's hard to find the time to sit down and eat proper meals. How many of us make time for breakfast?

Research has proved that our bodies perform better if we eat something, however little, between when we wake up and lunchtime. Taking the time each morning to eat breakfast will improve our energy levels and make it easier to get through the rest of the day.
The Janny's Hoose has some ideas for quick breakfasts if you're pushed for time in the morning. Let us know if you would like a breakfast recipe card.

We're on the look-out for people to share with others in the Hoose their interest in photography, the internet, or another hobby. This is a great opportunity to pass on your skills and, with some support from staff in the Hoose, you'll get to meet new people and help with confidence-building. Want to know more? Call in to see Jean or Maree, Monday to Thursday mornings-or give us a ring.

Jean and Maree

The Janny's Hoose Healthy Living Centre,
Merkinch Primary School,
Telford Road,
Inverness;
Telephone 226348.

Corbett Centre in search of willing hands in the garden

News from the Corbett Centre

ONE of our long-term drivers, local man Ian Davis, retired recently after many years of driving one of the Corbett Centre's minibuses. At a small leaving party in the Centre, Ian was presented with gifts from attenders and staff. He is missed by everyone and we wish him well in his retirement.

The Art Group continues to receive praise for their work at art.tm and-as well as contributing to the Arts in Merkinch festival exhibition-for putting on a display of their work recently at the Centre from which many of the items were sold.

As always at this time of year, the rear garden at the Centre is in urgent need of some TLC.
Much of the work is too physical for many of the attenders and the Centre does not employ a gardener. Any local gardener willing to give us a hand would be made most welcome-and repaid with a cup of tea!

briefs.

• THERE is to be a car boot sale in the Corbett Centre car park on Saturday 5th June from 10am to 12.30pm. Cost per table is £8.50. Teas and coffees will be available.

 

• Learning to drive but worried about the theory? You can get practice with your driving theory test practice at mp33. You can sit a practice exam, or simply brush up on your theory. Ring mp33 on 717639 and ask for Bruce-or simply drop in at 33 Grant Street.

 

• Always wanted to learn to skate? On Friday afternoons beginners can learn to play ice hockey between 4pm and 5pm, and lessons in the Skate UK Badge Course are held between 5pm and 6pm. For further details contact Rachel on Inverness 235363 or on 077 434 11577.

 

• Reminder-Thornbush Residents Association AGM is on 3rd June at 7.30pm in the Community Centre-and there's tea and biscuits!

Pets - lost and found

FIRST the good news!

A black and white rabbit was recently found in Kessock Road area. It is being well looked after in a proper hutch with everything it needs, so the finder says there is no need to worry. For more information ring 718757.

Then the bad news...

A young straw-coloured whippet with white throat and paws and a distinctive white diamond on back of neckhas gone missing. The dog is fitted with an ID chip. If anyone has seen him, please ring Sam on 07733 136 042

Street accident averted

AN L-driver's quick response averted a serious accident in Grant Street last month when two young lads-one aged about seven or eight and the other slightly older-ran out right in front of his motorbike, without any warning.

The near-miss took place on Friday 14th May around 4.30pm. A witness told News & Views, "Only inches can have separated the bike and child, but the young motor-cyclist made a perfect emergency stop.
"Well done!"

Let's hope the boys learned their lesson.

Safety proposal aims to re-route children on their way to and from Merkinch Primary School

A RADICAL plan to improve safety for Merkinch Primary pupils is being put up for consideration by the school's Safety Group.
Teacher Avril Lumsden, coordinator of the group, had discussions with Highland Council's road safety adviser Lise Graham last autumn concerning statutory safety requirements and it was found that a number of Health & Safety requirements were being breached at Merkinch.

Parents were asked what actions could be taken to make their child's journey to and from school safer, and there was a high 56% return of opinions. After a brainstorming session and much research, a Travel Plan was set up.
Areas of concern include: the speed and volume of traffic on Telford and Carse Roads, the need to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic, dangerous parking practices in roads around the school, lack of secure storage for bicycles, no cycling training, crossing of dangerous junctions on way to school, shortcut across railway track.
Basically the idea is to use the Telford Road accesses to the school for vehicles only, with all children coming and going through the present back gate, which requires considerable upgrading.
This would not lengthen the journey for children either from the Carse Road or Telford Road directions by more than a few yards.

It is further proposed that a lay-by be constructed in Carse Road for parents arriving in cars to drop off their children. Police and local councillor Peter Corbett have already been in discussions about this. Some 83% of Merkinch pupils arrive on foot, a survey has shown. This is to be encouraged, and a secure caged lock-up for bicycles for older pupils who choose to cycle to school. Two teachers have been trained in teaching cycling proficiency.

Miss Lumsden told News & Views: "A Travel Plan has been put together in order to seek funding for upgrading the access to the school.

She points out that Carse Road and Telford Road have become something of a rat run for vehicles. Highland Council has already designated areas around schools as 20mph zones although signs to that effect-along with the promised speed bumps in Carse Road-have not yet appeared. It is likely that one of the lollipop men would be re-sited to assist with crossing Carse Road.

Head teacher Sheen Morrison gave a presentation to the MPS School Board last month and it is hoped to hold another in the Community Centre in the middle of this month, to explain the details of the plan.
The matter will go the appropriate Highland Council committee in July, though costings of the scheme have to be done before then.

Towels and the nibbles in the corridors of power

MAIRI MacDougall has had quite an exciting life since she joined Active Adults. "If it wasn't for them I would never have been at the BBC event in Culloden which led to me going to visiting the BBC in Glasgow. And if it weren't for the Active Adults I would probably never have been at the "Big Conversation" in the Community Centre and ended up being invited to 10 Downing Street!"

Along with Alistair Locke, of the South Kessock Residents Association and vice-chairman of Merkinch Community Council and hundreds of others from all over the British Isles, Mairi was invited to an evening reception to meet the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet. In the event Tony Blair was called away to a meeting, but Mairi made sure to meet Cherie and invited her to have her photograph taken with the pair from Merkinch. "She was really very pleasant-nothing high-faluting about her," said Mairi. They also met some of the members of the Cabinet and were shown round the Cabinet Room.

"There were people from all over," said Mairi, "but it was so packed in the two reception rooms overlooking horse Guards Parade, that you could hardly move.
"It was nice to see them all: Geoffrey Hoon was there, and John Prescott and David Blunkett-that's all I recognised. And Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney, who remembered the ear-bashing I gave him at the Community Centre.
"He also recalled Joan Smith of the Post Office from that evening, and said that he was still trying to find out all the answers to the questions she had written to him about!"

Mairi will always remember the soft white towels in No 10's toilets (for the info of loo fans), the wonderful chipolata sausages that were among the nibbles and drinks served on the occasion, and the £40-a-night Belgravia hotel where she stayed the night.

"I'm glad I went," she said. "It was not a chance to be missed!"

Arts in Merkinch Thank You

THERE was a big surprise for Bette McArdle last month when she attended what she thought was an Arts in Merkinch meeting at the Primary School one morning and found herself presented with a picture and a big bunch of flowers.

Youngsters at the school wanted to thank her for helping them display their work in the black Bridge Gallery during the AIM festival exhibition "Images of Merkinch". Thanking them, Mrs McArdle praised all their work and expressed her gratitude to the children and staff for their support.
She was delighted with the picture, "Location, location" which represents local houses made in salt-dough.

Currently the picture is on loan to the Eden Court exhibition "Sizzling Shapes". Two of the children also presented her with the flowers, which were from Community Project Officer Brian Macleod who is pictured above with Mrs McArdle.

Sporting Nooz.

Portland A clinch title in a tight-fought cup final

ON THURSDAY 6th May, Portland A took a 4-1 lead over Beaufort in the A League Cup final, but single 6 & 7 went to the Beaufort before Portland edged the last single 3-2.

Beaufort picked up the first single but Portland took the next two to clinch the silverware.

Alan Mackinnon of Beaufort hit four 180s and checked out on 139 and finished his three legs of singles on 15,12 and 20 darts giving him an average of 31.98. The other 180 of that game came from "Bomber" Godsman.
The result of the B League Cup final between Shots and Dows was also to be used to decide the runners-up place in the B League. Shots went in to a 4-0 lead but Dows came back taking three of the remaining four singles and the first and third double before Shots clinched it in the last double. Paul Macdonald (Dows) hit a 177 score.

" Bomber" Godsman (Beaufort) and Rhonda Philip (Portland X) became the first pair to retain the Inverness Mixed Doubles they beat Paul Macdonald ( Dows) and Diane Baird (Portland X) this was "Bombers" fourth win in this event with his first going back twenty years to 1984. The losing semi finalists were all from Raigmore Charlie Ross and his daughter Keiligh and Davey Morrison and Vivien Maclean.

The first Handicap Singles, played on presentation night, proved a great success: the winner was Michael Maclean (Haugh) who beat Trevor Bell (Uncle Bobs) in the final. The losing semi finalists were Ian Lambert (Haugh) and David Hyslop (Clachnaharry). Michael playing off 601 had to beat three players playing off 501 on his way to the final. Trevor scored a 180, checked out on 106 and 112 and finished a 601 leg in 18 darts

The previous week...
Clachnaharry beat Caley Inn in the final of The C League Cup and Raigmore beat Chieftain in the third place play off. 180s were scored by Steve Falconer, Keith Stephen and Davey Fraser of Portland A, Ally Matheson (Drouthy Duck), Scott Mackinnon and Tommy Macdonald Fluke and Allan Mackinnon Beaufort. Portland A beat Drouthy Duck in the semi-final of the A League Cup; Beaufort beat Fluke in their semi. Dows beat Portland E in one B League semi and Shots beat Innes Bar in the other.

Earlier...
Uncle Bob's clinched the runners-up spot in the A League

• The Summer League started on the 13th May.

Double delight for Clach

CLACHNACUDDIN, as widely predicted, cruised to a League and Cup double on Saturday 8th May with a decisive 3-0 win over Forres Mechanics.
Afterwards, manager Robbie Williamson (pictured above) paid tribute to his players: "It's absolutely fantastic that we managed to complete a wonderful double.

"It could even have been a treble celebration as, let's not forget, we only lost the Qualifying Cup final to Buckie by a solitary penalty kick," he told reporters.
"It's frightening to think how far this club has come in the last 12 months and all credit must go to my players, as when we get our noses out in front we are so hard to beat."

Mr Williamson is also on record as paying tribute to Lilywhite fans for their wonderful support in recent years.

Memories are shared at local history group

AT A well-attended meeting of the local history group on Thursday 29th April memories were shared as those present browsed through old photographs-and plans were made for future activities.
Copies of the constitution were available and the aims of the group were detailed as follows:

• To fulfil an educational and developmental role in the community of Merkinch and environs by stimulating interest in local history and related community arts projects.

 

• To work towards the establishment of a local history archive and exhibition facilities.

 

• To increase the knowledge and skills of members by providing opportunities for research and attendance at meetings and seminars.

 

• To conduct, promote and publish research into past and present events relating to our area.

 

• To work with all community organisations and agencies who share our aims.

 

• To take part in or support any activities connected directly or indirectly with the foregoing aims.

  Practically, it was felt important to progress the recording of memories from those able to give first-hand accounts of events, or memories passed down through families.
  It was also decided to build up an archive of photographs of local interest, with the originals being copied and returned to the lender. The possibility of a heritage event being held this summer was discussed which would encourage participation with a wide range of groups in the area.

  The group's first AGM is to be held in October, but a speaker has not yet been decided. The group's next meeting is to be on Thursday 3rd June at 7pm in the Community Centre. All are welcome.

  Since the meeting there have been suggestions about the potential of a "story walk" - a walk through an area of social/local interest, highlighting sites of special interest with stories or songs.
  There has also been an approach by Jennifer Lorne, who is keen to do local research into folklore and supernatural tales relating to the area.

• Classmates who left Merkinch Public School 50 years ago were set to re-unite in the Beaufort Hotel on 29th May.

Lochiel no more!

ONCE again the troubled Lochiel Bar in Grant Street has closed its doors, with no word of when it might re-open. A notice simply says "Due to circumstances outwith our control this bar will be closed until further notice." A mobile phone number is given for suppliers trying to deliver.

This is the third time that the pub, for a while called the Merkinch Arms, has shut down suddenly in recent years, and it was hoped that when Robert Laidlaw refurbished it and relaunched the pub just a few months ago that it would have a new lease of life.

Mr Laidlaw was said he could make absolutely no comment about the bar's future for the moment. "Just wait and see," he said.

He did confirm however that it was not a licensing problem and indicated it would be unlikely that he would be reopening it.

mp33

Hi there!

Fingers crossed for the Under-19 Mixed Pool team who are off to Perth on Saturday 19th June to represent Merkinch Youth Club in the Scottish Finals.
The team is: Richard Finnis, Thomas Brown, Lesley Scott, Bethany Lyall and Bethany Maclean. Best of luck!

Calling all footballers! There's a Youth Club football tournament on Wednesday 2nd June at Glenurquhart, and we need all the players to turn out for Merkinch. Get in touch with Roni as soon as possible.

Meanwhile this month members of the Seniors youth club will be having fun with mirrors and mosaics. And on Wednesday the 30th there will be an end-of-term fancy dress party.
Activities that Junior youth club members can look forward to on Monday nights include cheer-leading, drumming and making jewellry boxes.
Both Junior and Senior youth clubs will restart in early September.

We won't be closing over the summer, so drop in sometime and see you soon.

All at mp33,
June'04

Merkinch Youth Club

Seniors and Juniors

Please note the last night of the youth club before the summer break is Monday 28th June (Juniors) and Wednesday 30th (Seniors).

Looking forward to summer

Media project takes summer break

AFTER the summer the Escape Group are going to be looking for a new project to work on with artist Gavin Lockhart. A successful projection of one of their video pieces took place last month, but the increasingly light evenings has put a stop to further performances.

Aquadome trips prove great success

THE swimming trips for mums and toddlers, held in conjunction with the Aquadome, have been a great success and there is a waiting list. But anyone interested can put their name down. Mums say it's good for the kids' co-ordination.

Calling all bike fans

WOULD all bike fans please get in touch with Roni at mp33. She wants to talk with as many as possible about finding a safe area in which to enjoy your sport, and discuss the wider issues. You can drop in or ring 717639, soon as you can.

Teenage parents!

There are going to be four summer trips for teenage parents this summer starting 20th June. Capers will be going to such places as the Black Isle Wildlife Park, the Forest Walk and possibly the Fun House. Ring Roni 717639 or Dell 712572 if you are interested.