November conference follow-up
MARCH 17 sees a follow-up to the successful November conference which looked at a range of ways to improve the quality of life for Merkinch folk.
"Moving Forward - a Working Agenda" will provide an opportunity for everyone to come together again to consider the common ground on which a more positive future for the community can be created.
The meeting is to be held at Merkinch Community Centre starting at 6.30pm. Prior to that, from 5pm, there will be an open presentation and a display.
Said Community Project Officer Brian Macleod, "This is an opportunity for people to have their say on cultural development, community health and well-being, wealth and job creation, and our environment.
"Many positive and exciting ideas and suggestions flowed from the open discussion sessions at the November event. The challenge is now to continue to work together to bring these aspirations to fruition and reality.
"As MP Charles Kennedy has pointed out 'initiatives which truly stem from the local community are more likely to be successful and sustainable through time'."
Mr Macleod said how fortunate Merkinch was in having so many local residents and development agency staff prepared to give up their free time to taking things forward. He thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project.
Escape Group
The Escape Group is always up to something new and interesting, but their Ben Nevis challenge is the most demanding yet. Here we pictured them setting off for the Ord Hill in the Highland Council's new yellow bus. They are accompanied by Roni Smith (back, left) of mp33 and Izzie Inglis (back, third from left). More coverage of their challenge and news from mp33 in the coloured insert. (pictured left)
Free cash withdrawals now available at the Post Office
PENSION and benefits books are now a thing of the past, with all the regular Merkinch customers now tuned into the electronic age. But not everyone is aware that the sub post-office in Lochalsh Road can handle a wide range of banking functions.
For instance, even those who are not in receipt of any state benefits can pay bills for, say, electricity or gas, thus saving them a trip to the bank.
And you can even make cash withdrawals from your bank account at a wide range of banks and building societies WITHOUT EXTRA CHARGE by the post office.
The minimum you can withdraw is £1 unlike ATMs which usually insist you take out at least £10.
These include the Alliance & Leicester, the Clydesdale Bank, the Royal Bank of Scotland, the TSB, the Halifax, the NatWest, the Abbey National (Basic Account) the Bank of Ireland, Cahoot, the Co-op bank and Smile.
You can also make deposits into these accounts, subject to availability.
Bills can be paid with Switch, Solo, Delta and such cards.
And, of course, you can get your holiday money exchanged without paying any commission.
The post office counter is open from 8.30am to 5.30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays and Fridays the hours are 9am to 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Says sub post-mistress Lesley O'Rourke, "It is an excellent service and provided free by the post office.
"There is no need to traipse into the town centre or out to the Longman to take money out or pay it in to your account. And you can pay bills quickly and easily here as well."
The post office also has a wide range of other facilities-such as very competitive rates on travel insurance and other services. Why not pop in and find out more the next time you are passing.
Two newsletter volunteers say farewell
TWO of our volunteers who deliver your newsletter every month are leaving Merkinch and giving up their rounds.
Stan Davis has left his riverside flat in Gilbert Street for pastures new; Stan had been delivering in Gilbert Street, Shoe Lane and Upper Kessock Street area for longer than anyone could remember and he will be much missed at Merkinch Enterprise. He also gave us the odd bit of news from the local Diabetes UK branch in which he is a leading light.
We also say farewell to Sid Fraser of Madras Street who delivered Lower Kessock Street and Pumpgate. Though he had not been with us as long as Stan, he was nevertheless a valuable member of the team. Thank you both and good luck in your new homes, gentlemen.
AiM plans a second spring festival
ARTS in Merkinch (AiM) is aiming to run a second arts, heritage, culture and environment festival this year.
Following last April's successful initial event, a number of spin-off projects have sprung up. The writers' group, which in its early days had the support of Kurdish writer Choman Hardi, has been meeting every month in the Janny's Hoose.
An art class, led by local artist Bette McArdle, has a small but enthusiastic core - they meet in the Community Centre on Tuesday evenings.
And the Local History Group also meets regularly with guest speakers such as Highland archivist Bob Steward coming along.
It is hoped that these as well as others such as mp33, Merkinch Primary School, the South Kessock Environmental Project, the Community Centre, the Corbett Centre and all those who contributed so much to last year's event will be able to take part.
Last year's festival took place over three weeks but it is thought likely that this year's will be shorter and more condensed.
A date has not yet been fixed, but it has been suggested that the end of May/ beginning of June, just before the annual Highland Festival, might be more suitable - and a little warmer - than Easter! A meeting of all those with an interest in the arts, culture, heritage and environment was due to be held on 22nd February (after we went to press) to develop the various ideas that have been mooted.
Knock-downs, clean-ups and a big police haul
AT AN Extraordinary General Meeting of Merkinch Community Council in Merkinch Primary School on Thursday 10th February their new constitution was unanimously adopted. No members of the public attended the meeting which was followed by the council's usual monthly meeting.
- Kessock Court flats, an empty eyesore for many months, are to be demolished on 7th March, Councillor Peter Corbett told members. And Gael Force Marine have received planning permission for flats on ground adjacent to their marine supermarket in Anderson Street. The former women's refuge in Nelson Street is to be converted into three 3-bedroom flats. As to the former Tawse's yard in the Carse, Highland Council is taking enforcement action against the owners because of the danger it presents to children and family pets.
- Around 20 to 30 youngsters are to take part in the annual clean-up between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on 17th March, Dell McClurg reported. This would coincide with the completion of the drystone-dyking project at Carnarc Point. Areas to be tackled include Carnarc Point and around the Corbett Centre and the Community Centre. Adult volunteers would be most welcome. It was hoped to plant some trees and shrubs. There is to be a clean-up at Birnie Terrace on 11th March.
- South Kessock voids - unlet empty properties - are now around 14 or 15, fewer than in Dalneigh, Ali Locke reported.
- Various members complained of a lack of action on maintenance and general repairs. They heard that Highland Council was now allocating £117 per house on this compared to the £35 previously. Regarding sandbags at the time of the flooding in January, local members said they were satisfactory contrary to press reports. It was to be stressed to the local press that only chairman Ali Maclean was authorised to speak for the community council.
- Police reported that in a major operation quantities of heroin and cash had been found in Merkinch. Other ongoing operations were proving successful. Merkinch did not have a major problem with children getting into trouble compared to other areas. They were attempting to set up a Neighbourhood Watch system in various parts of Merkinch - but 50% of households had to agree to take part. There was currently a focus on young drivers who were often over-confident.
- Members agreed to order software for the secretary's computer through Merkinch Enterprise for an estimated £84.
- The description in the MCC minutes of the South Kessock Environmental Project building as "ramshackle" was still rankling with Dell McClurg and Ann McCreadie. Mrs McCreadie said she thought it "warm and welcoming - a little Tardis". But it was pointed out that the minutes had been passed and could not be changed.
- The next meeting is at the Corbett Centre on 10th March.
Corbett artists in Floral Hall show
ARTISTS from the Corbett Centre's art group, which meets every week at art.tm, have been exhibiting their work in an exhibition at the Floral Hall's coffee shop throughout the month of February.
The art group are very prolific so it was a tough job selecting for the show. The collection showed a variety of subjects including flowers, townscapes and abstracts. Visitors to the exhibition said they found the paintings and drawings very refreshing and a nice change from the more usual landscapes. Floral Hall exhibitions change every month.
Lots of chances for the stage-struck and the bookworm at Eden Court this Easter
EDEN Court theatre has plenty of activities for youngsters over Easter.
- l For the stagestruck there is a Techie Taster to mark World Theatre Day on 25th March. Boys and girls aged 12 to 18 can learn the basics of theatre lighting and sound. The day runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm so bring a packed lunch. Cost is £4 and be sure to book as early as you can, for spaces are limited.
- l If you are more into graffiti and design, then come along to the Urban Art and Graff T-shirts two-day workshop on 29th/30th March. You'll design your own urban art, then print it on your own personal t-shirt. Cost for the two days is £5 and includes the t-shirt! For age 12+.
- l If dance is your thing, come and celebrate Car-Ni-Val on Friday 1st April. There's salsa sessions and samba drumming for the 9-12s and 13+s, plus costume creating for all ages. Join the Rio-style party afterwards - performance at 4.15pm. Cost is £2.50 per session, £4 for two.
- l Meanwhile March kicks off with a World Book Celebration on Friday 4th March from 3.30pm to 5pm. Here aged 6+ are invited to create their own book for secret scribbling, dreams, poems, spells, whatever.
And for the same age group the same day, from 5pm-6pm, there's a Pyjama Drama with a jam-packed hour of stories, characters, words and plots-everything you love about books. And you can bring a teddy! Each session costs £2.50 or £4 for both. Ring 234234 to book.
Uganda trip aims to broaden horizons of local youngsters
A PARTY of 36 youngsters from Inverness High School are set to go on the trip of a lifetime to Uganda this autumn.
The expedition is part of the REAL Project which the High School has been developing for some time, and this is their first big operation. REAL stands for Real Education Action Lives and is concerned with improving the attainment levels, aspirations and better preparing young people for work and life in the dynamic and rapidly-changing 21st century.
The values of REAL are described as "why not" rather than "ah, but" - in other words encouraging the "can-do" culture within the school and the wider community.
Head teacher Ritchie Cunningham says: "REAL is seen as very central to the school, not an add-on. As REAL develops, it is being integrated into the syllabus as much as possible."
The idea of the trip to Uganda is very much set within the context of REAL and is the first attempt to embed REAL thinking and development into the core syllabus-in this case Geography and RMPS (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies).
S4 Geography covers the issues of poverty, migration, population studies, international trade and aid, while RMPS looks at international debt, trading inequalities, inappropriate aid within the context of Christian ethics in a secular society.
It is believed that by stretching young people's horizons the experience will foster their appreciation of others and their maturity, preparing them for life in an increasingly globalised world. It is also seen as a tremendous platform for developing teamwork skills, not only for those directly involved in the trip but for the whole school in their fund-raising efforts. In an age where so many young people play solitary games on computers and other electronic gadgets, it is seldom recognised that the skills learned in participatory street games are being lost to the younger generation.
The trip is set to take place from 6th to 18th October-partly during the holidays and partly in term time. The youngsters will be accompanied by four staff members and four parents.
The party will be hosted by the Watoto project - Watoto is Swahili for "children". It runs a care programme for the street children of the Ugandan capital Kampala. They will take part in five days of project work involving building and refurbishing and generally assisting with Watoto projects. This means that the parents who go along on the trip will have to weigh in with skills such as joinery, DIY as well as organising and so forth.
Then there will be three days of geography-type field trips visiting rural settings to see Fair-trade farms, slum areas, and farms which specialise in serving supermarkets such as Tesco's. They will also spend a couple of days sight-seeing as well as two more travelling.
To set all this up so that the youngsters' time is most effectively spent it will be necessary to make a short excursion by an advance party of two. There will also be a residential "submersion" weekend where young people would live Uganda-style for 48 hours with the help of a number of UK-resident Ugandans. Through this they will learn about weather, dress codes, housing, food, bartering, basic language skills as well as standards of personal hygiene, use of water and malaria nets and other health precautions.
Pupils themselves, supported by the REAL Project youth worker will be organising car boot sales, car washes and such sponsored events.
Dates to watch out for in next term include a concert featuring the Watoto choir in the High School on 20th April and a big community day, including a car boot sale, on 20th May. Watch out for more details of these in coming editions of News & Views.
Some 42 per cent of the pupils at Inverness High come from Merkinch, statistically recognised as the eighth most-deprived area in Scotland. But the young people going on this trip will not only come from families that can afford to pay the £900 each for their children to gain such an experience - a fair proportion will be given varying amounts of financial assistance to allow them to go. Altogether the total required to fund the project will be around the £44,500 mark.
With this in view the organisers are looking for support from commercial sponsors to add to the school's own fundraising efforts. Parental and staff contributions as well as grants and other sources of funding will help make up the total.
briefs.
- Winner of the February prize in Nicol's Killer Quiz is C MacDougall, Benula Road. This month's quiz is based on Merkinch street names - have a go - you could win a voucher for £10 at Nicol's Corner Shop.
- Come on all you one-time French students! The list is now open for Franck's conversation sessions. So come and brush up on the old va-va-voum. Don't be shy - get details at the Community Centre.
- A martial arts class for those with learning disabilities has started at the Community Centre on Tuesdays between 1pm and 2pm. Details from Alastair on 233323.
- Grant Street bakers Harry Gow's was closed last month when they were found to have some unwelcome rodent customers. However after a couple of weeks they have re-opened with a clean bill of health.
- And just round the corner at the shop that was formerly Mackay's Electrical Appliances a sign has gone up proclaiming Dark Island, tattooist. However despite extensive internal renovations, the expected opening early last month did not take place and there is no word of when Merkinch will get its first tattoo parlour! Watch this space.
Look after your body - and your body will look after you!
SPRING is on the way! So why not get ready. Here are a few tips to make you feel good and put a spring in your step.
- Try and get between seven and EIGHT hours' SLEEP a night.
- ALWAYS have BREAKFAST - it kick starts your body and mind for the day ahead.
- Try to drink EIGHT glasses of WATER a day.
- Fifteen minutes' WALKING a day can make a noticeable difference to your energy level. Why not come along on our Wednesday walks-if you are interested meet at the Janny's Hoose at 1.30pm. Back by 2.30pm for tea and coffee.
- EAT regular MEALS-three a day. Try to include some carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and potatoes. Don't forget your fruit and vegetables - have HEALTHY SNACKS on hand such as bananas or other fresh fruit, rice cakes etcetera.
- And lastly, spend some time on YOURSELF, doing something you like-whether its sports, decorating, writing-aromatherapy oils can be a great pick-me-up.
Remember-look after your body and your body will look after you!
Jean Mackay,
The Janny's Hoose Healthy Living Centre,
Merkinch Primary School,
Telford Road,
Inverness
IV3 8HY
Phone - 01463 226348.
Oldsters, did you know?
DID you know that if you are over 75 you qualify for a free passport - so you can backpack round the world now, Gran!
Perhaps more useful is the news that the Scottish Executive have decided to let pensioners have free dental checks as from next year, 2006. If only they would extend the service to cover the cost of dentures. And if you regularly need to call NHS 24 because of a heart complaint, diabetes etc, did you know that you can register your details with them, so that you needn't go through them every time?
Out of School
Pupils lead the way in reading skills
MERKINCH Primary pupils have hit the headlines twice recently. For not only did they run a successful charity concert in aid of the tsunami disaster, they also reaped praise for leading the way in a pan-Scotland pilot reading project.
For the last year P1 youngsters have been learning to read by a system known as synthetic phonics rather than the customary analytic phonics.
Synthetic phonics entails learning groups of letters and then putting them together to recognise new words and it has proved very effective, with the P1 children being well ahead with their reading ability.
Scottish Education Minister said "These youngsters have a head start with their reading and writing that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives."
MPS headteacher Sheena Morrison said, "The results of using this synthetic phonics approach are very encouraging. Pupils appear confident in literacy and are willing to have a go at comparatively advanced word-building. The outcome is a real boost for the morale of parents and staff."
She told News & Views, "It's good old-fashioned phonics made jolly."
- n Both Merkinch Primary and Inverness High schools break up for the Easter holidays on Thursday 24th March and go back on Tuesday 12th April.
- n The dress code launched at Inverness High this January has proved a great success. Colours are black and white with a new school logo. Blue jeans and football tops are not acceptable.
- n A follow-through report from HM Inspectorate of Education commended IHS for making significant progress since their 2003 visit, thanks to the hard work of staff and pupils.
Tsunami Charity
Despite having other charity commitments, Merkinch pupils did their bit for the victims of the tsunami disaster by taking part in a "Stars in Their Eyes" concert at the school. They raised £216.60 which was rounded up to £250 by a donation from the tuck shop.
(Picture courtesy of Alan Hunter, Northern Exposures)
Sports Nooz...
Recent darts results
Week ending 12th February
Portland A 2 (Steve Falconer, Richie Devlin, Peter Macdonald and Jim Hunter) won the John Price Threes at the Clach Club last week they beat City Taxis 3 (Robert Mackenzie, Steve Mitchell, Bomber Godsman and Evan Macdonald) in the final. City Taxis took a 2-0 lead but Portland came back to win 3-1 . The losing semi finalists were Portland B1 and Portland B3. Steve Mitchell (City Taxis), Barry Maclean (Portland A) and Cliff Robertson (Portland B) all hit two maximums and one each came from Willie Cruickshank (Portland B), Robert Mackenzie (City Taxis), Gordon Morison (Portland A), Michael Maclean (Uncle Bobs) and Kevin Maclean (Portland B) . Top check outs were Allan Mackinnon (City Taxis) 143, Davey Fraser (Drouthy Duck) 120 and Cliff Robertson (Portland B) 113. Steve Mitchell also recorded a 11 dart leg.
Keppoch 1 (Jim McNeil, David Hyslop, Billy Palmer) beat Tarradale1 (Billy Dickson, Brian Fraser, Neil Marwick) in the final of the smith Shield the losing semi finalists were Portland E 1 and Dows1. Joe Spence (Tarradale 2) scored a 180 and Steve Donald (Dows 1) checked out 126.
W/e 5th February
Shots came back from a 5-1 deficit against City Taxis winning the last two singles and all the doubles to book their place in the Supreme Cup final. The last B League team to play in the supreme cup final was Stratton D in 1994. The last B League team to win the cup was 20 Club way back in 1974. Kevin Clark Jun. scored a 180 and Andy MacIntosh checked out on 117 and Bomber Godsman on 105. Shots will play either Portland A or B in the final. the Consolation shield has now reached the semi final stage after Culloden Moor Inn beat The Drover in the remaining quarter. Clach Club play Culloden and Caley Club play Dows. Barrie MacKay of Culloden had a 140 check out.
In the A League Portland A go back to the top after beating leaders City Taxis. Portland B failed to take this chance to narrow the gap on the top two as they went down to Drouthy Duck. There was no change at the top of the B League and Dows are now the only unbeaten team in all the leagues as C league leaders Gun Lodge lost their record when they were beaten by Caley Club and they now have to share top spot with the Drover and Caley Club are two points behind in third. Barry Maclean (Portland A) hit two 180s and one each came from team mates Eddie Edwards and Peter Macdonald, Kevin Manson (Drouthy Duck), Ian Cushnie (Drouthy Duck), Liz Dallas (Portland X), Derek MacLean (Uncle Bobs), Dougie Milne (Uncle Bobs), Joe Spence (Tarradale), Donnie Mackenzie (Tarradale) and Barrie Mackay (Culloden Moor Inn). Top Check outs were Colin Robertson (Shots) 152, Gil Graham (Tarradale) 114, John Macleod (Tarradale) 108, Sammy Morton (Culloden Moor Inn) 106, Paul Lewis (Portland E) 105 and Barry McDiarmid(Gun Lodge) 104. Peter Macdonald (Portland A) and Alan Mackinnon (City Taxis) both hit 14 dart legs.
W/e 29th January
Uncle Bobs have three teams through to the finals of the John Price Threes which will be held at the Clach Club on Thursday 10 February. Portland A & B and City Taxis have two teams apiece through and the other finalists are Drouthy Duck, Fluke and Shots. The teams who took part in the first round but did not qualify will be able to take part in the Smith Shield at the Portland Club also on the 10 February .Robbie Mutch (Uncle Bobs) and Don Maclean (Culloden Moor Inn) both scored two 180s and one each came from James Macmillan (Portland E), Michael Maclean (Uncle Bobs) and Tommy Stewart (Gun Lodge). Jim Hunter (Portland A) checked out on 145 and Sammy Morton (Culloden Moor Inn) on 117.
Taking a stand against the cowboys
NEEDING a tradesman to do some work around the house? Or have you recently been victim to a cowboy tradesman? Consumers are being alerted to the work of the Construction Licensing Executive (CLE).
Amongst the benefits it offers, consumers can now access a vetted supply of reputable traders including plumbers, builders and decorators.
The CLE was created in 2002 to specifically regulate the construction trades in Scotland - builders, painters and decorators, plumbers, electricians.
CLE was born from a desire by reputable people in the industry to face up to the very real problem of the rogue traders or 'cowboys' who have blighted the industry for too long and cost consumers hundreds if not thousands of pounds every year.
One aim of the CLE's is to build consumers' trust in the industry once again and restore confidence as well as provide a way of redress to the consumer.
The CLE has created a licensing scheme for traders in the construction industry with the aim to have every firm in the construction trades licensed so consumers have a vetted supply of reputable traders. Both consumer protection and industry standards are at the core of the scheme.
Nigel Mackenzie, head of Trading Standards at Highland Council welcomes the creation of this organisation: "All too often the consumer has to face a lottery when trying to choose the best tradesperson for home improvements.
"The addition of this scheme will give the consumer a real choice of reputable traders' companies which have been assessed and licensed. This area of industry has been a constant source of complaints to our advice service over the years.
"Very often vulnerable consumers have forked out hundreds of pounds to untrained, unskilled tradesman only to find there is little they can do in the way of redress."
Consumers can find full details of those in the licensing scheme by viewing website: www.clescotland.com.
If any consumer has recently had problems regarding home improvements carried out in their home they can also contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or go to website: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
Alternatively consumers can visit or write to: Trading Standards Unit, Highland Council, 38 Harbour Road Inverness.
Fliperz
Nursery plans for this term include Pond Life, St David's Day, Spring & planting, Mother's Day, St Patrick's Day and Easter. Reminder of clothing requirements: soft shoes or slippers, a waterproof jacket for going out in the garden. It's a big help if names are put on shoes and clothing. Four-year-olds have been taking part in three Safe, Strong and Free workshops this term. This term finishes on Thursday 24th March and the nursery re-opens on Tuesday 12th April.Parents of Daycare children-please avoid a lot of sweets and fizzy drinks. We have a microwave, and a small tin of spaghetti or beans is enough for younger children. Happy Easter to all!
Join your local website FREE
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!
The site 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.
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.com or phone Merkinch Enterprise on Inverness 240085.
Mp33
Hi there!
First, interviews for more staff at mp33 to replace Bruce and Caroline were held last month and it is hoped that after Easter there will be some new faces at No33.
The Escape Group is looking at Choices & Options with the WEA at their Monday morning meetings and a trip to Inverness College is planned this month.
In the Youth Club Scotland annual competitions Merkinch has three teams-two senior, one junior-taking part in the event at Charlston. Wayne Ridgers is through to the next round in the Darts contest.
Activities at the Senior Youth Club on Wednesday evenings this month include:
- 2nd March - football training at Dingwall;
- 9th March - designing t-shirts, photo printing and tie-dyeing;
- 16th/23rd March - making jewellery with Fimo modelling clay;
- Also 16th - rags to riches, clothing for all;
- Also 23rd - Scavenger hunt; Easter eggs.
The Capers programme kicks off on 1st March with a look at Careers possibilities and a Baby Massage session. Capers meets on Tuesday mornings.
Meanwhile drop in and see what's happening.
See you soon.
All at mp33,
March '05
Five weeks into the challenge and all is going well
Stopping for a short mid-walk break are some of those enthusiasts taking part in the Ben Nevis challenge. Besides getting fit, the women have been learning from Izzie Inglis (right) about compasses, maps and general safety on the hills. So far everything is on track for their assault on the Ben in late May. Izzie is a trained mountain leader and she is based in Carrbridge. If anyone is interested in taking part, they have missed out this time, but already Roni at mp33 is taking names for the next challenge.
So what's actually in a cigarette
MARCH 9 is Stop Smoking Day and to encourage those who have been thinking of giving up we thought you would want to know the following facts about what is actually in them:
- ARSENIC
Used in rat poison - ACETIC ACID
Hair dye and developer - ACETONE
Main ingredient in nail-polish remover and paint - AMMONIA
A powerful household cleaner - BENZENE
Rubber cement - BUTANE
Lighter fluid - CADMIUM
Found in batteries and artists' oil paints - CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
Dry-cleaning fluid - FORMALDEHYDE
Used to embalm dead bodies - HYDRAZINE
Used in jet and rocket fuels - HYDROGEN CYANIDE
The poison used in gas chambers - LEAD
Used in batteries. Banned in paints. Cut out of most petrol products. - NICKEL
Used in the process of electro-plating - NICOTINE
Highly addictive stuff that narrows the blood vessels and is otherwise used to kill beasties in the garden - POLONIUM
Radiation dosage, equal to 300 X-rays in one year - TULENE
Embalmers' glue.
Cigarettes are obviously not called "cancer sticks" for nothing. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 toxic substances.