Merkinch's first arts festival goes with a swing
These youngsters from the Elizabeth Fraser School of Dancing, which holds classes at the Community Centre, were a great hit at the Festival Ceilidh.
THE Arts in Merkinch launch event, the Spring Festival 2004, proved successful beyond the organisers' expectations.
The three-week event, which ranged from an open art exhibition and various displays to poetry workshop and ceilidh.
The exhibition, in No.4 Grant Street and temporarily christened the Black Bridge Gallery, opened on 2nd April and attracted a steady stream of both local visitors and tourists. Comments ranged from the favourable to the extremely enthusiastic and many were disappointed to hear that the gallery was not to be a permanent feature.
An afternoon poetry workshop on the 7th and a story-telling and poetry evening on the 14th both were successful, as was the ceilidh on the 21st and an art display at The Corbett Centre on the 22nd. Prints from the Community Centre were displayed in the Community Space at Inverness Museum and the Heritage and Environment Project opened earlier than usual.
Open meeting will explore ideas to help grow economic future of Merkinch
AN OPEN meeting is to be held on Thursday 6th May to discuss ways of increasing sustainable job opportunities in the Merkinch area. The meeting has been called by Community Project Officer Brian Macleod who is looking for anyone with ideas to help create more job opportunities in the area.
"Inverness seems to be booming and there are lots of things happening in Merkinch," he said, "but it often seems as if real job opportunities are pretty few and far between and not easy to get hold of.
"I have been in touch with various agencies keen to encourage us and to create these opportunities.
Merkinch Enterprise is a community business set up to help local folk achieve qualifications and get access to a range of facilities in order for the community to broaden its prospects.
"Merkinch Enterprise could support viable business ideas that would lead to sustainable jobs that would benefit the community."
People looking for work and anyone else interested is invited to come along and share their ideas.
Further information regarding venue etc from Brian Macleod on 240085.
The Corbett Centre (pictured right) held an art display during the Spring Festival. Some lovely work was on show and pictured here are, from left: Harriet Dempster, head of Social Work; Liz Graham and Billy Coghill, Day Care Officers; and Isabel Lewis the Corbett Centre manager.
Post offices and poetry, swing parks, gardening and real jobs
THE Tool Club, which has been in abeyance for three months, would be reopening on 26th April, Ali Locke of South Kessock Residents Association reported to the April meeting of Merkinch Community Council. It would be open for membership and admin matters as well as tool loan on weekdays 10am to noon and on Monday and Friday evenings 6pm-7pm for tools only. Membership would cost £10 for year or £6 for six months. More volunteers would be welcome to help run things and there would be a review of the operation in three months' time.
- South Kessock Environmental Project - Dell McClurg said they hoped to open for the season on Easter Sunday. With regard to the proposed development project, they were still looking at the possibility of expanding; things were still in negotiation. Anne McCreadie said that they could get capital funding, but what it would cost to man, run and maintain would be more problematic.
- Community Projects - A written report from Brian Macleod was circulated in his absence: the Arts in Merkinch Festival had got off to a successful start with the opening of the Black Bridge Gallery.
- There had been a poetry workshop and events still to come included a Poetry/Story-telling evening on the 14th in the Lochiel Bar and a Celidh in the Community Centre on the 21st.
Bette McArdle added that the prints from the Community Centre were to go to the Community Space at Inverness Museum on 12th April for two weeks.
With regard to other matters, Brian said that, in cooperation with Merkinch Enterprise, he was keen to look into business ideas which could lead to real viable job opportunities. He also said it was hoped that the Merkinch Community Website would go live soon. - Councillor Cumming reported that the Greig Street sub-post office was being threatened with closure - notice of "consultation" had gone up only that morning and over the day she had never had so many phone calls on any one topic.
People were being told that the alternatives were Laurel Avenue in Dalneigh, or Merkinch. Many from her ward - particularly the elderly and disabled - were not capable of walking the extra distance involved and were "shocked and horrified" at the prospect. Already Muirtown had been lost and Tomnahurich Street is also under threat.
Members expressed their very serious concern and agreed to write to Sandy Stephen of the postal authorities in Watford who are leading the consultation process and to enlist support from MPs Charles Kennedy, Mary Scanlon and David Stewart; MSPs John-Farquhar Munro and Maureen MacMillan, Provost Bill Smith, and anyone else they could think of to fight any such closure.
Mrs Cumming also said that there were now three residents' associations successfully up and running in her ward. - Chairman Ali Maclean said he had received a letter from Inverness Area manager Chris Claridge asking whether he, Mr Claridge, could mediate in the matter of the suspension of community council member Donnie Kerr.
Members agreed unanimously that unless Mr Kerr apologised properly and accepted the authority of the chair, there was nothing to mediate about. Mr Maclean was asked to convey their stance to Mr Claridge. - Lorna Macleod (Wyvis Place) asked who was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the swing park between Benula Road and Carse Road.
There was glass and dog faeces and the fence was down and it never seemed to be cleaned up.
She was advised, in the first place, to bring it to the attention of Mr Broadbent in Tech Services and to advise Councillor Corbett in whose ward the area was. - Members were puzzled at the non-appearance of secretary Alec Maclean who, only that morning, had rung various members to remind them of the meeting, promising to bring the minutes and agenda with him.
The room for the meeting had not been booked, and new members had not received copies of the community council's constitution as promised at the March meeting.
Chairman Ali Macleod said he had called at Mr Macleod's house prior to the meeting, but there was no reply; he agreed to contact him for an explanation. - The date of next meeting is Thursday 6th May at Merkinch Primary School.
briefs...
- WEDNESDAY 26th May sees the AGM of the Diabetes UK's local branch. Venue - Crown Court Hotel; time -7.30pm. The guest speaker will be the Scottish manager Audrey Birt, followed by wine and cheese.
- REMEMBER - the reunion of all those classmates who left Merkinch Public School in 1954 is planned for May 29th in the Beaufort Hotel. If you know of anyone who might like to attend , please ring Winnie on 237075 or Phyllis on 222407.
- THE Friendship Club's May programme includes a bus run to Strathpeffer, music from A Bunch of Thyme, a speaker from the Samaritans, bingo, plus a coffee morning at the Dunbar Centre on the 15th.
- HUGH Macdonald is stepping down from Thornbush Residents Association after two years as chairman. The association next meets on Thursday 6th May in the Community Centre at 7.30pm.
- HAVE you seen a sweet little grey and white cat called Pinky which has gone missing from Carnarc Crescent? Ring 223541 if you have any information.
- NEW housing coordinator at Kirk Care is Linda Jamieson from Forres, who took over in March.
Get out and enjoy sunny spring
DO YOU need an enjoyable and fun way of getting fresh air whilst improving your fitness at the same time? Did you know that The Janny's Hoose will be doing "Merkinch Meanders" every Thursday morning in May at 10.00?
Why not join us for a gentle walk - we'll only go as far as you want to - and along the way we'll stop off for a hot drink. It's much easier exercising with other like-minded people, and you can enjoy a blether as you walk.
Walking tones your muscles, helps you to get some air into your lungs, and helps you lose weight. "Merkinch Meanders" leaves from The Janny's Hoose at Merkinch Primary School.
- Are you interested in joining our next Meditation class? The sessions, lasting six weeks are due to begin again on Thursday 13th May, from 7.15 to 8.30 pm. Places must be booked.
- Just before the Easter Holidays we pulled two names from the hat in our prize draw. Congratulations to Christine Griffiths who won a massage, and to Leanne MacDonald who won a kitchen utensil set.
Our next prize draw will take place on Friday 28th May, and this month we are giving away a healthy grilling machine and a hand blender.
Want to know how to enter? Next time you are in the Hoose, simply pop your name on an entry slip and drop it into our prize draw box. It's that easy! - Hope to see you all soon. If you would like any further details about The Janny's Hoose please phone Jean or Maree on 226348.
Nursery gains top marks from Inspectors
FOLLOWING an inspection from the Care Commission and Her Majesty's Inspector for Education last November, Merkinch Nursery, the council-run centre in Coronation Park, has received a very good report in all aspects of its operations.
Rhoda Ross, who has been acting head teacher for the last two years, said the report, which came out in mid-March, had been very positive.
Since then the council-run nursery has also been inspected for and has achieved Health Promoting School Status.
Mrs Ross has a team of five full-time and a number of part-time staff looking after an overall roll of 75 children. In mid-May the nursery will be once again taking part in a sponsored walk around Clach Park for school funds and charity.
consumer advice
Who's phishing in your pond?
Highland Trading Standards are sending out an alert to internet banking customers
RECENT enquiries to Highland Council, Trading Standards Advice Line have centred on a the growing trend of email scams. "Phishing" scamsters pose as a bank to request personal details as part of a bogus "security check". The crooks then use the details to empty accounts. The new wave of phishing websites are proving more difficult to shut down as operators are "hopping" servers as soon as banks and law enforcement agencies get close to pulling the plug.
Tom Salmond, spokesperson for The Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) said: "We have been aware of a surge in phishing activity. Internet users have to tread carefully and take strict precautions when receiving an email purporting to be from their bank.
"Consumers should not respond to emails asking them to enter their bank security details unless they have called their bank first via an advertised number."
Other email scams which have come to light are purporting to represent an investor and security consultant. Again claiming to act on behalf of a well known bank, they state that the recipient of the email shares the same surname as one of their investors and this client has died recently intestate with no successor in title over the investment made with the bank. They then ask the consumer to provide information via this email.
Nigel MacKenzie, Highland Council's Head of Trading Standards adds his concerns to the trend in email scams currently being circulated.
"Consumers should be very careful when opening emails from senders they do not know. The safest and best way to deal with these unwanted emails is to delete them as soon as they are received.
"Consumers should not be tempted to take up any offers presented to them in this manner."
If you would like any further information on how to use the internet safely or other tips on buying goods on the internet contact Highland Council, Trading Standards Consumer Advice Line on 0845 600 4222 or email on consumer.advice@highland.gov.uk.
Highland Council's Trading Standards Unit is based at 38 Harbour Road, Inverness.
More volunteers are needed for after-school sessions
VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help out at the After-School Club between 3pm and 5pm. Training is provided and if you can't manage in the afternoons, there are also volunteer opportunities at the Breakfast Club.
The After-School Club went to Rollerbowl on 27th April - the cost of the outing was raised by the youngsters themselves at a Sponsored Silence earlier in the year.
- Thanks to the Pieraccini family, the bench and table sets from the recently-demolished Charlie's Café at Farraline Park are now in the Centre, much to the delight of the children.
Join the Live and Loud trip
SECONDARY pupils are being invited to join in a trip to Glasgow next month to see some of Scotland's top bands and singers. Live and Loud is being held at Hampden on 20th June and Maria and Alison from the Community Centre are planning to run a coach to the event. Among those being featured at the event are Blue, Sugababes, Jamelia, Phixx, Mcely, Emma Bunton, Sam and Mark, and Michelle McManus. Cost is £20, deposit £10 to secure place.
- First day back after Easter, Primary youngsters enjoyed a Live and Loud lunchtime pop concert following their success in winning an email competition.
Festivities launch new Merkinch arts and heritage group
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Beki Chisholm (above) and the Poi girls (right) helped the gallery opening go with a swing. Below - Singing for Pleasure and the ever-popular Merkinch Pipers at the Ceilidh.
Right. Community Project Officer Brian Macleod and exhibition organiser Bette McArdle toast the festival's success at the opening. Below right. Ivor Souter and Cllr Peter Corbett admire a display. Below... Claire Crowle who was responsible for the gallery's external decoration and training the Poi dancers.
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Photographs by Phil Downie, Bette McArdle and Colin Downie
Award winners
AWARD winners at the exhibition, chosen by those who visited the gallery, are as follows:
Painting with most votes - Free Spirits (The Dolphins) by Janet Munslow who receives the Arts Society of Inverness prize (ASI) of £25.
Runner-up - The Black Bridge by Christine O'Keefe who receives the ASI award of £15. Christine also receives a £10 prize for the Artist gaining the most votes - her paintings of Merkinch from Ord Hill and Stopping for a Chat at the Post Office also proved very popular.
Drawing/ print with most votes - Georgina Coburn of Abban Street receives the Sutherland Prize of £20 book voucher for her pencil drawing of a collage of various local buildings.
The Art Media Award for the non-painting - craft, sculpture etc -gaining most votes went to Janette Sutherland for her textile hanging Neighbours and she receives a £20 voucher for Art Media. Runner-up is Chris Mackenzie with her little sculpture Full of Beans. She receives a £10 voucher for Art Media.
The winners of the Inverness Courier photographic awards will be announced in the Courier.
Sporting Nooz.
Chance pairing leads to title
ALLY McGinely of Shots and Evan Macdonald of Beaufort found themselves short of a partner for the Inverness Doubles so they teamed up together and went on to win the title, beating Kevin Clark and Alan Mackinnon of Beaufort in the final.
This was Evans' second win in this event having won way back in 1990. This year's losing semi finalists were Dougie Milne and Derek Maclean of Uncle Bob's and Ian Cushnie and Ally Matheson of Drouthy Duck.
The Ladies' Doubles went to Sylvia McEwan and Diane Baird of Portland X; the runners-up were Joyce Pharoe. Portland X. and Shirley Duncan of Clachnaharry. Brothers Michael and Donnie Maclean of the Haugh won the Youth Doubles beating Michael Hillan, Portland B, and Kayleigh Ross of Raigmore.
180s were scored by Nigel McEwan, Kevin Clark and Alan Mackinnon all of Beaufort and by Ally Matheson of Drouthy Duck. Earlier in the month, there was a very good turnout for the Inverness Singles and the final between Dougie Milne (Uncle Bobs) and Ian Cushnie (Drouthy Duck) was a repeat of the Summer Singles Final.
The outcome was the same with Dougie again taking the honours. Dougie has appeared in four of the last five Inverness Singles finals and this takes his titles to two.
The losing semi finalists were Stuart Pearce (Legion A) and Jim McNair (Uncle Bobs) quarter finalists were Evan Macdonald (Beaufort), David Hyslop (Clachnaharry), Paul Macdonald (Dows) and Ian Carson (Haugh). Rhonda Philip of Portland X won the Ladies Singles beating her team mate Sylvia McEwan in the final losing semi finalists were Lucille Duncan (Clach Club) and Ann Thomson (Caley Inn). Michael Maclean (Haugh) beat Scott Chisholm (Caley Inn) in the final of the Junior and the losing semi finalists were Sean Kelly (Caley Inn) and Mark Craven (Raigmore).
Ian Cushnie and Gordon Morison (Portland A) both registered 3 180s and also scoring maximums were John Mackenzie (Portland A), Gareth Stewart (Chieftain) Rhonda Philip (Portland X), Alan Fraser (Tarradale) and Scott Chisholm (Caley Inn). Gareth Stewart hit a 12 dart leg, Gil Graham (Tarradale) a 13 and Ian Carson a 15.
Report from week commencing 12th April.
The only surprise result in the league cups was the defeat of B League champions, Legion A, by Portland E . C League champs Raigmore are also very unlikely to complete the league and cup double as with one game to it is virtually certain that Clachnaharry and Caley Inn will contest the final.
Michael Maclean of Haugh hit two maximums and one each came from John Mackenzie (Portland A) Robbie Mutch (Uncle Bobs), Ian Cushnie (Drouthy Duck) and Ally Matheson (Drouthy Duck). Top check outs came from Norman Matheson (Drouthy Duck) 153 , Malcolm Johnstone (Beaufort) 120, Hector Fraser (Drouthy Duck) 110 and Davey Mackay (Fluke) 107.
After the success of the Ladies and Junior singles, which were held along with the Inverness singles, similar doubles events were held in conjunction with the Inverness Doubles at the Clach club.
The Summer League AGM was held on Monday 19th April at the Clach Club.
Soccer delight as Lilies take the title
THERE was much rejoicing on Saturday 24th when Clachnacuddin beat Cove away from home to clinch the Highland League title for the first time since 1975.
Clach opened the scoring in the 21st minute and doubled their advantage two minutes before half-time. Despite the home side's best efforts, they could only make the one in reply.
Clach manager, Merkinch's own Robbie Williamson, paid tribute to his players. "It's taken a long time in coming, but it's been a long hard season and to win seven of our last games away from home says it all."
The Lilywhites' chairman David Dowling said, "Our supporters have been fantastic all season.
It was an extra special day for veteran Clach forward Iain Polwarth, now aged 36, who won his second championship medal-16 years after gaining his first with Inverness Caledonian.
Out of School
- On 26th May Inverness High School are to hold an Activity Day when groups of pupils and staff will roll up their sleeves and work together on a number of small-scale projects around the school.
- From this August, Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) will be available to eligible pupils over 16 by 30th September who are in Fifth Year. The rate of payment ranges from £10 to £30 per week, depending on family income as long as it is under £30,000.
- Inverness High is to be represented in a national competition by an entry from Carol Mackay 2R. The "Show Racism the Red Card" poster competition is sponsored by the teachers' union the EIS and the Scottish Football Association. Carol received a gold certificate and a gift voucher from the school.
- In their drive to make IHS a focus for the community, presentations have been given to Dalneigh Community Council, the Rotary Club of Inverness and various voluntary groups. More are planned.
- S4 finish school on Friday 30th April to go on study leave. The Standard Grade English exam is on 5th May. S5/6 pupils start their study leave on Wednesday 12th May, their first main exam being English on the 14th. All pupils return to school to start their new timetable on Monday 7th June.
- Both IHS and Merkinch Primary have Monday 3rd as their May Day holiday.
Fun with Fliperz
Bring on the sunshine
LEFT. Kelsea and Gavin discover the secret of green fingers.
BELOW. Kelsea and Natasha are pictured in the garden with Christopher and Liam.
YOUNGSTERS from Fliperz Daycare Nursery each received an activity pack from Scottish Natural Heritage and below they are seen planting sunflower seeds from the pack.
Any spare paving stones?
FLIPERZ recently spread a big load of bark in their garden. Now they are looking for any spare/old paving stones to make further improvements. Ring Denise on 234232 if you can help.
Are you into knitting?
KNITTING is rapidly becoming something of a lost art, but it is hoped to counteract this in Merkinch and introduce youngsters to the satisfaction of creating something for themselves.
To help teach youngsters to knit, Maria and Alison at the Community Centre are looking for knitting needles and any unused balls of wool. If you have any you wish to donate let Maria, Alison or Ivor know - ring 239563. If you are fairly adept with the needles and have time to show some youngsters how to knit they would also be delighted to hear from you.
Merkinch website open
THE Merkinch's own community website is born - though it is only just at the crawling stage! Now 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. 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 a first draft. 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!
Trampoline sessions for 3rd and 4th Year secondary pupils are starting up in May-so give your name to Miss Erskine in the High School's PE department. First come, first bouncing!
The Youth Club sessions started back on 26th and 28th April-but remember, Juniors, there's no youth club on Monday 3rd May because it's a bank holiday.
The Escape Group is offering "Time Out for Parents" on Mondays for five weeks from 10th May to 7th June. Book through the Janny's Hoose. And on Wednesday mornings, the Group is taking part in a "Local Investigation" course run by the WEA.
Among the topics the "escapees" have chosen are public parks, local history, and illness. Still time to take part-ring Roni on 717639.
These activities are all being held at the Community Centre and there is a creche.
The mums-n-toddlers trips to the Aquadome swimming pool are popular, helping to increase the confidence of the youngsters in the water and making it easier for them to learn to swim. And the mums enjoy it too. Meet at the Community Centre at 11am Thursday mornings. Cost is just £1-book through Roni.
Teenage parents or parents-to-be can drop in to "Capers" on Tuesdays between 11am and 1pm at Huntly Street Methodist church.. More info from Roni on 717639 or Dell 712572.
Remember, if you have lots of bright ideas about where you would like to go this summer, share them with us!
See you soon.
All at mp33 , May'04
Youth Club's capital trip
YOUNGSTERS from Merkinch Youth Club went on a trip to Edinburgh on 29/30/31 March.
A dozen young people travelled to Edinburgh by train and stayed at the Cowgate Youth Hostel. Amongst the activities they enjoyed over the weekend were:
- A trip to the Zoo where, amongst other attractions, a chimpanzee kept us entertained with its x-rated antics.n A trip over the bridge to Deep Sea World.
- The Haunted Graveyard tour, through Blackfriars Graveyard and into "The Covenanters' Prison" where a "Jumperooter" drew several expletives from startled victims.
- Shopping (of course)
- Swimming, and
- Football at the Meadows.
Leaders on the trip were Caroline, Janet, Alisdair (who is new to MP33 and will be concentrating his time with us on outdoor pursuits), and Bruce (with a wet tea towel to keep them in line!)
Pictured with the jaguar is Mark (on the menu?) and with the shark, from left: Bethany, Lesley, Kayleigh, and Claire (planning a fish supper?)
Three-month video project with artist Gavin Lockhart is based in Merkinch
THE dynamic Arts in Merkinch initiative moves into an exciting new arena with the start-up of a three month video-arts residency, writes Inverness Arts Officer, Adrian Clark.
Arts in Merkinch is a fresh local initiative which, in recent weeks, has transformed an empty shop into a bustling Art Gallery, run a poetry and story-telling session and a community ceilidh. It has also supported the excellent exhibition by the Corbett Centre artists and it is also closely involved in the local history group.
Video artist Gavin Lockhart has now arrived to work with young people in the community through a special Highland-wide New Media project. Highland Council Arts Officers were successful in attracting Arts Council National Lottery funding for a scheme to promote inclusion through public art. Seven areas in the Highlands are benefiting from three-month residencies by new media artists in Lochaber, Easter Ross and Caithness.
Gavin, who is based in Skerray, North Sutherland, recently completed a related project in Merkinch with the Escape Group of young mothers who meet at tmp33. They worked with him in making a video based on the convoluted movement involved in negotiating double doorways with buggies and shopping. The result, for which one of the participants, Jennifer Lornie, wrote the music, is a delightful dance video.
Over the coming months Gavin will be working with youth groups based at mp33. He has plenty of experience in this field, having recently taken part in the national "Window on the World" programme in Orkney, the product of which is to be exhibited at the Centre for Contemporary Art in London.
In Thurso he collaborated with local skateboarders and ended up projecting action video on to the walls of Thurso Town Hall and derelict castles. He has also worked with the Scarabeus Theatre Company in Trinidad and worked as a video artist in the Azores.
His claim to fame is a pop video shown on MTV, a love story between clothes pegs and washing machine.
Gavin is delighted to be tying in with the local community arts initiative and has an entirely open agenda as to what may come out of the residency. Certainly he plans to pass on a range of skills and insights and to ensure that participants have an enjoyable time.
The project, which is managed by the Highland Council, has invested in good quality video, computer and projection equipment with the support of Inverness and Nairn Enterprise and the Social Inclusion Partnership.