Local economic development group launch first venture

Pictured above at the “essential Spirit” workshop are, from left: Standing—Roz Innes, Marian Heasman, Liz Graham, Eosaph MacKenzie; seated—Emma Cameron, Lezlye Sutherland. Picture shows a selection of the delicious-smelling soap products.

ON 19/20th October, a two-day Enterprise Development Workshop in soap-making was held in the Corbett Centre in Merkinch.

Sponsored jointly by Inverness & Nairn Enterprise and Highland Council, these workshops were led by Marina Heasman of the North Sutherland "Essential Spirit" company to establish soap-making skills in the area.

A number of local people were given an insight into the world of glycerine and fragrances. They produced a range of seven soaps including top-selling lavender, sandalwood, mandarin and orange, lemongrass and lime.

They also discussed marketing and publicity for their products. Their first sale was made to the News & Views!
The group aims to sell their range at craft fairs and at other similar outlets.

Sales on the day came to over £70 which was donated to our local charity to support Calum Moir to “swim with dolphins”.
The project is just one of various ideas being explored by Merkinch Development Ventures, a new local initiative set up to take these economic projects forward.


There is an Open Evening at the Community Centre on 4th November, from 4pm to 9pm to discuss the future development of various initiatives.

Conference aims to drive forward community regeneration agenda

Conference aims to drive forward community regeneration agenda

A CONFERENCE entitled “Our Neighbourhood” is being held on Saturday 20th November in the Corbett Centre from 10am to 4pm.

Its aim is to highlight the positive achievements and some current initiatives in the Merkinch area in order to identify ways of strengthening the local agenda, both economic and cultural.

Said conference organiser, Brian Macleod: “In a practical sense we wish to encourage our local associations to own and drive the development agenda in Merkinch and to work with others to put together a working plan of ways forward, including identifying potential resources—that is, people, spaces, buildings and partners in the development process.

“We need to support, develop and properly resource local associations—this may provide a real foundation for Community Regeneration which will develop the work of Social Inclusion.”

The conference’s initial focus will be on two main themes—wealth creation and environment.

The first issue will be led by Merkinch Development Ventures and the second by the South Kessock Environmental Project.
“We should focus on how we can develop effective local structures and identify more people who can play a part in positive change.

“We need to raise questions about resources and to win commitment—who can do what? Or contribute what?”

It is hoped to follow up with a seminar in March 2005 to assess progress.

“The development focus is about nurturing the growing shared belief that people acting through local associations can shape the future and bring about positive change,” said Mr Macleod. “A lot has been achieved in Merkinch through people looking out for each other and working together; we can build on that by sharing ideas and moving forward in an innovative, imaginative and creative way.”

Keeper of archives says farewell in Merkinch

ONE of the last public appearances by Highland archivist Bob Steward before his retirement at the end of October was as guest speaker at Merkinch Local History Group’s first AGM. Mr Steward, who has been 15 years at the office in Farraline Park, outlined the various sources that were available to local history groups—old maps, census results, property archives etc. Community project officer Brian Macleod presented Mr Steward with a gift on behalf of the group.

Earlier the group adopted a constitution and appointed Ross MacGillivray chairman; Helen Geddes was appointed vice-chair. You don’t need to be a Merkinch resident to join the Local History group –ex-Merkinchers are also welcome!

Community council hear crime rates are down

PROVOST Bill Smith paid his first visit to the South Kessock Environmental Project on its Open Day last month to celebrate the centre’s 10th anniversary. “It was a great day and very well attended,” Dell McClurg told Merkinch Community Council at the October meeting.

• A general review of council house garage space is being conducted. Many have been taken over by owner-occupiers, Councillor Peter Corbett said, and rents can range from £7 to £40 a week.
• The community council agreed to grant £250 towards the cost of putting on the “Stars in Your Eyes” event on 20th November.
• The Health & Safety Executive has told Railtrack to mend the corner of damaged fence at Wyvis Place, members were told.
• The police reported that under the Safer Scotland campaign there was a crackdown on vandalism, drinking in public places and knife-carrying. A raid in Merkinch resulted in £7000-worth of stolen goods being recovered. In Merkinch in September there had been 28 incidents of vandalism and graffiti. But housebreakings were down from seven in the same month last year to four this year. Thefts over the month were also down from 15 to 10. Tighter controls on the sales of fireworks had considerably limited the outlets in the Merkinch area.
• Community warden Bill MacLean introduced himself to members and gave a brief outline of his role. A former policeman, Mr MacLean was well known in the Merkinch area in the 1970s. He said it was now a pleasure to spend his day walking around the area. Besides patrolling, he had dealt with 57 situations over his first few weeks. Mr MacLean can be contacted through the housing office.
• Although Inverness is losing 257 of its 650 phone boxes, not one is being closed in the Merkinch area.
• The Garden Club is accessible in the winter by contacting Ali Locke in Craigton Avenue between 6pm and 7.30pm, Monday Friday.
• The Community Council’s next meeting will be held on Thursday 18th November at 7.30pm at Merkinch Primary School.

Train to work in local radio

HAVE you ever fancied working in local radio? Then Moray Firth Radio can give you the chance, starting at The Information Desk.

The “Information Desk” is the venue for training enthusiastic individuals in a variety of specialist skills. Our aim is to train people to industry standards so they can secure employment in the media business.
This busy section is an integral part of the radio station and performs a range of tasks essential to the smooth running of the operation. We’ll prepare you in everything from production to presentation, newsgathering to technical operations and even charity event organisation and fund raising.

How long will it take?

We aim to train flexibly on a part-time basis. The section covers the hours of 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Your training and work experience will be arranged within these hours. We may need you to be flexible to help cover the section at really busy times(usually weather emergencies). Training can take up to 52 weeks depending on your progress.

Training includes...

• Research and production techniques
• Presentation skills
• Programming processes
• Vocational guidance
• Information technology

Financial help

A contribution towards travel and dependant costs can be paid to help you get to the station for training.

Qualifications

We offer the new VQ in Radio Broadcasting.

Work experience

Experience of the range of activities in the media is essential, so you will have an opportunity to work on some of the sections within the station. These include the presenters/production, newsdesk, commercial production, sales, engineering and administration .

Eligibility

You must be...

• unemployed and living in the Highlands unemployed and living in the Highlands &
• be aged 18 years – 59 years (16-17 years possible)
• have a good standard of education generally
• demonstrate the effective use of English both orally and in the written form.

An outgoing personality is useful in the media business.

Applying

Applications are accepted all year round for the training at MFR. For more information about the training course, check out our website: radioskills.org.uk (opens in a new window).

Application forms are available from the Project Manager.

Tel: 01463 224433
Fax: 01463 227714
Write: Moray Firth Media Trust, Scorguie Place, Inverness IV3 8UJ. Email: mediatrust@mfr.co.uk.

Brighten up your winter!

WE ALL really dread the long dark, cold winter. But there’s lots you can do to help yourself through it. Some people get really down and tired.

At the Janny’s Hoose we have a lightbox; just 20 minutes per day in front of the box can really help give you energy and put the summer back in your life. Book your session now and enjoy the light, a cuppa and a chat.

Keeping active can help to ward off the winter ills. We have a bus going to the Aquadome every Friday. We provide transport and crèche, you just pay to go in. If you are on benefits you can have a swim for just 50p. We only have a few places so book yours now.

What you eat helps you fight off colds and flu. Eating a bit more fruit, especially oranges will give you the right vitamins to boost your resistance. Swap a biscuit for a piece of fruit or some raw vegetables like carrots or tomatoes. Pure orange juice can give you a boost, swap some fizzy or diluting juice for some of the pure juice. The Janny’s Hoose has some seeds to give away. You can grow sprouting seeds like bean sprouts on your windowsill in an old coffee jar using only water. It only takes 3-5 days and will provide you with lots of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. These are good eaten raw, or can be fried in a little oil for 2 minutes.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic, add it to the mince and tatties. Not only will it help keep the colds away, they say its good for your heart and circulation and it will even keep the vampires away! Onions work nearly as well, so add more of them to your diet.

Keeping busy will make the winter seem shorter. Join in some activities that are taking place in the area. We have a new programme of activities in the Janny’s Hoose. These will give you the chance to meet new people, learn something new and have a bit of fun at the same time. Look at our programme in the insert in this issue of the News and Views and see what you fancy. Some activities need to be booked as we have limited space. Pop into one of our open sessions on a Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning and find out what we are up to, or give us a ring on 226348.

Jean Mackay, Janny's Hoose Healthy Living Centre
Merkinch Primary School,
Telford Road
01463 226348

Fairfield seeks opinion on how to improve service

THE Patient Participation Group is currently seeking to recruit new members.
Within the group, patients meet with members of the practice team on a regular basis of every six weeks approximately.

Patients are informed so that they can give their views on existing medical services and help plan future services.

Practice staff explain new Health Service developments and seek patients’ views on how these can be best implemented

Practice staff can hear how patients would like to see their health care delivered, and try to design their services accordingly.

Please give some thought to volunteering to become a member of this group, we need your input into both reviewing current services and planning for the future.

You do not need to have any experience - just be willing to give a little of your time to meet with us.
We would like to see a varied patient representation e.g. young, elderly, middle aged, parents of young children etc., and in certain circumstances there are funds available to cover transport and/or child minding.

If you are interested or would like some further information in the first instance, please contact the surgery on 713939 or call in at reception.

Fun and satisfaction at new art classes

A SERIES of Painting and Drawing classes for all is being launched this month in Merkinch Community Centre.

Starting 16th November, local artist Bette McArdle will be leading those with an interest in drawing and painting on Tuesday nights through a six-week course this winter. Classes run from 7pm to 9pm.

“The class is for everyone, whether they are total beginners with no confidence, or more experienced artists with an interest in widening their range and improving their skills. Making pictures gives a great feeling of satisfaction and is good fun.”

Those with their own paints can bring them along—but there will be materials for those who haven’t got them. “We can try pastels and crayons as well as charcoal, chalk and different kinds of paints and all sorts of other media,” said Bette.

Mrs McArdle tutors with the National Trust for Scotland and in the South of France as well as taking occasional classes with the Arts Society of Inverness and various other local groups. Those attending should wear an old shirt— “See you on the 16th!” More details from (01463) 221027.

Silver-surfer classes in computing for the retired could also start this month, if there are sufficient numbers. Those who have registered an interest will be contacted. Details from (01463) 240085.

Ferry lad’s book is a hit

MERKINCH-born Alex (Sandy) Mabon’s first book is, somewhat to his surprise, turning out to be very popular not only in his home town of Inverness where it has been featured in local bookshops’ windows, but also across the country as far away as Kent, where he now lives. Indeed, so successful is “The Lads” that Alex’s second book, “The Battle of the Ferry” has already been contracted by his publishers.

Alex had a book-signing session at Ottakar’s in the Eastgate on 23rd October and announced that there would be an opportunity for local people with interesting memories of life in the Ferry to feature in four slots in the next book.

If you want to take part, contact him at the address below or leave a message with The Editor, News & Views, 14 Grant Street.

briefs…

• DIARY date—don’t forget that video films made by local mums will be projected at Kessock Court North flats on 13th November, weather permitting.
• FREE baby massage sessions are now available in the Community Room at Merkinch Primary School every Thursday from 1.30-3pm. Pre-crawling babes and parents are welcome. Massage benefits both, so give it a go. It only costs 30p for a cuppa afterwards.
• WANTED for rent or purchase in Telford Road area—garage or lock-up for storage of vehicles, double or single. Contact Stephen on (01463) 241454 or 07786 026368.
• THE third Round of the SFA Youth Cup on 7th November sees Clach youngsters at home to Celtic’s youth team.
• THE Friendship Club programme for November includes: 3rd—Bingo; 10th—Reg McInally; 17th—Trip to the High School for a concert and home-baked tea; 24th—Margo MacLennan gives demo of traditional Scottish step dancing.
• WEDNESDAY 17th November is the last date for posting Christmas surface mail to Eastern Europe. And the 24th is the last date for Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Malta and Iceland.
• A TABLE-TOP sale is being held in Merkinch Community Centre café on Tuesday 23rd November at 10am to 12 noon. The event is in aid of the Positive Mums group and tables can be booked by other local groups at £5 per table. Contact Joan on 222264 for details or to book.
• PLACES are available in a new mothers and toddlers group in Merkinch Community Centre. Let your tots play in a safe, friendly environment while you chat over a cuppa. Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 12 and it costs just £1 per session. No need to book, just come along.

School says farewell to Nessie

IT was an emotional occasion at Merkinch Primary when the pupils said farewell to Mrs Nessie Penwright, the school secretary for the last 28 years.

A special assembly on 8th October saw Mrs Penwright– dressed in a crown and with a magic wand—presented with a big hand-made pop-up card and a book of letters. The children sang a special song and there were recitations of poetry written by various classes.

There was also a cake decorated with the school emblem and 28 candles; it was miraculously divided up into enough pieces for all the youngsters to have a piece in their break. (We think they had an extra one in the kitchen to be sure there was enough to go round!)

Mrs P, as the children called her, was also presented with a big bunch of flowers and a digital camera, something she is looking forward to using in her well-earned retirement.

Head-teacher Mrs Sheena Morrison paid tribute to Mrs P and her sterling service to generations of youngsters at the school through the years.

Mrs P told the pupils how she would miss them all—especially making a noise at dinner or fighting to get first place in the tuck-shop queue!

Earlier in the week the staff had a tea party and presented Nessie with a present of jewellery.

Mrs P with her gifts and some of the pupils who presented them.

Plan your next career move

A NEW service is being offered at Action Team for Jobs at 25 Grant Street. Cathy Feggans, a Careers Adviser working with Careers Scotland, is offering drop-in sessions and individual interviews at the Action Team premises. This service is free and open to all ages. Dropping in or arranging an interview with the Careers adviser is your choice and completely voluntary.

Cathy will be in the Action Team office on Wednesday afternoons, to begin with, from 2pm to 4.30pm. This opportunity to talk with a Career Adviser in your local area will start from Wednesday 27th October 2004. You can drop in on Wednesdays or make an appointment through Gavin and Steven throughout the week.

So whatever age you are and whether you are in work, or looking for employment or training or keen to take up learning again, a visit to the Careers Adviser will help you with the planning and action needed to help you get started in the right direction.

Cathy will help you think about what skills you have already and how you can make use of them in a job or training or a combination of both. You can get help with planning, discussing what your next steps could be and with getting the information you need to make a decision.

Cathy described how her own career decisions led her to her present occupation. “I started off with a job in the Co-op in Church Street ( in Inverness) while I was sitting O grades and was then employed as a trainee Laboratory Technician in the hospital laboratories at Raigmore. I wanted to get some training and get paid at the same time. I studied through day-release ( four days at work and one day at college) which is like a present day Modern Apprenticeship. I changed my career direction 14 years later, after my children were born, when I registered as a Childminder and became involved in the local Childminding Association.”

“After being at home for a few years, my first step to build up my confidence was attending classes organised by the Workers Educational Association before going to local college evening classes in Sociology and Psychology. I was going to study Highers until a tutor suggested that I study with the Open University. I worked in various part-time jobs while studying with the OU. I then decided to combine all my experience and skills by training for my present job with Careers Scotland.”

I have since realised that a lot of adults think, just like I did, that Highers are essential to go to further study. It is not always true and adults can often be accepted on courses because of their experience and skills. Young people too can improve their skills by taking part in different types of learning and training.

As a Careers Adviser I have worked in schools and am now working with young people who have just left school. I am happy to be joining the Action Team and hope to meet you on Wednesday afternoons.”
Contact us by phoning the following numbers or by dropping in to 25 Grant Street. Action Team: Steven and Gavin 01463 233334. Careers Scotland: Cathy Feggans 01463 252100.

Exam success for Highland dancers

THE following Merkinch pupils of the Fraser School of Highland Dancing were successful in the recent UKA examinations. The examiner was Jacqueline Aird from Markinch in Fife.

Master Plaque, Uni-Ted (all Highly Commended): Sarah Begg, Aimee Devoney, Nikki Falconer, June Mundie, Sasha Sheriff.

Highland Gold Bar 2 : Rebecca Fraser (Honours).

Scottish National Gold: Rebecca Fraser (Distinction).

Earl of Errol, Silver: Rebecca Fraser (Honours).

10-Year Allegiance Award: Rebecca Fraser (Distinction).

A Beginners’ Highland Dancing Class is held in Merkinch Community Centre on Thursday afternoons at 4.45pm. A class for pre-school tots is held in the Spectrum Centre on Tuesdays at 4.30pm. Contact (01463) 729477 for further details.

Campaign to tackle domestic abuse

ONE in five Highland women experience domestic abuse, it has been estimated. To raise public awareness of the issues surrounding this tragic situation the Highland Wellbeing Alliance and help combat it is starting a two-year Domestic Abuse Campaign (DAC).
Besides posters and newspaper articles, local DAC co-ordinator Gillian Gunn is willing to talk to local groups about the problem and how it affects the wider community as well as individuals. Contact (01463) 704940.

Spotlight on the Lilywhites

Gary Ross

Where & when born… Raigmore, Inverness
School… Dingwall Academy
Occupation… Plumbing & Heating Engineer
Family… Gemma (I love Gary) Barrett!
Previous clubs… Ross County, Nairn, Forres
Position usually played… Up Front
Best moment in football career… Scoring winner in League Cup final 2000 in front of family and friends
Worst moment in football career… Being rejected by Aberdeen
Hobbies/other sports… Cooking, Poker
Favourite food… Seafood
Favourite music… Anything by U2, Matchbox 20
Favourite holiday spot… Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Who is your football hero… Diego Armando Maradona & Chaz Nicolas
What is your ambition… Play Poker Million on 403
Where do you see yourself in five years' time… No idea!

Mackenzie makes it four North darts titles

ROBERT Mackenzie, holder of the North of Scotland Singles and Doubles, now holds all four North titles as he won the Northern Area Singles and Doubles at Invergordon Social Club on October 16th. He beat Davey Fraser (Drouthy Duck) in the singles final, the losing semi-finalists were Don Maclean Jnr (Haugh) and Norman Matheson (Drouthy Duck).

Once again Robert partnered his City Taxis team-mate Allan Mackinnon to win the Doubles, beating more team-mates—Nigel MacEwan and Paul Macdonald—in the final.

Invergordon made a clean sweep of the Ladies’ events: Shona Oman beat Caroline Smart in the final of the Singles; losing semi-finalists were Jeanne Terry and Annette Ross. The Doubles winners were Audrey Finlayson and Jan Gellthe; runners-up were Annette Ross and Angela Kennedy.

Waterloo Trophy Winners Season 2004

Spoon Trophy—D MacKenzie, J Newitt.
Maclaren Pairs—J Spence, A Shearer; runners-up—R MacDonald, W Mackenzie.
Mellis Winners—K MacDonald, E Budge, D MacKenzie, D Fraser; r/u—M Budge, D Macrare, A Newitt, J Nairne.
John Lewis Triples—M Milne, J Spence, A Shearer; r/u—D MacRae, D MacKenzie, J Nairne.
Tom MacKenzie Trophy—G MacDonald, A Newitt, J Nairne; r/u—M MacDonald, W MacKenzie, A Shearer.
Portland Triples—D MacKenzie, A Newitt, A MacDonald; r/u—W MacKenzie, D Fraser, J Nairne.
MacDonald Pairs—W MacKenzie, E Budge; r/u—D Fraser, J Nairne.
Club Pairs—M Milne, J Nairne; r/u—M Budge, A Newitt.
George Rodgers Shield—J Newitt, J Nairne; r/u—J MacCulloch, W MacKenzie.
McKinnon Non-Winner—D MacRae; r/u—J Spence.
Noble Cup—A Newitt; r/u—H Ross.
Jamieson Cup—J Nairne; r/u—A Shearer.
Cummings Cup—J Nairne; r/u—R MacDonald.
Watson Cup— J Millwood; r/u—K MacDonald.
Finlayson Cup—J Nairne; r/u—A Shearer.

Waterloo Bowling Club AGM will be at the Club on 16th January 2005 at 2pm.

Out of School

PARENTS of S1 pupils at Inverness High School are invited to a Parents’ Meeting on Thursday 4th November. And S5/6 Parents’ Meeting is on Tuesday 23rd November. S3 Parents’ Evening is on Wednesday 8th December.

Schools all close for the Christmas holidays on Thursday 23rd December and reopen on Monday 10th January.

Lockers are available for hire at IHS at a cost of £10 per session—half of which is returned when the key is returned, providing there is no damage to the locker. But the careless should be warned—if a pupil forgets a locker key and has to get someone from the office to open their locker, it costs 50p. Frequent forgetfulness could lead to termination of the hire. And the school can search lockers without notice.
Pupils are again being encouraged to stick to the black-and-white school dress code—it is a requisite for those representing the school in any sport.

Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) are available for those over 16 who stay on at school as from 30th September. Young people from low income families could be awarded up to £30 per week—and there are bonuses for those who remain on their course and make good progress.

Thanks for floral displays

JIM Smith, secretary of Merkinch Traders, says that the following are to be thanked for contributing to the cost of the lovely floral display in the Grant Street area this summer:

Merkinch Community Council; Ladbrokes, bookmakers; Forbes, chemists; Gow’s, bakers; Anne’s, barbers; Macdonald’s, newsagents; Evergreen takeaway; Merkinch Enterprise; Charlie’s chip shop; Action for Jobs; mp33; Nicol’s Killer Prices; Merkinch Stores and Post Office; the Clach Shop; and Councillor Peter Corbett for doubling what the Traders raised.

Latest news from Fliperz

FLIPERZ is open for Day Care on Monday and Tuesday the 14th and 15th of November which are teacher in-service days at the school.

On the afternoon of Tuesday 9th November we are having a photographer from 2pm onwards, so if you are interested please add your name to the list on the front door. The photographs will be ready in three weeks.

Fliperz will close on Thursday 23rd December for the Christmas holidays and re-open on Monday 10th January.

IF anyone has any pieces of wood for our woodwork bench or any old scarves for dancing and drama sessions, please let us know.

Our new nursery assistant is Kirsteen Page. She joins the other nursery assistants—Angela, Sandra and Greg—plus childcare assistant Susan and Fliperz manager Denise.

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.info or phone Merkinch Enterprise on Inverness 240085. www.merkinch.info

mp33

Hi there!

Hope you had a good break over the October holidays!

We have quite a list of activities running from now right up until December. These activities are open to everyone living in this area.

There is a creche provided on Mondays and Wednesdays. Places are limited, so please BOOK.

On MONDAYS—Merkinch Community Centre, 10am-12 noon (creche).

We are trying to dance our way to fitness with beginners’ sessions in line dancing and funky dance. We are also running a henna tattoo workshop. There is no cost for these.

On TUESDAYS—mp33 10am -12 noon—”Spellbound”.

Improve your spelling using a computer along with one-to-one support with our tutor Christine. Or you can work at your own pace on the computer. No cost.

On WEDNESDAYS—Merkinch Community Centre, 10am to 12 noon (creche).

This is a real mixed bag of different craft activities, from candle-making, ceramics, card-making and Christmas decorations, to patchwork and mosaics.

All the ideas for these activities have come from involved in our various groups.
If anyone has something they wouild like to see running, please get in touch

See you...

All at mp33 ,
November‘04

Get in the swim

BUILD your confidence in the water with swimming lessons for mums and babies up to 3 years old. This is on Thursday mornings at the Aquadome and a bus leaves the Community Centre at 11am, returning at 12.30pm. Cost is £1, transport free.

Theatre trip into the dark

A DOZEN members of Merkinch Senior Youth Club went to Eden Court last month to see “Into the Dark”, a thriller about a group of teenagers.

They decide to spend the night in a creepy wood and meet an eccentric old women. Is she a witch?
Everyone enjoyed what was an exciting and scary evening and they are keen to go back again.