November 2007
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Merkinch News & Views

Enterprise scores another good year

THE last year has been even busier than usual for Merkinch Enterprise, the Chief Executive Colin Downie told the members at the recent AGM.

This led to a financially successful year with a surplus for the period and the company accountant, Brian Spence of Ritsons, was happy to report that the company was doing well with finance in the bank to fund future projects.

Some of these projects had already taken place within the organisation itself through a capital upgrade in 12 & 14 Grant Street and for the Fliperz outdoor play area with artificial grass, new storage sheds and future play equipment.

Councillor Peter Corbett said, "Over the years the Enterprise has evolved as a major support organisation for the many groups and organisations within the community." He continued by congratulating Mr Downie, his team and the Board of Directors for another impressive year in the life of Merkinch Enterprise.
Mr Downie re-iterated that, as always, this success is thanks to all of the staff, volunteers and the board of directors, all of whom work for the benefit of the organisation leading to the benefit for the community.

FOOTBALL enthusiasts Peter Corbett and Liz Murray, assisted by local lad Chris Evans, started coaching the P6-7 children in the summer holidays and have continued to every Saturday at the Merkinch School from 9-11am. The boys played a friendly against Muirtown recently, and took part in a Soccer 7 festival at which they did really well. The Janny's Hoose provided a healthy pack lunch for everyone for which they were very grateful. The Merkinch Partnership is supporting a new Sports Plan.

SKEC becomes Merkinch Greenspace

AT THE "South Kessock Environmental Company" AGM on 20th September the board welcomed four new directors from the many community members that applied to join the group in response to the advert a few months back.

The members at the meeting were also asked to consider a name change for the company and they unanimously agreed to change the name to "Merkinch Greenspace".

The new chairman, Ali Locke, reported on excellent progress for the Local Nature Reserve with the group discussing many of the smaller projects that they are set to develop within the community over the coming months.

"Well done to all for their hard work and support during the period in developing to the level they have achieved," says Colin Downie of Merkinch Enterprise.

Car park expanded

WORK on the Grant Street car park was nearing completion as we went to press.
There will be 12 extra spaces, two new disabled bays, bike racks, improved lighting, reconfigured bays, extra drainage and better surfacing.
The funding has come from last year's local councillors' discretionary budgets, Highland Council's TEC services department and the Merkinch Partnership.

Disgusting drains, bad manners, and beat bobbies are back

THE battle with Scottish Water and other authorities over the condition of the drains in the Grant Street area, a battle which has been going on for several years, was once again raised at Merkinch Community Council's October meeting.

Mike Stephens, Principal Engineer with Highland Council's TEC department, came to discuss the ongoing problems which nearby resident Helen Geddes said was worsening. The drains were no longer clogged by oil which could be sucked up by machinery, but was now rock-hard fat.

Children going in and out to the Fliperz nursery in Simpson's Lane were getting their shoes and clothes damaged by it when it rained.

Councillor Janet Campbell was shocked at the health hazard these conditions posed. "Water rates go up every year. It's an absolute disgrace."

Mr Stephens said that Scottish Water was having a drain-cleaning programme. "It's just a question of chasing Scottish Water," he said. He explained who was responsible for what drains. Mrs Geddes said she was of a mind to take samples and have them analysed at the lab at Raigmore.
Regarding the drainage problems in the lo-lying area at Kessock Road, Mr Stephens said this was recognised as a problem. What was required was a survey so that solutions could be priced.

FOLLOWING the behaviour of Community Council member James Fraser towards Scottish Water's representative Joanna Peebles at the September meeting, chairman Ali MacLean sent Mr Fraser a letter condemning his abusive language and uncouth attitude. Mr Fraser was warned that such behaviour would not be tolerated and any repetition would lead to his being asked to leave. At the meeting Mr Locke, acting chairman for the evening, reinforced the view that such behaviour causes a great deal of damage to the Community Council's reputation.

THE extension of the Grant Street car park was due to be completed on 19th October, Mr Stephens said. He also announced that the very wide bell-mouth at the junction of India Street and Thornbush Road was to be re-designed in the interests of safety.

MERKINCH once again has two full-time Community Beat Officers, members heard. One of them, CBO Connie Sinclair attended the meeting and explained that she and/or her colleague CBO Ian Buchanan would almost always be available.

She produced some figures for the previous week which indicated that of the 394 calls in the wider Inverness area for such things as violence, vandalism, theft, anti-social behaviour etc, just 50 had come from Merkinch compared to 92 from Dalneigh & Kinmylies and 80 in the city centre. She made a plea that people ringing in should give a name and address, otherwise they could not follow up, say for instance, groups of youths causing a disturbance.

NO DECISION has yet been made regarding the future of flats in Glendoe Terrace. Residents are concerned that although samples have been taken some weeks ago, they still have not heard whether the flats were being demolished and replaced, or refurbished.

THE withdrawal of the concierge at Harbour Court flats last year has caused the area to start going downhill again. Cllr Corbett said perhaps it was time to reconsider reinstating the concierge and said he would discuss the matter with the housing department.

Warning goes out to parents after three children are trapped by rising tide

THREE young children, aged 5, 7 and 8, were trapped on a sandbank near the old pier at South Kessock and had to be rescued by the RNLI lifeboat. The lifeboat men were chest deep in water as they waded to shore with the children on their shoulders.

At Merkinch Community Council's October meeting, members agreed that many parents were not aware of this hazard.
Councillor Peter Corbett agreed to ask head teacher Sheena Morrison to speak to the youngsters about the danger of playing on the sandbank.

Caravan fire will hit local youngsters' Xmas

THE fire which destroyed the caravan belonging to Denis Platt and Carole Lewin in the back garden of their Carnarc Crescent home is not just a blow for the couple themselves. For the caravan had been the hiding place for many of the toys which were to have been given away in the Santa's Grotto being organised by South Kessock Residents Association. Police are still looking into the cause of the fire which also destroyed Mr Platt's garden shed and broke a number of windows in their home. He claims that they are the innocent victims of a feud in the area.

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Bring back the sun at the Janny's Hoose

WELL it's that time of year again the nights are getting darker and the days are getting colder. But don't worry, 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 and a cuppa.

We also have some fun activities coming up, the craft group has moved to a Tuesday it will start up again on 30 October 9.30 - 11.30am. Why not come along and help make Christmas cards or do your own crafty thing.

Kira Brown is coming back to do ceramics for six weeks starting Friday 2 November 9.30 -11.30am. Places must be booked in advance. The classes are free and you pay for pieces you use, choose from eggcups to serving platter.

Ian McNeil from Partnership for Wellbeing will be running a practical Course for People with Long-term Conditions (Your Life Your Choice) at the Janny's Hoose starting on Monday 5th November 2007, from 10.30am until 1pm.

About two million people in Scotland live with one or more long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart and /or lung disease, ME, back problems, asthma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, depression, and arthritis.

Life with any long-term condition poses many challenges and problems. Now there is a practical course based on many years of research called 'Your Life, Your Choice - ways to live the life you choose' where you can gain the confidence and skills to help you take control of your life and manage your condition better on a day-to-day basis.

Courses are informal, friendly and FREE and open to anyone over 18 who has a long-term condition. There are no exams and each course is led by two trained people who are living with long-term conditions. This free course runs over six weeks with a two-and-a-half-hour session each week.

Topics include managing tiredness, how to deal with pain, how to cope with such feelings as depression and other difficult emotions, relaxation techniques and problem solving.

For more information Call: Ian on 07766 405868 or Anna 01463 729997 or email us: selfcare@pfw.org.uk

Jean Mackay
The Janny's Hoose
01463 226348

Tackling speeders on Anderson Street

AT A recent Capel Inch Residents meeting it was highlighted that cars in Anderson Street are driving too fast, which is particularly dangerous because there are so many children about.

In the courtyard areas in Anderson Street car drivers are asked to show care entering and leaving through the arches as there are young children playing there and an accident could easily occur. Residents are also asked to advise their visitors to take due care. A leaflet drop to residents asking them to slow down when driving is to be distributed.

To reinforce these warnings "Beware, children playing" signs have been ordered for both courtyard entrances and a "smiley face" is to be erected along Anderson Street to advise motorists of their speed.

The Family Centre expands its services to parents and children

THE Family Resource Centre in Coronation Road has expanded its services in recent weeks and is aiming to roll out more before the end of the year.

For instance, the Community Midwife, funded by Surestart, will be on hand at the Centre for drop-in sessions from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Thursday afternoons, as from 15th November. She is also available at the Janny's Hoose on Mondays 2-3pm.

Following that there is a Mum and Baby Group between 2pm and 3pm. On a Wednesday afternoon there is a Confidence to Cook session with lots of creative ways of cooking on a budget.

And again on Wednesdays, Highland Sexual Health is around between 9am and 12.30pm. This is for those seeking advice on contraception, the morning-after pill and all sexual health issues.

Baby Massage is a popular technique for bonding with a very young child and giving him or her the reassurance of a parent's loving touch. There are sessions on baby massage on Tuesdays between 2pm and 3pm in a specially heated room.

The Family Resource Centre, which at one time was the Merkinch Nursery, still has a nursery for 3-year-olds and they currently have 60 enrolled at their morning and afternoon sessions.

What is perhaps less well-known is that there are drop-in sessions in the family room which is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and also on Monday and Wednesday afternoons between 1.45pm and 3.15pm.
Another facility which manager Morven Gabriel and her staff aim to start is a parenting group to help parents to develop their skills. Anyone interested (and what parent is now in this day and age?) can ring the Centre on Inverness 248345 and put their name on the waiting list.

Dreaming clouds in Trinity Church display

THE first public exhibition to emerge from the Inverness Churches arts and spirituality residencies took place in the Trinity Church last month. Sculptor Del Whitticase's eight-foot cube of cloud-scapes intrigued all who saw it. There was also a colourful display of fantasy umbrellas (pictured) created by local art and embroidery groups with Del's help.

Art Group workshop outing

THE Merkinch Art Group meets on Saturday 24th November from 10am to 4pm for a free Mixed Media Workshop at Inchmore Gallery with Artist Gwen Black. Anyone requiring assistance with transport please speak to Georgina. This workshop is limited to six students as this is as many as the new studio will accommodate.

Partnership marks two years in business

Pictured above Peter Corbett shaking hands with guest speaker Tom MacLean

MERKINCH Partnership held an eventful day at the Community Centre to celebrate their work over the last two years and to bring together all the groups and projects in Merkinch which had received Community Regeneration Funding from the Partnership.

Most of the groups sent two or three representatives as well as a Project Worker in some cases.
The event was also attended by representatives from Highland Council, HIE IEH, greeninverness, Central Ward councillors, Community Beat Officers, MSP John Farquhar-Munro, and Project staff from other regeneration areas in the Highlands.

Partnership chairman Peter Corbett welcome those present and summarised on their work over the last two years:

"Merkinch Partnership has supported and funded a wide variety of projects in the area. The number of initiatives being taken forward is a reflection of the dynamic and diverse nature of our community and is something we should all feel proud of.

"Merkinch Partnership was formed in June 2005 and one of its most important roles is to inform and influence the Community Regeneration Funding in the area.

"This funding is awarded to areas of deprivation by the Scottish Government through Communities Scotland and it is vital that local community representatives are involved in the decision making. In my opinion this has been done very successfully and effectively and we now have a strong, committed Partnership whose members are assiduous in attending meetings, analyzing funding applications, encouraging change and new ideas and always keeping in mind the bigger picture.

"This year the Regeneration funding available in the area amounted to £350,000 - the Partnership take their responsibilities in allocating this funding very seriously and the effort involved in this work cannot be underestimated.

"We are lucky to have the support of Highland Council, in the form of Bob MacKinnon and Jimmy Flint and HIE Inverness and East Highland, in the form of Fiona Robb.

"Along with Colin Downie from Merkinch Enterprise they have encouraged us, offered valuable advice and have always been available when help is needed!

"The Partnership Officer, Anne Sutherland, has also worked hard to support our work and plays an important role as a link with the local community. Her door is always open and any groups who wish to be more involved in the regeneration work in Merkinch should contact Anne at 4 Grant Street.

The Partnership is now taking forward its own initiatives in the area:

"It is important to recognize that Merkinch receives funding from the Scottish Executive due to the many issues and challenges we face as a community.

"However we must also acknowledge that there are people in this community who are determined to see a change for the better and who are working hard to make sure that Merkinch is a place we can all be proud to call home!"

The guest speaker was adventurer Tom MacLean, who spoke of his daring and remarkable life of adventure. Tom's presentation focused on the frame of mind needed to succeed in adventure, business and life.

Latest Partnership news

MERKINCH Partnership met on 25th September to discuss several applications and proposals. After considerable deliberations the following decisions were reached:

The Partnership also approved the following projects:

There were two presentations at the meeting - Elsie Normington, secretary of Arts in Merkinch, gave details of the co-ordinated approach to arts activities in the Merkinch area, and the artist in residence Del Whitticase outlined his project on art and spirituality.

The Partnership agreed to meet with development staff from Albyn Housing on 26th October to discuss the potential of joint working on the regeneration agenda in Merkinch.

Merkinch gets in the picture at national event

THE Big Draw is a national initiative which takes place every October to encourage people to get over their timidity and enjoy drawing, and for the first time Merkinch played host to the event. In an ambitious programme there were opportunities from the youngest to the oldest in the community to participate over two days. Unfortunately the Big Draw takes place during the Highland school holidays and so some people, particularly school-aged youngsters, did miss out.

However those who came had a wonderful time drawing with clay, playing a giant game of consequences, splashing out on abstract murals and building patterns and colours to express feelings. Young mums were able to participate as there was a crèche and here the youngsters had a great time with the legendary story-teller and musician Bob Pegg who had brought a range of instruments for the youngsters to try out. Other tutors involved were Lilian Ross, Jane Bregazzi and Georgina Coburn who runs the Merkinch Art Group (Thursday 7-9pm, Community Centre) and organised the event helped by community arts worker Annie Marrs and several volunteers.

  

The adult group had a wonderful day engaging in a range of drawing games and exercises with different media.

Bob Pegg in the crèche encourages the youngsters to play on the harp while below, their mums experiment with fantasy drawing to stimulate and expand their imagination.

When you need good advice...

EVERYONE needs advice at some time in their lives. No matter how big or small your problem is, Inverness Citizens Advice Bureau can help. The CAB's trained advisers can give you reliable, up-to-date advice, information and help explain options available to you.

They offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to everyone. So if you have an issue or question about anything, you can get the advice and information you need. Here are some of the wide range of subjects they can advise on:

The CAB has specialist caseworkers dealing with all these areas and can also offer a full translation service if required.

Sporting Nooz

Latest darts news

Inverness City Taxis Darts League Results from 11th October:

A League - Oscars 5 Portland A 7, Uncle Bob's 9 Tarradale 3, Portland B 4 City Taxis 8.
B League - Legion A 10 Smithton A 2, Finlay's 4 Portland Spikey's 8, Deeno's 8 Caley Club 4, Portland E 7 Mojo's 5.
C League - Raigmore 5 The Drover 7, East End Arrows 6 Portland X 6, Brockie's Lodge 7 Thistle 5, Smithton B 7 Legion B 5.

The winter darts league got under way last month with two new teams - Smithton B and East End Arrows, and with Keppoch now playing as Portland Spikey's, the only team to drop out were Fluke which left the A League with seven teams but the B and C have a full complement of eight.
The A League champions Portland A started with a win at Dingwall helped by a 138 check out by Gordon Morison and a 130 by Steve Falconer. Denny Grant hit a 177 score. Last year's runners up Portland B also had a couple of big finishes against City Taxis, courtesy of Shane Wharton who checked on 116 and 100 but it was the latter who took both points and their player Ally McGinely scored a 180.
The other top four team from last season, Uncle Bob's, took both points at home to Tarradale with Joe Spence from the latter getting a 180.
In the B League last year's second, third and fourth teams plus the relegated Portland E took full points.
Alick Gilham of Deeno's scored a 180 and team-mate Colin "Bert" Robertson finished on 105.
Top check out of the night came in the C League when Alan Johannsen of Brockie's went out on 143. Joyce Elder of Portland X had a 110 check out.

Sports taster days for local youngsters

MERKINCH Partnership has recognized sports development as one of its priorities in the regeneration agenda in Merkinch.

A working group was formed in August 2007 to draw up a Sports Development Plan for the area. The overall vision of the Plan is to introduce young people to sports activities and make these activities more accessible and affordable, in order to achieve the following outcomes:

As a first step in the realization of the Plan, the Partnership is holding two Sports Taster Days for Merkinch School, targeting pupils aged eight to 12 years.

The first day was due to be held on Wednesday 24th October (after we went to press) at the school. A total of 142 children will participate in seven different sports activities - cricket, athletics, capoeira, street dance, hockey, basketball and mountain biking.

The second day will be held at the Aquadome on Tuesday 6th November, where the same children will participate in gymnastics, trampolining, climbing wall, water aerobics, mini Highland games, field athletics, badminton, volleyball and Tae Kwon Do.

The sessions will be led by qualified coaches assisted by school staff and volunteers from the local community.

The events are being funded by the Community Regeneration Fund through Merkinch Partnership. Sponsorship has also been received from GaelForce, Tesco's and Les McLaren, Inverness Tyres.

The taster days will act as the springboard for the next step in the Sports Plan - to set up after-school sports activities in Merkinch which will be open and accessible to every child in the area.
The Partnership is also working on a Transport Scheme which would allow local children access to sports clubs operating in other areas of the city.

For more information contact Merkinch Partnership Officer Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989.

Playpark facelift

MERKINCH Enterprise were successful in a recent application to Ladbrokes for support of £1,200 towards a playground upgrade, part of a community improvement plan by Merkinch Greenspace. Grahame Harrison (centre) paid a visit to the playground with Cllr Peter Corbett (left) also of Merkinch Greenspace and Colin Downie of the Enterprise.

Learning the art of enjoying yourself

The Big Draw took place at the Community Centre last month and among those who had a great time were (left) Shannon and Jade.

Community Centre Stewards Training Event

With the increased use of the Community Centre there is a need for more trained stewards and technicians. Pictured are those who successfully took the recent Stewards' training delivered by Elsie Normington. Pictured from left to right are: Ali Locke, Dell McClurg, Ivor Bisset, Anne McCreadie, George Normington, Agnes Pieraccini, Lisa Baxter, Annie Marrs.