June 2015 Volume 21 Issue 5

The Merkinch community newsletter, entirely written and produced in the Merkinch, and delivered by volunteers.

Messing about on the river...

REMEMBER that old song by Josh Macrae? Well, in this case it’s more a case of pad- dling around on the Caledoni- an Canal. P7 pupils had a wonderful time on their trip last month. The visit was organised by Mr Mario and the facilities were provided by Boots N Paddles.

 More pictures on page 9...

MERKINCH Angling Group went beach Fish or fowl? casting at Kyle of Lochalsh. The weather was so wild that one angler managed to That is the catch a seagull! puzzle for Luckily Peter the Ghillie was on hand to release the poor bird and it flew off beach fishers... unharmed. More on the Sports Page, page 10.

Inside Delight as Come and join Curtain up on Over 100 girls Carse waste in the annual Theatre Group take part in this plan is binned Big Lunch Summer show footie festival month: ... page 3 ... page 5 ... page 6 ... page 9

2 News & Views Helpline Greenspace to be relaunched as Friends of Local Nature Reserve AGE Concern – 0800 731 4931. ALCOHOL, Council on – 34 MERKINCH Greenspace enters a new phase on the 13th Tomnahurich St, tel 220995. June when it develops as Friends of Merkinch Local Na- BROKEN glass, drugs needles etc –TEC ture Reserve (LNR) Services 01349 886690. That is the date of South Kessock Residents Associa- BULKY furniture and other items for tion’s (SKRA) Fun Day and visitors will have the oppor- special uplift, bins etc – 01349 886603 tunity to sign up for a Friend membership which is £5 per CHILDLINE – 0800 1111. Free household per year. confidential advice 24 hours a day. Membership will help Friends of MLNR maintain and CITIZENS Advice Bureau – improve the nature reserve. Appointments, 01463 237664 Says Ali Locke, “Also we really need people to come on COMMUNITY CENTRE – 239563. board and be hands-on in the management of the reserve. So if you are interested come along and have a chat.” Your local COUNCILLORS – On the day there will be a Flowers of Merkinch LNR Janet Campbell 226598; walk which will be led by Countryside Ranger Katy Martin Donnie Kerr 225217; between 2pm and 4pm. Richard Laird, 07557 566552; There will also be a puzzle to Identify the Objects and the Bet McAllister 710558. prize is to win free membership of FMLNR.  In other news some local area SSE employees will CRIMEBUSTERS – 0800 555111. be volunteering their time in June to do some work on the DENTIST, Emergency – 0845 644 2271. Reserve and possibly Carnarc Point. DOG Warden – 703134. PICTURED... On a less happy note the picnic area at DRUGLINE – tel 0800 776600. the Canal end is no more after the last picnic table was taken — along with its securing Free advice on drugs 24hrs. chain and attached concrete block — down to the water and smashed to pieces. GAS/ELECTRIC Freephone - 0800 111 The destruction was reported to the Police who are making enquiries. Anyone who has 999. any information should contact the confidential line 101. MERKINCH Enterprise – 240085. NEW START – 715615 or 728770. NEWS & VIEWS – 240085, 221027. Mums seek prizes for fundraiser at footie final NHS 24 (out of hours medical advice/GP THE final of the Corbett Cup for any unwanted items that also need girls teams 4/5s and Service) - 08454 242424 and the School Fete are taking we could raffle, and maybe 6/7s parents to help. MERKINCH Partnership Office – place on 6th June and a few you could ask around at your “All money raised will go to 718989. mums are getting together to work if anyone is willing to MFA to help with the costs of POLICE – confidential line 101 (no raise funds for Merkinch Foot- donate a prize. running the Academy, from longer 815555). Genuine emergencies still ball Academy. “We are also looking for buying football strips and balls 999. They will have a table with parents who could give some to paying for transport to take PRIMARY School, Merkinch – 232962. homebaking and raffles. Jackie time to mind the table while the children to games. Kelly, who has put out an ap- the parents watch their chil- If you can help contact Jack- REFUSE, extra and bulky collection – peal on the MFA Facebook dren play. We have a lot of ie on MFA’s Facebook page. 01349 886603. page says, “ We are looking parents from the 1/3s but we RELATIONSHIP Counselling Highland – Jill O’Connell 712888. ROAD to RECOVERY – Ian Polworth, INVERNESS TRINITY Madras Street Mission, 715809. CHURCH of SCOTLAND This space could be SAMARITANS – 67a Tomnahurich St, “We aim to be a welcoming fellowship, letting people know tel 713456 or 08457 909090 (local rate). proclaiming in worship the gospel of Jesus SMOKELINE – 0800 84 84 84. Christ, ready to serve with compassion the about your coming event SOCIAL WORK Dept, Emergency – needs of the community.” or your regular services. 0845 769 7284. Your Parish Church TRADING Standards – 0845 600 4222. Rev Alistair Murray BD. VICTIM Support – tel 258834. Sponsorship rates are WEBSITE, Merkinch Community — Sunday Services 11am. very modest considering www.merkinch.info (Sunday School & Crèche during the morning service) Inverness WOMEN’S Aid – Confidential 6.30pm First Sunday in you will reach around support for abused women, tel 220719. Month 5000 people.

Girls’ Brigade meets Mondays 6.30pm Boys’ Brigade meets Fridays 6pm For further information Got a contact you Induction Loop System contact Merkinch think we should in- All Welcome Enterprise on 01463 clude? Contact News (www.trinityinverness.org.uk) Inverness Trinity Church of Scotland 240085. & Views on 240085 is a registered Scottish Charity (SC015432) June 2015 3

Delight as Carse waste Merkinch Community Centre gets a straight proposal is binned answer THE controversial proposal to operate a stressed that if the Council could afford waste management station in the Carse to go around checking gardens, they ELSIE Normington, Development Officer at industrial estate will not be going ahead. could also be checking roans that Merkinch Community Centre gave a brief That good news was met by a sigh of needed clearing. presentation to the April meeting of the local relief at the 29th April meeting of  The traffic lights on Kessock Road once Community Council. Merkinch Community Council (after our again came under fire. Insufficient time She explained that the Centre’s management was April issue had gone to press). Members was being allowed for traffic to clear in working on a strategic review and they had had fought the proposal from the start and one direction before the green light received 119 responses back from Centre users. despite Highland Councillors unanimously appeared for oncoming vehicles. Since its opening in 1976, the Centre had seen giving the plan the thumbs down, an  Other issues which were discussed many developments and improvements including appeal by Munro’s to the -based included the incompetence of the bus electric doors, disabled toilets, theatre facilities, Reporter was successful. services. Would-be passengers were rewiring and a new kitchen. However, it appears that Highland being sent from Farm Foods stop on She said there were lots of activities for all ages. Council had the last word and found the Academy Street up to Union Street only “What do we want to see in the Centre in five premises were no longer fit for purpose. to be told to return to Academy Street years’ time?” she asked. “Planning law is notoriously difficult,” where they saw the bus take off before Cllr Richard Laird replied, “The Centre doesn’t Cllr Richard Laird commented. they could reach it. It was agreed to always serve the needs of Merkinch residents.” In the fight to protect local businesses invite local Stagecoach managers to the Mrs Normington responded by saying that the and nearby residents from the unsuitable next meeting on 10th June. Centre was managed by three voluntary directors location of a waste management scheme, it Another continuing complaint was about and a management committee which represents was realised that the character of the a dog being left to bark sometimes for long Centre users and meets every quarter. “industrial estate” had changed over the periods in the Carnarc Crescent area. Its But Cllr Donnie Kerr agreed with Cllr Laird: “It years. yapping went on for anything from half an is not the MERKINCH Community Centre,” he As a result the Carse Action Group was hour to three hours at a time. said. Cllr Laird continued, “There is a perception in set up, initially to oppose the waste  PC Gwen Ross updated members the community that the Centre is not for locals and management plant but also to discuss the on police activity for the period from that the cost is high.” future of the area which is increasingly mid-March to mid-April. Community councillor Anne McCreadie who is becoming a retail and business park. Carse There had been 35 calls in relation to one of the Centre’s three directors, replied that the Traders Group were also alerted to the anti-social behaviour, mostly repeat Centre which has charitable status was very costly need to protect the area from unsuitable calls to the same addresses and beat to run and it had to wash its face every year. developments. officers in collaboration with housing Mrs Normington wanted to know in what respect  The issue of the guttering on houses officials were warning offenders about was the Centre not meeting local expectations. The and flats on Kessock Road was raised the consequences of their behaviour. suggestion was made that the community was by Chairwoman Dell McClurg. Following 15 reports of vandalism crying out for a coffee shop. Highland Council only clear blocked several people have been charged in “We did try that but it didn’t work out,” replied gutters that are reported, she said, but relation to two cases. There were 13 Anne McCreadie. “People don’t use us as a drop-in the roans are all connected on the flats reports of theft including two by centre.” and there are big clumps of greenery housebreaking, one from a car and one It wasn’t all criticism, however. Visitor John growing out of them. Referring to an of a bike. A number of warrants to Cumming of Muirtown Community Council was earlier issue of tenants being pursued search for drugs resulted in three impressed at the work done at the Centre. over the state of their gardens, she searches where drugs were recovered. 4 News & Views

Merkinch boxers’ success Briefs…  Fairfield Medical Practice reported FIVE young boxers from Carse-based that 83 patients did not show up for Inverness City Boxing Club went to Glasgow their appointments in April. last month and four of them won. A particularly outstanding performance  If you have any concerns regarding came from Scottish internationalist Logan the Flood Alleviation Works please Mackay, a 14-year-old Merkincher who contact: The River Ness Helpline on fights in the Lightweight Schoolboy 07557 744442 or email: category. [email protected] “He was pretty impressive,” said coach  Merkinch Primary is holding its Laurie Redfearn who has been involved in School Fair on 6th June. There will be the sport as an amateur and a pro since he stalls, a raffle, tombola and lots of was 11, some 56 years ago. things to enjoy. An added attraction is This month four of Laurie’s boys, the final of the Corbett Cup. including Logan, will be going to Hull in East Yorkshire where the city’s Boxing Club  Trinity Church is holding its Summer is hosting a three-day international event. Fete on Saturday 13 June from 2-4pm. ICBC attracts members from all across the There will be the usual stalls - baking, Highlands from Wick to Dornoch. gifts, plants, hanging baskets, tombola , lucky squares, plus lots more. Plus the ever-delicious teas and home baking. Gary gains IBO Heavyweight title  Sisters Joanna and Marta Napiorkowska of India Street who MERKINCHER’s Gary Cornish had a 21 bouts. His next match is against Eng- run POL-UK had their efforts to convincing victory over Hungary’s Zoltan land’s John McDermott in ’s York promote Polish/British literary links Casala last month when he won the IBO Hall on 3rd July. This fight is the final recognised at the Outstanding Poles of Heavyweight title after a 4th round stop- eliminator for a place in the Common- the Year Gala in Edinburgh last page. That marked Gary’s 21st victory in wealth team. month. Established in 2011 POL-UK meets in the Bike Shed and aims to show how much joy can be had from Spreading awareness of child exploitation writing.  For the Right Reasons have made HIGHLAND Council and Police Scotland aim possible risks, and the signs to look out for. their first steps in a new venture to help to prevent child sexual exploitation in the The definition being adopted in Highland people with their gardens. In April Highlands by raising awareness of the signs of covers the many different ways in which child volunteers and support workers attended abuse. sexual exploitation could affect a young person, a First Aid course and a strimmer safety The two authorities have been working in sometimes without them recognising that they lesson. Last month saw a start on their close partnership to tackle this form of sexual are being exploited. project by helping two households. abuse which impacts on young people. Bill Alexander, chairman of the Highland Children’s professionals are not complacent Child Protection committee said: “The young  Several members of the Blazing and have drawn up a plan based on three key person may think that their abuser is their Needles Group travelled to Dingwall areas for action. These include awareness- friend, or even their boyfriend or girlfriend, but last month to visit the Highland Wool raising; identification, record-keeping and data- the abuser will put them into dangerous Festival which was held at the Auction sharing; and missing children. situations, forcing the young person to do things Mart. The event had many stands One of the ways to protect children is to they don’t fully understand or want to do such selling quality yarn, some of it hand- raise awareness in the wider community about as take sexually explicit photographs. dyed, buttons, felt work and many items of interest to the needlewoman and crafts people. There were also Madras Street Hall demonstrations, competitions, workshops... And after all that a very welcome cup of tea! SUNDAY — CHURCH SERVICE —  The Corbett Centre held a Daffodil 5PM Tea last month and raised £290. The money will not go to their own funds but SUNDAY — SUNDAY SCHOOL — to the Chernobyl Children’s Fund. 5PM, DURING CHURCH SERVICE

TUESDAY — BIBLE DISCUSSION GROUP — 7PM

THURSDAY — ROAD TO RECOVERY — 7.30PM

CONTACT — TEL: 01463 715809 / 01463 231981 Volunteer James Ross (back, second left) with the Merkinch Partnership Walking Group Madras Street Hall from Oakridge Support Services on their recent outing round Ord Hill. More trips are planned over the summer... See more on page 41 Madras Street 10 Sports Page. June 2015 5 Latest Merkinch Partnership News

Merkinch Partnership Skills Workshops Timetable Merkinch Partnership launches new digital and employability skills programme

SUPPORTED by funding from Highland Council, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Merkinch Partnership is now offering a range of workshops and learning activities focusing on digital skills and helping people move into work. The workshops take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in Merkinch Enterprise (numbers 6 and 12 in Grant Street) and are primarily available to people living in Merkinch although people from other areas in Inverness are also welcome to attend. The workshops will provide a range of activities which will help people to become more confident in using digital devices and the internet, will show them how to access products and services online and will support them in finding work and/or other training opportunities. The programme includes an Internet Club on Thursday afternoons where people can come along and find out more about social media, online shopping and other online recreational activities. The aim of the project is to help local people build skills and in particular digital skills, participants will have access to WiFi, laptops and tablets and can attend as many workshops as they want for as long as they need to. All activities are free and will be delivered by an experienced tutor. The timetable to the left gives details of the workshops. To book a place please contact Merkinch Partnership Manager Anne Sutherland on 01463 718989 / 07872014520 / [email protected] or find us on Facebook on the Merkinch Partnership page.

Come and join in the Big Lunch

On Sunday 7th June, RoWAN in partner- ship with Arts in Merkinch, is organising a community lunch at The Bike Shed on Grant Street, between 12 and 2pm, as part of The Big Lunch. The Big Lunch is a national campaign to encourage neighbours and people from the same community to come together on the first Sunday in June every year. If you are passing by why not drop in and have a bite to eat and a cup of tea? If you are able you could bring a contri- bution for the cold finger buffet on the day. Why not share one of your favourite budg- et or leftover recipes with everyone? Give us a hand? It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, a few sandwiches, some fruit or a packet of to deliver News & Views in biscuits? We will pass on any leftover food from a street near you the buffet to a worthy cause keeping waste It will take you less than an hour, once a down. month. You needn’t go out in the rain and it

will help keep you fit. We are also suggesting people might like to take the time to have a clear-out of your food If you are prepared to volunteer, please ring cupboard and bring along any unwanted items Merkinch Enterprise on 01463 240085 or as a contribution for the local food bank. If you drop in to 14 Grant Street. want any more information or want to get in- We need assistance in a number of areas — if volved further please contact Sharon/Russell on you can help at all please contact us today. 0773 020 8850. 6 News & Views

Eat well on a budget... Smoked haddock & Creamy Corn Curry Ingredients purée and set aside. 325g can sweetcorn 2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and 1 tbsp vegetable oil cook the onion for 2-3 minutes to soften. 1 onion, roughly chopped Add curry powder and garlic and cook for 1 tbsp mild curry powder 1 more minute. 1 garlic clove, crushed 3. Tip the creamed coconut into the pan 1 x 50 sachet creamed coconut, chopped with 300ml water, stirring until the 4 frozen smoked haddock fillets creamed coconut dissolves. Add the puréed 1cooked rice, to serve. sweetcorn and bring to the boil. Place the haddock fillets in the sauce, then reduce Method the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1. In a blender, whizz the sweetcorn, along 20 mins, or until the fish is cooked with any liquid from the can, into a rough through. Season and serve with rice. Storm blows up over Gael Force Marine’s plan to build 38 new flats on Anderson St

PLANS for 38 new riverside flats Highland Council planners said: classrooms to meet demand. Merkinch. There are two empty in Anderson Street will put further "The design of the scheme has "The knock-on effect of the flats houses already in Craigton pressure on Merkinch Primary taken into account the potential for is that they mean more children in Avenue." School and lead to a worrying a residential development of this a school that has already got two She also questioned plans to increase in traffic, Merkinch site and as a result the site is now mobile units," she said. build such high blocks of flats Community Council has warned. considered suitable for "I am also very concerned about when there are no plans for internal Gael Force Marine’s proposals development. the traffic because so many flats lifts for those with limited for the flats at Thornbush Quay But the flats, which will be split will mean lots of extra cars. mobility. were recommended for approval into two separate blocks standing Anderson Street is already so busy. Responding to earlier concerns when Highland councillors meet to four and five-storeys tall, have "Thirty-eight flats could mean about increased traffic Highland vote on them this month. proved controversial in the around another 38 cars and what Council’s planners, in their report, A final decision over the community. Neither block will about the impact on the other said that speed surveys for application, which was first lodged have lifts. services in the area? Anderson Street suggested there in 2010, has been deferred for the When first lodged Merkinch “When the plans last came up was no problem with speeding cars past four years after the Scottish Community Council raised there were concerns about the in the area and that, so long as the Environment Protection Agency concerns over the presence of impact on the community – is the new flats have an appropriately- raised concerns over the risk from dozens of extra cars on unsuitable community ready for another 38 sized access junction, there are no flooding. and already busy roads. flats? These are questions that we road safety concerns about the site. But with the city’s flood-defence Chairwoman Dell McClurg need to be asking. They added that in the five years scheme, which will protect the site, warned that children living in the "I know we are desperate for between January 2008 and nearing completion, the agency has new flats would place an added houses but if we are that desperate December 2012 only one collision now dropped its objection. strain on the Primary School, then why are they not dealing with was reported in Anderson Street Recommending approval, which is operating with portable the boarded-up houses in and no injuries.

Take a good look around you! - What do you do if you need a pet-sitter because you’ve sud- denly been taken ill, if you want to foster or adopt a dog, if Listen to what people are saying! you need some advice about your dog’s behaviour, or simply need How many people around you are NOT in good health? help to transport you dog? Con- Why is this a fact? – Why do we just accept this fact? – Invest in tact... YOUR future Health! STOP being reactive to disease – We CAN be healthy again - Scottish Highland START being positive toward good health Snow Dogs Rescue Open YOUR mind to Natural Stem cell nutrition www.afix4health.com - QUESTIONS? Call Trevor Contact Joyce Littlejohn, c/o Signpost, 5/7 Tomnahurich St, Inverness IV3 5DA

01463 711393 07787 657608 Nicol’s Corner Shop, 57 Grant Street, Scottishhighlandsnowdogrescue @gmail.com Inverness IV3 8BP. Tel: 01463 231596.

Website: www.shsdr.co.uk Nicol’s Opening Days! – Tues, Thurs, Friday and half day Weds. US E Y O UR B L UE B I N F O R PA PE R , C A R D

CLEARANCE: Genuine crystal mini ornaments only 99p. A N D D R I N K S C A N S CLEARANCE: Asst sizes of adult Boiler suits only £5 each. US E Y O UR G R E E N B I N F O R G E N E R A L W A S T E CLEARANCE: Raffia coasters size 4” x 4” only £1.50 per set of 6. US E Y O UR B R O W N B I N F O R G A R D E N W A S T E PUT G L A S S I N A G L A S S B A N K June 2015 7

Coming up in June For any details of vents or other enquiries, please ring 01463 719712

MTG’s Summer Showcase and Fundraiser Cabaret night On Saturday 6th June Beyond A GROUP of children trying to tic line-up of productions that form young people, and the Pale, billed as a surreal save their family homes find treas- the inaugural Merkinch Theatre adults from all cabaret, will be playing at The ure that holds the answer to all Group Summer Showcase and walks of life to Bike Shed, starting 7:30pm. their problems, only to come un- Fundraiser on Saturday 20th create new works all year round. A brand new performance stuck in time and lost amidst the June in the Bike Shed. MTG is run by volunteers who night hosted by Bert de blitz of World War II. Our three groups: Juniors (7- take part regularly in its activities. Chimney Sweep with delectable Deals are offered and deals are 12), Seniors (13-18), and Adults We are open to new students for musical accompaniment from made by a cruel creature to the lost (18+) have worked for the last few all classes. Contact us via our Fa- Vybez McGinley. Surreal and lonely of the world. Can any months to bring together not only a cebook page. words, acts and musical of them truly find their happy-ever great set of shows, but also some Playwright, director and produc- offerings with special guests -afters...? great prizes for our raffle and won- er, JD Henshaw, works with the Merlin Nova, Lady Flora and The promise of being king derful home baking to raise some board of MTG to co-ordinate Barrington Lickee Lickee. proves too great for Macbeth, and funds for the group. events and classes, as well as de- The theme for the evening is soon his world turns to madness The All Clear will take place at livering classes to all age groups travel we are told, so if you’re and horror as the infectious need 11am; The Last Faerie Tale will throughout the year. He is also coming along you are invited to for power cor- take place at 2.30pm; and Artistic Director of DBS Produc- dress accordingly. £5 entry rupts and cor- Macbeth will take place at 7pm. tions and of Sweet Venues, which BYOB. rodes the very Merkinch Theatre Group is an operates at the Edinburgh Festival nation he independent community theatre Fringe every August and year- Monthly craft longed to rule. and performing arts group offering round in Dundee. session Three plays, free drama classes and workshops He has worked with the group The Monthly Saturday Craft The All Clear, to all of its groups, with the aim of since its inception and is delighted Session in June will be The Last Fae- improving lives through perfor- to be able to continue to bring such on Saturday 27th between 1.30- rie Tale and mance and theatre skills. a talented group of amateur per- 3.30pm and the craft will be Macbeth make We are proud to provide oppor- formers to the stage for the pleas- appliqué. Learn how to up our fantas- tunities to bring together children, ure of their audiences. decorate a bag and make a hair scrunchie. FREE session.

And knitters!

Help us knit our way into the Record Books... We’re aiming to knit the world’s longest scarf...

A Blazing Needles project project Needles Blazing A

Ring 01463 719712 if you can help 8 News & Views

You and Nicol’s Prize Quiz

your health Quiz fans get a shot at winning the Nicol’s Corner Shop prize of a £10 voucher. When you’ve answered all the questions, fill in your details and send your entry in — or

deliver it — to Merkinch Enterprise, 14 Grant Street to Two thyroid conditions that reach us no later than Friday, 19th June. can cause you trouble 1. What’s the main feature of C: From Here to Eternity.

HYPERTHYROIDISM is also known as Thyrotoxicosis and is the Venus de Milo statue? 6. What is the capital of Cuba? A: She is Armless A: San Salvador a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid B: Headless B: Port-au-Prince hormone (thyroxine) which results in effects on the whole body. C: Legless. C: Havana. The thyroid gland controls the body's metabolic rate. In thyrotoxicosis, the rate of metabolism is increased and this results 2. Lusitania, the name of the 7. What was unusual about the in most of the following symptoms: liner which sank a century ago, hands of Anne Boleyn? is the Latin name for what A: She was left-handed  Weight loss despite an increased appetite country? B: She had 11 fingers  Rapid heart rate A: Luxembourg C: She had no thumbs.  A fine tremor B: Portugal 8. In Batik what is painted on  Increased nervousness and emotional instability C: Sweden. to fabric?  Intolerance of heat 3. What do Shakespeare, Walt A: Wax  Staring, bulging eyes Disney, US president George B: Ink  Enlargement of the thyroid gland which is at the front of the Washington in common? C: Olive oil. neck. A: Were left-handed 9. In 1931 which Chinese river The cause is usually the body developing an immune response B: Never married flooded causing 3,000,000 against itself, in particular the receptors responsible for triggering C: Played bowls. deaths? the production of thyroxine. So, antibodies attach themselves to 4. Bill Clinton was born in A: The Yangtze River these receptors and thus cause production of thyroxine. what town? B: The Yellow River A: Hope C: The Pearl River. HYPOTHYROIDISM or myxoedema is where the thyroid B: Faith 10. Which city in Syria is gland produces too little thyroid hormone (thyroxine) which has C: Charity. known as 'The Pearl of the pronounced effects on the rest of the body. In hypothyroidism the 5. In 1953 Frank Sinatra won Desert' ? metabolic rate is slowed down, resulting in the following an Oscar for which film? A: Damascus symptoms: A: Pal Joey B: Al-bab  Feeling sluggish or tired  Tendency to feel cold B: On the Town C: Harem.  Weight gain  Depression  Dry skin and hair  Constipation  Women may have heavier periods.

If you have some of the symptoms above you should consult Name…………………………………………………... your doctor.

Remember – people are all different. Some of the information given above may not be right for you. Ask your pharmacist when you need advice. Address………………………….…………………......

Phone……………………………………………….……

May’s quiz check

1. Halley's Comet comes around every 76 years. 2. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak together founded Apple. 3. The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest structure from 1889-1929. 4. In mobile phone technology, 3G means Third Generation. 5. In 1692 the Campbells massacred the MacDonalds in Glencoe. 6. The drink Stella Artois originates in Belgium. 7. Water that collects in the bottom of a boat is called bilge. 8. George W Bush said the French didn’t have a word for entrepre- neur. 9. Dock leaves help take the sting out of nettles. 10. In Scots, a partan-faced person is ugly. Partan means crab. June 2015 9 Primary Girls football teams take part in soccer festival

GIRLS’ football teams from all Inverness High School’s feeder primaries took part in a Festival of Football last month. The weather was not exactly kind and there was a perishing breeze, but that did not dent the valiant youngsters’ enthusiasm. Each team played all the others thus giving the girls a chance to meet their future schoolmates. The Merkinch girls train on Wednesdays after school from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. Pictured above and left... Merkinch girls amongst those warming up while they waited for their turn on the pitch. Give us a hand?

to deliver News & Views in

Council staff in Walk to Work Week a street near you

It will take you less than an hour, once a month. You EMPLOYEES of Highland Council took part in Walk to Work Week last month, promoting their physical and mental health. needn’t go out in the rain and it will help keep you fit. Employees all over Highland were encouraged to take part in Walk If you are prepared to volunteer, please ring Merkinch to Work Week, a part of National Walking Month, as a means of Enterprise on 01463 240085 or drop in to 14 Grant getting healthier, reducing stress, and helping the planet Street. As part of the Week, Highland Council Countryside Rangers also We need help in a number of areas — if you can help led some lunchtime walks for council employees and the public. at all please contact us today.

Published by Merkinch Enterprise Alastair Stewart & Son 14 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL Tel: (01463) 715450 Fax: 01463 717977 email: [email protected] Memorials Ltd

Merkinch News & Views always welcomes input from readers. If you have an idea for an Granite Memorials at KEEN prices article, any comments or questions, please get in touch with us at the above address. Additional inscriptions in any cemetery

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Opinions expressed in this publication are not neces- 12-14 Carsegate Rd North, Inverness IV3 8DU sarily those of the editor, or of Merkinch Enterprise. 10 News & Views Sports News Merkinch Sports News Merkinch Sports News

Angling The first in a series of short Mile walk/jog run event. We The angling group had two trips walking excursions got start prompt at 6pm at the last month: the first to underway last month with a containers In Carse Park and Achnagour Trout Fishery and walk round Ord Hill. Another 13 participants can note their time the second to Kyle of Lochalsh trips are planned over the at the end of the run and keep a for beach casting. summer. The participants are all weekly record. This is open to The weather was wild on the residents at Oakridge Housing. all! West Coast with frequent The walks are led by our showers of hailstones combined Volunteer Manager assisted by Women`s Fitness Class two of our volunteers. with high winds. Just a reminder that there is a

Dave Saunders (pictured right) fitness class in the Bike Shed reeled in six fish altogether but Merkinch Mile every Sunday for women, returned them all to the sea. One The first few Carse Park Fun contact Jen Lornie on person actually snagged a runs got off to a slow start 07548697557 for times. seagull in the high winds. number wise, but things are picking up now, so join the Parkour crowd every Tuesday evening Merkinch Partnership Classes continue every Sunday and take part in our Merkinch Walking Group at the Carse Park from 1-2pm.

LEFT... Bright but ever so windy at Kyle of Lochalsh when the Angling Group arrived to set up. Nevertheless they had a thoroughly enjoyable day beach casting. Looking forward to the Corbett Cup and School Fair

PRIMARY 1/2/3 continue training finished a very creditable 3rd in the GIRLS FOOTBALL continue their on Fridays at the school 3.15pm to 1st Division. Their summer league training on Wednesdays after school 4.15pm. The team played in a season fixtures are due soon and we from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. They are tournament at Cradlehall Primary and will update scores in the next issue. taking part in a football festival at performed very well. They are really Inverness High School along with the looking forward to the Corbett Cup The STREET LEAGUE team played other "cluster" schools for the High DO you have a which takes place on 6th June. in a semi-final but lost out to Duncan School. story for us? PRIMARY 4/5 play in the summer Forbes in a penalty shoot out. They The CORBETT CUP and are in the Street League 1st Division An achievement to friendly league. They played Thistle SCHOOL FAIR is on Saturday Colts from Culloden and won and play their fixtures at Milton 6th June so come along and give tell us about? narrowly 8-7 in a terrific match at Pitches on Mondays, Wednesdays or us your support ! Do you want to Merkinch Primary. They were also Fridays. have your say too strong against St Joseph’s and The YOUTH LEAGUE are in the FOR ALL DETAILS OF about local issues? had a convincing win. The 4/5s train 2nd Division after their Cup games TRAINING TIMES AND on Saturday mornings at Merkinch where they drew all three of their FIXTURES FOR ALL TEAMS Primary from 10.30 to 11.30pm. Contact News & matches. Their fixtures are usually on GO TO MERKINCH PRIMARY 6/7 finished their Tuesdays and Thursdays at Milton FOOTBALL ACADEMY Views by emailing winter league season where they Pitches. FACEBOOK PAGE. [email protected] or ring Merkinch For more info on sports in Merkinch look at the Merkinch Sports, Merkinch Football Academy, and Enterprise on Merkinch Mountain Bike Club, South Kessock Angling Club, Merkinch Walking Group Facebook pages. 240085. All have sporting videos, pictures and news. Or contact David on 01463 718989 or 07951 977 922. June 2015 1113

J is for June (and January and July!) And though the pattern is quite abstract, doesn’t it look a bit like a bunch of flowers. That gives you the chance to use lots of different colours... so get going with your crayons and pencils.

Lollipop ladies

... they make me cross!

What is Giraffiti?

Vandalism spray- painted very, very high up on a wall!

Why was 6 afraid of 7?

Because: 7 8 9!

 Children who will be 3 years old between 1st January and February 29th 2016 are able to enrol for an April 2016 start. Fliperz  When enrolling please bring along your child’s Birth Fliperz are currently enrolling children for nursery as Certificate. You may call into Fliperz and have a look follows: round at any time.

st Fliperz also provides:  Day Care  After School Care   Children who will be 3 years old by August 31 can enrol Holiday Care. for starting in August 2015. Contact: The Childcare Manager,  Children who will be 3 years old between 1st September and Fliperz Day Care, Merkinch Hall, 31st December are able to enrol for January 2016 start. Simpson’s Lane, Inverness 12 News & Views

Warming up

for the game GIRLS’ football has become increasingly popular in recent years. And last month a highly successful Girls’ Football Festival saw over 100 girls taking part. All the players came from Inverness High School’s five feeder primaries and though the day was pretty chilly the youngsters soon warmed up.  More pictures on page 9 and more sports news on page 10.

In a street near you... Unsporting weightlifters at Help us deliver News & Views

It will take you less than an hour, work on the local once a month. You needn’t go out nature reserve in the rain and it will help keep you fit. THIS picnic table was beaten up If you are prepared to volunteer, and drowned recently, thanks to please ring Merkinch Enterprise on the efforts of vandals. But after 01463 240085 or drop in to 14 Grant that workout, our enthusiastic Street. We need help in a number “athletes” better get on their running shoes... for the bobbies are of areas — if you can help at all after them. please contact us today.  Latest Reserve news on page 2.