We started the week off with Five-a-side football competition held in the Merkinch Community Centre on the Monday night, with 5 teams taking part. There was a lot of good football played to quite a high standard. Unfortunately only one team could be outright winners and it was Jimbo’s team who came first, Paul Scobie’s team was second and Wayne Ridger’s team took third place.

Later on, after the football, Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade visited the centre to show all the kids around one of their appliances/engines. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed that as they were putting the fireman’s gear on and letting everyone in the Merkinch area hear the Sirens - It was deafening.

At the Community Centre on the same night was the Northern Police Crime Prevention Caravan at the request of Ann Jasinski, to tell us about crime prevention. On Thursday night the Karers also organised a prize bingo session in the Community Centre, which was well attended.

Gala Day turn out was not so well attended this year owing to the weather but the smiles of the Gala Princess Donna Salmond and her attendants Tammy Reid and Zoe Mackenzie brightened the day. Donna was crowned by last year’s Princess Nicola Taylor. Special thanks go to Yvonne Quin who made Donna’s Dress and Crown. We had the usual stalls and side shows including : Beat the Goalie, Bouncy Castle and Moray Firth Line Dancers.

The finale of Gala Week was the Karaoke and Disco held as usual in the Clach Club and enjoyed by all who attended. We look forward to next year’s event. To everyone who supported us by donating prizes and giving up their time, a big thank you. Without your help it wouldn’t have been possible.