Hi there!

Working together is the big thing these days, and mp33 is cooperating with the Janny’s Hoose and the Workers Educational Association for twice weekly sessions in the community Centre for people of all ages.

On Monday 3rd and 10th November, from 9.30am until 12 noon, there are Aromatherapy sessions. Come along and find out about the oils used for common ailments and to counteract stress and encourage relaxation. A free sample of an oil or a cream is available to all participants.

Following that there are three Monday Cooking for Fun sessions. This is your chance to try out new recipes and share or take home something tasty every time. Cooking for children and Christmas cooking will be covered, and the short session ends on 1st December.

On Wednesdays, again between 9.30am and 12 noon, there is an opportunity to try your hand at something artistic. Mosaics are very fashionable just now, and at these sessions you can come along and have some fun.

Even if you can’t draw a straight line, as they say, or have no experience, you are welcome to try this easy and colourful craft. Each week we will be designing and decorating mirrors, flower pots, picture frames, lamp shade bases-and anything else you can think of. These workshops run right through the six weeks from 29th October to 3rd December. There is a free creche on both days, but please book a place in advance.

Remember, young people of all ages can always drop in at No.33 and see what’s going on. See you soon.

All at mp33, November 2003

THE Escape Group start working on the Ossian project on 5th November. Based at the Community Centre, this involves using video cameras to identify history and culture themes. Last month the group went to the exhibition in Inverness Museum and met artist Gavin Lockhart. The group will be working with Gavin and Robin Bailey, an outreach worker from the National Gallery in Edinburgh, who toured the show.
On 18th October some members of the group escaped to Fairburn outdoor activity centre and thoroughly enjoyed themselves taking part in archery, rope games, the death slide and tree-climbing. “We hope there weren’t too many aching bones the next day,” says Roni.

THIS photograph can only suggest the sheer size of the paper dragon being constructed by youngsters from Merkinch for the City of Inverness Bonfire Night on 5th November. The willow frame has still to be covered in paper and decorated-so if anyone would like to help, on Saturday 1st November between 11am and 3pm, give your names to Roni or someone at mp33. And when you come, dress warmly!

THE skateboarding group is looking forward to another two trips before Christmas. Anyone with an interest in this skilful and enjoyable sport should contact Caroline or anyone at mp33 for details.

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TRAMPOLINING sessions for S! last term were very successful-they finished their four week spell before the break. It ios hoped to arrange more in the future-keep in touch at mp33 for developments.

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A LITTLE newsletter is going out to all S1 and upwards pupils regarding activities at mp33 and at Merkinch youth Clubs, junior and senior sections. Following the October break, the Seniors had a pumpkin night on 29th October. This month activities include: 5th-Bonfire night, club closed; 12th November-Sock Designing; input for Christmas newsletter (see Bruce); 19th November-problem solving night; 26th November-Beauty Night and Five-a-Side football tournament. Junior club activities following the Hallowe’en party on the 29th, include: 3rd November-clay modelling, rounders, fruit kebabs; 10th November-music night, badminton, milk shake smoothies; 17th November-t-shirt printing, uni-hoc, bandanas; 24th November-drumming, percussion, skipping.

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TWINNER of the Darts Competition final on 1st October was Wayne Ridgers, while Ian Taylor was the runner-up.

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LESLEY Scott chose to do his work experience at mp33 and thoroughly enjoyed herself, although she says there is no way she could go on to be a youth worker! She says, “Having the willpower to shut yourself away in the office and get down to it when you really want to just sit and chat to all the kids that come in was the hardest part.”

THE fishing group hopes to go on a couple of more trips before the weather gets too snowy. The group is looking to recruit new members, so all those with an interest in this most popular of sports should contact mp33.