ALL set for “Tea on the Water” – a Loch Ness cruise-and-a-cuppa – on Wednesday 6th September are the members of the Merkinch Friendship Club. Then an all-day outing is being planned for the 20th when it is hoped to go to the Highland Folk Museum at Kingussie then on to Grantown and back home by Nairn.

In between there will be two musical events – on the 13th the Fred McInally duo will be entertaining with their brand of Scottish music, and on the 27th members of Inverness High School Band will be making a visit.

This summer has seen the club go on a number of outings – particularly memorable were the visit to Scottish Showtime and the day they went to Cromarty. They also heard about the Handyperson scheme (see page 6) had a music and movement session and played bingo. The Friendship Club is for older folks and they meet on Wednesdays at the Community Centre for lunch – a bargain at £1.60! – and more. There is always something interesting to do, new and old friends to meet. New members are warmly welcome and transport is available for the less able who can't come under their own steam.

For further details ring 239563, meanwhile organiser Elsie Normington is drawing up plans for the shorter days and is getting out and about to hear everyone's views on what they would enjoy.