Hi there!

Now that the schools are back we’re all just getting our breath back after a busy summer. This year’s idea of having a “Gala Week” following on the Community Centre’s Gala Day on 2nd August didn’t turn out quite as we hoped with numbers participating somewhat fewer than we expected.

However, we think the basic idea is a good one, and this year’s event is something that can be built on next year.
In the meantime we will be putting out questionnaires to get your opinions and input about what we could change or do differently the next time. And we hope the young people who did come along and took part in the various workshops and activities that were laid on enjoyed themselves and that they got something out of the experience.
incidentally, the mp33 camera went missing from the Community Centre during the Gala Week activities - so if anyone has any idea where it got to please let Roni know at mp33.

Don’t forget- Bruce is now at mp33 from Monday to Thursday to help with any of your problems to do with IT in general and the internet in particular. So if you have any queries, just pop in and ask him.
Indeed, if there is anything we can help with -such as preparing your CV when you apply for a job - just come along. If we can’t help ourselves, we’ll know someone who can.

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

All at mp33, September 2003

YOUNG people from mp33 and the Youth Clubs featured largely in the Merkinch Gala Day parade. The weather was fine, though breezy, making it sometimes difficult to handle the larger banners.

SKATEBOARDERS have enjoyed a successful series of meetings over the summer, including a First Aid Day. On 30th August they have a date at a Skatejam in Cromarty from 12 noon until 4pm. Consent forms and details from mp33. Hurry along as places are limited.

* * * * *

IN CONJUNCTION with the Janny’s Hoose, mp33 are running a creche on Mondays and Wednesdays. This will allow mums with young children to take part in a series of workshops dealing with a range of health issues on Mondays. These will include such problems as the “Terrible Twos” and how to find time for yourself. On Wednesdays such topics as self-awareness, body language etc. Details from Roni at mp33 (tel 717639) or Jean on 226348. These popular sessions start this month, so don’t miss out on the start.

* * * * *

ARE there any teenage parents out there who would like an afternoon sharing experiences and a chat with others in the same position? At the NCH flat at 6 Quayside Court on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3pm there is a session run by Dell and Roni. If you have any ideas for topics of particular interest to teenage parents - or parents-to-be - let us know and we’ll try to cover them.

* * * * *

MERKINCH Youth Clubs start up again this month-the Juniors on Monday 1st September and the Seniors on Wednesday 3rd. Juniors are for children in Primary 4 to S1, that is eight to 12/13 years old, and Seniors for S2 up to age 18. Fees are the same for both clubs: £2 annual membership fee, with each session costing 40p for members and 80p for non-members. Both clubs enjoy a range of activities including indoor games, snooker, arts and crafts, magazines, music plus various trips are planned.

* * * * *

THE mp33 football team narrowly lost 14-12 to the Longman Warriors from the travel site. It was a very close and hard game and Merkinch’s man-of-the-match was Colin Hunter, while Sean Reid was the Warriors’ star.

* * * * *

GOOD news for football enthusiasts! With the help of Councillor Peter Corbett, we’re hoping to get the goal posts installed again in the Back Field, and the pitch re-lined. We hope that once again it can be used and enjoyed by all the young footballers in the area.

* * * * *

THE fishing group held a very enjoyable barbecue at Loch Morlich on 8th August.

* * * * *

STARTING 8th September Lesley Scott from Millburn Academy is coming to mp33 to do work experience. She will help with filing, updating of computer files, researching information, telecomms and general administration duties.

* * * * *

FINALLY, last but far from least-congratulations and good wishes to mp33 regulars Erin and Maggie who are off to College in Perth to take an HNC course in Child Care. Also well done to Wayne Ridgers who is to study Nursing at Inverness. We wish you all the best in your future careers.