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PICTURES: Inverness Singing For Pleasure group marks 20 years of fun, friendship and fulfilment at Merkinch Community Centre


By Val Sweeney

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Singing for Pleasure members celebrate the groups 20th anniversary at Merkinch Community Centre. Pictures: James Mackenzie.
Singing for Pleasure members celebrate the groups 20th anniversary at Merkinch Community Centre. Pictures: James Mackenzie.

Two decades of fun, friendship and fulfilment have been celebrated by members of an Inverness singing group.

Singing For Pleasure, which meets at Merkinch Community Centre, marked its 20th anniversary with a celebratory dinner.

Singing For Pleasure group members tuck into dinner.
Singing For Pleasure group members tuck into dinner.

The group was started by its musical director Elsie Normington who spoke about the privilege of running the group.

“Many people said they couldn’t really sing or were never allowed to join the school choir,” she said.

“Singing for Pleasure released their singing voice which has brought such joy to their lives.”

Singing For Pleasure brings fun, friendship and fulfilment.
Singing For Pleasure brings fun, friendship and fulfilment.

She also said it had been a catalyst for other developments at the centre such as the community theatre and concerts.

Members enjoyed watching old video clips plus a display of archives.

Singing For Pleasure members reminisce over dinner at Merkinch Community Centre.
Singing For Pleasure members reminisce over dinner at Merkinch Community Centre.

“There were also a few old faces who were now too frail to come to the group but attended for the special occasion,” Mrs Normington said.

A tempting choice of dishes awaited the guests.
A tempting choice of dishes awaited the guests.

The dinner was prepared by Sheila Hallam Catering. There was also a gift of an engraved crystal glass.

It was smiles all round at the Singing For Pleasure anniversary dinner.
It was smiles all round at the Singing For Pleasure anniversary dinner.

Central ward councillor Bet McAllister said Merkinch Community Centre was the best in the Highlands with a varied programme of activities which she strongly supported.

Enjoying the social occasion.
Enjoying the social occasion.

Centre chairperson Anne McCreadie spoke about the difference Mrs Normington had made to the centre as the development officer and worked the programme up through the years to reach 62,000 visits per year.

Raising the roof and funds at Big Spring Sing


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