REDGREEN sets sails at Kelly’s the Quay

Kelly’s on the Quay in Waterford has been firmly established in the lexicon of generations of shoppers in Waterford and the surrounding counties since 1847. It has gained a reputation as a store that supplies a range of stylish and quality fashion brands, whilst appealing to generations of Waterford families.

Stocking a wide range of popular fashion lines such as Fenn Wright Mason and Joseph Ribkoff, Kelly’s recently introduced the Scandinavian REDGREEN range.

According to Managing Director, Ian Doolan, when the opportunity arose to stock REDGREEN at Kelly’s he didn’t think twice about introducing the brand.

“REDGREEN is such a strong distinctive brand we felt that it would work really well at Kelly’s. The nautical inspired themes and principal colours of red and navy are easily recognised, appealing to all age groups and as importantly, appealing to men as well as women. It is a new departure for Kelly’s to stock this range for men and one that we are incredibly excited about.”

Mr. Doolan added “Kelly’s has been around for over 150 years, and we have been here for that long because we’re not afraid of change and are willing to respond to our customers ever changing requirements – REDGREEN being the case in point.”

The launch of REDGREEN was officially conducted by the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Mary Roche and almost 200 guests enjoyed an evening of glamour with a preview of the newly launched Autumn / Winter collection themed ‘Vintage by the Sea, Winter Nights and Scandinavian Ethnic’.

Whilst guests had the opportunity to see the range of stylish maritime clothes and contemporary shop fit – out at REDGREEN, a fashion show also took place showcasing some of the other new labels that Kelly’s will be stocking including Jackpot, Part Two and Tuzzi.

Jacob Sorenson, REDGREEN Export Manager, added “We are delighted that REDGREEN is now associated with one of Waterford’s and the South East’s most iconic stores, Kelly’s. In Kelly’s we have found a strong partner with an unparalleled reputation and are looking forward to working closely with them.”

“REDGREEN prides itself on the design and production of high quality women’s and menswear with maritime themes, stylistically pure lines and practical functionality. As far as REDGREEN is concerned Kelly’s is the perfect showcase for these collections.”

To view this season’s fashion from REDGREEN just call to Kelly’s on The Quay, or to find out more call 051 873557 or visit http://www.redgreen.dk/

Home Instead Senior Care calls for unregulated private home help to be monitored

Friends of the Elderly, an Irish charity which works with seniors to alleviate loneliness and isolation has expressed concern about the numbers of unregulated home help companies in Ireland.

In a recent Irish Times article, Dermot Kirwan of Friends of the Elderly said there has been a proliferation of home help companies and that the influx of private companies offering this service mean the elderly are being put in a “very vulnerable” situation. “My worry is there’s going to be another Leas Cross behind closed doors somewhere” Mr. Kirwan said.

International senior care provider, Home Instead Senior Care, which has a Waterford office also agreed with Mr. Kirwan as to how unregulated home help can be a danger to the elderly.

According to Danette Connolly Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, all care providers should be regulated and undergo auditing processes.

“It is frightening when you read some of the senior care statistics in Ireland. In order to administer competent and effective home care all care providers should be fully insured, attend to Garda vetting and the care staff should be trained.”

“Currently Ireland’s home care market is completely unregulated. Seniors are availing of care that is not monitored and some are paying privately for care, leaving themselves vulnerable because taxes are not being paid and there is no insurance cover.”

Ms. Connolly added, “As members of the Irish Private Home Care Association all of our care givers are regularly monitored and undergo Gardai vetting. The carers are our employees and all PAYE & PRSI is paid”

If you or your loved one is in receipt of care you should be seeking verification that the care provider is insured, vetted and tax obligations are being met.

If you are concerned about the care being received by a loved one or suspect an ageing loved one is the victim of abuse, Home Instead Senior Care encourages you to do the following:

Listen to seniors to make sure they are being cared for appropriately.
Report suspected elder abuse to your local HSE office or An Garda Siochana.
Visit ageing loved ones as often as possible so the older person sees you as someone they could trust and talk to about any difficulties they may have. Seniors that are isolated are more likely to be a victim of abuse.

For more information please log on to http://www.homeinstead.ie/ or call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966.

Jack's Back! The Martini Cowboy performs on TV3'S Ireland AM

Jack Grace - aka the Martini Cowboy gave banjo pickin', mandolin' pluckin', step dancin', fiddle playin', double bass clawin' fans a taste of his unique sound on TV3's Ireland AM.

This will be 16th year of the International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in which roots music pilgrims will flock to Dunmore East for the free, family orientated festival. All of the famous local hostelries will play host to over 50 free gigs throughout the weekend with local, national and international bands playing a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

Acts include: The Jack Grace Band, Wookalily, Bending the Strings, Molly Hicks, Southern Tenant Folk Union, Southern Welfare, Knotty Pine, Little Ass Birds and many many more.

For more information about the 16th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford visit http://www.discoverdunmore.com/

Check out his early morning live performance, click below:

http://www.tv3.ie/ireland_am.php?video=26309&locID=1.65.74

Waterford Computer Repair Centre partners with WLRfm to bring “The Biz”

From Monday, August 30th, Waterford Computer Repair Centre (WCRC) will sponsor “The Biz”, a business-centric feature on WLRfm’s “Noctor ‘til 7” show.

WCRC, based in Cleaboy Business Park opened its doors in November 2009 and was established having identified a niche in the market offering a quick, reliable and trustworthy computer repair turnaround.

According to Sean Hegarty, Director of WCRC, the company is delighted to sponsor “The Biz” on Ireland’s PPI Station of the Year. “As a relatively new company WCRC wanted to optimise the awareness of services to as wide an audience as possible. Ian’s show has consistently highlighted current and relevant issues to the listeners of Waterford.”

“As part of his show, The Biz will focus on business news from around the city and country, the issues that effect companies of all scales, from sole trader to multi-nationals.”

“The show will also feature a monthly clinic, conducted by Microsoft accredited engineer Steve Bowley. The clinic will address frequently asked questions from listeners about problems or issues they are having with their computers, networks or servers.”

“The Biz” will be broadcast each weekday from 5.45 pm.

Tim Hassett, Sales Manager WLRfm added, “We are delighted to have WCRC as sponsors of this new topical business feature. By broadcasting the business stories that are making an impact on local and regional business, “The Biz” is destined to be a great success.”

WCRC has a team of fully Microsoft accredited engineers and can guarantee a quick and efficient turnaround on all computer repairs. The service is available to anyone who needs computer repair services from individuals to home users to SME’s.

For more information about Waterford Computer Repair Centre check out http://www.wcrc.ie/ or call 051 592015.

Global research means cheaper kids fashion for Waterford shoppers

ORCHESTRA worldwide has implemented one of the largest surveys ever conducted in retail. Conducted over 12 months the findings have enabled ORCHESTRA Kids Fashion Waterford to build a new strategy which they believe is revolutionary and will change the way traditional retail is practiced.

ORCHESTRA Kids Fashion Waterford is locally owned by Waterford couple Trevor and Maeve Cooke and is aimed at providing Waterford people with unique, quality children’s clothing (0-14) at affordable prices. ORCHESTRA Kids Fashion Waterford is located in a two-story vibrant and colourful shop located on Georges St.

All items reduced by 25% permanently.
The primary result of this extensive research is that ORCHESTRA Kids Fashion Waterford and worldwide has committed to a 25% reduction in all its prices.

Customers do not want to pay full price on one day and see the goods on sale the next.
The major finding of the research was the length of time traditional shops are now spending in sale period. Customers buying habits have changed. They now wait for sale periods to buy the vast bulk of their clothes. ORCHESTRA Kids Fashion Waterford’s solution is to deliver on its promise of design, quality, value, where they give their customers a permanent reduction. They cut their prices permanently by 25% and as such provide a real saving for families.

Cost cutting
The principal reason that ORCHESTRA can afford to reduce costs is economies of scale i.e. buying larger quantities, 2011 orders are double 2010, thus reducing the cost per item. They have also increased their themes twofold. This means the customer will have twice as many ORCHESTRA themes to choose from. ORCHESTRA Waterford will have less units of each piece to sell (one to two pieces of each theme) but twice as many themes.

Commenting on the news, owner Trevor Cooke said "We were delighted when we heard about ORCHESTRA world wide’s decision to reduce all prices by one quarter and couldn’t wait to pass on this to all of our loyal Waterford customers. It has been a tough couple of years for everyone so to be able to commit to a 25% permanent reduction in prices while holding the same quality and even increasing the choice is great for us and also great for the parents of Waterford and the South East.”

For further information call Orchestra’s Waterford store on 051 874130 and ask for Trevor or Maeve.

All female combo, Wookalily, is Deise bound for 16th International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

Describing themselves as “frockabilly woo-grass, putting the blues in bluegrass, the rock in rockabilly and the woo-factor into action” music lovers will have the chance to hear Wookalily at the 16th International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

The line up for the Festival, which takes place from August 27th to August 29th,
includes some of the most revered names in Irish and international bluegrass including Jack Grace, aka the Martini Cowboy, Knotty Pine, Bending the Strings, Molly Hicks and Little Ass Birds to name but a few.

Wookalily, whilst new to the Dunmore festival have been bringing their unique sound to bluegrass lovers of Northern Ireland for over a year with memorable performances at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, the Ards International Guitar Festival and the Belfast Film Festival.

The band comprises of lead singer, Una McCann whose inspiration comes from a smorgasbord of musical influences including traditional Irish, rock, world music, samba, African drumming and even accapella. Drummer Siobhan Skates, Adele Ingram – Magee on guitar and banjo, self taught guitarist Ciara Butcher and harmonica tootin’ Cat Smith make up the phenomenon that is Wookalily.

Mick Daly, festival organiser, is delighted to welcome Wookalily on their Dunmore East debut. “Now in its 16th year, the festival has attracted a wonderful selection of bluegrass, roots, country and rhythm exponents from all over the world. No matter where you travel from to experience the festival the eclectic mix of music the Dunmore East Festival has to offer will guarantee a good time.”

“Wookalily, bring a new dimension to the festival this year. Bluegrass, by its very nature has for a long time been a principally male dominated music genre and only in recent years have we seen the emergence of some wonderful female bluegrass artists including Molly Hicks, Sarah Grey and Sharon Cort. Wookalily will bring a unique, quirky, often sad and humourous style of bluegrass to the festival this year, one that’s sure to put a smile on your face.”

Wookalily lead singer is also looking forward to the festival this year. Una McCann added “We have only heard good things about the festival and it can’t wait to be part of it in 2010.

The Wookalily sound mixes wildly captivating harmonies with traditional and not
so traditional instrumentation to create our very own special blend of country rock and bluegrass with a funky twist. So for anyone travelling to Dunmore East for the Bluegrass Festival all we can say to them is “Expect the unexpected!”


For more information about the 16th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival and the artists appearing including the Jack Grace Band, Bending The Strings, Wookalily, Sharon Cort and many more visit http://www.discoverdunmore.com/

Judy weaves her silver!

B2B Communications recently had the pleasure of working with a new and exciting company bringing fantastic silver jewellery to the South.

Silver Weaver is a Cork – based (Castlemartyr) company, established this year by Judy Bourke.

The range of jewellery is intricate, contemporary, funky, traditional, suitable for all ages and we had great fun wearing it (the girls in the office – not the boys!)

The Silver Weaver range is available in the Courtyard Gallery in Main Street, Middleton and also from Judy Bourke’s Studio in Attiquin, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork.

To find out more call Judy on 086-8464200.

Former Taoiseach Dr. Garret Fitzgerald to visit Cathedral Close Apartments

Former Taoiseach and patron of Cathedral Close Apartments, Dr. Garret Fitzgerald, will be in Waterford to mark the 20th Anniversary of Cathedral Close Apartments on September, 26th.

Garret FitzGerald became a Senator in 1965 and was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1969 when he served as Opposition Spokesman on Education.

He became Minster for Foreign Affairs in the Fine Gael / Labour Coalition Government of 1973 and became leader of Fine Gael in 1977. In June 1981 Garret FitzGerald became Taoiseach and served until March 1982.

He served a second period as Taoiseach from December 1982 to March 1987. Dr. Fitzgerald retired from politics in 1992 although he came out of political retirement to campaign actively in the second referendum campaign on the Nice Treaty in 2002.

Dr. Fitzgerald is a member of the Council of State and Chancellor of the National University of Ireland. He published his autobiography, All in a Life in 1991 and his other books include Towards a New Ireland (1972), Unequal Partners (1991) and Reflections on the Irish State (2002). He writes a weekly column in the Irish Times on social, political and economic matters.

Dr. Fitzgerald will be remembered by some as the dignitary who officially opened the Cathedral Close Apartments in 1990 and has remained a friend of the Close ever since.

As well as an opportunity to hear one of Ireland’s most prolific and well regarded statesmen speak, there will also be talks on the future plans for Waterford City’s Viking Triangle and the Golden Years Festival. Tours of the Cathedral Close facilities will also be available on the day.