The South East Solas Centre looks back on a great 2011!

The journey of the Solas Centre began almost four years ago. What started as an ambitious project to provide the best level of cancer services to the people of the South East is now a reality.


Back in 2008, the South East Cancer Foundation outlined the need to expand support services to cancer patients in the region. Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. In 2011 alone cancer support was provided to 500 patients from the South East Cancer Foundation’s small house in Sealy Terrace in Earlscourt and subsequently from the new Solas Centre. The Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.

2011 proved to be a very busy and productive year for the South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

In January, while the Solas Centre was nearing completion the final touches to make it a state of the art facility were being put in place.

February was all about fit-out. Everything from phone systems and furniture, massage couches and art rooms were fitted in the South East Cancer Foundations soon to be new home. There were green areas to be landscaped and new volunteers to be recruited and trained. February 28^th was moving day as the centre relocated to its new home from Sealy Close – a truly momentous and emotional day for all who had given so much of their time and energies.

By early March the new Centre was already experiencing a huge increase in people using their services. The Centre, along with Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Nicky Fewer Memorial Sailing Scholarship Fund, was a grateful beneficiary of proceeds from Cllr. Mary Roche’s Mayors Ball.

In April, the Centre having opened just six weeks earlier was providing support to more than double the number of clients availing of their services. By the end of the month 60 new clients had visited the Solas Centre.

On May 14th, the Solas Centre officially opened its doors to fundraisers and volunteers. All those who had given so generously of their time and assistance were invited to see and experience the new facilities that were at the disposal of cancer patients and their families.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman, said “The Solas Centre would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and good will of the people of the south east. Since April 2008, we have been campaigning to build and fund state of the art cancer support centre that offers excellent services to cancer patients and their families. Frankly, none of this would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the groundswell of support and kindness from the people of Waterford and the South East.”

June brought some much anticipated sunshine and the Solas Centre’s first newsletter. Distributed to over 3,000 fundraisers and supporters of the Centre, the publication highlighted the experience of three people who were in some way affected by cancer. The stories were recalled by Joe Simpson, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2008, Brian Fanning with testicular cancer in 2007 and June Earl, who cared for her father Jimmy McGrath (R.I.P.), who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer four years ago.

In July, Republic of Ireland and Wolves star Stephen Hunt dropped in to the Solas Centre to launch the South East Run for Life. With sponsorship cards available from the Solas Centre, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches throughout the region to encourage 1,000 runners, joggers and walkers to take part, Stephen was delighted to announce details of the event. “It is great to be involved with such a good cause that helps so many people through out the South East”, Stephen said. It was also an excuse to have a kick about with Adam O’Neill, a nephew of a Solas Centre patient.

The Hogs were out in force in August for the “Boobs ‘n’ Balls” Bike Trip. Conceived and organised by Waterford Harley Davidson and encompassing Celtic Thunder HOG, Harley Davidson Club of Ireland and the Freewheelers MC, the “Boobs ‘n’ Balls Trip raised a staggering €23,145 for the Solas Centre. A convey of hundreds of motorcycles left Athlone for Waterford and the public support was phenomenal! There was also some much publicised encouragement from Today FM’s Phil Cawley, former Irish rugby hooker Shane Byrne, travel writer and actor Charley Boorman and stunt riding sensation Mattie Griffin.

September was another busy month for fundraising. The fantastic Roanmore GAA Blitz took place during the month followed closely by the Vintage Tractor Rally and the Mooncoin Vintage Club Family Day – three wonderful, fun-filled and entertaining fundraising initiatives!

The sun shone in October and so did the 1,708 runners, joggers and walkers who took part in the South East Run for Life! The increased numbers that participated, the increased money raised for the South East Cancer Foundation and the all new Fun for Life event at the People’s Park in Waterford City on Sunday, October 16^th made the fourth Run for Life its best ever.

The amount raised also exceeded all projections and eclipsed previous year’s totals. With over €264,000 for The Solas Centre this amazing event was an even bigger success than ever imagined.

In November things moved up a gear as the Carrick on Suir Motor Rally Sprint got pulses racing! That month also saw the launch of the Autumn Art programme, in association with Waterford Healing Arts Trust, for people affected by cancer. Under the tutelage of artist Philip Cullen, this therapeutic programme continues to provide participants with the opportunity to explore their creative sides! The workshops include colour mixing, magical landscape creation, patterns on canvas and “the mystery bag”, which involves feeling textured objects in a bag and describing what emotions the object evokes.

December sees The Solas Centre continually expanding its counselling and therapy services. Along with new programmes for groups including stress management and yoga, a new support programme for men were also introduced.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

TechCloud technology gets business going!

HCS Business Solutions, an innovative IT services provider, has been a long time advocate of cloud solutions for businesses in the South East. Over the last three years developments in the IT sector have been gradually moving towards “the cloud”.

With many facets and benefits to SME’s cloud computing effectively has a simple purpose; it allows end users to leverage the Internet for application use, data storage and other tools. Not only that but cloud options are more cost effective, there is no need for on site backup and no more costs associated with managing IT infrastructure.

HCS Business Solutions has developed a new range of IT services, called TechCloud. By delivering this range of services via the cloud computing delivery model, TechCloud will give businesses access to a public or private “cloud” that will ensure a remote, reliable and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability.

According to Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions, the cloud is invariably the way forward for businesses of all sizes. “Cloud computing is set to make all businesses re-evaluate their current IT services.”

“The benefits of cloud computing are manifold. Not only does cloud computing reduce productivity costs by eliminating the need for hardware, servers and upgrades, maintenance costs are also eliminated as all cloud services are outsourced to external servers.”

“While the economic climate remains fragile, particularly for small businesses, any service that helps to reduce costs, increase competitiveness and provide greater data security is a very welcome addition to the IT landscape.”

Mr. Phelan added that cloud computing also opens up new opportunities for new and small business enterprises with limited access to resources. With cloud computing businesses can be run with just a few computers and internet capability.

The TechCloud Cloud Services portfolio includes a wide range of product services such as; Office 365 which gives greater access to email, calendar and contacts from virtually anywhere at any time; SharePoint Online and Lync Online, which brings interactions with colleagues and customers to a new level. Another service is Online Data Backup and Email security, which provides email security, content control, business continuity and encryption.

TechCloud Security also protects servers, desktops and laptops ensuring a secure IT network.

Mr. Phelan added that most companies and consumers are already using some form of cloud technologies and may not consider themselves as being cloud users. Services such as Online Backup and Remote Email Filtering are cloud based technologies that are being utilised already by many companies that are now beginning to reap the benefit of the cloud!

For further information about HCS Business Solutions TechCloud services or to avail of a free Cloud Computing assessment, log onto www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200

Home Instead Senior Care urges family and friends to help seniors through the cold weather

The Christmas period allows us to spend more time with our family and friends. With more free time available to us over the holiday season, Home Instead Senior Care is advising family and friends to keep an eye out for tell tale signs that our elderly parents or relatives need more help.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford said “Over the holiday season we tend to spend more time with our parents, grandparents or senior relatives so it is a good opportunity to make sure that are looking after themselves properly, have sufficient food and heat and are safe in their homes.”

Ms. Connolly advised that there are warning signs to look out for that signal an ageing parent or relative needs more help at home.

· Do they seem to be eating well or is food spoiling in the fridge?

· Have they stopped doing daily grooming rituals like taking a shower or fixing their hair?

· Are they taking the right medications in the right doses at the right times?

· Does their car have new scratches or dents?

· Is mail or newspapers piling up without being read?

· Are they using furniture, towel bars or shower curtains to pull themselves up to stand?

“If you are visiting a senior relative during the Christmas holidays be aware of things that may be changing for your senior relatives. Be ready to spot the signs, have those tough conversations and help them get the support they need to remain happy and safe in their own home as long as possible.” Ms. Connolly added.

Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors in their own homes and is approved by the HSE. Its caregivers help clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping, light housekeeping, driving and incidental transportation.

To find out more about Home Instead Senior Care call 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

A nationwide event founded in Waterford, the 14th Waterford Rotary Christmas Memorial Tree is launched

An idea conceived in Waterford has now raised over €1 Million for charities in Ireland.

In 1998 the first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of Waterford to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has raised nearly €400,000 towards this worthy cause.

Following the success of the Waterford initiative, in 2002 the Rotary Club of Cork & Bishopstown became the second club to establish a Christmas Memorial Tree appeal. They were closely followed by the Cork Douglas and Clonmel Rotary clubs and then subsequently by Tralee and Wicklow. Since then the number of clubs across the island adopting the Christmas Memorial Tree format has steadily risen. In 2010 the number of clubs adopting the Christmas Memorial Tree appeal topped 25!

And now the initiative has taken an international development with the Rotary club of Cirencester in Gloucestershire in England launching its first memorial tree this year. Waterford’s Mike Kelliher assisted the English club with their plans.

This year EBS Waterford is the sponsor of the Memorial Tree Appeal. As well as raising much needed funds in Waterford for the Hospice Foundation, the Memorial Tree Appeal provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public.

Ms. Kathleen Fitzgerald President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “The Rotary Club of Waterford is so proud to be the founder of this excellent initiative that has done so much good over so many years. In saying that it is the generosity of the public that makes it such a success.”

Martin O'Hare, Manager, EBS Waterford said; “EBS Waterford is delighted to support the Rotary’s Christmas Memorial Tree and to contribute to this worthy cause. The success of the Christmas Memorial Tree in Waterford and beyond is testament to the excellent work undertaken by Rotary Club volunteers.”

The launch took place at 1pm on Thursday December 8^th at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City. With carols from Waterford Youth Gospel Choir, the Memorial Tree Appeal was officially launched by His Worship the Mayor Cllr. Pat Hayes.

Waterford and the country have changed significantly since the inception of the Christmas Memorial Tree in 1998. However, despite the fact purse strings are tighter now than they have been in years the Rotary Club of Waterford is confident it can continue to raise money for Waterford Hospice through the Memorial Christmas Tree for many years to come.

Jobseekers will travel abroad to find work….but plan to return

Hartley People Recruitment and Training recently conducted a survey amongst its candidates across the South East region to uncover their views on future jobs prospects. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents are prepared to travel abroad to find work, whilst those unwilling to do so are staying in Ireland mainly due to family and financial commitments.

The results of the survey revealed that almost 6 out of every 10 respondents are prepared to relocate outside of Ireland for the right role, whilst the remainder do not feel that relocation is a viable option for them. Of the respondents that indicated they would relocate, improved job and career prospects, salary incentives and better tax conditions were cited as the primary reasons for relocation.

The country of choice for these respondents is Australia / New Zealand (30%), 20% are prepared to travel anywhere to find work, 19% cited the UK as their country of choice, followed closely by the USA with 14%.

According to Roisin Hartley, Director of Hartley People, the survey was carried out to get a true “on the ground” picture of jobseekers views. “Initially when we analysed the results it did paint a pretty bleak picture about the ‘brain drain effect’ as so many are prepared to travel abroad to gain employment or to enhance their careers”.

“The trend indicates that those who are unable to relocate due to commitments, both family and financial, are slightly older than those who are prepared to travel abroad” said Ms. Hartley.

Ms. Hartley added, “However, on the flip side, it is reassuring that 60% intend to return home within three years. The fact that these jobseekers plan to return home re-skilled, up-skilled and prepared to contribute to the Irish economy may be a key factor in driving future growth in Ireland.”

“We must remain focused on job creation in this country. Ireland has a smart, well educated population, primed and ready to work. Over half of the respondents in our survey are graduates and although many plan to leave, crucially, they intend to return. There are jobs abroad for those who are prepared to travel, so the government needs to remain focused on job creation ensuring this talented and skilled workforce return and assist in rebuilding the Irish economy” said Ms. Hartley.

Hartley People Recruitment Agency is celebrating their 10^th Anniversary this year having been established in 2001 by Roisin Hartley and Fergal Hartley. Today, the Hartley People Group has grown to expand its portfolio of services to training, consultancy, outplacement, HR support and most recently international recruitment.

Waterford City Enterprise Board – recognising local excellence

Three local businesses received accolades from Waterford City Enterprise Board last week as they picked up Best Business Awards at a reception in the Mayors Office.

The three companies, South Eastern Tyre Recycling Centre, DessertFirst and Marla.ie were presented with specially commissioned Irish Handmade Glass Trophies and the overall winner, Marla.ie, received a Waterford Crystal Perpetual Trophy.

The premise of the awards is to recognise excellence in SME’s and the

Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Pat Hayes along with Chairperson of Waterford City Enterprise Board, Bertie Rogers, praised the innovative ideas and dedication of the winners, adding that they have done so much to contribute to the local economy.

South East Tyre Recycling Centre Ltd. was a recipient of the Best Business Award. Established 18 months ago by Brian Bambury, the company recycles old and end of life tyres which are then converted into rubber chips for equine use. The rubber chips are used by horse trainers to improve racing performance and reduce training injuries. Although Brian was out of the country and unable to collect his award in person, he did comment that he was delighted with the award and the assistance he and his company has received from Waterford City Enterprise Board.

Another recipient of the Best Business Award was Margaret Fleming’s Dessert First. Ferrybank woman Margaret Fleming established the dessert and baked goods business in March 2010. In those short 18 months Margaret has gone from producing everything in her own kitchen to employing five full time and two part-time employees.

The winner of the Best Overall Business Enterprise Award was visual communications agency Márla.ie. Established in 2004, Sheila Gallogly joined Marla.ie in 2006 and has grown the company to service an expansive list of national clients including Neven Maguire, Superquinn, Sunshine Juice and The Irish Exporters amongst others.

According to Ciaran Cullen, Acting CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board, the annual awards recognise innovation, dedication and commitment to building a successful enterprise. He added “Waterford City Enterprise Board is privileged to work with a host of start up and established businesses that have the focus and vision to generate ideas, to grow their business, to create jobs and to contribute to the local economy.”

Waterford Enterprise Board was established in October 1993 by the then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to provide direct grant-support to new and existing enterprises and promote entrepreneurship. Through a wide range of programmes including clinics, courses, enterprise development assistance and funding Waterford City Enterprise Board has assisted 24 start ups this year alone.

Solas Centre expands support services to cancer patients in the South East

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, is expanding its portfolio of services to cancer patients and their families in the South East.

Whilst the journey for the Solas Centre began in 2008, in 2010 support was provided to 250 patients from the South Eastern Cancer Foundation’s small house in Earlscourt. With 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, the state-of-the-art Solas Centre provided support for over 500 cancer patients in 2011 and anticipates that it will be able to provide support services, such as counselling, relaxation therapies and group support services to over 1,000 people affected by cancer in 2012.

According to Iain Munro, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, every effort is being made to ensure that the best cancer support services are provided across the region.

“Cancer affects us all and with more and more people being diagnosed with cancer each year, we are working hard to ensure the Solas Centre has a range of the best possible support services for cancer patients and their families.”

“We couldn’t have done this without the phenomenal generosity of the people of Waterford and the South East. The monies raised from a host of events such as the South East Run For Life, the Boobs ‘n’ Balls Bike Ride, the Vintage Tractor rally and so many more group and individual donations will allow us to provide further services that will enable cancer patients to receive the optimum support”, Mr. Munro added.

One such initiative recently launched is the Centre’s Art programme for people affected by cancer. This therapeutic programme, under the tutelage of artist Philip Cullen, provides participants with the opportunity to explore their creative sides. With a focus on nature, people, textures, landscapes and colour the programme aims to create an evocative and relaxed atmosphere that heightens the senses.

The Solas Centre has also expanded its counselling and therapy services and has introduced new programmes for groups including stress management, yoga, and a new support programme for men.

The philosophy of the Solas Centre is manifold; to provide cancer patients and their families with a safe place to talk things over and to help them cope with living with cancer. It also will work closely with the hospitals of the region in promoting and supporting patient-focused, cutting-edge cancer research and continues not only to educate people about cancer prevention, but also to change our mindset around cancer.

For more information about the cancer support services at the Solas Centre call 051 304604, visit www.solascentre.ie or check out the Facebook page Solas Centre – South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

Local food heroes supporting local charities

Rotary Club of Waterford presents an evening with the award winning Dungarvan chef Paul Flynn of the Tannery Restaurant and local MasterChef winner Mary Carney, returning to Waterford publicly for the first time since winning the inaugural MasterChef Ireland on RTE. This exciting event will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday November 30^th at the Tourism and Leisure Building WIT, Cork Road.

Mary Carney grew up in Waterford City as the youngest in a family of five children and food has always been a huge part of her life. Her mother ensured that the kitchen was where everyone wanted to be. She involved the entire family in the preparation of meals so cooking has always been second nature to her. Of course Mary’s family has a long tradition in the food industry in Waterford, her grandmother being a Flahavan of Kilmacthomas.

Mary spent her college years in Dublin and it was there that she met her husband Mike - a fellow Waterford man - who shared her passion for food.

Then, this year she entered MasterChef Ireland and had the great fortune of winning the title. After winning she decided to pursue a career in the food industry full time.

Paul Flynn, renowned chef is proprietor of the Tannery Restaurant. The Tannery Restaurant is located in Dungarvan and has long been regarded as one of Ireland's leading restaurants. In 2005 the boutique style Tannery Townhouse was also opened and just a few years later the Tannery Cookery School featuring a state of the art demonstration kitchen with further adjacent guest accommodation was added to Paul and Maire Flynn’s culinary offering.

Paul Flynn is regarded as one of the foremost Irish chefs, cooking exciting and modern Irish food. The Tannery Cookery School reflects his cooking ethos with cookery courses for everyone from the amateur home cook to the more adventurous cook and even those who might want to cook for a living.

Both chefs are passionate about Waterford and as such were delighted when given the opportunity to cook together in the renowned facilities at WIT. The evening will include some useful culinary tips for the festive season.

Mrs. Kathleen Fitzgerald President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “The Rotary Club of Waterford is so proud to present this event. Two of Waterford’s best exports offering their time and talent for local charities is such an exciting prospect.”

Benefiting local charities include the Camphill Community in Ballytobin and the Simon Community in Waterford.

This is strictly a ticket only event and priced at just €25 tickets can be bought from Nolke Opticians at Ardkeen and David M Breen & Co, Chartered Accountants (Ph 051-875222) and Lily O’Brien’s Chocolate Café in Georges Court.

Spinnaker Bar set to represent Waterford in Good Food Ireland’s Food Pub of the Year

The Spinnaker Bar and Restaurant, in the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East has been nominated as Food Pub of the Year in Good Food Ireland Awards 2011. The awards will be presented by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny on November 22nd at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel.

As the only Waterford pub to be short listed in this prestigious category, the Spinnaker’s proprietor Niall Edmondson was delighted with the nomination.

“The philosophy of Good Food Ireland is to recognise businesses in the food and tourism sectors that promote high quality produce and work to provide a well rounded good eating experience. It really is a great accolade to be nominated in the Food Pub of the Year category and a big boost for the great crew we have here.”

“We have spent a considerable amount of time refining our menu to offer something for everyone. In fact Good Food Ireland remarked on our varied offering featuring everything from our signature Surf ‘n’ Turf dish, our Wexford lamb, Aberdeen Angus steak and the fresh seafood from Dunmore East which is caught quite literally a few feet from our front door.”

Niall added “The team at the Spinnaker has worked hard to create a memorable family experience and as most peoples’ purse strings are that bit tighter kids can now eat for free on Fridays. The feedback on this initiative has been phenomenal and our customers do appreciate the focus we have placed on family time.”

The Good Food Ireland awards celebrate those within the industry who have show innovation and position themselves as food and tourism champions. The Food Pub of the Year category recognises pubs that deliver superior food whilst emphasising an Irish–ingredient led experience.

To find out more about the Spinnaker Bar and Restaurant check out www.thespinnakerbar.com or call 051 383133.

Sienna Celebrates!

Congratulations to Sienna home Furnishings on their great success and achievement on being one of the Top30 Stores in Ireland!

Retail Excellence Ireland, Ireland’s largest retail industry body, presented the awards on Saturday night, November 5^th at a ceremony in Galway that was attended by over 500 retailers.

The awards are the biggest event in the Irish retail industry calendar. Retail Excellence Ireland is the largest retail industry group in Ireland with over 8,500 store members employing over 110,000 people.

Solicitor fights for school’s sight loss campaign

In 1982 Sinead Kane was born in Youghal, Co. Cork with just five per cent vision and was registered as blind. However this was one obstacle that didn’t stop her from qualifying as Ireland’s first visually impaired solicitor in 2009.

Ms. Kane explained, “I was told by eye doctors that I would be totally blind by the time I would be 23 years old. I am 29 years old now so I am six years overdue. My childhood was a battle against adversity because I was constantly fighting the system to get appropriate needs and supports.”

Most of her life has been about triumph over adversity and fighting for what she believes. Now she has turned her attention and positive attitude to the cause of Fight for Sight and in particular its recent project; the production and distribution of an educational film called “Wally’s lucky day”.

In June 1984 Fight for Sight was founded in Waterford by Ophthalmologist Mr. Paddy Condon for the purpose of prevention of sight loss.

Following the occurrence of several serious industrial accidents in the South East of Ireland in the early 80’s involving, in particular, a number of young people losing their sight Mr. Condon decided that through education and resources many of these incidents could be prevented.

Since its establishment the Fight for Sight has raised more than €2 million through continuous fundraising programs and donations.

In 2010 Fight for Sight started plans to produce a film based upon the potential dangers for sight loss in everyday life for teenagers. Acclaimed and award winning playwright and director Jim Nolan was asked to write and direct the film.

Following the assistance of a number of groups including the talent of local teenage actors Wally’s Lucky Day was completed in spring 2011.

Wally’s Lucky Day is a thirty minute fictional film designed to encourage eye safety awareness amongst its target audience of young teenagers.

Wally is sixteen, he’s got a cold sore and he’s in love with the lovely Louise. Viewers are asked to join him on his lucky day; a day when despite the combined efforts of breakfast rolls, city traffic, scratch cards, welding machines, his cousin Ray and his mates Tom and Joe, absolutely nothing goes wrong. Then you see a few people who weren’t so lucky.

The film shows how simple daily activities can be dangerous for ones eyes. It is hard hitting and quite graphic towards the end of the film, but needs to be in order to make an impact on today’s teenage viewer. It is an original way of communicating to this age group and both Fight for Sight and Sinead Kane think is worth assisting.

Fight for Sight’s aim is to distribute this film to every secondary school in Ireland and is currently looking for sponsorship in order to assist with this plan.

Following Ms. Kane’s decision to help Fight for Sight she has learned that her connection with the charity goes back many years.

“My mother recently told me that Mr. Condon saw my grandmother back in the late 1970s and operated on her eyes. Also around that time he saw my mother and treated her eyes. When he realised that my mother had glaucoma he ordered that she get all her brothers and sisters down to Waterford straight away to be checked for Glaucoma.

In 1980 my mother gave birth to my sister Aisling. My mother was so impressed by Mr. Condon’s caring nature that she brought my sister at 6 weeks old to see him. I was born just before the Fight for Sight charity was set up and as a baby my mother also brought me to Mr. Condon.

The wheel seems to be coming full circle. Mr Condon has assisted generations of my family and now its time I assisted him and do whatever I can for his charity.”

Wally’s Lucky Day was officially premiered and launched at the Greyfriars Gallery in Waterford City on Thursday November 10th 2011. It is Fight for Sight’s plan to distribute the film to every secondary school in the country in the New Year.

Geraldine honoured at Mayoral Reception

Geraldine Grant, CAREGiver of the Year, was recently honoured with a Mayoral Reception in the Mayor of Waterford's Office.

In October, Geraldine was announced as the overall winner of the national Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year.

The national awards recognise the work of Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGivers and acknowledge their dedication and commitment to providing the best care for seniors.

Raising Bank Finance – an enterprising lunchtime seminar!

Waterford City Enterprise Board recently launched a series of Networking Lunch events that address the pertinent and real issues affecting businesses in today’s tough economic climate.

The first of these lunchtime seminars took place last week and the topic was “Raising Bank Finance” with Mr. Freddie Hatton of FP Consulting. Never before has the issue of bank funding been more outstanding. In August the Central Bank in Ireland announced that the pillar banks cannot lend over €3 billion in Microfinance loans to small business because of the quality of applications and a lack of demand.

With banks no longer responding positively to applications for funding from SME’s this has left many small businesses unable to secure much needed capital.

The premise of this inaugural lunchtime presentation was to offer attendees a better understanding of the change in banking policy, the revised criterion in banking, how best to position funding requests and the kind of supporting documentation that is required from the banks. Following on from this, there will be a series of one day workshops on November 9^th and December 7^th.

According to Ciaran Cullen, Acting CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board, the event proved hugely enlightening for those in attendance. “The Waterford City Enterprise Board has fashioned an agenda of lunchtime events that are pertinent and, in many cases, critical to SME’s today. Over the course of the next few months we will be offering people in business, at all stages, the opportunity to gain some practical advice and a comprehensive insight into the areas that are affecting them.”

“Freddie Hatton is well regarded in the financial services, with over 33 years experience with Bank of Ireland and subsequently as CEO of the SAP Group. Therefore he is well positioned to offer an informative and constructive overview of what SME’s need to do in order to secure bank funding. Applying for finance to any bank or financial institution can be a daunting process and a quagmire of red tape, bureaucracy and rejection. That is why an event like this and the follow up one day workshops are of huge benefit to anyone seeking finance and can give them the confidence to apply in the knowledge their chances will be vastly improved.”

If you would like to find out more about Waterford Enterprise Boards workshops which take place on November 9^th and December 7^th from 9.30am to 5pm and cost €25, call 051 852883 or email info@waterfordceb.com

South East Run for Life a regional success for the Solas Centre!

What a day! The Solas Centre couldn’t have asked for a better day for its South East Run for Life. The increased numbers that participated, the increased money raised for the South East Cancer Foundation and the all new Fun for Life event at the People’s Park in Waterford City on Sunday, October 16^th all made the fourth Run for Life its best ever.

And the weather helped too!

With a growth of over 700 participants on the previous year, 1708 runners, joggers and walkers lined the streets of Waterford in this year’s luminous orange South East Run for Life t-shirts. At one stage in the afternoon four miles of these orange shirts snaked around Waterford’s ring road providing a magnificent sight.

The 2011 race was much more of a regional event. Over 40% of the participants hailed from outside Waterford County. This year’s regional focus was a conscious decision on the part of the organisers. Since the Solas Centre offers its services to a regional audience Beat 102 103 came on board to promote this year’s race to the five counties of the South East. One runner even came all the way from Wales!

The monies raised this year also exceeded all projections and eclipsed previous year’s totals. With over €264,000 raised for The Solas Centre this important event was an even bigger success than ever imagined. In fact in the days and weeks since the race the positive feedback to the Solas Centre has been overwhelming.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman was delighted with the day, “I am so pleased with the tremendous response this year. The money raised will help expand the Solas Centre’s services through out the South East. One of this year’s goals is to develop our relationship with cancer support groups throughout the five counties. I cannot thank the runners enough for giving up their time to participate in the South East Run for Life 2011.

Our plans for the coming months include broadening our service base, adding to the facilities we provide our clients and increasing our staff to serve them. We need to be constantly creative in the way we support cancer patients and the funds generously donated will allow us to support new programmes. Thanks to the generosity of the people of the South East new services can be introduced in 2012.” Mr. Munro added.

The Solas Centre was built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East, over €1.5million was raised over three years. It moved from its original premises in a small estate house in Waterford to its new state of the art facility in Ardkeen, which is now regarded as one of the finest cancer support facilities in the country today.

Plans for the 2012 South East Run for Life have already started. If you participated in this year’s event and have any ideas or suggestions for next year’s race the team at the Solas Centre would be delighted to hear from you. Simply call into the Solas Centre at Ardkeen in Waterford City or write to them with your thoughts and suggestions. You can also call (051) 304604, email info@solascentre.ie or find them on Facebook.

Waterford's enterprising initiatives in food and drink

Waterford Enterprise Board has long been an advocate of building small business enterprises in Waterford city. Through a wide range of programmes including clinics, courses, enterprise development assistance and funding Waterford City Enterprise Board has assisted 24 start ups this year alone.

With the success of the recent Harvest Food Festival Waterfordians could be forgiven for regarding Waterford as the new up and coming “foodie” capital of Ireland. The importance of producing and supplying high quality artisan food and beverages is recognised by Waterford City Enterprise Board, and as such has recently launched its Ideas in Food initiative.

The concept behind Ideas in Food is to encourage and assist individuals with a viable idea for the food industry. Two such examples of enterprising food and beverage producers that Waterford City Enterprise Board has worked with are Granny Maddocks Pantry and Metalman Brewing.

Granny Maddocks Pantry is the brainchild of Mary Doherty. The business named after Mary’s great grandmother Bridget Maddocks produces fresh gluten and wheat free cakes that look and taste like regular cakes. Mary became aware of the potential for the business as many of her friends and family were on gluten free diets and were restricted in their choice of cakes and pastries. All the baking is done in a total flour free environment and baked to order. Mary has plans to expand the range to savoury items in the future.

Another enterprise which has received assistance from Waterford City Enterprise Board is Metalman Brewing, a microbrewery currently under construction in Waterford city. Metalman Brewing was borne out of a love of beer but frustration at the lack of availability of authentic Irish beer.

Gráinne Walsh and Tim Barber produced their first beer, Metalman Pale Ale in March 2011. This beer was launched in both Waterford and Dublin and has been very well received.

"It's still work in progress, but we're finally getting there", says Gráinne Walsh. "We've had a lot of support from different people along the way, including Waterford City Enterprise Board, who are helping us with financing some of the brewery equipment we need.”

According to Mr. Ciaran Cullen, Acting CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, Waterford has experienced a groundswell of interest in producing high quality, artisan food and drink.

“So far in 2011 the Waterford City Enterprise Board has assisted food producers with Measure 1 grants, which provides funding for equipment and production. We have also recently launched the Enterprising Food Network, which has 13 members. This network assists food producers and now restaurants and horticulture projects, in areas such as packaging, branding, route to market, distribution, marketing and business advice.”

“The Ideas in Food initiative gives those who are thinking of moving into or who are already in the food sector a sounding board for their ideas and concerns. The assistance ranges from advice and mentoring to product development and financial assistance.”

He added “Waterford has received some tough blows on the jobs front, but bit by bit these enterprising individuals collectively can give Waterford the boost it deserves.”

If you have an “Idea in Food” talk to the Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051 852883 or email info@waterfordceb.com

HCS Business Solutions – demystifies the Cloud for Waterford businesses

HCS Business Solutions recently hosted a cloud computing seminar which highlighted the way forward for local businesses. The seminar aimed at business owners and managers was entitled “The New Way to implement IT solutions using the Cloud”.

Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions highlighted the cost saving implications of cloud services for small business, whilst Microsoft solution architects demonstrated in real time the accessibility and functionality of cloud based IT systems including Microsoft Office 365 and CRM 2011.

Major developments in the IT sector have been well documented and technologies are now moving towards “the cloud”. Thus HCS hosted this seminar in an attempt to demystify cloud computing and highlight how it can work for local businesses.

According to Mr. Phelan the way forward is inevitably the implementation of cloud based services. “Homes and businesses are becoming more and more dependent on technology. However there are still many obstacles or failure points in the way of being truly connected. Particularly in today’s tough trading climate anything that negatively impacts on productivity and leads to downtime is a real concern for any business.”

He added “That’s why adapting to developments in cloud technology enables companies to have greater data security, more flexibility in terms of functionality, easier and more reliable service along with notable cost saving benefits.”

There was also a demonstration of Microsoft Office 365 by Microsoft solution architects Mark Mulvany and Dave Northey. This is not the first time that HCS Business Solutions has highlighted the massive impact of the cloud. In February of this year HCS Business Solutions was instrumental in brining MD of Microsoft Ireland, Paul Rellis to Waterford to the region’s businesses on the future of “cloud computing” and the advances being made by Microsoft in this area.

For further information about HCS Business Solutions or for a free cloud computing assessment survey visit www.hcs.ie or call 051 595200.

Partyworld Tips for a “spooktacularly” safe Halloween

Ahead of Halloween, when goblins and ghouls descend on the streets of Waterford, Partyworld Tramore is encouraging parents and children to stay safe.

By observing some simple yet effective guidelines it will ensure that all our little monsters will have a ghoulishly safe Halloween!

1. Set out specific neighborhood boundaries to your children when they go trick-or-treating and ensure they know where they can and can’t trick or treat!

2. Don’t allow children to go trick-or-treating alone. Always accompany your younger children and ensure older children trick or treat in groups of three or four.

3. Remind children to keep to well lit pathways and be cautious when crossing the road.

4 Use a flashlight or add reflective strips to costumes and shoes so drivers can see children at night.

5. Never ever enter stranger’s homes or vehicles.

6. Tell children to go only to homes and neighbors they know and only to houses with lights on.

7. Don’t allow your children to cut through back alleys and fields. Make sure they know to stay in populated places and don't go off the beaten track.

8. Check that your child’s Halloween goodie bag has not been tampered with. For this reason children should not eat their trick or treat bounty until they get home.

9. Make sure costumes fit properly and don’t trail on the ground. Tripping and falling is one of the main causes of injury on Halloween.

10. Beware of Pets. Even dogs that are in costume and out walking with their families may not be friendly to strangers.

According to Sonya Kelly, Proprietor of Partyworld, Halloween is a wonderful time for children and parents alike, but it is important to ensure that children stay safe at all times. “A few simple guidelines for children will ensure that Halloween will be a fun memorable holiday for everyone”, she said.

Based in the Riverstown Business Park in Tramore, Co. Waterford Partyworld is owned by the Acheson family and has been supplying costumes to children and adults for every occasion for the last four years.

To check out the ranges available at Partyworld log onto www.partyworld.ie or call 051 338269.

Outstanding Fun for Life at Solas Centre South East Run for Life!