Danette is Waterford Network’s “Professional Services” winner

Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead Senior Care picked up the Female Excellence in Professional Services Award at the Network Waterford Women In Business Awards 2011, which were held in the Tower Hotel on Thursday, May 26th.

In 1998 New Zealander Danette arrived in Waterford armed with a nursing qualification and began work in the Intensive Care Unit of Waterford Regional Hospital. However, while in Waterford, Danette recognised a gap in the nursing recruitment market and founded Nursing and Allied Services which operated for a decade. She subsequently developed a state of the art training facility at the Cleaboy Business Park which provides training services to health professionals, manual handling training to all business sectors, manual handling and patient handling to the healthcare organisations and First Aid Training to individuals and groups.

Not content to rest on her laurels in January 2009 Danette and her husband Michael brought the highly successful and award winning, Home Instead Senior Care Franchise to Waterford. Home Instead Senior Care provides non-medical homecare to seniors in their own homes and has 17 owner operated offices in Ireland.

During 2010 and into 2011 Home Instead Senior Care experienced growth during challenging economic times. This growth has provided employment opportunities for Waterford.The organisation is not only recognised as a growing business, but also as a reputable and trusted member of the health care sector.

Danette has spearheaded many positive health initiatives including Positive Ageing Week in Waterford. Her hard work came to fruition in 2010 when Waterford was designated a Positive Ageing city.

Danette has also worked to establish a Stroke Support Group for Waterford. At a local level Danette has been advocating for regulation of the home care sector with the best interest of those being cared for in mind. Currently there is no regulation, but Home Instead Senior Care works to the Home Care Association standards (HCA) and is audited on these. This helps ensure local seniors receive a guaranteed quality of care.

It is testimony to Danette’s drive and ambition that has established her as one of Waterford’s leading business women and the Female Excellence in Professional Services Award endorses this.

According to Danette “I am delighted to have received this award. It is always nice to be recognised by your peers. This award reinforces the fact that we are going in the right direction in establishing a viable respected business and working with our staff, clients, health care providers and the wider community to promote better health awareness amongst seniors and their families.”

In 2009 Danette was a finalist for the South East County & City Enterprise Boards Woman in Business Awards and a Winner of the Professional Services Entrepreneur (Nursing & Allied Services). Danette won the Network Waterford Business Woman of the year (self-employed) and represented Waterford nationally and was one of three finalists for that category

NAS aims to get Waterford hearts ship shape!

Waterford company NAS Training Centre, is behind the drive to compile and publish a comprehensive database of AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator) available in Waterford City, in preparation for the country’s largest quayside party – the Tall Ships Festival.

The premise of the database is to contain the locations of AED’s, in and around Waterford City. With an anticipated 500,000 visitors to Waterford City over the Tall Ships weekend, the availability of information about where AED’s are situated should help alleviate any potential tragedy.

The idea is the brainchild of Danette Connolly of NAS Training Centre, which first introduced the AED register in 2009. According to Ms. Connolly, “Back in 2009 we called on businesses, sports and social clubs to furnish us with details about their AED’s. As a result dozens of businesses contacted us and the information we compiled was also useful in campaigning to get more AED’s strategically located around Waterford City and County.”

“Waterford will experience one of the world’s most vibrant, colourful festivals over four jam packed days and the Tall Ships Festival will bring half a million visitors, tourists and families to our city. That is why we feel a comprehensive register of AED’s will be invaluable in the event that someone suffers a sudden cardiac event. The register will contain the names and addresses of individuals and businesses throughout the city that have an AED and if someone finds themselves requiring an AED, will know exactly where the nearest is located to them.”

Ms. Connolly added “Where concentrated volumes of people gather, there is a heightened risk of one of those suffering from a sudden cardiac event. In Ireland approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases. That’s why we feel that precautionary measures such as the AED register will inform and enlighten people about where the nearest AED is and assist those who are responding to any emergencies during the Tall Ships Festival.”

However, Ms. Connolly stressed that anyone confronted with a medical emergency should firstly call the emergency services.

Declan Barry of the Waterford Marine Search and Rescue has backed this initiative. He said “The arrival of the Tall Ships to Waterford in June is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most prestigious maritime festivals. With up to half a million visitors expected in the city we strongly feel that any measures to assist us and the authorities in providing optimum safety measures is welcome.”

“The publication of the AED register is a great idea. By businesses working together to ensure that any emergencies can be dealt with swiftly and efficiently we anticipate a fun and memorable weekend for Waterford.”

To register the details of your AED please visit www.nas.ie or call 051 333960 for more information.

Upon completion, the AED register will be available to download from the NAS Training website.

South East businesses are ready for the Cloud!

HCS Business Solutions, an IT services provider with an extensive South Eastern client base, in association with the South Eastern Regional Chambers, recently conducted a survey about Cloud Computing and the perceptions surrounding it amongst businesses in the South East.

The survey was distributed to Chamber members across Waterford, Wexford, Clonmel, Carlow and Kilkenny. The findings reported that the majority of businesses were not only familiar with the concept of Cloud computing, but would consider using some form of cloud services. Only 4% of respondents had never heard of Cloud computing.

Simply put, cloud computing allows end users to securely leverage the Internet for application use, data storage, and other tools. Coupled with this cloud options are more cost effective, with no need for on site backup.

Almost 74% of the respondents were representative of small businesses employing up to 50 employees. This seems particularly apt as Paul Rellis, MD Microsoft Ireland, recently stated that cloud computing will give huge opportunities to individuals and companies alike.

“The power of computing that was once the preserve of large organisations can now be used by every organisation of every size. Cloud computing is a new industry that Ireland can take advantage of very quickly. The technology space changes so rapidly but this is a transformation that will be sustainable over the next couple of decades.”

Based on the respondents knowledge of Cloud computing the most important perceived benefit of using cloud services were:

1) it requires no capital up front investment

2) it cuts company costs

3) it allows staff to collaborate and share more information

Despite the positivity surrounding cloud services, many respondents expressed concerns about certain aspects of adopting the cloud. Across the region 85% of respondents stated that reliability was “very important” or “a showstopper” for them. Whereas over three quarters expressed security as a very important or show stopping concern in adopting the cloud.

While all of the respondents have broadband facilities, their broadband speed varies considerably with 10% of companies having a broadband speed of less than 2MB, while the majority of respondents (29.3%) have a broadband speed of 4 to 8 MB. However, despite the variations in broadband facilities, almost half of the businesses (43%) were confident that their broadband connection was reliable enough to support cloud services to their business.

Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions, which conducted the survey, believes that the results do endorse the future of cloud computing.

“The premise of this regional survey was to test the waters amongst businesses about their perception of the cloud, their knowledge of the services and to unearth their main concerns about implementing a cloud strategy.”

“Although some questions arise around challenges to adopting cloud services - security, speed and reliability will inevitably remain valid concerns amongst businesses. However, we do believe that in time companies not just in the South East of Ireland, but globally, will regard cloud based services for businesses as the norm. Cloud computing will give users a more reliable, remote and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability, which in these tough times is crucial.”

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.

For a copy of the survey results or further information about HCS Business Solutions call 051-595200 or email info@hcs.ie

South East businesses are ready for the Cloud!

HCS Business Solutions, an IT services provider with an extensive South Eastern client base, in association with the South Eastern Regional Chambers, recently conducted a survey about Cloud Computing and the perceptions surrounding it amongst businesses in the South East.

The survey was distributed to Chamber members across Waterford, Wexford, Clonmel, Carlow and Kilkenny. The findings reported that the majority of businesses were not only familiar with the concept of Cloud computing, but would consider using some form of cloud services. Only 4% of respondents had never heard of Cloud computing.

Simply put, cloud computing allows end users to securely leverage the Internet for application use, data storage, and other tools. Coupled with this cloud options are more cost effective, with no need for on site backup.

Almost 74% of the respondents were representative of small businesses employing up to 50 employees. This seems particularly apt as Paul Rellis, MD Microsoft Ireland, recently stated that cloud computing will give huge opportunities to individuals and companies alike.

“The power of computing that was once the preserve of large organisations can now be used by every organisation of every size. Cloud computing is a new industry that Ireland can take advantage of very quickly. The technology space changes so rapidly but this is a transformation that will be sustainable over the next couple of decades.”

Based on the respondents knowledge of Cloud computing the most important perceived benefit of using cloud services were:

1) it requires no capital up front investment

2) it cuts company costs

3) it allows staff to collaborate and share more information

Despite the positivity surrounding cloud services, many respondents expressed concerns about certain aspects of adopting the cloud. Across the region 85% of respondents stated that reliability was “very important” or “a showstopper” for them. Whereas over three quarters expressed security as a very important or show stopping concern in adopting the cloud.

While all of the respondents have broadband facilities, their broadband speed varies considerably with 10% of companies having a broadband speed of less than 2MB, while the majority of respondents (29.3%) have a broadband speed of 4 to 8 MB. However, despite the variations in broadband facilities, almost half of the businesses (43%) were confident that their broadband connection was reliable enough to support cloud services to their business.

Neil Phelan, Director of HCS Business Solutions, which conducted the survey, believes that the results do endorse the future of cloud computing.

“The premise of this regional survey was to test the waters amongst businesses about their perception of the cloud, their knowledge of the services and to unearth their main concerns about implementing a cloud strategy.”

“Although some questions arise around challenges to adopting cloud services - security, speed and reliability will inevitably remain valid concerns amongst businesses. However, we do believe that in time companies not just in the South East of Ireland, but globally, will regard cloud based services for businesses as the norm. Cloud computing will give users a more reliable, remote and transparent IT service resulting in greater uptime and more business stability, which in these tough times is crucial.”

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.

For a copy of the survey results or further information about HCS Business Solutions call 051-595200 or email info@hcs.ie

Ex-Crystal workers team up with the Enterprise Boards to grow business.

Following the closure of Waterford Crystal Ltd and the layoff of most of the workforce, the European Parliament approved Ireland's application for assistance under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) for those redundant workers.

The EGF fund encompasses over 650 workers made redundant at the Waterford Crystal Kilbarry plant and in ancillary enterprises in 2009. The EGF application is for just under €4m, of which the Government is providing almost €1.4m, with the remainder coming from the EGF.

The measures which the EGF fund can be used for include supports for retraining, up skilling, enterprise development and educational opportunities. The whole project is overseen by a steering group under the chairmanship of City Manager Michael Walsh.

Almost 250 redundant workers have availed of training places to date in disciplines as diverse as computing, warehousing, welding, forklift and HGV driving as well as external courses supported through the FÁS technical employment support grant. The aim of these supports is to better enable redundant workers to augment existing craft skills with broader or additional skill sets with a view to their accessing, or being ready to access, employment opportunities as they arise.

The Vocational Education Committees, Enterprise Ireland and the City and County Enterprise Boards are also offering a range of educational and enterprise supports to former workers in areas such Start Your Own Business, Childcare studies, Business courses and ECDL. Quite a few redundant workers have started their own businesses and receive business advice and business mentoring on a regular basis from the City & County Enterprise Boards.

One such ex Crystal worker to avail of EGF funding is Kevin Lonergan, proprietor of Cupcake Heaven, which provides specialist gourmet cupcakes to a diverse range of markets in Waterford and the South East.

Kevin was contracted to Waterford Crystal through the RPS Group, as maintenance fitter for 15 years. Of 5 of those 15 years, Kevin served as team leader with a team of 30 staff.

Having been made redundant from Waterford Crystal in January 2009, Kevin and his wife Fiona explored the possibility of starting their business. Following extensive research into the market, a niche for a specialist gourmet cupcake provider was recognised.

Through the EGF, Kevin has received an employment grant, extensive business and marketing mentoring and capital funding from Waterford City Enterprise Board. To date Cupcake Heaven has garnered a reputation for supplying and providing quality, unique produce, made predominantly from locally sourced produce throughout the region.

Since it was established in March 2010 Cupcake Heaven is an integral part of the city’s markets including the Ardkeen Artisan Market, the Waterford City Market, The Dunmore East Food Festival and The Waterford Harvest Festival. Cupcake Heaven’s produce also proved a big hit at The Mayor's Tea Party, Bank of Ireland Enterprise Week and Ladies Day at the Tramore Races. Weddings, christenings, communions and major family events are also popular events for Cupcake Heaven.

Acting CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board Ciaran Cullen is optimistic yet realistic about the European Globalisation fund’s potential. Mr. Cullen commented “The fund has been a great success for those that availed of it. Over thirty attended Start Your Own Business Courses which were especially developed of the EGF eligible workers and over twenty new businesses have started in the City alone. My only regret is that more eligible workers haven’t been in a position to take up the assistances that were on offer.”

The City and County Enterprise Boards originally only allocated €200,000 in grant aid to assist 20 eligible Waterford Crystal workers to become self employed in the original application to the European Globalisation Fund. The EGF steering Committee actually increased this application and approved €950,000 and spent to date over €500,000 which in real terms translates to assisting 45 businesses creating approximately 60 new jobs.

Other Waterford businesses benefiting from their association with the EGF and the Enterprise Boards are Insight Training and Professional Services, and B&E Limited in Waterford city and in the county Radiance Crystal and Gene O’Shea.

Mr. Cullen added that for those who still qualify for EGF funding it is not too late to get assistance from the Enterprise Boards and the other EGF bodies.

“We are giving the EGF fund one last big push to see if there are more workers that might take their idea, allow us to guide them through mentoring and help them to apply for the funding to take this once in a lifetime chance to create a job for themselves. We won’t be able to take any further applications after Friday June 10^th so I would encourage everyone that is eligible to contact us”, said Mr. Cullen.

For information regarding the fund and its criteria people are asked to contact the EGF co-ordinator for Waterford, John Nunn. John can be contacted on 051-304951.

Waterford Rotary Club gets "on their bikes" for charity cycle!

The Waterford Rotary Club sponsored family cycle recently took place with all funds raised going to Ronald Mc Donald house for parents of sick children in Crumlin hospital.

This is the third year of this event and once again the event attracted more than 70 cyclists who started out from McDonalds on the Cork road to Tramore GAA grounds and back.

This year saw the introduction of the family cycle theme with ages as young as 7 going the distance.

The second event last week was the Rotary Club cinema night in Storm cinema Waterford. The event was changed from a premier night to a classical cinematic experience with a screening of Casablanca staring the Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 180 guests enjoyed the evening immensely with plans already afoot for another classic cinema night later in the year. All funds raised on the night go to Rotary Charities.

More photos of the day are available on the Waterford Rotary Club Facebook page.

Queen Elizabeth II and Waterford City’s Royal connection

Queen Elizabeth II has viewed the earliest known contemporary portraits of a medieval king of England, King Edward III, (1327-1377) on her State Visit to Ireland.

On Wednesday 18^th May during the Queen’s courtesy call to the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Mr Enda Kenny at Government Buildings in Dublin, the Queen viewed the Great Charter Roll of the City of Waterford. Dating from 1372 and measuring some 4 metres in length, the parchment roll contains portraits of five medieval kings of England - Henry II, John, Henry III, Edward I and two contemporary portraits of King Edward III.

One of the illustrations shows King Edward III in armour, carrying a sword and shield and on horseback. In the second illustration the king is wearing a crown and a gold belt and is seated on a gilded throne holding a sceptre, a symbol of monarchy. These two portraits of the monarch are the earliest known contemporary portraits of a medieval king of England.

The Charter Roll, a rare and fascinating survival, also features an illustration of the walled city of Waterford, the earliest illustration of an Irish city. Above the city is another representation of King Edward III, this time presenting the mayor of Waterford with a ceremonial bearing sword and the mayor in turn presenting the king with the keys of the city.

Also illustrated are nine medieval governors of Ireland, a medieval judge and the mayors of the four royal cities of Ireland shown in order of their importance at the time - Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Limerick. The Roll containing royal charters dating from 1215 and other important documents was presented to King Edward III in London by the Waterford city fathers in an attempt to win the king’s support for the city’s claim to have a monopoly on trade entering Waterford Harbour.

The Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, Eamonn McEneaney, said “The Great Charter Roll is one of the great treasures of late medieval Ireland. It underlines the strong cultural, social, economic and political links between England and Ireland and particularly with cities like Waterford in the later Middle Ages.”

In addition to the Charter Roll, the city of Waterford possesses some nineteen other illuminated royal charters ranging in date from 1215 to 1815. Waterford Museum of Treasures with the support of the Heritage Council has completed a twelve-year conservation programme of all the charters. Next year Waterford City Council will open a new medieval museum to house the city’s unique collection of charters, royal civic regalia and medieval cloth-of-gold vestments.

The Images on the roll can be viewed on www.waterfordtreasures.ie

Solas Centre Open Day a great success!

Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, opened its doors to those whose generosity helped to make the dream a reality.

The Solas Centre invited all those who contributed to the fundraising that enabled the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to move from their premises in Earlscourt to the new state of the art facility in Ardkeen.

The Open Day, on Saturday, May 14th, gave contributors, volunteers and fundraisers the opportunity to see and experience the facilities that are now at the disposal of cancer patients and their families.

Market Trends on the Rise!

There is an undeniable trend that has seen the considerable growth of Farmer’s markets in Ireland in recent years. Markets have come a long way; from humble beginnings when farmers sold fruit and vegetables direct from their farms to a flourishing industry that sees sausage makers, cheese producers, bakers and choclatiers displaying their unique and original produce in vibrant and congenial settings.

One such market is the Ardkeen Artisan Market, which is based in the car park of Ardkeen Quality Food Store on Sunday mornings, twice a month. This lively market was established in 2006 and today boasts over 20 different producers.

All the foods are produced regionally and the lip smacking selection includes Irish apples and juices, Wexford potatoes, Comeragh mountain lamb, Dunhill venison, savoury tarts, chutneys and relish, French crepes, hand-roasted coffee, homemade scones, continental breads, farm house cheeses and a sinful selection of confectionary.

One producer that is a regular stall holder at Ardkeen Market is Cupcake Heaven, which specialises in gourmet cupcakes. All the cupcakes are home made with the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Fiona Lonergan, Owner of Cupcake Heaven, loves the atmosphere of the market. Fiona said, “There is something special about selling at markets. The majority of people not only visit the market to buy good quality, local produce, but to soak up the atmosphere. There is nothing better than spending a few hours on a sunny Sunday morning sampling the produce, discovering new stalls and knowing that whatever you buy, be it a cupcake or a pot of jam, that it has been made with the finest fresh ingredients and you can be assured of its traceability.”

“Market stall holders know their customers very well, there is a huge loyalty factor involved in markets. There have been occasions when a customer asked us for a type of cupcake that we don’t sell, but we will make it for them knowing that they will be back at the next market. That’s why people keep coming back.”

According to Sinead Cheevers, who coordinates the Ardkeen Artisan Market, “People are also drawn to the social side of market life, the banter, the haggling, the laughter and the news of the day.”

“We try to put extra effort into seasonal events to mark these occasions, along with organising regular live entertainment. Our soapbox stage is getting a reputation for musical talent spotting, from jazzy ensembles to trad sessions all taking place under the shade of a tree. The summer’s programme is already shaping up very nicely with wild food demos, tea dances, book and CD fairs, art exhibitions and chess lessons all in the mix.”

The Ardkeen Market takes place on the 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of each month from 10am to 2 pm at Ardkeen Quality Food Store, Dunmore Road, Waterford.For further information about the market contact theardkeenmarket@gmail.com or follow “Ardkeen Artisans” on Facebook.

B2B Communications receives marketing award for Mr. Binman campaign

The Mr. Binman marketing campaign received an award at this year’s South East Marketing Institute Annual Gala Ball.

The overall campaign ran across several mediums including press, radio, outdoor, PR, on line and direct marketing.

The initial strategy was to position Mr. Binman as a good value alternative to the incumbents. By tapping into the national mood for change and using the strap line ‘Make the change today to the green revolution’. Mr. Binman adopted a specific ‘revolutionary’ theme and a ‘Russian revolution’ design style.

Following the success of this campaign Mr. Binman evolved the message and changed its strategy to a softer, community image. The strap line evolved to ‘Join the Mr. Binman family today’ and the branding also switched to a more ‘green’ image.

The radio campaign had a particularly potent effect and tied in with some well known famous families – and one, in particular, that celebrated a certain wedding recently!

Big congrats to Account Director Jonathan and Designer David!!

Solas Centre to open its doors to fundraisers

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, will open its doors to those whose generosity helped to make the dream a reality.

On Saturday, May 14^th, the Solas Centre is inviting all those who have contributed to the fundraising that enabled the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to move from their premises in Earlscourt to the new state of the art facility in Ardkeen.

The Open Day will give contributors, volunteers and fundraisers the opportunity to see and experience the facilities that are now 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.”

“Today the Solas Centre is the finest cancer support building in the country and the people of the south east can be proud in the knowledge that it is due to their support. Every single cent towards the design, build and running costs came from the endeavours of the Centre’s supporters.”

“We began fundraising in 2008 and over the last three the number of charity events has skyrocketed. Initially the Run for Life attracted 500 participants, however three years later that number has doubled. Our innovative supporters have organised everything from fashion shows to charity balls, from kayaking across the Irish Sea to Santa Dashes and skipathons to Pink Days.”

Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. Last year cancer support was provided to 250 patients from the South East Cancer Foundation’s small house in Earlscourt. The Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1000 patients in 2012.

In order to provide the best support services to these cancer patients and their families fundraising continues to be crucial. Iain Munro added “Unfortunately, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. The need to continue fundraising to support cancer patients is paramount. We will be announcing details of our main fundraising event, the 2011 Run for Life, at our Open Day. It is a great event that not only supports the work of the Solas Centre but is a great opportunity to get fit and have some fun.”

The Open Day will take place in the Solas Centre, Ardkeen, Waterford (opposite WLRfm) on Saturday, May 14^th from 12pm to 7pm. All are welcome to call in and see the facilities that are available and to find out more about the work of the South Eastern Cancer Foundation.

For further information the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the Facebook page “Solas Centre South Eastern Cancer Foundation”.

Casablanca; In digital and on the big screen thanks to Waterford Rotary

The Rotary Club of Waterford is proud to present a special screening of the triple Oscar winning classic, Casablanca. This special evening takes place at Storm Cinema on Thursday May 12th at 8pm, preceded by a wine and canapé reception at 7pm.

The classic and much-loved romantic melodrama Casablanca (1942), always found on top-ten lists of films, is a masterful tale of two men vying for the same woman's affections in a love triangle. The story of political and romantic espionage is set against the backdrop of the wartime conflict between democracy and totalitarianism. Casablanca was nominated for eight Academy Awards and subsequently won three.

The Storyline;

In World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca, the sycophantic police Captain Renault does what he can to please him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo. Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan to run off together again using the letters of transit.

The version of Casablanca being shown is digital and to increase the enjoyment of the film Screen 1 in Storm has recently been fitted with a new state of the art sound system.

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. Waterford Rotary Club meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford at 12.30 pm.

Last year the Rotary Club of Waterford gave €15,000 to the Haiti relief fund, and also regularly donates to local charities such as Waterford Hospice. Waterford Rotary Club is best known locally for the annual Memorial Christmas Tree in John Roberts Square.

Tickets cost €25 and can be purchased from Palmer Auctioneers, 2/3 Colbeck Street, Waterford City or call 051 872061.

2011 Waterford Festival of Architecture's official Launch