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!

Geraldine picks up Ireland’s top CAREGiver accolade!

Geraldine Grant was announced as the overall winner of the national Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Dublin’s Gibson Hotel.

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.

Since working with Home Instead Geraldine has provided care to over 30 clients in Waterford and South Kilkenny and beat off stiff competition from Home Instead’s 17 other franchise finalists.

According to the judging panel the criteria for the awards were quite rigorous and the finalists had to show evidence that caring is a passion and not just a job, as well as demonstrating circumstances where they went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best client care. Another criterion was the ability to show that the CAREGiver helped the client to reach and maintain independence.

Geraldine, who was delighted to receive the award, impressed the judges with her sense of humour, her ability to empathise with clients, the natural ability to develop warm relationships with her clients and their families and her dedication to her job.

In fact her dedication to her job was particularly evident during last winter’s challenging weather conditions. Geraldine attended all of her visits in the areas of South Kilkenny and not one of her clients was without her care over the winter months.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care Waterford said, “We are so proud of Geraldine and her achievement here tonight. She is without doubt one of the friendliest and most caring people I have ever met. Her affable and warm nature is infectious and on many an occasion clients have commented to me how lucky they are to have Geraldine as a carer.”

Ms. Connolly added “The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised. That’s why these awards are so important and a way of saying ‘Thank You’ to carers all over the country and acknowledging that by simply being there and providing companionship and comfort to seniors they are making the world of difference.”

To find out more about the role of the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Danette Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

Fun for all the Family at the Solas Centre Fun for Life

Fun for Life - guaranteed fun for all the family!

The Fun for Life Day takes place on Sunday, October 16^th in the People’s Park, Waterford. It’s guaranteed to be a jam-packed family fun day and all for a great cause, the South East Cancer Foundation.

There’ll be bouncy castles, a mega slide, the Wobbly Circus will be there along with a farmer’s market, a “superhero and princess” fancy dress competition and the People’s Park will also be home to the finish line of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life.

The Fun for Life is the family-centric part of the day, as the Solas Centre South East Run for Life gets under way that day at the Clock Tower at 12 noon. Thousands of runners, walkers and joggers are expected to complete the 10 mile course and finish in the People’s Park.

According to Barry Monaghan, Run for Life Committee Chair, the Fun for Life Day was created to ensure the participants in the South East Run for Life, their families and friends can all enjoy a great day for a great cause.

“We are hoping to match last year’s number of one thousand runners and walkers to take part in the South East Run for Life. These participants will come from all over the South East, so we want to ensure that their families and friends are well looked after and entertained while the runners undertake the more taxing 10 mile run.”

However, Mr. Monaghan added that the Fun for Life Day is for everyone and wants to encourage as many people to come along and enjoy the teeming fun line up.

“The entertainment will appeal to all ages. Beat 102-103 will be broadcasting live from the People’s Park, there will be face painters, bouncy castles and the fantastic Wobbly Circus are certain to enthral with their mad cap circus antics. For anyone who fancies a more taxing challenge why not try to scale the Adventure Climbing wall. The Farmers Market will also be there with a wide and tasty selection of fresh artisan treats and refreshments.”

Whether you’re participating in the Solas Centre South East Run for Life or you just want to enjoy a few hours of great family fun you won’t want to miss the Fun for Life Day at the People’s Park, Waterford on Sunday, October 16^th from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

For more information on the Fun for Life Day call the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the Facebook page “Solas Centre South East Run for Life”.

House of Waterford Crystal adds sparkle to the Solas Centre South East Run for Life

House of Waterford Crystal has generously sponsored the Crystal prizes for the 2011 Solas Centre South East Run for Life.

The Solas Centre South East Run for Life takes place on Sunday, October 16th.

The organisers are hoping 1,000 people will take part in support of the 1,000 who will avail of the Solas Centre in 2012.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.

Pictured above:

Barry Monaghan, South East Run for Life Committee Member accepting the Waterford Crystal prizes from Emily Brophy, House of Waterford Crystal and Collette Quinlan, South East Run for Life Committee Member.”

Join Waterford Rotary on Saturday, October 8th for the National Family Dog Walk!

All across Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is organising local walks through its network of volunteers and you’re invited too. So bring along your friends, family and dogs to get active and walk for them in your community.

This Saturday, October 8th in the People’s Park, the Rotary Club of Waterford is helping this vital charity with its efforts and calling all dog owners to join in by taking their dog for a walk between 2pm and 4pm. There is no sponsorship card required, just register at the event for €5 to get your reflective bands.

These reflective bands are a great safety accessory, especially during the autumn/winter months when days are getting shorter and darker. Ensure your family's safety by wearing them on your wrists or ankles.

Ms. Kathleen Fitzgerald President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said: “I am delighted that our club is helping the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in this fantastic event. It is a great idea and weather permitting a super day for everyone, especially the dogs! We would encourage all Waterford dog owners to join in support of this worthy cause.”

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is asking communities all over Ireland to participate in their first ever nationwide Family Dog Walk at 3pm on Saturday October 8th. Backed by soccer legend Roy Keane and RTE 2fm DJ Hector O’ hEochagain, the organisation hopes to raise €250,000 for those who are visually impaired and families of children with autism.

For further information about the National Family Dog Walk call Martin O'Hare, Rotary Club of Waterford on 087 2423221 or check out Waterford Rotary on Facebook.

Ballybeg’s Community Garden destined to be a perennial favourite!

Despite the downpours there was a large turnout for the official opening of the Ballybeg Community Garden and Artery Landscape, Design and Garden Centre.

The Community Garden and Centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Pat Hayes in the presence of Waterford City Manager, Michael Walsh.

The project, which is the brainchild of the hardworking voluntary committee of Ballybeg CDP under the auspices of Project Manager, Liz Riches, came to fruition after first been proposed in 2008. In a community that has a higher than average rate of unemployment, it was felt that a project of this nature, would give local people practical skills to support them in their move towards employment or further education.

As a result of hard work, vision and dedication the Ballybeg Community Garden and Artery Landscape, Design and Garden Centre has become an integral part of community life in Ballybeg.

Within the Community Garden over 30 small plots have been developed and are tended by groups of friends, families and children. Open and accessible, The Community Garden has become a social space, a place to learn and share and a place that provides organic fruit and vegetables to many families in Ballybeg.

Within the Community Garden you’ll also find The Artery Garden, a not-for-profit community enterprise which specialises in selling plants and providing advice and support to growers. Landscaping and design services are offered as well as short courses in organic growing for teachers, crèche workers and individuals wanting to learn more about growing their own.

According to Liz Riches, Project Manager of Ballybeg CDP, the final result has been amazing. “The Community Gardens were borne out of the dedication, generosity and energy of the local community. What was unsightly waste ground lying idle beside the Parish Centre is now a vibrant, colourful community garden that belongs to the community and is for their benefit.”

“We have been lucky to receive phenomenal support from local businesses and government agencies, and of course, Waterford City Council, and in particular the City Manager, Michael Walsh, who donated the land to us.”

Not content to rest on their laurels, the CDP has plans to further develop the Community Gardens. “We have seen the positivity and pride that the gardens have contributed to the community, and we really hope to develop further projects of this nature so that every resident of the community can become involved and help contribute to the enhancement of Ballybeg.”

The Ballybeg Community Garden is open seven days a week and The Artery Landscape, Design and Garden Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4pm and Fridays from 10am to 1pm at present.

For further information about the developments at Ballybeg Community Garden and the range of landscape, design and courses call Sean O’Driscoll, Horticulture Co-ordinator on 051 350100 or check out www.ballybegcdp.ie.