The future looks bright at Nolke Opticians, Ardkeen

There are big changes at Nolke Opticians. As a result of the merging of its Tramore branch with the Ardkeen branch, Nolke Opticians is expanding its services and range for the winter season.

Its plans include increasing its glasses range to include the RayBan Spectacle and sunglasses range, Jimmy Choo and an expanded Gucci winter range. This means that with over 1200 frames in stock Nolke Opticians has one of the largest choice of spectacles in the country. Nolke Opticians is also introducing new technology with its Essilor digital imaging mirror for the very best in Varifocal lens fitting and new Bausch and Lomb daily disposable lenses.

All this good news comes unfortunately as a result of closing the Nolke Opticians Tramore Branch on Friday 5th October and merging it with the Ardkeen Branch on Monday 8th October.

This difficult decision has come about as a result of current market conditions. Kjell Nolke, owner of Nolke Opticians genuinely regrets the Tramore closure but is optimistic for the future in Ardkeen, “Due to circumstances beyond our control we have made this decision to consolidate our branches to Ardkeen and thus be in a position to offer our whole customer base a better service and wider selection under one roof.”

As an incentive to Tramore patients Nolke Opticians would like to offer them a 25% discount off their next spectacle purchase in Ardkeen. Any Tramore patients can also enjoy a complimentary coffee and scone at Café Lucia at Ardkeen Quality Food Store.

“We would like to sincerely thank our customers who have supported us over the last four years. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Tramore, have made many good friendships and hope they will choose to continue attending us in the future. “

Kjell also explained how little will change for Tramore patients, “I’m delighted to confirm that all Tramore staff will continue to work in the Ardkeen branch, which means our level of customer service will be even better. The Tramore eye care records will be merged in to the Ardkeen database and when one’s next appointment is due the recall letters will continue to be posted as normal. Of course Ardkeen has free, easy access parking right outside the ground level practice.

If any Tramore customers have any questions regarding their service or these changes all the Nolke Opticians phone numbers will remain unchanged at 051 855638 or 395414.

Enterprising app developer helps visitors navigate Ploughing Championships

To give visitors a taste of what to expect at the South East Enterprise Village, Bizapps.ie, one of the exhibitors from Waterford, has developed a useful app for anyone going to the National Ploughing Championships.

The ‘Enterprise Village’ app has just been officially launched and is available on both the iPhone and Android platforms. The app showcases companies from Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, giving details on every business exhibiting within the South East Enterprise Village this year. It also has contact information for all the South East Enterprise Boards and a map showing the location of the Enterprise Village on the site.

The company’s owners, Pat Jones and Brian Crotty, believe that this app will prove an invaluable aid to anyone travelling to the National Ploughing Championships, which take place in New Ross, Co. Wexford from September 25^th to 27^th.

According to Pat Jones, Head of Technology with Bizapps.ie the app will allow visitors to get the most from their visit to the Enterprise Village at the Championships.  

“There is an interesting and diverse range of companies exhibiting within the Enterprise Village.  In fact, sixty four South East based companies, from energy monitoring to app design technology to GAA gear will be exhibiting at the Village.  The app offers a comprehensive listing and location map of all the businesses showcasing at the event.  Visitors to the Village will be able to plan their visit and call to the stands that are of particular interest to them.”

Bizapps.ie provides affordable Apps for iPhone, Android & iPad platforms targeted at SMEs, Community Groups and Growing Businesses.  The Apps allow Businesses and Community Groups to promote their events or products and incentivise customers/users with special offers or vouchers. 

In December 2011, 55% of all mobile phone sales in Ireland were smartphones.  Globally the trend seems set to continue as the International Data Corporation predicts sales of smartphones will grow to 982 million by the end of 2015.

Since 1999 Bizapps.ie has been involved in the design and implementation of many different handheld device programs and have expert technical, training and sales experience in this area.  

To download this free app, smartphone owners can log on to the app store and search for ‘Enterprise Village’.

The South East Enterprise Village is organised by the local County and City Enterprise Boards in Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford City and County and Wexford.

If you are interested in finding out about the range of apps from Bizapps.ie contact Pat Jones or Brian Crotty on 053 941 0099 or email info@bizapps.ie.

Monty Python member honoured with Waterford work of art

What do the Angel Pub in London, Keane’s Road and Sean Egan Art Glass have in common?  They were all instrumental in the unique commission and creation of a glass poster, honouring Monty Python member, Graham Chapman, who died in 1989 at the age of 48.

In June 2011, it was announced that Monty Python had begun production on their first film project since the Meaning of Life in 1983. The film, A Liar’s Autobiography is an animated 3D movie based on the memoirs of the late Python member.

Alan Lynagh, a member of the British Comedy Society, was involved in the unveiling of a plaque at the Angel Pub in Highgate, London to commemorate Chapman.  Alan suggested to the makers of the film “A Liar’s Autobiography” that a glass memorial piece to honour the comedian would be fitting.

Alan, whose dad hailed from Keane’s Road, put the film’s co-director Jeff Simpson in touch with Sean Egan Art Glass, and the rest as they say, is history!

Sean Egan Art Glass, based in the Kite Design studio, was established in April 2009 by Sean Egan, a former Master Engraver with Waterford Crystal with almost 40 years experience.  Renowned for his 9/11 Twin Towers commemorative sculptures, it was widely agreed that Sean’s skill, creativity and flair would allow him to create a flat glass piece replicating the film’s poster.

According to Sean Egan it was a great honour to be asked to create the piece.  “I’ve always been a huge Monty Python fan and loved Chapman in his role as Brian in The Life of Brian.  When I got a call from Jeff Simpson, I realised how important this piece was.”

“The poster was replicated in every minute detail and the Python crew were presented with it a few weeks ago, fittingly enough at the Angel Pub, where the story began!”

Using copper and diamond tipped wheels, the piece, which stands 26 inches high and secured in a wooden base has been signed by the cast and will accompany them on their promotional tour worldwide.  Jeff Simpson, co–director of “A Liar’s Autobiography” was delighted with the result.  He said “It's wonderful to have a truly unique work of art to represent our truly unique film.  Sean's work had pride of place at an event in London honouring Graham Chapman, and all of his friends and family thought it was a most fitting memorial to Graham.”

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board, which supports the Kite Design Studio project and the business within, added that it’s fitting that Sean’s talent is being recognised internationally.  He said, “It’s great to see Sean’s business doing so well and getting the recognition it deserves.” 

“Sean’s portfolio is particularly impressive having worked with the US Embassy on his renowned 9/11 commemorative sculptures and his most recent work with the Monty Python team on this glass poster replica.”

Mr. Cullen added “His work in the USA has garnered quite a lot of attention and we are delighted that Sean in currently in negotiations with Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives, with plans afoot to create a glass sculpture of the House of Representatives.  There certainly are exciting times ahead and Waterford City Enterprise Board is delighted to provide assistance to such a forward thinking venture as Sean Egan Art Glass.”

For further information about Sean Egan Art Glass visit www.seaneganartglass.com or call 051 858914.

Congratulations in order for Waterford wedding company!

Congratulations.ie, the Waterford based online wedding stationery design studio, was recently awarded the accolade of “Best Business” at Ireland’s largest wedding showcase, the Wedding and Honeymoon Show 2012.

The Wedding and Honeymoon show, a firm fixture in any bride and groom’s calendar, featured over 250 exhibitors at Dublin’s RDS, catering for all aspects of planning a wedding.

Teresa Connery, MD of Congratulations.ie was delighted to receive the award which recognises the growth and popularity of the company.

“Since Congratulations.ie was established in 2004, we have continually strived to introduce new and exciting product ranges in line with wedding trends. We produce hand crafted, bespoke wedding stationery and over the last few years we have extended our portfolio to include everything from invitation collections to wedding favours and venue decorations.”

“The key to appealing to the bridal market is to offer unique and exciting ranges of stationery and accessories.  Themed weddings are extremely popular and being completely customer focused, as we are, we can incorporate themes and colours to co-ordinate the entire stationery design and venue decoration!”

www.congratulations.ie has experienced steady growth, with exports also growing as many Irish couples living abroad plan to celebrate their marriage at home in Ireland preferring to use Irish suppliers.   Ms. Connery said, “Over the last 12 months our export market has experienced significant growth, perhaps a by-product of the economic downturn.  Our hand crafted stationery has a huge appeal to Irish overseas couples.”

“We deliver worldwide, Australia appears to have a high percentage of Irish couples getting married as does Europe, particularly France and Germany.”

Another show, at which Congratulations.ie was recognised, was the Southern Brides Awards, where it picked up the “Best Wedding Stationery” title on September 6^th.

As well as a strong web presence, Congratulations.ie is a regular exhibitor at Ireland’s most popular wedding fares and will be show casing their range of products at wedding shows in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Carlow and Waterford over the coming months.

For further information about their beautiful and unique wedding stationery and accessories, or for details of Congratulations.ie next wedding show, check out www.congratulations.ie or email info@congratulations.ie

South East Run for Life registration starts early

Due to the phenomenal success of last year’s South East Run for Life with over 1,700 participants and hopefully even more this year, the organising committee for the event has both increased the number of registration days and started the process much earlier this year. Registration will take place at the Solas Centre, Williamstown in Waterford City on Friday September 14th, 21st, & 28th from 5pm to 7pm. It will then resume on October 6th from 10am to 6pm and from Monday October 8th to Saturday October 13th from 12 noon to 8pm.

Please register as early as possible as large numbers are expected again this year and there will be no registration on the day of the race.

All participants are asked to bring their completed sponsorship cards and sponsorship money.

For participants who live outside Waterford and cannot attend the main registration there is a limited postal registration facility. Last postal registration is 8th October. For this facility please send a fully completed sponsorship card enclosing a cheque for sponsorship monies raised or a bank draft, available free of charge from any AIB branch in the South East.

Send your postal registration details to ‘SE Run for Life’, Solas Centre, Williamstown, Waterford and the Solas Centre will post your registration pack to you.

Training runs, with Seamus Doyle of Balance fitness, will take place on Saturday, September 15th, 22nd and 29th at 11.30am. The training runs will start and finish at the Solas centre and will be a chance to get to know the all new South East Run for Life course, meet other participants and of course get in that all important training. The training runs will be approximately 5 miles.

Do your bit and take part in this year’s South East Run for Life. Sponsorship cards are still available from the Solas Centre, on its website www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios, Sam McCauleys and AIB branches. For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.

Home Instead Senior Care launches search for Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year

Last year, Geraldine Grant was Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year and went on to take the overall title at the Home Instead Senior Care national convention.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care with Home Instead Waterford, is delighted to announce that nominations are again being sought for the Waterford CAREGiver of the Year, which will take place in Dooley’s Hotel on Thursday, October 4^th.

Following the phenomenal interest and number of entries in the previous year, the awards will also be open to HSE carers throughout Waterford City and County.

The premise of the local and subsequent national competition is to recognise and reward the work of CAREGivers and carers in general.  Danette commented that the criteria for the awards includes showing evidence that caring is a passion and not just a job, that the carer is prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty, that the carer has helped the client to reach and maintain independence and that the carer has adhered to the stringent Home Instead Senior Care and HSE procedures and regulations.

According to Ms. Connolly, “Carers provide thousand of hours of care and support to people in their homes throughout Waterford.”

“The work of the carer is invaluable and does so much to enhance the quality of life of those being cared for.  A carer’s role varies, depending on the needs of the client.  In most cases the carer’s role encompasses a range of services from meal preparation to performing daily tasks; such as grocery shopping, laundry or trips to the library and family.  In many cases the role of the carer is to simply provide companionship.”

“Through the nominations last year, the panel of adjudicators and I were made aware of the huge amount of compassion, energy, responsibility and pride that carers have in their work and in many cases strong and lasting friendships are formed”, she added.

In fact, last year’s overall winner, Geraldine Grant, 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.  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 Insteads’ 17 other franchise finalists.

This year the panel of independent adjudicators includes The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jim Darcy, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson, Marie Cummins and Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services Waterford (HSE).

Marie Cummins welcomed the awards and the recognition of carers. “Often the work of carers goes unnoticed, but the reality is, they provide an outstanding service to those they care for.  Their dedication and commitment makes a huge difference and really enhances and improves the lives of those they look after.”

“We are delighted to be involved with these carer awards as they recognise the truly sterling work of Waterford carers.”

The Waterford final for the Home Instead CAREGiver / Carer of the Year takes place at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 4^th at Dooley’s Hotel, The Quay, Waterford.

If you wish to nominate a Home Instead CAREGiver or a HSE carer, phone 051 – 333966 or email your nomination to danette.connolly@homeinstead.ie before Friday, September 21^st.

To find out more about the services provided by Home Instead Senior Care you can visit www.homeinstead.ie