Love Irish Food Lunch; Enterprising lunch to celebrate local food producers

As part of the Harvest Festival in September Waterford City Enterprise Board has organised a lunch on Friday September 13^th in the dining room of Dooley’s Hotel to celebrate the vast array of local food producers.

This lunch is a celebration of food in Waterford and the South East. With the assistance of the Love Irish Food Initiative diners will enjoy the best food Waterford and the South East has to offer.

The key note speakers at the lunch will be Waterford man Michael Kelly, founder of GIY and Waterford restaurant owner Cormac Cronin, proprietor of Bodega, John’s Street in Waterford.

Bertie Rogers, Chairman of Waterford City Enterprise Board commented on the importance of the event, “The food industry is now a vital component in the revival of the Irish economy and Waterford is fortunate to have such a proliferation of quality food producers. But these businesses require assistance and promotion. That is why this lunch is vital, to celebrate what we have, but also to inspire others to create the next generation of food businesses. That is where the Enterprise Boards can and do help.”

This lunch coincides with the start of a new Waterford City Enterprise Board food programme. ‘Take your food business to supermarket shelf’ is an eight month programme devised by Waterford City Enterprise Board. This programme running from July 2103 to February 2014 is designed for food producers in Waterford City and includes Bord Bia approved workshops and market testing.

Kieran Rumley, Executive Director of Love Irish Food Limited, “We are delighted to be asked to participate in this lunch, the food industry has always been very strong in the southeast and our membership from the area continues to grow”.

Tickets (just €15) for this lunch can be purchased from Waterford City Enterprise Board by calling to its office at New Street in the city or from the reception at Dooley’s Hotel.

Waterford City Enterprise Board offers support services for start-up and existing SME’s in Waterford city. If you have a new business idea or are running a business that requires assistance you can contact the Enterprise Board by phoning Celia on 051-852883 or visit www.waterfordceb.com.

Wexford’s Janet urges everyone to Run for Life

Janet Whitney from Adamstown, Co. Wexford was diagnosed with cancer three days before Christmas in 2006.  What followed was a lumpectomy, then forty sessions of radiotherapy at Waterford Regional Hospital.  It was a nurse at the hospital who referred Janet to the Solas Centre which gave her “a lifeline.”

In an interview with Beat 102-103’s Zara King, Janet recalls how cancer affected her life.  “After I was diagnosed with cancer I discovered two things; prayer and the Solas Centre.”

“At the time, I was in a state, as anyone would be who had just been diagnosed with cancer, but when the nurse at WRH put me in touch with the Solas Centre, it became my lifeline and helped me so much.”

Of the Solas Centre, Janet says “The Solas Centre was a place where I could be by myself. Obviously when your family and friends hear you are diagnosed with cancer they are devastated for you and for themselves, so the Solas Centre was somewhere I could get the space I needed.”

“When I was travelling daily from Wexford to Waterford for radiotherapy I was desperately lonely, but when I went to the Solas Centre there was someone there to talk to, or not if that’s what I wanted.”

“Whilst the medical system is good and the cancer services are really good, there is nothing in place to help you mentally cope with cancer and that’s where the Solas Centre helped me so much.”

Janet is encouraging anyone who can to take part in the Solas Centre Run for Life which takes place on Sunday, October 13^th.  “By taking part in the Run for Life this year you are going to help someone in a way you may not have thought of before.  For me it provided a neutral space, but it also provided so many great services such as massage and art therapy and I made so many friends there.”

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.

“Cancer has changed my life.  I have reprioritised so many things. I am no longer complacent about the things in my life and I value my family, my work, everything I have and no longer sweat the small stuff anymore” said Janet.

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, people like Janet have made the Solas Centre the haven it is today.

“We are delighted to be in a position to provide the crucial services that make living with cancer easier.  Janet, by availing of the support services at the Solas Centre has discovered that there is a place to go, a place to talk, a place to just be and that’s vital to anyone affected by cancer.”

“However, without the continuing support and generosity of the people from Wexford and the South East, the Solas Centre would not be in a position to provide the best cancer support services to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.”

“So please dust off your runners and if you can run, jog or walk the Run for Life.

All monies raised go directly to the Solas Centre and provide support, counselling and therapy to the 2,000 people who are diagnosed across the region each and every year.”

The Solas Centre is delighted to welcome new sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledged the continuing support of Beat 102-103.

If you want to take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, which takes place on Sunday, October 13th, sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios 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.

Musical Royalty to headline Dunmore Bluegrass Festival

Mary Jean Lewis and the Low Men will perform over the three day Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival and fans can expect Mary Jean’s trademark enthusiasm, energy and excitement, synonymous with an entertainer who is just coming into her own.

However behind that fresh vitality comes decades of experience.  Her first proving ground as a teenage girl was Memphis, Tennessee.  Hardly surprising considering her uncle Jerry Lee Lewis helped make the Tennessee city the cradle of rock ‘n’ roll.

Mary Jean has found her place in the sun under the bright talents of the Low Men. A hand - picked band, all crack roots experts, the Low Men provide Mary Jean with the kind of accompaniment that brings out the best in her.

The band blends virtuosity with spontaneity, creating a tight sound that maintains the heart and the soul of the deepest veins of Mary Jean’s American musical past. The Low Men bring out the best in each other and show that the singer is a wholly distinctive artist with a voice and a sound all her own.

According to Mary Jean Lewis, “Roots music is very personal and intimate. Every player has a profound influence on the sound and the feel.  I remember my days back in Sandy Bayou where everyone would get together and take turns singing songs on the front porch. Those times are such a part of who I am and why I love this music the way I do. It wasn’t just our entertainment. It was our way of life.” 

Mick Daly, Festival Founder and Organiser, is thrilled to have a performer of Mary Jean’s calibre performing at the festival.  “Mary Jean Lewis is without a shadow of a doubt, a musical legend.  From an early age she couldn’t but be influenced by her uncle, Jerry Lee Lewis.  But she has also experienced so much musically and culturally and has lived and performed in Louisiana, Nashville, England and Scotland, drawing on the influences of these places.”

“Mary Jean draws on a wide range of country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll and her powerful voice and soulful lyrics will be a huge hit to festival goers.” Mick added.

The line-up of the 19^th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival from August 22^nd to 25^th will feature an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country, swing, blues, rhythm and rock ‘n’ roll acts from Ireland and further afield.

For more information about the 19^th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford you can download the bluegrass brochure from www.discoverdunmore.com.

Irish Internet Association brings renowned training course to the South East

Irish Times Training has joined forces with the Irish Internet Association to offer a Diploma in Digital Marketing. 

The course will commence on September 18^th and run over 13 weeks (6pm to 9pm) at the NAS Training Centre in the Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford.

The course is aimed at any organisation or business that wants to gain a better understanding of the ever evolving digital landscape and will enable all participants to develop a focused digital marketing strategy.

Over the course of the 13 weeks the modules will include digital marketing strategy, SEO, online advertising, mobile web, social media, online PR and many more.  The trainers are comprised of some of the most well regarded names in the digital media industry, including Conor Pope of the Irish Times, Digital marketer Krishna De and Gareth Dunlop, a digital strategy expert.

“We’ve seen a remarkable change in the kind of skills that people see as being of value. Right now, there is a great demand for digital marketing skills” said Una O’Hare, General Manager at Irish Times Training.  “We’ve trained individuals in digital marketing to give them an edge on the job seeking front, SME owner managers who want to embark on their own digital marketing strategies and government departments, finance, recruitment, PR, arts and health organisations are also keen to deliver their message in a cost effective way.”

Ray Power, Manager with NAS Training Centre is delighted that such a practical and informative training course will be held at the training centre.  “The modules within this course will be invaluable to any business that wishes to optimise its presences through digital media.  It is one of the few courses of this calibre that is available in Waterford and the South East and is destined to have a very positive, long standing impact on those who attend.”

Joan Mulvihill of the Irish Internet Association said “It’s important to recognise that such digital marketing skills and strategies are complementary to offline ‘traditional’ marketing.”

“Investment in growing your digital marketing skills presents an immense opportunity for marketing professionals to be at the cutting edge of their profession, to take their business to a market leading position and ultimately to grow the business in a measurable and cost effective way”, she added.

For further information about the Diploma in Digital Marketing check out www.nas.ie

Clonmel’s Aisling sets her Run for Life goal!

Aisling Fiuza is an extraordinary 18 year old girl from Clonmel who has set her sights on completing the Solas Centre South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 13^th.

Her knowledge of the Solas Centre and the cancer services it provides comes from her dad, who has connections with the support centre.

According to Aisling, in an interview with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, she has always been amazed by the positivity at the Solas Centre.  “From the stories I have heard from people who use the services at the centre there is inspiration and hope in all of them.  You can only be amazed when you hear about how strong those affected by cancer are and how they cope so positively.”

“Everybody has been affected by cancer and I’ve learned that support is crucial to help anyone through it…the support of family, friends and places like the Solas Centre seem to make it easier to cope.”

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.

Last year, Aisling took part in the 10 mile race and, with her school, raised over €750 for the Solas Centre.  “The atmosphere on the day was amazing and really influenced my decision to do the race again this year. In fact, you couldn’t stop me, even if you tried”, said Aisling.

Aisling is happy to offer advice to anyone who is considering taking part in this October’s Run for Life.  “The ten mile run is not too bad.  I’m fairly active anyway, but this year I have been training more actively than ever.  I’d suggest anyone interested in taking part should keep motivated, stick with it, don’t give up and keep the end goal in sight.  It will be worth it in the end!”

  

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the success of the Solas Centre is down to the generosity and support of people like Aisling.

“Aisling, through her Dad’s involvement in the Solas Centre, is very aware of the breadth of services we provide to those affected by cancer in the South East.  We will continue to promote the development of the region’s cancer support services, by rolling out a series of health and education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and counselling for cancer patients and their families.  This can only be done with the continuing support of those in Tipperary and the South East.”

The Solas Centre is delighted to welcome on board this year’s new race sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledge the continuing support of Beat 102-103.

If you want to take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, which takes place on Sunday, October 13th, sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios 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.

Keep Calm and have a cuppa!

The Tea Assembly offers the people of Waterford and surrounds the ultimate tea shop experience as it serves over fifty types of tea, blends teas on site and holds tea master classes in its city centre locale.

Since Isabella Melvey opened the Michael Street doors of Waterford’s first dedicated tea shop in March she has noted how sophisticated and receptive Waterford consumers are to new tastes and blends.

Isabella, a certified Tea Master, started the enterprise based purely on her love of a good cuppa.  “My mum instilled in me, not only the joys of a good cup of tea, but also the health benefits.”

“Irish people drink on average four cups of tea a day, so there certainly is a demand for it.  However, tastes have broadened and we are finding that our customers are open to trying new things, such as the ranges of Oolong, chai or green teas.”

“We are fortunate to be located in the tourist hub of the city and a lot of our customers are visiting the city for the first time.  The Americans tend to choose the green and berry teas, while their UK counterparts are big fans of black teas, such as Earl Grey, Carnival and the Blarney Blend – which has a strong, brisk flavour that sets you up for the day!”

Not only do the wide ranges of teas provide a new experience for the palate, they come with a wide range of health benefits.  Chai teas are renowned for cooling body temperature, berry teas are packed with Vitamin C, green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and in China it is a widely held belief that Oolong tea can combat depression and anxiety.

The Tea Assembly also holds one-to-one Tea master classes in which participants can learn about the history of tea, provenance of the world’s teas, taste differentiation, health benefits and of course, the art of the perfect cup of tea.

Ciaran Cullen, Chief Executive, Waterford City Enterprise Board has worked with Isabella in the start up phase.  “The Tea Assembly brings a unique proposition to the hospitality sector in Waterford.  Isabella has combined her love and knowledge of tea and delivered a quaint tea shop experience in the heart of Waterford City – a must for any tea lover.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the Tea Assembly’s Master Class, call 051 584883 or find Tea Assembly on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have a start- up idea talk to Waterford City Enterprise Board by calling 051 852883 or go to www.waterfordceb.com.

Niamh sets herself Solas goal!

Whatever people’s reasons for taking part in the 2013 Solas Centre South East Run for Life, Waterford’s Niamh Doherty is urging everyone to get running, jogging or walking to simply celebrate life.

According to Niamh, in an interview with Beat 102-103’s Gail Conway, it was her experience at last year’s Run for Life that encouraged her to do it again this year.

“I did the run last year as I was stuck around the 5km mark and wanted to increase my distance and set myself some goals.  I chose the Solas Run for Life as I had heard so much about it in previous years and knew it was a really good cause, so I signed up with some friends.”

“Thankfully none of my immediate family has had to use the services of the Solas Centre, but you don’t know what’s around the corner in six days, six weeks or six months time…cancer is so prevalent,” she added.

Of the run itself, Niamh said it was an amazing experience.  “Everybody was cheering us on; the stewards, the people at the water stations, there were even kids handing out sweets around the course.  There was music outside the Solas Centre and a crowd of people clapping and cheering us on.  It was unbelievable and gave us such a lift when we needed it.”

“However, the defining moment for me was coming past St. Benilda’s Church on the home strait and an elderly gentleman was giving all the participants ‘high fives’ as they passed.  It summed up the whole spirit of the race and the generosity of spirit that is out there on the streets of Waterford.”

Many of the participants of this year’s Solas Centre South East Run for Life have been, in some way, affected by cancer.  Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.

Niamh added, "A friend of mine had battled cancer, and she was less than 50 years of age when she passed away about six weeks before the run.  She was in my thoughts throughout the run and at times when it got difficult I thought of her and asked her to get me through it.  She did!”

“I wasn’t the only one running that day who had someone to think about and it goes to show how many people get such great use out of the Solas Centre and what an amazing resource it is for those who need it.”

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the public’s continuing support of the Solas Centre is vital in providing the best regional cancer support services.

“Niamh did so much last year to ensure that we can continue to provide cancer support services to the 2,000 people who are diagnosed across the region each and every year.  I would urge everyone to think about getting out, getting fit and running, jogging or walking October’s Run for Life.  It’s a fun family day out and the vital funds will allow us to continue our fight against cancer.”

The Solas Centre is delighted to welcome new sponsors, Eishtec and acknowledged the continuing support of Beat 102-103.

If you want to take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, which takes place on Sunday, October 13th sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios and AIB branches

Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival line up complete!

After 18 years of banjo pickin', mandolin' pluckin', step dancin', fiddle playin', double bass clawin' sessions in the picturesque fishing village of Dunmore East – 2013 promises an even more jam packed, foot tappin’, barnstormin’ weekend for the 19^th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival.

The line up is complete and the countdown has begun to this summer's ultimate Bluegrass festival.

So, if banjo pickin', mandolin' pluckin', step dancin', fiddle playin' and double bass clawin' sessions are your thing, Dunmore East is the only place to be from August 22nd to 25th.

For full band and venue details check out www.discoverdunmore.com