Martini Cowboy to headline at 18th Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival

Headline stealer Jack Grace and his band make a welcome return to Europe’s largest free bluegrass festival, the 18^th Guinness International Bluegrass Festival which takes place in Dunmore East from August 23^rd to 26^th.

This will be the 18^th year in which fans of bluegrass, country, rhythm, roots, new grass and blues descend on the picturesque fishing village to enjoy free music events played throughout the village’s pubs and hotels.

Mick Daly, Festival Founder and Organiser, was delighted that the King of Bluegrass, Jack Grace, is to return to headline the August Festival.  “We are thrilled that Jack is back!  He is undoubtedly one of the world’s most renowned bluegrass artists and is a firm favourite at the Dunmore Festival.”

Jack’s style of music has been described by Time Out New York as “gritty down home country as it should be.”  Having played with a host of music legends such as Doc Watson, Junior Brown, Norah Jones and Wayne Hancock, the legend Jerry Lee Lewis said of him “He’s like that Cash kid, but good!”

Mick Daly added “The Jack Grace Band brings a unique New York Urban style to bluegrass and is definitely not to be missed, particularly as it will be literally on our doorstep this summer.”

Another endorsement of the long running festival is the continued support of Guinness.  The company recently confirmed that it will continue to sponsor the festival in 2012.  According to Mick Daly, “Having such long standing and loyal supporters as Guinness is a huge vote of confidence in the Bluegrass Festival and what we have achieved so far.”

The full line up for the 18^th Guinness International Dunmore East Festival will be announced in June. It is expected that local hostelries will play host to over 50 free gigs throughout the festival weekend with local, national and international bands playing a variety of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

For more information about the 18^th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival in Co. Waterford visit www.discoverdunmore.com

New South Eastern Cancer Foundation Chairman to develop cancer support services

South Eastern Cancer Foundation (SECF) Solas Centre, the cancer support charity dedicated to supporting cancer patients in the South East has appointed Dr. Brian Creedon as Chairman of the Board of the SECF.

A native of Cork, Dr. Creedon has, to date, enjoyed a highly distinguished medical career and brings valuable experience to the SECF Board.

Dr. Creedon works as a Consultant Palliative Medicine Physician at Waterford Regional Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.  He is currently the Regional Lead for Palliative Medicine, Vice – Chair of the Irish Association of Palliative Medicine, and Vice – Chair of the Irish Palliative Medicine Consultants Association.  With a strong track record in clinical research, Dr. Creedon has a special interest in organisation of health services, in particular ensuring patient centred care and equity of access to services.

Commenting on his appointment Dr. Creedon said “I am delighted to be joining the Board of the South Eastern Cancer Foundation as Chairman.  With over 2,000 people diagnosed with cancer across the south eastern region the goal of the SECF is to provide those affected by cancer with a wide range of cancer support services.”

“It is important to acknowledge the support and hard work of others, including the people of the South East, who have ensured the success of the Solas Centre. In particular the previous chair, Iain Munro, must be acknowledged for his role in commissioning the Solas centre.”

“It will be an honour for me to ensure the development of the highest quality support services for those affected by cancer in the South East.”

“The work at the SECF Solas Centre is invaluable and we will strive to ensure that the services in the South East are not only as good as those in other regions but surpass them.”

He added, “In order to develop and progress the regions cancer services, we are intent on rolling out a series of health and education initiatives, client programmes, art programmes, support groups, and counselling for cancer patients and their families over the coming months.  We will also focus on nurturing partnerships with national and international institutions in order to ensure our clients have access to latest treatments.”

Iain Munro, who formerly held the position of Chairman since 2006, welcomed Dr. Creedon to the role. He said the addition of such an experienced individual will help drive the operation and develop a higher level of services to those affected by cancer.

“Dr. Creedon’s leadership will ensure that SECF Solas Centre has both renewed commitment to, and be more innovative in, serving the needs of people affected by cancer in the South East in the next few years.”

“These are very exciting, albeit challenging times, for the SECF.  However the recent addition of such experienced and highly capable board members will assure the future of the Foundation and its dedication to those with cancer.”

Another appointee to the Board of the SECF is Maeve Cronin, a Waterford born Certified Management Accountant with over 30 years experience in the industry including Waterford Crystal and Keltech Engineering. 

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.

All sleeves rolled up to Support Rotary and Ronald Mc Donald House

The 4^th Annual Rotary Waterford Fun Cycle in aid of Ronald Mc Donald house at  Crumlin Hospital  , a home for parents of Sick Children saw its largest turnout with 145 Cyclists of all ages.  

David Breen , event organiser , said while the weather was kind to us , the continued success of the event is down to support from the Cyclists and Mc Donalds Waterford.  

Comeragh Cycling club , Ronald Mc Donald , Richie Hayes , Mayor Pat Hayes, Local Motor Cycle Club, Order of Malta and  An Garda Siochana all joined in to make the event a huge success from a participation and organisational perspective.

Celebrate Creativity and the Arts with Waterford’s Bealtaine Festival

May belongs to the Bealtaine festival and this year’s Bealtaine celebrates creativity as we age (over 50’s).

Waterford City Library Service has compiled a jam packed programme of art, dance, digital photography, writing, Spanish, cookery and gardening workshops.  This year, the Bealtaine Festival in the Library Service was launched during WIT New Music Week where enthusiastic singers attended “Everyone Can Sing” workshops.

Michael Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care, which provides home care for Waterford seniors, has welcomed the return of the popular festival and the work of Waterford City Library Service.

Mr. Connolly commented “It is wonderful to see such a diverse and interesting schedule put together specifically for seniors.  One is never too old to learn new skills and enjoy new experiences and that is why it is important to celebrate the marriage of age and creativity.  Age is a state of mind and by pursuing an active lifestyle and availing of the opportunities to learn new skills the mind is kept as inquiring and vibrant as ever.”

“The Waterford City Library Service’s Bealtaine line up has something for everyone.  I would urge all seniors and their families and friends to call into the Library, sign up for a workshop, enjoy the host of events and talks and keep active.”

“Free copies of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook will also be available. This is an invaluable free resource for seniors, their families and caregivers. The handbook provides practical information and advice on issues such as home care and allowances and entitlements. It also boasts a directory of older person's organisations and other useful contacts.”

Jane Cantwell, City Librarian with Waterford City Library added “The Bealtaine Festival is a true celebration of creativity for the young at heart.  From May 1^st to May 31^st Waterford City Library Service has compiled a programme of events that offers seniors, in particular, the opportunity to learn new skills, discover new talents, try something different and generally enjoy themselves.”

“The theme this year is “what kind of old you want to be?”.  And what better way to celebrate growth and creativity than to get involved in some of the many activities taking place, including art classes, beginner and advanced photography workshops, dance, singing, cookery and even Spanish classes.”

According to Age & Opportunity, which coordinates the festival, an estimated 57,000 people now take part in the Bealtaine festival, making it one of Ireland’s biggest arts festivals.

So, if you are over 50 and are still asking yourself “What kind of old do I want to be?” you can find out more about the selection of free workshops and talks at this year’s Bealtaine Festival.

For further information about the Bealtaine Festival and programme of events, contact Waterford Central Library 051 849975; Ardkeen Library 051 849755 or Brown’s Road Library 051 849845 or visit the Library website at www.waterfordcity.ie/library

To pick up a free copy of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook, just call into any branch of your local library in May or log onto www.homeinstead.ie

Getting your back in shape!

John Dineen of Dynamic Chiropractic in Waterford in conjunction with the Chiropractic Association of Ireland is launching an important health initiative this May and offering expert consultations at Sienna Home Furnishings in the City as part of their ‘Get your back in shape’ afternoon on Saturday May 12th.

A recent survey indicates that 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives and statistics further indicate that this figure is due to increase particularly amongst the younger age group. Symptoms of back pain may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, an inability to stand straight, leg pain or numbness and/or pins and needles. Further problems of a spinal origin can include neck and shoulder pain, arm pain, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome and many more.
But when was the last time you had someone check your spine? An objective chiropractic physical examination can detect problems long before symptoms appear. Strangely, despite the fact that back pain is one of the largest single reasons for taking time off work, most people still live in the hope that the spine will take care of itself.

John Dineen of Dynamic Chiropractic in Waterford has a treatment approach that involves establishing the root cause of pain, symptoms and injury, leading to long term resolution. He also specialises in gait correction and orthotic prescription, enabling optimum biomechanics to assist in the achievement of optimum results. He utilises all aspects of chiropractic care, along with acupuncture, deep tissue work and detailed computerised analysis to achieve results.
But why is Sienna Home Furnishings so interested in spinal awareness?

It’s very simple Sienna has a number of exclusive products that are specifically suited to assist individuals with back problems. Products such as Zerostress®, a collection of reclining armchairs and sofas which are specifically designed to promote good sitting posture. Zerostress® Reclining Armchairs and Sofas are designed and manufactured to outstanding German quality standards and are supported by a comprehensive 5 year manufacturer’s guarantee. This high quality, design-led furniture can be customised to suit each individual’s preferences in terms of size, both height and width, style, with numerous models to choose from and are available in an extensive choice of both leather and fabric covers.

For back-care while you are sleeping, Sienna has the most comprehensive collection of high quality beds, mattresses and pillows available in the South East. The latest innovations in bed and mattress technology, including memory foam, latex and gel beds are all available from Sienna.

The Bed Tailor® Collection, available exclusively at Sienna, offers individuals to opportunity to have a bed custom built, to meet their exact requirements: a truly bespoke service. A choice of comfort level, (soft, medium or firm), any width, any length and any height can be accommodated. It is even possible to have two different levels of comfort in the same mattress to satisfy those couples who have different preferences. All Bed Tailor® beds offer a choice of natural fillings including cotton, wool, mohair, cashmere, silk and hempure. These fillings, with their natural insulating properties, ensure a comfortable night’s sleep, while naturally regulating body temperature. These natural fillings combined with the industry’s most advanced spring technologies, provide the ultimate support for the natural curvature of the spine.　

Sienna Home Furnishings has a dedicated Sleep Room, a separate discreet area away from the rest of the store, where you can take your time to try the large selection of beds on offer and where their fully trained and certified staff is on hand to help you make the bed choice that is right for you. 

For more information on back pain log onto www.dynamicchiropractic.ie or avail of your free expert assessment and consultation at the Sleep Room in Sienna Home Furnishings at the Tramore Road Business Park in Waterford city, anytime from 2pm to 5pm this Saturday May 12th.