Rotary remembers!

This Thursday, December 4^th, the Rotary Club of Waterford launches its 17^th annual Memorial Christmas Tree at 5.30pm at John Robert’s Square in Waterford City.

It will, as always, be a central feature in Waterford City’s Winterval Festival.

The Memorial Tree Appeal will be official launched by Her Worship the Mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan.

Ann Marie Caulfield, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “For 17 years the Rotary Club of Waterford Memorial Christmas Tree has been central to Christmas in Waterford. Most of us have been touched by the wonderful work Waterford Hospice does in our community. This year in particular Rotary in Waterford has had its own friends and long serving members who have passed and who we fondly remember.”

In 1998 the first Christmas Memorial Tree appeal was established by the Rotary Club of Waterford to help raise funds for the development of a 20 bed Hospice facility on the grounds of Waterford Regional Hospital. To date the initiative has raised nearly half a Million Euro towards Waterford Hospice.

As well as raising much needed funds in Waterford for the Hospice Movement, the Memorial Tree Appeal provides people with a means of remembering their loved ones in a dignified and meaningful manner. Indeed over the years the Christmas Memorial Tree Appeal has become synonymous with the celebration of Christmas in Waterford and enjoys widespread support from the public.

Local produce to take centre stage at Winterval Enterprise Food Fair

Some of the local produce that will be available from the Waterford Festive Food Fair

 (Photo: Peter Grogan)

Local produce will be showcased throughout Winterval, in a joint initiative by Waterford City Enterprise Board and Ardkeen Quality Food Store.

The Waterford Festive Food Fair, located on Michael Street, will open this Friday, December 13^th to Sunday December 15^th and the following weekend from Thursday, December 19^th to Sunday December 22^nd.

The premise of the initiative is to highlight the abundance of locally produced quality foods and to support the local producers that continue to put Waterford on the national food landscape.

Mr. Ciaran Cullen, Chief Executive of Waterford City Enterprise Board was delighted to support this venture.  He said, “Waterford has a vast array of locally produced food of the highest calibre.   Producers such as Ponticelli Coffee, Edelicious, Joy By Bishop’s Palace Café, Dessert First and M & D Bakery, to name but a few, bring a uniqueness of product to the customer.  They all share a passion to produce and deliver to the public food of the highest standards.”

Mr. Cullen added, “Many of the local food producers that will be exhibiting over the course of Winterval at the Festive Food Fair have been closely involved with the Enterprising Food Network since it began over two years ago.  The objective of this network is to assist food producers in the areas of branding, packaging and route to market, so showcasing them at Ireland’s biggest Christmas festival, Winterval, is a great accomplishment and a real testament to their commitment and to the quality of their food.”

Mr. Colin Jephson of Ardkeen Quality Food Store added, “The philosophy of Ardkeen Quality Food Store has long been to support the local producer and it’s great to be involved with Waterford City Enterprise Board.  This project gives many of our suppliers, such as Jay Bee’s, Eunice Power and Deise Honey the opportunity to promote themselves in the heart of the city during the busy festive period.”

The Waterford Festive Food Fair will be open 12pm to 8pm on December 13^th 14^th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st and from 12pm to 6pm on December 15^th and 22^nd.

For more information about the Waterford Festive Food Fair or the Enterprising Food Network talk to Waterford City Enterprise Board on 051 852883 or www.waterfordceb.com.

Enterprising students get ready for Winterval

A Waterford City student Pop Up shop opens on Michael Street for two weekends only this Friday November 29^th.

Since the start of September, 400 transition year students from Waterford City and seven Youth Bank community groups have been busy setting up small businesses and creating products to sell during Winterval. Everything from designer crafted cakes to natural wooden Christmas candles, pet tag key rings to Christmas cards and cupcakes to jewellery will be showcased at the shop.


The students have been assisted by their teachers and Waterford City Enterprise Board mentors, with interviews and tips on Beat 102 103 and an inspiring talk from entrepreneur Sean Gallagher.

This array of products will be sold from 19 Michael Street, next to the Tea Assembly. This village is part of Waterford’s Christmas Festival, Winterval, which runs from November 29^th.   For the first two weekends these unique seasonal items created by the students and teenagers of Waterford City will be on sale, offering the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

Ciaran Cullen, CEO of Waterford City Enterprise Board commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprise Board continually tries to improve and evolve its services, this is epitomised by this year’s efforts. We learned from last year’s experience and thought the Michael Street venue might be more productive and profitable for the students. It is so important for Waterford City students to learn how to interact with customers and sell their products in a live retail environment.”

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 check out what they have to offer first on www.waterfordceb.com.