Altogther now....I wish it could be Christmas every day!

The children of Waterford's Christchurch NS were getting all geared up for Winterval, Ireland's Christmas Festival, which takes place from November 30th to December 23rd.

Check out Santa's Little Helpers bringing a little festive cheer to Waterford's John Roberts Square!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO8wHqtTTek&noredirect=1

Waterford based entrepreneur brings a touch of Japanese culture to the city

Japanese culture is thriving in a small home studio in Waterford City thanks to the artistic talent and vision of designer, Ania Juraszek.

Kimono Lamps was established by the Polish native in 2011 and creates beautiful and versatile lamp shades fashioned from authentic vintage kimonos. 

The idea came about following a trip to Japan in 2008 visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Shirahama.  It was during this visit that Ania, a self confessed Japanophile, was struck by the colour, texture and vibrancy of kimonos which are worn principally by women in rural Japan.

The traditional kimono dates back as far as the 8^th century and each kimono has a strong family tradition, with kimonos often passed from generation to generation.  The kimono became less popular with the arrival of western clothing following the Second World War, however today the kimono enjoys a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the emergence of used kimono retailers.

According to Ania the widespread availability of kimonos gave her the inspiration to start her own business, Kimono Lamps.  “When I was in Japan it was hard not to be impressed by the beautiful colours and textures of the kimono.  As a fashion item I couldn’t really see it taking off in Ireland, but when the kimonos are adapted into lampshades it gives Irish audiences the opportunity to enjoy a little Japanese culture right in their own homes.”

“It really is a labour of love.  I source the kimonos directly from Japan and am aware of their history, their previous owner and their own unique personality.  Kimono Lamps are bespoke, each one different in shape, size, fabric and they embellish any Irish home.”

Ania, who studied product design in Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow and was awarded a scholarship to the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin has plans to grow the business and export the lamps to the UK and Europe.

“So far there has been a lot of interest from furniture and homeware retailers to supply the lamps.  They tell us that the product is unique and they have never really seen anything like these lamps before.  It’s a great endorsement of the product and we are hoping to explore the UK markets in the New Year and exhibit at next years “100% Design Event” in London.

Jacqui Gaule, Assistant CEO (Acting) of Waterford City Enterprise Board has backed the initiative from the outset.  Ms. Gaule said “Ania’s idea to create home furnishings from authentic kimonos is truly inimitable.  By bringing a traditional cultural icon such as the kimono into Irish homes in a practical and functional guise is a great idea.”

“As part of our remit at Waterford City Enterprise Board we offer assistance in the form of advice, mentoring and financial contributions to small businesses that have the potential to grow, create jobs and showcase Waterford’s entrepreneurial spirit.  Ania and Kimono Lamps tick all of those boxes and we look forward to following her progress and growth in the coming months” she added.

If you want to find out more about Kimono Lamps or check the Kimono Lamps range visit www.kimonolamps.com or email info@kimonolamps.com

Who Cares for an Ageing Waterford ? - A Challenge for Services

Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford welcomes the recently published report by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland which highlights the inadequacy of the current elder care system in Ireland. The report by researchers from Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast highlights the significant difference in care levels available North and South of the border with 14% of the Republic’s over 65s who are in difficulty receiving no help, compared to only 2% of those in the North.

With an additional 45,000 older people requiring care over the next decade the report states that every day over the next 10 years, an additional seven older people in the Republic, and two in Northern Ireland, will require long-term residential care or home help. 

“It is important to realise that there is a substantial increase not just in absolute numbers of older people but also as a proportion of the population” said Maev-Ann Wren, TCD. 

Census figures for older people in Waterford show that 13% of the County’s population is over the age of 65.  That’s 8,718 older people, and in line with the rest of Ireland this figure is set to rise significantly in the coming years.  

The report also highlights survey evidence that 14% of older people with disabilities living in the community in the Republic of Ireland in 2006 received no care compared with 2% in Northern Ireland.

Significant differences were highlighted in the care available north and south of the Border.

It says there is clear evidence that the care assessment system in the Republic is less effective, since it leaves a higher proportion of older people with unmet care needs.

“Although older people are living longer and in better health, Ireland will face substantial extra demands for care of older people every year as the population ages. If care in the community and residential care are not developed appropriately, the pressures on the acute hospital system will be unsustainable,” said Prof Charles Normand of TCD.

Critically, the number of those aged 80 and older, who are more likely to be in need of care, will increase by 53 %. The number of over-85s will more than double, from 48,000 in 2006 to 106,000 in 2021.

HSE figures showed there were 690 delayed discharges from hospitals in August, many of them due to a lack of care available outside hospitals.

The researchers conclude that the issue of care provision for older people on the island of Ireland must be urgently addressed to meet the projected rise in demand for long-term residential and home care.

Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford said “This evidence-based research highlights very important facts about the direction growing old in Ireland is heading.  Ultimately each and every one of us, if not now, will at some stage be included in these statistics.  We all have a responsibility to make provisions for our future so I would ask the people of Tipperary to consider the question, ‘If there ever there comes a time when you require care, what are the options available to you and what is your preference?”

“We at Home Instead Senior Care would like everyone and in particular older people and their loved ones to be clear about the facts, know what their choices are and make decisions based on ensuring they live a happy, healthy and independent life for as long as possible, and in most cases this is in their own home.”

“Remember - older people in Ireland have contributed so much to our island and we have a responsibility to them to ensure they live their lives with dignity and respect.  Unfortunately none of us can escape the ageing process no matter how hard we may try! So it makes sense to plan now for the future.”

According to the research funded by CARDI, there are serious questions about who will provide this care, especially given the likely increase in female emigration and workforce participation.  

Danette agrees, “Females traditionally provide the majority of care to family members, and with so many families in Ireland today having children dotted across the world, be it for work, travel, business there is the need to question who will take on these roles when care is needed”.    

“Home Instead Senior Care provide Caregivers to support older people in their home, be it companionship, meal preparation, personal care,  Live- In Care and the difference they are making to quality of life is incredible.  Families of loved ones we care for also feel a huge sense of comfort knowing we have fully qualified, garda-vetted, compassionate caregivers supporting them when they perhaps have to work, or have other commitments” continued Danette.

One piece of good news to emerge is that older people are more likely to enjoy good health than before, so the proportion with a disabling condition that might require care is falling.  However, this trend is more than outpaced by the ageing of the population, so an estimated further 50,000 home care arrangements will be needed by 2021.

Home Instead Senior Care gives older people the choice to stay at home for longer than would otherwise be possible.  “This report confirms the need to develop the options available to older people who require care and we passionately believe that home care is the preferred option” concluded Danette Connolly.   

To find out more about Home Instead Senior Care Waterford contact Ph: 051- 333966 or log on to www.homeinstead.ie  Further details of the research report is available at www.cardi.ie

An amazing figure for the Solas Centre! €280,000 raised from the South East Run for Life 2012

Not only was the amount of participants up on last year, the final figure of €280,000 from the 2012 South East Run for Life eclipsed previous year’s totals. The 2012 race expanded on its regional focus with over a third of the participants travelling from outside Waterford City. Runners and walkers came from as many as fifteen counties with two travelling from the USA.

Jonathan Earl, Chair of the voluntary organising committee was thrilled at the end of the race day, “From the committee’s point of view it was great to raise such a fantastic sum of money. So much work went on behind the scenes, I was particularly pleased that the day went off without a hitch and everyone finished the race safely. With such increased numbers, organisation, stewarding, safety and medical facilities were a priority.”

“For the six months it took to organise this event the people of the South East and the organising committee have been so generous with their time and talent. I’m extremely proud of the day and the people of the South East, and would like to thank the hundreds who helped to make the day such a success”, he added.

The Solas Centre was built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East who raised over €1.5 million in just 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.

Brian Creedon, SECF Chairman was delighted with the day, "I would like to express my admiration and appreciation to all those who contributed to the South East Run for Life 2012 last Sunday. We were blessed with a beautiful sunny autumnal day, perfect conditions for completing a 10 mile course on foot. It was truly inspiring to meet participants afterwards and see their sense of accomplishment. It is important to realise that so many people were vital to making this event a success; the brave participants, their friends and families who provided encouragement to everyone on the course and at the Peoples Park, the communities who cheered on the participants (including the man dressed as a chicken on the Williamstown Road), the volunteers, local businesses, Civil Defence, the Gardai and many more. Without all of these people contributing, the event would simply not have been possible.

The money raised allows us to continue to provide the highest quality essential support services to those affected by cancer through out the south east.

Again, a big thank you from everyone at the South Eastern Cancer Foundation/Solas Centre and we look forward to seeing you all next year for Run For Life 2013."

Plans for the 2013 South East Run for Life have already started. In fact the Solas Centre is hoping next year’s event on October 13th will be part of ‘The Gathering’ and is asking anyone living abroad with links to the South East to come home that weekend and take part in the 6th South East Run for Life.

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.

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 turn out for its South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 14th.   The huge numbers that took part and the fantastic Fun for Life event at the People's Park in Waterford City all made the 5th South East Run for Life the best ever!

With another increase in numbers, over 200 more than last year, 1,900 runners, joggers and walkers lined the streets of Waterford in the famous luminous orange South East Run for Life t-shirts. 

The new route this year was a great success, bringing out hundreds of supporters cheering the participants on.

And what fun was had in the Park!! Torann Drummers welcomed the runners home at the finish line, bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, hot air balloon along with a farmer's market, "Stars For Life" kids fun races, magicians, balloon modellers and Beat 102 103 all made the afternoon a real celebration in the People's Park.

The total monies raised for the Solas Centre and the South East Cancer Foundation will  be announced by the organisers next week.

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

South East Fun for Life – Guaranteed fun for all the family!

The South East Fun for Life Day takes place on Sunday, October 14^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 is full programme of events on the day including bouncy castles, bungee trampolines, a hot air balloon along with a farmer’s market, “Stars For Life” kids fun races, a magician, balloon modellers and the People’s Park will also be home to the finish line of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life.  Torann Drummers will welcome the runners home at the finish line and Art Hands will run an art workshop throughout the afternoon. 

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 Jonathan Earl, South East 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 increase on last years numbers of runners and walkers and hit the 2,000 mark.  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 Earl added 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 is guaranteed to appeal to all ages.  Beat 102-103 will be broadcasting live from the People’s Park, there will be face painters, bouncy castles and a mega slide.  The Farmers Market will also be there with a wide and tasty selection of fresh artisan treats and refreshments.”

The event is organised by Bank of Ireland, who were delighted to be involved with the Solas Centre Fun for Life in aid of the South East Cancer Foundation, which is such a deserving cause.

So this weekend, 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 14^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”.

“Bubbly” Roisin takes 2012 Home Instead CAREGiver title

The 2^nd Annual Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver of the Year and Waterford H.S.E. Carer of the Year Awards took place in front of large audience at Dooley’s Hotel on Thursday, October 4^th.

Roisin Byrne was announced as the overall winner of Waterford’s Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year award.  Roisin will go on to represent Waterford in the National Final which takes place in Dublin on November 10^th.

New to this years awards was the category for the HSE Carer of the Year and Marie Grant took this title.

The concept behind the awards is to recognise and reward the hard work of CAREGivers and carers throughout Waterford city and county.  The judging panel, which consisted of The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Jim D’Arcy, Marie Cummins, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson and Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services Waterford (H.S.E.) chose the overall winners on their remarkable commitment and dedication to their jobs.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Waterford, the work of carers is invaluable.  “Many of Waterford’s CAREGivers and carers provide a service that not only enables seniors to enjoy a better quality of care in their own homes, but offers companionship, friendship and assistance with the day to day tasks, that many of us take for granted.”

Ms. Connolly added “This year’s CAREGiver winner, Roisin Byrne, is a real example of carers at their very best.  Her clients love her company and she has often been described as having a lovely bubbly personality, a very positive attitude and nothing is ever too much trouble for her.  That’s really what caring is all about.”

The H.S.E. Carer of the Year, Marie Grant, is a carer with over 16 years experience and has developed a wonderful rapport with her clients over the years with her friendly and caring nature. 

Upon receiving her award, Roisin Byrne was delighted.  “I don’t regard caring as a job, it’s just something I love to do.  It’s hard to explain but when the people you care for are so fantastic it certainly doesn’t feel like work”, she said.

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the CAREGiver Award for the caregiver who is currently a Student, The Tulip Awards recognizing dedication, the CAREGiver Longest Service Award and Length of Service Pins to 41 recipients.

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