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

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.