Community Alerts

Due to demand Waterford City & County Council are happy to announce a FREE Wildflower Masterclass which is open to all residents in the Waterford area who would like to plant a wildflower area in their community. The class will cover everything about wildflowers including planting techniques, wildflower mixes, different planting methods, where to buy your seed and much more.

• The session will be held over Zoom on Friday 4^th March 10am – 12noon.

There will be time for questions and notes will be sent to participants after the session. It is expected that this session will book out so please register your interest as soon as possible.

This two hour session covers everything you need to know about Wildflowers and creating fantastic pollinator friendly areas to improve your area. It will cover everything from rewilding to seed sowing, ground preparation, maintenance and sources of real Irish Wildflower seed. The session is lively and interactive and there is an opportunity to send in photos for the area you are considering planting, so you can get personalised advice from the horticulturalist Aoife Munn.

The Wildflower Masterclass will take place on Friday March 4th at 10 am – 12 noon. Please note this session is not recorded so you must be available at this time to attend. Registration will be taken at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildflower-masterclass-sponsored-by-waterford-city-county-council-registration-203642950547

When we think of inspiring women, there is one name who always tops the billing – Vicky Phelan. Her bravery and determination have changed so much for so many.

Waterford Chamber will be joining forces with WIT, Network Waterford, Waterford Chamber Skillnet and the Waterford Local Enterprise office on International Women’s Day to pay tribute to Vicky and to rise vital funds for her chosen charities the Solas Centre and the Shona Project.

On Tuesday, March 8^th the Triptych Portrait of Vicky Phelan will be on public display from 4pm to 6pm in the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. This will also be the final event in the inimitable tea rooms as it closes its doors permanently thereafter.

Following the public viewing, the organisations will host a business networking event, where guests will have the opportunity to meet with Vicky’s lifelong friend David Brennan who purchased the portrait at auction and hear from artist Vincent Devine on the heartfelt story behind the creation of this masterpiece.

COLLABORATION IS KEY

According to Lynda Lawton, Waterford Chamber, “This is a phenomenal opportunity to view this magnificent piece of art, to pause and reflect and all the while, raise money for two charities that are so important to Vicky.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and you can donate on the day or also online at https://www.idonate.ie/VickiPhelanPortraitExpoMar22. What better way to mark International Women’s Day then to honour an incredible lady who has changed the landscape of the Irish health system for future generations.

“We always say collaboration is key, and it is fantastic that we can come together with our colleagues in WIT, Network Waterford, Waterford LEO and Waterford Chamber Skillnet to present an opportunity such as this.

“It will also be quite a poignant occasion as it marks the last event with our friends at the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. What an institution it has become, and we will certainly miss the activity in our building. So if anyone wants to say goodbye to their favourite hideaway, please come along on March 8^th from 4pm to 6pm and of course don’t forget your wallet!”

END OF AN ERA

Speaking about the event and marking the end of an era, Sarah Jane Cleary, owner of the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms said: “All good things come to an end but what better way to say goodbye than to honour a powerful woman on International Women’s Day. To be able to facilitate fundraising for the Solas Centre and the Shona Project, on behalf of Vicky Phelan, is a great honour and the perfect way to say goodbye. The entire contents of The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms will be up for sale with a percentage of the proceeds going towards Vicky’s chosen charities, so people can always remember the good times we had here, while also remembering what Vicky Phelan has done for the women of Ireland. It is our greatest honour to join with the business community to do this.”

DIGGING DEEP

Following the public viewing, Network Waterford will host a networking reception, with Waterford Chamber and WIT, from 6.30pm in the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms. According to Network President Margaret Julian, “As an organisation, celebrating women’s achievements is at the core of what we do and we will certainly be digging deep into our pockets to support Vicky’s chosen charities. Having a private audience with the artist is an incredible opportunity and we are inviting the entire business community to come out and support this event.

“Following the event, we are moving to Garter Lane for the opening night of How To Fall Flat on Your Face by Waterford’s Katie Honan, another female tour-de-force. Katie’s play focuses on mental health and the enduring strength of women. After missing out on so much over the past two years, International Women’s Day 2022 is certainly going to be one to remember.”

To register for the Network Waterford event, please go to https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/international-womens-day-networking-reception-tickets-274410809117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or come along to the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms between 4pm and 6pm for the public viewing.

Ends

Waterford city is gearing up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with not just a parade for the first time since 2019, but also a new three day festival from March 17^th to 19^th.

The Parade, celebrating Waterford, Ireland’s Best Place to Live, will take to the streets of Waterford at 1pm on St. Patrick’s Day, led by Grand Marshall Finn Ryan.  The Lego-loving Finn from Ferrybank made a lasting impression throughout the country and beyond when he featured on the Late Late Toy Show last November.

Coupled with the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a three day festival, new for 2022.

Johnny Codd, Festival Co-ordinator with Waterford City & County Council is looking forward to the three day programme of festivities.  “Working with EveryEvent and local community groups, musicians and artists, there is a jam-packed musical, cultural and fun programme that is going to appeal to absolutely everyone.”

On St. Patrick’s Day, in addition to the Parade, a festival fairground will take place in John Roberts Square and throughout the three day festival.

On Friday, March 18^th, Ireland’s newest Bank Holiday, follow the trail of free music, dance and entertainment from John Roberts Square to O’Connell Street to the Plaza Festival Stage, with acts such as Intonations, Celtic Rock Stars, Afro Dance Troop, Brass and Co., Banna Nua, Waterford Malayalee Association, WAMA, TheatreBox, Toucan and much more.

Saturday, March 19^th the musical treats continue at the Plaza Festival Stage with community group performances, Three for the Road, Thin as Lizzy and Rookie Thomson, while the Applemarket Music Sessions will feature Waterford’s favourite Oasis tribute band, Mad Ferritt, ahead of a spectacular fireworks display on the Quay at 9pm.

Sunday takes a more chilled out vibe as the Phil Collins Trio Jazz concert takes place in Constitution Square from 1pm.

The Waterford St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 1pm, with entries gathering at the Bridge Street end of the Quay. The parade begins at the Waterford Bus Station and will proceed along the Quay, past the Clock Tower and the Plaza, moving around to the Mall.

There will also be an online streaming of the Parade, so those who cannot attend or remain cautious about attending large events can still enjoy the celebrations.

To find out more details of the St. Patricks Day Parade and three day festival in Waterford visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com or keep an eye on WaterfordStPatricksDayParade social media channels.

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