WORK is ongoing in addressing issues relating to Aer Southeast ... Manchester. However, shortly after, the Commission fo
Redwater axed after one series JUSTINE DWYER REPORTS HOPES were dashed this week that the BBC drama Redwater, which was filmed largely in Dunmore East last year, would return for a second series, when actress Jessie Wallace confirmed publicly the series hadn’t been recommissioned. Leaving the ‘Kat’ out of the bag, so to speak, the actress who played Kat in the series said on the Lorraine Show last Tuesday, that the cast and crew would not be returning to Dunmore East. Following her announcement, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the news and said in order to increase the range of new original drama, Redwater would not be getting a second chance. The drama which told the story of Kat and Alfie Moon and their search for Kat’s estranged son in the Irish countryside, put Dunmore East firmly on the tourism map last summer with thousands flocking to the picturesque seaside village to see it in the flesh after the show aired in May. Local businesses reaped the rewards of a large cast and crew staying in the village for the duration of
filming while local bars and restaurants were also used as onscreen locations. Many residents of Dunmore also got their first shot at fame by being recruited as extras for the series. And although many expressed disappointment over the news this week, there didn’t appear to be much surprise either. Clifden Foyle of the Strand Hotel which featured prominently in the series , said he had known for the past two months. “I think most people locally knew for a while. Yes it is disappointing but you know what? It was great to have had a shot at it in the first place. We did phenomenally well out of it and so did many other businesses. It worked out really well because we were still able to trade as normal and there was very little inconvenience,” he said. Clifden added that the village in general was happy to have gotten the first series, “a second would have been a bonus but anything that attracts the kind of numbers we had last summer and creates that kind of positivity has to be good. The series has definitely put Dunmore on the map. You couldn’t buy that kind of publicity.”
Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie who starred in ‘Redwater’.
Making Hospital a Happier Place JUSTINE DWYER REPORTS TAKING the pressure off a parent dealing with a sick child and distracting that child with play even for a few minutes is a gift being offered by an organisation called Children In Hospital Ireland to paediatric patients at UHW. The organisation is a nationwide, not-for-profit group which was founded in 1970 by parents of sick children with the aim of making hospital a happier place for children through play and advocacy and ensuring that children’s emotional and developmental needs are met. Children In Hospital are currently looking for volunteers in Waterford to provide a couple of hours of their time a week in helping make some of these sick children’s lives a little easier when they have to spend time in hospital. Local play volunteer Marion Ashley has been working with CHI for over two years after she saw an ad in a newspaper. “They were looking for volunteers and I thought to myself “this is something that looks right up my alley.” Marion had worked as an SNA (Special Needs Assistant) and is also a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, so she knew she had the skills required. She went to the information night and then a few weeks later attended a training day which she found extremely informative and helpful. Since then she has been a regular fixture on the paediatric ward at UHW giving her time to bring a little brightness into the lives of sick children. “We are very fortunate really. Initially when I started we only had a trolley which we would bring around for the children to pick books and crayons off. Now we have a special room with
lots of books, colouring paper, paints and some toys,” explains Marion. The volunteers work in pairs and go around the ward offering arts and crafts to the children that are bedbound. “We stop and have a chat, read them a story, tell them a joke. It’s anything really to provide a bit of distraction. When a child is sick in hospital, providing entertainment is the last thing on a parent’s mind so that’s what we try and do.” Marion continued that play is vital for young children. “It gives them a way to express themselves and it’s soothing and comforting for them. They are in an unfamiliar environment. They’re unwell and they’re finding it all very scary. The play calms them and hopefully we offer a supportive and caring presence.” A busy mum of two herself, Marion says the reason she wanted to get involved with Children In Hospital was because she wanted to give something back to the community. “It has been a very humbling experience – to be able to help someone who is having a tough time and give them a little extra support.” Marion who is American, has lived in Waterford for 12 years and her own children are now teenagers. “My kids grew up here and I just wanted to contribute something to the local community that has been so good to me. It can make such a big difference. I would encourage
Hopes for airport lift off KIERAN FOLEY REPORTS WORK is ongoing in addressing issues relating to Aer Southeast and Waterford Airport. Earlier this year, Aer Southeast began selling tickets for flights between Waterford and Birmingham, London Luton and Manchester. However, shortly after, the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) forced the newly-formed airline to stop selling tickets when it found that the carrier did
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not have the required tour operator’s licence. The airline then refunded customers who had booked flights, but Waterford Airport has remained without commercial services. After apologising to customers, Aer Southeast said it was “fully committed” to operating flights between Waterford and the three UK destinations and would work closely with the CAR. At the September plenary meeting of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr Declan Clune (SF) sought an update on
the situation and asked if issues had been resolved. In response, CEO of Waterford City & County Council Michael Walsh said he understands that the “core issue” of licencing has been resolved. However, Mr Walsh said issues have now arisen in relation to the availability of planes. He said he hopes to have further information within the next week or so and added that it’s hoped the services from Waterford to the UK will be operating in mid-October/November.
people to have a look at CHI’s website and go to the interview night. It’s lovely to think that just a few moments with these kids can make such a big difference.”
Marion Ashley.
If you would like to attend an Introduction and Interviewing Evening at UHW on Thursday October 5th at 6 pm contact CHI on 01-2903510 or info@ childreninhospital.ie to register.
