Picture Present.Focus Forward Calendar

Calendar Launch

“You can’t always choose the picture you are in, or how you look in it…but you can always decide how you look at it.”

On Thursday 5th November the Picture Present.Focus Forward project was officially launched at the Theatre Royal.  This awareness project incorporated a video and 2016 Solas calendar which was created on a voluntary basis by portrait photographer Bara Alich and video production company Viedo Ireland in association with the South Eastern Cancer Foundation, Solas Centre. 

It features portraits and testimonials of people whose lives have been affected by cancer, all of them clients of the Solas Centre.   They shared their feelings and experiences as part of the Picture Present. Focus Forward project and this was captured to help empower and inspire others who may be going through similar challenges to stay positive and focus on the future. 

To celebrate the launch the glamorously dressed participants were ferried from the Solas Centre to the Theatre Royal in limousines and vintage cars to be applauded on their arrival by over 400 family members, friends and supporters, to a prosecco and red carpet reception.

The evening was opened by Glenn Murphy accompanied by Ronan Scolard on guitar followed by the unveiling of the project video.  The project video featured moving testimonials from the participants, along with footage of the calendar photoshoot weekend in the Waterford Castle.  This helped to give the audience more of an insight into the participant’s personal journey with cancer and the background to the project. 

Commenting on the evening is Ann Marie Power, Fundraising Co-Ordinator at the Solas Centre, “The launch was all about us giving our calendar participants a truly special evening, something they will always remember and treasure as will their family members and friends.  The plan for the launch was kept as a total surprise from the participants, they had no idea what was organised and this was the first time they would see their photos and the project video.  It was a very powerful and memorable evening as the bravery and positivity of our calendar participants shone through to inspire all on the evening.”

Mayor Cllr John Cummins officially launched the calendar and the participants were presented with flowers and their framed calendar photos.

The Chair of the Solas Centre, Dr Brian Creedon acknowledged his appreciation to all those involved in the project, “We are very grateful to our clients who as part of this project shared their honest and personal cancer experiences.  This required such bravery and determination and in turn will help inspire others in the community who may be challenged with cancer to seek the support they may need from the Solas Centre.”

“We acknowledge Bara Alich of Bara Alich Photography and Jan Lukac of Viedo Ireland for their exceptional work on this project since January and for the compassion they have shown our clients throughout. Over 30 businesses supported the project and we are very thankful for their generous contribution.”

Glenn Murphy and Ronan Scolard concluded the evening with a special rendition of the song “Climb”. Under the skilful direction of KCLR 96FM’s John Keane the evening ran seamlessly.  

The beautifully designed 2016 Solas Calendar can now be purchased for €10 in the following locations: The Solas Centre, Williamstown, Waterford

  1. The Book Centre, John Roberts Square, Waterford
  2. Pamela Scott, Georges Court, Waterford
  3. Fitz U and Fitzgeralds Menswear, Barronstrand Street, Waterford
  4. Heroes, John Roberts Square, Waterford.
  5. Hallmark Jewellers, City Square, Waterford
  6. Bank of Ireland, Lisduggen, Waterford
  7. The Hook & Ladder, Tramore Road, Waterford
  8. Clem Hire, Six Cross Roads, Waterford
  9. The Medieval Museum, City Centre, Waterford
  10. Centra, Lismore, Co. Waterford
  11. Hallahan’s Pharmacy, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
  12. Centra Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny
  13. Centra Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny
  14. It Repairs, Main Street, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny
  15. Whitfield Clinic, Cork Road, Waterford
  16. The Granary Café, Merchants Quay, Waterford
  17. Kenny’s Pharmacy, Tramore, Co. Waterford
  18. Zumba Fitness with Adriana – 086 354 6446

They are A2 in size and individually packaged – they make for an ideal Christmas present for a family member, friend or work colleague, all while supporting a great cause.

Thanks to

Fitzgerald Menswear 031 855 055

Fitz U 051 876 543

Heroes www.heroes.ie

Scarlett Vintage Clothing and Accessories 083 46 84 558

Just Couture www.justcouture.ie

Pamela Scott www.pamelascott.com

Petit Cheri 051 855 718

Additional Thanks to

Shellac Nails www.shellacnails.ie

Centra Mullinavat 051 898 207

Jim Flynn Grasscutting and Landscape Maintenance 086 87 90 176

Peter Shalloe Painting and decorating 087 584 54 58

Focus Visual Communication www.focusonline.ie

Nurture and Grow Childcare Centre 085 23 50 921

Caroline Penkert Beautician 051 323 067