Munster Express Online

‘Picture Present, Focus Forward’ is a 2016 calendar project which aims inspire others through the sharing of their experiences and their positive focus on the future.
All those who featured in the calendar are clients of the Solas Centre in Williamstown and over 30 businesses supported the project.
On Thursday evening last, to celebrate the calendar’s launch, the participants arrived at the Theatre Royal in limos and vintage cards to be applauded by friends, family and supporters, to a prosecco and red carpet reception.
According to Ann Marie Power, the Solas Centre’s Fundraising Co-ordinator: “Last Thursday’s launch was all about giving our calendar participants a truly special evening, something they will always remember and treasure, as will their family and friends.
“It was an amazing evening and emotional evening for all involved. The launch evening was a total surprise, the participants had no idea what was planned and this was the first time they had seen the project video and their photo.”
The special night at the Theatre Royal was opened by singer Glenn Murphy, accompanied by
Ronan Scolard on guitar with a rendition of Song ‘No Day But Today’.
This was followed by the ‘Picture Present, Focus Forward’ project video which gave all present the background to the calendar project, sharing interviews and footage of the photo-shoot day in Waterford Castle.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the Theatre,” according to Anne Marie. “It was a very emotional evening and very inspirational for all who attended. Many of the participants described it as the best day of their life – they felt like they were at the Oscars!”
City & County Mayor Cllr John Cummins officially launched the calendar and praised
the organisers and all involved in the project.
The beautifully designed calendars features portraits of 18 Solas Centre clients, accompanied with testimonials, are on sale for €10 in the following outlets: Solas Centre, Williamstown; The Book Centre, John Roberts Square; Hallmark Jewellers, City Square, Clem Jacob Hire, Six Cross Roads; Centra, Lismore; Hallihans Chemist, Dungarvan; Centra, Mullinavat, IT Repairs, O’ Cleirigh Court, Mullinavat and Whitfield Clinic