A first meeting with AJ Vosse and the subsequent opening up of his work is an interesting good news story and may provide a bigger picture of a regular contributor. His interests lie not only in our inland waterways, but in the nature and heritage of his adopted country. The story is told at The Saffer I met.

To those wishing to cross Dublin on the canal system, details of scheduled lifts of Newcommon Railway bridge will dictate their timetable. The bridge will only be lifted if a demand exists so people are urged to consider a Royal cruise - short or long; and maybe even the adventure of a Green and Silver voyage using both Grand and Royal Canals. Check the bridge details and useful contact information here.

Waterways Ireland have asked the Association to inform our members of a serviced mooring scheme they are about to put in place at Shannon Harbour on the Grand Canal. All relevant details can be found on the Waterways Ireland website.

Articles are always welcome for inclusion in our Memories Section and for these pre-season evenings there is a varied supply of interesting topics there.

Dublin Branch IWAI have a busy month planned wih something of interest for everyone. Details can be seen here.

The documentry series Waterways - The Royal Canal won two awards at the Irish Film & Television Awards 2012. Well done Stephen, Larry, Dick, Ronan, Peter and all the crew at Tile Films. Our thanks to the Connon family and Rambler for the opportunity to share their superb voyage.

Again we have what hopefully will be another successful collaboration between Offally Co. Co., local artists and the HBA. We wish the venture every success and details may be viewed at Grand ( Canal) Experience.

Waterways Ireland advise that work on the Grand Canal at Lullymore Co. Kildare is taking longer than expected, details are at Grand Canal closure.

Banagher Co. Offally played host in June 2011 to the week long celebration of the founding of the HBA and the hospitallity recieved was tremendous. The towns annual parade on water is again on the horizon and deserves our support. If you are on the water or just passing through, please drop in , details at - Banagher, St. Patricks Day Parade.