Following much debate amongst our members, a letter outlining our feelings on the new Canal permit issue was sent to the CEO of Waterways Ireland which resulted in a meeting with them in Mullingar, a report (members only) can be found here.

A long awaited trip by association members is fast approaching and preparations on the ground are building up. Members participating are promised a memorable voyage and no doubt people will want to see the fleet en route. The Royal Canal poster is available here. Details of the planned trip are available at HBA on the Royal.

Members should also be preparing for a Summer event - HBA 13 @ Athlone, which is our first in this important waterways town. Date is from 12th to 18th of August and not to be missed. More information to follow so watch this space.

Waterways Ireland are as usual busy with their Winter work program and are so far having a mild weather spell which is no doubt of great benefit to progress. Some pictures of the dredging of the Grand Canal Circular Line from early December, are available here.

Offaly County Council's art grant produced the amazing "A Grand Experience" which was shown on TV and an exhibition on the venture has been staged at venues countrywide. Athlone is the latest venue and just recently it was announced that the film would be shown on Aer Lingus trans Atlantic flights, a wider market for this excellant body of work. A copy of the DVD is great value and details of how to purchase or download are at [www.mixedbagmedia.com]

River Rat Calendar sales have broken all our projection figures and at present there are less than forty copies available, if you want one buy now, or be dissapointed. Congratulations to all involved from painting to selling, a job really well done.

Our Memories page contains many items of interest, so do pay it a visit.