River Rats Calendar has completely sold out and the income figure has gone over the ten thousand euro mark. This has been an outstanding project and the result is way above expectations. The handover of funds to the Irish Cancer society is being arranged for a date in May in Dublin. Watch this space.

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.

Offaly County Council commissioned the amazing documentary "A Grand Experience" in 2012, as one of a series of artworks to celebrate the Grand Canal, currently all on exhibit in Luan Gallery, Athlone, until 21 April. The film was shown on RTE and is now on the Aer Lingus schedule of in flight entertainment for April and May. A DVD copy of the documentary is available from www.mixedbagmedia.com

The memories section of our site has the latest in the series - "Labour History on Irish Waterways - Snippets 9", for viewing.