The Lagan Branch of the IWAI - Events on The Lagan

Lagan Events
Get Involved in National Trails Day! Sunday 3rd October As part of National Trails Day Sunday 3rd October, the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust has organised a guided canal walk and boat rally taking in the historic features of the Lagan canal. For those interested in the walk, the meeting point will be at the front of Lisburn Civic Centre at 2.45pm. The walk will commence at 3pm and it will follow the Lagan canal towpath up to Union Locks (1.8 miles / 3.8 km). The walk is suitable for all age groups as the towpath is a flat level surface. The small boat and canoe rally will be held on the Lagan Canal at the fully restored Lock 12 in Lisburn. For both events it is essential to book through the Lagan Canal Trust office 02838 311675 or email joanne.lappin@craigavon.gov.uk. (Please note those wishing to participate in the boat rally must have their own boat.)

Event Held at Lock 3 on the Lagan Canal Members of the Lagan Branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and the Lagan Canal Trust held an information evening at Lock 3 and the Lock -Keepers cottage at Newforge. The members were given a guided tour of the newly refurbished visitor centre, cottage and lock by the Landscape Partnership Manager Brendan O’Connor. Details were given of the process to restore lock 3 on the Lagan Canal including repairs to orginal stonework and installation of new lock gates. The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, DCAL and Castlereagh Borough Council. For more information see http://www.laganvalley.co.uk/

Lagan Branch member awarded OBE It is with great pleasure that we at the Lagan Branch of the IWAI are able to announce that its member Mr Brian Cassells has been awarded an OBE in this years New Years honours list. The OBE is an Officer in the Civil Division of The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire and in due course he will be invited to receive this at Buckingham Palace. Brian has received this award for his services to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland. This award is richly deserved for all the work he has done and continues to do for our Association and we are extremely proud of this magnificent honour which acknowledges the esteem that our association has also gained by this. Brian has for years represented the aims of IWAI as a respected voice lobbying and advising national and local government authorities as well as other bodies on many matters related to waterways development. Brian is immediate past President of the IWAI and is currently a member of the IWAI National Executive. Brian also played a key role in promoting the Ulster Canal Restoration Project and is current Chairman of the Lough Neagh Advisory Committee and deputy Chairman of the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust. He is an avid local historian and has researched and written widely on inland navigations and on other aspects of local history. The OBE is a great recognition for all his tireless work, efforts, campaigning and achievements, supported by his wife Maree.
Sketrick Island and Down Cruising Club The members of the Branch enjoyed a leisurely visit to Sketrick Island and Down Cruising Club on the evening of 16th September. Over 30 members and their friends were taken on a fascinating tour of the island on Strangford which included information on its history and natural environment. The evening was successfully rounded off with a visit to the nearby Ballydorn Lightship which is home to Down Cruising Club. Built at the turn of the 20th century the ship is a fascinating piece of our industrial archaeology and members enjoyed light refreshments and entertainment on board. Many thanks go to Branch member Terry Needham for all his efforts in organising such an enjoyable evening.

Get Involved in National Trails Day! Sunday 3rd October As part of National Trails Day Sunday 3rd October, the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust has organised a guided canal walk and boat rally taking in the historic features of the Lagan canal.

Get Involved in National Trails Day! Sunday 3rd October
As part of National Trails Day Sunday 3rd October, the Lagan Canal Restoration Trust has organised a guided canal walk and boat rally taking in the historic features of the Lagan canal.