President, unique to UK's waterways, celebrates 100th birthday – Birmingham Post
Well well, I never realised President was having a birthday party over the bank holiday weekend, or I'd have popped along to dribble some beer on its bow in honour.
A one hundred-year-old narrowboat that has been painstakingly restored by volunteers has drawn big crowds to the Black Country Living Museum.
The centenary of President, the only preserved steam-powered narrowboat on the UK’s waterways today, was given a party, including a birthday cake, before undertaking a five-month tour of Britain’s canals at the weekend.
Below is my own favourite picture of President, taken at the 2004 IWA National Festival at Burton on Trent. The chap at the front is Nick Haynes, who frequently captains the boat on its many trips.
Unlike most traditional narrowboats, President doesn't actually have a 'steerer'. Instead, it has - according to the Crewing on President page on the website - a crew of up to six:
… a captain, a driver and an assistant driver and three crew, up to two of whom may be trainees. The captain has complete responsibility for the boats and all the crew, including guiding the trainees in their new experiences.
At first you will be shadowed in any duties you are given. You will never be left alone until the captain is satisfied with your competence in a task. The driver is king in the secret world of the engine ‘ole. You may be invited to join him if you wish to watch his arts.
It doesn't say how you can become Captain, but with five other crew aboard, clearly you'll need a certain extra quality beyond what everyone else on the boat is doing.
Oh my goodness, I thought you were referring to the man sitting on the "boat" - he doesn't look like his age, LOL. Kidding aside, you should take good care of your "president" because this may be considered an antique soon and will cost a hug sum of money.
Posted by: hampers | Tuesday, 23 June 2009 at 11:47 AM