Full steam ahead for big anniversary

Today, the roads have taken over from the canal and river network which criss-crosses the UK – but the narrowboat still holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. And President is in a league of its own.

This summer, the boat will reach its 100th anniversary with celebrations starting in the Black Country.

The boat, now owned by Dudley's Black Country Living Museum, is the world's only working steam narrowboat on the canals today.

A whole festival of events to celebrate the centenary is already planned for May and June.

The celebrations will begin with a tour of the waterways – starting from the Black Country Living Museum in Tipton Road.

Other attractions will include an exhibition on the history of the boat at the museum and a reunion of those involved with preserving them.

President was first built in 1909 in Fellows, Morton and Clayton's company dock at Saltley, Birmingham.

She has undergone a series of restorations since – including an extensive refit between 2001 and 2003.

The original cost to build President was just £600 and one of the company directors, Joshua Fellows, gave his name to the distinctively shaped 'Josher' hull which has riveted wrought iron sides and a three inch elm bottom.

The company built and operated 31 steamers between 1889 and 1931, featuring the same specially developed compound steam engine and coke fired boiler.

But the engine took up valuable cargo space and steamers could only carry 18 tons at a time, compared to over 25 tons in a horse drawn boat.

Their advantage over the horse drawns, however, was their ability to tow several unpowered boats, known as butty boats.

President was put in to service between London and Birmingham, a journey that typically took 54 hours to complete, carrying cargoes such as tea, wool, cheese and soap.

As times changed, Fellows, Morton and Clayton worked hard to adapt and in 1925, President had her boiler engine replaced by a 15 horse power Bolinder, returning to the fleet as a motor boat.

President ended her working days with the British Waterways maintenance fleet based at Northwich and was advertised for sale in 1973 as a "derelict hull".

President was bought by enthusiasts Nicholas Bostock and Malcolm Braine who set about restoring her to her former glory - even installing a working steam plant, a complete replica cabin and boiler room and sourcing a vintage 1928 boiler to replace the original one which had been scrapped.

She was bought by the Black Country Living Museum in 1983 and is now a regular fixture around the area – raising the profile of the museum and the people who preserve her, Friends of President.

Preparations for the birthday celebrations will start with a three-day birthday party at the Black Country Living Museum between May 2 and 4.

The Friends of President are currently appealing for past committee members share their memories as part of an exhibition to be held at the museum during this time – visit www.nb-president.org.uk for details.