President's 100th Birthday Party at the Black Country Living Museum
2nd May 2009 - photos by Nick Oliver

l - AGM Group photo - click on the image above for a higher resolution image

100th Birthday Party 2nd May 2009

Saturday 2nd May was a red letter day in every sense of the word for all of us who take pride in looking after these wonderful boats. President 100 years old and looking as good as the day she was launched and Kildare resplendent in a new paint job and a new fore cabin only four years behind. The day began with the AGM well attended as can be seen in the group photo. As most of you know Ian Walden has retired from the BCLM in July, have a happy retirement Ian. Your committee was returned for a further year’s service and next year all members stand down I believe. One change this year which I am sure was a welcome one for Richard Thomas was there was no need for the annual begging for crew – the crew rosters were full! Let us hope this is a sign of things to come. A buffet lunch was provided and after the group photo was taken all focus was transferred to the boat dock in anticipation of Presidents arrival at 3 pm. A huge crowd gathered and after the ceremonial bridge raising a triumphant whistle was heard followed by a plume of steam and that distinctive “chuff chuff” as President hove into view. President then entered the museum going forwards ( we usually back in to enable an easy exit) Driven and Steered by Messrs Stott and Powell and a textbook demonstration of strapping the fore end round followed thanks to Messrs Haynes and Nuttall. President was tied up and amidst much applause and cheering dignitaries, including Malcolm Braine and Ian Walden, were welcomed and speeches made followed by the cutting of two wonderful Birthday cakes. After the formalities President was reversed out winded and then reversed back in again ready for the familiarization weekend. The party then moved up to the recently opened Workers Institute where a superb exhibition of photos and snippets of Presidents history was on show. A further presentation was made of a beautiful painted water can which has accompanied President this summer together with some fascinating accounts of the early days when Malcolm Braine initially restored President and the eventual purchase by the BCLM together with the formation of F.O.P. Another Highlight was the launch of the superb book put together by Neil Ratcliffe covering the first 100 years of her history. – This is a book which should be bought by all members – better still buy several, they will make ideal Christmas presents. The day’s celebrations were brought to a conclusion with a steak barbecue served in the institute grounds.

Dave Speer