"Steaming Up" - Issue 10 - Spring 2004
Words from the Chairman
As I sit here writing these notes 'President' and Kildare are outside the London Canal Museum in Battlebridge Basin. We have had a very successful trip down to London over the past couple of weeks and I would like to congratulate the crews for their hard work and dedication. When you read this the boats will be on the way back to Dudley and we will have gone up the tideway from Limehouse to Brentford following the very successful Canalway Cavalcade. There was a time when we thought we would have to cancel owing to the lack of crew volunteers.
Where are you all?
When I talk to visitors to the boat they are always amazed that we are not overrun with people who want to crew the boats. I know that it is hard work but the more volunteers we have the easier it becomes. The trip to London was scheduled to take 12 days, we had to reschedule it and the trip was done in 8 some of that time with only 4 on the crew, this is why it gets hard. What can we do about it? Well as members we can volunteer for a bit of boating, we can also recruit new members to FoP and encourage them to take part. The future of 'President' is in our hands - we need to ensure that we look after it and operate it, as it deserves. Best wishes to you all and thank you for supporting FoP.
David Powell Chairman
Boating Programme 2004 - see schedule here
Once again Richard Thomas has done the impossible and produced a crew roster for this years boating programme. If you have not signed up for any trips, or fancy doing an extra trip, there are still a few vacancies.
Never crewed before?
Don't worry, crewing is always a memorable, friendly and enjoyable experience. As a sampler, we hold weekend training days at Dudley. These days give you the chance to experience life as a crew member on a short trip around the Black Country. Safety is, of course, a high priority and you will be given full safety training before setting off. You will be given chance to tryout most operational activities on the boat - all under close supervision.
If you decide to volunteer for a working trip, you will be one of the lucky ones to experience the joys of the canal system from a completely different perspective. Who knows, you might even be pictured in the national press or on TV - it does happen.
To volunteer, please contact Richard Thomas - contact info here
To quote Fred Pontin "book early"
The Last Page
When not working the canal system, President and Kildare are moored at their home, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley. It is here that most of the day to day boat maintenance work is carried out.
As you can imagine, there is a always a huge amount of work required to keep the boats in a safe, working and presentable condition. As Friends, we are keen for all our members to feel that can have an involvement in the operation and upkeep of these unique, historic vessels. You do not need a degree in engineering or years of boating experience, just a bit of enthusiasm and not be too worried about getting your hands dirty.
Work parties are arranged by Ron Spencer (0161 980 3539) who is very able at matching jobs to abilities and all done with a great sense of humour - more details next issue.
At the request of the museum, we have been asked to have the boats staffed at the museum when they would be otherwise locked up and shut down. A rota is currently being developed to allow FoP members to spend just a few hours or weekend on the boat. So if you fancy having a less than strenuous day, watching the kettle boil on the range in the back cabin and chatting with museum visitors, we would be keen to hear from you.
Have your say - from Nigel Wood
This is my first attempt at editing the newsletter. Thanks to all contributors for making this issue possible. I welcome your feedback, news articles, trip reports, photos (preferably digital) and suggestions for future editions. You are a Friend of President. This is your forum to share news and knowledge with like minded people about some of the best boats on the English canal system.
Last edited:- 21-Jul-2008