Background:

This trip took place immediately before last years fly run. It had originally been planned with a view to holding a number of publicity events. But, as usual none materialised. The crew was therefore reasonably able to amuse themselves. ..

Saturday 22^nd May

President trips always seem to commence with complicated transport arrangements. This one began when I met Ron at Galton Bridge. He was on the Low Level having parked up at Maurice’s. I had arrived at High Level from Ledbury. It was good to have company for the walk from Tipton Station, a good opportunity too to probe the adventurous streak of the captain for the next few days. He responded well………….Things looked good for adventure!

We joined Judy and Simon at the museum and began, in traditional style, by loading coal; lots and lots of it and just the right preparation for the meal on a shovel that is the speciality of The Tipton Pie Factory. Saturday night was busy with the sort of pub crawlers that hire a double decker bus and blow a whistle when it is time to move on. A suitable activity for an AGM evening perhaps?

Sunday 23^rd May

Began the day painting President’s roof followed by sealing the gunwales. Come 3.30 we lifted the bridge and went for a spin to Factory. Eric and Fred, his dad, came with us. Fred had worked for FMC with his parents until they moved on shore. He had then been with BW for 44 years.

The museum moorings are a fantastic place to be when no one else is around. One perhaps tends to take the atmosphere of the Boat Dock too much for granted.

We began the knock-out draughts championship.

Monday 24^th May

Some whip cracking was going on so more cleaning this morning. It was incredible how the cabin sides responded to turtle wax. It was almost as good as Eddies patent mixture. Then it rained ! Today's plan was to take up Freds’ offer to visit his remarkable Lock Keepers Cottage at the bottom of the Crow. We arrived at Oldbury, at the junction of the Titford Canal, at 3.45 and carefully reversed up the branch.

It is hard to imagine another property whose surroundings have changed so much over the years. Take the coldly designed and noisy elevated section of the M5 for instance, quite a change to the view from your garden! We completed our reverse back from the motorway to moor in the bottom lock beside Fred’s garden gate. To those who know Fred it will come as no surprise to hear that his cottage is immaculate. His garden is also immaculate, his gnomes an absolute picture. He is a remarkable man. We admired some superb photos shot whilst he was taking Atlas around the waterways network and added another picture to his photographic collection by filling his lock and inviting him to take President’s tiller outside his home.

Things then took an unexpected turn. [Ed. John is ever the optimist] Instead of continuing up the locks to explore the cut in the direction of Titford Pools, the decision was taken to return straight back to the museum. Perhaps it was also to dry out George who had become damp whilst assisting at the lock.

The spin off to this decision was a magnificent run back through Brades in glorious sunshine. Perfect conditions in which to appreciate the finest boat on the waterways network.

We completed the draughts tournament in the pub. The draw pitted myself against Simon in the final. Sadly Simon did not live up to the predictions of the big match hype and came second.

Tuesday 25^th May

A special breakfast today in wonderful early morning sunshine. As a treat it was laid out on the one of the cafeteria’s outdoor tables that overlook the boat dock. All concerned thought it a splendid feast. Flowers on a table do add something, even if they are only Ragwort.

Up went the bridge and at 11.56 we were off for Wolverhampton, a different trip today as we had Kildare with us, not a plus in every situation as the run back from The Crow last night had reminded me. Met Sir William Stanier soon after emerging from Coseley Tunnel as if to bring ones mind back once again to the days without Kildare. We had used the incongruously sumptuous luxury of Stanier as our support vessel in 1991. Pampered as we were on that particular trip, having Kildare along is much better.

Just before the Bilston Road Bridge, now also carrying the new Midland Metro, President came to a stop, the like of which I am pleased to say I have never seen before. An immediate, dead, rocking, stop on what must have been an incredibly severe underwater obstruction. With the help of a snatch back and a different line we were able to proceed.

The new Broad Street Warehouse moorings are a treat and a must for President and Kildare whenever passing. The splendidly restored black and white signage on the brickwork proudly proclaims "Fellows Morton & Clayton Ltd., Carriers to and from London, Liverpool, Manchester etc." And, to cap the ambience of the surroundings, showers! A more satisfying shower it would be hard to imagine. "You can’t expect me to go down the engine hole like this" protested Simon, "I’m too clean!"

At 16.39 we were on our way back in perfect weather conditions, reversing into the museum arm at 19.30 in front of a large crowd which showed its appreciation of a well executed manoeuvre. A neat ending to another lovely day.

Wednesday 26^th May

Went to the pallet yard in the morning with George and the museum pick-up. It was hard work, nail bending over, breaking up and packing into sacks a not very wonderful assortment of timber, all to the accompaniment of very loud music. I raised the bridge for the last time, boat hooked the hook to help the stern around and gingerly tip-toed across Atlas’s counter and Fred’s immaculate boards to board President and steam away. "Where are you going" enquired an occupant of a hippy boat moored near Caggies Yard. "Braunston" I replied, "anybody who is anybody will be there". "Anybody who is anybody will be heading in the opposite direction" came the quick reply.

But he was wrong. I had to leave President and Kildare at Gas Street and return home to family life for the Bank Holiday weekend. I did make it to Braunston on the Monday however and witnessed part of what seemed to me to be a superb weekend for President. The Braunston boat show also had the finest display of working boats I have ever seen. It just seems so amazing that it is not all happening again this year.

John Goldrick