When the sculptor Colin Melbourne suggested we use a London firm to bronze cast the James Brindley Memorial Statue, this generated the idea that we could bring it back to Stoke on Trent via Brindley's Canals, all we needed was to find a suitable boat, various suggestions were made, but for me there was only one boat...... PRESIDENT

13th October 1989, the first meeting was held to discuss the potential of the ‘Brindley Run", the meeting held in Newcastle was attended by the ‘James Brindley’. Committee, and David Powell and David Stott of ‘Friends of President’. With the amount of enthusiasm generated at this meeting the project had got to be a winner, although at this stage the 'President' was without a boiler and a plank or two on its bottom, and we had no money, but there was an abundance of dreams.

At the end of that meeting by hook or by crook David was going to get a boiler and I was going to get the required £1,500, for this once in a lifetime enterprise. We were fortunate to have benefactors who thought likewise, we are indeed indebted to Cochran's-NEI Ltd., for the boiler, and to the Management, National Power Meaford and Rugeley Power Stations, (without their help we would have had to harness the Steamers. with me running alongside with the fodder) for the finance.

I would need a magazine to myself to relate all the many incidents that made up the organisation of the ‘Brindley Run’, some of them hair raising at the time and others very amusing, and I am sure there are many more that I haven't heard if yet.

Apart from the fulfilment of a dream come true, A Memorial to the Genius of James Brindley, Canal Engineer , a lot of other benefits have been brought about from this project. The one I'm most pleased about is the boost given to that very dedicated team ‘Friends of President’, with the increase of sponsorship, the boat and the crew looked superb throughout the ‘Brindley Run’.

Another benefit was the restoration of the Toll office and adjacent buildings at the Etruria lock complex, we are promised by the Stoke on Trent City Museum that the interior will be restored to its original style.

I think one of the most rewarding things has been the teamwork; there have been hundreds of people involved in the ‘Brindley Run’, it's impossible to thank everyone individually, some we don't even know by name; staff at St Katharine's Haven, River Thames Police, moorings and civic receptions en route, local radio stations and newspapers, people responsible for fuel storage en route, Boat Clubs, Canal and Conservation Societies, Donors both financial and in kind, British Waterways Management and Staff who were absolutely magnificent on every stretch of the waterway, and the Inland Waterways Association for their support. The Steamers who gave all their free time and their Wives who waited at home. The loan of ‘Vulcan’ as support boat, Alan, Pauline and Brandy as Skipper and Crew, Pauline for all those never ending piles of Bacon Butties. which appeared to be constantly being devoured by the Steamers.

To Mike Wilkinson for bringing his new boat as back up boat to the unveiling ceremony and official cruise.

A special mention for the Stone Conservationists and Coventry Canal Society for the excellent efforts made by their members on our behalf on the occasion of the Civic Receptions, our sincere thanks to you all, and also to the Lord Mayors of Oxford, Coventry, & Stoke on Trent, The Mayors of Tamworth, Stafford and Stone. Officials of Staffordshire County and City Councils, Staffordshire Police Department. National Power and British Waterways (already mentioned previously). To everyone who has given that precious commodity Time, and for all the financial assistance we have received, and for all the support given by the many people who turned up en route to cheer us on.

Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank Dudley M.B. Council and the ‘Black Country Living Museum’ for allowing the 'President' to be used for the ‘Brindley Run’, a very fitting tribute to a very special man. I for one enjoyed every minute of the two years organising the event, a lot of knowledge gained, a lot of friendships made, and for me a very special and most treasured tribute, which I am both honoured and privileged to receive, the Honorary life membership of ‘Friends of President’. My thanks to you all.

Vera Rowley
Hon. Secretary James Brindley Memorial Committee
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Thanks to Tony Millatt for providing the texts from his archives.