A historic steam-powered narrowboat that will be representing Staffordshire in the 1,000-boat flotilla on the Thames as part of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant will be stopping off in Stone on its three-week journey to the capital.
‘President‘, one of the world’s only surviving steam-powered narrowboats and part-built in Staffordshire, will be flying the flag for the county in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3rd June.
She will be stopping in Stone – one of only three stops in Staffordshire – on Saturday 21st April.
The 71ft President owned by the Black Country Living Museum will be crewed by volunteers from the ‘Friends of President’ group who maintain and operate the boat on the museum’s behalf. Young people from Staffordshire will also be given the opportunity to join the crew for a few days.
The 336-mile journey to London is expected to take around three weeks, travelling at a majestic three miles per hour and arriving in London at the end of May.
Staffordshire County Councillor Pat Corfield, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers, said: “It is a thrill and an honour for Staffordshire to be able to play such a significant part in the national celebrations. Before leaving Staffordshire, President will make three canalside stops in the county at Etruria on 20th April, Stone on 21st April and Fradley on 22nd April, where residents can come along and see her in all her glory.”
President will eventually join the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3rd June as part of a seven-mile long procession of Dunkirk little ships, historic vessels, steam boats and tugs. At its centre will be a royal barge, decorated in red and gold, carrying HM the Queen Elizabeth II and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
More details of the Stone stop-off will be revealed later.
2 comments
Eaststandalbion1
What time at fradley junction?