'President' at the Jubilee Pageant

THE steam powered working boat President is to take part in the 1000 boats flotilla on the Thames as part of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

The historic boat will represent Staffordshire, with its journey being sponsored by Staffordshire businesses including JCB, Michelin, Wedgwood and St. Modwen.

Crewed by volunteers

The narrowboat President is owned by the Black Country Living Museum and will be crewed by volunteers from the ‘Friends of President‘ who maintain and operate the boat on the Museum's behalf.

The journey to take part in the pageant is expected to take around three weeks, with young people from Staffordshire given the opportunity to join the crew for a few days.

Staffordshire County Councillor, Pat Corfield, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers explained:

Significant part

"It is a thrill and an honour for Staffordshire to be able to play such a significant part in the national celebrations. It will be a central event, broadcast live across the world and I am delighted that Staffordshire will be so well represented by such fine county heritage at such a prestigious event.

"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."

The boat will eventually join the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3rd June as part of an estimated seven miles 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.