This picture caused our archivist much research and for several weeks he played with it to try to enhance it and compare it with many other steamers. Then one day whilst idly looking at it realised he knew the steerer's face. Yes it was Tom Woodfield! Further comparison with the Buckby photo ( above ) confirmed the diagnosis. It was almost certainly taken within twenty minutes of the Lock 11 shot. Final confirmation (if required) can be made by comparing the cabin doors.

This is one of the oldest known photographs of President, taken at Buckby lock 11  on the Grand Junction canal, with Captain James Woodfield at the helm,  c.1910.

Although many photographs of other steamers at this position are around, the similar photograph of President remained hidden for many years. This photograph was "discovered" by FoP during the first "replica" fly run in 1991. Read the story here,

The London & Birmingham Railway embankment is just visible in the background, along the tree line.

( Photo ©  The Woodfield family )

For a larger copy of the image - click on it or go here

This is of President as a motor boat, taken some time between May 1925 and April 1932. The registration no is still 1212, it was changed when FMC finally re-registered the craft as a motor in April 1932 as No 1541. The steerer is almost certainly Hannah Webb, Thomas Webb's daughter.

The lad on the cabin top is Jimmy Woodfield junior (James' son) and the man in the engine ole is Sam Woodfield, James' brother.

The names of the man on the back and the dog are unknown.

We are not sure of the location; any suggestions ?.

Notice the different sign writing to that above.

Tom Webb Captain of President from late 1924 to July 1937 on Beatrice which was President's butty from 1925 -1937