QE2 Story Newsletter April 2015

April 2015

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Ahoy from the QE2 Story Team !

Silence from Dubai about QE2's plight, but sources say that efforts are underway to rapidly come up with a solution

In April 2015, her future is more in doubt than ever. The ship has been without power for 2.5 years, her interiors are deteriorating in the Dubai heat, dust and humidity (her doors are wide open) and we're worried about her safety. She looks forlorn and neglected but we can still hope that a solution can be found to give QE2 a future.

When we hear the latest news we will post on the discussion forum and update the QE2 today and QE2 News web page

You can help by distributing the "Whatever happened to QE2 leaflet" so that we can spread the word about her plight

Changed days from when she was welcomed by a flotilla of ships and saluted as a Queen and international icon.

An escort fit for a Queen (photo by Sea Pigeon ) Red Arrows salute QE2 (photo by Stowaway 2K) Flotilla welcomes QE2 to Dubai

QE2's Maiden Voyage (following re-engining) 29 April 1987

Between October 1986 and April 1987 Cunard spent £100 million on the re-engining of QE2 and refitting of the passenger areas. It seemed appropriate that QE2 should be reintroduced into service with a second maiden voyage, which was planned for 29 April 1987. Unfortunately, work on the interior of the ship was not completed, resulting in workmen travelling on the ship to New York to finish the work. The incomplete work plus problems that had resulted from new crew training issues led to many complaints from passengers and unfavourable press reports. But Cunard were quick to act, offering compensation to passengers and giving assurances that following the refit QE2 was better than ever and a leader in the cruise industry.

Our very own Rob Lightbody sailed onboard QE2 for the first time in 1987 when the ship left the German shipyard for a 3 day shakedown cruise to test everything was working properly, and the lasting memories of this cruise and love for QE2 led to the creation of the QE2 Story web site.

..... and Cunardqueen was actually onboard for QE2's Maiden Voyage (following re-engining) and has posted his memories

Photo Competition

There is still time to enter this month's photo competition "QE2 at Sea" before the deadline of 30 April 2015.

The winner of this competition will have the opportunity to choose between two prizes. A copy of Stephen Payne's book "QM2 the first 10 years" donated by Cunard or to have a jigsaw made of the winning photo, a prize offered by June Ingram. What prize would you choose?

Last month's photo competition, "Hot" generated some lovely images that deserve lots of votes, so if you have not voted yet, have a look and vote for your favourites before voting closes on 1 May.

Celebrating with QE2 Cakes

We all love getting a birthday cake but what could be more special than to receive a QE2 cake for your birthday! Well that is exactly what happened to Alan Snelson when his family arranged a QE2 cake that broke his heart to cut.

Have you had a look at the QE2 Cake topic where you will find similar stories?

Cunard 175 Anniversary

Keep watching the Cunard topic board for details of special events that are happening to celebrate this momentous occasion and please post on this and the Get Togethers topic boards if you are onboard ship (sipping champagne) or attending any of the onshore events.

Lusitania Conference 13 May, Clydebank Town Hall

Forum members are having a get together at this conference, which has the aim of commemorating Clydeside's part in the building of the Lusitania and to remember the tragic sinking of the ship in 1915.

PS Waverley joins QM2 for Firework Display

The historic PS Waverley will also be joining in the celebrations on 21 May, when she will offer her passengers a grandstand view of the fireworks display and QM2's departure from Greenock

Waverley will depart from Glasgow Science Centre at 7.30pm and return at midnight (booking necessary)

Photo Competition Results

Congratulation to Mike Difiore the winner of the February competition with his photo, "QE2 and Canberra" and once again Cunarder Man, was runner up with his photo "Queen Mary 2 welcomed home by QE2". A big thank-you to everyone who participated by submitting their excellent photos and voting and we hope you enjoy the memory of QE2 through the Photo Competition. Keep watching the competition results topic for more information.

Searching for topics on the QE2 Story

Did you know that if you search on the google search engine prefixing your search with site: "theqe2story.com" you can search for anything.

The above image shows the result of a google search for a QE2 Story discussion. Rob stated "Google, our built in search engine is good, but it can't be as good as the world's best search index!"

Lots of Other Forum News

Have you read about how QE2's flagship's status passed to QM2? Thanks to Alan Snelson for the monthly Downloadable QE2 Desktop Calendar

In the rest of the forum, here are some of the current stories: Why won't Cunard/Carnival save the QE2? Interesting question and members give their views. New member Edwin B told of of how he choose QE2 over his studies when his grandfather invited him to cruise on QE2

TQS on Facebook

TQS Twitter page

TQS Website

Thank-you for your continued support for the QE2 Story Forum. We know how special the ship is to everyone onboard the forum and we appreciate the contributions that are made to keep her memory alive.

Best Wishes

The QE2 Story Team