The QE2 Story 2014 Year End Newsletter

December 2014

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Hello from the QE2 Story team.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the valuable contributions they have made to the forum throughout the year. It is encouraging that through the forum, members have built a wonderful information resource, by sharing photos and memories.

QE2 fans continue to enquire what is happening to the ship, and often visit the QE2 Story web site, in the hope of finding up to date information.

No words can convey our disappointment that the ship still sits in Dubai, with no concrete plans for her future. QE2 Hotel conversion, scheduled for this year has not materialized. Instead we have had reports about the deteriorating condition of the ship and concerns are growing about what the outcome will be for QE2

The ship has gone from being an international icon, to sitting in Dubai in an unkept state, and all we can do is watch from the sidelines.

However, during November and December it was encouraging to see media outlets respond to the Arabian Business News article: QE2 fans hit out as liner rusts in Dubai Plus thanks to Rob Lightbody, QE2 had more media interest when Maritime Matters published Rob's article: QE2's six years in Dubai

Did you enjoy reading Michael Gallagher's post 50 years ago. Michael's post details the period between August and December 1964. 50 years ago on 30 December 1964 the contract for QE2 was signed and who could have imagined at that time the fame that this ship would achieve over her lifetime.

We hope this has been a good year for you and we wish you health and happiness for 2015.

Please continue to keep the memory of QE2 alive by supporting the work of the QE2 Story.

Happier times for QE2
Photo by permission of Cunard

Last chance to enter this month's prize competition!

From January to December 2014 the Photo Competition has challenged us each month to search for winning photos showing her "Beauty", her "Cabins and Portholes", "Winter Views" of the ship, "QE2 Reflections and Shadows," her "Funnel," then there was "Lifebuoys, Lifeboats and Tenders", "Afternoon Tea" plus "Ice Carvings onboard ship". We also remembered happy memories of our "Favourite Sailaways", and the "Shoreside Crowds" that QE2 attracted when she visited a port. Didn’t we do well in posting some amazing photos from these categories for us all to enjoy.

QE2 and New York is the current theme that forum members are voting for but if you have not voted yet, hurry as voting closes on 1 January at 7.44 pm and remember you need to log in to vote.

The prize this month for the "QE2 a Random Detail" winner is the book 'Queen Mary 2 - The First 10 Years' by Stephen Payne. This was created for passengers on QM2's 10th Anniversary crossings and is not available for sale. Donated by Cunard.

See below for more details:

And to finish the year the theme for the December photo competition "QE2 a Random Detail" has attracted some interesting photos showing members interpretation of this theme.

You only have a couple more days, until midnight on 31 December to search through your treasured QE2 photo albums and submit your three best photos, to have a chance of winning.

You need to log into the forum to access the Photo Competition links

Congratulation to Stowaway 2K, and Hamburger, joint winners of the October competition, "Lifebuoys, Lifeboats and Tenders". These photos brought back many excellent memories. We would also like to give a big thank-you to everyone who participated by submitting their excellent photos and voting. Keep watching the competition results topic for more information.

QE2 Story 2015 Calendar

Have you ordered your QE2 Story Calendar yet? If not have a look at details of how you can order

Lots of Other Forum News

We hope you take time to have a look at the rest of the forum and to get you started here are some topics that may be of interest to you: For instance where else could you find discussions and photos of QE2 lifts or information on the Commemorative plaques on board QE2. What famous celebrities can you remember onboard QE2? Have you had a look at the list of QE2 video footage of her Design, Concept and Build. There is so much information on the forum and it is fun to take time to have a look.

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