The QE2 Story September Newsletter

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Hello to all newsletter recipients,

I hope you have enjoyed keeping up with forum news by reading the range of topics, where forum members post their memories.

The recent Photo Competition theme, "QE2 with a boat or ship as an escort" resulted in some fantastic photos. Over her lifetime, QE2 was accompanied by navy and other ships on several important occasions, such as the Spithead reviews, the Falklands War (link to Homer Sykes photos) and her final season visits, such as her final visit to the Clyde and her arrival in Dubai.

Just as we were celebrating the successful return to service of the lovely PS Waverley - tragedy struck when she hit Brodick Pier on the Isle of Arran, damaging her bow.

The QE2 Story 2021 Calendar should be ready for sale by the end of October. Isabelle Prondzynski is awaiting the result of the current poll, so as to add the final two photos. I have had a sneak preview of the Calendar and I cannot wait to order my copy. Keep watching the Photo Competition and Calendar board for news of how to order.

A big thank-you to Rob who stepped in at short notice to write and send the August newsletter. I hope to get back to forum duties next month, when I should be ready for "full steam ahead"

Stay safe and stay well!

Lynda Bradford

Remembering QE2's Launch - 20 September 1967

I lived in Clydebank at the time when the 736 was being built and at the time of her launch. The excitement In the town grew, in the days leading up to the launch and by the time Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the shipyard for the launch there was a carnival atmosphere and much anticipation of what the name of the new ship would be.

Photos: Michael Gallagher

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...and as QE2 slipped into the River Clyde, there was the sound of cheering from the crowds, factory horns hooting in the surrounding area and ships on the river blowing their whistles. It was when I heard this sound I knew she was something special. A Queen was born!"

Lynda Bradford

QE2 Launch topic
British Pathe Videos
Design Concept and Build

Acceptance Trials - Passenger Memories

Pat Newman shares his memories of being onboard QE2 for the acceptance trials from 23 December 1968 to 2 January 1969 read more in "My time on QE2's Acceptance Trials" and more in this topic where he explains why he was chosen to take part in the trials working in the print shop part of the time and being a "guinea pig" for the rest of the time.

Photos: The QE2 Story collection

Photo Competition Fast Links

Vote in last month's photo competition "QE2 with a boat or ship as an escort"

Submit photos to this month's photo competition "QE2 in exciting weather"

QE2 a night to remember

Photos: Isabelle Prondzyki and Thomas Hypher

Bob Conway's work in progress - virtual 3D model of QE2's original interiors

New York Twin Towers
On 9/11 Vincent Scriven asked "how many of us has took pictures arriving in NY on QE2, of the Twin Towers and today we will all remember the loss of lives ..."

Photo: Harev

Crew News

QE2 Crew Reunion Spring 2022
Steiner Hair Salon - looking for photos and video footage
Michael Fortune QE2 Queens Grill Steward (new posts)

Photo: Public rooms crew

June Ingram has reminded us that "The QE2 Story has a jigsaw club and as we will soon be heading into the Autumn and Winter months (in some parts of the world), one's thoughts might turn to doing a jigsaw puzzle." Have a look at the QE2 Story Jigsaws topics and think about adding your name to the list.