The QE2 Story August Newsletter

Ahoy from the QE2 Team

QE2 Crew and Passengers will be sad to learn of the recent death of Captain Robert Harry Arnott RD RNR.

He was born in 1923 in New South Wales Australia. Captain Arnott’s family returned to England where Captain Arnott was brought up in Fleetwood, Lancashire. He had a long, successful Merchant Navy career, sailing with the Blue Funnel Line during World War 2 years and Cunard Line in post war years, where he gained promotion through the ranks.

In October 1967 he was appointed as QE2's Chief Officer and along with Captain Warwick was involved in overseeing the progress of the ship. In 1976 he was appointed Master of the QE2 following the retirement of Captain Hehir.

Captain Arnott retired on 31 July 1985 ending a 45 year career at sea and nine as master of QE2.

You can read more about his naval career on Captain Arnott's profile page and should you want to post your condolences and memories of Captain Arnott you can do so on this topic.

Captain Arnott Picture: Google images Cunardqueens

Forum discussions about QE2 in Dubai

There is still no official news from Dubai and QE2 continues to sit and await her fate. However, on 12 August Rob alerted us to a Twitter report that QE2 had been moved by tugs, which initially caused a bit of concern. However it then became apparent that the ship had simply been moved back across to Port Rashid. Dry Docks World reported on their website just a couple of days later that they'd had a record 40 vessels in their facilities simultaneously, so it's logical to assume they simply needed the space.

Forum member Twynkle was quick to realise that the port web cam would pick up images of QE2 and has been posting images in QE2 spotting in Port Rashid for us all to enjoy, especially as on a clear day you can see a good image of the ship.

QE2 is such a beautiful ship, photographed the world over during her service life and even though she is looking a bit dusty and dirty sitting in Dubai she is still looking good. We appreciate seeing pictures of the ship which are posted in Images of QE2 in Dubai

Dirty and dusty but we love her!
Above: Image of QE2 in Dubai from Spooky
Right: QE2 in Dubai by Mike Smith

Bring QE2 Home to Scotland Campaign

A task force at Inverclyde Council met last week for the first time, to start a feasibility plan into returning QE2 to the Clyde. They have the backing of the Scottish Government including tourism minister Fergus Ewan. They seem to appreciate the herculean task they're discussing, but because they're at such an early stage, all we can do is wish them luck and offer any help they need from us all. Based on everything we've learned over the past 6.5 years, we believe Hotel QE2 needs to be in a location that will keep her constantly busy, which will also mean she will make rather than lose money - that will be their biggest challenge.

The stance of the QE2 Story is that QE2 deserves to be saved, and can be a success in the right location. We don't believe her current condition changes the situation with regards to any future hotel conversion of the ship.

Meanwhile "Bring QE2 Home Scotland (Inverclyde)" campaigner John Houston has arranged the funds from volunteers to travel to Dubai to meet with the owners for discussions. This is a bit of a breakthrough in itself, as they haven't been saying much to anyone for a while. Developments as we get it will be posted in the "Discussions about QE2 after Cunard" section of the forum.

Photo competition

Poll for the July Photo Competition

There is still time to vote for your favourite pictures in the July photo competition "Cold" before the poll closes on 1 September 2015.

Have you entered your photos for the August Photo Competition?

The theme for the August competition is "Power" giving you an opportunity to upload photos showing your interpretation of what this theme means to you. Have a look at the instructions on how to enter the competition and upload your photos before the closing date of midnight on 31 August.

We really appreciate the donations of prizes and this month you can win "QM2 the first 10 years" by Stephen Payne, which has been donated by Cunard. Alternatively, June Ingram has offered as a prize the jigsaw version of the winning photo.

Good Luck! But you need to "be in it to win it"

Photo Competition Results

Congratulations to Stowaway 2K and Isabelle Prondzynski joint winners of the July competition.

Stowaway 2K's picture "Regal Presence" is a lovely view of QE2 awaiting her final departure from Southampton on 11 November 2008. Isabelle's picture "Last picture from the gangway" is a photo that has captured that lingering glance, as she boarded the ship for the last time at her last port of call, knowing that she would never be able to do so again.

Have a look at the winning photos in the Competition Results topics

Lots of Other Forum News

If you don't have a copy of the rare, fabulous QE2 Transart book, one is available on the forum just now! See 1969 Transart book topic for more information

We've been hearing about the 1974 crash into Cherbourg Pier

Have you read Rob Lightbody's excellent July 2015 Transatlantic QM2 review? If you have travelled on QM2 do you agree with his comments?

QE2 Horn or Whistle? all you need to know!

Forum finances thanks to members donations the forum runs smoothly and is advert free. If you would like to donate it is easy to do so through Paypal!

Read new members introductions crew and passenger & enthusiasts

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

Lynda Bradford on behalf of the QE2 Story Team