The QE2 Story Newsletter January 2021

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The QE2 Story 12th Anniversary

25 January, the birth of the Scottish Baird, Robert Burns was chosen by Rob Lightbody as the date to launch The QE2 Story website and discussion forum, in 2009

A message from Rob Lightbody:

"I can't believe it's been 12 years since I started the forum as a refuge for those of us who were missing QE2 just after she retired, and wanted to continue to celebrate and remember her as she was. Within days the forum stopped being my project, and became one shared by everyone who contributes to the community that it is today. Thank you everybody, long may it continue!"

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It is a credit to all of our forum members that the QE2 Story has become such a successful internet forum. We still have active members who registered for the forum on the first day, week, month or year. We also have younger members, such as Thomas Hypher and Brandon Sterkel who were 14 and 15 when they first joined the forum and continue to contributed so much today. But no matter when you registered to be a member of The QE2 Story, or your age, your input has contributed to the success of keeping the memory of QE2 alive. Thank-you!

Let’s raise a glass to toast the success of our forum and a toast for everyone’s good health!

Slàinte mhath
(pronounced slan-ge-var)

Lynda Bradford

Good luck Rob, an early post

Captain David Perkins RIP

It was with great sadness that we reported the death of Captain Perkins, who died on 14 January 2021.

Captain Perkins, joined Cunard as a Cadet, when he was 18, which was the start of a lifetime at sea. His first command was Cunard’s Caronia in 2001 and in 2006 he became the 25th Master of QE2. He was proud to be the Captain of QE2 on her last World Cruise, in 2008 and had fond memories of the reception the ship got in Sydney, with so many people eager to see QE2. Captain Perkins retired in 2012 after having a career spanning 39 years at sea.

He was a man who was respected by passengers and crew, who will be missed by family and friends. Forum members have started adding their memories and condolences to this forum topic.

Rob Lightbody sent this message to our readers: "I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the passing of the last Captain that I sailed on QE2 with - Captain David Perkins. He was much loved and is fondly remembered. His family are in all our thoughts at this time."

Are you a member of the Winter Crossing Club?

Photo: John Little

Reading Andrew's experience of crossing the North Atlantic in December on “Winter transatlantic a dream come true” brings to life the experience of the Winter crossing and how even though the sea was rough, passengers still felt safe.

“One strange thing about QE2 was my experience of being in the Queen's room, staring across to the windows on the opposite side of the 105 foot wide room, and getting the sensation of the ship actually shrinking around you, as if to warmly envelop you and protect you from the restless Atlantic. Despite her size, she actually became cosy, like staying in your best friend's house in a storm.” Andrew

Photo: Dianne

This post generated discussion from Highlander 0108 and others, about how the Winter Crossing Club was started by a group of QE2 enthusiasts, including forum member Stowaway 2K (now deceased) as well as discussion on another tradition of the Club, the Cabin Cavalcade.

Note: Photos are from photo competitions: August 2015: Power and May 2018: Rough Weather that you can view in the Gallery

The Virtual World Cruise
dine as we travel across time (and space)

Departing on a World Cruise in January was a dream come true for many and for others it was the opportunity to renew old friendships from previous World Cruises. Even though QE2 can no longer cruise and the Covid-19 virus has prevented ships from setting sail to far and distant lands, we decided to have our very own virtual World Cruise dining experience. It's a bit of fun to lighten spirits when many people are in lockdown, but it also gives us an opportunity to showcase some of the wonderful menu covers that were produced in the 1970's and 1980's. Because the menus are from different years we are taking the liberty of travelling across time (and space). We have already crossed the Pacific, visiting many countries, including ports in New Zealand, Australia, Bali and China. You are welcome to join us as we continue our Virtual World Cruise dining experience from Japan to USA and the UK calling at some amazing places en-route.

Photo: Lynda Bradford

The QE2 Story 2021 Calendar

Still Available to order

The winning photos of the monthly Photo Competition are included in the forum's annual calendars. This year there are two options, "The Ready for Sale QE2 Story Calendars for 2021" topic gives full details of how you can order your choice of these fabulous Calendars.

Standard Size Calendar that you can order direct from the Lulu website

Vistaprint Calendars offer a choice of three sizes that the Admin Team can order for you (see topic for more details)

You can see more Calendar pictures in the QE2 Story Gallery

Photo Competition Fast Links

Vote in the Poll: Technical and Mechanical Instrument or Machine part

Please take time to look at the photos uploaded to the competition and vote for your three favourites

January 2021 Photo Competition: QE2 being assisted by a harbour tug

There is a fabulous prize for the winner of the January competition that has been donated by Richard J Wade. Have a look at the instructions and enter your three photos the fit the theme.

Winner of the special poll for the Photo Competition picture of the year

Shipnshore's photo "Liverpool Calling" was the winner of the special December competition, where members logged in to vote for their favourite from all the winning pictures, throughout the year.

Crew News

Fleet list May 1982: Forum member, Boris has posted a fleet list dated May 1982 for QE2, Cunard Countess and Cunard Princess. Fascinating to see so many names - Deck and Engineering Cadets, Officers on leave, Engineers on leave, notices of weddings and births and "Officers attached to their ships on a leave rota"

In the "Officer, Crew and Workers" topic board, Kevin O'Donnell posted his memories of having been given the assignment to work on the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary Penthouse fabrication. Great story with fantastic photos that bring the story to life.

Photo: Kevin O'Donnell

TS Duchess of Hamilton and other boats at QE2's launch

Reading the People's Friend article, posted by Waverley, helps you to connect to the experience of sailing on the TS Duchess of Hamilton, from Rothesay to Clydebank on launch day. You can feel the excitement building as the boat approach the launch slipway and the thought of the gaily bedecked tugs "fussing" around QE2 is a lovely description.

The topic has photos of the TS Duchess of Hamilton listing as the passengers gather on the port side to view the launch. There is also an excellent video posted by Pete Hamill, showing the tilt of the boat, plus footage of the PS Waverley with one paddle out of the water. Pete has noted where you can fast forward to on the video, if you only want to see the QE2 and Queen Elizabeth film footage, however for anyone interested in steam trains it is worth while watching from start to finish.

Other topics with updates this month:

Stephen Card
QE2 and the iceberg
Photos of QE2 Hotel Dubai - interiors
Queen Elizabeth 2 Maiden round the World voyage
Norovirus outbreak January 2007

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