QE2 exhibition at Clydebuilt Maritime Museum

[Twynkle]

Yesterday's News...

http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/renfrewshire-news/local-news-in-renfrewshire/2009/07/17/a-right-royal-day-for-maritime-museum-87085-24172091/

Where will the book go after October - who owns it now?

[Twynkle]

And today...

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.2520686.0.Signed_by_the_rich_and_famous.php

http://www.theglaswegian.co.uk/glasgow-news/news/2009/07/17/exclusive-prince-andrew-opens-book-on-new-clydebuilt-exhibit-102692-21527627/


The Musem's website...
http://www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org/braehead.html

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

There is mention of this book in the C-Six book by Dr Nigel Roberts :

Quote :

Another of the more selective and enjoyable cocktail parties of a cruise is held in the Wardroom -- the officers' club. This prestigious gathering is held towards the end of each cruise, and consists only of friends and closer acquaintances of the various officers, for whom the Wardroom is home. In addition to these guests, there is a cross-section of VIPs, selected by the Wardroom President. Through these doors, over the years, have passed some of the more esteemed personages from every country in the world, notably, our own royalty. Also, foreign royalty such as the Sultan of Selangor, presidents, leaders of nations, and a dazzling parade of celebrities from every field, from every nation. This very exclusive club, on the greatest ship in the world, has played host to an extremely impressive list of guests. The visitors' book must be worth a mint!

Unquote.
------------

Great to see that it has found a good home, where it will be treasured.

I imagine that several from amongst our midst may have signed this book?

[Heather]

Have been invited to the Wardroom party many times over the years (but I don't think I signed the book).  Must go and have a look at it if poss.   

[Rob Lightbody]

After a wonderful trip on Waverley today, we went to Braehead in Glasgow, to watch her go past on her outward journey again - https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightbody/sets/72157622598701466/

Then, we went into the Clydebuilt museum and caught the QE2 exhbition that is on there.  It was more interesting than I thought it would be, but lacked the necessary, and justified, "wow" factor - something that I could have helped with had they accepted my offer of help... (he says modestly!).  It was just all a bit... flat.

Anyway, here are some pics.  If you're in Glasgow its worth a visit, but don't come especially...

[force10]

While not being a true QE2 expert, I thought this was probably the most interesting part of the museum, and while a bit limited, did provide useful information on the history of the ship, especially on the build.

In general, the museum was a bit "light" on the Queens, although I did enjoy trying to navigate through a channel on the interactive aids.....and failed, but it must have been difficult as my 7 year old son couldn't do it either !



 

[Rob Lightbody]

Absolutely GUTTED to learn that the "Clydebuilt" museum in Glasgow is to close due to a lack of funding.  This was a nice little museum, with a great concept behind it and, of course, an entire room dedicated to our beloved QE2!  I must admit I always felt that it wasn't quite what it could have been, but it was a whole hell of a lot better than nothing and had a few really nice shots.

For this to happen on hte same day as the last ever ship launch from a slipway into the Clyde, and the naming of the new QE is leaving me a bit dizzy - not in a good way!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/glasgowandwestscotland/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9058000/9058392.stm

[Cunarder Man]

A sad day for the Clyde if this is to close! Surely artifacts and memorabilia will be transferred to the new Transport Museum. And what of the Wardroom Visitors' book? Maybe it should go back onto a Cunarder?

[QueensFan]

Is the visitor's book at Clydebuilt?

I have to admit, I'd never heard of the museum until Rob mentioned it several places today. I was well aware of the Museum of Transport, but I didn't know there was anything else in the way of ship-related museums in the area.

Maybe that was the problem...if a QE2/Clydebuilt lover like me never heard of it, who else didn't?

Just really sad that I can't visit in January when I'm in Glasgow before QE. (Though it'd be 2 January anyway.)

[Twynkle]

This is so sad - Like the bell and the buiders plate,
the Wardroom Visitors book also belongs on QE2!

Would there be any possibility of the contents being transferred to either the new Transport Museum,
the National Maritime Museum - or one of it's subsidiaries, even?

If it's staff that they are unable to pay - I wonder whether there'd be Volunteers willing to Watch over her things?
Like the PSPS manage Waverley, might members of the Steamship Society et al offer their time?

If only I lived nearer....!

[Lynda Bradford]

There is a note under one of the photos in the BBC site link to say that all of the artefacts (including the coaster MV Kyles) will be transferred to the main museum in Irvine.

I just wonder why this museum has not been more successful particularly given it's location.   If this museum closes as a result of lack of funding then it is possible that the Titan Crane visitor attraction would also close in the future as from what the staff were saying when we visited in June they too rely on funding. 

I have a Canadian friend who has lived in Scotland for some time and her mother had remarked about how much time the Scottish people spend in retail parks and shopping areas instead of making our own recreation.  Although this is not true of all of the people you have to wonder if parents are not spending enough time taking their children to venues such as the Maritime Museum to ensure they are aware of their country's history. 

I see on the Maritime Museum site they are asking people to join the facebook campaign to save the museum.  I am not a member of facebook but I will ask my daughter to have a look at this.

A sad day for Clydeside to see this museum close.   

[Twynkle]

Clydebuilt closes on 16th October - Next Saturday.

Here's a link to the Facebook site 'Save Clydebuilt', however you may need to be a FB member to read it
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113322735393831

Message from the Admin person: Stuart R

'Clydebuilt is the excellent maritime museum at Braehead, Glasgow, UK. It is due to close for good on 16th October 2010.
It is the only museum that celebrates the history of ship building on the River Clyde, and how Glasgow grew to become the second city of the British empire.
It is an award winning visitor attraction and when it's gone it's gone. Join this group to make your voice heard.'

[Twynkle]

The BBC takes a last look....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/glasgowandwestscotland/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9058000/9058392.stm

[cunardqueen]

Gosh l never even knew it existed other than passing it on the Waverely trip, and even then there seemed very little info on what it contained.

 Im somewhat surprised that if Clydebank cant make a go if, just what can Irvine do, You tend to associate Clydebank with shipping, quite what you associate Irvine with l dont know