The QE2 Story 2012 year-end newsletterAs we approach the end of 2012 we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to recap on what has been happening on the Forum over the past 12 months.
As the Forum approaches it’s fourth birthday we are still welcoming new members. In 2012 around 156 new members were registered and we are pleased that QE2 enthusiast are still eager to join us.
Your contribution to topics is what makes the Forum so successful and it is your contributions that are resulting in the Forum becoming an important resource for QE2 information. We couldn't cover everything that has happened during the year but we hope you enjoy looking again at some key moments.
How could we forget the fantastic start to the year and how excited we were when we saw the photos from the QE2 New Year event. In the topic board “Step aboard the iconic QE2 to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011 in style” we discussed the possibility of this being the start of a new life for QE2 and enjoyed sharing links about the event.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,3777.0.html[img width= height=]https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Untitled25.jpg[/img]
The topic board that records QE2’s service life reminds us of the extent of events in her life that contributed to her being the most famous ship.
One such topic that gave detailed information on an explosion and fire that happened in 1976 generated a lot of interest from Forum members. Not only had there been damage to the QE2 funnel but a 22-year-old engineer, Kenneth Lyon, from Liverpool was seriously burned on the face and arm while tackling the fire. We were delighted when Kenneth Lyon contacted us in January and was able to give us more details about the extent of his injuries, which gave us a personal side to the story.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,3934.0.htmlThe contribution by QE2 crew is an important element of the Forum and we always enjoy their unique input to the Forum in the “Officer, Crew and Workers” boards.
We know that you particularly liked the crew insight when member “Casinogirls” treated us to some laughs about her fantastic memories of the “hazy,crazy days” onboard QE2 between 1981 and 1983.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,4042.0.htmlIn February and March, Rod Fair who was a QE2 Engineer between 1971 and 1988 agreed to answer Forum members’ questions in an “Ask the Engineer” session. You enjoyed having the opportunity to learn a bit more about the technical side of the QE2 and also to learn about Rod’s role in keeping QE2 running smoothly.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,4037.0.htmlWe were very sad to hear of the death Captain Robin Woodall in April and felt very privileged that he had participated in an Ask the Captain session for the QE2 Story in 2009. Have a look at the Questions and Answers here:
https://www.theqe2story.com/features/RobinWoodall.html[img width= height=]https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/gallery/albums/userpics/10591/normal_01Ramadan_Queen_-_filter_on.JPG[/img]
2012 was the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands War. It was on 3 May 1982 that Cunard received instructions from the UK Government that the Queen Elizabeth 2 was to be requisitioned by the Secretary of State for Trade under the Requisitioning of Ships Order 1982. In addition to the military onboard, QE2’s Captain, Peter Jackson was in command of the 650 ship’s crew volunteers.
Members also gave us some first hand information, which was a timely reminder of the contribution QE2 made to the Falklands War effort. (See posts from reply 61)
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,127.40.htmlIn June we had a small band of QE2 Story members taking part in the three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Southampton. The British weather was not kind to them but that did not stop our members changing the QE2 Story Picnic to an inside venue so that a small but happy gathering could go ahead.
This Diamond Jubilee meeting was followed at the end of June when QE2 Story members met in Glasgow to sail down the Clyde the on PS Waverley. The Waverley is a lovely little ship that you cannot help but love and we know that The QE2 Story members like to be kept informed about this famous Ocean Going Paddle Steamer.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/board,45.0.htmlIn July members hopes were raised when Istithmar World, DP World and the QE2 management announced that QE2 was to have a permanent home at the heart of Port Rashid, the hub of cruising in the Middle East.
We were told that the vessel would be moored next to the original cruise terminal at Port Rashid and converted into a 300 room luxury hotel, with top quality lifestyle facilities, while the terminal itself will be developed into a maritime museum.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,4504.0.htmlBut little did we know that this would all change by the end of the year!
Another story that caught our interest was in July was when we were contacted by Paul Ableson, the man behind the project to turn the QE2 propellers into the unique sets of golf clubs. We certainly enjoyed the insight into this project as Paul told his story in instalments.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,2362.msg47500.html#msg47500In August we found out about everything you wanted to know about burials at sea on board QE2, and maybe more than you want to know!
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php?topic=4269.0On 20 September 2012 we remembered the 45 Anniversary of the launch of QE2 at John Brown’s Shipyard in Clydebank. This was made even more special when we received a message and a photo of QE2’s Birthday Cake from Captain Cooper onboard QE2 in Dubai.
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In October information started to emerge that not was all well for our ship in Dubai. Information from reliable sources was that ship brokers had been contacted about the possible scrapping of a 300m cruise ship based in UAE.
That could surely only be one ship and our jubilation at the possibility of work starting on converting her to a hotel ship started to turn to concern for the future of QE2.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,4641.msg48649.html#msg48649How could we compile a year-end newsletter without remembering the photo competition and the fantastic photos that members have submitted!
The winning photos have been compiled into a QE2 Story Calendar that members can order online. Plus thanks to the work of Forum member, Edward Hickson an online version can be downloaded to your desktop.
We know that members are busy at this time of year but if you have time to vote for your favourite photo in the current poll “Parties onboard QE2” or would like to upload photos “QE2 Ports of Call” then there is still time until the closing date of 31 December.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/board,82.0.htmlThe v-ships crew who have looked after QE2 so well since she arrived in Dubai suddenly left the ship just before Christmas, having been given just a couple of days notice. the replacement crew is much smaller and Chinese managed. This has raised fears that something will be happening to the ship soon. Read our coverage in the news section where we are usually ahead of any other website or newspaper as we strive to uncover the truth.
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/board,53.0.htmlBest wishes to all our members for a Happy 2013 and thank-you for your continued support for the Forum.
Rob Lightbody, Lynda Bradford and Isabelle Prondzynski
On behalf of the QE2 Story
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