We are pleased to announce the speaker we have booked for the conference celebrating QE2’s 50 years since her launch in 1967. A special newsletter has been sent out to members today but we wanted ensure the information was also available on this topic.
We are also currently working on a flyer that will be sent to maritime organisations and will be available to forum members to hand out to friends, local venues or when cruising. We should have these available by late September early October. Keep watching for more information.
Lot’s of work ongoing and we will be keeping you informed on this topic and on the monthly newsletter.
Event Speakers
Ian Johnston - QE2 Origins
Ian is a retired Deputy Director and Head of Academic Programme at the Digital Design Studio, which is part of the Glasgow School of Art. His books include, "Building Ships for a Nation" (the history of John Brown's Shipyard). He is also co-author with Bruce Peters and Philip Dawson of the excellent book "QE2 Britain’s Greatest Liner".
Dr Bruce Peter - QE2 Interior and Exterior Design
Bruce is Reader in Design History at Glasgow School of Art. His research relates mainly to architecture and design for transport, leisure and entertainment. Following his PhD, he has combined his interests in leisure design with cruise ship design to write a number of books, including co-author of "QE2 Britain's Greatest Liner". He is also a design journalist and critic writing for publications in the UK, Denmark and Sweden.
Brian Price - life as a Cruise Director onboard QE2
Brian had a forty-four year career at sea. He was Assistant Purser on Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth at the time when QE2 was being built. Brian switched to the Entertainment Department on Carmania before transferring to QE2 in 1970. He was then appointed Cruise Director on Cunard Adventurer and Cunard Countess. In 1974 he was selected as Cruise Director for QE2 and he remained with the ship for 21 years. He finished his career on QM2 and retired in 2006. Brian frequently gives talks to organisations.
Scott Clegg - QE2 in Dubai
Dubai World, Project Manager, who accepted QE2 in 2008 on behalf of the company will be giving an insight into QE2's first 4 years in Dubai. An exciting time full of promise and also frustration.
Ronnie Keir - from QE2 Apprentice to Senior Officer
Ronnie Keir, a retired Cunard Chief Engineer, will speak about his experience as an apprentice at John Brown’s Shipyard and being a Senior Officer on QE2. Ronnie was a John Brown’s apprentice at the time when QE2 was built. He worked on the vessel during his third and fourth year, when he was involved in the manufacture of the turbines and gearboxes. He joined Cunard in 2003 as Staff Chief Engineer on QE2 and worked as Chief Engineer on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. Ronnie is a Trustee for the Charity "Friends of Queen Mary" that is working to restore TS Queen Mary and will want to update us on the progress of this work.
Captain Nick Bates - his experience as Captain of QE2
Captain Bates worked with Cunard for 45 years starting his career with Port Line a cargo subsidiary of Cunard. He was appointed Master of QE2 in 2004 and Queen Mary 2 in 2008. After his retirement in 2010 his various interests include working for the Seagull Trust, a charity offering free cruises on Scotland's Canals for people with special needs. He is also a popular after dinner speaker.
John Little – a passenger’s perspective
John, a QE2 Story forum member enjoyed many cruises on QE2 over 25 years. We can look forward to an interesting presentation on many of his unique experiences and perspectives as a passenger and Cunard enthusiast.
Rob Lightbody - closing remarks and vote of thanks
Rob Lightbody is founder of The QE2 Story website, and also ran one of the very first QE2 websites. His father was Manager of Engineering Development at John Brown's Engineering and involved with QE2's Steam Turbines until they were replaced in 1987. Rob's first trip on QE2 was also his Dad's last, on the sea trials following the refit in Bremerhaven. Rob gained exclusive access to QE2 in Dubai in 2011.
Chairpersons for the morning and the afternoon sessions will be announced within the next few months as will information on invited guests.
Note: We will have full resume information for speakers nearer the time of the conference. There may need to make minor changes to the content to avoid duplication and ensure the conference talks give a good overview of QE2's 50 years.