Author Topic: QE2's Final call to Greenock and her birthplace, the River Clyde (Read 22545 times)

highlander0108 · « **on:** Oct 05, 2009, 12:47 PM »

October 5, 2008 - Final emotional call to Greenock and the last time QE2 will sail the Clyde (maybe?)

Isabelle Prondzynski · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 05, 2009, 01:02 PM »

An unforgettable day. Happy and sad, and I am so glad that I was there.
The last time I saw QE2 and, at the time, I certainly did not expect to see her again.

Thank you for the views from on board QE2! It must have been totally spectacular...

Here are my pictures of the day, most of them from on board the lovely Balmoral :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/sets/72157607831078259/

... and here are Rob's :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightbody/sets/72157607800832549/

with a further link to his YouTube videos.

Clyde Paddler · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 05, 2009, 11:25 PM »

A glorious, bittersweet day, indeed and - I felt - the only appropriate place to bid her farewell

...

Twynkle · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 07, 2009, 10:19 AM »

5th October 2009: Farewell to Greenock and The Clyde

This is from Inverclydeviews :

And these four are from Rob Lightbody :

Not a valid youtube URL

[post is 'work in progress'!]

Isabelle Prondzynski · « **Reply #4 on:** Oct 07, 2009, 09:56 PM »

Ah, Rosie, it was a day that brought memories which will stay with me for a lifetime...

And here is one of the most moving moments of the day (also a video of Rob's) :

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #5 on:** Oct 07, 2009, 10:18 PM »

Quote from: Isabelle Prondzynski on Oct 07, 2009, 09:56 PM

And here is one of the most moving moments of the day (also a video of Rob's) :

Oh my, thank you Isabelle, reminding me about my own video, which i just watched, and shed a tear. It was an amazing day. That whistle reverberating off the distant hills on that still inky black night as OUR ship left forever.

highlander0108 · « **Reply #6 on:** Oct 19, 2009, 03:34 AM »

I finally have posted my first YouTube video, a slide show compilation of QE2's arrival to Greenock, October 5, 2008.

Ken

Tyne Turbine · « **Reply #7 on:** Oct 25, 2009, 12:43 PM »

Quote from: highlander0108 on Oct 19, 2009, 03:34 AM

I finally have posted my first YouTube video, a slide show compilation of QE2's arrival to Greenock, October 5, 2008.

Ken

Well if this was your first effort Ken it was a tremendous way to start. It brought back powerful memories of an emotional day on board Balmoral, wishing we were on board QE2 with so many friends, still, to paraphrase Captain McNaught at least those on the Bal had the better view. Somehow the visit to the Clyde last week to see the QM2 whilst very enjoyable did not have quite the same pull on the heartstrings.

Hope you have some more material like this to share with us.

Robert.

Kathy M. · « **Reply #8 on:** Oct 25, 2009, 01:04 PM »

Quote from: highlander0108 on Oct 19, 2009, 03:34 AM

I finally have posted my first YouTube video, a slide show compilation of QE2's arrival to Greenock, October 5, 2008.

Beautiful video - thanks for sharing it, Ken!

highlander0108 · « **Reply #9 on:** Oct 27, 2009, 11:37 AM »

Quote from: Tyne Turbine on Oct 25, 2009, 12:43 PM

Well if this was your first effort Ken it was a tremendous way to start. It brought back powerful memories of an emotional day on board Balmoral, wishing we were on board QE2 with so many friends, still, to paraphrase Captain McNaught at least those on the Bal had the better view. Somehow the visit to the Clyde last week to see the QM2 whilst very enjoyable did not have quite the same pull on the heartstrings.

Hope you have some more material like this to share with us.

Robert.

Thanks, here's another more personal version, with different music, that everytime I hear it, I think of this trip.

Ken

Twynkle · « **Reply #10 on:** Nov 18, 2009, 12:07 AM »

Ken - Thank you - great views of The Clyde,
as well as all aboard....

highlander0108 · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 11, 2009, 12:50 PM »

Quote from: Clydebuilt1971 on Dec 11, 2009, 09:56 AM

And finally - the sad one.
In glorius sunshine QE2 returned to the river of her birth for the final time - escorted by the usual flotilla of small craft and also Type 42 Destroyer HMS Manchester.

Our escort vessel was once again mv Balmoral.

Gav

I was on deck, looking down at the small boat off the port bow in the first picture and was amazed on how close they were to the ship. There is no way that would have been allowed in the states. You definitely had the better view on that memorable day.

Twynkle · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 11, 2009, 02:44 PM »

Wonderful, wonderful photographs, Gav, Rob and Ken
Thank you all so much for posting.
Feeling very sad - we do need her back - here, and at home.

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 31, 2010, 11:11 PM »

There's an absolutely awesome photo of QE2 in Greenock moments before her final departure, under the fireworks here

http://www.ahevents.co.uk/photocategory.php?cat=38

Its the site of the company that did the fireworks.

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #14 on:** Feb 07, 2010, 08:48 PM »

There are AWESOME photos of her final visit, in 2008, here

http://www.river-clyde.org.uk/queen_2_last_visit.html

and more from her other visits here - http://www.river-clyde.org.uk/queen_2.html

Cunarder Man · « **Reply #15 on:** Feb 08, 2010, 07:11 PM »

A couple of gems!

Twynkle · « **Reply #16 on:** Feb 08, 2010, 07:29 PM »

These are so very good!
There was never the opportunity for us to see QE2 sailing towards us
It's only now that I realise just what a fantastic experience it must have been.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful days on The Clyde with us!

Alex_H2010 · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 10, 2010, 07:03 PM »

Wonderful photos everyone. I saw the QE2 on the clyde in october 2008. It was such a special day.
There was a real air of sadness that she was going. But also a real air of celebration and pride in the QE2.

I managed to get a couple of pics.

Michael Gallagher · « **Reply #18 on:** Feb 10, 2010, 08:27 PM »

I suggested to Captain McNaught that he should make a visit to the Esplanade to see the effort the town had made so off me, him and his wife went. Within minutes he was being mobbed (in a nce way) so the Police had to intervene and they had a locked gate opened for us so we could nip back to the ship quickly!

Alex_H2010 · « **Reply #19 on:** Feb 10, 2010, 09:35 PM »

Quote from: flagship on Feb 10, 2010, 08:27 PM

I suggested to Captain McNaught that he should make a visit to the Esplanade to see the effort the town had made so off me, him and his wife went. Within minutes he was being mobbed (in a nce way) so the Police had to intervene and they had a locaked gate opened for us so we could nip back to the ship quickly!

Oh! I think I have a photo of that, I didn't realize it was Captain Mcnaught at the time.

Alex

Michael Gallagher · « **Reply #20 on:** Feb 10, 2010, 09:57 PM »

That was us (I'm to the right with back to camera) waiting for the gate to be opened for us!!

Alex_H2010 · « **Reply #21 on:** Feb 10, 2010, 10:55 PM »

Quote from: flagship on Feb 10, 2010, 09:57 PM

That was us (I'm to the right with back to camera) waiting for the gate to be opened for us!!

Ah I see

We were all very jealous indeed. Hope you had a great time onboard

Alex

highlander0108 · « **Reply #22 on:** Feb 11, 2010, 12:09 AM »

Quote from: Alex_H2010 on Feb 10, 2010, 07:03 PM

Wonderful photos everyone. I saw the QE2 on the clyde in october 2008. It was such a special day.
There was a real air of sadness that she was going. But also a real air of celebration and pride in the QE2.

I managed to get a couple of pics.

Hi Alex. Thanks for posting the pics. I would like to feature your last photo if I could in my blog of the same name.
http://qe2-prideoftheclyde.blogspot.com/ Let me know. I missed seeing that or I definitely would have gotten a pic or two.

There was a bit of finality in the air, knowing the ship was leaving her birthplace for the final time. Given the recent news, I am trying to stay positive that she someone returns for good!

Ken

Alex_H2010 · « **Reply #23 on:** Feb 11, 2010, 12:34 AM »

Quote from: highlander0108 on Feb 11, 2010, 12:09 AM

Hi Alex. Thanks for posting the pics. I would like to feature your last photo if I could in my blog of the same name.
http://qe2-prideoftheclyde.blogspot.com/ Let me know. I missed seeing that or I definitely would have gotten a pic or two.

There was a bit of finality in the air, knowing the ship was leaving her birthplace for the final time. Given the recent news, I am trying to stay positive that she someone returns for good!

Ken

Yes of course

Also could I just say how wonderful the title picture of the QE2 in your blog is. It's a great display of her beautiful profile.

I to would love to see her return, It would be so great to see her on the Clyde again. But I would be happy just having her back in the UK.

Alex

Twynkle · « **Reply #24 on:** Mar 02, 2010, 10:19 PM »

See Post 707 on this page of the link.
http://forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?p=221888

Cruise_Princess · « **Reply #25 on:** Apr 05, 2010, 12:14 PM »

Quote from: highlander0108 on Oct 05, 2009, 12:47 PM

October 5, 2008 - Final emotional call to Greenock and the last time QE2 will sail the Clyde (maybe?)

Hey....just been browsing this morning....and here I find myself waving the flag for Scotland on the approaches to Greenock!! Hip hip Hoooray!!! Could I possibly have a copy of the pic for my album?

And Isn't every day just a SPECIAL day for QE2!!

Twynkle · « **Reply #26 on:** Apr 08, 2010, 10:21 AM »

Final call to Greenock 5.10.2008

From marion.macleod's images on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/28824615@N08/4467688033/

highlander0108 · « **Reply #27 on:** Oct 05, 2010, 12:19 PM »

Two years ago today, QE2 sailed up the Clyde for the final time.

Seems like it was only yesterday.

Cruise_Princess · « **Reply #28 on:** Oct 05, 2010, 01:06 PM »

And what a day that was....I think one of the most unforgettable days I had on QE2....it was wonderful....

Thankyou QE2.!!

Twynkle · « **Reply #29 on:** Oct 25, 2010, 07:13 AM »

Take a look...again!
http://www.beith.org/2010/10/24/birthday-tribute-to-the-qe2-and-the-river-clyde/

Hopefully you'll excuse the duplication, the video is so very good.
It reinforces the fact that QE2 needs to be earning her living once more.
Surely a ship built as well as she was, just cannot be allowed to be left redundant.

Janice Naylor · « **Reply #30 on:** Oct 26, 2010, 02:06 AM »

Highlander - Thank you for posting the beautiful video of QE2's last trip up the Clyde. I was just a casual passenger on the QE2 years ago but the more I visit this site and the more I read about her the more I wonder why she's no longer sailing. What an icon. PS: Loved the music chosen for the video, what is it?

Waverley · « **Reply #31 on:** Dec 08, 2010, 04:47 PM »

Nice photos taken from a light aircraft. QE2 ON PAGE 2.

Go to slideshow for larger images.

http://s95.photobucket.com/albums/l141/TickettyBoo/QE2/?start=40#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ12

Tyne Turbine · « **Reply #32 on:** Dec 17, 2010, 11:24 PM »

From another person on board Balmoral that day:

Twynkle · « **Reply #33 on:** Dec 18, 2010, 08:24 AM »

Quote from: Waverley on Dec 08, 2010, 04:47 PM

Nice photos taken from a light aircraft. QE2 ON PAGE 2.

Go to slideshow for larger images.

http://s95.photobucket.com/albums/l141/TickettyBoo/QE2/?start=40#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ12

These photo's are fantastic - thanks so much for finding them Robert.

bobso · « **Reply #34 on:** Aug 02, 2011, 06:06 AM »

QE2 and her visit to Greenock and Gourock on the 5th October 2008

Isabelle Prondzynski · « **Reply #35 on:** Sep 22, 2011, 04:37 PM »

New video of photographs from Clydeferries, here :

Rob Lightbody · « **Reply #36 on:** Jan 13, 2012, 07:45 PM »

Stunning photo of QE2 arriving for the final time on the river of her birth

http://my.pinkfroot.com/photo/clyde-built-qe2-mmsi-232089000-2?xg_source=activity

bobso · « **Reply #37 on:** Jan 14, 2012, 07:45 AM »

Good Morning Rob,--Fantastic photo of the QE2 amid such breathtaking scenery.

cunardqueen · « **Reply #38 on:** Jun 13, 2014, 10:47 PM »

dont know if this has been seen before....

Clydebuilt1971 · « **Reply #39 on:** Oct 05, 2015, 04:14 PM »

Quote from: June Ingram on Oct 05, 2015, 03:21 PM

Today, 5 October 2008, our QE2 made her last visit to her birthplace, The Clyde.

https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1840.0.html

Was just thinking about that - the weather was great - we escorted the old girl up as far as her berth at Greenock Ocean Terminal on mv Balmoral and then kept her company as she went downriver and disappeared into the darkness for the last time.

Greenock and surrounding areas were buzzing that day - there was an international naval exercise on that weekend so the river had plenty of grey hulls at anchor too.

Happy and Sad all in the one go!

Gav

cunardqueen · « **Reply #40 on:** Oct 06, 2015, 12:44 AM »

In Greenock l was very lucky to be able to get my parents and sister onboard for the day.It started with a photo shoot on the quayside with the Daily Mail. Onboard they sampled Afternoon Tea, a quick tour of the ship, a champagne toast in my cabin with 2 very dear lady friends from 1988, l saw them again as l was having breakfast in the lido at the next table. l had been able to take my parents as a treat for their wedding Anniversary on a mini cruise in 2007 and none of us could believe it , and also another very special person

. Then a very rushed dinner in the Mauretania before they disembarked and watched QE2 sail away. It was a day l was immensely proud to be part of and being able to get 3 family members onboard is something l will always be in debt for. They had a great time and having been onboard before knew exactly what QE2 ment to me. And it was nice for them to meet some of my QE2 family. I had already scoured the logo shops, so a suitcase went home with them.
The next day sailing through the Pentland Firth and seeing my homeland Orkney from the decks of QE2 was quite special.

Lynda Bradford · « **Reply #41 on:** Oct 08, 2023, 10:18 AM »

On a "dreicht" Sunday morning Rob's video of the Balmoral and QE2 horns brought back happy memories of QE2 leaving the Clyde 15 years ago.

Quote Isabelle Prondzynski
And here is one of the most moving moments of the day (also a video of Rob's) :

	QE2s Captain Chair for sale... Started by cunardqueenBoard Miscellaneous QE2	Replies: 1 Views: 1517	Sep 24, 2016, 10:45 PM by Pete Hamill
	Were QE2s propellers the most powerful in the world? Started by Rob LightbodyBoard Technical Matters	Replies: 8 Views: 2795	Oct 13, 2018, 10:57 AM by Rob Lightbody

News:

Author Topic: QE2's Final call to Greenock and her birthplace, the River Clyde (Read 22545 times)

Alex_H2010

Alex_H2010

Alex_H2010

Alex_H2010

Cruise_Princess

Cruise_Princess

bobso

bobso

Similar topics (2)