I joined QE2 while the ship was in dry dock, then a trip to Gibraltar followed by the maiden voyage. I was on board for nearly 2 years, then met my wife to be, and never went back. She was a 13 year old schoolgirl.
Her father left the Queen Mary when he met his wife to be, he is in his 80's now. I never imagined I would ever leave the QE2 but was the start of a very happy marriage.
I played the bugle as we left New York and on the last day as both ships were alongside. QE2 on Starboard, QM2 on port. We faintly heard a cheer from QM2 as we got quite close, not necessarily from my playing.
I worked in the kitchen peeling potatoes and onions when I started, then worked up to assistant cook then waiter in the Britannia restaurant. On one trip I was asked if I would serve Sir Basil Smallpiece ( chairman of Cunard) who wanted to experience the service in Britannia. From spud peeling to serving Sir Basil in one year.
The bugle was owned by the barman of the pig and whistle. We decided one day to swop instruments but keeping our own mouthpieces. When the mouthpiece was being taken off the bugle it broke the neck, then it became mine. I repaired it years later.
I made a scrapbook of life on board and viewed by Captain Warwick on the last trip.
