QE2 Story Gathering - May 31st 2014, Liverpool

[Adam Hodson]

I was thinking the same Peter. I would have been happy to pay to have a chance to go.

[June Ingram]

Thank you very much for all of the posts and pictures.  It sounds to have been a marvelous series of events !  I agree seeing a Cunard ship from a board room window is spectacular.  Suppose she had been QE2 !  Yes, I agree QE2 would do well in Liverpool.  Great to have QE2 officers come.  And yes, Lynda, where did you get your polo shirt ?  I so do hope to be able to participate in a QE2 Story gathering in the future.  Absolutely awesome !! 

[Adam Hodson]

I so do hope to be able to participate in a QE2 Story gathering in the future.

If you come over the other side of the pond, do let us know!

[June Ingram]

Hi Adam -

I most definitely will.  I have two friends in London, and I have wanted to come over to visit them for many years now.  Interestingly, my London friends were introduced to me by way of mail by Former Cunard Commodore Harry Grattidge many years ago.

June 

[Alan Snelson]

Well, what an absolutely brilliant time we all had in Liverpool and what a lively and vibrant city Liverpool is. It was fantastic to meet up with fellow forum members and confirm our friendship through our common bond.

Thank you so much Michael, Rob and Lynda for putting together such a truly unforgettable event for us all. Karen, Lily and I had a fabulous time and it was well worth all the aggravation of our journey from (and back to) Cornwall.

The warmth of our welcome on QV was very genuine and the tour of the Cunard building afterwards was very interesting, especially the view from the roof!! What a privilege. As if that wasn’t enough, all the social events that Lynda had arranged were thoroughly enjoyable and all her hard work has been very much appreciated.

I have made a start on editing down the 350 photos I took which might take a little while. In the meantime here are a few which I hope you will enjoy.

[Adam Hodson]

It's a shame I couldn't join you to take photos.

I must say I love the QE2 and QM2 models. Did you get a photo of the QE2 in the porthole picture frame?

[Twynkle]

I had a feeling Jacqui was now on the QE so thanks for confirming that.

And Jan Christiansen, Senior Purser is now on leave from QV, having served many years on QE2

Re: QE2 Story Gathering - May 31st 2014, Liverpool
It was a wonderful weekend, with lots of special moments - almost too many to list!
We are so grateful to Rob for 'the suggestion' (his words!) and Lynda for her superb and thoughtful organisation, and to Micheal for making sure we were really well and truly looked after.
The opportunity to enjoy the company of online friends, the fun it was to return to QV, the Fireworks and the opportunity to weep as she sailed away, the music - the songs - food for future memories - we loved it all.
Our very sincere thanks to to Everyone.
(I have posted something about our visit the Cunard Building on its own topic).
 

[Lynda Bradford]

We returned home yesterday having stayed an extra day in Liverpool because we had such a wonderful time. Thank-you to everyone who made the event such a success.   I always enjoy the QE2 Story get together, because of the opportunity of meeting up with people we have met before and members who have attended a get together for the first time.  Photos to follow. 

Having had responsibility for organising the meals it was a relief that everything went as planned.  The organisation of the meals was made slightly more difficult because not living in the Liverpool area, I was not aware of the local venues. 

I saw Dave's comment regarding the price of the lunch and to put this into context I have noted the following:

When planning for the lunch the importance of the following was considered.

Proximity to the Cunard Building
A venue that could accommodate 20 people in nice surroundings
Flat charge for ease of payment
Buffet option for quick service

The Crowne Plaza met our needs, and in addition they opened the restaurant for our event, even although it is not normally opened for Saturday lunch.  No extra charge was made for the room and there was no service charge. 

I was slightly disappointed that wraps rather than sandwiches, which I had requested, were provided, but having said that the fillings were generous.  The three hot items were better than I had anticipated and the salmon on skewer choice that I had was delicious.  So I hope that everyone enjoyed the lunch as much as I did. 

In a city hotel, in a prime tourist area I felt that the buffet was value for money for a group lunch for twenty people, provided in a private area. 

The meal in the evening was at Gusto Italian, which was a very busy venue with a good atmosphere.  In reflection, it may have been better to have a quieter place where we could talk a bit more.  However the booking was made in relation to proximity to where everyone was staying, a venue that could accommodate a large party of people, menu options that would suit everyone and the venue met these needs.  I am aware that there was a longer than usual wait for the main course, which was unfortunate for those who did not have a starter

We can learn from this for future events and if we have another get together in Liverpool we will be better informed regarding what venues and meal options would suit best.

[Rob Lightbody]

Having spent 4 and a bit days in Liverpool over this weekend, I still can't think of a better place for lunch or dinner than we picked.  That whole area of Liverpool is very busy on Saturday, even more so when a Cunarder has been in port and the sun is shining!

[SusieD]

I just wanted to say how wonderful the whole weekend was and how nice it was to meet old friends and make some new ones!  Rob, you are a star with all that you do and Lynda what an Events Organiser you are.  Thank you so much for all your hard work and of course special thanks to Michael for organising not only an onboard visit with a super drinks and canapé reception, attended by some old friends from the QE2 resplendent in their Officers uniforms, but also for the huge 'WOW' of an exclusive tour of the Cunard building.  I still can't get over the views from the roof!  I felt very privileged to be part of the entire get together.

From drinks in the Crowne Plaza on the Friday evening, 'interrupted' in the nicest possible way by some spectacular fireworks viewed from the dock, to the visits, lunch and dinner on the Saturday and finally breakfast on the Sunday, I just had an absolute ball, as did Shay when she was able to join us all - next time she will hopefully be able to attend every part as I did!

Too many highlights to mention, but they have to include (in no particular order!):

Meeting everyone, especially Lily and Rainbow Bear
Cunard building tour - 'Wow', no other word for it!
QV visit
QV reception and plaque 'ceremony'
Ex QE2 officers (old friends) taking the time to join us
Enjoying the commentary of Elaine and Peter, our guides
Michael's banter
Fireworks
Great weather
The friendly people of Liverpool
Great food
Sail-away
Did I mention the weather!!!

Simply a fabulous weekend that will live in my memory forever.  Roll on the next time!!

Cheers

Susan

[cunardqueen]

  The Crowne Plaza met our needs, and in addition they opened the restaurant for our event, even although it is not normally opened for Saturday lunch.  No extra charge was made for the room and there was no service charge. 

 

Take it from me, what you had was a bargain price £15.00 no room hire, or minimum numbers fee, and they opened the restaurent ! I say you had the bargain of the year. Think alone on the extra staff they would have had to employ for the period.  not to mention the extras of the onboard events and the onshore tour of the Cunard building. God treble it next time !

Aside from yourself Lynda and Rob l doubt anyone realises just what it is to organise an event for 20 and when you go into the realms of food its another world, mercifully there were no kids ! such things are best left bound and gagged in a darkened room.

But its a true saying, you can please some of the folks some of the time, but not all the folks all the time, anyway well done it seems as though is was a great weekend, lm almost sorry l couldnt make it. 

[Lynda Bradford]

I mentioned how surprised I was to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers when I arrived at our hotel.  I would like to give my thanks once again and let you see a photo of the flowers in our wonderful room with a view.

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

How lovely, Lynda, and well deserved! And yes, the view was so apt for the week-end .

[June Ingram]

Great pictures, Lynda !  The flowers are so nice !  June   

[Adam Hodson]

Looks like you all had a great time!