QE2 on The Clyde 20.09.2007 - A Personal View

[Clydebuilt1971]

Hi Folks,

I've attached a video file which I hope will be OK - it was compiled from footage taken whilst on Balmoral escorting QE2 downriver on 20th September 2007.

This was originally compiled to show Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (Scottish Branch) members as part of the annual hospitality day on board Waverley in 2008 (it happens in August every year so was prior to QE2 being on the river in 2007)

It was also shown regularly on the TV in Waverley's lower bar until 2011.

Please forgive the quality - it has been compressed for posting and also was taken on an older camcorder by someone (me) who isn't a film producer!!

I hope that (1) all who want to can view it and (2) it brings back some happy memories and finally (3) You can forgive the poor editing!!

All music is royalty free so may sound a tad corny

The attachment is 51MB so please don't download if not on a wireless device!!

Gav

[Thomas Hypher]

Great video Gav, thank you for sharing with us! Downloaded without issue for me. Brings back QE2 memories, specifically of being on the final tandem in October 2008 and at the 3 Queens event in Southampton in April 2008 as I never saw her on the Clyde.

The second music track starting at 5 minutes and 20 seconds is very familiar for some reason - I think it may have been used on the "Your Voyage" videos/DVDs and I have definitely heard the same track on YouTube over the years.

Love the (nearly) waterline close ups of QE2 at that point in your video too! Noticed Balmoral's list too (as repeated in October 2008 I think?) and am surprised she was allowed to get so close to QE2!

Missing QE2 being underway on her own, her funnel smoking, and the haunting (and more resonant) sound of the signal mast horns/whistles when aft of their location on or off the ship (the beat frequency seemed to slow) - maybe this is a known audio phenomenon? - the (mostly - must take off my "rose tinted glasses") good old days, sigh!

[Clydebuilt1971]

Thanks Thomas,

The skipper of Balmoral knew the pilot so got special permission to come in closer to QE2 as she sailed downriver

Gav

[Rob Lightbody]

Gav,

As you know, I was on board with you that day, with my Mum and best pal, even though I didn't know you at the time.  I can actually hear myself at one point in the video.  We were up in the high bit behind the bridge. 

Your video brings it all back, and is superb, thanks so much.

You look back at experiences, and think to yourself "I didn't know that would be the last time" or "I didn't realise how significant that day was" - but on that day, I knew fine how important it was.  I knew exactly how special it was, and tried to absorb every second.  When we were close alongside it really was one of the very most special moments of my entire life, I think pretty much my #1 QE2 memory.

I've sent you a private link to my complete photo/video collection of the day.  Unfortunately I didn't have a very good camera at the time, something I kick myself for now!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

My personal view of that day was at long distance. We had come off QE2 only a few weeks earlier. I had just joined Flickr, days earlier, and was scouring the internet, searching for photos and videos of the wonderful 40th anniversary Round Britain cruise.

And when I found them, I left comments. Which is how I first made contact with Rob. Almost eleven years ago now... and so much has happened since!

Thank you, Gav, for the memories of a memorable day, which I lived through vicariously .