-- A PERFECT Clyde Send-Off For The QE2
05 October 2008
THE Clyde bid farewell to classic liner QE2 in style.
The iconic ship's last trip up the river where she was built 41 years ago was a sun-kissed voyage accompanied by a huge fleet of small boats -- finished off with a spectacular fireworks display watched by thousands.
QE2 arrived at Greenock Ocean Terminal around 12.30 and left at 10pm just after the sky was lit up for her departure. The ship is heading for South Queensferry as she continues her farewell cruise.
The Esplanade was busy all day with crowds enjoying the sunshine. Several large navy vessels were also anchored in the river adding to the spectacle.
Inverclyde’s Provost, Michael McCormick said: "The QE2 stands for all that was and remains good about Inverclyde. She is an iconic reminder that being Clydebuilt really means being built to last. We are sorry to see her go but we wish her well. I’m sure there were many, like me, with a tear in their eye as we watched her sail down river. We'll never see her likes again.”
He continued: “It feels like the end of an era, but we all know that Inverclyde is enjoying a growing reputation as a stopping off point for some of the biggest cruise liners in the world. This area has a historic shipping heritage and we look forward to welcoming the Tall Ships event in 2011.”
On a personal note, the Provost recalled: "I remember as a schoolboy being given the day off to see the QE2 launched in 1967. We all knew then that she was a very special ship. In fact if you give any school kid a crayon and ask them to draw a ship, it is the QE2 that they will draw. She is that special."
The day’s events, organised by Inverclyde Council and its partners, Riverside Inverclyde and Clydeport provided a great opportunity to promote the changing face of Inverclyde, an area which has enjoyed much riverside regeneration recently.
QE2 was also escorted by Royal Navy frigate HMS Manchester – in the navy’s final tribute to an old friend from the Falkands War.
HMS Manchester is joining 28 other warships for the biggest military exercise in Europe this year – two weeks in which thousands of sailors, airmen and soldiers will train across the length and breadth of Britain.
Warrant Officer Bill Parry will pay a sentimental visit to the Cunard liner, about to retire from service; he was one of many Falklands veterans repatriated by the ship when his own, HMS Antelope, was sunk in the conflict 26 years ago.
The QE2 was ‘STUFT’, a Ship Taken Up From Trade, to help in the Falklands War, taking troops to and from the South Atlantic. She did much of her running bravely unescorted as the Royal Navy admits to difficulty in keeping up with her.
HMS Manchester – is one of four of the third batch of Type 42 destroyers built with lessons learned from the Falklands.
-- Photos in our Gallery. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=337
-- Photos by readers, part one. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=341
-- Photos by readers, part two. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=342
-- Photos by readers, part three. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/ShowGallery.asp?ID=344
BOAT Sinks Off Esplanade. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2101
OTHER Coverage of the visit. Click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=2099
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