Queen will be back on Tyne

Sep 14 2007 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

LUXURY liner the QE2 is to appear on Tyneside again next year, it was confirmed yesterday.

As the North-East prepares to welcome the famous vessel on Sunday, Cunard said she will return on October 8, 2008 – shortly before setting off for Dubai to become a hotel.

A spokesman for Cunard said: “The visit this weekend will mark the 40th anniversary of the ship, but it won’t be her final call at Tyneside.

“A last tour before she sets sail for Dubai will include the North-East.”

It was also revealed yesterday that to mark this weekend’s visit the Tyne Commission Quay will be symbolically handed over to the Port of Tyne.

English Partnership’s Chief Executive John Walker is to hand over the key to Port of Tyne chairman Sir Ian Wrigglesworth. In addition, the afternoon will see the re-naming of the quay to The Northumbrian Quay, with Captain Ian McNaught, the master of the QE2 officiating.

A competition for port employees to find a new name for the quay was held and the chosen name was entered by Dave McKay, dock superintendent of the Riverside Quay. Northumbria being the name that covered the ancient kingdom from the Borders to Hull, the Port of Tyne felt it was an appropriately all-embracing title.

Meanwhile, the QE2’s 4.30pm arrival on the Tyne will be greeted with a firework display and music. Around 600 schoolchildren dressed in red will add to the effect of an unfurling red carpet created by lighting effects across the river. The celebrations will also include a civic welcome, with music from the Royal Marine Band.

Pier Road in Tynemouth will be closed from noon to 5.45pm while Oxford Street car park, Tynemouth, will also be closed for disabled viewing between noon and 5.45pm.

Chief Insp Vince Stubbs, of North Tyneside area command, said: “It’s great for the area to host an event like this and we want to make sure the crowds have an enjoyable time. We are supporting North Tyneside Council in providing additional police and community support officers.”

Mike Davison, Port of Tyne acting managing director said yesterday: “The refurbishment of Northumbrian Quay will have a dramatic effect on our ability to welcome even more visiting cruise ships to the River Tyne, bringing with them tourism-related benefits to the whole of the region.

“We have been steadily increasing the number of cruise ships visiting the North-East and will be able to set even more ambitious targets for 2008 and beyond.

“The first vessel to berth at the refurbished quay was the Saga Rose on August 31. This gave us an ideal opportunity to have a dry run on the new facilities before the visit of the QE2.”

---------------------------------------------------------

Luxury liner still on course after repair

THE QE2 is at sea, on course to Southampton, having suffered minor problems at the weekend.

The ship was in need of repair off Croatia on Saturday after suffering a mechanical fault during a Mediterranean cruise.

But the luxury liner is set to arrive in Port of Tyne as expected on Sunday on her final lap of the UK.

A spokesperson for shipping firm Cunard said: “She is at sea, heading to Southampton.

“There were minor problems but they were overcome very quickly.

“She has made up time and everything is on schedule.”

Around 1,750 passengers were on board the liner before it experienced the problems off Dubrovnik.

---------------------------------------------------------

Best public viewing points

THOSE wanting to catch a glimpse of the QE2 as she arrives in the North-East will be looking to guarantee themselves a good vantage point.

Among the best in the Tynemouth area are Sea Banks off Front Street and Freestone Point off Pier Road.

In North Shields, people are advised to gather at Low Lights Car Park and North Shields Fish Quay.

And in South Shields, the best spots are located at Mill Dam off Station Road, North Marine Park and Lawe Top off Harbour Drive, Little Haven Beach and Harbour Drive.