Cunard News

CUNARD LINE AND QUEEN MARY 2 CELEBRATE HALIFAX CONNECTION

This project is an initiative designed to honour the company's founder by erecting a commemorative monument on the Halifax Harbourfront in the autumn of 2006. Originally spearheaded by Queen Mary 2’s Master, Commodore Ronald Warwick, the Sir Samuel Cunard Memorial Project is being realized by The Halifax Foundation, the only community foundation in Nova Scotia. Carol Marlow, Cunard’s European Director, comments: "As the company that bears Sir Samuel Cunard's name, we are extremely proud to support this historic project commemorating Cunard's contribution to Halifax and Nova Scotia and we look forward to the realisation of this very deserving memorial." The project recognizes the far-reaching impact of Sir Samuel Cunard's contributions to the city of Halifax, province of Nova Scotia, Canada and the world. Recognized as the most renowned businessman in the Atlantic Provinces, Cunard revolutionized commerce and communications between continents nearly two centuries ago. He was a true visionary who foresaw the day when steam power would replace sailing on the North Atlantic, changing the course of maritime history and creating the ‘ocean railway’. Cunard Line is the lead sponsor of the memorial, contributing a $75,000 donation, and The Halifax Foundation has now raised $100,000 to support the $275,000 project. The Honourable Alan R. Abraham, Sr., Project Committee Chair, says: “We are honouring Cunard's remarkable legacy and his world-renowned company and we are very grateful to have the support of those who share a history with Cunard today -- a long overdue commemoration has come to life." Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Honours Cunard The Cunard celebrations continued at Halifax's Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the largest site in Nova Scotia that collects and interprets various elements of Nova Scotia's marine history. First, Commodore Ronald Warwick was inducted into the museum's Admiralty Circle, honouring his illustrious maritime career. He joined Cunard Line in 1970 and was appointed to the Carmania as a junior officer. He then went on to serve in various ranks on the QE2, Cunard Adventurer, Cunard Countess, Cunard Princess and Crown Dynasty. His first command was of the Cunard Princess when she was sailing in Alaskan waters in 1986. He was navigator on the first QE2 world cruise in 1975 and chief officer for a number of years, which included the period when the liner was requisitioned by the British Government for service in the Falkland Campaign. Commodore Warwick first took command of the Queen Elizabeth 2 in July 1990 and oversaw the construction of Cunard’s new flagship, Queen Mary 2, being appointed her Master at the Keel Laying Ceremony in July 2002. He was appointed Commodore of Cunard upon her arrival in Southampton on 26 December 2003. In addition, the museum and members of the Maritime Ship Modelers Guild, in association with the Cunard Steamship Society, unveiled the fully restored ship model of the Franconia, which entered service for Cunard in 1923. The ‘Franconia Project’ began in July 2003 with the complete dismantling and cataloging of all parts of the ship. The modelers then identified the many different tasks which were then assigned to working groups from the modelers' complement. During this period the restoration has been witnessed by countless visitors to the museum who have enjoyed watching the modelers in the workshop specially built to house the Franconia model while under refurbishment. For Further PRESS Information Contacts Eric Flounders, Corporate Communications Manager: 0207 940 5390 eric.flounders@cunard.co.uk Michael Gallagher, Corporate Communications Executive: 0207 940 5391 michael.gallagher@cunard.co.uk

Date Posted: 10/5/2005