Maritime Ship Modelers Guild member John Green seen here with the refurbished model of Mauretania at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

The stunning 18 foot builder’s model of the Cunard liner Mauretania originally built by the venerable  British firm of Bassett- Lowke is now on display as part of the Cunard exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

John Green, Gerald Wright and Bill Moore of the Maritime Ship Modelers Guild , who were also instrumental  in the restoration of the museum’s model of the Cunarder Franconia (‘Franconia Project’) back in 2006-07, spent more than 400 hours refurbishing ‘The Maurey’. The model is an eye-popping display of fine craftsmanship resplendent in its polished mahogany case.

The original location of the statue just to the west of the entrance to the offices of the Halifax Port Authority was temporary.  Work was recently concluded which saw the restoration and reconstruction of the adjacent Pier 23. A large section of the former warehouse structure was demolished, opening up the harbour to spectators for the first time in memory…and making the perfect courtyard to relocate the statue. Shortly after Queen Elizabeth was berthed, a ceremony took place around the statue which was flanked by ship’s officers and enjoyed by a large crowd who had gathered around the plinth in the warm morning sunshine. A short account of Cunard’s Halifax ancestral roots was given by CSS Chairman John G. Langley (see below for complete text of this address) Captain Wells responded on behalf of Cunard Line, following which members of the Paton family, the most direct living descendants of Cunard formally cut the ribbon to officially rededicate the statue.

Above left: Hon, Alan Abraham, Chairman of statue implementing committee, John G. Langley, Chairman of Cunard Steamship Society and Captain Christopher Wells, Master of Queen Elizabeth
Above right: Bird’s eye view of new waterfront location of Cunard monument with crowd gathering to take in rededication ceremony September 25, 2011.

Above left: Cunard historian and author John G. Langley addressing spectators at statue rededication ceremony.
Above right: Officers of Queen Elizabeth, including Messrs Abraham , Langley and members of the Paton family pictured around the statue.

Read the full text of the rededication address

Various dignitaries enjoyed a reception onboard Queen Elizabeth hosted by Captain Wells, followed by a luncheon in the ship’s Britannia restaurant. During the reception John G. Langley, Q.C. as chairman of the CSS presented Captain Wells with a portrait of Samuel Cunard for  display on  the ship.

Above left: CSS Chairman John G. Langley greeting Queen Elizabeth aboard Theodore Tugboat in Halifax, N.S. September 25, 2011.

Above right: Queen Elizabeth approaching seawall in Halifax harbour, as have so many of her Cunard predecessors in years past. In the background, Pier 21, Canada’s Ellis Island, and this year designated as Canada’s newest national museum, provides the backdrop to the maiden visit of Queen Elizabeth.

Above left: Captain Wells expertly manoeuvres his ship alongside Pier 23, overlooking the statue of Samuel Cunard.
Above right: In a spectacular fashion, with soundings of horn, Queen Elizabeth departs Halifax after making a grand sweep around the harbour, seen here emerging from behind Halifax’s historic George’s Island.

Above left: CSS Chairman Langley and Captain Wells addressing invited guests at reception onboard Queen Elizabeth.
Above right: CSS Chairman Langley presenting Captain Wells with portrait of Samuel Cunard.

Queen Elizabeth plaque presentation.

Throughout the winter and spring of 2010 plans were put in place culminating in a transatlantic crossing aboard QM2 hosted by Cunard Steamship Society of a group of scotch whisky aficionados from Nova Scotia. The mid-September crossing from New York to Southampton was followed by a week in the Highlands and a tour of Scotland’s famous ‘Whisky Trail’. The many gatherings of the group to ferment plans for the trip and the crossing itself gave credence to the old Cunard adage ‘getting there is half the fun!’ A couple of the lovely lady spouses were inspired to compose both song and verse to celebrate ‘the trip of a lifetime’.

Above Left: ‘New Scots’ (Nova Scotians) group en route to ‘Aulde Scotland’, pictured on Grand Lobby staircase of Queen Mary 2 mid-Atlantic, September 2010.
Above Right: Preparing for Scotland’s ‘Whisky Trail’ aboard Queen Mary 2

Above Left: New lyrics to an old tune composed by new Cunarders
Sue and Bruce MacIntosh (Click to enlarge)
Above Right: ‘A Trip of a Lifetime’ penned by host’s sister Sylvia Dingle.
(Click to enlarge)

Above Left: Cunard Steamship Society Chairman John G. Langley, Q.C. addressing the many fine qualities which make Christel Hansen an exemplary Captain’s Secretary Queen Mary 2.Above Right:‘Christel’s crystal’ …excellence on both counts …
Christel Hansen … a ‘Cunarder’

September 21, 2010 found the Cunard Line flagship QM2 anchored off Grenada in the Caribbean. It was a wonderful day to celebrate a birthday, and company founder Samuel Cunard, had he been alive would have been 223 years old on this date. The event was recognized onboard QM2 throughout the day and in the evening with birthday cakes in the various restaurants…no presents by request! Thanks to all aboard who helped this day in celebrating the life of maritime icon Sir Samuel Cunard.

Above Left: In a celebratory mood for Samuel Cunard’s birthday on September 21, 2010 was this table from Britannia Restaurant … L to R … John G. and Judith Langley, Ed Closson, Fiona and Frank McGuigan, Philip and Marilyn Carruthers and David Adams.
Above Right: What’s a party without a cake? This one greeted diners as they entered Britannia Restaurant

During the past few years the Halifax Port Authority has been very busy developing waterfront property in and around the Cruise Terminal…the transformation of the area has been dramatic…’Halifax Seaport’ is quickly becoming a reality and a significant part of this development has been the relocation of the statue of Samuel Cunard… albeit only a short distance, but to a much more prominent and spectacular location where he can be seen and enjoyed by all.

Above Left: New monument site in the making…Cary Vollick, project engineer photographed against backdrop of site for relocation of Cunard monument as work proceeded in summer of 2010.
Above Right: Sir Samuel Cunard as he appears late Fall of 2010 welcoming locals and visitors alike to ‘his’ Halifax waterfront.