OXFORD – At the most recent meeting of the Oxford Historical Society, Sept. 22, Vicky House described the fabulous voyage she and Oxford’s beloved historian, Charlotte Stafford went on in the spring. Vicky also took that opportunity to thank everyone for all their well wishes and cards sent to Charlotte at Wilson Memorial and gave an update on her recovery since her stroke in August.
During Charlotte’s hospital stay, she received 300 get well cards, enjoying every one. Illustrating how unaltered her mind was by the stroke, she was aware of exactly how many of each card design she received, such as cats or teapots (two of her favorite things). Apparently a funny one of a scantily clad man caused such a stir that the nurses wanted to keep it for good morale. The wall in her room had so many cards on it that the hospital staff jokingly called it “the Hallmark Factory.” Despite some paralysis caused by the stroke, Charlotte never lost her humor, sticking her tongue out at one of the doctors to show she was gaining muscle strength.
Now, back at home Charlotte has been doing really well, amazing the doctors. Her right arm and right leg are getting stronger daily and her speech has advanced from small phrases to whole sentences. House explained that Charlotte wanted to be there at the Depot-Museum that night to help tell the story of their transatlantic voyage but she still needed more time to recuperate.
The QM2 Transatlantic Luxury Voyage
Vicky House presented photos and told the remarkable story of their unique, once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, sailing aboard the legendary Cunard RMS Queen Mary 2 to Southampton, England, and back. (6-days each way.) The expression “The journey is more important than the destination” was never more apt. It was Charlotte’s 90th, a mile-stone birthday on April 14, and the QM2 ocean voyage was her dream wish-come-true. From Vicky’s description, being on the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built, it sounded like it was beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. It was like stepping back into The Golden Age of Ocean Travel (but environmentally friendly). The QM2, part of the Cunard line and their flagship, includes the Queen Victoria 2 (her sister ship) and the Queen Elizabeth 2. Vicky did her best to describe all aspects of the memorable trip, from the luxurious “Cunard White Star Service” that saw to all their wants and needs, to personal details about Oxford’s Historian that made this birthday trip so very special.
The opulent public areas that Vicky described, like the soaring Grand Lobby, the extravagant dining rooms and wonderful foods (all except the English tradition of putting baked beans on scrambled eggs), ballrooms with live Big Band music, the library, a casino, sports, theatre, lounges, the only Planetarium at sea, and more were simply amazing.
April 14th, their day of departure was not only Charlotte’s birthday, but it was also the 97th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship, RMS (Royal Mail Steamer) Titanic. Charlotte, a big Titanic enthusiast, was a little shaken by some coincidences at the start of their adventure. Before they could get on their way, there was an emergency lifeboat drill, and everyone had to put on their life vests. They returned to the state room and waited for the ocean voyage to head to Southampton, but it did not due to thick fog. They were delayed for two hours, sitting … waiting … with life vests on, while classical music played, just like when the Titanic was sinking. After that (and a sigh of relief), it was smooth sailing.
It was necessary, House explained, for all guests to be formally dressed for glamorous evenings out. This traditional etiquette, started by the original ship designer Sir Samuel Cunard, has been upheld ever since. Even the young boys they saw were dressed up in little tuxedos. To fit the bill, the Oxford ladies had an Italian dress designer on board create floor-length ball gowns for them; Charlotte’s was purple, her favorite color. Dressed to the nines, they were escorted with other guests and Charlotte especially enjoyed the company of a Jamaican man named West with whom she could converse with in fluent French, as she was once a French teacher. He even sang to her in French.
A luxury liner such as this attracts many interesting people from around the world, and 29 countries were represented on this trip. One notable guest was Dame Helen Mirren, the Oscar winning English actress, who was aboard to present a painting. Mirren is the only actress to play both Queen Elizabeth I and II. Needless to say, Charlotte was familiar with her historic royal portrayals but found her less regal in person.
They visited many of the rooms but never had time to see them all. It was important to Charlotte to see the library, as she used to be the librarian in the Norwich School system. She really appreciated it as the QM2 has the largest library at sea with more than 8,000 books. The other room she especially enjoyed was the ball room with its dance competitions. It was a surprise to many that Charlotte had once been a ballroom dancer. Years ago, she competed in several areas in the Northeast District and has many winning trophies.
For Vicky, the highlight was in the Monte Carlo-inspired Empire Casino. An initial win of $250 gave her courage to join in the big “Tournament at Sea.” ‘Lady Luck’ must have been by her side as Vicky won the grand prize. Aside from her winnings, House was given a special baseball cap which she was permitted to wear, because of the high honor, at the formal British Ascot Ball.
Everyone at the Historical Society was rapt with the amazing trip details and uplifted to hear of Charlotte’s improvement. We all hope that Charlotte herself will be able to attend the next meeting on Oct. 6 to say a few words in person. Extra-special thanks go to Vicky for giving Charlotte, the town’s long-time historian, the “White Star Service” in getting her well.