Many of those attending the convention are the relations of people who were instrumental in her creation
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
By Linda McKee
Titanic enthusiasts from as far afield as the USA, Germany, Canada, France
and Switzerland will be converging on Belfast this Easter to uncover the
secrets of the legendary liner.
And among the delegates attending the Titanic Nomadic Convention on April
6-8 will be some of the people dubbed the 'French Titanic aristocracy' - the
relatives of those who sailed from Cherbourg on the Belfast-built vessel.
It will be the perfect opportunity for descendants of the Belfast craftsmen
who helped build Titanic to meet descendants of those who took ship on her.
The convention will feature first-hand accounts from veteran shipyard
workers, retaining the human aspect of the Titanic legend.
Meanwhile, the Easter event will see the launch of a foundation aimed at
making Belfast the central focus of the international celebrations
culminating in the 2012 centenary of Titanic's maiden voyage.
Titanic enthusiast Terry Madill says the convention will be attended by
Nicole Gorree Wery, the grand-daughter of Bethe Leroy, who left her home
Bruay to travel on Titanic as a French maid. Mr Madill said one of the most
famous visitors to the Convention will be Annie Panier-Eliet, the
god-daughter of Madame Aubert, who set sail on Titanic as the companion of
the multi-millionaire Benjamin Guggenheim but finished her journey to New
York alone.
Dave Custy, director of Belfast Titanic Convention, said the international
reach of the Titanic story is vast. "It is a testament to the Titanic
legacy that many of those attending the convention are the relations of
people who were instrumental in her creation and naturally have an intense
interest in maritime history," he said.
The convention is supported by Belfast City Council, Translink and Odyssey
Pavilion. More information is available by calling 9038 7476, emailing
info@titanicconvention.com or visiting the website
www.titanicconvention.com
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 13°C
Many of those attending the convention are the relations of people who were instrumental in her creation
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