We are delighted to take the opportunity to officially announce to you, our plans for our next major event in our illustrious history of outstanding achievements and accomplishments.

On July 3rd 2012, P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of seven ships will meet together for the first time, in Southampton to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the company.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection with P&O Cruises for a number of years, which first originated in 2008, when we were invited to visit the then newly built Ventura, just days before she was officially named. In April 2010, we were lucky enough to receive an invitation to attend the Naming Ceremony of Azura, where we met with Carol Marlow, President & Managing Director, P&O Cruises and officially presented her with our originally assigned drawing of Azura.

In December 2010, our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna were kind enough to agree to present our especially assigned drawing of Aurora to the Captain of the vessel on our behalf, during their 23 night Christmas Caribbean cruise. P&O Cruises arranged for Ernie & Edna to meet with Captain David Pembridge on the bridge, where they officially presented our drawing, which is now proudly displayed aboard.

In August 2011, Ernie & Edna officially presented another of our especially assigned drawings, aboard P&O Cruises’ Arcadia, during their 13 night around the UK & Ireland. They again had the opportunity to visit the bridge, where they presented Captain Peter Philpott with the drawing, which is now proudly displayed aboard outside the Captain’s office!

Later, in December 2010 Ernie & Edna officially presented our especially assigned drawing of Ocena to the Captain during their cruise aboard. We were delighted when P&O Cruises gave Ernie & Edna the chance to visit the bridge, where the official drawing presentation and handover took place on our behalf.

Most recently on June 17th 2012, our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna set sail aboard Azura, with our brand new especially assigned drawing. They are set to arrive back in Southampton on July 3rd 2012, during the Grand Event. 

On the morning of July 3rd 2012, the seven ships will arrive together during the early hours, before berthing in Southampton to embark their new passengers. It is anticipated that thousands of onlookers and spectators will watch the ships arrive and take part in the celebrations ashore. A highlight of the celebrations, both on board and ashore will be the spectacular Red Arrows display which is planned to take place, depending on the weather conditions, before the seven ships set sail later that evening. 

The first ship is expected to set sail from Southampton at 17:00hrs followed closely by her six fleet mates. The ships will sail in progression down the Solent in formation one behind the other and once at sea, will line up together side-by-side. HRH Princess Royal is set to take part in the 175th anniversary celebrations and will be aboard the Trinity House vessel, Patricia where she will sail pass the seven ships to salute each of them once in formation, which will be a fitting end to this remarkable and memorable occasion in maritime history.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“ We are absolutely delighted to be able to join P&O Cruises in Southampton to celebrate their 175th anniversary and witness the Grand Event ourselves. We are very proud of the connection and friendship which we have with P&O Cruises, so it seems only appropriate that we are present for such an occasion. ”

He added:

“ We are extremely proud to have had our drawings presented aboard many of the P&O Cruises fleet and to have also had the chance to visit many of their vessels previously too. It will be extraordinary to see the entire fleet together. ” 

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  

On Wednesday 13th June 2012, Dream Designs Colchester had the pleasure of visiting Discovery at Harwich International Port and we officially presented our brand new especially assigned drawing of the vessel during the visit.

We took the opportunity to contact Voyages of Discovery earlier this year, to request permission to visit Discovery whistled berthed at Harwich International Port and official present our new drawing.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined aboard by his father, Brian Cotterill. Upon boarding Discovery they were welcomed aboard the vessel and escorted to the Discovery Lounge, where they were introduced to a number of the ship’s crew and shore side team too, including: Captain John Brockelhurst, Master of Discovery, Eddie Thomson, Hotel Director, Voyages of Discovery and Alan Murray, Managing Director, Voyages of Discovery. 

Harry then officially presented his drawing to the Captain, along with the other members of crew and staff, all of which were very impressed with the drawing. As a thank you, in return the Captain presented Harry with a Discovery Plaque.

Harry and his father we then invited to tour the vessel, with a member of the ships crew. The tour gave them the opportunity to see the various public areas on board as well as some of the spacious passenger staterooms too. They were even lucky enough to visit the navigational bridge, where they met with more of the ship’s crew and officers.

Upon completing the tour of Discovery, Harry and his father we invited to enjoy lunch on board Discovery in the main dining room, before disembarking later that afternoon. Before disembarking Discovery, Harry and his father spent sometime touring the vessel themselves.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" We would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Voyages of Discovery for allowing us to visit their beautiful vessel. It was a great pleasure to have the chance to officially present my drawing new drawing to the Captain and everyone else too! "

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk 

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that my father and I arrived home safely earlier today from our 5 night voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.

We had a truly unforgettable time, full of memories which we will treasure forever. As you can imagine, we now have quite a bit of work to catch up on, I too will be very busy at college, with the last final weeks.

Therefore, unfortunately at present I will not be publishing a report or photographs until a later date. In the meantime, here's a preview of the spectacular celebration!

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk 

Hi there!

I wanted to take the chance to leave you all a last message, personally, before I leave for Southampton with my father, tomorrow morning.

We have had an extremely busy period lately, with many exciting development and brand new drawings being assigned. It's been fantastic to receive such a great level of interest and a pleasure to supply our latest customers and clients with their very own drawings.

Anyhow, we will be leaving Colchester at 10:00 tomorrow (Monday 4th June) and hopefully arriving in Southampton at approximately 14:00, where we will then book into our hotel, before what will be a very exciting day!

On Tuesday 4th June, we'll be up very early, to witness the arrival of Cuanrd Line's three magnificent ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria & Queen Elizabeth.

Later than day we will then embark aboard Queen Mary 2, before setting sail late that evening in spectacular style, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. Of course not forgetting the planned displayed from the Red Arrows earlier that evening too!

We'll then have a wonderful 5 nights to enjoy aboard Queen Mary 2, my absolute favourite ship! Ports of call include, Rotterdam, Zeebrugee and Le Havre, before arriving back in Southampton on Sunday 10th June 2012.

On Wednesday 6th June 2012, I will be celebrating my 18th Birthday aboard. I wonder if any surprised will have been arranged? In all honesty, I'm quite doubtful!

Whilst aboard I hope to be able to meet with the Master, Captain Keven Oprey, who I met during my last voyage in October 2011. If so, I will be presenting him with my brand new, especially assigned drawing of Queen Mary 2.

We'll, it's almost time to leave, so here's it is. Over 18 months of waiting.

Goodbye!!!

Harry Cotterill
President & Managing Director
Dream Designs Colchester