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Titanic Convention Hits Cobh Apr 9th With Mesmerizing Events

·21 min·2 clips
The British Titanic Society brings its annual convention to Cobh's Commodore Hotel for a 114th anniversary homecoming.
The episode begins with host PJ introducing the 114th anniversary of the Titanic sinking in April 1912. Guest David Scott Bedard, organizer for the British Titanic Society, joins to discuss their annual convention at the Commodore Hotel in Cobh from April 9th to 12th. Bedard notes about 100 delegates are attending from the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK. He describes the demographic of convention-goers as mainly aged 30-60, with interest sparked partly by James Cameron's 1997 film. The society stages exhibitions with artifacts, including a bell rung to warn of ice and personal items like glasses and wallets. Bedard's company, Whitestone Memories, recreates sets to show the ship as it was. The convention program includes a Titanic Walking Trail with Dr. Michael Martin, involvement from the Cobh animation team, and a memorial service at the Titanic Memorial Gardens. A highlight is a trip to Roches Point for a wreath-laying ceremony with lifeboats and a piper. Bedard reflects on historical what-ifs, such as delays from Olympic's propeller issue and the SS New York near-miss. He discusses the ethical debate around diving the wreck, emphasizing respect as a resting place. The episode touches on comparisons to other maritime disasters, like the Wilhelm Gustloff sinking with over 10,000 deaths. Bedard shares a surprising fact about Titanic's sister ship Olympic chasing and sinking a German U-boat during World War I. He also mentions Britannic sinking in 48 minutes after hitting a mine. The conversation concludes with Bedard promoting the convention's displays, including a postcard mailed from Queenstown and a crewman's letter, and encouraging families to attend.

As heard by us

A Cove-centered Titanic conversation that stays grounded in history, respect, and place.

This piece keeps its focus on David Scott Bedard and the British Titanic Society's annual convention due at the Commodore Hotel in Cove later this month.

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Why you'd press play

You get Titanic history from Cobh, with a Commodore Hotel homecoming and a careful debate over the wreck.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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