Legendary hydroplane, Bluebird K7 returned to Ullswater today (23 July) for the 70thanniversary of Donald Campbell achieving his first World Water Speed Record.
Gina Campbell, the daughter of Donald Campbell, said: “I am honoured to be here in Ullswater 70 years to the day my father gained his first World Water Speed Record. He also broke the ‘water barrier’, as after the tragic death of John Cobb, it was believed that a boat could not reach 200mph without breaking apart – my father proved that wrong. Even as a young girl, who was in hospital for minor surgery when he broke the record, I was aware of how momentous it was. The whole ward was full of excitement about my father’s achievement and what it meant for Britain.”
Tracy Hodgson, Director of the Ruskin Museum said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Ullswater ‘Steamers’, The Inn Collection & The Ullswater Association in celebrating 70 years since Donald Campbell CBE achieved his first World Water Speed Record with a speed of 202.32mph on Ullswater. Ullswater will always be a special place in the Campbell story, and we are honoured to be able to display Bluebird K7 at Glenridding Pier close to where she was first launched 70 years ago.”
Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and Cumbria Tourism’s Vice Chair said: “As a family-owned business which has provided cruises on Ullswater for 160 years, we are all thrilled to be part of this momentous anniversary, exhibiting K7 at Glenridding Pier. It’s a fantastic opportunity not only to celebrate an incredible moment in history, but also to showcase the Ullswater Valley to visitors and share the positive impact with a wide range of local businesses.”
Special anniversary commentary was provided on selected Ullswater ‘Steamers’ sailings, providing the opportunity to see two marker buoys marking out the ‘measured mile’ used in K7’s World Water Speed Record.
Representing the Ullswater Association, Daniel Holder, the Managing Director of The Quiet Site, a state-of-the-art, sustainable Lake District holiday park, said: “Ullswater residents, businesses, and visitors have all looked forward to welcoming Bluebird back to Ullswater today, where she began her record-breaking career. It is so exciting having such an iconic boat return to where it all began.”
Lord Wavell Wakefield was a good friend of Donald Campbell’s father, Sir Malcolm Campbell, and had known Donald since childhood. Donald asked him for help with building the now-legendary hydroplane Bluebird K7. He went on to provide support for the attempt on Ullswater including launching facilities and a boathouse.
Lord Wakefield’s grandson, Peter Hensman OBE DL, who was six-years-old in 1955 said: “I remember visiting Ullswater at that time and seeing all the activity. My family are proud to have been associated with this inspiring story and I’m grateful that we’re now able to commemorate Donald Campbell’s first world water speed record in this way. It’s very exciting to see Bluebird being brought back to this special place where it all happened and to celebrate the deep connection between Ullswater and this piece of national history.”
Local hotel, the Inn On The Lake, put up a gallery of period photographs and press cuttings showcasing Donald Campbell and Bluebird’s World Water Speed Record breaking on Ullswater.
General Manager of the Inn On The Lake, Gary Wilson, said: “We are delighted to have the history of K7 at Ullswater on our walls for the public to enjoy. It is a blast from the past when real adventure, heroism and incredible bravery were at the forefront of British culture. Donald Campbell was such a brave maverick and the fact he broke the record on Ullswater is quite remarkable. It is a part of our history in the valley and we take great pride in it.”
