There were a few questions that came in for Gina after we had filmed her interview below are her answers.
Dave Ashton asked “if you could would you rather be ironing or have been at Coniston Lakeside on 4th Jan 1967”
Hi Dave…..at the time of the accident there’s a huge part of you that wished you’d been there, for what reason I don’t really know as it wouldn’t change anything. But as time has moved on I think it was better that I was ‘doing the ironing’ in Arosa. Also for my Dad to know that I was happy and employed, and knowing that if things went wrong then I wouldn’t have to witness it.
Ernie Lazenby asks “In view of your father and grandfathers achievements did you ever feel an obligation to continue the family history by getting into racing powerboats and cars; or was it something you wanted to do for yourself. After you broke a world record did you feel in anyway released from the ‘baggage’, perhaps not the right word but I am sure you know what I mean, of being Donald Campbells daughter and that you had demonstrated you are Miss Gina Campbell a success in your own right! You very much are”
Ernie hi…..I have to be honest and say that until I got into my 30’s I had no interest or desire to go boat racing or joining the. ‘Family firm’! Up until then I was so involved with my showjumping and horse race riding this was giving me all the excitement and potential endeavour that my system required, it was a 24/7 commitment. But I started to get asked by strangers why didn’t I go record breaking and show my self ‘off’. So suppose this kindled a fire in the belly, and you know seemed like a good thing to do and immense amount of fun, huge excitement and the ‘winning’ streak was thrilling. BUT quite a bit of pressure to succeed as you are judged by your success or otherwise, so I’m really glad I did prove myself and should have liked to continue but it’s the back room stuff that’s exhausting, getting the sponsorship and holding a team together with no money…..so inevitably it dwindled away.
John Riding asks “Given all the places you have raced around the globe and never mind your links to NZ via an obviously to quality step mum, which have you enjoyed most in terms of the other things you were able to do and experience in between racing?”
Hi John….I can answer very simply that I took up golf in my late 40’s and became obsessed, so that took over my hobby, and I was able to go to the PGA of America and indulge my then passion for 3 months every year.
Gordon Hockings asks “Hi., what is your view on a balance between Bluebird being used on the water and her being on display at Coniston?”
Gordon …..there is obviously a balance between the two activities, but until K7 is returned to her owners no plans can be investigated for the future running, Personally be wonderful for her to run and everyone to witness, but taking Bluebird for a ‘run’ is a massive logistical operation, you can’t just drag her out of the Ruskin every now and again and put her on the lake and expect her to just ‘run’! Can you imagine the costs of such an operation to be done professionally and not on a hope and a pray, think of the insurance alone, public liability and engineering etc etc. So not as simple as it sounds. Firstly she must be returned to her home in Coniston.
James Utting asks “I have been a keen follower of Donald Campbell and Bluebirds CN7 and K7 since 1963, when as a very small boy I was enthralled by his exploits and achievements. That enthusiasm has never waned despite the bleak tragedy witnessed in 1967, which caused a 12 year old deep distress, taking many weeks to abate. To some extent, the discovery of the wreck of K7 and recovery of Donald’s body and subsequent laying to rest in 2001 were cathartic events which brought some closure. Like many others, I was pleased and excited to hear K7 was being restored to running order, and delighted to hear that the operational craft would on occasion be displayed in the Ruskin. That is the perfect scenario and surely the most fitting tribute possible to Donald whose memory will be kept alive in the most appropriate way. Could I therefore ask Gina when this is likely to happen, please?”
James what a heartfelt question, as you were so obviously affected by my Fathers untimely death as a young lad, I thank you for your honesty and passion. I too was very happy to be able to lay my father to rest in the churchyard in Coniston after so many years, it is an amazing feat to see Bluebird fully restored in all her glory, and she should be as we speak displayed in the purpose built home in The Ruskin Museum, which was built with public money to not far short of £1million, She is owned by the Ruskin under a deed of gift so that she has a permanent home for the world to see, I wish I could answer your question as I truly long for that day.
