Description
4 January 2027 – Remembering Donald Campbell CBE
4th January 2027 marks 60 years since Donald Campbell CBE lost his life on Coniston Water while attempting to raise his own world water speed record in Bluebird K7.
The Ruskin Museum will not be holding an event to celebrate the anniversary. We feel that the day itself should remain what it has always been in Coniston: a time for quiet remembrance and reflection.
As in previous years, there will be a respectful gathering at Donald’s memorial and at his grave, where those who wish to do so can pay their respects and remember the man whose life and remarkable achievements became so closely connected with Coniston.
We will, however, be marking the anniversary on Sunday 3 January with a special Donald Campbell Walk & Talk, exploring the places, people and stories associated with Donald, Bluebird and his years in Coniston.
Campbell Heritage Walk and Talk
Ruskin Museum & Coniston Institute
Programme:
We are very proud to announce the return of our Campbell Heritage Walk & Talk with Dr Keith Mitchell.
Keith has a lifelong interest in Donald Campbell and his record-breaking exploits. In the last 20 years, he has engaged in intensive research into the behaviour and science of high-speed hydroplanes, particularly Bluebird K7. He performed extensive analysis of the final runs of the craft on Jan 4th 1967 and contributed the final chapter to the book ”Donald Campbell Bluebird – The Final Record Attempt ” by Neil Sheppard.
Join us for an exhilarating heritage walk and talk, exploring the life and times of Donald Campbell. This journey will take you through some of the most iconic landmarks and places of interest in Coniston associated with Campbell’s life, career, and untimely death.
This is a full day event, lunch, refreshments and admission to The Ruskin Museum are included.
Everyone will receive a commemorative certificate signed and dated by Dr Mitchell, Gina Campbell, Anthony ‘Robbie’ Robinson and Tracy Hodgson as a memento of the day.
To enable everyone to enjoy the full experience of the day, this event is limited to 20 people per event.
Programme
10.00am Our day begins at the Reading Room, Coniston Institute with Registration & Tea/Coffee
10.30am Welcome by Tracy Hodgson, Director of The Ruskin Museum
Talk “Donald Campbell Bluebird – The Final Campaign” Dr Keith Mitchell
11.15am Break & Questions
11.30am Talk “Analysis of The Final Runs”
12.15pm We will then move onto The Ruskin Museum where Bluebird K7 can be seen up close.
1.00pm Lunch/Refreshments in The Reading Room of the Coniston Institute
1.45pm Group photo’ & Presentation of Certificates
1.50pm Heritage Walk with Keith:-
- Ruskin Museum
- Lane to Pier Cottage
- Jetty & Slipway, Pier Cottage
- Shoreline
- Bluebird Cafe & Commemorative Plaque
- David Watt Shop
- Robinson Bungalow
- Sun Inn
- St Andrew’s Church & Speed Record Club Commemorative Panel
- Coniston Memorial
- Campbell’s Grave
- Ruskin Museum
4-30pm – Close
Please bring suitable clothing and footwear as the weather can be extremely changeable.
