We don’t very often make public comment on things Bluebird related, but we do feel compelled to make a small post as a result of yesterday’s annual memorial service on the 56th anniversary of the death of Donald Campbell CBE when Bluebird K7 crashed.
The usual orders of service were adhered to, flowers laid and prayers and dedications made, including a speech made by Brian Eastham, Gina Campbell’s partner on behalf of the Campbell Family Heritage Trust.
ITV Border was in attendance and recorded a number of interviews including Brian, Don Wales, Phil Johnston and also Bill Smith. There has, perhaps predictably, been something of a flurry of activity on social media since.
We refer to Bill Smiths tweet sent today (amongst others) in which he claims he made “every effort” to speak with people at The Ruskin Museum.
We would like to state that Mr Smith is aware that we have solicitors instructed, their details have been shared with Mr Smith and The Bluebird Project.
Mr Smith and The Bluebird Project have been asked to contact our solicitors direct should they require to speak with anyone.
Our legal representatives have confirmed there has been no recent contact from Mr Smith or any representative of The Bluebird Project so it remains unclear how “every effort” has been made.
In any event our position has been shared on many occasions, this has not changed and therefore it would only be logical that any discussion is pre-arranged through the correct channels.
We do not wish for this to take away from the delicate moment surrounding Donald Campbell CBE and Bluebird K7 alike and will not engage in any further social media discussions, but given the anniversary and the implications this statement was necessary.
We can confirm that our Vice Chair, Mr Jeff Carroll was contacted late on Tuesday afternoon and also on Wednesday lunchtime via WhatsApp by Mr Smith.
Given the above it would have been inappropriate for him to meet with Mr Smith under these circumstances.
We wouldn’t expect that to come as a surprise to Mr Smith, we post this to clarify any confusion given the manner in which the tweet was shared.
