Following an announcement last week, it is with regret that The Coniston Institute and Ruskin Museum (“The Museum”) can confirm that its legal representatives have written to the Baton of Hope UK & Straightliners Limited regarding a proposed event in February 2023 where Donald Campbell’s world record beating jet hydroplane, Bluebird K7 was billed to be on display. It has been clearly stated that the display of Bluebird K7 is not permitted.
Firstly, The Museum would like to place on record the Museum wholeheartedly support the aims and objectives of The Baton of Hope organisation. Suicide prevention and associated Mental Health issues are important topics and it is absolutely right that the organisers of The Baton of Hope UK seek to get their message heard.
However, The Museum believes that representatives of The Bluebird Project (BBP) have tried to bring The Baton of Hope UK into a historic issue that they are not otherwise involved in.
Similarly, The Museum has no argument with Straightliners Limited, who run speed-related events at a number of venues and provide entertainment and excitement for many spectators and participants alike however the theme is evidently different to what Bluebird K7 represents
It would be unfortunate if two independent organisations were to be caught up in a legal case which is not of their making, whilst the Museum accepts, they may not be fully aware of the historical issues they have since been contacted by our legal representatives explaining the issues.
There are concerns that whatever insurance BBP may see fit to take out to cover Bluebird K7 for the event would be rendered null and void because the vessel is being used without consent from its owners.
The Museum is under no illusion that the announcement of exhibiting Bluebird K7 in this manner is a cynical ploy in continued efforts on behalf of BBP to paint The Museum as the villain of the piece and create ill-feeling towards The Museum. It is the latest in a number of attempts to try to get The Museum to come into line with the management of BBP insofar as effectively ceding control of The Museum’s property – Bluebird K7 to BBP.
As well as informing BBP of The Museum’s view in an open letter on 24.01.22, the Museum has taken extensive advice from its legal team and has been in discussions with The Charity Commission; the Museum is within its right to assert its claim to Bluebird K7. There is, however, an obligation on the Museum to fight for the possession and control of property (Bluebird K7) legally gifted to, and therefore owned by The Museum, i.e. The Museum has no reasonable alternative but to gain possession of its property by whatever means it can, within the law. The Museum has made every reasonable attempt to resolve the matter and it appears is left with no choice but to issue proceedings in order to seek a resolution.
We realise that many people are getting tired of the discussion and The Museum understands that. However, onlookers should be under no illusions regarding the resolve of the Museum to prevail, with the support and blessing of The Campbell Family Heritage Trust. Despite many comments to the contrary, the Museum is also committed to running Bluebird K7 again on Coniston Water, provided it is safe and reasonable to do so. When the time is right, we will confirm our partners who have already agreed to help us deliver that reality.
