On Thursday 7th December 2006, Gina Campbell formally gifted Bluebird K7 to the Ruskin Museum. In agreement with the Campbell Heritage Trust and the museum, Bill Smith is to organize the restoration of the boat, which is now under way. The intention is to build it back to running order circa January 4th 1967. Bill has said that this will take two years to accomplish.
Gina Campbell commented: "I've decided to secure the future of Bluebird for the people of Coniston, the Ruskin Museum and the people of the world".

Museum Director Vicky Slowe spoke of Gina's generosity and then said: "Bill has assured us he can get Bluebird fully conserved and reconfigured at no cost to the museum. So our challenge now is to raise a total of £750,000 to build the extension to put Bluebird in. As of March 2008 we have raised a total of £520,000. Work on the construction of the Bluebird Wing extension to the Ruskin Museum is due to start in April this year (2008). Fund raising continues to secure the balance".

Bill Smith was quoted as saying that he wasn't interested in a corroded pile of scrap metal. He is now focused on getting K7 to "live and breathe".

An APPEAL has been launched to raise money for the building (including the interior design layout) of the new wing of the museum which will house the completed Bluebird K7. If you wish to make a donation to this appeal,  please contact Vicky Slowe on 015394-41164.

More information and pictures will appear here once the Museum extension is under way.

You can follow the progress on the restoration of Bluebird K7 by clicking the link to Bill Smith's

web site...www.bluebirdproject.com