Ruskin Museum in Coniston has announced an engineering partnership with WEC Group’s Engineering Academy for the Bluebird K7 Hydroplane.

WEC Group Ltd is the Ruskin Museum's chosen engineering partner to deal with the ongoing maintenance of their hydroplane Bluebird K7, which was owned by Land and Water Speed Record breaker Donald Campbell CBE.

Managing Director of WEC Group Steve Hartley started the company over 40 years ago when it was a small welding and fabrication shop in Darwen, Lancashire, and it is now one of the largest manufacturing companies in Europe. 

Steve, however, has another passion, he loves all things speed-related. 
He races vintage formula 1 cars around the world, is the owner of an Aero L-39 Albatros Jet which he and his team operate and fly, and is delighted to be involved with Bluebird K7. 

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Steve said: "The Bluebird K7 Hydroplane was originally manufactured at Samlesbury Engineering, just a few miles away from our new Engineering Academy and we're really excited that our apprentices will get the opportunity to provide engineering support and manufacture new parts for such an iconic engineering masterpiece back here in the Blackburn area where it all started."

Jeff Carroll, vice chair of The Coniston Institute and Ruskin Museum said: "It's really pleasing that we can announce the involvement of WEC Group with the Ruskin Museum. 

"Their experience in a diverse range of engineering projects is incredible and we are honoured that Steve has seen fit to involve himself in our aims.

"It is incredibly fitting that when we have physical possession of Bluebird K7, that she should be worked on by supervised apprentices giving them a memorable experience they will carry for the rest of their lives. 

"The additional fact that the Apprentice Academy is in Lancashire, not far from where K7 was originally built, is all the more poetic." 

Tracy Hodgson, director of The Ruskin Museum added: "We are over the moon to be working with Steve and WEC Group. 

"Bluebird K7 will primarily be looked after by WEC’s Engineering Academy where apprentices will work on and learn all about this iconic machine.

"What better way to inspire the next generation of engineers."