Hi folks,

Does anyone remember this town's claim to fame?

Go to the top of the class if you recalled it as the place where Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record in 1964 and became the only person ever to break both land and water speed records in the same calendar year. He completed this feat on Dec 31st, 1964 with only 8 hours to spare.

Today, Dumbleyung officially opened it's interpretive centre wherein resides a full-scale replica of the Bluebird jet hydroplane which broke the record. Along with a stack of informative displays and pictures, and the Community Resource Centre in the old Post Office across the road, it is a fascinating insight into the technology and community effort involved in making this successful attempt possible.

The opening was performed by Gina Campbell, Donald Campbell's daughter, who is a world water speed record holder in her own right. She also unveiled a bust of her father constructed of chicken wire. It alone is worth a visit if only to marvel at the skill involved in creating a clearly recognizable likeness of a famous figure in such an unlikely material.

And I was lucky enough to briefly hold "Mr Whoppit" Donald Campbell's mascot, who made it back to the surface following Bluebird's break up during a further record attempt in the UK in 1967 which resulted in Donald Campbell's death.

If you are passing through Dumbleyung, the replica is adjacent to a large parking area right on the main road and the Resource centre serves an excellent coffee and cake while you are studying the displays.

Cheers

C00P