Of course, Campbell is famous for having died while trying to break the world water speed record on Coniston Water in January 1967 (I was one-year old back then).
Can still remember the early to mid-1970s, and my grandparents and mother talking about how divers had failed to find Campbell's body, and that hopefully, in time, his body would be recovered.
And here, for me, is where some almost magic enters the story, as in May 2001, part of Campbell's body was recovered after diver Bill Smith was inspired to search for it and the main wreckage from Bluebird (Campbell's speedboat) after listening to the Marillion song, Out of This World, about Campbell's tragic, fateful day on Coniston in January 1967.
Hats off to Steve Hogarth for singing Out of This World at Campbell's funeral at St. Andrew's church in Coniston in September 2001.
Knowing the Donald Campbell story from years back, whenever I hear Out of This World, it always sends a shiver down my spine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3ftZfB-VNQ
At Donald Campbell's grave, I couldn't help but notice a glass-encased Teddy Bear, which must've been there to represent Campbell's (Teddy Bear) mascot, Mr. Whoppit:
This, of course, sent a shiver down my spine too.
Have just read that Donald Campbell wouldn't drive anywhere without Mr. Whoppit by his side.
Thus, I guess that many Mr. Whoppits are placed on Campbell's grave as a sign of respect to the great man.
It was a solemn occasion visiting Donald Campbell's grave on a mild Sunday morning:
With the rain having gone and a little sun shining through.
No comments:
Post a Comment