Trustees of the company behind the building and flight of a replica of the UK’s first successful seaplane have launched a book.
Ian Gee and Anne Hughes, of The Lakes Flying Company, have written the 80-page Waterbird – Wings over Windermere, featuring 130 photographs.
They tell the story of two aeroplanes: the first Waterbird, which in the morning of November 25, 1911, took off from a hangar at Hill of Oaks, on Windermere, to make history.
Second, the story of the replica Waterbird, and how many challenges resulted in a 13-year programme to take it from dream to reality.
They outline how in 2008 drawings and archive material of Waterbird came to light, and the Lakes Flying Company was formed to find a way of recreating a British ‘first’ to celebrate the Edwardian achievement.
They succeeded when, in 2022, the replica Waterbird flew on Windermere along the same stretch of water, this time with photographers and film crews to witness the event.
The original Waterbird, commissioned by Edward Wakefield from Kendal, was the first hydro-aeroplane to make a successful flight in Britain.
Captain Wakefield patented the stepped float which enabled the plane to lift off from water and has been used on all seaplanes since.
It made more than 60 flights on Windermere, setting in motion the production of seaplanes used in World War I.
Mr Gee, a retired solicitor who lives near Kendal, who is chairman of the trustees of The Lakes Flying Company, inspired the Waterbird project and dedicated his retirement to preserving the story and the building of the replica for future generations.
Ms Hughes is a former pilot, who is a freelance writer specialising in aviation.
In conjunction with the launch of the book she has been touring primary and secondary schools in the Windermere area to promote an art competition for pupils.
Flying Yesterday and Tomorrow invites pupils to submit artwork for four age-based groups. Top prize is a painting artist’s kit. There are also certificates to be won.
Judging will take place at this year’s Waterbird event, due to take place on Windermere on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12, subject to weather and Lake District National Park Authority exemption from speed limit controls on the lake.
The replica Waterbird would be based at Rayrigg Meadow – immediately to the north of Windermere Jetty Museum.
The meadow is private, but visitors will be able to see Waterbird across the bay from the museum.
A spectator viewing area will be set up at Brockhole on Windermere, to see flights of the Waterbird replica and a modern Husky seaplane for comparison.
Two evening flying displays of Waterbird, against the backdrop of Langdale Pikes, are planned.
Also on Thursday, May 11, Mr Gee and the team will be presented with a certificate from the Royal Aero Club by retired Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Ben Bathurst, president of The Lakes Flying Company.
It represents the award of the Salomons Trophy, which is normally presented at a ceremony in London, which coincides with this year’s Windermere event.
The trophy is awarded annually for a special or outstanding performance by a British aviator in a flying apparatus or device which is designed and built in the United Kingdom.
It is the fourth major national award to the Waterbird project.
Mr Gee said: “Captain Wakefield was elected as a member of The Royal Aero Club in 1910, so things come full circle with an award from the Club 113 years later.
“I would like to pay tribute to the remarkable team involved in the project, especially to those who were not able to see the replica fly.”
Ms Hughes said: It was a challenge and a privilege to write the book, but I am totally satisfied with the result and hope it will be enjoyed by our readers.
“It was a pleasure to write it alongside Ian, without whose encouragement and support the book would not have been written.”
