Historic steamer joins Birkett celebrations

The MV Raven, is to join in with Ullswater Yacht Club to celebrate the prestigious Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy © Ullswater Steamers

One of Ullswater Steamers' most popular craft, MV Raven, is to join in with Ullswater Yacht Club to celebrate the prestigious Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy.

This year sees the 50th running of the famous race and the event is already attracting competitors from all over the United Kingdom.

On Saturday 7th July, Raven will join over 200 yachts on Ullswater. Passengers will be able to watch at close hand the start of the race, due at 1pm. Raven will steam ahead of the fleet and station off Kailpot Crag where a memorial plaque to Lord Norman Birkett is sited.

The 50th boat to pass between the shore and Raven will receive a rousing salute and will be awarded a special trophy, kindly donated by Ullswater Steamers. Raven will then sail amongst the fleet and return to Pooley Bridge at 3.30pm. If you wish to be a part of the celebrations on Raven and purchase a ticket, visit the Ullswater Steamers' website.

Commodore of Ullswater Yacht Club John Spivey said: "All the steamers on Ullswater have become a familiar sight to members of UYC and we are extremely pleased that Raven can join in the celebrations in this unique way."

John said: "Not only are we delighted that Raven is joining us but the event will also be attended by the Hon Tom Birkett, grandson of Lord Birkett, again this is a first for the Club".

In 1962 Lord Birkett's speech helped defeat the Parliamentary Bill against the Manchester Water Authority in the House of Lords. The Bill would have restricted public access to the lake. He passed away shortly afterwards, some say the happiest he had ever been. On the western side of Ullswater above Glencoyne Head, a nameless fell was re-named in his memory. There is also a memorial plaque on Kailpot Crag visible only from a boat.

And, of course, Ullswater Yacht Club holds the two-day Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy Race every year in his honour. Competitors race the full length of the lake, more than seven miles, round an island at Glenridding, and back on both days.

Jim Walker, Chief Executive of Ullswater Steamers said: "The Directors of Ullswater Steamers are delighted to work closely with the Ullswater Yacht Club to raise the profile and enhance the enjoyment of this important event.

"Lord Birkett served in Parliament at the same time as Lord Wakefield who had earlier saved the ‘steamers' from certain extinction. It is therefore fitting that we continue to celebrate the success of both these individuals in maintaining popular access to this beautiful lake for future generations."

For more about the Birkett and Ullswater Yacht Club visit www.ullswateryachtclub.org

For more about Ullswater Steamers visit www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk