Speedy return

SIR – The report about Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird K3 speedboat (September 27) suggests that she has only just “taken to the water” after restoration.

In fact she was on the River Thames at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival two years ago. She was to have run down the regatta course. She drew huge crowds and I can still hear the throb of the engines.

Sadly a small engine fire triggered a fire extinguisher, wrecking any chance of her running again that day, and repairs were not done in time for the Sunday. This year the wedding of Karl Foulkes-halbard’s daughter prevented K3 from coming to Henley again, but we are assured she will be with us in 2018 from July 20 to 22. She won’t be attempting any record breaking but can still be seen, heard and admired. Lady Mcalpine

Henley-on-thames, Oxfordshire