NEWSROOM
White Cross Bay Holiday Park Awarded Prestigious Red Wheel Heritage Plaque by the National Transport Trust
There’s cause for celebration in Windemere after White Cross Bay Holiday Park, the previous home of the White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory, now owned by Parkdean Resorts, was awarded a prestigious National Transport Trust's Red Wheel (RW) heritage plaque, celebrating its contribution to transport history. The Red Wheel scheme, created by The National Transport Trust, recognises the most significant sites of historical importance to transport heritage in the United Kingdom.
To commemorate the history of the factory that once stood on its ground, an official plaque unveiling ceremony took place at White Cross Bay Holiday Park on 19th October. The plaque was presented to the public by Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria, Dr Adam Naylor MBE, with members of the National Transport Trust, Short Brothers Commemoration Society and Parkdean Resorts in attendance.
The White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory opened in 1941 and was operated by Short Brothers, producing Sunderland flying boats for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. Between 1941 and 1945, a total of 35 Sunderland aircraft, were built at Windermere by 1,500 workers living with their families on the nearby Calgarth Estate.
The Transport Heritage programme honours Britain’s rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport. There are now more than 150 Red Wheels around the UK, with its latest installation being on the historic site that is now home to White Cross Bay Holiday Park, owned by Parkdean Resorts.
Liz Walker, great, great niece of the three Short brothers, said: “Our society aims to educate others about the three founding Short brothers and the important historic contributions they have made to aviation, so the presence of this plaque is an incredible tribute to their legacy.
“We are honoured by the recognition of the National Transport Trust and Parkdean Resorts as the White Cross Bay Factory and its employees played a vital wartime role on the shores of Windermere from 1941 – 1945.
“We are passionate about keeping their history alive, and the Red Wheel heritage plaque will act as a permanent public mark to encourage research into this national site of special significance and the history of these three amazing pioneering brothers.”
Barrie Robinson, Operations Director, Parkdean Resorts, said: “We operate award-winning parks up and down the country in areas of outstanding natural beauty, but this Red Wheel heritage plaque is definitely a first for us. We’re proud to be associated with the White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory and are honoured to be part of this momentous occasion.
“The White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory’s significance and historical contribution is very much a part of Windemere’s rich history, so we hope this encourages guests to learn more about this remarkable bit of history when visiting the park.”