All About Balloons

Sue Kidd and Edward Lubbock came along to our September meeting and told us all about the joys and disasters of Hot Air Ballooning.  They both got into ballooning in the mid-80s and are now the proud owners of their own balloon G-SUED.  They explained that, like an aeroplane, you have to have a licence to fly a balloon and have to go through extensive training to get it.  It is necessary to know the laws relating to flying a balloon, about the weather, how a balloon is put together and how to deal with emergencies.  They explained that there are two types of balloon; those with hot air produced by a burner and those filled with hydrogen or helium.  Gas balloons are smaller and rounder than hot air balloons and more likely to explode!  The biggest dangers to a balloonist are pylons and mist, although less so since the advent of GPS systems.  Balloons come in many shapes and sizes and are often used for advertising.  We all enjoyed this fascinating insight into the world of balloons.

Next Meeting

Our next get together is on the 27th October when Douglas Urquhart returns with his talk on “African Medley”.

Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5.00.  Details of all our meetings and speakers can be found on the diary of the home page of the Winstred 100 website.  If you would like further information about P.A.W.S please ring either of the following committee members: Alice Holmes 01206 735510 or Jane Anderson 01206 735505.