General 
Edward Oates and his Dunkirk Story
Jane’s dad was one of the last of the Dunkirk Veterans. If you have seen Chris Nolan’s film ‘Dunkirk’ and read his story then you will probably recognise some of the scenes. He was of course rather matter of fact about the event but clearly it was pretty harrowing. He never really spoke about his… Read More ›
Its in the red – Identifying damage and saving money.
Very large ride balloon pilot. I suppose I could have put that better. Try again. Pilot of a very large ride balloon calls us. “Hi matey, wind changed on the way in and the envelope snagged a tree and got a tear. Can you repair it tomorrow as we are flying Thursday?” Usual gentle patient… Read More ›
Easy Balloons COVID-19 Inspection Procedures
Overview Although at present (June 6th 2020) we are ourselves not carrying out any inspections or repairs we are hoping to re-open in July or August depending on the situation then. When we do re-open these requirements will apply. Having said that some of our inspectors are now inspecting again and others planning to do… Read More ›
Welcome 10.06.2020
Welcome indeed and we trust you and yours are keeping well, staying safe and the garden looks grand. All sorts are going on at the moment so apologies for the delay in the appearance of the June edition.
Currently we remain closed and are not planning to carry out any inspections or repairs until July 1st, at the earliest, when we will revue the situation. We realise that a return to balloon flying is now in progress and that solo flying and same-household flights are now permitted. If you choose to take advantage of this and require an inspection please use another inspector plan, your flight thoroughly and take great care. [more …]
Edward does the ton – Birthday under lockdown
Jane’s dad, Edward Oates, as in my father-in-law finally, after dragging it out for what seems like years, reached the age of 100 on 15th April 2020. Now he very thoughtfully got born in 1920 making it very easy to work which year this target was reached. A lot of time and effort in recent… Read More ›
It’s a what exactly? Strange things in the workshop!
Amongst the leaking whisper burners and vapour valves, cylinders to be tested and holes various to mend we do get a fair few oddly type visitors. Generally speaking these are ‘I was wondering if’s..’ and ‘do you think that’s’. Thing is once someone reckons it can’t be mended we are on a challenge which, most… Read More ›
Sheep, but not as we know them Spock.
We used to have sheep. Then we finally admitted the futility but that’s not to say we wouldn’t have the little darlings again (ignore that for the moment). I once, and only once, mentioned having sheep to Farmer Jay, but despite the two feral jobbies that wander aimlessly but somewhat menacingly, around Wellwick Farm, he… Read More ›
Airships, Balloons, Rockets and Dan Dare – Making space in the bookcase (Pt 1)
Every so often we elect, well I elect, to have a Biffa-out. Quite often this transpires to be a de-clutter and rearrangement rather than full blown lob out but, whatever occurs, it does involve some rather prolonged involuntary pauses and distractions when lost or forgotten about treasures emerge. Jane gave me a book on Vinyl… Read More ›
Steve Roake – What makes British Summers so special?
Coming to the end of September you know the weather is about to turn for the worse, you reflect upon the last few weeks and how glorious the weather has actually been and how much you appreciate British Summers, but when did you actually sit down and consider what it is that makes the summers… Read More ›
We wobble here, we wobble there – January Wobbling
We had only just slipped into January 2019 and we managed a couple of flights on the trot in good old George, now with its C3 burner and comfy T&C swept top basket jobby that we have put together. The old crinkly fabric ’56 is still a trooper. Son Peter is busy now trying to… Read More ›