The Zebedee List

Just as we went to press last month we heard that Gareth Gray had sold the J&B Bottle Special Shape envelope, whilst October saw the sale of baskets, burners and further items from ‘Other’.

Two entries joined ‘Stop Press’ on the website during the month – one a really ‘top-line’ 2017 Cameron Z-42, G-CJUO with just 7 hours from Charles Desmet in Belgium – the other looking for Commercial pilots for a new operation in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the 7 Emirates of the UAE. Without the usual ‘decampment’ of UK pilots to Myanmar this winter this would seem to be an attractive, last minute alternative ….. Actionflight are also looking to buy or hire additional large balloons for expansion. These ads are incorporated into the main text for November.

Also new this issue is Alan Still’s transformation of a rather tired Westfalia 2.5m trailer in a no expense spared rebuild to ‘concours’ condition. We at Zebedee always like to see older balloons and equipment lovingly restored – refreshing in this modern ‘throw away society’ ….

Don’t forget that Arthur Street’s box ad contains many smaller items that have not been repeated in the main sections.

Here in the UK early October enjoyed a brilliant weekend for the One Man Meet at Cirencester Park – the first time some of us had been there since the classic meets of 1973-6! The park is of sufficient size that it allowed hops in addition to longer cross country flights. On Saturday 9th a record 44 ‘one manners’ free flew. Well done John Tyrrell & Wendy Rousell as organisers and Steve Roake and others who do so much to promote one-man ballooning, the fruits of which were realised given a lovely venue & cracking weather …. The rest of October was not so good, so whether much long-jumping took place we will have to wait and see.

Announced at the BBM&L AGM and Lunch on 31st October is that the next long awaited “Inflation Day” will be held at Pidley on Saturday 23rd April 2022.

Sadly we have to report the recent death of Brian Ribbans, a long time pilot in the Eastern Region BBAC. He flew the Bob Burns homebuilt ‘Contrary Mary’ G-AZYV and Thunder Chariots G-BHUR & G-BKMR ‘Nottcutts’. Our condolences to his family and friends.