Two complete balloons – a 90 and 275 both found overseas homes as a result of the List last month, as have a number of smaller items.
No new complete balloons or envelopes join the List this time, although a helium Sphere suitable for the projection of advertising and a brand new Tekno bottom end appear in this issue. Meanwhile we have a contact looking for a serviceable Roziere balloon this Autumn – see “Wanted” – replies to us in the first instance. Zebedee has added a nice 8hp fan with new cage & good prop and a flatbed trailer suitable for a 240/250, plus a couple of smaller items. At the last minute before publication, an exciting sounding job opportunity in Australia is on offer – see Situations Vacant.
Next event in the UK calendar is the BBAC AGM, this year unusually being held on a Saturday – 11th March at Turweston Airfield. Zebedee will be there as usual with a range of spares and the ability to deliver larger items.
Sadly we have to report the recent passing of two well known balloonists. Tony Faulkner on 26th January, one of the founders of the Spire Balloon Group with Western 65 G-AZJI in 1973 and later a key figure in commercial ballooning in the UK Midlands. Closer to home, former Dante Balloon Group member James Liddiard (son of David) died on 5th February. James was present as a schoolboy at the very first flight from Bradfords Farm, Marsh Benham on 30.1.72. After university and a year in Australia James joined the family business and married, living at Bradfords. In 1987 he started his own farming business at Warren Farm, Savernake, eventually hosting 21 Icicle Balloon Meets there from 1993 to 2013. He enjoyed many overseas trips with Dante and the BA balloon, but never pushed himself to get a licence. This was probably due to his dedication to the farm, his family, his shooting, winning many farming awards and being Chairman of Newbury NFU. He is survived by his children Emma, Rebecca, Laura & Ben and his grandchildren. James succumbed to cancer having just attained his 60th birthday at Christmas after a long battle with the disease and a serious operation in 2016.