August was a busy month here at Zebedee with repairs – lots of minor burns just above the Nomex in the hot days of August!
Only one envelope leaves the List this month, a 275, although sales of tether ropes, fans, two trailers and the long advertised Peli case have kept the List changing.
New for September are a ‘Dolly Trolley’, so useful on the odd occasion when vehicular access is not permitted to the landing field. Also some ‘king size’ envelope straps, another pair of overalls and several envelope bags. Along with a last minute advert for Nic Amor’s Cameron Z-120 – see Complete Balloons.
The Bristol Fiesta was held on one of the hottest weekends this summer with no evening flying due to extreme thermals and serious fire risk on landing. The mornings however were blessed with gentle winds and good sunshine for the huge crowds despite the direction resulting in short flights. Good to be back at a ‘proper’ Fiesta. A surprise for many was the appearance of two balloons – one a special shape from Diamond Balloons Ltd, the new manufacturing arm of aerial marketing company Exclusive Ballooning. It is the United Kingdom’s first aircraft manufacturer to receive certification since the exit from the EU. The company provides Exclusive Ballooning with the unique ability to manufacture high quality hot air balloons in house, primarily for their own clients.
September is full of forthcoming events including Chatsworth, Longleat, Sackville and the 50th Irish Balloon Championships at Birr.