Time for bed said Zebedee!
The Future is not so Easy ….
Looming crisis!
It has been noticeable over the past couple of years the increased pressure at Zebedee and Easy Balloons for maintenance – be it envelope repairs, burner overhauls or PRV/PPT for cylinders. Both organisations are in ‘wind down’ mode, yet the pressure continues unabated for work particularly at this time of year.
Chris at Easy Balloons, although he makes it clear that repair facility is winding down to two days a week, he has no plans to give up Easy Balloons CAO so will continue to support several rides operators together with his list of Part 66 inspectors.
One of the reasons for this pressure is undoubtedly the ever increasing numbers of Ultramagics & Kubiceks being imported to the UK – their owners then realising that Igualada and Brno are not just down the road for a quick repair – or spare part – and even Oswestry now lacks a current manufacturer. Not everyone wants to head to Bristol …..
With this in mind, if you buy from the mainland of Europe then be sure to get a decent ‘spares package’ with your balloon including a few metres of all the fabric colours & Nomex. Buying subsequently is both expensive and time consuming, particularly since Brexit, with unpredictable delays at customs. We at Zebedee stock most ripstop & Hyperlast colours from Cameron and have a few metres of some lightweight colours, but no polyester.
Please do not take this as an imminent close down, more a ‘heads up’ of what is inevitable in the next few years, if all goes well. You may find that we turn down specific requests – we have finished making banners at Zebedee – my knees and back having had enough crawling about on the floor positioning artwork ! You are also likely to get turned down for repairs to special shapes due to access – and we will only repair damage in the top or bottom half a dozen panels of rides balloons – and only then if the envelope is packed the right way round for access. For all repairs make sure your tapes are numbered, note which gore has the damage and count panels up or down. A picture showing the damage and wider area helps. These tips save us time and therefore you money.
Finally some of you technical minded youngsters out there might want to think about setting up a maintenance business, especially in Southern England. Chris & I have tried to cover this market for many years, but remember everything has to have an ending and we are getting old !
First move would be to join the BBAC Inspector Training System for a ‘Part 66’ licence. For envelope repairs you need a twin needle sewing machine and somebody who can sew … and a dry, secure & vermin free workshop. For hardware an engineering background is preferable, so you know your metrics from Imperials and BSPs from NPTs.
Don’t feel you would be treading on our toes. Both of us are likely to give you advice, contacts and in the end help with machinery and/or materials.
Pete Bish & Chris Dunkley.
Sept 24