It was a splendid event with many balloonists old and young attending.
Donnington Valley Hotel provided a great meal and it was a very good venue.
Alan Noble was the post Prandial Speaker and he was fascinating, so many tales. Started by solving a murder, being locked in a room with the Beatles, to organising Transatlantic balloon races, round the world balloon records, thrown in prison with Bertrand Piccard and a lot of very extraordinary other events.
Chairman Richard d’Alton, presented the Chairmans prize to Celia Kunert, the Friends Secretary who had worked around the rise in subscriptions superbly working all hours.
Jenni d’Alton, was presented with the Debbie Warley Award. The award is given by the BBAC in recognition of a non-flying related achievement or support.
Jenni, a former BBAC Membership Secretary, Editor of Trailrope, periodically, for over 33 years, and Press and PR Liaison of the BBM&L, is a deserving recipient. It is also the first time the Award has been presented to a mother and daughter: Jenni’s mother, Anne Lewis-Smith, a former Editor of Aerostat, and a founder member of the BBM&L, was the first to receive the Debbie Warley Award in 1983.
Next year’s luncheon is at the same place on Sunday 25th October, so mark it up in your diary.
© Peter Lickorish