The picture shows a surprised and delighted Angela Lickorish being presented with a BBAC Diploma by President Don Cameron at the AGM. The Diploma is awarded to someone …’ for a specific notable flying achievement or contribution to the BBAC or an affiliated region or club.’ and the citation from the BBM&L explains… ‘Since joining […]
BBAC Diploma awarded to Angela Lickorish Read More »
On this International Women’s Day we wanted to highlight an extraordinary woman in the world of ballooning. Sophie Blanchard (1778 – 1819) was not only the first woman to pilot her own balloon but the first ever professional lady balloon pilot in the world! Born in France and from humble beginnings she was just a
International Women’s Day Read More »
Although it has not felt much like it recently, Spring is almost here, and lovely sunny daffodils are appearing up and down the country. This brought to mind the intrepid journey made over the Sahara Desert in January and February 1972 by two early Cameron built balloons, Daffodil G-AYZG, and Golden Eagle G-AYAM. Journalist Jonathan
Daffodil & Golden Eagle, Spring 1972 Read More »
Happy Valentine’s Day – Love is in the Air! Just to remind you it’s also a Leap Year and although this may sound a bit outdated now, a Leap Year has been traditionally known as the one time that a woman can ask a man to marry her, rather than the other way around. Did
Happy St Valentine’s Day Read More »
On 3 February, 1902, Robert F. Scott’s British National Antarctic Expedition was on its way back to McMurdo Sound in the Ross Sea of Antarctica. The Discovery had reached its easternmost point of exploration on 1 February but, with the Antarctic summer coming to a close, the desire to find a safe harbour at McMurdo was strong.
Scott & Shackleton’s balloon in Antarctica Read More »
Happy #NationalPuzzleDay. Here’s a tiny selection of the many jigsaw puzzles we have in our collection. An interesting fact: John Spilsbury ( 1739 – 1769) was aBritish cartographer and engraver. He is credited as the inventor of the jigsaw puzzle. Spilsbury created them for educational purposes, and called them “Dissected Maps”.
National Puzzle Day Read More »
Since the announcement back in November we now have more information for you : The all – important registration form can be found HERE. Please complete and return to us. The Inflation Day pilot guidelines can be found HERE. Please read and inwardly digest. Unless things change, it will be a cash – only event
Inflation Day 2024 Read More »
The December Trailrope is out now and is a bumper issue of 20 pages full of interesting history. Editor Jenni always manages to fill the magazine but relies on all of us to send in stories of balloon history, so please feel free to contribute! Meanwhile all of us at the BBM&L wish you a
Terry Adams was a long-term friend of the BBM&L and this morning breathed his last after a spell in a care home in South Africa where he made his home for may years. You can read about one of his finest hours when he flew Bristol Belle from the deck of HMS Ark Royal. Story
The Dante balloon group can proudly call themselves ‘the oldest balloon group still active’. It was formed on 5 December in 1971 by a group of enthusiasts including Pete Bish, John Baker, Phil Dunnington … to be continued The original ‘DANTE’ Balloon. Registered G-AZIP, a Cameron AX-7 O-65, c/n 29. (65,000 cu ft. volume) First
DANTE balloon group. Read More »
