We have gone two for two in terms of events over the last couple of weeks. We hadn’t fully recovered from an amazing weekend at Troutbeck when we were already setting off for the next event of the season. Another inaugural event too from Showtime Events, this time in Yorkshire. The ballooning side of things was once again organised by Matt and Chris from Vista Balloon Flights.

Set within the grounds of Wentworth Woodhouse, this would provide an amazing backdrop for the balloons. Wentworth Woodhouse was built in two phases in the 1700’s and predates the first hot air balloon flight! It is also the largest stately home in the UK.

The venue also provided a little extra value for festival goers as not only would you have the usual festival shows and attractions such as food, stalls, funfair, performers and of course balloons. They also had the opportunity to explore the house too, and at a discount for purchasing a ticket to the festival!

However as usual with ballooning, we are the mercy of the weather. The forecast leading up to the event was appalling with low pressure dominating and multiple rain fronts moving through. Despite that though there were glimmers of hope of a flight slot or two opening up. Regardless we had committed to support the event and were going to attend anyway.

This time instead of our usual army of helpers only Jamie and Liam Menzies were attending. The plan for the weekend was to use any flying opportunities to give Liam additional training towards his license.

We arrived in good time on Friday the 5^th of June and began to setup camp. The ground was like concrete and after many destroyed tent pegs, we were bailed out by Howard Cusden. Howard had brought a portable four star hotel with him including a full tool kit and kindly lent us the tools required to penetrate the ground. Once the camp was setup, Liam and Jamie conducted a flight plan based on the weather and had a discussion around hazard planning. The area around Wentworth is riddled with powerlines, with multiple substations nearby as well and this was going to be the main factor with any potential flying.

The updated forecast showed that there was a slot available in the evening. Surface winds were showing speeds of between five to six knots with a chance of gusts up to eleven. Upper winds were consistent at ten to eleven knots.

Based on this we made the decision that we would fly. Also flying was Vista’s Ultramagic M-145 G-CLUY, PJH CO’s new Cameron Z-105 G-CPJH and the NHS Organ Donation, which is a Kubicek 90, G-ORGN. There were a couple of other teams present, but they decided not to fly, which is always the right decision if you don’t feel comfortable.

Howard from the Roofcare team was also going to jump in with us. Will from Vista and Howards wife kindly agreed to crew for us as well, so we were all set. Liam led the setup and all aspects of preflight, and we were soon ready to inflate.

Inflation and take off went without a hitch and we were soon airborne heading out over the grounds. The wind speeds were exactly as forecast and remained stable throughout. It was clear soon after take-off just how many sets of powerlines there were in the area. However, there were still plenty of opportunities to practice approaches, and different levels of flying.

Liam completed several high and low level approaches plus two intermediate landings. We then began looking for a final landing spot.

Eventually, we found a suitable field near to the village of Kinsley and Liam made a perfect stand up landing. We kept the balloon inflated for a while, whilst Howard found access and our retrieve contacted the landowner.

Suddenly we were joined in the field by the Yorkshire air ambulance! We were informed that a member of the public who had seen us landing had called the emergency service. Apparently, we had crashed and someone was on the floor outside of the basket. That was news to us for sure!

After explaining to the onboard medical team there was no accident and we were all in order they departed. However, several ground based ambulance crews, fire crews and police crews then joined us. Apparently, the emergency services don’t communicate with one another as, as soon as we explained the story to one and they left, another would arrive.

Eventually we were just left with the police. Despite accounting for all passengers not being injured. Showing them that the kit was not damaged, the field was not damaged. The landowner was happy and even showing them a video of the landing, we were detained until they consulted with the AAIB. Unsurprisingly the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) weren’t interested on the basis there hadn’t been an accident, and we were eventually allowed to leave. This was an exciting end to an otherwise run of the mill flight. At least Liam got a lot out of it!

Saturday morning dawned with rain, so we had time to rest. As the fronts moved off, we set our basket up on the fence line to engage with the public alongside a few other teams. Vista’s team also tethered an old Viva 90 for a decent while much to the delight of the crowd. Balloons are not a frequent sight in Yorkshire and so everyone was really enjoying the interactive sessions on the fence line.

Liam and Jamie then had a chance to look around and explore Wentworth House. Its not often you get to learn about history during a balloon event, and this made for a welcome change.

It was soon time for the evening briefing. Once again conditions weren’t ideal but there was a slot there in between two rain fronts. Wind speeds were forecast to be a little light than the previous evening too.

Only our team and the Vista team planned to fly with the remaining teams planning to inflate some old and new special shapes for the crowds.

Liam once again led the way, we were also joined again by Howard, Will and this time Howards daughter in law, Kerry.

Matt took off in the Vista 145 first and we followed a short time later. This time in a different direction but no less covered with powerlines. Liam used the opportunities he had to practise approaches and other exercises. We eventually drifted towards Mexborough where a large school playing field presented itself ahead.

Liam made a fantastic stand up landing and we kept the balloon inflated whilst we looked for a caretaker’s telephone number. By happy coincidence, the school gates had been left open so there was walking access to and from the field. Loads of people from the local area took interest in the balloon landing and messages were sent on our behalf to the school’s head and caretaker. In the meantime, we packed the balloon away with the help of some local children (with their parents’ permission).

We were soon on our way back to the event and for us it was time to depart. There was a glow in the evening, but we had commitments on the Sunday so had to be head back early. Regardless though within the twenty four hours we were there we managed two flights, a couple of hours of public interaction and had a look around. Not bad at all.

Overall, this was an enjoyable event. The flying was challenging but fun and once again we made the most of the opportunities that were there. Liam is now ready for the last push for his license too. It was also great to collaborate with other teams. The biggest pleasure though was meeting the various locals both during the event and after the flights. Everyone loved seeing the balloons and we really hope to return here someday to fly again.

If you fancy a flight yourself check out Vista Balloon Flight here – https://www.vistaballoonflights.co.uk/

If you fancy donating your organs check out the Organ Donation Website here – https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

Or follow their balloon teams adventures on Facebook here – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093234919725

For all your plumbing and maintenance needs check out PHJ CO here – https://www.pjhco.co.uk/

Lastly enjoy some additional photos below. Until next time!