This evening our balloon trip launched from Eccles Hall School, which is located adjacent to the Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk. The wind had eased down to a gentle southwesterly with the cloud melting away. A quick call to air traffic control at Norwich airport confirmed we had ideal conditions for ballooning. Aloft just after 6pm we ascended to 3300 feet above sea level to enjoy clear views over the county of Norfolk. The city of Norwich and Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk were well defined. It is always fascinating how noise travels the cars at Snetterton were making quite a din as they charged around the track beneath us. The balloon drifted across the busy market town of Attleborough and out towards Deopham were we start our decent. Three children are trying to follow on their bicycles but soon give up the chase and waive us on. Our retrieve crew are close on hand with quite a number of family members following in their cars. We eventually land the balloon in the parish of Hackford after just over an hour in the air.

We are seeking ground crew for our Norwich Norfolk and Peterborough Balloon Flights. Our 2010 ballooning season is now underway this unique job could suit people who are very practical and have the ability to communicate well.

Our general requirements are Over 25 with a clean driving license
Able to drive Land Rovers and Trailers Communicate well at all levels

Polite and personable

The balloon launched at 07.45 into a lovely morning with excellent visibility the city of Peterborough was laid out before us slowly coming to life. At 6,000 feet Rutland water was in view with the water shimmering in the morning sunlight. The wash was in clear view over to the Norfolk coast. Ely cathedral or the ‘Ship of the fens' could be easily identified to the southeast. The wind speed this morning was quite slow at no more than 5mph making this ideal for a first time balloon ride. After one hour and fifteen minutes in the air we landed in the parish of Whittlesey.

This balloon ride launched from Thorney Park. The wind was from the northeast at a very gentle 5 m.p.h. The air was crisp and stable so we decided to ascend to 6,000 feet and savor the views. The visibility was excellent with clear views of Rutland Water to the north and the Norfolk coast out to the east. The city of Peterborough passed gently beneath us. We watched the traffic over on the A1 and fully appreciated the silence and calm in the balloon basket. We passed on over Stanground and Hampton Hargate leaving the city behind and started our slow descent into open countryside. After a good hour in the air our balloon ride came to a gentle end landing in the parish of Ponders Bridge

The weather continues to remain stable and fair. Our passengers this afternoon were all local to us and to launch from our base west of the market town of Dereham seemed logical. The wind direction this afternoon was a gentle flow coming in from the southwest. We were soon aloft and heading towards the busy market town of Dereham. At 1,500 feet we could clearly see the coast to our north and the ‘fine city' of Norwich to the west. As we approached Swanton Morley we climbed higher to savour the view. Crossing the Norwich Fakenham road, we started our descent over the village of Sparham. It was now clear that our balloon ride was on route to Reepham. After one hour and ten minutes in the air, a stubble field was spotted. Our ground crew were already waiting and chatting to the landowner, Mr Joseph. Our crew radioed the balloon to confirm we were welcome to land. Our flight came to a gentle end in the parish of Whitwell.

Today we would fly from Wensum valley golf club in Taverham. The wind was a light breeze coming from the northwest. As always a detailed and comprehensive weather forecast had been obtained prior to meeting our passengers. Once physically on site we must establish an exact track. This is very simply done by releasing a black helium balloon then taking a compass bearing of it. With that bearing we can then plot our flight; today our balloon flight would be to directly over the city centre of Norwich. Due to the proximity of the airport, we liaise closely with air traffic control and await their permission to launch. At 08.05 Hrs we receive the message that we are' Good to Go'

The launch was very gentle and we climbed above Norwich as it started to awake. The visabily was excellent as we ascend the city seems to roll gently beneath us. The broads all in full view simmering in the morning's sunshine. Our passengers had a wonderful photo opportunity as we over flew the forum, castle and cathedral. We exit the city over county hall and we are now in open country. Hard to believe we have been in the air for over an hour, time to look for a suitable field to land. Now in open countryside we descend south of Bramerton. We landed in a stubble field in the parish of Alpington. What a wonderful start to the day!