Our balloon ride today launched from the Ken Stimpson playing field behind Werrington sports centre Peterborough. It was a beautiful evening as the clouds melted away to leave conditions ideal for our flight. Airborne at 7.10 pm we climbed up 3,000 feet the wind taking us gently out to the southeast. At this altitude Rutland Water was in view across to the Norfolk coast. The city itself is always impressive to view from the air with the grand medieval cathedral dominating its skyline. The balloon gently drifts over the ancient town of Thorney, which is steeped in history. In AD972, the Benedictine Abbey was re-founded by St Aethelwold. It became the focus of a very large farming estate. The Norman church, constructed from 1083, contained the relics of important saints such as St Botolph (brought from Boston) The town has one very dark episode during the Black Death in 1350, 15 of the monks died along with dozens of their servants. Any way on a higher note the town is a much smarter place these days. We tried to land in the park however started to drift a little to the left. So on we go waving at the excited children beneath us. We eventually landed our hot air balloon on remote road in the parish of Thorney Toll after one hour ten minutes in the air. Out with the champagne to toast the flight and chat about our adventure.
Dear Breckland Balloons,
What a brilliant evening thank you all for making my parents anniversary such a special day, the children absolutely loved the whole ballooning experience. Many Thanks
Sue Sayer