Our Balloon Ride today launched from Mattishall golf club. This is a beautifully maintained course owned by Mr B Todd who generously allows us to use his facility it was good to see his family this evening who had bought the grand children along to watch us depart. It was an excellent evening without a cloud in the sky and a very gentle wind flow from the southeast. A call to Norwich air traffic confirmed that conditions were suitable for our flight. We were soon airborne and ascended up to 1,500 feet and what a view. From the balloon basket the city of Norwich and the broads beyond were in view and to our North the coastline was clearly defined. At this altitude we had a gentle 12 mph crossing the A47 east of the town of Dereham. It was now clear we were heading towards the village of Swanton Morley and Robertson Barracks home of the Light Dragoons. Behind the camp is the large expanse of grass, which was the old airbase of RAF Swanton Morley. It was in fact the largest grass airfield in the UK. A radio call to the ground crew suggesting they make their way to the Guard house and politely ask security if we may land. Touch down was a very gentle affair with the balloon remaining upright. Our crew were soon in sight with a very helpful Army escort who even helped us pack up the balloon!! It was a privilege to speak to such a helpful soldier whose comrades had endured such a difficult tour in Afghanistan last year, a big thank you to the Light Dragoons.
Dear Breckland Balloon Flights,
Just a quick email to thank you all for yesterday evenings balloon flight. What an adventure!! Really quite exciting to land and have a Army escort. A very memorable flight. Will hopefully see you all again soon.
John Appleton