Charity Registration Number 281331

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The Journal of The British Museum & Library www.britishballoonmuseum.org.uk 1 E D I T O R I A L C O N T E N T S

Ian Comely has been the Editor of Trailrope for over ten years, and has Chairmans column 3 produced 42 editions.

That is more than any other previous Pegasus & its unusual burner 4 Trailrope editor. Having introduced a colour cover, and other innovations, First Hot air balloon flight his Trailropes could now become in Italy 4 collectable ? The British Balloon La Flesselle, the biggest balloon 5 Museum & Library He has done a superb job Correspondence 6 He has also found that his work is taking up more and more of his time, The First Balloon Flight in North President and it was very sad to receive his America 7 Robin Batchelor resignation.

Vice Presidents I know you will all join me in thanking Thaddeus SC Lowe 8 Mike Allen, David Liddiard, Don Ian for all his incredible work over the Piccard, Peter Sadler and Renee years, he even managed to get some The BBAC is 50 years old 10 Thornton. ballooning in! RAF Museum Hendon 11 Chairman He is a hard act to follow, and I will Richard d’Alton do my best for this edition. Who Enquiries & letters 11 [email protected] knows what will happen in the future. Telephone; 01665 714777 Captain Frederick Bidmead 12 Thank you Ian. Vice Chairman Arno Sieger 13 Dr Giles Camplin I hope you like the new look to [email protected] Trailrope. Please contact me with your comments, and also with any Book Review 13 Secretary queries, photographs or stories you Tim Turner might have and which we could Balloon donations 15 [email protected] include? Telephone; 01933 710276 In this edition, I have included an events list where the BBM&L will be Treasurer present or running it . John Crawford [email protected] Thank you to everyone who sent in Telephone; 01628 635851 articles for this issue. I have to keep one or two back for Issue number 99. Friends Administrator Secretary Contributions have been gratefully Celia Kunert received from Richard d’Alton, John [email protected] Baker, Giles Camplin, Tim Turner, Telephone; 01189 730454 Julian Hensey and Robert Moss. Archivist John Baker [email protected] Telephone; 01189 340679

Public Relations & Press Liaison Jennifer d’Alton [email protected] Telephone; 01665 714777

Trailrope Editor Jennifer d’Alton TRAILROPE is the journal of the British Balloon Museum & Library. It is published [email protected] four times a year and distributed free to Telephone; 01665 714777 Friends of the Museum. Issues can be purchased from the Editor for £6 each Council Members which includes UK postage. The views Ian Comely, Dr David Bareford, expressed are not necessarily those of the Cover photograph of G-OCND at Amersfoort Pete Bish and Martyn Turner BBM&L or the Editor by Sandy Mitchell.

2 Chairmans column This is the new look Trailrope . Possibly transitional in some I earlier touched on electronic aspects, it is intended to publish, and therefore deliver on versions of this newsletter. Spotted four specific dates throughout the year. Ian has in the on the Western Region website past had increasing difficulty, (due to the fact that he was this subtle reminder 'The club's has a proper job), to compile content and keep to magazine HOTLINE is now only sent expected dates by the mere fact that he has other by email. If we don't have a valid things to do. The intention is to keep a tighter rein on email address for you, you won't get proceedings and plan the issues as much in advance as a copy. By rejoining you accept that possible. Dream on!, I can hear Ian say, when getting we can send you Hotline by email.' anyone to contribute is the hardest part of the job, I hadn't thought of that approach. Maybe I'll have to although I won't be the one searching for material, as re-think... we have just the ideal person for that. Following on from the advertisement for a new editor in the last issue and Tim had recently asked at a Council meeting how the ploughing through the list of applicants (1), Jenni by far Museum items could be proved to be our property seemed to be that ideal volunteer, (much to my dismay). should there be any dispute over title of items. So we have someone new to blame! I re-emphasised the importance of covering this possible loophole. I again raised the point at the AGM regarding Also, we are now in a position to send out electronic versions proof of ownership of BBML assets held elsewhere. and will start with this issue, initially to those who have Angela Lickorish discussed this with a colleague and previously expressed an interest. partner at KSK specialising in charities, and he concurs However, I would like to express my gratitude to Ian for with her view that the only thing we can do is to make the last ten years for steadfastly editing this newsletter in an inventory of the items held at each site which both what is quite a thankless and onerous task and which parties sign. Terminology such as: 'We hold the following didn't get any easier as each issue approached. I became items in trust on behalf of the British Balloon Museum & concerned when he wrote in Trailrope that he had Library – Charity Registration Number 281331 - for their struggled to get himself airborne for various reasons and charitable purposes. We have no legal right to the had made the decision to retire from active ballooning, ownership of the items' . In due course, this procedure will but would continue with Trailrope for the time being! So be instigated. that was forewarning that he would finish one day. Our new PayPal procedure was introduced at Icicle. Coming from a publishing background, I recognise the Items purchased and subscriptions, both new and re - pressure to get each issue out especially when Ian was newed were able to be paid for electronically, so no the sole editor/compiler/researcher etc... and getting need for cash. It can be tested again at the BBAC AGM! hassle from the Chairman wouldn't help. I specifically thanked him every year at the AGM, being aware that We have had steady activity on the financial front. In - even with a small circulation such as ours, it still had the coming money included 13 membership fees, £450 from same responsibilities that go with meeting any deadline. the Secret Garden event near Pidley, this being a generous I'm sure it won't be a decision he will regret. donation received via David Hopkins and in which Martyn He remains a member of the Council and a staunch & Tim Turner also took part, and the Luncheon once supporter of the Museum. Thank you, Ian. again made a very credible surplus of £628.92 coming mainly from the raffle, auction, plus the Auction of Promises . MOSI, The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester One conclusion drawn from the Luncheon was that the have recently had a review of the Air and Space Gallery number of prizes offered were too numerous and not where the BBM&L are on display. They subsequently told always ballooning-orientated and should therefore be us as part of a 10 year masterplan for the museum’s site restricted. This would shorten the raffle process/time to and displays, they are beginning to work their way collect etc. It was hoped that with a smaller number of around all of the exhibitions across the museum with the prizes it would make them a little more meaningful. aim of rationalising the stories they tell. This will bring them clearly in line with the museum’s core messages. In Martyn Turner recently reported on the progress of G- the Air and Space Gallery they want to create a focused JONO, which has now been delivered to Chris Dunkley story about the development and in to assess as to whether it was an envelope that could Manchester. This will mainly focus on aircraft manufactured be made airworthy. If the decision, was positive, as or tested by the city’s aerospace industries. They told us expected, Martyn has proposed some ideas as to how that although the balloon related objects are a popular the design could look. The Council has discussed as to exhibit they need to look at the possibility of returning how the current artwork could be modified to create the objects on loan to the BBM&L as they do not clearly suitable banners to reflect the Museums’ image. Martyn fit into this new interpretation. This has come as a surprise intends to develop his ideas and forward them to us for to us, especially as we had agreed to the loan for a further the final design work, and progress the project from three years. At this stage the project team is still assessing there. all their options and there was a fairly short period to carry out this re-interpretation. The proposed deadline It looks like this format of Trailrope is giving me less space was to have work done in Air & Space by February half to write, as I can see the bottom of the page quickly term 2015. The outcome was delivered as a fait accompli approaching. however, and the relevant items were delivered at their I wish Jenni well in her tenure of Trailrope and it shouldn’t cost to both Pidley and Camerons. Some of the objects come as a surprise if she contacts you for gossip or will be ideal for the display at Bristol, which we plan to information in the future! update during 2015.

3 ‘Pegasus’ & its unusual burner by Tim Turner The BBM&L was recently donated gimballing movements - loose Also, one burner was subsequently the balloon G-EPDI ‘Pegasus’ from enough to be moved easily, tight fitted with the first version of "liquid owner Robert Moss for which the enough to maintain position. fire" by Colt in December 1982. Museum is extremely grateful. This worked OK but required constant Pegasus's most outstanding flight This recent arrival was after much (every few hours) adjustment as the was across the Cairngorms, from background work undertaken by fibre washers wore and cooked. Rothiemurchus estate near Aviemore Mark Stelling on behalf of the BBM&L Every so often, it was necessary to to Glen Catt near Aboyne in Deeside. for which we once again are replace the washers. As far as I know, this was the first balloon appreciative of his efforts! flight across the Cairngorms. This was Pegasus spent most of it’s flying life in done with the burner under discussion , the Aberdeen area and is unique in which worked perfectly well’. as much it has artwork completely different on opposite sides of the balloon, giving it the effect of being two balloons! First Hot-air Balloon The burner was delivered at Icicle by Flight in Italy Mark and it attracted a lot of interest from balloonists. The Count Paulo Andreani, of Milan, It was only one of reportedly two constructed a fire-balloon 68 feet in built, thus making it a very unique diameter made from linen and museum acquisition! I wrote to paper, and on February 25, 1784, Robert to see what light he could ascended from Moncucco, Milan offer as to why only two were built! with two brothers of the name of This is Robert’s very detailed summary; Gerli. He remained in the air for about twenty minutes. ‘I dealt mostly with Tom Sage when acquiring Pegasus, having ordered the balloon in late 1977. Cameron's sales literature (mostly adverts in One side of Pegasus…. Aerostat) was offering double burners with single gimbals only at the time. I Later that year Cameron's were asked Tom if he could provide a advertising a different double double-gimballed version (Thunder I burner. think had just come out with one) This is the basis of my understanding and he said yes, they had just built that only two were made, but I This is the first recorded balloon ascen t one for somebody else (I cannot re - could be wrong. in Italy. Count Andreani ascended member who) and he would provide again on March 13, with two other me with another. people. A bronze Medal by A.Guillemard commemorates the first successful balloon flight in Italy.

The Pegasus burner

The test inflation and inspection was on 15 March 1978. The burner frame, as was then customary, was of mild steel with a red plastic coating. After a few hours' use, the plastic …and the other side coating on the inner frame was bubbling with the heat and Another feature of this burner is the Cameron's replaced the frame with four ring bolts, one at each corner of the present one which comprises the outer frame. The rings were chrome-plated mild steel. attached to the yacht-type C-clips The front of the medal reads The frames are connected by bolts at the top of the thick nylon rods of PAVLVS ANDREANIVS PATR MEDIOL and nuts and separated by fibre the Cameron-style "semi-rigid" supports AEREONAVTA. washers. The tightness of the nuts - these were Cameron's first answer The reverse reads AVSVS ES VNVS and bolts controls the ease of the to Thunder's innovatory burner supports. ITALORVM

4 Le Flesselle, the biggest balloon On the 19th of January 1784, in Lyon, Despite the tragedy, and death France, the largest Montgolfier balloon miraculously avoided, the event was ever made was laid out for launch - celebrated — truly, France had ing. Called “Le Flesselle”, it was 120 gone “balloon mad!” feet high and had a capacity of 700,000 cubic feet, making it not only huge for its day but one of the largest hot air balloons ever flown, even to this day. It was sponsored by the Governor of Lyon, Jacques de Flesselles, seigneur de Champgueffier en Brie et de La Chapelle-Iger.

In 1789, Jacques le Flesselles became the last The rip took place at a spot where provost of the merchants of Paris, a post The medal design shows the allegorical figure roughly equivalent to mayor. Accused of royal previous repairs had been made — of Genius riding on a lion and writing on a sympathies by an infuriated mob after the apparently incorrectly. Immediately, tablet. The inscription reads: 'Que ne peut le storming of the Bastille, he was assassinated, the balloon began leaking the hot Genie' (What can Genius not achieve). To the shot by a person unknown on the steps of the air that was essential for flight. left is the launch gantry with the balloon above. City Hall while trying to justify his actions. He Design by Nicolas-Marie GatteauxA was one of several representatives of the For a moment the balloon hung in ancien régime killed that day. the sky and then seemingly it hesitated How can anyone survive a 3,000 foot It would be piloted by two experienced before it began to fall, slowly at first. fall? balloonists — Joseph-Michel Montgolfie r As the winter cold entered the envelope , and Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier. it further hastened the cooling of the air. “Le Flesselle” was doomed. Despite releasing ballast, the rate of descent only accelerated. A crash was inevitable — Montgolfier, de Events 2015 Rozier and the passengers could do Sunday 8th March 1400hrs BBAC AGM nothing but hang on. Finally, the balloon at the NFU Mutual Headquarters, struck the ground. Somehow, the Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon- seven aboard survived the impact, Avon CV37 7BJ though it was a jarring affair. As for “Le Flesselle”, it was never Saturday 6th June AHT (Air Heritage Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (L) Jean-Francois flown again. For the makers and for Trust) AGM with speaker, near Pilatre de Rozier (R) the public, the third and last flight of Cardington, Bedfordshire Five nobles and gentlemen were “Le Flesselle” heralded the view that Thursday 18th-20th June AIM the maximum size of balloons may passengers, as reported in “Editions (Association of Independent Museums ) well have been reached. In any de LE NOIR” , including M. le Prince 2015 NATIONAL CONFERENCE Charles De Ligne, M. le Comte de la case, the Montgolfiers never again Thursday 6th – 9th August Bristol porte d’Anglefort, M. le Comte de attempted a balloon of that size. Laurencin, M. le Comte de “Le Flesselle” was unique — and remain s International Balloon Festival , Bristol Dampierre and M. Fontaine de Lyon. a grand gesture in a time of greatest , Friday 11th - 13th September The The rather unfortunate winter when man first conquered flight. Grass Roots Meet . Sackville Farm weather and a badly repaired tear Somehow, none of them were injured. Airfield, Riseley, Bedfordshire meant that after 13 minutes, at 3,000 All of the inhabitants of Lyon as well Sunday 25th October BBM&L AGM feet, the envelope ripped and the as 3,000 others had come to witness and Annual Luncheon , Mercure balloon plummeted into a meadow the feat. Newbury Elcot Hotel near Newbury, near Lyon.

5 Query about a Victorian Poster

condensation of the gas, but still the parachutist gave no sign of leaving it, and on reaching a lower level another current took him away rapidly to the westward. As he passed over the ridge of a hill and disappeared from view, the utmost consternation prevailed among the onlookers in all parts of the town as to his fate. Eventually he fell in a field of barley near the village of Caddington, about two miles from the place of ascent. He alighted on his feet, fortunately without injury. He afterwards explained that he had found it impossible to get his parachute detached, as he discovered while going up, that one of its cords had by mistake been passed underneath one of the ropes of the balloon. John Baker, the Museum archivist, Princess of Wales, at the Alexandra was contacted by Edward Hull who Palace last year. A large concourse Dorie, who was loudly cheered on was enquiring about a poster. of people had assembled, both in his return, had been up exactly 37 the meadow and on the surrounding minutes.’ It was found by a friend of Edward's heights, and the aeronaut’s upward when he was clearing out his grand - course was watched with much parents attic. interest. The poster is pretty tatty, and is As the balloon passed through different mounted on card which was the currents of air it was blown in various backing of a Victorian watercolour directions, sailing over the heads of painting. spectators and passing and repassing Edward had researched the possible over a portion of the town, above dates of the ascent and narrowed it which it appeared to be almost down to any of the years that the stationary. 31st August fell on a Saturday. These are 1850, 1861, 1867, 1878, a feeling of anxiety crept 1889, 1895, and 1901. over the multitude, which John discovered a newspaper article dated 1889, giving details of a flight grew into one of alarm from Luton by Mr Dorie. for the young man’s It says that Mr Dorie used the same safety as time wore on. balloon as that used by Mr Baldwin when he descended by parachute in front of the Prince and Princess of The expected descent was not taking Wales in 1888. That is why the balloon place, a feeling of anxiety crept was called 'Prince of Wales'. over the multitude, which grew into This is the article in the National Library one of alarm for the young man’s of New Zealand Archive. safety as time wore on. It was then realised that something ‘An exciting adventure happened to The Balloon Register of the World had gone wrong, and that Dorie was a parachutist named M.Dorie, at 2015 comes complete with a photo unable to descend. Luton. He had made a very successful DVD showing just over 10,700 individual ascent and descent in the previous The balloon was meanwhile steadily balloons. week , and had announced his rising, and at one time had reached intention of surpassing his former such an altitude that the aeronaut Contact: achievement by dropping from a was scarcely visible. After he had [email protected] height of two miles, using the same been nearly half an hour in the The book & DVD is £16 balloon as Baldwin employed when clouds the balloon, it was perceived, P&P UK £3.20. he ascended before the Prince and was beginning to fall, owing to the P&P Europe is £8.05.

6 and meteorological instruments into the balloon gondola and prepared The First to cast off. Just as he was going to Balloon take off, a well-wisher shoved a small black dog into Blanchard's arms Flight in North which he accepted rather dubiously. He dropped the animal into the America basket and climbed into the wicker basket, President Washington shook 9th January 1793 his hand, wished him bon voyage, Jean Pierre Blanchard decided to and handed him a 'passport' letter set out for America aboard the ship recommending 'to all citizens of the This is a replica of the balloon basket on display Ceres on September 30, 1792. He in the New England Air Museum in Windsor , and others, that… they Locks, Connecticut USA. arrived in on December oppose no hindrance…to the said 9th and was received by President Mr. Blanchard' and assist him in his He'd travelled about fifteen miles. and Pennsylvania efforts to 'advance an art, in order to A curious observer noted the bal - Governor General Thomas Mifflin. make it useful to mankind in general.' loon and came over for a look. At A cannon report signalled the start first, he seemed a bit afraid and was of the flight. At first, he hovered a about to leave, then Blanchard held foot off the ground as two men held up a bottle of wine. Soon, the man on to the gondola. Then, he asked was helping him gather the balloon them to let go and the balloon took for transport back to Philadelphia. off. As he ascended, Blanchard was Another person turned up carrying a "astonished" at the "immense gun. The first man assured him number of people, which covered Blanchard was an "honest man" and the open places, the roofs of the had some "excellent wine." Soon, all houses, the steeples, the streets, and three were organising the balloon. the roads, over which my flight More people arrived and before long, the balloon envelope was packed inside the gondola and everything loaded on a carriage. Everyone seemed impressed by the note from President Washington. "How dear the name of Washington is to this people!" he later wrote. Accompanied by a large group of horsemen, Blanchard rode to a tavern about three miles away. There, he met Mr. Jonathan Penrose, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, engraving after a who offered Blanchard a ride back portrait by Richard Livesay. in his carriage . Blanchard had already made 44 After crossing the river, Penrose had balloon flights in Europe; he proposed another carriage ready and they to make his 45th in the United States. went to the lawyer's house in Southwark . The City of Philadelphia allowed him to use the yard of the Walnut Street Prison, on the southeast corner of 6th and Walnut Streets. Temperatures were relatively mild for that time of year. Despite the cloudy skies, he Picture by Granger 2010 began filling the balloon with hydrogen, or "inflammable air", as he carried me in the free space of the called it. Then the sun came out. air." He heard their cheers as he There was a flurry of excitement passed overhead and headed outside the prison at a quarter to ten, south. when a carriage bearing President “I strengthened my stomach with a Jean Pierre Blanchard’s account of the Air Voyage George Washington arrived. As the morsel of biscuit and a glass of wine", President stepped down, the crowd Blanchard later wrote He decided to While Blanchard ate another meal, hushed respectfully. Fifteen cannons land on the New Jersey side of the Penrose arranged to get the roared in salute. Delaware River. Opening the valve, balloonist back to Philadelphia. Inside the yard, Blanchard was ready . he began his descent. At first the He arrived at his room around 7:00 pm , When the President approached, balloon was headed toward a the first flight in the new Republic a followed by the French ambassador densely wooded area, so Blanchard complete success. and other dignitaries, Blanchard took released some ballast to regain off his plumed hat, bowed briefly altitude. On the third attempt, he Sources: and exchanged pleasantries with his The Nuttall Encyclopædia finally found a suitable landing spot. The first Air Voyage in America distinguished guests. Jean Blanchard landed in Deptford – First person Account by Jean Pierre Blanchard . Blanchard loaded some food, wine, Township, New Jersey, at 10:56 am. Ballooning 1782-1972

7 THADDEUS SC LOWE

Early Life of Thaddeus Lowe ballooning in America. His goal, in Thaddeus Sobieski Coulincourt Lowe the years just prior to the Civil War, was to pilot a balloon across the At - lantic from the United States to Britain. One of his test flights, in the spring of 1861, took him into Confederate territory, where he was nearly killed for being a Union spy. Returning to the North, he offered his services to the federal government. President , a fan of new technology, was impressed by the idea of using balloons to survey battlefields and spot enemy troop was born in New Hampshire on formations. And Lincoln appointed August 20, 1832. Thaddeus Lowe to lead a novel military organization, the 's Balloon As a child, Lowe had little opportunity Corps. for education. Borrowing books, he essentially educated himself, and Thaddeus Lowe envisioned Balloon developed a special fascination for Flights Across the Atlantic Ocean City of New York Balloon built by Thaddeus chemistry. While attending a chemistry By the late 1850s Lowe, who had Lowe to fly the Atlantic. lecture on gases he became become convinced that high altitude fascinated by the idea of balloons. air currents were always moving ocean via ship. So a balloon service In the 1850s, when Lowe was in his eastward, devised a plan to build a was thought to have potential. 20s, he became a traveling lecturer, huge balloon that could fly high As a test flight, Lowe took a large calling himself Professor Lowe. He across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. balloon he'd built to Cincinnati, would speak about chemistry and According to Lowe's own account, Ohio. He planned to fly on the east - ballooning, and he began building which he published decades later, ward air currents to Washington, balloons and giving exhibitions of there was substantial interested in D.C. In the early morning of April 20, their ascents. Turning into something being able to carry information 1861 Lowe, with his balloon inflated of a showman, Lowe would take quickly across the Atlantic. The first with gas from the local gas works in paying customers aloft. transatlantic telegraph cable had Cincinnati, took off into the sky. He was a self-taught scientist who already failed, and it could take Sailing along at altitudes between became a pioneer of ballooning in weeks for messages to cross the 14,000 and 22,000 feet, Lowe America. His goal, in the years just crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains. At prior to the Civil War, was to pilot a one point he lowered the balloon to balloon across the Atlantic from the shout at farmers, asking what state United States to Britain. he was in. The farmers finally looked One of his test flights, in the spring of up, screamed, "Virginia," and then 1861, took him into Confederate ran in fright. territory, where he was nearly killed Lowe kept sailing along throughout for being a Union spy. Returning to the day, and finally picked what the North, he offered his services to appeared to be a safe place to the federal government. land. He was over Pea Ridge, South One month later, Lowe was appointed Carolina, and according to his own the chief Aeronaut of the newly- account, people were shooting at created Union Army Balloon Corps – him and his balloon. with a fleet that eventually grew to Lowe remembered the local people include eight balloons. accusing him of "being an inhabitant One of Lowe’s earliest achievements of some ethereal or infernal region." as head of the Balloon Corps came After convincing people he wasn't when he ascended more than 1,000 the devil, he was eventually accused feet above Arlington, Virginia, on of being a Yankee spy. Sept. 24 to pinpoint Confederate Fortunately, a resident of a nearby troops more than three miles away in town had seen Lowe before and Falls Church. After locating the had even ascended in one of his enemy, the Union army was able to balloons at an exhibition. He accurately fire without setting sight vouched that Lowe was a dedicated on their opponent – a first in the history scientist and not a threat to anyone. of warfare. Lowe eventually was able to return Thaddeus Lowe was a self-taught Observer on a tether in the Union Balloon Corps. to Cincinnati by train, bringing his scientist who became a pioneer of balloon with him.

8 Thaddeus Lowe Offered His Services controversy about the usefulness of founder and Chief Aeronaut of the to the U.S. Military Lowe and his balloons, and even Balloon Corps during the Civil War. accusations of financial malfeasance , Lowe designed and patented, Lowe returned to the North just as Lowe resigned. The Balloon Corps among dozens of other things, a the Civil War began, and he travelled was then disbanded . portable hydrogen gas generator, to Washington, D.C. and offered to an altimeter for use without a horizon , help the Union cause. During a a system of aerial signal flags for demonstration attended by Presiden t directing artillery fire on targets not Lincoln, Lowe ascended in his balloon , seen by the ground crew, an artificial observed Confederate troops across ice and refrigeration apparatus, the Potomac through a spyglass, and founded a gas works in Pennsylvania telegraphed a report down to the for the illumination and heating of ground. both commercial and residential Convinced that balloons could be structures, and began dabbling in useful as reconnaissance tools, Lincoln the banking industry. appointed Lowe as the head of the Lowe’s so-called retirement found Union Army's Balloon Corps. Inflating with Hydrogen him starting up Citizen’s Bank of Los On September 24, 1861, Lowe Angeles, Citizen’s Ice Company, the Lowe's Career After the Civil War ascended in a balloon over Arlington, Los Angeles Safe Deposit and Trust Virginia, and was able to see formations After the Civil War, Thaddeus Lowe Company, the California Construction of Confederate troops about three was involved in a number of business Company, the People’s Gas Company, miles away. The information Lowe ventures , including the manufacture and the Lowe Gas and Electric telegraphed to the ground was used of ice and the building of a tourist Company, just to name a few. He to aim Union guns at the Confederates. railroad in California. He was successful began construction on Orange That was apparently the first time in business , though he eventually lost Grove Avenue in Pasadena of what troops on the ground were able to his fortune. He died in Pasadena, was called the largest home in the aim at a target they couldn't see California on January 16, 1913. nation, nearly 24,000 square feet, themselves. and bought the Pasadena Grand While Lowe and the Balloon Corps Opera House to bring legitimate The Union Army Balloon Corps Did did not make a large impact on the theatre back to the west coast. Not Last Long Civil War, his efforts marked the first Although he had more to do than Lowe was eventually able to build a five individuals could handle, he was fleet of seven balloons. But the introduced to a man named David Balloon Corps proved problematic. Macpherson who had an idea It was difficult to fill the balloons with about building a mountain railway, gas in the field, though Lowe even - much like what Lowe remembered tually developed a mobile device in his native state of New Hampshire. that could produce hydrogen gas. The intelligence gathered by the After their initial introduction, Lowe "aeronauts" was also typically ignored vowed to take on that project as or mishandled. For instance, some well and so began the Mount Lowe historians contend that information Incline Railway. provided by Lowe's aerial observations David Macpherson, a native of only caused the overly-cautious London, Ottawa, Canada, David Macpherson started out life very Union commander, Gen. George Union Army Balloon Corps balloon Intrepid differently from Thaddeus Lowe. He McClellan, to panic during the being inflated of 1862. was 22 years younger than Lowe In 1863, with the government time the U.S. military attempted and educated at Cornell University. concerned about the financial costs flight. In later wars the concept of Upon graduation he took a job in of the war, Thaddeus Lowe was aerial observation was proven to be Texas as City Planner in San Antonio. called to testify about money spent extremely valuable. on the Balloon Corps. Amid some By Robert McNamara 19th Century History Expert.

Robert J. McNamara has been writing and edit - ing the History1800s site for About.com since late 2007. He used to write for the Rolling Stone.

The following is from 4 different websites and books By the time Thaddeus Lowe retired to Southern California in the late 1880’s he had achieved more than most. The New Hampshire native and father of ten children had built the largest balloon ever known for use in an attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean and had served his country as the A commemorative air letter produced in 2013 Thaddeus SC Lowe after leaving the army.

9 He also engineered a railroad in what would become the Mount Lowe Mexico between Juarez and Mexico Railway into the hills above Altadena. City and later worked for the Santa The railway opened on July 4, 1893 Fe Railroad as well. Macpherson was one of six children and by the late 1880’s was the only

The BBAC is 50 years old In 1965 the original decision to form an aero club in Britain had been taken by 3 men and a woman when up in a balloon. The decision to form a modern club was mainly a result of Thaddeus Lowe observing construction of the Sheila Scotts ‘impulsiveness’. She and railway co-founder Anthony Smith saw there and was met with quick interest and was an interest within Britain and plainly success. all those interested should be collected together to meet each other. Lowe continued construction toward Oak Mountain, renamed Mount On the 30th November, 1965 at the Lowe, at an exhaustive rate, both Royal Aero Club, Artillery Mansions, physically and financially. London, over 90 people came to the By 1899 Lowe had gone into receivership inaugural meeting in order to set up a and eventually lost the railway to working committee. This then consisted Jared S. Torrance. of: Lowe's fortunes had been all but lost, Anthony Smith - Chairman and Editor and he lived out his remaining days of newsletters at his daughter's home in Pasadena Sheila Scott - Vice Chairman The opening of Mount Lowes Incline Railway, where he died at age 80. Simon Ames - Secretary July 4th 1893 Edmund Fane - Treasurer Thaddeus Lowe wanted to be Charles Meisl - Public Relations remembered for being a giving man one who had not succumbed to Jill Southam - Assistant Secretary who was always ahead of his time, tuberculosis or some other malady. It Malcolm Brighton, Tom Sage and, indeed, he was. He lost his was then he decided to move to home and most of his businesses as The first newsletter, appropriately California with his mother in order to well as control of the Mount Lowe named ‘Newsletter No.1’ went out in retain good health and new job Railway by the late 1890’s, but was April 1966. prospects. ever the dreamer of starting a new By June 1966 in ‘Newsletter No.2’, After settling in Pasadena he became company or venture up until the the club were able to announce an involved with the founding and design of time of his death, January 16th, 1913. impressive list of enthusiasts and flying the Pasadena Y.M.C.A. and spent personalities. These were: many of his free hours wandering the Sierra Madre Mountains above his President: home. Hilda, Lady Brabazon of Tara. There had been some talk of building Vice Presidents: a mountain railway to the peak of Mr Jo Boesman, (Holland) Mount Wilson and Macpherson Mr Charles Dollfus, (France) decided he wanted to be a part of Sir Robert Hardingham it. After doing some research on his Mr Norman Jones own he thought he had come up Mr JW Keswick with a pretty good idea of how Postcard of the Mount Lowe Incline Railway Mr Jim Neilds, (USA) things should be done but he lacked Mr Don Piccard, (USA) the funds to do it himself. Pasadena There is so much written about Colonel PL Preston Bank President Perry Green had Lord Ventry been aware of this young engineer’s Thaddeus SC Lowe, his ballooning work and arranged for Macpherson and other inventions. If anyone has (The Club’s first effort at a newsletter to meet Pasadena’s newest mogul, any snippets or vital information I have consisted of one page. Gradually Thaddeus Lowe. not put in which they would like to the size grew, both of the Club and its news, and the publication was finally The introduction was electric and share, please email them or write to honoured in 1971 with the current the two became instant friends.Lowe me. Jenni name of Aerostat ). thought this would be a great project that people from everywhere could The 2015 BBAC AGM which is on the enjoy. 8th March at the NFU Mutual HQ In 1891 they incorporated the Stratford-upon-Avon will mark this Pasadena & Mount Wilson Railroad auspicious occasion. Co. and began the construction of

10 Lighter than Air exhibits in the RAF Museum ENQUIRIES & LETTERS Hendon by John Baker, BBM&L Archivist Dear Museum, I am looking for information on a small gold metal I found associated On a visit to the RAF Museum Hendon Amongst the many flying cups are a with an early 18th century shipwreck. in November 2011, I came across a ‘Balloon Clock’ dating from about I can send photos and further few exhibits that have a lighter than 1900 and also a statuette of the Hon information if you are interested. air connection. C S Rolls. Thanks. The metal has on both sides an There are four exhibition halls, In the ‘Battle of Britain Hall’ there are image of what I assume is a hot air ‘Milestones’, and ‘Historic Hangars’ display panels relating to Barrage balloon. which are joined together, and two Balloons and Balloon Command. The Daniel other separate buildings: ‘The Battle only exhibit with an L-T-A connection (senders surname withheld) of Britain Hall’ and ‘Grahame-White is a Fordson ‘Sussex’ Barrage Balloon Factory’, There is also the Bomber Tender (winch lorry) dating from Hi Daniel. Hall, and Battle of Britain Hall. 1938. The complete unit would normally I have never seen a medallion like In the ‘Milestones’ hangar, suspended include an Eagle gas bottle trailer from the ceiling are an ‘Observation unit. This latter unit is on display at the Balloon Basket’ (equipped with an RAF Museum Cosford.

The ‘Grahame-White Factory’ has a number of WW1 aircraft and includes a replica Sopwith Tabloid No 168.

Sopwith Tabloid yours. It 'could' be a depiction of the first balloon to cross the channel. This observer) and the gondola of British was a gas balloon and carried Army Dirigible No 1, christened ‘Nulli The original aircraft flew with the Blanchard (Frenchman) & Jeffries Secundus’, with two crew. Royal Flying Corps in 1914 and on 8 (an American) from Dover to France Oct 1914, flown by Flt Lt Reginald L G on 7th January 1785. Marix of the RNAS, carried out the On close inspection of your picture, it world's first strategic bombing operation looks like there could be 2 people in when it bombed the sheds the basket, the basket also looks at Dusseldorf, destroying the brand boat shaped, and there is a line new LZ25. around the middle (equator), rather The Museum has free entry. like the illustra - tion below. Observation balloon basket with an observer. It also appears Moving on to the ‘Historic Hangars’, to show a net there is the front section of the gondola covering the top half of the balloon envelope. If you PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR look closely at the medallion The Editor would welcome letters there appears or emails from BBM&L friends with to be some small inscription (Roman enquiries, discoveries, creative numerals?), around the equator. ideas for Trailrope, or constructive If you google Blanchard/Jeffries criticism. 1785, I am sure you will find a numbe r of illustrations and more information. Also for things that you think we I hope this has been of some help. of HMA R33 affixed to a wall. should or could be doing to improv e Cheers, Within the display area on the first or expand the British Balloon Museum John. floor are some cabinets with exhibits & Library. BBM&L Archivist relating to the Royal Aero Club.

11 CAPTAIN FREDERICK BIDMEAD Incredible images of a balloonist’s dig a little deeper. It’s an amazing with Captain Bidmead. Did she find lucky escape in an accident in story and I really enjoyed reading work in the balloon manufacture Dundee in 1895 have emerged from about it.” workshop? Or was Captain Bidmead a trawl through Courier archives. Story by Richard Rooney of the looking for a young woman to join Kerrin Evans, an assistant at Dundee Dundee Courier . the show, he did a number of tandem Central Library, has unearthed the jumps with her, we will probably remarkable tale of Captain Bidmead , So who was Captain Bi dmead? never know, but what we do know is who visited Dundee as part of a carnival that young women, for some time 120 years ago. had been going up in balloons and parachuting to earth – definitely a After finding a glass plate negative better crowd puller to see a woman of a balloonist, Kerrin was determined do it – rather than a man. to learn more — and found the answers in the Courier and Argus of The postcard of 1906 commemorates September 5 1895. the death at Haworth Gala of lady parachutist Lily Cove, who could be regarded alternatively either as being exploited or as an early liberated young woman.

Captain Frederick Bidmead

In the second half of the 19th century , and the very beginning of the 20th century – the Victorian and Edwardian era, Balloons (mainly balloons filled with coal gas) were seen as “the future”. Captain Bidmead unable to release his One such balloon maker/operator parachute September 1895 was a Captain Frederick Bidmead. The Courier reported how “daring Now the idea with the ballooning, aeronaut” Captain Bidmead was was to appear at galas, and fetes watched by thousands as he began throughout the country and to give his stunt in West Craigie Park. displays and to add drama. For a Unfortunately, a high wind blew out number of years balloonists had the gas burner and sent him crashing been going up in a balloon and Poster for Lily Cove’s last balloon ascent June 1906 into buildings in Maryfield. However, parachuting down. Aged 21, from East London, “good- his “awkward” ordeal was not over. In 1898 Captain Bidmead appeared looking, well-proportioned” Miss As he clung to the balloon ropes, the at Keighley Hospital Gala, went up in Cove had been trained to make craft began to rise again and cleared the balloon, and when trying to balloon ascents and parachute rooftops before again falling to earth parachute down, the parachute descents, with 20 successful jumps to and dumping the captain in a turnip ropes entangled with the balloon her credit. field on the other side of Baxter Park. ropes. The balloon, with Captain He told a Courier reporter at the Bidmead lashed underneath landed That June evening at Haworth, however , scene he was rather stunned but, on in Pontefract 27 miles away. At the something went dreadfully wrong. recovering himself, he found he was time Captain Bidmead said that the Having ascended from the West no worse for wear. When he emerged jump would have been his 48th jump Lane football field waving a hand - to greet the crowd, he was raised on had he been successful. kerchief to a cheering crowd, she men’s shoulders and was cheered floated over Stanbury and left the liked a hero. Lady parachutist died at seat under her balloon at Scar Top. ..and the balloon? The old newspaper Haworth Gala During her descent she unbuckled says it was caught in the wind and herself from her parachute and fell in This was not the only incident with last seen floating towards Broughty a field near Ponden Reservoir. It is Captain Bidmead – he certainly Ferry. thought that, as a non-swimmer, she lived life on the edge – but it is Lily Kerrin said: “I was intrigued to find an had been trying to avoid landing in we are looking at. Lily was born in image of a balloonist while digitising the reservoir. the Poplar area of London in 1886, old glass negatives and decided to and at some point finds employment Haworth folk collected towards her funeral expenses. Her gravestone in

12 Haworth Cemetery includes a “Death by Misadventure” and decided of the balloon, which gradually graphic representation of a parachuting to recommend to the Home Secretary descended at a considerable distance balloon. that such exhibitions should be from the place whence it started. made illegal. When it reached the ground Bid - Mr Cowling Heaton , of the Scar Top mead alighted safe, but almost refreshment rooms, said at the inquest. Dangerous Turns by Women exhausted. “He saw the balloon at a quarter to May Be Stopped in England. eight, on Monday night as it passed 1906 References taken from articles by; over the back of his house. He saw Richard Rooney – Dundee Courier, no one sitting until the thing exploded. In 1906 an announcement was Alan Cattell, somebody called It opened out and the deceased made by Mr Herbert Gladstone the Wesseyman137, Stephen Wood. came down head first. She fell like a English Home Secretary that the Many thanks to Julian Hensey for cart-wheel turning over once or Government proposed to initiate finding the original link. twice. She and the parachute had legislation with a view to stopping parted company. When he first saw dangerous performances by the balloon it was sailing steadily women. “The tragic death of Miss across the next field not very far from Cove by the failure of her parachute him – about 100 foot high. The balloon has brought the question forward in ARNO SIEGER 1929-2015 went onto the Lancashire moor. The the most urgent manner.” parachute opened out, but then the deceased was falling, having let loose of the lot, as if she had been clinging onto something, then released her hold. He thought she was just alive when he got to her, he raised her up and said “My good woman if you can speak, do” there was no answer, though her eyes were wide open.”

We were sad to hear that Arno Sieger, Lily Cove under her balloon, clearly shows the the German balloonist, passed away parachute. She removed her skirt before ascending. peacefully on 27th January at 85years old . This did not stop Captain Bidmead who was still having problems a few Arno was well known in Europe, and years later. Here is an article found in indeed around the world, as an an Australian newspaper archive. experienced pilot for both hot-air and gas balloons. He was also an PERIL OF AN AERONAUT / examiner, and a respected Juror on CLINGS TO A BALLOON. / the FAI and CAI panels. He flew the NINETY MINUTES IN THE AIR / English Channel in a gas balloon. He SAFE DESCENT. owned a Brighton balloon at one London, June 2 1909. time, was an agent for Thunder Balloons and also for Cameron balloons in Great excitement was occasioned in Germany. Northampton yesterday, and there Postcard produced after the death of Lily Cove was much apprehension regarding In 2009 he donated Sine Nomine, a (a bit macabre). the fate of a balloonist named Bidmead, Thunder 56A, registration G-BECS to who made an ascent in the presence of the Museum. During the telephone Captain Bidmead gave the inquiry thousands of holiday-makers, intending conversations to arrange the pick- his opinion that Lily had deliberately to descend by means of a parachute. up, he couldn’t resist practising his separated herself from the parachute By some mischance Bidmead lost his English to the extent that he was because she was drifting towards parachute, and was carried away telling jokes during most of the calls. Ponden reservoir and as a non-swimmer out of sight of the spectators, hanging Richard and I last met him and his had an absolute fear of water. below the balloon. Nothing was seen wife in Sint Niklaas, at the balloon Consequently she decided to escape or heard of him for some time, and it meet. the possibility of drowning by loosening was feared that he must have fallen herself from her parachute, whilst and perished. Our thoughts are with his wife Barbel, also possibly misjudging that she was His escape was a marvellous one. and all of his family. nearer the ground than she was. For an hour and a half he clung to a. The inquest jury found a verdict of wooden ring attached to the cording

13 THURSDAY’S CHILD From overcoming his acrophobia by garden in Muckleston Woods, Stoke THE MIKE KENDRICK BIOGRAPHY becoming a pilot, to being scared in on Trent. Africa, anecdotes abound in this slim Written by Mike Kendrick & Simon Thursday’s child was a Western balloon, volume. Right at the end, is the Golding. the construction number was 6, and promise of the follow up to this book, the registration was G-AZBX. This balloon Mike Kendrick is not a balloonist who The Branson Years . wanted to make his living out of was one of a couple attempting to something he loved. For him it was be the first to fly over Snowdon in the other way around. Mike was already April 1972. Terry Adams in Serendipity a successful entrepreneur who built was the other balloon. They didn’t an even better PR career through quite make it as the winds took them adding ballooning. over the southern flank of the mountain. Thursday’s Child flew at various This book is about his life from a prefab gatherings, Stanford Park April 1972, in Wolverhampton and mending fruit Cirencester June 1973 Cannon Park machines, to running a large lighter May 1974. than air commercial concern that has taken him around the world. You get the impression that if he wanted something, he went out and got it, however tough it was, or how - ever many rules had to be re-adjusted to achieve his goals. In 1988 he formed the Virgin and Balloon Company (VABC) which became the world’s largest aerial advertising agency, operating over seventy aircraft in more than twenty countries, for blue chip clients including Goodyear, Budweiser, Met Life, Sanyo, Blockbuster, Mazda and Orange. He has written a book that tumbles Monday’s child is fair of face, Photograph by Trevor Bartlett at the Cirencester meet in 1973 through his successes, his ego trips, Tuesday’s child is full of grace, Wednesday’s child is full of woe and his awful crashes and accidents, his They organised the first provincial Thursday’s child has far to go. incredible flying experiences, and his meeting in Cheddleton on October total pride and delight in his wife How right that was for Mike Kendrick, 1973. Not only did the Jasper group Anne, his three sons and six grand - he went far and seems to be still organise balloon meets but also so - children. going. cial events as well. A dance held at Seighford Hall, with floodlit tethers on The book is available from Amazon the lawns was a sell out. for £12.99 They kept a list of all the places they landed with the farmers and landowners and then sent them an THURSDAY’S CHILD invitation. Their Farmers night was an The Jasper Balloon Group incredible success with all farmers When I heard that Mike Kendrick’s were invited for free beer and food, book was called Thursday’s Child , I and by the end of the evening more remembered that my Uncle was part than one farmer was anxious to of the Jasper Group who owned a have a flight. He has the ability to mock himself balloon with the same name. I had They sold the balloon to Mike when necessary, as well as to tell to ring him up. Kendrick in 1974 and the group all some very funny tales about his flying went their separate ways. escapades, and other incidents. The Jasper Balloon Group was Anybody who has been involved in formed by Roy Midwinter Chairman I just thought you would like to know ballooning in the UK will recognise of Midwinter Pottery which was by all that little bit of history. many names of pilots who became then part of Wedgewood. This is why part of Mike’s life, or who touched they became the Jasper Group after part of it. Jasperware, the secret Wedgewood process. If you want celebrities, well the book has a lot of those. From his early days John Burrows was able to tell me that in the music halls with Englebert the group consisted of himself, Roy Humperdinck (then Jerry Dorsey), Midwinter, John Waller (also a potter), the Kinks, the Walker Brothers, Kiki Dee, Fred Holdcroft (an engineer) , and and of course, working with his major Simon Faithfull. business partner and friend Sir Richard The balloon’s maiden flight was in Branson. September 1971 from John Waller’s

14 BALLOONS DONATED TO THE BRITISH BALLOON MUSEUM & LIBRARY DURING 2014

G-BJXP G-BHUR COLT 56A THUNDER AX-3 Con No. 393 SKY CHARIOT Con No. 277 Name. BART Name. BEN HUR Built in 1982 by Colt Balloons Built in 1980 by Thunder Balloons Donated to the BBM&L in February Donated to the 2014 by Heather BBM&L in May 2014 Anderson Photograph by Bill Teasdale

G-BNBW G-BVBJ THUNDER AX7-77 COLT SS FLYING JAR 1 Con No. 914 Con No. 2427

Name. MUTLEY / Name. MAXWELL PRUDENTIAL HOUSE

Built in 1986 by Built in 1993 by Thunder & Colt Thunder & Colt

Donated to the Donated to the BBM&L by Ian BBM&L by Chris Watthews in April Dunkley in July 2014 2014

SE-ZYN G-BSXM COLTING 56A CAMERON V-77 Con No. 56a-001 Con No. 2446

Name. SESSAN Name. YO YO

Built in 1978 by Colting Built in 1990 by Cameron Balloons Donated to the BBM&L by Per Donated to the Lindstrand in April BBM&L by Chris Oxby 2014 in October 2014

Photograph by Stuart Reid

15 FURTHER BALLOONS THAT WERE DONATED TO THE BRITISH BALLOON MUSEUM & LIBRARY DURING 2014

G-BAIR G-OXBY THUNDER AX7-77. CAMERON N-90 Con No. 3 Con No. 1993 Name. JUMPIN’ JACK Name. DUMMY FLASH Built in 1973 by Thunder Balloons Built in 1989 by Donated to the Cameron Balloons BBM&L by Marjory Malcolm in November Donated to the 2014 BBM&L by Chris Oxby in November 2014 Photograph by Keith Sowter Photograph by Keith Sowter

G-JSON G-IKEA CAMERON N-105. CAMERON SS Con No. 2933 IKEA-120 Con No. 10562 Name. BENNETT Name. IKEA INSURANCE Built in 2004 by Built in 1992 by Cameron Balloons Cameron Balloons Donated to the Donated to the BBM&L by Pete Dalby BBM&L by Peter Dowlen in November Photograph by Grahame 2014 Bann

Photograph by Michael Clarke

G-EPDI G-EPDI – the other side CAMERON N-77 This is a two-sided Con No. 370 balloon. The pictures show each side of Name. PEGASUS the same envelope.

Built in 1978 by Photograph by Sandy Cameron Balloons Mitchell

Donated to the BBM&L by Robert Moss in December 2014

Photograph by Sandy Mitche ll

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