Hot air balloon rides in Bristol, Bath, Bedford and beyond are extremely popular with people of all ages, so it is not surprising that a group of pupils from Willington Lower School in Bedford were delighted when a hot air balloon and its pilot dropped in for a flying visit.
The schoolchildren started their new term on a high note when pilot Kerry Coate-Bond delivered an exciting hot air balloon demonstration, which taught them a number of things about the mechanics of hot air ballooning.
The youngsters were taught how the basket is made, how the balloon’s burners work and how the fabric envelope of the balloon is inflated so that the balloon can take flight.
The pupils, who ranged in age from 5-9, also got the chance to see what being inside a hot air balloon basket feels like, whilst their Headteacher Heidi Smith was given the opportunity to operate the balloon’s burners in the village hall field not far from the school.
Speaking to Bedford Today, Ms. Smith said:
“Our topic this term is called ‘Up, Up and Away’ – we will be studying the history of flight and linking the many ways that man has flown with all the curriculum areas. We always aim for a stunning start to every term. The children were surprised, amazed and inspired by what they saw.”
After the demonstration, the children were handed balloon themed goody bags to take home as a reminder of the day’s events.
