Abergavenny, Wales — 15–16 November, 2003
Event Overview
After several days of heavy rain across the United Kingdom, balloonists gathered for what was likely the largest meeting of One Man Balloons, often called “Hoppers.” The One Man Meet was founded by Phil Dunnington and later organized by Clive Bailey. Teams from across the country traveled to the Llansantffraed Court Hotel in Abergavenny, Wales.
The country-style hotel, surrounded by scenic grounds overlooking the Black Mountains, hosted a weekend of balloon activity. The event seemed unlikely a day earlier due to high winds and steady rain. The forecast then improved as the weekend approached. Activities began Friday evening with an informal gathering at the Cripple Creek Pub in Raglan, reflecting the social side of ballooning.
Purpose and Atmosphere
The One Man Meet welcomed balloonists of all experience levels, from recreational pilots to commercial operators. Any balloon up to 42,000 cubic feet in volume could enter, provided the basket or chair accommodated only one person. The event focused on sociability and shared experiences among pilots.
The relaxed environment, traditional food, and historic twelfth-century setting encouraged participation. Log fires and calm surroundings created a fitting atmosphere. Up to nineteen balloons were visible in the air at one time, adding color to the landscape.
Saturday Morning Flights
Saturday morning brought clear skies and a 07:30 briefing confirming good conditions. Surface winds measured 270° at 5 knots, with a gradient of 310° at 15 knots. The launch field was about 500 yards from the hotel. After morning coffee, participants joined the field briefing.
Phil Dunnington, now based in Malaysia, sent greetings to attendees. The morning task was a flight to the pub visited the night before. Tony Bubb, flying G-EECO (a Lindstrand 25A), came within a quarter mile of the target. Bill McKinnon, flying G-IAMP (a Cameron H 34), was close behind. Both were surpassed by Tony Brown in G-EROS (a 1990 “Evening Standard” Cameron H 34 Cloudhopper), who landed directly in the pub car park.
Unique Aircraft and Collaboration
A highlight of the weekend was Andre van Wyk’s Customcraft A25 home-built Hopper, G-CCKZ. He had completed it only two weeks before the event. The multi-colored fabric came through Pete Bish of the Zebeddee List, who also flew his home-built Zebeddee V-31 G-BXIT. Pilots cooperated closely, sharing inflation fans and equipment to get airborne efficiently.
After returning to base, participants enjoyed a full English breakfast. Most reconvened later at the pub for refreshments and the afternoon briefing. Trevor Read, flying a Cameron N-77, asked permission to join the Hopper group. After a lighthearted vote, he was approved to fly solo from the same field.
Saturday Afternoon and Evening
Saturday afternoon brought a similar wind direction but no formal task. Pilots extended their flights to explore Raglan Castle near the A449 road. One pilot captured brief video footage showing the castle’s ramparts and moat, details not visible from the ground. Surface winds held at 270° and 8 knots, with gradient winds of 10–12 knots from 320°.
This flight period saw the largest number of balloons airborne, with twenty craft in total. Among them was G-BXUH “Baby Bel,” giving Kevin Tanner his first experience with hopper flying. That evening, twenty-four participants shared an informal meal followed by conversation beside a log fire. Ballooning stories continued late into the night, maintaining the event’s social atmosphere.
Sunday Morning Flight
Sunday morning arrived quickly. Conditions were good for flight, though two distractions competed for attention: the Rugby World Championship match between England and France, and breakfast before 10:00.
Ian Ashpole launched first in his Cameron Cloudhopper “Energis” (G-BYNW). His crew had prepared it in advance and cold-inflated the balloon. He lifted off at 07:45 and reported strong winds at altitude but gentle conditions near the surface during landing. Tony Bubb, after crossing Raglan Castle for a photograph, reversed direction and drifted back toward the grounds.
Frost covered some vehicles, but the fields had drained well. Crews found firmer footing during recovery.
Closing Flights and Final Remarks
After three successful flights, the G-EECO team returned home later that day. Reports indicated that the afternoon remained flyable. Clive Bailey introduced his young daughter to hopper flying with a short tethered ascent in G-BSOF, his former Thunder & Colt hopper.
The 2003 One Man Meet ended as a success. Calm weather and cooperative flying defined the event. Despite a reputation for poor forecasts when held in Wales, the meet achieved another year of safe and enjoyable ballooning.
