During the February half-term BMMB pilots Ben and Max Alford held an activity day for year 5/6 pupils from across Bristol at Bedminster Down School, during the day the 14 pupils learned all about how hot air balloons work, how they are made and what they can be used for... The day was started with an introduction on when they were invented, followed by a short teather of Ben's balloon and an explanation on how the model worked, after this the children made tissue paper balloons in pairs and cut out fabric panels for what they thought was a banner, Meanwhile a surprise was being prepared - with help and guidance from Max and Ben, Bedminster Down teacher Mrs Gratlin sewed together a 15 cubic meter A-type complete with the schools logo and using the panels cut by the kids to be exhibited at the end of the day, the day was completed with a model balloon competition in the schools theatre where they had to fly their balloon as far as they could using only a hair-dryer. The balloon was then inflated to the surprised and amazed faces of all...
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Above- the balloon being fully constructed on-site, sewed by Mrs Gratlin, a teacher at the school and an expert seamstress, and the artwork being cut by Ben and Max Alford. Below, the maiden flight of the balloon on-site at Bedminster Down School...
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