Event Details
The 38th Annual International Icicle Balloon Meet
9th and 10th January 2010
The Meet will take place on the 9th and 10th January 2010 at Warren Farm, Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 3BQ (Map 174/246653). The Meet is informal, unsponsored and open to all balloonists. As usual we will be running a farmers draw and will be looking for a donation of £20 in cash or kind, per balloon at the first briefing, or £15 in advance (see our pre-booking "Save a Fiver" offer). This covers the cost of the draw and other expenses.
Briefing
Briefings will be at 0800 each day at the farm. There will be a Meet Safety Officer and several pink jacketed launch masters to assist him to ensure all take offs occur in an orderly manner. There will be NO external pressure to fly, either competitive or commercial. Our criteria for flying will be as in previous years, for fun and safety.
Insurance
All balloon owners/operators must declare in writing that they carry third party insurance to comply with the 2005 EU directive. You will also be required to provide the name and address of your insurers. This can either be done at the briefing or in advance on the pre-booking form.
Airspace
A NOTAM will be published and a briefing given. Ensure you have Lyneham CTR, Aldermaston, Burghfield, Harwell and the Salisbury Plain danger area to the south marked on your maps.
Met
The Met briefing will be given by John Crawford.
NFU
Please ensure you have all the current sensitive areas for our vicinity as published with the Pilots Circular, on your maps. Master maps will be on display all weekend at the farm. The local LRO for Map 174 is James Dobson or 01491 872063; for Map 164 is Brian Godding and for Map 175 is Jenni D’Alton or 01635 200147.
Site
The same as last year - Warren Farm, Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wilts SN8 3BQ. The launch field will be sign posted.
Maps
Bring your own ¼ or ½ mil ATC maps. Essential OS maps of the area are 173, 174, 175, 184 and 185. Don't forget to check the Master OS Map on the site for up to date Sensitive Areas.
Propane
This will be available on site on Saturday and Sunday. Cash or cheque on delivery. Price will be notified at the briefing.
Retrieve
Fix your own retrieve number as any one line gets very busy.
Tasks & Scores
Being contrived - details at briefing.
Legal Requirements
Pilots are reminded of their obligation in respect of the validity of licences (including current medicals), carriage of maps and compliance with the ANO etc. A certificate of airworthiness is now mandatory for all flights (not inflations) no matter how short, unless you have an Annexe II balloon.
Car Parking
Only vehicles with balloons requiring fuel will be admitted to the farm yard. All other vehicles please use the car park near the launch field. The local PTA and Rotary Club will be collecting £2 per car at the car park. BBAC or BBAC Region membership cards produced at the car park will ensure free entry. Do not park on the road or grass verge.
Prizes
Any returnable prizes i.e. Chequers Trophy, Veuve Cliquot Cup, Gemini Trophy, Marsh Benham Trophy, Aim High Trophy, Norman Betts and the Newbury Building Society Trophy are to be returned to Mike Drye at or by Saturday's briefing.
Snacks
There will be snack bars on site as usual.
Social
The Trade Stands/Social will be held at the Elcot Park Hotel just north of the A4 between Newbury and Hungerford (map). Please contact Celia Kunert by e-mail : or on 01189 730454 with your trade stand requirements. A dinner will be held on the Saturday evening with guest speaker Robin Batchelor. Price is £24.50 for three courses - tickets are available in advance only, from Celia Kunert – 25 Chivers Drive, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4EW. Please make cheques payable to “Dante Balloon Group”.
Accommodation
Our base hotel, the Elcot Park are offering a special package for the weekend of £36.50 per person per night, B&B sharing a twin or double room or £46.50 per person per night in a single room. To make your booking, please contact the hotel direct on 0844 8159060 between 8am & 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Meet Organiser: Mike Drye of the Dante Balloon Group, 4 Florence Cottages, Winkfield, Berks SL4 4QY