BRISTOL REUNION 2004 - Balloon Fiesta

 For family and health reasons, several members had to drop out, so only Blake (1), Harries (2), Maddox (2), and Wardrop (2) made it to Bristol for the Balloon Fiesta.   However, as a small party we greatly enjoyed ourselves.

Friday Evening

Went to Tortworth Court Hotel, about 16 miles NE of Bristol.   This is a gothic-style country house which had been used by the military, and later as a vehicle dump, with the large orangery greenhouse frame rusting away.   The dilapidated structures were refurbished as a quite palatial hotel, out in the sticks.   We had drinks and chat in the Brunel Room, then dined in the Orangery Restaurant which poses as Italian.   I attempted to pronounce the names on the menu, but the English waitress just noted "soup" and "liver".   We dined well, and had wine, staying till quite late.

Saturday Morning

Andy & Pam W and I walked to the harbour, and crossed the water on the ferry.   There we walked along the quayside where the steam crane was in action, and the Industrial Museum was hosting a 40's display.   This was very realistic with re-enactment of wartime Britain.   There were WVS, a wartime bobby, Wing Commander navigator, Yanks, a woman in snood, etc., along with US vehicles and original packing cases & crates carrying the 1940 dates & codes.   Then we took a bus to the main Broadmead shopping centre, where we had lunch, and brought sandwiches & drinks for the evening.   It was back to the hotel by taxi.   I believe Dave & Anne H covered similar ground but in the reverse direction.

Saturday Evening

The plan had been to take taxis across the suspension bridge to Ashton Court for the Balloon Fiesta.   However, due to the weight of the crowds that go there (paper said 5000,000 over 4 days), the bridge had been closed, which led to long traffic queues on the alternative roads.   Many of the vehicles were not bound for the Fiesta, but simply wanted to go south across the river.   We arrived in reasonable time, although there was then a long walk across the Ashton estate to the balloon field.   It was rather warm, but we found a patch of ground shaded by a large commercial caravan, where we sat to eat.   Bill M provided a large quiche, and Andy W provided wine.   The Mass Launch started a bit late, but several dozen balloons (paper reports 120 present) floated upward, not "en masse," but in small groups following rapidly one after another.   Unusual balloon shapes included - Chubb Fire Extinguisher - a Tankard of Lager - the Churchill Insurance Dog - a Scottish Piper - a Virgin Jumbo Jet.   Some balloons carried parachutists who baled out at great height and flew down trailing smoke.   Then there was what appeared to be an Airship floating overhead.   The fairground and concert were very noisy, so we decided not to stay for the Night Glow in which all the balloons are lit up.   We walked quite a distance to get clear of the grounds, with the crowd leaving, and against crowds arriving, until we reached the road.   The taxi company refused our phoned request for cars back, saying it was too far, but really due to the jammed roads.   We ambled another mile or so, and crossed the water, where Andy W managed to grab a taxi stopped by traffic lights.  (Life Memberships of the Cranwell Hiking Club all round.)

Sunday Morning

Sunday started grey, misty & wet, despite the good forecast.   Andy & Pam W decided to revisit RAF Lyneham, and invited me along for the outing.   The weather over Wiltshire was brighter & drier, and we stopped for an excellent lunch in The Churchill pub.   Dave & Anne H went on the bus tour around the city, which they recommended.

Sunday Evening

We drove about 8 miles NE to Willy Wicket's at Emersons Green which had a cosy atmosphere, with good food & service.   I was amused to see a notice in the GENTS reading something like "Cash on these premises is guarded by an anti hold-up device.   Staff cannot provide this protection."   What if the hold-up man doesn't go to the toilet first?

Monday Morning

I decided to take Dave's recommendation, and do the City Bus Tour before departing by train.   It was very interesting, and also deposited me at the station second time round.   Although things didn't always go to plan, we adapted and enjoyed a pleasant weekend together.

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