With a select team of willing helpers, we finally cast the labelled balloons to the skies. It was a shame that, in spite of our best efforts, we only managed to sell about 150 balloons. Launching from a fantastically muddy field in a strong wind was not ideal but it was fun. The colourful cloud vanished rapidly westwards, disappearing over the school at high speed.


I have calculated that I have made a profit, but it is a modest one. The cost of gas, tickets, balloons and prizes all means that there is a fair degree of "front loading" before a profit is made. I had been counting on selling at least 300 balloons but, alas, I will just have to be content with this and move on. On the other hand, a huge amount of fun has been had inhaling helium and talking in funny voices.