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.

Painful lessons learned. Read More...

The Snowfall that has closed College for two days has also wiped out what I had hoped would be two very productive days of balloon sales. It might be wise to extend the launch yet again when we return after the half term?