One Sky One World 2002

Hardwick Hall - 13th October 2002

This event, organised by the Midlands Kite Flyers, took place at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire on 13th October 2002. I had intended to go the previous year, but as it was a no wind day, and I didn't have any 'no wind' kites I didn't bother. This year I was looking forward to it, but rather strangely there was.... no wind. Not to worry I now have a 'no wind' kite, so off we all went (as a family).

The event took place in a field, called the wine glass field, in front of the house - beautiful location, but tree lined - which would have mattered if there had been any wind. There were lots of people flying, mainly single line kites (some very high up in the sky), but the Sky Symphony team were doing some formation delta flying (very impressive it was as well), a couple of people with the large parafoil kites, and others flying deltas. My family went off to look around the Hall's Gardens, and I found the others from Sheffield Kite Flyers (John & Paul were flying their 9.0 Blade 2, Andy with his Firebee), and decided to get the C-Quad out as there was just enough wind. This lasted about 15 minutes before the wind went completely. It was then the turn of the Revolution 1.5SUL - since this is a zero wind kite and I had zero wind. Unfortunately my line set for this is getting a bit grotty so I got one of those really nice tangles that ends up as a knot. And as these lines are really thin it took quite a while before I got it sorted. After then I was fine - it ended up being a good practice session with the Revolution. Did end up feeling every so slightly self conscious as I was the only person doing anything (apart from the guys with the extremely high kites). I had to carry on as my family were still not back from looking around the gardens. Eventually the air got damper, the wind got less, and everyone else gave up, the Midland Kite Flyer banners came down, cars started leaving, and there was me and his Revolution in the middle of a field. After another half an hour I decided I was getting tired as well, so packed up just in time to be joined by the family (who had a nice time in the garden/tea shop)..

All in all it was a good afternoon, and a worthwhile thing to be part of - the idea of people all over the world flying their kites on the same day to think about peace is important at this time.

Until next year then (with some wind I hope....)