Aero club balloon lands at Wateringbury (1901)

Post date: Feb 06, 2014 3:48:27 PM

The Times (London, England), Saturday, Nov 16, 1901; pg. 13; Issue 36614.

The Aero -Club.-There was a large attendance at Stamford -bridge Grounds yesterday when the inaugural ascent of the Aero Club of the United Kingdom was made in the most favourable circumstances. The balloon lifted at 1 p.m. amid the cheers of the spectators . A height of 10,000 ft was attained, and a good descent made at Wateringbury, near Maidstone at 3.30 after an excellent voyage, though the cold at high altitudes was considerably felt.

The Royal Aero Club still exists and the following is a small extract from its web-site:

In 1901, three wealthy motorists, Frank Hedges Butler, his daughter Vera and the Hon Charles Rolls, had proposed a motor tour, but this was cancelled when Vera's Renault 4.5 caught fire. The lady arranged a balloon flight with the distinguished professional Stanley Spencer, as a distraction.

Over a glass of champagne during the subsequent voyage, passing near Sidcup in Kent, they agreed that an Aero Club should be formed and after landing this was done without delay. Due no doubt to the presence and personality of Vera Butler, it was uniquely - for the time - agreed that it be open "equally to ladies and gentleman, subject to election".

Initially confined to ballooning, when heavier-than-air flight arrived, the Club embraced it with alacrity. The Club established its first flying ground at Muswell Manor near Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppey in 1909. Early contacts with the Wright brothers in America by Charles Rolls and the redoubtable Short brothers, balloon makers to the Club, led to the latter acquiring a Wright license and laying down the first aircraft production line in the world, at Leysdown, moving the next year to Eastchurch.