Birdman RallyUp, up and away is the usual cry when talking about flying, but at the end of August, at the end of Bognor Regis Pier this will not be the case. Yes, it is the annual Birdman Rally. The event this year will be a celebration of 100 years of aviation. When Orville Wright took to the air in the first powered controlled plane on 17th December 1903, albeit only for 12 seconds and 37 metres, he could not have dreamt of the difference it would make for future generations around the world. Although the Birdman Rally in Bognor Regis on 31st August 2003 will not have the same long-term effect, nevertheless it will no doubt be funny, breath taking and above all entertaining. But when did it begin? |
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The first Rally in this area was held in 1971 in Selsey and was organised by the Selsey Branch of RAFA Club when contestants would launch themselves off the walkway leading to the Selsey Lifeboat Station. At this time the birdmen had to attempt to fly a distance of 50 yards with the possibility of winning the first prize of £3,000. The idea was purely a fund raising activity by the local RAFA Club and the idea had come from a local resident - George Abel. George had been inspired by the various antics of people when trying to gain publicity or like one man who tried to fly across the River Nene. George now lives in Australia and returned in 2002 to see the event again. The event continued annually until in 1975 it ceased due to its success. The increasing crowds each year, poor transportation, and the road system to the area were all creating problems for the Selsey emergency services, so unfortunately the Birdmen did not fly in 1976 or 1977. |
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Quite independently of these events, in 1978 the Commodore of the Bognor Regis Yacht Club contacted the President of the Bognor Regis Lion Club to ask if the Lions Club could arrange a Fun Event during their Regatta Week, being held in August. The Lions discussed their enquiry and came up with the idea of a Birdman Rally. Negotiations then had to take place as the Birdman Rally idea belonged to RAFA Club and it was agreed that the event would be organised in conjunction with the Bognor Regis RAFA Club. The first Birdman Rally in Bognor Regis was held |
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on 20th August 1978, with a prize of £1,000 for a flight of over 50 metres. After this initial success it was agreed to make the event International and starting in 1979 the prize money be increased to £3,000. The Reveille Newspaper sponsored it with the proceeds being presented locally to purchase a portable heart monitor & heart defibrillator. Over the years the sponsors have changed, but always substantial amounts of money have been raised for the various charities supported by the Lions Club, including Meals on Wheels, a mini bus for handicapped children & many other worthy causes. |
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Each year the contestants enter with a variety of aims. For a vast majority they are there to enjoy themselves whilst raising much needed funds for their own particular charity.
As a fund raising event it is quite unique and of course of such interest and daring that quite large sums can be raised. Over the years many local and national television presenters have taken up the challenge of their viewers to jump for the sake of the programme. The range of shapes, sizes, outfits and colours never cease to amaze the expectant crowds, ranging up to approximately 20,000 visitors & local people. |
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IThere are various entry categories; the Magnificent Flight Trophy which is for the serious contenders; the Leonardo da Vinci section for the most unique design; Kingfisher Class for the fancy dress comic entries; the longest time in the air and finally the jackpot prize of £25,000 for the longest flight &Mac246; over 100 metres. In 1996 David Bradshaw, a local entrant, flew a winning distance of 39.96 metres even longer flights have been achieved by Ron Freeman with a distance of 57.5 metres and also Harold Zimmer from West Germany in 1984 with 57.8 metres. Each year the event has attracted various personalities - for instance who can remember in 1989 when Eddie The Eagle arrived? There have been flying circuses to entertain the crowds. We |
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have had an escapologist, professional aerobatic displays in addition to the fun of the fair along the seafront.
This year the event is being sponsored by Virgin Atlantic and takes place on 31st August and no doubt will have some interesting and exciting birdmen as people try to emulate those Wright Brothers of 100 years ago. The event of course is very dependant on the day both to wind levels and the tide. High tide this year is at approx. 2.45 p.m. This year for the first time those lucky enough to be chosen to fly will receive a limited edition „Bognor Birdman‰ badge in the shape of a pair of wings. If you want further information why not take a look at the website: |
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We may think this event is peculiar to Bognor Regis, or to the British but how wrong you would be. Zany antics are not just our prerogative, the event is now held world wide and you would be surprised if you looked on the Internet as to how many places now have their own birdman event including Italy, Holland and Australia. Each year people travel here to partake in the original event and thus we have seen participants from Germany, Japan, America, South Korea and even Eastbourne, who for a time tried to take the event to their seaside. |
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I However despite the interest of the Birdmen, the crowds and the entertainment the event is very dependent on the weather. The safety of everyone taking part is at the top of the organisers agenda, with the local fishermen being involved in rescuing the birdmen and transporting them back to the shore. We must not forget however that the event would not take place without the help and support |
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of John Ayers, owner of the Pier and all the organisers and volunteers who work incredibly hard to make the event the success it no doubt will be. So remember, Sunday 31st August go down to the Esplanade and support the event, the participants and cheer all those zany characters that are brave enough to jump. You may even see Richard Branson taking his turn! |
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• TELEPHONE 01243 823 820 |
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