Mr. Pollock's Balloon Trip Across the Channel

Extract

Tuesday morning, October 12, 1897, opened out bright and clear at Eastbourne. At 6 a.m. no clouds obscured a perfectly blue sky, and a gentle breeze blew from the north-west. It was decided that the conditions were favourable for a balloon voyage to Prance. The grounds of Devonshire Park had been kindly placed at. our disposal by Mr. A. Standen Triggs, Managing Director. The balloon had been prepared for inflation overnight, and arrangements made with the Eastbourne Gas Company to be in readiness to turn on the gas if desired. This was done at 7 a.m., and the inflation proceeded satisfactorily until the balloon was full at 9 o'clock. The balloon had a cubic capacity of 35,000 ft., was nearly new, having previously ascended on six occasions only at the Crystal Palace, at Shrewsbury, and at Beading. These ascents had all seasoned the balloon, and a recent coat of varnish had rendered it gas-tight and in good condition.