It’s a gas with the Lions at Budleigh Salterton in spite of the weather

There’s nothing like a spot of patriotism to cheer you up on a typically British bank holiday. So the bright red, white and blue of our national flag was an effective antidote to the drizzly mist which covered Budleigh Salterton seafront in time for the town’s Lions Club’s Balloon Race.







Lion Peter Mason promotes the event with bell and balloon.










Proceeds from the day went towards the Lions’ campaign to provide Medic Alert pendants and bracelets.





Over 700 balloons went soaring up into the cloud, bearing their greetings messages along with the hopes of many seeking that prize of £100 for the person whose balloon travels the furthest. The winner’s balloon last year was returned from Switzerland.



The weather did nothing to keep the crowds away from the 23 charity stalls which took part in the event. But Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club's Margaret Briggs, pictured left, and her fellow- Club member Julia Meredith are understandably keeping up their spirits with a hot drink. They'd been cheered by the news that the Budleigh float was awarded 2nd prize in Topsham Carnival the previous day.

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