BBC1 Balloon lives on...

... on the front cover of today's 'Independent'.

http://mysite.orange.co.uk/rdj/1582152.jpg

It relates to the controversy on the BBC's decision on scrapping a 24 hour televised event on promoting the concerns of Climate Change.

Still looks stunning, Even when slapped on the front page of The Independent!

Gone but forever in our hearts!
It does brighten up the front page I must admit!

Hooray!

Gone, but if this is anything to go by, certainly not forgotten - I guess the memory kinda lingers.

The Independent no doubt has a new customer in the form of looknorth.

But it lives! Hurrah!

The Independent were damning about the BBC1 dance idents, calling them the channel's "BA tail fin" moment.

What actuly happend to it?

It was given to a balloon preservation society, but I'm willing to bet it hardly ever gets inflated.

From what ive heard its in Bristol at Cameron Ballons; a big company in the world on Balloning. And, if you know the contcats you can go see. Thats what I have heard.

bbc140

Googling the balloon preservation group reveals many seemingly unconnected websites.

This story from the BBC News website in 2002 concerning the balloon's last known flight links to a now-defunct University of Reading website. However, putting in 'Balloon Preservation Group+Sussex' into Google reveals

http://www.fullofhotair.co.uk/polomoche/bpg.html

So it appears it's in a shed somewhere, and it's safe to assume that it occasionally gets inflated or goes for the odd joyride.

Unforunately not, me being the balloon geek i am and living in bristol (ballooning capital of europe), i kinda sadly know these things. I believe it was given to the BPG some time ago when it lost its air worthiness (so it can't fly). it was going to be tethered, but so far no sign.

This is correct. The balloon is now owned by the Balloon Preservation Flying Group. I was fortunate enough to witness it's final flight (I am also a balloon geek from Bristol.)

Well, if that's how it will remain, then that is quite a pity...