Worthing Birdman 2009 pulled in huge crowds at the weekend, with the usual array of colourful characters and crazy flying contraptions taking to the air – but not for long.
As always, the event was a mixture of eccentric contestants and serious competitiors, with many of the entrants raising money for charity. Among the competitors were Crowborough residents Chris Pugh and Kevin Dewhurst, 45 with their Lancaster bomber, raising funds in memory of their friend, Rob Botterman, who died of cancer three years ago. Jonathan Ansell, of the band G4, took off with a giant pink balloon, having launched into a brief rendition of Nessun Dorma before throwing himself off the pier.
Jonathan Ansell of G4
Landlord of The Cricketers pub, Broadwater Alan Walker, took to the skies with one of his regular customers, Ricky Horgan.
James Wrigglesworth flew as Inspector Gadget to raise money for the NSPCC, while Andy Headworth took the plunge in aid of Leukemia Research.
The novelty acts were followed by the main event, which included an entry from Channel Five’s The Gadget Show, who had tested their glider in a wind tunnel prior to the event.
Dave Benson Philips and Gadget Show presenter Jason Bradbury
The competition was eventually won by Ron Freeman for the second year in succession. The former hang gliding champion posted distances of 82 and 64 metres to clinch the crown again.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACE LANGLEY
