Sir Patrick Moore wishes birdmen ‘Good Luck’!

Released: 17 Jun 2008

International Worthing Birdman
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2008
Worthing Pier

Sir Patrick Moore, CBE, FRS, wrote to the leader of Worthing Borough Council, Keith Mercer, from his Selsey home to wish all the intrepid birdmen and women flying in Worthing International Birdman event in Worthing this coming weekend, the very best of luck!

Sir Patrick says in his letter:

“So the Birdman Rally has a new home.  I am delighted that has survived its latest crisis, and that it has survived its latest crisis.

It all began in Selsey, the brainchild of a few people of which I was one (though I stress that I was not the prime mover).  If birds can fly, why shouldn't we?  So we worked it all out, and held our first Rally. It was a great success.  So was the second, the third, the fourth …..  We had some amazing entries and I particularly remember the RAF Wing Commander, who went on to the Pier, assembled his highly complex equipment, and finally jumped.  His flight was perpendicular!

….. We became more and more popular, even with entries from abroad, and then, without any warning, the blow fell. The Lifeboat Pier was the only one available, and they refused to let us use it.  We failed to find another pier, and we faced defeat - but then Bognor took on, with equal success.  Now they too have had pier trouble, and for a while the Rally seemed doomed.  No longer.  The Birdmen of Worthing are all set to go.

Why is it so loved?  Because it is such fun - and we need fun in Mr. Brown's England. Good luck to you all and it is great news that you have come to Bognor's rescue just as Bognor came to ours.

All the best!
Patrick Moore”

Thanks Patrick!

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