Here's what I've just posted on RAOTL.
I haven't posted an update on here in a month or two, but I've had half an eye on the derby for a while. We've had an on/off few weeks with permission etc, but that's all sorted, and with the helium in hand we are now 100% on.
Thanks to everyone from here that contributed - might be shaky going first time out, but I'd like to think this could be a goer for years to come now.
Don't buy The Sun, yeah?
----------
Just had the word from l21leon that the helium is in hand.
We are f*cking on. Any and all volunteers feel free to come along to Venmore Street from 8am on Saturday. Plenty to do, and it'd be great to put some faces to IDs.
This first flight is doubling as us trying to work out what the f*ck we're doing, and checking the velcro-backed banners idea does actually work etc. Assuming all goes well though, we can start thinking about which games we're targeting in future - things like alternative banners, and longer term maybe even kitting it out with lights so we can apply for flights at night matches.
HJC have funded the helium for its debut, which means there is still money in the kitty for helium for 1 more flight. Beyond that though, the well is dry and we will need people to throw in to keep it going up in the air. We definitely, definitely need to think about what we're doing about the April anniversary - going up in the air on the anniversary itself is a must I'd have thought, and I'd say that new Justice-related banners are needed for that time of year. I'll be bending Gerry's ear about this on Saturday, but any and all comments and suggestions very much appreciated.
Have a look at the fixture list and see which games leap out as must-blimp. We've got permission for 14 flights per calendar year on the site in Venmore Street, so there may well be a bit of picking and choosing needed.
For now though, a massive thank you to everybody that threw in for this. The blimp fund raised close to £1500 from reds primarily from this site and also RAWK, OTK, TLW and Newkit. A couple of blues, as well as a barcode and a Manc that live in the city also contributed.
Huge thanks in particular to Alex, Murf, l21Leon and Beaumont (blinding tip on the helium mate). It's been a bit of a faff at times in truth, but these lads have done various bits of legwork along the way that have made it about a million times easier than it could have been. Massive thanks to Annasfield as well for sorting me out with a ticket for the weekend.
Remember, getting it up is just the start - if you're interested in contributing to future running costs like helium and new banners, send money via Paypal to stu@corkyball.co.uk or feel free to PM me for bank transfer details, a mailing address for cheques etc.
Will be a proud day on Saturday, and I can't thank you all enough for helping my little idea literally get off the ground.