NORMAN PRITCHARD       2019 CIA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE (Deceased)     Volunteer – ‘A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task’.

Norman Pritchard was such a person. From the early 1970’s until he left his earthly life in October 2004 at the age of 85, Norman was active in all aspects of ballooning.

From the first British National Championship at Castle Howard to the setting up of the British Balloon Museum and Library, the early days of the Icicle Balloon Meet and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Norman was there.

He was an integral part of the group who formed the Rocinante Balloon Group, with their first balloon a Thunder with a flexi-rigid burner frame, Velcro rips requiring a “Cremation Charlie” during inflation.

1979 the British Balloon Museum and Library came into being. Norman, an ardent archivist was in at the start. He served nearly 20 years as the Secretary before becoming Vice Chairman in 1998.

He was instrumental together with John Baker, publishing 'Balloons and Ballooning' in 1986. He later he published 3 booklets under his own name - 'British Records' and 'World Records' in 1993 followed by the 'BBAC Competitions Handbook' in 1994.

Friday October 4, 2019 this year’s acknowledged CIA Hall of Fame inductees Paolo Bonanno and Norma Pritchard (deceased) will be honoured at Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, next to Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The numerous fun adventures he shared with his ballooning family are still talked about today.