Birdman memories sought to commemorate 30 years

This summer's staging of the eccentric collection of flyers marks the 30th anniversary of their arrival on the town's pier.

Around 900 entrants have since taken part. They have worn a variety of costumes, created a spectacular range of contraptions on which to carry their dreams of flying and raised tens of thousands of pounds for various charities.

Their antics above the waves have been watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators crammed on to the seafront over the years.

Now is their chance to play a part in Birdman's history.

The volunteers who will be running the crowd-pulling occasion for the fourth year want to hear from anyone with anything to say about the big day.

They plan to put the reminiscences in the programme for the Birdman weekend of July 5 and 6 as well as build up a history of the big days.

The volunteers have already ensured 2008 will be the most memorable Birdman by offering a glittering prize never before seen by a Bognor Birdman '“ the chance to win a 30,000 jackpot prize for flying 100m.

Organising committee member Anne Cranham said: "We want to make sure everyone knows that this year is a special year for the International Bognor Birdman.

"We need their support because we are all volunteers who have no other income apart from that which we manage to raise from various sources.

"We put all the work in purely for the interests of Bognor."

It will cost about 30,000 to stage this summer's occasion. It is co-incidental this equals the jackpot which the organisers insure against paying out through an insurance policy.

Interest in the flying is as high as ever, even if the competitors fail to fly that high.

Early entrants have started to register. Among them is Hinckley man Joel Hicks, who won the Kingfisher class last year as Mr T.

He called the Birdman 'a remarkable weekend' with a 'special atmosphere for all the competitors as well as the spectators'.

Pier owner John Ayers is again willingly hosting the Birdmen to provide the traditional base for the silliness and the seriousness since they arrived in Bognor.

The Birdman first roosted at Selsey after an otherwise sane gift shop owner, George Abel, came up with the idea in 1971.

He was inspired by people who tried to gain publicity like one man who attempted to fly across the River Nene in East Anglia.

The first rally was organised by the local RAFA branch. Birdmen launched themselves from the walkway of Selsey Lifeboat Station to fly 50 yards for 1,000.

The lifeboat station was withdrawn as the venue in 1975 and nowhere else could be found to end the successful start.

In 1978, Bognor Regis Lions Club decided to stage a Birdman Rally as part of the Bognor Regis Yacht Club regatta.

The RAFA agreed and the first Bognor Birdman Rally took place on August 20 that year. Top prize was 1,000 for a 50m flight.

Here it has stayed. The event has missed an occasional year and the organisers have come and gone but the spirit has stayed the same.

Any volunteers for 2008 Birdman, on or before the weekend, should contact Barry and Jennifer Jones on 01243 868174.

A 1,000 grant has been given to the Birdman organisers by the Joint Western Arun Area Committee. The award was among 13 '“ worth almost 11,700 '“ agreed by the committee. Other recipients included Aldwick Free Church, Friends of the Regis School of Music, Felpham Flower Club and The Regis Players.