A Short History of Playtime Balloons Ltd

 
The Past
Although balloon modelling, in one form or another, has been practised since about 1938, making animals and other objects from a single balloon is a comparatively recent innovation.
 
Playtime Balloons was formed in about 1970 by Doug Brearley, who was at that time England's finest Balloon Modeller. He was inspired by Windy Blow, one of the alias' of Charles Cole, who also did a 'Lightning Cartoon' act on the Music Halls.
In the pioneering days of balloon modelling, people like Charles Cole manufactured their own modelling balloons from a latex solution, which they called 'slim tubes'.
 
Various rubber companies became interested in the production of these 'slim tubes' and so the modelling balloon business was born!
 
Doug Brearley started Playtime Balloons in the 1970's and published the first edition of All Wind & Twists in 1973. This modest volume proved very popular, and when Gerry Luff became interested in balloon modelling he offered to redraw the diagrams of the models in the book to present a more professional appearance. Doug was impressed with Gerry's artwork and encouraged him to undertake the project. Mel Moore was a friend of Gerry and together they organised the reprinting of the booklet, which subsequently was responsible for inspiring many of today's excellent balloon modellers. At the next I.B.M. Convention Mel was introduced to Doug. This was the beginning of a friendship that culminated in Doug offering the business to Mel when he wished to retire.
   
  So Mel purchased Playtime Balloons at Easter 1985. The business began to grow and it became necessary to convert it into a limited company, thus Playtime Balloons Ltd. was formed.
 
In those early years balloons had to be imported directly from the U.S.A. and at that time the Ashland Rubber Company of Ashland, Ohio made the best quality balloons. However the supply of balloons was subject to market forces and an election year in the U.S.A. could affect supplies, causing a shortage.
 
Then the Ashland Rubber Company met with production difficulties and Pioneer Rubber of Wichita, Kansas came on the scene, producing the excellent 'Qualatex' brand of balloon. They set up a subsidiary operation in Europe, based at Bishop's Stortford, which greatly simplified the process of supply.
 
Playtime Balloons developed and thrived, all the while encouraging would-be modellers, generating enthusiasm and innovation. It continued growing steadily through the next seventeen years. During this period balloon modelling flourished and evolved into the present day skilful art form now much in demand for entertainment at children's parties and other functions. At Easter 2002 the present owners Mike & Marjorie Stokes purchased the business, when Mel in his turn decided to retire.
 
The Present
Having purchased Playtime from our good friends Mel & Lyn in 2002 the last few years have been a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun.
 
We have endeavoured to continue the excellent service from the past whilst moving forward to the future. We now take most major credit cards and have added various modelling accessories to our stock list.
 
As Mike is a working entertainer known as 'The Balloon Man' he is always happy to offer help & advice to would be modellers. You are more than welcome to arrange a visit [beware selling ice to Eskimos springs to mind] and a cuppa is usually on offer. As there are occasions when he is off to a show please don't leave your ordering to late as we would hate to disappoint also calls in business hours are much appreciated!!
 
Looking to the future we hope to continue to expand Playtime taking in more conventions and Dealer Dems at magic societies.
 
Playtime Balloons has over the last 30+ years earned the reputation of being, apart from qualatex themselves the only U.K. company to stock modelling balloons in the complete range of single colours, plus of course standard, entertainer and neon assorted. In addition we also stock many accessories which are listed on this site.
 
As a professional entertainer Mike is always available with help and advice and if he can't answer your query we're sure 'he knows a man who can'.