Regardless of your age, we all love a good bit of nostalgia.
There’s nothing quite like finding a forgotten Quality Street tin full of old photographs while having a clear-out, particularly if they belonged to a loved one who has since passed away.
While many of us are guilty of looking back at eras gone by with rose-tinted glasses, you’d need a strong argument to suggest that society in 2024 is better than 50 or 60 years ago.
While many of the memories captured on camera will have sadly been lost over the years, others have been perfectly preserved.
The brilliant photos below have been kindly shared with Nottingham World by Margaret-Mary Martin.
The fascinating images, which show hot air balloon racing at Wollaton Hall in 1979, were taken by Ms Martin’s uncle, Peter Martin.
In the summer of 1979, Wollaton Park hosted the British Balloon Championships, with more than 40 hot air balloons taking off from the park.
The event, sponsored by John Player, was held between August 25 and September 1.
Participating balloons were sponsored by businesses including the Co Op and Nottingham Building Society.
Below are 15 photos of the British Balloon Championships at Wollaton Park in 1979.
While many of us are guilty of looking back at eras gone by with rose-tinted glasses, you’d need a strong argument to suggest that society in 2024 is better than 50 or 60 years ago.
![The event was held between August 25 and September 1, 1979](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/17/10/13/bl6.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. British Balloon Championships at Wollaton Park in 1979
The event was held between August 25 and September 1, 1979 | Peter MartinPhoto: Peter Martin
![A balloon showcasing a typical 1970s design!](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/17/10/02/bl7.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. British Balloon Championships at Wollaton Park in 1979
A balloon showcasing a typical 1970s design! | Peter MartinPhoto: Peter Martin
![The balloons brought a sea of colour to the skies over Nottingham](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/17/10/05/bl8.jpg.jpg?trim=1056,0,0,0&crop=&width=800)
7. British Balloon Championships at Wollaton Park in 1979
The balloons brought a sea of colour to the skies over Nottingham | Peter MartinPhoto: Peter Martin
![The far-left balloon is sponsored by the Leeds Holbeck Building Society](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/17/10/16/bl9.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. British Balloon Championships at Wollaton Park in 1979
The far-left balloon is sponsored by the Leeds Holbeck Building Society | Peter MartinPhoto: Peter Martin