My Bristol favourites: Ian Parsons

Ian Parsons has been flying hot air balloons for more than two decades. Next month, he will take to the skies once again while volunteering for Bristol hospitals’ charity Above & Beyond at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. When not travelling thousands of feet above the ground, Ian’s day job involves the much less sedate tasks of contract negotiation, dispute resolution and mediation as a vice president at Siemens.

To find out about volunteering for Above & Beyond, visit www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk/how-can-you-help/volunteering.

Here are Ian’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 

“A predictable choice! But this is a true spectacle and wonder. Balloons are a regular sight in Bristol’s summer skies (thanks mainly to having Cameron Balloons as a resident and a very friendly and much appreciated partnership with air traffic control at Bristol Airport). And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a time when family and friends gather to enjoy the spectacle of colour and light. The Thursday and Saturday balloon glows are a very special time for me as everyone gets the opportunity to be part of the Fiesta and be close up and personal with a hot air balloon. I feel privileged to be flying the Above & Beyond balloon. They are the Fiesta’s official charity partner. Balloon flying is all about team work – and our team are excited to be representing the charity. They’re giving up their free time to help and we’re looking forward to going that extra mile again this year to support Bristol’s hospitals so come along and give us a wave!” 

Brunel’s Buttery

This Bristol breakfast institution is a haven for those seeking simple yet scrummy food. First thing in the morning there is no place like the Buttery whatever the season. I love taking out of town friends here to enjoy breakfast whilst taking in the views and pleasures of what Bristol harbour has to offer. The choice of filling is personal to the recipient but no more so than the squeezy sauce (should I have brown or red?). And it’s the only place I ever have milk in my coffee. I have no idea why; I just do and it’s wonderful!”

Bristol sporting scene

“Whilst we don’t (yet!) have a top flight football or rugby team we are lucky to have a variety of opportunities to watch some fantastic and exciting sport played at an extremely high level.  We also love our cycling in Bristol. I recently took to two wheels in Above & Beyond’s 430 km Bristol to Paris sponsored cycle ride. Our 70-strong group included medics, MDs and past patients, many motivated by their own experience of our wonderful hospitals. The charity is a cause close to my heart and I’m pleased to say we raised over £100,000 for its Golden Gift Appeal. They’re signing up for next year’s ride now. I’m seriously considering doing it again and would encourage others to join us.

Bristol bus tour

“Having lived in Little Stoke through my childhood and been fortunate to travel the world I feel very lucky and proud to call Bristol my home. History oozes out of the city including Temple Meads with the world’s first train passenger terminus, the ss Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Clifton Observatory and its camera obscura, Christmas Steps, the Floating Harbour, to name but a few. My wife and I took some friends on one of these tours thinking we knew so much about our city only to be proved very wrong. Bristol In Sight‘s bus tour is a great way to take in all the sites, even if you live in Bristol and think you know it I’d recommend a trip.”

My wife 

“Sue was born at St Brendan’s Hospital and she is, without doubt, my favourite part of Bristol. Having attended the same Bristol school together, I struggle to understand why I traveled the world both with the Royal Navy and on business when all the time my soul mate was simply in the classroom next door. Message to all those girls still in school: look for the boy who is part of a group of boys you would avoid at all costs, someone you wouldn’t go near with a barge pole. You may just end up falling in love and marrying him one day!”

Main photo by Chas Breton