The world record for balloon bursting – 14 mins 14.5 secs – was set in Rickmansworth on Saturday [March 18, 1978].

Still slightly out of breath after his steady tread through a sea of balloons, teamleader Ben Edmonds, challenged on behalf of St Joan of Arc school, any school or organisation to improve the record.

The team of ten pupils, parents and teachers were closely watched by six judges and three timekeepers with certified stopwatches as they methodically burst their way through 2,000 mixed balloons.

If unchallenged, the event will enter the Guinness Book of Records – which inspired Mr Edmonds to arrange the unusual display.

Balloon bursting could become a balloon manufacturer’s dream. The St John of Arc team went through more than 3,000 during rehearsals and a special appearance on BBC’s Blue Peter.

Fifty-four balloon blowers did their bit on Saturday morning for the event, which was arranged to attract attention – and early funds – for the school’s May Fair on May 13.

The object of this year’s fundraising is to provide the school with a new mobile classroom.

[From the Watford Observer of March 24, 1978]