The first Rally in this area was held in 1971 in Selsey and was organised by the Selsey Branch of RAFA Club when contestants would launch themselves off the walkway leading to the Selsey Lifeboat Station. At this time the birdmen had to attempt to fly a distance of 50 yards with the possibility of winning the first prize of £3,000. The idea was purely a fund raising activity by the local RAFA Club and the idea had come from a local resident - George Abel.

George had been inspired by the various antics of people when trying to gain publicity or like one man who tried to fly across the River Nene. George now lives in Australia and returned in 2002 to see the event again. The event continued annually until in 1975 it ceased due to its success. The increasing crowds each year, poor transportation, and the road system to the area were all creating problems for the Selsey emergency services, so unfortunately the Birdmen did not fly in 1976 or 1977.

Quite independently of these events, in 1978 the Commodore of the Bognor Regis Yacht Club contacted the President of the Bognor Regis Lion Club to ask if the Lions Club could arrange a Fun Event during their Regatta Week, being held in August. The Lions discussed their enquiry and came up with the idea of a Birdman Rally. Negotiations then had to take place as the Birdman Rally idea belonged to RAFA Club and it was agreed that the event would be organised in conjunction with the Bognor Regis RAFA Club. The first Birdman Rally in Bognor Regis was held on 20th August 1978, with a prize of £1,000 for a flight of over 50 metres. After this initial success it was agreed to make the event International and starting in 1979 the prize money be increased to £3,000. The Reveille Newspaper sponsored it with the proceeds being presented locally to purchase a portable heart monitor & heart defibrillator. Over the years the sponsors have changed, but always substantial amounts of money have been raised for the various charities supported by the Lions Club, including Meals on Wheels, a mini bus for handicapped children & many other worthy causes.

<back