Since it was established in 1973, Playtime Balloons has always been run by professional balloon entertainers for professional balloon entertainers. That means we fully understand your needs and cater for them. It also means we have a wealth of experience and can answer any questions about balloons and balloon modelling.

Doug Brearley

Playtime Balloons was started by Doug Brearley, at that time England’s finest balloon modeller. As a service to fellow balloon modellers, Doug started selling balloons he imported from the United States. In 1973 he published the first edition of his All Wind & Twists, a modest volume that proved very popular. One of the first purchasers was Gerry Luff who offered to redraw the diagrams in the models in the book to present a more professional appearance. The offer accepted, Doug also published Second Wind And Twists, More Wind And Twists and other books all with Gerry’s illustrations.

Mel Moore

Following Doug’s retirement in 1985, Mel Moore, an experienced entertainer and friend of Gerry, took the business over and, with sales increasing, converted it into a limited company. In addition, and following the establishment of Pioneer UK in England, he became a Qualatex distributor, a move that lead to a further increase in sales. He also published books by Bob Wooding, Shirley Ray, Mike Decker, Thelma Levett and Gerry including a new and updated edition of All Wind And Twists. During Mel’s ownership the business prospered as balloon modelling became increasingly popular and a regular part of the repertoire of most children’s entertainers.

Mike Stokes (as Marjorie is camera shy)

In 2002 Mel retired and the current owners, Mike and Marjorie Stokes, took on the business. Working as The Balloon Man, Mike is a busy entertainer so Marjorie is responsible for the day-to-day running of Playtime. Besides endeavouring to continue the excellent service from the past, they have increased the range on offer. This now includes an extensive range of balloons, including both assortments and single colours, useful accessories, pumps, bags and aprons, books and DVDs, indeed everything that the beginner or professional balloon modeller needs. They also run tuition days where students, be they beginners or those seeking to improve their skills, can benefit from personal attention. It is therefore no surprise that Playtime is the country’s leading supplier of balloons to entertainers.