Helene Morgan - Kite maker

Programme Outline

Before a kite can be made, considerable time has been spent on research and design, testing the prototype and altering or redesigning the original as required. This programme shows clearly the various stages involved when the kite is finally manufactured. Helene is seen in her home in Shrewsbury, laying out fluorescent material, cutting out the various component shapes and guide holes, stitching by machine, inserting the struts and attaching the string. The final product is a star-shaped kite. The programme highlights the many skills and abilities needed to succeed as a kite maker: sewing, ability to use woodworking tools and drills, knotwork, and a basic understanding of aerodynamics. We then see her out in the fields with friends testing out her kite with others. In these shots Helene demonstrates the skills of flying a kite successfully, winding out the line from her bobbin at high speed. Another successful test flight! The final scenes feature examples of the wide variety of designs available.