On a fine, sunny Saturday in October, Helping Hands and the pilots of the Aero Club once again played host to twenty seven young people and their family and carers.

The ten Jersey Pilots were joined for the first time by two pilots form Guernsey. Together they thrilled their passengers with twenty four flights round the Island in clear blue skies. For some these were the first flights of their lives and for others an opportunity to see the Island as they had never seen it before, up close and personal.

N700GY, a six seater Turbo Prop, flown by one of the Guernsey pilots, gave the added dimension of incredible speed. It seemed that no sooner had we taken off, that we were requesting permission to land, not that at that speed I was complaining! The sharp left turn at La Rocque Point made me wish I had eaten less for lunch. Fantastic!

After a mornings flying, the children from Autism Jersey and those Looked After Children, along with their foster families were treated to a wonderful Buffet, laid on by the staff of the Milli Bar.

Those full bellies were soon being tested further by that very comical and entertaining, if not a little mad, magician. His natural ability to delight and challenge young minds proved very popular.

Flying commenced soon after, for those who had arrived for the afternoon. Time and again those magnificent man and their flying machines took off to the shear delight of their passengers. While they were being entertained in the skies, a tender from the Airport Fire Service arrived to provide a sceptical for those on tera firma.

To forever preserve the memories of  a most memorable day, Ian & Jane Le Sueur from Kandiprint were on hand to capture those life enhancing moments.

I can’t begin to adequately express my thanks to all those involved for so selflessly giving of their time. The pilots and ground crew, the catering staff, magician, photographers and Fire Crew all combined to bring a little magic into the lives of those who were privileged to be there.

To Eveline, however, I reserve special thanks for her tireless, unflappable coordination, even when faced with overwhelming numbers. Nothing seemed too much effort, even to the extent of press ganging (sorry about the naval reference) her family into handing out goodie bags and T-shirts.

For a wonderful, memorable, magical day, my sincerest thanks.

Ted Pafitis
Chairperson
Jersey Foster Carers Association