FLYING more flights than British Airways, and covering parts of the world not on the normal international network, is a little known flying organisation that is funded by charitable support.

It is called Mission Aviation Fellowship and its local representative came to talk to Valley Plus at its last meeting. While it is a Christian inspired movement, it is not an obviously proselytising group. The overwhelming activity is moving people or goods around in emergency conditions in challenging parts of the world.

Flights may be instigated in support of individuals – such as emergency cases to hospital from remote and isolated locations – or relief in some natural or other disaster. Remember how the Haiti earthquake was exacerbated by relief aircraft being unable to operate because of disrupted runways?

MAF’s light aircraft operated over 1,000 flights there in the first three months; their float plane was able to reach Aceh during the tsunami.

Each flight is a lifeline; 50,000 hours in a year, using about the same amount of fuel as about six hours of aircraft operations centred on Gatwick.

Those helped may be expected to help pay some small part of the cost, if possible and where appropriate. The vast majority of all flights are supported by income from charitable sources.

Valley Plus members were enthralled by the MAF presentation, to the extent that, subject to its committee’s endorsement, it will adopt MAF as its charity for the year, much like Hearing Dogs last year. Collections at meetings or individual donations will be forwarded to MAF.

EARLIER this year, I wrote about a slowly growing crisis among some valley activities and organisations as the result of volunteer effort becoming less forthcoming in the community.

In contrast, the functions provided by those organisations is in as much demand as ever.

Rachel Robinson enlightened Valley Plus members at their last meeting about the needs of the various Baden Powell groups in the valley, and pleaded for their help, perhaps directly, or perhaps by passing the message to neighbours and friends.

In spite of there being growing demand by valley families for their children to become scouts or guides or one of the several derivatives, there are waiting lists for almost all of them. There is a need for trained leaders, true, but the main issue is that there aren’t enough ‘helpers’, people prepared on an informal and maybe even non-regular basis, to help with meetings.

Modern requirements for minimum ratios of adults to children often limit the number of children, or even whole groups, that can be managed. Helpers can often release trained leaders to be responsible for other activities or to establish new groups. One consideration here is that a new starter group will imply the need for an additional follow-on group after one or two years.

Rachel pointed out that the helpers’ involvement is not onerous – no preparatory or after duties, mostly fun and having to apply the minimal monitoring or supervisory chores. It does require a CRB check (Criminal Record Bureau), but it is a simple and quick review organised by the scouting movement.

Rachel implored “please help, the need is great and it’s a great community service”.

GUIDING conjures up many varied images to those not currently involved. Recently, however, our local Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers went to Legoland for a day out. This was subsidised by the money raised from Gift Aid on the subs paid each term. The weather was kind and all who attended had a great time, not least Brown Owl who organised the trip on her birthday. The occasion was marked by two choruses of Happy Birthday and a celebratory carrot cake. A little bird tells me she is already planning the next district outing. Another perk to become a helper.

Brown Owl concluded: “If you would like to join in with such activities or – most importantly – could perhaps spare an hour or two to help, please call Sandie on 07786 244355 to discuss further.”

BURFORD School is eager to hear from past pupils, staff, helpers or friends to add zest to their 40th celebration displays on June 29.

Send a note to the school office telling them of old pupils or anecdotes about past events.

Here are some historical anecdotes that have come to light already. “Evening all” – Jack Warner visited the school, on July 6, 1976, to talk to the 12-year-olds and pensioners.

January 22, 1990 saw classes 13 and 14 leaving for a residential visit to Shortenills. Three days later, staff and children being evacuated from Shortenills during the evening. Storm force winds made accommodation blocks hazardous – falling trees and no electricity or phones. The next day some parents and staff braved the elements and returned to Shortenills to collect children’s belongings.

Remember the rockets that made the ITV news?

What can you add to the memories? Stories or loaned artefacts will all be welcome for possible display.