TWO members of Girlguiding IW have recently taken a celebratory helicopter fight from Sandown Airport.

Shirley Saunders and Lesley Clifford retired from their posts as joint Island commissioners of Girlguiding in March following five years of volunteering service.

At a presentation at a Girlguiding World Thinking Day event in February the duo were given a number of gifts by members of Girlguiding IW, including the helicopter flight tickets and vouchers for a special meal.

In appreciation of their five years of leadership, the 1,000 members of Girlguiding on the Island donated to a collection organised by Carol Firth, one of the Island’s Rainbow Leaders.

Having looked after the needs of the local membership, it was deemed appropriate that a flight over the Island would be a suitable gift, which proved a great surprise for Shirley and Lesley.

Pandemic restrictions meant the flight could not be arranged at the time of their retirement, before easing of the measures allowed the flight to go ahead.

The special flight took in Ryde, East Cowes, Cowes and the Bay Area.

Shirley said: “Views of the Island were really fascinating and I was particularly pleased to see the Urban Saints area, just outside Ryde, which was the site of our all Island Camp in 2019 when hundreds of our members camped together for an exciting and fun weekend.”

As well as the flight Shirley and Lesley enjoyed a meal at Merrie Gardens.