Ex-VGS student and instructor myself. I think the value for money of the VGS system is very high. Mostly free labour and utilisation of existing assets. However. I fear the axe is always looming these days. If someone somewhere spins it about a free flying club for middle class kids then it could be all over very quickly.
I'd like to see the VGS and the ATC movement push its profile politically.
The Socialists running this country are supposed to be keen on Youth Organisations and extra curricular participative activities. The ATC (I think) is now the biggest youth organisation in the country following the decline of scouting and the like. The range of activities, the values and the overall 'goodness' of being in the ATC for the average teenager is large indeed.
This needs highlighting loudly and often.
When I think back to those years... By the age of 17 I had flown solo, got an airside MT permit, scaled at least 40 mountains, stayed in RAFG, flow in countless helicopters, shot at Bisley, Bivvy'd in most parts of Wales, could talk at length about radio, navigation, met, engines, could night nav across the Brecon Beacons, could drill, could iron a shirt, polish my shoes and have a grasp of what leadership is actually about. Compared to many 17yr olds that was significant.
The ATC is in danger of being a bit worthily obscure.
They need a Max Clifford an Alastair Campbell and a Peter Mandelson.
Cheers
WWW