Flier’s run aids Lyneham Scout hut fund
Gazette and Herald
www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
12th December 2010
Flight Lieutenant Geordie Rochester celebrated his 50th birthday by running a half marathon and raising £858 to help Scouts and Brownies in Lyneham find a new home.

The airman, who lives at the RAF base with his wife Val, said: “My wife is a volunteer with the Brownies and when I was thinking of what to do, it just felt natural to want to help the little guys.

“I think the money I raise d is likely to mean more to them. I think it’ll make a big difference to what they’re able to do.”

The Scout hut used by more than 300 children i n Preson Lane must move to a new MOD location because developers have bought its site.

“It’s not the case that the developers have pushed out the Scouts,” said Flt Lt Rochester, a father of two daughters, who has served in the RAF for 33 years. “They’ve been incredibly helpful, but the Scouts needed to find new land to put their hut on and they’re having to raise the money to do it.”

Frances Marshallsay, treasurer of Lyneham Scouts and Guides Hut Association, said: “This makes an enormous difference to us. The developers who have bought out our land have been very kind to us, but we do still need to find somewhere for the kids to go.

“If we have to buy a place outright, it’ll cost us around £30,000, and even if the RAF can afford to spare us a building, it will still come to around £15,000. The money people help us with is hugely appreciated.”

Flt Lt Rochester, who clocked 2hr 4min at the race in Bath, said: “The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming and I was on a high for about a week.”

To donate to the Scouts, contact Frances Marshallsay on (01793) 850270.