SWINDON’S Gurkhas are appealing for help in their campaign to raise money for their own community centre.

Members of the Nepalese Association of Wiltshire have so far managed to generate around £130,000 by themselves towards the scheme but because they aren’t a charity they have been turned down for several grants.

Last week they hosted a special event at Buckhurst Community Centre with the aim of raising £5,000. At the end of the day the figure was a respectable £3,000.

Press officer JB Gurung said the festival, Deusi Bhailo, was a day for brothers to celebrate their sisters by giving them gifts. “We decided to celebrate, but whatever money we collected would go to our community hall fund.” The association still needs upwards of £300,000 to reach its £500,000 target. “We don’t know where that money is going to come from,” said Mr Gurung. He explained the group had sought funding but to no avail. “All the members appreciate we need our own community hall, but to get to that end is really difficult.” One of the reasons was to help their senior citizens. “Most of them are ex-Gurkhas and we normally hold a meeting every week.” Anyone who can help the association can contact Mr Gurung on 07447 925774.