Marines get out feather dusters
FEATHER dusting, ironing and vacuuming are not tasks usually set the Royal Marines, but that is exactly what the elite troops will be doing over the next week.
Anti-smuggling operations will have to make room for dishcloth duties as 10 Marines zealously rise to any domestic challenge as part of a 'Rent a Royal Marine' charity venture.
The mop brigade is available for hire from today at $100 per job, with the proceeds to be split between the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children and the Save the Children Fund.
The idea is the brainchild of Corporal Gringo Slator who, with his colleagues, wants to create a shining impression before they bid farewell to the territory next month at the end of a 41/2-month tour.
Corporal Slator said: 'The previous detachment abseiled down the Prince of Wales Barracks to raise funds, but we wanted to do something completely different, that involved getting out into the community.
'We have already been hired to help someone move house.' He said the brigade was insured for any household knocks or scrapes along the way. 'Just in case we knock over a Ming vase or something, we've got ourselves covered,' he said.
He added: 'We will gladly do people's ironing or cleaning. Or we'll walk the dog. The only chores we will decline will be ironing service uniforms.' The public can pick up job request forms from the main gate at the Prince of Wales Barracks or the Bull and Bear pub in Central.
The Royal Marines are also staging a charity auction at the Bull and Bear pub tomorrow night, with prizes donated by local businesses and restaurants.
