Islands' tribute to RAF man Timbrell (From Gazette Series)

Islands' tribute to RAF man Timbrell

A ROAD more than 8,000 miles away from Dursley has been named in memory of a former pupil of Rednock School.

Timbrell Drive, a small lane on the Falkland Islands, was named this month as a tribute to the former Coaley man Mark Timbrell, who died of cancer two years ago at the age of 41.

Mr Timbrell, who had served in the RAF since he was 17 years old, was well remembered wherever he worked around the world, including Ireland, Belgium and the Falklands.

His parents, Eileen and Terry Timbrell, told the Gazette that they were contacted by the RAF before Christmas and asked what road name would be appropriate as a sign of remembrance to their son.

Mrs Timbrell said: "It was going to be Timbrell Road but because he had such a love of golf I decided it should be a drive instead."

The couple said Mark was badly missed, especially in his home-town, Coaley.

Mrs Timbrell said: "He was a very popular and sociable man. Always there to help other people. We are not surprised people as far away as the Falklands have not forgotten him."

Mr Timbrell was raised up in Coaley, attending Rednock School and playing for Coaley football club.

"He always had good memories of the area," Mrs Timbrell said.

"When we had the funeral there two years ago in Coaley there was not a seat in the church. Robert did have a great impact on people's lives."

Starting at the RAF as a dog-handler, Mr Timbrell moved up to being a Flight Sergeant at RAF Lyneham.

He worked in the RAF right up until June 2004 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and died just a few months later in November 2004.