Residents send boxes to British troops

Valda Warren, a resident of Peterhouse, Church Street, began the collection after her grandson saw an 11yr old boy had collected over 100 boxes to send to the forces.

Valda said: "Whether you are for or against the conflict, I won't use the word war because they were meant to be peacekeepers, the government has put them there and we should support them because they were ordered there. They are there for us."

15 boxes, donated by Stead and Simpson shoeshop, Devonshire Road, will be sent within the week, and the group are looking to collect more.

Mavis Page, a Peterhouse resident, joined in because her grandson by marriage is a serviceman.

Leonard Dimmock, another resident, served himself through the Second World War, including campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Greece amongst others, and believes war is as much about having decent provisions and equipment as the fighting.

The boxes, sent to A British Soldier, Care Of Capt. S Beattie MBE contain biscuits, handwipes, condensed milk, mint imperial and pick n' mix, all contributed by carers and residents from all over Peterhouse.

Certain items, such as chocolate, water, pressurised containers and glass, are not suitable for sending because of the potential for damage in transit or the extreme heat in Afghanistan.

Valda said what started as an interest was developing into a passion. She would like to hear from anyone interested in donating items for the shoeboxes, and can be contacted on 07596471689.