Peterhouse reaches a century of boxes for the troops

Residents got together in recognition of the efforts made by organiser Valda Warren who has been putting boxes together since summer last year.

Valda was joined by Bexhill Town Mayor Jimmy Carroll, war veteran Fred Rye, and Joyce Chapman and Gillian Bell of the Royal British Legion women's section in Bexhill, as well as Leslie Crisford and Colin Clarke of Peterhouse.

Cllr Carroll presented Valda with a programme from Armed Forces Day veterans' parade signed by MP Greg Barker as well as by those taking part in the day's events.

Valda commented: "I am awestruck by the response from everyone here. It has taken seven months and we have reached over 100 boxes."

Valda has been leaving an empty container in Peterhouse's reception, which other residents continually fill with items such as biscuits, toiletries, and sweets, which she then parcels up to send out.

"I put two packets of biscuits in each box," she said.

"When my grandson Carl Taylor was out there in Afghanistan on the front line, he said they opened up their parcels and loved getting the hand wipes and shower gels, but most of all they loved their biscuits.

"Biscuits are always welcome.

"When we started here one lady sent her daughter out to buy 20 packets of biscuits straight away - which was absolutely wonderful.

"The stores out there for British soldiers are appalling... especially compared to the store for the Americans, which is like Harrods.

"Our troops are short of personal things - they are short of everything.

"We know what our boys need - they need moral support."

Valda made a speech of thanks to residents at Peterhouse before cutting a special 100th box iced cake created for the occasion.