Kineton’s secret weapon in the war on terror is....sugary sweets!

Members of the village’s Mothers Union began sending shoeboxes filled with sweets to Camp Bastion during the Gulf War in the 1980s and have been continuing the tradition every month during the current conflict in recent years.

And they know their gifts have been gratefully received as the group has been sent many letters from soldiers to express their thanks.

Allen MacLennan, who is coincidentally from Kineton, wrote: “Your gift certainly brought a bit of cheer to the depot and was well appreciated by all of us here. It’s always good to be reminded that people back home are sparing a thought for us when we are so far away.

“Such reminders are especially good as we are in the downhill period of our deployment, having been out here since the spring. We are very much looking forward to returning home.”

Tony Thorogood, also from Kineton, wrote: “The sweets are always well received and appreciated and the cards that come in the boxes now decorate my desk. The latest one, a picture of narrowboats, is a good reminder of home.

“I hope the Kineton Mothers Union is thriving and ask that you pass on my thanks for their thoughts and the sweets. Rest assured, those who get the sweets are told where they come from.”

The idea of sending the sweets came from 99-year-old Peggy Shiner, who took on the task of coordinating the project until handing it over to Barbara Essex earlier this year.

Mrs Essex said: “Peggy had sons and she always remembered that her boys liked to have sweets in their pockets. The soldiers get an overload of toiletries - this is something different. It’s part of the aims of the Mothers Union to reach out and do things for other people.

“My son-in-law was out there in the Gulf War, so for me, there’s a personal interest as I know what it’s like for them out there.”

The group is collecting donations of packets of sweets, cards and shoe boxes - ideally size five. Chocolate should not be donated as it will melt in the heat. People can leave the items at St Peter’s church in Kineton or call Mrs Essex on 640032.