Members of Soroptimist International Tenby and District helped bring some seasonal cheer to troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Club member, Dilys Jenkinson, was made aware that, although it is illogical, but true, when soldiers take part in campaigns which are politically unpopular at home, their courage and dedication are less appreciated. "Apparently, our troops receive very few letters of support from people at home, whereas their American counterparts have many letters, cards and parcels from complete strangers," said Dilys. "These messages bring much-needed cheer to our troops, so with the support of the Tenby SI Club and with a donation from the Tenby Inner Wheel Club, a number of boxes were sent out to Iraq and Afghanistan in the run-up to Christmas," she continued. "We have received a number of thank you letters, including one from the joint forces senior chaplain thanking us on behalf of the troops, one from a platoon whose picture is here, another from a Pembrokeshire 'native' who was particularily delighted to hear from 'home', and one from the field hospital in Afghanistan where the fudge went down rather too well with the staff and patients!" The club is now in the process of sending more parcels; it is just a pity that the cost of the postage is so high, otherwise they could almost double the amount sent. Fortunately, there was no cost in postage for the previous parcels - a concession for Christmas only. A two-kilo box (boxes over this weight cannot be sent) costs in the region of £7.20 or thereabouts to send. Included in the parcels are sweets, books, magazines, soap, biscuits, shaving cream (no aerosols) and no chocolate due to customs regulations.
