West Berkshire residents rally to support troops

It is said that an Army marches on its stomach and today (Monday) Newbury and Thatcham residents Natalie Maestri and Karen Alesbrook, along with children Bailey, Jasper and Zachary, delivered some tasty treats to the men of 4 Rifles B Company currently based at the Newbury Weekly News offices in Faraday Road, where the news team are busy preparing this week's edition.
Miss Maestri said: "You can just feel the whole community spirit coming through and helping everybody.
"It's amazing in a climate where people who can't afford to feed their kids are turning up to help."
She added that people's perceptions of the military were of soldiers engaged in foreign wars but people were able to see some of the work they were doing to help communities and shore up flood defences.
And Miss Alesbrook said: "I think it's nice for the children as they get to see all the emergency services working together."
The latest food drop follows another three over the weekend where soldiers from 4 Rifles A Company were treated to a delivery of hotdogs and pizzas.
A delivery of socks was also made over the weekend and residents have been calling NewburyToday to thank the soldiers and to make sure that the men had been fed and showered.
Speaking to NewburyToday, Sgt Evans of 4 Rifles B Company said: "It's been really appreciated. The people who have delivered it have not been affected so they have got off their own backs and helped.
"[The reaction] has been really positive. Everyone was really nice in Shaw Road and the pub let us eat their food in there."
He added that Lidl had waived payment for items that the troops had been to pick up this morning.
Last week, troops and flooded residents also had a welcome delivery from Waitrose Newbury, which donated cakes, biscuits, crisps and bottled water to areas of Shaw, including in Wellington Close and Cromwell Road, following a request from Newbury Town Council ward member Tony Stretton.
"I phoned Waitrose and I asked them would they be kind enough to supply anything they could to the army and the residents just to give them a helping hand," said Mr Stretton.
He added particular thanks to the delivery driver, James, who despite only being tasked with delivering the food to Mr Stretton, helped him to personally distribute it.