A BUMPER pack of Christmas cheer has been delivered to Royal Marines serving in Afghanistan, who this week paid tribute to people in the Tavistock area for their generosity. Bodyzone Gym and Tavistock Royal Marines' Association have received more than 20 'blueys', the armed forces free letter, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, based at Bickleigh Barracks, expressing their appreciation. Their messages follow the arrival of 778 boxes full of Christmas goodies for Tavistock servicemen in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan as part of an appeal launched in October by the association to send gifts to the troops. Currently there are 17 people from Tavistock in Afghanistan: two from the RAF, one from the Army, one Naval nurse, and 13 Royal Marines. One bluey, sent to Bodyzone by a Royal Marine from 42 Commando, said: 'Thanks for the parcel you sent, we want you to know how much we appreciated it. We wanted to pass something back to you.' The marine put his sentiments into the following verse: 'Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu, when someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. 'So if you see a smile begin, don't leave it undetected, let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.' Royal Marine Ben Turner said: 'Many thanks for your generous parcels, they were much appreciated and gave a lot of morale to a lot of the lads out here. 'There are a lot of lads without anyone to send parcels and letters out to them and this is where the first parcels went. Support from home makes the tasks out here a lot easier knowing everyone back home is behind us.' Royal Marine Iain McDonald from Tavistock said: 'Thanks for the parcels — they are very much appreciated. Look forward to seeing you all soon.' Lance Corporal James 'Ellie' Ellis, from Tavistock, said: 'You are doing us proud. I wish everyone that has supported us a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.' Royal Marine M Corcoran said: 'Thank you for your kind and generous gifts, it was a good bit of morale for all the lads, your support is much appreciated by us all. 'I'm currently on my first deployment in Afghanistan and was apprehensive about coming out here after all the bad press, but after spending some time out here I believe we are doing a lot of good for all the Afghan people.' Lance Corporal E Andrews sent a letter saying some of his colleagues were seeking pen pals. If anyone wishes to send a letter to either E Andrews, Taff, Hoppy, Nick or John, write to PO54257J, Log coy, 42 commando RM, Camp Bastion, BFPO 792. Bodyzone Gym owner Chris Dykes, RMA member, said: 'It has been really nice to get confirmation back that they received the parcels, not only by Marines in headquarters but by the ones on the front line who are in action three to four times a day – it's nice to know it's going to the ones who need it.' One of the organisers of the appeal, Yorkie Malone, RMA member and Falklands veteran, said: 'What has been amazing is the number of people who said "They shouldn't be out there but here, have this" and gave me something to send. 'I am chuffed to bits and it's nice the Marines are saying thank you – they are pleased as anything with the parcels. The smiling letter is just a cracker because it says it all.' l The blueys can be read outside the Times office in Brook Street.
