I AM writing to express my thanks for the support given by the Chippenham business community towards Commonwealth Day, on March 14.

Jointly hosted by Chippenham Town Council and 9 Regt RLC of Buckley Barracks, Hullavington, the event saw a range of cultural displays and foodstuffs put on to acknowledge Commonwealth Day.

To assist the soldiers in catering, a number of local businesses were approached, together with national companies. Naughton Pig Farmers, Walter Rose Butchers and Pococks Poultry were particularly supportive, as was WS Depots. The Taj Mahal Restaurant provided Indian delicacies, and Morrisons and Tesco also provided goods, along with Hullavington WI.

Most touching of all, realising there was not enough cake for the event, the following instantly gave sweet stuff in response to my plea for help: Tesco Foundry Lane, Greggs and Iceland rescued us from the prospect of an empty table, and we are really grateful.

Working for a charity, I spend a lot of time trying to gain support for various, but rarely have I encountered such a positive response as I did from the Chippenham people. It shows a measure of community spirit that the townspeople should be deservedly proud of.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity

c/o Andover Support Unit

Army HQ

Marlborough Lines

Monxton Road

Andover