FORTY years ago this month, a group of women walked from Cardiff to RAF Greenham Common to protest at the stationing of US nuclear cruise missiles there. They were pointed at the Soviet Union.

The women, who didn’t intend to stay, did so and established a peace camp, with their invigorating presence drawing attention to the potential death soon to be lurking in the silos. Thus began one of the most famous symbolic actions of the 20th century.

Why would women not be for peace? We need it for development, nurture, friendship and love — a condition for a fulfilled life on the planet. But there were some like Margaret Thatcher who were not, who allowed the weapons in as a very hot element in the Cold War.