War Veterans Celebrate Christmas With Belton Cheese Cheeses

Local Shropshire cheesemaker Belton Cheese was at the centre of the annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheeses at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London today. 

Belton Cheese, located in Whitchurch, Shropshire, donated White Cheshire Cheese, Traditional Red Leicester, Traditional Double Gloucester, and Double Gloucester Chive and Onion for the Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy this festive season.
 
The special Christmas ceremony, celebrated on the 7th of December, dates back to 1692.    
The tradition began when the Royal Hospital, Chelsea asked a local cheesemonger to provide the pensioners - retired veterans of the British Army - with cheese as a Christmas treat. Ever since, cheesemakers from all over the country have continued the tradition and donated a selection of cheeses for the Chelsea Pensioners.

The Dairy Council has been organising the donations for over 50 years. They are presented to the in-pensioners during a special ceremony at the Hospital. 
Dr Judith Bryans, Director of The Dairy Council, said: “We are delighted that once again the men and women of the Royal Hospital will enjoy fine quality British cheeses this Christmas. We’re very proud of the generosity that British Cheesemakers have shown in donating over 250kg of cheese to these much loved war veterans in order to pay tribute to their courage.”

Among the pensioners taking part in the ceremony today were Wayne Campbell, BEM, and John McNaughton.
Wayne Campbell was a member of the Royal Military Police for 19 years, ultimately becoming Warrant Officer Class One Regimental Sergeant Major at the Headquarters Special Investigation Branch in Rheindahlen, Germany. He was awarded the BEM for outstanding work in the 1970’s. Campbell has been a resident at the Royal Hospital since March 2010.
John McNaughton, 84, is originally from Hull, and has been at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, since April, 2010. He joined the Army in 1946. In 1958 he was selected for the Guards Parachute Company where he served for 5 years and on 14 January 1963 he transferred to the Parachute Regiment and joined 3 PARA where he worked his way up to Company Sergeant Major D Company.  A very active member of the community, John worked in the In-Pensioners shop before becoming a ward representative. He has also led groups of Chelsea Pensioners abroad for remembrance services.

John McNaughton said: “The military is known for its traditions, but this is one of my favourites. It is so kind of the cheesemakers to donate these cheeses every year. It really makes our Christmas special.”

Wayne Campbell added: “We cannot thank the cheesemakers enough. It is this sort of kindness around the holidays that show what kind of a country Britain really is.”

Music was provided for the ceremony by the String Orchestra of the Household Division and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Grenadier Guards, under the direction of Captain Michael Smith.

The Chelsea In-Pensioners forgo their monetary pensions in exchange for room, board, and medical care at the famous Royal Hospital.

14th December 2011