THE Chelsea Pensioners enjoyed a taste of Cornwall as River Amble Creamery, based in Port Isaac, took centre stage at the annual ceremony of the Christmas cheeses at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London recently.

River Amble Creamery, and Lynher Dairies kindly donated a total of 12.3kg of tasty cheese, including Cornish yarg and Cornish Jack, for the Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy over the festive season — a tradition that dates back over 300 years and celebrates the role of cheese in feeding the armed forces.

The tradition began in 1692, when the Royal Hospital asked a local cheese monger to provide the pensioners with cheese as a Christmas treat. Cheese makers across the UK have continued this tradition ever since.

The Chelsea Pensioners were joined by the Military Wives Choir, who were the guests of honour at this year’s ceremony. The choir delighted the Pensioners with their rendition of the Christmas classics, Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bells.

Ash Amirahmadi, chairman of the Dairy Council, said: “The ceremony of the Christmas cheeses is one of the dairy industry’s most treasured events. It is a delight to be kicking off the festive season with such a joyful and colourful occasion.

“Cheese makers from across the country have once again done us proud by donating an outstanding 246kg of fine quality British cheese. Cheese and dairy products represent a very important part of the veterans’ diet, and it has been great to celebrate this with the Chelsea Pensioners and the Military Wives Choir today.”

Chelsea Pensioner, Mary Johnston, cut the ceremonial cheese during the ceremony, a 24kg Montgomery cheddar, donated by JA and E Montgomery, which marks the first time a woman has ever cut the ceremonial Christmas cheese.

Chelsea Pensioner, John Morris, also took part in the celebrations.

“The military is known for its traditions, but the cheese ceremony is one of my favourites.”