Belton Farm and Cheesemakers from the UK have donated a whopping 330kg of cheese to the Royal Hospital as part of the Annual Ceremony of the Christmas Cheese, getting the festive season into a swing. Now in its 64th year, the Ceremony continues the rich tradition of British cheesemakers recognising and paying tribute to the service of the men and women of the Royal Hospital to this country.

Chelsea Pensioner Norman Bareham (below), who served in the Coldstream Guards – the oldest continuously serving regular regiment in the British Army – was tasked with cutting the Ceremonial Cheese, at the event.

The centuries old tradition of donating cheese to the In-Pensioners began over 320 years ago in 1692 and cheesemakers have continued to do so ever since.  Sixty four years ago the process of the cheese donations was organised into a Ceremony of celebration and gratitude to the Chelsea pensioners for their service.