Cheesy thank you to French troops for pandemic help
FRENCH soldiers serving in a British city have been awarded a wheel of Double Gloucester – at the famous cheese rolling hill.
The troops from France have been given the cheese as a thank you for their efforts in the area during the pandemic.
A Double Gloucester was given to a contingent stationed in Gloucester. They were presented the ‘award’ at Cooper’s Hill – the site of the famous cheese-rolling competition.
The dairy offering was handed over yesterday which was Bastille Day, a national holiday in France. The troops are serving with Nato’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), who have been based in the cathedral city since 2010.
The French army – or L’armée de Terre – were deployed as a specialist part of the organisation’s efforts to tackle the Covid19 crisis.
The handmade wheel was produced by Smart’s Farm, who provide the cheeses for the rolling event where plucky participants race down the hill.
Cllr Kate Haigh, the Mayor of Gloucester, said: “Gloucester City is very proud to be the home of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. And, on the occasion of Bastille Day, we are delighted to present our French troops with our most famous local product, an entire Double Gloucester cheese.
“I recommend that they eat it and not roll it down a hill as part of their celebrations.
“The French have been based at Imjin Barracks for a decade as part of the ARRC, and we are very happy that they continue to make Gloucester their home.
“We are particularly thankful for the assistance they have given the British people during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.”
Major Emmanuel, of the French army, said: “I’ve heard about Double Gloucester, but I haven’t tried it yet. You know, France is a 400-cheese country, so I will try it with my French colleagues and compare it with French cheese.
“And maybe we will come back to you and say who wins!”