Royalty returns to Shropshire - The Duke of Gloucester tours Market Drayton’s gingerbread factory, Festival Drayton Centre and learns how to pour the perfect pint

His Royal Highness has previously visited the county to see Shropshire’s knife angel as well as the Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth. 

During his latest visit today (Thursday), the first cousin of the late queen toured Image on Food Ltd Gingerbread, Festival Drayton Centre and the North Shropshire town’s Joules Brewery.

Based in Market Drayton, that is often regarded as the ‘home of gingerbread’, Image on Food was founded in 1987 and employs more than 70 Shropshire residents.

The Duke, who is 31st in line to the throne, was greeted by Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner and escorted into the factory.

After changing into a white jacket and popping on a hair net, he first enjoyed a tour of the premises - that supplies biscuits to the likes of Waitrose - with the business’ management team.

Managing Director Gemma Williams, Founder, Sales and Marketing Director and Joint-Chair Sarah Hopcroft, and Founder and Joint-Chair Tim Hopcroft showed His Royal Highness around the bakery and manufacturing facilities where The Duke met with the company’s skilled team of bakers and decorators responsible for their celebrated creations. 

The Duke was also able to cut himself a gingerbread and try his hand at decorating some biscuits.

Speaking about the visit, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire Mrs. Turner said: "It was lovely to welcome The Duke of Gloucester to Shropshire, and in particular to Image on Food in Market Drayton."

His Royal Highness astounded at the quantity of ingredients and technology used by the company that produces more than five million biscuits a year.

Gemma Hopcroft added: “We were truly honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Image on Food. 

“The visit was a fitting tribute to our talented team’s hard work and dedication to their roles, and provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation within the food industry. 

“We are grateful for this memorable day that celebrated our work and the heritage of gingerbread making here in Market Drayton.”

His Royal Highness also participated in a special presentation of long-term service awards presenting four members of staff with a commemorative plaque giving thanks for their commitment and service to the company during the last 10 years. 

Gingerbread decorators, Christine Ann Higginson, Joanna Brown, and Beverly Guest were presented with plaques.

Joanna said: “Meeting His Royal Highness and receiving the long service award was an unforgettable experience.

“It’s wonderful to be recognised for the work we love, and sharing this moment with The Duke of Gloucester made it all the more meaningful.”

Meanwhile, Engineering Manager Dean Cohen was also celebrated for his service. 

He added: “It’s rewarding to be part of a company that recognises our commitment, and sharing this moment with The Duke of Gloucester made it an especially proud occasion.”

Continuing his trip around the North Shropshire town, The Duke headed to Festival Drayton Centre, meeting staff, Shropshire residents, and viewing what the centre has to offer in the community. 

His Royal Highness met with the Age Concern group and others who use the centre, and viewed the exhibition gallery where work by winners of Market Drayton schools’ calendar project were displayed. 

Chairman since 1984, Geoff Vernon was delighted to welcome The Duke for a tour of the centre.

He said: “We’re thrilled. What we like to do is show the centre off, and particularly as The Duke of Gloucester is an architect what we wanted to do what show him how we got to where we are today after 40 years. 

“We are four- and-a-half times bigger than we were in 1984 when we took over the original chapel and cottage.

“Importantly we wanted to show him what the centre is used for now.”

Mayor of Market Drayton, Roy Aldcroft was present for the tour, and was also excited by The Duke’s visit.

“It’s a great day for Market Drayton. The jewel in the crown of Market Drayton is Festival Drayton Centre.

“The town has a lot to offer but this is the centre of it. 

“It puts Market Drayton on the map again and shows that we have got many things that people are interested in, a long way away from where they live.”

Finally, His Royal Highness visited Joule’s Brewery, taking a tour and learning the brewery processes as well as how to pour the perfect pint inside the Red Lion.

Brand Manager at Joule’s Brewery Georgia Charlton-Briggs said: “We were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, to Joule’s Brewery. 

“This is a proud occasion for us to share our heritage and showcase the exciting future we’re crafting with our current expansion project.

“This visit is a meaningful recognition of the care and passion that goes into every part of what we do.”