Duke of Gloucester visits Shropshire

Royalty returned to Shropshire as The Duke of Gloucester visited Market Drayton and was taught how the region’s famous gingerbread is made and 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 earlier this month, 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. 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.