The Queen’s official representative enjoys tour of Melton

Mike Kapur OBE, who succeeded Lady Jennifer Gretton at Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire three years ago, visited iconic local businesses and landmarks.

He was invited by Matthew O’Callaghan, who organises the town’s many popular food events, and who accompanied him with Stephen Hallam, former managing director of Dickinson and Morris Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe and now an ambassador for the brand.

As he prepared to tour the pork pie shop in Nottingham Street, Mr Kapur said he was enjoying finding out more about the area.

He told the Melton Times: “It’s been great - I’ve learned so many fantastic facts about Melton.

“I had no idea, for example, that the town had been visited by so many monarchs.

“I enjoyed seeing the church because it is one of my favourite buildings in Leicestershire.”

Mr Kapur said his official visits are usually strictly choreographed with no time to explore the town but he was relishing the chance to spend more time visiting places such as the Melton Cheeseboard shop, which has helped establish the reputation for the borough as the rural capital of food.

He added: “I was planning to come to Melton for a proper visit but then the pandemic started and it wasn’t possible so I’m delighted to be able to do it today.”

Mr O’Callaghan commented: “We were delighted that the Lord Lieutenant was able to visit Melton and familiarise himself with Melton’s rich food heritage and history.

“At the end of the visit he mentioned the upcoming Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so we took the opportunity to outline the ‘Royal Melton’ Jubilee Project. “I am sure he will be a frequent visitor to our borough.”