Devon cheese makers' royal appointment

Award winning farmers and cheesemakers, Quickes were delighted to welcome two special guests to Home Farm in Newton St Cyres. The Earl and Countess of Wessex were present at an engagement to officially open Quickes Farm Kitchen as part of their tour of the region.

During their hour long tour yesterday (Tuesday), Prince Edward and his wife were introduced to many members of the Quickes team and escorted throughout the dairy to see first-hand all aspects of the cheesemaking process - including removing of the whey, cheddaring and pressing and a closer inspection of the impressive ‘Cheese Cathedral’ maturing rooms. After a tour of the Dairy and Farm Shop the Royal party visited the new pop up café – Quickes Farm Kitchen and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

The trip was concluded with the presentation of a posy by pupils from the local school, Newton St Cyres Primary and a hamper of local produce from the Farm Shop - including a sample of Quickes Vintage Cheddar which recently won Best Cheddar at the British Cheese Awards 2014.

Mary Quicke, Managing Director at Quickes, reflects on the day; "It has been a wonderful opportunity to introduce the Earl and Countess of Wessex to our cheese and our farm – of which I am immensely proud.

"Visits such as this one not only provide great exposure for local businesses, they also help to promote the principles that we adhere to and operate by. Farming is so crucial to our rural economy and it is therefore vitally important that the British Royal family continue to show their support for the people that maintain the land and preserve it for future generations."