King visits Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese farm near Alford during tour of county

His Majesty toured family-run Ulceby Grange Farm, where the award-winning Supreme Champion Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese is produced.

The King is Patron of the Specialist Cheesemakers’ Association and has long been a vocal advocate for organic and sustainable agriculture.

Ulceby Grange, on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, has been run by the Jones family since 1918 and is now in its fourth generation.

His Majesty was met by Simon Jones, who first introduced the possibility of making cheese at the farm in the 1990s after returning from agricultural college.

During the visit, His Majesty was also introduced to Simon’s brother, Tim, who joined the business in 2000 to support with sales and marketing and Simon’s mother, Jenny Jones, who was the farm secretary in the 1980s and still supports the farm today.

After watching the cheese milling process from a viewing window, His Majesty met members of staff who have supported work at the Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese including Richard Tagg, who worked as the cheesemaker for 25 years before retiring in 2019, and Robert Ranshaw who has worked on the farm for 47 years.

In the cheese store, where the cheese is housed and turned for full maturity, Simon and His Majesty watched a robot called “Florence the Machine” turn the truckles of cheese between aisles.

Before departing for RAF Coningsby and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, His Majesty was given a goody bag, including a three-year-old cheese made the day before the King’s birthday on November 14, 2020, and some of the butter which is served at Nottingham Michelin Star Nottingham restaurant Sac Baines.

Simon Jones said that King Charles' visit was the "greatest prize" they have ever won. He said: "It has been a complete honour. He is very natural, easy to talk to and engaged. He was really interested in where the cheese goes to, how it is stored, and employment in the rural setting.

"We've won some great prizes but this is the greatest prize we've ever won. I've given him some cheese to take so I'm sure he'll have some when he gets home."

Richard Tagg, who worked as the cheesemaker for 26 years before retiring in 2019 due to a stroke, was delighted to meet the King. He said: "It was a proud moment. It all started in a very small way and we were just using 1,000 litres of milk a day for about four days a week.

"Now we use around 6,500 litres a day for seven days a week. The King told me he was very impressed that six of us were stood there with 231 years of experience between us. I wouldn't have retired if I didn't have to, I thought it was a marvellous role to have."

Lesley Ranshaw, who is 89-years-old and has worked on the farm for 53 years, said: "We shook hands and had a little word. It was great as there's not many that get to meet him, especially on a farm."