From commando to captain: meet our site manager at The Tanner’s Quarter
Every Hopkins home is brought to life by people who care about what they build and the communities they help to create. At The Tanner’s Quarter in North Walsham, that team is led by site manager Melvyn Gilmour.
A former Royal Marine Commando, marathon fundraiser and long-standing Holt Rugby Football Club player, Mel brings the same leadership, commitment and team spirit to life on site as he does to the things he is passionate about outside work.
From the Armed Forces to construction
Mel joined Hopkins Homes in 2019 through an Armed Forces programme, beginning his career as a trainee Assistant Site Manager. Since then, he has progressed to lead his own site team and manage the delivery of a project valued at over £50 million.
His journey reflects how the qualities developed during a military career can transfer naturally into construction. Leadership, discipline, resilience and teamwork are all essential when coordinating the many skilled people involved in building a new neighbourhood.
Today, Mel oversees construction at The Tanner’s Quarter, helping to ensure that every home is built safely, carefully and to the high standards expected of a Hopkins home.
Leading the team on and off the pitch
Away from site, Mel is an important part of North Norfolk’s rugby community. Having made more than 70 appearances for Holt RFC’s 1st XV as a full-back, he has now been named captain for the season ahead.
To recognise his appointment and support his continued involvement in local sport, Hopkins Homes is proud to sponsor Mel for the season.
Mel said:
“Being named 1st Team Captain means the world to me. I’ve been part of Holt RFC for many years and have played over 70 games for the 1st XV, so to lead the lads out this season is genuinely one of the proudest moments of my life.
“To have Hopkins Homes supporting me this season makes it even more special. It’s fantastic to work for a company that recognises the importance of local sport and encourages its people to get involved in the communities where they live and work.”
Ashley Woods, Director of Rugby at Holt RFC, described Mel as a natural leader on and off the pitch, whose determination will help bring the squad together.
A commitment that goes beyond rugby
Mel’s passion for supporting others extends beyond the rugby field. In 2025, he trained for the TCS London Marathon in aid of the Royal British Legion, raising more than £2,700.
The cause was particularly important to Mel because of the support the charity gave him when he left the Royal Marines. Speaking about his fundraising at the time, he explained that every mile was for those who had served and the veterans and families who continue to rely on the charity’s support. His London Marathon fundraising story offers another glimpse of the determination and community spirit he brings to everything he does.
Building a new neighbourhood in North Walsham
The Tanner’s Quarter is a thoughtfully designed collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes on the southern edge of North Walsham.
Mel and his team are not simply building homes. They are helping to create a new neighbourhood with public open space, a natural play area, community orchard, allotments and green walking and cycling routes.