Organisers of the Melplash Show are hopeful it can go ahead this year after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event.

Melplash Agricultural Society said it would be reviewing the situation at the end of March and establishing what kind of event it can safely run. If it happens, the agricultural showcase show will take place at the West Bay Showground on Thursday, August 26.

The society is currently not taking bookings for this year's show.

The show is traditionally packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are usually more than 400 trade stands.

In a message to traders, Show Secretary Lucy Hart admitted cancelling last year's show was a 'desperately sad time' for the society.

However, despite the society making a 'relatively significant loss' last year she said it was 'manageable due to our prudent financial management over many years', and that the society would come back stronger than ever.

The secretary also highlighted the society's charitable work over the last year which has made a difference to younger people in the community.

In August 2020 the society awarded £30,500 in bursary grants to 19 local students who are all studying agriculture or related subjects. This was the highest ever amount awarded, thanks to sponsors and members. More bursary awards will be presented this year.

Ms Hart also highlighted the educational work of Discover Farming where children can access online activities. Sadly, the classroom at Washingpool Farm Shop has been unable to welcome school visits due to the pandemic.

For secondary school children the society has set up an online careers ambassador service covering a wide range of agricultural professions.

Ms Hart said: "Not holding our event in 2020 was a desperately sad time for our society and we greatly missed welcoming you all to our show. As it happened, what would have been show day was a very wet day with thunder storms, so let’s just hope that gets the wet show day out the way for the next few years.

"Cancelling so early in the year allowed us to reduce our costs as much as possible and we have continued to run the society on a part time basis throughout the year. At this stage and due to the uncertainty of future guidelines we have decided that we will review the situation at the end of March and establish what kind of event we can safely run in August. We are closely monitoring guidance and looking at ways our showground can be modified to run a safe event with the aim of welcoming you all back to our show."

Ms Hart went on to thank sponsors, members, traders, caterers, volunteers and show visitors, and she hoped to update people in due course.

For more information about the event visit www.melplashshow.co.uk