Date announced for 2022 Melplash Show

The announcement was made at the Melplash Agricultural Society’s Annual General Meeting held at Salway Ash Village Hall.

It will be the first rime the show will be held since 2019 - the last two years it has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

The Melplash Show, held at the West Bay showground, is one of the most-anticipated annual events in west Dorset and one of the south west's premier agricultural exhibitions. In 'pre-Covid' times, it attracted as many as 20,000 visitors every year.

At the AGM, current president Nigel Jones and chairman James Vickery were both re-elected and are looking forward to at last hosting the show. For both of them it will be third time lucky.

Mr Jones thanked all those that had continued to support the society during the last two no-show years particularly the members and sponsors who made it possible to run a selection of events during the year.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Vickery who summarised what had happened over the year and gave praise to those that had organised, and helped with the summer Homecraft and Horticultural Show, Discover Farming @ Vurlands Farm, the garden and allotment, farms, flocks, Young Farmers’ Dairy Stock Judging competitions and the annual hedgelaying and ploughing match. All were extremely well supported.

Treasurer Bill Dupont revealed that the society was, thanks to the loyal sponsors and members, still in a healthy position. As well as the re-election of some board members, the society said farewell to two longstanding directors - Marcus Beresford and Bill Dupont - who both were presented with gifts of appreciation by the president and given honorary lifetime membership to the society, along with Philip Crawford who retired from the board in 2020.

President Nigel Jones presents retirement gift to Treasurer and Director Bill Dupont

Three new directors were elected to the board: Richard Bugler, Will Bowditch and Simon Wakely.

Commenting on the appointments, president Mr Jones said: “Richard is well known to us all as the auditor to the society for many years. As a chartered accountant his financial advice will be invaluable. The Bugler family’s involvement with the show goes back many generations, and I am sure he will continue that tradition with distinction. Dr Will Bowditch has been closely involved with Discover Farming for a number of years and again his knowledge of various show matters will be of real benefit to the board and the society. I am delighted that Simon Wakeley has joined the board. His huge knowledge of the locality and of so many people within our prime membership area who might be able to help us will, I am sure, be invaluable to the society.

"As the changing of the guard is inevitable, and indeed good, as new ideas are essential for any organisation, I am convinced by what has happened over the last year that the society is in good health and can only prosper in 2022, especially as we are going to have a show. I cannot wait!”

President Nigel Jones presents retirement gift to director & chairman of Discover Farming Marcus Beresford 

The society also made awards of lapel pins - these are awarded to recognise people for their outstanding service and dedication to the show and society. Society pins were awarded to Carole Brown, Roy Vickery, Peter Yeates, Bill Dupont, Marcus Beresford, Charlotte Dunnill and Roger Scammell.