Directors of the Melplash Agricultural Society are "committed" to putting on the annual show, but will review the situation at the end of March.

Like many organisations, the society's AGM took place virtually using Zoom, hosted by the current president Nigel Jones and chairman James Vickery.

At the meeting, it was confirmed that the pair, as well as vice chairman Philip Hardwill, would continue in their roles during 2021.

An update was given by the present about this year's Melplash Show planned for Thursday, August 26.

He said: "Although we, the board of directors, are committed to putting on an event we have, due to the uncertainty of future Covid-19 guidelines, decided to review the situation at the end Of March.

"It is hoped that by then we will have a better understanding of what can safely be run in August.

"We are closely monitoring guidance and looking at ways that the showground can be modified to run a safe event with the aim of welcoming everyone back to our show in August."

Despite there being no annual Melplash Show last year, the audience was reminded of the society's charitable aims and what has been achieved during 2020 to meet them:

• Nineteen students aged 17 and over and living within a 12-mile radius of Melplash who are studying agriculture and related subjects, have received the society's bursary. A record £30,500 was awarded. The society will be making awards again in 2021 and applications will open on April 1. Visit melplashshow.co.uk for more information and an application form
• Discover Farming, the society's education programme, has created several online home learning modules for primary aged children, and to encourage young people to look at farming and agriculture as a future career option, is providing online career guidance and advice. For more information, visit discoverfarming.co.uk
• A series of successful Zoom webinars were held during November and December covering such topics as faming and property with representatives from Greenslade Taylor Hunt and Symonds and Sampson, and in the garden with Charlie McCormick and guests. More webinars are planned with the next online event being held on February 17 and looking at farm diversification. The webinars are free to attend and more details will be on the society's website soon.

The chairman gave special thanks to all the sponsors and members who have helped to make this possible by continuing to support the society through these difficult times.

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