The Melplash Agricultural Society – organisers of the annual Melplash Show in Bridport – has announced Philip Hardwill as its new chairman for 2023/24.

Philip has been the society's vice-chairman since 2020 and succeeds James Vickery who chaired the society for 2020-22, a year longer than normal due to there being no Melplash Show for two years during the pandemic.

Philip joined the society's board of directors in 2009. He has since been involved with the organisation of the annual Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match, for which his experience in organising Crewkerne Young Farmers' ploughing match has been greatly valued, as well as the annual Young Farmers Dairy Stock judging competition.

He grew up in the village of Blackdown and went to school at Marshwood Primary and The Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis before gaining a degree at Salford University. 

On his return, Philip joined his father Peter and younger brother Michael in the family business in Blackdown – P.H. Hardwill Ltd – designing, fabricating and erecting steel-framed buildings for agricultural, commercial and industrial uses.  

He moved to Kittwhistle following his marriage to Sarah in 1995.

On commencing his new role, Philip commented: "Becoming chairman of the Melplash Agricultural Society is a great honour for me. I very much believe in the values of the society.  

"Thanks to the work of our members and the foresight of our previous officers, our society leads the way in the promotion of West Dorset agriculture to the public and in the provision of education to local young people, something I am keen to champion over my time as chairman.  

"I am incredibly grateful to all of our members for putting their faith in me to lead our society for the next 2 years. I hope to serve you well."

The vice-chairman for 2023/4 is Simon Wakely of A.J. Wakely & Sons, Bridport.  

Simon will be working alongside Philip before taking over the reins in 2025.