Melplash Show delights large crowds as it returns after two years

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the Melplash Agricultural Society welcomed thousands of visitors on Thursday to the much-missed Melplash Show.

From 6am in the morning the showground was a hive of activity. Traders setting up their stands, livestock and horses arriving for the competition classes, entries for the many horticultural, floral and handicraft, homecraft, woodcraft competitions being carefully carried to ensure they arrived before judging started at 8.30am. As soon as the gates opened at 8am visitors started to flock in and were rewarded with a wonderful day of entertainment, although it rained first thing by 10am the sun shone, as it did for the rest of the day.

Lucy Hart, show secretary said: "It was lovely to have the show back and to see everyone with smiles on their faces and having such a great time.

"The last two years have been very challenging for us all, in particularly our show contractors whose work as a result had completely dried up. They are very much part of our team, and although the work they do often goes unnoticed the effort and commitment they give us is instrumental to the success of the event. As are our many loyal volunteers who make the day possible. They have, as always, been fantastic and were brimming with ideas for the show and celebrating our 175th anniversary of the society, it was great to see it all coming together."

The society chairman, James Vickery, added: "It was the most fantastic day. To be able to welcome everyone back after two years absence and to see people enjoying themselves on the showground was all I could have asked for.

"The Melplash Show brings the community together, and gives people a real understanding of what their local farmers do. The livestock lines were full to capacity, and it was lovely to see the general public interacting with the animals. Our Discover Farming marquee was packed with eager youngsters who through the free activities provided were able to learn about food, farming and the countryside, and the important role agriculture plays in all our lives. It was good to see parents encouraging children to get involved and taking it upon themselves to find out more about it all too.

"All the main ring attractions were well received and as always, the spectacular grand parade took centre stage. I can't thank everyone enough for making it a very special day."

Photos by Andy Potter Photography