1st September 2010

BRIDPORT: 'Marvellous' muddy Melplash

by Tom Glover

A MUDDY Melplash Show was deemed a “marvellous” success as visitors turned out in force and livestock numbers continued to increase.

Despite torrential rain the day before the show, visitors, exhibitors and stallholders still made the most of the event.

Highlights of the day in the main ring were the White Helmets Motorcycle Display team who wowed the crowds with their daredevil stunts and skilled riding and the Rockwood Dog display team who were equally impressive as they jumped through rings of fire and walked the parallel bars.

During the afternoon guests were treated to a terrific display of show jumping before the grand parade of animals, which was followed with award presentations.

As well as some top award winners in the animal classes there were also some special awards for outstanding contribution to agriculture.

Carole Brown was awarded the Bugler Cup for her service to agriculture in West Dorset and Simon Bugler received the Edgar Bishop Memorial Salver for his contribution.There were also long service awards for Parnham Farms tractor driver Roger Lee and Denhay Farm engineer Gary Powls.

The “By the Sea” marquee was again a great success and for first time this year the show held cooking competitions with prizes for the best fishcakes, judged by the Riverside restaurant at West bay, and prizes for the best curry dish judged by the Taj Mahal and Sea Spring Seeds.

Mark MacGillivray won the curry competition and the shows traffic chairman Richard Batten won the fishcake competition.

Judging the competitions was special guest, Celebrity Chef Valentine Warner. As well as judging the fishcake, curry and View From Bridport “Eat healthy, Eat Local” advert competition, Valentine also presented the trade stand awards and carried out a book signing.

In the Countryside Area there was also entertainment throughout the day from the show’s smaller animals. Particular crowd pleasers were the terrier racing, donkeys and otters.

Show Chairman Nigel Jones said: “Despite the torrential rain prior to the show, we once again managed to pull off a very successful and enjoyable day.

“The many committee members and volunteers worked tirelessly in drenched conditions to prepare the site for the exhibitors, competitors and trade stands.

“Although the show ground was muddy in places on the whole it was relatively dry. The many visitors were well kitted out with a colourful array of wellingtons! Everyone was determined to have a great time and although threatening at times the weather treated us well.

“All the livestock and horse classes were well supported and we had some exceptional handicraft, horticultural and floral displays which were highly praised by the judges.

“Everybody involved has to be thanked and congratulated. Altogether it was a fabulous day, lots of happy people enjoying the ethos, a proper country show still supporting its agricultural roots”

Show President Marcus Beresford CBE said: “I hope everyone enjoyed the show as much as Jean and I did.

“It was great to see more animals than ever at the show and the grand parade was as usual an unforgettable highlight. It was a triumph of organisation by all the section chairman and their committees who once again have put on a marvellous show. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

PICTURE: BULLY FOR HIM - The Mayor of Bridport Councillor Geoffrey Ackerman presents the Champion Beef Beast at Show trophy to the winner Colin Hutchings with Ethel.

BRIDPORT: 'Marvellous' muddy Melplash

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