There's not long to wait until the return of the biggest show in west Dorset.

The Melplash Show is back this month.

Melplash Agricultural Society president Nigel Jones said: “2022 is a special year for us; we have not held a show for the past two years and are celebrating this year 175 years of the Melplash Agricultural Society."

The society has announced builders merchants Bradfords as the main sponsor for the 2022 show.

Bradfords has had a long association with Bridport, the farming community and the show. Although it is not clear when the relationship started it is believed to be around the late 1800s following the opening of the Bridport Railway Station in 1857.

"We would like to extend our appreciation to Bradfords for their continued generous support," added Mr Jones.

"It gives us immense pleasure to be celebrating with Bradfords, who themselves reached their 250 years anniversary in 2020. They have a long association with the how and the local farming community. Their support of the show and to our Discover Farming initiative and Bursary Scheme in particular is invaluable."

David Young, chief executive officer of Bradfords, said:

“We are extremely proud and excited to continue our sponsorship of the Melplash Show this year. Very much like Bradfords, the show has a long pedigree and continues to keep the local community, particularly farming, at its heart. At a time when family and community have been at the forefront of all of our minds we look forward to entertaining our customers and thanking them for their support”

The Melplash Show takes place on Thursday, August 25. Discounted adult tickets are available at melplashshow.co.uk Admission for 16 years and under is free.

The results are in for the annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s flock competition which rewards farmers in the area for their shepherding and flock management skills.

It is open to sheep farmers with large, medium and small flocks who keep sheep for breeding whether commercial, pedigree or rare breed and live within 12 miles of Melplash village church.

The Competition was judged by Mr Vernon Edmunds from Dorchester. The Stewards were Mr Philip Baker, Mr John Yeates and Mr John Norman. The judges spent around 2 hours on each farm inspecting the flocks and finding out from the farmer how they manage their business, looking at profitability, use of resources and what their plans are for the future.

The winners will be awarded with their cups at the Melplash Show on Thursday, August 25.

The results this year are as follows:

Small flock (15-30 ewes)

Winner Mrs Michelle Machin, Walditch: flock of Zwartbles

2nd Mrs Sharon Stagg, Crewkerne: flock of Icelandic Sheep

Medium Flock (51-300 ewes)

Winner RI Geddes & Partners, Toller Porcorum: flock of Mule x Roussin

2nd Mr & Mrs David & Ruth Wilkins, Hooke: flock of Dorset Down

3rd Mr Bruce Maltby, Kingston Russel:, flock of Romney

Large Flock (301 ewes and over)

Winner W E Yeates & Son, Swyre: flock of Dorset

2nd Rampisham Manor Farms: flock of Lleyn x Aberfield

3rd Chedington Court Estate, Beaminster: flock of New Forest Clun / Dorset Horn / Poll Dorset

The winner of this year’s Small Flock Competition is Mrs Michelle (Mimi) Machin with her flock of Zwartbles sheep.

They are a very striking black sheep with a white blaze, first imported from the Netherlands in the early 1990s.

They are known for their outstanding maternal properties as well as for their lamb and mutton.