Page 14 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2021/22

My day at the wonderful Melplash Summer Show on 26th August 2021
DAVID MILES FNVS
The Melplash Agricultural Society and the Show began in 1847.
This year, it was decided to hold just a horticulture show with homecraft. This would be for exhibitors only, along with one friend, in my case, Mollie, my border collie. No members of the public could attend owing to Covid, (being as safe as possible).
I had prepared my exhibits two days prior to the show. The day dawned and we set off for the show at quarter past six in the morning, arriving an hour later. The show is situated about half
a mile out of Bridport on the West Bay Road. The marquee is in a beautiful setting in fields that are owned by the Society.
I was greeted by the Chairman, Peter Yeates, Stalwart, who I have known for a few years. Without people like him and the other many helpers, these shows would not happen. He showed me to the table for my exhibit cards, where I met more helpful people. Staging my exhibits seemed to run smoothy and finished in good time (nine thirty finish staging). This gave me plenty of time to name my exhibits and also chat to other exhibitors, Caddy Sitwell for one, a friend and grower (to watch out for in the future)! Then back down the road to Groves Garden Centre where
I had a full English
breakfast, excellent.
Whilst there, a few seeds
and Tomorite, (can’t
resist as you know).
I returned to the
showground and had a
walk around the fields
with Mollie. I met with
Lucy Hart, the show
secretary, along with others for a nice chat over a cup of coffee.
Due to the many entries in the show, for the judges Mrs Rachel Waldock and Mr David Shergold it was quite a task and took the best part of four hours. Dave Shergold, in my humble opinion, is one of the finest judges around. Been there, done it, grown it, as we say, (if you pay him enough money)!
On entering the marquee, I could see I had had a very successful day,
David Shergold judging
14 Simply Vegetables
On entering the marquee, I could see I had had a very successful day
which is always a bonus. To see all these lovely exhibits and happy people, it has to be the joy of showing, not just for the exhibitors, but also the proud organisers. There is a couple, Cliff and Pam Pitcher and also Philip Symes, are all over 90 have been stewarding for around forty years.
The presentation of awards was another very well organised event with the President, Nigel Jones and the Lord Mayor doing the honours
with awards, cups, etc. These ranged from best hay to best garden, best allotment, etc.
My only regret in all my years of showing (long time) is not entering this lovely show before.