The Melplash Agricultural Society is delighted to once again, have Bradfords, one of the largest independent Builders Merchants in the UK with over 43 branches throughout the South West, as the main sponsor for Melplash Show 2022.
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. Bradfords growth occurred with the advent of the railways in mid 1800s, and that is when the real expansion of their business down into Dorset began. At one point it was said that there was barely a station in Somerset, Dorset and East Devon that did not have a Bradfords depot right next to it. Their first depot in Bridport was next to Bridport Railway Station which was in Sea Road North. The focus then was on coal and agricultural supplies.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to Bradfords for their continued generous support. 2022 is a special year for us; we have not held a Show for the last two years and are celebrating this year 175 years of the Melplash Agricultural Society. 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 Show and the local farming community. Their support of the Show and to our Discover Farming initiative and Bursary Scheme in particular is invaluable.” said Society President, Nigel Jones
Supporting the local community and people is and always has been core to Bradfords company values. From the Bradfords Community Cup, an under-8s tag rugby festival in partnership with sports giants Exeter Chiefs and Somerset County Cricket, which is designed to foster grassroots interest in sport and rugby in local communities around the region. To all 43 branches coming together to raise awareness and donating £10,000 to the men’s health charity Movember in June 2022 after smashing its target of 50,000 views for its Men’s Health Week video.
Commenting 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”.
