The Melplash Agricultural Society is delighted to have Bradfords, one of the largest independent Builders Merchants in the UK with 46 branches throughout the Southwest, as the main sponsor for Melplash Show again this year.

Bradfords has had a long association with Bridport, the farming community and the Show.  Although it is not clear exactly when the relationship started, it is believed to be around the late 1800s following the opening of the Bridport Railway Station in 1857.  Their first depot in Bridport was next to Bridport Railway Station which was in Sea Road North, when the focus was on coal and agricultural supplies.  Bradfords’ branch is now based close by in Sea Road South.

Commenting on the continued sponsorship, David Young, CEO at Bradfords said:

“Much like Bradfords, the Melplash Agricultural Show has firm roots in the community it serves and we’re proud to be the main sponsor of this important local event again this year.  In the earlier days of our business, agricultural supplies were a significant focus for us.  It’s a real pleasure to have this opportunity to celebrate that history, while showcasing some suppliers and enjoying the day’s competitions and events alongside our customers.”

In response, Melplash Agricultural Society President, Michael Fooks said “The Society is extremely grateful for the generous financial support provided by Bradfords towards the Show and to our education arm, Discover Farming and scholarship scheme.  It is very special to have the support of a long-established and successful local company like Bradfords.  As a farmer for fifty plus years I personally have had a long relationship with them.  For many years they supplied us with animal feed which they milled in Crewkerne!  The role they still play in the community and their continued support of the Society is invaluable. “

About Bradfords

A business first established by the Bradford family on the Somerset Levels over 250 years ago, Bradfords Building Supplies has 46 branches across the South-West. The company’s ongoing support for the communities in which it operates also includes an apprenticeship programme to support the next generation, efforts to encourage more women to follow careers in construction and initiatives in play to ensure it can best support the domestic retrofit agenda, as well as numerous locally led initiatives in the locations where its branches are based.  Bradfords leads the conversation in the builders’ merchant industry around sustainability.