The Melplash Agricultural Society has elected retired farmer Tim Frost as its new president for 2019.
Tim succeeds Richard King who stepped down at the annual general meeting after his year’s term in office.
Tim and his family have been involved with the Society for many years. Their association began when his father moved the family from Burnham-on-Sea to take on the tenancy of Childhay Manor Farm in Blackdown near Beaminster in 1941.
Tim’s late brother Tony, also a farmer, was society chairman in 1986, became president in 2003 and was the commentator of the grand parade at the show for over 12 years. Tim’s children, Will and Lucy, are both actively involved in the society today. Will is a society director and was society chairman in 2016 and 2017, and Lucy is the society’s current health and safety officer.
Tim and his wife, Monica, took over the running of Childhay Manor in 1965 where they milked cows and made the well-known Childhay ice cream. Tim and Will have made dairy farming their business. They produce organic milk at Childhay Manor and run a successful goat farm together with the team at Forde Abbey. They have 2,500 milking goats that are milked three times a day and produce almost 10% of the country’s goat milk!
On his appointment, Tim said: ‘I am extremely honoured to become president of the Melplash Agricultural Society after many years of family involvement.
“The Melplash Show is a wonderful showcase of what West Dorset is all about. It continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the wonderful support and commitment given by the committee, the section chairmen, the volunteers, the exhibitors and of course the general public who attend on the day.
“As well as the show, I’m looking forward immensely to the other annual competitions that take place – gardens and allotments, rural craft, farms and flocks, young farmers’ dairy stock judging and of course the annual hedgelaying and ploughing match.
“These all play an essential role in the success of the society. The future of farming relies on the younger generation coming through and it is pleasing to see the interest that is shown in the society’s Discover Farming programme. Not only does it help to educate young people about where their food comes from but gives a greater understanding of the excellent career opportunities available in farming today. I look forward to taking part in all these activities.”
Jo Sage will continue to be society chairman for a second year supported by vice-chairman James Vickery.
