THE MELPLASH Agricultural Society has a new face at the helm.

Jo Sage has taken over as the new society chairman for 2018 and 2019.

Jo has for the last year undertaken the role of vice chairman for the society for the last year and takes over from current chairman, Mr Will Frost, who has completed his two-year term. 

She said: “It is a real privilege to be asked to be the chairman of the Society as it is a huge part of my life. I’ve never missed a Melplash Show except once when I was in Australia. I’m looking forward to working with the fantastic team for the next two years.”

Jo has lived in West Dorset most of her life. She was brought up at Denhay Farm, in Broadoak, one of the two daughters of Philip and Sue Crawford. She left to go to university and worked in London for a few years before the pull of West Dorset drew her back. 

She now lives at Wyld Meadow Farm near Charmouth with her husband, Clive, and her two children, Maria, 16 and Simon, 14. 

They farm sheep and beef and sell a lot of their own meat though gate sales, food festivals and agricultural shows, including the Melplash Show. 

Jo is a McTimoney Corley Skeletal Therapist and has been practising from her clinic at home for the past twenty-one years. She is trustee of a local charity, Health and Local Food for Families (HALFF) and helps on the farm, especially at lambing time and loves walking her labradors in the countryside. 

Both her children are keen horse riders, so she spends quite a lot of time taking them to equestrian events. She also enjoys gardening and reading when time allows.

Jo will be supported over the next two years by Mr James Vickery, who was elected as the Vice Chairman 2018/19 at the AGM.

The Melplash Agricultural Society has been running the Melplash Show for more than 100 years. The event this year takes place on Thursday, August 23 at the West Bay Showgrounds.

Once again it promises to offer something for everyone and will be packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture.

Show secretary Lucy Hart said: “Farming and agriculture really is at the heart of our show and visitors will be able to watch judging of the wonderful animals. We will building on the success of our Discover Farming marquee – a must visit for all families who are interested in learning more about food production and farming. There will be a number of activities and interactive demonstrations where children of all ages can get hands on experience of a variety of ‘Farm to Food’ activities.”