The Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society has elected its new Chairman, Mr Graham Walton, and its new President for 2022, Mr Paddy Gordon.
Graham Walton, who has been involved and volunteered for the Society for more than 40 years, was elected at the Society’s AGM meeting on Monday 7th March, alongside Mr Paddy Gordon, Director and Farm Vet at Shepton Vets.
Mr Walton succeeds Ian Harvey who has been Chairman for 13 years. In that time, Mr Harvey has helped the Society purchase a new site for the show, secure ongoing sponsorship, and grow the show’s attendance levels to record numbers.
Graham, who runs and owns GW Publishing in Cranmore, has previously held the roles of Show Secretary and Vice-Chairman. He said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role, particularly as we embark on the next chapter of the show at its new home. Thanks to my predecessor, the show has become such a big part of the local community’s calendar and I’m looking forward to continuing that success.”
At the AGM, Mr Harvey was thanked for his services and support to the Society and was gifted a hand made commemorative glass plate.
He said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be involved with the Mid-Somerset Show for so many years and to help grow it into the popular event it is today and to help secure its future. I’m thrilled to be handing over the reins to Graham and look forward to seeing how the show and Society develop for the next generations.”
Speaking about his new appointment, Paddy Gordon said: “Being asked to be the President of the 2022 Mid-Somerset Show is such a privilege and I’m thrilled to take on the role this year, which is a special year for the practice as we are celebrating 100 years of Shepton Vets.
“I’m very excited to see our two such important local organisations working together for the local area and the farming community and look forward to getting involved in all the events the Society has coming up this year, as well Show Day itself.”
Paddy joined Shepton Vets in 2000 has an extensive background working with the dairy industry. He looks after many dairy farms under his Farm Vet role, focussing on milk production through improved health and fertility. He also delivers fertility training for BCVA graduates and has been an Honorary Lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College. Alongside this, he has worked with Tesco since 2012 on Dairy Standards to help shape health and welfare policies for 800 dairy farmers across the UK.
This year’s Mid-Somerset Show will take place on Sunday 21st August 2022 in Shepton Mallet.