Shropshire's former top soldier to lead agricultural society

Shropshire's former top soldier has taken on a new challenge, at the helm of the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society.

Brigadier Andrew Meek, former Commander of 143 (West Midlands) Brigade based at Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury, led the Army in the area for three and a half years until he retired.

Now he has been given the job of running the society which stages the annual Shropshire Show – formerly the West Mid Show.

Brigadier Meek, of Wollerton, near Market Drayton, has been appointed as general manager of the society, based at the West Midlands showground in Shrewsbury.

He said: "The opportunity to help the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society organise and run the annual Shropshire Show is one that I am delighted to have been offered.

"The show is such an integral part of Shropshire and all the county represents.

"To be involved with the society and the show is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am particularly conscious of the excellent work that has been done in recent months to ensure that the agricultural show is a success.

"My challenge is to ensure that success is maintained well into the future."

Brigadier Meek was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004 for his work, including organising the involvement of troops in high profile national issues such as the fuel crisis, floods, the foot and mouth crisis and the fire service strike.

He takes on the show role following the departure of Mary Hopkins, who is moving to the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

Neale Sadler, chairman of the society said he was delighted to have Brigadier Meek on board.

Mr Sadler added: ?"He has the skills, knowledge and experience to really take the society forward."