ROTARY CLUB: Welcomed to their meeting on Monday six Rotarians from Frankfurt in Germany, representing the Rotary Clubs of Krouberg, Bad Sooden-Koenigstein, Frankfurt-Stacdel and Frankfurt-Roenjer. The visit to Stratford had been arranged through Stratford Inner Wheel, and had included an enjoyable asparagus supper at the Fleece Inn at Bretforton last Saturday.

The speaker at the meeting was Craig Thomson, who gave an amusing and interesting talk on the New Cattle Market, which opened for business on May 6. Located near Clifford Chambers, planning consent had been obtained in September 2002, and so far some seven bays had been built, together with much of the ancillary accommodation. It will in due course provide a functions suite and restaurant.

Mr Thomson felt sure that Stratford Auctions Ltd would cater for the needs of the farming and meat industries, and would continue to grow and expand.

Brian Rawson in proposing the vote of thanks, gave members a brief insight into the past history of the Stratford Market. He also reminded them that it was a group of far-sighted Warwickshire farmers who had started the NFU.