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History
When Stratford’s original market failed to re-open after the 2001/02 Foot & Mouth Disease epidemic, farmer Tony Cook and his family decided to build a livestock market (with all of its modern complementary facilities and conference/entertainment hall) at Wincot Lands, Clifford Chambers for the benefit of fellow local farmers as well as those from surrounding areas. The first sale was held in May 2003 and a weekly Tuesday market has been conducted on the site from then to the present day. The market penning has a capacity to hold nearly 2,500 head of sheep and 200 cattle all under cover, with excellent stock handling and lorry wash facilities plus large parking areas. It is well located just 4 miles south of Stratford upon Avon off the main B4632.
Spring 2008:- During the previous few years of expansion the Cook family had committed a lot of time to the successful running of the market, and much at the expense and sacrifice of their own farming enterprises. To that end, the Cooks decided to relinquish control of the market by leasing it to Whittlebury Meat & Livestock Ltd., Towcester (Director, Mr Gerald Stafford) and Mr. Edward Cox (FRICS.) who now run the market as Stratford Livestock Auctions as of Tuesday, 18th March 2008.
Edward Cox, the auctioneer, has the day to day role of Market Manager within which he will be responsible for running both the external and internal administration affairs of the business. Apart from being a chartered surveyor & valuer, Edward also has a National Diploma in Business Studies, has had a life-time in agriculture, and more than 30 years experience in the marketing and auctioneering of both pedigree and commercial livestock as well as agricultural property & machinery sales. He is also available to conduct professional valuations for clients throughout the year. All future contact and enquiries, plus requests for on-farm appraisals, must be made directly to him on mobile 07786. 842230 / 07826.418325 or the market office on Tuesdays ONLY, telephone 01789.721643.
Gerald Stafford has spent nearly 40 years in the livestock industry, and will continue to run his current marketing business near Towcester whilst also promoting the new venture at Stratford Market.
Generally few changes have been made at the market in the short to medium terms, with several members of the Cook family continuing their current active roles on a Tuesday morning to assist with the smooth transition and on-going prosperity of the market.