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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 then ran and managed the market. However, in July 2009 Gerald Stafford sadly and most suddenly died which in turn created another new phase in the livestock trading at Wincot Lands.
January 2010:- Messrs Henry H. Bletsoe & Son (chartered surveyors, valuers & auctioneers) of Thrapston, Northants took over the running of Stratford Livestock Market. Bletsoes are a fourth generation family run firm who have not only a thriving agricultural and residential business in valuations and sales, but also higly proven and professional property management department. They conduct weekly livestock auctions at Thrapston of prime sheep and cattle on a Thursday plus store stock on a Saturday, as well as now manage the successful conduct of business at Stratford.
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 or the market office on Tuesdays ONLY, telephone 01789.721643.