Page 6 - Thrapston Life June 2024

QA
Thrapston Livestock Market has been a cornerstone of our local community for generations. In fact, it dates back to the
12th century when livestock markets were first established in the area. It’s been in the safe hands of the Bletsoe family since 1881. Alastair Brown, Head of Auctions at Bletsoes, explains...
What made Thrapston an ideal site for a livestock market? Usually livestock markets were established in towns with a good amount of farmers and other buyers – like butchers.
Plans to expand further? We have expanded this year actually. We invested a large amount of money and have made an all-purpose site for machinery, and other sales, on the edge of the town. Many changes have been made to the site over the past eight years, bringing it in line with the changing times and sales.
Any colleagues, or do you go it alone?
There is a great team on the auction side, running the markets and sales. My colleagues are: Senior Auctioneer Jake Wagstaff, Auction Administrator Beth Kitchener and Auction Accounts Louise Groenland.
We also have a team of Surveyors, Agricultural and Development Consultants, Chartered Surveyors and Letting Agents in the business.
What types of auctions do you hold? We hold many different sales of livestock, as well as machinery sales: tractors, vehicles, trailers and tools. We also travel with the gavel to farm dispersal sales, some many miles away in different counties around the country.
Any record breaking prices? Prices, like in any business, are increasing year on year. We have never seen the price of sheep or cattle as dear as they are currently. They keep breaking records.
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Livestock Market & Auctions