CARAVAN enthusiasts who descended on Devizes learnt about everything from training top race horses to baking cakes.

More than 40 enthusiast from The International Caravanning Fellowship of Rotarians were based at Foxhangers for the six day visit organised by Devizes Rotarian Alan Martin.

Trips included a visit to Roger Chaton’s racing stable at Beckhampton, Hayden’s Bakery in Devizes, the Wilton windmill, and the beam engines at Crofton.

The visit also included hosted lunches at local pubs, a guided walk in Lacock and a trip to Salisbury Cathedral to climb the tower.

The group met socially with Devizes Rotary Club members at a barbecue at Foxhangers before leaving for Somerset to join a further 30 vans and motorhomes for the group's annual autumn meeting.

Mr Martin said: “It was a really packed programme and Wiltshire pulled out all the stops to ensure that these folks had a fantastic few days. I’m grateful to all the companies and organisations that helped us. The feedback from group members was terrific."

Devizes Rotary Club meets in the Crown, in New Park Street, Devizes, on Tuesday evenings and is dedicated to helping and supporting community and charitable programmes. Amongst many other activities, it organises the annual Superchoir event with some 300 Primary School children, a Youth Speaks programme, and - for the first time this year - a Young Chef competition.

Mr Martin said: “The Devizes Club is small, but has a reputation in Rotary International for a laid-back culture. To some extent, we’re ploughing our own furrow as while some Rotary Clubs are quite formal, we have a very relaxed approach"

Prospective members can contact the club by going to www.devizesrotary.co.uk