PETER Kendall was booked up to come to a farmers' meal in March as deputy president of the National Farmers' Union. But it turned out to be his very first outing as president after he was elected at the NFU's annual conference in Birmingham the night befo

PETER Kendall was booked up to come to a farmers' meal in March as deputy president of the National Farmers' Union.But it turned out to be his very first outing as president after he was elected at the NFU's annual conference in Birmingham the night before.Peter Eddy, regional organiser for the March and Chatteris branch of the NFU, said: "We invited Peter Kendall as deputy president and got an upgrade overnight."Mr Kendall was invited as a guest at the first members-only club dinner organised by the branch at March's Plate and Porter restaurant last Wednesday evening.A total of 25 members attended and Mr Eddy said: "It was a farming night, with some big farmers, some small farmers and some traditional Fenland farmers."During the meal Mr Kendall changed seats between courses, talking informally to members as well as answering questions, before giving a brief talk.Mr Eddy said: "Mr Kendall was extremely knowledgeable and vibrant."Branch chairman James Martin presided over the event.