AT the town's Radnorshire Arms Hotel, Presteigne Investment Club was pleased to welcome an Australian investor to their monthly meeting last Thursday. Having heard of the success of the club, as far away as Melbourne, Mr Craig Carr was interested to learn some of the secrets which have - over the past 15 years - propelled PIC into an international beacon of success for its £25 per month members.

Keith Wilson, the club's secretary and one of its founder members, explained that it was often the case that those who knew little about shares could find that, with a little research, they were able to discover hidden gems which could then go on to make a fortune. Unfortunately though, as Keith pointed out, success often comes at a price when companies in the club's portfolio, such as Marconi and Woolworths, go bust.

International recognition as one of the UK's most successful investment clubs has had the positive effect of ensuring that a waiting list for potential members is always in operation. Anyone interested in either joining the waiting list, or attending a meeting as an observer, should contact Jonathan Wilson on 01544 262712 or email him at ajonathanwilson@aol.co.uk