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July, 2020
Dear
Colleagues,
It has
been my pleasure and honour to be president of the BVHA since 2014, when I took
over from Geoff Skerritt. I first became aware of the BVHA as far back as 1982
when I saw practice with John Tandy, our founder, at Rutland House Veterinary
Hospital. My active involvement started in 2010 when, like many before me, I
joined a visiting weekend to get ideas for an upcoming refurbishment in our
practice.
During
my time as president we have had three highly successful Design Awards competitions
as well as two extremely enjoyable overseas visiting weekends, to Copenhagen
and Berlin. As a result, I have met many people and seen many things than would
not otherwise have been the case. I must give many thanks to my two
predecessors in the role, Geoff Skerritt and Stuart Holland who have helped and
guided me. I must also give thanks on behalf of all us to Judith Skerritt, our
office manager, who is fundamental to keeping us moving.
I have
also been the BVHA representative on the Practice Standards Group, the steering
committee for the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. I have been able to take part
in two major rewrites of the scheme, the second of which is due to be released
later this year.
However,
I am due to retire from practice towards the end of this year and it is time
for me to hand over the reins. I am delighted to be able to announce that Mike
Jackson of the Pets'n'Vets Group in Glasgow has agreed to take over. Mike first
became known to BVHA when we saw round his practice on a visiting weekend in
2011 and he was a winner in the 2017 Design Awards. I know that Mike has the
vision and drive to keep moving BVHA forward.
In order
for Mike to take office we will need the approval of a quorum of the
membership. We hope to be able to hold an AGM in November but if this is not
possible due to the Covid situation, we will organise an online vote. I and my
fellow council members will be around to help and support Mike. However, we do
very much need for more younger members to become involved. It is fun! I would urge anybody who may be interested to
contact Judith at office@bvha.org.uk.
Best
wishes to all and stay safe!
Martin
Smith