CELEBRATIONS are in order as a Shirley vets is set to mark its 30th anniversary with Countryfile presenter Matt Baker.
Staff at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, on Highlands Road, are inviting the community to join them to look back over the years as see how technology and veterinary services have changed.
Matt will be at the centre between 11am and 3pm on September 15 and will talk about his work with Countryfile and the the importance of vets in the wellbeing of animals.
There will also be a question and answer session with the former One Show presenter.
Those visiting on the day will also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital, a free pet goodie bag, while youngsters can enjoy free face painting and ice cream as part of the family-friendly free day, which will also include a ‘giant operation’, quizzes and lucky dip.
Willows has been based at its Highlands Road premises for 10 years, having moved from its original practice in Tanworth Lane, Shirley, which was opened by founders Peter Renwick and Malcolm McKee.
Clinical director Toby Gemmill, a specialist in small animal surgery, who has been with Willows since 2005, said “As in human healthcare, there have been huge advances in technology and in our understanding of conditions affecting our patients.
“These advances have allowed us to develop much safer and more effective treatments for animals which, in turn, have led to much better patient outcomes.”
“While most of our clients and their pets might travel an hour or so to get to us, we also see many animals from further afield, from all four corners of the UK and overseas – we have cared for animals from Ireland, the Channel Islands, continental Europe and even Russia!
“We are very proud to look back on 30 years of history and how far the hospital has come, along with what an exciting future lies in store.”
As part of its celebrations, Willows is undertaking a ’30 acts of kindness for 30 years’ campaign, in which staff are either collectively or individually doing good deeds as part of hospital’s celebration of community spirit.
To launch the campaign, staff were encouraged to get involved in a donation to Birmingham Dogs Home, which included a collection of food, bedding, towels and toys
To reserve places, which are limited, for An Audience with Matt Baker, email [email protected].
