Jubilee Celebration For Goddard Veterinary Group

One of the UK’s largest and most well established veterinary practices has reached its own Diamond Jubilee during June 2012. Staff celebrated with a cruise on the Thames on Saturday 2 June, the day before the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. They have also launched a ‘Jubilee Torch Relay’ fundraiser for Cats Protection and Dogs Trust to mark the occasion. The Goddard Veterinary Group runs three veterinary hospitals in London serving a network of 41 branches, all of which are within the M25. Established by Arthur Goddard in 1952, it is now run by his son Philip Goddard, who took over as Practice Principal in 1998. Over 300 staff joined the red, white and blue themed Jubilee party aboard the Silver Sturgeon, a boat which went on to take part in the Pageant the next day. 23 attending staff received long service awards at the event, including long serving staff member and head receptionist Julie Driscoll who, this year, celebrates 33 years at the Wanstead Veterinary Hospital. During the rest of June, practice staff are also participating in a ‘Jubilee Torch Relay’ during which they will carry a mock torch on a 157 mile route encompassing all 44 branches and hospitals to raise funds for Cats Protection and Dogs Trust. They can run the route, cycle, dog walk or use any creative transport method they wish – except taking it by car. Commenting on the firm’s Diamond Jubilee, Philip Goddard said: “While we’ve become a large practice, our focus has always been on providing the highest quality veterinary service we could. To me, this meant ensuring that we offered a wide network of branches to be convenient for pet owners and which could be served by a hospital for the more complex cases. A practice can only be successful if it employs the right people and, as we reach this milestone, I’d like that thank all of our staff who’ve worked so hard over the years to help the Goddard Veterinary Group grow. I’d also like to thank all our loyal clients. Between them, they have made the practice what it is today. Finally, we share a great love for the animals we care for so felt it was fitting to remember less fortunate cats and dogs during our celebrations. Our ‘Jubilee Torch Relay’ was the brainchild of one of our practice managers and many staff are eagerly awaiting their turn and coming up with ever more creative transport ideas. We’re hoping to raise a lot of much needed money for these two vital charities.”

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