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CLASSNOTES
• Sheep scab – Although a problem
in Northern Ireland that had been escalating for years, there were no eradication programmes in place. In March we held a meeting with over
80 representatives from across the sheep industry and since then there has been meetings with small groups of people to identify the problems, what is stopping progression and then identify and work towards solutions
• BVD programme – this has been running a number of years and is making good progress, but there are some who are not buying into the programme. I am pursuing getting legislation in place to have everyone on board
• Mental health – Although Northern Ireland does have a support system in place for all involved in the veterinary industry and their families (www.vetsupportni.co.uk) funding is a big challenge. I have secured funding for the next few years to make sure this support system stays available to those who need it
• AVSPNI conference – the last one was at the end of September and the focus continued to be to build on the successes of previous conferences
• Restructure – the AVSPNI has outgrown its current structures and it needs to reconstitute as a charitable organisation
• Brexit – it has been in the background for some time and has taken up a considerable amount of time, but for little reward
The future
Once my presidency has come to an end, my legacy would be to have a sheep scab programme initiated, progress on eradication of BVD and Tb and a new structure in place to continue the growth of AVSPNI into the future. Following
that, my own plans for the future are to continue to be involved in AVSPNI and the eradication programmes and also continue to be involved in vet politics.
I would like to see the Government, Agriculture and Environment more joined up to all be striving for the same things – there are currently contradicting policies.
Paul continues to live in Northern Ireland, where he grew up. He enjoys time with his flock of Dorset sheep and continues with consultancy, occasional first opinion and medical research.
You can find out more about AVSPNI at www.vetni.co.uk/avspni/
photo: NI Veterinary Today
Leading Women – the closing of the campaign at St James' Palace
In the 2018 edition of Eclipse, we informed you that the University of London, in collaboration with its member institutions, ran a Leading Women campaign.
2018 marked the 150th anniversary of women being permitted to sit ‘special examinations’ at the University of London and with that, being admitted for the first time in Britain to higher education.
The campaign celebrated exceptional women by sharing stories of women leading both by being the first, and by leading through their inspirational educational and professional achievements.
An event in January this year at St James’ Palace saw the campaign come to a close
and one of the three women featuring in this campaign, Christianne Glossop (1979 graduate), attended the event. It was great for Christianne to be recognised for her achievements and was an opportunity for her to meet other Leading Women.
The event was attended by the Princess Royal, who is the Chancellor of the University of London.
Christianne says: “It was such a privilege representing women graduates at this prestigious event. Surrounded by other London graduates all making significant global contributions across a wide range of disciplines, and thinking that our great great grandmothers would never have had
such an opportunity was both sobering and humbling – we have much to be thankful for. And the way we say thank you is to ensure ongoing opportunities for our daughters and granddaughters as they too make their own contribution, whatever paths they chose to tread. I was privileged and overawed to be representing two of my veterinary heroes: Dame Olga and Mary Brancker”.
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