Ron Smith: Andrew Robinson, vet

On 28^th March, Hawick Rotary held their annual Charity Quiz at The Border Club. Twelve teams of four took part and the winning squad was led by Rory Bannerman. The event went well and £400 was raised for Escape Youth. Hawick Rotary much appreciated teams from Selkirk and Melrose Rotary Clubs also taking part. Andrew Shields led a team from Escape and spoke at the close of the evening on the work being done by that organisation. Thanks are expressed to The Border Club for providing the facilities for the evening.

On 3^rdApril, the Club met at Mansfield House Hotel, and welcomed guest speaker Andrew Robinson. Andrew was previously a vet at Hawick, but now practises out of St Boswells and Kelso. This was a most informative and entertaining talk, covering Andrew's career before coming to the Borders and the ways in which he had seen the profession changing over the years. He spoke of how many practices had been bought out by major groups, of the feminisation of the profession, of the move from the traditional focus on farm animals to city centre practices treating small (pet) animals, and of the difficulties in attracting newly qualified vets to come to the Borders.

Many questions and extended discussion followed before Ron Smith led an appreciative vote of thanks.