Anyone in Shepton Mallet with a pet is likely to have gone to Shepton Vets to get care for their much-loved animal at some time or another. The veterinary paractice plays a vital part of life in the town, and this year is marking an important milestone – 100 years of practice.

Founded in 1922 by Tom Patterson the practice has evolved from the days of Tom conducting his rounds on a motorbike and sidecar into a successful farm and small animal practice with a second branch in Wells.

To commemorate the centenary Shepton Vets has planned a host of events throughout summer, including a charity bike ride, farm tours and local show sponsorship, and is hoping the whole community will get involved.

Senior director, Paddy Gordon, comments "Turning one hundred is important. We may have grown substantially but we haven't lost the family and community feel. We want to bring our community, near and far along with us on this celebration."

A fundraising cycle ride 'cycling into the centenary' is taking place on September 10. The 100km route through the lanes of Somerset passes many clients' farms and the Wells Vets branch. Staff, clients and supporters are welcome to join the group cycle, which is raising money for the Farming Community Network charity. To accommodate all, there is a second month long challenge throughout September where participants can complete 100km over shorter rides throughout the month.

Shepton Vets have deep ties to the local community and have remained an independent practice with the support of XLVets. They regularly sponsor numerous local events, such as the Snowdrop Festival, the Mendip Point to Point, as well as visits to local schools. The team can also be found sponsoring the Mid Somerset Show in August and stockmanship at the Dairy Show in October. Alongside sponsorship, this year they are also raising money for the Farming Community Network.

A commemorative book 100 years of Shepton Vets has been written and is packed with stories, photographs, diary entries and reflections from staff over the years. There are limited copies available which will soon be available for purchase from the practice. The book was previewed at the practice's recent party at the Bath and West Show.

Paddy continues "The party was a fantastic kick start to our centenary celebrations and was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the people who have got us this far. The support from our staff past and present, our clients, XLVets and the veterinary community has been incredible. We look forward now to our cycle ride, and farm tour and hope to raise lots of money for charity in the process."

Experts in farm practice, Shepton Vets understands the value of sharing knowledge to further improvement. As such, the practice has organised 'Tour de Yorkshire,' a trip to visit three progressive farms based in Yorkshire. Local farmers are invited to join the trip, which will conclude at the Great Yorkshire show.

Susan Goodfellow, Chief Marketing Officer of XLVets, expresses her delight at Shepton Vets' achievement, "We are thrilled for Shepton Vets to have reached this impressive milestone. They are a thriving practice with great values, who are embedded in their local community. We are proud to have supported them on their journey and are excited for their future."

The proceeds from Shepton Vets' fundraising are going towards the Farming Community Network, who support famers and families within the farming community. More information on the fundraising and sponsorship can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sheptonvets100. 

Shepton Vets offers total care for pets and farm animals. A dedicated farm team cover all areas of veterinary work and are one of the few practices in the UK that offer laparoscopic surgery in cows. The small animal team offer all routine and emergency treatment and covers its out of hours service. More information can be found at www.sheptonvets.com or by calling 01749 343955.