Memorial bench in tribute to vet

Offering local people a place to sit and reflect as they pass, the bench is in memory of former partner Bryan Green, who retired from veterinary practice in 1998 and sadly passed away in 2011 at the age of 78. He was a firm fixture and favourite in the local community for many years, having been at Arthur Lodge since 1963.

Bryan transformed the surgery into an all-round mixed practice. Whist his passion lay with farm animals and horses, he was able to turn his hand to most things, from intricate orthopaedic surgery in cats and dogs to cattle fertility work.

He encouraged all of those under his wing to develop their skills in all areas of veterinary medicine, so as to equip them to deal with virtually all species.

Bryan qualified in Bristol and initially worked in Gloucester, his home town, before moving down to Sussex. Outside of work, he was a keen rugby player who had been trialled for England.

It seemed only right to do something to remember someone who was such an instrumental figure at the surgery. Bryan was an inspiration to both myself and others who worked here with him, teaching us the art and science of veterinary medicines.

One of his great pleasures in life was walking his dogs so it felt fitting to have something like this bench in his memory where people can sit down and watch the world go by for a few moments, whilst their dogs play on the lawn.

I hope people will enjoy this new feature in front of our surgery and make good use of it. I am sure those who remember Bryan will agree with me when I say that he would take great joy from the fact that the local community are benefiting from something such as this in his memory.

Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery is part of the Arthur Lodge Veterinary Group which has branches in Horsham, Roffey, Southwater and Ockley.

JULIAN PETERS, owner of Arthur Lodge Veterinary Surgery, Brighton Road, Horsham