Jereme Darke BVetMed CertCHP MRCVS first came to the Practice in 1989 as a final year student to see practice. Following qualification in 1990 at the Royal Veterinary College, London, Jereme returned to Crewkerne to work as an assistant, and in 1998 became a partner in the practice. His interests have always been biased towards farm work – continuing his links from a Devonian farming family background. After a time, Jereme took on the responsibility of the pig medicine within the Practice and his interest in cattle diseases were pursued when, in 1998 he attained a RCVS Certificate in Cattle Health and Production. Cattle medicine and surgery are both strong interests. He is an member of BCVA and attends clinical meetings regularly.

Outside of practice, Jereme has a keen interest in horticulture – with a large vegetable and shrub garden to maintain. Two retriever dogs keep Jereme and his wife fit. He is currently secretary of the Crewkerne farmers Skittle league, which has 24 teams based in the Crewkerne area. He is a committee member of the Devon Association of Bell Ringers and regularly rings at a tower near Exeter. He participates with Sunday ringing at Hardington and West Coker. When time allows he plays squash, and enjoys country field sports – being associated with the Seavington hunt.

Robin Carpenter BVSc MRCVS qualified at Bristol University in 1971. He went down to Cornwall to work in mixed practice initially. In the spring of 1974 Robin came to Crewkerne to work for Wilkins and Partners. Robin lived at Martock for 2½ years before moving to Hardington, where he has continued to reside. Robin is a very skilled mixed practitioner. His surgical skills are noted by colleagues in the practice. In recent years, he has concentrated his interests in companion animals with a particular emphasis on promoting dental health care in his patients. Robin is a member of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and the Mid West Veterinary Association.

Although Robin oversees the small animal centre at Crewkerne he remains involved with farm work, spending two days a week working from the farm office.

His main outside interests are musical; principally as a cellist, but also as local church organist and chorister. He also aims to keep fit, not only to pursue his interests in cycling and skiing, but also to maintain a certain reputation for vaulting gates when out on farm calls!

Philip Boyer MA VetMB MRCVS interests in farm practice developed on his parent’s farm near Castle Cary. Phil qualified at Cambridge in 1983 and after several years working in the Midlands and Cheshire, he returned to Somerset and joined KVP in 1992. Phil’s wife, Helen, is also a practising veterinarian who previously worked at the Crewkerne centre.

Phil enjoys all aspects of mixed practice, spending time in all centres of the Practice. His special cattle interest is mastitis. He has carried out many detailed and useful investigations into herd mastitis and milk quality problems. Phil is a member of BVA, BCVA and Mid West VA.

Outside of the practice, Phil has a busy home life with two school age children. Phil enjoys football (mostly watching his sons), playing tennis, swimming and photography.

Alastair Hayton BVM&S CertCHP MRCVS qualified at Edinburgh in 1993. After spending a period of time working in Cirencester he joined KVP. In 1997 has attained a Certificate in Cattle Health and Production. His areas of interest include cattle medicine, organic production and exotic animals. He is a member of BCVA and recently gave a scientific paper on organic dairy production at one of BCVA’s meetings.

Alastair is now in his second year of studying for an RCVS Diploma of Cattle Health and Production - the highest specialist qualification available. It is unusual for vets outside of academia, i.e. the universities, to be able to study for this. Alastair spends two days a week studying and carrying out research.

Alastair lives south of the practice with his wife, Rachel, who is also a vet and works in South Dorset. Alastair enjoys travelling and plays squash and tennis regularly.

Jonathan Reader BVSc CertCHP MRCVS joined KVP in 1997, having seen practice at Crewkerne and successfully qualifying at Bristol. Jon comes from a farming background in Norfolk and is currently working as a mixed practitioner. Jon gained his certificate in Cattle Health and Productivity in 2001. He has developed a particular interest in cattle health and fertility, and has taken responsibility for a number of routine visits on dairy farms. He is also involved with sheep health schemes and has a keen interest in small animal dermatology.

When Jon's not working, he enjoys playing rugby, tennis and golf. He is a keen skier and enjoys water sports. Jon will be spending some time away from the Practice in a couple of years time to enter a round-the-world yacht race.

Clare Finn-Kelcey BVSc MRCVS qualified from Bristol Veterinary School in 2001, where she had achieved several merits. She is from a farming family and still retains an interest in the family farm. She is involved in both the large and small animal departments of the practice.

Clare's interests outside work are almost too numerous to list. She has travelled extensively and is a keen amateur photographer. She is an accomplished musician, playing both the cello and piano. She is a keen sportswoman on foot, on bicycle, on horseback and in the water.

Kat Bazeley, Paula Hunt, Chris Gasson and Ed Powell-Jackson.