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I came to Devon in 1981 to help David Temple and John Malseed build a progressive, innovative and professional veterinary practice to serve our rural community. I have seen the practice grow to what is now, an independent multi vet business that maintains the principle of providing an effective, dedicated veterinary service to all our clients.
My own interests have developed into becoming a dedicated cattle vet, as well as overseeing the management of the business. Ensuring all three departments – farm, equine and small animal – function and deliver the care that our clients expect.
I have been fortunate to be able to develop special interests in infectious disease management and whole herd medicine, and now manage to travel the country and the world to teach and learn. I have been generously rewarded for my efforts with some prestigious awards from the agricultural and veterinary communities, but my heart remains in West Ridge and the health and productivity of the animals in our care.
Claire joined West Ridge in September 2008 following a 12-month Farm Animal Internship at the University of Bristol.
As Lead Farm Vet, Claire spends most of her time working with our dairy and beef herds to maintain health and improve productivity, although she still enjoys the variety of mixed practice life, occasionally dabbling in the odd small animal surgery or equine call!
Outside of work, Claire enjoys walking her dogs, riding her horse and managing her small flock of sheep.
Mark qualified from the RVC in 2010. After spending two years working in New Zealand and Australia as a farm vet, he returned to the UK and has worked locally since then as a small animal vet.
He enjoys surgery and diagnostic imaging and has recently trained in veterinary acupuncture.
Mark lives near Tiverton with his wife, two daughters and his terrier Flo. In his spare time, he is a member of a local clay shoot, periodically tackles his garden in an attempt to grow veg and likes to get out and soak up some of the great outdoors with the family.
Marcella joined the practice in 2009 and is our senior small animal vet at Winkleigh surgery. As well as being an experienced small animal medic and surgeon, Marcella offers a wide variety of special services including chicken medicine and surgery, wildlife emergencies and acupuncture.
Marcella is a strong advocate for animal welfare and is the charity vet for the British Hen Welfare Trust.
Naomi is a registered veterinary nurse and started working at West Ridge in December 2020. Naomi has worked in veterinary practices for the last 7 years, and before that, she worked in animal rescue with domestic animals & British wildlife.
She has always been passionate about looking after animals, giving them the best care she can, and when they are under her care at the practice she treats them like they are her own animals.
Hattie grew up surrounded by animals and her family bred and trained gundogs. There was always a litter of labs or spaniels around to cuddle!
Prior to becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse she worked as a Zoo Keeper in Peterborough working with various different species including lemurs, sloths, binturongs, bats and cheetahs. In 2013 Hattie qualified as an RVN and has enjoyed working in small animal practice ever since. In practice, Hattie enjoys monitoring anaesthetics and is looking to enhance her qualifications with a certificate in anaesthesia.
Having recently moved from Herefordshire to Winkleigh with her two daughters and dog Morris, she is getting to know the local area. In her down time (not much of it with two little ones!), she likes to go walking and explore in her campervan
Sheryl started working at the Winkleigh surgery in 2006. She did a National Diploma in Equine Studies and worked with horses for several years before taking a change of career path.
Sheryl has lived locally since 1996 and has many rescue animals including several horses and ponies. Sheryl enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her animals.
Jasmine joined West Ridge in 2013 as a farm animal receptionist. Jasmine has since qualified as a Small Animal Veterinary Care Assistant.
She now works alongside the small animal team, helping to provide essential care to your pets.
Magda has worked at West Ridge in Winkleigh since 2020.
She has a passion for animal welfare and loves working with animals. She enjoys spending time with her family which include two dogs and two cats.
Sophie has worked on reception at the Winkleigh branch since leaving college in 2017.
She lives in Winkleigh with her young son and her cat, Lara.
Harriet joined the practice in May 2021 as a Small Animal Receptionist.
In her spare time, she enjoys going out with her dog Mauve and riding her horse Clue.
Brittany has recently joined the small animal team as lead receptionist. After 5 years of dental nursing she has decided to take a change in career path and work with animals.
Outside of work she likes spending time with her family and friends, and exploring with her dog Suzie.
Vikki joined the practice as a volunteer in April 2022. She is now a second year student veterinary nurse, dividing her time between work, college and family life. She loves nothing more than going to the beaches of North Devon so that both her crazy Springer spaniels and three children can run wild and free!
Margaret runs the accounts and finances with efficiency and effectiveness and is the first point of call for any accounting or financial enquiries.
Speak to Margaret for all account and invoice enquiries, whether it concerns purchases or sales.
If you need to arrange an appointment with our small animal vets in Devon, then please call your nearest branch.
