What's New Archive

XLVets AGM 2007

The second XLVets AGM was held in June at Woodbury Park near Exeter. The meeting consisted of the AGM itself, an update from Pfizer and then some "teambuilding". This was followed by an opportunity to discuss issues with directors, and a barbeque. The teambuilding was a unique event based at the nearby Royal Marine Commando training course - 6 teams competed through a variety of events including the famous "sheep dip" as seen on TV. A selection of photos is shown below including all the participants and the winning team - Charlie's Lambs!

Small Animal Ultrasound Days

The series of Small Animal Ultrasound Days, organised by Mark Overend of Cain have started and so far have been very successful, and have sparked many suggestions for follow up meetings. Mark reports;- "So far, meetings have been hosted by Drove Vets and Paragon Vets. The next available dates are : 20th June- Aln Vets; 27th June-Minster Vets; 4th July Chapelfield Vets; 11th July-Cain Vets and 15th August-Scarsdale Vets.More details are available from emma.atkins@xlvets.co.uk .Thanks to Novartis for their kind sponsorship of the meetings, and Fraser Yule from MIUS (Mount International Ultrasound) who supplied a top spec ultrasound machine for delegates to get some "hands on" scanning. ( I know whats going to be on the next practice wish list after experiencing the superb images these machines can produce!)
A special thanks to Julian Hoad, the speaker who kept us all entertained throughout the day."

Below are some images from the day held at Paragon Vet Group in Dalston

XLVets go to Beef Expo

We were delighted to see so many old friends and meet many new ones at this year’s Beef Expo held in Skipton. The focus this year was on the importance of restoring profitability to the beef industry following the de-coupling of support from production and exposure to the free market.
Six thousand visitors to the show enjoyed the opportunity to discuss ways of improving efficiency and maximising returns from the market by precisely meeting buyers’ specifications for weight, grade and quality. The range of trade stands, educational and advisory exhibits, practical demonstrations, beef breed exhibits and seminars that featured at Beef Expo 2007 provided an unrivalled opportunity to assess all the latest technical and marketing developments in the industry – and the overall mood was very upbeat.

Phil Allcock, Bishopton Veterinary Group, delivered a very positive and well received message of “improving herd fertility to improve returns” within the Healthier Returns seminar that ran at the Expo. Producers visiting the XLVets stand also took the opportunity to discuss the issues raised within the Bull Health and fertility booklet co-authored by David Black and supported by Keith Cutler, and published by the EBLEX Better Returns Programme document.

Below are a variety of images from the day including some of the cattle on display, the judging and the XLVet stand

Telephone Skill Training Days

The first of a series of round the country telephone and reception skill training days were held in April - these were very interactive and were great fun

Some of the delegates who attended the North West Training Day

Small Animal Marketing Launched

The launch of a variety of small animal marketing initiatives got underway at Derby - many members who are mainly involved with the samll animal sides of their practice had observed the success of XLVets within the farm sector and after some focus groups and discussion fora, the launch meeting was underway!

Andrew Curwen gets the Meeting Underway

The Meeting was Chaired by John Turkington who has helped drive the Small Animal Forum

Mark Overend has set the CPD rolling by organising Small Animal Ultrasound days



Andrew Turkington, with his customary enthusiasm, and in his role as Marketing Director of XLVets outlined some of the current and upcoming campaigns. His colleagues at Drove Veterinary Group described how they conducted vaccine amnesties. And Andrew went on to detail progress that is being made on the XLVet Webshop

XLVet Inaugural Challenge (North West)

The inaugural running of the XL Vet Challenge Cup (North West Region) was a great success. Held at Rheghed, the only "underground" conference centre in the UK, teams of clients from Westmorland (Kendal), Millcroft (Cockermouth) and Paragon (Carlisle) competed in a quiz following supper and drinks on tap. It was a game of two halves, kindly sponsered and run by CEVA - the question master was a very capable Martin Gough. The first part was questions based on aspects of fertility, while the second half was more light hearted with local topics and general knowledge featuring!

Paragon Won the overall event, but by foul means the trophy has ended up in Cockermouth. Clearly the stage has been set for the future challenges! All our farmers and staff had a great evening - and we would encourage you to get similar things going with XL Vet practices in your area.

A Triumphant Paragon Receives The Trophy

Andrew Curwen Joins XLVets

To support the activities of XLVets we are delighted to announce the arrival of Andrew Curwen as Commercial Manager, seen below being welcomed by MD David Black. Here is a short interview with Andrew just after he joined;-

Q. Andrew, What’s your connection with the industry?
A. I graduated as a vet from the Bristol Vet School in 1990 and spent three years in general practice. I then joined Grampian Pharmaceuticals providing technical support to vets and farmers across the UK. For the last seven years I have been with the Animal Health Division of Bayer HealthCare latterly as the Marketing Manager for UK and Ireland.

Q. What areas have you most enjoyed working in?
A. Without doubt the most exciting part of my career so far was to be involved with the launch of the first BVD vaccine for cattle. BVD is not the most straightforward of diseases to
understand or explain and so it became simpler to break it down into the idea of white, green and red cows.This seemed to make on-farm health planning an easier exercise. Should you now hear an Orkney farmer explaining their BVD eradication scheme as ‘the hunt for the red ones’ I must apologise - I actually like all types of red cattle, especially Herefords! More recently, I have enjoyed the experience of operating within the international global marketplace and I look forward to bringing the skills learnt there to my new role.

Q. What is the role of Commercial Manager?
A. My main task is to support both the board of directors and the XLVet practices in the objectives that they have set. These include being highly competitive in the health and
medicines market, the provision of quality educational and training materials, and involvement with the general commercial aspects to ensure efficiency and excellence in practice.

Q. What else do you do with your time?
A. With three young children to entertain me, there doesn’t seem to be much time to spare! I am currently Senior Vice-Chairman of the Association of Vets in Industry and enjoy
mountain climbing and cycling. Having recently completed the 85 mile cycle ride from Oxford to Cambridge in aid of the British Heart Foundation, I have got some training in early for any follow up to the very successful XL ride to the Royal Show this year!

Q. How can you be contacted?
A. I can be contacted directly on 07834 268137
or andrew.curwen@xlvets.co.uk

XLVets Present cheque to RABI for £20,000!

XLVets Stand at The Royal Show;-

Thanks to all those who contributed to the stand at The Royal Show - we feel it was a great success, especially in combination with the RABI sponsored bike ride which has raised well over £20,000. The activities on the stand were tackled with enthusiasm by many visitirs to the stand - some persuation was required on occasion, but john Mac., Geoff, James, Peter and many others all did their bit to involve people. We also had one or two "famous" people attempted the "bovine rectal"!! See the photos.....!!

XLVets Go To The Royal!! Relays Completed!!

608 Vet Group

The 608 Group from Solihull was the last to arrive at The Royal Show - but absolutely not least - a lone effort by Deborah Hope on a very hot day has to be applauded (see photo of Deborah at the RABI stand above). We would still like to have seen Steve B. arrive en-cycle, but maybe too much to ask!! Well done 608!!

Rutland

Hook Norton

Hook Norton and Rutland both completed their stints to arrive at a very hot and sticky Royal Show - banners were proudly displayed on arrival and the teams were so keen they almost immediately took to manning the stand! Rutland made it from Uppingham and Nicki reported that they had "almost" enjoyed it, while Hook Norton made the 30 miles in the hot sun, one puncture and a brave 10 miles along the Fosse way, but made it to the Show. Cool drinks and frozen orange on the XL Vets stand were much appreciated - especially by Lucy!

Hexham - Scott Mitchell Associates

Roger and his team made it from Hexham to Dalston on the Sunday prior to The Royal Show - sweltering hot weather and a couple of punctures did little to dampen the enthusiasm. The Blue bell pub in Dalston was surprised to host the arrival of yet another group of tired sweaty cyclists with a plastic life-sized calf in tow!! Well done Hexham!!

Friars Moor

Scarsdale

Scarsdale made the trip successfully to 608 in Solihull - but at Tom Craig's request (insistance) had to stop at each available hostelry along the way. Some WD40 was required to keep Tom's hips moving and prevent a build up of friction heat, but he still made the distance. Emma and team provided the back-up - who mentioned "mother hen"?? Well done Scarsdale - we are getting closer to Stoneleigh!!

Southfield

Southfield completed a hot and scenic trek through the beautiful Dorset countryside last Saturday. Cold beer and nosh from Sarah, Julian and team at Friars Moor was very welcome and disappeared very quickly!
Special mention must go to the youngest member of the team 12 yr old Master William Burnell whose stamina put the oldies to shame! The cows head proved a slight handicap to his Dad but not as much as the shirt! An excellent day, thanks and well done to all!

Lambert, Leonard & May

They did it!!! The Lambert, Leonard & May contingent braved near tropical conditions to cross 3 counties and ascend several hundred feet of gruelling, sinew stretching routes, to arrive at Uttoxeter 2 hours ahead of schedule. As a result a significant 3 figure sum will be added to the RABI coffers. Pictures to prove that a massive effort was involved, particularly for those required to stay in Den's slipstream....

Editors Note;- Despite assurances from the trusty Charles Lambert that the calf had been towed ALL the way (only 40 miles) we have uncovered photographic evidence to the contrary!! There are also several photographs of the honourable Dennis Leonard's attire that cannot be published for reasons of good taste. Sterling effort LLM!!

Kingfisher;-

Westpoint;-

Saturday 24th in a hot, actually sweltering 25+ degrees, Wespoint managed to get from Leaden Roding in Essex to meet Mike Thorne at Huntingdon (63 miles) in 4 hours and no broken bones but with a few oil stains! Every pub on the way was either closed or had stopped serving! They didnt go all the way but due to drop-outs (Mr Dobbs) we were slightly depleted in numbers attempting the feat and in the end 3 vets managed the route.

Westpoint were at the local RABU dinner and fund raiser (til 1am) the night before and got over £700 just from there in donations. Overall have £2,500 and hope to beat £3,500 by the end. Well done Westpoint!!

Shepton;-

Peter Morley and Paddy Gordon from Shepton Veterinary Group cycled 70 miles from Shepton Mallet to Swindon. This marathon 7 hour effort was carried out as a relay with one on the bike and one navigator in the car. Sarah Wheadon, a small animal colleague found them a route avoiding the M4! The journey took in Radstock, Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham, and Avebury and the route included some steep climbs at Vobster, Bradford, Bowden Hill and the Ridgeway. The high points were some of the beautiful Somerset and Wiltshire countryside, especially along the Kennet and Avon canal. The low points included being overtaken by a runner up Vobster hill and negotiating the deep ruts on the Ridgeway. They were relieved to be welcomed by the Drove Vet Group in Swindon with a barbecue and beer.

Paragon;-

Paragon took over the baton (and borrowed the excellent support vehicle) from Millcroft and made their way to Kendal - this was done in 2 stages! The first was from Dalston to Penrith and was a family orientated affair and relatively sedate. Then 4 bikes were taken in a "sprint relay" to Kendal - over the top of Shap - they had to contend with driving rain (horizontal sleet according to David who can be prone to exageration!) before a coast down into Kendal to be met by Westmorland Vets, the local RABI rep and a tray of cold beers - well done team - good effort!!

Millcroft;-

Millcroft made the steep climb over the fells to Dalston - with an age range of 8 to 58! The support vehicle was awesome, and really caught everyone's attention. David from Paragon was there at the outskirts of Dalston to welcome them in and guide them to the local cold beer supply outlet!! along with Chris from RABI who had come all the way from Thirsk to welcome Millcroft home. Apart from a pair of skinned knees, it was a very successful day, and the reconstructed and rebranded calf made it in one piece!

Aln;-

Aln get under way - led off by John Mac - whose dastardley idea this whole thing was in the first place. And a special guest appearance from "The Doctor"!! Please note that the East Coast calf is looking in much better condition than the West Coast calf - must be the air!!

Castle;-

Castle Vets from Barnard Castle had a very scenic but arduous route over The Pennines on their way to Hexham. Some of these photos have been included for their symapthy value (steep climbs) but we also note a rather unorthodox shortcut!! And to think that Bob rode the whole route on that calf (which incidentally Clyde, looks like it made it in one piece!!) Supreme effort from the Barney team - we are getting closer!

Drove;-

One of the Southern Legs of the relay set off from Swindon and made it all the way to Hook Norton - kitted out with appropriate cow-like leggings and specially designed T-shirts. Rupert opted not to fly this time and used only leg power - good effort Drove!

Clyde;-

The Northern leg started at Lanark and they were met at Gretna by Paragon who then set off South. The Clyde boys arriving clad in Lycra, tanned and muscle bound somewhat intimidated the Paragon ladies who, (after a mild swooning attack) decided a team talk and some training was required immediately! Due to a sudden cornering incident (allegedly) the calf arrived somewhat battered. missing an ear and with some serious fractures! Undaunted paragon set off to apply some surgical and fibreglass skills to repair the wounds. Well done Clyde - you have set us a standard!

XLVets AGM

Veterinary Nutritionist retained by XLVets

Richard Vecqueray is now retained by XLVets to provide unlimited free independant nutritional support by telephone with additional rationing and nutrition input on an hourly basis - see more information and contact details on the links page.

Second XLVets Meeting - Coventry 29th/30th November

We had our second meeting at Coventry at the end of November which seemed to be a great success - a full report is on the Forum, under Managing Directors Report 3. However, the main social event was the "Making Movies" teambuilding which involved making a short XLVets themed movie - won by Tom's Tyrants - some photos of the event are below;

Bath and West Show

XLvets was represented at the South West Dairy Even by 2 practices - Shepton Mallet and Kingfisher. As Kingfisher were celebrating their 100th anniversary, they decided to dress up in period costume - see the photo. It is hoped that we will attend more events next show season and get our message heard!

CEVA Challenges

As part of the marketing support from CEVA for the Sheep Abortion Vaccination Campaign, some interactive farmer meetings were held. The photograph below shows the team captains along with Martin Gough of CEVA (second right). On this occasion The Northumberland Challenge Trophy was taken by the Aln vet group Stormtroopers headed up by John Macfarlane over the Scott Mitchell Deviants - led by Roger Scott, but probably named by John Mac! This win was probably down to some covert coaching of the Aln team members!

Joking aside this is a great example of XLVet members working together and having a lot of fun along the way

Carden Park - 8th June

On June 8th, we had the initial meeting of the first XLVets member practices - held at Carden Park in Cheshire. There was representation from most member practices, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

We started with a meeting to discuss the progress XLVets had made, and four new directors were approved. There then followed an inflatable based "It's a Knockout" with 8 competing teams (see photographs below) - who said vets and their colleagues were not competitive? Following this, and a few restorative drinks, we were entertained by a motivational speaker, before dinner was enjoyed.