Mr Guy Mewha-Williams Practice principal BVSc MRCVS   Guy qualified from the University of Liverpool in 1976. After working in mixed practice in Liverpool for several years he came to Cheltenham where he established the Arvonia surgery in 1980. Guy has a natural talent with cats. He has been very interested in complementary medicine for many years, particularly homoeopathy and acupuncture and sees many second opinion cases every year. He is currently studying for the VetMFHom diploma. Out of work, Guy enjoys singing and is known in the local community for his involvement in an amateur dramatic group, the RADS. When there is a clear sky, you'll probably find him with a glass of gin and tonic looking at the stars through his telescope! You may well find him around Hatherley and the Reddings being pulled along by his one-eyed Chihuahua - Chico! Dr Richard Hillam Veterinary Surgeon BVSc PhD CertVR MRCVS   Richard qualified in 1989 from the University of Liverpool. After a brief spell in the Far East he started his career in general mixed practice in Dorking, Surrey. He worked in farm, equine and companion animal practice until 1993 when he won a fellowship at the University of Bristol. He was awarded a PhD in orthopaedics in 1996 and gained Royal College certification in Veterinary Radiology in 1997. He was also involved with the teaching and examination of veterinary and anatomical science students during his stay at the Bristol Vet School. He has worked in Cheltenham since 1998 and joined Arvonia in 2001. His main professional interests are radiology, ultrasonography, orthopaedics and ophthalomolgy. He is also responsible for training veterinary nurse students for their RCVS VN Diploma. Mr Chris Lord Veterinary Surgeon MA, VetMB MRCVS   Chris trained at Cambridge Veterinary School and then spent five years in small animal practice on the South Coast. From there he moved to the other end of the country to be close to the National Parks of the Dales and Lake District. While at Cambridge he met and married Sue, who is a theatre nurse and also works voluntarily for Mercy Ships in the UK and Africa. After 20 years in Lancashire, Chris decided to take life a little easier, retired from his partnership and, with their boys now at university, Sue and he moved to Cheltenham to be close to their parents. He now works as a locum for local practices and enjoys the privilege of being a vet without the responsibilities of management! Chris is a National Trust volunteer and lists his hobbies as walking and model railways, but will also be found watching British Touring Cars or airshows with his sons. It is probably no surprise that his home was once the site of a railway station and is under the Fairford flight path! Mr Tony Nevin Osteopath DO BSc (Hons)   Tony graduated from the European School of Osteopathy in 1988. Since then he has worked in private practice, treating both people and animals suffering from physical conditions. These conditions may be caused by trauma, or due to stress related issues. All have a detrimental affect on the body framework (musculo-skeletal system). Working within the BVA guidelines, and UK law, Tony operates a weekly clinic for small animals needing osteopathic treatment at Arvonia Animal Hospital. Over the last 12 years he has treated hundreds of cases ranging from lameness, back trouble, pre and post operative rehabilitation, through to improving mobility and joint function in the elderly pet. By working closely with the hospitals' own vets Tony has been able to offer his services to pet owners from all over the county via direct referral from their own veterinary surgeons. Thus any vet can send patients to receive osteopathic treatment at Arvonia Animal Hospital. The referral only covers osteopathic work carried out. Any X-rays, blood tests etc are taken care of by the referring veterinary practice. Over the years Tony has pioneered the use of osteopathy on numerous species of animals, birds, and reptiles. These have included British wildlife casualties at UK rescue centres, right the way through to elephants and ostrich in the wilds of Africa. Tony currently works at zoos and collections both in the UK and overseas, as well as several veterinary clinics. He has used all of these experiences to enhance his companion animal work. Tony is also a founder of the Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice (SOAP), and is on the teaching faculty for post graduate studies for osteopaths in animal practice. Mrs Jacqui Yeomans Head Nurse & Practice Administrator   Jacqui joined the Arvonia Veterinary Surgery in 1987, just to help out on reception for two weeks. Twenty years later, she is still here and is now Head Nurse. Much of Jacqui's working week is taken up with an increasing level of administrative duties and completing insurance forms. Away from work, Jacqui relaxes by reading avidly, sewing, cooking and walking her Bouvier - Ella. Ms Abby Noble Veterinary Nurse VN   Abby is a qualified veterinary nurse and joined Arvonia in 2003. She spent two years traveling around the World, where she developed a taste for all sorts of hot, spicy and expensive food! She has been to Australia, Nepal, India and Thailand. She is returning to the Far East later in 2009 to do a little more traveling and sample the wonderful cuisine! She has a particular 'weakness' for Boxers and often looks after her mum's Boxer - Nutmeg. Outside of work she is interested in fitness and leads an exhausting social life! Mrs Beverly Haste Veterinary Nurse VN   Beverly has worked in veterinary practice for 12 years, starting as a receptionist and then training as a nurse. She qualified as a VN in 2008 and now works for us part-time. Outside work Bev enjoys cooking, sewing and property renovation, which includes a long-term project in France. Ms Viv Jeffs Receptionist   Viv started with the practice in July 2003. She is the cheery, friendly person that will greet you in the morning. She looks after us all now that her two daughters have left home. Viv just can't cook to save her life so likes to eat out! She enjoys listening to music but her passion is gardening and trying to manage her nutty Cocker Spaniel - Archie!