Territorial Division of the British Veterinary Association

President:
Brenda Soldan 

Brenda has worked in mixed, equine and small animal practice, overseas and for a university. She now works at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital with an interest in diagnostic imaging. She juggles  her job with family commitments, voluntary work, horse riding and dog walking.



Treasurer:
Helen Buckland 

​Helen graduated with distinction from Bristol University in 2008, working in mixed practice since (mainly small animal work). She moved from Cheltenham to Devon in 2013 to be with her fiancee. After almost 5 years in a local independent mixed practice, Helen has recently returned to locum work. She thoroughly enjoys the outdoors, particularly going eventing with her ex-racehorse, bringing on her younger horse and taking Mulberry, the English Pointer, for a walk. She hopes to help the committee continue to provide good affordable local CPD.

South West BVA Rep:
​Richard Walters

Richard graduated from Bristol in 2010 and has worked in mixed practice ever since. He enjoys the wide range of work that mixed practice has to offer. He became South West Representative for BVA in March 2018, a role which involves linking WCVA with BVA council.

Committee Member: 
​Tom Hill 


​​After Qualifying from Liverpool University in 1999, Tom’s first job was in Devon then followed by a period near Bristol and around the West Country, before returning to Devon in late 2005. He has always worked in mixed practice, apart from brief periods in equine and small animal only practice in 2005. He is a partner in a mixed practice based in Newton Abbot and has been on the committee for WCVA since 2009, serving as President for three years.​
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Committee Member:
Gaynor Cumming

Bio coming soon!


Committee Member:
Kt English

I graduated from Bristol University in 2019 with distinction and started working in mixed practice straight away. Being born and bred in Devon, I enjoy exploring the countryside on foot and on horseback and spending time with my numerous pets! I am looking forward to working with the rest of the committee and helping to continue their great work. 

Senior Vice President:
​Joana Crisostomo

Joana graduated in 2008 from Porto University in Portugal. She worked in small animal practice and veterinary sales before she moved permanently to the UK in 2012. She now works as a government vet for the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in Devon. As a student she took active part in her local and national veterinary students associations in Portugal, and is very happy to be able to contribute again to the development of the veterinary profession through WCVA.
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Secretary:
​Zoe Rickard 

​​I graduated from Liverpool university in 2008. I enjoyed working in mixed practice for 6 years before continuing in small animal practice in my home town of Ivybridge. I am currently undertaking a certificate in small animal medicine. I have a particular interest in cardiology and shelter medicine. I have also recently enjoyed working with the Plymouth Street Vet team who support animals belonging to the homeless. My husband and I are kept busy with our 2 children and our assortment of chickens, sheep, ponies and the latest addition to the family our collie Flo.​

Committee Member:
​Emily Wilks

Emily graduated from the RVC in 2017 and moved back to the South West to work in small animal practice. She enjoys all aspects of general practice and is currently studying for a Masters and Certificate in Advanced Veterinary practice with the University of Nottingham. Emily is the South West Young Vet Network representative which aims to organise social and CPD events for recently graduated vets.  

Committee Member:
Jane Hill


​I graduated in 1999 from Liverpool. I worked in predominantly mixed equine practice for over five years , then started to drop back on the large animal work and now
work in a 100% small animal practice part time.
I'm also a full time mum to two and married to fellow WCVA committee member Tom Hill. In any free time I do a lot of sailing and have been a RYA instructor for well over 20 years , I also sing in a local choir and sometimes even have time to pick up my flute and saxophone!​

Administrator:
​ Vicky Driver

​I began working for WCVA in March 2011. I handle all of the administration work for the Association from arranging speakers, processing meeting bookings and keeping the website up to date. I worked in the Veterinary profession for 13 years in reception, nursing and administration roles both in  mixed and companion animal practices. 
I greatly enjoy my role within WCVA and the challenges it often brings!

Staying in sync

Meetings and social events keep the committee informed and focused on the roles we each play within WCVA. Positive feedback has been fantastic.
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Click here for the latest on our Facebook page.

Click here for the latest on our Twitter page.

Council Meetings

Please see below the dates of the next BVA and WCVA Council meetings. If you would like to attend a WCVA council meeting please contact our administrator.
Dates of BVA and WCVA council meetings this year:

BVA Council Meetings:
23rd September AGM
15th December Council
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WCVA Council Meetings:
6th December 2021 8pm at The Ley Arms