PDSA

PDSA – DENMAN DAY (29 OCTOBER 2015)

Early on Thursday morning I picked up June and Sue Rodford and drove to Denman College.  It takes about 2 hours and with good company in the car the time went quite quickly.  It was the first visit to Denman for June and Sue and fortunately the rain had stopped by the time we arrived and they were able to view the grounds.  We had coffee and pastries in the main House and then went into another building where the PDSA Event was taking place. 

It was a very professional and slick presentation but interesting with variety and humour.  We learnt about Maria Dickin who was the inspiration and founder of the PDSA (their Centenary is 2017 – so nearly as old as the WI!) and how the organisation has grown and expanded over the years.  Today there are 15 Pet Hospitals and 380 Pet Practices in the country.  They provide treatment for those people who would not be able to afford private practice costs.  All animals are treated when they arrive and their owners are asked afterwards to complete the necessary eligibility paperwork.  The organisation depends heavily on donations and legacies.

Maria was very passionate about the care of animals which included their bravery on active service.  She decided to introduce a special medal specifically for animals involved in wartime activities and in 1943 with the approval of the War Office the PDSA Dickin Medal was instituted.

Steve Leonard, from the TV programme ‘Vet School’ and ‘Vets in Practice’ (remember Trude?), is a supporter of PDSA and gave a very interesting talk on his life and career as a Vet – including programmes he has made for TV. 

A buffet lunch was provided and we had time to explore a little around the House and Gardens.  In the afternoon we were entertained by Colin McGurran, celebrity chef and PDSA supporter.  In 2014 he won a competition for his nostalgic Dickin medal dessert.  He cooked a variety of dishes and gave some useful tips.

I was left with the impression that the PDSA has a very keen and dedicated team.  There were a number of Admin staff and Veterinary Nurses on hand to answer any questions.  On leaving we were each handed a ‘goody bag’ with leaflets on PDSA and ways in which we could support them.  If any of you want more information the link to their website is:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/

And finally some of the PDSA staff asked us about the WI – so you never know we may have recruited some new members at their local Institutes.