Suffolk Tortoise Group

[Geomyda]

I gave a talk last night at the Suffolk Tortoise Group in Bury St Edmunds. Just over Forty attended and though I do say so myself, the Box Turtle presentation went down extremely well. The facilities used by this group are amazing, a huge veterinary practise, built in 2004: Moreton Hall group. It is set on the edge of an Industrial/Retail park area just outside Bury St Edmunds and comprises a very large reception, the sort one would expect to see in a modern GP, Group practise, or even a Hospital. Three Vet nurse/receptionists and a Practise manager run the reception area. They do all of the registration procedures and typically conduct weighing and other minor check procedures prior to animals being sent through to one of four Veterinary examination rooms.
The seating area at the end of surgery quickly transforms into a communal meeting room/auditorium, with 50" plasma TV, and other AV facilities, ideal for group meetings or special interest training etc. There is also a very large retail area for customers to buy dry goods and Pet products, and this is staffed by separate seemingly enthusiastic retail sales people. As I arrived last night another group of Puppy owners were attending practical lessons in Dog behaviour, which was held on land belonging to the Vet group. Again very impressive and seemingly professional.
Having spoken to the staff whom I were very knowledgeable. Various "pet" interest groups hold evening meetings and the site is encouraging a community participation; Income and common sense!
In consequence, the Tortoise group which meets every month throughout the season are very well served and the Vet nurses and Vets themselves are all very well schooled in identification, general knowledge and I believe call on the Tortoise Group organisers to help on certain specialist experience. Dillon Prest, one of the team of course writes great articles for Magazines, and has had published articles in the Tortoise Trust Newsletter.
Again, evidence of a well organised and very sensible regional Tortoise group doing really good work in the hobby.
For those interested in attending, suggest contacting Andy1, on this forum for future dates and times