TWO Cockermouth veterinary practices have merged to expand their client base and expertise.

John Sedgwick, of JRW Sedgwick, has joined Millcroft Veterinary Group and will now practise from its premises on Wakefield Road.

The merged practices will trade as Millcroft Veterinary Group.

Mr Sedgwick this week closed the doors to his long established Grand Theatre premises. His father Jack, who died last year, started practising from the Grand Theatre in 1980 and was joined by his son in 1981.

Mr Sedgwick said the practice had been in his family for a long time but he was looking forward to the future.

He said: “Of course I am very sad to leave but very excited to join the team here. This will help us in continuing to expand our service.

“Looking after animals to the best of our ability is what makes us tick as vets.

“It is a big change for my clients but it is advantageous as we will be pooling our resources to give the best possible service.”

The merged practices will trade as Millcroft Veterinary Group.

The Millcroft team has also seen the retirement of one of its partners.

Bill Mavir, who was brought up in Papcastle and trained in Edinburgh, said he would have fond memories of the practice and would continue to be busy with his role leading the legal advisory body, the Veterinary Defence Society.

He was hugely influenced in his decision to become a vet by Jack Sedgwick and took over John Mackay’s practice in Kirkgate in 1979 after he retired, then moved on to practise alone in Sullart Street in the 1980s.

Mr Mavir worked with several assistants before being joined by Ursula Bollmann, and in 1997 they moved into the former MAFF building in Wakefield Road.

In 1999, Millfields Veterinary Group and Croft Veterinary Practice joined to become Millcroft Veterinary Group.

Mr Mavir said: “I would like to thank all my clients for their loyalty, support and custom over the years.

“What I have valued more than anything are the good friendships that I have made, particularly in the farming community.”