Retirement at last for vet Edmund

A PLYMOUTH man who is believed to be the longest-serving veterinarian in the country has finally retired at the age of 84.

- ANDY PHILLIPS

Edmund Shillabeer started working shortly after he qualified as a vet in 1964, and after gaining his own practice, worked seven days a week, 365 days a year. He recently held his final surgery at his Harwell Veterinary Practice on Peverell Park Road, meaning he has worked continuously for more than 60 years.

Also a decorated race walker, Edmund said he dislikes the word 'retirement' and instead aims to focus on 'new challenges' as he prepares to turn 85 next month.

Edmund's work ethic means he has been taking night calls as part of an out-of-hours service well into his 80s, and was still working seven days a week into his 60s.

He puts his longevity down to a combination of family support, and the help of registered veterinary nurse Mary Millard, who has worked alongside him for 47 years.

"Certainly I think I am the longest running that has been working full time," he said. "The last I heard there was someone who was over the age of 80, but they were only working part time." He continued: "It's been my vocation, and I love seeing the beneficial effects of the work - job satisfaction in other words.

"I love the meeting and talking with the clients from all different backgrounds and hobbies and things. There's usually time to have a word or two, and I usually spend a bit of time chatting as part of the consultations. It's the personal touch."

Edmund started work for other practices in Newquay, Modbury and Tavistock before a spell alongside his mentor in Middlesbrough.