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- Our aim is to provide the best possible medical and surgical veterinary care for our patients in a pleasant, friendly environment.
- The health of our patients is our prime concern, and we aim to treat them in a professional, caring and compassionate manner.
- We are committed to keeping abreast of the latest developments in modern veterinary practice, to provide high-quality veterinary treatment at sensible prices.
- We aim to develop a long-term relationship between our clients, our patients and our staff.
The name 'Ashby' is Saxon, meaning a homestead where Ash trees grow.
There was probably a settlement in the Ashby area during Roman times, and in 1160 a Norman nobleman, Alain de Parrhoet la Zouch, inherited the manor and his name was added, creating Ashby De La Zouch.
Ashby castle was built in the early 15th century by Sir William Hastings. The castle was a royalist stronghold during the civil war, and was partially destroyed by Cromwell's forces after surrendering in 1646.
In the 19th century Ashby became a spa town, although the water actually came from Moira where it was discovered in a coal mine!
Woodward Veterinary Practice
Woodward Veterinary Practice is a specialised small animal practice, dealing with cats, dogs, rabbits and "small furries", based in Ashby De La Zouch with a branch in Woodville.
We have:
- 5 full-time and 2 part-time Vets
- 4 qualified and 4 trainee Nurses
- 3 full-time and 1 part-time Receptionists
The practice has been established in Ashby for over 150 years!
It was originally located in Wood Street, but in 1994 moved to the current position in South Street.
Between 1878 and 1981 it was run by members of the Lake family.
Dates in the Practice's History:
The first written record of the practice at the Royal Veterinary
College was in 1852.
It was located at Lorne Hill House in Wood Street, and the
vet was William Spencer, who had graduated in 1820.
- 1878 - 1915: Sidney Sturgess MRCVS, who died in 1915.
- 1915 - 1940: Richard George James Lake MRCVS, the son-in-law of Sidney Sturgess. (d.1940)
- 1919: The practice moved across the road to Ivy House, Wood St.
- 1940 - 1981: Derrick Lake MRCVS, the son of Richard Lake. (d. 1991)
- 1953: John Tuckey joined the practice. He subsequently became a partner, and in 1981 became practice principal.
- 1950's: The practice moved to Ivy House stable block, now called Herriot House.
- 1989: David Woodward joined the practice. In 1993 he became practice principal. At this stage the practice was a traditional mixed practice, mostly farm and equine, with some small animal work. The practice employed 1.5 Vets, 1 Nurse and 1 Receptionist!
- 1991: 8 Chapel Street in Measham was acquired, and a branch surgery opened there.
- 1994: The practice moved to its current position in South Street.
- 1995: The practice gave up it's large animal work to become purely small animal.
- 1995: 3 Burton Road in Woodville was acquired, and a second branch surgery was opened.
- 1998 - 2007: Nina Coulthurst MRCVS was a practice partner.
- 2005: Fairhaven in South Street was acquired and converted into an administration block, with facilities for the staff.