25 years ago Brian & Annie Thompson stuck a pin in a map of Great Britain and the Bridge Veterinary Practice was born!
Brian qualified as a vet in South Africa and after meeting the love of his life Annie (who qualified as a cardiology technician in Wales), they returned to Africa on honeymoon. Seven years later and two children later, they came to Wroxham. They had realised that the area surrounding Wroxham was unvetted after sticking pins into the map, representing all the veterinary surgeries in GB. The search for premises began and eventually they found a bungalow to convert.
The surgery opened for business (Small & Large animal) in October 1986. Brian was the sole vet and Annie was the nurse, cleaner, bookkeeper, receptionist, kennel maid, chief cook and bottle washer!! They were both on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It took two years for Brian and Annie to succumb to the luxury of a cleaner and later their first receptionist. Then four years later the large animal work was handed over to a neighbouring practice.
The surgery remains independently owned and now employs 8 vets, 13 nurses and 7 receptionists (at the last count!).