Organisational background
The Walker family has been associated with animals’ care and welfare dating back to 1674 when the earliest records show a farrier in Long Compton named John Walker. The Walkers remained in Long Compton until 1949 when Alan’s father, Jack, moved to Burmington. Before 1881 it was possible to act as a Vet without being a member of the RCVS. One of Alan’s ancestors, Bracy Clark, was one of the first students to attend the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, newly formed in 1791; he was reputed to lead the first horse into the infirmary for examination; he then wrote about the outstanding racehorse of his day, Eclipse, unbeaten just like Frankel during his racing career.
Initially established by Alan Walker and his father Jack in 1981 (this year marks our 40th Anniversary!), we have changed a few times to the Hook Norton Veterinary Group (HNVG) of today. From humble beginnings in a wooden shed at Burmington through enlargement to the premises in the village of Hook Norton, before moving to the present site in 2002. Having been involved in the practice’s development to modern hospital facilities, Alan retired from the Partnership in 2006. However, as the practice continues to grow and thrive, he can still contribute and play an active part by working part-time in a consultancy role and regularly attending meets at the Stratford Racecourse.
We are a modern, forward-thinking practice with separate pet, farm and equine departments and over 30 dedicated vets providing round-the-clock care. We are proud to be one of the founding members of XLVets, a group of privately-owned veterinary practices spanning the length and breadth of the UK, working together to share veterinary ideas, knowledge, and skills. We value everyone as an individual. Whilst the practice is no longer a family-run business, everyone (directors, vets, nurses, admin) within the business has a family, and we welcome them into our HNVG family. Each individual is a cog in the HNVG team, and we know that we need to all be turning in the right direction to keep the ship sailing smoothly. This is why we push ourselves to help everyone achieve the right work-life balance.
We have an active Thriving in Practice initiative, and once COVID allows, we will be able to get together socially. Fingers crossed for our 40th Anniversary party in September! As well as Thriving in Practice, clinical mentoring is offered via designated internal staff and complemented by a career pathway designed to support your long-term aspirations. With the aim of delivering the best care for your pets, horses, and livestock, we are committed to providing a professional modern veterinary service with traditional values in an approachable compassionate manner.
Organisation aims & mission
We are committed to providing a professional, modern veterinary service with traditional values, in an approachable, compassionate manner.