Hawkhurst Team

The Vets

 

Howard Newitt - BVetMed, CertEP, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon and Partner

Howard qualified in 1995 and attained the RCVS Certificate in Equine Practice in 2000. Howard is an FEI listed vet for both eventing and reining. As a keen rider regularly taking part in eventing and bloodhounding, Howard has a particular interest in problems of the performance horse. Howard is on the JMB Measuring panel and is a local authority riding school inspector. Howard spends part of his time advising several well-known insurance brokers and underwriters.

 

 

Reuben Whitaker - BVSc, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon
Reuben qualified in 1997 from Liverpool University, he is currently involved in his Certificate in Equine Practice, he is particularly interested in lameness, reproduction, surgery, conditions of the geriatric horse and remedial dentistry.  After completing his Certificate he is hoping to further his surgical expertise with continued qualifications.  Outside interests include rugby, hill walking and music.

 

Kate Davison - BVSc, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Kate qualified in 2009 from Liverpool University and joined CPVA in 2010. Previously she completed an 18 month internship at COTTS Equine Hospital in Wales, where she developed a particular interest in lameness examinations, internal medicine and reproduction.  She plays cello in the Cranbrook symphony orchestra, enjoys ballroom and latin dancing and with any spare time she enjoys re-educating her ex racehorse Tilly and looking after her new forest broodmare Gracie.

 

Alasdair Graham - BVMS, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Originally form the Isle of Lewis, Alasdair graduated from the University of Glasgow and joined Milbourn in Spring 2010 after 3½ years working in North Yorkshire.  He has a particular interest in ophthalmology, lameness and laminitis including related endocrine and metabolic disturbances.
Alasdair is currently studying towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice and enjoys walking his dog Seondaidh and guitar playing.

 

Group Practice Manager

Rita Dingwall - MCMI, CVPM

Rita is a former president and regional organiser of the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA), and was the VBJ practice manager of the year in 2008.  Rita is also a member of the RCVS Communications board and the BVA In Practice Editorial board.  Hobbies include reading, cycling, horse riding, skiing and she has a strong interest in technology.  Rita has in the past, produced show horses and competed in endurance riding events and crewed for the British teams abroad. She is also currently Chief Horse Steward for the Heathfield Agricultural Show.

 

Rebecca Friend

Personal Assistant and Equine Receptionist
Rebecca joined us in January 2011 as Personal Assistant to our Group Practice Manager, Rita Dingwall as well as working as an Equine receptionist.   She is a qualified Riding Instructor and spends her spare time riding and competing, with a passion for eventing.  She also enjoys skiing, cooking, gardening and walking her two dogs, Sue and Sweep.

 

 

Hawkhurst Nurses

Melissa Hart - VN

Veterinary Nurse

Mel qualified as a VN in 1996 and has been with Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates since  2005, spending seven months assisting Gary Clayton-Jones at our Tenterden branch before joining us at Hawkhurst.   She has recently qualified as an SQP and has completed a Certificate for Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species and when not working she enjoys running, cycling and walking Oskar, her Alaskan Malamute.

 

 

Fiona Andrews - VN

Pet Health Counsellor

Fiona began nursing in 2002, qualifying as a VN in 2004.   She has been at Hawkhurst since 2006 and runs the Youth Club for our junior patients. Fiona gained her Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor qualification in 2009 enabling her to advise on a wide range of beneficial healthcare issues
She has two rescue cats and in her spare time enjoys horse riding, using her local gym and going to the cinema.

 

Hawkhurst  Support Staff

Lesley Hallett

Branch Manager

Lesley started with Cinque Ports at the Rye branch in 2004, helping out at Lydd from time to time.   She then moved to the Hawkhurst branch in 2005 as Receptionist and became Branch Manager in 2009.  Her interests include portrait painting, yoga and walking.
Lesley manages the Hawkhurst surgery and deals with any invoicing queries.

 

Louise Leggatt

Equine Receptionist

Louise joined our Hawkhurst branch in May 2007 as a Receptionist, moving to our dedicated Equine desk in October 2010. She has been involved with horses all her life, competing and hunting with her two sons, Ben and Tom.   She has two horses, William and Kitti, two yard cats, Sootie and Sweep, and shares her son’s Jack Russell terrier, Trev.