Rye Team

The Vets

Richard Williams - BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon and Partner

With deep familial ties in the Rye area, Richard originally came to the Practice even before his qualification which was in 1983.
Richard worked in several practices including a period in specialist equine work all over the world before returning to his roots and joining the Practice in 1989. 

Richard quickly became a partner, and has continued to devote all his efforts to the development of the Practice.
Richard has been at the heart of the development of the Practice for many years. Richard was integral to the merger of Milbourn Equine with Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates in 2005 to form the current practice and the development of our clinic in Sevington.  Richard continues to enjoy most of all contact with his clients and patients alike; and although surgery will always be his “forte” he also equally enjoys equine work.
Richard lives locally with his wife and four children.  In his spare time he enjoys swimming and sailing along with lifelong interests in architecture and photography.

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.

Rye Support Staff

Mel Butterick

Branch Manager
Mel  joined our Practice in 2007 taking overall responsibility for our administration and accounts at our Rye branch drawing on her experience in management and administration  from previous careers.  Mel is also nominated to deal with the vast majority of equine enquiries.  During her spare time she enjoys all aspects of country life with her two dogs, cat and pony.  Her hobbies include riding, clay pigeon shooting and supporting point to point as a volunteer as well as enjoying gardening and cookery