13/06/2026
For 23 years, I was a teacher. I loved helping to shape the lives of our young people and, in particular, giving them opportunities outside of the classroom.
Today, two of my past pupils came to Y Pantri with gifts for me. To say I was surprised is an understatement.
These two girls had been in my GCSE class. After leaving school and going to college, they got in touch with me to ask a favour. You don't expect past pupils to get in touch, so I was thrilled when they did and naturally, I agreed to help them in anyway I could.
The two of them want to become vets, and in order to apply for the veterinary course at university, they have to have so many hours of work experience, a number of these hours needed to be farm related. So, over the past two years, they have been coming to help with our animals, actively engaging with husbandry tasks for sheep, pigs, alpacas, horses, goats, hens and ducks. From cleaning out stables, feeding, administering vitamin drenches, trimming feet, halter training, helping with vaccinations, to a whole host of other activities that enable you to learn more about the individual animal (including playing with piglets!). They even did some faecal egg counts so that they had some basic knowledge and experience in detecting and identifying any worm eggs or parasites.
Neither were ever an inconvenience. Both really were a pleasure to have around and a real help.
For me, when they asked for work experience, it was a no brainer. What a privilege to give them an opportunity that will help them achieve their dreams! It is me that should be showering them with gifts!
Thank you Cerrys and Kleo, not only for my beautiful gifts, but for all the help and, most importantly, letting me and my animals be a part of your journey to great things. ❤️ We wish you the very best with your A level results in August and hope that you achieve your dreams, whatever and wherever they may be.
Oh....and if you ever need some practice... you know where to come, the gate is always open (my vet bills have been eye watering since leaving teaching, why they all decided to come up with unusual illnesses is beyond me!). Happy for my animals to be used as case studies. 😂🫣
