Stuart Clarkson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

U2

Mysterious Ways

Listen Live

Former vet shares veterinary knowledge with Harrogate pupils

Tuesday, 21 May 2024 08:59

Andy Hart teaching pupils about veterinary medicine.

A former vet who practised in Africa is hoping to inspire the next generation of animal lovers with an innovative after-school club.

Andy Hart, who has a Masters in both Zoology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine and now teaches Year 6, has set up a unique Vet Club at Ashville Prep School in Harrogate.

He is hoping his experiences in Tanzania and practical, hands-on teaching about the joys of veterinary medicine will help Year 5 and 6 pupils think about Science and Medicine as future careers.

He said:

“It’s such a fascinating subject and this is exactly the age where we can capture their imagination and fascination with animals and Science in general."

Phil Soutar, Head of Ashville Prep School, said the unusual club offered huge learning opportunities for pupils.

He said:

“Andy brings incredible experience to Ashville Prep and his stories of the wildlife and adventures of Africa are a great inspiration.

"We always look for exciting after school clubs and activities that can ignite a love of learning and this is a great example of learning to love the world we live in and the challenges facing our planet.”

Other after-school activities on offer at Ashville Prep include Friday Film Club, the Imagination Tree Club and Outdoor Learning Club.

His love of Africa that took him to Tanzania as the Archbishop of Tanzania requested him to work in rural development in the Iringa region of the country.

When he returned home, he moved to teaching and with his wife, they set up the Artizan International charity.

The charity also works with people with disability here in Harrogate with their café and shop in the town centre.

Mr Hart graduated from Cambridge with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Masters in Zoology, and worked in mixed practice in Harrogate, Wharfedale and Nidderdale before studying Tropical Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh..

More from Local News

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening

New photos have revealed the transformed interiors of Furlong and Furrow near Ripon ahead of its reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum

A Harrogate man is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum after she sadly lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year.
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk

Carefound Home Care in Harrogate has raised £515 for Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) after completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.