VCF has 6 Trustees to oversee the ministry, Charlie Foster, Mike Christian, Fiona Lovatt, Stephen Anderson, Alice Hall and John Brown.
Here we get to know something of Stephen, Fiona and Alice
Fiona Lovatt
When and how did you first become involved with VCF?
I became a Christian in the February of my first year as a student in Bristol. By the start of my second year, the Bristol VCF had dwindled to just a couple of us so that even though a very young Christian, I found myself arranging the meetings and inviting in speakers. The Lord was very kind and brought a few more mature Christians in with subsequent years of students, which was a great blessing.
How has being involved with VCF impacted you over the years?
VCF was hugely important to me through my student days and early working life. I then got distracted by local church and family life and have only come back to being involved over the last ten years, in particular, we have had breakfast prayer meetings as part of the Sheep Vet Society conferences, sometimes it’s been only me attending, sometimes up to 20. Either way, this has been hugely encouraging.
What do you enjoy most about your work as a vet?
Meeting people, inspiring good practice, contributing to sheep farming and veterinary communities.
What has God taught you recently?
That he is sufficient and that it’s all about Jesus.
What advice would you give to a new graduate vet today?
Trust God. Your identity is in Christ and not your job.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Spending time with the kids (who increasingly don’t need me). I enjoy being outside either in the garden or in the mountains.
Stephen Anderson
When and how did you first become involved with VCF?
I became involved with VCF as a student in Edinburgh in 1987! I was invited to VCF weekly meetings for food and fellowship.
How has being involved with VCF impacted you over the years?
It has enabled me to keep in touch with Christian vets and students so we can support each other in the challenges of life. It has encouraged me to grow in faith through relevant teaching, prayer and worship. It has given me opportunities to serve and encourage others.
What do you enjoy most about your work as a vet?
I enjoy being able to lead and influence our research team to ensure best practice animal health and welfare standards are implemented. I enjoy getting out and about on our farms and caring for our livestock.
What has God taught you recently?
He has taught me that change is an integral part of God’s creation so it should not surprise us. It is a sign of healthy life. Much of our time and energy is often spent trying to control things, but God calls us instead to trust Him and follow Jesus’ leading.
What advice would you give to a new graduate vet today?
Pace yourself. Recognise that God can be glorified in all areas of your life and don’t make the mistake of thinking there is a sacred/secular divide.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy fires and bonfires. Music, good food and company. I enjoy fixing things, bringing order out of chaos!
Alice Hall
When and how did you first become involved with VCF?
I first became involved with the VCF when I was a student at the RVC, over 30 years ago! Despite admin not being my strong point I was VCF secretary for several years, and editor of the newsletter. Needless to say, the newsletter was consistently late in being sent out!
How has being involved with VCF impacted you over the years?
Being on the VCF committee, with most of the current trustees, and being involved with the VCF was a real encouragement to me as a recent graduate and a relatively young Christian. Coming from a non-Christian family it was great to spend time with wise, godly people who were steeped in the Word and living it out in their lives too. The VCF conferences were a real highlight of the year, especially in Mike and Marcia’s house.
What did you enjoy most about your work as a vet?
I retired from veterinary work 5 years ago. What I most enjoyed when I was working were the relationships I had with the clients, many of whom became, or at least felt like good friends. It was a pleasure to see them, especially on the farms when I shared meals and cake with them!
What has God taught you recently?
Yesterday I was sitting with God and a list of things to do. Even as a retired person my default is still to ‘do, do, do’. I asked God what I should do and immediately the words came into my mind “Alice, Alice you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed….”. It made me laugh. This year the Lord has been teaching me to sit at His feet, as Mary did. Hmm I’m a bit of a slow learner!!
What advice would you give to a new graduate vet today?
Make the most of everything on offer through the VCF, from mentoring, the conferences and newsletter and day events. Get into a good church with home groups and prayer triplets. Be kind to yourself and forgive yourself often. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to walk. My favourite place is on Tennyson Down, towards the Needles on The Isle of Wight. You can see both sides of the island and the mainland, the sun often shines, and the views are glorious!!
