STAFF and patients at Portesham surgery said a fond farewell to Dr Catherine Pouncey after 27 years serving the Bride Valley.
She was showered with gifts at a retirement gathering in the village hall opposite the purpose built surgery at Malthouse Meadows.
She received a champagne balloon ride, a cherry tree, RHS membership, a Damien Hirst bag decorated with drugs, a Living Earth coffee table travel book, flowers and gardening vouchers.
A separate gathering was held for staff past and present at Dr Paul Baird’s house in Sydling St Nicholas, which included Margaret Elliott, the very first receptionist to work with Dr Pouncey.
Dr Pouncey said: “They gave me a lovely party and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.”
Dr Pouncey has worked with Dr Paul Baird and Dr Neville Fowler for many years.
Dr Baird said: “She has been with the practice 27 years and oversaw the new premises being built in Portesham in 1997.
“Despite all the changes with computerisation and the new premises she has always maintained her personal touch and been very approachable.
“Patients will miss her.”
Dr Pouncey plans to go to Tanzania to visit her daughter Sarah who is working for the voluntary organisation VSO in Sierra Leone.
She will continue at the surgery one morning a week in September.
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