After almost 20 years with Orchard House Vets, our much-loved team member Cris Paterson is retiring.

Cris first joined us in February 2006, at a time when our Stocksfield surgery had only just opened its doors. Back then, the Stocksfield team had a small team of just one vet, a veterinary nurse, and a handful of colleagues based at Hexham. Cris immediately became an integral part of the team, helping to shape the friendly and professional service that Orchard House Vets has become known for today.

Over the years, Cris has been a familiar and welcoming face at Stocksfield, but her versatility meant she also worked across our other surgeries whenever needed. Her professionalism, warmth, and ability to put both clients and colleagues at ease made her a cornerstone of our practice. Many of you will have met Cris and know how dedicated she has always been—not just to the smooth running of the surgeries, but to ensuring every owner and pet felt cared for.

Her hard work and dedication were recognised nationally in 2022, when she was named Receptionist of the Year at the British Veterinary Receptionist Awards. It was a richly deserved accolade, and a proud moment for us all.

As our practice has grown over the years, Cris has been a constant presence, helping new staff to settle in, offering support to colleagues, and always setting an example of professionalism and kindness. Her contribution has been enormous, and it is no exaggeration to say that Orchard House Vets would not be what it is today without her.

Although we will miss seeing Cris’s friendly face each day, we are delighted that she can now enjoy a well-earned retirement. We know she will be kept very busy with her grandchildren, and we wish her all the happiness in this next chapter.

On behalf of everyone at Orchard House Vets—and the many thousands of pets and clients she has helped over nearly two decades—we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Cris for everything she has done.

Here are a few of our favourite memories!