Carl Temple

I was born in Liverpool many years ago, but before I could talk was rescued to civilisation. My stay in Africa - first Uganda, later Kenya - lasted about 14 years before moving back to England (Kent).

I graduated from Liverpool university in 1986, and worked for a mixed practice in Brentford, Essex for a few years, before moving to Noahs Ark in (1990).

Since beginning work here and Springwell surgery (the former sister practice of Noahs Ark), I have gained much knowledge in the treatment of small animals and horses. Whilst working here I met and later married my wife Elizabeth. We have two children, Henry and Emily.

I played rugby at school and university and now follow the game on an armchair basis.

I attempt to go on a skiing trip at least once every season though finance, family and limited holiday have been known to get in the way. My other interets include antiques, gardening and restoring, maintaining and driving classic cars.

Hannah Ridgwell

I am a veterinary surgeon and have been working part-time at Noah's Ark since the birth of my first child 6 years ago. I qualified from London University in 1997 and eventually joined our former sister practice, Springwell, where I treated horses and small animals. In my spare time I like to write -mainly articles for Smallholding magazines amongst other things, grab the occasional flight in a microlite at Chiltern aerodrome, ride my horse Josh, and play at being a gardener at home near Tring.

Helen Batchelor

My ambition to pursue a career in the veterinary profession began when I was at school. I had a regular Saturday and holiday job at a local practice which confirmed this.

After graduating from Nottingham University in 1997 with a degree in Animal Science, I decided to begin the veterinary nurse training. I started work in a practice in St. Albans, Hertfordshire and gained the veterinary nurse qualification in 2001.

In June 2003, having recently moved to Bedfordshire, I started working as head nurse at Noahs Ark. My spare time is occupied looking after my lurcher Oily.

I am currently on maternity leave after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl.

Helen King

I completed my veterinary nursing degree in June 2004 at the Middlesex and Royal Veterinary College. I then worked in a practice in Watford until I moved to Noahs Ark.

My hobbies includes reading, walking and craft activities.

The rest of my spare time is filled up with my three rabbits and a guinea pig.

Athena Jarvis

I have been nursing for many years now. My career began at a small animal practice in Luton where I started as an assistant. From there I moved on to a larger practice in Milton Keynes, where I qualified. I was based at the main hospital branch, with numerous vets, nurses and receptionists.

I then decided to switch from working dayshifts to working the emergency night shift. Night work kept me busy with road traffic accidents and caesareans at 3am. I stayed in emergency work for nearly 5 years but then made the decision to go back to my roots in general practice.

Since July I have worked at Noah’s Ark, where I am now starting the nurse weight clinics. I am currently on maternity leave after giving birth to gorgeous twin boys.

Fiona Garrard

My career began in 2002 at a small animal practice in Dunstable where I worked as a weekend receptionist. When I left school they took me on as a trainee veterinary nurse. After qualifying in 2005 I remained at the practice for a further 2 years. In 2007 I moved to work at a small animal practice in Flitwick where I spent a further 3 years.

I have been working at Noah's Ark since June 2010 after a decision to move a little closer to home. I enjoy all aspects of nursing but in particular dentistry and exotics.

I have lots of pets including 2 sheep, 7 ferrets, 2 lizards and too many chickens, ducks and geese to list, so I tend not to have much spare time!