Yorkshire Philosophical Society

Event Information

Agnes Winter Memorial Lecture

“The Ever Changing World of Veterinary Medicine”

Dr Judith Charnley and Dr Dai Grove-White

The veterinary profession has changed dramatically over the last few decades . What was almost always considered by veterinary graduates to be a life long vocation is now frequently  considered to be a stepping stone to other experiences.

Practicing veterinary surgeons Dai Grove White and Judith Charnley have had very varied careers, working in small and large animal vet practices , academia, government , and as expert witnesses in farm animal welfare cases. They both keep their own flocks of sheep

Sprinkled with a few anecdotes and hints and tips along the way,  they will discuss their experiences both at home and abroad , ethical aspects of animal welfare coupled with sometimes misinformed public perceptions and expectations , the feminisation of the profession and the takeover of vet practices  by “the corporates”.

The Guests Speakers are two distinguished Vets who were colleagues and friends of Dr Agnes Winter

Dr Dai Grove White BVSc MSc DBR PhD DECBHM FRCVS has owned a veterinary practice and worked as an academic at The University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science and has his own flock of sheep.

Dr Judith Charnley, B Vet Med, Cert SHP, MRCVS has worked in farm practice, then worked for government, attended court as an expert witness in animal welfare cases and keeps her own flock  of sheep. Recently she was made a Freeman of the City of London and on the same day became a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. As a Freeman she can now walk her sheep across London Bridge.

Image: Sheep in the Yorkshire Dales (creative commons)

7pm in the Tempest Anderson Lecture Theatre in the Yorkshire Museum on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

YPS Members and students free, non members £5.

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