Local vet calls it a day
Farrarmere resident Dr Jane Hall, who has worked at the Mercury Street Veterinary Hospital in Alphen Park for 30 years, has decided to retire at the end of September.
Beginning her career at the age of 21, as the youngest qualified veterinary surgeon in the United Kingdom (UK) at that time, Hall qualified with a BVMS degree from Glasgow University, in 1975.
In 1976, she immigrated to South Africa and worked at the Blue Cross Veterinary Hospital in Newlands, Cape Town.
She married Andrew Hall in 1979 – the same year she moved to Kempton Park, before moving to Benoni in 1981.
Hall then joined the Mercury Street Veterinary Hospital in 1985, and bought a share in the practice in 1994.
She shared this responsibility with her partner, Dr Heather Pearson, until the date of her retirement.
Serving on the Ward 28 committee, she has also supported Benoni Scouting, especially the Ninth Benoni Scout Group.
Jane and Andrew have also been associated with the South African Guide Dogs Association.
As an avid golfer and member of the Benoni Country Club, Jane has great memories of the time she has spent in this town.
When asked about her fondest memories, she said there had been too many to remember.
What kept her going all these years was her love for animals and working with them on a daily basis.
“You grow your knowledge; every day something new happens,” she said.
”You learn the business, you learn to deal with people and develop communication skills, because you were only taught how to deal with animals and not people.”
At the age of 61, the doctor feels it’s time for her to rest and spend time with her husband.
The moment is bitter-sweet, as she is sad to leave behind her co-workers and the business.
The couple will be relocating to Cape Town at the end of the year.
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