Kirstie Shield welcomed as new BVNA president
Incoming BVNA president Kirstie Shield gives her welcoming address
Outgoing president of the BVNA, Louisa Baker, handed over the lanyard to junior vice-president Kirstie Shield today, during an emotional AGM.
Taking place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on the last day of BVNA's 40th congress, the meeting saw some tearful goodbyes, as well as the election of officers, council members and honorary members for 2013-14.
Senior vice-president of the association Clare Fraser gave an emotional farewell after ten years with the BVNA, during which she has served as president twice.
Speaking of the honour of working with the association for such a period, she said she was looking forward to attending next year's congress just as a delegate. Former president Louisa Baker will step into her shoes as senior vice-president.
During the AGM, changes were also proposed and seconded to the BVNA's "memorandum and articles". It was agreed that student members of the association will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for full members running for election.
As the presidency was handed over and incoming president Kirstie Shield gave her welcoming address, there was barely a dry eye among the council members.
Kirstie began by thanking her family and friends for their support and spoke of her admiration and gratitude towards the former presidents of the BVNA for making it what it is today. October, she says, has always been one of her favourite times of the year due to the BVNA Congress.
As veterinary nursing has developed, Kirstie says her belief in the profession has intensified and for her, the association ensures that "the voice of the veterinary nurse is heard throughout the wider veterinary profession."
During a highly emotional speech, Kirstie spoke of the honour of being a figurehead for the BVNA, pledging: "The opportunity to serve you, our members and the veterinary nursing profession, is not one that I take lightly."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
