Residents of Timsbury and its surrounding villages turned out in force at the Conygre Hall to bid farewell to Dr Mark Howell, who is retiring after more than thirty years working as a GP at St Mary's Surgery.

After studying at Bristol University, Dr Howell came to Timsbury in Spring 1982 to join Dr John Newman, combining work in the first year at St Mary's Surgery, Timsbury, with the Elm Hayes Surgery in Paulton. During that time, he also worked as an anaesthetist at Paulton and Shepton Mallet Hospitals.

Dr Howell said: "I have been very happy at Timsbury, but the first three years were the most difficult. During that time, John Newman's health deteriorated and he sadly died at a very young age. We have enlarged the surgery four times and it is now double the size it was when built and with double the number of patients. We have had to meet the challenge of big nursing homes and the Cheshire Home."

Dr Howell said he had enjoyed a good working relationship with three village chemists, Tom Evans, Rob Bick and Tina Pun. Five rectors had also come and gone. Dr Howell recalled that in the first part of his period at Timsbury, he would deliver babies at Paulton Memorial Hospital and also care for the patients in the main ward. For the first twenty years, he was on call during the night until this was centrally organised.

"What has impressed me about Timsbury and the local villages is the strong community spirit and the huge support of neighbours when someone is ill. I have enjoyed a long-lasting relationship with the Sage family, who have educated me to local life and introduced me to my wife. Edna Sage is a character who I will always remember with affection."

Dr Howell, who was joined at his retirement evening by his wife, Miriam, and sons, Lloyd and Douglas, praised the generosity of patients who had given to the surgery amenity fund. He said he was delighted that the health facilities in Timsbury had improved significantly and hoped it would continue to meet the needs of the community.

MT