Capsule sealed as vet body celebrates

Celebrations of a century of veterinary practice in South Otago continued yesterday with a look back into the past and a glimpse towards the future.

Clutha Veterinary Association's 100-year anniversary began on Thursday with a golf day at Balclutha and continued yesterday with an open day at the Balclutha clinic.

A highlight of that gathering was the official sealing of a time capsule in the clinic grounds at 3pm.

Letters, photographs, mementos, small personal items and copies of yesterday's Otago Daily Times were all to be buried in the capsule, which will remain sealed until it is opened in June 2108.

Although the capsule has officially been sealed, staff said they would still accept donations to be included.

A special commemorative book, While You're Here, detailing the association's 100-year history, was also released.

Much of the book's early work was done by the late Alan Shaw, who had a long history with the association.

He started work in earnest on the publication just before his death in October 2006.

Board chairman Alastair Cocks, who unveiled the plaque and sealed the time capsule, said the centennial was a significant occasion.

Members, suppliers, staff and members of the public gathered outside the Balclutha clinic's main entrance for the brief ceremony.

Mr Cocks paid tribute to the association's founding farmers, who had the foresight to establish the vet club in 1908.

He was confident farming would continue to prosper in South Otago in the coming 100 years, as it had in the past century.

He also firmly believed there would continue to be a place for the association in the next 10 decades, he said.

A happy hour was held last night at the Rosebank Lodge, directly across the road from the Balclutha clinic.

Tonight, the main event is a centenary dinner.