Victoria hospital centenary

The Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital celebrated its centenary on Monday May 15. Veterinary staff dressed in period costume (left) to join in the event to celebrate so many years of support for London's needy animals. From kennels to clinics, some were seen working as normal but wearing big, full skirts and stiff tweed suits.

Click here for pictures from the centenary celebrations
Click here for more pictures from the hospital's past
Video: view footage from the day and find out more about the hospital

Centenary celebrations
As well as staff in costume, a mock-up of an early clinic was carefully constructed to show how it would have looked and been run in 1906, complete with old examination equipment, boxes of medication and test tubes from the time. Staff also raised awareness of the day by distributing leaflets in Victoria mainline station.

The hospital reception played host to a display of photographs, for patients and staff to enjoy. Taken at various stages of the hospital's past, the pictures feature the staff at work, and show how the hospital has changed, including its work throughout the Blitz in World War II, when staff often worked by candlelight.

Helping those in need
Today, the majority of Blue Cross clients at the charity's hospitals are pensioners and those on means-tested benefits. For some people, particularly the elderly or housebound, their pet is their sole companion. Without The Blue Cross, many would be unable to afford to keep those animals and would lose out on the many benefits pet ownership brings.

Facts from Victoria's first year

• The first case seen in the donkey ward was a mare belonging to a flower dealer from Notting Hill, which was successfully treated for pneumonia.
• A grey tabby kitten with an injured foot from a road traffic accident was the first patient in the cat ward.
• In its first year 10,957 patients were treated at the hospital, of which 1,226 were horses and donkeys, 3,750 were cats and 4,436 dogs. A century on, 81,984 animals were treated at Blue Cross hospitals in 2005.

Centenary brochure - order your copy today
A stunning 28-page brochure has been produced to illustrate the history of the Victoria animal hospital, with magnificent photography taken over the years, many being seen for the first time. At just £3.99 + 65p each copy for postage and packing, this centenary brochure is a beautiful keepsake for this important occasion.

Orders can be placed by emailing centenary@bluecross.org.uk with your name and address, or sending a cheque (made payable to The Blue Cross) to Jayne Eccleston stating the number of copies you wish, your name, address and telephone number to:

The Blue Cross
Shilton Rd Burford
Oxon OX18 4PF.

Alternatively, to pay by credit card phone Jayne on 01993 825577. Any extra donation you may like to include would be gratefully received by the animals.