AN OAK tree has been planted at a medical centre near Whitchurch in memory of a former doctor who spent three decades working there.

Trustees of the Prees Medical Fund, which is a registered charity, planted the oak tree in memory of the village’s much-loved former GP, Dr Guy Carter, who died a year ago, and who served the community for 30 years.

The tree planting ceremony took place at the Grocott Medical Centre, in Whitchurch Road, Prees, when trustees Noreen Caldwell and Dot Henderson were joined by Dr Carter’s wife, Rachel and her family.

Also in attendance were Ray Grocott, a close friend of Dr Carter, who financed the building of the new medical centre when Dr Carter retired, plus representatives from the Wem and Prees Medical Practice Dr Ruth Oldroyd and Dr Catherine Rogers, and Dr Richard Smith, a former colleague.

Paying tribute to Dr Carter at the event, Dot Henderson, chairman of the charity’s trustees said that he remained much-missed but was delighted his family were present for the planting.

OTHER NEWS:

She said: “After the sad news of Guy’s death, we thought it would be appropriate to plant a tree here, in the grounds of the new medical centre, as a living memorial to a best loved GP.

“Most of all, it is a delight that Rachel has been able to assemble the Carter clan together today to make this a very memorable occasion.

“This wonderful oak tree is in memory of a very special man who adored his family and who was a dedicated doctor to everyone in this area for 30 years.

“Those of us who were his patients are very proud to say that Dr Carter was ‘our doctor’.”

The Prees Medical Fund was established in 1999 by Dr Carter and Mr Grocott with the aim of supporting extra medical provision for the people of Prees.