Thirty years of physio at Sarum, can you believe it? I know I certainly can’t.
Reflecting on our journey, I feel many emotions: excitement, fear, joy and sadness. I remember like it was yesterday when my friend Juliet Rogers and I flung open the doors. Thankfully, we had two clients on that day. So, while one of us worked, the other sat ready to pounce on the phone if it rang.
Juliet and I took the business from just us two offering physio to a team.
Even after Juliet stepped back from practising, she remained an integral part of the business. Oh, how I loved our strategy meetings at Stourhead, the snowdrops and rhododendrons, and of course the cake!
When Juliet passed, it really was the toughest time. I had lost my business partner and my friend. She was the woman I had shared this journey with, who, without perhaps, Sarum would not have been born.
Thirty years of sadness and joy
So, yes, there has been sadness, the passing of Juliet absolutely. Also, saying a fond farewell to team members who helped make Sarum all it is like Izzy. Who came to Sarum specialising in dance injuries, shared my love of cycling, and retired in 2021.
Others have passed through the Centre, each bringing their own incredibleness to the team. Whether they stayed a long or short time, all left a mark.
At Sarum, we don’t replace practitioners when they leave. I like to think that we extend our family, which today is, shall we say, a little younger. Bringing new energy, specialisms and ways of working to the Centre, and with each new member, new life is breathed in.
Thirty years of incredible support and adventures
I have no doubt that without the incredible support of all our husbands, partners, and family, the Centre that sits in front of me today would not be possible.
The unwavering support of my own husband, Alan, and our family enabled me to start this journey. They then supported me every step of the way, as did the Salisbury community.
Sarum Physio Centre was born out of a need and with the encouragement of the Salisbury community, who has continued to support us. Over the years, we have teamed up with GP surgeries; Izzy linked us to the Dance Studios, Rich to Salisbury Rugby Club. And then my secret theatrical life with Musical Theatre Salisbury.
Each member of the Sarum family has, in some shape or form, connected us to the broader community, from the Salisbury District Hospital to the local sports clubs and teams. Diversity is our mantra.
They say it takes a village to raise a child.
This is also true of a business. It happens with the incredible support and encouragement of those around it and the returning clients. Because of the connections we have made, and, in our case, the referrals received through those all-important GP surgeries, teams and clubs. The support of our family and friends who believed in us.
Over the years, there have been electrical challenges and floods, and as I look back, it is safe to say I never saw a pandemic coming. Yet nothing has kept us closed for longer than necessary, and thank goodness for Alan, who helped build the reception desk screens so we could re-open and see clients the minute we could during that crazy year of 2020.
Thirty years of celebrations and incredible achievements
The Sarum family has celebrated the safe arrival of babies, my grandchildren – marriages and other incredible individual achievements. Team members who, throughout the pandemic, worked at the local hospital and did what they could to help the NHS. Some completed personal challenges and pushed themselves, like Richard running the London Marathon last year.
Here at Sarum, we pride ourselves on listening and being hands-on. Taking care of you from top to toe (trichology to chiropody), here for the young and more mature. Providing you with a joined-up approach to your treatment is only possible because of the incredible team to whom I’m super grateful.
I truly believe that Sarum Physio Centre has genuinely played a role in keeping Salisbury moving. Has shown that from a snowy day in February, two women with a dream really can do anything. And while Juliet is no longer with us, Sarum is her legacy. She remains in my heart and still guides my thinking.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Thank you, Salisbury, for all your support. To every team member, past and present, you have inspired and motivated me. You have kept me laughing, helped me through the tough times, and celebrated the good times with me. A shout-out to Georgie, Gaby and Sue, who have been aging gracefully with us and loving the new energy of the clinic. It couldn’t have happened without you all.
To all our clients, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your continued patronage, smiles and laughter, and, in many cases, friendship.
PS I realise that some images are a little grainy but we are thirty years old!
