TRIBUTES have been paid to a former veterinary surgeon who has died aged 84.

Andrew Richard Michael Bellars died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family in December.

He was a surgeon at the former Strang and Pocock practice, now Priory Veterinary Group, serving the Christchurch area.

Andrew enjoyed a ‘mixed’ general practice, caring for animals from small reptiles to cattle.

He was also a zoo inspector in the days of Poole Park Zoo before ill health forced him into early retirement.

The vet was one of the earliest members and most passionate advocates of the Bournemouth Heart Club.

He raised ‘substantial’ funds for the club by opening his garden and giving talks on his earlier work in the Antarctic where he had worked with sledge dogs on the British Antarctic Survey bases.

Andrew served on many committees, including the Southern Counties Veterinary Society, Dorset Cambridge Society and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, now Vetlife.

A keen ornithologist, he was a life member of the Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, CHOG.

Andrew was ‘never happier’ than when taking his family for a sail on his beloved Drascombe Lugger, ‘Whimbrel’, outside Christchurch Harbour.

Music was also a very important part of Andrew’s life, joining the Grange Choral Society after his retirement.

Later, he successfully auditioned for the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, travelling to Chicago, Vienna, Bremen, Ghent and Carcassonne while in the group.

Andrew also sung in the Albert Hall, which gave him ‘enormous pleasure’.

Concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra became a ‘weekly joy’, even from a wheelchair.

Andrew was husband to Penny, father of Alex, Richard and Catherine and ‘Grandrew’ to Molly and Tommy.

A thanksgiving service for Andrew will be held in Christchurch Priory on February 20 at 2pm, with everyone welcome.

For more details and an opportunity to leave tributes and donations in Andrew’s memory, visit muchloved.com.