A closed Facebook group for past employees of the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket has reached over 400 members. The group was set up by Dr David Marlin as the dismantling of the AHT became a stark reality with the announcement of the first auction of assets by Gordon Brothers. Past employees have been using the group to post pictures from happier times and to share news about new job opportunities. The Animal Health Trust was founded in 1942 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1963. Fundraising issues exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis forced the trust to close its doors earlier this year.
Assets for sale via private treaty and online auction include small animal and horse veterinary equipment for consultation rooms and operating theatres such as anaesthesia, operating tables, endoscopy, suction, lighting, video capture, lasers, monitoring and recovery, cat and dog recovery cages and kennels, fixed and mobile x-ray, hydrotherapy, and equine centre equipment.
Also up for sale are radiation oncology and scanning equipment including a GE Signa Explorer MRI Scanner with an anaesthetic system and horse trolley, a high dose radiation brachytherapy system and Phillips ultrasound machines.
Office furniture and general equipment includes Apple iPads, monitors, televisions, workstations, office chairs, and commercial kitchen and lecture theatre equipment.
A second sale comprising a large quantity of laboratory and research equipment and agricultural plant and machinery will take place in October 2020 with further details to be released.
Gordon Brothers valuations director Simon Bamford said: “Gordon Brothers is pleased to be assisting the trustees of the Animal Health Trust with the orderly closure of the 100 acre Newmarket facilities, including the sale of the large quantity of associated assets. We are expecting significant interest in the varied array of assets.”
The online auction will close at 3pm on October 1. Viewing is strictly by appointment on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29, from 9am to 4pm at AHT, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU.