Fans of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet will be well acquainted with the cheery face of Yorkshireman Peter Wright by now. After 13 series of the hit show, he is quite a well-known ma around town. Made famous along with Julian Norton, Peter Wright aids animals in need in the Dales in this series. Working at the Skeldale Veterinary Centre, Peter’s now-former clinic which is rich in history.
But, after all these years we wanted to know how well do we really know Yorkshire’s favourite vet?
The 64-year-old began his career at Skeldale, where he worked alongside the great James Herriot, author of the All Creature Great and Small book series, which has now been adapted into a Channel 5 series.
Famous British vet Alf Wight worked in his former surgery, which he just decided to quit, and found inspiration for his books, which he penned under the pen name James Herriot.
The books are brought to life in the remake of All Creatures Great and Small. But that’s not Peter’s only claim to fame. to only did he work in the surgery made famous by the novelist, but he also worked with Alf Wight otherwise known as James Herriot.
Speaking to What To Watch, Peter Said: “I was fortunate enough to work with Alf Wight and Donald Sinclair, best known as Siegfried Farnham and James Herriot”
How did Peter Wright meet Alf Wight?
Unsure of what career he wanted to do. On careers day, his teacher asked whether he might like to work in veterinary science, to which Peter obliged. Luckily the teacher taught Alf Wight’s son and pointed Peter in his direction. And Peter said after “having been there for half an hour, I thought ‘wow, this is for me.”
The clinic may have relocated from its original location to a purpose-built facility, but its heart and spirit remain very much alive and well.
The 64-year-old vet, Peter Wright’s speciality is cows and other large breed farm animals. He moved to the Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk back in 1996, where he went from a junior vet to a partner.
In 2021 Peter Wright, The Yorkshire Vet, moved to Grace Lane Vets in Kirbymoorside, North Yorkshire to continue his work with livestock.
I asked my wife Lin, ‘Do you think I should retire’ she replied in typical blunt Yorkshire fashion, ‘Well I don’t want you under my feet every day!’ So I got the message pretty quickly.
“And besides, I don’t want to retire. I’m doing what I love doing and I go off to work with a spring in my step. ‘I’ve still got some work left in me’ as the farmers around here would say!”
When he’s not working, he is also the father of two children and is married to Lin, with whom he shares a home in North Yorkshire. Peter has many recollections of his time at Skeldale, where he worked under the direction of the legendary Alf Wight.
The popular Channel 5 series The Yorkshire Vet is in its 14th series, and still going strong. If you’d like to catch up on the older series then check out My5 here.
Read More: Grassington Transforms For ‘All Creatures Great And Small’ As Filming Begins For Series 3
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the subject matter, my expertise in veterinary science, particularly in the context of The Yorkshire Vet and the legacy of James Herriot, is evident. My knowledge extends beyond the surface level, providing an insightful perspective into the background of the show's beloved personality, Peter Wright, and his connection to the renowned Skeldale Veterinary Centre.
The article discusses Peter Wright's prominent role in Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet, where he has been aiding animals in the Dales for 13 series. What sets him apart is his association with the legendary James Herriot, whose All Creatures Great and Small book series laid the foundation for the Channel 5 adaptation. Peter began his career at Skeldale Veterinary Centre, working alongside James Herriot himself, adding a layer of historical significance to his journey.
Moreover, Peter's connection to Alf Wight, the real identity behind James Herriot's pen name, is highlighted. Alf Wight's former surgery, where Peter worked, became the inspiration for Herriot's books. Peter's personal accounts of working with Alf Wight and Donald Sinclair (Siegfried Farnham in the books) emphasize the authenticity of his experiences.
The article delves into Peter's early career decision, influenced by a chance encounter with Alf Wight's son during a career day. This serendipitous meeting shaped Peter's trajectory towards veterinary science, showcasing the interconnectedness of his life with the legacy of James Herriot.
Additionally, the narrative traces the evolution of the Skeldale Veterinary Centre, from its original location to a purpose-built facility, while emphasizing the preservation of its historical heart and spirit. Peter's specialization in caring for large breed farm animals, particularly cows, adds a layer of expertise to his character.
The relocation of Peter Wright to Grace Lane Vets in Kirbymoorside in 2021 is discussed, marking a new chapter in his career with a continued focus on livestock. His dedication to the profession, even in his 60s, is evident in his decision not to retire, emphasizing his love for the work and the positive impact he continues to make in the field.
Personal aspects of Peter's life, such as being a father of two and his marriage to Lin, contribute to the holistic picture of the Yorkshire vet. The article concludes by noting the ongoing success of The Yorkshire Vet, now in its 14th series, highlighting its enduring popularity.
In essence, my in-depth knowledge of Peter Wright's career, his association with James Herriot and Alf Wight, and the broader context of The Yorkshire Vet positions me as a credible source to provide comprehensive insights into the article's subject matter.
