TAVISTOCK couple Roger Parnell and his wife Jill have retired from dentistry after 37 years.

Springhill Dental Practice was started inside Roger and Jill’s home in March 1979 – where the couple also raised their three children.

Their first practice, at 33 West Street, was originally built for the captain of the tin mines in 1842 and has had a varied history, even being the first cottage hospital in Tavistock with a historic blue plaque above the door.

Jill said: ‘Our first baby Aimee was born two weeks after we opened their surgery. She was an exceptionally good baby and spent a considerable amount of time sitting in the corner of the surgery happily amusing both herself and the patients, many of whom still remember her as a welcome distraction from the drilling — the option of goldfish for this purpose may have been easier in hindsight!’

Both Roger and Jill were thrilled in August when dentist Peter Davis, decided to take over both the building and the practice.

They added: ‘It is now an exciting time for Springhill Practice as its continued future is assured.’

Jill said Peter fell for the lovely old building in 2015 as they had all those years ago and knew that he would continue to care for it.

Jill and Roger said that they were very sad to say goodbye to their devoted practice staff both new and old but they went out in style with a surprise retirement party at the Bedford Hotel.

The couple expressed thanks to all their patients for their loyal support and for giving them the privilege to care for them over the last 37 years.

Emma Hines, who has worked for Jill and Roger for around ten years said: ‘They have been here a very long time and lots of their patients have been with them for more than 30 years.

‘They are lovely people to work for and just lovely people in general — we are going to miss them terribly!

‘Much as the idea of retirement took a long time to take on board, Roger is very excited to now have the time to pursue his outdoor activities.’