Members of the Lambourn Youth Council were recently treated to an inspiring and eye-opening talk by Graham Jones, owner of The Lambourn Pharmacy, who visited to share his journey into pharmacy and the vital role the local chemist plays in the life of the village.
Graham began by explaining how he became a pharmacist, outlining the educational path, training, and experience required to enter the profession. He spoke candidly about the rewards and challenges of the job, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a busy rural pharmacy.
What became immediately clear was that the pharmacy is far more than just a place to collect prescriptions. Graham described the pharmacy as a vital hub for community healthcare, working closely with Lambourn Surgery and other services to provide accessible, local support to residents. From advice on minor illnesses to medication reviews and health checks, the pharmacy plays a key role in ensuring people receive the care they need without the need to travel.
The young councillors were engaged throughout, asking a wide range of thoughtful questions about both the career path and the day-to-day running of the business. There were surprised reactions when Graham revealed that The Lambourn Pharmacy also stocks veterinary medicines, not only for domestic pets, but for horses too, in keeping with the village’s strong equestrian connections.
“It was really interesting,” said one Youth Council member. “I didn’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes. It’s not just giving out pills—it’s looking after people and helping them stay well.”
Graham’s visit is part of a wider programme of guest speakers at the Youth Council, designed to introduce young people to different careers and community roles. Previous guests have included the local MP, an equine vet, the parish clerk, and representatives from 4LEGS Radio.
