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Battersea announces virtual life drawing class for Valentine's day
The class will include an initial tutorial on drawing shapes and angles.

Animal charity promises 'lockdown date with a difference'.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling on budding artists to unleash their inner 'Jack from Titanic' this Valentine's Day by taking part in a virtual life drawing class.

With traditional dates off the cards, the animal charity has teamed up with Wild Life Drawing to run the novel event, which features some of its rescue dogs as models, on 14 February.

Participants will be encouraged to put pen to paper to capture the individual personalities of the canine models, all without leaving the front door. Artist Jennie Webber will lead the Zoom class, while Battersea rehoming manager Beckly Lodder will talk about the dogs and the charity's valuable work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Becky said: “Valentine’s Day is all about love, and we know the love of our rescue pets has rescued many of us over the past year. Whether you’re looking for a lockdown date with a difference with your Valentine, need a fun activity to entertain the kids or you’re just looking for something fun to do with friends, by taking part in this life drawing class, you can help support rescue dogs and cats and show them a little love in these uncertain times.”

Jennie Webber added: “I truly believe that everyone is an artist – even if you’ve not picked up a pencil for years – and that’s why this class is open to all ages and abilities, with plenty of helpful tips and creative support throughout. Drawing is such a calming activity, a wonderful way to forget your worries for a little while and to support Battersea’s dogs and cats in need at the same time!”

The class will run 2-3.30pm on Sunday, 14 February and will include an initial tutorial from Jennie on shapes and angles. Tickets are £10, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

For more information and to register your place, visit battersea.org.uk or wildlifedrawing.co.uk

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.