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RNLI lifeguard rescues budgie on a beach
Blue the budgie with the RNLI lifeguards.

The bird had travelled almost nine miles away from home.

An adventurous budgie who took a four-day trip away from home has been reunited with his owner, thanks to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Blue went missing from his home in Wales but days later, he was found on Aberavon beach – almost nine miles away - by a group of schoolchildren.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Sophie Phillips was called out to the unusual rescue and cared for the bird while her team tried to locate the owner.

After appealing to local vets, it was a Facebook post by the lifeguards that eventually caught the attention of Blue's owner, and the pair were finally reunited.

After the rescue, Sophie said: “The last thing I expected to see was a budgie on the beach, and we were so glad we were able to help reunite the bird with its owner’.

Grateful for the efforts of Sophie and the lifeguards, Blue's owner made a charitable donation to the RNLI.

Image (C) RNLI.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.