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Knitting Donkeys for Charity
Pat Whiting from Bristol made a special visit to the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary earlier this month to donate 44 knitted donkeys, beautifully crafted in all shapes and sizes, which the charity will now sell to raise funds for its worldwide work.

Pat and husband John were driven to Sidmouth by daughter Pauline, to hand over the mini herd of woolly donkeys and to spend the afternoon visiting their favourite residents. Pat’s knitted donkeys are so popular that one was sold as she was handing them over to our Fundraising Team!
 
Pat said “I have been knitting donkeys for the last three years; I fell in love with donkeys after being given an adoption donkey as a Christmas present and when I came to visit the Sanctuary, I thought these dear donkeys are adorable. When I heard I could help the donkeys by knitting them, I thought this was meant to be, as I have had five strokes and my doctor kept telling me to find something therapeutic to do. I don’t need to follow a pattern anymore because I have knitted 125 in total.”
 
Pat presented the donkeys to Ruth Burrough, from the Community Fundraising Department, Ruth said: “Pat has made a very kind gesture, and we are so grateful to her for taking the time to provide us with all these knitted donkeys, which we can sell and raise much needed funds to help donkeys around the world. Our work is funded entirely by donations, so we are always delighted to hear from new knitters, please do contact us if you would like us to send you a pattern.”
 
In these difficult economic times, the charity is not alone in feeling the financial squeeze and is affected by the increase in donkeys being relinquished into its care each month.  Any donation, no matter how small, is always gratefully received. For further information about The Donkey Sanctuary or if you would like a knitting pattern please call 01395 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.