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Nick Henderson, founder and president of VMA, has died aged 92
Nick Henderson is remembered for developing an "external voice" for the profession.
VMA pays tribute to a "tireless campaigner" 

Nick Henderson, founder and president of the Veterinary Marketing Association (VMA), has died aged 92. Mr Henderson passed away on Sunday, 23 December 2018.

VMA chair, Jane Manning, commented: “As the founder member and president of our wonderful association, Nick was such an inspiration to all of those lucky enough to meet and work with him.

“Nick continued to support the VMA and attend our annual awards event throughout his presidency. We all have some wonderful memories, not least his attendance and fabulous speech to the 300+ guests at our annual awards ceremony in March 2018 at the age of 92.

“He will be greatly missed and our sincere condolences go to Nick’s family.”

Nick Henderson BSc, MRCVS Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, was involved in setting up what was to become the BSAVA, as well as in the development of veterinary societies and associations over the past 60 years.

Fulfilling his childhood dream to become a veterinary surgeon, Mr Henderson graduated from Glasgow veterinary school in 1951 and went on to help organise the very first BSAVA congress in 1958.

Mr Henderson became the founding chairman of the Pharmaceutical Marketing Club in 1975 and founded the VMA in 1988, followed by the Associations of Veterinarians in Industry (AVI). Mr Henderson also became president of the International Aspirin Foundation and chairman of Henderson Group One.

In July 2015, Mr Henderson was awarded an RCVS Honorary Fellowship for services to the veterinary profession.

Mr Henderson is remembered and recognised by the VMA as a “tireless campaigner” for veterinary surgeons and for developing an “external voice” for the profession.

Mr Henderson’s funeral will take place on Friday, 25 January 2019 at 1 p.m. The service will be held at St Peters & St Paul’s, the parish church of West Clandon, just north of Guildford. All are welcome.

Please send any enquiries or condolences to Alice Laurens: secretary@vma.org.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.