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Students celebrate graduation at CQ ceremony
“Congratulations to everyone who graduated today” – Ben Fogle.
Ben Fogle presented the graduates with their scrolls.

More than 100 students from training centres across the UK celebrated qualifying as veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.

The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma for Veterinary Nurse Assistants were handed their ceremonial scrolls by adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle as friends and family looked on.

Mr Fogle also gave the keynote speech, in which he talked about growing up in a veterinary household, finding fame as part of the Castaway 2000 television series, rowing across the Atlantic with James Cracknell, and reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

He ended his speech by urging the graduates not to forget their dreams and ambitions and to climb their own Everests, whatever that might be.

The event also saw the winners of the Veterinary Nursing Educator Awards 2024 collect their awards. Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College were rewarded for their dedication to veterinary nurse training and the positive impact they have had on their students and colleagues.

Jacqui Garrett, CQ director, said: “As always, it’s been a great day at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Veterinary nurses and nursing assistants play such an important role in the veterinary profession and it was an honour to see this new cohort graduate. I’m sure they will excel in the workplace and make a big difference to the lives of so many animals.”

Mr Fogle added: “It was a real privilege to be here today to celebrate the hard work and achievements of this new generation of veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse assistants. Congratulations to everyone who graduated today.”

Image © Central Qualifications

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.