Jen Keywood – Page 2

~ minute read.

Sustainability Highlights

March 19, 2025

In celebration of our Sustainability Fairs taking place, on Wednesday 19 (Penryn campus) and Thursday 20 (Falmouth campus), we thought it worthwhile speaking to the various FX Plus teams to find out about some of their sustainability highlights. As of March 2025, here is what we have achieved together so far:

Waste & Recycling

This academic year (2024-25), Food waste recycling increased by 68.5% in November, December and January compared to the same period last year. This uptake has been driven by improving the signage and bin provision in Glasney Halls and at Packsaddle. Mixed recycling is up by a whopping 51.1% on the same quarter last year. Unfortunately, general waste on campus has also increased by 7.1%, and this has been attributed to an increase in onsite activity. Dylan Jones, Recycling and Waste Officer at FX Plus, said:

“The small increase in general waste is offset by the much larger gains in food and mixed recycling, so the recycling ethos on campus is improving. We need to go further with this however, please think before you buy and think before you bin!”

At Glasney Halls of Residence, a trial has started to provide better storage for mixed recycling, which will hopefully reduce the amount of recycling that is scattered across the site by seagulls.

The team are in the process of replacing an aged compactor with two new compactors for our onsite waste compound. This will allow for the onsite compaction of recycling for the first time, which brings significant cost and environmental benefits – reducing the associated transportation carbon emissions by an estimated 65-80%. It is hoped the new compactors will be installed by Easter 2025.

The ‘Litter Lotto’ educational posters on recycling bins had nearly 1,000 interactions (where users scan their waste to check it is appropriate for recycling) in the first year (March 24 – Jan 25). A new phase of Litter Lotto is in the works that will introduce new local (Falmouth/Penryn) prizes along with the national £1,000 prizes, and more bins covered.

The first full box of medicine blister packs was sent for recycling in November 2024, with the help of ReFactory, who turn them into the likes of childrens’ chairs, planters and picnic tables.

In the academic year 23/24 Facilities recycled the highest amount of tetra pak (e.g. soya milk, passata, pringles packaging) since it was established – almost 20,000 cartons.

The ‘Swap Shops’ continue to prove to be a popular resource and have been held in more locations across both campuses this academic year (2024/25). The Autumn term saw a total of 298 items rehomed and many more items donated. At least 112kg of resources and waste, and around one third of a tonne of carbon emissions have been saved. Since May 2023 when the Swap Shop first started, we have successfully rehomed 1,300 items in total, saving at least 411kg of resources and nearly two-and-a-half tonnes of carbon emissions!

Energy & Emissions

As of March 2025, our latest emissions (electricity and gas) per GIA data shows around a 66% reduction at Penryn campus and a 61% reduction at Falmouth campus when compared with our 2005/06 baseline.
Projects contributing towards this success include the installation of solar PV panels, LED and electrical upgrades, analytics, and sub-metering upgrades.
A new project to replace the entire heating system across the SERFS and Stella Turk buildings at Penryn campus is currently underway and is expected to complete in May 2025. The Replacement Boiler Project will see a total of 5 boilers replaced with air source heat pumps and is expected to achieve even greater savings.

Biodiversity

In 2024 we planted 3,010 wildflower plugs. So far in 2025 (as of March), our Gardener Alasdair Garnett has recorded planting 568 and is aiming to beat last year’s record:

“568 planted so far, so it’s coming on nicely, and the rabbits seem to be mostly leaving them alone at the minute. My fingers are crossed they’ll do well,” he said.

In July 2024, Penryn campus was honoured with the coveted Green Flag Award for the seventh year in a row. The Green Flag Award, administered by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, is a benchmark of excellence for well-managed green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Bioblitz Penryn 2024 recorded 551 species, including the famous Tremough Jumper, a new species of spider.

In January 2025, birders recorded 14 species of bird at the Big Garden Bird Watch. A Song Thrush was seen here, which is wonderful news given the counts have declined by 85% since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979!

Food & Drink

As part of the Veganuary Campaign (January 2024),the Sustainability team offered a 25% discount on plant-based hot main meals at the Stannary (25 January) and at the Fox Café (29 January). This promotion led to a remarkable sixfold increase in the number of plant-based main meals sold on that day compared to a previous week. At the Fox Café, the vegan meal was so popular that it sold out in just 30 minutes!

On 31 January, the SU’s Vegan Society and Asian Society teamed up with the catering team to present a special vegan Indian feast on the global menu at the Stannary. The meal was warmly received by students, staff, and visitors alike.

On 21 March, the Sustainability team joined forces with the Vegan Society and Launchpad start-up @99pfilms to host a screening of What The Health. The event featured a community discussion and free local food for attendees.

In April 2024, the Sustainability Café gained Vegetarian Society accreditation for its new vegetarian and vegan menu. This accreditation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to offering sustainable and ethical dining options on campus.

In celebration of World Earth Day on 22 April, with the theme “Plastic vs. Planet,” the Food & Drink team supported the cause by giving away 150 reusable cups at the Sustainability Café and Fox Café with the purchase of a hot drink.

In 2024, the Circular Cup Scheme was extended to the Fox Café at the Falmouth Campus to offer an alternative, sustainable option to disposable cups.

2024 also saw the launch of ‘The Good Cup’, a new eco-friendly disposable cup which has been introduced in the Stannary and Fox Café. The Good Cup is made entirely of paper with no plastic lining or lid, they are fully recyclable and home compostable.

If you have any questions about sustainability on campus, please feel free to contact the Sustainability team on sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

~ minute read.

Refreshed Wellbeing Collection at Penryn and Falmouth Campus Libraries

March 11, 2025

In recognition of University Mental Health Day, we are launching our rebranded and refreshed ‘Wellbeing Collection’ at Penryn and Falmouth Campus libraries.

Previously known as the ‘Bibliotherapy Collection’, our library team have consulted with students, the Student Union, and the Wellbeing Team to put together a curated selection of resources to enhance health and wellbeing.

Topics in this collection include:

Neurodiversity, Disability & Chronic Illness
Mental Health Conditions (including Depression and Anxiety)
Nature Therapy and Crafting for Wellbeing
Mindfulness, Meditation and Healthy Sleep
Addiction, Alcoholism & Eating Disorders
Living Well (including Life Skills, Grief, Relationships, and the Menopause)

You can find the Penryn Wellbeing Collection on Level 1, near the Student Helpdesk, and our Falmouth Library Wellbeing Collection next to the Illustrated Book Collection.

Check out our full collection through the Resource List, where you can also request items to be collected from either campus library: https://tinyurl.com/ynzvnbdn

Have any feedback or suggestions for this collection? Please email us at library@fxplus.ac.uk. If you need any further Mental Health and Wellbeing support, visit the relevant student support pages for information on services available to you: https://fxplus.ac.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support/.

~ minute read.

Trial Meat-Free Mondays in the Stannary in March

February 28, 2025

Starting Monday, 3 March, the Catering team, in partnership with the Students’ Union, is launching a trial Meat-Free Mondays Lunchtime Menu in the Stannary, available from 12pm – 2:30 pm throughout the month.

This initiative, driven by student feedback, aims to expand plant-based options on campus while gathering insights and sales data to assess its long-term feasibility.

Marketa Carruthers, SU Vice President, said:
“I’d like to thank FX Plus for their open-minded and collaborative approach to trialling Meat-Free Mondays as we all face the climate emergency together. The menu looks great, and I’m excited about the delicious food on offer!”

Jennie Hosken, Marketing and Engagement Manager, FX Plus, added:
“We’re always looking for ways to engage students and provide the food and drink choices they want on campus. The Students’ Union highlighted a strong demand for sustainable, plant-based options, and this trial is a direct response to that.”

How to Get Involved:

Your feedback is essential! We’ll be assessing participation and food sales, and you can share your thoughts via the feedback form in the Stannary. The trial period will end on Monday 31 March, and the feedback form will close at the end of the day.

Check out the Meat-Free Mondays Lunchtime Menu.

Let us know what you think—especially if you try the menu!

~ minute read.

Travel Survey 2025

February 26, 2025

Falmouth University and the University of Exeter are delivering a campus wide travel survey to gather insights into how staff and students are travelling to and from their Cornwall and Devon campuses.

Why your Opinion Matters

Each year we survey students and staff about their experiences traveling to and from campus whether they are working there or studying. If a student, this also includes how you get to campus from your non-term-time address. This information helps us understand how we can make sustainable travel more convenient, sustainable and accessible to everyone. That means looking beyond buses and trains etc. We’re also interested in hearing your views on walking, cycling routes and what services you have access to.

Survey responses will provide valuable information for campus planning, services and infrastructure improvement. Responses will also help improve our carbon profiling as part of the university’s net-zero strategies.

By filling out this survey, you’re helping us understand what works and what needs to be done better. This is your opportunity to have your say and influence our future plans.

This survey is relevant to: all staff and students at the University of Exeter, Falmouth University, FX Plus, Exeter Students’ Guild and Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union.

The more responses we receive, the more influential the data can be so please take a few minutes and fill it in.

Staff Survey Link

Student Survey Link

For students completing the survey, twenty £50 Amazon vouchers have been allocated, split between University of Exeter, Devon campuses and Cornwall campuses including Falmouth University.

Thank you for helping us improve our travel and transport programs

~ minute read.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025: For a Better Future

February 4, 2025

HMD 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Its theme this year was ‘For a Better Future’ and encouraged people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.

Last week (27 Jan), FX Plus staff and senior members from Falmouth University, the University of Exeter and the SU, came together to take part in the candle lighting ceremony and exhibition which was held at Truro Cathedral.

“It was a meaningful service, which felt particularly poignant this year as it marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. It was a privilege to have been invited to take part in the ceremony – and attend the commemoration with our Jewish Society students,” said Gemma.

Falmouth University Journalism & Creative Writing students attended the day and wrote the following article:

‘For a better future’

By Aimee Bentley, Danielle Hutchinson & Marla Payne (students on the BA Journalism & Creative Writing, Falmouth University)

The Holocaust genocide that occurred in Nazi Germany has been one of the most devastating events in human history.

80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, communities continue to keep the memory of those who perished, including six million Jewish people, alive.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme was ‘for a better future’.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) reminds us all of what was lost, and what still needs to change, while connecting different diverse communities and backgrounds.

The service, held at Truro Cathedral on the 27th of January, allowed families of survivors to share their own stories ‘of ‘strength, courage, and community.’

Stalls shared their support, with organisations being represented such as:

Black Voices Cornwall, Inclusion Cornwall, Cornwall Council Refugee Resettlement Service, and LGBTQ+ organisations – Intercom Trust, FFLAG, and Transparent Presence CIC.

Devon and Cornwall Police’s diverse community team was present at the event to ‘engage with community groups and run events (like HMD) across Cornwall to get those conversations going and keep them alive.’

The team believe it is important to educate people on ‘what discrimination is, where it came from and how it can spark up quickly.’

Photograph of the candle lighting ceremony held at Truro Cathedral to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.

Image 1: The candle lighting ceremony held at Truro Cathedral to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.

Image of a display from the exhibition held at Truro Cathedral on Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.

Image 2: A display from the exhibition held at Truro Cathedral on Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.

~ minute read.

Alienware Visits Penryn Campus

January 24, 2025

The Dell Tech Explore Tour EMEA will touchdown at Penryn campus to showcase their Alienware Intel gaming equipment. Inside the tour bus you will be able to explore their latest immersive technology and get hands-on experiences with their Dell computers and accessories.

You won’t be able to miss the futuristic roadshow truck, it will be parked outside the Exchange on Tuesday 4 February, from 10:00am until 16:00pm, and looks like a spaceship.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can find onboard:

The bus is equipped with a variety of Alienware gaming devices, as well as monitors, client peripherals and other accessories.
AI Photo Booth: Take a selfie alone or with friends! Receive an AI generated photo to post on your favourite social platforms.
‘Spin to win’ entries to a draw where you could win a Dell laptop
Get a chance to win Alienware swag
Check out the latest Dell accessories.
And more!

Image of a alienware gaming equipment inside roadshow tour bus with blue neon lights

Image of a large, futuristic looking grey tour bus with Alienware Intel written on it.

~ minute read.

Stannary Bar Recognised as a Safe Space for Transgender and Non-Binary Community

January 15, 2025

The Stannary Bar has officially been recognised as a Safe Space for the transgender and non-binary student community, earning membership of the Transparent Presence Business Ally Scheme. This initiative, led by Transparent Presence CIC, is a plaque-based recognition program for UK businesses that are either nominated or self-refer to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and safety for transgender and non-binary individuals.

As a member of the scheme, The Stannary Bar has committed to the following principles:

Serving everyone respectfully and inclusively, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.
Respecting everyone’s names, identities, and pronouns at all times.
Using gender-neutral language when unsure of an individual’s pronouns (e.g., using “they” instead of “he” or “she”).
Challenging discriminatory attitudes, including LGBTQ+ phobia, to ensure a safe environment for all.

The Bar hosts numerous inclusive events, such as Strut the Plank with House of Damnation last April, featuring live performances by drag artists. These events aim to foster a sense of community and celebration while upholding inclusivity and diversity.

Elliot Kenton, Co-Founder and Director of Transparent Presence CIC, expressed gratitude for the support during Strut the Plank:

“Thank you for the teamwork and effort that made Strut the Plank such a fantastic night. It was a privilege to feature such talented performers! The event was a safe and welcoming space for everyone, including those with neurodivergent needs and guests from a wide range of age groups. The free drinks were much appreciated, the bar staff were exceptional, and the professionalism of sound engineer Skye received high praise.”

The Stannary Bar is proud to lead by example, ensuring its environment remains welcoming to all.

Stay updated with upcoming student events by visiting the campus events calendar at www.fxplus.ac.uk/events.

Celebrated Strut the Plank Performers:

~ minute read.

Construction Commenced at Camborne School of Mines for Two New Projects

January 10, 2025

Construction work has commenced at Camborne School of Mines (CSM), on two projects, part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund*.

The Critical Minerals Equipment Hub will provide a new and nationally unique facility for the Geo-Resources sector, providing state-of-the-art and green mineral processing and analytical equipment and expertise, which will be accessible to the region’s business, research and development sectors.

The pioneering Geotracer Facility, part of the Entrepreneurial Futures project, will also be established to trace river and marine pollution, land contamination, and groundwater sources using a new multi-collector facility and clean laboratory. This facility will open up entirely new areas of development and innovation for the region.

The CSM Museum entrance will remain open, although access to affected lab spaces and other areas will be restricted while refurbishment work takes place.  

As you may have noticed, the building compound has now been installed near to the Deep Digital Cornwall entrance in car park E on the site of the old disabled parking bays. This will be in place for a period of three months until the project’s expected completion date, on 4 April 2025. Please use the diversion signs. 

Thank you for your patience while this work takes place to enhance the CSM research space. Any queries regarding the works should be directed to the Estates Helpdesk on 01326 255686 or EstatesHelpdesk@fxplus.ac.uk .

* Cornwall Council has been chosen by the government as a lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

~ minute read.

First Bus: Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term Bundle Deal

December 20, 2024

The First Bus Spring Term bundle deal will be available for purchase from the 23^rd of December. The bundle will then be activated for usage from the 6^th of January through to the 4^th of April 2025 and is priced at £110. The bundle provides unlimited travel between Falmouth and Penryn using the U1, U1A, U1E, U2, U3, U1X and the U4.

This deal is available for both students and staff, please ensure you use your student or staff email address to activate the deal via the First bus app.

Standard bus fares and other bundles are expected to rise from January 2025 onwards based on national subsidised bus fares expiring.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to purchase the bundle. Please email our team at sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk for any other questions.

N.B. Due to a processing error, we were made aware that students and staff with Falmouth and FX Plus email domains were unable to validate their tickets. As of Friday 24 January 2025, we received confirmation from First Bus that this issue has now been resolved, and you are now able to validate your ticket. Please do this now, and within the 30 days from when you purchased the bundle. Although you will have been able to use your ticket from 6 January, failing to validate it within the 30 days will result in your ticket being cancelled. If you have any further issues, please contact First bus customer services via the online form on the website.

Step 1:

Download the First bus app and ensure you use your student or staff email address (otherwise the bundle will not be activated).

Step 2:

Select the ‘Tickets’ tab at the bottom of the screen and then select ‘Buy’ at the top of the screen.

Step 3:

This will take you to a ‘select region’ option, select ‘Cornwall’.

Step 4:

Select ‘Penryn Campus’.

Step 5:

Select ‘Student Tickets’ (this is also applicable for staff).

Step 6:

Select ‘Penryn and Falmouth Spring Term’.

Step 7:

Purchase the bundle using your student or staff email address. Please note, the description includes bus titles ‘KUL, KUL1A etc’. Please ignore this as these will be getting updated to U1, U1A, U1E, U2, U3, U1X and the U4.

~ minute read.

Celebrating Bonfire Night Safely 2024

October 28, 2024

It is spooky season and bonfire night celebrations are just around the corner. Bonfires and the use of fireworks are prohibited on campus, as well as beaches, and we encourage you to attend a licenced display instead. The advice from Falmouth Fire Station is to not attempt your own bonfire or firework display within the community, particularly not on beaches. Here’s why:

Reasons not to have a fire on the beach:

Local byelaws (you can be fined, and the beaches have CCTV)
Fires leave hot ashes on the sand and remain hot for 48hrs when buried (young children and dogs will be using the beach the next morning and they both like to dig in the sand)
Nails and screws within the wood will become exposed and buried (children and dogs love to dig)
Other people may stumble or trip into the fire

Reasons not to fire fireworks from the beach:

Unsafe/untrained firing of fireworks (without a fixed firing station you cannot control the direction it launches)
Behind the beaches are people’s homes and businesses (the wind direction may take the fireworks into these areas and cause fires)
Large numbers of people gather around the beaches on bonfire night (an uncontrolled firework may go into a crowd of people and cause life threatening injuries)

Instead of attempting your own, check out these licenced bonfire and fireworks events within the community below.

Local Bonfire and Firework Displays:

Falmouth

Tuesday 5 November – 6pm – Falmouth Cricket Ground

Falmouth Firefighters Social and Welfare Club, and members of Falmouth Cricket Club will be hosting this year’s event at Falmouth Cricket Ground, Trescobeas Road on Tuesday, 5 November. Gates open at 6.00p.m for a 7pm start. Entry is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Cash only. Follow the link for full details.

Truro

Tuesday 5 November – 5pm – Tremorvah Playing Field

Truro City Council is hosting this year’s annual Bonfire and Fireworks Display at Tremorvah Playing Field on Tuesday, 5 November.

Gates will open at 5pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30 pm, followed by the fireworks display at 7pm.

Entry is £3 per adult and £1 per child (under 16). Follow the link for more information.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	1 year	Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
CookieLawInfoConsent	1 year	Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	The _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_ga_PHTYS9LRZX	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics.
_gat_gtag_UA_195204765_2	1 minute	Set by Google to distinguish users.
_gid	1 day	Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
CONSENT	2 years	YouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.