Jen Keywood – Page 3

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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AMATA Photovoltaic Extension Set to Save 20 Tonnes of Carbon Annually

August 28, 2024

A Photovoltaic (PV) extension on the AMATA roof at Penryn campus, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 20.3 tonnes per year, was successfully installed last month (July 2024). It is now fully operational and connected to the high-tech campus PV system. The new PV panels are estimated to contribute over £30,000 of financial savings each year.

This installation adds to the total PV output capacity by approximately 13%, bringing us to almost 1,000 kWp across Penryn campus. This latest addition of PV panels, along with those previously installed on the Daphne Du Maurier building (October 2023) and the roofs of Peter Lanyon and the Sports Centre (July 2023), forms a key part of our carbon reduction programme.

Fergus Chan, Carbon and Energy Manager at FX Plus, said: “we are really pleased to have completed this project, which forms part of our carbon reduction programme to reduce Penryn campus’ demand on energy drawn from the grid by increasing our own ability to generate renewable energy here on campus.”

The PV system at Penryn campus, now spanning across four buildings, will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 169 tonnes each year. In addition to reducing the universities joint impact on the environment; the financial savings are great, too. In total, the investment is predicted to generate a £145,000 annual cost saving. These calculations are based on 18p/kWh but savings could be greater than this whilst the current unit rate continues to rise. 

To date (August 2024), we have recorded a 60% reduction in our relative energy emissions (electricity & gas) against our 2005/2006 baseline on Penryn Campus (based on per meter squared). The campus PV system is one of the main projects contributing towards this success, as well as other sustainably driven modifications such as LED and electrical upgrades, analytics, and sub-metering upgrades. 

Together, the Universities and FX Plus Estates and Sustainability teams, are tirelessly looking into new technology and finding new ways to introduce green energy initiatives, improve energy efficiency and reduce our campuses reliance on fossil fuels. For more information about this, contact sustainability@fxplus.ac.uk.

Image of the new PV panels on the roof of the AMATA building, looking out across the treetops towards Penryn.

The PV panels pictured on the roof of the AMATA building, surrounded by trees with the Exchange campus building in the background.

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Penryn Campus Celebrates Green Flag Award for Seventh Consecutive Year

July 30, 2024

Falmouth Exeter Plus are pleased to announce that Penryn campus has been honoured with the coveted Green Flag Award for the seventh year in a row.

“I was thrilled to hear that we have once again received the prestigious Green Flag Award, marking our seventh consecutive year of recognition. This accomplishment highlights the exceptional dedication and care shown by the Falmouth Exeter Plus Grounds and Gardens and Facilities Management teams in maintaining our beautiful green spaces,” said Stuart Gaslonde, Executive Director and Director of Infrastructure at Falmouth Exeter Plus.

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.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our staff, as well as the invaluable contributions of our volunteers who actively participate in various conservation and sustainability initiatives on campus. Their efforts ensure that our campus remains a vibrant and welcoming environment for all. Thank you to everyone involved in achieving this milestone. Your commitment to excellence is truly appreciated,” adds Stuart.

Each year, the Falmouth Exeter Plus teams implement all sorts of green initiatives that have contributed to this years’ award. One of which is the Wildflower Planting Project at Penryn campus, which recently celebrated over 1,200 wildflower plugs being planted throughout January through to June 2024. The project was first initiated the previous year, by Abishek Dixit and Alastair Garnett, Gardeners at Falmouth Exeter Plus, and is supporting biodiversity on campus and helping wildlife thrive.

“This summer, we’ve seen Goldfinches, Meadow Brown Butterflies and Buff-tail Bumblebees feasting in the wildflower meadows that we planted last year!

“Our new (2024) plantings of Ox-eye daisies, mallows, self-heals, yellow rattle, and many more native wildflower species will further support bees, butterflies, and birds on campus grounds,” explains Alasdair.

Penryn campus is set in 100 acres of countryside, with the grounds and gardens boasting a unique collection of herbaceous beds, subtropical planting and a fruit producing orchard. The site also features outside spaces with historic relevance, such as the Tremough Grotto and Star Pond which was built in 1944 by US forces based here prior to the D-Day landings, an 18th Century lime avenue, and a drive with Pinetum native woodlands and historically rare rhododendrons which were cultivated on the site in the Victorian era.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Penryn campus on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“Penryn campus is a vital green space for the local community to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.

“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

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