The FXU was pleased to welcome University of Exeter Chancellor Baroness Floella Benjamin to the Penryn Campus allotments on 6th May!

The visit was Benjamin’s first since assuming her duties as Chancellor in 2006 and was a fantastic addition to a calendar of special events celebrating the ten year celebrations of the Penryn Campus.

During her visit to the allotment gardens, the FXU held a mini festival profiling the work of students engaged with the Green Living Project, Life Magazine, and the Feminist Society. Having witnessed the work of the ‘wasters’ who collect the food waste of Glasney Village to turn into compost, Benjamin heard about campaigns to reduce the use of disposable cups and, after pledging to help the cause, received her own reusable water bottle and coffee mug. She also heard about the cross-partnership approach to creating the Life wildlife magazine as well as discussing with the Feminist Society the high values and meaning of feminism in today’s society. She then met with FXU Staff including President Falmouth (Ellie Scouller) to celebrate the partnership with Falmouth University. In a final musical interlude, the Chancellor heard a song written by students in celebration of the allotments themselves and the importance of the environment.

As well as the events held by FXU, the Chancellor took a memorable visit to the Camborne School of Mines’ (CSM) test mine, where she learned about Cornwall’s illustrious mining history and the role of CSM in educating hopeful mining engineers from around the world. After a spontaneous shanty performance by CSM’s Dr Andy Wetherelt, the Chancellor treated her hosts to a short blues number, observing that it was likely the first time such a song had ever been heard in the mine.

On campus, Benjamin learned about the diverse range of interdisciplinary research being conducted at the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI). During her tour of the facility, she discussed research into solar power, bee movements, and the relationships between humans and the environments in which they live, before taking a trip to the Exchange.

Benjamin was enthusiastic about the people and the places she encountered in Cornwall. She said: “During my visit to our Penryn Campus, I was most impressed to see the wonderful community created by the Penryn students and their sense of responsibility to change the world and make a real difference. This was never more evident than in the impressive Environment and Sustainability Institute, where I was given an insight to the exciting and innovative research projects being undertaken by students in the fields of technology and science, using a joined up and holistic philosophy. The learning environment created for and by the students was evident throughout, which included the library and allotment. I was also lucky enough to meet students from the Camborne School of Mines and tour the fascinating Troon Mine. This proved to be an exhilarating and unique experience and was a highlight of my visit. I am very grateful to the FXU, the staff and students at Penryn for their warm welcome and an inspiring, memorable and thoroughly enjoyable day in Cornwall.”

FXU President Student Experience, Roger Auster, was keen to show what the day meant for the students who met with the Baroness. He said: “It was a real honour to host the Chancellor in the allotments. Our students truly appreciated meeting with her and having the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of the student community we have here in Cornwall. We all learned something special from the Chancellor during the proceedings and are incredibly grateful to Baroness Benjamin for joining us for such a special occasion.”