Furniture outside The Stannary Bar

In August, I reached out to the Head of Estates at FXPlus to raise concerns regarding the condition of two important areas on campus: the seating area outside The Stannary Bar and the seating booths on the top floor of The Exchange. The seating outside The Stannary Bar had become severely damaged, creating an unwelcoming environment for students and staff who use the space regularly. Similarly, the booths in The Exchange had fallen into a state of disrepair, detracting from the comfort and aesthetic of the area.

I am pleased to report that my concerns were addressed promptly. The seating area outside The Stannary Bar has already seen significant improvements, with several brand-new benches installed to replace the damaged furniture. This has greatly enhanced the appearance of the space and provided a much more pleasant and functional area for socializing and relaxing.

As for the seating booths in The Exchange, although they have yet to be replaced, I have been assured that the process is underway. The estates team is actively seeking quotes from companies to carry out the necessary refurbishments. While the work is not yet complete, it is encouraging to know that progress is being made and that the issue is being taken seriously.

BEFORE

AFTER

Koofi Acoustic, The Stannary Open mic, Stannary Sessions

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to engage in discussions with the manager of The Stannary Bar about organizing a series of recurring music events across campus. As a music graduate, I’m passionate about creating platforms for students to showcase their musical talents and engage with the wider campus community. It's important to me that our students have opportunities to express themselves artistically and share their creativity with others in a supportive environment.

From these discussions, we established a rotating schedule of music events at The Stannary Bar, including the fortnightly Open Mic Night, which alternates with the bar's Open Deck sessions. The Open Mic Nights have been a fantastic way for students to come together, share their music, and enjoy the talents of their peers in a lively, informal setting. These sessions not only allow performers to hone their craft but also help foster a sense of community within the campus.

In addition to these events, we also introduced Koofi Acoustic, a more intimate, relaxed performance series initially held on Tuesday afternoons at Koofi. These acoustic sessions were designed to provide a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere where students could perform stripped-down sets and connect with their audience on a more personal level. However, after careful consideration, we made the decision to move Koofi Acoustic to The Stannary (main canteen) due to the potential disruption it caused to services in the offices located above Koofi. While the new location offers a different ambiance, it remains a valuable space for quieter, acoustic performances, and we’re pleased with how it has evolved.

As for future plans, we are excited to launch the Stannary Sessions, which will offer yet another opportunity for student musicians to perform in a professional, well-equipped space. Although these sessions have not yet started, we are actively working on the logistics and are eager to see them come to life soon. The Stannary Sessions will aim to provide a more formal platform for student performers, allowing them to showcase their music in a larger setting with enhanced technical support.

Black History Month

This year, I have had the privilege of taking a leading role in the planning and coordination of Black History Month (BHM) events on campus, working closely with the Students' Union's Communications team for support and guidance. As the first mixed-race female sabbatical officer, this responsibility holds deep personal significance for me. I felt it was important not only to celebrate the richness of Black history and culture, but also to create an inclusive and engaging program that resonates with students from all backgrounds.

From the outset, I was eager to bring fresh and dynamic ideas to the table, ensuring that Black History Month would be both educational and celebratory. Some of the key events I proposed included a Black History Month Party, which would serve as a vibrant and energetic kick-off, bringing students together to celebrate through music, dance, and community. We are also organising a Traditional African Drum Workshop, offering students the chance to engage directly with African culture through rhythm and hands-on learning. The workshop will not only highlight the importance of drumming in African traditions but also allows participants to experience the collective power of music and culture in an interactive setting.

Additionally, we’re conducting street-style interviews with students throughout the month, giving them a platform to share their thoughts on Black history, culture, and identity. These interviews aim to create meaningful conversations and allow the voices of our diverse student body to be heard, while raising awareness of the significance of Black History Month on a personal and collective level. This is being done in collaboration with ACS and a photoshoot that they are doing with Black students. 

One of the highlights of this year's BHM program is a series of talks focusing on the history and evolution of R&B and Hip-Hop music—two genres that are close to my heart. I’m incredibly passionate about exploring the cultural and historical impact these musical genres have had, both within the Black community and the world at large. These sessions not only celebrate the musical achievements of Black artists but also delve into the socio-political context.