Estates and Facilities Times Issue 34 Autumn Term 2017

Cardiff Met is ranked 1st in Wales and 8th in the UK.

The Estates & Facilities Times Not just business as usual.

Halls Arrivals Weekend 2017.

A big thank you to staff for their hard work on a very successful arrivals weekend.

It was with great anticipation that we awaited the first arrivals for a new academic year, with students arriving at Halls from the Friday to Sunday this year.

A total of 563 students moved into Cyncoed Halls, 391 into Plas Gwyn and a further 600 into the commercial operators that we have agreements with, leading to a very busy few days.

The format was tweaked a bit this year so went as follows:

South Wales Police. * Greeted by their Warden who shows them to their room and introduces them to flatmates. * Student returns Inventory to halls office and receive complimentary meal voucher. * Sign up for Res Life events and have a go at the numerous interactive and ice-breaker events being staged on and off campus.

At what can be a stressful time for parents and students alike, * Student arrives normally with their first interaction with the parents, siblings and dog in tow Halls Team is crucial, and thankand park for free in the car park. fully we have a team that go out * Directed to the Halls Office of their way to make everyone where parents are encouraged to feel welcome. This is evidenced have a complimentary cup of by some of the quotes received: tea/coffee and Welsh cakes, “Everyone has been so friendly whilst student speaks to Halls and helpful. I feel my daughter is staff and collects their key. in good hands, reducing some of * Student then registered with the local GP’s surgery and next encouraged to security mark their personal belongings with

my worries.” Plas Gwyn father

After a couple of hours most parents tend to start heading home, so we took the opportunity to

speak to them and asked them to complete a short survey about their ‘Moving In’ experience. The results speak for themselves: 100% of parents rated the overall experience of moving their child into Halls as Excellent (78.5%) to Good (21.5%).

125 parents surveyed.

92% of parents rated the Welcome by Halls Staff as Excellent.

92% of parents rated the additional service provided by the GP’s Surgery, Police and Catering as excellent.

We also took a quick snap for posterity of parents dropping off their children, which for many was an emotional experience. Photos of them moving in are on page 10.

“You made the process of moving into Halls a pleasure.”

Cyncoed mother

30,000 Delegates visit Cardiff Met. Contributed by Eva Huw, Conference Co-ordinator.

At the weekends, evening and out of term time, Cardiff Met Conferences work with national and regional companies, organisations and charities, bringing people into the University from many different communities and businesses. Last year, as a result of the events organised through Cardiff Met Conferences the university welcomed more than 30,000 visitors to its campuses.

Cardiff Naturalists, Calvary will focus on sales and marketing Chapel and the South Wales with particular emphasis on digiChinese Association. tal marketing. We hope to benefit from a student’s knowledge, A large number of educational youth and enthusiasm while they organisations also book facilities gain first-hand experience of a at Cardiff Met, bringing in real life working environment. potential students as well as We received an excellent number developing relationships with of students applying for the post other educational providers and which is advertised on Careerorganisations such as UCAS, Hub. Thanks to everyone in Spectrum Tutorials, Cardiff & Careers Service for their assisVale Tutors, Open University, tance in promoting this post to We regularly host a variety of ACCA, Teach First and ICAS. Cardiff Met students. events on behalf of local organisations including the Welsh The Conference Team are look- See inside this months E&FT for Blood Service, Survivors of ing forward to welcoming a stu- your complimentary Conference Bereavement, Clerk of Works, dent on work placement to join Service Newsletter. them in the new year. The post

Newsletter Date: 09/11/2017 Issue #34 Est: 2004 Inside this issue: 1 Conference Talk with Eva. How can 30,000 people be wrong?

Bute Kitchen.

A softer place to sit.

2

Res Life.

Events & Experiences galore.

3

September Events.

Res Life photos.

4

Catering Review A record £2million turnover!

5

My Beautiful Launderette.

Is anyone missing a sock?

6

Bigger & Better Open Days.

More tours, staff and time.

7

Met Fest 2017.

A Festival on Campus.

8

Business In Action.

The Rachel Roberts Review.

9

Halls Arrivals.

100% Satisfaction!

10

Coffee Corner.

24 festive Christmas facts.

11

Meet your Colleagues.

The Tom & Andrea Show

12

“Its fantastic to see so many different people and organisations attending events at Cardiff Met. We receive great feedback which is a testament to our highly committed and customer focused team”.

Clare Brockway, Services Manager.

Conference

Grand Designs in Bute kitchen.

A social area that’s the envy of other students.

Is this a halls of residence kitchen or a swanky apartment? Students moving into the Bute Block on Cyncoed Campus were somewhat taken aback to see the new lounges attached to their kitchens.

We seek to involve students in refurbishment plans by asking their views on priorities for halls facilities.

From this, demand for social living spaces along with ensuite rooms has informed our last major refurb where we introduced extended social areas with sofas and easy chairs, creating a more homely environment.

I managed to catch up with one of the parents of a student moving in to be told “This looks nicer than our living room at home”. The Bute residents are the envy of the campus and lets just hope the students manage to keep the lounge looking this way.

Consistently achieving a 1st and ranked number 1 in Wales.

Published in The Guardian - 14th November 2017.

The article reads: The strength of Welsh universities is another feature of this year’s People & Planet table. Half of the eight Welsh institutions are rated first class, with Cardiff Metropolitan University in eighth place, Swansea ninth and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David at 12th.

Prof Cara Aitchison, president and vicechancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, says its healthy university strategy recognises sustainability as a core value.

“We have always been and continue to be, a forward thinking university we take our ethical and environmental responsibilities very seriously,” she says.

Thanks go to Rachel Roberts, Environmental Performance Manager on behalf of the University for leading the submission and ensuring that Cardiff Met continue to lead the way amongst the Welsh universities.

New Rider Routes & Livery.

All change on the buses.

The start of the new term saw the launch of several new routes, a frozen price and a brand new look to celebrate 20 years of the Met Rider service.

Following several student focus groups, analysis of student post code data, and discussions with the SU, the traditional M2, M3 and M4 routes were replaced with new routes into Roath and Cathays. Riders now run from Llandaff Campus to Roath/Cathays three times an hour, making sustainable travel far more convenient for our students. Feedback so far has highlighted that the students are delighted with the route options.

We even managed to freeze the price for staff and students again this year making it the cheapest and largest travel pass in Wales. A similar pass direct from Cardiff Bus costs £715! The same pass via Cardiff Met is just £270 for students and £295 for staff. Pop to the Print Studio if you want one.

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Res Life - A successful pilot year is now a permanent feature 90% of new Halls students stated it was ‘beneficial’ in helping them settle into Halls & Uni. The Res Life programme has gone from most definitely ‘Leave Before Dawn’, a live strength to strength following its initial pilot band that have played on the BBC Live last year.

Lounge and were now playing Plas Gwyn!

Into our second year and every new student They drew in a crowd of 300 new Halls stuwas sent a Res Life Freshers Events dents who munched on curry and sank soft Calendar prior to their arrival which highdrinks whilst watching them perform. lighted events they could take part in for the Outside of the campus based events we also first eight days in Halls. held the following FREE events: Events included festival and fun fair games on the campuses such as Wipe Out, Donkey * 80 students watched Cardiff City win against Sheffield United.

Derby, Crazy Golf and a Bungee Run. The students soon lost their inhibitions and took * 100 students went on a tour of Cardiff part as flats and individuals forming new and The Bay on a Hop On Hop Off bus. friendships in the process. See photos on page four. * 20 students watched Grease at the Luna

The Res Life ambassadors have recently undertaken a survey of 200 first year Cardiff Met students living in both Cyncoed and Plas Gwyn Halls. The results help highlight how important Res Life has become regarding student retention.

There were themed ‘Welcome Meals’ for all new arrivals to attend including an All American Feast, Barbecue Night, a very popular Curry Night and the Sunday Roast!

outdoor cinema in the Castle Grounds.

Helping you feel ‘at home’?

* 96 went trampolining at the Jump Arena.

31% Very Useful

All the Res Life events are not just free of charge but also alcohol free with the ethos It wasn’t just during the day we entertained that life in Halls doesn’t have to include them though with Plas Gwyn hosting a alcohol in everything that students do. range of events in its marquee including Ice Early talks are currently underway with Breaking Welcome Sessions, A magician, a Events Management to arrange a student Res DJ Battle and the vintage gaming night. The Life internship for next year to help support highlight of the weekend events though was even more halls events.

Please rate your experience of the Res Life activities in relation to: Helping you settle in?

40% Very Useful 50% Useful Helping you meet people?

35% Very Useful 45% Useful 54% Useful

Helping you feel part of the University?

36% Very Useful 52% Useful Your overall student experience?

36% Very Useful

53% Useful

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Res Life September Arrivals in Photos.

Bigger, better and more participants than ever before! !

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Catering honoured for Sustainability Work.

Contributed by Andrew Phelps, Catering & Hospitality Service Manager.

Cardiff Met is the first university in Wales and only the fifth in the UK to receive a three star rating by the UK’s leading sustainability accreditation and membership body for the hospitality and food service sector.

The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) has awarded Cardiff Met’s Catering team a three star ’Food Made Good’ rating - the maximum rating in the category.

The three stars rating, regarded as the Michelin Stars of sustainability is achieved by completing a rigorous and

wide-ranging assessment that covers the three pillars of sustainability: sourcing, society and environment.

Cardiff Mets Catering team were also shortlisted for the annual SRA awards in the ‘Feed People Well’ category.

The award was one of 17 that was presented by SRA President Raymond Blanc and Vice President Prue Leith at a special ceremony on 5th October at the Royal Horticultural Societies Lindley Hall.

We were nominated for incorporating healthy meals created by students into the range of food we offer. Although we did not win, we came runner up to The Naked Chef himself, as Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain won the award.

Cardiff Met’s Catering and Hospitality Manager, Andrew Phelps commented: “We are delighted to be awarded the three star rating by the SRA. This accolade is a great credit to the Catering team, recognising their hard work in the last year, and showing their commitment to the University’s wider strategic plan.”

£2 million turnover for the first time ever!

Customer voting with their feet about where they want to eat.

Catering are delighted to announce that their turnover has exceeded £2million for the first time since Cardiff Met financial records began. This is an incredible achievement considering back in 2011 our turnover was around £1.1 million.

This is the culmination of fantastic work undertaken to update the outlets and provide a modern and fresh menu.

Central to this has been the staff who have worked tirelessly adapting to all changes and providing a customer focused service.

daily use of social media to promote the ever changing menu. Remember to like the Facebook Cardiff Met Catering page for a daily update on whats on the menu at various outlets.

Catering Team for the continued promotion of healthy eating on campus. Finally a great thank you to all our customers for voting with their feet when choosing a place to eat.

We are also able to announce that Catering have recently received the gold star healthy options awards at both the Cyncoed K1 restaurant and CSM Atrium by the Cardiff City Environmental Health team. It helped in achieving this award that we have recently signed up to Peas Please and pledged that we will serve more veg with our meals. So come on everyone Give Peas A Chance!

The new outlets and menu have been supported by a new brand image and the The award is great recognition for the

Three time faster WI-FI in Residences.

Contributed by Jamie Hancock, Communications Team Manager Every year the National Student Housing Survey questions a proportion of our students about their stay at Cardiff Met. The section pertinent to IT Infrastructure Services (IT IS) is called Internet Satisfaction Rating - Wireless. Unfortunately, we did not achieve the high standards we strive for and it was obvious that work needed to be undertaken to improve the students’ experience. This outcome came as a surprise as there were only nine Helpdesk calls logged all of last year, with reference to

Once the new cabling was finished, we re-surveyed all the buildings in Plas Gwyn Nevertheless over a 3 month period during the summer, IT IS staff started surveying the to ensure the system was running at an optimal level. The survey illustrated signifidifferent building types at Plas Gwyn, to ascertain where and what the issues were. As cant improvements to the quality of the wireless coverage. It now permits twice the part of the process, we devised a unique way of testing possible solutions to the issues number of devices to connect at over three identified. It was important for us to dynami- times the speed previously available. cally fine-tune potential solutions as quickly The students living at Plas Gwyn are deas possible and to produce the best possible lighted with the new speed and connectivity implementation method. A project brief was of the Wi-Fi! Academically it allows them to created for our cabling sub-contractor to ena- access all the programs they need, and soble them to carry out the implementation. cially, the gaming has never been faster! wireless issues in Plas Gwyn.

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Applications for Halls consistently high!

Very few cancellations or withdrawals.

A busy summer in the Accommodation Department saw a total of 1807 applications for Halls this year from first year students.

Unfortunately despite taking the maximum number of nominated rooms available from our private partner (Liberty Living), we were still unable to meet the demand from students. This is particularly notable at Cyncoed where there are no other local private halls developments available.

Fortunately we were able to overcome this problem by securing last minute space in other private Halls due to USW not filling their nomination commitment.

In addition the Accommodation Team managed to secure these additional rooms at a discounted rate. This meant that 185 Cardiff Met students were found private halls accommodation before the start of term.

To date we have received very few cancellations, and at the start of term 41 ‘local students’ were still so keen to live on Cyncoed Campus that they requested to go on a waiting list for any future vacancies that may arise The Team are now actively reviewing all residences options to secure additional capacity to meet this demand.

My beautiful laundrette.

New contract and new machines.

Another new addition over the summer was the replacement and improvement to the laundries at both Cyncoed and Plas Gwyn Campus.

Following a tender process, Circuit were successfully reappointed for a further three years. The newly installed washers and dryers are far more environmentally friendly using less energy and a reduction in the water required. They are also 20% larger which is ideal for muddy sports kit or duvets.

Payment to use the machine has gone digital with an online app allowing parents to remotely credit the student accounts. Its simple and easy to use with the vast majority of students downloading the app during the first week.

Don’t forget the machines are not just for students!

Staff can also use them, and we have even managed to freeze the prices again this year.

This time its personal!

Contributed by Elaine Griffiths, Space Timetable Manager.

As I’ve reported previously, this year saw a project to increase the scope of personalised timetables for students in the University. I am pleased to announce that from September 2017 three Schools have personalised student timetables for all of their programmes. This means that students can download their timetable to any mobile device, and only see the sessions for modules they are enrolled onto and the groups they are in.

Being able to view their timetable in their Page 6

calendar means that they know exactly when they need to attend and is much clearer to read. There are no excuses now for not attending lectures! Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, students really like being able to see their timetable on their phone.

Its been a tough few months but well worth it when you see the progress being made and the feedback.

My thanks to everyone involved for all their hard work. We got there in the end!

The first unit to implement WPM in the University.

Contributed by Rebecca Bloyce, Commercial Services Manager.

The popular Met Rider permit was launched on the Universitys new on-line store over the summer and students/staff can now order the permit on-line 24/7. This has proved very successful, with many permits ordered late at night or during the weekend, giving new flexibility to students. The Print Studio have also added a range of Cardiff Met hoodies and t-shirts to the on-line store. If you have any ideas for products you would like to buy on-line, please let us know.

The Metcard Team had a busy September producing cards for the new student intake. This year the team supported our international students, helping them to collect their cards early the weekend before ‘Freshers Week’. The team also had a stand at Freshers Fayre to help support part time students and students studying at other locations, which proved a success with over 100 cards printed.

The new car park contract was also introduced this summer, giving added flexibility to car park users, with the ability to pay for extended periods of parking, this includes weekly and monthly tickets at the machines and users can now pay by card.

New Open Day presence for Residences.

Information, Halls Tours and Virtual Reality.

Late September saw the arrival of the new Open Day season. A completely different approach is being taken this year, with the introduction of campus wide open days which are to use a phrase ‘all singing and all dancing’.

Accommodation has always had a presence at Open Days, with Harpal McCarthy (Accommodation Officer) delivering excellent presentations and having a stall for potential students and parents to have a one to one chat with her.

This year that has been bolstered by the relevant Halls Managers, Neil Woollacott and Tom Learoyd also being present. In addition we have increased Halls tours and added two Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets.

The headsets have been incredibly popular, particularly with students and parents who are unable to make the Halls tours due to other commitments. More info below.

A World of Virtual Reality.

New experience for students and parents.

As touched upon above we have recently added the use of VR to the Halls promotional arsenal.

These have proved hugely popular with students and parents resulting in queues to try them at Open Days.

Before anyone undergoes the experience they are asked a few simple questions to confirm they do not suffer from vertigo and that they are happy for a member of staff to briefly touch their head whilst fitting the Oculus Rift headset.

Once the headsets are on students and parents alike are transported to Plas Gwyn or Cyncoed Campus. A presenter than guides the viewers around the halls and gives them a 360 degree interactive tour of each bedroom type. Its such a real experience that at the last Open Day we had parents trying to open bedroom wardrobes and even trying to wander off in the Arena!

We are currently investigating the potential for cardboard headsets that students can take away with them and revisit the experience when at home using their phones.

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Met Fest 2017 - A festival on campus.

Friday 22nd September saw staff and students coming together to celebrate a new academic year. !

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Go GREEN Day - 13th October 2017 Contributed by Rachel Roberts, Environmental Performance Manager.

Students and staff across Cardiff Met raised essential funds for an organisation working to protect an area of tropical forest the size of Wales.

Aptly named ‘Size of Wales’, the organisation runs an annual Go Green Day, encouraging businesses and organisations across the nation to raise cash to preserve two million hectares of tropical rainforest in Africa and South America.

Cardiff Met students and staff celebrated Go Green Day and raised the grand total of almost £200 through a range of events which took place at Llandaff campus.

Fundraising events included: guess the weight of a giant pumpkin, and energy awareness stand with donations for LED light bulbs, fiction and text books, recycling of office files, folders and lever arch, waste management information, Eco-egg promotion, purchase of plants, raffle for the Met Rider, Bike locks, etc.

The total amount raised on the day was doubled by Size of Wales to a total of £400.

I couldn’t have successfully held this event without the help of other Cardiff Met staff, so huge thanks go to:

Nick Drew for the giant 45 kilo pumpkin.

Neil Bradley for energy awareness and free LumiLife light bulbs.

Tara Bowen for the academic and novels Book Swap.

Mark Barry & Neil Woollacott for the hard sell on Free folders and stationary.

Cardiff Council for waste management.

Lowri & Kate - Campus Services Management information.

Print Studio for the bike lock donation.

Gavin Jones Ltd for the free plants.

Eco-Egg for their free donations, discount code and raffle prizes.

CSM Business In Action Modules.

Real World Cardiff Met projects within Estates & Facilities.

Student groups last year were set client briefs, a Real World project, by Estates & Facilities as part of the Business In Action module for the School of Management.

Group two reviewed Sustainable Travel within Cardiff Met - considering the promotion and support of sustainable and active student travel to and from campuses; what initiatives are required with the overall aim of delivering greater awareness and particiGroup one reviewed Fairtrade within Cardiff Met, considering how the princi- pation in sustainable and active student travpals of Fairtrade could be further embed- el. The students attended an introduction ded across the University’s activities; the from Neil Woollacott (Travel Plan Manager) and Rachel Roberts (Environmental Perforpromotion and application of Fairtrade mance Manager), followed up by question principals to ensure that the issue of and answer sessions within their teams. As Fairtrade awareness in maintained and part of Go Green Week the students were understanding of consumption of invited and participated in a focus group Fairtrade products is enhanced The stualong with the SU on the findings of the redents attended an initial introduction to cent Student Travel Survey. The final team Fairtrade with Rachel Roberts and Amy Campbell, SU, followed up by a question presentations and literature were presented and recorded in front of their peers. All of and answer session within their teams.

the recommendations were presented to the Environmental Performance Group for consideration and implementation.

There are two seminar groups planned for the start of next term. The first problem scenario is around Sustainable Travel and how our travel arrangements impact upon pollution. The second scenario is around Waste, and the usage of single use bottles or cups on campus. The students will attend an initial introduction to the Real World problem scenario, followed by questions and facilitator answers in a few weeks time.

The students will be challenged on their ability to understand the problem scenario, review current arrangements and suggest costed solutions for improvements.

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September student arrivals.

Fresh faced and ready for a new chapter in their lives.

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Coffee corner.

24 Festive facts about Christmas.

1 Norwegian scientists have hypothesized

10 The Druids considered mistletoe sacred 17 Astronomers believe that the Star

that Rudolph’s red nose is probably the result of a parasitic infection of his respiratory system.

because it remains green and bears fruit of Bethlehem, which guided the during the winter when all other plants wisemen to Jesus, may have been a appear to die. They thought it had the pow- comet or the planet Uranus. er to cure infertility and ward off evil.

2 The Germans made the first artificial 18 Father Christmas has many differChristmas tree out of dyed goose feathers. 11 Although now mostly vegetarian, in ent names around the world. He is Victorian times, mince pies were made Santa in America, Kriss Kringle in 3 Each year more than 3 billion Christmas with beef and spices.

Germany, Le Bafana in Italy, Pere cards are sent in the USA. Noel in France and Deushka Moroz 12 Despite the tale of three wise men pay(Grandfather Frost) in Russia.

4 All the gifts in the Twelve Days of ing homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never Christmas would equal 364 presents.

19 Boxing Day gets its name from gives a number. Matthew’s Gospel refers to merely wise men”. all the money collected in church 5 According to data analysed from alms-boxes for the poor.

Facebook, two weeks before Christmas is 13 There are 13 Santas in Iceland, each one of the two most popular dates for 20 Kissing under the mistletoe is leaving a gift for children. They come couples to break up. Christmas Day is the down from the mountain one by one, start- thought to spring from Frigga, the least favourite day for breakups. ing on December 12th and have names like Norse Goddess of love, who was asSpoon Licker, Door Sniffer and Meat sociated with the plant.

6 In AD350, Pope Julius I, Bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25th the offi- Hook.

21 Nearly 60 million Christmas trees cial celebration date for the birth of Christ.

14 The word NOEL derives from the are grown each year in Europe.

French expression ‘les bonnes nouvelles’ 7 Christmas trees usually grow for 15 22 Before turkey, the traditional or ‘the good news’. years before they are sold.

Christmas meal in England was a pigs 15 The Greeks celebrate Christmas on head with mustard.

8 Bolivians celebrate Misa del Gallo or January 7th according to the old Julian ‘Mass of the Chicken’ on Christmas Eve. 23 In Greece, Italy, Spain and Gercalendar, while Christmas presents are Some people bring chickens to the midmany, workers get a Christmas bonus opened on New Years Day. night mass, a gesture that symbolizes the of one months salary by law. belief that a chicken was the first animal to 16 The first Christmas cards were com24 In the Czech Republic they enjoy announce the birth of Jesus! missioned by civil servant Sir Henry Cole a Christmas dinner of fish soup, eggs in London in 1843 and featured a family 9 Puritan Oliver Cromwell outlawed and carp. The number of people at the drinking wine. One sold recently at auction Christmas celebrations and carols in the table must be even or legend has it for £8,469.

UK from 1649-1660 that the one without a partner will die next year!

Christmas Lunch Menu and Dates.

Delivered by a Catering team that competes with Jamie Oliver!

Its that time of year again when Cardiff Mets world famous Christmas Lunches are available. You can treat yourself in K1 on Cyncoed campus on either the 5th or 12th December.

The Llandaff option in the CSM will be 13th, 20th or 21st December.

Starter Homemade Soup of the Day with a crusty roll Main Course Freshly carved Roast Turkey served with cranberry OR Brie

and Beetroot Tart OR Vegetable Nut Roast

Two courses, Waitress served for just £11.50

All served with seasonal vegeta- Three courses, Waitress served and a bles, potatoes , pigs in blankets, drink for £13.50 stuffing and gravy.

Call extension 6130 to book a table. Be quick about it though as tables go like hot Desserts mince pies!

Christmas pudding & Brandy A hug thank you to all the Catering staff Sauce OR Gingerbread cheesefor the fantastic effort they make at this cake & Cream OR Chocolate time of year to ensure that all staff and boxes & Cream OR Peanut students have a feast fit for a king. butter chocolate fudge cake.

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Dates For Your Diary: 04/12/17 Annual Christmas Carol Concert.

14/12/17 Res Life at The Last Jedi Premiere - 75 tickets for first years 22/12/17 - 01/01/18 Christmas Holidays. Back in work Tuesday 2nd!

Editor: Neil Woollacott Deputy Accommodation Services Manager & Travel Plan Manager.

Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cyncoed Campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff CF23 6XD Tel: 02920 41 6712 nwoollacott@cardiffmet.ac.uk Facebook: Cardiff Met Halls & Housing

07/01/18 - Cardiff Met FC V Aberystwyth Town at 2.30pm 08/02/18 - Premier League Darts Championship, Motorpoint Arena.

Congratulations: The summer witnessed lots of staff departures via either the voluntary severance scheme, retirement or seeking employment elsewhere. Here’s a list of who left the Estates & Facilities team: David Benson, Director of Estates; Christine Biggs, Catering Assistant Gerard Connolly, Kitchen Manager; Alan Evans, Campus Services Manager John Halse, Carpenter; Chris Jennings, Director of Sport Weronika Knot, Domestic Assistant; Christine Thomas, Catering Assistant Jenny Wembridge, Domestic Supervisor; Karen Marchant, Catering Assistant Sue Stockdale, Halls Assistant; Ryan Matthews, Maintenance Assistant Paul Horrocks, Res Life Co-ordinator;

Go Green: If you would like your Estates & Facilities Times delivered to you electronically in future rather than a hard copy, get in touch at nwoollacott@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Meet your Colleagues Introducing new staff within Residences - Tom and Andrea being and Customer Service Excellence Andrea: Exer cise is amazing! After being Project Lead (longest title in history and even diagnosed with Fibromyalgia three years ago longer in Welsh!)

I embarked on a fitness regime by joining The Vale Resort last October and enlisted the help Interests: of a personal trainer. To date I have lost three Tom: When I’m not wor king, I shar e my stone and the results are amazing. I still suffer time between following Leeds united and the with pain, but not half as bad as before. I can Leeds Rhinos, getting on with my PhD in thoroughly recommend exercise to anyone Welsh Language variation, and training to and if I can do it then anyone can. I can actujoin the Royal Navy Reserves as a logistics ally swim 80 lengths of a 25m pool which is a officer. whole mile - without stopping!

Andrea: I eat, r ead, dr ink wine and any gin and then sleep, a lot, in that order! I spend The Estates & Facilities Times has been initiated to Names: a lot of time at my gym, training with my keep us all aware of what is going on in each others Tom Learoyd, Accommodation Assistant personal trainer and swimming. I am a sections. If there is no article about your area, it is Andrea Stokes, Halls Assistant Plas Gwyn massive Game of Thrones fan so will watch because no one has spoken to me, please contact me yourself. Anyone who wishes to contribute articles, and read anything connected to that.

Former Employment: Tom: I wor ked as a Community Liaison Officer for ASDA after graduating and upon moving to Cardiff worked at the I-Zone for a little under two years.

Andrea: 14 years at Car diff Univer sity (The Dark Side some may say!) as PA to the Director of Student Support & Well-

Did you know?

Tom: I’m the Communications Coor dinator of Yorkshire International Football Association. I’ve sparked an investigation by the Chief Executive of the National Audit Office.

A wnes I ddysgu Cymraeg oherwydd dwi’n meddwl mae’n pwysig I siarad iaith y wlad.

will be greeted with a smiling face and open arms.

A copy of the Estates & Facilities Times is also available in Welsh if required. Any staff who are leaving Cardiff Met for pastures new, let me have a forwarding address and I will send you a copy.

The Estates & Facilities Times next issue will be circulated from April 2018