Protest as over £800 is spent on controversial VC’s leaving ‘garden party’

To finish off a controversial vice chancellorship, Aberystwyth University spent £843 on refreshments for a “garden party”, thanking outgoing VC April McMahon.

After obtaining the figure under the Freedom of Information act, the Ffrindiau Pantycelyn campaign group criticised the university for spending the money whilst the future of the Welsh-language Pantycelyn halls was still uncertain.

Three years ago, a petition was started by second-year Aber student Kieron O’Shea which called for McMahon’s resignation. It gained 547 signatures.

A Ffrindiau Pantycelyn spokesperson said: “After the university insisted that money was scarce and this would endanger the re-opening of Neuadd Pantycelyn, it defies all common sense that the university has paid nearly a thousand pounds to hold a farewell party for Prof McMahon.

An Aberystwyth University spokesperson said: “When a senior member of staff leaves, it is normal practice to hold an event like this to mark the occasion and give colleagues an opportunity to bid a formal farewell.”