Further Education colleges across the West Midlands are hosting community events throughout June to encourage locals to come together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun, including Solihull College & University Centre’s afternoon tea held today at Blossomfield Campus.
Hosted by Vice Principal Lee Jamieson, guests at Blossomfield were also joined by Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Everton Burke OBE, who enjoyed meeting visitors from a variety of backgrounds.
Over a thousand people are attending lunches, afternoon teas and picnics which will coincide with the year’s Big Lunch project to celebrate everything that makes our communities great. Invitations have gone out to carers, volunteers, charities, partners and the elderly, as well as multi faith and LGBTQ+ groups, to say thank you for all they do throughout the year. Deputy Lieutenants will be attending many of the events too.
Designed to bring people together, students have been getting involved with everything from organising the events through to catering, hospitality, photography and entertainment. This year, they are also focusing on helping to make it as green as possible – from simple sustainable swaps to ideas to take forward in the local community.
Colleges taking part include: Solihull College & University Centre, South & City College Birmingham, BMET, Dudley, Halesowen, Sandwell, Solihull Sixth Form, Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire College, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Newcastle and Stafford College Group, North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.
The Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said; “I’m delighted that so many colleges from right across the region are getting involved with this year’s #FE Big Lunch. Launched last year to coincide with the Coronation, the initiative has really taken off and is set to be bigger and better than ever.”
“With a sustainable and environmentally friendly theme this year, the West Midlands Lieutenancy is pleased to be supporting these important community events and we hope everyone has a great time.”
