Colleges are gearing up to thank communities with big lunch events throughout June

Colleges in the Black Country and Staffordshire will join further education colleges across the region in preparing to host community events throughout June to encourage local people to come together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun.

Over a thousand people are set to attend lunches, afternoon teas and picnics, which will coincide with the Big Lunch project of the year to celebrate all that makes communities great.

The project, which is organized and run by West Midlands Lieutenancy, will see invitations sent to carers, volunteers, charities, partners and older people, as well as multi-faith and LGBTQ+ groups, to thank them for all they do over time. the year.

Deputy Lieutenants will be taking part in many of the events, which take place at colleges including Dudley, Halesowen, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire College and Newcastle and Stafford College Group.

The first set of lunches will be held at Sandwell’s Cadbury College on Tuesday 4th June at 1pm with a picnic style lunch, then at Halesowen College at 2.30pm with afternoon tea.

The Institute of Technology at Dudley College will host the next event on Wednesday 5 June with an afternoon tea at 2pm, before Wolverhampton College’s Wellington Road campus hosts a big lunch on Friday 7 June at 12 noon :30.

Designed to bring people together, students get involved in everything from event planning to catering, hospitality, photography and entertainment, and also focus on helping to make the environment as green as possible, from simple sustainable exchanges to to ideas to be promoted in the local community.

The Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE, said; “I’m delighted that so many colleges 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, West Midlands Lieutenancy is delighted to support these important community events and we hope everyone has a great time.”