BMet Serves Up Coronation Buffets and Afternoon Tea for Communities across its colleges

BMet has cooked up high-quality buffets, afternoon tea and a menu of “royal activities” this week for locals in the community, ahead of King Charles’s Coronation.

The events took place across BMet’s main James Watt, Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges. It is all part of a wider community-focused initiative in the west midlands, endorsed by The West Midlands Lieutenancy.

People who may struggle to join in a later weekend celebration – including carers, the elderly, the homeless and volunteers associated with organisations like Age Concern, the YMCA, St Basil’s Charity and Witton Lodge Community Association were invited to attend.

To mark the special occasion, West Midlands Deputy Lieutenant, Sir David Thompson, The Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Jan Cairns and Antonio, Band Master of The Royal Regiment of Fusilier’s Warwickshire greeted and addressed invited guests.

BMet Vice Principals were also in attendance to welcome and mingle with everyone.

Speaking of the special community-focused events, Anna Jackson, Deputy Principal at BMet said: “It was an honour for BMet to have the opportunity to mark an occasion that is important to many people.

“Our community links are an integral part of BMet. So, holding our cross-college events, enabled us to collectively unite the community in an uplifting way and to give back to people who may at times feel overlooked.”

Among the variety filled proceedings, key highlights included the raising of the flag from a BMet student and police cadet, musical slideshows highlighting the coronation and King Charles, patriotic singalongs and entertainment from performing arts students from Sutton Coldfield College.

Invited guests were also able to find out more about the work that BMet does with communities from key people within the organisation, view eye-catching student displays alongside decorations and bunting. Plus, they were also served “royal refreshments” by student ambassadors.

The wider Coronation project is being endorsed by the West Midlands Lieutenancy, that has developed links with schools and further education across the region.

Sir John Crabtree OBE, Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands said: “The colleges are a great example of the outstanding community spirit we are seeing across the region and how young people are making such a positive difference to others.

“It is heart-warming to know that so many are doing wonderful events and including those that might not be in a position to take part in other Coronation activities. Well done colleges!”

To find out more about BMet’s links to communities and opportunities, please visit our website.