Ginger and Lacey watch Jay 'Sketch' Robertson in action at Walsall Wood Skate Park. Image from Facebook.

Just a quick note to publicise the Barbecue in the Park event at Oak Park this Friday, from 6-8pm. I know these events work well, and have been a roaring success in the past. Everyone involved puts in a great deal of work to make things go smoothly, so my best wishes to all. The local yoots ain’t a bad bunch on the whole and it’s nice to see the authorities talking to them. Councillor Mike Flower personally puts much into the event and said the following on his blog:

The next “BBQ in the Park” event will be taking place on Friday, 24th June, 2011 at Oak Park Leisure Centre. The event will begin around 6pm and close at 8pm. These events are enjoyed by many of the local young people and give them the opportunity to informally meet with the Youth Service, local NHS and other partners who turn out to support. I hope it’s a great success – do please spread the word.

The following press release was issued by Walsall Council. Earlier, I incorrectly stated that the times were missing from the press release, my mistake…

Activities and advice available for teenagers at barbecue
Date Published : 17 June 2011

Young people in Walsall Wood can discover more about activities and services available for their age group at a BBQ in the Park on Friday 24 June.

Organised by Aldridge and Beacon Area Partnership it takes place at Oak Park Leisure Centre from 6 to 8pm and is aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds.

Among those expected to attend and be on hand to offer advice are Walsall Council’s Integrated Young People’s Support Service(IYPSS), substance misuse service T3, West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police. Walsall Council’s Reach Up climbing tower and MOVE truck which is packed full of activities from Wii fit and music mixing decks to basketball nets and a rope wall will also be on site.

Councillor Zahid Ali, Walsall Council cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: “The BBQ in the Park has been running for some time at various venues and has proved very popular.

“It is a ideal opportunity for young people to come along and speak to representatives from various agencies in an informal setting and to ask questions or make suggestions which they believe will benefit their community.”