Here’s a welcome new facility for the youth of Brownhills and Walsall Wood, kindly provided by Walsall Police, who have plenty of experience of this sort of thing. It’s nice to see someone doing something for the local kids, and I wish everyone well in the venture.

The following press release was sent to my by the Press Office at Walsall Police, marked ‘Strictly embargoed until November 28th’. Interestingly, I was the only one to heed this, including the press office themselves, who sent the release out in their normal feed yesterday morning. Who said bloggers can’t be trusted with embargoes?

Seriously, though, it’s being officially opened at 6pm tonight at the premises on the Maybrook Road, and if you have a budding young pugilist in the family (10 years old or over), or fancy learning the sport yourself, why not get down there?

Thanks to Nicky for the headsup.

Looks well kitted out. Picture from Walsall Police.

A brand new community boxing club is opening to the public on Wednesday 28 November at 6.00pm in Brownhills.

Walsall Police amateur boxing club was originally the brain child of Willenhall amateur boxer Shaun Hargreaves whose vision was to create an amateur boxing club and fitness centre that could be enjoyed by the local community and the police who serve Walsall.

Shaun has over 30 years experience in amateur boxing and has been working closely with Walsall Police to set up the club.

Walsall police amateur boxing club has a simple philosophy, to bring communities together to improve fitness, break down barriers between police and young people, reduce crime and anti social behaviour and provide a place for members of the public to meet and train in a safe and secure environment.

The club is open to the general public (ages 10 upwards) on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 6.00pm to 8.30pm. At weekends the club is open from 12 noon until 4pm.

PC Alan Poole said: ‘To finally see the club finished and open is such an achievement and pleasure especially in current times of financial constraints. I have been personally touched by the sheer generosity of people who have offered their time and support both financially and in other ways.

‘A special thank you to Aldridge based charity, Rosie’s Helping Hands for their words of encouragement and support and their kind donation of £1,000. To Build Blocks, West Midlands Police Charitable Trust, Caldmore Accord Housing and the Co-Op.

‘I am confident that the club will become a well used facility and meeting place, not only to train and improve fitness but to make new friends and get to know local officers better. Boxing enthusiasts have the opportunity to box competitively or simply use the facilities to train and get fit.’

The club will be officially opened by Walsall Police Commander David Sturman on Wednesday 28 November at 6.00pm at Walsall Police Amateur Boxing Club, Maybrook Industrial Estate, Maybrook Road, Walsall Wood, Brownhills, WS8 7DG.

There will be an opportunity to tour the club and speak to both head coach Shaun and fitness coach Ian Benton.

For further information about the club please contact PC Alan Poole on 101 ext 7881 6601 or e-mail: alan.poole@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk