A pioneering new cooking course with a difference starts up in Studley later this month. 'Cooking Up a Storm' is aimed at breaking down the barriers between the generations in the south Warwickshire village, by teaching men aged over 55 and young male adults aged between 13 to 18 to cook.
The eight-week course, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, is being arranged at Studley's Youth and Community Centre, where qualified tutors will teach the participants to cook, free of charge. The scheme is being supported by a number of organisations, including Stratford-on-Avon District Council. It starts on 22 February.
"We think this is an exciting and certainly unusual project which will create interest between the generations," said Cllr Chris Williams, the District Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Services.
"However, there is a serious edge to it. There have been some problems with anti-social behaviour in Studley, which can be caused by a breakdown in communications between older and younger people.
"This project has been set up as part of the Government's Respect programme to help bridge that gap between these two age groups, and I hope it will result in far more understanding between them.
"Add in a chance to cook up some good food and I'm sure that the barriers will soon be broken down for the benefit of the community as a whole.
"It is part of an overall package of measures aimed at tackling the anti-social issues in Studley, including enforcement."
Any men over 55 or young men aged between 13 and 18 who would like to take part in the course should contact either Sue Johnson at Warwickshire Age Concern on 01789 205059, or PG at Studley Youth Centre on 01527 852472. The project is also supported by Advantage West Midlands, Age Concern, Stratford District Partnership and Warwickshire County Council.
Further information about the Government programme can be found at www.respect.gov.uk
Responsibility for local councils to tackle crime is a result of Section 5 and 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The Act requires specific agencies such as the police, district and county councils, health trusts and fire services, to work within the community in tackling crime and disorder and the misuse of drugs in their local areas through Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP).
