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Deeksha Teri

DeekshaTeri

Deeksha Teri is a local news reporter at The Lincolnite. She is also currently pursuing MA Journalism from University of Lincoln.


April 5, 2018 8.32 am This story is over 70 months old

A series of autism-friendly events has been brought back to Lincoln Castle by popular demand.

Four Lincoln Castle Explorer Sessions have been planned between May and December, offering families and young children with autism a specially-tailored environment.

Events take place in the grounds of the castle, including the Victorian Prison and Magna Carta experience vault.

The castle’s team, who are trained in specialist autism awareness training, will be available for help and education spaces will be equipped with sensory toys, in case someone requires a moment away or a safe space.

The Langton’s Café will also be open and serving food and drinks from 9am.

The sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • 20 May (9am-10am and 5pm-6pm)
  • 15 July (5pm-6pm)
  • 1 September (9am-10am and 5pm-6pm)
  • 29 December (9am-10am)

The series has been brought back due to its popular demand after last year’s autism friendly sessions.

Jack Walker, Visitor Experience Team Leader, said: “Our previous explorer sessions received really positive feedback, with people telling us that they helped take a lot of worry and stress away.

“Our team have undergone autism awareness training and worked alongside Lincoln’s Parent Support Group PAACT, which is affiliated to the Lincolnshire Autistic Society, to create the ideal environment for visitors with autism.

“And we have a brand new easy-read guide, which is specifically designed for young children and adults with autism to take on their way around the castle. It can be downloaded and you can find out how to reserve your own temporary ear defenders while visiting us.

“And remember: your Lincoln Castle Annual Pass allows you and your family to visit all of our Lincoln Castle Explorers sessions year round for just £75.”

More information about this can be found through the accessibility statement.

Lincoln historian David Stocker has been appointed as a new trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) by the Prime Minister.

David is an archaeologist and architectural historian who is an honorary visiting professor at the University of Leeds. He also sits on HLF’s East Midlands Committee.

He will be a part of a 14-strong board that runs HLF. He will be responsible for steering the policy and direction of the funds, and take decisions on grant applications.

Until this date, HLF has awarded £7.8 billion to 48,000 heritage projects across the UK. Its grant budget for 2018-19 is £190 million.

HLF has also invested £42.4 million in 85 heritage projects in Lincoln.

Professor David Stocker said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity to participate in directing the activity of the HLF, and I’m looking forward to the next six years hugely.

“HLF is not just about helping to conserve buildings and places, but we do so in collaboration with people, and during my term of appointment I’ll be aiming to ensure that projects we support across the nation bring significant benefits to the communities in which they are set.”

David is also a trustee of the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology; trustee and President of the Lincoln Record Society; and Council for British Archaeology (CBA) nominee to the Council of the National Trust.

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision of appointing David as the new trustee.

He said: “As HLF moves into a new phase, I welcome David who will bring significant value and expertise to the current Board.”

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