December 11, 2018 4.08 pm This story is over 64 months old

Princess Anne opens new Linkage education centre

She met Linkage learners

Princes Anne officially opened the Boultham Park Education Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Linkage College, which is based at the Education Centre.

It is Lincoln’s only specialist further education college for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

It is Lincoln’s only specialist further education college for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Her Royal Highness met with Linkage learners, staff and service users at the purpose-built facility before touring the wider facilities at Boultham Park.

The included Linkage Community Support housing at Rookery Court, the Boultham Park Horticulture Centre and the Boultham Park Cafe.

Princess Anne with the lord lieutenant. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

She also met with a range of representatives from organisations and community groups who have been involved with or supported the Boultham Park Restoration Project.

The Boultham Park Restoration Project is a partnership project between Linkage Community Trust and the City of Lincoln Council.

They were awarded £2.7 million in grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund Parks for People programme to restore Boultham Park.

People gathered for the official opening of the Boultham Park Education Centre. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

CEO at Linkage Valerie Waby said: “To welcome HRH The Princess Royal back to Linkage 11 years after she joined us at our Weelsby Campus, in Grimsby in 2007 for our 25th anniversary celebrations, is a great honour.

“We are extremely proud to show Her Royal Highness the opportunities the Boultham Park facilities are opening up for people with learning disabilities, helping them to learn, develop and live more independently.”

Princess Anne arriving at the facility. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite