Colchester Castle are proud to be working with Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service (ECFWS), which is provided by Virgin Care in partnership with Barnardo’s, and the Colchester Rotary Club, to enable youngsters across the borough to access local history free of charge, for a whole calendar year.
The Rotary Club of Colchester has generously purchased 25 Colchester Castle family passes, which has been matched by Colchester Museums to double the amount of passes available for ECFWS to distribute to families.
The Castle’s Resident Pass will enable each of the fifty families to benefit from unlimited, free entry to Colchester Castle for a whole calendar year from the date of issue. It will include free entry to exhibitions currently on display and in the future, as well as exclusive member events.
Colchester Castle, Europe’s largest Norman keep, is built on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, the central focus for Boudica’s revenge on the Romans. Today, it’s a modern, thriving museum packed full of internationally important treasures ready for these families to explore together.
As one of the East of England’s most popular family destinations, the Castle is a great family day out. With interactive exhibits, tablet hire and family friendly displays, these families will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy family days out for a whole year, learn more about Colchester’s rich heritage and culture and hopefully encourage a new generation of history lovers!
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council says, “We are thrilled to be able to extend the reach of the Castle to these families. We hope that they enjoy the passes and make some treasured memories on their trips to the Castle. It’s a great family day out.”
Colin Brodie at Colchester Rotary Club says, "Our Rotary Club is proud to be working with Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service and Colchester Castle to help local families and make a difference to their lives. The passes will give a great many days out where the families can come together, immerse themselves in Colchester’s rich history and have plenty of fun too! We hope they enjoy the visits to the Castle!”
Davina Francis, an ECFWS Family Hub Coordinator in north Essex says, “Our local families will benefit greatly from the generosity of Colchester Museums and the Colchester Rotary Club and for that we are very grateful. Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service will begin issuing passes over the coming weeks and our families will be able to start visiting the Castle and making memories immediately."
"It’s great to be able to be a part of this because we know that during COVID-19 lockdown, many families have often felt isolated; this initiative is a great way to encourage children and families to get out and have fun together.”
Page last reviewed: 7 September 2020