Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Click on the picture to hear the new single and have the opportunity to buy your own copy. Every purchase will help someone local so that will make you a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero too!

 Christmas Angel by Jake Newby

Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes are all around us and this charity fund raising single is a perfect example.  It’s been a pretty bad year for most of us and it’s fair to assume that the local (and national) charities have been hit very hard as we tighten our belts and reign in our spending.  It’s important to remember though that if we don’t have the cash to spend we might be able to use our talents and skills to help others.  Jake Newby from Louth has done just that!  You can click on the picture above to go straight to his website to listen to the new song ‘Christmas Angel’. If you buy a copy you’ll instantly become one of the Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes too!

Why? Because all proceeds will be going to help local food banks!  Not only is it a lovely song by a very talented singer but it’s helping those who may be experiencing hardship right now. In addition to his website you’ll also be able to find him on Facebook Jake Newby.

You can also download a copy from iTunes.  Just follow the link by clicking on the picture below:

Click on the picture to download your copy from iTunes

You Can Donate To Become One Of The Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes

Find out more by clicking on this picture. Gemma will be really pleased to hear from you and you can become a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero too.

On the subject of Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes, meet Gemma from @vegoutlincoln on Twitter who is collecting cash donations through her Just Giving page. You can help by donating a little bit of cash of course. Just click on the picture above to donate if you can.  Here’s a quote from Gemma to explain: “This Christmas we would REALLY love to be able to support our local community by building plant based food packages for the Lincoln Food Bank… As a business we will be compiling food packages ready for delivery to the food bank on 18th December.”  It goes without saying of course that your donations will be funding plant based meals for those with special dietary requirements.

Local Lincolnshire Food Banks

I know the subject is Lincolnshire Christmas Social Heroes but The Lincolnshire Food Partnership is very active in our region all year.  They work tirelessly to make sure as many people as possible have access to food. It’s a partnership of several different organisations who come together to coordinate and distribute food to those who need it.  You can find them on twitter @food_lincoln or click on the link above/picture below to go to their website.  Being in food poverty is a real problem and has been heightened during the current pandemic.  If you can help them in any way please do contact them. If you’re in need of help in any way please don’t be afraid to ask.  The food banks are here to help.

Click on this picture to go straight to the interactive map and locate a food bank near you.  They’re there to help but will also be grateful for donations

Getting Around Lincolnshire At Christmas With The Lincoln DialaRide Social Heroes

Food is vital of course but it’s important to remember other aspects of what it takes to be a Lincolnshire social hero.  I’ve been watching the ‘comings and goings’ of the Lincoln DialaRide team over the past few months and it’s fair to say they’re doing a fantastic job. Lincoln Area DialaRide Ltd is a Registered Charity. It’s managed by a Board of Trustees that includes users of the DialaRide (DAR), Voluntary Car Scheme (VCS) & Shopmobility services.” That pretty much sums up the description don’t you think? There is still more and more, and more…. to add but the list of good deeds they do is far too big to mention it all here.

Staffed mainly by volunteers the Lincoln DialaRide has been serving the community for 30 years.  Not only does it provide local transport to hospitals and shops but the service also takes people to funerals.  Delivering food for the Food Bank to those unable to collect as well as being a drop off point for collections. This really is just scraping the surface of the huge amount they do for the community.  Other services include providing mobility for shopping for those who are less able.  If you would like to volunteer for your community you might like to contact Lincoln DialaRide.  Here are the links for Twitter, Facebook and their website:   Twitter @lincolndar Facebook Lincoln.dar website www.lincolndialaride.co.uk

#NoExcuseForAbuse

Domestic abuse affects women and men regardless of age, education, religion, race or sexual orientation.  It’s not something we should tolerate in our society but it’s possible that some ‘victims’ may not even know that they are victims! If you would like to reach out for help End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) @EDANlincs is here for you.  You can follow them on Twitter or check out their website : www.edanlincs.org.uk where you’ll find a handy ‘Escape From The Website’ button on the top right of the page.  Take a look at this video on Facebook or YouTube:

Domestic abuse is never OK. If you’re in danger of harm call 999. EDAN Lincs is here to support you. Click on the pictures to view the video on Facebook or YouTube

                                                                         

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Christmas Presents Needed In Lincolnshire

Well, maybe not too cold if you’re indoors with the central heating on but spare a thought for the homeless. Circumstances can change quite quickly if bad luck hits; It could mean you don’t have a roof over your head!  Thankfully there are several fantastic charities in our area who regularly ‘step up to the mark’ to help those in need.  I don’t want to try to list them all because I’m bound to miss out someone important.  The Lincoln YMCA is one of several organisations that help to get people off the streets and into housing.  Would it surprise you to know that they have 175 residents currently in shelter at the moment?

The Lincoln YMCA Shoebox Campaign 2020 need our support. Be a Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero. Just Click on the picture to go to the website for more information or find them on Twitter @YMCAlincs

If you have any spare shoe boxes please donate them to the YMCA.  Better still, if you can provide any of the items listed in the picture above please feel free to include them too. Don’t forget to mark the box ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ though for certain items. Moving up to the North of our County you’ll find more projects underway with the YMCA Humber team.  You can support them by organising your own fundraising events.  Take a look at the picture below for more information:

Support @YMCAHumber with their project ‘Give As You Live’ by setting up your own fundraiser challenges. You too can be a ‘Lincolnshire Christmas Social Hero’ Click on the picture to find out more

 

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

We may not be able to physically spend a Lincolnshire Christmas together but I’m sure we’ll do our best to to make it festive and fun.

If the Covid-19 virus restrictions allow I hope there’ll be some form of limited travel allowed. On a personal note I think I prefer to spend my time with my family at home.  Yes, it’s going to be different and difficult but ‘hopefully’ it’ll be a restriction for just this year.  I’ve no doubt it’s going to be lonely for many people but with a little lateral thinking and our community spirit I’m sure we’ll find a way to reach out….. Read More

Click on the picture to read more about ‘A Lincolnshire Christmas Together’

For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas

If you’re wondering who is posting on the hashtag I suggest you have a look today. For a Lincolnshire Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas on your tweets to reach more local people. Don’t forget to search the hashtag too because you’ll find lots of lovely gift ideas there.  The hashtag isn’t just for Twitter though;  There are posts on Facebook and Instagram too so go to your search bar and type in #LincsConnectChristmas to see what comes up…. Read More

Click on the picture to read more about ‘For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnect’

That’s All For Now…

That’s it for the blog at the moment but I do intend to update this one and post several more blogs too.  Get in touch with any requests by emailing me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Stay Safe

 

 

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together

We may not be able to physically spend a Lincolnshire Christmas together but I’m sure we’ll do our best to to make it festive and fun.

If the Covid-19 virus restrictions allow I hope there’ll be some form of limited travel allowed. On a personal note I think I prefer to spend my time with my family at home.  Yes, it’s going to be different and difficult but ‘hopefully’ it’ll be a restriction for just this year.  I’ve no doubt it’s going to be lonely for many people but with a little lateral thinking and our community spirit I’m sure we’ll find a way to reach out.

Christmas Is Coming Early

Obviously Christmas Day won’t be changing – December 25th will still be the day to celebrate with presents.  FaceTime/Zoom/Teamer etc will help with an element of ‘cyber togetherness’ even if we can’t celebrate with physical togetherness. What will you be doing?  You can make time for others less fortunate of course.  I’ve made contact with a few agencies in the County and will post a few links later for those of you who are willing to have a look.

I’ve heard back from Cath who runs the Grimsby Food Kitchen and she told me that the traditional Chinese/Indian buffet will be held on 13 December for the homeless thanks to a generous £500.00 donation y Micky Dalton.  Meat has been paid for by generous public donations and the outstanding support of Gary’s Meat in Freeman Street, Grimsby.  As always though they need donations so please make a donation of £2.00 if you can.  You’ll find more info on their Facebook page.

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger - Grimsby Food Kitchen

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Click on the picture to go to the Grimsby Food Kitchen Facebook page

Christmas Decorations In November…

Is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ for you? Many people don’t want to think about Christmas before December but we’re in uncharted territory this year!  I’ve been talking about Christmas  since 7 September and trying to get people enthused.  Why? Because it’s been a bad year for most traders and general public alike.  If I can encourage people to plan their online shops early perhaps we can salvage some of the poor sales. In addition, if more people shop early for Christmas and, most importantly, shop locally, we’ll have a better survival rate for local businesses into 2021. ‘A Lincolnshire Christmas together’ really is our key to success.  It’s not just about spending the day with family and friends (or not as the case may be) but making sure we stick together by shopping locally.

Black Friday?

Black Friday is an American tradition so why it’s popular over here I have no idea!  In Britain it used to be the ‘end of season sale’ or ‘the winter sale’ followed by the ‘January sales’ and ‘Boxing Day sales’.  It would be nice  to get back to our own traditions wouldn’t it? At a time of financial uncertainties how useful is a big sale before the biggest spending season of the year? Looking at Black Friday with my cynical head on, it’s just a way of trying to get us to part with our hard earned money in the big stores.

Cyber Monday

The last Monday in November has become known as cyber Monday.  It follows Black Friday and is, for many, the last pay day before Christmas.  Many bargains can be had online but please don’t forget to support our local traders in their online shops and on the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag.  Please be aware that scammers and hackers will have posted ‘bargains’ too and they will do whatever they can to steal your money.  Please stay vigilant and remember ‘if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is’!

Lincolnshire Discounts

How would you feel about having a ‘free to use’ local discount scheme?

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

       A Lincolnshire Christmas Together for all of us

A window, till or website sticker advertising local discounts will be appealing to shoppers. A screenshot of the discount logo presented at the till when making a local purchase will be easy to use.  Terms & Conditions being open to shop and service owners for individual discount as appropriate will be easy to manage.  Each provider setting a specific discount or offer rather than having a set figure imposed will make the scheme more workable too.  Creating a special discount on ‘end of range’ items, ‘buy one, get one half price’, 10% off selected range or donations made to charity etc will give the provider the flexibility needed to make the scheme workable.

Tailored to fit your own requirements, a dedicated App will be the obvious next step.  By working together we can create our own County wide scheme that will benefit everyone. I’ve mentioned it on twitter and it certainly generated some interest so do let me know if you’d like to join in.  I’ll be interested to hear from traders and customers so please feel free to email me with your thoughts: martin@lncsconnect.co.uk

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A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger Mandarin Therapies

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A Lincolnshire Musical Christmas

If you’ve read my previous blogs you’ll know that I like to support everything ‘local’ and that includes music too.  The @LincsConnect twitter account has a weekly featured artist, band or choir so that’s definitely worth popping over to see.  With that in mind, I thought I’d share a song by a group of youngsters who’re surely destined for greater things.  You’ll find them on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube so please look them up.  These youngsters hail from Cleethorpes and their average age is 15.  Yes, that’s ‘FIFTEEN’ – unbelievable!

 

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger featuring Revivalry

Have a listen to the latest recording by Revivalry by clicking on this picture. Link to YouTube

Lincolnshire Shopping Lists

Do you make a shopping list?  Santa likes a list so when you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas visit the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on twitter and Facebook.  There are lots of lovely gift ideas so have a look at the posts by our local traders. After all, every penny spent there will be helping someone local and keeping the local economy going.

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger #LincsConnectChristmas

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Click on the picture to go straight to the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – #LincsArtCraftHour

If you like arts, crafts and hand made jewellery etc visit the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag for local inspiration.  We’re really lucky to have such talented people in our County so please do support them.

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger #LincsArtCraftHour

Click on the picture to visit the hashtag but better still, please do join us on Twitter if you get the chance

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Local Shopping

During the recent #LincsArtCraftHour sessions we have seen quite a few artists and crafters joining in and showing their gift ideas.  The hashtags highlight some of them so please take a look to see what they have to offer. Clicking on the picture below will take to some of our fabulous traders.

After all, Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger #LincsConnectChristmas

For a Lincolnshire Christmas use the hashtag #LincsConnectChristmas and don’t forget to click on this picture to find some local traders who have lots of goodies for you

Dark Side – Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse ….. Rather than going away, this ugly and often hidden form of abuse is now more prevalent than ever.

Locked in together can cause some anxieties and tension for families but we usually have coping mechanisms and rational thinking that allow us to overcome the tensions with simple distractions.  However, abusers and those suffering from abuse (physical, mental, emotional or financial) can really be finding life even more difficult now. Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits or gender preferences. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today.  You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999.  The Covid 19 lockdown won’t stop the police from carrying out their duties.  They’re here for us 24 hours a day.

 

#LincsConnect Domestic Abuse

Click on this picture for more information. There is ALWAYS someone to help you

 

#LincsConnect Domestic Abuse

Click on the picture to go to the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page

Help Me Help You In Lincolnshire With #LincsConnect

Help me help you in Lincolnshire with #LincsConnect by interacting with the many local users. It can’t have escaped your attention that I’ve been busy on your behalf. #LincsConnect help and support is a given with retweets on twitter and posts on Facebook to help promote your business and events. Blogs too of course! I know you appreciate what I do and I appreciate the fact that you share what I’m doing too. I still need you to help me, help you in Lincolnshire though.

#LincsConnect – is here to support all things Lincolnshire but it only works when we work as a team. With 11,000 Twitter followers (steadily growing) I know that your help is working for me too.  However, at the risk of sounding cheeky, I still need more help.  We’re heading for a major recession and rise in the cost of living so working together as a team is even more important than it ever has been.  You’re still posting your work using LincsConnect and I’m very grateful.  LincsConnect is trying hard to share your work around Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford and Hull but I really need to ask more people to search the hashtag #LincsConnect (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to help share the messages and support each other.

Just imagine, if all 11,000 local followers each searched the #LincsConnect hashtag and shared just one message….!

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect

If you would like to read more about the ideas and tips please follow the link in the picture:

LincsConnect blog Help Me Help You

To see more about how you can Help me, Help You In Lincolnshire just click on this picture

That’s All For Now…

That’s it for the blog at the moment but I do intend to update this one and post several more blogs too.  Get in touch with any requests by emailing me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Stay Safe

For Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas

For Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas

For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas

For a Lincolnshire Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas on your tweets to reach more local people. Search the hashtag to find lots of lovely gift ideas and bargains. If you’re wondering who is posting on the hashtag I suggest you have a look today. The hashtag isn’t just for Twitter though;  There are posts on Facebook and Instagram too so go to your search bar and type in #LincsConnectChristmas to see what comes up.

For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas by LincsConnect, Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger Lincs Blogger

For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – A Lincolnshire Christmas

I don’t want to say “I told you so” but…. ‘I told you so’ way back in September! Christmas is coming early this year as people fear uncertain times ahead.  Christmas shopping has started early for most people. If you’re a small business who isn’t prepared yet you’re in danger of missing out on your local market.

First posted in October 2020, this blog is still relevant today. Prices are rising, bills are escalating and interest rates are heading upwards.  Plan early to make sure you don’t get caught out. 

Many people have started (or already finished) Christmas shopping! Coupled with the growing numbers of unemployed and financially challenged, the ‘Big Boys’ will be putting on some huge discounts to increase High Street footfall and spending.  Don’t miss out. Start selling and marketing our Christmas products now.  Contact me to discuss a plan.

Hosting the #LincsConnect Hour on Twitter is an ideal way to reach out to locals. Get in touch today to arrange a date to host your Hour. I’ll say it again “For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas“.

#LincsConnectChristmas is a seasonal hashtag which ‘trends’ globally each year so use it to reach out to your new customers. The #LincsConnect hashtag is here for you every single day of the year so I recommend using them both. To increase your chances of your messages being seen I recommend using both hashtags together.

Shop Online In Lincolnshire And Beyond

Shopping online is set to increase with the multi-nationals gearing up to steal the market.  ‘Now’ is the time for the local independent traders to get their offers onto their websites and online shops. You can’t expect everyone to find you and buy your products though!  Make sure you use your social media platforms to guide customers to your shop.

Once you’ve posted your goodies onto your online shop or local High Street shop you need to be working flat out to advertise. Continuous posting on social media will bring sales but not enough.  You need to interact with people to get them to want your product. Sell, sell, sell doesn’t work on social media so for best results get chatting.  Obviously your followers know what you do so you’ll need to reach out to new customers if you want to make your advertising work. Online shopping is very attractive in the current pandemic so ‘now’ is the time to get talking and making your social media sites look Christmassy.

Lincolnshire, Regional and National Deliveries

Many items can be posted in the normal way of course but if you have awkward sized gifts you might want to employ a courier. Including the cost of the courier in the sale price of the gift is an ideal way to plan finances.  Negotiate with local couriers early will be your best bet for good prices and guaranteed time slots.

LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire blogger Lincs Blogger - Man With Van

Click on the picture to visit @manwhitevanhire on twitter

Travel may be a problem this year so grandparents may want to send a bike to grandchildren by courier. What about plants? Transporting plants by post can be difficult so a courier may be your best option. Negotiating rates early may be a good idea so perhaps now is the time to get it organised.

Charity Shops

Don’t forget our local charity shops when you’re shopping this year. As a result of de-cluttering during the lockdown, charity shops have had a bumper intake of stock. ‘Now’ is your chance to grab a bargain while helping out your local community. Many items will be brand new too so it’s always worth popping in.

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For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – Help Me, Help You

To help me help you please copy the link to this blog into your social media advertising.  If you’re talking about Christmas, Christmas gifts, Christmas offers and postage you can add a link to this blog to help explain that you’re trying to compete against ‘the big boys’. As a result you’ll be increasing readership of this blog.  With that achieved I’ll be able to reach out to more people to help advertise your business.  We really can help each other.

LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Incase You Missed It

 

 

For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – Local Shopping

During the recent #LincsArtCraftHour sessions we have seen quite a few artists and crafters joining in and showing their gift ideas.  As a result you’ll see a lot of local products all listed in the same place. Below is a list of some of them. I recommend you take a look to see what they have to offer. Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:

Twitter, Facebook & Etsy/Folksy          

Twitter:      @MelLangtonArt Facebook:                       Mel Langton Art

Twitter:      @origartprints Facebook:        fiduncart

Twitter:  @jpbphotography Facebook:                 Light And Dreams Photography

Twitter:    @EnglandCreate Etsy/Folksy:            Create-England

Twitter:         @ShaliniAustin   Facebook:      Shalini.Austin

 

Twitter:    @JaneHaighArt Facebook:                         Jane Haigh Country Art

Twitter:     @2021VisualArts Facebook:                            20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Stay Safe

Keep a mask on and your hands clean to protect yourself and everyone else around you.  Happy shopping and happy selling folks.

LincsConnect Lincs Connect

LincsConnect is your Lincolnshire Blogger - Copied but never bettered LincsBlogger

LincsConnect is your Lincolnshire Blogger – Copied but never bettered

 

Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire

Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire. Use LincsConnectChristmas by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire – Three Months And Counting Down…

As I write this blog (25 September 2020) it’s exactly three months until Christmas.  Yes, I’ve said it again …. Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire and businesses need to be ready for it.  I’ve been talking about it for a few weeks and now the BBC have finally caught up with me. Dare I say, if you haven’t started gearing up for Christmas you’re already late to the party!  The major shops are gearing up for Christmas NOW with predicted record online sales. To those of you who groaned when I mentioned Christmas I sincerely hope you manage to catch up with the traders who are already planning. The big spending retailers ‘will’ take your market from under you so isn’t it time to get your advertising sorted?

Don’t forget, Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so make sure you’re prepared.

#LincsArtCraftHour every Monday at 12.00pm by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Click on this picture to find out what you’ve been missing on Twitter

 

Time To Catch Up

You may already know about the Lincolnshire based #LincsArtCraftHour and #LincsConnectChristmas hashtags on twitter but did you know that the hashtags also work on Facebook? Try it today because it’s free and local. Just type in #LincsConnectChristmas to your Facebook search bar to see what and who are there. FREE and it’s LOCAL sounds good so isn’t it time you engaged with the hashtags?

Search for the hashtags on Google, you’ll find that they’ve been ‘trending’ – now ‘that’ really is impressive! Follow the links below to go to the relevant pages for the Lincolnshire people who’ve already started planning and producing fabulous creations for Christmas.  The blue links under their logos will take you straight to the relevant pages to make life easier for you too.

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire So Join The List

To have your name added to this list just join in the Twitter hour on Monday lunchtime to qualify. It doesn’t matter if the day or time doesn’t fit in with your schedule because the hashtags are always there and ready for you. Shouldn’t you try it when you have a moment? Additionally, if you’d like to have a feature here and a link to your website please talk to me about advertising. The rest is FREE.

Remember, the #ShopLocal hashtag doesn’t work as a medium to get local customers because it’s used so widely around the world. Trust me, ‘I’ invented it!  As a result I went on to invented #LincsConnect and can assure you that this hashtag ‘does’ work. After all, it’s truly local to Lincolnshire and our neighbours.  You can use and search the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find your truly local traders so why not give it a try today?

Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so shouldn’t you be a part of it?

#LincsConnect is here for you 24/7/365.

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire. Follow Mel Langton Artist for gift ideas

Twitter:      @MelLangtonArt Facebook:                       Mel Langton Art

Twitter: @BurtonWardCraft Facebook: BurtonAndWard      Etsy/Folksy          BurtonWardStudio

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire. Follow Fiona Duncan for Original art gifts

Twitter:      @origartprints Facebook:        fiduncart

Twitter: @elliestreasures Facebook:     elliestreasures     Etsy/Folksy:    elliestreasuresuk

Twitter    @chrisdobbinart Facebook:     watercolourportraits    Etsy/Folksy:   ChristineDobbinArt

Twitter: @Amanda_Schonhut Facebook:          aschonhutphotography

Twitter:  @jpbphotography Facebook:                 Light And Dreams Photography

Twitter: @Scarletimpress1 Facebook:                    Scarlet Impressions Art                      Etsy/Folksy Scarletimpressions

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire and Create England has handmade gifts for you

Twitter:    @EnglandCreate Etsy/Folksy:            Create-England

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire so follow Shalini Austin of Stamford for gift ideas

Twitter:         @ShaliniAustin   Facebook:      Shalini.Austin

Twitter:       @Blackbird1976 Etsy/Folksy:   HDArtandIllustration

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire and KC Braids & Beads have beaded gifts for you

Twitter:      @KcbraidsBeads Facebook:                       KC Braids And Beads   Etsy/Folksy:     KCBraidsandBeads.

Twitter: @Anitas_Cards_4U Etsy/Folksy:  HeCraftsAndSheCrafts

Twitter:         @TuluDraws    Facebook:                                Tulu Draws 

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire. Contact Jane Haigh Art for art commissions

Twitter:    @JaneHaighArt Facebook:                         Jane Haigh Country Art

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire. 2021 visual arts centre have a selection of locally produced gifts

Twitter:     @2021VisualArts Facebook:                            20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire so look for Made With Mud on Instagram for gift ideas

Twitter:    @MadeWithMud Facebook:                           Made With Mud Etsy/Folksy:               Made With Mud

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire so follow Fiona Hodges for gift ideas

 

 

 

Twitter:
@FionaHodgesArt
Etsy:
Fiona Hodges Art 

Advert – Because Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire

Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire so contact Mandarin Therapies for bespoke gift vouchers

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Lincs To Past Blogs

Help Me, Help You

Click the link or picture to go to the blog

 

 

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on holding more LincsConnect dedicated Twitter hours? Try following the link above to read some of my ideas and perhaps come up with some of your own.  The more people interact with these hashtags, the more we will be able to help each other.  Give it a try.

If you’re a Lincolnshire blogger and would like to have a link to your blog on here?  I’ll be more than happy to hear from you.

Download The Covid-19 App

The NHS Covid-19 App by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Get the Covid-19 App NOW. If you haven’t got it already, click on this picture to go straight to the NHS website that will help you produce the required posters and direct you to the .Gov link to produce your own QR code. It’s easy – even I can do it!

Create A Coronavirus QR Code For Your Venue

Coronavirus QR creator by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Click on this picture to go straight to the relevant .Gov website page 

 

If you are a Lincolnshire business, charity or organisation that has a venue or multiple venues you need to generate a QR Code for visitors to scan using the new Covid-19 App.  The QR code will be sent to your email address for you to print and display.

Mobile businesses can still generate a QR code with your home or office address as the location. On arrival ask your client(s) to scan your QR code.  The App will scan distances between smartphones and will send an alert to the person or people you have been in contact with if there is a risk of infection.  It’s pure voluntary and does rely on people having the App on a smartphone but, as the saying goes, ‘every little helps’.  Obviously it isn’t a substitute for keeping a 2m safe distance, washing your hands or wearing a suitable face covering over your mouth and nose but it is another tool to be utilised in the fight against this invisible virus.

Stay Safe

Be good to yourself and to others.  Keep your distance, keep washing your hands and keep a mask that covers both your nose and mouth with you and wear it as instructed.

You can find Lincs Connect on twitter @LincsConnect or on Facebook Lincs Connect

Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire

How Will Christmas Look in Lincolnshire In 2020?

Christmas 2020

With the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag set to go live on 7 Sep the big question is “Will Christmas be any different for you in Lincolnshire this year?”

It’s certainly going to be different for me.  Some Christmas traditions will be abandoned completely! Four days in London for festive shopping, to see the lights and to see a show or two…. CANCELLED.  Spending lots of money (probably too much) on presents and ‘niceties’ ….. CANCELLED.  Pantomime on Christmas Eve…. CANCELLED. Festive Christmas Market….. CANCELLED.

Will visits to different Counties for present deliveries still be allowed or will there be travel restrictions? Christmas parties will certainly be different;  A Zoom party may be the best we can expect!  On a different note completely, many people will be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one.  With lots of deaths as a result of the pandemic many families have been affected by the sad loss of loved ones.

Christmas Is ‘Not’ Cancelled

I for one have been affected by the virus, both as a casualty and financially.  Although some symptoms still linger from the virus I’m grateful that they are minor.  Financially I have been hit hard by the virus so a big spending spree this year is most certainly off the agenda.  However, some traditions will remain.  I’m looking forward to getting the decorations down from the loft and seeing the trees decorated.  I’m also looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping (yes, I ‘really do’ enjoy Christmas shopping) even though it’s going to be different this year.  I think it’s going to be important to keep in mind that Christmas ‘is’ coming and will be here on 25th December just the same as it is every other year.  With that in mind I think it’s going to be even more important this year than any other year to support our local Lincolnshire traders.  The temptation may be to ‘go online’ to shop and have the presents delivered but please don’t forget that our local traders supported us throughout the pandemic whenever they could and will be more than happy to help with your shopping needs now.  It’s been a very steep learning curve for most but the majority of our local businesses have adapted well to the concept of ‘click and collect’ or home deliveries.

Shop Early

If we are to see our local businesses continue to thrive we need to get behind them more than ever now.  The supermarkets had bumper sales during the lock down while most local traders struggled to keep afloat.  Our High Street has changed with many big name shops either shedding staff or closing for good.  If we are to see our economy grow, ‘now’ is the time to support the smaller shops, markets and sole traders.

#LincsConnectChristmas 

The #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag will be live from lunch time on Monday 7 September so I have two very important requests:

1.  Please use the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on your Christmas tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts

2.  Please, please, please search the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on social media to see what local messages/offers have been posted.

Don’t know how to search a hashtag?  Actually, it’s really easy.  All you have to do is go to the search bar on your chosen social media platform and type in #LincsConnectChristmas and look at the latest posts.  Yes, it ‘is’ that easy!

#LincsArtCraftHour 

The Lincolnshire based  #LincsConnect #LincsArtCraftHour starts on Monday 7 September so please make a note in your diary to visit the hashtag every Monday from 12.00pm.  The hashtag should gain momentum each week and it’ll be an ideal way to shop for local gifts either for Christmas or for any other occasion. In fact, who needs a special occasion? The thing is with art, craft, sculptures, jewellery, decorative furniture and nice things to hang on your wall or put on a shelf, you never know when you’ll find that one single item that really catches your eye and calls out to you in its own special way.  Obviously we don’t all like the same things so a diverse array of goodies is what we need and a regular look at the hashtag to see what new items have popped up.  Even if you’re not in the market for a new item it’s worth having a look just to help support some local traders by sharing their posts.

More To Come

If there is enough interest I’ll happily include more hashtag hours to help our local traders.  How about #LincsAuthorsHour #LincsMarketsHour #LincsGardeningHour ….. What would you like to see?  Please take a look at one of my previous blogs to give you some ideas:

Help Me To Help You

Click on the picture or on the blue link to go to the ‘Help Me To Help You’ blog 

Help Is At Hand

I touched on the subject of bereavement at the start of the blog but some of you may have found yourselves taking on a carers roll too.  If this is you or you know someone who is caring and could do with some support have a look at this checklist from Age UK:

Click on the picture to go straight to the main website and don’t forget that there is always support and advice available from @AgeUKLindsey and @AgeUKNELincs

Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies and injury rehab across Lincolnshire and beyond. NHS, 999 services and Armed Forces are also entitled to 20% discount.

If you would like to have an advert here or provide a guest blog please get in touch.

Stay Safe

Don’t forget to wear your mask as directed and wash your hands regularly.  We need to keep on top of the hand washing if we are to conquer this virus.  Stay safe and look out for your neighbours.

#LincsConnectChristmas – Looking Forward To A Bright Lincolnshire Christmas

#LincsConnectChristmas – Looking Forward To A Bright Lincolnshire Christmas

#EatOutToHelpOut Ends But…

The #EatOutToHelpOut scheme officially comes to an end on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August and I sincerely hope it has been a great boost to our local businesses and economies.  Not all of us have been able to take advantage of course as we’ve experienced some serious income deficits during the lockdown period.  However, ‘every little helps’ so let’s hope that the Lincolnshire restaurateurs have been able to recoup enough income for them to feel confident to spend more of their money locally.

Recession?

We’ve heard the stories about the recession and possible price rises over the coming months but there are also stories about ‘green shoots’ in the economy and the resilience of the British people to get on with their businesses to make money and pull the economy forward.  There’s much speculation with stories of ‘doom and gloom’ but I think it’s important to remember that many of the stories are literally just ‘stories’ written by journalists (trained or untrained) who may have an agenda unbeknown to us.  With that in mind, my cup is definitely half full.  Focusing on the bright side and being determined to make business work is what I do.  I truly believe that we (that’s you and I) are capable of making our businesses successful regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.  Do we need help?  Do we need to collaborate? Do we need to focus on the good things?  Absolutely!  I’m prepared to accept help and advice all day long and I believe it’s one of the keys to success.  Knowing when you’re out of your depth and needing help is crucial as is knowing when to employ an expert to do a job properly.  When we work together we can often achieve much more so let’s Keep working and talking to each other.

#LincsConnectChristmas 

Use the hashtag to promote your business, charity gift idea or event this Christmas

After a pretty dreadful summer I believe we need to look forward to a bright Lincolnshire Christmas.  We don’t know what the future will bring with Covid-19 but we do know that Christmas is coming! Whether you like it or not, celebrate it or not, or even believe in it or not, the fact remains that it will be here on 25 December and we need to be prepared for it.  We may not be out partying as we have in previous years but we are resilient enough and creative enough to make it a good celebration.

#LincsConnectChristmas starts on 7 September to coincide with the new #LincsArtCraftHour.  Combining the two will give us the opportunity to see what our local talented and creative people have to offer.  We’ll have the opportunity to shop early and safely by avoiding the usual Christmas rush because, well, let’s face it, we really don’t know yet if there will be movement and shopping restrictions in place to avoid another Covid-19 wave of destruction.

A Christmas Hamper

In previous years we’ve had a virtual Christmas hamper where we’ve been able to add items of our own or recommend items from other traders.  The idea seemed to work well so I think it’ll be a good idea to do it again.

It’s time to start filling the Christmas Hamper…

 

The hashtag works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram so let’s start thinking about filling it up with lots of local goodies.  Perhaps an example here might be useful.  How about these messages:

“I think the #LincsConnectChristmas hamper needs some speciality chocolates.  I highly recommend @BonBonLincoln who produce exquisite designer chocolates”

“No #LincsConnectChristmas hamper will be complete without some bespoke Christmas cards by @CardsOfGrimsby”

Adding a picture with each message will soon get the attention of local shoppers and will make the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag the place to look for local independent Christmas shopping. With your help we can get this hashtag noticed and talked about around Lincolnshire and beyond to turn it into the ‘shop window’ for everyone to see.

A Christmas Meal

With no #EatOutToHelpOut scheme in place hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars will want to advertise their special meals and party events so the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag is going to be ‘the’ place for them to advertise and I’m sure they’ll appreciate our support.

Let’s Work Together

I’m sure we can make Christmas a huge success but I do think that we will have to work together to achieve it.  Am I confident? Absolutely!

Put It In Your Diary

The #LincsConnectChristmas and #LincsArtCraftHour both start on Monday 7 September at noon.  Use the hashtags, search the hashtags and tell your friends about the hashtags.  They’re here for ‘you’. 

Advert

Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke mobile complementary therapies in the comfort of your own home, hotel or nursing home across the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond. Gift vouchers are available for that special person too.

Previous Blogs

To find out more about the #LincsArtCraftHour follow this link to the previous blog:

#LincsArtCraftHour For Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford And Hull 

Community

A message from Supt Paul Timmins of Lincolnshire Police following some sad and tragic deaths on Lincolnshire roads recently:

Click on this picture to open the video in Twitter 

Click on this picture to open the video on Facebook

We see far too many road deaths in Lincolnshire so please always ‘be aware’ and don’t become a statistic.  We love you just the way you are…. ‘alive’!

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today.  You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999.

 

 

A Helpful App

Visit your App Store to download this free App to your device

Let’s pretend you’re out walking or have gone for a drive when you come across an accident.  You dial 999 to contact the emergency services for help but then you don’t know exactly where you are.  You know you’re in the middle of a field or on a country road but you couldn’t direct the emergency services to the incident.  I imagine you might feel completely helpless!

I saw a post on Twitter asking the public to download the App What3Words so obviously I did.  I didn’t expect to ever have to use it but thought it would be a good ‘insurance policy’ should the unexpected ever happen.  I have actually used it though.  I was able to give the three words that were displayed on my iPhone screen to the control room who directed the fire service to the field fire that I had discovered on my way home last winter.  That’s it!  It really is that easy.  All you have to do is open the App and you’re immediately given 3 unique words that identify your exact location.

When opening the App you’re given the option to share the 3 words via social media or email or send it directly to one of your contacts so it’s a great way to pass on your location to friends if you are meeting them in town.  Typing the three words into the search bar your friends are able to navigate directly to you using the App so as well as being the all important navigation tool in emergencies it’s also a brilliant tool for finding your friends.

Louth Museum

Perhaps you could try out your new What3Words App with your friends.  If you’re on your travels why not pop in to Louth Museum?  It’s open to the public again and there is no need to book.  The museum is over two floors (stair lift available for those who may need it) and you’ll be respectfully requested to wait outside if the museum is full when you arrive.  Covid-19 regulations are in place of course so don’t forget your mask.  I’ve had a look at the website www.louthmuseum.org.uk and discovered a virtual tour as well as Ruth’s Blog page.  I thought you might find this interesting; It’s a factual account of the Lincolnshire floods in Louth on 29 May 1920.  Imagine seeing a 2m wall of water heading into town…

Click on the picture to read the blog

 

Just imagine how useful What3Words would have been in this situation if it had been available then.  Technology has certainly moved on at a remarkable pace!

Stay Safe

That’s the blog done for now but if you have something that you would like me to include or would like to advertise please get in touch. Have a lovely Bank Holiday everyone.  Look after yourself and look out for your neighbours.