by admin | Jun 28, 2020 | Aromatherapy, Authors, Bands, books, Cleethorpes, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Covid-19, COVID19, Download, Libraries, Library, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Online, Planet, Shop, Shopping, Twitter, Vouchers
Saving the planet online in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect
Are You Saving The Planet Online In Lincolnshire? – On The Plus Side…
Try saving the planet online in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect: Covid-19 has wreaked devastation across the world since the beginning of 2020. As a result many lives are being lost while others have become (and remain) seriously ill. ‘Normal’ has changed with travel, work and personal restrictions causing much disruption and heartache. Finances have been seriously challenged for many but we’ve shown a remarkable resilience and a desire to keep going. Some industries carry on as normal while others have significantly increased working practices to cope with demand. Others have suffered greatly with many paying the ultimate price of permanent closure.
On A Positive Note
On a positive note, many of us have adapted to work online. As a result we’ve seen a significant reduction in pollution, fossil fuel emissions and litter. From a personal perspective I’ve reduced my travel by taking my work online.
My clients have been able to manage injuries and carry on with their rehabilitation programme under personal instruction while reducing their travel to classes. I Monitor strength and fitness levels regularly with FaceTimes training sessions. As a result my clients have also had reduced car usage so the reduction in the burning of fossil fuels has been felt even further. We can help to save the planet by going online!
Click on the picture to find Mandarin Fitnesses on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @MandarinFitness
I’m Not Alone
Many people have now turned to working through Zoom and other video sessions while others have been doing it for some time. I’ve looked around at what others were doing and wondered why it’s taken me so long to catch up? As a result, most of my work is now via FaceTime. I’m certain others will feel the same way I do and will continue to work online.
Authors have been selling online for some time; We’ve become accustomed to buying books for our e-readers and other devices over the years. Many courses and tutorials have been online for a long time as has shopping.
Local Libraries Are Saving The Planet Online In Lincolnshire
Local Libraries – Saving the planet online in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Libraries (@lincslibraries on twitter and Lincolnshire Libraries on Facebook) are set to reopen on 13 July 2020. Phased reopening of larger premises initially and hubs/mobile libraries opening later. Our libraries have really stepped up their online services to keep us all happy. You can enjoy audio books, e-books or music from their ‘Freegal Music’ selection too. Visit your library online and free today with your Library card. If you haven’t already experienced it, now is the time! Accessing your library from home or mobile device will have the advantage of helping to save the planet, reducing travel.
Are You Looking For A Good Read?
If it’s a good read that you’re looking for and are a regular browser of the amazon or Apple libraries you may have a favourite local author who has been keeping your reading habits and imagination alive. Some of them have been mentioned in previous blogs of course. The very imaginative books by local Grimsby author Lynette Creswell who sells her books on Amazon can also be found on Facebook ‘Lynette Creswell Author’ or via her website www.lynettecreswell.wordpress.com She has a new book of short stories ‘The Cat Thief’ ought to be on your list of ‘must read’ books:
Lynette Creswell – A local author based in Grimsby with quite a collection of published books now has a new book ‘The Cat Thief’ – click on the picture for more information.
Lisa Gabriel in her own words “Successful composer, poet & author of multidimensional fiction…” also has work on Amazon. I happen to know that she is a sculptor too so give her a follow on Twitter @persimew to find out more.
Another local author that you’ll need to look up is Lisa Marie Garbiel with her book ‘The Wings To Fly’. A great read with lots of local Lincolnshire references and landmarks throughout. Clicking on the picture here will take you straight to her Amazon page and you can follow her on twitter at @persimew
How about factual eBooks about growing vegetables in straw bales? Simon Gibbins has produced both an e-Book and a DVD which can both be purchased through his website www.strawbaleveg.co.uk
Simon Gibbins is based in Waddington, Lincoln but his e-Book and DVD are both available from his website. Click on the picture for more information
Home fruit and vegetable growing has certainly seen an upsurge during the lockdown. Are shopping habits set to change? Simon will provide the knowledge and tools to start your new journey to local growing. Are you interested in home grown produce? Contact Simon through his website or on twitter @strawbaleukman Simon also has information on twitter about his seed sales as @SeedsSimon
Saving The Planet Online In Lincolnshire – Lockdown Hobbies
While many of us have utilised the lockdown to learn new skills it’s worth remembering that many businesses have been providing their services online for quite some time. Rosemary from Inavanti Learning provides language courses on an individual basis with online learning to compliment her sessions. During the lockdown she has moved her classes to exclusively online.
Learning Exclusively Online
Lincolnshire is a large County so it’s important to be able to reach customers wherever they are. ‘Online’ is the way forward, not just for reach and accessibility but for reducing traffic and helping to look after our planet. Schools have embraced the technology to keep in touch with students of course. As the schools return to building based lessons it’s important to know that personalised online learning is still available. ‘Thank you’ to the dedication and hard work of private tutors like Rosemary and all of the teachers who do such a marvellous job.
Inavanti Learning – click on the picture to go straight to the website. This could be the start of your next journey…
To view the Inavanti Learning video – Click on the picture above. Get a feel for your next learning experience, education while saving the planet online in Lincolnshire
Download it – Saving The Planet Online In Lincolnshire
Music is part of the online and download revolution with lots of platforms available to artists of any genre. I often search YouTube to listen to local artists so, as I’m writing about ‘online’ I thought it would be a good time to share some local bands here:
Trak3 is a Grimsby based band singing rap. I’ve chosen ‘Caught Up’ as a featured track here but please keep in mind that other tracks of theirs do contain swearing. Don’t forget to give them a follow on Twitter @TRAK3_Official
Fancy something different? This very young band from Cleethorpes definitely deserves a listen. A group of youngsters who have really been doing some great things. They’ve been getting their name around the music scene at home and abroad very successfully too. Have a listen to ‘Bullet’ and don’t forget to see what else they have on their Youtube channel. You can also follow Revivalry on Twitter @revivalryband
Another great Lincolnshire band destined for big things is Shout Inferno. They’ve appeared on my tweets and blogs before as one of my featured local bands of the week so it’s no surprise to see them here again. Have a listen to ‘Holloway’ and give them a follow on Twitter @ShoutInfoerno.
Shout Inferno – Holloway (Live at The Sweet Factory). Click on the picture to go to their youTube channel and hear another great song from their library. You can also follow them on Twitter @ShoutInferno
Yet another great local band, this time from Sleaford. The Saboteurs have featured several times as one of my ‘Local Bands of the week’ on Twitter and I’m sure you won’t mind if I feature them here too. This track is called ‘Coraline’ and it’s really worth a listen. Give them a follow on Twitter @sabsbanduk – they pop up there quite regularly.
Follow The Leader
For local, national and international music you need to follow Dave @laamb4 on twitter or visit the website for lots more music and arts information. As usual, you can click on the picture to go straight to the website:
Laamb – Click on the picture to go to the website. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
A Word From The Sponsor
You can sponsor the blogs at any time so get in touch today. I hope you like what you see and can see the value in it for local businesses, charities and organisations. Until next time though, I’ll leave you with a short video by @MandarinMothers who provide bespoke (certified Covid safe) complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home in Lincolnshire and beyond:
Advert
Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Why not surprise someone special with a gift voucher today? Visit www.mandatintherapies.co.uk and Facebook Mandarin Therapies for more info. Click on the video to see more.
Back Soon
If you have any suggestions for future blogs please do let me know. You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk and you can visit www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs to see more blogs
Stay Safe
Sponsored by Mandarin Therapies. Bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home.
by admin | Mar 29, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Cleethorpes, Coronavirus, Kinema, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mother's Day, Petwood Hotel, Railway, Scunthorpe, Vouchers, WhatsOnLincs, Woodhall Spa
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1
After the coronavirus in Lincolnshire part 1 – What have we got to look forward to? Lincolnshire has lots to offer so get set to explore. As this is part 1, the title indicates that there are more parts to this blog and, by definition, more and more things to look forward to.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Let’s Socialise
The list is almost endless of course. The Coronavirus won’t be with us for ever I’m sure so it’s nice to be able to think ahead to life after ‘lockdown’. What would be your choice? Fish n’ chips perhaps? What about fine dining or a lovely pub meal? Perhaps a trip to the seaside or a visit to your local church? A really important thing to focus on is the social aspect of our lives. It’ll be lovely to just socialise again wouldn’t it.
The Kinema In The Woods
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Perhaps it’s not an obvious choice for some but what about a trip to the cinema? Have you ever been to The Kinema In The Woods in Woodhall Spa? If you haven’t, I can personally recommend a visit. Blockbuster movies are available but something you might not have realised is how The Kinema has maintained its history. Yes, there are some new screens but the ambiance remains the same. You can still enjoy a good movie on the big screen but you’ll also enjoy an intermission to purchase your ice cream and drinks at ‘normal’ prices. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to enjoy the dancing feet of Alan Underwood as he entertains on the spectacular organ and remote piano.
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Such is the fame of The Kinema that you will no doubt be able to find numerous pictures and videos of it when you search the internet. These pictures have been borrowed from their website but I’m sure The Kinema will be more that happy to see your pictures too if you care to share them on Twitter @TheKinema – I’m sure they will be delighted if you would follow them there too.
It goes without saying of course that The Kinema has suffered the same fate as the rest of us due to the Coronavirus lockdown. However, if you fancy purchasing some vouchers for birthday, Mother’s Day or any other day for that matter I can’t think of a nicer way to treat someone during our period of isolation.
You can order your vouchers by clicking here
The Petwood Hotel
Skipping across the village (just around the corner actually) you’ll be able to visit the fabulous Petwood Hotel. Yes, I know I’ve mentioned it before but it is a beautiful hotel with fabulous staff and, as the spiritual home of LincsConnect it does hold a special place in my heart.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
The grounds and building are always spectacular and each season helps to create a special magic. Not only have I organised Nordic Walking sessions from the hotel but Emma was kind enough to host the LincsConnect networking meetings on Friday evenings too. With a bit of luck they will return in the not-too-distant future (let’s keep our fingers crossed). However, in the mean time The Petwood Hotel is a lovely place to visit for Afternoon Tea, lunch, or a delicious evening meal. The history housed in the hotel is really quite breathtaking too so if you get the chance to visit for a coffee, a glass of wine or a G&T in the gardens be sure to take a wander around inside. You won’t be disappointed whatever the weather.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
It would be a poor show if you couldn’t get a gift voucher so the Petwood Hotel is ready to deliver (excuse the pun) there too. You can order and have a bespoke gift voucher delivered as a .PDF to your email address. What could be more convenient?
To order you Petwood Hotel gift voucher click here
Time Alone
There are so many lovely places to visit and things to do in our fabulous County of Lincolnshire so let’s not forget how diverse it is. From the beautiful towns and villages to the wide open spaces of the fens and the rolling hills of the Wolds. We really are lucky. Socialising, whether we realise it or not, is something we have (perhaps) taken for granted. It’s not until we’ve had the luxury taken away from us for a while that we realise how much we crave it.
I’m talking from a personal point of view of course but I wonder if I’m expressing the thoughts of many? I often like to be on my own; Walks alone, bike rides alone, driving alone….. ‘home alone’… but now I realise that I’m never really alone. Family is everything to me so now I realise that my periods alone are just times to reflect and rejuvenate.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – What Next?
Being such social creatures perhaps it’s the simple things that we have missed the most? By the time this is all over will we have re-evaluated our priorities? I’m only speculating of course but will we be moving away from the big corporate organisations and move instead to the family run businesses and sole traders who will offer us the quality we want without the ‘designer label’ price tags?
As we become more ecologically aware will we be less inclined to travel so far and more inclined to value what we have on our doorstep? Let’s face it, we have so much on our doorstep that it’s difficult to decide what we want and what we are looking forward to the most. Personally I’m looking forward to getting back outside with my Nordic Walking groups to enjoy good company in the ever changing environment that Mother Nature serves to us.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – The High Street Is Changing
The High Street is changing and will probably not change back to what we had become used to. Perhaps now is the time for the sole traders and small businesses to step up to the mark and become the national or even global kings and queens of the future. Could we do it? I’ve seen things change around me in a very short space of time. Politicians of all persuasions are talking to each other like never before while at the same time big High Street shops are closing their doors with little or no likelihood of them re-opening again.
All of this makes me ask the question; What have we got and what are we looking forward to…?
Fish and chips? How about Fish and chips at the seaside? A family day out with happy people making the most of our lovely coastline. Am I allowed to have a favourite? Skegness, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Anderby Creek…. They are all fabulous seaside resorts but my personal favourite is Cleethorpes. There is just something about it that has a draw for me and makes me want to be there. Lovely walks along the sea front eating my fish and chips from @PapasFishNChips located on the pier, crossing the light railway and spending time around the boating lake with a coffee from the cafe in the Discovery Centre
Boating lake & cafe at the Cleethorpes Discovery Centre. It’s always a ‘must visit’ place for me. Find them on Facebook and Twitter and give them a follow.
Grimsby & Cleethorpes – Two ‘Must Visit’ areas of Lincolnshire
Just a short drive away form Cleethorpes is Grimsby. If you get the chance to visit there please make a point of going to the Grimsby Central Hall. I have visited there several times and can highly recommend it. I once saw a performance of ‘The Armed Man’ (A Mass For Peace) performed by the Grimsby Philharmonic and was extremely impressed by the performance and also by the acoustics of the Central Hall.
Grimsby Philharmonic led by Susan Hollingworth BEM – if you get the chance to hear them perform you’re certainly in for a treat. Click here to visit their website.
The Grimsby Central Hall is really worth a visit. I was lucky enough to be given a tour once and was really surprised at what I saw. I’m not going to give too much away as I think the Hall is worthy of a blog of its own. However, in addition to being a fabulous building on the outside with a grand staircase on the inside and superb acoustics for performances, it also houses a Fishermans Chapel dedicated to local fishermen & Merchant Seamen who lost their lives at sea.
I’m not a historian or an architect but I really do love learning local history and taking in the architecture around me. If you see me walking around somewhere new I’m usually the one looking up. If you haven’t done it, I recommend you give it a try. Look up above the boring flat glass shop windows and doors and marvel at the fantastic building above. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Grimsby Central Hall – It’s not the best picture but it does show the grandeur and size of the building. Click here to go to their Facebook page
Scunthorpe
I know Scunthorpe has a lot to offer but right at the top of my list of things to do and places to visit in the area is the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society (Find them on twitter as @AFRailway). I’m not an avid train enthusiast or train spotter but this has really captured my imagination. I’m looking forward to the end of the Coronavirus restrictions so that I can pay a visit here. If you haven’t heard of it before I suggest you take a look at their website www.afrps.co.uk. You can email glenn@afrps.co.uk who I suspect will put you on a mailing list to let you know when their services begin again. In short, the trip involves a rail tour around the steel works at Scunthorpe. I have a feeling that it’ll be extremely interesting.
Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society
How Long Should A Wish List Be?
In a County as big as Lincolnshire I think this wish list could go on and on! Perhaps it’s best if I pause for breath now though. I still have walks in the Wolds, expeditions in the Fens and outings in Grantham (the canal springs to mind) and lunches in Stamford to fit in. I think I’m going to have to do a series of blogs on the subject don’t you?
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Any Recommendations For Part 2?
My list of things to do and places to visit after the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted is very long but not by no means complete. I know there will be many things that I haven’t visited but really ought to so if you have any suggestions please let me know.
“Stay Home Save Lives”
Have a good week everyone and keep smiling. We shall get through this pandemic if we work together. Don’t forget that #LincsConnect is here for you 24/7
https://www.whatsonlincs.co.uk
by admin | Mar 22, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Bawtry, Beauty, beauty Therapy, Bracebridge Heath, Coronavirus, COVID19, Doddington Hall, Food, Gainsborough, Garden Centres, Gardening, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Pennell's Garden Centre, Petwood Hotel, Scunthorpe, Take Away, Takeaway, The Small Beer Ltd, two Hotel, Waxing
Lincolnshire Businesses Fight Back
It can’t have escaped your attention that since the Corona Virus outbreak businesses and communities have adapted at an amazing rate. Closures of our friendly and much loved businesses have meant local (and national) bosses have had to seriously ‘up their game’ in order to carry on trading. We have enjoyed the comforts and luxuries of fine dining, takeaway dining, drinking at home, drinking in the local pubs, visiting and socialising with friends and family, theatre, cinema….. I could take up the whole blog just listing the things we have been enjoying that have come to an abrupt halt over the last few days. Finances are obviously a big concern so making swift decisions to recoup potential future losses has been a priority for many.
Takeaway Or Takeaway…?
Being used to having so much choice it’s inevitable that the sudden closure of our local businesses has come as quite a shock. Finances aside, it’s been heartening to see local hotels step up to the mark to carry on providing a service for us. In Woodhall Spa the beautiful Petwood Hotel (the home of so much Lincolnshire and National history) has turned it’s hand to providing take away (or order and collect) ‘Petwood Afternoon Tea’ as well as their special ‘Petwood Basics Box’ – I haven’t had chance to sample the latter yet but I’m sure it’ll be a very special treat. It’s certainly not going to be your traditional idea of a fast food takeaway that’s for sure. Perhaps that’ll be the subject of a separate blog all of its own.
Home of so much local and national history, a beautiful building and delightful gardens it’s hardly surprising that Managing Director Emma Brealey and her fabulous team would ‘step up to the mark’ and produce something special to keep their loyal customers and friends happy. If you haven’t visited yet I highly recommend you make it a special treat sometime later this year when the Corona Virus ordeal has relented. Here’s a little reminder of what you might experience:
Possibly one of the countries most photographed hotels. the Petwood Hotel is certainly outstanding. Give them a call on 01526 352 411 to book your next stay
Beautiful Borders
Lincs Connect doesn’t ‘just’ cover Lincolnshire. We have lots of local businesses on our borders serving people from our county and one such business is Bare Waxing on Bawtry Road in Hatfield Woodhouse. Just down the road from Scunthorpe and not too far from Gainsborough this beauty salon is run by Nichola. Initially starting as a small beauty therapy business I have seen Nichola build it up with increasing members of staff and now a second salon in Doncaster too. Obviously offering a waxing service but also including fake tans, nails, massages and all the usual beauty services. Having known Nichola for some time I can personally recommend her and her team.
Bare Waxing in Hatfield Woodhouse is certainly worth a visit if you’re in the Scunthorpe area. You can contact Nichola on tel:01302846873
Fancy A Tipple?
Drinking in the bars, restaurants and hotels of the County aren’t an option at the moment but if you fancy a drink you could visit one of our many breweries for a takeaway beer or perhaps pay a visit to Small Beer Ltd in Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, Don’t be fooled by their name, ‘Small’ Beer isn’t actually a small shop, it’s more of a very successful going concern that has been around for over 40 years. selling bottled beers and ciders through to cask ales as well as soft drinks and spirits. In fact, they’ve got quite a range and I’m looking forward to paying a visit very soon. Just to make life easier, you can order online or even through their own App. Life doesn’t get much easier!
Small Beer Ltd are open to the public and can be found on Churchill Business Park, Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath or why not give them a ring on 01522 540 431
How Does Your Garden Grow…With Free Delivery
As many of us will be spending more time at home it makes perfect sense that Pennell’s Garden Centres in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford should be offering free delivery of plants, shrubs and equipment. As I write this I can see that the sun is shining outside and I can hear the sounds of lawn mowers and scarifiers. Spring is here and while we have an enforced period at home what better way to responding your time than catching up with the gardening and preparing it for (hopefully) a glorious Summer. Why not give the team a call to discuss your early Spring purchases
Pennell’s Garden Centres are located in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford. If you would like to contact them for your Spring purchases just click pn this picture to see their website
On The subject of Free Delivery…
Did you know that the Doddington Hall Farm Shop is now offering free delivery and they use an electric car to do it too! I’m sure everyone in Lincoln must be aware of Doddington Hall with its lovely walks, fantastic building and fabulous cafe and shops. Sadly the cafe is closed at the moment but the Farm shop is still in full swing offering free local delivery for up to 10 miles and a very small charge for journeys up to 25 miles. Perhaps, as a farm shop where they produce much of their own produce I should schedule another dedicated blog to cover it and some of the other wonderful farm shops that we have in the County. For those of us who are regular frequenters of Doddington Hall, we’ll know exactly how good it is. If you haven’t tried their produce, you’ll just have to take my word for it. You can visit the Doddington Hall website simply by clicking on the picture below:
Just A Sample
Obviously there is much more going on in our lovely County so this is just a very small snapshot. If you would like me to do a full blog on your business why not get in touch? You can tweet me of course @LincsConnect or drop me an email at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk I’ll be more than happy to help promote your local business or charity. Talking of which, have you seen my ever expanding blog which highlights the good things people are doing during the CoronaVirus pandemic? If you know of any good deeds happening around the county that need a mention please do get in touch.
Contact me if you would like your business or charity adding to this blog
That’s all I have time for at the moment but there will be more blogs and updates coming very soon.
Stay safe everyone. Keep your distance and keep your hands clean
by admin | Mar 20, 2020 | books, Caistor, Charity, Children, Coronavirus, COVID19, Food, Grantham, Grimsby, Hashtags, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice, Networking, police, Schools, Scunthorpe, Stamford, Take Away, Takeaway
Support And Help From Around The County
The aim of this blog is to highlight some of the fantastic support that is being offered by local businesses, charities and individuals. To access more information including contact information please click/tap on the logo/pictures below:
Lincoln Area
Washingborough Academy are providing hot meals for the elderly in isolation in the Washingborough area during the coronavirus pandemic. Please let your elderly neighbours know about this project. Click on the picture for contact details.
Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln. Your community needs volunteers NOW. Can you help your local community? Contact Andy by clicking on the picture to find the contact form
Lincoln. Browns Pie Shop are delivering to your home or work 7 days a week from 12.00pm-8.30pm within 10 miles of the shop
Lincoln. The Salted Orange are offering a ‘not for profit’ meal delivery service for the over 65s. £20.00 weekly for three meals a day delivered to your door twice weekly
Lincoln Veg Out Lincoln provide a delivery service for their frozen vegan meals. Click the picture to go to their website or follow them on twitter @vegoutlincoln
Lincolnshire Grow Your Own Veg – skip the supermarket queue by growing your own veg from seed. Not sure how? Click on the picture to go to the website for more info or follow @strawbaleukman on Twitter. There is even a book to download too. No Soil Needed….
ONLINE. Dance classes for all age groups online. Why not join your children and have some fun? It’ll keep you fit too!
Lincoln, Norton Hub are providing a volunteer led local help scheme to those in isolation
Lincoln Small Beer is open to the public for beer, cider, wine, soft drinks, spirits, cask ale & kegs. Call them on 01522 540431 or click the picture to visit the website.
Lincoln The Golden Eagle is providing home deliveries too
Lincoln. School closure interim provision. To book call 01522 283027
Lincoln – BetterWeb Space is offering FREE basic websites during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Lincoln & Lincolnshire – Octagon Technology has produced a blog for remote workers. A useful blog about VoIP and how you can use it while working from home. Click on the picture to visit the blog post
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire. “Self-isolation can be difficult for even the most resilient of us. If you’re experiencing loneliness or feeling low, call the emotional support helpline 0800 001 4331. Open 24/7 for confidential support”
Lincolnshire & Beyond. Call Connect Bus are still working to help our community stay mobile and now providing FREE transport too. Call 03452343344 for info
Lincolnshire. Lincs Libraries may have the answer to self-isolation boredom with their ‘download and listen’ service. It’s FREE with your library card
Lincolnshire Co-Op have announced at 12.00pm 22 Mar that they have reviewed their opening times and are advertising jobs for Customer Service Assistants and Delivery Drivers. The new store opening times will be 7.00am – 8.00pm with restrictions of two units on all products. Click the logo to go to their web page.
East Lindsey Lincs Digital partnered with TED East Lindsey are here to help with digital connections. If you know someone who needs help connecting with Skype or FaceTime visit their website for more info. Simply click the image to go to the website.
Lincolnshire This is a useful blog by @CCDigitalUK which explains how to market your Hand Made Products for sale on Etsy. An ideal opportunity to use some time at home to brush up on some marketing skills. Click on the picture to go to the blog post
Lincolnshire Live are promoting Lincolnshire businesses for free on 2 April 20. Click on the picture to follow the link
Gelston FREE delivery on packs of lamb meat. For more info click on the picture to follow @GelstonLamb on twitter
Gelston Lamb – Free delivery (for orders over £35.00) within 10 miles or 15 miles for orders over £70.00. Fresh lamb delivered to the Grantham, Sleaford, Ruskington, Heckington and surrounding villages. Order yours no by calling 01400 251501
Charity/Community Help
Lincoln – Bracebridge Heath, Can YOU volunteer to help your local community in Bracebridge Heath? Please contact Andy ASAP by clicking the picture to go to the website. THE COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU
West Lindsey Business Rate Application Form. West Lindsey still have money available and believe there are still businesses that have not claimed
South Holland, Spalding. South Holland are providing additional support for those in the area who are struggling financially as a result of the Coronavirus. Click on the picture to find the Linc. Also contactable on Twitter @SHollandDC
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) @lincsruralhelp provides help and support to Lincolnshire farmers and their families. Cal 0800 138 1710 or click on the picture to open the link
Lincoln Washingborough Academy are providing hot meals for the elderly in isolation in the Washingborough area during the coronavirus pandemic. Please let your elderly neighbours know about this project. Click on the picture for contact details.
Louth. Are you struggling to feed yourself or your family? Two hearty meals delivered to your door each day could help you. Call 01507 602930
Spalding Covid Kindness Team. Contact the team for help with delivery of food, essentials & medications
North East Lincolnshire Single Point of Access (open 24/7) for your health, wellbeing, social care and mental health needs. Call 01472 256256 or click on the image to visit the website.
Lincoln. If you’re looking for volunteers please contact VCS Lincoln who will help promote your opportunities. Click on the picture to visit their website
Lincoln Community Larder (food bank) are in constant need of food and supplies. Can you donate something please? Click on the picture to visit their website and locate a drop off point near you
Lincolnshire Age UK East are continuing to provide telephone advice and support to older people in the East and West Lindsey areas as well as in North Lincolnshire. Click on the picture to visit the website
Lincoln/south Lincolnshire Can YOU help please? Age UK need extra volunteers NOW. You can find them on Twitter @ageuklsl or alternatively click on this picture to go to their website
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NEED YOUR HELP. @LincsNHS are offering paid work and flexible hours in return for your help NOW. email grace.gourley@nhs.net or call 07824 550 846
Boston, Grantham & Lincoln are looking for temporary staff to support catering and domestic work. Go to Twitter @ULHT_News or click on this picture to go to the website for more info
Lincolnshire County Council have regular video updates so please click this link for service updates and click on the picture for the regular live updates.
Lincoln If you need help with food, food deliveries or can lend a hand visit Lincoln Food Partnership
Rutland To find out what help is available in the Rutland and South Lincolnshire area visit the Rutland council website by clicking on the picture
Uffington For assistance in Uffington and the local area please contact Rev’d Fr Aran P Beesley by phone 07590 055905 or email aran.beesley@gmail.com
UK. If you haven’t visited this .Gov website yet, DO IT NOW. Click on the picture to go to the website
UK. If you haven’t visited this .NHS website yet, DO IT NOW. You can go to the website by clicking on the picture
Lincolnshire. Can you volunteer? Click on the picture to go to the website
Lincolnshire Police request that you click on this picture to take you to the link for help and advice both nationally and locally for Coronavirus issues
Lincolnshire Police request that you do NOT contact them for Coronavirus related advice. There are other, more well equipped agencies available with information for you. Only call 101 for police related matters. Click on the picture to go to the website for info
East Lindsey Fortnightly activity packs for the over 50s. If you know anyone over 50 in the area who is isolated or alone please let them know about the services on offer. Click on the picture to reach the link
#NHS From 1 Aril @NHSLincsWest @NHSLincsEast @NHS_SouthLincs @SWLincs_NHS will all come under the umbrella account of @NHSLincsCCG
Lincolnshire FionaDuncan @OrigArtPrints is offering 20 (first come, first served) FREE cards for those of you who would like to send a message to friends/family/colleagues in the NHS. Just quote #Free2NHS to take advantage of these printed cards. All you will be asked to pay is the postage. You can also find Fiona on facebook
Click on the picture to find the link to Fiona on Facebook
Ease Lindsey DC now have £62m to support small business grants. Click on the picture to open the link
NHS Coronavirus checker. Please complete this short survey for the NHS by clicking on this picture.
#LincsConnectJobs
Lincolnshire Food industry Jobs. Many jobs are available within the food industry sector NOW. Click on the picture to follow the link or follow @GreaterLincsLEP on twitter
Martin Lewis Money Matters
Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert explains what’s available
Martin Lewis – Update for the Self Employed 24/3/20
Martin Lewis update for the Self Employed 27 Mar 20
Alford
Aby (Near Alford) Saturday evening wood fired oven pizza to take away (5.00pm-7.30pm). Call 01507 451366 before 4.00pm. ZERO CONTACT collection system of course. Days/times may change according to government regulations
Boston
Boston Market will continue as planned but will sell food only. Please respect Social Distancing when you visit and give a friendly smile to the stall holders
Cleethorpes & Grimsby
Cleethorpes. Toven’s Cafe offering food deliveries. Call 01472 488590 or click on the picture to visit the website.
Cleethorpes. Spill The Beans are offering a FREE delivery service to Cleethorpes & Grimsby areas. Call 01472 601392 or click the picture to go to their website
Cleethorpes. Veronica’s Larder is offering a takeaway service. Call 01472 823875 or click on the picture to visit the website
Grimsby Age UK North East Lincs are offering a meal delivery service. Call 01472 344976 or click on the picture to go to the website
Gainsborough
Gainsborough The Gainsborough market will continue until further notice supplying food items. Please obey the social distancing rules.
Grantham
Grantham. The Lunchbox delivers food around Grantham to keep your hunger at bay. Give them a call today
Grantham Gelston Lamb provide mail order fresh lamb direct from the farm. To place your order visit them on Twitter @GelstonLamb or on Facebook Gelston Lamb. You can order by phone too on 01400 251 501
Grantham The Grantham market will continue until further notice supplying food items. Please obey the social distancing rules.
Louth
Louth Award winning Meridian Meats don’t just supply top quality meat! Currently baking extra bread too in order to help feed the town. Pop in but keep a social distance for the safety of everyone
Louth. Are you struggling to feed yourself or your family? Two hearty meals delivered to your door each day could help you. Call 01507 602930
Louth Market is still open for food sales during the Coronavirus crisis. Please respect the Safe Distance rule
Market Rasen
Market Rasen Cote Hill Cheese are now providing a MAIL ORDER service for their cheese so now is the time to replenish your stock. You can give them a call on 01673 828 481, find them on Twitter @CoteHillCheese and on Facebook Cote Hill Cheese. Click on the picture to go straight to their website
Spalding
Spalding. Is your computer in need of repair? TCS are offering FREE pickup while we go through the process of self-isolation
Spalding Covid Kindness Team. Contact the team for help with delivery of food, essentials & medications
Spilsby
Hundleby (Spilsby) The Elm Tree are now providing take away afternoon tea for just £10.00. Call them to book your treat on 01790 753534 or click on this image to go to their website
Sleaford
Gelston Lamb – Free delivery (for orders over £35.00) within 10 miles or 15 miles for orders over £70.00. Fresh lamb delivered to the Grantham, Sleaford, Ruskington, Heckington and surrounding villages. Order yours no by calling 01400 251501
Stamford & Rutland
Stamford. Central Cafe Stamford are providing a delivery service for those who can’t get out due to self isolation. Minimum spend £10.00
Stamford. Contact the growing network of coordinated volunteers who are ready to help wherever possible. Find them on Twitter @OurStamford or click on the picture to go straight to their website.
Stamford The Stamford Cheese and Wine Cellar is open for business and is also providing mail order deliveries. Click on the picture to go to their website.
Stamford The Copper Room is providing a home delivery service for your bar until 11.00pm. Click on the picture to go their website and follow them on twitter @CopperStamford
Rutland For updates on what’s available in the Rutland area please click on the picture to go to the Rutland council website
There’s More…
This list is by no means complete so rather than producing more and more blogs with contacts lists this one will be updated regularly. Please save this URL to your favourites on whatever device you are using. More headings will be added to make searching the blog easier. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell your friends about this blog. It’s here for us all and it’s not for profit. Spread the word and stay safe
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by admin | Mar 17, 2020 | Charity, Coronavirus, COVID19, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, Networking, Uncategorized
Ring Any Bells?
I often channel hop when listening to my car radio between clients and recently I happened upon a programme on the BBC World Service. The general gist of the programme revolved around the psychology of giving to charity. Obviously all charities rely on us for donations and fund raising events but the programme got me thinking; Have we become numb to the pleading of charities? I know that many of you will give regularly to your chosen charity, some of you may volunteer while others might be supporting the charities by shopping in the charity shops or taking part in the many events that are held each year.
Who Or What Is To Blame?
Have we become numb to the fundraising calls of the local charities? Are we becoming numb to their pleading without even realising it? Perhaps you may recall the horrendous pictures on our TV screens of the ‘flies in their eyes’ images of starving children in African countries who were too weak to even blink. This is going to sound dreadful I know but perhaps those images have lost their impact now. Charity adverts have evolved and may now include images of children in school wishing they could get a better education to have a better chance of fending for themselves in future years. The programme considered both images and the psychological impact of each. Both images raise funds for the charities but neither image is more effective than the other. Rather, some people are pre-disposed to giving to one image over the other with the net result being ‘both images work’.
These are just examples of course as there are a huge number of charities working in different ways to raise funds in order to help people and animals. How would it work though if there was just one charity in the world? Would that charity cease to exist as a result of its own success? Perhaps, but that’s just hypothetical of course because the reality is that there are thousands upon thousands of charities around the world. In fact, these charities make so much ‘noise’ that perhaps we are losing touch with what they are trying to do. By ‘noise’ I mean TV advertising, radio advertising, newspaper advertising and of course the huge bombardment that we get on social media. That’s a “huge bombardment” of ‘everything’ and not just from the charities. Are we in danger of suffering from information overload and therefore switching off from the issues that really matter to us?
Lincolnshire Charities
We have lots of different charities in our region but we should all be thankful that they exist. We have the Lincoln YMCA @YMCALincs who look out for and care for many vulnerable people. They truly deserve our attention as they help to get people off the streets, into accommodation and give them a new start in life. If you haven’t heard of Leonie’s battle yet you need to give her a follow on twitter @chillibean2018 and follow her journey as she undergoes surgery and intensive physiotherapy to help her walk after having ben born Quad Cerebral Palsy. Such a brave little girl and a dedicated Mum who is constantly fund raising in order to pay for her life changing surgery. At the other end of the age scale you’ll find @AgeUKLindsey who are an independent charity offering advice and support for the over 50s. I wonder if we all realise how lucky we are to have such a huge number of heroes in our County who spend valuable time looking after others?
What’s next?
Surely a blog of this sort in March 2020 can’t go out without mentioning Coronavirus (COVID-19). This dreadful virus has touched everyone here. A global pandemic which is having a huge local impact. On a personal note I have cancelled group exercise classes and in my role at LincsConnect I’m seeing first hand how worried people are becoming. This pandemic isn’t just affecting health (although that is a huge worry) but the disruption it is causing is having a massive negative impact on businesses both large and small. I’ve seen a huge increase in businesses and charities posting to the #LincsConnect hashtag in order to get their messages around the County. Some are offering support, some are informing us of changes while others are asking for help. What can be done?
You’re Not Alone
Those of you who know me on twitter as @MANDARINLEISURE will no doubt remember that I post a positive and (hopefully) uplifting post each morning along with an excerpt from a song. I wake each morning (that’s always a good start)! with a tune in my head. It happens every day and I have no control over which song it will be. That’s my ‘ear worm’ so, being a friendly sort of chap, I have to share it. Well why should I have to suffer alone? It’s become a daily ritual now and I know that people from around the world are looking out for it and joining in with the fun. Here’s an example for you. Let’s see if you can guess the song:
Thinking of all the charitable work that’s going on around the county perhaps ‘now’ is the time to be thinking about how we can help each other. @LincsConnect has nearly 11,000 ‘local’ followers. If each one of them visited the hashtag #LincsConnect a couple of times a day to see who they could support we would all benefit hugely. It’s all very well posting your message (on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) using the hashtag #LincsConnect to tell people what you are doing, what you need or how you can help but it won’t do you any good at all if no one is bothering to look at the hashtag to see what or who they can support. I’m sorry if that sounds abrupt but the truth is, we are in deep trouble and we need to pull together to get through this problem safely.
I’m No Expert But…
I’m not an economist. I’m not a high flying business executive. I’m not an ace charity worker. I am just ‘me’ but I can see how we can start to help each other. I’m not talking about getting bread and milk for those who are in isolation. That has already been broadcast across social media (I’ll post my version of the form for you to print and utilise) and is certainly going to help many people. What I’m talking about is using and looking at the #LincsConnect hashtag to see who is in need. Trust me, when you help others you’re more likely to have that help reciprocated when you need it most.
STOP!
Perhaps if those companies who only post their own messages and never look to see how they can help others changed their habits during this period of uncertainty we could start to achieve more. There is an old saying: “What goes around, comes around”. NOW is the time to be supportive of others, to be charitable, to look to see what can be done for others because together we can be absolutely AWESOME!
Take a look at this video to see how you can help on Twitter: How To Search #LincsConnect
For Those Of You Who Are Able
As promised, here is the form for you to print and utilise. Please use it wisely.
What Next?
I’ve heard people asking “What will life be like after the virus”? There will be no income and (according to some) no hope! My answer to that is this:
Life after the virus will carry on. There will be an income because we will carry on working. I have hope and that hope is based on my belief in you.
Todays blog was a little different but I think it’s an important one. What do you think?
