Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough, Through The Eyes Of LincsConnect

Around me in Lincolnshire – Gainsborough near Lincoln UK.  Gainsborough was once (in 1013) the capital of England. England was ruled from the Gainsborough Castle which is now the site of the Gainsborough Old Hall.  The status was short lived but if ever there was a claim to fame, ‘this’ has to be a pretty good contender.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

Managed by English Heritage, the Gainsborough Old Hall is closed at present but will reopen in summer 2021 (3 July). Follow @GainsOldHall on twitter for updates. Click on the picture to go straight to the English Heritage website page to book your advance tickets.

Getting To Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

Located on the banks of the River Trent, Gainsborough (capitol of England in 1013) has historically had easy access routes.  Moving on, you’ll see on this map that Gainsborough is still easily accessible from the M180 to the North, the A1 to the West, the A15 to the East and the A57 from the South.  These routes make Gainsborough ideally situated for your next outing to explore our rich heritage in Lincolnshire.

The Trent Bridge was completed in 1791 (there was formerly a ferry crossing) which put an end to commercial shipping as larger boats are unable to navigate under the bridge.  However, rail links are very much alive and available. With two train stations (Lea Road and Gainsborough Central) rail travel is easy.  Trains run direct from/to Retford, Sheffield, Doncaster and Lincoln from Lea Road.  The Gainsborough Central station has direct routes to Cleethorpes and Brigg.  It’s even possible for travellers to get to Gainsborough from the new capital (London) with just one change.

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire – easy access from every direction.

The Gainsborough Heritage Trail

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

Gainsborough Heritage have produced a free booklet which includes a 90 minutes walking route. To download the .PDF click on this map

The brochure which has been produced by Gainsborough Heritage is an easy to follow and very informative glossy paper pamphlet.  As a result it will easily fold into your pocket or bag.  If you’d like a copy click on the picture above to download a .PDF to print at home.  If you prefer a printed paper version email your name and address tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk The .PDF is ideal for carrying on your mobile phone. For more information follow Gainsborough Heritage Association on Facebook.

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough With Call Connect

Call Connect provide an affordable and convenient bus service throughout the County.  Click on the picture to go to their website.  You can also follow them on Twitter for regular updates @CallConnectBus

Call Connect provide a valuable bus service throughout the County.  Gainsborough is well serviced by the buses so if you would like to book a journey simply register on their Call Connect website then book your journey.  Obviously they are adhering to all of the Covid-19 safety measures so you’ll be required to sanitise hands and wear a face covering before your journey.

News  News  News

EU Settlement Scheme

Time is running out so if you or someone you know are from the EU and you wish to settle and work in the UK you need to act NOW!

EU Settlement Scheme

For help with completing your application to settle in the UK contact South Lincs Citizens Advice NOW. Click on the picture or the blue link to email your interest.

A Note from Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire

“With just weeks to go before the EU Settlement Scheme deadline, our support helpline has seen a large increase in calls and referrals and we are working hard to help each and every client that contacts us for support with their application.  Many of the enquiries were from people unsure whether they need to apply to the scheme or not, many are from people who did not yet make applications for their children and we are also seeing queries from people trying to track their applications that have not yet been concluded or are facing issues accessing their application or need to provide further evidence.

Our support team are working hard across Lincolnshire to meet the demand and we aim to help as many clients as we can in the run up to the deadline.

As well as providing telephone advice and online support, we also have drop in sessions and can offer face to face advice in different locations across Lincolnshire.”

“..EU citizens, EEA and Swiss nationals and those who hold an EEA family permit not to wait until the last minute to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).”

Where To Go For Help

EU Settlement Scheme

Click on the picture to find the freephone number and link to download the application NOW.

Opening the blue picture above will show you the FREE 0800 448 0734 number to call for assistance and the website will also give a link to download the application. Multi lingual posters and more information are posted by @eusssupportlinc on Twitter.

If you know someone who may be wanting to stay in the UK please pass this information on

Local Charity

Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust, Gainsborough

Click on the logo to go to the latest blog

Two thousand one hundred and sixty four and counting…. That’s how many Greyhounds this fantastic local charity have managed to re-home. That’s a fantastic achievement. To top it off they have a policy of guaranteeing to accept any dogs that are returned.  It’s not ideal to have dogs returned but some new owners find they can’t cope with the reality of owning a dog.  That said, looking at the percentages across other charities you’ll find this Gainsborough trust are performing well.

As a charity they are always looking at ways of raising funds.  One of the successful fund raisers is their lottery.  For just £1.00 a week you’ll be in with a chance of winning a cash prize and, with a limit of 216 members it’s pretty exclusive.  Follow @LincsGreyhounds on Twitter for regular updates but if you would like to join their lottery visit the website Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust or call today:

07941 313 025

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough – Trinity Arts Centre 

Actually, ‘I’ won’t be entertaining you but the fabulous people at the Trinity Arts Centre will.  Pantomime tickets are already on sale so if you want to book your moment of ‘normality’ you’ll need to get a move on.  Aladdin opens on 10 December 2021 with the last show on 2 January 2022. Click on the picture below to go straight to the booking page and follow them on Twitter @TrinityArtsGain for regular updates:

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough. Trinity Arts Centre

Panto season will soon be here so NOW is the time to book your tickets for the fun packed show. Family fun for everyone even if you aren’t taking children

Beginning life as the Church Of The Holy Trinity in 1843 this listed building has been completely renovated inside to become what we now know as the Trinity Arts Centre.  Just in case you were wondering, yes it is located on Trinity Street – obviously!  As expected, the Centre offers a large and diverse range of entertainment to cover most tastes.  As a result this little snapshot of what you can expect is by no means exhaustive. Click on the picture to see more:

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough. Trinity Arts Centre

Just a taster… There’s lots more to see at the Trinity Arts Centre so click on the picture to go straight to the calendar and bookings pages.

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough – Bearded Fishermen

The Bearded Fishermen are a Gainsborough based charity supporting Mental health and Suicide Prevention.  If you need help give them a call NOW:

0300 365 0019

The team are always available to help and have a proven track record.  If you’re suffering, don’t suffer in silence! The Bearded Fishermen are here for you and offer support by phone, in person (face to face) and via video.  So if you need them, call them NOW.  The picture will take you straight to their website where you can access more information so don’t delay.  You can call them on 0300 365 0019 or find them on Twitter @Brdfishermen_uk and Facebook Bearded Fishermen Charity

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough - Bearded Fishermen Charity

Not all super heroes wear capes – some wear beards. Don’t suffer with poor mental health and suicidal thoughts. click on the logo to go straight to the website for help

Advert

#MandarinTherapies and @MandarinMothers provide mobile complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home across the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond.  Call 07966 174 878 to book today. Providing bespoke treatments so every massage is as individual as you. Treatments include Aromatherapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), Antenatal and Postnatal massage.

Gainsborough

Gainsborough has far more to offer than I can include in this blog but I hope you have enjoyed this little taster.

Something missing?  Get in touch if you would like something adding to the blog.  Local advertising is always welcome too of course so call me on 07966 174878 to have yours included here. The phone may go to answerphone if I’m with clients so you can also email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

Click on the pictures to go straight to the most recent blogs:

LincsConnectJobs Hour

Sorry, Not sorry, Thank You

Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough

That’s it for now.  I’ll be doing more ‘Around Me’ blogs so get in touch if you would like me to feature your town.

You may also like to read about the ‘Aviation Trail’ by Visit Lincoln:

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough by LincsConnect

 

Great Grimsby Day 2021

Great Grimsby Day 2021

Great Grimsby Day

Grimsby Minster Great Grimsby Day

                                                                                    Grimsby Minster

Great Grimsby Day 2021

Great Grimsby Day 2021 will be on Friday this year (traditionally held on 22 January each year) but celebrations will undoubtedly be low key due to the pandemic restrictions.  Trying to research the origins of the day has proven difficult.  The earliest mention of Great Grimsby Day that I can find is via the BBC Radio Humberside website in 2008.  Despite searching and searching I haven’t been able to find anything earlier or even the origins of the day.  However, the further I delved into the research, the more I found. If you would like to find more search for Great Grimsby Day 2021 or #GreatGrimsbyDay

Grimsby has a long history with the first charter being granted in 1201.  Grimsby is famous for being Britains seafood town of course but the deeper I delve, the more history and diversity I uncover.  The Grimsby Minster (pictured above) gained its Minster status on 16 May 2010 but its history goes way back to before 1114. Click on the picture above to go to the Minster website.

I thought it was fitting to add this YouTube video from the Minster featuring The Choirs of Grimsby Minster

Finding the opening subject of a blog featuring a town with so much rich history as Great Grimsby is bound to be difficult but I hope you’ll agree that The Grimsby Minster fits the bill pretty well.  If you would like any more information about the Minster, its services and what it has to offer the community you can follow them on Twitter @GrimsbyMinster or Facebook Grimsby Minster

Fishing From Grimsby

A huge part of the history of Grimsby revolves around the fishing industry.  Searching online I came across this wonderful Youtube video by Paul Cleary which was posted in 2014.  Paul is the son of a fisherman and is donating all proceeds from the video to the R.N.L.I and R.N.M.D.S.F.

Great Grimsby Fishing by Paul Cleary

Click on the picture to go to the YouTube video

Life And Fishing Move On

Technology and science has led to changes in fishing methods of course and JCS Fish have taken a different approach to the deep sea trawling methods:

Supplying Salmon to shops and restaurants across the country JCS Fish are at the forefront of salmon fishing and production.  You can find them on LinkedIn as JCS Fish

Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Picture taken following a visit to JCS Fish Ltd in 2016 when they had a charity cake sale. The words ‘charity’ and ‘cake’ were enough of an invitation for me to make the trip from Lincoln! Apologies for the quality of the picture though – I’m pretty sure it would have been taken using an iPhone 5. It is a lovely view though isn’t it 

Smoked

Grimsby, fish and smoked all seem to go together well so if you like smoked fish you need to visit award winning Alfred Enderby for smoked haddock and smoked salmon.  Visit the website to place your order and have your selection delivered.

Alfred Enderby Grimsby for Smoked Fish - Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to go to the website. We all deserve something special and I think this will hit the spot.  Follow Alfred on twitter for regular updates @AlfredEnderbyGY

Great Grimsby Day – A Trip Worth Making

I’ve never visited on Great Grimsby Day but 22 January 2022 is in my diary now to make sure I pay another visit to take in the sights and smells of land and sea.  It would be silly to make the trip and not take in some light refreshments of course so I can recommend a visit to Riverhead Coffee for a brew and a bite to eat.  This cheeky picture was take during the same 2016 trip when I stopped off at the nearby Cleethorpes cafe.  There is a second shop in Grimsby too of course so even during the lockdown you’ll be able to buy your supplies for Great Grimsby Day 2021 of goodies including Stokes Coffee

Riverhead Coffee in Grimsby - Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

   A coffee at Riverhead Coffee is bound to raise a smile – Click on the picture to go to the Facebook page

Great Grimsby Day – Food, Drink And More…

The whole of Lincolnshire is always buzzing with activity.  Famed for its food production, fantastic cafes and restaurants, warm hospitality and beer.  We have a huge brewery industry on the rise across the whole County so it would be amiss of me to not include Docks Beers in this blog.  Brewing craft beers in an old church on King Edward Street since 2018 the team deliver beer both locally and nationwide.  There is no keeping a good idea down so as a result the team have expanded to include spiced rum and gin too.

Docks Beers Grimsby - Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

Click on the logo to visit the online shop and follow Docks Beers on Facebook or @DocksBeers on Twitter

…And More

It would be unusual to complete the Lincs Connect blog without including some music and entertainment so here goes;  Docks Beers also includes the outstanding Docks Academy where you’re sure to find the best live music, comedy and events.  Sadly the latest Red Herring Comedy Club events scheduled for February and March have had to be postponed.  Another casualty of the Covid-19 lockdown precautions but the good news is that the tickets will remain valid and the event will be re-scheduled.  Supporting local and big name bands and artists this surely has to be one of the ‘must visit’ venues in the UK.

Local Bands

Celebrating Great Grimsby Day 2021 without including a local band would be like….. well, ‘fish without chips’!

I’ve heard all of the Trak3 singles and in my mind, this is their best recording yet.  These guys are just getting better and better.  You can follow them on Twitter @Trak3_Official but don’t forget to hop over to their YouTube channel to see what else they have to offer. This one is called ‘Get It Poppin’ and I think it really deserves a listen.

Indigo Bay are producing some great music too and deserve a listen.  They’ve featured on BBC Introducing @BBCLincsIntro and I’ll be really surprised if they aren’t one of the big bands of the future.  Have a listen to ‘Reservoir Relaxing’ then give them a follow on twitter @theindigobay and Facebook Indigo Bay plus their YouTube channel too of course.

Great Grimsby Day 2021 – Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies across the whole County and beyond.  Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months and all treatments are Covid19 safe.  Contact Mandarin Therapies on 07966 174878 or book through Facebook Mandarin Therapies 

Advertising

To book your advert on the local blogs email martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Community

Your local police force @HumberBeats is here to help and inform when you need it.  As a result, they have set up a ‘My Community Alert’ scheme for you to get information when you need it:

For more information and to sign up to the alert system go the the Humberside Police website by clicking on this link:  www.mycommunityalert.co.uk

Visit Grimsby

Grimsby has so much more to offer than I can ever list here.  You’ll find shopping at Freshney Place, Abbeygate and markets at Freeman Street, Victoria Street and of course Grimsby Top Town Market.  Between them they’ll have all of your shopping needs catered for from clothing to stamps and from farm produce to flowers.  For more information visit www.nelincs.gov.uk

Far too many fantastic businesses to mention in a single blog!  You can have a blog of your own created by contacting martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

You’ll be able to use your dedicated blog for your own personal advertising.  Get in touch for more information.

Find Locals On Twitter

Simply click on the logo to go to the twitter page:

@Freshney_Place_

 

@Abbeygategrims1

 

@NorthLincsFIS

 

@NorthLincsAIS

 

@KcbraidsBeads

 

@GiBoxoffice

 

@GrimsbyG_Centre

 

@tonymarsdenHR

 

@LincsLotto

 

@VisitNorthLincs

 

@officialgtfc

 

@gy_lifedrawing

 

@GrimsbyLive

 

@GrimsbySpark

 

@GrimsbyCreates

 

@GreaterLincsLEP

 

YMCA Humber in Grimsby - Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect the LincsBlogger

@YMCAHumber

 

@BritWresRev

 

@healthwatchNEL

 

@ShopIndieVibes

Add Yourself To The List

If you would like to be added to this list please get in touch.  It’s not too late to add a feature too as this blog will be live and available for Grimsby ‘forever’.  contact martin@lincsconnect.co.uk for info.

That’s It For Now

There will be more local blogs out soon but if you would like to see what else has been posted take a look at www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs

In Case You Missed It

Click on the pictures to go to previous blogs:

Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom

 

Happy Impulsive New Year

Stay Safe

Have a lovely Great Grimsby Day 2021 everyone and stay safe.

“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.

 

 

 

 

#WhatsOnLincs – The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom

#WhatsOnLincs – The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom

The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom

                       Click on the picture to go to the website – The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom 

There’s lots to see and do in Grimsby, even during a Covid-19 pandemic. For those of you who know me, you’ll know I’m a music fan.  I remember going to see the Grimsby Philharmonic performing ‘The Armed Man – A Mass For Peace’ by Karl Jenkins at the Grimsby Central Hall. The tickets were a gift for my birthday in October 2016 and the performance was a real treat.  Alas, the Central Hall isn’t open at the moment (more about the hall later) but the practice and performance continues for The Grimsby Philharmonic on Zoom.

                      The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom

Zoom Practice

The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom is something quite new and exciting because it means that members can still be together even though they’re on lockdown.  I’ve been told how easy it is to join in a Zoom session but it wasn’t until this week that I discovered just how easy it actually is!  I’ll explain more later in the blog.

The new Grimsby Philharmonic Zoom practice sessions start on Monday 11 January 2021 (sessions from 7.15pm – 8.45pm).  As a result you’ll be able to log in and join the fun. It’s best to allow for a 7.00pm start though to give everyone time to register and get organised before rehearsals start.  With a virtual festival planned practice will begin with John Rutter’s The Spring Of Thyme.  It’s hoped to have a performance (live or on Zoom) during the summer with proceedings conducted by Karen Beer.

The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom – You Are Invited

The choral society membership is open to everyone and all ages so if you would like to get involved you can make contact through the website www.grimsbyphilharmonicsociety.co.uk Twitter @gyphilharmonic Facebook Grimsby Philharmonic Society and Instagram grimsbyphilharmonicsociety

Diary Date

Add Monday evenings from 7.00pm into your weekly calendar, download the Zoom App (if you haven’t already) and book yourself in by making contact through one of the links above for an evening of song and socialising.

#WhatsOnLincs The Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom starting 11 Jan 21 at 7.15pm.

Grimsby – Music And Words

Over the last week I’ve been featuring a piece by Grimsby Minster each morning as my #LincsConnect song of the week.  It’s not actually a song but I saw it and just felt it fitted nicely into the Lincs Connect sense of heritage and way of thinking.  The video link to that is below but you’ll also notice a Facebook video above too which is an organ recital to raise much needed funds.  Please do have a listen and make a donation if you can.

You can follow Grimsby Minster on facebook by clicking on this link: Grimsby Minster

“In To My Loving Arms”

A piece written by Ben Keaton and read by Gemma Baker.  A wonderful piece describing the soul of Grimsby

Grimsby Central Hall

A ‘must visit’ theatre close to the centre of Grimsby which, if you have never been before, will surely surprise you!  All quiet and in darkness now due to the National Covid-19 lockdown but definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY a lace to visit in the future.  It’s a charity run organisation so your support is vital for its survival but ‘survive’ it must!

Did you know that it has its own Fishermans chapel and war memorial?  The building ‘shouts’ grandure with its marvellous staircase and fantastic auditorium.  Have a look at their Twitter page @BoxOfficeGCH to look back at some of the performances that have been put on for our delight.  There are other rooms that can be hired out there too of course.  As a result you’ll be able to plan your meetings, parties, gatherings or even exercise sessions while at the same time supporting the survival of some local history.

       Click on the picture to go to the website contact page

               Click on the picture for more information

If you’re in the Grimsby area and didn’t know this marvellous piece of heritage was on your doorstep I strongly urge you to pay a visit when it’s safe to do so.  Here are some pictures from inside the chapel:

Zoom In…

Confession time!  This week was the first time I’ve used Zoom.  It wasn’t really a case of ‘resisting’ it or being ‘fearful’ of the technology but I just hadn’t had cause to use it before.  Most of my work is done on an individual basis so FaceTime of WhatsApp video calls have been my obvious choices.  However, I had an interview with Richard Watts from Barton FM radio station and he needed it to be on Zoom to record and upload it onto YouTube.  I was surprised how easy it was too organise.  I simply downloaded the Zoom App from my Apple store, copied and pasted the link he sent me and that was it!  Even I can do it!!

The interview centred around an explanation of what #LincsConnect is and my plans for the new #ShopLincs hashtag and App too.  As a result of the interview you are able to see the YouTube results here:

The @LincsConnect #ShopLincs hashtag is now live and the App should be available soon. For a little more information take a look at this blog:

Happy Impulsive New Year

Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke complementary therapies across the whole County.

Vouchers are on sale now and valid for 12 months. Call 07966 174878 for your e-voucher

Advertising

If you would like to advertise on these blogs please do get in touch.  You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

That’s It For Now

I hope you enjoy reading my blogs.  If you would like a blog about your area or something you are passionate about please do get in touch.

Stay Safe

Please follow the rules even if you don’t agree with them.  We can achieve great things when we work together so please stay in if you can, wash your hands regularly, keep your distance and wear a face covering over your mouth ‘and nose’ whenever instructed.

 

 

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

                                                                         

Advert

Mandarin Therapies provides Covid Safe home visits across the County

Ask about the 20% discount for emergency services, NHS and Armed Forces

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

Advert 

A Lincolnshire Christmas Together by LincsConnect LincsBlogger Mandarin Therapies

Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Gift vouchers are available now and are valid for 12 months. Click on the picture to go to the Facebook page or click on this link @MandarinMothers to follow on twitter.

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

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 by LincsConnect LincsBlogger. #LincsConnectDiscount

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 isn’t what we want but we can work together to turn it to our advantage. If you work with #LincsConnect we can get results together. As the country enters its second Covid-19 lockdown on Thursday 5 November 2020 we need a plan. Lincolnshire has been in this situation before and as a result we’re better prepared now. Do you have a plan for Lincolnshire lockdown V2.0?  Your first round of plans may have worked well and as a result you’re just needing to make some minor adjustments to keep trading. Perhaps the first lockdown was a disaster for you? As a result you’ve tweaked and manipulated your plan to make it work this time. Good for you, that’s exactly what is needed to keep going.

Free Advertising

We all like something that’s ‘free’ but we probably also know that nothing is truly free! Twitter – that’s free! Facebook and Instagram are also free too so where’s the catch? Simple! If you want ‘free’ advertising you have to invest your time. By investing your time your posts are more likely to be seen and acted upon. Would you like to know how to do it?

Social Media Interaction

I’ve said it many times before; the clue is in the name. ‘Social’ media should be exactly what it says in the title. Actually ‘talk’ to your followers.

There’s a TV advert for a room freshener implying that the character has gone ‘nose blind’.  In social media terms, if you post, post, post with no interaction your followers will see your posts but they won’t register in their mind.  Because of this you need to talk to your followers. Talking and interacting with your followers will help them to remember you as that nice person/organisation/business who takes an interest.  Talking to your followers doesn’t mean telling them how good you are and what you have to sell them.  Instead, you should show an interest to let them know you care. As a result they’ll ask you what you do and what you have to offer.  Regardless of your product or service you don’t need to do the ‘hard sell’.

 

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 by LincsConnect LincsBlogger. #LincsConnectDiscount

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 – Lincolnshire Discount Scheme

Would you be interested in joining a local discount/special offer scheme?  A scheme where ‘you’ set your discount level or special offers.  As a result it could lead to more people visiting your social media pages and/or shop and buying your products. Shopping in your physical store, website or virtual store could suddenly be more appealing.  What if the logo is readily downloadable from social media platforms to be stored on a mobile device ready for use when shopping? Matching the downloaded logo from a smart phone with the logo displayed in your window, on your social media page or website to claim a special offer sounds appealing.

What if the download is free? Surely that would make it even more appealing to the shopper. As a result they try your shop over others because they know there is something in it for them. Store cards sound great but often don’t live up to expectations! What if you offered a 5% discount to customers who present the logo? Perhaps you might prefer to have a special offer on selected items rather than all of your stock. It’ll work for service providers too of course.

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 – Feedback Please

Does this discount/offer idea sound good to you?  I really need your feedback (positive or negative) before I decide to take the idea forward so please do let me know your thoughts.  You can leave a comment at the bottom of this blog or email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

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The Mandarin Therapies Covid19 safe treatments will resume after the lockdown

Gift voucher for a Christmas, Valentine or Mothers Day gift are available now.

Call 07966 174878 to book  

Help Me, Help You

To help me help you please add a link to this blog in 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’ but at the same time 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 by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

Incase You Missed It

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 – Local Shopping

Below is a list of some local traders taking part in the #LincsArtCraftHour on Monday lunch times. Please take a look to see what they have to offer. After all, Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:

Twitter, Facebook & Etsy/Folksy          

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 Mel Langton Art

Twitter:      @MelLangtonArt Facebook:                       Mel Langton Art

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 Burton Ward Craft

Twitter: @BurtonWardCraft Facebook: BurtonAndWard      Etsy/Folksy          BurtonWardStudio

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 OriginalArtPrints Fiona Duncan

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

Twitter:    @EnglandCreate Etsy/Folksy:            Create-England

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 Shalini Austin

Twitter:         @ShaliniAustin   Facebook:      Shalini.Austin

Twitter:       @Blackbird1976 Etsy/Folksy:   HDArtandIllustration

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 KC Braids & Beads

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

Twitter: @Anitas_Cards_4U Etsy/Folksy:  HeCraftsAndSheCrafts

Twitter:         @TuluDraws    Facebook:                                Tulu Draws 

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 Jane Haigh

Twitter:    @JaneHaighArt Facebook:                         Jane Haigh Country Art

Lincolnshire Lockdown V2.0 2021 Visual Arts

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

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

Stay Safe

Look after yourselves and you neighbours.  I’ll be back with another blog very soon.

#LincsConnect putting the social back into social media