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.

 

 

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

Food And Drink – Collect And Deliver In Lincolnshire

Food And Drink – Collect And Deliver In Lincolnshire

When The Sun Goes Down…

Are you a lunchtime or evening meal sort of person?  Whether you prefer to call it dinner or tea it makes no difference but I’m guessing the majority of people reading this will have their main meal in the evening.  Perhaps the ‘lockdown’ has helped to change your eating habits?  I do know that initially (way back in March) we were all suddenly thinking about food and toilet rolls.  However, the initial rush and panic seems to be over now and our shopping habits are starting to return to something close to normal.  Have you been missing your normal foods though?  Many of them have been in short supply and we have been discouraged from nipping out to our favourite restaurants to eat with friends.  However, some Lincolnshire companies have come up with some ingenious ways of surviving the lockdown so I thought I would share with you some of the establishments that I know of who are still trading and supplying take-away food and drink for us all to enjoy.

We don’t have to wait for the sun to go down to enjoy our dinner (or is it tea)? but it does pay to plan ahead.  If you’re looking for something for lunch, dinner or an evening feast let’s see if we can share some ideas.  I’ll list some of the Lincolnshire establishments that I know of but it certainly won’t be exhaustive so if you know someone that I’ve missed out please let me know in the comments below:

Alford 

Caythorpe Water Mill are providing takeaway pizzas and burgers so if you’re in the area why not pre-book yours today? Just click on the picture to place your order or telephone 01507 451366   

Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese provide delivery throughout the UK as well as pre-arranged sales direct from the farm. Click on the logo to go straight to their website www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com or follow them on twitter @Poachercheese

Mail order Poacher Cheese delivered straight to your door. Click on the picture to go to the Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Twitter page

 

Apley

Apley Lamb (Near Wragby) offers a free local delivery of freshly boxed lamb cut to order. Click on the logo to go straight to their facebook page or follow on Twitter @ApleyLamb

 

Post Covid-19 – Are We Ready?

Without doubt things have changed.  The way we have lived our lives, the way we have thought, the way we have communicated, the way we have shopped….. A huge proportion of what we’ve done over the last few months has changed compared to what we were doing in February.  I never would have thought that I would have managed without my car but since the Covid-19 outbreak my car has been on the drive and hasn’t moved other than to roll it forwards or backwards a few inches to prevent flat spots on the tyres.  There will be a time in the not too distant future when I’ll be using it again of course.  Being a mobile masseur and Personal Trainer I’ll need to be thinking of ways to see my clients again while keeping them (and myself) safe.  We do of course, have the threat of re-infection looming over us so now is the time to make adjustments to help prevent that from happening.

Social media has been a lifeline for many of us as it’s allowed us to maintain contact with friends and followers throughout the lockdown.  I’ve used it to collate lots of information and keep in touch with all sorts of people.  It’s reminded me just how resilient we are and how well we can adapt.  However, we are entering a new era at the moment where some of our old rules and precautions need to be revised.  Shops are starting to open again which really is positive news but I wonder how many shop owners and local businesses have really thought through the precautions required for safely re-opening or increasing the staff levels in the immediate aftermath of Covid-19?  Social (or should that be ‘physical’) distancing is at the top of our agenda at the moment of course.  Those of us who have used the supermarkets recently have become used to it very quickly and the small businesses (butchers, bakers, local food stores) have become adept at restricting the numbers of people allowed in the shop at once.

Recent conversations on social media with Alex of The Specialist Safety Group have made me realise that many of us may not be as ready as we thought we were for the ‘grand re-opening’ of our businesses.  Yes, we all know about distancing and restricted entry to our businesses but have we considered other Health & Safety at Work issues too?  We don’t want, or anticipate having a fire at work but we have to plan for it.  How would fire evacuation change with the new distancing precautions?  Perhaps we have a dedicated first responder at work should someone be taken ill.  Have rules change with the distancing precautions?  Perhaps insurance companies may require us to have new documentation/risk assessments post lockdown?  What about cleaning?  Will our ‘normal’ cleaning practices need to change?  I know my cleaning practices will have to change.  My massage couch and exercise equipment will need to be cleaned with different solutions from now on.

If you have any concerns about starting up again and returning to ‘business as normal’ you might like to chat to Alex at the Specialist Safety Group Ltd.  He has a dedicated ‘Return To Work Safely’ package that normally costs around £339.00 but by quoting this LincsConnect blog you’ll be able to receive a 10% discount.  I’m sure this offer won’t last forever though so contact Alex on 07870 760 145 to confirm your discount.  You can also email him at specialistsafetyoffice@gmail.com or click on the logo above to go straight to the website

 

Baumber

Stourton Estates is delivering Venison around the County and orders over £25.00 can enjoy FREE delivery within 20 miles of LN9 5PB

 

Boston

Mountain Abbey Parks Farm Shop selling fresh and cooked meats, chutneys, plumb bread….. You’ll need to click on the picture to follow the link to their Facebook page for a full list!

Follow @MountainsFarm1 on twitter for more info

 

Brigg

Fully online and sold locally around the County you can easily get your hands on some of these award winning botanical chocolates. simply click on the logo to go straight to Fionas’ website to learn more or click this link Sciolti Chocks to follow on Facebook

 

Caistor

Sandhams Wine Merchant in Caistor offer both in store (social distance rules apply) and mail order options with a huge range of wines and easy to navigate price list. Click on this link to go to their Facebook page or click on their logo to go straight to the website

 

Cleethorpes/Grimsby

 

Docks Beers is more than just ‘beer’ but you’ll need to visit their shop to discover their full range – and it’s all delivered too! If you fancy a gin, they’ve got that covered too. click on the logo to go straight to their website/shop.

For more information about Docks Beers click on the photo to go to their facebook page or follow them on twitter @DocksBeers

 

Message In A Bottle deliver a huge range of drinks across Cleethorpes & Grimsby. From local to international beers, gins, rums…. You need to check their website for a full list. You can find them on Facebook by clicking on their logo or or on Twitter @miabcleethorpes

This picture says it all so just click on it to go straight to the order page. Enjoy

 

Let’s Get Back to Doing What We Do Best

I don’t know about you but I’m really ‘chomping at the bit’ to get cracking again.  I love helping people and making them feel better whether that’s through exercise, massage, injury rehabilitation or injury prevention.  Many people will have been suffering with stress related problems since the lockdown and my diary is already starting to fill with new clients who are suffering with neck, shoulder, back and sleep issues as a result of the lockdown.  If you are in need of help please feel free to contact me at martin@mandarinleisure.com or pay a visit to my website www.mandarintherapies.com or www.mandarinfitness.com where you’ll get a better idea of what I have to offer.  I’m also on facebook of course Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Fitness so feel free to follow me there too.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO PLAY THE FULL VIDEO

When I say I have a website; if you visit it you’ll quickly notice that it’s a very old site.  I do have a new one but I would much rather be doing my fitness and therapies than ‘wasting time’ on the website stuff!  Am I alone?  Does anyone else put off doing admin ‘stuff’ in favour of getting on with the real work?

As a sole trader I really value my time with clients and would much rather be doing what I do best than shuffling paper and files!  Needless to say, much of my admin work gets put off to the last minute before getting actioned.  I know I shouldn’t but…!

Perhaps I should consider the services of a Virtual Assistant (VA)?  I’ve been chatting to Nikki from www.Time4U-VA.co.uk who certainly seems to have the admin sorted!  My muddled, dyslexic brain is reflected on my muddled and (seemingly) disorganised desk.  Unlike Nikki who is adept at multi tasking with a clear desk.  Is there such a thing as desk envy?

Perhaps it’s time to re-think my working practices?  I know that I’m going to have to work very long hours (and probably 7 days a week) to catch up with the backlog of work over the months between now and Christmas.  I’m guessing that my experience will be mirrored across many industries and not least by the food & drink industries.  Let’s face it, Lincolnshire has some fine artisan food and drink producers as well as some fantastic restaurants and bars.  Preparing and serving or delivering these fantastic products is a passion for most but I wonder how many really have the time for updating menus and completing the admin?  Don’t get me started on book keeping! Thankfully I don’t have payroll issues being a sole trader but I can imagine they will be a necessary evil for many businesses. Perhaps ‘now’ is the time to consider how we are going to tackle the admin while staying on top of our game with our work.  Perhaps Nikki can help you?

Click on the logo to go straight to the website

 

Gainsborough

Fully Online – You can order your No 12 Chocolatier handmade chocolates online now and receive them in the post. That’s an offer you can hardly refuse! Follow @No12Chocolatier on Twitter and just click on the picture to go straight to the online shop.

 

Uncle Henrys Farm Shop is providing a home delivery service within a range of 10 miles but don’t let the Gainsborough address fool you as it’s situated on the A15 and the delivery range is quite extensive. Click on the picture to follow them on Facebook or follow them on twitter from here: @unclehenryslinc

 

Grantham

Brakes Food Hub in Grantham provides the full call & collection service for all of your food shopping from fresh to frozen to cake to…. you’ll need to click on the picture to go to their website to see more. Offering a call and collect service 7 days a week. Tel 0344 800 4900 (option 4) place your order. Follow @John_Nicky on twitter too for more updates.

 

Gelston Lamb deliver in the Grantham/Sleaford areas. Click on the picture to go to their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter for more updates @GelstonLamb

 

Teaspoon Tea Company have a free local delivery service and a full mail order selection including tea, coffee, gift packs, gift vouchers, birthday cards, chocolate by @No12Chocolatier honey by @ArtisanHoneyCo and quite a bit more. Click on the picture to go to their website. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised

 

Heighington

Anderson’s Family Butchers are providing a ‘text and collect’ system in Heighington. Simply text our order then collect when it’s ready. 07983003435 or 07880745083 – click on the picture to follow on Facebook

 

Ingham

The Inn On The Green, Ingham (on the outskirts of Lincoln) are providing a local takeaway service of food and drinks. Click on the photo to go straight to the order form and you can follow them on Facebook The Inn On The Green Ingham  

 

Lincoln

The Bowl Full Tapas restaurant will be providing pre-paid take away meals from 15 May. Click on the picture to go to their Facebook page or follow them on twitter @BowlFullTapas

 

Browns Pie Shop – Orders are cooked and delivered cold for re-heating at home. Orders can be delivered or collected. Click on this picture for more info or call 07809 477126 to pace an order

 

Cafe Portico are now providing take away pizza for your delight. Orders taken from your car (or on foot if you’re walking there), cooked to order and delivered fresh to you when it’s ready. All made possible with mobile contactless payments. Click on the logo to visit their Facebook page or go to their website for the latest menu www.cafeportico.co.uk You can also follow them on twitter @CaffePortico

 

Grow Your Own

Isn’t it fantastic that we have all of these lovely local Lincolnshire restaurants, cafes and takeaways who’re working hard to serve us during the lockdown and beyond.  They really have been up against it and are a testament to the resilience that has been so evident during the lockdown.  Being in Lincolnshire we’re lucky to have such wide open spaces with lots of farmers producing some superb crops for us and for the local restaurants.  Wouldn’t it be nice though if we could produce some of the fruit and vegetables for ourselves?  Not all of us are able to enjoy a large garden so perhaps a vegetable patch isn’t a high priority when we need to consider making our space into a multi purpose area for children to play and for us to relax.  However,  having chatted to Simon (you may remember him from previous blogs) I think he’s found the perfect solution.  If you have space for a straw bale in your garden or yard it appears that you have space for a vegetable patch!

Having looked around Simon’s website I’m at a loss as to what to include here.  Not only does he run StrawbaleVeg growing courses from your own home (corporate events too) but he sells own brand seeds at realistic prices.  I was very impressed to learn that while some others had increased prices significantly during the lockdown Simon kept his prices static.  Well done Sir, I’m very impressed.  It’s little things like this that catch my attention and impress me the most. I digress – who would have thought that you could grow your vegetables in a concrete yard or in such a small space?  Obviously Simon did and I think it’s a fantastic idea.  I was going to include pictures of the vegetable seeds that he supplies but there are far to many to list here.  If you click on the picture above you’ll be taken straight to the www.strawbaleveg.co.uk website where you’ll be able to make your won selection and have them delivered.

Click on this picture to purchase The Strawbale Gardeners Handbook Vol 1

Would you believe that Simon has also produced an eBook which can be downloaded by clicking on the picture above ‘and’ a DVD that can be purchased from the website www.strawbaleveg.co.uk – you have been busy Simon!

Curry Jacks provides a mobile service around the Lincoln area on a Pre-Order basis. Take a look at their Facebook page for regular updates by clicking on the logo or follow on Twitter @CurryJackscaf 

 

Damons, Doddington Road, Lincoln will be offering a drive through service from Thursday 21 May 20. Call ahead with your order (01522) 887722 or click on the menu to visit their website

 

Doddington Hall Farm Shop are still open for your shopping but please obey the social distancing rules. Follow them on Twitter @DoddingtonHall or click on the logo to find them on facebook.

 

FAB Craft Beer from Fiskerton are busy delivering boxed beer as well as bottled beers around the Lincoln area so why not click on the picture to follow them on Facebook or perhaps follow them on Twitter too @FABcraftbeer

 

The Garden Tea Room in North Hykeham is providing a Lincoln and surrounding area home delivery service for a modest £2.00 and they also have cakes, cheesecakes and lots more goodies to choose from. Click on this picture to follow them on Facebook and take a look at their menu below:

 

Burton Waters is the home to The Greek House who are now providing takeaway meals. Have a look at their menu and pre-order on 01522 542758. Click on the menu to follow them on Facebook

 

Imperial Teas of Lincoln are providing FREE DELIVERY on their mail order teas and coffees right now. That’s a great offer that can’t last forever so be sure to get your order in quickly. You can follow Imperial Teas Lincoln on facebook or on Twitter @Imperial_Teas Click on the logo to go straight to website to make your order – If you like your coffee strong I can personally recommend the Voodoo Comet.

 

Lincolnshire Brewing Company – delivering a selection of beers to suite every taste or collect directly from Langworth. Click on the picture to find them on facebook or follow them on Twitter @LincsBrewCo

 

MaCH Indian Restaurant (Wragby Road) are now offering a takeaway service. Click on the logo to find them on Facebook or go straight to their website to place your order www.machrestaurant.co.uk

 

Ole Ole Tapas Bar offer a delivery and (social distancing) collection service for their meals. Click on the logo to go to their Facebook page and click on the link here to go straight to their menu/order form www.oleolelincoln.co.uk or call them on  01522 534222

 

Lincoln & Gainsborough – Redhill Farm Shop offer a delivery and contactless collection service with safe in-store shopping too. Click on the picture to go straight to their website or follow them on Twitter @RedhillFarmPork

 

Sammys Chinese takeaway is set to open again on 20 May with social distancing rules in place (of course). Click on the picture to go to the ‘Lincoln food To Go’ Facebook group page. You can find Sammy’s Kitchen at Unit 11 Lambeth House, Woodhall Drive and you can call to make your order on 01522 567333

Cafe Shanti Vegan restaurant are now doing take away hot and frozen food (including breakfasts and curries) so why not order yours today? you can call them on 07735161481 or find them on twitter @Cafe_Shanti and Facebook by clicking on the picture

 

Veg Out Lincoln provides a delivery service in the Lincoln area including a vegan inspired recipe box and plant powered food plan. Gemma will have her new online booking site and new website ready very soon but in the mean time you can contact her through twitter @vegoutincoln or click on the picture for a link to her book

 

Louth

Beaumon’t Deli on Bridge Street in Louth are open to take your orders. You can follow them on Facebook Beaumont’s Deli or call 01507 355927

 

Market Deeping

Takeaway Weekends. Call 01778346952 to order or click on this picture to go to the website

 

 

Market Rasen

Cote Hill Cheese delivers cheese and milk locally. Click on the picture to go to their Facebook page

 

Minting

Minting (near Wragby) Farm Shop has a collection service with your safety in mind. Give them a call today to place your order. Click on the logo to go straight to their website

 

Skegness 

Lymn Bank Farm handmade cheese. FREE delivery on orders over £20.00. You can follow them on Twitter @lymnbankfarm or click on this logo to go straight to their Facebook page

FREE DELIVERY. Go too www.postacheese.com for details and your order form or click on this picture to take you straight there.

 

Sleaford

A Little Luxury Distillery is still taking orders for Gin & Rum which will be delivered direct to your home. Click on the picture to go to the shop or follow on Facebook A Little Luxury and Twitter @ALittleLuxuryLt

 

Spalding

A real pub providing real beer. Buy a bottle and bring it back to get a refill – what an excellent idea. Click on the picture to find them on Facebook for an up-to-date- list of times and ales

 

Spilsby

Takeaway Afternoon Tea from @TheElm_Tree just outside Spilsby. Click on the picture to find them on Facebook and don’t forget, you can buy gift vouchers too!

 

Woodhall Spa

Woodhall Spa Bakery & Delicatessen provides fresh bread, cakes meats and much more. A gem in the Woodhall Spa crown offering Safe Distancing shopping. Click the picture to go to their Facebook page

 

The India Village restaurant and takeaway are providing takeaway meals during the lockdown. If you would like to order your meal click on the logo to go to the website or follow them on Facebook India Village. Alternatively you can give them a call on 01526 354657 or 01526 352223

 

The Tea House In The Woods is providing a range of foods from Afternoon Tea to Roast Meals and they’re all Take Away too with strict social distancing rules. click on the picture to go to their website or give them a ring on 01526 354455. You can also find them on Facebook at Tea House In The Woods

 

All this talk of food has made me quite hungry!  This list is going to be added to but I’m going to get myself something to eat now.  Bon appetite everyone and please don’t forget to let me know if there are any takeaway/safe shopping food outlets that need to be on here as I can add them later.

 

Stay Safe

 

Mandarin Therapies provides a bespoke mobile complementary therapies service from the comfort of your own home. Gift vouchers are available now then book your massage for later in the year. Mandarin Therapies “Feel the difference”

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect

Food glorious food by LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen, Lincolnshire blogger

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – 15 Years And Going Strong

This Food Glorious Food by LincsConnect blog was published during the Covid19 lockdown of 2020. There have been some lovely stories emerging about the organisations that have sprung up recently who’re providing food for those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. We mustn’t forget the organisations that have been providing food and support for the homeless and vulnerable all year round though.  I can think of several and during this lockdown period I have had time to contemplate and decide what I value and what I am truly grateful for.  As I look around and see more and more people doing wonderful things for the community I realise that I could and should (and will) be doing more.

I find many of my contacts through Twitter, several of them really stand out for their kindness, selflessness and community spirit.  Some of the things they do without the need for praise or recognition is truly humbling and it’s worth remembering that they don’t have to do what they do.  They could have an easy life and leave the volunteering to someone else.  That said, if all the volunteers stopped what they were doing to leave the help for others to do, nothing would get done!

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – Volunteers

Society owes the volunteers a great debt and with that in mind, I hope to write about some or all of them in my blogs to let their stories be known.

One such group is the Grimsby Food Kitchen which is run by Cath and Ken with help from some of their lovely volunteers.  In normal circumstances (outside of the Covid-19 restrictions) Cath and Ken provide emotional support to the homeless and vulnerable people in Grimsby.  Hugs and smiles usually flow freely.

I can’t imagine what it must be like to be homeless and without human contact.  I can imagine though that the Grimsby Food Kitchen is much more than just a place to visit for Sunday lunch.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen

Grimsby Food Kitchen – The GFK provide so much more than just Sunday lunch. The smiles and kind eyes say so much more… Click on the picture for a link to the Facebook page

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – Generous Donations

Sometimes, when you’re faced with the worry of having to move premises the answer is right on your doorstep.  A very generous donation by Pete and Tricia saw the GFK move into new premises rent free for as long as they need it.  A donation of £4000 from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation @LincolnshireCF and generous donations from the Rotary International, Humberston Lions and many others help the GFK to continue. Donations from the general public plus outstanding support from the local press who regularly contribute on their twitter feed @GrimsbyLive and through their website GrimsbyTelegraph.co.uk  help to make it all work.

With these donations Cath and Ken are able to make bulk food purchases from the cash and carry in order to cook the Sunday lunches and Wednesday hot dogs.  Support is always helpful of course but when you are volunteers providing a no cost service that the support is pretty vital.

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – 5.00am Start

Food glorious food by Lincolnshire Blogger LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen

GFK Ready for service on Sunday and Wednesday lunch times

Alas, it’s not just a case of ‘turn up for work, cook, serve and leave’!  There isn’t a kitchen in the centre so Cath cooks everything at home then transports it to 18 Clethorpes Road, Grimsby where she, Ken and their volunteers prepare to serve between 11.30am and 1.30pm.  The additional voluntary help is essential if everything is to run smoothly.

Cath and Ken are always on hand to ‘dish out’ the smiles, hugs and support to those who need it and guide people to other agencies for additional support when required.  I can imagine that the room is normally full of chatter and laughter but, with the Covid-19 outbreak they have had to adapt to a take-away service and social distancing.  That will be difficult on many levels I’m sure.

I had a lovely chat with Cath yesterday and she explained how everything works.  Although it’s very generous of people to turn up with a food parcel you can imagine the storage needed for small amounts of perishable foods – it just isn’t practical.  The new Wednesday Hot Dog lunch sessions alone will need around 150 sausages each week so bulk buying is the only practical way forward.

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect  Charitable Donations

Having chatted with Cath I can tell you now that she just isn’t the sort of person who will ask for glory, praise, recognition…… or cash!  As a result, I’m asking on her behalf.  If you can spare ‘any’ cash please get in touch via Facebook Grimsby Food Kitchen or Twitter @CathHomewood to make your arrangements.

Let’s keep in mind that the GFK isn’t the only charity in the County that needs your financial help. If you would like to make a donation to a charity in your local area perhaps this short blog will have helped to jog your memory.

I would also like to say a special thanks to @GrimsbyLive for the use of their pictures for this blog.

“Never Betray Anyone’s Trust”

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Cath and Ken from Grimsby Food Kitchen

Cath & Ken

When dealing with people it’s important to be approachable and trustworthy.  That applies every day of course but when you’re talking to vulnerable people it’s important that they are able to trust you.  Cath told me that she won’t tolerate ‘he said, she said’ conversations where people are talking about others.  It’s probably fair to say that the people who are turning up for food are like an extended family.  When they need help or advice it’s important for them to know that the person they’re talking to will be there for them.  In Caths’ own words “never betray anyone’s trust” seems doubly important.

Bless you Cath and Ken, you’re doing a fantastic job.  Keep smiling and keep cooking.

Food glorious Food By LincsConnect – Did Someone Say Food?

This year (2020) the Louth Pie Day (#LouthPieDay) had a bit of a setback.  Just about to celebrate it’s second year….. and then we had the lockdown for Covid-19.

Not to be disheartened Justine and Kiat made a subtle change to the hashtag and called it #VirtualLouthPieDay.  What a brilliant idea!  Louth Pie Day is here to encourage visitors to the various shops in Louth to sample and buy a variety of pies. If there is any competition going on I certainly wouldn’t like to have to select an overall winner!  What’s your idea of a pie?  Is it a pork pie?  What about a steak and ale pie?  Vegetarian pie or vegan pie?  Oh yes, and then there’s the fruit pie of course…

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Louth Pie Day UK

Click on this picture to go straight to the Facebook page

Food Glorious Food – Unfortunately the shops were closed for customers this year so there were no pies to be bought.  As a result the #VirtualLouthPieDay was conceived and facebook and twitter followers were invited to make their own pies and share pictures. The creations can be found on the Facebook and Twitter @LouthPieDay pages.  If you would like to see what happened just type in #VirtualLouthPieDay to your search bar on twitter or Facebook.  Do also follow the pages to make sure you don’t forget to enjoy the fun next year.

#LincsConnectJobs

The #LincsConnectJobs hashtag is still live so if you have any jobs to advertise just add in the hashtag to your advert and tweet it. You can also use the hashtag on Facebook.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - #LincsConnectJobs

To follow @LtsaSCITT on twitter just click on this picture to go straight to their profile, click the follow button and search their tweets for more information.

If you’re considering a carer in teaching, recruitment is still going ahead for 2020 via Zoom.  If you are interested email pslack@lincstsa.co.uk today for a Zoom link and an appointment.  Don’t let Covid-19 deter you.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Are You A Reader?

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Lynette Creswell Author

Author Lynette Creswell from Immingham

Author Lynette Creswell has several books to her name already and has now produced a book of short stories which is due to be released very soon.

Being dyslexic I much prefer to read short stories so this book will be perfect for me.  Do you have a preferred genre or do you just pick up a book that takes your fancy at the time?  I know some people can read a whole book in a weekend (or even faster).  I’m afraid a ‘normal’ sized paperback can take me up to a year to read.  It’s odd that I can enjoy writing so much and can plan a blog like this one in my head in seconds. It takes around half a day to research it, put it together and post it but when it comes to reading….. Well, a year to read a paperback tells you its own story.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - books by Lynette Creswell

There’s an empty space where a book should be!

I’ve been invite to the ‘Cover Reveal’ for the new book of short stories titled ‘Cat Thief’ and I’m pleased to be able to extent that invitation to you too.  Don’t worry, it’s all online so we’ll be safe and secure;  Hopefully I’ll see you (virtually) there on Saturday 2 May 2020 from 11.00am to 12.30pm

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Cat Thief by Lynette Creswell

Click on the picture to book your virtual place….

Advert

Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – Looking Forward…

I’m certainly looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality and I’m sure everyone else is too.  With that in mind, I’ll leave you with a gift voucher idea that’ll give you something to look forward to.  You can buy your voucher now and look forward to enjoying a bespoke massage from the comfort of your own home later in the year.  What’s not to like?  If you would like to order your e-voucher just email massage@mandarinleisure.com

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Mandarin Therapies gift voucher

Click on the picture to go to the Mandarin Therapies website

 

 

 

Stay Safe everyone

#LincsConnect "putting the social back into social media" by LincsBlogger LincsConnect

 

Resilience Wins

Resilience Wins

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