#LincsConnectChristmas – Looking Forward To A Bright Lincolnshire Christmas

#LincsConnectChristmas – Looking Forward To A Bright Lincolnshire Christmas

#EatOutToHelpOut Ends But…

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

Recession?

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

#LincsConnectChristmas 

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

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

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

A Christmas Hamper

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

It’s time to start filling the Christmas Hamper…

 

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

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

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

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

A Christmas Meal

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

Let’s Work Together

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

Put It In Your Diary

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

Advert

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

Previous Blogs

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

#LincsArtCraftHour For Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford And Hull 

Community

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

Click on this picture to open the video in Twitter 

Click on this picture to open the video on Facebook

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

Domestic Abuse

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

 

 

A Helpful App

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

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

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

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

Louth Museum

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

Click on the picture to read the blog

 

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

Stay Safe

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

Shop Local In Lincolnshire

Shop Local In Lincolnshire

Shop Local in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

How to shop local in Lincolnshire

Shop Local In Lincolnshire – follow the # Hashtags

Do hashtags really work? The simple answer here is ‘yes’ and ‘no’!

How many times have you seen posts on social media with the hashtag #ShopLocal on it?  As crazy as it may sound, the hashtag really isn’t much use if you’re using it to help people find you.  It’s fine as a statement of fact on your post but when you search for it you’ll find that the posts are anything but local.  In fact, the posts you’ll find are from all around the world! If you’re expecting people to find your cheese that you produced in Sleaford I strongly suggest you think again!  Try using and promoting the #ShopLincs hashtag instead.

When I set up Lincs Connect in 2012 I experimented with several hashtags and names before settling on #LincsConnect.  Other examples of my trial hashtags included #ShopLocal (ironically I created this hashtag in January 2011 for use on my @MANDARINLEISURE account but scrapped it because it went global) #SupportLincolnshire #SupportLincolnshireBusiness #SupportLocal #SupportLocalBusiness with the latter being shortened to #SLBiz.

Early research made me realise that the ‘Support…’ hashtags were just too long so people refused to use them. Another reason for scrapping them was because they start with the word ‘Support’.  When searching social media for relevant hashtags about Lincolnshire you’ll find that typing the letters ‘Linc’ into the search bar will give you LincsConnect on twitter and Lincs Connect on Facebook in the top three names to visit. Compare that to typing in ‘Support’ which will give you all sorts of connotations from TwitterSupport to a whole host of other national and international business support sites.

It makes sense then that the hashtag to use on your tweets needs to be #LincsConnect as it is at the top of your searches and is truly local to Lincolnshire.

How To Use A Hashtag

If you’re happily adding hashtags to your post but never searching them you’ve truly missed s trick!

Here’s what to do:  Type in #LincsConnect in your search bar then press enter. Don’t click on the account @LincsConnect as that’ll take you to the account only which means you’ll miss all the good information.  Once your device takes you to the messages on the #LincsConnect timeline you need to look for the ‘Latest’ tab at the top of the Twitter page.  If you type #LincsConnect into the search bar on Facebook you’ll need to look for the ‘Posts’ tab at the top of the page (this’ll also show you related Instagram posts).

Once you’ve discovered these pages you’ll realise that there is a huge amount of information, business posts, personal posts, charity posts and requests for help etc etc that are all related to our local area.  Try it now to see what you can find.  It’s a fantastic way to network and find out what’s going on locally.

Shop Local in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Supporting Local In Lincolnshire

How do you support local?  Is it as easy as going to the local shops and picking something from the shelves?  In case you hadn’t considered it before, let me share some of my ideas about shopping and supporting locals:

  1.  Shop locally – supporting local traders by buying their produce in local shops, garden centres, farm shops and markets
  2.  Online – Many local traders have online shops.  A more cost effective way of selling may be via platforms like Etsy shops or even selling directly via social media
  3.  Don’t forget the local charity shops.  Dropping off your unwanted items is absolutely crucial but don’t forget they are there to help raise funds for the many worthy causes that otherwise would’t survive without our support.  Buying from the shops is absolutely essential if the charities are to survive.
  4. Social media – Since I’ve been running #LincsConnect I’ve noticed big changes in how people use the various platforms.  I’ve noticed a big rise in the professionally run accounts (some companies run several accounts for different clients) and I’ve also noticed the reluctance of many accounts to share anyone else messages or support others.  I’ll talk more about these two subjects later.

Obviously there are many other ways to support local businesses, charities and organisation but I’ll focus on my main observations first if that’s OK?

Shop Local In Lincolnshire

Shop local in Lincolnshire – this concept certainly isn’t new.  However, during the Covid19 pandemic it became much more important and (thankfully) much more prolific.  We know how important our local CoOp, Post office, newsagent and Spar shops are.  Many of them are in walking distance (for those who are able) and stock locally produced products.

Perhaps, with the use of ‘people power’ they might be able to stock more local produce to help our economy even further.  A polite request from customers or local traders may be all it takes.  It’s worth a try! In addition to helping to support local traders (including the shop owners and staff) it must have also come to your attention that during the lockdown there were less emissions, less fossil fuel burned and less litter.  All of these positives are good for the planet so let’s see if we can learn the lessons.

Shop Local In Lincolnshire online by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

If you can’t physically support local businesses you could try supporting them online

Shop Local In Lincolnshire – Online

This isn’t something I ever considered for my own businesses before Covid19 but it is something that I explored during the lockdown.  FaceTime and WhatsApp video calling is still a fantastic way to maintain contact with my clients while reducing my fuel usage in my truck.  It’s definitely a practice that I’m committed to. During the lockdown I was busy writing blogs and searching for companies who sell online.  Some are using Etsy, some use Facebook and others use Twitter.

I’m sure there are other platforms that are equally as good or even better.  I haven’t come across them yet but the obvious choice and probably the most popular is direct selling from personal/company websites.  Many people have their own eCommerce shop on their website which is easily maintained by the trader and convenient for the customer.  If, like me, you’re a bit of a technophobe you’ll be able to find website designers to build a site for you. They’ll even help you with your existing site.  If you’d like to get in touch with any designers please feel free to ask me for some suggestions.  After all, that is what Lincs ‘Connect’ is for!

Charities

I often include charities in my blogs because I feel they need all the help they can get.  I’ve focused on very small, medium and large charities and the one thing that they all have in common is their use of social media.  The posts may not raise funds directly but their constant presence certainly helps to raise your awareness of them and they help you to shop local in Lincolnshire.

Share The Love

Looking at the various accounts on social media I often make up my mind whether I should support them or not simply by looking at their posts.  The ones who never share anyone else posts, have conversations or try in any way to support anyone else is a big red flag for me.

Red Flag by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBloger

I find myself asking the question “why should I support them when they don’t support others and are very unlikely to support me?” I’m a big believer in helping others so when I find someone who shows no interest other than to post their own tweets I tend to move on to find someone who is more sociable and supportive.

Buying And Selling

I’ve noticed Fiona @OrigArtPrints on Twitter while searching the #LincsConnect hashtag and really like what she has been painting on old maps.  Her main sales come from Craft Fairs but during covid she turned her attention to Facebook and Twitter for her sales.  Facebook has been successful but Twitter less so.  However, her Twitter account is a good platform for showcasing what she does and for directing people to her Facebook account.  It’s important to use more than one platform on social media if you want to increase your client base.  It’ll be interesting to see if future sales turn more towards social media and less towards the craft fairs.  Only time will tell.

As a consequence of lessons learned during the covid lockdown I’m pleased to see that Fiona has turned her attention to Etsy for her sales too. An online presence is great way to keep customer engagement. Shop Local in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger I think these paintings on old maps are fabulous.  You have to admit, they do bring the map to life. Here is another example:

Shop Local In Lincolnshire – Use Websites, Social Media And YouTube

I’m no expert of course but it appears to me that one of the best ways to find a website (given that you probably didn’t know the sites name or even that you wanted to make a purchase) is through social media.  I’ll say that bit again just to clarify, “through ‘social’ media”.  Why the emphasis on ‘social’?  Because I’ve noticed far too often that many people are using Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to show off their products but don’t realise that they need to talk to followers to get continued engagement and sales.

Put it this way, if you don’t talk to me on social media I’m not likely to notice you!  Likewise, if you talk to me but I don’t talk back you’ll soon stop talking to me.  Either way, I would be the loser so that’s why it’s always best to be ‘social’ on social media!

While being pre-occupied with social media I almost forgot about YouTube.  Surely I can’t be the only person who searches YouTube on a very regular basis for music and information?  I do think it’s a great platform for showing your products (you’ll have seen some of my YouTube videos if you’ve been reading my other blogs), courses and skills.

While the social media could drive potential customers to your website the same driving force could apply to your YouTube channel.  I sometimes feature a local band on twitter. Invariably I find them on Twitter or Facebook first then either follow a link to their YouTube channel or take a few seconds to search for them in the YouTube search bar.

This band (Saboteurs) from Sleaford have really got my attention .  You can follow them on Twitter @sabsbanduk for regular music posts and updates.  Alternatively go straight to their website www.saboteursband.co.uk for lots more info and a chance to purchase their albums.

Have a listen to one of their albums by clicking on the YouTube link above.

Shop Local In Lincolnshire With YouTube

YouTube is arguably more useful than Instagram.  They are both popular of course and Instagram has a huge customer base. However, YouTube is a constant.  When a video is posted on YouTube it’s there to be found at any time until the originator deletes it.  Finding a specific post on Instagram is much less easy.

As a shopper it’s easy to go to YouTube to search for what you are looking for.  A good video will show you the product before you decide to buy. Subsequently, as the originator of a YouTube post you are able to upload the link to any social media platform or your own website at any time.  An uploaded video can be an ongoing advert for many years because the link can be copied and re-posted multiple times.

Uploading a video to YouTube (this one is about Nordic Walking with @MandarinFitness) can be timeless.  This video is often posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to help encourage new customers to join the sessions.  Simply following the link from the social media platform takes you straight to the advert.

The videos don’t need to be long or even professionally produced. Simply upload a video clip from your smartphone to YouTube then copy the link and post it onto your social media platform.

I hope you’ve found the blog useful.  Don’t forget to shop locally wherever possible to support our local traders.

See You Soon…

I hope you like my brief blog about using social media for selling and finding new customers.  Please feel free to leave a comment below and share the post with your friends and contacts.  Hopefully I’ll see you when I search the #LincsConnect hashtag again soon.

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

Don't rely on algorithms in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click the picture to discover more about this blog and get an insight into being successful on social media

Stay Safe 

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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….

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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

 

Be Tolerant

Be Tolerant

Be Tolerant. Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire?

I wonder what your thoughts are?  Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Do you think we have become more or less tolerant during the Coronavirus pandemic?  Putting the pandemic to one side, ask the same question “are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire” in general?

Without doubt I have seen some truly exceptional acts of kindness and heroism in recent times and I really hope it continues into our future lives on this planet.  Members of the NHS have stepped up to provide an outstanding service to keep us safe and well. Helping those who have succumbed to the virus is (excuse the pun) in their DNA.

When I say NHS staff I don’t just mean the doctors, nurses, midwives, physios and the whole host of other medical clinicians and experts.  No, I include the background staff too.  The health care support workers, cleaning staff, porters, canteen staff and the huge army of volunteers who’ve put themselves forward to help.  Without these people the ‘front line’ workers couldn’t do their job effectively.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? On the whole, ‘yes’. Many of us have given up our normal way of life in order to preserve life.  Keeping that safe distance has now become normal for most of us.  Some are still ignorant to the dangers of not distancing while others are genuinely putting themselves in harms way in order to help maintain our health, freedom and way of life.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Be More Tolerant

Some things never change. Our Police are still here to look after us and protect us

Policing The Streets

It can’t have escaped your attention that the police are continuing to do their primary roles as well as policing the streets to make sure we keep a safe distance.  I read on social media recently that a group of people had been dispersed for quad biking in some local Lincolnshire woods.

Not only had they ignored the social distancing rules but it appears that they had travelled from Bedfordshire to do it!  It’s beyond comprehension that people would knowingly put lives in danger like this. I feel both sorry for, and proud of, our Lincolnshire police who constantly put themselves in harms way to deal with these acts of lunacy.

Day in, day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year… The police are always on duty to protect us.  It’s fair to say that I’m a great fan of  ‘everyone’ who acts so selflessly to protect me, my family and everyone else in our County and country.

Pride in Our Lincolnshire Police

Having witnessed an incident in London during Christmas (2019) we accompanied a young lady to the local transport police station to provide witness reports and support.  The police officer on duty was very helpful and did everything he could to assist.  At the end of the meeting he handed us some plastic wallets for our Oyster cards.

The wallets had the emergency numbers on for reporting crime on London transport.  He then instructed us to fold the wallet inside out to hide the police markings telling us that showing the wallet in London might make us a ‘target’.

I know I’m a ‘country boy’ but I was quite surprised at this advice.  Have you noticed that in Lincolnshire there is a great pride in our local force?  Whenever I see @LincsPolice posts on social media when they are out in the community the police and public are always smiling and engaging.

Obviously if things go wrong we can expect to be dealt with accordingly but that’s the nature of the job!  In these difficult times the tolerance levels of our police officers must sometimes be tested to the max!

Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire? – Coronavirus And The Police

I only know bits and pieces about how the Lincolnshire Police are operating during these difficult times.  In fact I don’t know any more than the average reader.  However, I do know a lady who knows just about everything there is to know about policing during the lockdown.  Let me introduce you to Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Kerrin Wilson @KerrinWilson999 who will be chairing a Q&A session on Facebook this Thursday morning (23 April 2020) at 10.00am.  We’re all invited:

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Lincolnshire Police ACC Kerrin Wilson

Q&A – Click on this picture to go to the Facebook post

 

If you have a mind to help and would like to have your opinions heard perhaps you might be good enough to complete the survey below.  This is a copy of the image from the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page so the blue link you see in the picture won’t work.  However, if you click (or tap) on the picture you’ll be taken straight to the survey.  Alternatively, you can go directly to the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page to complete it from there.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect Lincolnshire Police

Click on the picture to complete the survey

 

How Tolerant Are We?

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I’m talking about our personal lives and perceptions.  If we ‘conveniently’ forget the social distancing rules for purely selfish reasons how do we react if we’re reminded to step back or turn around and go home?  Something simple like reaching across someone in the supermarket to pick something off the shelf – it’s unacceptable but how do we react if we’re asked to step back and wait?

The answer should be obvious but I’m afraid the obvious doesn’t always happen. It can lead to confrontation (personal experience speaking)! Ask yourself this simple question each day: “Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?”

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Be Kind, Not Threatening

Don’t invade someones space and don’t be confrontational if you’re asked to move back. Good manners applies both ways so with a bit of common courtesy we can all be happy

The coastal towns and beauty spots were closed over the Easter holidays (2020) but some people still thought it would be acceptable to ignore the rules.  The rules are there for the safety of everyone so for those who are feeling aggrieved over the situation I ask for a little more tolerance for a little longer please.  It’s not rocket science but disobeying the rules could be life threatening!

The Dark Side

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

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Tolerance takes on a whole new meaning when we consider domestic abuse. Being locked in together can cause some anxieties and tension for families.  As a result 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 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.

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect EDAN Lincolnshire

Click on this picture to go straight to the EDAN Lincs website. If your life is in danger call 999. If you need to make a silent call to protect your safety call 999 and add 55. You’ll also find @EDANLincs on Twitter 

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect Domestic Abuse Helpline

 

Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Stop Abuse

GET HELP if you are suffering. Use the numbers above or 999 if you’re in immediate danger. CLICK ON THIS PICTURE for more information

Don’t Put Yourself In Danger

If you are unable to speak during ‘any’ emergency simply dial 999 and add 55.  The operator will immediately see that you are in need of help but are unable to talk.  Your call will be tracked and you’ll get the help you need.

Calling 999 - 5 5 'Caller Needs Help'

Hate Crime

Religious, race and homophobic abuse has no place in our society so don’t tolerate it.  If you are aware of religious, race, homophobic or any other related abuse REPORT IT.  Call 101 to report hate crime and call 999 if you fear imminent danger.  Your action could result in an organised network being uncovered and prosecuted. Let’s all be more tolerant of each other.  Employers also have a duty of care for their staff so if abuse is happening in the workplace, report it there too.

Some Things Need To Be Said Or Asked – Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?

I know my blogs normally focus on the good things, the jolly things, the brighter side of life but some things need to be brought out into the open.  Perhaps you can help to make someones life that little bit happier again.  If you have doubts or suspicions make the call. Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I hope so!

Additional Blogs For You:

#WhatsOnLincs - Louth In Lincolnshire by LincsConnect - Louth Market

#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire by LincsConnect – Louth Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the picture above to go to a previous blog. More blogs can be found at www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs

Stay Safe Everyone

#StaySafeSaveLives I’m going to clean my keypad, clean the mouse, clean the iPad, wash my hands and get out on my bike for an hour.  #StaySafeSaveLives #HandsFaceSpace

 

 

Walking In The South Lincolnshire Wolds

Walking In The South Lincolnshire Wolds

Summer Holiday

I don’t know about you but I’m not considering a holiday abroad this year.  My mind is focused on our present Covid situation so I’m inclined to stay in the UK 2020.  Perhaps Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds might be a good option.

I envisage us coming to an end of this coronavirus lockdown soon but my mind is focused on the safety of home rather than abroad. From conversations on social media I know I’m not alone in my thinking.  As a result I’m wondering where I should be heading to and what I could possibly do in Lincolnshire. I need to find something that I haven’t done before.

Father & Son Promise

Following the recent death of my father, my son and I made a promise to make sure that we keep making memories by doing something together every other month.  The brief is that we take it in turns to organise something low budget.

I organised the first weekend away but I’m afraid his turn has been curtailed by the Coronavirus travel restrictions.  However, it’ll take more than coronavirus to make me waver from the plan so It’s time to plan our next adventure.  Our first outing was a night in Harrogate followed by a walk from Harrogate to Knaresborough along the banks of the river Nidd.  It’s a walk I have done many times as a youngster and I was keen to share it with my teenage son.

Fishing

I’ve never tried fishing before so that was his plan for me.  These trips are designed to bring us closer together but at the same time provide some new experiences.  We both have a love of walking so my first choice was quite easy.  Fishing…. Well, that is his idea of fun so I’m duty bound to go with him so that he can teach me. I’ll experience something new and it will have been together.

March came and went but we were still in lockdown.

Low Budget

Trips to London are something we both enjoy but, even on a low budget, it’s an expensive area.  Travel costs, accommodation, a few cups of coffee and meals out will soon eat up several hundred pounds.  The point of the exercise is to enjoy our time together and not spend lots of money.  With that in mind, and with it being my choice of activity in May I’m choosing a walk in the Lincolnshire Wolds.  We both have walking boots and all the clothing so the only expense will be meals and accommodation.  I have a plan!

The Southern Wolds

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect

As I work on Saturdays the chosen location for the weekend has to be reasonably local.  The idea is to travel on Saturday afternoon/evening,  B&B overnight if needed, spend the day walking on Sunday and return home refreshed in the evening.  However, being so close to home (half an hour) an overnight stay isn’t really necessary.

My plan is to walk from Bolingbroke Castle to Snipedales Country Park via Hameringham with our return leg being from Snipedales Country Park to Hundleby via Hagworthingham and Raith and back to Bolingbroke. Time permitting we’ll partake in afternoon tea at the award winning Elm Tree B&B in Hundleby.  Well, why not?  We are both busy and it’s not often that we get to spend quality time together.  I haven’t worked out the mileage yet but we are both fit and very fast walkers.

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Bolingbroke Castle

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect - Heritage Lincolnshire Bolingbroke Castle

If you haven’t been before I highly recommend a visit. It’s ideal for picnics and local walks and the children will have great fun playing and reenacting battles as knights of old or perhaps hide and seek. The postcode for your sat nav is PE23 4HH

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect - Heritage Lincolnshire Bolingbroke Castle

Bolingbroke Castle outer wall

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect - Lincolnshire Heritage Bolingbroke Castle

For more information and details of events visit Heritage Lincolnshire. Access their website by clicking on the picture or why not pay them a visit on twitter @HeritageLincs

Onward then to Snipedales Country Park (Follow @LoveLincsWolds on Twitter). Here we’ll be able to explore some of the 220 acres of the country park and nature reserve with it’s steep sided valleys, wildlife, a variety of trees  and streams.  If we can get the timing right and restrictions are lifted we may get chance to join one of the guided walks.

If you’re interested why not click on the picture below to go to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website where you’ll find up-to-date information.

 

Click on the picture to go straight to the Lincs Wildlife Trust website and why not follow them on Twitter too? Here they are: @LincsWildlife

Snipedales Country Park will probably make an ideal stopping place for a packed lunch.

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Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Hagworthingham

After Snipedales it’s onwards to Hagworthingham where we’ll stop to photograph the Stockwith Mill.  This picture is from the internet and I’m afraid there is no reference to credit the original photographer.  It is a lovely picture though and I hope we’ll be able to do the Mill the same justice.

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect - Stockwith Mill, Hagworthingham

Hagworthingham. Click on the picture to find it on Google Maps

There will be plenty of photo opportunities during our walk so a timetable isn’t really going to work!  However, I know it’ll be fun and worth the effort.  About 2.5 miles (by road) to Raithby

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Raithby

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect. Methodist Chapel, Raithby

The small Methodist chapel at Raithby Hall in Raithby by Spilsby is one of the oldest in England.

The small Methodist Chapel (on the far right of the building in the picture above) is the oldest Methodist Chapel in Lincolnshire and is still in use today.  It was opened by John Wesley on 5 July 1779. That makes it even older than me!

With a bit of luck we’ll be able to take a picture or two before heading off across country to Hundleby for afternoon tea at The Elm Tree B&B (time permitting).

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Hundleby

The Elm Tree B&B, Hundleby. Click on the picture to go to Google Maps

If you’re looking for an underlying motive for our walk, ‘this’ is it!  Or rather, the Afternoon Tea is.  I suspect we will already have covered something around 10-15 miles (or more). An afternoon tea treat for father and son seems like a perfect reason to break the journey.  Boasting a full 5 Stars and having already seen pictures and read revues I’m really expecting great things.

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Afternoon Tea and B&B

I’m looking forward to this as at just £20.00 each (£25.00 for the Prosecco version) and our only expense of the day I think it’s a bargain.  Can I tempt you?  Well, probably not but Chris and Jonathan certainly can with this picture from their website:

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect. Afternoon tea at The Elm Tree, Hundleby

Afternoon Tea Vouchers are available too and are on sale NOW! Wouldn’t it be lovely to give someone a gift voucher during our lockdown to show them how much you care? £20.00 each for a selection of 5 different sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones & jam plus a selection of Stokes Teas.

Being less than half an hour away from my home we won’t need to book in to the B&B. I very much doubt my son would want to share a four poster with his dad anyway!  However, if you’re making the trip and fancy staying over, this is what you’ll be treated to:

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect. Bed & Breakfast at The Elm Tree, Hundleby

A Four Poster bed – suddenly you can understand why The Elm Tree has 5 stars and glowing revues. Click on the picture for a direct link to the website or send a message on Twitter @TheElm_Tree

This really is a trip that I’m looking forward to so I hope the travel restrictions and social distancing rules are lifted in time for the end of May.  However,  I do have a plan B – organise another date for June or July to make sure the whole trip goes ahead!  Perhaps a follow up blog will be in order to show off my own pictures and include some countryside images too.  After all, it ‘is’ the Lincolnshire Wolds – an ‘Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ so it would be amiss of me to deprive you of our experience.

Can’t Wait?

Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds by LincsConnect. Takeaway afternoon tea from The Elm Tree, Hundleby

Not everyone has the patience to wait until the social distancing rules are relaxed so, just for you, there is a special take-away afternoon tea available too.  It’s the same great choice but without the hot drink.  At £12.50 per person I think it’s time to get the kettle on and get your order in don’t you? Don’t forget to check to make sure the prices and availability are still current.

Until Next Time, Stay Safe

I know we are all looking forward to the end of the ‘lockdown’ but I think it’s important to have something to focus on don’t you?