by Martin Thomas | Apr 20, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, B&B, Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wolds, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Snipedales, Walking, Website
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
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
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
Bolingbroke Castle outer wall
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.
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
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:
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:
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?
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?
by Martin Thomas | Apr 16, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Beeswax, Candles, Chocolate, Donate, Food, Foodbank, honey, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect
Local Lincolnshire Honey
Buy Local
When it comes to shopping do you buy locally produced food wherever possible or do you search for the cheapest available? It’s a tough call but I would much rather support a local producer than a foreign import.
A recent acquisition of mine is honey. Yes, I plead guilty to buying supermarket honey sometimes but that is usually led by convenience and not taste. We all know that there is no such thing as ‘superfoods’ or ‘wonder cures’ but honey seems to consistently crop up when it comes to choosing the nearest thing to a superfood that you can get. Naturally produced local honey from the Artisan Honey Co is really delicious and, containing its own natural preservatives, you’ll be pleased to hear that it doesn’t need any additional ingredients to make it taste nice.
Locally Sourced
Lincolnshire not only provides the country with a very large proportion of its food but it is also a huge producer of nectar for the bees. Looking at the global eco system and the concern about the decline in the number of bees it’s really heartening to know that Lincolnshire is playing its part when it comes to feeding nature and helping to look after our planet. Managing the hives to ensure future honey production obviously has the benefits of ensuring the safety of our bees too.
Eco Bees
This isn’t an ‘eco blog’ by any means but I must admit that I’m very conscious about what we’re doing to our planet and how we could better protect it. With that said, I wonder if you are aware that the UK imports 90-95% of the honey we consume? I’m sure you’ll agree that’s quite a shocking figure. The carbon footprint of our honey must be enormous and the fossil fuels burned to transport it must surely be huge. Until I looked it up I was completely unaware of how much of our honey came from abroad. As I’m typing this I’m beginning to realise even more how important it is to ‘buy local’. I know Si of @ArtisanHoneyCo sources his honey locally. After all, it is his business and he has a duty of care for the bees that provide his income. Without them there would be no Artisan Honey Co and we would be deprived of another source of top quality UK (Lincolnshire to be specific) produce.
Taste Test
Mmmmm!
Flavours
With the ever increasing demand for different flavours it makes sense to transport some of the hives out of Caythorpe for the bees to explore new locations. The large expanses of oil seed rape will obviously provide a good source of pollen but we may have relatively small quantities of heather or Lavender so a short ‘hop’ across a County makes sense. Unblended (flavours from a single floral source) allows us to appreciate the subtle differences in flavours rather than having a generic honey taste that the blended varieties produce. let’s face it, that short hop is a much better scenario than a large hop across countries or continents!
How Do You Take Yours?
Producing honey since 2011 – although mine will be lucky to last a few days!
Honey on a plain cracker is going to allow us to pick up the subtle flavours more easily than on a strong tasting bread but I have to admit that I’m rather partial to honey on toast. I asked a question on Twitter at breakfast time “Runny or set honey on my toast”? Needless to say, the results were not conclusive so I had one slice of toast with runny honey and the other with set honey. It seemed like a very good idea. Someone suggested runny honey in the coffee but I like my coffee strong and bitter so I gave that one a miss. However, I can confirm that they are both very nice neat – but don’t tell anyone that I did that!
I opened this as soon as I got it home and I can assure you that it isn’t going to be long before these jars are empty.
Spray It
The Coronavirus is the reason for this honey journey by the way. If you’ve ever had a bad throat where it felt as though you’re trying to swallow razor blades you’ll know how I felt. Si recommended a honey spray (which I used neat) to sooth the symptoms. The spray contains alcohol and the combination certainly helped to anaesthetise the area. I combined the spray with a small amount of neat runny honey (not both at the same time) which acted as a coating for my throat and certainly made it feel much better. Thankfully I’ve recovered from the virus now so I’m back to relative normality.
Contact
Beeswax candles, polish and much more. Click on the picture to find The Artisan Honey Co on Facebook
From honey on your toast to beeswax candles and more. You can click on the picture to chat to Si on Twitter at @ArtisanHoneyCo
DONATE
With all this talk about honey and my mind wandering around the subject of food it’s only right that I should include this message from the University of Lincoln Chaplaincy. It’s a reminder that there are still people in desperate need of assistance in our County. While many rushed out to panic buy food at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic it has become evident that there was no need to panic as food is still plentiful. It’s a great shame that the refuse services reported a significant rise in food being thrown away by the public after the big rush with much of the food being untouched or even unopened! With most buying restrictions being lifted now perhaps you can afford to buy a few extra tins or packets of food to donate? A little goes a long way when we all work together
If you would like contact the University of Lincoln Chaplaincy click on the picture to find them on twitter
Any donations, no matter how big or small will be gratefully received at any of the sites below. If you’re new to donating be sure to let them know that you saw the post on #LincsConnect
Stay Safe
Stay safe everyone and remember, if a journey isn’t essential, ‘don’t do it’
by Martin Thomas | Apr 13, 2020 | BBMF, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Louth, Pie, RAF
Easter – The Busiest Time Of The Year?
With lovely weather across the UK this Easter it should’ve been the busiest time of the year for our tourist industry. Alas, any record breaking visitor figures are all for the wrong reasons this year (2020). However, we know it won’t last so I’m still compiling my ‘wish list’ for when the travel restrictions are lifted post Coronavirus. My last blog saw me traveling to Woodhall Spa, Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Scunthorpe. #WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire is a blog highlighting a few things to look forward to.
There really are some fabulous places to visit in our large County so to list them all would be impossible. As a result I want to produce a wish list that’ll help me focus on our post virus future.
This is the second blog in the series ‘After the Coronavirus what have we got to look forward to?’ series.
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire
The Priory Hotel, Louth – click on the picture for a link to the website
I’ve written about The Priory Hotel before and am truly in awe of what Paul is achieving from this hotel. Employing people who may otherwise have struggled to get a job, feeding the homeless and latterly providing home cooked food for those in need during the current crisis.
I haven’t visited the hotel yet but have chatted to Paul on the phone. His enthusiasm and kindness is truly inspiring so I can’t wait to pay a visit soon. I shall certainly book for dinner and diary allowing I’ll be attending one of his many events too. Please take a look at the website to make up your own mind – I think you’ll be impressed The Priory Hotel
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Hubbards Hills
If you haven’t visited Louth before I strongly recommend it. Nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds you’ll be spoilt for choice for some lovely walks. There is also the beautiful Hubbards Hills on the edge of the town too. Ideal for family days out and picnics with a car park and cafe for visitors.
Hubbards Hills nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds is always worth a visit regardless of the weather. Picture courtesy of East Lindsey District Council
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Louth Market
Louth Market is normally open 3 days a week (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) but for an up to date timetable click on the picture to go to the East Lindsey DC website
Louth is a market town that has a large selection of independent shops that are really worth a visit. I normally shop there once a month and am looking forward to visiting again very soon. It’s a treat not to be missed.
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Louth Pie Day
Obviously you can’t leave Louth without mentioning the Louth Pie Day. It had its first outing in April 2019 and is already set to be a permanent fixture on the local Lincolnshire calendar. The local butchers bakers and cafes all take part of course. I have no doubt that this is going to grow into something ‘very’ big in the County.
Alas, due to the recent restrictions the physical event has had to be postponed this year. However, we are all invited to join in by making or buying our own pies on 15 April. If you would like to get involved you can follow the fun on Twitter. See the link above or on Facebook from this link: #VirtualLouthPieDay
The Virtual Louth Pie Day is on Wednesday 15 April 2020
If you manage to scrabble some ingredients together to make a pie don’t forget to take a picture and post it to Justine and Kiat. They will be waiting to see your entries on the Facebook and Twitter pages. You’ll need to use the hashtag #VirtualLouthPieDay with your entries too of course. Good luck! ….. Update – At the time of revision the Louth Pie Day organisers are looking for new volunteer staff.
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RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight
This is where I have to hang my head in shame! Having served in the RAF and lived in Lincolnshire for many years I’ve had the visit to @RAFBBMF on my to-do list for a long time but never actually got around to crossing the threshold. To make matters worse, RAF Coningsby is just a very short drive from where I live! However, this trip is right at the top of my ‘must do’ sites now so I’ll be there with my camera to take some pictures soon (I hope).
Coningsby is only 21 miles from Louth so make it part of a day or weekend trip.
The unmistakeable image of the BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane taken during the RAF 100 flypast over Buckingham Palace.
In my defence though, I have managed to take lots of pictures of these iconic aircraft at various air shows and even as they fly over my house on their return from air displays during the summer months.
Easter – The Busiest Time of The Year…
Well, this year things have been different but I’m really looking forward to getting out and about again soon. I have visions of the County being very busy again soon and I’m sure that will help to make up for lost time and business this Easter.
What Else Have I got To Look Forward To?
The list is huge and I’ve only just managed to touch a very small section of it so more versions of this blog series will surely be heading this way soon.
More Blogs For You:
Stay Safe
by Martin Thomas | Apr 12, 2020 | Children, Chocolate, Food, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice
Easter – A Celebration Of Hope
Some words of hope from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
“…Easter isn’t cancelled…”
We may not be able to go to church, see our friends or share our table with family for an Easter feast but…
This Easter is bright and sunny but our holiday destinations remain closed. Beaches and countrysides are deserted and church doors locked; It’s easy to focus on the negatives that come with these unprecedented times isn’t it? However, NOW is the time to start planning for the future!
An Easter Message For A Bright Future – Easter 2021
I can’t say it any better that the words sung by Heather Small so I won’t try. Here is an excerpt of the lyrics from her famous song ‘ Search for A Hero’. Have a read and if you have a mind, click on the link to find her recording on YouTube. Pure inspiration
M People – ‘Search for a hero’ Click or tap here to go to the video on YouTube
Taking inspiration from our Monarch and reading these lyrics perhaps it’s easier to see a brighter future. Easter 2021 will be upon us before we know it! It will surely feel strange when we reflect on 2020 and what we missed and the loved ones we may have lost but 2021 ‘is’ our future so let’s get planning.
An Easter Message For A Bright Future – Plan Now
What will your priorities be for next Easter? Perhaps we shall reflect and realise that we don’t need all the trappings of an affluent society. Will it be a simpler and more joyous occasion as we celebrate with our family around the dining table? It’ll be a time to celebrate what we have and what is good about life. A time to remember all the heroes who kept us going and gave us hope. From all the outstanding members of the NHS who ‘stepped up to the mark’ and did what they had to do to save lives, to the police who kept our society safe and ‘all’ of the key workers, volunteers and small businesses who, without their selflessness we would have been in a much worse position.
What Will You Look Forward To?
If we are planning now for all the nice things in life will our priorities have changed? Having realised that we can survive very well without spending so much money will we be happier with a family walk in the countryside or a family outing to the coast, city or towns? Whatever we do to celebrate, I hope it is with family and friends and whatever your faith may be, I hope it is a happy time for you.
Take Care and Stay Safe
“…Easter isn’t cancelled…”
by Martin Thomas | Mar 29, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Cleethorpes, Coronavirus, Kinema, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mother's Day, Petwood Hotel, Railway, Scunthorpe, Vouchers, WhatsOnLincs, Woodhall Spa
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1
After the coronavirus in Lincolnshire part 1 – What have we got to look forward to? Lincolnshire has lots to offer so get set to explore. As this is part 1, the title indicates that there are more parts to this blog and, by definition, more and more things to look forward to.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Let’s Socialise
The list is almost endless of course. The Coronavirus won’t be with us for ever I’m sure so it’s nice to be able to think ahead to life after ‘lockdown’. What would be your choice? Fish n’ chips perhaps? What about fine dining or a lovely pub meal? Perhaps a trip to the seaside or a visit to your local church? A really important thing to focus on is the social aspect of our lives. It’ll be lovely to just socialise again wouldn’t it.
The Kinema In The Woods
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Perhaps it’s not an obvious choice for some but what about a trip to the cinema? Have you ever been to The Kinema In The Woods in Woodhall Spa? If you haven’t, I can personally recommend a visit. Blockbuster movies are available but something you might not have realised is how The Kinema has maintained its history. Yes, there are some new screens but the ambiance remains the same. You can still enjoy a good movie on the big screen but you’ll also enjoy an intermission to purchase your ice cream and drinks at ‘normal’ prices. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to enjoy the dancing feet of Alan Underwood as he entertains on the spectacular organ and remote piano.
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Such is the fame of The Kinema that you will no doubt be able to find numerous pictures and videos of it when you search the internet. These pictures have been borrowed from their website but I’m sure The Kinema will be more that happy to see your pictures too if you care to share them on Twitter @TheKinema – I’m sure they will be delighted if you would follow them there too.
It goes without saying of course that The Kinema has suffered the same fate as the rest of us due to the Coronavirus lockdown. However, if you fancy purchasing some vouchers for birthday, Mother’s Day or any other day for that matter I can’t think of a nicer way to treat someone during our period of isolation.
You can order your vouchers by clicking here
The Petwood Hotel
Skipping across the village (just around the corner actually) you’ll be able to visit the fabulous Petwood Hotel. Yes, I know I’ve mentioned it before but it is a beautiful hotel with fabulous staff and, as the spiritual home of LincsConnect it does hold a special place in my heart.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
The grounds and building are always spectacular and each season helps to create a special magic. Not only have I organised Nordic Walking sessions from the hotel but Emma was kind enough to host the LincsConnect networking meetings on Friday evenings too. With a bit of luck they will return in the not-too-distant future (let’s keep our fingers crossed). However, in the mean time The Petwood Hotel is a lovely place to visit for Afternoon Tea, lunch, or a delicious evening meal. The history housed in the hotel is really quite breathtaking too so if you get the chance to visit for a coffee, a glass of wine or a G&T in the gardens be sure to take a wander around inside. You won’t be disappointed whatever the weather.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
It would be a poor show if you couldn’t get a gift voucher so the Petwood Hotel is ready to deliver (excuse the pun) there too. You can order and have a bespoke gift voucher delivered as a .PDF to your email address. What could be more convenient?
To order you Petwood Hotel gift voucher click here
Time Alone
There are so many lovely places to visit and things to do in our fabulous County of Lincolnshire so let’s not forget how diverse it is. From the beautiful towns and villages to the wide open spaces of the fens and the rolling hills of the Wolds. We really are lucky. Socialising, whether we realise it or not, is something we have (perhaps) taken for granted. It’s not until we’ve had the luxury taken away from us for a while that we realise how much we crave it.
I’m talking from a personal point of view of course but I wonder if I’m expressing the thoughts of many? I often like to be on my own; Walks alone, bike rides alone, driving alone….. ‘home alone’… but now I realise that I’m never really alone. Family is everything to me so now I realise that my periods alone are just times to reflect and rejuvenate.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – What Next?
Being such social creatures perhaps it’s the simple things that we have missed the most? By the time this is all over will we have re-evaluated our priorities? I’m only speculating of course but will we be moving away from the big corporate organisations and move instead to the family run businesses and sole traders who will offer us the quality we want without the ‘designer label’ price tags?
As we become more ecologically aware will we be less inclined to travel so far and more inclined to value what we have on our doorstep? Let’s face it, we have so much on our doorstep that it’s difficult to decide what we want and what we are looking forward to the most. Personally I’m looking forward to getting back outside with my Nordic Walking groups to enjoy good company in the ever changing environment that Mother Nature serves to us.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – The High Street Is Changing
The High Street is changing and will probably not change back to what we had become used to. Perhaps now is the time for the sole traders and small businesses to step up to the mark and become the national or even global kings and queens of the future. Could we do it? I’ve seen things change around me in a very short space of time. Politicians of all persuasions are talking to each other like never before while at the same time big High Street shops are closing their doors with little or no likelihood of them re-opening again.
All of this makes me ask the question; What have we got and what are we looking forward to…?
Fish and chips? How about Fish and chips at the seaside? A family day out with happy people making the most of our lovely coastline. Am I allowed to have a favourite? Skegness, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Anderby Creek…. They are all fabulous seaside resorts but my personal favourite is Cleethorpes. There is just something about it that has a draw for me and makes me want to be there. Lovely walks along the sea front eating my fish and chips from @PapasFishNChips located on the pier, crossing the light railway and spending time around the boating lake with a coffee from the cafe in the Discovery Centre
Boating lake & cafe at the Cleethorpes Discovery Centre. It’s always a ‘must visit’ place for me. Find them on Facebook and Twitter and give them a follow.
Grimsby & Cleethorpes – Two ‘Must Visit’ areas of Lincolnshire
Just a short drive away form Cleethorpes is Grimsby. If you get the chance to visit there please make a point of going to the Grimsby Central Hall. I have visited there several times and can highly recommend it. I once saw a performance of ‘The Armed Man’ (A Mass For Peace) performed by the Grimsby Philharmonic and was extremely impressed by the performance and also by the acoustics of the Central Hall.
Grimsby Philharmonic led by Susan Hollingworth BEM – if you get the chance to hear them perform you’re certainly in for a treat. Click here to visit their website.
The Grimsby Central Hall is really worth a visit. I was lucky enough to be given a tour once and was really surprised at what I saw. I’m not going to give too much away as I think the Hall is worthy of a blog of its own. However, in addition to being a fabulous building on the outside with a grand staircase on the inside and superb acoustics for performances, it also houses a Fishermans Chapel dedicated to local fishermen & Merchant Seamen who lost their lives at sea.
I’m not a historian or an architect but I really do love learning local history and taking in the architecture around me. If you see me walking around somewhere new I’m usually the one looking up. If you haven’t done it, I recommend you give it a try. Look up above the boring flat glass shop windows and doors and marvel at the fantastic building above. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Grimsby Central Hall – It’s not the best picture but it does show the grandeur and size of the building. Click here to go to their Facebook page
Scunthorpe
I know Scunthorpe has a lot to offer but right at the top of my list of things to do and places to visit in the area is the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society (Find them on twitter as @AFRailway). I’m not an avid train enthusiast or train spotter but this has really captured my imagination. I’m looking forward to the end of the Coronavirus restrictions so that I can pay a visit here. If you haven’t heard of it before I suggest you take a look at their website www.afrps.co.uk. You can email glenn@afrps.co.uk who I suspect will put you on a mailing list to let you know when their services begin again. In short, the trip involves a rail tour around the steel works at Scunthorpe. I have a feeling that it’ll be extremely interesting.
Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society
How Long Should A Wish List Be?
In a County as big as Lincolnshire I think this wish list could go on and on! Perhaps it’s best if I pause for breath now though. I still have walks in the Wolds, expeditions in the Fens and outings in Grantham (the canal springs to mind) and lunches in Stamford to fit in. I think I’m going to have to do a series of blogs on the subject don’t you?
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Any Recommendations For Part 2?
My list of things to do and places to visit after the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted is very long but not by no means complete. I know there will be many things that I haven’t visited but really ought to so if you have any suggestions please let me know.
“Stay Home Save Lives”
Have a good week everyone and keep smiling. We shall get through this pandemic if we work together. Don’t forget that #LincsConnect is here for you 24/7
https://www.whatsonlincs.co.uk
by Martin Thomas | Mar 27, 2020 | Charity, COVID19, Food, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Louth
The Priory In Louth – Feeding The Vulnerable
Read on to discover how you can help.
Food And Support…
I had the pleasure of talking to Paul Hugill the other day about the fantastic work he is doing with his team to feed the vulnerable people in the Louth area. He really does ooze enthusiasm! If you ever need to speak to someone with some ‘get up and go’ Paul is your man!
Taking on the mammoth task of feeding the homeless and vulnerable, Paul put out a plea for assistance. Obviously in need of food, food and more food if this task is going to be achieved but he also needs more volunteers too.
You help out in the kitchen or from home, packing or delivery too so please get in touch. I’ll mention it here but I’ll also post a reminder further down too; Paul is desperately in need of fridges and freezers. Thanks to the very generous donations he has received he is able to get meals cooked and sent out but storage will always be in short supply.
Fridge And Freezer Donations
If you know of any industrial size fridges and freezers that can be donated on loan I’m sure Paul will be happy to hear from you. In addition, he is short of protein based produce so if there are any butchers out there who can make a donation you know what to do! Contact details are at the bottom of the blog. Links are also in the pictures. All help will be gratefully received.
What’s It All About?
Two nutritious meals a day for those in isolation or are vulnerable during the Coronavirus pandemic. If you think you can help with a cash donation please visit the just giving page and give whatever you can. Money is always welcome but so are donations of fresh food. Even cooked food which will help to take some of the pressure away from his own kitchen can be donated.
As well as feeding the vulnerable during this crisis Paul is also committed to helping to feed the homeless in the area by supporting and preparing meals for the East Coast Homeless Outreach. Outstanding! It’s all free of charge so your donations are very important. I’m not sure when he gets time to sleep. I do hope he manages to get some rest in between all the good work that he’s doing. Perhaps a quote from The Priory website might be a good idea here:
“…People are at the heart of what we do – you, our valued guests and or staff, most of whom may not have had the best start in life or have learning difficulties and whose potential has been overlooked.”
Just those few words seem to sum up what Paul is all about. Caring for and helping people seems to drive him forward and keep him motivated.
The Serendipity Initiative
With his team of willing staff he has set up a project under The Serendipity Initiative to help feed those in isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s a huge task. Your help, however big or small that might be, will be welcomed with open arms.
If you use Facebook you might like to take a look at this video as I think it explains more in just a few minutes than I could do in a thousand words.
Take a look at what Paul and his team for the community
Please also take a look at The Serendipity Initiative to see if you can help. Remember, if you don’t have cash, you don’t have food to donate, you aren’t able to help with food preparation, you CAN help by simply spreading the word. Talk you your friends, copy the links from this blog and post them on your social media pages or copy the link to this blog and post the whole thing. Every little helps so please try to do whatever you can.
Click the picture to open the link Tel 01507 602930
What’s Needed?
Right now Paul is looking for any help that you can donate, storage space, fridges, freezers and protein rich foods. All other food and cash donations are obviously always welcome of course.
Contact:
Here are a few useful contact numbers and addresses:
Tel Louth 01597 602930
eMail paul@sevendipityinitiative.co.uk
Website www.serendipityinitiative.co.uk
Facebook Serendipity Louth
Twitter @PrioryLouth
Paul has had a mention in a previous blog with his Serendipity Initiative and the work that is going on to support people during the Coronavirus Pandemic. If you would like to read more about that follow this link: ‘Coronavirus – We can Help Each Other’
Thank you all for taking the time to read this post. Please feel free to copy it and send it on to your friends by email or on social media. The more people we can get to see it, the better.
Stay healthy, stay happy and STAY IN.
Best wishes
