Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire

In this Crime prevention in Lincolnshire blog you’ll find information and tips on how to prevent and/or identify scams, abuse, fraud, slavery and much more.  Together we can report it and help stamp it out.

Useful Numbers

In an emergency dial 999 to get through to the Lincolnshire Police control room.  If it’s an emergency but you’re unable to talk, add 5 5.  For non-emergency calls to Lincolnshire Police use the 101 number.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Have you ‘really’ won?

You’ve Won…

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!  We all love a bargain and the majority of us would welcome some extra money but be cautious because there are a lot of fraudsters around.  If you didn’t enter a competition, you didn’t win it! Never give your bank details, password or PIN away. Fraudsters will do their best to trick you into giving them up so be on your guard because it’s you’re private information. Don’t share it.

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire

The title speaks for itself of course.  However, ‘Identifying’ crime in the first place is key to understanding how to prevent it. Let’s start with a list of crimes:

  • Theft (that’s a big subject)
  • Burglary
  • Assault (sexual/racial/physical/verbal)
  • Bullying & Hate Crime (physical/verbal/cyber)

Too many subjects to cover in detail here so let’s focus on ‘prevention’ for now.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

For non-emergencies call Lincolnshire Police on 101

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Property Security

Think like a criminal to prevent crime! If you’ve gone out and forgotten your keys would you be able to get into your home to unlock the door from the inside?  It sounds obvious but by properly securing your property or vehicle you’re already helping to prevent crime. Therefore, before leaving your property make sure the doors and windows are closed and locked.  If you are ever locked out, you’ll be able to contact a good locksmith or vehicle breakdown agency to help you regain access.

Crime prevention is all about making life difficult (or impossible) for criminals.  Leaving car windows open during the summer or the engine running and car unlocked to defrost during the winter are obviously asking for trouble. Likewise, house windows left open during hot weather and doors left unlocked are open invitations to an opportunist thief.

Theft isn’t confined to vehicles and homes though.  Businesses are susceptible to opportunistic thieves too.  Simple security measures include ‘not wedging doors open’.  Regardless of the weather, there is a good chance that a wedged open door is an invitation to a thief. As a result it may also result in business insurance being void! The chances are that the door is also a fire door so leaving wedged open isn’t the best use of your preventative measures!

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Theft – Remove Temptation

We’ve all heard stories of Christmas presents being stolen from under the tree.  Using this example and expanding on it we can help prevent this type of theft  by simply removing the temptation.  If you really want to leave Christmas presents out, make sure they aren’t visible from outside.  Use this idea for anything in your home at any time of year.  Vehicle crime is obvious.  Don’t leave valuables on display. Take them with you or lock them out of sight.

Don’t Help The Thief

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Keep wheelie bins safe by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

In the absence of a ladder, the wheelie bit makes a good platform for the burglar so make sure that yours are kept away from the house if possible.

An opportunist thief will always look for the easy access point so leaving an unlocked window open (even if it’s upstairs) isn’t recommended.  Firstly, ensure ladders aren’t left unsecured in your garden. Secondly, ensure that anything a burglar can use as a platform to gain access to your property is removed or secured.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Install security lighting by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Make sure that fitted security lights are high enough to be tamper proof. Some require fitting by a qualified electrician while solar lights can be fitted without cabling.

Security lights are a good deterrent too. While the thief can see their way around your property, they are aware that they are visible too.  CCTV and video doorbells are really useful tools for you too. Even a ‘dummy’ CCTV camera will make a thief think twice. As a result, I recommend that a visible deterrent is worth the investment.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Use a good quality padlock by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

This is my favourite padlock. It’s easy to use but impossible to get a tool in the small ‘O’ ring to break it off. A periodic spray with lubricant to keep it opening and closing smoothly makes it a good choice for those with arthritic hands too.

Make sure garden fences are secure, garden gates are locked where possible, outhouses and sheds should also be locked when not in use.  Linking outbuildings to your house alarm is good for security. A remote PIR could be linked to your house alarm system. If in doubt, ask your alarm installer/service engineer.  It’s not always possible to do that of course so a good ‘off the shelf’ security alarm from your local DIY store is a good alternative.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Fit a house alarm by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Be Vigilant

Being vigilant simply means keeping your eyes and ears open.  If there are people or vehicles acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood let your neighbours know.  Local Facebook groups are particularly useful for this and as a result of your quick thinking your neighbourhood could be safer.  Posting your suspicions to your neighbours could help prevent garden or lead thefts as well as many other scams. Just because someone is wearing a high vis jacket, it doesn’t mean they are legitimate.  As a result you’re urged to be vigilant and suspicious. Make sure your neighbours are aware and take your concerns seriously. Your local police force will be interested too so pick up your phone and give them a call on 101

Door To Door

Finishing that title you probably think of door to door ‘sales’. Think a bit broader to include scams because scams can include rogue tradesmen/women.  Here are a couple of scams that I’ve been made aware of recently:

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire. Door to door fraud by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Note: No website address. No Facebook page. Stock pictures, none of which are the man giving you the quote. 10% discount offer to make it look attractive but 10% off what? BE SUSPICIOUS

Scam 1

A man in a green sweatshirt with a logo that is conveniently illegible knocking on your door.  Clutching a nicely printed batch of glossy leaflets to show how he will clear your garden, lawns, pond, patio, cut your trees, paint your fences etc.  He’ll offer to give you a quote and will do the work immediately.

Look at the leaflet carefully.  It will look legitimate at first glance but there is no website or Facebook page. Be suspicious!  If you have time to search for the business name you’ll probably discover that it doesn’t exist! You’ll no doubt find that a van or lorry is nowhere to be seen.  It’ll be parked elsewhere waiting for his call. The van could even be manned by modern-day slaves!

If you agree to the quote (let’s say £100.00 to keep it simple) he’ll call his men who will do the job.  It won’t take long but you may get a bill for £500.00. Refusing to pay more than the agreed £100.00 will be met with hostility and threats of violence.  He failed to mention that his quote was £100.00 per person!  Intimidation and the threat of violence isn’t nice.  Avoid this scenario by politely declining the offer in the first place.  Don’t be bullied into accepting, just politely decline the offer and close your door.  If you feel threatened call Lincolnshire police on Tel 101

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire. Get three proper quotes by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

BEWARE of rogue traders with ‘spare’ tarmac. You can’t guarantee the quality of the tarmac, you can’t guarantee the quality of the work, you almost certainly will regret employing them! GET 3 INDEPENDENT QUOTES

Scam 2

You get a knock on your door by someone saying they’ve been doing some work locally for the council or highways agency. Fortunately they have some tarmac left over!  The caller offers to tarmac your drive for a very reasonable price. You’re on the spot – they have the tarmac and the offer is only available now!

This is almost identical to Scam 1.  If you accept the quote it’s guaranteed to be hugely inflated by the time the job is done.  Failure to pay is met with the usual hostility and threats of violence and intimidation. Follow the advice here to avoid these problems:

Crime Prevention – Get A Proper Quote

DON’T hire people you don’t know following a knock on your door.  ALWAYS get three independent quotes for the work or employ someone you know and trust.  A laminated card on a lanyard doesn’t make the owner official so don’t be fooled. It doesn’t matter how convincing the person is, be prepared to shut the door and leave them outside while you check with the relevant authority (Gas, electric, water, council etc) to see if they have workers in your area. DON’T use the number that the person at the door gives you as it may be part of the scam.  If you suspect foul play CALL LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE and let your neighbours know through the usual online (Neighbourhood Watch, Nextdoor or Facebook) channels.

Theft And Burglary

Denying criminals easy access to your property is probably your first step in crime prevention. However, if a thief has broken in and stolen property what can be done?  Lincolnshire police recommend that you have your property post code marked with invisible ink.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Neighbourhood Watch

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire Neighbourhood Watch by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to go to the Neighbourhood Watch website

Neighbourhood Watch does exactly what the title suggests.  If you have a community with an interest in personal and community security it’s worth taking a look at their website.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – The ‘nextdoor’ App

If you are considering setting up a community watch system take a look at the ‘next-door’ App which is supported by Lincolnshire Police.  Click on the picture below for a link to download the App. It will actually do you a favour!

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire 'nextdoor' by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to download the App.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire Alert

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Alert by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to go straight to the ‘Sign Up’ page of the Lincolnshire Police Alert initiative.

Have a look at the Lincolnshire Police Lincolnshire Alert page to learn how to get up-to-date information about crime and scams in your area.  You’ll find all sorts of information there from Bike marking times and locations to Street Safe and much more.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Bike Registration

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire - The National Cycle Database by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Register your bike FREE of charge with The National Cycle Database. It’s the only database used by all Police forces in the UK.

Registering your bike is free and there are additional security measures that can be included at a small cost. Click on the picture above to find out how to register, mark and secure your bike.  A few simple steps could prevent your bike from being stolen which will prevent a lot of heartache and expense in the long run. Lincolnshire Police often carry out free bike marking events around the County so keep your eyes open for the next event near you.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Rural Crime

The Lincolnshire Police Rural Crime Action Team are keen to hear from you if you have any information about instances of fly tipping, hare coursing, church/farm property theft etc.  Have a look at the video above to get a bit more of an insight into what they do. If you see crime happening in our rural are ‘REPORT IT’ straight away.

By clicking on the ‘Subscribe’ button on YouTube you’ll be able to see video updates from the team and keep up to date with how they are trying to keep us safe in rural Lincolnshire.

Are Lincolnshire Streets Safe?

“StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously tell us about public places where you have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.”

Take a look at the link below if you would like to report areas where you feel unsafe:

Lincolnshire Police Street Safe by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to go straight to the Lincolnshire Police Street Safe website

 

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Cyber Crime

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire - Cyber crime by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Cyber Crime is more than just annoying emails

Fraud, scams, theft, personal injury. Can we really avoid it?

If you get those emails or text messages congratulating you on the BIG Bitcoin win, the multi million pounds win, the ‘it’s too good to be true’ win; It really ‘is’ too good to be true!  A simple question to ask yourself before opening that message is ‘did I enter a competition’?  We pride ourselves on being far too smart to be conned.  However, the reality is we are vulnerable and the criminals know it.

I hate to admit it but the criminals can be clever and devious.  They are convincing so it’s up to us to be on guard, day in and day out.

Cyber Crime

Did you know that Lincolnshire has a dedicated cyber crime prevention team? I had an incident where I had to call the team for advice as I thought my computer had been hacked.

Two members of the team arrived at my office and started searching through the ‘ransom’ emails.  The emails demanded payment in Bitcoin by a given date.  Failure to pay would result in me being locked out of my computer with my email addresses being used to distribute further ransom messages.  Any attempt to contact the police would result in…. You can guess the tone I’m sure!

STOP!  Think.  Don’t be fooled by these intimidating tactics. Firstly they try to put us under pressure so that we make mistakes. Secondly they threaten and thirdly they bully.

Despite being frightened and intimidated I made the call to the cyber crime team.

Within minutes of arriving the team had logged into my computer, identified the emails and confirmed the country of origin. Each one was removed safely and my computer was checked for malware.  We both finished the appointment with new information.  The team gained some information from the emails and as a result of the visit I learned something new about ‘phishing’ emails and the ‘dark web’.

Data Breach

What is it and what should you to to protect yourself?

Data Breach on Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click on this National Cyber Security Centre link to go straight to the website for more information

Antivirus Packages

Our computers are continually at risk so don’t wait for the ransom note to arrive.  You can protect your computer with off the shelf software (Norton, McAfee are two that spring to mind). There are also free antivirus packages by AVG and Malwarebytes (the latter being good for Apple devices).  If in doubt, contact a reputable computer shop for advice.

Action Fraud – WhatsApp Scam

We need to be on our guard every single day.  This is a copy of a message posted by Action Fraud on 28 Mar 23 but it’s relevant every day as scammers and fraudsters are always busy.  Have a read and keep a mental note to be permanently vigilant:

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. WhatsApp scams by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire WhatsApp security by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Click anywhere on the test above to go straight to the Action Fraud website or phone 0300 123 2040

If in doubt, ‘report it’.Action Fraud are always looking for new scams and fraudulent accounts to close down and prosecute.

Crime Prevention – Passwords

Using the same password for everything is very helpful as it makes remembering it easy.  However, if the criminals discover your password (they use computers to help them) they will be into everything that you thought was secure. DON’T DO THAT!

DON’T be tempted to use one password for everything. Instead, use different passwords to keep your information secure.  If you need to write the password down to remember it, make sure your password book is kept secure.  There are various Apps that will generate and keep your passwords secure for you but only use the police approved ones.

Crime Prevention in Lincolnshire - passwords by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Creating passwords

‘Password’ isn’t a good word to use for your passwords as it’s too easy to guess. Don’t use family members names, pets names, hobby names etc.  as these are all words that are likely to pop up on your social media posts. Hackers computers will easily guess them.  Creating random passwords work because they aren’t words that are usually associated with you.

Use three random words to make life even more difficult for the hackers. In addition use symbols ($, @, %) in your passwords to make guessing them even more difficult.  Some computers will even generate complicated passwords for you but those passwords are difficult to remember and type. Frequently used passwords need to be memorable for you.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – Trust The Police

Goodness knows what those emails would have done to my mental health if I had ignored them or paid the ransom.  Despite being frightened by the emails, my trust in the police paid dividends.  Moreover, they proved to me that my computer was clean and secure. They introduced me to some additional security measures and subsequently saved me a lot of money and heartache.

Crime Prevention In Lincolnshire – If It Seems Too Good To Be True…

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!  We all love a bargain and the majority of us would welcome some extra money. Be cautious because there are a lot of fraudsters out there.  Consequently, the chances of you being targeted by fraudsters is high.  As a result, you need to always be on your guard.

NEVER give your bank details out.  If fraudsters contact you posing as your bank and ask for your PIN and/or bank details to ‘pass the security’ rest assured that it’s a SCAM!  Your bank or credit card company will never ask for those details.

Be one step ahead of the fraudsters by setting up security measures with your bank or credit card company. Contact them to discuss your telephone and online security measures.

Holiday Romance, Romance & Family Fraud

The worst thing about these types of fraud are that the victims sometimes feel too embarrassed to report the crime.

Have a look at this Lincolnshire County Council video on this YouTube link for an insight into Romance Fraud.

“Don’t take anyone at face value…”  Scammers will try to befriend you, will often get very personal with their conversations very quickly.  They’ll be keen to get you away from the social media platform (if that’s where you met them) because they want to talk privately without fear of intervention.  Stories include ‘hard luck’ instances where they need money quickly. As a result you may feel panicked into sending cash. Don’t be tempted! STOP the conversation.  I recommend that you talk to family and friends.

Feeling Suspicious?

Talk to the police if you have suspicions of a romance fraud.  Firstly, DO NOT SEND MONEY to anyone you have never met or don’t know. Secondly, take time to think about the conversations rationally. Thirdly, never feel ‘silly’ for having fallen for the charms of the scammers. Finally, do contact Lincolnshire Police if you have concerns.

Family fraud can happen very quickly and out of the blue. Because of this it’s important to share some basic information to help prevent you from becoming a victim:

Getting a text, Messenger or WhatsApp message from a ‘family member’ who is urgently in need of money and help will obviously make you concerned.  They may be calling from an unusual phone number but explain it away as (part of the scam) having their phone stolen or confiscated…

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Take time to think.

STOP! THINK! These are probably the words of a scammer who is trying to get you to send money.  STOP! THINK! Take a minute to think. Don’t be panicked into making hurried decisions.  STOP! THINK! Instead of panicking, call the number of your family member (the number that you know to be true) to see if they answer.  The chances are that they are fine and have no idea someone is trying to contact you on their behalf!  It’s a scam.  Above all, don’t send money, STOP! THINK! Call the police because they will help and they want to get as much detail as they can to make the appropriate arrests.

Holiday Fraud

“When booking a holiday here or abroad, it’s important to do your research before handing over any money and to double check any website. To avoid the wave of crime this summer we encourage people to stop, check and research before paying. If it sounds too good to be true – it most definitely is.” (Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud)

Be aware of ‘good deals’ so make sure you check and check again before booking. Have a look at the full blog by Action Fraud by clicking/tapping on the picture above.

Domestic Abuse

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. They’re here for us 24 hours a day.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Domestic abuse helplines by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Some useful contact numbers and addresses. Click on the picture to go straight to the EDANLincs 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

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Domestic abuse helplines by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

The latest (2023) Lincolnshire website to be launched is www.domesticabuselincolnshire.com so do use it if you’re in need of help

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. Get Help by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBloggerGET HELP if you are suffering. Use the numbers above or 999 if you’re in immediate danger. CLICK ON THIS PICTURE for more information and to discover more about ‘Clare’s Law’ to find out if your new partner has history of domestic abuse.

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.

Crime prevention in Lincolnshire. 999 add 55 'Caller Needs Help' for silent calls by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

In an emergency call 999. Add 55 if you are in need of help but can’t talk.

Bullying And Hate Crime

Religious, race, sexual and homophobic abuse has no place in our society so don’t tolerate it.  If you are aware of religious, race, sexual, 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 have a duty of care for all staff and visitors so if abuse is happening in the workplace, report it there too.

Prevent Radicalisation

“The role of our Prevent Officers is to help people vulnerable to radicalisation move away from extremism.” (Lincolnshire Police 2023).

Crime and radicalisation is always best ‘prevented’ rather than trying to fix an existing problem.  With that in mind, you can visit the Lincolnshire Police Prevent website for tips on how to spot the signs of grooming for radicalisation and report it to the right authorities.  It could be a loved one or someone close to you who is vulnerable and in danger of radicalisation by extremist groups.  The best way to help them is to report them. They’ll receive the proper care and attention that they deserve.

There are several signs to watch out for but generally, if something doesn’t feel right, ‘report it’.  You can find more information on how to spot the signs from the Act Early website. Alternatively, call freephone 0800 011 3764

Be Alert And Save Lives

If you only read one paragraph in this blog, make it this one. If you only watch one video in this blog, make it this one because your observations and actions could save lives. “Life has no rewind button”

Additional Contacts 

Safer Lincolnshire Partnership: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

 

“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!”  (Martin 2020 ‘Be Tolerant’ blog)

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

Take a look back at some of the previous blogs to see what you might have missed.  Click on the picture to go straight to the blog:

Lincolnshire Day

Click on the flag to go to the blog

 

That’s It For Now

If you have anything that needs to be added to this blog please let me know.

LincsConnect putting the social back into social media

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

Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire

Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire

Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire With Mandarin Fitness

Nordic Walking with Mandarin Fitness in Lincolnshire (Lincoln) by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Nordic Walking in Lincolnshire with Mandarin Fitness. It’s suitable for all levels from complete beginner to seasoned athlete

It ‘is’ just walking with poles! You may be surprised to learn that there is some technique to master before you can truly call yourself a Nordic walker though. Thankfully Mandarin Fitness is here to guide you so read on for more information.

Martin from Mandarin Fitness has over 32 years experience in the health and fitness industry and runs weekly classes. As a result, you can rest assured that you are benefitting from a wealth of experience and learning from one of the best.

Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire (Lincoln) Monthly Timetable

Client safety is always a priority so please do check here for any updates and changes to the timetable.

Location Change

As April wraps itself around us we may need to change the locations from time to time when bad weather makes certain locations difficult or dangerous. Please keep your eyes on this blog for any updates.

Mandarin Fitness Nordic Walking in Lincoln, Lincolnshire on WhatsOnLincs, what's on in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Call 07966 174878 to book your session and poles and click on this link to Mandarin Fitness for additional information

Nordic Walking Master Instructor

Qualified as a Master Nordic Walking instructor in 2007 and level 3 Personal Trainer in 1991 Martin is the man to go to for your safe tuition.

Master Nordic Walking Trainer - Mandarin Fitness in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Getting to Grips…

Getting to grips with the basics is key to learning Nordic Walking. Martin will show you how and when to grip the poles and when to release.  You’ll even learn the Nordic Walking ‘swagger’!

With one arm forward the other should swing back whilst pushing on the pole to propel you forward (similar to marching with poles). You’ll learn to grip, release, twist, push and stride simultaneously.

The whole package is the goal but it’s important to start with the basics and build on the technique as each skill is learned.  The technique can take anything from 10 minutes to 6 weeks to master.  One or two clients have taken to it immediately while others need to learn at a slightly slower pace. Whatever learning level you are at, Martin will help you to achieve your goal of learning Nordic Walking.

Beginners Nordic Walking

With the right instructor there is no need to have to join a dedicated beginners Nordic Walking class.  Getting the technique right at ‘your’ pace is the most important consideration for beginners because it will help build confidence. Learning to walk with poles as tools is important so get used to holding the poles and discover how you naturally start to utilise them as time goes on.

To begin the learning journey, start with a loose grip of the handles then walk with your arms locked down by your sides. Progress (within around 15-20 seconds) to relaxing your shoulders and arms then note how they naturally swing as you walk.  At this stage you should be dragging your poles. Once you feel comfortable with this you should try to exaggerate the arm swing. If (or when) you feel it going strong simply keep walking but lock your arms down by your sides ad start the process again.

Getting To Grips With Nordic Walking

Learning to grip, release, swing, push, pick up, chat, laugh, enjoy the scenery and company will all come in time.  It takes a little patience and some expert instruction but you will definitely master it!  Martin is here for you and the group members are always keen to welcome you to the group.

Know Your Limits

You’ll be reminded throughout that your limits are personal to you so it’s important to be the best ‘you’ can be.  Copying others and feeling that you have to ‘keep up’ is a good way to pick up an injury.  To avoid injuries you must do what is comfortable and resist temptation to push too hard.  Martin will have a watchful eye on you all the time – even when you don’t realise that he is watching!

Nordic Walking In Lincolnshire – Benefits And Exercise In Disguise

Nordic Walking encourages participants to include upper body actions to a greater extent than normal walking. The perception is that the hour long session was just a normal walk but the reality is that participants can burn up to 40% more Calories just by using the poles properly. That’s a huge benefit over normal walking without poles. In addition to the Calorie burning benefits, there are also the social benefits to consider as well as the balance aids the poles give for those who are less steady on their feet.

Walking in the fresh air is a well documented stress buster, as is laughing and social interaction.  You’ll get all of these things in abundance when you’re Nordic Walking with a group.

Injury need not be a reason to not take up Nordic Walking. On the contrary, Nordic Walking can be a great benefit when on the road to recovery after injury or illness.  Join a class today to start getting the benefits of Nordic Walking.

Mandarin Fitness provides the right coaching at the right level to make sure your workout is safe and effective.

Classes In Lincoln

Classes are held each Saturday morning in the Lincoln, Lincolnshire area from 10.30am. All abilities are welcome to come along so contact Martin on 07966 174878 for more information and to book your session and poles. The updated timetable is posted each month here and on the Mandarin Fitness Facebook page.

Nordic Walking & Complementary Therapies

The two actually fit well together. Nordic Walking provides physical and mental health benefits and the complementary therapies helps with the emotional benefits as well as the obvious muscular aches and pains. Combining the two will give you a complete package. Ask about the discount schemes for block bookings too. All treatments are mobile and cover the Lincoln and Lincolnshire surrounding areas.

If you would like to know more about the Mandarin Therapies treatments look at the blog below:

Mandarin Therapies mobile massage in Lincolnshire

Click the picture above to see the latest Mandarin Therapies blog

Nordic Walking And More…

If you would like to learn more about Mandarin Fitness, Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Leisure have a look at the website below:

Mandarin Leisure for Mandarin Fitness, Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Mothers

Click on the page image to go straight to the Mandarin Leisure website

By Request…

It was requested that I should add in a little background information to help readers understand a little more about Mandarin Fitness and Nordic Walking.  The article below was written and published in local newspapers in 2014 but after all this time, it’s still relevant and very real.  Have a read:

Nordic Walking with Mandarin Fitness by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Nordic Walking with Mandarin Fitness by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

Addiction doesn’t go away but it can be managed. As a result, the decision to quit running and swap to Nordic Walking was a game changer.

Nordic Walking is a sport for all so you can use it to get fit and stay fit.  Fresh air and friendship are key elements to both mental and physical fitness. Rest assured that after 32 years of Personal Training you’ll be in good hands with Mandarin Fitness. ‘Master instructors’ are few and far between but with the wealth of knowledge and experience gained over more than 32 years as a fitness leader Martin is pretty unique!

Low impact, high energy, great fun and fabulous friendships.  Whatever your ability or level of fitness, Martin will tailor your sessions to you. Call 07966 174878 to book your sessions or ask about special individual or group sessions.

Gift Vouchers

Mandarin Leisure gift vouchers and eVouchers are available for you to purchase. Email martin@mandarinleisure.com for more information.

Guest Blog

Let's move Lincolnshire Nordic Walking blog

Nordic Walking by ‘Let’s Move Lincolnshire’

Join the Lincoln Nordic Walking family. Book today.

LincsConnect "putting the social back into social media"

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

Lincolnshire Day

Lincolnshire Day

Lincolnshire Day

Lincolnshire Day The Lincolnshire flag

The Lincolnshire Flag was adopted for the County following a design competition in October 2005. Click on the flag for more information

Lincolnshire Day – A Brief History

The day was created in 2006 by BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Life magazine to commemorate the Lincolnshire Rising in October 1536. The Rising started in Yorkshire and was a protest against King Henry VIII decision to separate from the Roman Catholic Church and the dissolution of the monasteries.   Nine thousand Lincolnshire protesters marched to York to protest to the king.  King Henry VIII had the leaders executed and the Church of England was established as the religion of the land.

You’ll appreciate of course that this is a very brief history lesson. However, it does give a quick insight into the origins of our day.

In 2006…

Several other counties across the UK have a designated date to celebrate themselves. In 2006 a joint venture between BBC Radio Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire Life magazine officially campaigned for a special day for Lincolnshire. As a result the official day has been adopted as 1 October each year.  It isn’t a holiday but it does give the local community a day to celebrate all that is good in the county.

‘Yellowbellies’

I haven’t found a definitive reason for the term ‘Yellowbellies’ but it’s thought that it may refer to the yellow bibs or waistcoats that were worn by the Lincolnshire Regiment. Other folklore reasons can be found for the term but suffice it to say that ‘Yellowbellies’ refers to Lincolnshire people.  As a result, yellow is the colour of choice for local people to dress in.

Lincolnshire Day – Let’s Celebrate

Every day is a good day to celebrate Lincolnshire! We have lots to celebrate here from our rich heritage, the Cathedral, castles and churches. We have the Fens to the South, the City in the middle, the Wolds further North and onward to the rich heritage of North and North East Lincolnshire.  Ancient woodlands, chalk streams, a fabulous coast, a network of waterways including rivers and canals. The list goes on and on.

Lincolnshire has a truly artisan feel with its diverse array of home made and crafted foods and drinks. Local breweries and artisan distilleries, chocolatiers, bakers and makers abound. As a result there is always something to celebrate, savour and admire.

Wherever you look in the County you’ll find local crafts, architecture and ingenuity.  With a rich aviation heritage from ‘The Dam Busters’ to Bomber Command you ‘will’ discover something to explore, sample and celebrate.

Lincolnshire Day RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Click on the picture to go to the website

Petwood Hotel

Situated in the beautiful village of Woodhall Spa is the absolutely stunning ‘Petwood Hotel’ with its distinctive building and fabulous grounds. You’ll always enjoy a warm welcome when you visit, with panelled walls, open fires (during the winter months) and rich wartime history I highly recommend it. I visited the 617 Squadron bar and can highly recommend that too. Ask at reception for directions. It certainly has a history all of its own so take your time. I can also personally recommend the afternoon tea!

The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

The Petwood Hotel (my photo was taken before the gardens were re-landscaped)

International Bomber Command Centre

Celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the International Bomber Command Centre. Lincolnshire is known as ‘Bomber County’ for good reason.  I owe my freedom to many people who made the ultimate sacrifice (as do we all) so make it a priority to pay a visit if you get the chance.

The Centre is easy to find from the City. With the Lincoln Cathedral and Castle behind you, looking out over the City centre where you’ll see the spire proudly standing on the top of the cliff. I took this picture with the spire in silhouette and I’m pleased to post it here for you.

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln. Click on the picture to go to the website

Lincolnshire Day – How Will You Celebrate?

From countryside to beaches, food and drink to culture, heritage and architecture we have something for everyone. Arts and crafts abound but most of all, the ‘people’ are what makes Lincolnshire so special.

What’s On Lincs

For ‘any’ day; To discover what’s on in the County at any time check the #WhatsOnLincs and #LincsConnect hashtags on Twitter. I have created the account to help and promote all things Lincolnshire so do pay a visit soon.

What's On Lincs is a 'hub' for locals to post their events. By LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBloggerLincsConnect is available on Twitter and Facebook for all things Lincolnshire

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

 

Great Grimsby Day by LincsConnect LincsBlogger

Great Grimsby Day

 

 

 

 

That’s It For Now

I hope you enjoy reading my blog. Please don’t forget to have a look at the additional blog (link above) too.

 

Free Advertising In Lincolnshire

Free Advertising In Lincolnshire

Free Advertising In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect

Free Advertising in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Free Advertising in Lincolnshire – #LincsConnect – Make it your ‘go to’ hashtag

 

This is probably the shortest and most important blog you have ever read!

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

 

Ditch The ‘Like’ Button

Lincolnshire Free Advertising by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Ditch the Like Button on Twitter

Free Advertising in Lincolnshire – Ditch the Like button

 

 

Free Advertising In Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – Ditch The Like Button

If you’re using Twitter (rules vary from Twitter to Facebook/Instagram) I highly recommend that you ditch the ‘Like’ button.

Twitter is an interactive platform so your best results will come from interacting with your followers. That’s one of the main differences between Twitter and other platforms. What does the ‘Like’ button say about you on Twitter?

  • I don’t have time for you so I’ll just press the like button instead of saying ‘thank you’ or interacting.
  • I’m not that interested in you so I’ll just press the Like button and hope that you read my posts.
  • I don’t understand algorithms and how they work so I’ll press the Like button and hope for the best.
  • I can’t be bothered to talk to my followers.

When scrolling down your twitter timeline you will see tweets from people you follow, sponsored (paid advertising) tweets and tweets that have been retweet by your followers.  You’ll never see a ‘Liked’ tweet!

The ‘Like’ button does have its uses though.  It’s a good way of saving tweets for future reference. Beyond that, I’m struggling to think of a good reason to use it on Twitter!

 

Free Advertising And Social Media Interaction With LincsConnect

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

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

 

#WhatsOnLincs – New To The LincsConnect Website

WhatsOnLincs is the new web page for sharing What's on in Lincolnshire posts by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

“…WhatsOnLincs is the new community web page on the LincsConnect website. You can use it to post free adverts from markets and car boot sales to charity events and entertainment, jobs, volunteering plus much more. You can even include pictures as well as links to websites.  It’s all FREE so be sure to use it to find out What’s on in Lincolnshire…”

 

Take a look at the blog link below to read the full #WhatsOnLincs blog. Don’t forget to recommend it to your friends and out of town visitors too so that they can discover what’s on in Lincolnshire.

 

Helpful?

It’s probably my shortest blog ever read but I hope you find it useful.

Advert


Massage Bliss with Mandarin Therapies. Mobile complementary therapies.

 

 

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

 

Don't Rely On Algorithms by Lin csConnect LincsBlogger

Don’t Rely On Algorithms

WhatsOnLincs is the new web page for sharing What's on in Lincolnshire posts by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

See the #WhatsOnLincs blog in full

 

That’s It For Now

I hope you found this Free Advertising blog useful.

#LincsConnect putting the social back into social media

“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you. eMail martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

Budget Lincolnshire

Budget Lincolnshire

Budget Lincolnshire by LincsConnect

Budget Lincolnshire – A blog by LincsConnect in an attempt to save you money…

Budget Lincolnshire

The Budget Lincolnshire blog is here to help you Navigate holidays or any other trips. Let’s face it, they can be a financial challenge! With that in mind, the Budget Lincolnshire blog is here to offer some help.

The blog will never be complete of course so please feel free to recommend more tips and hacks.  If you would like to recommend new entries please email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

There are lots of national offers on at the moment and some of them are permanent all-year offers.  Take a look at the supermarkets to see what deals they have. Many of them are offering free children’s meals during holiday times so they are a good option if you’re planning a day out on a budget.

Tesco have their ClubCard deals which allow you to collect points when you shop with them. They may not always have the cheapest prices in store or online though so be prepared to shop around. However, the ClubCard points can be accumulated and easily converted to vouchers. The vouchers can be redeemed for days out, membership (including English Heritage) at some chain restaurants including Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge and Ask amongst others. Be warned though, not all of the restaurants accept the vouchers so check before ordering your meal.

The club card offer is subject to changes of course so check before downloading. I believer that for every £pound that you have in your club card account, the downloaded voucher will be worth double.

Budget Lincolnshire by LincsConnect

The Club Card may change design from time to time and is also available on an App as well as a physical card.

Keeping It Local With Budget Lincolnshire

While there are many national deals and offers to be found on the internet the aim of this blog is to highlight the availability of ‘local’ offers. Hence the title ‘Budget Lincolnshire’. I have no doubt that I’ll miss some but with your help we can make this blog better by including more. You can help by emailing your suggestions.  I guarantee that I’ll do my best to read them all and include as many as possible.

More Budget Lincolnshire

There are many different sites to explore on the internet to grab yourself a bargain.  You could try Money Saving Central and Groupon who may have some local deals and vouchers for you.

The American Express Platinum Everyday Cash Back Card gives you cash back on every purchase with no membership/admin fee. In addition to the cash back offer it also gives daily discount offers. Several times a year it gives special ‘local’ deals to encourage you to spend locally. Typically the offer will be something like ‘Spend £10.00 at shop XYZ and receive £5.00 cash back. Other credit cards and bank accounts/debit cards will do similar so shop around for the best deal for you.

The Defence Discount Card is available for Armed Forces veterans.  There is a small initial charge for the card but the local and national discounts available for card holders are significant.

These are just some of the deals and ideas I know about. If you have more to share please let me know by email martin@lincsConnect.co.uk

Major stores/pubs/supermarkets: Asda Cafe, Future Inns, Table Table, Yo Sushi, The Real Greek, Sizzling Pubs, Beefeater/Brewers Fayre, Dunelm Pausa Cafe all have special meal deals for children during holiday periods. In addition you’ll find childrens’ meal deals during the holidays at Whitbread Inns, Morrisons, Hungry Horse, Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Angus Steakhouse. Some offer free meals for children while others offer substantial discounts. However, they all expect the adult to pay full price in order to get the deal. It’s always worth shopping around to get yourself the best deal.

WARNING – If you can’t afford to PAY THE CREDIT CARD BILL IN FULL every month DON’T apply for an account. Interest rates (even 0%) on credit cards can soon spiral out of control. A 0% interest rate doesn’t last forever so make sure your bill is settled before the 0% offer expires.

#TopTip For Budget Lincolnshire

Putting fuel into the family car is getting ever more expensive. I’ve found a handy App which may be worth considering if you have a smart device. The PetrolPrices App does exactly what its title suggests. It doesn’t give you discounts but it does show you what the fuel prices are in your area. You can set the distance from your location and tell it to search for either petrol or diesel. It’ll help you to make an informed decision when setting out to buy fuel.  You’ll find it in your preferred App Store:

A handy App to help you find the best petrol/diesel prices wherever you are in the country.

Once you’ve filled your car with fuel and decided where to go for your day out I recommend being prepared for a short walk. If walking is an option for you I suggest researching the area (Maps or Google Maps are handy Apps) to find the best places to park. Roadside parking is FREE but look for the signs to make sure you aren’t in a Residents Only area or restricted parking zone. Street parking isn’t always an option, especially in busy towns and cities so local council websites may help you find the cheapest car parks.

Walk, Cycle & Picnic Areas

Budget Lincolnshire is all about finding and sharing the best deals locally. Walking and cycling are free of course and a picnic can be part of your normal weekly budget.  However, if you have driven to the start of your outing it’s worth checking for parking charges or making use of street parking if it’s available.

Budget Lincolnshire by LincsConnect

Clicking on this picture will take you to a list of Lincolnshire Nature Reserves

The list is by no means exhaustive but it’ll give you a good starting point for your research. Not all reserves are wheelchair friendly and some don’t allow dogs so do check before travelling. Additional reserves and parks that I can recommend are Whisby Nature Park (Lincoln) which is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly and Hartsholme & Swanholme Lakes (Lincoln) which is partially wheelchair friendly. There are many parks and gardens across the County but always check in advance for charges. Some may offer discounts for families but they are likely to be standard charges and dependant on national memberships (RHS or National Trust).

If you’re looking for something less rural you’ll find The Arboretum in Lincoln which is close to the Usher Gallery and The Collection museum. Further afield in Grantham is Wyndham Park. The website is out of date at the time of posting this blog but it gives a good idea what’s on offer. Riverside Park, Newark is free and worth a visit.  As always, it’s best to do your research before travelling so do make good use of the Tourist Information Centres.

Budget Lincolnshire by LincsConnect

Enjoying the great outdoors is predominantly ‘free’. We have a range or parks, paths, beaches and cycle tracks to enjoy. For a list of FREE things to do in Lincolnshire follow this link to the Visit Lincoln website. The Newark website does take you further into Nottinghamshire but some attractions are still local. Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre is in Barton-on-Humber and offers free walks in the countryside. For information about this and more in North Lincolnshire follow this link to Visit North Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire has a long coastline which have earned several Blue Flags for their beaches. The coast is varied with lots of nature trails as well as busy seaside towns. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment (both free and paid). Click on the link to discover what North East Lincolnshire has to offer. You’ll discover everything from nature watching on the Saltmarsh to the fabulous seaside resort of Cleethorpes. You’ll also be able to discover the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre as well as Grimsby Minster and Weelsby Woods to name just a few.

The Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre has two prices for entry. The normal prices are £11.50 (adult, £8.00 (student and age 60+), £5.00 (child). However, a family ticket (2 adults and up to 5 children) is £25.00. That’s a saving of £23.00. There are also annual memberships available which gives you unlimited access for just a few pounds more. An adult annual ticket will cost just £5.00 extra. There are also vacancies for supporters so do contact the museum if you would like to volunteer.

Towards the South West of the Lincolnshire border is Rutland. I’ve spend many hours cycling and walking around Rutland Water and can highly recommend it for a day out. Cycling, walking, nature spotting, fishing, open water swimming and golf (the latter two are chargeable) as well as picnicking are all available.

Whichever walk, park, nature reserve or beach you decide to visit you’ll find that most are predominantly ‘FREE’.  The only things you usually need to pay for are transport costs, parking, eating and drinking (if you don’t take a picnic).

Public Transport

Rail and bus travel can be limited across a large rural county such as Lincolnshire but you can still find services connecting major towns and villages. Finding a train to take you where you want to go can be challenging. With that in mind I’ve Listed some stations that could be worth checking to plot your journey. The list includes Rutland, central Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire:

Budget Lincolnshire by LincsConnect

The list of railway stations in the LincsConnect area. Trains to London are from Newark, Lincoln, Grantham and Cleethorpes. Newark Lincoln and Grantham are direct. Trains from Cleethorpes are via Doncaster.

Railcards

The cost of a typical railcard is £30.00 for a year (cheaper if you buy a 3 years card) so make sure you are going to use it and save money before purchasing. The railcard will save you 1/3 of the price of normal travel.  Most rail operators release tickets around 12 weeks before a journey date and the earlier you buy your ticket the cheaper it will (usually) be.  Some sites charge a booking fee for advance tickets so to avoid the booking fee you might like to try booking direct with National Rail.  Use the same site to find other railcard and discounts that may be available to you.

Bus

Bus travel is generally cheaper than car or rail but we all know that the routes are not always convenient.  Make sure you plan your journey carefully and also check to see if you are eligible for discounted travel. Check out the £2.00 fare cap too as it may surprise you. Have a look at the Lincs Bus website as they have quite an informative site:

Visit the LincsBus website for route planning and follow @LincsBus on twitter for regular daily updates

 

Budget Lincolnshire – Child Friendly Events

Fantasy Island, Skegness discount voucher codes and deals. Click the link to discover more

Skegness Pier discount site. Click the link to discover more

 

 

Budget Lincolnshire – Meal Deals

BBC Food family meals for under £1.00

BBC Food Family meals for under £1.00

Lucky Strike arcade and bowling alley, Skegness – 20% off food

Queens Head, Kirkby-La-Thorpe, Sleaford ‘Kids eat free’. Children under 12 can have a meal from the Kids menu with every main meal purchased

Museums

Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre offers discounts for concessions (students and age 60 and over). In addition, family tickets and annual memberships both significant discounts.

 

Arts

 

Theatre & Cinema

Wellbeing

Mandarin Therapies (including Mandarin Mothers) provides a mobile complementary therapies service throughout the County with 20% discount for Defence Discount Card holders. Emergency Services and NHS staff enjoy the same discount. A discount for members (annual membership is required) booking regular sessions is also available.

Budget Lincolnshire Mandarin Therapies discount deals by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

click on the logo to go to the website or email massage@mandarintherapies.com

 

 

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

What's On Lincs is a 'hub' for locals to post their events. By LincsConnect Lincs Connect Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger

Click/tap the picture to go to the #WhatsOnLincs blog

“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you. email: martin@lincsconnect.co.uk

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough, Through The Eyes Of LincsConnect

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

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

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

Getting To Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

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

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

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire – easy access from every direction.

The Gainsborough Heritage Trail

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough LincsConnect

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

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

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough With Call Connect

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

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

News  News  News

EU Settlement Scheme

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

EU Settlement Scheme

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

A Note from Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire

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

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

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

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

Where To Go For Help

EU Settlement Scheme

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

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

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

Local Charity

Lincolnshire Greyhound Trust, Gainsborough

Click on the logo to go to the latest blog

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

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

07941 313 025

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough – Trinity Arts Centre 

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

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough. Trinity Arts Centre

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

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

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough. Trinity Arts Centre

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

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough – Bearded Fishermen

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

0300 365 0019

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

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough - Bearded Fishermen Charity

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

Advert

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

Gainsborough

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

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

Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:

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

LincsConnectJobs Hour

Sorry, Not sorry, Thank You

WhatsOnLincs – Gainsborough

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

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

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

Around Me In Lincolnshire - Gainsborough by LincsConnect