by admin | Aug 30, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid-19, Domestic Abuse, Hashtags, Hotel, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice, Louth, Mandarin, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Museum, Networking, police, Postnatal, Restaurant, Twitter, Vouchers
#EatOutToHelpOut Ends But…
Looking forward to a bright Christmas in Lincolnshire in 2020. The #EatOutToHelpOut scheme officially comes to an end on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. I sincerely hope it has been a great boost to our local businesses and economies.
Not all of us have been able to take advantage of course as we’ve experienced some serious income deficits during the lockdown period. However, ‘every little helps’ so let’s hope that the Lincolnshire restaurateurs have been able to recoup enough income for them to feel confident to spend more of their money locally.
Recession?
We’ve heard the stories about the recession and possible price rises over the coming months but there are also stories about ‘green shoots’ in the economy. The resilience of the British people to get on with their businesses to make money and pull the economy forward is a key to our success.
There’s much speculation with stories of ‘doom and gloom’ but I think it’s important to remember that many of the stories are literally just ‘stories’ written by journalists (trained or untrained). They may have an agenda unbeknown to us and may even be from a foreign country.
With that in mind, my cup is definitely half full. Focusing on the bright side and being determined to make business work is what I do. I truly believe that we (that’s you and I) are capable of making our businesses successful regardless of the circumstances surrounding us. Do we need help? Do we need to collaborate? Do we need to focus on the good things? Absolutely!
I’m prepared to accept help and advice all day long and I believe it’s one of the keys to success. Knowing when you’re out of your depth and needing help is crucial. As is knowing when to employ an expert to do a job properly. When we work together we can often achieve much more so let’s Keep working and talking to each other.
#LincsConnectChristmas
Use the hashtag to promote your business, charity gift idea or event this Christmas
After a pretty dreadful summer I believe we need to look forward to a bright Lincolnshire Christmas. We don’t know what the future will bring with Covid-19 but we do know that Christmas is coming! Whether you like it or not, celebrate it or not, or even believe in it or not, the fact remains that it will be here on 25 December and we need to be prepared for it. We may not be out partying as we have in previous years but we are resilient enough and creative enough to make it a good celebration.
#LincsConnectChristmas starts on 7 September to coincide with the new #LincsArtCraftHour. Combining the two will give us the opportunity to see what our local talented and creative people have to offer. We’ll have the opportunity to shop early and safely by avoiding the usual Christmas rush because, well, let’s face it, we really don’t know yet if there will be movement and shopping restrictions in place to avoid another Covid-19 wave of destruction.
A Christmas Hamper
In previous years we’ve had a virtual Christmas hamper where we’ve been able to add items of our own or recommend items from other traders. The idea seemed to work well so I think it’ll be a good idea to do it again.
It’s time to start filling the Christmas Hamper…
The hashtag works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram so let’s start thinking about filling it up with lots of local goodies. Perhaps an example here might be useful. How about these messages:
“I think the #LincsConnectChristmas hamper needs some speciality chocolates. I highly recommend @BonBonLincoln who produce exquisite designer chocolates”
“No #LincsConnectChristmas hamper will be complete without some bespoke Christmas cards by @CardsOfGrimsby”
Adding a picture with each message will soon get the attention of local shoppers and will make the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag the place to look for local independent Christmas shopping. With your help we can get this hashtag noticed and talked about around Lincolnshire and beyond to turn it into the ‘shop window’ for everyone to see.
A Christmas Meal
With no #EatOutToHelpOut scheme in place hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars will want to advertise their special meals and party events so the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag is going to be ‘the’ place for them to advertise and I’m sure they’ll appreciate our support.
Let’s Work Together
I’m sure we can make Christmas a huge success but I do think that we will have to work together to achieve it. Am I confident? Absolutely!
Put It In Your Diary
The #LincsConnectChristmas and #LincsArtCraftHour both start on Monday 7 September at noon. Use the hashtags, search the hashtags and tell your friends about the hashtags. They’re here for ‘you’.
Advert
Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke mobile complementary therapies in the comfort of your own home, hotel or nursing home across the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond. Gift vouchers are available for that special person too.
Previous Blogs
To find out more about the #LincsArtCraftHour follow this link to the previous blog:
Community
A message from Supt Paul Timmins of Lincolnshire Police following some sad and tragic deaths on Lincolnshire roads recently:
Click on this picture to open the video in Twitter
Click on this picture to open the video on Facebook
We see far too many road deaths in Lincolnshire so please always ‘be aware’ and don’t become a statistic. We love you just the way you are…. ‘alive’!
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today. You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999.
A Helpful App
Visit your App Store to download this free App to your device
Let’s pretend you’re out walking or have gone for a drive when you come across an accident. You dial 999 to contact the emergency services for help but then you don’t know exactly where you are. You know you’re in the middle of a field or on a country road but you couldn’t direct the emergency services to the incident. I imagine you might feel completely helpless!
I saw a post on Twitter asking the public to download the App What3Words so obviously I did. I didn’t expect to ever have to use it but thought it would be a good ‘insurance policy’ should the unexpected ever happen. I have actually used it though. I was able to give the three words that were displayed on my iPhone screen to the control room who directed the fire service to the field fire that I had discovered on my way home last winter. That’s it! It really is that easy. All you have to do is open the App and you’re immediately given 3 unique words that identify your exact location.
When opening the App you’re given the option to share the 3 words via social media or email or send it directly to one of your contacts so it’s a great way to pass on your location to friends if you are meeting them in town. Typing the three words into the search bar your friends are able to navigate directly to you using the App so as well as being the all important navigation tool in emergencies it’s also a brilliant tool for finding your friends.
Louth Museum
Perhaps you could try out your new What3Words App with your friends. If you’re on your travels why not pop in to Louth Museum? It’s open to the public again and there is no need to book. The museum is over two floors (stair lift available for those who may need it) and you’ll be respectfully requested to wait outside if the museum is full when you arrive. Covid-19 regulations are in place of course so don’t forget your mask. I’ve had a look at the website www.louthmuseum.org.uk and discovered a virtual tour as well as Ruth’s Blog page. I thought you might find this interesting; It’s a factual account of the Lincolnshire floods in Louth on 29 May 1920. Imagine seeing a 2m wall of water heading into town…
Click on the picture to read the blog
Just imagine how useful What3Words would have been in this situation if it had been available then. Technology has certainly moved on at a remarkable pace!
Stay Safe
That’s the blog done for now but if you have something that you would like me to include or would like to advertise please get in touch. Have a lovely Bank Holiday everyone. Look after yourself and look out for your neighbours.
by admin | Aug 28, 2020 | Aromatherapy, Grantham, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies
Easton Walled Gardens
Click on the picture to discover the Easton Walled Gardens (EWG) ‘Whats On’ page and don’t forget to add the Sweet Pea Season which starts 21 Jun 23 Sunday into your calendar plus the Autumn Country Market. You’ll be pleasantly surprised I’m sure and you can even sign up to the EWG newsletter too.
Easton Walled Gardens (Grantham) Directions
Drive from Ancaster towards the A1. Before reaching the A1 you’ll see a brown sign directing you to Easton Walled Gardens. It’s one of those hidden gems that you need to make the effort to see.
From the A1 take the turning onto the B6403 (High Dyke() towards RAF Cranwell and look out for the brown sign. You could be forgiven for thinking it’s a small garden hidden away next to a busy road. If that’s what you’ve been thinking, you really need to read on.
The gardens are open Wednesdays to Fridays and Sundays from 15 February until 22 December 2023. Make plenty of time to wander as the grounds cover a full 12 acres of gardens. You’ll be able to discover new plantings and the latest additions while exploring the 80m long borders. I’m reliably informed that the plantings have been designed to peak in August for your delight.
Easton Walled Gardens (South Kesteven) – Opening Times
The Courtyard Shop, The Coffee Room and The Gardens are open 5 days a week until 22nd December (Wednesdays to Sundays) plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-4pm.
Easton Walled Gardens (Grantham) – 400 Years And Counting
It’s been 400 years in the making (and growing) and has the River Witham flowing through its grounds. The cafe and courtyard are open for refreshments to keep you sustained during your adventures. The shop (both physical and online) is the place to be for your seeds and lovely gifts. There are even holiday cottages for those of you who want to stay for your next local break. I’m sure there is quite a bit that I’ve missed off here so as a result I recommend a visit to the Easton Walled Gardens website to make your own discoveries. There is no need to book as the grounds are extensive. The gardens are posting on social media of course so for a quick update follow @EWGardens on Twitter.
Well worth a visit even if it’s raining. After all, a set of waterproofs or an umbrella along with some waterproof footwear will be all you need to experience the fresh garden smells that await you.
From Easton Walled Gardens To Grantham Canal
Woolsthorpe Lock is just West of Grantham and is a great area to visit to see the current engineering work that’s going on to restore the Grantham Canal.
From Easton Walled Gardens To Grantham Canal
For boat trips, walks and beautiful scenery visit the @GranthamCanal for your next Lincolnshire visit. I thoroughly recommend you take your camera with you and be prepared to be amazed! The lottery funded work is really impressive and, all things considered, the volunteers deserve all the praise they can get. You’ll be able to see what they’ve been doing if you search for them on Facebook too. For that reason I’ve included a link here: Grantham Canal Society If you like what you see you can join the team as a volunteer and/or make financial donations to help the project along. Obviously you’ll find much more information about this project and more canal walks and adventures on the www.canalrivertrust.org.uk website. Additionally you’ll find lots of free guides for days out, maps, walking and cycling routes plus much more.
In case you are wondering, you’ll also find some lovely pubs on route for food and drinks.
National Garden Scheme
While you’re in the Belvoir/Rutland area you might like to take a visit to some of the lovely gardens in the Rutland area. There are lots of gardens available for us to view throughout the year so please do take a look at the websites to discover what and when gardens are open in your area: Redhill Lodge
Find them on Twitter
I was going to write about the National Garden Scheme to explain what it is and how it works but, to be honest, I can’t put it any better than the words on the official website. As a result I’ve copied an excerpt from the website for you:
“Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated a total of £55 million to nursing and health charities, and made a record annual donation of £3.1 million in 2018. Our beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
By opening your garden, you’re not only giving people a great day out – you’re also raising money to help those in need. What’s more, you are joining a community of thousands of other like minded garden owners, all passionate about great gardens and raising money for great causes.”
Why not organise a visit to a garden in Louth? The Secret Garden of Louth is taking bookings and visits cost £2.50. Click on the picture for more details
Mere House, Sturton by Stow is another garden to visit. Admission is £6.00 (children free). Clicking on the picture will take you to the website where you can book your visit.
Previous Blogs
Here are a few links to earlier blogs which I hope you find interesting. There’s lots going on at #LincsConnect and there is even more planned so please keep an eye to for new features and events.
Advertisement
Christmas Is Coming…
Don’t forget that the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag along with the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag goes live on Monday 7 September. ‘Now’ is the time to start your preparations so look out for the hashtags and shop early & safely for Christmas.
Community
Bank Holiday Pharmacy services in Lincolnshire. Click on the picture for details of pharmacies that will be open near you and follow @ULHT_News for your health updates.
NE Lincs virtual mental health support – just a Zoom away… If you’re in need of mental health support in the evening get in touch with @NAVIGOCARE by clicking on this picture to go straight to their website.
You may also like to take a look at the “Aviation Trail’ by Visit Lincoln
Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln
Stay Safe
Stay safe everyone. Hand washing and social distancing is still the key to our continued success so keep up the good work. Have a lovely Bank Holiday and don’t forget to put your rubbish in the bin or take your litter home with you.
by admin | Aug 23, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Charity, Christmas, Covid-19, Facebook, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Louth, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile
The LincsArtCraftHour Is Here:
7 September 2020 – Was A Very Important Date
The LincsArtCraftHour is here! Monday 7 September 2020 was a very important date because it was the first LincsArtCraftHour and it’s here for all Lincolnshire artists and crafters of all genres. All are invited to post promotional messages and network using ‘two’ hashtags.
LincsArtCraftHour
The LincsArtCraftHour is on Twitter from 12.00pm – 1.00pm every Monday lunchtime from 7 September 2020.
The idea behind it is to highlight the talent that we have in the County and to allow you to view what’s on offer. You’ll find everything from cards to jewellery and paintings to sculptures with everything ‘arty’ in between. This weekly hour will give you the opportunity to see what’s on offer and even follow links to local online shopping.
Those posting will be able to include links to their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, websites and online shops while at the same time showing off their huge talents. ‘Christmas’ is coming (as it does every year) but don’t just see this as a virtual shop window for your Christmas shopping. A gift for yourself, a ‘thank you’ card, a birthday gift or even a Mothers Day gift for next year are all possibilities.
You’ll also find some info on the Lincs Connect Facebook page too so please have a look to see what you think. I’ll also be interested to hear if you have any other ideas of course.
LincsArtCraftHour – How It Works
If you’re posting messages on the #LincsArtCraftHour slot follow these simple steps:
Be sure to have your tweets ready to post (in real time or scheduled) by 12.00pm each Monday
Add a picture (or two) to show what you are advertising
Include a link to your website, Facebook, Instagram or online shop for people to follow
Use the two hashtags #LincsConnect and #LincsArtCraftHour in your tweet
Search the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag to retweet and support others and to do your own free networking either live on the day or later in the week. You can search the hashtag at any time 24/7.
Don’t ‘dump’ a load of tweets on the hashtag in the first couple of minutes (even if they are scheduled tweets) as it won’t look good on you. Make sure your tweets are spread out over the hour.
How To Search The Hashtag
Searching the hashtag may be easier than you think. Simply go to your search bar, type in #LincsArtCraftHour, click search (or enter – depending on what device you are using) then go to ‘Latest’. That’s it! It really is that easy so make sure that we make the hour a success by supporting each other. To make life even easier, each time you see the hashtag highlighted in blue here, that link will take you straight to the hashtag.
Finally, don’t forget to let your contacts know too. Obviously the more people we have using, searching and talking about the #LincsArtCraftHour the more likely you are to increase your following and make more sales.
LincsArtCraftHour – Old Maps
Click on the picture to follow Fiona on Twitter or click on this link to find her on Facebook: @fidunkart
I know I’ve posted this before but it’s worth another mention. I think these painted old maps are an excellent idea. If there was ever a way to bring a map to life, this is it! Why not give Fiona a follow on Twitter or Facebook to see what other delights she has in her portfolio?
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LincsArtCraftHour – Christmas Is Coming…
Like it or not, love it or hate it, celebrate it or ignore it… It’s still coming and we need to start preparing for it
Many artists and local traders are still suffering with lost sales since March 2020 (Covid) so if you are going to recoup anything from that shocking year ‘now’ is the time to start planning it.
NOW is the time to plan your advertising for Christmas. If you don’t, someone else will. If you want to salvage some of your lost selling opportunities, NOW is the time to do it.
Charity
Visit the Louth Age UK website for more information about their charity shop. Your safety is in mind and fundraising for those in need is at heart. Click on the logo for details
Are you a ‘vintage’ fan? If you are I think you’ll like this room in the Louth Age UK Shop. It’s your chance to grab a bargain while supporting a local charity at the same time
Click on the YMCA logo to find out how they serve our community and discover why they need our financial support
YMCA Pop Up furniture and Brik-a-brac shop, The showroom, Tritton Rd, Lincoln. The next dates are 26-29 Aug from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Click on the picture to find them on Twitter
Advert
Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide a bespoke mobile service throughout the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond. Call 07966 174878 to book your Covid-19 safe appointment or click on the picture to go to the Mandarin Therapies Facebook page for more info.
Mel had a solo art exhibition in Lincoln starting on 7 Sep at the Gallery At St Martin’s, Lincoln with lots of new original artwork. Entry was FREE. The art was on sale of course and the gallery is happy to take card or cash sales. If you would like to know what Mel has planned next click on the picture to find the link for more information.
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect:
That’s about all for now but please don’t forget to make a note in your diary for the #LincsArtCraftHour on Mondays from 12.00pm. Tell your friends too
Stay safe everyone
by admin | Aug 19, 2020 | Burghley, Culture, Doddington Hall, IBCC, International Bomber Command, Lincoln, Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Museum, Stamford, The Collection
Love Lincolnshire Culture
Love Lincolnshire Culture – This list is by no means definitive but I hope it gives you a few good ideas for places to visit.
International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln
Love Lincolnshire Culture
Love Lincolnshire Culture – Did you know that 17 August 2020 saw the start of #LoveCultureWeek across the UK? It’s a time to celebrate and visit cultural venues and marvel at what is on offer. This week is aimed at highlighting some of the venues but our cultural sights are open all year of course so let’s get out (safely) to enjoy what’s on offer.
References to Covid 19 may no longer apply so some of the venues have no doubt reverted back to normal visiting times. Restrictions will have been lifted and references to Covid have changed but the venues are still certainly worth visiting. Read on to discover some great locations in Lincolnshire:
It’s time to celebrate by visiting the fantastic County museums, galleries, heritage sites and libraries to see what they have to offer. Please feel free to add in the ones that I’ve missed in the comments below.
Lincolnshire Culture – Enjoy Summer Safely
I hope my list does it justice. Apologies in advance to those that I’ve missed out but I’ll happily add a little mention for you if you contact me. If you want to pay a visit to any of these locations please make sure you check to see if you need to book in advance.
Where To Start?
With a County as large as Lincolnshire its going to be impossible to cover every venue and location in one blog but perhaps a few choice mentions might give you some ideas and inspiration to make your own list. After all, you don’t have to cram everything into just one week!
Love Lincolnshire Culture – Lincoln
Starting with our County capital you’ll no doubt have a large list of locations to visit ranging from:
Click on the picture to go straight to the ticket office and don’t forget to follow @CollectionUsher on Twitter too
Click on the picture to book your tickets. The grounds are open to the public so if the weather is right, why not pay a visit to have a walk around with friends and family? The Castle has its own Twitter account so why not give it a follow to make your own discoveries? @LincolnCastle
Click on the picture to go straight to the Lincoln Cathedral events page to discover what’s going on. The Cathedral also has its own Twitter page too so give it a follow to discover what’s happening @LincsCathedral
The picture doesn’t say it all – Click on the picture to go to the ticket office of this ‘Gold Award Winning’ venue in Lincoln. You won’t be disappointed. They’re on Twitter of course: @IntBCC so give them a follow
Doddington Hall and Gardens are open for visitors with many planned events so click on the picture to go straight to the events page on their website. Obviously bookings will have to be made and rules will need to be followed but we’re all used to that now! You can give the Hall a follow on twitter too of course @DoddingtonHall to stay up to date with their events calendar.
Plan Your Visit
Each of the venues above are on Twitter but if you prefer Facebook just click on the relevant picture to go to the website to follow from there..
Top 3, Top 10… Or Top 100?
No matter how big or small the list is, I’m bound to miss someone important! Please keep in mind that this list is just to give you some ideas as I’m sure you’ll have plenty of additions for your own list.
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Covid-19 Safe complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home or hotel room. Mandarin Therapies provides fully mobile bespoke complementary therapies. Click on the logo for more information
Love Lincolnshire Culture – Stamford
If you’re in the Stamford area there are some pretty spectacular places to visit. Top of the agenda has to be the town centre with it’s beautiful buildings and delightful local shops. There is more to see and do too though:
Burghley House And Gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday each week. Click on the picture for more details. The park is open every day though and entry is free. Give them a follow on Twitter @BurghleyHouse for regular updates
Stamford Arts Centre is physically closed at the moment but they do have events online via their new YouTube channel so why not pay them a visit? This centre has so much to offer so do follow them on Twitter @StamfordArts for updates then pay a visit when it’s safe to do so. Click on the picture to go to their website
Stamford Sights & Secrets Tours is a must if you want to find out more about Stamford. The walking tours are on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 11.00am. Simply click on the picture to go to the ticket site and don’t forget to follow them on Twitter @StamfordTours for updates
Love Lincolnshire Culture – More To Come…
Lincolnshire is such a big County that it’ll be impossible to list everyone here. With that in mind, I’ll post another blog or two with some more ideas from Grantham, Spalding, Skegness and Grimsby. Do let me know if you would like to be included.
Previous Blogs
You may also like to read the ‘Aviation Trail’ by Visit Lincoln
Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln
Until next time, stay safe everyone,
by admin | Aug 16, 2020 | Advertise, Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Authors, Bands, Beauty, beauty Therapy, Facebook, Food, Garden Centres, Gardening, Grantham, IT, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Restaurant, Twitter, Vouchers
LincsConnect has been busy on your behalf and things are set to get even busier. Click on the picture to see what’s been happening… Help me help you in Lincolnshire and beyond
Help Me Help You In Lincolnshire With #LincsConnect
Help me help you in Lincolnshire with #LincsConnect by interacting with the many local users. It can’t have escaped your attention that I’ve been busy on your behalf. #LincsConnect help and support is a given of course with retweets on twitter and posts on Facebook to help promote your business and events. Blogs too of course! I know you appreciate what I do and I appreciate the fact that you share what I’m doing too. I still need you to help me, help you in Lincolnshire though.
#LincsConnect – is here to support all things Lincolnshire but it only works when we work as a team. With 12,500 Twitter followers (steadily growing) I know that your help is working for me too. However, at the risk of sounding cheeky, I still need more help. Working together as a team is even more important than it ever has been. You’re still posting your work using LincsConnect and I’m very grateful. LincsConnect is trying hard to share your work around Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford and Hull but I really need to ask more people to search the hashtag #LincsConnect (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to help share the messages and support each other.
Just imagine, if all 12,500 local followers each searched the #LincsConnect hashtag and shared just one message….!
How Can LincsConnect Help You More?
What else can LincsConnect do for you? Please let me know as I have plans for the account and need to know that it isn’t missing something important.
#LincsArtCraftHour
If you read my last blog you will recall that we have a dedicated weekly hour set aside on Monday lunchtimes to help promote artists, crafters, jewellery designers and sculptors. Please take a look at the link below to refresh your memory:
I had a question for the Artists who join us and those of you who will be looking to see what masterpieces and bargains are on offer: Which hashtag would you prefer? Are you happy with #LincsArtCraftHour or do you think it would be better as #LincsArtCraft hour? The latter is shorter and more general as it can be used at any time while the original idea is very specific to the Monday lunchtime hour. Jointly you chose #LincsArtCraftHour so that is what we have been using for the last two years.
Guest Blogs
Do you have something to say that you would like to have included in the regular #LincsConnect blogs? Please do get in touch if you would like to have your work included as it’s always nice to see you here.
Help me, help you in Lincolnshire and beyond. If you would like to collaborate with your blog here please email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Help Me, Help You In Lincolnshire With Featured Twitter Hours…
Do you have any featured hours that you would like to see on twitter? How about #LincsAuthors, #LincsMarkets, #LincsConnectJobs #LincsIT, #LincsHousing, #LincsGardening, #LincsCharities #LincsFoodDrink …..? Who do you think should have their own featured hour? The hashtag is here to help you so whether you’re a trader, a charity or a potential customer, I wan’t to make sure that #LincsConnect has something for you. Please do email your suggestions to me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk Perhaps you would like to host your own #LincsConnect hour? I’m always open to suggestions so please do get in touch. After all, help in Lincolnshire with #LincsConnect is a two way process.
Here To Help
If there is something you need would you like to do a skills swap? Would anyone be interested in a #LincsSwaps hour? An our each week where you can offer your skills to swap for something of equal value? Some of us may be finding finances a little tight at the moment but are willing to trade to get what we need.
Here’s an example: A local restaurant may be in need of leaflets for a local leaflet drop and be willing to swap a meal to the value of £xxx in return for 200 hundred leaflet. That’s just an example of course. The exact figures would have to be agreed privately by the restaurant and the designer/printer but you get the idea I’m sure. Again, if this interests enough people I’ll happily organise it. You’ll need to get in touch though so that I know whether to go ahead with the idea or not. Help in Lincolnshire with #LincsConnect only happens when we work together.
Advertising/Local Discounts
Advertising space is always available on the blog so if you would like a spot here please let me know. I could also arrange a feature with your advert to help highlight your business/organisation. Again, just get in touch to make arrangements. You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Perhaps you have a special offer or would like to offer readers a discount? You could have a voucher on here to share across the County.
Advert
20% discount on Mandarin Leisure services for all NHS, 999 and military members across the County.
Featured Song Of The Week By A Local Artist
Each week I include a local artist, band or choir on twitter to highlight their work and show off the great talents that we have in our county. If you have a favourite band with music on YouTube that you think should be featured please let me know.
All last week I featured Alex Cavan from Grantham with his song ‘Waterfall’. If you would like to hear him just click on the picture below to go straight to his YouTube upload.
To hear Alex singing ‘Waterfall’ just click on the picture and if you would like to follow him on Twitter you’ll find him at @AlexCavanMusic
It’s For You…
The blog is here for you to support everything from the North to South, East and West of the County and bordering towns and villages too. It’s for you and the rest of our community so please, please, please do share this blog and lets see if we can get more people reading it and interacting.
Stay Safe
Stay safe everyone and keep looking out for your neighbours.
by admin | Aug 9, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, beauty Therapy, Covid-19, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Networking, police, Postnatal
Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour
Join us each Monday on twitter from 12.00pm for the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour.
Paint On Canvas…
Have you heard about the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour (#LincsArtCraftHour) yet? It’s twitter based and includes artists and crafters from Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford and Hull. A great place for the experts to meet to show what they do. As a result, it’s a fantastic place to shop too!
What image does ‘art’ bring to mind? If you’ve ever been to The National Gallery you’ll have seen paintings from small to extremely large. However, if you’ve been to Tate Modern you’ll have seen something completely different. Art is about paint on canvas but it’s also much more than that. We can debate good and bad art but what it all boils down to is ‘do I like it’? You can introduce someone new to the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft hour today.
Who’s The Artist?
It isn’t me! We all have our own talents though (art isn’t mine) so we must be grateful for that. I know what I like as soon as I see it, as a result I set up this hour to showcase the many and varied art forms from our area. We all like different things of course and that’s what makes the hour so appealing. Who is the ‘artist’ then? Well, I believe that it’s the photographer, the jewellery maker, the crafter, the potter… Art isn’t just paint on canvas but without the paint on canvas the art world would’t be complete!
How Do You Find Your Art?
There are many places to find art and in Lincolnshire we are blessed with some fantastic galleries and shops. Social media provides a good platform for art shopping too of course so it’s time to make the most of it. I’ve found some stunning pieces of art on social media so I’ve been able to chat to the artists in real time while shopping. Not every conversation ends in a sale but that doesn’t matter. The conversations help to build a following, the followers have friends, the friends have friends and family… If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, someone somewhere is going to like what the artist is doing. That leads to sales and commissions.
Get Involved with the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour
If you’re a Twitter user you’ll be familiar with ‘hashtag hours’ which involves every interested person on the planet (or so it seems) interacting about one subject. It usually feels like a frenzy of tweets and conversations. Choose a subject and there will probably be a dedicated hour to it! They are fantastic platforms for networking and getting messages seen but they can be difficult to follow. By the time you’ve seen a post, reacted to it and asked a question you’ll have missed 30 or 40 other posts.
Frenzy Free Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour
I want to remove that ‘frenzy’. A dedicated hour using the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter with Lincolnshire artists of all genres posting art, messages, links and special offers. The beauty of the hashtag is that anyone can search it at any time. The #LincsConnect #LincsArtCraftHour is on Monday from 12.00pm – 1.00pm but you can still search through it at any time of the week. In fact, you can search back weeks, months or years! Once the tweet is there, it stays there until the author deletes it. By duplicating the idea onto Facebook I want to include others who don’t use Twitter.
Get Involved
If you’re interested please do get in touch by email so that I can get everything coordinated. You can email me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
When?
Every Monday:
From Monday 7 September 2020 between 12.00pm – 1.00pm.
How Will the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour Work?
Here’s the deal:
It’s FREE!
It will rely on the artists and crafters to post their messages, links, pictures and special offers which MUST include the hashtags #LincsArtCraftHour and #LincsConnect
The hashtag #LincsConnect will automatically post your message to the database for everyone to see. Assume no one is looking for you on the hashtag until YOU tell them to have a look!
Post your messages with the hashtags and tag in your friends. Ask them to help spread the message by telling their friends. This cascade of conversation can quickly get the hashtag seen and used locally. As a result your posts will be seen by more and more people.
Here’s the crucial bit: You ‘must’ search the hashtag during the week to look at the posts and do your free networking. Get into conversations, say something positive, share other peoples posts. The more you share for others, the more likely they are to share for you.
Scheduled Posts
Don’t worry that you aren’t available during the #LincsArtCraftHour because you can schedule your messages in advance to make sure that they hit the hashtag at the right time.
LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour – What’s In It For You?
The posts will be on twitter but I will also do follow up arts blogs. I’ll search the hashtag to see who has been interacting with others and as a ‘thank you’ I’ll highlight the posts in future blogs. I’ll also include links to your websites and social media pages.
What’s In It For Me?
I’ll create paid advertising slots, paid blog links and paid features. The whole process will be time consuming for me so I will need to have some form of recompense for my work. Will it make me a fortune? No! Will it pay my bills? Probably not! I always enjoy helping others though and if I can manage to produce a small income from my efforts, all the better.
Click on the picture to go straight to Daves Facebook page or click on this link @DaveSpherical to find him on Twitter
Dave recently joined me on Twitter and ‘Oh Boy’ he has some stunning pictures for sale. In this day and age where photos are easy to take with our digital mobile phones and editing platforms it’s such a joy to see some truly stunning pictures of nature at its best. This is just one picture of many that Dave has taken and is offering for sale so if you like what you see you should definitely get in touch.
Mel is widely known around the County and beyond and when you see her artwork you’ll understand why. Click on the picture to go straight to her website or click on this link @MelLangtonArt to follow her on Twitter
Mel creates some truly remarkable artwork including bespoke commissions like the one you can see above. I’ve been quietly following Mel on Twitter and can honestly say that her artwork really needs to be seen (and purchased of course).
Click on the picture to go to Ellies Etsy shop or click on this link @ElliesTreasures to follow her on Twitter
Arts and crafts go hand in hand and I’m sure you’ll agree that this hand made key ring really is delightful. You’ll find much more on Ellies Etsy shop page so why not pop over (click on the picture above) to discover more. I certainly don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Click on this picture to go straight to the Etsy Shop page of Twibell Arts or click on this link @TwibellArts to follow Serena on Twitter. I’ve been following Serena for several years and am always amazed at her talent and versatility. Not only did she paint the picture of this gorgeous cat (commissions welcome) but she also made the decorations in the picture too.
Manipulating an image (in this case ‘two’ images) to make an interesting piece of art is really special. This image of Lincoln High Street was taken by John and blended with an old image to create a piece of art that goes beyond the normal photograph. Click on this picture to go to Johns website or click on this link @jpbphoography to follow him on twitter.
Advertising
If you would like to place an advert on the Lincs Connect blogs please do get in touch. Bloggers can also have links to their blogs here too. Get in touch today if you would like to feature here by contacting me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Advert
Mandarin Therapies and Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke mobile complementary therapies (Covid-19 safe) including Aromatherapy massage, Antenatal, postnatal massage and injury rehabilitation. Click on the picture to go to the website or click on the links above to go to the social media pages
Social
PCC Marc Jones is looking for young people to join the Lincolnshire Commission. It’s an opportunity for young people to help the police better understand their concerns and thoughts.
Click on the picture above to go to the website
See You Soon – At the LincsConnect Lincolnshire Art Craft Hour
That’s it for now but there will be lots more blogs here so please keep the link handy and log in for a quick catchup when you get the chance.
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