by admin | Jun 18, 2021 | Advertise, Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Around Me, Art, Charity, Covid-19, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, LincsConnectJobs, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Stress, Suicide, Support, Twitter
Around Me In Lincolnshire – Gainsborough, Through The Eyes Of LincsConnect
Around me in Lincolnshire – 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.
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.
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire – easy access from every direction.
The Gainsborough Heritage Trail
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.
Around Me In Lincolnshire – 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!
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
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
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
Around Me In Lincolnshire – 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:
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:
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.
Around Me In Lincolnshire – 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
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
Around Me In Lincolnshire – 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
by admin | Jan 22, 2021 | Advertise, Aromatherapy, Bands, Brewing, Coffee, Covid 19, Covid-19, COVID19, Docks Beers, Facebook, Fishing, Food, Great Grimsby Day, Great Grimsby Day 2021, Grimsby, Grimsby Minster, Humberside, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Minster, Twitter, Vouchers, YouTube
Great Grimsby Day
Grimsby Minster
Great Grimsby Day 2021
Great Grimsby Day 2021 will be on Friday this year (traditionally held on 22 January each year) but celebrations will undoubtedly be low key due to the pandemic restrictions. Trying to research the origins of the day has proven difficult. The earliest mention of Great Grimsby Day that I can find is via the BBC Radio Humberside website in 2008. Despite searching and searching I haven’t been able to find anything earlier or even the origins of the day. However, the further I delved into the research, the more I found. If you would like to find more search for Great Grimsby Day 2021 or #GreatGrimsbyDay
Grimsby has a long history with the first charter being granted in 1201. Grimsby is famous for being Britains seafood town of course but the deeper I delve, the more history and diversity I uncover. The Grimsby Minster (pictured above) gained its Minster status on 16 May 2010 but its history goes way back to before 1114. Click on the picture above to go to the Minster website.
I thought it was fitting to add this YouTube video from the Minster featuring The Choirs of Grimsby Minster
Finding the opening subject of a blog featuring a town with so much rich history as Great Grimsby is bound to be difficult but I hope you’ll agree that The Grimsby Minster fits the bill pretty well. If you would like any more information about the Minster, its services and what it has to offer the community you can follow them on Twitter @GrimsbyMinster or Facebook Grimsby Minster
Fishing From Grimsby
A huge part of the history of Grimsby revolves around the fishing industry. Searching online I came across this wonderful Youtube video by Paul Cleary which was posted in 2014. Paul is the son of a fisherman and is donating all proceeds from the video to the R.N.L.I and R.N.M.D.S.F.
Click on the picture to go to the YouTube video
Life And Fishing Move On
Technology and science has led to changes in fishing methods of course and JCS Fish have taken a different approach to the deep sea trawling methods:
Supplying Salmon to shops and restaurants across the country JCS Fish are at the forefront of salmon fishing and production. You can find them on LinkedIn as JCS Fish
Picture taken following a visit to JCS Fish Ltd in 2016 when they had a charity cake sale. The words ‘charity’ and ‘cake’ were enough of an invitation for me to make the trip from Lincoln! Apologies for the quality of the picture though – I’m pretty sure it would have been taken using an iPhone 5. It is a lovely view though isn’t it
Smoked
Grimsby, fish and smoked all seem to go together well so if you like smoked fish you need to visit award winning Alfred Enderby for smoked haddock and smoked salmon. Visit the website to place your order and have your selection delivered.
Click on the picture to go to the website. We all deserve something special and I think this will hit the spot. Follow Alfred on twitter for regular updates @AlfredEnderbyGY
Great Grimsby Day – A Trip Worth Making
I’ve never visited on Great Grimsby Day but 22 January 2022 is in my diary now to make sure I pay another visit to take in the sights and smells of land and sea. It would be silly to make the trip and not take in some light refreshments of course so I can recommend a visit to Riverhead Coffee for a brew and a bite to eat. This cheeky picture was take during the same 2016 trip when I stopped off at the nearby Cleethorpes cafe. There is a second shop in Grimsby too of course so even during the lockdown you’ll be able to buy your supplies for Great Grimsby Day 2021 of goodies including Stokes Coffee
A coffee at Riverhead Coffee is bound to raise a smile – Click on the picture to go to the Facebook page
Great Grimsby Day – Food, Drink And More…
The whole of Lincolnshire is always buzzing with activity. Famed for its food production, fantastic cafes and restaurants, warm hospitality and beer. We have a huge brewery industry on the rise across the whole County so it would be amiss of me to not include Docks Beers in this blog. Brewing craft beers in an old church on King Edward Street since 2018 the team deliver beer both locally and nationwide. There is no keeping a good idea down so as a result the team have expanded to include spiced rum and gin too.
…And More
It would be unusual to complete the Lincs Connect blog without including some music and entertainment so here goes; Docks Beers also includes the outstanding Docks Academy where you’re sure to find the best live music, comedy and events. Sadly the latest Red Herring Comedy Club events scheduled for February and March have had to be postponed. Another casualty of the Covid-19 lockdown precautions but the good news is that the tickets will remain valid and the event will be re-scheduled. Supporting local and big name bands and artists this surely has to be one of the ‘must visit’ venues in the UK.
Local Bands
Celebrating Great Grimsby Day 2021 without including a local band would be like….. well, ‘fish without chips’!
I’ve heard all of the Trak3 singles and in my mind, this is their best recording yet. These guys are just getting better and better. You can follow them on Twitter @Trak3_Official but don’t forget to hop over to their YouTube channel to see what else they have to offer. This one is called ‘Get It Poppin’ and I think it really deserves a listen.
Indigo Bay are producing some great music too and deserve a listen. They’ve featured on BBC Introducing @BBCLincsIntro and I’ll be really surprised if they aren’t one of the big bands of the future. Have a listen to ‘Reservoir Relaxing’ then give them a follow on twitter @theindigobay and Facebook Indigo Bay plus their YouTube channel too of course.
Great Grimsby Day 2021 – Advert
Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies across the whole County and beyond. Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months and all treatments are Covid19 safe. Contact Mandarin Therapies on 07966 174878 or book through Facebook Mandarin Therapies
Advertising
To book your advert on the local blogs email martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Community
Your local police force @HumberBeats is here to help and inform when you need it. As a result, they have set up a ‘My Community Alert’ scheme for you to get information when you need it:
For more information and to sign up to the alert system go the the Humberside Police website by clicking on this link: www.mycommunityalert.co.uk
Visit Grimsby
Grimsby has so much more to offer than I can ever list here. You’ll find shopping at Freshney Place, Abbeygate and markets at Freeman Street, Victoria Street and of course Grimsby Top Town Market. Between them they’ll have all of your shopping needs catered for from clothing to stamps and from farm produce to flowers. For more information visit www.nelincs.gov.uk
Far too many fantastic businesses to mention in a single blog! You can have a blog of your own created by contacting martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
You’ll be able to use your dedicated blog for your own personal advertising. Get in touch for more information.
Find Locals On Twitter
Simply click on the logo to go to the twitter page:
@Freshney_Place_
@Abbeygategrims1
@NorthLincsFIS
@NorthLincsAIS
@KcbraidsBeads
@GiBoxoffice
@GrimsbyG_Centre
@tonymarsdenHR
@LincsLotto
@VisitNorthLincs
@officialgtfc
@gy_lifedrawing
@GrimsbyLive
@GrimsbySpark
@GrimsbyCreates
@GreaterLincsLEP
@YMCAHumber
@BritWresRev
@healthwatchNEL
@ShopIndieVibes
Add Yourself To The List
If you would like to be added to this list please get in touch. It’s not too late to add a feature too as this blog will be live and available for Grimsby ‘forever’. contact martin@lincsconnect.co.uk for info.
That’s It For Now
There will be more local blogs out soon but if you would like to see what else has been posted take a look at www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs
In Case You Missed It
Click on the pictures to go to previous blogs:
Grimsby Philharmonic On Zoom
Happy Impulsive New Year
Stay Safe
Have a lovely Great Grimsby Day 2021 everyone and stay safe.
“Putting the social back into social media” #LincsConnect is always here for you.
by admin | Nov 15, 2020 | Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Cleethorpes, Covid-19, Discount, Facebook, Foodbank, Grimsby, Hashtags, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Shop, Twitter, Vouchers, Website
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together
We may not be able to physically spend a Lincolnshire Christmas together but I’m sure we’ll do our best to to make it festive and fun.
If the Covid-19 virus restrictions allow I hope there’ll be some form of limited travel allowed. On a personal note I think I prefer to spend my time with my family at home. Yes, it’s going to be different and difficult but ‘hopefully’ it’ll be a restriction for just this year. I’ve no doubt it’s going to be lonely for many people but with a little lateral thinking and our community spirit I’m sure we’ll find a way to reach out.
Christmas Is Coming Early
Obviously Christmas Day won’t be changing – December 25th will still be the day to celebrate with presents. FaceTime/Zoom/Teamer etc will help with an element of ‘cyber togetherness’ even if we can’t celebrate with physical togetherness. What will you be doing? You can make time for others less fortunate of course. I’ve made contact with a few agencies in the County and will post a few links later for those of you who are willing to have a look.
I’ve heard back from Cath who runs the Grimsby Food Kitchen and she told me that the traditional Chinese/Indian buffet will be held on 13 December for the homeless thanks to a generous £500.00 donation y Micky Dalton. Meat has been paid for by generous public donations and the outstanding support of Gary’s Meat in Freeman Street, Grimsby. As always though they need donations so please make a donation of £2.00 if you can. You’ll find more info on their Facebook page.
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Click on the picture to go to the Grimsby Food Kitchen Facebook page
Christmas Decorations In November…
Is that a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ for you? Many people don’t want to think about Christmas before December but we’re in uncharted territory this year! I’ve been talking about Christmas since 7 September and trying to get people enthused. Why? Because it’s been a bad year for most traders and general public alike. If I can encourage people to plan their online shops early perhaps we can salvage some of the poor sales. In addition, if more people shop early for Christmas and, most importantly, shop locally, we’ll have a better survival rate for local businesses into 2021. ‘A Lincolnshire Christmas together’ really is our key to success. It’s not just about spending the day with family and friends (or not as the case may be) but making sure we stick together by shopping locally.
Black Friday?
Black Friday is an American tradition so why it’s popular over here I have no idea! In Britain it used to be the ‘end of season sale’ or ‘the winter sale’ followed by the ‘January sales’ and ‘Boxing Day sales’. It would be nice to get back to our own traditions wouldn’t it? At a time of financial uncertainties how useful is a big sale before the biggest spending season of the year? Looking at Black Friday with my cynical head on, it’s just a way of trying to get us to part with our hard earned money in the big stores.
Cyber Monday
The last Monday in November has become known as cyber Monday. It follows Black Friday and is, for many, the last pay day before Christmas. Many bargains can be had online but please don’t forget to support our local traders in their online shops and on the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag. Please be aware that scammers and hackers will have posted ‘bargains’ too and they will do whatever they can to steal your money. Please stay vigilant and remember ‘if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is’!
Lincolnshire Discounts
How would you feel about having a ‘free to use’ local discount scheme?
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together for all of us
A window, till or website sticker advertising local discounts will be appealing to shoppers. A screenshot of the discount logo presented at the till when making a local purchase will be easy to use. Terms & Conditions being open to shop and service owners for individual discount as appropriate will be easy to manage. Each provider setting a specific discount or offer rather than having a set figure imposed will make the scheme more workable too. Creating a special discount on ‘end of range’ items, ‘buy one, get one half price’, 10% off selected range or donations made to charity etc will give the provider the flexibility needed to make the scheme workable.
Tailored to fit your own requirements, a dedicated App will be the obvious next step. By working together we can create our own County wide scheme that will benefit everyone. I’ve mentioned it on twitter and it certainly generated some interest so do let me know if you’d like to join in. I’ll be interested to hear from traders and customers so please feel free to email me with your thoughts: martin@lncsconnect.co.uk
Advert
Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke complementary therapies from the comfort of your own home. Gift vouchers are available now and are valid for 12 months. Click on the picture to go to the Facebook page or click on this link @MandarinMothers to follow on twitter.
A Lincolnshire Musical Christmas
If you’ve read my previous blogs you’ll know that I like to support everything ‘local’ and that includes music too. The @LincsConnect twitter account has a weekly featured artist, band or choir so that’s definitely worth popping over to see. With that in mind, I thought I’d share a song by a group of youngsters who’re surely destined for greater things. You’ll find them on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube so please look them up. These youngsters hail from Cleethorpes and their average age is 15. Yes, that’s ‘FIFTEEN’ – unbelievable!
Have a listen to the latest recording by Revivalry by clicking on this picture. Link to YouTube
Lincolnshire Shopping Lists
Do you make a shopping list? Santa likes a list so when you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas visit the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on twitter and Facebook. There are lots of lovely gift ideas so have a look at the posts by our local traders. After all, every penny spent there will be helping someone local and keeping the local economy going.
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Click on the picture to go straight to the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – #LincsArtCraftHour
If you like arts, crafts and hand made jewellery etc visit the #LincsArtCraftHour hashtag for local inspiration. We’re really lucky to have such talented people in our County so please do support them.
Click on the picture to visit the hashtag but better still, please do join us on Twitter if you get the chance
A Lincolnshire Christmas Together – Local Shopping
During the recent #LincsArtCraftHour sessions we have seen quite a few artists and crafters joining in and showing their gift ideas. The hashtags highlight some of them so please take a look to see what they have to offer. Clicking on the picture below will take to some of our fabulous traders.
After all, Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:
For a Lincolnshire Christmas use the hashtag #LincsConnectChristmas and don’t forget to click on this picture to find some local traders who have lots of goodies for you
Dark Side – Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse ….. Rather than going away, this ugly and often hidden form of abuse is now more prevalent than ever.
Locked in together can cause some anxieties and tension for families but we usually have coping mechanisms and rational thinking that allow us to overcome the tensions with simple distractions. However, abusers and those suffering from abuse (physical, mental, emotional or financial) can really be finding life even more difficult now. Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits or gender preferences. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today. You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999. The Covid 19 lockdown won’t stop the police from carrying out their duties. They’re here for us 24 hours a day.
Click on this picture for more information. There is ALWAYS someone to help you
Click on the picture to go to the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page
Help Me Help You In Lincolnshire With #LincsConnect
Help me help you in Lincolnshire with #LincsConnect by interacting with the many local users. It can’t have escaped your attention that I’ve been busy on your behalf. #LincsConnect help and support is a given with retweets on twitter and posts on Facebook to help promote your business and events. Blogs too of course! I know you appreciate what I do and I appreciate the fact that you share what I’m doing too. I still need you to help me, help you in Lincolnshire though.
#LincsConnect – is here to support all things Lincolnshire but it only works when we work as a team. With 11,000 Twitter followers (steadily growing) I know that your help is working for me too. However, at the risk of sounding cheeky, I still need more help. We’re heading for a major recession and rise in the cost of living so working together as a team is even more important than it ever has been. You’re still posting your work using LincsConnect and I’m very grateful. LincsConnect is trying hard to share your work around Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford and Hull but I really need to ask more people to search the hashtag #LincsConnect (on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to help share the messages and support each other.
Just imagine, if all 11,000 local followers each searched the #LincsConnect hashtag and shared just one message….!
Additional Blogs By LincsConnect
If you would like to read more about the ideas and tips please follow the link in the picture:
To see more about how you can Help me, Help You In Lincolnshire just click on this picture
That’s All For Now…
That’s it for the blog at the moment but I do intend to update this one and post several more blogs too. Get in touch with any requests by emailing me at martin@lincsconnect.co.uk
Stay Safe
by admin | Sep 25, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid 19, Covid-19, COVID19, Facebook, Hashtags, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Shopping, Twitter, Vouchers
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire – Three Months And Counting Down…
As I write this blog (25 September 2020) it’s exactly three months until Christmas. Yes, I’ve said it again …. Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire and businesses need to be ready for it. I’ve been talking about it for a few weeks and now the BBC have finally caught up with me. Dare I say, if you haven’t started gearing up for Christmas you’re already late to the party! The major shops are gearing up for Christmas NOW with predicted record online sales. To those of you who groaned when I mentioned Christmas I sincerely hope you manage to catch up with the traders who are already planning. The big spending retailers ‘will’ take your market from under you so isn’t it time to get your advertising sorted?
Don’t forget, Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so make sure you’re prepared.
Click on this picture to find out what you’ve been missing on Twitter
Time To Catch Up
You may already know about the Lincolnshire based #LincsArtCraftHour and #LincsConnectChristmas hashtags on twitter but did you know that the hashtags also work on Facebook? Try it today because it’s free and local. Just type in #LincsConnectChristmas to your Facebook search bar to see what and who are there. FREE and it’s LOCAL sounds good so isn’t it time you engaged with the hashtags?
Search for the hashtags on Google, you’ll find that they’ve been ‘trending’ – now ‘that’ really is impressive! Follow the links below to go to the relevant pages for the Lincolnshire people who’ve already started planning and producing fabulous creations for Christmas. The blue links under their logos will take you straight to the relevant pages to make life easier for you too.
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire So Join The List
To have your name added to this list just join in the Twitter hour on Monday lunchtime to qualify. It doesn’t matter if the day or time doesn’t fit in with your schedule because the hashtags are always there and ready for you. Shouldn’t you try it when you have a moment? Additionally, if you’d like to have a feature here and a link to your website please talk to me about advertising. The rest is FREE.
Remember, the #ShopLocal hashtag doesn’t work as a medium to get local customers because it’s used so widely around the world. Trust me, ‘I’ invented it! As a result I went on to invented #LincsConnect and can assure you that this hashtag ‘does’ work. After all, it’s truly local to Lincolnshire and our neighbours. You can use and search the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find your truly local traders so why not give it a try today?
Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so shouldn’t you be a part of it?
#LincsConnect is here for you 24/7/365.
Twitter:
@FionaHodgesArt
Etsy:
Fiona Hodges Art
Advert – Because Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire
Christmas is coming so now is the time to order your Lincolnshire Christmas Gift Voucher for that extra special gift. A luxurious Mandarin Therapies bespoke massage from the comfort of your own home. What better way to let someone know how much you care? Call now to book your voucher 07966 174878. Click on the picture to start the video
Lincs To Past Blogs
Click the link or picture to go to the blog
What are your thoughts on holding more LincsConnect dedicated Twitter hours? Try following the link above to read some of my ideas and perhaps come up with some of your own. The more people interact with these hashtags, the more we will be able to help each other. Give it a try.
If you’re a Lincolnshire blogger and would like to have a link to your blog on here? I’ll be more than happy to hear from you.
Get the Covid-19 App NOW. If you haven’t got it already, click on this picture to go straight to the NHS website that will help you produce the required posters and direct you to the .Gov link to produce your own QR code. It’s easy – even I can do it!
Create A Coronavirus QR Code For Your Venue
Click on this picture to go straight to the relevant .Gov website page
If you are a Lincolnshire business, charity or organisation that has a venue or multiple venues you need to generate a QR Code for visitors to scan using the new Covid-19 App. The QR code will be sent to your email address for you to print and display.
Mobile businesses can still generate a QR code with your home or office address as the location. On arrival ask your client(s) to scan your QR code. The App will scan distances between smartphones and will send an alert to the person or people you have been in contact with if there is a risk of infection. It’s pure voluntary and does rely on people having the App on a smartphone but, as the saying goes, ‘every little helps’. Obviously it isn’t a substitute for keeping a 2m safe distance, washing your hands or wearing a suitable face covering over your mouth and nose but it is another tool to be utilised in the fight against this invisible virus.
Stay Safe
Be good to yourself and to others. Keep your distance, keep washing your hands and keep a mask that covers both your nose and mouth with you and wear it as instructed.
by admin | Sep 6, 2020 | Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid-19, Facebook, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Twitter
Christmas In Lincolnshire 2020
Christmas in Lincolnshire 2020. With the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag set to go live on 7 Sep, the big question is “Will Christmas be different in Lincolnshire this year?”
It’s certainly going to be different for me. Some Christmas traditions will be abandoned completely! Four days in London for festive shopping, to see the lights and to see a show or two. CANCELLED. Spending lots of money (probably too much) on presents and ‘niceties’. CANCELLED. Pantomime on Christmas Eve. CANCELLED. Festive Christmas Market. CANCELLED.
Will visits to different Counties for present deliveries still be allowed or will there be travel restrictions? Christmas parties will certainly be different! A Zoom party may be the best we can expect? On a different note completely, many people will be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one. With lots of deaths as a result of the pandemic many families have been affected by the sad loss of loved ones.
Christmas Is ‘Not’ Cancelled
I for one have been affected by the virus, both as a casualty and financially. Although some symptoms still linger from the virus I’m grateful that they are minor. Financially I have been hit hard by the virus so a big spending spree this year is most certainly off the agenda. However, some traditions will remain.
I’m looking forward to getting the decorations down from the loft and seeing the trees decorated. I’m also looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping (yes, I ‘really do’ enjoy Christmas shopping) even though it’s going to be different this year. I think it’s going to be important to keep in mind that Christmas ‘is’ coming and will be here on 25th December. It’s just the same as it is every other year.
With that in mind I think it’s going to be even more important this year than any other year to support our local Lincolnshire traders. The temptation may be to ‘go online’ to shop and have the presents delivered but please don’t forget that our local traders supported us throughout the pandemic whenever they could. They’ll be more than happy to help with your shopping needs now too.
It’s been a very steep learning curve for most but the majority of our local businesses have adapted well to the concept of ‘click and collect’ or home deliveries.
Christmas In Lincolnshire 2020 – Shop Early
If we are to see our local businesses continue to thrive we need to get behind them more than ever now. The supermarkets had bumper sales during the lock down while most local traders struggled to keep afloat. Our High Street has changed with many big name shops either shedding staff or closing for good.
If we are to see our economy grow, ‘now’ is the time to support the smaller shops, markets and sole traders.
#LincsConnectChristmas
The #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag will be live from lunch time on Monday 7 September 2020 so I have two very important requests:
1. Please use the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on your Christmas tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts
2. Please, please, please search the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on social media to see what local messages/offers have been posted.
Don’t know how to search a hashtag? Actually, it’s really easy. All you have to do is go to the search bar on your chosen social media platform and type in #LincsConnectChristmas and look at the latest posts. Yes, it ‘is’ that easy!
#LincsArtCraftHour
The Lincolnshire based #LincsConnect #LincsArtCraftHour starts on Monday 7 September 2020 so please make a note in your diary to visit the hashtag every Monday from 12.00pm.
The hashtag should gain momentum each week and it’ll be an ideal way to shop for local gifts either for Christmas or for any other occasion. In fact, who needs a special occasion?
The thing is with art, craft, sculptures, jewellery, decorative furniture and nice things to hang on your wall or put on a shelf, you never know when you’ll find that one single item that really catches your eye and calls out to you in its own special way. Obviously we don’t all like the same things so a diverse array of goodies is what we need. A regular look at the hashtag to see what new items have popped up will be perfect.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new item it’s worth having a look to help support some local traders by sharing their posts.
More To Come
If there is enough interest I’ll happily include more hashtag hours to help our local traders. How about #LincsAuthorsHour #LincsMarketsHour #LincsGardeningHour ….. What would you like to see? Please take a look at one of my previous blogs to give you some ideas:
Click on the picture or on the blue link to go to the ‘Help Me To Help You’ blog
Help Is At Hand
I touched on the subject of bereavement at the start of the blog but some of you may have found yourselves taking on a carers roll too. If this is you or you know someone who is caring and could do with some support have a look at this checklist from Age UK:
Click on the picture to go straight to the main website and don’t forget that there is always support and advice available from @AgeUKLindsey and @AgeUKNELincs
Advert
Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies and injury rehab across Lincolnshire and beyond. NHS, 999 services and Armed Forces are also entitled to 20% discount.
If you would like to have an advert here or provide a guest blog please get in touch.
Stay Safe
Don’t forget to wear your mask as directed and wash your hands regularly. We need to keep on top of the hand washing if we are to conquer this virus. Stay safe and look out for your neighbours.
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.
