Shopping In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect

Shopping In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect

Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect by the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Click on the picture to go to the Twitter hashtag. You’ll see lots of local goodies there so give it a try for ‘Shoping made easy in Lincolnshire’

The Funny Thing Is…

Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – use Hashtags! Do you find them confusing? Do you use them but don’t know why? The funny thing is that many people don’t really know how to use them so let me try to quickly explain:

A hashtag is just a label or name given to a section in a very large database.  That’s it!  It’s just a database.  Every time you write a post and use a hashtag your post will go to the appropriate folder in the database.  If you use two hashtags your message will go to two folders in the database. Use #LincsConnect and #ShopLincs for your shopping and online shopping in Lincolnshire.

Use The Search Bar 

To search for your messages just go to the search bar in your chosen social media platform and type in the name of the hashtag.  If you do you’ll find your post as well as every other post with the same hashtag.  However, be aware that the hashtag is specific to the social media platform you’re using so if you type a message on Twitter you won’t be able to find your post if you search for it on Facebook.

The hashtags go to a huge database which is used globally so if you use the hashtag ‘#Lincolnshire’ you’ll see what’s been posted for our County. If you search the hashtag ‘#LincsConnect’ you’ll find all of the messages that have been using the hashtag in Lincolnshire.  However, if you search the hashtag ‘ShopLocal’ and see how many countries are using that hashtag you’ll realise that it is anything but ‘local’.

Be Specific

Choose your hashtags wisely.  If you’re trying to get the attention of your local community the #ShopLocal hashtag is no good to you but the #LincsConnect hashtag is very specific to Lincolnshire and our close neighbours. For shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect don’t forget to add the hashtags #LincsConnect and #ShopLincs

At this point you may be wondering what the hashtag has to do with Shopping Made Easy In Lincolnshire?  The answer to that is quite simple of course.  Using Twitter just type in #LincsArtCraftHour to your search bar to see what local art, craft, sculpture and photographic posts have been included over the last few years.  You’ll find everything from needlework to paintings, cards and photography and the list is growing steadily.  Not only will you find pictures but you’ll also discover links to local Etsy & Folksy shops and Facebook pages too so you really can shop on line while keeping your money in the local economy.  It’s a win, win situation don’t you think?  To make life even easier for you I’ve included links to the most recent artists & crafters below.

Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Not on Twitter? Not everyone is of course so if you’re a Facebook user don’t despair because you can still access some of the messages from the local artists by typing in #LincsArtCraftHour to your search bar.

Facebook #Hashtags

If you’re a Facebook user please don’t despair because you can type in the hashtag #LincsArtCraftHour to the search bar to find everything that’s been posted there.  You’ll find several blogs as well as some posts by the local artists.  I haven’t tried it on Instagram yet but I can assure you it will be coming.

What’ve You Missed?

Lots of gift ideas have been posted including Christmas decorations and cards but the question really should be ‘who’ have you missed?  That’s easy to remedy; You’ll find a list below which includes some contact details too.

Advert

Park Street Eatery, AgeUk Lincoln - Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsC connect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Breakfast £3.70, Afternoon Tea £7.50 and 3 course dinners available too. What’s not to like? Why not visit The Eatery, 36 Park Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire next time you’re in town? Please get in touch first though to book your visit. Just click on the picture to go to the Lincoln Age UK Facebook page or follow them on twitter @ageuklsl It’s all for charity and you get fed at a bargain price too! 

The Local List:

Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – This list is set to grow and grow so please do make a note to keep checking in to see who else has joined us:

Twitter                                        Facebook                                        Etsy/Folksy                                      Website

@MelLangtonArt                        Mel Langton Art

@BurtonWard9                          Burton&Ward                                     Burton Ward

@origartprints                            fiduncart artist 

@elliestreasures                       elliestreasures                                     Ellies Treasures UK

@chrisdobbinart                       watercolourportraits

@Amanda_schonhut               Amanda Schonhut Photography

@jpbphotography                    Light And Dreams Photography 

@Scarletimpress1                   Scarlet Impressions Art                        Scarlet Impressions

@EnglandCreate                                                                                  Create-England

@ShaliniAustin                        Shalini.Austin

@Blackbird1976                                                                                   HDArtIllustration

@KcbraidsBeads                     KC Braids & Beads                              KC Braids & Beads

@Anitas_Cards_4U 

@TuLuDraws                          TuLuDraws

@HeyBeretDesigns                                                                             Hey Beret Designs

@JaneHaighArt                     Jane Haigh Art

@2021VisualArts                   20-21 Visual Arts Centre

@MadeWithMud                    Made With Mud                                    Made With Mud

Advert – Shopping In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect

Mandarin Therapies - mobile complementary therapies in the Lincolnshire area on LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

Mandarin Therapies and @MandarinMothers provide a bespoke mobile complementary therapies service throughout the County of Lincolnshire and beyond. Call 07966 174878 to book your appointment today. Click on the picture to go straight to the Mandarin Therapies Facebook page.

More To Come 

So far the active hashtags are #LincsConnect #LincsConnectJobs #LincsConnectChristmas and #LincsArtCraftHour but keep watching as there will be more interesting hashtags coming very soon.

In Case You Missed It…

Here are some quick links to take you to some more blogs that you may find interesting:

Charity

AgeUK, Lincoln - Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger

AgeUK Lincoln & South Lincoln are a registered charity needing your donations. However, you also have the chance to purchase an inexpensive meal here and be pleased to know that the profits will be going straight to the charity.

Let’s face it, you’re older now than when you first started reading this blog! Age creeps up on us all so it’s nice to know there is a charity here to help us when we need it.  If you would like breakfast, afternoon tea or a full meal don’t forget to book your place early.  Breakfast starts at 9.30am.

Stay Safe

Please go ahead and enjoy yourself but lease also remember to stay safe.  Keeping a social 2m distance, regular hand washing and wearing a mask when required will help you, your family, friends and everyone around you.

Christmas in Lincolnshire 2020

Christmas in Lincolnshire 2020

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:

Help Me To Help You

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.

#LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger, LincsBlogger by LincsConnect in Lincolnshire

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs – Easton Walled Gardens

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens. Read on to discover the delights of these lovely gardens and the Grantham canal.

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

Click on the link 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.

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens directions by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

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.

WhatsOnLincs 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

WhatsOnLincs Easton Walled Gardens to Grantham Canal by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

Easton Walled Gardens - National Open Garden Scheme by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire Blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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.”

WhatsOnLincs National Open Gardens Scheme in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln Easton Walled Garden

Why not organise a visit to a garden in Louth? The Secret Garden of Louth is taking bookings and visits cost £2.50. Click here for more details

WhatsOnLincs National Open Garden Scheme in Lincolnshire by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln Easton Walled Garden

Mere House, Sturton by Stow is another garden to visit. Admission is £6.00 (children free). Click here to go 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.

Love Lincolnshire Culture

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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

WhatsOnLincs

Bank Holiday Pharmacy services in Lincolnshire. Click here for details of pharmacies that will be open near you and follow @ULHT_News for your health updates. 

WhatsOnLincs

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 click here 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

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.

Easton Walled Garden Keep Britain tidy by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture

Love Lincolnshire Culture

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.

Love Lincolnshire Culture International Bomber Command Centre by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

                         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:

#LoveCultureWeek 

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:

Love Lincolnshire Culture The Collection museum by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

Click on the picture to go straight to the ticket office and don’t forget to follow @CollectionUsher on Twitter too

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture Lincoln Castle by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture Lincoln Cathedral by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture International Bomber Command Centre by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture Doddington Hall by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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:

Love Lincolnshire Culture Burghley by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture Stamford Arts Centre Centre by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

 

Love Lincolnshire Culture Stamford Sights and Secrets Tours by LincsConnect the Lincolnshire blogger LincsBlogger Visit Lincoln

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

Aviation Trail by Visit Lincoln

 

 

 

Until next time, stay safe everyone,

 

Grimsby Food Kitchen

Grimsby Food Kitchen

Food glorious food by LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen, Lincolnshire blogger

Food Glorious Food – Grimsby Food Kitchen

This Food Glorious Food – Grimsby Food Kitchen blog was published during the Covid19 lockdown of 2020. There have been some lovely stories emerging about organisations and individuals recently as they provide food for those in need during the pandemic. We mustn’t forget the organisations that have been providing food and support for the homeless and vulnerable all year round though.  I can think of several and during this lockdown period I have had time to contemplate and decide what I value and what I am truly grateful for.  As I look around and see more and more people doing wonderful things for the community I realise that I could and should (and will) be doing more.

I find many of my contacts through Twitter, several of them really stand out for their kindness, selflessness and community spirit.  Some of the things they do without the need for praise or recognition is truly humbling and it’s worth remembering that they don’t have to do what they do.  They could have an easy life and leave the volunteering to someone else.  That said, if all the volunteers stopped what they were doing to leave the help for others to do, nothing would get done!

Grimsby Food Kitchen – Volunteers

Society owes the volunteers a great debt and with that in mind, I hope to write about some or all of them in my blogs to let their stories be known.

One such group is the Grimsby Food Kitchen which is run by Cath and Ken with help from some of their lovely volunteers.  In normal circumstances (outside of the Covid-19 restrictions) Cath and Ken provide emotional support to the homeless and vulnerable people in Grimsby.  Hugs and smiles usually flow freely.

I can’t imagine what it must be like to be homeless and without human contact.  I can imagine though that the Grimsby Food Kitchen is much more than just a place to visit for Sunday lunch.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen

Grimsby Food Kitchen – The GFK provide so much more than just Sunday lunch. The smiles and kind eyes say so much more… Click on the picture for a link to the Facebook page

Grimsby Food Kitchen – Generous Donations

Sometimes, when you’re faced with the worry of having to move premises the answer is right on your doorstep.  A very generous donation by Pete and Tricia saw the GFK move into new premises rent free for as long as they need it.  A donation of £4000 from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation @LincolnshireCF and generous donations from the Rotary International, Humberston Lions and many others help the GFK to continue. Donations from the general public plus outstanding support from the local press who regularly contribute on their twitter feed @GrimsbyLive and through their website GrimsbyTelegraph.co.uk  help to make it all work.

With these donations Cath and Ken are able to make bulk food purchases from the cash and carry in order to cook the Sunday lunches and Wednesday hot dogs.  Support is always helpful of course but when you are volunteers providing a no cost service that the support is pretty vital.

Food Glorious Food – 5.00am Start

Food glorious food by Lincolnshire Blogger LincsConnect - Grimsby Food Kitchen

GFK Ready for service on Sunday and Wednesday lunch times

Alas, it’s not just a case of ‘turn up for work, cook, serve and leave’!  There isn’t a kitchen in the centre so Cath cooks everything at home then transports it to 18 Clethorpes Road, Grimsby where she, Ken and their volunteers prepare to serve between 11.30am and 1.30pm.  The additional voluntary help is essential if everything is to run smoothly.

Cath and Ken are always on hand to ‘dish out’ the smiles, hugs and support to those who need it and guide people to other agencies for additional support when required.  I can imagine that the room is normally full of chatter and laughter but, with the Covid-19 outbreak they have had to adapt to a take-away service and social distancing.  That will be difficult on many levels I’m sure.

I had a lovely chat with Cath yesterday and she explained how everything works.  Although it’s very generous of people to turn up with a food parcel you can imagine the storage needed for small amounts of perishable foods – it just isn’t practical.  The new Wednesday Hot Dog lunch sessions alone will need around 150 sausages each week so bulk buying is the only practical way forward.

Grimsby Food Kitchen Relies On Charitable Donations

Having chatted with Cath I can tell you now that she just isn’t the sort of person who will ask for glory, praise, recognition…… or cash!  As a result, I’m asking on her behalf.  If you can spare ‘any’ cash please get in touch via Facebook Grimsby Food Kitchen or Twitter @CathHomewood to make your arrangements.

Let’s keep in mind that the GFK isn’t the only charity in the County that needs your financial help. If you would like to make a donation to a charity in your local area perhaps this short blog will have helped to jog your memory.

I would also like to say a special thanks to @GrimsbyLive for the use of their pictures for this blog.

“Never Betray Anyone’s Trust”

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Cath and Ken from Grimsby Food Kitchen

Cath & Ken

When dealing with people it’s important to be approachable and trustworthy.  That applies every day of course but when you’re talking to vulnerable people it’s important that they are able to trust you.  Cath told me that she won’t tolerate ‘he said, she said’ conversations where people are talking about others.  It’s probably fair to say that the people who are turning up for food are like an extended family.  When they need help or advice it’s important for them to know that the person they’re talking to will be there for them.  In Caths’ own words “never betray anyone’s trust” seems doubly important.

Bless you Cath and Ken, you’re doing a fantastic job.  Keep smiling and keep cooking.

Food glorious Food By LincsConnect – Did Someone Say Food?

This year (2020) the Louth Pie Day (#LouthPieDay) had a bit of a setback.  Just about to celebrate it’s second year….. and then we had the lockdown for Covid-19.

Not to be disheartened Justine and Kiat made a subtle change to the hashtag and called it #VirtualLouthPieDay.  What a brilliant idea!  Louth Pie Day is here to encourage visitors to the various shops in Louth to sample and buy a variety of pies. If there is any competition going on I certainly wouldn’t like to have to select an overall winner!  What’s your idea of a pie?  Is it a pork pie?  What about a steak and ale pie?  Vegetarian pie or vegan pie?  Oh yes, and then there’s the fruit pie of course…

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Louth Pie Day UK

Click on this picture to go straight to the Facebook page

Food Glorious Food – Unfortunately the shops were closed for customers this year so there were no pies to be bought.  As a result the #VirtualLouthPieDay was conceived and facebook and twitter followers were invited to make their own pies and share pictures. The creations can be found on the Facebook and Twitter @LouthPieDay pages.  If you would like to see what happened just type in #VirtualLouthPieDay to your search bar on twitter or Facebook.  Do also follow the pages to make sure you don’t forget to enjoy the fun next year.

#LincsConnectJobs

The #LincsConnectJobs hashtag is still live so if you have any jobs to advertise just add in the hashtag to your advert and tweet it. You can also use the hashtag on Facebook.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - #LincsConnectJobs

To follow @LtsaSCITT on twitter just click on this picture to go straight to their profile, click the follow button and search their tweets for more information.

If you’re considering a carer in teaching, recruitment is still going ahead for 2020 via Zoom.  If you are interested email pslack@lincstsa.co.uk today for a Zoom link and an appointment.  Don’t let Covid-19 deter you.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Are You A Reader?

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Lynette Creswell Author

Author Lynette Creswell from Immingham

Author Lynette Creswell has several books to her name already and has now produced a book of short stories which is due to be released very soon.

Being dyslexic I much prefer to read short stories so this book will be perfect for me.  Do you have a preferred genre or do you just pick up a book that takes your fancy at the time?  I know some people can read a whole book in a weekend (or even faster).  I’m afraid a ‘normal’ sized paperback can take me up to a year to read.  It’s odd that I can enjoy writing so much and can plan a blog like this one in my head in seconds. It takes around half a day to research it, put it together and post it but when it comes to reading….. Well, a year to read a paperback tells you its own story.

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - books by Lynette Creswell

There’s an empty space where a book should be!

I’ve been invite to the ‘Cover Reveal’ for the new book of short stories titled ‘Cat Thief’ and I’m pleased to be able to extent that invitation to you too.  Don’t worry, it’s all online so we’ll be safe and secure;  Hopefully I’ll see you (virtually) there on Saturday 2 May 2020 from 11.00am to 12.30pm

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Cat Thief by Lynette Creswell

Click on the picture to book your virtual place….

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Food Glorious Food By LincsConnect – Looking Forward…

I’m certainly looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality and I’m sure everyone else is too.  With that in mind, I’ll leave you with a gift voucher idea that’ll give you something to look forward to.  You can buy your voucher now and look forward to enjoying a bespoke massage from the comfort of your own home later in the year.  What’s not to like?  If you would like to order your e-voucher just email massage@mandarinleisure.com

Food glorious food by LincsBlogger LincsConnect - Mandarin Therapies gift voucher

Click on the picture to go to the Mandarin Therapies website

 

 

 

Stay Safe everyone

#LincsConnect "putting the social back into social media" by LincsBlogger LincsConnect