by Martin Thomas | Apr 22, 2020 | Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice, police
Be Tolerant. Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire?
I wonder what your thoughts are? Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Do you think we have become more or less tolerant during the Coronavirus pandemic? Putting the pandemic to one side, ask the same question “are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire” in general?
Without doubt I have seen some truly exceptional acts of kindness and heroism in recent times and I really hope it continues into our future lives on this planet. Members of the NHS have stepped up to provide an outstanding service to keep us safe and well. Helping those who have succumbed to the virus is (excuse the pun) in their DNA.
When I say NHS staff I don’t just mean the doctors, nurses, midwives, physios and the whole host of other medical clinicians and experts. No, I include the background staff too. The health care support workers, cleaning staff, porters, canteen staff and the huge army of volunteers who’ve put themselves forward to help. Without these people the ‘front line’ workers couldn’t do their job effectively.
Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? On the whole, ‘yes’. Many of us have given up our normal way of life in order to preserve life. Keeping that safe distance has now become normal for most of us. Some are still ignorant to the dangers of not distancing while others are genuinely putting themselves in harms way in order to help maintain our health, freedom and way of life.
Some things never change. Our Police are still here to look after us and protect us
Policing The Streets
It can’t have escaped your attention that the police are continuing to do their primary roles as well as policing the streets to make sure we keep a safe distance. I read on social media recently that a group of people had been dispersed for quad biking in some local Lincolnshire woods.
Not only had they ignored the social distancing rules but it appears that they had travelled from Bedfordshire to do it! It’s beyond comprehension that people would knowingly put lives in danger like this. I feel both sorry for, and proud of, our Lincolnshire police who constantly put themselves in harms way to deal with these acts of lunacy.
Day in, day out, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year… The police are always on duty to protect us. It’s fair to say that I’m a great fan of ‘everyone’ who acts so selflessly to protect me, my family and everyone else in our County and country.
Pride in Our Lincolnshire Police
Having witnessed an incident in London during Christmas (2019) we accompanied a young lady to the local transport police station to provide witness reports and support. The police officer on duty was very helpful and did everything he could to assist. At the end of the meeting he handed us some plastic wallets for our Oyster cards.
The wallets had the emergency numbers on for reporting crime on London transport. He then instructed us to fold the wallet inside out to hide the police markings telling us that showing the wallet in London might make us a ‘target’.
I know I’m a ‘country boy’ but I was quite surprised at this advice. Have you noticed that in Lincolnshire there is a great pride in our local force? Whenever I see @LincsPolice posts on social media when they are out in the community the police and public are always smiling and engaging.
Obviously if things go wrong we can expect to be dealt with accordingly but that’s the nature of the job! In these difficult times the tolerance levels of our police officers must sometimes be tested to the max!
Are We Tolerant Enough In Lincolnshire? – Coronavirus And The Police
I only know bits and pieces about how the Lincolnshire Police are operating during these difficult times. In fact I don’t know any more than the average reader. However, I do know a lady who knows just about everything there is to know about policing during the lockdown. Let me introduce you to Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Kerrin Wilson @KerrinWilson999 who will be chairing a Q&A session on Facebook this Thursday morning (23 April 2020) at 10.00am. We’re all invited:
Q&A – Click on this picture to go to the Facebook post
If you have a mind to help and would like to have your opinions heard perhaps you might be good enough to complete the survey below. This is a copy of the image from the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page so the blue link you see in the picture won’t work. However, if you click (or tap) on the picture you’ll be taken straight to the survey. Alternatively, you can go directly to the Lincolnshire Police Facebook page to complete it from there.
Click on the picture to complete the survey
How Tolerant Are We?
Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I’m talking about our personal lives and perceptions. If we ‘conveniently’ forget the social distancing rules for purely selfish reasons how do we react if we’re reminded to step back or turn around and go home? Something simple like reaching across someone in the supermarket to pick something off the shelf – it’s unacceptable but how do we react if we’re asked to step back and wait?
The answer should be obvious but I’m afraid the obvious doesn’t always happen. It can lead to confrontation (personal experience speaking)! Ask yourself this simple question each day: “Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?”
Don’t invade someones space and don’t be confrontational if you’re asked to move back. Good manners applies both ways so with a bit of common courtesy we can all be happy
The coastal towns and beauty spots were closed over the Easter holidays (2020) but some people still thought it would be acceptable to ignore the rules. The rules are there for the safety of everyone so for those who are feeling aggrieved over the situation I ask for a little more tolerance for a little longer please. It’s not rocket science but disobeying the rules could be life threatening!
The Dark Side
Domestic Abuse ….. Rather than going away this ugly and often hidden form of abuse is now more prevalent than ever.
Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? Tolerance takes on a whole new meaning when we consider domestic abuse. Being locked in together can cause some anxieties and tension for families. As a result 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 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 to go straight to the EDAN Lincs website. If your life is in danger call 999. If you need to make a silent call to protect your safety call 999 and add 55. You’ll also find @EDANLincs on Twitter
GET HELP if you are suffering. Use the numbers above or 999 if you’re in immediate danger. CLICK ON THIS PICTURE for more information
Don’t Put Yourself In Danger
If you are unable to speak during ‘any’ emergency simply dial 999 and add 55. The operator will immediately see that you are in need of help but are unable to talk. Your call will be tracked and you’ll get the help you need.
Hate Crime
Religious, race and homophobic abuse has no place in our society so don’t tolerate it. If you are aware of religious, race, homophobic or any other related abuse REPORT IT. Call 101 to report hate crime and call 999 if you fear imminent danger. Your action could result in an organised network being uncovered and prosecuted. Let’s all be more tolerant of each other. Employers also have a duty of care for their staff so if abuse is happening in the workplace, report it there too.
Some Things Need To Be Said Or Asked – Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire?
I know my blogs normally focus on the good things, the jolly things, the brighter side of life but some things need to be brought out into the open. Perhaps you can help to make someones life that little bit happier again. If you have doubts or suspicions make the call. Are we tolerant enough in Lincolnshire? I hope so!
Additional Blogs For You:
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire by LincsConnect – Louth Market
Click on the picture above to go to a previous blog. More blogs can be found at www.lincsconnect.co.uk/blogs
Stay Safe Everyone
#StaySafeSaveLives I’m going to clean my keypad, clean the mouse, clean the iPad, wash my hands and get out on my bike for an hour. #StaySafeSaveLives #HandsFaceSpace
by Martin Thomas | Apr 20, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, B&B, Bolingbroke Castle, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wolds, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Snipedales, Walking, Website
Summer Holiday
I don’t know about you but I’m not considering a holiday abroad this year. My mind is focused on our present Covid situation so I’m inclined to stay in the UK 2020. Perhaps Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds might be a good option.
I envisage us coming to an end of this coronavirus lockdown soon but my mind is focused on the safety of home rather than abroad. From conversations on social media I know I’m not alone in my thinking. As a result I’m wondering where I should be heading to and what I could possibly do in Lincolnshire. I need to find something that I haven’t done before.
Father & Son Promise
Following the recent death of my father, my son and I made a promise to make sure that we keep making memories by doing something together every other month. The brief is that we take it in turns to organise something low budget.
I organised the first weekend away but I’m afraid his turn has been curtailed by the Coronavirus travel restrictions. However, it’ll take more than coronavirus to make me waver from the plan so It’s time to plan our next adventure. Our first outing was a night in Harrogate followed by a walk from Harrogate to Knaresborough along the banks of the river Nidd. It’s a walk I have done many times as a youngster and I was keen to share it with my teenage son.
Fishing
I’ve never tried fishing before so that was his plan for me. These trips are designed to bring us closer together but at the same time provide some new experiences. We both have a love of walking so my first choice was quite easy. Fishing…. Well, that is his idea of fun so I’m duty bound to go with him so that he can teach me. I’ll experience something new and it will have been together.
March came and went but we were still in lockdown.
Low Budget
Trips to London are something we both enjoy but, even on a low budget, it’s an expensive area. Travel costs, accommodation, a few cups of coffee and meals out will soon eat up several hundred pounds. The point of the exercise is to enjoy our time together and not spend lots of money. With that in mind, and with it being my choice of activity in May I’m choosing a walk in the Lincolnshire Wolds. We both have walking boots and all the clothing so the only expense will be meals and accommodation. I have a plan!
The Southern Wolds
As I work on Saturdays the chosen location for the weekend has to be reasonably local. The idea is to travel on Saturday afternoon/evening, B&B overnight if needed, spend the day walking on Sunday and return home refreshed in the evening. However, being so close to home (half an hour) an overnight stay isn’t really necessary.
My plan is to walk from Bolingbroke Castle to Snipedales Country Park via Hameringham with our return leg being from Snipedales Country Park to Hundleby via Hagworthingham and Raith and back to Bolingbroke. Time permitting we’ll partake in afternoon tea at the award winning Elm Tree B&B in Hundleby. Well, why not? We are both busy and it’s not often that we get to spend quality time together. I haven’t worked out the mileage yet but we are both fit and very fast walkers.
Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Bolingbroke Castle
If you haven’t been before I highly recommend a visit. It’s ideal for picnics and local walks and the children will have great fun playing and reenacting battles as knights of old or perhaps hide and seek. The postcode for your sat nav is PE23 4HH
Bolingbroke Castle outer wall
For more information and details of events visit Heritage Lincolnshire. Access their website by clicking on the picture or why not pay them a visit on twitter @HeritageLincs
Onward then to Snipedales Country Park (Follow @LoveLincsWolds on Twitter). Here we’ll be able to explore some of the 220 acres of the country park and nature reserve with it’s steep sided valleys, wildlife, a variety of trees and streams. If we can get the timing right and restrictions are lifted we may get chance to join one of the guided walks.
If you’re interested why not click on the picture below to go to the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website where you’ll find up-to-date information.
Click on the picture to go straight to the Lincs Wildlife Trust website and why not follow them on Twitter too? Here they are: @LincsWildlife
Snipedales Country Park will probably make an ideal stopping place for a packed lunch.
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Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Hagworthingham
After Snipedales it’s onwards to Hagworthingham where we’ll stop to photograph the Stockwith Mill. This picture is from the internet and I’m afraid there is no reference to credit the original photographer. It is a lovely picture though and I hope we’ll be able to do the Mill the same justice.
Hagworthingham. Click on the picture to find it on Google Maps
There will be plenty of photo opportunities during our walk so a timetable isn’t really going to work! However, I know it’ll be fun and worth the effort. About 2.5 miles (by road) to Raithby
Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Raithby
The small Methodist chapel at Raithby Hall in Raithby by Spilsby is one of the oldest in England.
The small Methodist Chapel (on the far right of the building in the picture above) is the oldest Methodist Chapel in Lincolnshire and is still in use today. It was opened by John Wesley on 5 July 1779. That makes it even older than me!
With a bit of luck we’ll be able to take a picture or two before heading off across country to Hundleby for afternoon tea at The Elm Tree B&B (time permitting).
Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Hundleby
The Elm Tree B&B, Hundleby. Click on the picture to go to Google Maps
If you’re looking for an underlying motive for our walk, ‘this’ is it! Or rather, the Afternoon Tea is. I suspect we will already have covered something around 10-15 miles (or more). An afternoon tea treat for father and son seems like a perfect reason to break the journey. Boasting a full 5 Stars and having already seen pictures and read revues I’m really expecting great things.
Walking in the South Lincolnshire Wolds – Afternoon Tea and B&B
I’m looking forward to this as at just £20.00 each (£25.00 for the Prosecco version) and our only expense of the day I think it’s a bargain. Can I tempt you? Well, probably not but Chris and Jonathan certainly can with this picture from their website:
Afternoon Tea Vouchers are available too and are on sale NOW! Wouldn’t it be lovely to give someone a gift voucher during our lockdown to show them how much you care? £20.00 each for a selection of 5 different sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones & jam plus a selection of Stokes Teas.
Being less than half an hour away from my home we won’t need to book in to the B&B. I very much doubt my son would want to share a four poster with his dad anyway! However, if you’re making the trip and fancy staying over, this is what you’ll be treated to:
A Four Poster bed – suddenly you can understand why The Elm Tree has 5 stars and glowing revues. Click on the picture for a direct link to the website or send a message on Twitter @TheElm_Tree
This really is a trip that I’m looking forward to so I hope the travel restrictions and social distancing rules are lifted in time for the end of May. However, I do have a plan B – organise another date for June or July to make sure the whole trip goes ahead! Perhaps a follow up blog will be in order to show off my own pictures and include some countryside images too. After all, it ‘is’ the Lincolnshire Wolds – an ‘Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ so it would be amiss of me to deprive you of our experience.
Can’t Wait?
Not everyone has the patience to wait until the social distancing rules are relaxed so, just for you, there is a special take-away afternoon tea available too. It’s the same great choice but without the hot drink. At £12.50 per person I think it’s time to get the kettle on and get your order in don’t you? Don’t forget to check to make sure the prices and availability are still current.
Until Next Time, Stay Safe
I know we are all looking forward to the end of the ‘lockdown’ but I think it’s important to have something to focus on don’t you?
by Martin Thomas | Apr 13, 2020 | BBMF, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Louth, Pie, RAF
Easter – The Busiest Time Of The Year?
With lovely weather across the UK this Easter it should’ve been the busiest time of the year for our tourist industry. Alas, any record breaking visitor figures are all for the wrong reasons this year (2020). However, we know it won’t last so I’m still compiling my ‘wish list’ for when the travel restrictions are lifted post Coronavirus. My last blog saw me traveling to Woodhall Spa, Cleethorpes, Grimsby and Scunthorpe. #WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire is a blog highlighting a few things to look forward to.
There really are some fabulous places to visit in our large County so to list them all would be impossible. As a result I want to produce a wish list that’ll help me focus on our post virus future.
This is the second blog in the series ‘After the Coronavirus what have we got to look forward to?’ series.
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire
The Priory Hotel, Louth – click on the picture for a link to the website
I’ve written about The Priory Hotel before and am truly in awe of what Paul is achieving from this hotel. Employing people who may otherwise have struggled to get a job, feeding the homeless and latterly providing home cooked food for those in need during the current crisis.
I haven’t visited the hotel yet but have chatted to Paul on the phone. His enthusiasm and kindness is truly inspiring so I can’t wait to pay a visit soon. I shall certainly book for dinner and diary allowing I’ll be attending one of his many events too. Please take a look at the website to make up your own mind – I think you’ll be impressed The Priory Hotel
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Hubbards Hills
If you haven’t visited Louth before I strongly recommend it. Nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds you’ll be spoilt for choice for some lovely walks. There is also the beautiful Hubbards Hills on the edge of the town too. Ideal for family days out and picnics with a car park and cafe for visitors.
Hubbards Hills nestled in the Lincolnshire Wolds is always worth a visit regardless of the weather. Picture courtesy of East Lindsey District Council
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Louth Market
Louth Market is normally open 3 days a week (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday) but for an up to date timetable click on the picture to go to the East Lindsey DC website
Louth is a market town that has a large selection of independent shops that are really worth a visit. I normally shop there once a month and am looking forward to visiting again very soon. It’s a treat not to be missed.
#WhatsOnLincs – Louth In Lincolnshire – Louth Pie Day
Obviously you can’t leave Louth without mentioning the Louth Pie Day. It had its first outing in April 2019 and is already set to be a permanent fixture on the local Lincolnshire calendar. The local butchers bakers and cafes all take part of course. I have no doubt that this is going to grow into something ‘very’ big in the County.
Alas, due to the recent restrictions the physical event has had to be postponed this year. However, we are all invited to join in by making or buying our own pies on 15 April. If you would like to get involved you can follow the fun on Twitter. See the link above or on Facebook from this link: #VirtualLouthPieDay
The Virtual Louth Pie Day is on Wednesday 15 April 2020
If you manage to scrabble some ingredients together to make a pie don’t forget to take a picture and post it to Justine and Kiat. They will be waiting to see your entries on the Facebook and Twitter pages. You’ll need to use the hashtag #VirtualLouthPieDay with your entries too of course. Good luck! ….. Update – At the time of revision the Louth Pie Day organisers are looking for new volunteer staff.
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RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight
This is where I have to hang my head in shame! Having served in the RAF and lived in Lincolnshire for many years I’ve had the visit to @RAFBBMF on my to-do list for a long time but never actually got around to crossing the threshold. To make matters worse, RAF Coningsby is just a very short drive from where I live! However, this trip is right at the top of my ‘must do’ sites now so I’ll be there with my camera to take some pictures soon (I hope).
Coningsby is only 21 miles from Louth so make it part of a day or weekend trip.
The unmistakeable image of the BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane taken during the RAF 100 flypast over Buckingham Palace.
In my defence though, I have managed to take lots of pictures of these iconic aircraft at various air shows and even as they fly over my house on their return from air displays during the summer months.
Easter – The Busiest Time of The Year…
Well, this year things have been different but I’m really looking forward to getting out and about again soon. I have visions of the County being very busy again soon and I’m sure that will help to make up for lost time and business this Easter.
What Else Have I got To Look Forward To?
The list is huge and I’ve only just managed to touch a very small section of it so more versions of this blog series will surely be heading this way soon.
More Blogs For You:
Stay Safe
by Martin Thomas | Apr 12, 2020 | Children, Chocolate, Food, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice
Easter – A Celebration Of Hope
Some words of hope from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
“…Easter isn’t cancelled…”
We may not be able to go to church, see our friends or share our table with family for an Easter feast but…
This Easter is bright and sunny but our holiday destinations remain closed. Beaches and countrysides are deserted and church doors locked; It’s easy to focus on the negatives that come with these unprecedented times isn’t it? However, NOW is the time to start planning for the future!
An Easter Message For A Bright Future – Easter 2021
I can’t say it any better that the words sung by Heather Small so I won’t try. Here is an excerpt of the lyrics from her famous song ‘ Search for A Hero’. Have a read and if you have a mind, click on the link to find her recording on YouTube. Pure inspiration
M People – ‘Search for a hero’ Click or tap here to go to the video on YouTube
Taking inspiration from our Monarch and reading these lyrics perhaps it’s easier to see a brighter future. Easter 2021 will be upon us before we know it! It will surely feel strange when we reflect on 2020 and what we missed and the loved ones we may have lost but 2021 ‘is’ our future so let’s get planning.
An Easter Message For A Bright Future – Plan Now
What will your priorities be for next Easter? Perhaps we shall reflect and realise that we don’t need all the trappings of an affluent society. Will it be a simpler and more joyous occasion as we celebrate with our family around the dining table? It’ll be a time to celebrate what we have and what is good about life. A time to remember all the heroes who kept us going and gave us hope. From all the outstanding members of the NHS who ‘stepped up to the mark’ and did what they had to do to save lives, to the police who kept our society safe and ‘all’ of the key workers, volunteers and small businesses who, without their selflessness we would have been in a much worse position.
What Will You Look Forward To?
If we are planning now for all the nice things in life will our priorities have changed? Having realised that we can survive very well without spending so much money will we be happier with a family walk in the countryside or a family outing to the coast, city or towns? Whatever we do to celebrate, I hope it is with family and friends and whatever your faith may be, I hope it is a happy time for you.
Take Care and Stay Safe
“…Easter isn’t cancelled…”
by Martin Thomas | Mar 29, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Cleethorpes, Coronavirus, Kinema, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mother's Day, Petwood Hotel, Railway, Scunthorpe, Vouchers, WhatsOnLincs, Woodhall Spa
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1
After the coronavirus in Lincolnshire part 1 – What have we got to look forward to? Lincolnshire has lots to offer so get set to explore. As this is part 1, the title indicates that there are more parts to this blog and, by definition, more and more things to look forward to.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Let’s Socialise
The list is almost endless of course. The Coronavirus won’t be with us for ever I’m sure so it’s nice to be able to think ahead to life after ‘lockdown’. What would be your choice? Fish n’ chips perhaps? What about fine dining or a lovely pub meal? Perhaps a trip to the seaside or a visit to your local church? A really important thing to focus on is the social aspect of our lives. It’ll be lovely to just socialise again wouldn’t it.
The Kinema In The Woods
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Perhaps it’s not an obvious choice for some but what about a trip to the cinema? Have you ever been to The Kinema In The Woods in Woodhall Spa? If you haven’t, I can personally recommend a visit. Blockbuster movies are available but something you might not have realised is how The Kinema has maintained its history. Yes, there are some new screens but the ambiance remains the same. You can still enjoy a good movie on the big screen but you’ll also enjoy an intermission to purchase your ice cream and drinks at ‘normal’ prices. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to enjoy the dancing feet of Alan Underwood as he entertains on the spectacular organ and remote piano.
The Kinema In The Woods, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Such is the fame of The Kinema that you will no doubt be able to find numerous pictures and videos of it when you search the internet. These pictures have been borrowed from their website but I’m sure The Kinema will be more that happy to see your pictures too if you care to share them on Twitter @TheKinema – I’m sure they will be delighted if you would follow them there too.
It goes without saying of course that The Kinema has suffered the same fate as the rest of us due to the Coronavirus lockdown. However, if you fancy purchasing some vouchers for birthday, Mother’s Day or any other day for that matter I can’t think of a nicer way to treat someone during our period of isolation.
You can order your vouchers by clicking here
The Petwood Hotel
Skipping across the village (just around the corner actually) you’ll be able to visit the fabulous Petwood Hotel. Yes, I know I’ve mentioned it before but it is a beautiful hotel with fabulous staff and, as the spiritual home of LincsConnect it does hold a special place in my heart.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
The grounds and building are always spectacular and each season helps to create a special magic. Not only have I organised Nordic Walking sessions from the hotel but Emma was kind enough to host the LincsConnect networking meetings on Friday evenings too. With a bit of luck they will return in the not-too-distant future (let’s keep our fingers crossed). However, in the mean time The Petwood Hotel is a lovely place to visit for Afternoon Tea, lunch, or a delicious evening meal. The history housed in the hotel is really quite breathtaking too so if you get the chance to visit for a coffee, a glass of wine or a G&T in the gardens be sure to take a wander around inside. You won’t be disappointed whatever the weather.
The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
It would be a poor show if you couldn’t get a gift voucher so the Petwood Hotel is ready to deliver (excuse the pun) there too. You can order and have a bespoke gift voucher delivered as a .PDF to your email address. What could be more convenient?
To order you Petwood Hotel gift voucher click here
Time Alone
There are so many lovely places to visit and things to do in our fabulous County of Lincolnshire so let’s not forget how diverse it is. From the beautiful towns and villages to the wide open spaces of the fens and the rolling hills of the Wolds. We really are lucky. Socialising, whether we realise it or not, is something we have (perhaps) taken for granted. It’s not until we’ve had the luxury taken away from us for a while that we realise how much we crave it.
I’m talking from a personal point of view of course but I wonder if I’m expressing the thoughts of many? I often like to be on my own; Walks alone, bike rides alone, driving alone….. ‘home alone’… but now I realise that I’m never really alone. Family is everything to me so now I realise that my periods alone are just times to reflect and rejuvenate.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – What Next?
Being such social creatures perhaps it’s the simple things that we have missed the most? By the time this is all over will we have re-evaluated our priorities? I’m only speculating of course but will we be moving away from the big corporate organisations and move instead to the family run businesses and sole traders who will offer us the quality we want without the ‘designer label’ price tags?
As we become more ecologically aware will we be less inclined to travel so far and more inclined to value what we have on our doorstep? Let’s face it, we have so much on our doorstep that it’s difficult to decide what we want and what we are looking forward to the most. Personally I’m looking forward to getting back outside with my Nordic Walking groups to enjoy good company in the ever changing environment that Mother Nature serves to us.
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – The High Street Is Changing
The High Street is changing and will probably not change back to what we had become used to. Perhaps now is the time for the sole traders and small businesses to step up to the mark and become the national or even global kings and queens of the future. Could we do it? I’ve seen things change around me in a very short space of time. Politicians of all persuasions are talking to each other like never before while at the same time big High Street shops are closing their doors with little or no likelihood of them re-opening again.
All of this makes me ask the question; What have we got and what are we looking forward to…?
Fish and chips? How about Fish and chips at the seaside? A family day out with happy people making the most of our lovely coastline. Am I allowed to have a favourite? Skegness, Mablethorpe, Sutton-on-Sea, Anderby Creek…. They are all fabulous seaside resorts but my personal favourite is Cleethorpes. There is just something about it that has a draw for me and makes me want to be there. Lovely walks along the sea front eating my fish and chips from @PapasFishNChips located on the pier, crossing the light railway and spending time around the boating lake with a coffee from the cafe in the Discovery Centre
Boating lake & cafe at the Cleethorpes Discovery Centre. It’s always a ‘must visit’ place for me. Find them on Facebook and Twitter and give them a follow.
Grimsby & Cleethorpes – Two ‘Must Visit’ areas of Lincolnshire
Just a short drive away form Cleethorpes is Grimsby. If you get the chance to visit there please make a point of going to the Grimsby Central Hall. I have visited there several times and can highly recommend it. I once saw a performance of ‘The Armed Man’ (A Mass For Peace) performed by the Grimsby Philharmonic and was extremely impressed by the performance and also by the acoustics of the Central Hall.
Grimsby Philharmonic led by Susan Hollingworth BEM – if you get the chance to hear them perform you’re certainly in for a treat. Click here to visit their website.
The Grimsby Central Hall is really worth a visit. I was lucky enough to be given a tour once and was really surprised at what I saw. I’m not going to give too much away as I think the Hall is worthy of a blog of its own. However, in addition to being a fabulous building on the outside with a grand staircase on the inside and superb acoustics for performances, it also houses a Fishermans Chapel dedicated to local fishermen & Merchant Seamen who lost their lives at sea.
I’m not a historian or an architect but I really do love learning local history and taking in the architecture around me. If you see me walking around somewhere new I’m usually the one looking up. If you haven’t done it, I recommend you give it a try. Look up above the boring flat glass shop windows and doors and marvel at the fantastic building above. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Grimsby Central Hall – It’s not the best picture but it does show the grandeur and size of the building. Click here to go to their Facebook page
Scunthorpe
I know Scunthorpe has a lot to offer but right at the top of my list of things to do and places to visit in the area is the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society (Find them on twitter as @AFRailway). I’m not an avid train enthusiast or train spotter but this has really captured my imagination. I’m looking forward to the end of the Coronavirus restrictions so that I can pay a visit here. If you haven’t heard of it before I suggest you take a look at their website www.afrps.co.uk. You can email glenn@afrps.co.uk who I suspect will put you on a mailing list to let you know when their services begin again. In short, the trip involves a rail tour around the steel works at Scunthorpe. I have a feeling that it’ll be extremely interesting.
Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society
How Long Should A Wish List Be?
In a County as big as Lincolnshire I think this wish list could go on and on! Perhaps it’s best if I pause for breath now though. I still have walks in the Wolds, expeditions in the Fens and outings in Grantham (the canal springs to mind) and lunches in Stamford to fit in. I think I’m going to have to do a series of blogs on the subject don’t you?
After The Coronavirus In Lincolnshire Part 1 – Any Recommendations For Part 2?
My list of things to do and places to visit after the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted is very long but not by no means complete. I know there will be many things that I haven’t visited but really ought to so if you have any suggestions please let me know.
“Stay Home Save Lives”
Have a good week everyone and keep smiling. We shall get through this pandemic if we work together. Don’t forget that #LincsConnect is here for you 24/7
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