This blog post isn’t meant to be a rant (well maybe a little) but I recently had two weeks off work and during that time had my parents lovely little pooch Puddin. He’s a pretty old fellow and so doesn’t like to walk too far and won’t go to the toilet on concrete in our garden (he’s the fussiest dog I know) so we took him most mornings and evenings for a walk around Sidney Park.

We’re really lucky to have such a nice, green space near our home that we can go to with the pooch or with John’s children. It’s a really nice park, with the little duck pond, goals to play football, tennis courts and a little play area for the kids. It might need a little TLC but as parks go it’s a pretty good one!

BUT, one thing that really upsets me is the amount of litter that people leave after their day out. Littering is one of my BIGGEST pet hates, I despise it. I just can’t understand why someone would just throw their rubbish on the floor and not take it with them, especially when there are so many bins around to put things in. On our last walk around the park John picked up around six plastic bottles.

There’s so much regeneration going on at the moment to revitalise Grimsby and Cleethorpes to continue the growth in making it a great pleace to live but I feel like us as residents need to take responsibility for our surroundings and how we treat our hometowns!

It’s not just parks either, with the lovely weather we’re having more and more people visit our beach and some (not all) leave their litter when they leave. John has been witness to this and not being one to sit by and watch proceeded to pack it up for them and give them it back!

It’s fantastic that companies such as Ebb & Flo (@ebbandfloliving) organise beach cleans for the community to get involved in keeping our beaches clean, it’s definitely on my “to do” list to attend one. If we all do our own little bit to help it goes a long way.

I for one will be taking a plastic bag out with me on walks and pick up any litter I see lying around to do my bit.

G x

I recently saw an article about Grimsby and Cleethorpes that I felt was a little negative to our wonderful town (except for the views of the lovely locals of course). So, I wanted to reach out to my fellow locals, the people who live here to tell you why they love living here so much:

“I love North East Lincs because where else can you say we’ve got a beach with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, close to green fields, a home to so many creative and independent shops, a 10km and a half marathon that ends at the Pier and a tenacious community who support each other dearly, there’s no place else I’d rather be.” – Charli Parks, ABP

“I love how lucky we are to be able to feel the sand between our toes or listen to the sea every day if we wish too” – Helen Watson, The Soap Shack

“We may not have the bright lights of the big cities but I wouldn’t want to bring my kids up anywhere else.” – Kelly Hardy

“I just love Cleethorpes beach! I have the pleasure of walking along the promenade every day on my way to my hat and tiara boutique on Sea View Street, which really sets me up for the day! It is an award winning Blue Flag beach, and I think the people of North East Lincolnshire are lucky to have this beautiful feature on their doorstep 💕

I am originally from Greenock in Scotland, and that West Coast has rocky pebble beaches, so when my family moved to Holton Le Clay in the 70’s, I remember visiting Cleethorpes and thinking it was like being abroad! Just love it.” – Isabel Wallis, Hats & Tiaras

If you say you’re from Grimsby when you are chatting abroad on holiday then the old chestnut ‘Phwoar, thought I could smell fish!’ comes back at ya!! Well as one of Grimsby’s last remaining fish merchants, yup, I actually do!! We are famous around the world for our fish here in Gy. Obviously I think it’s something to be proud of as it’s a very difficult trade to get right. Take the supermarkets: they’ve drove a lot of independent shops off the high street but they cannot do a decent fish display to save their lives.
So yes I may smell a little like a kipper when the sun beats down on me on my Spanish holiday but I say it loud and proud: I am a fish merchant from the largest fish processing town in the UK: GREAT GRIMSBY🐟🐟🐟 👍🏻 – Nathan Godley, Premier Seafood

“I love the creative community in Grimsby & Cleethorpes it’s like a little family. The beach is our happy place. Seth & Noah absolutely love our beach days.” – Emma Pannell, Seth & Noah 

“I’m a local florist in Cleethorpes & Grimsby from Flourish Floristry and I love North East Lincs because I get to work with such fab, creative brides around the area! Each wedding is always different which makes my job simply fab!” – Flourish Floristry

“My favourite things about North East Lincolnshire is the pride people take in calling it their home. I also love all the locally sourced food, especially the seafood and cheeses.” – Paula Holliday

“Why I love North East Lincs? The people, there is so much support around the area with people especially small businesses! There is so much to do, lots to see. If I want to go somewhere for the day I do try and stay local. I love walking, wether it’s Cleethorpes beach or just out into the Lincolnshire Wolds where it’s beautiful. I’ve lived in and around Grimsby all my life and I wouldn’t move anywhere else!” – Natalie George, The Makeover Fairy

“Driving to work everyday with the beautiful views of Cleethorpes seafront. It really lifts my mood.” – Joy Walker, Joy Walker Estate Agents

“One of the best things about living and working in the area is having the seaside and beach so close by, we’re really lucky to have so many events going on throughout the year for everyone to enjoy and it goes to show how much the community support one another when you see how many people get involved.” – Andrew Sims, Andrew Sims Bespoke Kitchens

“I love how we have the best of all worlds, countryside, the beach and the towns. You can be in a trendy bar one day and building sandcastles or running around a farm the next. Beautiful place.” – Rachel, The Paint Box Ceramic Cafe

“Seeing the Dock Tower driving over Irby Top, you know you’re home.” – Claire McAulay, Taylor & Abel

“The quote I would use to sum up what I love about North East Lincs is a hardworking community spirit with a passion for supporting small, local businesses” – Chapmans Seafood

“I love that Cleethorpes is always growing and changing! As well as having all the traditional seaside town traits, some of the gems I love about the town are unique, independent shops and cafes, bars selling craft gin and beer brewed here in NEL, incredible Moroccan food, family friendly water sports and live music from local artists. There’s always something new to try.” – Emily, Home and Harbour

“We have this amazing coastal line on our doorstep with some amazing local businesses who I have been able to collaborate with. When we have days out as a family we always try to use Totally Locally businesses such as the Paint Box Ceramic Cafe, Riverhead Coffee Shop, Mad Hatters Tea Room, we are practically always in Arttopia buying locally made items. We have a great, strong team of local businesses all working together. What a great community to live in.” – Kim, Kimmies Cakes

“We love to be part of all the amazing events that take place across North East Lincs throughout the year.” – On Yer Bike Icecream

Thank you to all the people who contributed to this post, it was amazing to find out what people love about our amazing towns! You can check out links to the people in this blog below.

G x

Links:

Charli Parks:
Instagram @charli_parks

The Soap Shack:
Instagram @thesoapshack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesoapshack169/

Kelly Hardy:
Instagram @kellygrayq

Hats & Tiaras:
Website: www.hatsandtiaras.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook/com/hatsandtiaras
Instagram: @hatsandtiarasuk

Premier Seafoods:
Website: http://www.kingcrab.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/king-crab-premier-seafoods-ltd
Instagram: @premierseafoods

Seth & Noah:
Instagram: @sethandnoah

Flourish Floristry:
Instagram: @flourishfloristryuk

Paula Holliday:
Instagram: @shithouseadventures

Joy Walker Estate Agents
Instagram: @joywalkerestateagents

Andrew Sims Bespoke Kitchens:
Instagram: @andrewsims_bespoke_kitchens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewsimsbespoke/

The Paint Box Ceramic Cafe:
Instagram: @_thepaintbox

Taylor and Abel:
Instagram: @taylorandabel

Chapmans Seafood:
Instagram: @chapmansseafood

Home and Harbour:
Instagram: @homeandharbour

Kimmies Cakes:
Instagram: @kimmiescakes2016

On Yer Bike Icecream
Instagram: @onyerbikeicecream

The Makeover Fairy
Instagram: @nataliegeorgethemakeoverfairy

It’s been a while since I was last in the gym, last year when I lived in Manchester I had a fabulous PT (thanks Callum Baker @_callumbaker if you live in Manchester) who put me through my paces! Since moving back I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been a little lazy when it comes to working out.

I ran the Cleethorpes 5k for Race for Life and did a little training with my Dad, but after breaking my toe (oops) I’ve not been able to keep up with the running.

Over the years I’ve gone to the odd Yoga and Pilates class but it’s never stuck. Not only was it ridiculously expensive in the cities I just found I got left behind in class as there was always such a mix of levels. So I took to Facebook to see if anyone could recommend any classes in Cleethorpes, this is where I discovered PiYo.

PiYo is a blend of Pilates and Yoga, a low-impact workout that strengthens and sculpts the body, and enhances flexibility.

So on Tuesday night, yoga mat in hand I headed down to my first ever class with with Samantha Jensen-Martin (Facebook: Fitsteps with Sam), held at The Pavilion on Sussex Rec.

I wasn’t sure what to expect but from the moment I stepped through the door Sam made me feel at ease. She explained how the class would run, the type of exercise the PiYo is and that they’re all totally bonkers (in a kind way).

The class was AMAZING. I really enjoyed myself, it was definitely not what I expected. If you expect chanting and relaxation it’s not that, think more yoga & pilates moves to Imagine Dragons and Game of Thrones with lots of laughs and giggles thrown in.

Such an enjoyable experience and I am definitely introducing PiYo to my weekly workout routine (including getting back to running once my broken toe allows) so thank you Sam, I’ll see you tomorrow!

What are you exercise routines? I’d love to hear about other fun classes in the area!

G x

Let’s meeting John Steel…

#1 Tell me a little bit about yourself? 

My name is John, I am a 37 year old father of three. I was born in Grimsby back in ’82, so yay! I’m an 80’s kid! I am a huge geek and soak up all stuff movies, games and pop culture.

Also collect action figures, sci-fi and horror mostly. I am an adult I promise, but i believe in doing what makes you happy and I honestly believe that if you truly have to be an adult you can still be a childish one as long as your priorities are first and foremost family.

#2 Have you always lived in North East Lincolnshire?

Yeah apart from a stint away in the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglians. I was medically discharged when I sustained an injury to my left knee. I love Cleethorpes, been in love with the place since I was a kid. Loads to do and see and those that say their isn’t need to step outside.

I’m passing on my love for the place to my kids, I want them to know how lucky they are to live here. I couldn’t imagine being landlocked. Despise cities, great places to visit and shop but even better to escape!

#3 What is your favourite thing to do in the area?

Without a doubt it’s going down the promenade and strolling along the seafront be it with you (can I say that) or with my three kids.

#4 Where are your favourite places to shop?

My mate Gaz has an awesome shop right in the heart of Cleethorpes caled Forw4rd, great place to pick up cool gear that can’t be got elsewhere in town really, also just a really cool place to just stop by and say hi!

#5 Where is your favourite place to eat?

Browns!!! Located on the prom it’s a great little cafe that to quote Cheers TV theme song “everybody knows your name” such a friendly atmosphere and the absolute best full English I’ve eaten.

 

 

#6 Tell me what a perfect North East Lincolnshire day would look like to you?

Erm…tough one…

Start the day early, Browns full English, hopefully followed by a high tide so I can go paddle boarding, followed by an ice cream and lazy afternoon chilling in the sun on the promenade or lazing on the beach.

#7 If someone was new to the area what would be the first thing you’d tell them to do / check out?

The beach! It’s just won the coveted Blue Flag award…again! It’s a gorgeous beach, really clean, great views and scenery.

#8 If you could change one thing aout North East Lincolnshire what would it be? 

Peoples perception of it.

#9 Do you have a “go to” place to chill out, relax and unwind? 

Boating lake with my kids in the Spring / Summer, Winter walks with a hot coffee are great too. Plenty of independent coffee shops to hang out in and just watch the world go by, shout out to Riverhead Coffee, awesome hazlenut lattes!

#10 What is the best thing about living in North East Lincolnshire? 

Not being landlocked. Seriously, their is nothing better than looking out across the water and saying to yourself….”I live here”.

Thanks for that John, you can check out his Instagram here @john82steel.

Have a great week everyone.

G x

It’s been a crazy few weeks the last few weeks, lots going on with work and life in general, now John and I are preparing for a lovely few days off and a trip to Madrid for my lovely friends wedding.

Very strange title to the blog I know, but it will all make sense! Starting with Friday night and “toe-gate”. I am now walking like I’ve aged about sixty years due to stubbing and breaking my toe on the sofa. Very bruised and in pain but I am hoping some lovely Spanish sun will help!

This weekend we went to a lovely little craft fair at the Memorial Hall in Cleethorpes, it was free to attend but there was a collection box for their charities (The Pink Rose Suite, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund and the Sick Children’s Trust at Sheffield Children’s Hospital). The Lion Learners were there and John’s kids (and me) loved holding some of their fluffy and not so fluffy creatures, including a snake, tortoise, guinea pig, rabbits and lizard, I passed on holding the giant Millipede! Was lovely to see all the different stalls and also pick up some cupcakes from Chocadoodledo (@chocadoodledo.grimsby) who are based on Freeman Street Market, they were delicious!

I love events like this and I’ll continue to try and attend them but will certainly post any I come across on my Facebook page.

This week has also been Humber Business Week so as part of my day-job I attended a number of events, during one of these Joanne Smedley spoke and mentioned there are over 12,000 SME’s in the Humber. Which is quite fitting with this week being FiverFest.

FiverFest is an event run by Totally Locally (our branch being @TotallyLocallyNEL). The idea is to encourange people to spend at least £5 a week in their local stores and businesses.

I love local and will always try my best to spend locally where possible. In Grimsby and Cleethorpes you can get access to lots of local businesses via places like Arttopia, Original Emporium, Freeman Street Market etc. and if you search the hashtags #Cleethorpes and #Grimsby you will also find out about lots of other local businesses, I know I have.

I love the passion and comradery that is going on with FiverFest and in general for small businesses at the moment. Everyone pulling together and helping each other to succeed! I hope this vibe keeps going, the more we support our local businesses the more it brings into our town.

I’m going to go and get ready for my hols, hope you all have a lovely week!

G x

Tucked away just off the seafront on Grant Street, Cleethorpes is the treasure chest of delights that is Arttopia. You won’t miss it with it’s jazzy shop front, capturing the esscence of this fun and funky store!

Born in 2017 Arttopia is a collaboration of small, local, independent businesses who have come together to support each other and support the local community.

John and I managed to squeeze in some time to take a visit this last weekend and wow am I glad we did. Visiting Arttopia is a totally different shopping experience, from the amazing, creative individual displays, the friendly staff (was great to meet you @babaroo2010) to sampling the dog biscuits (thanks @bulldogbites_).

There really is something for everyone in there, you can find candles, homeware, jewellery, textiles, art, ceramics, crochet, furniture, baby clothes the list really does go on and everything is so individual. To say we were only going in for a “look” we didn’t do too badly.

I’ve been a fan of Art Dolls (@Artdollz123) creations for a while now and I am now the proud owner of Rebellious Rhonda (John says she suits me..hmm!). Each design is bespoke and individual which makes them so unique. It’s lovely to know that nobody else will have a Rhonda like mine!

We bought some yummy bath and beard (for John not me) products from the Soap Shack (@thesoapshack169). They smell AMAZING and the little bath bombs are soooooo relaxing, will definitely be stocking up on more!

I am a self-confessed sea glass addict thanks to Clee Glass (@cleeglass) since getting a bracelet from John at Christmas. Her designs are so beautiful and rustic, I was luck enough to get a really unusual piece from there on our visit which goes so perfectly with my mauri jade necklace that I got in New Zealand.

We treat ourselves to some scrummy chocolate from The Chocolat Story (the_chocolat_story). Made in Waltham their chocolates are little pieces of art. They are beautiful to look at and taste AMAZING.

Our last part of the haul was for John’s son who, like his Dad is a massive Lego fan! Origin Comics (@origincomic.clee) custom builds figures into an array of characters and so reasonably priced (£1.50 a figure) so we picked up Deadpool, Thor, Spiderman and Batman Beyond. I think John will have a very happy 12 year old when we give them to him!

There are so many amazing businesses who are part of the Arttopia family and I could have definitely bought something from each and every one of them. I will certainly be visiting again for treats for myself as well as for friends and family!

Definitely get yourself in for a visit!

G x

Links:
Arttopia Instagram: @arttopia_cleethorpes

*** some pictures taken by @thesaltjournal check out her Instagram page

Let’s meet Charlotte Dale aka the Swimming Viking………

#1 Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m Charlotte, somewhere between 30 and 40 years of age. I love open water swimming and I’m a keen advocate for the benefits of exercise and especially exercising outdoors for mental health. I also write a blog (see link below) talking about my experiences for cold water swimming and generally about how I maintain good mental health. I’m called the Swimming Viking because Grimsby was settled by Danes during the 9th century and according to legend comes from the name Grim (who was a Danish Fisherman) and by which is the Old Norse for village. Plus I really really love the TV series Vikings. 

#2 Have you always lived in North East Lincolnshire?

I am a Grimsby gal born and bread though I have lived in Manchester which was an amazing experience, but made me realise just how wonderful my hometown really is.

#3 What is your favourite thing to do in the area?

My fave thing to do in the area would have to be visiting the beach. It’s a beautiful area and especially now we have Blue Flag status. I love to swim in the sea, it’s so calming and the waves are awesome to crest over when swimming. When at the beach I especially enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking or just dabbling my toes at the waters edge while I walk the dogs. We have what I consider to be two ‘ends’ to the beach – Wonderland End and The Fitties. Both unique and definitely worth a visit.

My other massive fave is the Lincolnshire Wolds. I love getting out on my bike to visit small villages such as Hatcliff, Ravendale, Tealby and so many more for delicious cakes and coffee.

#4 Where are your favourite places to shop?

My favourite places to shop are always going to be independent shops. I’m not a fan of shopping centres, but in Cleethorpes I can think of nothing better than pottering down St Peter’s Avenue and Sea View Street.

In Grimsby Town centre I adore Lou Lou’s Yarn (@loulousyarn) which is an independent wool shop (I’m a knitting and crochet geek too). Waltham has some gorgeous shops to peruse including Swags and Tails (@swagsandtails_) and Coco Home (@cocohome_), plus Flowerz n Stuff (@flowerznstuff) is always worth a look.

#5 Where is your favourite place to eat?

The Frying Pan in Waltham is the only place for me… it has to be haddock (I am Grimsby born and bred), otherwise I like to visit local bakeries for fresh buns and cakes for a beach picnic.

#6 Tell me what a perfect North East Lincs day would look like to you?

My perfect NEL day would start with a sunrise sea swim followed by coffee and croissants on the beach. Then a bike ride into the Wolds to climb a few hills and race down the other side, the scenery in the Lincolnshire Wolds is glorious. I’d head back for a paddle in the sea again while walking the dogs, followed up by fish and chips and if I’m really lucky a bonfire to toast some marshmallows.

#7 If someone was new to the area what would be the first thing you’d tell them to do / check out?

For someone new to the area i would have to recommend the beach.  Ebb and Flo (@ebandfloliving) on the seafront is great to learn how to stand up paddle board or kayak. Afterwards they’d need to pop into Moon on the Water for refreshments. The entire seafront from Wonderland to the Fitties would occupy a full day of exploring.

#8 If you could change one thing about North East Lincolnshire what would it be?

To choose one thing I would change is never going to be easy in today’s climate, BREXIT alone is a minefield… but I would love to see more litter bins and recycling facilities available. I swim in Grimsby Docks as part of the Water Rats Open Water Swimming Club (@grimsbywaterrats) and I’ve even seen someone throw a bottle into the water as I was swimming by… it really saddens me.

#9 Do you have a “go to” place to chill out, relax and unwind?

My ‘go to’ place to chill out is… you guessed it… the beach (do you notice a theme here). It’s the sound of the waves combined with the feel of the sand under bare feet that gets me every time. Oh and the Wolds, out on my bike flying along (pootling really) allows me to enjoy all the local villages and really discover more about my local area.

#10 What is the best thing about living in North East Lincs?

There are so many positives to living in NEL that I’m not sure what I’d pick specifically. There is so much more to do than people realise and the area has a lot to offer if one takes the time to look; but, I would have to say NEL has the benefit of Town, Seaside and Countryside right on your doorstep. It’s definitely worth an explore.

Thank you so much for that Charlotte, I’ve discovered some places I really need to try out(here I come The Frying Pan).

You can check out Charlotte’s blog (and I definitely would) in the link below.

G x

Links:
Check out Charlottes blog Swimming for my Sanity here: www.swimmingformysanity.home.blog

Grimsby Water Rats:
www.waterrats.co.uk

 

This week has really got me thinking about family and how lucky I am to have amazing people in my life! It’s also given me time to think about what and who is important to me.

In the “olden” days family was your blood, your typical 2.4 children family. Nowadays family can and does come in different forms. Your family is not just the family your were born into.

I am lucky to have my wonderfully supportive Mum and Dad who have always been there for me through the good and bad times. My poor Dad has moved me more times than he’d care to mention from Cleethorpes to London, London (twice cos I’d miscalculated the amount of stuff I had) to Scotter, Scotter to Manchester, four house moves whilst in Manchester, Manchester to Scotter and finally Scotter to Cleethorpes….let’s hope that’s the last time eh Dad! 😉

I have my brother Daniel, his wife (my new Sister-In-Law yay) Kreshma and her little girl, my niece who always manages to make me laugh!

I also have my super supportive and loving partner John who makes me laugh and smile every day, as well as his family who have welcomed me into their family with open arms!

But I have family that aren’t “related” to me at all, my friends, one of which I met when I was four years old on the first day of school (Mel), those I met throughout my school life and then those who I have met on my travels around the country and world. I am very lucky to have them, lending an ear when I need a moan, enjoying a crazy night out (although Party Gemma takes a bit of a back seat these days) and being there to celebrate my acomplishments and life goals.

Family to me means supporting each other, being able to be honest, tell each other when they are wrong (I do listen sometimes Mum honestly), loving each other no matter what and being there through the good and the bad times.

Sadly not all people have family or friends to fall back on, according to Age UK almost a million older people in the UK go for a more than a month without speaking to anyone. This isn’t just an issue with the older genration though, according to a report in the Independent young people (aged 16-24) feel lonelier than any other age group. Charities such as Friendship at Home and Not Home Alone (links below) do fantastic work helping to combat isolation and loneliness across North East Lincolnshire to improve older people’s quality of life.

I think that community is so important and after living in a couple of big cities I think North East Lincolnshire has a fantastic community feel to it, I am sure not everyone will agree but I feel lucky to have the support I mentioned above but also the support with my blog from people I don’t know and the wider business community.

If we can help to do our little bit and support those closest to us, but also support people we don’t know. Building people up not tearing them down I think the world would be a better place and hopefully “Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person”.

G x

Links:
Friendship at Home: http://www.friendshipathome.org.uk/
Not Home Alone: https://www.facebook.com/NotHomeAlone/
Independet Article: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/young-people-loneliness-intense-study-a8563056.html

Let’s meet James Daniel……..

#1 Tell me a little bit about yourself? 

I’m James, I am 36 and I mainly work as a quantity surveyor. I also have a commercial drone licence. My passions are walking, photography and reading.

#2 Have you always lived in North East Lincolnshire?

No. I was working away a lot and actually ended up moving to near London, which was never part of my plan. I love London as a tourist, but really didn’t enjoy working there. I moved back to North East Lincolnshiret two and a half years ago, and I think it’s easily the best decision I made.

#3 What is your favourite thing to do in the area? 

Walking down by the beach. If I have a few hours, I’ll often walk from the docks to the Humber Mouth Yacht Club.

#4 Where are your favourite places to shop? 

I don’t do a huge amount of shopping, but I like the boutiques of Seaview Street in Cleethorpes. St Peters Avenue and nearby has some good independent local butchers and grocers.

#5 Where is your favourite place to eat?

Tedici in Abbeygate does the best pizza in the area in my opinion and has a lovely cosy atmosphere. But I think the area is blessed with lots of quality independent restaurants.

#6 Tell me what a perfect North East Lincolnshire day would look like to you? 

I’d watch the sun rise, either on a walk or with the camera – being on the East Coast the sunrises are often spectacular. I’d pop to Riverhead Coffee on St Peters Avenue for breakfast. Then I’d head to Cleethorpes library to read my book. Lunch would be taken with delicious fish and chips at Ocean Fish Bar, again on St Peters Avenu, followed by a long walk to the yacht club and possibly on towards Tetney to walk it off, stopping off at the Signal Box Inn for a refreshment on the way back.

Finally, I’d head over to Grimsby for dinner with pizza at Tedici and wash that down with a couple of pints at Docks Beers.

#7 If someone was new to the area what would be the first thing you’d tell them to do / check out? 

I think there’s so much to check out that is a really difficult question! I still work away a fair bit and when I get back I’m craving to see the beach and the coast, so I’d suggest they get themselves there. Otherwise, book a brewery tour at Docks Beers or explore the National Fishing Heritage Centre to get a feel for the history of the area.

#8 If you could change one thing about North East Lincolnshire what would it be?

I think there are a lot of derelict and underused areas that have huge potential; I’d love to see them redeveloped, but I understand that this is likely to require huge sums of money. Companies such as Orsted setting up big operations in the area is a huge plus, and I hope they will attract investment to the area in terms of suppliers co-locating etc.

#9 Do you have a “go to” place to chill out, relax and unwind? 

The driftwood bench on the bit of beach in front of the beach huts. Not many people head out that way so it’s typically very quiet and I find watching the ships head to and from the North Sea is very calming.

#10 What is the best thing about living in North East Lincolnshire?

For me, it’s a combination of things. I’m drawn to the coast more as I’m older, even though I can’t swim and I don’t surf or paddle board!

Plus there’s a huge range of independent restaurants and shops and I think the cost of property is cheap compared to many areas of the country.

Brilliant thank you for that James, was great to get to know a little more about you and your North East Lincs world!

If you’d like to check out some of James’s work you can follow him on Instagram @jameswdaniel

Look out for the next “Meet the Local” and if you’d like to be featured on the blog yourself drop me an email girlupnorthblog@outlook.com

G ❤

** all photos taken by James

I am going to be doing a series of “Meet the Local” blog posts. Some of these people will be friends of mine, people I meet through my work, or people who are inspiring within the town.

So I though it only fitting I kick it off with me answering the questions I am going to be asking everyone else, so here we go…….

#1 Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m Gemma, I am 35 years young! I live in Cleethorpes with my boyfriend John and I work for HCUK Training with businesses across the whole of the Humber, including my beloved Cleethorpes.

I love reading especially crime thrillers, business and personal growth books, writing (as you can probably tell from the blog) and being outdoors.

2# Have you always lived in North East Lincolnshire?

I was born in Cleethorpes and lived here until I was 27. I then moved to London the plan was to stay there for around two years but ended up staying for five. My next move was to Manchester where I spent three years and must say this place is my second home. I love Manchester, it’s people and it’s vibe! It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

In July 2018 I moved back to Cleethorpes and the rest is history!

3# What is your favourite thing to do in the area?

Be outdoors, be that at the beach or going for a walk in one of our many green spots like Peoples Park, Weelsby Woods or walking from Cleethorpes out to Tetney I just love being outside and in nature.

There’s also just as much to do in the Winter as there is in the Summer! Winter walks are the best!

4# Where are your favourite places to shop?

I love all the small, independent retailers that have popped up in Cleethorpes. Forw4rd in Cleethorpes for clothes. The new Arttopia on Grant Street for a mix of fun, quirky retailers like Clee Glass and Art Dollz (I will get one of these on my shelf soon). Seaview Street is cool for little independents. Coastal Silver is one of my go to places for silver jewellery I love their stuff! John’s Mum & Daughter did a jewellery workshop there too recently and absolutely loved it so it’s definitely on my to-do list.

#5 Where is your favourite place to eat?

This is a tough question as there are so many great places:

Browns Cafe on the seafront for a full English
Riverhead Coffee for a lighter breakfast (avocado on toast with bacon is amazing) or sunshine smoothie
Papas Fish and Chips are AMAZING

#6 Tell me what a perfect North East Lincolnshire day would look like to you?

Wake up early, grab a coffee and go down to the seafront to see the gorgeous sunrise. I’d then take a picnic to the beach and spend the whole day there paddle-boarding (or at least sitting on it whilst John paddles me around haha), lazing in the sun, building sandcastles, eating fish and chips, not forgetting an ice-cream.

Then on the evening going for a walk along the seafront, maybe stopping at the The Punchbowl for a drink (the staff there are lovely).

7# If someone was new to the area what would be the first thing you’d tell them to do / check out?

There are so many places it’s hard to pick one! When I’ve been away visiting friends in the cities I always want to get back to nature.

8# If you could change one thing about North East Lincolnshire what would it be?

The entrance into Grimsby from the A180, it’s a little grim and grey! Also be nice see some investment into Cleethorpe Road, so many empty shops down there which is such a shame. There is a lot of regeneration going on in Cleethorpes and Grimsby right now like Freeman Street, the Kasbah, the docks so can’t wait to see all of that come into fruition.

9# Do you have a “go to” place to chill out, relax and unwind?

When I need some time out from the hustle and bustle there’s nothing better than a drive down to the beach near the fitties. Seeing all the quirky little chalets, the beach down that end tends to be quite peaceful and not as commercial. Especially in the morning when it’s quiet. The perfect place to go to chill out and recharge.

10# What is the best thing about living in North East Lincolnshire?

Being by the sea! But feel like I’ve bigged that up enough! So…..one of the big things that has stood out to me since moving back to the area is the business culture in the area, there’s so much going on it’s amazing! The way people help each other and support each other in the business world here is fantastic. People want to see other businesses thriving, it’s very refreshing after the cut throat world of the big cities. It’s so welcoming and friendly!

Hope you have enjoyed that little insight into me and my North East Lincs! Look out for more “Meet the Locals” posts and if you’d like to feature yourself drop me an email girlupnorthblog@outlook.com.

G ❤