Bank holiday – time to knit & chill

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Lyn

Bank holiday and its time to knit and chill

I don’t know about you but as it is a Bank Holiday here in the UK, I am going to knit and chill. I find knitting very therapeutic. I totally relax when I have those knitting needles click-clacking away in my hands. I am not big into knitting cardigans and big garments. I just love creating smaller fun things.

Little pink bras – raising awareness for cancer charity fundraising

One of my commissions was for some little pink bras to be hung as bunting in a shop window that was fundraising for a breast cancer awareness charity. It certainly raised a smile as well as lots of much-needed funds.

The rainbow and Mr & Mrs Noah are part of the Noahs ark – a present I have chosen to knit for my youngest grandaughter. As an ex-primary school teacher, I absolutely love using primary colours. I am using Sarah Keen’s books Knitted Noahs Ark

Recently, The #Golivegranny community took part in the Sandown Yarn bombing to brighten up the town. Sandown was entered in Britain in Bloom and Jackie, who set up the Sandown Yarnbombers appealed for knitters to partake. I shared the news into my 10 pm broadcasts and flowers started arriving by the box full. It was a bit like Interflora on steroids. My community never disappoint. My job was to create beautiful display boards as well as making some flowers myself. My community never pass up the opportunity to knit.

I knitted Mary Mary Quite Contrary and her silver bells and cockle shells and was able to add a few beautiful flowers from #golivegranny community member Carol Potts.

Another project my viewers have embraced was something my daughter asked for help with. She has recently started working in a school serving some very deprived children – children who don’t own any books and there are no books in their homes. She asked me if I would make some finger puppets to aid their learning. Again I shared it with the community in my broadcasts and the result is many story sacks containing props to help illustrate the stories and rhymes. The spaceship is for the song :_

5 little men in a flying saucer
Flew round the world one day
They look left and right
But they didn’t like the sight
So one man flew away

4 little men in a flying saucer etc

It was one of the bigger slightly bigger things I chose to knit

They have also supplied aliens

taken from the Mini Knitted Cosmos

We are very lucky as many people gift us wool and needles for our projects – most of which go on to various charities.

My viewers love to learn about all things knitting and so I decided to become an affiliate for some of the knitting businesses.

Deramores is a popular site and offers a range of yarns as well as patterns and needles and hooks and accessories You can also get 15% off your first order

The Knitting Network is another site popular with knitters.

It is always worth checking out to stay up to date with current trends and offers. There are some great value packs worth investigating.

It has been a very long time since I updated this blog but as it is Bank holiday I am now off to knit and chill.

This post contains some affiliate links. This means I will receive a small commission but the purchaser will not pay any more for their goodies. The purpose of the commission is to purchase more items to entertain the #golivegranny community via the broadcasts be it in the #golivegranny community garden or from the #golivegranny studio. My mission is to inspire, educate and entertain. Have a great day and if you have enjoyed this then please share. #sharingiscaring

Chariknitty – why I am knitting for charity

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Lyn

So what, you might ask is the chariknitty? Well, it was the phrase coined by my wonderful friend Tina Hyde, when I was looking for a name for my Facebook page that was promoting my charity knitting. In the end, I went for Lyns and needles (suggested by Dave Baker, one of the regular viewers to my Facebook live streams) as a page title as I felt it was easier to get people to remember that. I loved the title Tina came up with and so decided to use in my blog.

I learnt to knit many many years ago as a child. I can’t remember who taught me and recently I asked my 93-year-old mum if it was her or my grandma and she seems to think it was her although we’re not quite sure. No matter, the fact is that I learnt to knit when I was very young, a skill that I have treasured all my life. When my children were young, I used to make them toys and jumpers and then I had a lull in my knitting. However I recently decided to pick up my knitting needles and get click clacking for charity. I have decided to support as many Isle of Wight charities as I can. I’m currently writing this blog in a new coffee shop in Pyle Street in Newport- Comicoffee. I know the owner, Matt and decided to knit him (The superhero) as a good luck charm. I am delighted to see him sitting on the shelf, that is the superhero not Matt!

Over the weekend I became an award-winning knitter when I was presented with three gold medal certificates at the Isle of Wight County show.

The big wicker cup was lent to me by Kevars cafe in Ryde. I decorated it up and filled it with stuffing with a felt top to look like the tea and then knitted biscuits to go on the top. I called it “Elevenses to dunk not to dunk?” And entered it in time for Tea section. The second one was called with “Apologies to Carmen Maranda” and was a hat laden with fruit and veg which I entered into the fruit and veg section. I didn’t want to do a trug of fruit and veg as I like to be a little bit more out of the ordinary. Well, it paid off and it was a lot of fun doing it. The third entry was “Mary Mary quite contrary” which was entered into the “In Bloom” category. It was very much a last minute knit. I had ordered the knitting book with nursery rhymes in it and was heading off to London for a few days just before the County show. The book was due to arrive on the Friday as I got back but arrived on the day I went. When I spotted Mary Mary in the book, I just had to knit it for the show so I put it to my luggage and soon the needles were click clacking the silver bells and cockleshells and pretty maids all in a row.

My prime reason for entering my work for the Articulture tent, was to put the knitting on display as I sell it for charity if I haven’t given it away as gifts. Therefore more people would get to know about it so basically it was an awareness raiser. Imagine my delight then to receive the three gold medal certificates. I have won awards before but not for my knitting so I can now add that to my portfolio.

I knit everywhere and anywhere I can. I don’t have a car so travel on the bus and do much of my knitting in my NET time i.e. no extra time. It has led to some very interesting conversations and even to the sale of knitted cupcakes on the bus to a local councillor raising funds, on that occasion for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

I am just waiting for a friend to join me in Comicoffee before I head off to Easy Weigh, A lovely shop a few doors along in Pyle Street, that sells all sorts of things from coconut oil to herbs and spices all sorts of different flours to eco-friendly cleaning items etc. Suzy will be hosting a cupcake sale on Thursday to raise money for the breast cancer charity. Not only have I knitted some cupcakes for her window display but also some little pink bras.

I have now got myself a nice little pink shiny orderbook as I am getting so many orders, that I need to keep a list. I have orders for sunflowers, footballs, sheep, different breeds of dog, ponies and much more. I never know what the next challenge will be but I love it. I’m having so much fun and I find it so therapeutic. Even better it’s raising much-needed funds for Isle of Wight charities. Long may I have strength in my hands to make my needles click clack.

Periscope

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Lyn

So do you use Periscope? I discovered periscope and live streaming soon after periscope was launced and was introduced by my son, Tristan, who is also my business partner in Allthingsnetworking.com I love the new platform and can see the benefits of using this for business.

In September, Tristan, who lives in Sydney, joined me on an exhibition stand at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce business expo . Whilst there, he connected again with one of his college tutors (having trained as a chef at the Isle of Wight college years earlier) At the time, he suggested that the College should embrace live streaming.

Today, I had been in Newport for the Bus Users meeting and was just leaving when I got a notification on my phone showing me the College had gone live on periscope . Now being the proud owner of an “all you can eat data” plan – I was able to jump straight on the broadcast . I was delighted to connect with the same tutor who was actually cooking – long story short – there was a college open day and free lunch was being given . Now who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? I saw it as a golden opportunity to go and periscope the event which you can see here below

I was delighted to meet Aaron – the social media manager for the college and had quite a long chat with him and he was delighted when I shared with him that he could save the periscopes via katch.me . I now looking forward to catching all their scopes either live or on replay. If I can embrace periscope at the ripe old age of 65 then I am sure anyone can. I’m now teaching our Allthingsnetworking members as I see it as such an awesome platform that increases engagement and grows an audience very quickly. I’m loving the new platforms and apparently I’m crushing it – so I have been told.

It’s time to celebrate our 5th birthday.

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Lyn

It’s time to celebrate our 5th birthday

5 years ago today I founded Wightbuzz - unable to find the right networking group when I started amy new business as I emerged from a long dark tunnel, I set up my own. Times were hard and life stressful but undaunted I grew my network- 5 years on I have helped well over 200 businesses to make good connections earning the title The Connection Queen along the way. They also called me Mummy Buzz as I nurtured new businesses as I buzzed around .

Members have come and gone as their needs changed. Many have remained.The successes are many -Graham Reading Photography has made many connections but one of the best was for the Mardi Gras. I was to be a VIP guest at the lunch before the Mardi Gras (I’m Chair of the Ryde Business association) and I was in front of my computer during the morning. I spotted a cry for help – The allotted photographer was unable to cover the event and there was an appeal opn social media. I knew Graham was covering the round the Island Yacht race from a boat in the solent but I contacted him to see if he could help. He thought he could but wasn’t sure he would be there right at the start. I put him in contact with the New Carnival Company and they engaged him. Things turned a little hairy as Graham was still in Cowes (having to negotiate very heavy traffic as the MArdi Gras started from the top of Ryde ) All was not lost as I kept him up to date with what was happening and he managed to come round a different way so he didn’t get stuck behind the procession. He managed to catch up with the parade and get pictures of the whole parade .Our service was much appreciated.

Another success story that has appreciated our networking is Neil Southwell of Oasis said “And without you, I wouldn’t be working for Wightlink and Bestival.” What a lovely testimonial that was at our Let’s Leverage conference –

In 2014, my son Tristan (who lives in Australia), suggested we join forces with my networking skills and his social media skills and we have now become a global brand Allthingsnetworking.com – we are able to offer 24/7 support to our members – so today it is time to celebrate and its double celebrations as I have been shortlisted in the Venus awards. – influential woman category. I have just been to face the camera –

making a one minute recording to support my entry (and I thank the 4 people who nominated me) Now it’s on to a public vote in January.

So here is to the next 5 years as we build our brand globally – helping businesses to grow and prosper – leading them through the social media minefield and helping them master all the latest platforms – Currently we are embracing livestreaming such as periscope and blab and now we are working on snapchat.

why not check us out on facebook and twitter ?

Masqueryde

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Lyn

Masqueryde is a member of the Ryde Business Association and I took a trip round it using the periscope app. It is marvellous to be able to share our Ryde Shops with the world. Sally and Julie have provided costumes for school plays, giggly grannies shows fancy dress parties and for Bestival – the Biggest dressing up party in the world probably.

So check it out at – Masqueryde – a real Alladin’s Cave

Be sure to pay a visit whether you want to buy or hire

The Ryde Slide

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Lyn

The Ryde Slide

Wayne Whittle, deputy chair of Ryde Business Association , introduced the idea of a Ryde Slide a long time ago having been told about the Bristol Screamer. When he saw pictures of the Screamer, he realised it looked just like Union Street in Ryde and so why shouldn’t he arrange a giant water slide to raise money for charity. The idea was born and gathered momentum until finally on July 12th 2015 the day arrived. The roads were closed, the Ryde slide was set up and much fun was had by all. Julie and I (aka the Giggly Grannies) had no intention of riding – that was for others not for us – it would be too fast and scare the living daylights out of us. However, it appeared, on the day, that The Ryde Slide was not as fast as we feared so we set off , raised about £60 in sponsorship for the Ryde Slide Trust there and then and took to the slide. I hadn’t bought any spare clothes – good job I was offered a lift home Would we do it again? You bet!

Shipwreck Isle

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Lyn

Shipwreck Isle

What a fun weekend. As chair of the Ryde Business association, I had the opportunity to promote Shipwreck Isle in Barclays Bank in Ryde two days before the event!

It it was a fun day but not sure I’ll be invited back after holding up the bank manager

And staff – held to ransom for their pieces of 8

Barclays UK responded to my son’s tweet and commented on the fun we have in Ryde!

I also promoted the pirate day after the Mardi Gras as the town was packed with happy people many of whom had not heard about Shipwreck Isle coming to Ryde. Look who I met on my travels.

Sunday arrived and Ryde was awash with swashbuckling Buccaneers

providing fantastic free family entertainment on Appley Beach all day with stalls to buy pirate items and fruit both very well supported . There were many Jack Sparrow lookalikes who happily posed for all those wishing to take photographs.

The girls danced and the Samba band played

Lots of fun was had by all

and there were a lot of Jack Sparrow lookalikes who were happy to pose for photographs.

During the day it was estimated there were between 3000 and 4000 people and here Neil Southwell of Southwell photography‘s picture shows many of them . The event lasted from 11 until 6 .

Members of the Ryde Business association organised a pirate spotting competition in the town

and Rhiannon of Costa coffee executed it. They also ran pirate activities to keep thje children amused.

Thanks to Costa coffee , Quakers about crafts, Kollective Gifts for donating prizes .

The event was organised by Visit Isle of Wight who did a marvellous job. It truly was a fun family day .

Thanks to Graham Reading for all the wonderful pictures and thank you to Masqueryde for my super duper pirate outfit.

And finally thank you to Graham Stevens – Jack Sparrow lookalike who gave the following testimonial when he noticed how much tweeting I had done to promote the Shipwreck Isle.

To say I had a fun day would be an understatement. So many things happening in Ryde. Ryde rocks

The Pirates are coming

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Lyn

The Pirates are coming

That’s right I said the pirates are coming and I am taking my role as the Chair of Ryde Business Association quite seriously as you can see.. Shipwreck Isle if on 28th June and the pirates are coming so I thought it only right that I ought to be prepared. I have been to see Sally at Masqueryde, to order my pirate costume but thought I’d pop in and see Emma and Stuart at the Tourist Information Point in their shop, Kollective Gifts to see what “pirate” goodies they had.

As we looked around the shop we found quite a few “pirate” items. We found flags

we found a pirate ship

cutlasses and hats and pirate buckets and spades. In the absence of eye patches, Stuart got creative and cut up a black piece of rubber to do the job. We planned a pirate spotting competition around the town with the help of Laura, Julie and Rhianon (manager of Costa coffee. There will be a lot of fun as we celebrate Shipwreck Isle as the pirates gather on Appley Beach

So as the chair of Ryde Business Association, I urge you all to come and enjoy yourself. For those of you across the water board your ship and join us for what promises to be a very fun filled swashbuckling day with music, competitions, storytelling,renactment music, fun and laughter.

You arggggggh going to have a good time ! and what’s more its FREE.

Networking doesn’t have to be serious.

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Lyn

Day 4 – 30 day blogging challenge

I have been to many networking groups in my time, and I have to say that some of them have been pretty stiff and starchy. Until recently , I was known as the Networking Guru of the Isle of Wight but more recently , Veronica Pullen, The Social Marketing Queen also living on the Isle of Wight – gave me the more attractive title of the Connection Queen.

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I like to have fun – a day without laughter is a day wasted.

Many will also know me as one half of the Giggly Grannies and together we put the fun into fundraising. Well just like life, networking doesn’t have to be serious.

Tonight, I have had another very successful Wightbuzz, networking meeting and it was anything but serious. There was some of the regular crowd and also, along came Paul as a visitor and potential member. I do encourage folk to try before they buy, to make sure we are the right fit. Paul is the Rodfather. He rods drains, unblocks toilets etc! If only I had known him on Boxing day!!! My mum had a houseful and we had an unfortuate blockage. Little did I know the rodfather comes out on bank holidays – didnt even know him – only actualy got chatting last night on facebook.

Well true to form, my lovely members made Paul feel at home immediately. The fun and banter started almost immediately – when I got his business name wrong and called him the Codfather by mistake (we have a local fish and chip shop that go by this name – and the old brain does get overloaded from time to time as Brian or is it George recently found out!! Brian and Sandy recently joined and have still stayed even though for some reason I called him George!!! I’ll just put it down to being a poor old pensioner!! Well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. But I digress – and so back to tonight. The whole evening continued with lots of laughs and a great time was had by all. I am aware that my networking group wouldn’t suit everyone but we have certainly proved that networking doesn’t have to be serious.

It was such fun I decided to make a video to share.

Do you like to have fun networking?

It’s been a long time

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Lyn

What a long time since my last blog post!! I must rectify this. It doesn’t mean I haven’t done anything. What it means is I have had a very busy time. I have been extremely busy with Julie as the Giggly Grannies doing much charity work. We have been raising funds to buy food for the Open Arms – I have been out and about networking for Wightbuzz – my network group I have become a steward and Junior church leader at Ryde Methodist Church For my sins I have also taken on social media for a couple of clients and for my sins I am now runnning the Ryde Business Association Social Media. In between times I promote my Wikaniko and my Phoenix card business and update the wikki and Phoenix facebook pages. Recently Polly, of the Family directory and I have joined forces to bring you the Isle of Green . Last weekend – the Giggly Grannies transported members of Ryde Methodist Church to Hollywood for a fun night. Our motto is to leave them laughing and we did just that!

They loved it so much that they want more so we are planning an evening in an English country garden soon. Watch this space!

That lovely little Nissan Leaf that Staddlestones have loaned us has really been helping a treat. It even has its own facebook page so you can keep up with its adventures.

Now I wonder if I can keep the blog up to date!

Lyn Blackledge – The #GoLiveGranny

Big or small, I will network you all!

Category Archives: Isle of Wight

Bank holiday – time to knit & chill

Chariknitty – why I am knitting for charity

It’s time to celebrate our 5th birthday.

It’s time to celebrate our 5th birthday

Masqueryde

The Ryde Slide

The Ryde Slide

Shipwreck Isle

Shipwreck Isle

The Pirates are coming

The Pirates are coming

Networking doesn’t have to be serious.

It’s been a long time