DO YOU REMEMBER?

There used to be a long stream running from Wrawby Road, Brigg, across the grammar school field, crossing under Glebe Road, then along the primary school boundary as far as Grammar School Road, near the junction with Preston Drive.
As a boy attending Glebe Road School I can remember splashing about in the stream when lessons were over. Ill-advised, as it was supposed to be rat-infested.
Perhaps on health grounds, the stream disappeared in the early to mid-1960s, if memory serves me correctly, to be replaced by an underground pipe.
Memories of more than 40 years ago were re-kindled by a surprise reference to this piped-in section at Brigg Town Council's latest meeting.
Officers from North Lincolnshire Council were talking about parts of the town which experienced flooding last June, and an area of land near the old school site and the end of East Parade was identified. A map was shown to councillors, with the piped section identified by council officer Wayne Hill.
Coun Carl Sherwood was at that meeting and told me later he could also remember the stream running past the school during his boyhood days.
Maybe he will remember the following incident? Or perhaps Nigel, his younger brother and fellow councillor, will?
One severe winter's day some of us were having a great time after school messing about and throwing snowballs over the stream onto a glass classroom roof when, in the gathering tea-time gloom, headmaster Reggie Stocks suddenly appeared on the scene.
He caught sight of some members of our group, but it was getting dark and most of us sped away round the corner into Hawthorn Avenue, without him recognising who we were.
A lucky escape - for a visit to the head's study was definitely not recommended during days when use of the cane was still permitted!
Returning to the present day, this area of town is about to undergo great changes during the redevelopment of the old school site, sold for more than £1-million. New homes are highly likely to be approved by council planners.
Sadly, the massive and distinctive poplar tree at the very end of East Parade is now but a memory. And many of the old concrete garages nearby have suffered severe vandalism. None more so than the one I used to rent from Glanford Borough Council to house my very first car - a Mini 1000.
It's funny how such a seemingly insignificant area of Brigg can hold so many memories if you've lived in the town for a lot of years.
Our picture - taken this morning - shows the course of the stream, which went under Glebe Road and ran over the grammar school field. The railings on the right mark the boundary of the former primary school site.