WELCOME IMPROVEMENT

East Park - the area around the Tin Tabernacle, near the Monument - has been the subject of council investment in recent years. And that has gone down well with a number of residents, including Town Footpath Warden Tony Parker, who told the Annual Town Public Meeting how much improved that area was, with its grass and flowerbeds looking attractive.

TO MARKET, TO MARKET...

North Lincolnshire Council's new Draft Markets Policy sets out the way the unitary authority will run and develop those it manages in the near future, including Brigg's.
Brigg Town Council has been consulted about the proposal and seems generally happy, with with one or two concerns. For Coun Tom Glossop questioned the fairness of stallholders having to pay even when bad weather intervened, hitting their sales. He felt that was rather disappointing. "North Lincolnshire Council gives no leeway on this," he said, suggesting they should ask that authority "to take a more lenient view" where circumstances "conspire against stallholders."

Coun Jane Kitching (pictured) said she fully agreed with that.
Coun Ann Eardley wanted to see promotion and marketing of the facilities. But Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard said the Draft was concerned with management. "Promotion will come from a different department," she advised.
Coun John Berry, from North Lincolnshire Council, pointed out the authority still had to pay the contractor to put up the stalls even if a market day was subsequently hit by bad weather.
He stressed the need for more proactive marketing of local markets and for investment in things like new stall canopies.

DIVERSIONARY ROUTE WILL BE TREATED

Brigg motorists have been reassured Elsham Hill and the B-road from Barton Road End to Bonby Lodge will be "salted", if necessary, while being used as a diversionary route during Network Rail's requested closure of the A18 between Wrawby and Barnetby while a bridge is replaced over the Barnetby-Scunthorpe tracks.
The work starts this Friday and should take a couple of weeks, prompting fears the gritters might not be diverted to the alternative route if further wintry weather arrives.
However, Brigg area representative Coun Nigel Sherwood has checked that out with the powers-that-be at North Lincolnshire Council and been assured: "We are not expecting snow and ice. However we continue to monitor the situation and we are still on standby to react if it comes our way. If it does the diversion route will be salted."
That response from the council is informative and just what local motorists wanted to hear, but it was issued at much the same time as a strange one from the Government's Highways Agency. Strange in the context of when the A18 is to be closed between Wrawby and Barnetby.
In a news release entitled Roadworks lifted for Easter bank holiday, the H.A. reveals: "Road users travelling on the 9,534 carriageway miles of England’s motorways and major A roads over the Easter bank holiday will benefit from the suspension or completion of 60 per cent of roadworks by the Highways Agency to help drivers make smoother journeys over the Easter weekend. A total of 74 sets of roadworks are due to be completed and a further 60 are due to be suspended before 06:00 on Thursday 1 April."
It adds: "Despite experiencing delays to roadworks caused by the most prolonged and severe winter in the UK for the last 30 years, the Highways Agency is committed to keeping any disruption caused by these improvements to an absolute minimum which is why we are lifting 60% of roadworks this Easter. The move is part of the Highways Agency’s commitment to ease congestion, helping drivers to make their journeys safely and reliably. For many areas of the country, this Thursday sees the start of the school holidays and the Easter bank holiday weekend. This means that fewer families will be able to plan an early getaway and more people can be expected on the roads on Thursday evening and during Good Friday."
Derek Turner, the Highways Agency’s Director for Network Delivery and Development, said: "Over the Easter bank holiday, many people will be using our motorways and major A roads to begin their family holiday or get away for a long weekend. We wish to thank road users for their patience while we have been delivering these additional works which have been part of the Government’s package of measures to help secure jobs in the construction industry. We wish to reassure the travelling public that the Highways Agency is lifting as many roadworks as is safe and practical to do so for this Easter bank holiday. Removing roadworks is just one way we help road users during bank holidays. Our Traffic Officer Service will be on patrol and working in our control centres to help traffic flow smoothly and we will continue to provide up to the minute journey planning advice though our website, electronic road signs and the media."
The Highways Agency then supplies an extensive list of remaining, suspended and completed roadworks over Easter - but we can't find any reference at all to the lengthy closure of our own A18 at Wrawby, which starts on Good Friday.

POLICE ACTION BEING TAKEN

Police efforts over recent months to deal with drivers who enter Brigg's pedestrian zone without proper cause were outlined by Pc Jane Proud, the neighbourhood officer, during the Annual Town Public Meeting.
Pc Proud said when she came here last June the number of vehicles in the zone had been "a bit of a bugbear to the people in Brigg." Steps had been introduced to deal with it, verbal warnings being given to some drivers and fixed penalty tickets issued to others.
"I hope you have noticed a difference because I know I have," she added.
Pc Proud went on to outline the effectiveness of the town centre Dispersal Order in dealing with problem youths.
Coun Ann Eardley raised the threat to road safety caused by parents double-parking near Brigg Primary School. Pc Proud said she had been to look at the situation in Europa Way and had seen some "shabby driving" in that area of the town. She pointed out to errant motorists that action could be taken in the form of fixed penalties. "It will be a very expensive trip to school," she warned, saying she would make more frequent visits if problems persisted. Pc Proud also revealed a survey carried out at the school suggested road safety was a concern to many pupils.
Coun Jackie Brock complained about motorists ignoring pelican crossing red lights on Barnard Avenue, and asked police to monitor the situation.

NF adds on drivers abusing the pedestrian zone: This is a topic Brigg Blog has raised many times in the past, so it's good to hear it's been addressed.

SPREADING THE WORD

Brigg's Ancholme Inn - on Grammar School Road - has joined the growing number publicising themselves on the Facebook internet social network.
The Ancholme describes itself for the benefit of Facebook followers as "a local pub with a 120 capacity Function Room available to hire for any private or public occasion (birthday parties for all ages, engagements, wedding receptions, wedding anniversarys, retirements, christenings, business meetings/conferences, works Christmas parties and also surprise parties)."
We've just checked and the Ancholme has 52 members who've joined up as members.

ALTERATIONS PLANNED

Planning permission is being sought for alterations to the front elevation and installation of roof light in the side elevation in connection with a loft conversion at 26 Bigby High Road, Brigg. North Lincolnshire Council will rule on the application.

GROWING IN POPULARITY

Had you noticed the site traffic counter for Brigg Blog has gone above 34,000?
Donations always welcome, of course - cash of cheque! See panel on the right of our home page, if you are feeling in generous mood.

ESTATE RELIEF ROAD PLEA

Giving a review of the past year from his perspective as a Brigg area representative on North Lincolnshire Council, Coun John Berry said he continued to support another road onto the Springbank Estate (presumably from Wrawby Road) to help reduce congestion.
He told those attending the Annual Town Public Meeting the estate needed two points of entry and exit, rather than the current one (along Grammar School Road).
Coun Berry, a member of the minority Conservative group on the Labour-controlled unitary council, described a 2.9 per cent council tax rise as "in my view excessive."

BEHIND THE TIMES

It always seems to take a few days for someone to be detailed to alter Brigg's main clock on the Buttercross after British Summer Time starts or ends. But who am I to criticise? Having noted the town centre clock being wrong while in Wrawby Street this morning I glanced down at my watch to see it, too, still needed adjustment. And when I got back in my car the dashboard clock was also an hour behind the rest of Britain.

ROAD REPAIRS UNDER WAY

A call for North Lincolnshire Council to tackle large potholes in Brigg roads and footpaths came from Town Councillor Ann Eardley, who noted particular problems in Ash Grove. At the Annual Town Public Meeting she called on members of the public to report any problems observed.
Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny pointed out it had been a particularly bad winter for highways across the UK, in view of the bad weather.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard said North Lincolnshire staff had been inundated with reports and pointed out any member of the public could flag up problems to North Lincolnshire Council at any time.

NF adds: North Lincolnshire Council today has a team repairing potholes on Wesley Road, flagged up on Brigg Blog some time ago. Following up Coun Eardley's comments I had a drive down Ash Grove today and parts of it are like the surface of the moon! She certainly wasn't over the top with her comments - far from it. Hopefully Ashby Grove is on the highway authority's list to be attended to after Wesley Road.

MAYOR STRESSES MANY POSITIVES

This is the full text of Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny's report, delivered at the Annual Town Public Meeting in the Angel Suite.

I was privileged to be elected as Town Mayor in May 2009, and the year that has followed since has been a very busy one both for me, as Town Mayor, and for the Town Council itself.
As well as continuing to deal with routine issues such as:
• Requests for dog litter bins.
• Reporting uneven and broken pavements / flytipping / and faulty street lights.
• Managing the two allotment sites — which are now more popular than ever
• Brigg in Bloom.
• Christmas Lights and the Christmas Lights Switch On.
the Town Council is now embarking on more ambitious projects which we hope will bring the community together, enhance the appearance of the Town and, as a result, encourage more visitors and boost trade. I will not go into each of the following projects in detail, as they are all listed on the Agenda, but I trust you will agree that they are all very worthy projects which can only have a positive impact, and serve to further develop pride in the Town.
They are:
• The Big Spring Clean / River Ancholme Development Project
• Preparation of a Community Safety Flood Response Plan Preparation of a Community Plan
• Renovation of the County Bridge
In addition to the above, the Town Council has also been involved in more sensitive
discussions relating to issues that affect the residents of Brigg, and to some extent those residents who, by definition of a boundary line on a map, live outside of Brigg – but, in reality, consider themselves to be Brigg residents.
Such matters include:
• Queen Street residents' parking scheme
The Town Council lent its support to the Queen Street Residents Group in their pursuit of a residents' parking scheme, and it is pleasing to note that a scheme will now be trialled during the next 18 months.
It should also be made clear that this is not a residents only - parking scheme, and neither does it give residents priority over other drivers who wish to park in Queen
Street; it simply allows residents who have paid a fee for a permit to remain parked within a limited waiting zone, close to their home, without incurring a penalty ticket.
• The identification of suitable sites for the Town's Gypsy and Traveller Community.
The Town Council has been involved in numerous meetings with North Lincolnshire Council and West Lindsey District Council, regarding the identification of suitable locations for gypsy and traveller sites. The aim of the Town Council is to ensure that Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs are included within the housing land allocations plans which North Lincolnshire Council and West Lindsey District Council have to provide as part of their Core Development Strategy; and not simply as an addition to. Also that proper sites are provided within the environs of Brigg for those members of the gypsy community who have long-standing and proven local links with the Town. This may not be a popular response to an issue which often generates a hostile reaction, but it is a humanitarian response to the needs of bona fide citizens of Brigg. There is no room for discrimination in today's society. Brigg is the only Town in North Lincolnshire with its own Holocaust Memorial, and it serves as a constant reminder that racism is poisonous and must never be tolerated.
• Request for a review of the parish boundaries between Brigg and Scawby Brook, Brigg and Wrawby, and Westrum Lane in West Lindsey. The latter will resolve anomalies where development has resulted in a handful of properties that can only be accessed through Brigg, being across the neighbouring boundary line. Scawby Brook is more complicated, and the Town Council has, therefore, suggested that discussions should be held with both Scawby Parish Council and Broughton Town Council in this regard, as well as the residents of Scawby Brook themselves.
You will be aware that the Town Council also manages the facilities within the Angel Suite. During the past year the Angel Suite Manager, Mrs Karen Deeley, has been tasked with the additional role of generating increased use of the venue, and organising events and entertainment for the community to enjoy. This is proving to be a successful decision. The subsidy required for the management of the Angel Suite is now reducing, and it is expected that the interest generated in the venue for corporate functions will continue to generate further revenue during the next year.
Another project which I have personally found to be extremely rewarding, is the 313's Youth Street Project, and as the Chair of the Committee that manages the project, I will provide a report later in the meeting (we posted it earlier on Brigg Blog - NF). As mentioned under matters arising, the renovation of the War Memorial has not progressed as the Town Council intended during the last year, but discussions will commence shortly with the aim of ensuring that this work can be concluded in time for this year's Wreath Laying Ceremony – which will also mark the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
As always, the excellent working relationship the Town Council enjoys with our local MP, Ian Cawsey, our three ward councillors (Couns Nigel Sherwood, Carl Sherwood and John Berry on the North Lincolnshire unitary authority), and the Local Policing Team, has proved to be invaluable. It only serves to reinforce my belief that team work and co-operation, combined with common sense, respect and consideration for others, are the key to success.
As I draw my report to a close, I am pleased to record that Brigg seems to not only be weathering the storm of recession, much as my predecessor Councillor Campion noted last year, but it appears to be bucking the trend that is portrayed in the regional and national media, where other Market Towns with boarded up shops, unkempt streets, and a general feeling of malaise are clear for all to see. Instead, Brigg appears to have found its niche in an ever changing and unstable market, and the Town now has a variety of specialist shops that offer a first class and friendly service to residents and visitors.
The foresight of a previous Chief Executive of Glanford Borough Council, Mr David Cameron, must be acknowledged in this regard. When Brigg was suffering the disruptive effects of repairs to the main drains through the Town, combined with the regeneration project that resulted in pedestrianisation and the re-routing of traffic away from the Town Centre and along Barnard Avenue, he set out his vision of Brigg being the Town it has now become. He suggested that the arrival of Tesco would be the catalyst that the Town needed to achieve that aim. This was indeed true vision – and it is indeed, a pleasure to see new businesses continuing to open in the Town, and that those long-standing businesses that survived those difficult years, continue to survive. It is absolutely essential that the Town Council and the community as a whole takes pride in the fact that Brigg does appear to be bucking the national trend, and that we pull together to further develop the Town as an attractive, friendly, and safe place for people to live and bring up their families, and a fantasticlocation for people to visit within North Lincolnshire.
In closing, I sincerely hope that you will respond to the appeals from the Town Council, and come forward to assist with the projects now on the table that will be of long term benefit to the appearance of the Town, its economy and the community as a whole.

Our picture shows members of the public and councillors listening to the Town Mayor deliver his review of the past 12 months. Nearest the camera is Coun Nigel Sherwood, one of the area's representatives on North Lincolnshire Council and head of the family cycle business in Bridge Street. Behind him are Town Councillors Jenny Bell, Ann Eardley (partly hidden), Sue Nicholson (in the pink jacket) and Jackie Brock (purple top). To the left of Mrs Brock is Coun Carl Sherwood, who sits on both the Town Council and the North Lincolnshire authority. Standing in the distance is Ken Harrison - by far the most prolific poster of comments on Brigg Blog. Not that we are offering a trophy for it!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

From Ken Harrison

Remote Sensing Satellites (RSS) indicate heavy snow showers expected on Tuesday about Northern England, including the Humber.
My bit of seaweed has got so excited about the prospect that it's fallen off its bit of string.

DAMP SQUIB SAGA CONTINUES

Could it be that water has been leaking from the pipe alongside Brigg's County Bridge for almost three months?
We were reminded this morning of a Brigg Blog picture posted on January 9 which showed icicles hanging directly under the bridge.
The leak seems to be getting progressively worse, prompting a great suggestion for a striking picture from Scunthorpe Telegraph chief photographer David Haber. How about getting an Ancholme Rowing Club member to position a canoe under the mini-waterfall and raise an umbrella to ward off the drips?
Anglian Water has been down to take a look at the problem, put a sticker on the County Bridge to say they are aware of it and allocated a job number.
But how much longer before it's fixed?
Brigg Blog went down there this morning with Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs and Coun Tom Glossop, who has spent years heading a campaign for improvements to the County Bridge. Our picture shows Tom taking a close look at this rather sad state of affairs, and we've repeated the one from early January (with icicles).

GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS

Brigg Town Council officials and members were out in force at today's monthly Farmers' Market. With welcome support from Brigg and Goole MP Ian Cawsey (second right) and Halyna Deboer (second left), area manager with North Lincolnshire Council's Neighbourhood Services, they launched the Spring riverside clean-up campaign.


Using the Market Place Bandstand as a base, helpers - led by Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny (above, left) and Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs - distributed leaflets among town centre shoppers, asking them to come forward as volunteers and assist with litter-picking and weed removal in May along the banks of the River Ancholme and in the town centre. Display boards explained more about the work to be done.
Scunthorpe Telegraph chief photographer David Haber attended, along with Peter Thompson of the Market Rasen Mail - and David made his usual call for 'props' for the photo call, resulting in brooms, dustpan and brush being brought out from the nearby Angel for the occasion. That gave Coun Nobbs, who is chairman of the planning and environment committee, the opportunity for a hands-on launch by sweeping up some fag-ends spotted on the stone paving while he was crouched down having his picture taken (top picture, extreme right).

Coun Nobbs, Halyna Deboer and Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard with leaflets and the informative display inside the Bandstand.

Newly purchased Farmers' Market burger in hand, Brigg resident Trevor Harrison (left) is given a leaflet by Coun Andrew Markham in the Market Place this morning.

A busy scene at today's Farmers' Market - sunny weather but a chilly wind to contend with.

Following their spell in the Bandstand, council representatives retired to the warmth of the Angel Suite to welcome further pledges of support from the general public. If you didn't make it today there's still time to put your name down to help with the big clean-up on May 22 and 23. Contact the Town Clerk at Brigg Town Council Office, the Angel Suite, Brigg, DN20 8LD, call 01652 659402 or email now through this link SUPPORT SPRING CLEAN-UP

COUNTY BRIDGE UPDATE

By Coun Tom Glossop and Coun Ben Nobbs, Deputy Town Mayor

A meeting was held, on Friday 12 March with three officers of North Lincolnshire Council to discuss the possibility of collaboration between the Town Council and themselves in the restoration of the bridge.
We explained the latest position with regard to the Town Council's attempt to secure the support of the residents of the town to contribute to the project and the need for North Lincolnshire Council to play their part.
The officers asked if the people of the town would be prepared to pedestrianise the bridge as this would reduce the cost of any work undertaken. We explained that this had been an option discussed last year which had been rejected by the highway authority of which they were unaware.
In the following discussions it was clear that they would be willing to work with the Town Council to progress the project. However they did qualify this support by indicating that it would be, perhaps two or three years before they could promise to undertake the work as it is anticipated that there will be a significant reduction in the rate support grant received from Central Government in the future.
We looked at the plans drawn up for the Friends of the County Bridge and considered how they might be modified to reduce the cost and agreed the following:
a) the officers would discuss with their colleagues the possibility of pedestrianising the bridge.
b) establish weather an alternative use of the foot bridge could be found to help defray the cost of its removal.
c) investigate a possible time scale for the work to be carried out and if this was to prove to be a long term project what remedial work would need to be-done to the bridge in the mean time.
d) we would further the identification of what would be regarded as aesthetical work for which the Town Council would take responsibility.
The meeting was most positive and it does seem that given the availability of funding.
The will is there to complete the project.

BRIGG 'AHEAD OF THE GAME'

BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL 3B'S PROJECT REPORT TO THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING, ANGEL SUITE, 22nd MARCH 2010

By Coun James Truepenny, Town Mayor of Brigg/Chair of the 3B's Committee

The project has now been in operation for almost two years, and is successfully engaging with young people in all three parishes on a weekly basis.
A recent success is that the project was selected as one of only seven in the country to participate in the Childrens's Workforce Development Council Share! Project, which is a national project that aims to highlight evidence of good practice when working with children and families.
Five years ago the Town Council was receiving regular,complaints from residents regarding anti-social and unruly behaviour. Since the 3B's project has been in operation, such reports have virtually diminished, and the Local Policing Team has recorded that the project is proving to be a useful tool in building relationships with teenagers out on the street.
When determining the budget for 2010/2011 the Town Council deliberated long and hard about whether the funds should be put in place to ensure that the project could be sustained in Brigg after the Big Lottery Funding expires in June 2011.
It was decided that the key to continued success in reaching the teenagers within our community was the sustainability of this bespoke, unique project, which could respond directly to the needs of our community, and our young people.
The project is not only about providing activities for teenagers, it is about encouraging positive behaviour, pride in themselves, respect for others and pride in their community. It also provides young people with a point of contact with properly trained staff who can help if they have a problem.
The Town Council decided that, if the project can have a direct and positive impact on just a few young people, and divert them away from the more unsavoury activities that they are at risk from during these important years, then the investment is worthwhile.
Considering that anti-social behaviour is the 'hot topic' on almost all current affairs programmes and in the national press, and that schemes to combat such behaviour are put forward on a daily basis, Brigg is once again ahead of the game.

Coun Truepenny is pictured above delivering his report, alongside Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard.

DAY AT THE SEASIDE

BlueDestination (mentioned in an earlier Brigg Blog posting) are running a bus trip from Brigg to Skegness on Saturday, June 26. Details are on the Facebook social networking site. Tickets cost £15 and will go on sale on April 1. Call 07858 390013 or visit Brigg Tourist Information Centre at the Buttercross, Market Place. The price includes transport, free drinks, snacks, and light refreshments. Provisional departure time is 8.30am (to be confirmed).

DON'T MISS THIS TALK

Many of us have read John Rhodes' excellent book on growing up in Central Square, Brigg, in the 1930s and 1940s, with much about his time at Brigg Grammar School. Now Brigg Amateur Social Historians are offering a night with the author, who's returning to town specially. GET ALONG ON APRIL 6 IF YOU CAN.

YOU CAN DO YOUR BIT

From Jeanette Woollard, Brigg Town Clerk

Just to remind you that we are hoping to recruit volunteers to help with the Brigg Spring Clean. We will be in the Bandstand/Market Place on Saturday from 10am-11.30am and then in the Angel Ballroom from 11.30am-12.15pm.
The Spring Clean will be carried out on 22nd /23rd May, and volunteers are needed.
CAN YOU HELP?
Sign up this Saturday or complete a form available from Mrs. JM Woollard, Brigg Town Council Office, the Angel Suite, Brigg, DN20 8LD. Telephone 01652 659402.

ON TRACK WITH PATHS

Brigg's footpath warden, Tony Parker, had only good news when he delivered his annual report to the Annual Town Public Meeting in the Angel Suite.
Long-serving Tony usually has to point out something which needs doing, but this this time he reported North Lincolnshire Council had 'found the money' to resurface the path between Yarborough Road and Churchill Avenue (pictured), plus cutting back foliage and attending to fencing. "It's now much more walkable," he said.
Tony also reported how the footpath along the New River Ancholme, from Bridge Street to the railway bridge, had been reinstated after being closed temporarily for improvement work to be carried out by Network Rail.

SKATING ON THICK ICE

The future is looking a bit brighter for Brigg's closure-threatened Skatepark, near Ancholme Leisure Centre.
At the Town Council's monthly meeting, Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs said he had been to a well-attended meeting about the facility, with the council's £250 donation for 2009/10 and its case-of-need £250 offer for 2010/11 being welcomed, and the possibility of money also being forthcoming from Broughton. Ways of fundraising had also been discussed at the meeting.
One of the priorities appears to be meeting the Skatepark's insurance bill.

FINAL CURTAIN CALL

Karen Deeley, the Angel Suite manager in Brigg, has issued a final call to people wanting tickets for Saturday night's concert being given by leading guitarist Clive Carroll at the town centre venue (7.30pm). The bar will be open from 7pm.
Karen says £10 tickets are available now from Brigg Tourist Information Centre, in the Buttercross, or on the door. For further details call her on 07903531201.

WATERFALL UPDATE

Ken Harrison tells us a sign has now been erected on the railings near the "spewing water valve" on Brigg County Bridge, saying 'Anglian Water Aware'. He has come up with an apt anagram of Anglian Water - A Late Warning

MAKE A DATE

Llewellyn Gudgeon reminds us that the first meeting of the newly-formed Brigg and District Branch of the Royal British Legion will take place on Wednesday, 31st March at 19.30hrs at the Black Bull, Wrawby Street, Brigg.
My old Brigg hockey mate Llew being a former long-serving military man, we'd better translate the time for those of us in Civvy Street...7.30pm.

BRIGGENSIANS' DINNER REVISITED

Further pictures from Saturday's dinner, courtesy of David Brittain.

APPEAL FOR INFO

My name is Jean Dickinson and as part of a course with Hull University I have to look into House History. I decided to look into the Nursery (which included the Roman Catholic Chapel) set up by my husband's grandfather at Silversides, thinking (hoping) that I might get a wealth of information locally and whereas that has been true of many people's recollections I cannot find any 'hard' proof that it existed, other than a photograph printed in Dr. Frank Henthorn's book on 19th Century Brigg and the same one printed in Edward Dodd's book on the history of Catholicism in Brigg.
I have been in touch with the Roman Catholic Diocese at Nottingham, but they couldn't give me any more information than that which is included in both books.
What I would really like is a picture of the original house (but any information is most welcome) which I think was built for the priests Peter and Thomas Moulin in the 1810s, with the Chapel being built in 1815.
I would also be interested in any information about the Nursery, particularly from when the Roman Catholic Chapel fell into disuse to when the Dickinsons took over. I thought that was when they moved to Silversides in 1890/1 but now I am not so sure about that date as in the 1901 census a family called Welton lived at the 'Catholic Villa' and two people have told me that the Dickinsons lived in Victoria Cottages prior to living at the Nursery.
According to one person these cottages were built in 1892 and I would like to verify that if possible. The Dickinson family lived in Silversides by that time so I would like to find out where exactly the did live if possible.
Email Jean now through this link JEAN DICKINSON or call her on 01652 654311.

FAREWELL TO A GREAT MAN

Just got back from the funeral service at St John's Church where family and friends said their final farewells to John Allcock, the former Brigg Grammar and Sir John Nelthorpe teacher and renowned sportsman. St John's is a pretty large church but many mourners still had to stand, such was the turnout.
Much was said about John at home, at work and at play. But, for me, Adrian Gibbons summed it up when he said: "John was a man of few words - but every one of them was worth listening to."
We heard about how John had attended Brigg Grammar and later returned to teach there, and (from brother Andy) how 'Our Kid' had once played in goal for a Scunthorpe United XI ahead of Ray Clemence - later to star for Liverpool and England.
Golden memories of a great man. He will be missed by so many of us.

ENTERTAINING SUPPER

From David Brittain, Brigg Rotary Club

Residents and staff were provided with a great spread of delicious main meals and desserts all washed down with a choice of tea, coffee, juice or wine during Brigg Rotary Club’s annual winter visit to their old friends at the Leonard Cheshire Disability Home near Barnetby.
Every year the Club tries to brighten this day for residents and also provide a welcome break from the normal routine, by relieving the staff of evening meal preparation, except for those with very special dietary needs. This is just part of the community support work undertaken by Brigg Rotarians.



Following the meal the Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg, Music Department provided superb entertainment with the choir demonstrating their extensive repertoire of songs and solo instrumental performances to a most appreciative audience.
Later in the year, when the weather becomes milder, the Club will arrange a day out to a place of interest chosen by the members of the home so that those who can get around in wheelchairs can enjoy an extra trip day with a new set of wheelchair pushers!
It is always a most enjoyable experience for member and for the young people of the Choir and reminds us just how fortunate we are to be so healthy and active.

PREPARING FOR SEASON

From Gary Smith, Brigg Town Cricket Club

We need many hands to work on the ground preparation for the new season which is less than a month away. There will be a working day at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, on Sunday (March 28) at 10am prompt. If anybody has a rivet gun please bring it along to enable us to effect repairs to the sightscreens.

PACKED WITH INFORMATION

Last night's double-header - Brigg Town Council's March meeting followed by the Annual Town Public Meeting - produced a wide range of interesting discussions on many topics, all of which will be appearing on Brigg Blog in coming days, plus the columns of the Scunthorpe Telegraph and Market Rasen Mail, who both sent reporters along to join me on the press tables!
Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny delivered the Town Council's review of the year, Pc Jane Proud represented Brigg Police and Coun John Berry reported on the work of North Lincolnshire Council. There was an update on Brigg public footpaths from Tony Parker, a report on the 3Bs Youth Project, and discussions over the future of the County Bridge (the subject of a referendum) and cleaning up the riverside.
Plus lots more to come....with pictures!

BY GEORGE, A GREAT REUNION!

At secondary school as far back as 1932-38, George Gurnell (88), pictured below, was the most senior guest as the Briggensians' Association held its 33rd annual dinner, the venue again being Elsham Golf Club. The attendance just topped 100, and a good night was had by all, with the chance to recall incidents from school days long gone but certainly not forgotten.
The Briggensians' Association represents former pupils and staff of Brigg Grammar School, Brigg Girls' High School, Sir John Nelthorpe School (formed in 1976) and Brigg Sixth Form College.
Toastmaster John Hastings added a little extra help this year, in the shape of a specially-recorded backing track which accompanied group singing of the old Grammar School song Fortitudine.
Guest speaker Peter Lawrence (ex-Scunthorpe) recalled his time at Brigg Grammar from 1964-71 and some of the practices back then which would never be permitted in today's world of education with its focus on health and safety. They including nude swimming in the unheated swimming pool!
Sir John Nelthorpe School headteacher Linda Hewlett-Parker delivered an interesting report on the past year, reflecting on a visit by the Ofsted inspectors and impressive examination results.
Donna Fryer, chairwoman, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Association, paying particular tribute to the organisational skills of secretary Barbara Kernon.
Six members of the current sixth form were invited as guests and responded by doing a great job selling raffle tickets to help Association funds.
Next year's dinner has already been arranged by Barbara and will be at Elsham Golf Club on Saturday, March 19, 2011. For further details email kernon@homecroft2002.freeserve.co.uk
We have supplied many more 'round-the-table' pictures to that famed glossy magazine, The Lincolnshire Journal, and hope some will be featured in a future edition.

Sixth formers who enjoyed the event and helped with the raffle.


All at Brigg Grammar from 1968, Michael Bell, Steve Blakey, Dave Harness and George Jewitt.


Ian Kernon, chairman of the SJN governors Roy O'Neill, and Briggensians' secretary Barbara Kernon.


Top table guests Tamsin Bennett (nee Dunn), Briggensians' chairwoman Donna Fryer, SJN headteacher Linda Hewlett-Parker, and speaker Peter Lawrence.

YOUR FINAL REMINDER

Brigg's Annual Town Public Meeting is tonight in the Angel Suite at 7.30pm. All members of the public are very welcome to attend and raise any topics they wish.
See you there?

'WATERFALL' UPDATE

Keen observer of Brigg life, Ken Harrison, reports: "That leak from the mains water pipe (on the County Bridge) seems to be getting worse. Any idea from which direction does the water flow inside the pipe? Towards Scawby Brook, or towards the Market Place?"
NF adds: "I've had another look this morning and gallons of water are still spewing out of the leak - something we featured last week on Brigg Blog."
Just as well the County Bridge isn't on one of these new-fangled water meters.

SCHOOL LEGEND MOURNED BY BRIGG

Well over 1,000 people have already joined a special website forum in memory of much-loved and respected Brigg teacher John Allcock...and more are doing so all the time.
John, who lived in Brigg for many years, died on March 15, aged 62, after a long battle with cancer. A funeral service will be held at 12.30 on Wednesday (March 24) at St John's Church, Bigby Street, Brigg. It will be followed by committal at Woodlands, Scunthorpe.
John was educated at Brigg Grammar School and returned there after university to teach physics, continuing at Sir John Nelthorpe School after comprehensive education was introduced in 1976. He became one of the longest-serving and most respected members of staff, giving so much more to the school than just being a super teacher of his specialist subject. He was involved with many other things, including timetabling and running the school cricket team in the Broughton and District Evening League. He was also a good football goalkeeper in his younger days and was a keen supporter of Tuesday quiz nights at Brigg's Britannia Inn.
Some 100 guests at Saturday night's Briggensians' Association annual dinner for former pupils and staff stood in silence in memory of John, to whom several tributes were later paid.
The Facebook social networking site r.i.p Mr Allcock, created by Liam Mcintyre, describes John as a legend. "You were a great man who will be dearly missed and never forgotten," it says.
Many ex-pupils from the early 1970s to recent times have posted comments, and here's a selection:
Bill Eaton: "Great teacher, keen sportsman, good man...big loss."
Helen Sharp: "A legendary teacher and a lovely man - every school should have been blessed with a Mr Allcock. Thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time."
Rich Golland: "Allcock - legend."
Lynsey Bates: "Mr Allcock somehow managed to make one of my least favourite subjects enjoyable and fun. A great teacher."
Matt Courts: "Nelthorpe has lost one of its truly great teachers and we have all lost a very kind, caring individual."
Matt Mosey: "You were my teacher, my colleague and my friend. In typical Allcock style you were fantastic at all three."
NF adds: "I was in one of the first school years to be taught physics by John at Brigg Grammar. But many of us got to know him particularly well on the football and cricket field. He played a bit of club cricket for Brigg Town and was a stalwart player and organiser with the Nelthorpe team in the local midweek league over many years. John had a fine sense of humour - often at his own expense. In games at BGS we used to take advantage of his lack of height in goal by chipping the ball over his head - an achievement always greeted with a smile on his face and a laugh. Later, when I worked part-time at Brigg Sixth Form College, and became a Parent Governor, John was always someone you looked forward to meeting in the corridor, classroom,staff room, or socially in Brigg."
There will be a huge turnout for John's funeral on Wednesday. So if you are going, and particularly if you plan to take the car - get there early.

COUNCIL MEETING DOUBLE

A report on the future of Brigg Skatepark will be given by Deputy Town Mayor Coun Nobbs when Brigg Town Council holds its March meeting tomorrow night in the Angel Suite, starting at 6.45pm.
It will be followed at 7.30pm by the Annual Town Public Meeting - the general public's chance to have a say on any issues affecting the community. A full preview of that appeared in an earlier posting last week.

SEEING RED

Many Brigg folk will be against the extension of double-yellow line parking restrictions. However, there have to be exceptions - and I think Wrawby Road is a case in point.
Congestion is being caused by motorists parking very close to the entrance to Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School while waiting to pick up children. This is perfectly legal but annoying for other drivers who find one lane of the A18 effectively blocked for admittedly short periods.
It's surprising yellow lines have not been introduced here long ago. We get them on minor streets but a major A-road somehow escapes.
Your views on the Wrawby Road parking issue will be very welcome. If sufficient folk support our idea we'll let North Lincolnshire Council know. Their road safety experts might then give it consideration.

BRIGG CHARGE IN PERSPECTIVE

There's a very useful and informative chart in the latest issue of North Lincolnshire Council's Direct Magazine, showing how much of your 2010/11 council tax bill can be put down to the parish precept.
All Brigg households will have received a copy together with that often dreaded bill for council tax covering the new financial year starting soon.
In Brigg a Band D household will pay £66.76p for the next financial year - not much more than a quid a week - to fund Brigg Town Council's work. But Band D folk in Scunthorpe pay only £33.07p in "Parish Charges" - almost exactly half the Brigg payment.
Scunthorpe has no parish/town councils - not even in Ashby, which has a much bigger population than Brigg (Approx 9,000+ to our 5,000+ based on North Lincolnshire Council's own website figures). So you might wonder why steel town households have to cough up anything at all. And how does North Lincolnshire Council arrive at the sum it's making them pay? After all, "No taxation without representation" was the demand which led to what's now the United States gaining independence from Britain.
But think a little deeper: We pay council tax to fund local services. Brigg Town Council oversees facilities like the Angel Suite community venue and the allotments, the 3Bs Youth Project, plus awarding grants to worthy organisations based in the town and being able to object to planning applications (and other issues) which prove unpopular with local people - before 'big brother' North Lincolnshire makes final decisions.
Scunthorpe and Ashby residents have a range of community centres provided for them in their towns, plus allotments. And many Scunthorpe and Ashby groups (quite rightly) can still apply for grants to help with their good work - but from North Lincolnshire not a local parish body.
Would it be fair for Brigg - and all the other parishes surrounding Scunthorpe - to have to fund their own village halls, etc, while households in the steel town get theirs provided by North Lincolnshire Council at no extra charge? The answer, of course, is No - which is why Scunthorpe and Ashby folk have to pay Parish Charges to North Lincolnshire, even though they have no parish council representation.
But as the majority of facilities in this area are in Scunthorpe and Ashby, shouldn't the Parish Charge there be the highest in the district?
This strange situation was caused by local government reorganisation - no surprise there, then! Prior to the formation of North Lincolnshire Council in 1996, major services (like education, highways and social services) were provided by Humberside County Council (abolished in April that year), with Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council managing secondary services (like refuse collection, social housing and local planning), and Brigg Town Council doing much the same as it does today. Scunthorpe - up to April 1996 - had a borough council on a par with Glanford but never any parish councils.
When the government pressed ahead with unitary authorities (eg North Lincolnshire) there was provision for things called Neighbourhood Councils to be established in places like Scunthorpe - working in exactly the same way as parish and town councils. A senior council officer was assigned to float the idea but the good people of the steel town never took to the concept and nothing more was heard of it.
Neighbourhood Councils could have been established, say, for Crosby, Ashby or Riddings. Perhaps because no lowest level of local government had existed in Scunthorpe, no-one wanted them.
But surely a place the size of Ashby ought to have its own Neighbourhood Council, and even its own first citizen (Town Mayor).
The chart in Direct magazine gives the 'Local Tax Base' for Scunthorpe as 16,925 (households paying council tax), compared with Brigg's 1,753; Bottesford has 3,750 (paying £26.65p for 2010/11) and Barton 3,397 (paying £48.22p).
It still seems possible to set up Neighbourhood Councils within Scunthorpe and Ashby. If that happened, it would be interesting to see whether the subsequent Parish Charge introduced was lower than the seemingly abitary figure currently assigned across the whole of the area formerly covered by Scunthorpe Borough Council.
Make what you will of the Parish Charges chart on page 26 of Direct Magazine. I've long been an admirer of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli but can't agree with his famous quote: "There are three kinds of lies - lies, damn lies, and statistics."
Sadly, to me - an anorak if ever there was one - local government finances are of great interest. Especially if I'm coughing up well over a grand, like the rest of you, in North Lincolnshire council tax for 2010/11.

ARTISTS AT ANGEL

Ancholme Artists will be hosting their next exhibition in the Angel Courtyard, off Brigg Market Place, on Saturday, March 27, between 10am and 3pm.

EVENIN' ALL

I thought it was a policewoman coming towards me in Bridge Street, then assumed it was a police community support officer...but no, it was actually one of North Lincolnshire Council's new civil enforcement officers, who now tackle parking offences, etc. To the untrained eye, like mine, you have to get pretty close to realise it's not the long arm of the conventional law. Or should I have gone to Specsavers?

SLOW PROGRESS

The long-running saga of whether a public right of way does, or does not, exist along Market Lane, where metal gates have now been erected, is continuing.
The latest update given to Brigg Town Council by Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs suggested a North Lincolnshire Council official hoped to compile a report within the next couple of months, with further archive research being carried out, and some witnesses likely to be interviewed.

INSPECTOR REJECTS APPEAL

A Government Inspector has declined to give the go-ahead for two homes to be built on a plot adjacent to 5a Princes Street, Brigg, the conclusion we can draw being that North Lincolnshire Council was correct in refusing to grant planning permission.
Jon Arnold, of Auckley, Doncaster, exercised his right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after his application was rejected. But he was unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Brigg Town Council is to make its views known to North Lincolnshire planners about an application to erect a single-storey rear extension at 8 Horstead Avenue. Town councillors are to express concerns about the possible detrimental impact on neighbouring properties due to loss of light. North Lincolnshire Council will rule on the application.

BIG CHANCE TO HAVE A VOICE IN BRIGG

Each Town Council is required to hold an Annual Town Public Meeting, giving everyone within the community a chance to go along and have their say on any topic they choose to raise, and/or put questions to councillors.
Brigg's for 2010 will be on Monday, March 22 in the Angel Suite (off Market Place) at 7.30pm.
To view the full agenda in close-up, double-click the image above. You can print this to bring to the meeting with you - or pick up a printed copy up on the night, if you prefer.

Hoping people will support the meeting, Brigg Town Council says: "Don't waste it. This is your opportunity to share your views and opinions with both Town Councillors and fellow residents in the Open Forum. Feel free to raise any issues that you are unhappy – or even happy - about!"
Items already on the agenda include:

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Brigg Big Spring Clean/River Ancholme Development Project.

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Renovation of the Brigg County Bridge.

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Brigg Emergency Plan.

Reports on the past 12 months will be delivered by the Town Council (through Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny, pictured), a representative of North Lincolnshire Council (likely to be Coun John Berry), Brigg Footpath Warden Tony Parker, and the local policing team (headed by Insp Brett Rutty).
Brigg's Annual Town Meetings never seem to attract the attendances they should. Hopefully this year's will prove an exception, especially with events like County Bridge renovation on the agenda.
Those who grumble on Brigg Streets about the way things operate have a golden opportunity here to gain a wider audience for their views.
If you are going along on Monday it's important to note pedestrian access to the Angel Suite is gained from the Market Place, along Exchange Place - NOT through the glass doors at the front of the building, which may well be locked at this time of night. For those coming by car, use Elwes Street/Cadney Road; there is plenty of parking available behind the Angel.
Rest assured, if you can't make it the press will be out in force to bring you the news - not just Brigg Blog but the local papers, too. There will be plenty of interest to report.

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We hope to see you there!

LEAK OF INFORMATION

Could this be Brigg's newest town centre tourist attraction - a water feature?
The totally unexpected County Bridge talking point presumably comes courtesy of our water-provider.
It appears a pipe on the side of the bridge has sprung a Spring leak. It's dead centre, next to the tablet carrying the Lindsey County Council initials. But although Brigg Blog is seeking to make an amusing tale out of what may be a trivial observation, there is a serious side. For the press is again running stories about how much water leaks are costing consumers. It's not the Town Council's job to tip off water company bosses about leaks, but we've passed the information on, just in case the authority knows who to contact.

GREAT NIGHTS WITH BASH

Brigg Amateur Social Historians' latest publicity poster. Double-click on the image for a closer read.

PRICKLY ISSUE?

North Lincolnshire Council is now considering a notice of intention to fell a holly tree within the Conservation Area at Eastfield, Albert Street, Brigg. The applicant is DDM Agriculture Ltd.
We can't see it being a particularly prickly issue for the planners!

NEW BIN ON THE HORIZON

Following a request from dog-walkers, passed on by Coun Sue Nicholson, Brigg Town Council is to pay around £117 for a bin on Churchill Avenue where dog mess bags can be deposited for North Lincolnshire Council to collect. The bin will be near the entrance to the public footpath which goes over the fields to Wrawby, but the exact location will be decided by North Lincolnshire staff.

WATER WAY TO WORK!

At the Dying Gladiator pub reopening in Bigby Street, Brigg, we met Jon Stocks, whose DWS (Design Woodwork Services), from Sheffield, carried out a prestigious project in the town. He pledged to send us his story, and here it is, in his own words...


Ahoy, there! We’ve built a conservatory on the side of Glanford Boat Club in Lincolnshire. We like to push the boat out, Which is what we have done for Glanford Boat Club at Brigg.
Our firm’s most venerable and seaworthy member is Jon (senior), who has been a member of the club for two years. When other members realised ours was a family of expert builders and joiners, we were asked to build a conservatory on the side of the main building. It was to be constructed on an existing beer garden/patio - and so needed to be nearly 30ft long and 10ft wide.


Glanford Boat Club was started in 1934, and has 120 members and 50 boats, making it the biggest club on the River Ancholme, which runs through Brigg. The river was a commercial waterway for centuries, but is now solely for recreational use. The club is busiest during summer, so we had to do our work in the off-season.
The job involved erecting a UPVC frame on top of the footings and on the wall of the patio. The existing floor sloped by three inches from wall to building, so we had to level it then lay a ceramic tile floor. The roof has been designed to reflect sun in the summer and retain heat in the winter. You can see from the photograph that the middle window is etched with the club's GBC logo. We also replaced all the building’s soffits, fascias and guttering. For smokers we erected a glass-covered area.
Normally, we are on dry land in Sheffield, where we have made our name designing and manufacturing sliding sash windows and other wood features for period homes. We can also undertake any kind of building project, so please ring us if you have one in mind.
The group picture shows Jon Stocks (centre), his brother Dan and father Jon Snr (right), of the family business. For free estimates and home surveys call 0114 275 5187, email info@designerwoodwork.co.uk or visit www.designerwoodwork.co.uk. They are based at 26-36 Hallcar Street (off Carlisle Street) Sheffield S4 7JY.

VOLUNTEERS REWARDED

Ancholme Leisure Centre was the venue for the North Lincolnshire Leisure Awards 2010, with community, sports, arts and heritage volunteers honoured. Nominations were sought from across the area, and it proved a very enjoyable event, with a particularly fine buffet served in the sports hall.
Nigel Adkins, manager of Scunthorpe United, attended and presented the sports awards, despite it being his birthday! One of the Vale of Ancholme hockey teams picked up a team trophy, but it was not just youngsters who were rewarded. Indeed, a bowls team from Scunthorpe was made up of players over 80.
It was an an honour to attend as a guest, wearing my Lincolnshire County Cricket League official's hat, and to be joined on Table One by Tony Stamp, Brigg Hockey Club coach during my days trying to bash a ball about in the Yorkshire League.
Much hard work went into organising the event, a great deal of the co-ordination being down to Marie Bailey, Brigg-based sport development officer.
If you get the chance to attend this event in the future, it comes highly recommended.

PARKING CONCERNS VOICED

Some reservations have been expressed over North Lincolnshire Council's ambtitious plans to expand what's already on the youth Centre site adjoining Wesley Road, Grammar School Road and Colton Street.
One part of the council is now asking another for planning permission to erect a sure start nursery, including the demolition of two outbuildings and the refurbishment of the main Youth Centre building.
Brigg Town Council - consulted as part of the planning process - is happy enough with the development itself but is concerned about the small provision included in the scheme for car parking. Town councillors fear this might add to the congestion already experienced on roads in this area.
North Lincolnshire's proposal is to extend existing Brigg Youth Centre facilities to provide additional health/meeting space, an office, multi-purpose room, welfare facilities and storage space to make the existing base multi-functioning.
Additional car parking provision (two spaces, plus one disabled space) and small outdoor area will also be provided. The extension to the base is to be a separate building, with a small courtyard area inbetween the proposed and existing buildings.
As a part of the upgrade the existing building will have its ladies, gents and disabled toilets refurbished, and a small office extended.
The application says: "The design is simple and traditional with a design to compliment its surroundings. There is to be a pitched roof with clay coloured tiles, with solar panels obscured from public view. The building is to be built from antique bricks to enhance the traditional look of the building. Windows are to be brown stained sliding sash to reinforce the historic market town feel of the building."
However, members of Brigg Town Council's planning and environment committee expressed reservations when they considered the scheme at a meeting in the Angel Suite.
Coun Ann Eardley said the small amount of on-site car parking could impact on local roads, notably Colton Street, which she desribed as a 'rat run'.
Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs added: "There does not seem to be anywhere near enough parking. Just two car parking spaces is completely inadequate. Surely car parking is absolutely essential."
Coun Tom Glossop said North Lincolnshire Council owned adjoining land which, he suggested, could be utilised for extra car parking.
Coun Jackie Brock summed up the feeling of the meeting by saying of the scheme: "Fine in principal - but not enough parking."