Friday, November 30, 2012

£3-MILLION PLAN TO REVAMP BRIGG RECREATION GROUND IS A REAL CHRISTMAS CRACKER


This week's Scunthorpe Telegraph contains an exclusive report about a £3-million plan by North Lincolnshire Council to revamp Brigg Recreation Ground.
What a cracking Christmas present for sportsmen, sportswomen and youngsters in the town!
Brigg and Wolds three Cabinet councillors on the North Lincolnshire authority, Carl and Nigel Sherwood and Rob Waltham, are quoted in Richard Sharpe's article, explaining what's in store.
Follow this link...
Regular Brigg Blog followers may recognise the "footballer" nearest the camera in our picture, to which we offer the caption: "Come in Number 14, your time is up!"
This was the said sportsman's final sporting appearance at Brigg Recreation Ground, of which there were hundreds from 1964 when he first trod the hallowed turf as a pupil of Glebe Road School, being instructed in the cricketing arts by John Holland, and continuing through 30 years' club cricket with Brigg Town, hockey for the Brigg Men's Club, when the grass pitches were still in use, and a spot of football for teams like Ancholme Valley Royales, the Black Bull, Brigg Royales and Brigg Amateurs.
By the time this pic was taken he was well past 50, and NOT "still going strong" - but managed to complete the game, a 3-3 draw between the Scunthorpe Telegraph and the Grimsby Telegraph.
Happy days, indeed.
When the "Super Rec" arrives, as we very must hope it does, it will be too late for many of us who have long held a wish to see the old ground's fortunes revived. But it's a fair bet that many players of the past will be venturing down to take a look once it's up and running.

MAJOR COMMUNAL EVENT FOR BRIGG TONIGHT - CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHED ON, LIONS' FESTIVE FAYRE AND LATE NIGHT SHOPPING



The biggest annual get-together of Brigg folk - and very welcome visitors from outside town - takes place tonight (Friday) with the switching on of the town centre Christmas lights, Brigg District Lions' Christmas Fayre (with many stalls) and late night shopping in town centre shops.
The lights will be switched on at a ceremony at 5pm, following which the fun gets under way until 9pm.
It's a big night for traders throughout the town - ranging from fast food outlets to pubs and our shops which are staying open late to allow people to hunt out Christmas presents for friends and family.
This event always proves to be the biggest crowd-puller of the year in Brigg town centre.
North Lincolnshire Council is offering FREE parking to motorists as a gesture of goodwill, also operating in Scunthorpe during the festive period.
Brigg Town Council - to its credit - funds the Christmas lights, and will be at the forefront of tonight's event, together with the hard-working volunteers from the Lions.
You can also contribute to worthy local charities tonight, such as Brigg LIVES First Responders.
Sandra Notman Clarvis, one of the group's members, says: "Don't forget to visit our stall at the Christmas market in Brigg. Tell your friends!!! Free parking from 4pm, (if you arrive before that you can get a free 2 hour ticket to tide you over until the free 4pm)."
You can read more about the town council's contribution and what's planned by following this link...
Tomorrow (Sat) Brian's DIY, in Wrawby Street, has a fundraiser in aid of LIVES. So don't forget to have a look in. 


Monday, November 26, 2012

LAKE SPRINGS UP NEAR THE A18 IN BRIGG

It would appear there's a blocked drain, or gulley, just off the A18 in Brigg - near the traffic lights at the junction of Barnard Avenue and Wesley Road.
Yesterday morning it was like a lake and we saw a number of cars swap to the other side of the road to avoid what was pretty deep standing water.
Perhaps this is one for Councillor Nigel Sherwood, Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, to take up with relevant staff at North Lincolnshire Council.
And while he has his computer handy, it would be worth asking someone to check the lights in Burgess Road, Yarborough Road and Springfield Road during the day, as we've noted that some are staying on during daylight hours.
This might save the council a few bob on the meter. Every little helps!

SPONSORSHIP IS KEYO TO BRIGG SUCCESS


Lincsquad are proud to announce that next year’s Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon has a new sponsor, Keyo Agricultural Services Ltd, and has also been sanctioned by the World Quadrathlon Federation as the European Quadrathlon Championships for 2013.
Read the full story through this link

Sunday, November 25, 2012

FREIGHT TRAINS HAVING DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON BRIGG RESIDENTS' LIVES, TOWN COUNCIL TOLD


A concerned resident of Burgess Road has complained to Brigg Town Council about the increase in freight trains using the railway line through the town.
For those unfamiliar with Burgess Road, it is not far from the A1084 level crossing and its properties are very close to the railway - some with gardens going back towards the lineside.
At tomorrow night's November meeting, Brigg Town Council will consider "representation" about what is described as "the detrimental impact of increased freight transport on residents, and, in particular, those properties immediately adjacent to the railway line."
This is one of the items listed for Monday's meeting in the Angel Suite, starting at 7.30pm.
As ever, Public Question Time is available to anyone from Brigg wishing to go along and raise points of interest, or concern, with the town council.
Prior to the Town Council deliberations there will be a meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee at 7pm, when one of the items for consideration is a planning application to erect a day room and shower/utility room on land adjacent, with change of use, at 5 Westrum Park, Westrum Lane, Brigg.
This is at the far end of Westrum Lane and therefore just over the county border into West Lindsey District Council's domain.
However, Brigg Town Council is a "neighbouring authority" and therefore in a position to make comment, if it wishes to do so.
The Brigg Planning and Environment Committee meeting starts at 7pm and - like the full council session that follows - is open to interested members of the public.
But anyone attending should not that entry to the Angel Suite in the evening will be through the conservatory-like building at the back of the premises, near the car park.




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Saturday, November 24, 2012

BINS SO BRIGG STREETS SHOULD NOT BECOME S-NO-W GO AREAS WHEN WINTRY WEATHER ARRIVES



Extra salt bins have been provided in Brigg ahead of the onset of bad weather.
We spotted this one (above) in Glebe Road - almost opposite the convenience shop and close to Old School Close.
We also tracked down another this morning on Churchill Avenue, near St James' Road (see below).
You may remember that an initial batch came in useful last year.
Brigg Town Council and North Lincolnshire Council are both involved in this initiative.
The salt/grit is provided free of charge to the public with the intention that, in times of snow and ice, local folk will spread it where most needed.
Churchill Avenue, Grammar School Road and Glebe Road were flagged up as being among the worst hit during Brigg's last very severe spell of snow.
Many motorists will recall that the white stuff remained deep and crisp and uneven far too long before, eventually, machinery was brought in to make things passable again.
North Lincolnshire Council reviewed the way things happened, or rather didn't happen, and changes for the better were put in place, including salt provision for town and villages.


A close-up of one of the bins holding "Grit Salt" for spreading by the public of Brigg in times of wintry weather.





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TRUE GRIT SHOWN OVERNIGHT, BRIGG COUNCILLOR INFORMS US


North Lincolnshire Council undertook precautionary salting of designated local roads last night, Brigg and Wolds' Coun Nigel Sherwood has made us aware.
This started at 21:30 hours and was completed by 00:30 hours.
All designated roads were treated and there were no issues either weather-related or mechanical to  adversely affect the process.
Coun Nigel is the Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods on North Lincolnshire Council, and salting the roads is on his watch.

TALKING BRIGG HISTORY WITH THE INNER WHEEL CLUB

A Ken Fisher Collection colour picture dating from the 1970s showing Spring's factory on the right and Riverside House on the left - both now demolished. Most of Coun Ken's pictures were black and white (developed in his own darkroom converted from our council house coalhouse) but he did some in colour slide format. Thankfully, this one has survived.
We really enjoyed presenting a talk about Old Brigg and Scunthorpe to the Brigg Inner Wheel Club ladies on Thursday night during their meeting at Elsham Golf Club, where a very fine meal was provided before "Yours Truly" got to his feet for an hour-plus of nostalgia.
We passed round a host of old prints showing Brigg scenes of the past, together with some yellowing and decidedly dog-eared copies of the old Lincolnshire Times from our extensive collection.
There was a good response to a recent "find" of ours - a catalogue showing the products of Spring's factory in Brigg, which included a few surprises. Much more than preserves came out of this major place of employment. 
This catalogue had been saved by our dad, the late Coun Ken, and we only chanced across it a few hours before Thursday's talk.
In the end the lady in charge gave the pre-arranged signal to halt proceedings - at which point we had ploughed through most of the material on the presentation table but had yet to dip into a big box of pictorial goodies put to one side in case of need. They will have to await another occasion.
Time and current workload do not permit us to deliver as many talks as we once did, but this one had been in the calendar for some time.
It's still worth approaching us if your group or society has a spare date in the itinerary. Reasonable charges/expenses apply. Email scoopfisher@aol.com
We find passing round "original material" like old prints and papers goes down better than a Powerpoint presentation where the audience watches things on-screen, though we have delivered some of those.


DECEMBER MIGHT SEE PROGRESS MADE ON DECIDING THE STATUS OF MARKET LANE IN BRIGG



The status of Market Lane in Brigg now looks likely to come up for consideration at the December meeting of North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee.
The topic was listed on the agenda of the October meeting, and a very thorough written report prepared, but was deferred at the last minute.
Coun Ben Nobbs gave a brief update to fellow Brigg town councillors at a recent committee meeting in the Angel Suite.
Market Lane runs from the Market Place through to Spring's Way, near Tesco - formerly the site of the town's cattle market.
As the Market Place is a pedestrian zone (don't get Brigg Blog on its hobby horse about the number of vehicles to be seen in the town centre!) the issue of vehicles using Market Lane as a thoroughfare seems, to us, to be a non-starter in 2012 - many years after pedestrianisation arrived.
The question of status now seems to centre on the the public's right, or otherwise, to walk along it (however that is couched in legal terms).
It should be pointed out that there are parallel, alternative ways of getting from the Market Place to Spring's Way on foot - down Cary Lane or alongside the Spring's Parade shops.
Coun Nobbs, in raising the issue with fellow town councillors, made reference to the passing of another year without things being concluded.
"It just seems to me to be a long, slow process," he said.
It could be that North Lincolnshire Council will not be the decision-making body on this issue and it might go to Government level. All should become clearer next month.




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GO ALONG AND SUPPORT BRIGG TOWN FC TODAY


Brigg Town FC would welcome your support down at The Hawthorns this afternoon when they take on title-chasing Coalville Town (3pm). A full report and action pix will appear on www.briggpeople.co.uk
Our picture here was taken at last season's corresponding game - a midweek affair. Food for thought as the lads tuck into their renowned Brigg pies, purchased from the refreshment kiosk on the far side of the ground.

BRIGG BUZZING TODAY WITH SHOPPERS

There's a very good turn-out today (Sat) for the month Brigg Farmers' Market and associated general market in the town centre. Early fog didn't seem to deter folk from paying a visit.
Other non-market traders will also feel the benefit of increased footfall.
Always an indicator of spending power is queuing at cashpoints. We saw the number waiting to use the Lloyds TSB facility in Wrawby Street and turned back.
Just a reminder that there's also a Christmas Fayre on in Brigg today at St Mary's Church Hall, off Barnard Avenue (see our earlier posting on this topic).
Last night we took a glimpse through the glass entrance gates to the Angel, where the new Cafe Courtyard is being set up. Chandeliers and potted plants were evident. Many of us are looking forward to getting a taste of the finished article in the near future.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

KESTREL PAYS SUBURBAN BRIGG A VISIT

Brigg Blog was just about to log off for the morning when a chance glance through the back window revealed what we think was a kestrel in the back garden.
A few years ago we had a visit from a solitary sparrow hawk, but this is the first time we've spied a kestrel in the St Helen's estate part of Brigg.
Not surprisingly with a kestrel in the area, there's not a sparrow, starling or blackbird to be seen in the back garden. And that's unusual.


REMEMBER: SHOPPERS ENJOY FREE PARKING ON BIGGEST NIGHT OF YEAR IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Santa in Brigg town centre for the Christmas lights switch-on, fayre and late night shopping.

A welcome and timely reminder about free parking in Brigg has been issued by our friends in the North Lincolnshire Council press office.
The authority, which operates our municipal car parks, will be "relaxing" car parking charges again this year on certain days for late night shoppers in Scunthorpe, Ashby and Brigg in the run-up to Christmas, encouraging more people to the town centres.
Car parking charges for Brigg will not apply from 4pm on Friday, November 30, which is the night when Brigg District Lions hold their Christmas Fayre, Brigg Town Council's illuminations will be switched on and late night shopping will be in force in shops until 9pm.
Any money that is taken through ticket machines after 4pm will be donated to The Town Mayor’s Appeal Fund. Our current first citizen, Coun Carl Sherwood, is raising money throughout his year in office for the Brigg Breast Cancer Care group and Brigg LIVES First Responders.
North Lincolnshire Council rightly points out that the relaxation of car parking charges is a great incentive for visiting families to go along and join in.
Leader Councillor Liz Redfern said: “We have decided to relax the car parking charges again this year, as last year was a great success.  There is a lot on offer in our town centres in North Lincolnshire, which is why we want to encourage people to shop locally."




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ANCHOLME PUB DEMOLITION - BRIGG TOWN COUNCILLORS HAVE THEIR SAY



There seems little doubt that Brigg is to lose its Ancholme pub, off Grammar School Road, to the demolition teams.
Knocking down the disused hostelry, built in the early 1960s, will need the prior approval of North Lincolnshire Council planners, which has yet to be granted.
Brigg Town Council has been consulted as part of this process and considered the application "for prior approval of the proposed demolition of the Ancholme Inn" at a meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee in the Angel Suite.
The application has been lodged by a local house-building company.
As a planning committee, town councillors could only make representations about the application before them concerning demolition - on which, as we say, the final say rests with North Lincolnshire planners.
Coun Mel Oades, chairing the meeting, suggested that if permission was granted for demolition, conditions should be imposed to limit the working hours of lorries visiting the site, to avoid the busiest periods of the day when nearby schools start and finish.
Coun John Kitwood said that driving down Grammar School Road could be "horrendous" and suggested the best thing anyone could do with the Ancholme pub site was to create a car park there, to be used by people living in nearby properties, thereby reducing congestion,
Coun Jane Kitching noted that some letters of objection about the demolition had been lodged with North Lincolnshire planners.
Councillor Oades summed things up at the end by saying: "All we can deal with now is the application before us."
NF adds: Proposed housing development in this area would require further application to the planners, in due course.




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'NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD' BOOST FOR BRIGG WATERSIDE



Brigg has never had it so good when it comes to a clean and tidy River Ancholme near the County Bridge.
The famous late 1950s sentiments of Conservative Prime Minister Harold "Supermac" Macmillan lived on at a recent  meeting of the Brigg Town Council Policy Committee in the Angel Suite.
The Town Council has funded weed cutting and litter clearing, while the Environment Agency is on board with  improvements.  The old, dilapidated mooring alongside the White Hart, and overhanging foliage, have been removed.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard suggested to councillors that the river looked as good as it ever had, pointing out that, in past years, litter would now have accumulated on this stretch of the river in the autumn.
Coun Mel Oades felt that work undertaken had made a massive difference to the situation.

Two views of how things used to look prior to the recent improvement work.



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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

BRIGG SCHOOL SUPPORTING OUR LIVES GROUP

We gather that Sir John Nelthorpe School in Brigg is undertaking a sponsored cross country run for the local LIVES First Responders group - a praiseworthy effort by the pupils who would welcome your sponsorship, if you know any taking part.


SCUNTHORPE COLLEGE PAYS BRIGG A VISIT

We noticed that the Scunthorpe John Leggott College had representatives in Brigg Market Place on Saturday, with leaflets available in the Bandstand to interested passers-by.
This college caters for senior students, as, of course, does the Brigg Sixth Form College which operates at Sir John Nelthorpe School and the Vale Academy.
It set Brigg Blog wondering whether our local college ever flies its own flag in the steel town.




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BRIGG BUSINESS SIGNS REFUSED CONSENT BY PLANNERS



Permission to retain four signs at a well-known Brigg business has been refused by North Lincolnshire Council.
An advertisement consent application was made to retain two illuminated fascia signs and two internally illuminated signs at the Brigg Pizza and Kebab House in Spring's Parade.
The planning authority decided the signs have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the building and on Brigg Conservation Area.
The business occupies a corner plot at 11 Spring's Parade.




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FUNERAL SERVICE FOR FORMER BRIGG MAYORESS TODAY


Brigg will say its farewells to Carolyn Sykes - the former Mayoress - at a funeral service in St John's Church today (Tuesday) at 12.30.
Carolyn died just two months after her husband, Tony, a former Town Mayor and long-serving councillor.
Tony and Carolyn took over the Black Bull, in Wrawby Street, in the mid-1980s and worked very hard to make it such a popular town centre hostelry for a good pint and good value meals.
Carolyn gave full support to Tony during his year of office as the town's first citizen about 10 years ago.
Later, they went to live abroad for some years before returning to Brigg.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

DIY RAFFLE IN AID OF BRIGG LIVES

On Saturday, December 1  Brian's DIY on Wrawby Street in Brigg will be holding its Santa's Attic Open Day.
There will be choirs, magic shows, balloon modelling, face painting, a raffle in aid of Brigg L.I.V.E.S First Responders - and Santa will be visiting the shop from 10am.
Brian's will also be open until 8pm on Friday, November 30 (the night before) when the Brigg Christmas lights will be switched on.




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HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL IN BRIGG TO BE REFURBISHED



Brigg Town Council is looking to refurbish its Holocaust Memorial Water Feature, which stands in the Angel Courtyard.
Every January there is a moving and dignified ceremony - overseen by the town council - during which local people remember those who perished.
The Water Feature is a permanent reminder throughout the year, but it has seen "depreciation" - prompting a review by town councillors.
Rather than seek a replacement feature at this stage, the Policy Committee has decided to investigate a couple of alternatives.
Coun Ed Arnott suggested special slow-release tablets should be tried to keep the water clear.
Replacing the mirror glass is also to be looked at, due to some corrosion.
The Angel Courtyard is getting a new cafe.
No problems are envisaged when it comes to holding the Holocaust ceremony 2013, but the altered layout in this area of the Angel may mean some changes in terms of seating.
The above picture is one we took some months ago before the Memorial was moved across to the other side of the Angel Courtyard.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

SATURDAY AUTUMN FAYRE IN BRIGG


St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Brigg (on Barnard Avenue) is  having an Autumn Fayre on Saturday 24th November, from 11am. Lots of festive fun is promised with gifts to buy and a tombola.

MEET THE PUBLIC SESSION IN BRIGG WOULD BE WELCOME, COMMISSIONER


Congratulations to Matthew Grove on becoming Humberside's first Police and Crime Commissioner - in a close run race with Lord Prescott, who was a close runner-up.
We look forward to seeing the new Commissioner back in Brigg in the very near future. For Ken Harrison caught up with him in the town centre during the recent Briggstock Festival. That's Commissioner Grove on the right (and also the left) with Andrew Percy, our Brigg and Goole MP, in the centre.
(Those terms are given here to identify the line-up and not in any political context!).
For the benefit of those who follow Brigg Blog just over the county border, including the far reaches of Westrum Lane and Bigby High Road, broadcaster Alan Hardwick is the new Commissioner for Lincolnshire.
Well done to the former regional TV presenter who we last saw in the press tent at this year's Lincolnshire Show. He stood as an independent, which, we think, makes his election all the more praiseworthy, as he had no "machinery" assistance.
Brigg Blog is hoping that Matthew Grove, having had time to settle into his new role, will stage a series of "meet the public" sessions across the Humberside area, and that other Commissioners in England and Wales do likewise.
This is surely of great importance, in view of the very low turn-out of voters. It's clear from media interviews conducted with "Joe Public" across the UK that many folk were unaware elections were taken place, while  others had no real idea what Commissioners will be doing in the great scheme of things.
We take it as read that Commissioner Grove will be coming to Brigg police station, on Barnard Avenue, to meet Inspector Brett Rutty and his hard-working team and touring all other stations and policing outposts on his beat.
Sadly, you may think, Brigg Blog is going to check on the internet later and see whether we can find a Commissioner Gordon among the 39 others to have gained posts across the country.


UPDATED: BRIGG BUTTERCROSS CHANGES AFOOT BUT DOES PLAN NEED ADJUSTING HALF-AN-INCH?

Brigg Buttercross photographed side on by Ken Harrison with the  side access door on the left.

Brigg town councillors wonder whether North Lincolnshire Council might have tripped up a little over how it proposes to improve the flagship Buttercross which houses our award-winning Tourist Information Centre.
North Lincolnshire Council, which owns and operates the early 19th century grade two landmark, is seeking listed building consent for provision of a platform lift "and alterations and improvements."
The worthy aim is to make the first floor's chandelier-adorned meeting room more accessible to the public, particularly those with mobility issues who cannot cope with the stairs.  
It is intended to generate extra income through lettings of a room whose limited access deters a number of would-be hirers.
Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee must be consulted about any such proposals, and, at Wednesday night's meeting, some town councillors thought they had spotted a slight flaw in what's being proposed.
So the town council is to express concerns about the proposed ramp to the side door apparently not being "graded in all directions."
The fear is that the small, raised area leading to the ramp assisting wheelchair access could become a trip hazard to pedestrians approaching it side on.
Coun Ben Nobbs said he was very concerned about the proposed "raising up of the path."
Coun Chris Dyson, who has personal experience of pushing wheelchairs through Brigg town centre, fully supported Coun Nobbs' concerns, although he thought the raised area might only amount to half-an-inch.
Nevertheless, Coun Dyson welcomed proposals to bolster the use of "a great room" within the building.
Coun Ann Eardley expressed her total support for opening up the Buttercross to everyone.
Having studied the documentation placed in the public domain by North Lincolnshire Council on its planning portal, Coun Nobbs Coun Nobbs concluded: "The plans are very unclear - even on the website."
UPDATE - SUNDAY, NOV 18: We have now been told that further investigations suggest a height well above the half-inch suggested.

Friday, November 16, 2012

BRIGG BOREDOM GROWING OFF THE SCALE

Who thought up this second preference nonsense in the Police and Crime Commissioner voting?
What's wrong with he/she who gets the most votes wins?
That's served us well enough in everything from Brigg Town Council elections to putting MPs into Parliament.
I'm beginning to wish I hadn't bothered to make the effort to vote in the Humberside poll yesterday. Anyone else in Brigg feel the same?
Please put us all out of our misery and announce the winner. Whoever that might be.
It's beginning to remind me of the last North Lincolnshire Council election count at Ancholme Leisure Centre, which dragged on...and on...and on....and on.
On that occasion, one of the candidates fell asleep in a chair (it was the middle of the night by then).




SIX OF THE BEST JOBS IN BRIGG INCLUDING EDUCATION



Six Brigg jobs are currently being offered by North Lincolnshire Council.
However, we should point out that one of them is at Ancholme Leisure Centre which the council describes as being in Brigg when the facility is over the border in Scawby Brook and Scawby Parish.
Local journalists have taken stick from local politicians for many years after failing to appreciate the dividing line.
If you fancy turning in 37 hours a week at Hewson House, Station Road, Brigg, as Senior School Improvement Officer (Primary) the monetary reward will be £52,969 to £58,741.
At the other end of the scale, the person who gets the vacant post of Contract Assistant at Hewson House will receive £14,733 to £15,725.
View the jobs through this link
We'd better make it clear that Brigg Blog is not part of the council's recruitment service.
For having seeing an earlier post we did along these lines, someone sent us their details by email.
We are just trying to be public spirited and help those looking for work.
We don't charge North Lincolnshire Council; nor has the authority asked us to do it.

BRIGG VOTERS CAN HARDLY WAIT!

They were due to start counting votes at 11.30am today in Bridlington Spa to find out the identity of the first Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.  Result expected later this afternoon.
Those who voted in Brigg will wish to know how their preferred candidates did, but interest is now beginning to wane.
Anyone know why they couldn't have done the count last night and put us all out of our misery?
It's not as though there was ever going to be a massive turnout.

I TAWT I TAW... AN UNUSUAL VEHICLE IN BRIGG

Driving down the A18 in Brigg yesterday, and approaching the pelican crossing near Horse Fair Paddock, I tawt I taw an unusual vehicle parked up in the lay-by outside the old police houses. It was a truck with a large message on the back alerting passers-by that a new store has opened in North Lincolnshire (not in our town).
Having visited a couple of Brigg businesses over the space of half-an-hour we walked down to the end of Wrawby Street to get a picture - but the lorry we tawt we taw had vanished.
"Suffering Succotash!" as Loony Tunes' Sylvester would have said.
This morning it was back in the same spot, but the lay-by was full and we didn't get the chance to pull in and catch it on camera. Better luck next time, perhaps.
Maybe our good friend Ken Harrison will have better luck with his camera, in due course.
We are planning to get Tweetie with this story in the hope that a message alert on Twitter will draw some more internet traffic to Brigg Blog.
That's All Folks!

IT WILL BE ALL LIGHT ON THE NIGHT IF YOU VISIT BRIGG MARKET PLACE ON NOV 30


Please spread the word that the Brigg Christmas Lights Switch On, Christmas Fair and Late Night Shopping is definitely on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30.
We've heard it suggested that some sources of information have it down for the following Friday. But   November 30 is the right date.
"A fabulous family evening for all to enjoy," the organisers promise.
Get down to the Market Place about 4.30pm to 4.45pm to make the most of  an event that will run until about 9pm.

BRIGG EXTENSION PASSES FIRST PLANNING STAGE


Brigg Town Council has raised no objection to an application to build a single storey rear extension at 10 Northern Avenue.
North Lincolnshire planners now have the final say on whether to grant planning permission.




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ANGEL SUITE WOULD SUIT BRIGG JOBS FAIR


Brigg Town Council has flagged up the Angel Suite as being an ideal location for a proposed Jobs Fair in the town to assist unemployed people back into work.
Coun the Rev Alec Depledge made reference to the proposed fair during a meeting of the Policy Committee on Wednesday.
He was delivering his report of a meeting of the new Brigg 20/20 Vision Group, which is already considering the jobs fair.
Coun Depledge said he hoped such events might be held as often as twice a year.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard then pointed out the Angel as an ideal, central venue.




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AUTUMNAL WEATHER CAN'T "LOL" BRIGG SWEEPER INTO A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY


Autumn must seem about like painting the Forth Bridge for Brigg street cleaner Lol Hartman.
We saw him sweeping up piles of leaves in Barnard Avenue the other day.
But having cleared an area, the next day, when he reports for duty, nature will have delivered a new batch - especially if it's been windy overnight.




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BRIGG BLOG GAVE YOU A FAIR INDICATION OF PUBLIC APATHY ON POLICE COMMISSIONER VOTING

Brigg Blog suggested there was going to be a low turnout for the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner election. And here are the official figures showing the voters in each area who bothered to exercise their democratic right:
East Riding 23.19%
North Lincs 20.36% 
North East Lincs 16.18%
Hull 15.65%
Overall 19.48% 
Having commented on the relatively few electors seen heading for Brigg's Angel Suite polling station yesterday morning, we later passed the Methodist Church a couple of times and that seemed to be a bit busier.
The overall turnout across Humberside of almost 20 per cent was very much in line with what some experts were predicting.






DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE INTERESTING NEWS  ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING THE BRIGG PEOPLE WEBSITE?

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS ON BRIGG TURNOUT

Further to our earlier posting about possible voter apathy in today's Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner election, we will just stick to the facts: We went to vote late this morning and had the town's main polling station all to ourselves, apart from three electoral staff in the Angel Suite.
We did pass a Brigg couple just turning into Exchange Place as we headed off towards the Market Place.
The advice offered to them was:  You won't be held up long in the queue!

NEW BRIGG RESTAURANT COMES A STEP CLOSER



Plans to create a new first floor restaurant at Scalinis fish and chip takeaway in Brigg have met with no opposition from the town council.
There were some observations from individual town councillors, but no objections will be lodged with North Lincolnshire Council which, as the district planning authority, will decide whether to grant permission.
Creating the new restaurant will involve a listed building in Wrawby Street.
Coun Chris Dyson suggested a"a nice bay window" at the side of the premises could do with some repair work.
Coun Ben Nobbs recalled this window forming part of the W H Smith premises when the national chain of newsagents had a presence in Brigg.
Coun Jane Kitching made reference to "some overflowing" of waste bins near the premises from time to time.






BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL TO BE BACK TO FULL STRENGTH SHORTLY


There were a couple of interesting meetings of Brigg Town Council committees last night in the Angel Suite Lounge.
The Policy Committee and the Planning and Environment Committee discussed far-ranging topics of interest.
Brigg Blog was there throughout - full reports to follow.
We expect the existing vacancy on Brigg Town Council to be filled at the next full meeting of the authority later this month. One candidate came forward who will need to go through the necessary procedures at this meeting to take up the vacant seat.
Coun Sheila Boughey resigned her post on the council. She worked hard during her relatively short time on the Brigg authority - particularly over the organisation of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations earlier this year.

RIVER LEVELS ON THE RIVER ANCHOLME IN BRIGG


Brigg Blog has been alerted to an interesting online service giving "stats" for the river level of the Ancholme.
Information is available online from the Environment Agency.
The river level at Brigg on November 15 - the latest available - was 1.13 metres.
The highest recorded figure the agency quotes is 2.56 metres, which was in 2007.
It needs to be about 2.4m for flood risk to be present.
We have made this online service a "favourite" for future reference.
Those living near to the river in Brigg might like to do the same.
This page has a link to flood warnings.
We know that Brigg councillors Ben Nobbs and Rob Waltham take a particular interest in this topic, due to local roles they have relating to flood risk.
They and the town council will have more direct means of getting such information, we are sure, should rising river levels ever threaten low-lying areas of Brigg.
TAKE A LOOK THROUGH THIS LINK...

BRIGG HAS ITS SAY TODAY ON ELECTING FIRST HUMBERSIDE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER


Just a reminder that today (Thurs Nov 15) is polling day in Brigg for the first elections ever held to return a Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
There will be a county-wide count tomorrow in Bridlington, following which the winner will be announced.
If you believe the experts and pollster people, there will be a low turn-out across Humberside.
Whether Brigg reflects that trend we shall have to wait and see.
The new, paid Commissioner will oversee the work of the Chief Constable and the Humberside force.
He/she will replace the Humberside Police Authority, whose membership included councillors, magistrates and other worthy types.
Forty other Commissioners will be elected across the UK - although not in London where the Mayor, Boris Johnson, appears to have this function as part of his far-ranging duties.
It's everyone's democratic right to vote in Brigg - or not - as they see fit.
Once elected, it will be interesting to see how the Commissioner's decisions are publicised.
Will it be similar to the Cabinet system operated by North Lincolnshire Council, where items coming up for consideration are posted in advance to alert the public and then the decisions taken entered online in due course?
The existing police authority puts online details of future meetings coming up in Hull, reports by the Chief Constable and minutes outlining what had been considered.
Will the new Commissioner have an administrative staff assisting him/her along similar lines?
It's hoped that whoever gets elected today will make it a priority to visit communities across Humberside, dropping in at all the police stations, including Brigg, and also meeting North Lincolnshire and town councillors.
"Meet the public" sessions would be very welcome - with Brigg's in the Angel Suite.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

BRIGG AREA FARM MACHINERY SALE COMING UP




Judy Strawson - of Brown & Co in Brigg - advises us that the next collective sale by auction of modern farm machinery and equipment is coming up on Hibaldstow airfield, DN20 9NN.
It will be held on Friday, November 30, from 10 am.
If you want to know more, contact Judy on 01652 654 833 or email judy.strawson@brown-co.com
Brown & Co’s annual collective auction of vintage tractors and machinery was held last Saturday at the 10th Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show.
With 100 vendors and a crowd of nearing 1,000 buyers there was plenty to keep the enthusiasts from all corners of Great Britain interested.
Star lots included a 1969 Massey Ferguson 135 multipower tractor which sold for £4,800, a Massey Ferguson 35 tractor with a hammer price of £3,200 and a 1964 Ford 3000 achieving £3,000.
Implements also sold well with a Ransome RSLD15 2 furrow plough fetching £1,050, a Ransome 4 furrow TS90 plough made £510 and a copy Ferguson game flusher, all the way from Ireland, fell to the hammer for £500.
The highest selling parts flew to £750 for a pair of Fordson standard wings.
Judy Strawson said: “We were pleased with the interest shown in the sale, both in the run up to the day and as demonstrated by the number of buyers on the day. We hope to achieve another successful sale again next year as it is a fitting end to the season."


HETT CUP SEMI-FINAL TONIGHT AT BRIGG TOWN FC


There's a football match tonight (Tues Nov 13) in the historic Hett Cup at the ground of Brigg Town FC - The Hawthorns, with Briggensians playing Brigg Servicemen's Reserves (6.30pm KO).
Spectators are very welcome to attend.
The second semi-final will be Barnetby United v Brigg Servicemen on Tuesday, November 27 at The Hawthorns - again by kind permission of Brigg Town GC (6.30pm KO).
Brigg Town FC secretary Martin North, the Hett Cup co-ordinator, tells Brigg Blog: "All proceeds from this year's games are to be donated to the Mayor's Appeal Fund for Brigg Breast Cancer Care and Brigg LIVES."
The final is due to be played towards the end of the season. 

Monday, November 12, 2012

BRIGG MAY BE SEEING STONE WALL TACTICS


Behind the traffic cones are large boulders that have been carefully positioned across the entrance to the paddock off Station Road in Brigg - and there are no longer travellers' caravans to be seen there.
When Brigg Blog was in this part of town on Saturday, the yellow gate on Station Road was shut so vehicles could not get through to the old railway yard, though it was possible to catch a train on foot if you parked up on the wrong side of the barrier.
Look at the above picture and on the right you will observe the rear of North Lincolnshire Council's office complex, Hewson House.

'COURAGE AND SACRIFICE' AT DECEMBER MEETING OF BRIGG AMATEUR SOCIAL HISTORIANS



The next meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians - BASH - will be on Tuesday, December 4
"With Courage and Sacrifice" - Violette Szabo S.O.E. 1921-1945 will be an illustrated talk by Josie Webb. The venue will be Brigg Servicemen's Club, off Coney Court (adjoining the town's main car park).
The event starts at 8pm - admission free- all welcome.

NOVEMBER MEETING REPORT BY PAT PARKINSON
Lynda Hotchkiss gave a gripping illustrated talk on The Gunpowder Plot at the November meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians at the Brigg and District Servicemen's Club.
She outlined what was happening in England when James VI of Scotland, and James I of England, came to power in 1603.
Robert Catesby, John Wright, Thomas Wintour, Thomas Percy, Thomas Bates, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright and Guy Fawkes were conspirators who organised the explosion for Tuesday 5th November 1605.
But the plot was thwarted when the cellars of the House of Lords were searched at midnight on November 4th. Guy Fawkes was found along with thirty-six barrels of gunpowder. The conspirators were caught and killed or hung drawn and quartered.
Celebrations, with a bonfire and a "Guy" on top, were then ordered to take place every year.




DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE INTERESTING NEWS  ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING THE BRIGG PEOPLE WEBSITE?

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Sunday, November 11, 2012

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2012 IN BRIGG


Brigg marked Remembrance Sunday 2012 with a parade, service and wreath-laying ceremony at The Monument. Above, from the left, Tom Glossop, Freeman of Brigg; Jeanette Woollard, Town Clerk; Louise Mikkonen, Mayoress; Coun Carl Sherwood, Town Mayor. 

The wreath  from Brigg Town Council laid at The Monument on Remembrance Day 2012

Crosses laid by children from Brigg Primary School during a ceremony held on Friday and overseen by Brigg Town Council.

The Monument at lunch-time today with poppy wreaths in place on Remembrance Day 2012

The parade setting off from Station Road this morning on its way down Bigby Street, then into Wrawby Street before falling out to attend the service at St John's Church.

The Parade Marshal looks on outside the Wrawby Street entrance to St John's Church in Brigg on Remembrance Day 2012

Members of Brigg Town Council in the Remembrance Day 2012 Parade.

Youngsters taking part in the Brigg Remembrance Day Parade 2012 

Many more pictures from this event will appear on www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk and www.briggpeople.co.uk

FORMER BRIGG GRAMMAR SCHOOL PUPIL IN TOUCH FROM FLORIDA


Former Brigg Grammar School pupil Ron Harsley has emailed us to say he would like to get in touch with any old Briggensians of his era who are in south west Florida - "if there are any?"
Ron says: "I was executive vice president / general manager of a multi plant plastics manufacturer headquartered in northern Indiana for 20 years and, for recreation,  Master and huntsman to the Michiana foxhounds. Retiring to Florida in 1996, I spent many happy times on my boats “Foxhunter” and “Boadicea” in the Gulf of Mexico. Sadly, ill-health relegated me to playing bad golf regularly.
"I do enjoy reading about the Old Briggensians but sadly appear to be receiving less and less communications.
"I think I can count on one hand the accounts of old boys of my era. Maybe we are a closely guarded secret. Sheffs forever!"
Current email address:  cruisemaster@verizon.net
For the benefit of those who did not enjoy a Brigg Grammar School education, "Sheffs" were pupils allocated to Sheffield House - generally, those who lived in Scunthorpe, Broughton, Appleby and surrounding area. Inter-house competitions were held in swimming, cricket, football, etc. The other houses were Yarborough, School (boarders), Nelthorpe and Ancholme. With the exception of School House, there had to be some re-drawing of boundaries from time to time to ensure a roughly even number of boys in each. Originally,  pupils from Brigg made up Ancholme House, those to the east (as far as Keelby) were in Yarborough, while Nelthorpe comprised Scawby and villages to the south on the way to Lincoln. Sheffield, as we said, was mainly for Scunthorpe/Broughton boys.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

BYROM & STEEL OPENING IN BRIGG ON MONDAY (12th NOV)


Ken Harrison - good friend of Brigg Blog - has been given an early sneak preview of what's inside the new Bryrom & Steel premises on the corner of Spring's Parade and the Market Place. He says the premises open to the public on Monday. There is an official launch planned for next Saturday night, to which Brigg Blog has been invited.