BRIGG TOWN BATSMAN CRACKS DOUBLE CENTURY

The sporting talk of the town this weekend is a double century by Matthew Bell, batting for Brigg Town at the Recreation Ground yesterday against a visiting team from Hull.

We reckon his 204 not out was the highest score ever made for the club in 39 years.

Saturday’s team total of 320 for six, from 40 overs, may well be a Brigg best.

Going from memory, Dale Coy made 160-plus for Brigg in a home game a few years ago.

Back in the late 1970s, Dave Foster scored 140 not out in an away friendly in Tadcaster, which stood as the club record for many summers.

GET YOUR TICKETS IN BRIGG FOR AVIATION HERITAGE EVENT

Celebrate North Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage at an event on Friday 16 August where retired RAF engineer, Bill Taylor, will be giving a talk on the wartime airfields in Northern Lincolnshire.
In May 2012 the Northern Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage project was launched to celebrate the wartime heritage of the area, linking it to the eight World War Two airfield sites.
Each of these airfields played an important role during the war and has its own unique story to tell, like RAF Goxhill which was the first British station given over to American control, or RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey which was home to the famous Eagle squadrons.
You can find out about the heritage of each of the sites from the information panels now installed there, as well as the remaining buildings that have stood the test of time.
The event taking place at Worlaby Village Hall on Friday 16 August from 7pm will give people a great insight into the history of the airfields in North Lincolnshire.
Bill Taylor is a highly respected aviation historian who has written a number of books on aviation topics and is co-author of ‘The Airfields of Lincolnshire since 1912’. He also helped to establish De Havilland Support Ltd and has provided engineering support for classic aircrafts such as the De Havilland, the Tiger Moth and Chipmunk.
Tickets for the event are £5 and are on sale now, this includes refreshments. If you would like to attend you can buy your ticket from Brigg Tourist Information centre (call 01652 657053) or Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre, Barton (call 01652 631500). 
Airfields covered by the Northern Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage project include:

*    RAF Elsham Wolds
*    RAF Goxhill
*    RAF Grimsby (Waltham)
*    RAF Hibaldstow
*    RAF Kirton in Lindsey
*    RAF Kirmington
*    RAF North Killingholme
*    RAF Sandtoft

A North Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman, said: “This wonderful project was launched thanks to funding from Northern Lincolnshire Local Action Group (NLLAG) and the LEADER programme. It is the perfect way to commemorate the aviation history in this area. We are continually looking at ways to expand the project, so we would love people to share their memories of the airfields.
“The event is going to be fascinating with Bill Taylor sharing his wealth of knowledge on the airfields of northern Lincolnshire. Make sure you don’t miss out on this wonderful occasion and buy your ticket today.”
For more information about the Northern Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Project please call 01652 657053 or visit the website www.nlaviationheritage.com 

GULLS SPENDING SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN BRIGG

A flock of about a dozen black-headed gulls seem to have made the Cary Lane area of Brigg their summer holiday base. Presumably they've come in from the coast. The gulls are finding plenty to eat in this part of town, notably discarded take-away meals around the bus shelters.
We seem to recall that black-headed gulls once had a strong base in Scawby Park decades ago, a stretch of water there being dubbed the Gull Ponds. Anyone able to throw any light on that for us?

RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION TO RETAIN BRIGG SHOP FRONT

Many older Brigg residents still call it Glebe Road shop. But No 24 is now the Brigg Mini Market - Grocery, News, Off-Licence, Lottery, Paypoint, Frozen Food (according to the sign)

A new shop front was recently installed and now an application to retain it has been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council. The application form lodged with the authority is marked "retrospective application" and the business is described as a mini market convenience store, with trading hours from early morning until 11pm.

Hands up who remembers when Mrs Gray had Glebe Road shop and ran what amounted to the  tuck shop for the junior/primary school on the other side of the street? It's a shame you can't still get a quarter of Maynard's wine gums for 10d (that's 5p in New Money). Do you remember the lines of sweetie jars behind the counter? 
North Lincolnshire Council is taking comments about the shop front application up to July 16. It's been earmarked for a "delegated decision" by the expert planning officers and is not destined to go before a monthly meeting of the planning committee, comprising elected councillors.
 

CONDITION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE AT BRIGG RAILWAY STATION

Word reaches us, courtesy of an informed source, that Network Rail carries out regular examinations of the footbridge at Brigg station (and others)  and also monitors their condition for obvious changes. This  takes place every six months. Brigg's has been judged structurally safe, although in need of some cosmetic repairs. We gather (not from Network Rail) that there are long term plans  for the replacement of the footbridge,  but this will not be for a good number of years. 

REASON FOR TALKS IN CAMERA ON BRIGG CCTV CAMERAS

We can now add to our recent brief reference to the press and public being excluded while Brigg Town Council discussed the proposed locations for the upgraded CCTV system.
We quote verbatim from the Town Council minutes, issued since the meeting and now accepted as a true record, which state: "It was noted that the directive that discussions on this matter should be subject to the exclusion of the public and press was issued by the Safer Neighbourhoods Team."
Brigg Town Council's Policy Committee voted and excluded the press and public, which it has every right to do in law "in view of the confidential nature of the business about to the transacted."
Going from memory we think this is covered by Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972.
That's not the issue to consider, though. The point to ponder is why talks about the CCTV locations, in the opinion of Safer Neighbourhoods, required to be discussed in camera. Could it be that the locations are still the subject of discussions with certain property owners in the town centre? Could it be that various costings are being considered but not yet finalised? We can only guess, and it's likely the public will never know.
However, we all look forward to "eye-spying" the cameras when they go up. 
We had better make it clear that Brigg Town Council does not provide or operate the CCTV system. The loftily-perched cameras are operated by higher authority. Sorry!!!!!

GRADUATE TEACHERS TO CELEBRATE IN BRIGG

The New Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Coun Pete Clark, of Barrow, is to attend the annual graduate teacher celebration evening in the Angel Suite, Brigg, on Thursday, July 18, from  6.30pm. This is a district event.

INSPECTING BRIGG CEMETERY

The grass is growing apace and the trees are blooming, resulting in a few issues at Brigg Cemetery, off Wrawby Road, which Coun Rob Waltham says North Lincolnshire Council will be addressing.
On the same topic he suggests discussions ahead between the authority and North Lincolnshire Homes about tidying up grass cuttings left after green areas have been given a cut.

SHEILA SET TO RETURN TO BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL

Sheila Boughey, former Town Councillor, is in line to return to the authority. She applied for the vacancy that followed the retirement of Coun Julian Kidd. Another former councillor, Chris Pope, also put his name forward for consideration.
Members of the Town Council took a vote at last night's June meeting in the Angel Suite and Sheila gained more votes. She was not present to see the show of hands and will need to complete the usual official declaration before taking up her seat.

BRIGG FIRE SERVICE REASSURANCES

Humberside Fire Service is faced with making savings, but Coun Rob Waltham suggested at last night's monthly meeting of Brigg Town Council that North Lincolnshire will be unaffected.
The discussion in the Angel Suite was prompted by a circular from the service giving details of forthcoming "engagement sessions" during which the public, councils and groups will be able to give opinions through what were described as key pads.
The nearest sessions to Brigg will be at Scunthorpe Fire Station on July 25 and 29. One of these will be attended by representatives of Brigg Town Council - Deputy Town Mayor Coun Alec Depledge, Coun Mike Campion and Coun Carl Sherwood.

IMPROVING THE LOOK OF BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

The Brigg 20/20 Vision Group and one of the Brigg Town Council committees have both considered calling for improvements to the visual appearance of the rear of properties along Old Courts Road and also the courts and yards leading from Wrawby Street. Some of these areas are in  private ownership so it will require input/agreement beyond North Lincolnshire Council.
If this area is of concern to the powers-that-be, Brigg Blog would again give a reminder about the temporary  ugly wooden fencing that was erected around North Lincolnshire Council's main car park. We were led to believe this was of a temporary nature and we understood that to mean that when the bushes they planted grew to a suitable height, the fencing would go. However the foliage, for whatever reason, has not "taken off" as intended.
We should point out that the pictures is from our files of "stock images" and was taken a year or two ago, since when the shrubs have grown. But the central issue of this temporary wooden fencing still being in situ remains.  After all, we are talking about a location close to the Brigg Conservation Area.
Next time Brigg Blog is passing we will take some "today" pictures and post them to bring things up to date. Make your own mind up whether you think it's worth consideration by the council.

BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW

If you are interested in attending, here's a reminder that Brigg Town Council holds its June meeting tomorrow night (Monday 24th) at 7.30pm in the main room of the Angel Suite. Prior to that there's a meeting of the  Planning and Environment Committee, starting at 6.45pm.

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF WILKINSON STORE IN BRIGG

Brigg Blog would like to send slightly belated congratulations to the Wilkinson store, in Cary Lane, that recently reached the milestone of five years trading in our town. It was back in 2008 that the national hardware retailer finished conversion of the former Kwik Save premises alongside the town's bus station and opened its doors to shoppers from the area.

SAVE A MINT AT THE BAR AT BRIGG SERVICEMEN'S

We attended an enjoyable 40th birthday party at Brigg Servicemen's Club on Friday night (obviously not mine!) and were very impressed by the relatively low prices of drinks at the bar. A couple of quid for a pint is very good going these days. Speedy service, too, on what was as busy night.
It was good to meet up with some drinking pals from years ago, including North, North and North. Not a firm of solicitors but Martin (Brigg Town FC secretary), Johnny (ex Pub Landlord) and Dave.
We could swear that some of the regulars at Brigg SMC still occupy the same seats they did when we used to visit this venue regularly in the mid-1980s. 

MAIN ROAD IN BRIGG NEEDING A BIT OF ATTENTION

Watch out for the pothole that has appeared on Bigby Road in Brigg as you approach the Monument roundabout on the A1084 (very close to the garage). We dipped a wheel there this morning (Sunday). No-one's travelling very quickly at this point, but the pothole has appeared right in the middle of the road.
We are sure Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg and Wolds), Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, will spot this post and  have a word in the right council officer's "shell-like."
In fairness, we've got to say that the "A" roads in North Lincolnshire, generally speaking, are better than drivers encounter in neighbouring authorities. Examples of poor stretches we've encountered in recent weeks are the A15  - beyond the county boundary in Lincolnshire - and the A18 outside Keelby.

BRIGG BEST-KEPT GARDENS JUDGE CONFIRMED

Rod Austin - representing Brigg Garden Centre, Bigby High Road - will undertake the final judging of the annual Brigg Best-Kept Garden Competition, with Vic Bowness, chairman of Brigg Horticultural Society, judging the top allotments. Winners will be announced, and vouchers, trophies and certificates presented, on Saturday, October 5 in the Angel Suite.

VACANCY ON BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL LIKELY TO BE FILLED ON MONDAY

Brigg Town Council has a vacancy following the retirement of Coun Julian Kidd. There will be no need to have an expensive election; the necessary procedures having been followed, the council will now consider applications for co-option from interested people and determine the candidate who will fill the available seat.
This process will be undertaken  at the monthly meeting, to be held on Monday, June 24 in the main room at the Angel Suite (starting at 7.30pm). This is open to interested members of the public.
Prior to the "full council" meeting there will be one of the Planning and Environment Committee, also in the Angel Suite, from 6.45pm. Again, members of the public may attend.

GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT ON BRIGG TOILETS

The Cary Lane toilets in Brigg pictured on a bank holiday when the Service Level Agreement saw them opened specially for the benefit of the public - at our Town Council's expense.

North Lincolnshire Council is the body that owns and operates the public conveniences in Brigg. However, for a good many years now, Brigg Town Council has paid the bigger authority to open up, and later in the day lock, the toilets near The Monument and on Cary Lane, on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
This is for the comfort of townsfolk 'caught short' and visitors to the town centre. Were it not for this generous gesture from the Town Council, the doors would stay firmly closed during their periods.
The correct term for this alliance between one council and another is a Service Level Agreement. Perhaps Brigg Blog is stretching things a bit to describe it as a Gents Agreement. Brigg Town Council is renewing it for the 2013/4 financial year at a charge of £633.36. Sorry, that should be written 36p.  We are talking about toilets, after all!
Similar agreements running until next spring will see the following payments from  Brigg and North Lincolnshire Council for the following work to be undertaken:

• Servicing the salt bins on Almond Grove, Springbank and Churchill Avenue, £355.80p
• Ground maintenance work at the Millennium Green, Elwes Street, £689.04p.

These Service Level Agreements work well in Brigg, to the benefit of the public, and have done for a good many years. But the cost of ensuring people can spend a penny on Sundays and bank holidays continues to rise, in line with most other services.

REAR EXTENSION PLANNED AT BRIGG HOME

Planning permission to erect a single storey rear extension at 4 Bigby High Road, Brigg, is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council.
:

TASTE OF CUBA COMING TO BRIGG

Brigg folk are being advised to don their dancing shoes for a Cuba Classic Night with the Humba Rumbas at the Servicemen's Club, off Coney Court/Old Courts Road, on Friday, June 28, from 7.30pm. FREE ENTRANCE!

BRIGG METHODIST ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION WITH EVENING CONCERT

Brigg Methodist Church, on the corner of Barnard Avenue and Wesley Road, is inviting interested people to an art and craft exhibition and garden party, to be held on Saturday, June 22, from 2pm to 5pm. There will be refreshments, a raffle, games, a chocolate tombola, plus cake and toy stalls.
A variety concert by Brigg Amateur Operatic Society will follow at 7.30pm.

BRIGG BUSINESS WOULD HAVE BEEN 100 NEXT YEAR

This plaque above the door of one of the town houses in Bigby Street, Brigg, is all that remains of famous garage firm Layne's that once occupied this site and a good deal more. George Layne was one of the pioneers of the motor industry in North Lincolnshire and if his company had continued it would now be planning how to celebrate its centenary during 2014. Our grandad, Charles Taylor (1896-1990) spent much of his working life as a coach painter/signwriter at Layne's and was there well into his 70s, part-time. The firm dealt with vehicles of many types and you may have seen some fine period pictures of lorries and vans with their shiny paintwork and lettering.

BRIGG MARKS THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONATION

Many pictures of Brigg have survived marking Coronations and Royal Jubilees down the decades. We thought Brigg Blog should take one for posterity in June 2013. Maybe a century from now someone will find it of interest, just as we are fascinated by images from long ago that show the patriotic flags flying. For the benefit of the 22nd century historians, the shops in question are Wallhead's (left) and Brigg Fruit and Veg (right). Well done to Messrs Wallhead and Teague, the respective proprietors, for marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in a fitting manner. Also in shot is some of the decorative town centre bunting that's intended to stay in place for the remainder of the summer.

POST OFFICE RED FOR DANGER AT BRIGG SORTING OFFICE

This is the back entrance, off Queen Street, to the Royal Mail's Brigg sorting office. Those with a downer on "elf and safety" will take one view about the necessity for these markings; others who know vehicles come in and out regularly through the gates may form a different opinion. As TV's Hughie Green used to say: "It's make your mind up time, folks!

NEW BRIGG FISH RESTAURANT ON ITS WAY?

Brigg Blog spied this skip at the back of Scalini's and wondered whether it is connected with the planned new upstairs fish restaurant. Planning permission was granted some months ago for this project which will be a welcome addition to the eateries available to townsfolk and visitors.

BRIGG PUB PROCLAIMING IT'S UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

The sign says it all: The historic White Horse hostelry in Brigg is under new management. They are already advertising some good offers on food. We took a look above the door on Saturday and the name of Thomas C Merriman was still up there. Tom was a very long-serving landlord who left the Wrawby Street hostelry a good number of years ago. Many Brigg Blog followers will remember him and his family when they ran the horse. Good food and good beer. 

STONEHENGE - BRIGG STYLE

Could this be deemed Brigg's answer to Stonehenge? The boulders have been positioned to keep vehicles off what's going to be the Village Green, off Station Road. We still don't like using the term "Village" but that's what North Lincolnshire Council is calling it. The paperwork and procedures necessary to create the Green have still to be finalised but must be well under way by now.

BRIGG VENUE STENNETT'S HOSTS WEDDING RECEPTION OF SORTS

What appeared from a distance to be a bride and groom and a  photographer drove down Station Road, Brigg, parked the car and headed inside the Stennett's Auction "shed."

TAKE CARE DRIVING OUT OF BRIGG

There's a 20mph advisory speed limit  in place on the A18 just outside Brigg - following road resurfacing work by the council at the weekend. Warning signs are in place between Castlethorpe Corner and Scawby Crossroads.

BRIGG MAN HOSTS CHARITY ANGLING FOR PARAMEDICS

FROM ROB DRISCOLL

I'm running a charity fishing match this Thursday (June 20th), as last year, for the Scunthorpe Paramedics. My brother Andy is also running a Charity Country Night on Saturday, August 3rd at The Butchers Nook C.M.C, Hemswell, to raise money for the same charity. Any publicity would be highly appreciated.
I'd also like to inform you that Brigg Town Rovers (Brigg Town Football Club) have won the Barton & District Darts & Domino League - the first time a Brigg team has won it!

BRIGG HEADMASTERS REALLY KNEW THEIR ONIONS

Brigg Blog readers who are the wrong side of 55 may recall Glebe Road Primary School headmaster Reg Stocks holding his gardening classes for pupils in the 1960s, the garden being near the swimming pool on the Grammar School Road side of the site. The end result was tasty produce like rhubarb and kidney beans being wrapped in newspaper and taken home to mothers across town, in return for a few coppers. Such offerings provided a welcome addition to the diet served up in many council houses.
Over at Brigg Grammar School, the headmaster at that time, H. B. Williams, tended his own garden. Did some of his produce help to feed hungry residents of the boarding house, which adjoined the headmaster's residence?

SOME CRACKING BIRDS TO BE SEEN IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Now we've attracted your attention with the headline, we'd better explain that Brigg Blog is talking about our feathered friends. Pied wagtails are again to be seen quite regularly in the Market Place, while a dozen-or-so swifts can be viewed, and heard, catching insects on the wing above the town centre. To get a good view of the latter, seat yourself in the beer garden behind the Black Bull Inn one night when the weather is fine.

NEW BRIGG C.C.T.V LOCATIONS ON WAY

A vote was taken, and the press and public duly excluded, on Wednesday night prior to Brigg Town Council's Policy Committee receiving and considering its response to the proposed locations for the upgraded CCTV system to be installed in town. The cameras are not controlled by the Town Council, but they have been consulted.

MAJOR BRIGG GET-TOGETHER PUT BACK A WEEK

Always a major social gathering in Brigg is the early autumn coffee morning in aid of the Town Mayor's Appeal Fund, during which the Town Council presents prizes for the best-kept allotments and what are judged to be the top gardens.
This year's event in the Angel Suite will be a week later than normal - on Saturday, October 5 - due to the Town Council venue having been booked for a wedding function in late September.

SUPPORT FOR IDEA OF A NEW PUBLIC FOOTPATH IN BRIGG

Tony Parker beside the Old River Ancholme (Picture by Ken Harrison)

Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee is supporting a call for a new public footpath to be creation in Brigg - between Europa Way (near Fun Forest) and the Ancholme riverside.
Coun Penny Smith commented: "A lot of people walk it."
The proposal to get the route designated has come from Tony Parker, Brigg's Footpath Warden, who will be now pressing North Lincolnshire Council, which has responsibility for public footpaths, to bring this about.

COULD IT BE THE END OF THE LINE FOR BRIGG SIGNAL BOX?

Brigg signal box, alongside the level crossing on the A1084, could be coming to the end of the line - according to information relayed to Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee when it met in the Angel Suite Lounge on Wednesday night.
Coun Penny Smith said an article in a railway magazine suggested Brigg signal box would close in 2015, with things then "controlled from York."
Coun Smith wondered whether, in due course, the signal box might be "looked at" for possible inclusion in the new category of Locally Listed Heritage buildings.
On that front, a meeting has now been held with North Lincolnshire Council over the creation of a heritage list. And Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard suggested the unitary authority was looking towards Brigg being a pilot for this scheme.
FOOTNOTE: Network Rail, which owns and operates the signalbox, has yet to comment on the railway magazine's report suggesting Brigg signal box could be facing closure. We will keep you posted if an update is forthcoming.

BRIGG EXTENSION CONSIDERED

Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee raised no objection to a planning application submitted to erect a two-storey side extension at 11 Springfield Rise. North Lincolnshire Council will make the final decision on whether to grant permission.

APPROVAL FOR PINGLEY MEADOW WORK IN BRIGG

Planning permission to erect a single-storey extension (including demolition of existing conservatory)  at 2 Pingley Meadow in Brigg has been granted by North Lincolnshire Council.

WRAWBY ROAD EXTENSION IN BRIGG APPROVED

Planning permission to erect a single-storey extension to the rear of 16 Wrawby Road in Brigg has been granted by North Lincolnshire Council.

BRIGG CHILDREN 'TO GET THE BEST START IN LIFE'

Parents in Brigg and district are being urged to claim their child’s free early education to help prepare them for school while learning and having fun.
North Lincolnshire Council, the local education authority, is offering up to 15 hours a week of free early education, during term time, for three and four year olds.
The government-funded initiative will provide a valuable educational opportunity for children, encouraged by a carer to learn through play. They will have fun in a safe and nurturing environment as well as make friends and get a good start to education.
Children are eligible to benefit from the early education the school term after their third birthday. The entitlement can be used flexibly to meet the needs of the child and their family.
It is available in a number of settings including:

*    A private day nursery
*    A pre-school or playgroup
*    A children’s centre with day care
*    With an accredited childminder
*    A school or academy

If parents would like the entitlement spread over more weeks they could have the 570 hours spread over 51 weeks, dependent on the provider’s opening hours. Funding can also be split between two providers if this is more suitable. All you need to do to claim your child’s entitlement is complete and sign a Parent Agreement Form (PAF), return it to your chosen provider along with a copy of the child’s Birth Certificate.
If your child is not already attending a registered provider, you will need to contact your preferred provider to find out if they have a place available. If your child is already attending a registered provider then they can offer you the free entitlement.
Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, Cabinet Member for People at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We recognise how important it is to give children the best start in life, which is why all children aged three and four are entitled to free early years education. It is a great way to help children with the transformation into school life.
“The funding is flexible to meet families’ needs as we know not every family is the same. It will provide children with the opportunity to learn through play and experience new activities. If your child is eligible for the funding, make sure you contact the Family Information Service to get started.”
For more information or to find out your nearest registered providers call the Family Information Service on 01724 296629 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/earlyeducation

BRIGG POPULATION NOW HEADING FOR 6,000

Some interesting 2011 Census figures for Brigg are quoted in a thought-provoking article in the new issue of  Brigg Matters newsletter, penned by the Editor. The official population in 2011 - the latest available figure - was 5,626 - having risen by almost 11 per cent inside 10 years. 

Brigg Urban District Council managed many of the town's main services up to 1974 when the new second-tier Glanford authority was created, along with top level Humberside County Council.

It's worth reflecting that Brigg UDC built, repaired and managed the entire council house stock - something the current North Lincolnshire Council does not. It also ran the Recreation Ground in those days (but no longer) and oversaw the late lamented Corn Exchange community venue. 

There's much talk at the moment of a supposed return to "Localism" within local government. 

Looking back to the era of  UDCs that ran small towns across the UK, some people might wonder why  truly local control was removed in the first place?

BRIGG COUNCIL 'DOUBLE' TONIGHT - WED JUNE 12

Here's a brief reminder to members of the public interested in popping along to tonight's two committee meetings of Brigg Town Council. They are both in the Angel Suite Lounge. The Environment Committee meeting starts at 7pm and will be followed by a meeting of the Policy Committee from 7.45pm. Members of the public may listen to the discussions but not take part in the meeting. If you are planning to attend, entry to the Angel Suite is through the conservatory-like building near the rear car park.

BRIGG DRIVERS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR ROADWORKS

Road surfacing works are planned just outside Brigg on the A18 this coming Saturday, June 15 - between Castlethorpe and Forest Pines.
North Lincolnshire Council  began its yearly surface covering programme on roads throughout North Lincolnshire on Monday (June 10).
The council says it aims to keep disruption to a minimum and a range of traffic managements will be in place. Only one of the roads will need to be closed completely. Whilst the programme of works is taking place, motorists are asked to:
*    Ensure vehicles are not left parked on roads that will be treated
*    Avoid deliveries during the proposed work times
*    Keep your speed low on recently treated roads to avoid loose chippings damaging other vehicles
*    Never overtake on newly treated roads

Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg and Wolds), Cabinet member for Highways and Neighbourhood Services, said: “The council is significantly investing in North Lincolnshire's road network. Additional funding in excess of £2m has been made available in this current year and this project is the first to be carried out."The council needs to carry out this work to help keep North Lincolnshire’s roads safe. Please be patient while the works take place and take care on newly treated roads. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum and apologise in advance for any inconvenience the works might cause.”
For further information about the surface dressing programme, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01724 297000 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk
Surface dressing is used to seal the road to prevent water getting into the foundations. It also restores skid resistance, which increases the safety of the road and enhances the road appearance. Once this process is completed, traffic can be allowed to run on the surface almost immediately, which means that there are no lengthy closures or disruption. 

BRIGG TOWN BOUNCE BACK

It was heartening to learn that the two games defaulted recently by Brigg Town Cricket Club were due to a  clash with the Brigg Hockey Club Annual Tournament (many players take part in both sports). Since then, Brigg Town CC have won a couple of games. This old player was a shade worried that BTCC might be on a sticky wicket, but that's definitely not the case. Bring on the 40th anniversary celebrations in 2014.

SIR JOHN NELTHORPE TEAM BEATS BRIGG 'OLD BOYS' AT CRICKET

Sir John Nelthorpe School in Brigg kept up an old tradition stretching back to the days of Brigg Grammar School (pre-1976) last night (Friday June 7when it hosted a cricket match between a School XI and members of the Briggensians' Association, representing former pupils.
The School set the Old Boys a daunting target of 130, which proved just beyond them on a perfect night for cricket - bright sunshine and no hint of rain.
Afterwards the Briggensians met up at the Yarborough Hunt, in Brigg, for a few drinks and a chat about old times.
Jon Taylor, of Hibaldstow Cricket Club, umpired the match and was thanked by both teams.

Players from both teams "out in the middle" at the end of the game, with the historic former Brigg Grammar School boarding house away in the distance

Brigg Town Cricket Club all-rounder Nigel Beacock in the field for the Briggensians

Well batted!

Under a cloudless sky, teachers Adrian Gibbons and Alex Smith  take a break  during the match.

MORRIS MEN IN BRIGG

Morris dancers performing in College Yard, Brigg, last Saturday as part of the Pump Dressing event.

PUMP DRESSING IN BRIGG

Freeman of Brigg, Tom Glossop, and his wife, Maureen,  after the pump had been dressed near the Nelthorpe Arms and County Bridge.

Last Saturday saw Pump Dressing in Brigg with dancing and other entertainment in the town centre. These pictures were taken by Ken Harrison at the old town water pump near the County Bridge. The other surviving pump, of course, is alongside the White Horse, in Grammar School Road South. Brigg Town Business Partnership organised the event, reintroducing something first started in the town by Brigg Amateur Social Historians.

Anthony Darker, of the Brigg LIVES group, beside the dressed pump.

BRIGG BOWLS CLUB LADIES' DAY

Brigg Bowls Club, off Dudley Road, has a major event coming up on Saturday, June 15. Details have been posted by one of our fellow Bloggers, Linda Baxter.
Read the full preview through this link

BEATLE MANIA HITS BRIGG

Something very unusual was observed from the County Bridge in Brigg last night (Friday). A small boat came along the River Ancholme, whose happy occupants were in full voice, giving their rendition of  mid-1960s Beatles hit We All Live in a Yellow Submarine. 

BRIGG KEEPS UP CRICKET TRADITION

Does Brigg boast the only remaining "Old Boys" cricket match in northern Lincolnshire?
Last night saw a Briggensians' Association team take on a Sir John Nelthorpe XI on the school field, on a marvellous evening for cricket - bright sunshine and no hint of rain.
This annual fixture can trace its roots back many decades to the heyday of Brigg Grammar School.
Sadly,  "Old Boys" fixtures at many other schools disappeared with the onset of comprehensive education. But Brigg has managed to keep the tradition alive.
Afterwards, the Old Boys met up to chat about old times at the Yarborough Hunt, in Bridge Street.
Report of the match, and pictures, to follow.

BOXING CLEVER TO EASE BRIGG TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Late one afternoon recently we were driving up Queen Street during knocking off time for staff employed at North Lincolnshire Council's Hewson House offices. We wanted to go straight ahead to cross Bigby Street and head off along Albert Street to avoid the long queue of traffic backing up from The Monument roundabout. However, this proved very difficult because of backed-up traffic fouling the junction. How about North Lincolnshire Council creating  "do not enter unless your exit is clear" markings on Bigby Road for a few yards where it meets Queen Street (near the sorting office)? This would ensure drivers wanting to go straight  ahead into Albert Street could do so at all times. Those drivers with local knowledge know that Albert Street offers a way to beat the queues if they are heading off towards the A1084, in the direction of the level crossing.
We'll float that idea for possible consideration by Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods, and his team of traffic officers. 

BRIGG LIONS' SUMMER FEST TOMORROW

Just a reminder about Brigg District Lions' Summer Fest tomorrow, Sunday, June 9, in the Market Place, from 10am to 4pm. Enjoy the craft and charity fundraising stalls and range of family entertainment.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NOTTINGHAM'S BRIGG BRANCH

Left to right: Robin Hood (Ross Allen), Tracey Bendon, Lorraine Giddings, Sue Depledge, Coun the Rev Alec Depledge (Deputy Town Mayor), Simon Taylor, Lesley Kerrigan, Maid Marion (Erin Clark).

BRIGG CONVERSION APPROVED

North Lincolnshire Council has granted planning permission for the conversion of the west wing of Block A at Abbey Village, 34 Wrawby Street, Brigg, from staff accommodation/administration to elderly persons' accommodation units.

BRIGG BOUND TO WIN OPENING GAME OF THE HOCKEY SEASON

The Brigg Hockey Club men's fourth team has been promoted and next season will be in the same division of the Yorkshire League as the club's third team. Indeed, the opening league fixture will be Brigg 3rds v Brigg 4ths on September 21.

TASTE OF PORTUGAL COMING TO BRIGG

The Black Bull Inn, on Wrawby Street, Brigg, is staging a Tastes of Portugal night on Thursday, 27th June in conjunction with Scunthorpe Telegraph Restaurant of the Year  - 3 course menu including pre-dinner appetisers and finished with typical Portuguese coffee and a special liquor at the end. Serving 6pm to 9pm.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB SEASON TICKETS

Brigg Town FC reminds its followers that 2013-14 season tickets will be available to buy at the Zebras' pre-season matches. - £110 for adults and £80 for concessions.

NEW PUBLIC FOOTPATH PROPOSED FOR BRIGG

Brigg Town Councillors will be attending two meetings on Wednesday, June 12 in the Angel Suite Lounge. Both are open to interested members of the public.
The Planning and Environment Committee convenes at 7pm, when among the planning applications to be considered will be a proposed two-storey side extension at 11 Springfield Rise.
The committee will also consider a proposal from Brigg's Public Footpath Warden, Tony Parker, that a route between Europa Way (near Fun Forest) and the riverside should be designated a public footpath.
There will be a meeting of the Policy Committee from 7.45pm, when a progress report will be given about the Brigg 2020 Vision Group.

BRIGG SPORTS REUNIONS ON FRIDAY AND TUESDAY

According to the annual newsletter of the Briggensians' Association there's a sports reunion in Brigg on Friday night (June 7).
Cricket - Youth v Experience - will be on the School Field at Sir John Nelthorpe School (meet 6pm for 6.30pm).
Rounders will be played on Tuesday, June 11.
It you are a former pupil of SJN, Brigg Sixth Form, Brigg Grammar School or Brigg Girls' High School, you are welcome to go along and report for duty.
After both matches there are plans to meet up for a drink and a chat at the Yarborough Hunt, in Bridge Street, Brigg (from about 9pm).

GET YOUR BIKE STAMPED BY BRIGG POLICE ON SATURDAY

Brigg police will be manning an events bus in the Market Place on Saturday (June 8) to promote the immobiliser system and undertake cycle stamping, which helps guard against theft. Local officers will also be on hand to meet the public.

BRIGG TOWN COMMITTEE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY

There's a meeting of the Brigg Town Council Property and Services Committee in the Angel Suite Lounge on Wednesday, June 5 (7pm) which is open to interested members of the public. As this will be the first meeting since the AGM of the authority, councillors will need to elect a chairman and vice-chairman of the committee to serve for the next 12 months.

BRIGG ROADWORKS ON A18

Minor roadworks are being carried out today on the A18 in Brigg - close to the Methodist and Catholic churches. Part of one lane is cordoned off but, being Sunday, delays to traffic are not evident. A contractor is carrying out the work, not North Lincolnshire Council, the highway authority.

TRIBUTES TO DRUMMER LEE RIGBY LAID AT BRIGG MONUMENT

Left to right: Coun Nigel Sherwood,  Brigg and Wolds representative on North Lincolnshire Council and member of the Cabinet; Freeman of Brigg, Tom Glossop; Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole; Coun John Kitwood, Brigg Town Mayor; Coun Rob Waltham,  Brigg and Wolds representative on North Lincolnshire Council and member of the Cabinet; Coun the Rev Alec Depledge, Town Mayor's Chaplain and Deputy Town Mayor.

Some of Ken Harrison's pictures showing the Brigg tribute to Drummer Lee Rigby

Members of the Brigg Branch of the Royal British Legion (left) with civic leaders

Coun Carl Sherwood (centre),  Brigg and Wolds representative on North Lincolnshire Council and member of the Cabinet, preparing to lay a floral tribute at the Monument, with his brother Coun Nigel (left) and Coun Rob Waltham (right).

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy with his floral tribute.

FLORAL TRIBUTES LAID IN BRIGG TO DRUMMER LEE RIGBY

More pictures of floral tribute laid and from the ceremony held in Brigg on Wednesday at the Monument war memorial in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby, killed in London. Pictures by Ken Harrison, of Wrawby.

BRIGG FLORAL TRIBUTES TO DRUMMER LEE RIGBY

Floral tributes were laid at the Brigg Monument war memorial in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby, killed in London. Brigg Blog's sincere thanks go to Ken Harrison for providing the pictures. Further flowers, with messages attached, were laid by members of the public before and after the official ceremony.

Army veteran Charles Brindley