HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL BRIGG BLOG FOLLOWERS

As we start the countdown to the New Year, Brigg Blog sends all our valued followers very best wishes and trusts 2015 will prove a good one for you. 
It will be a close-run thing but if we have a decent day on December 31 in terms of site traffic, Brigg Blog will have enjoyed an all-time record month for "hits".
Fingers crossed....and here's raising a glass to you and 2015 !

CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR BRIGG AREA SINGER AS SHE SIGNS WITH LONDON AGENCY USED BY KITTY BRUCKNELL & KATRINA OF THE WAVES

Well done Brigg area singer Michelle Palmer, who has now signed with a top London entertainment agency.
On their roster of female performers, the Elsham artiste appears on the same webpage as X Factor's Kitty Brucknell and Katrina - now solo after Walking On Sunshine with The Waves and finding success in the charts.
Michelle revealed her good news in a Twitter message on Christmas Eve, saying she is now exclusively represented by the celebrity London agency collumentertainment.co.uk
Our picture, above, shows Michelle at Brigg's Angel Suite, where she was attending a wedding fair.
View the page featuring Michelle through this link..

SCOOTERS ALWAYS WELCOME IN BRIGG

We observed half-a-dozen vintage scooters on the A18 in Brigg the other day. Actually, we heard them first.  They were held up at the Cary Lane traffic lights while making their way along Barnard Avenue, heading in the direction of Scunthorpe.
Will we ever see a Bike Night in Brigg, like the hugely popular one staged in Barton every July? Or even a scooter night? It's one of our wishes for 2015. But it would take a great deal of organising. 
Any takers? Mods or Rockers equally welcome to give it a go!

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS IN BRIGG

There's bound to be a jolly New Year's Eve in Brigg as people get ready to welcome 2015 and say a sad (or fond) farewell to 2014. Many of us will visit town centre pubs and bars. Nothing changes there, then!
A particularly memorable New Year's Eve came on December 31, 1999 - the end of the millennium and the onset of another. We took some memorable pictures of folk having a good time in various hostelries, including one or two showing Andy Longden and Lee Johnson in fancy dress, as Roman soldiers.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your beers?
It's to be hoped tonight proves trouble-free and that if the paths are slippery underfoot, it due to frost and not other things.

CHEQUE IT OUT! BRIGG RALLIES ROUND FOR LEGION & PANCREATIC CANCER CHARITIES

3 cheques, totalling £360, for Pancreatic Cancer presented by Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott . 

Brigg Town Council requested our attendance for cheque presentations in the Market Place to three Pancreatic Cancer charities and  the Royal British Legion.  The latter included  the proceeds of a concert held in the Angel Suite.
The Legion's Brigg Branch was involved in organising the annual 10k race, while the district's total for the poppy appeal stood at more than £20,000 on the day we took these pictures, with the likelihood this impressive total will increase.
Coun Andrew Markham worked hard during Pancreatic Cancer Month with  Zoe Hall, who wrote to the Town Council, seeking its support. There was a raffle in Brigg, following which Saturday pub-goers gave generously to boost the total.

3 cheques for Pancreatic Cancer charities and 2 for the Legion.

All the cheques on display in Brigg Market Place

£2,103 for the Legion raised by the local branch's Brigg Centenary Poppy Race.

£385 for the Royal British Legion, presented by Brigg Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott.

£385 for the Legion was raised by the concert

BRIGG CHRISTMAS PAST - BUT ONLY JUST!

Winning business Joanne Leigh Couture, of Wrawby Road, being congratulated by Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy. Also pictured are Brigg Town Business Partnership chairman Malcolm Bailey (left) and vice-chair Coun Jane Kitching (right), Brigg Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott (fourth left) and North Lincolnshire Council's Leader, Coun Liz Redfern (second right).

Ken Harrison has kindly supplied some of the pictures he took of the presentations made to the top Christmas windows by the Brigg Business Partnership in its 2014 competition.

2nd place and the new Andrew Percy MP Cup for Grandad's Shed.

3rd place for Lucy's

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy enjoying the refreshments at Brigg Methodist Church.

COLD WEATHER ADVICE FOR BRIGG PEOPLE TO STAY SAFE & WELL

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

With the cold snap we’re experiencing, North Lincolnshire Council is urging people to be extra careful when out and about in the bad weather.
The gritting crews are on stand-by and have been out and about salting the many roads in North Lincolnshire and will continue to do so when needed. In addition they will also clear pedestrianised areas and other heavily-used footpaths.
Besides the work the council does in helping keep the roads and footpaths clear and accessible, there are simple steps people can take themselves to help reduce their chance of a slip, strip or fall this winter:
Keep yourself up-to-date with the weather forecasts. Preparation in bad weather is key 
When icy or wet weather is forecast, act to prevent icy build-up in well used areas such as your driveway, garden path etc. by putting salt down in affected areas 
If possible, avoid areas that are sloped or constantly in the wet or in the shade as these areas will be a slip or fall risk 
If you need to go out in the bad weather, consider buying some ice and/or snow treads that attach to the bottom of your shoes. These are a cost effective way of being able to walk on icy or snowy walkways and enjoy the outdoors without fear of falling. 
If you have one, wear your personal alarm at all times, either round your neck or on your wrist. If you don’t have one and are at risk of falling and causing serious injury, consider buying a personal alarm, especially if you live on your own. For more details, call the council’s Care Call team on 01724 849768 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/carecall 
And don’t forget to check on your elderly neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure they are OK and have everything they need during the bad weather 
There is often confusion around whether or not you should clear snow from your property. However, clearing snow and ice from pavements can make moving around much safer and easier. 
Gov.uk has provided the following advice on how to clear snow and ice safely for you and others this winter. If you clear snow and ice from your pavement carefully, it is unlikely that you’ll be sued or held accountable if someone is injured.

When to clear snow and ice:
Do it early in the day – it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow 
Don’t use water – it might refreeze and turn to black ice 
Use salt if possible – it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use the salt from salting bins as this is used to keep roads clear) 
You can use ash and sand if you don’t have enough salt – it will provide grip underfoot 
Pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways – using more salt may help 

When should I use grit?
Gritting is a quick way to de-ice surfaces during the winter. Rock salt is the most common used grit that we often see being spread on public roads and walkways 
Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast or if walkways are likely to be damp or wet. The most effective time to grit is early evening, before the frost and/or early in the morning before pedestrians or employees make use of the surface 
Important to note: salt does not work instantly, it needs time to dissolve into the moisture on the ground, so please bear this in mind if and when you are applying salt in your own areas 
Do not grit when it is raining heavily. Doing so will cause the grit to be washed away or will have no impact on preventing slips, trips and falls, and may cause a problem if the rain turns to snow 
Grit is not effective when compacted snow turns into ice. Other methods such as shovelling the snow (take care not to block the way for others) and then applying grit, will be more effective.

If you’re thinking of driving:
Ask yourself if your journey is really necessary – will it wait until the weather improves? 
If you have to travel, give yourself extra time for the journey – don’t put pressure on yourself by rushing If your journey is taking longer than you thought, don’t worry: it’s better to arrive late than not at all. Slow down and take extra care. It is your responsibility to drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions. If you get into trouble, especially in snow, stay with your vehicle until help arrives 
For more useful tips, refer to the ‘Let's get ready for Winter’ leaflet http://www.heps.gov.uk/news/get-ready-for-the-winter/
For details of which roads and pavements the council salts, call 01724 297000 or visit www.northlincs.gov.uk
For more details on how to keep safe, well and warm during the winter months, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/winterhealth

Frances Cunning, Director, Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The council constantly monitors the weather for any changes in temperature and as soon as it drops to below freezing, the crews are out gritting the roads and footpaths helping keep them open and accessible for motorists and pedestrians.
“The conditions can at times be treacherous, so it is important that people, especially the elderly are extra careful. They should only go out if absolutely necessary and take extra precautions such as wear snow shoes or boots with good grips on the soles. If at all possible, ask a friend or relative to do your errands for you, to save you having to go out. 
“Having said that, we don’t want people to be cooped up inside all winter. It is important that we get some fresh air and exercise, even if it is just a short stroll to the shops. But please be very careful and when the weather gets really bad, only go out is absolutely necessary.”

BRIGG JOBS UP TO £31k AVAILABLE

North Lincolnshire Council has six jobs available in Brigg at the moment.
They include a commissioning officer starting on more than £31,000 and  an applications officer on a pay scale beginning at almost £25,000.
View all six vacancies here....

BRIGG BLUE BOTTLE BLUES

Having filled the recycling box provided by North Lincolnshire Council, we took a selection of Christmas period bottles and cans, in carrier bags, to the recycling centre on the Old Courts Road car park, behind Wilko's store in Brigg.
Deposits were duly made in the green, brown and green class containers provided. But what were we to do with an empty BLUE sherry bottle? 
Some folk might have been temped to undertake a spot of blue bottle fly tipping to dispose of the unwanted leftover - and just left it on top of the container to make a statement to the authorities.
But we decided to put the bottle back in the car and  leave it in the council-provided container until the binmen pay their next visit to our street.
Someone later suggested  to us that you can put blue glass bottles in the green recycling centre container. Does anyone know if this is the case? And do other recycling points  (eg Tesco and the Ancholme Leisure Centre) have a container for blue bottles?

BRIGG COUNCIL MEETING DATE CHANGE

Due to unforeseen circumstances it has been necessary to postpone the January committee meetings of Brigg Town Council, in the Angel Suite, for one week - until Wednesday, January 21. Further details to follow on Brigg Blog. 

NEW BRIGG RAILWAY LINE PICTURES

The Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines have posted new railway pictures of Gainsborough Lea Road, Gainsborough Central (including snow pictures) and Brigg  - all taken in the past week.

USE THESE LINKS TO VIEW

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/sets/72157644360799060/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/sets/72157644852989940/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/sets/72157644775119495/

Twitter @Saturday_Only

 

Friends Of The Brigg & Lincoln Lines

Website

http://e-voice.org.uk/friendsofbrigg-lincolnlines/

 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/FoBLL

 

Linkedin

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/fobll/86/329/a53

 

Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/

 

Passenger Survey

http://eSurv.org?s=LIMJGK_d6fe98a0

Timetable

http://www.northernrail.org/pdfs/timetables/20141214/32.pdf

CHRISTMAS HAMPER FOR BRIGG FOOD BANK

Coun the Rev Alec Depledge (second left)  receiving a  hamper on behalf of Brigg Food Bank, in the Market Place. It was donated by Brigg Town Business Partnership from the proceeds of  the best Christmas windows competition. The hamper was purchased from Dave Dent, of Nisa Local, in Queen Street.

Also in picture are Brigg Town Business Partnership's Coun Jane Kitching (left) and  Malcolm Bailey (centre), Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy (second right) and Coun Liz Redfern, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council. PICTURE BY KEN HARRISON.

SIMON SAYS... THIS IS A GOOD PLACE IN BRIGG TO GO FOR A TRIM

Well-known Brigg restaurateur, Simon Ho, from the China Royal in Bridge Street, having a quick trim at Lucy's, in Wrawby Street, between orders! PICTURE BY KEN HARRISON.

BEST CHRISTMAS WINDOWS IN BRIGG

Joanna Leigh Couture receiving the winner's trophy and certificate from Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy

Brigg Town Business Partnership staged its annual competition to find the best Christmas windows in the town for 2014.
Joanna Leigh Couture, of Wrawby Road (near the Monument) won first prize; runner-up was Grandad's Shed, in Wrawby Street; third place went to Lucy's Hairdressers, also of Wrawby Street.
The best-dressed festive interior category was won by Brigg Methodist Church, on Barnard Avenue/Wesley Road.
Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy joined Coun Jane Kitching and Malcolm Bailey, from the Business Partnership; Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott, representing Brigg Town Council; and Coun Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, to visit all the successful premises.
The MP also donated and presented a new trophy for the runner-up.
The competition this year was run in conjunction with the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

Joanna Leigh outside the award-winning shop window with Malcolm Bailey, left, Andrew Percy MP, Coun Liz Redfern and Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott.

Second place and the new Andrew Percy MP Trophy went to Grandad's Shed (above and below).

Lucy's won third prize

The Rev Wales with the trophy won by Brigg Methodist Church for the best-dressed festive interior.

Andrew Percy MP enjoying a cuppa at Brigg Methodist Church.

Andrew Percy presenting the church with the cup.

PROMINENT BRIGG TOWN CENTRE FOR SALE OR RENT

One of the most prominent buildings in Brigg town centre is available for sale or rent through Bell Watson.
Grimley Smith - the process engineers - moved out some months ago and their imposing Market Place premises are now available.
For many decades this housed the garage and car showroom of Brigg motor dealers Smith-Parkinson.
With all the investment that's going on in our town at the moment it's to be hoped that a suitable new owner, or tenant, steps in with a suitable offer. 

REMEMBERING BRIGG COUPLE AT CHRISTMAS

Holly has been placed on the Jim and Amber Allcroft memorial bench in Bigby Street, Brigg, over the Christmas period. 

WOLD SINGERS’ BRIGG NEW YEAR CONCERT

The Wolds Singers say they are Gonna Make Music 4U with a variety of songs.

They will be performing a tasty variety of songs on Saturday, January 31, from 7.30pm.

The venue will be Brigg Methodist Church – at the corner of Barnard Avenue and Wesley Road.

Tickets are £5, inclusive of light refreshments, and will be available on the door on the night.

Proceeds will go to chapel and choir funds.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM BRIGG BLOG

Brigg Blog sends Christmas Day best wishes to all its many followers who live in our town, in other parts of the UK and across the world, as far away as Australia and New Zealand. 
We trust your celebrations will be memorable.
Spare a thought for our emergency services and hospital workers who are standing by if we need them.

DEATH OF FORMER BRIGG TOWN MAYOR COUN BEN NOBBS

Brigg Blog was very sorry to hear of the death of Coun Ben Nobbs - a former Town Mayor and member of Brigg Town Council.
Ben, whose hard work over many years within the local youth service was well-known across North Lincolnshire, chaired the Brigg Town Council Planning Committee for some time.
He was also a driving force in organising the town's extensive celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - the memorable day being enjoyed by hundreds of people who turned out for varied events and entertainment in the town centre and the Recreation Ground.
A keen supporter of the Brigg Matters newsletter, Coun Ben was always a "hands on" councillor, undertaking a range of duties, including attending to the poppies on the Monument war memorial after Remembrance Day.
He represented the town council on various "outside bodies" and his reports on meetings he attended, delivered to fellow members, were always thorough and to the point.
The funeral will be held at 10am on Wednesday 7th January at Woodlands Crematorium, Scunthorpe.

BRIGG CRIME FIGURES FOR MONTH

Monthly crime figures for Brigg have been released through the website www.police.uk
There were 54 crimes in the town during November - a sizeable rise on the 31 recorded in October.
November's breakdown of offences was:

NOVEMBER 2014

• Shoplifting    12  
• Violence and sexual offences   11  
• Anti-social behaviour   10  
• Burglary  7  
• Criminal damage and arson    5  
• Other theft    3 
• Vehicle crime    3   
• Drugs    1  
• Other crime    1  
• Robbery    1  
• Possession of weapons    0  
• Public order   0  
• Theft from the person    0  
• Bicycle theft   0  

CROWDS FLOCK TO CHRISTMAS BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET 2014

The Christmas Brigg Farmers' Market - held in the town centre on Saturday - drew big crowds of eager shoppers. Although the advertised opening time was 9am, there were queues at some of the stalls long before then. 
Festive songs were provided in the bandstand by former Brigg & Goole MP Ian Cawsey, Deputy Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny and their Christmas Band.

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEA: A COACH TRIP FROM BRIGG

Brigg firm TJ's Coach Hire - based on Bridge Street - is running the following day trips in 2015, which might make a suitable Christmas gift for a relative or friend, if you are still looking.
Saturday, April 11 - Scarborough.
Saturday, May 23 - Holmfirth (where they filmed TV's Last of the Summer Wine).
Saturday, June 6 - Yorkshire Lavender Farm.
Saturday, June 20 - Newark.
Saturday, July 25 - Cleethorpes
Wednesday, July 29 - Clumber Park (picnic)
Saturday, August 1 - Skegness and Ingoldmells.
Tours can be booked at Brigg Tourist Information Centre, in the Buttercross. Or nip along to the bus company's office at the top of Island Carr Road - opposite the entrance to Earnshaws.

WARM CADNEY CHRISTMAS WELCOME AWAITS BRIGG FOLK

There's a Christmas Christingle service at historic Cadney church on Christmas Eve at 5pm.
The church will be lit by candles and oil lamps.
Everyone from Brigg and district is welcome to attend this family-friendly service.

MIRROR, SIGNAL, MANOEUVRE ON THE A18 IN BRIGG - IN REVERSE!

We had to admire the skill of a lorry driver on Saturday who  backed his huge HGV along Old Courts Road, Brigg, across the traffic lights towards Wesley Road and then pulled forward to head off along the A18 in the direction of Ancholme Way.
He was being directed by a colleague - a very brave soul who turned policeman on point duty to hold up the traffic while the above mid-afternoon manoeuvre was carried out.
It appeared the juggernaut had either delivered to premises in the town centre, or was attempting to do so. However, there was a very high volume of traffic using the Old Courts Road entry road to the town's main car park on Christmas Farmers' Market Saturday.
Was this delivery really necessary at this time and on this particular day?

LORRY DRIVERS: PLEASE IGNORE THIS BRIGG SIGN BUT TAKE NOTE OF NEXT ONE YOU SEE

Brigg Blog wonders how many lorry drivers have followed the instructions given to them by this sign on Bigby Road and taken the indicated diversion....down residential St Helen's Road (next turn on the right).
Much closer to the Monument roundabout there's an identical sign telling drivers to take the third exit and head off down Wrawby Road, on the A18. Which leaves us pondering why the one pictured here needs to be there. How about avoiding any possible confusion by taking it down?
St Helen's Road is often congested with parked cars and is not very wide.
This A1084 diversion is in place because of the railway bridge on the A18 at Melton Ross being replaced over a long period of time.

ENJOY A CHRISTMAS DRINK IN BRIGG

If you are fancying a Christmas drink in Brigg on Christmas Day - prior to returning home for your family dinner - the Britannia, in Wrawby Street, will be open from 11am. 

NOSTALGIC PIECE OF BRIGG HISTORY TURNS UP FOR CHRISTMAS

This label came pinned to a new bike bought for Christmas in Brigg on Saturday - from Sherwood's shop, in Bridge Street. 
On the back they had written the customer's name but the other side showed the label's origins.
Parker & Cladingbowl had a large shop in Wrawby Street, selling ladies bras and a range of other goods, and we reckon the label dates back to the late1970s.
It's good to find a piece of Brigg's rich retailing past still has a part to play in the shopping scene in 2014.

IMPORTANT BRIGG BIN COLLECTION CHANGES NOW IN FORCE

Brigg households will have amended waste bin and recycling box collections this week from North Lincolnshire Council. 
Those of us in the town who usually get our bins emptied on Tuesday will  need to put our bins and boxes out TONIGHT for collection tomorrow, Monday.
Don't be caught out over the collection of your general waste bin, blue box, burgundy bin and textile bag over the Christmas and New Year period.
Follow this link and type in your postcode to find out festive period collection dates form your property... 

PARKING ON ALBERT STREET, BRIGG

There have been complaints about office, shop and even some council workers parking all day on Albert Street in Brigg, leaving householders without garages no spaces in which to put their cars. One suggestion was to introduce a residents' parking scheme, similar to the one in place near Scunthorpe General Hospital.
The results of the consultation are now in, showing no clear mandate for change.North Lincolnshire Council will be going along with the majority view. So no additional parking restrictions will be coming to this part of town.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS BRIGG CCTV?

Public Question Time at Brigg Town Council's December meeting, in the Angel Suite, saw the CCTV system's effectiveness being raised by Ken Harrison - from the public gallery.
Ken asked how people knew whether CCTV was working at any time and suggested random checks. He said surveillance was needed day and night.
Deputy Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny said some members had visited the headquarters of North Lincolnshire Council's CCTV operation, and he thought it worked as well as it could do.
Coun Carl Sherwood said the CCTV was "checked regularly," while Coun Rob Waltham thought the area had the best technology money could buy.
Coun Mike Campion wondered whether CCTV images had proved of use over recent crimes in Brigg.
The meeting heard CCTV footage going back a month, or longer, could be viewed retrospectively - at any time.

BRIGG TEAM PUSHING FOR PROMOTION

Brigg amateur football team Briggensians moved up to third spot in the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District  League third division with a thumping home win yesterday (Saturday, December 20.
Briggensians, who are based at Sir John Nelthorpe School, defeated Midtown United 6-1, courtesy of scorers Neil Gallafent, Jon Taylor, Dave Whittam, Matthew Miller, Paul Neal and an own goal.

DIVISION THREE

                                                             P  W D  L     F    A Diff  Pts

      EPWORTH TOWN RES               9   9   0   0   40    9  31   24-

      CROSBY COLTS JNR                 7   6   0   1   34    3  31   18

      BRIGGENSIANS                          6   5   1   0   24    6  18   16

      SCOTTER UNITED RES            11   4   3   4   36   25  11   15

      WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS    5   3   1   1   26    7  19   10+/-

      BARNETBY UNITED RES          7   2   1   4   26   23   3     7

      MIDTOWN UNITED                  10   1   1   8   11   64 -53  7+

      LIMESTONE RANGERS RES    6   2   0   4   20   21  -1      6

      SIX BELLS                                  6   1   1   4   15   21  -6      4

      SANTON                                     7   0   0   7    6   59 -53      0

+ 3 Points        - 3 Points     

ACTION ON BRIGG ROAD SAFETY, TREES & LITTER

Coun Carl Sherwood told Brigg Town Council's December meeting that the state of some trees near South View Avenue was causing concern. Remedial work was being considered by the North Lincolnshire authority.
He also reported that a "flashing" speed warning sign on Bigby High Road was doing its job in slowing down vehicles on the A1084.
Lastly, he highlighted Sunday "cleaning up" operations now being made on some Brigg streets by North Lincolnshire Council.
Coun Carl is a member of the cabinet at the unitary authority, as is Coun Rob Waltham who outlined plans to tackle a road safety issue posed by cars parking on the corner near Willowbrook Drive.

LOOKING FORWARD TO BRIGG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2015

Positive comments received from members of the public about the new Christmas lights provided in the town centre were reported to the authority's December meeting, held in the Angel Suite. Only one criticism had been made, to Coun Carl Sherwood. 
Coun Chris Dyson said the lights were "really good."
A working group has been delegated to undertake a final view of the 2014 display and make a formal recommendation about the festive lights for inclusion in the 2015/16 council budget.

BRIGG SCHEMES THROUGH THE INITIAL PLANNING STAGE

Brigg Town Council has raised no objections to the following schemes which now go to North Lincolnshire planners for final approval:

• Vary planning obligation that requires a committed sum towards affordable housing, Forrester Hall Garage, Forrester Street.
• Installation of a replacement ATM, HSBC, 27 Market Place.

HECTIC SATURDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN BRIGG

It's been a hectic day in Brigg today (Saturday) for Brigg Blog - including a spot of Christmas shopping. They were queueing out the door at Barnard's butchers - after which we moved on to Dunham's (bakers) and Sherwood's (cycle shop).
We then....

1. Visited the Christmas farmers' market to take pictures and buy some jam, cheese and plum bread.
2. Photographed various cheque presentations involving Brigg Town Council, charities and the Royal British Legion.
3. Photographed the top entries in Brigg Town Business Partnership's best Christmas window competition, involving Town Mayor Councillor Edward Arnott, Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy, North Lincolnshire Council leader Coun Liz Redfern, Partnership officials Coun Jane Kitching and Malcolm Bailey, plus Ken Harrison who was arranging the various photo calls.

Pictures of all those will be posted on Brigg Blog in the coming days. And there's more...
Tonight we'll be out and about on licensed premises in the town centre...camera in hand!

NEW CHARITY FUNDRAISING GROUP IN BRIGG

A new volunteer Fundraising Group has launched in Brigg to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Brigg Fundraising Group will raise vital funds so Marie Curie Nurses can continue to provide free care to people with terminal illnesses, through supporting Marie Curie’s major fundraising campaigns such as the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party, as well as promoting fundraising within the local community and encouraging new supporters to help the charity. 
Dawn Broomfield, Community Fundraiser at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “The new Fundraising Group in Brigg will make a huge difference by helping to raise the vital funds needed to support Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes.
Pictured, from left to right, are: Chris Dunnion, Group Treasurer; Norma Elmore, Chair Person; Deb Lewis-Bird, Group Secretary; Shelly St Hillaire, Group Volunteer.  

BRIGG 'HASN'T DRAW THE SHORT STRAW'

When the straw-burning power station opens at Scawby Brook next year, no lorries carrying bales should come through Brigg "in theory".
That information was relayed to the Town Council by Coun Mike Campion, reporting on a  Brigg Renewable Energy Plant Liaison Meeting he had attended.
The plant is now taking shape on part of the extensive former Brigg Sugar Factory site.

FREE CHRISTMAS MUSIC NIGHT IN BRIGG

Brigg Music Club will be holding its annual Christmas music night in the Britannia Inn,  on Wrawby, Street, on Monday, December 22, from 8pm. Performers will include the acclaimed Lizzie Goddard. Admission is free - no need to book. Look in and enjoy the night!

SMALL RISE IN HIRE CHARGES AT ANGEL SUITE IN BRIGG

The prices of most things continue to rise but the Angel Suite community venue in Brigg has been an exception to the rule for the past four years.
Now, after holding the hire charges for that extended period, Brigg Town Council has had to up some charges, with regret.
At Monday's monthly meeting of the authority, a reviewed table of hire  charges was agreed.
The rises are described as being very minor and the council says they are required just to keep abreast of the increasing cost of heating and lighting the town centre premises.
The Angel Suite is available to hire for many purposes. Email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk

ANGEL SUITE HIRE CHARGES
Ratified on Monday, 15th December. Effective for regular hirers from 1st April, 2015.

SEATED FUNCTION (Formal)
Full Suite   9am – midnight                £350.00
(Use of suite on previous day – charged at basic room hire rate)

SEATED FUNCTION (Formal)
Full Suite 6pm – midnight £175.00

CAFÉ STYLE    Ballroom and bar area only 
(small round tables)
6 hours £125.00  
3 Hours £80.00
In the event that the hirer requires the use of the Full Suite £175.00
EXTRA HOURS    charged at the pro rata hourly rate for basic room hire

CONCERTS/PUBLIC EVENTS WITH FULL SEATED AUDIENCE  
BALLROOM ONLY
Any 5 hour hire period
Minimum Fee to include up to 75 seats  £75.00                                                 
Additional seats charged at    £1.50              
PLEASE NOTE: Public events require the manager’s attendance  
Attendance fee is charged at £12.00 per hour (as required by the premises licence).


GENERAL USE/MEETINGS, LEISURE, CRAFT EXERCISE.
BALLROOM ONLY Any 3 hour hire period 
Basic room to include 4 trestles and 30 chairs
BRIGG RESIDENTS   and   VOLUNTARY GROUPS   £42.00
EXTRA HOURS (pro rata)  £14.00
OTHERS  (not for profit hirers)    £55.00                                             
EXTRA HOURS (pro rata)  £18.00
EXTRA FURNITURE   per additional chair  £1.50


LOUNGE ONLY  Any 3 hour hire period
Basic room to include small round tables or 4 trestles and up to 25 Chairs
BRIGG RESIDENTS   and   VOLUNTARY GROUPS  £35.00 
EXTRA HOURS (pro rata)   £12.00
OTHERS    (not for profit hirers)   £40.00 
EXTRA HOURS (pro rata)   £13.50                                                  

CRAFT FAIRS AND ART EXHIBITIONS   (Voluntary Organisations Only)
BALLROOM ONLY  (Lounge charged at normal rate)
per 6 Hour Session  £150.00                                                          
Linked to a major event e.g. Christmas Fair   £100.00

COMMERCIAL USE
BALLROOM Charge per hour    £35.00
LOUNGE  Minimum 3 hours   £50.00
(extra hours - pro-rata, per hour) £16.50 

ANGEL SUITE – SCALE OF CHARGES FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Catering prepared and served entirely by the Angel Suite Manager:
Profit retained – 45%
Outside Catering Services used - Mark Up - 30% 
Mark up / hire charge on Other Services
Tables: external hire:   £2.50 per table
Linen: external hire:   £2.00 per table
In house: (large) £7.00 per table; 
Café style £3.50 per table (includes cost of laundering)
Chair Covers : external hire:  £0.40 per chair
Table Décor:   £0.50 per table
Flowers  £1.50 per dec
Napkins: £0.05 per nap
Crockery and Cutlery no charge when catering provided...
Otherwise  £0.20 per item 
Stage Hire   per set up / dismantle    £25.00