EXPERT ADVICE FOR BRIGG SHOPS TO BOOST TRADE

It's fun to shop in Brigg. Picture by KEN HARRISON

A Retailers' Workshop for all independent shopkeepers in Brigg will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at the Heritage Centre, in the Angel complex.

• 5.30 pm Registration, free buffet & Heritage Centre Tour
• 6.00 pm Programme starts
• 9.30 pm Close & networking

The message to traders is: Make Your Tills Ring and Increase Your Profits
This is a  special event brought to them by the Federation of Small Businesses and the Brigg Town Business Partnership. 
Shops are being invited to send three owners or staff members - at no cost to the businesses. 
Discover ways of attracting and retaining customers by utilising your Shop Front, Window Displays and Merchandising. Hear from a retail specialist about how to unlock the mysteries of merchandising and peoples buying habits.
This is a one-off event. To register, just send your Business Name and Address, Delegate Names and email addresses to briggisbest@gmail.com

BRIGG TOWN BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP EVENTS FOR 2015

Pump Blessing/Dressing 2014 - picture by KEN HARRISON

Brigg Town Business Partnership's  annual general meeting was again a successful event and the go-ahead group is pleased to welcome new committee members.... 
Richard Mason, of Mason Baggott and Garton;Chris Saddington, from the Nelthorpe Arms, Pub Watch Coordinator for the Partnership; Louise Beacock, of Molly’s Flowers, and Alan Ford,  of Brian’s DIY.
Further members were re elected again to serve for another year these are as follows Malcolm Bailey, Chair, link2 energy; Coun Jane Kitching, Vice Chair,; Janet Bailey, Treasurer, link2energy, Amanda Mallender, Secretary, Petticoats; Deb Dunderdale, Membership/Web site Coordinator, Deli Diner; Fraser Lath, Health and Safety Officer; Peter Thomas, representative for the local churches and community; Chris Darlington Marketing Co-ordinator;Sandy Andrews, Membership and Events Officer.
For 2015,  BTBP is planning the following events:  

• The Pump Blessing/Dressing
• The Big Gig
• Brigg Town Business Partnership Fashion Show
• Briggstock
• Interiors Competition 
• Attractions Fair at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe.

BRIGG EXHIBITION CLOSING TODAY

Today (Saturday, January 30) is your last chance to visit the super exhibition about World War One in Brigg Heritage Centre, within the Angel complex. It was extended into the New Year - by popular demand.

TOP MAN FROM NETWORK RAIL PAYING BRIGG A VISIT

Brigg Town Council is as keen as anyone to see the town's passenger train service improved from the present Saturdays-only three to Sheffield and three to Grimsby and Cleethorpes. So a forthcoming meeting with Alex Hynes, managing director of Northern Rail, will be very important.
It will take place on March 17, when the MD will be visiting Brigg. We expect the Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines and North Lincolnshire Council to be central to the talks.
It's going to be too late to change anything for the "new" timetable coming into effect in a few months. We can only hope to get extra trains provided in the medium to long term.

BRIGG TOWN CENTRE GAS WORKS ON WAY

Major gas mains work is on the way in Brigg Market Place.

This will affect various sections of the town centre but arrangements are in place to keep  disruption to a minimum. There's agreement not to carry out any work while the market stalls are in place.

We gather the starting point will be close to Ladbrokes and the County Bridge.

Start date yet to be revealed.
CORRECTING OUR EARLIER POST WHICH SUGGESTED WATER WORKS WERE ON THE WAY

BRIGG BAR'S LEADING LITE

We headed for the Exchange Bar, in Brigg town centre, on Saturday night and followed the light...to enjoy a pint of Coors Lite.

There's now a flashing Bar Open sign near the Wrawby Street entrance which helps lead thirst customers down the archway and through the courtyard.

WE WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD - IN BRIGG

On Saturday night we wandered alone into Brigg Servicemen's Club for a quiet pint and had reason to access the internet by smartphone. 
It appears we did so through "The Cloud" - according to the inner workings of Fisher's Phone. 
We concluded this connection came courtesy of Brigg town centre's free wi-fi. 
Can anyone confirm "The Cloud" is what we think it is?
Secondly: How far out of the town centre does The Cloud spread?
Next time we encounter residents of the Newlands estate we will ask whether they are in range.
PS: On a really good day, and in very kind company, we might be classed  a wordsmith but Wordsworth we are not. So apologies to the late lamented poet.

CONCRETE FOLLY ON EDGE OF BRIGG

We saw a recent online question posed by a long-standing Brigg resident and decided to cross the border into Broughton parish to investigate.

The writer questioned the purpose of this concrete structure in a field alongside the public footpath that runs from Scawby Road, past the DFS furniture store and across to Castlethorpe. He recalled visiting the field as a boy in the 1960s - it being a popular place to play.

Having examined the structure at close quarters we can't give him a definitive answer. But perhaps someone out there knows for certain.

Our first though was an air-raid shelter. But wouldn't they have sunk that into the ground?

LIGHTS IN BRIGG MARKET PLACE STILL A TURN OFF

Brigg Blog has drawn this to the attention of the powers-that-be several times already and shown pictures of what's wrong, but still no action has been taken.

Several ornamental lights in the Market Place burn all night and all day - and have done for a long time.

This unnecessary day-time illumination must be costing someone and is not environmentally friendly.

Any chance someone could have a word in the right ear?

TIE THE KNOT IN BRIGG

This sign on the side door to the Buttercross in Brigg town centre indicates that weddings are now handled  upstairs at this historic landmark. Contact the Registrar at North Lincolnshire Council for full details.

Couples can also use the nearby Angel Suite for receptions. Email angelsuite@briggmarkettown.co.uk

HISTORIC BRIGG PUMP IN NEED OF TENDER LOVING CARE

The top of the old pump near the County Bridge in Brigg

The historic Brigg water pump in Grammar School Road, South, is now on full view again after completion of building work at   Wetherspoon's White Horse pub. It’s nicely painted and looking in good shape (see picture at the end of this post).

Sadly, the other surviving pump – close to the County Bridge – is looking more than a little weather-worn (top & second pictures).

Is it time someone at North Lincolnshire Council sanctioned some TLC. After all, Valentine’s Day is not far away!

These water pumps used to supply the needs of poor households in Brigg before piped supplies became universal.

The old pump in Bridge Street, very close to the County Bridge, Brigg

The  old pump in Grammar School Road South, adjoining the new Wetherspoon-run White Horse pub.

BRIGG LANDMARK HELPING TO SELL LAND

Brigg Buttercross is almost 200 years old and has enjoyed a number of uses.

However, advertising land and property is a recent development.

This picture does not show an estate agent’s window, it was taken at the Buttercross (the side nearest to Bigby Street).

North Lincolnshire Council has a range of “surplus to requirements” buildings and this is a good spot to advertise their availability, in view of the high number of people who pass through the town centre.

A plot of land in Colton Street, Brigg, is included in the current display. It can be used for house-building, subject to planning approval.

JOBS ON OFFER IN BRIGG

AF Carpets in Bridge Street, Brigg, has vacancies for a trainee carpet fitter and   full/part-time salespersons.

A shop assistant is wanted at the Nisa Local shop on Queen Street  (Dent’s of Brigg), while there is a vacancy at the China Royal,  Bridge Street.

Apply within in each case.

TIME TO REFLECT ON THE CLOCKMAKERS OF OLD BRIGG

A very interesting evening is in prospect for those who attend the next monthly get-together of Brigg Amateur Social Historians (BASH).

Georgian and Victorian Clockmakers of Brigg will be the subject of a talk by Ralph Appleyard.

He will speak to BASH on Tuesday, February 3 at the Servicemen's Club, Coney Court (8pm).

Admission is free, light refreshments will be served and a raffle held to help towards costs.

The club adjoins the town’s main car park.

For more information about the group, visit  www.briggbash.org.uk

TUNEFUL VALENTINE'S NIGHT IN BRIGG

The new Toll Bar Restaurant in Brigg is providing live entertainment on Valentine's Night.

On Saturday, February 14 the eatery at the Nelthorpe Arms, in Bridge Street, presents David Elf and his acoustic guitar.

He will be playing on a night when guests sit down to a three-course set meal  for £24.95p.

There are sittings at 7pm and 9pm.

MAGPIE SHOP IN BRIGG NOW OPEN

Last time we reported on the new Magpie shop in Brigg Market Place it was still  in the planning stage. It is now open for business. And in addition to the stock at ground level, more is available upstairs.

BETTER BRIGG TRAFFIC FLOWS ON WAY

We think the closure of Brigg pelican crossings, which is under way at present, may be linked to the new traffic light control system which North Lincolnshire Council is installing to improve the flow of vehicles along the A18 Barnard Avenue.

Yesterday (Sunday) the pelican near the China Garden was switched off and the one near the Methodist Church cordoned off, as our picture shows.

They appear to have finished with the pelican near the vets – at the top of Old Courts Road – which is now back in use.

BRIGG GROUP BACK AT THE WHITE HORSE PUB

The impending re-opening of the White Horse pub in Brigg under the ownership of JD Wetherspoon from Tuesday, January 27 has already paid dividends for one well-known group in the town.

Brigg Senior Citizen's Luncheon Club will reopen at the Wrawby Street hostelry at noon on Wednesday, February 4.

Join up by paying £1 for a membership card at the Brigg Tourist Information Centre in the Buttercross, Market Place.

The luncheon club will meet every Wednesday from February 4 and members will get a discount on meals.

BRIGG QUIZ BACK FOR 2015

The quarterly quiz is returning to St John’s Church Hall, in Bigby Street, Brigg.

It will be enjoyed on Friday, February 6 – starting at 7.15pm.

There will be a raffle and licensed bar and a fish & chip supper will be provided by the Hungry Fisherman. That’s included in the £7 charge for the quiz.

Teams of up to four can take part . Get your tickets from Pam on 01652 652292 or Caroline on 659560.

BLOOMING GOOD TURNOUT OF SUNDAY SHOPPERS IN BRIGG

It was very busy in the Lidl store on Atherton Way, Brigg, this afternoon.

Great shopper attention was being paid to an array of flowers/bulbs on a stand just outside the entrance.

It really is proving a very successful location for Lidl since the move from the old riverside premises near Spring's Parade.

BRIGG FAST FOODIES KEEP THE TOWN TIDY

At a recent meeting of town councillors, Coun Carl Sherwood made an appeal for people to use the litter bins provided in Brigg town centre.

This morning - after a typical Saturday night - we took this photograph  in the Little Butchery, off Wrawby Street, and noted that people who’d finished their fast food takeaways had gone to some trouble to stack the cartons carefully inside the bin.

There was also just a solitary fag-end to be seen on the floor.

It was a similar story at other bins we observed on Sunday.

Is the message getting through? Or was it just a particularly quiet  Saturday night.

POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER COMING TO BRIGG

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Matthew Grove, is to be present at Brigg Town Council's January meeting tomorrow night in the Angel Suite, where the agenda item  "Police Matters" is  to reveal information about the future policing of our town and what this means to the force's station in Barnard Avenue, pictured here this afternoon. 

The meeting starts at 7pm and is open to interested members of the public.
Brigg Town Council will "consider the responses and correspondence received regarding the changes to delivery of policing in Brigg and the future use of Brigg Police Station."
Councillors have been told  the Police and Crime Commissioner "will be in attendance

to answer questions from members regarding this matter."

JUST TWO DAYS TO GO UNTIL JD WETHERSPOON OPENS NEW WHITE HORSE PUB IN BRIGG

 

The new Wetherspoon's White Horse pub in Brigg pictured today - Sunday, January 25, 2015.

We were heartened to see some people last night who'd attended a pre-opening session at Wetherspoon's White Horse pub but later moved on to other licensed premises in the town centre.

This is how many of us hope the arrival of Wetherspoon's will pan out: It will attract many people into Brigg for a pint and/or a meal who don't normally visit our town centre for his reason.

Once they've sampled the revamped White Horse, some will decide to have a wander round the town and pop into other businesses.

A good few people have been invited to Wetherspoon's in recent days for a taste of what will be on offer to the general public from Tuesday, January 27 - the date of the official opening.

All comments we've heard so far about drinks, food, decor and prices have been extremely positive.

We hope to get down on Tuesday night for our first pint at the revamped Horse, having downed our first at the original White Horse (then owned by Wards) back in the 1970s and many more during the tenure of landlords like Tom Merriman and Andy Cooke.

Many passers-by have been reading the Wetherspoon A-boards outside the pub advertising beers on offer inside and some of the meal deals.

PICTURES INSIDE THE NEW PUB

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS REACH SEMI-FINALS

Briggensians FC have qualified for the semi-finals of one of the cup competitions organised by the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League.
In week six of the Johnsons Transport Ironstone Cup today, the Brigg side beat Six Bells 1-0 with a goal from Neil Gallafent.
On Saturday, January 31, Briggensians will return to division three action, hosting Barnetby United Reserves in a local derby.

JOHNSONS TRANSPORT IRONSTONE CUP 

GROUP A                    P    W    D    L    F    A    Pts

BRIGGENSIANS (Q)   4    2    1    1   10    7     7

SIX BELLS                   4    2    1    1    9    7     7

BARNETBY  RES        4    0    2    2    5   10     2

DIVISION THREE

EPWORTH TOWN RES              12   9   1   2   43   18  25   25-

CROSBY COLTS JNR                  9   8   0   1   44    6  38   24

SCOTTER UNITED RES             14   6   3   5   46   31  15   21

BRIGGENSIANS                          8   6   2   0   28    7  21   20

WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS    8   5   1   2   35   14  21   16-/+

LIMESTONE RANGERS RES    10   5   0   5   38   29   9   15

BARNETBY UNITED RES         11   4   1   6   39   37   2   13

SIX BELLS                                   9   2   1   6   22   32 -10    7

MIDTOWN UNITED                  12   1   1  10   14   76 -62    7+

SANTON                                     9   0   0   9    7   66 -59    0

+ 3 Points        - 3 Points     

BRIGG HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CEREMONY

Brigg Town Council will again be central to the annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, which will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 25) in the Angel Courtyard.
Members of the public are asked to assemble at 4pm in the Cafe Courtyard. You can also sign the Book of Remembrance.
Further details here,,,,
These pictures - by Ken Harrison - were taken at last January's ceremony.

Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy signing the book.

CHANGE OF USE APPROVED FOR BRIGG BUILDINGS

A Brigg planning application first lodged last May has finally been decided.
North Lincolnshire Council has granted permission for buildings adjoining one of our pubs.
Approval has been given for change of use of ancillary outbuildings  to the rear of the  Nelthorpe Arms, on Bridge Street,  to class B1 (business, offices, research and development of products and processes, light industry).

BRIGG ELECTION COUNTDOWN

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL, WHICH OVERSEES ELECTIONS

In preparation for the May 2015 elections, North Lincolnshire Council is holding a briefing session for candidates and agents who are standing for parliamentary elections for the Brigg and Goole and Scunthorpe constituencies, plus North Lincolnshire Council elections.
The briefing will be held on Monday 16 February 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Civic Centre, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1AB.
The sessions will cover the following points:

• election timetable 
• qualifications 
• disqualifications 
• nominations 
• agents 
• postal votes 
• day of poll 
• counting of votes 
• candidates expenses 

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
If you are thinking of standing as a candidate in any of the above elections, particularly if you are new to the nomination and elections process, you are strongly advised to attend.
If you wish to attend, please email: mel.holmes@northlincs.gov.uk or ring 01724 296230 by Tuesday 10 February 2015.

NF ADDS: Elections will be held for Brigg Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council and to elect the MP for Brigg & Goole.

LINCSQUAD EVENTS IN BRIGG 2015

Brigg-based group Lincsquad has confirmed details of events to be held this year.
They were included in the secretary's report delivered to the annual meeting.
David Hinch reported on the future events the club will be hosting in 2015. 
This will see the continuation of the TT Series; the Paul Kirk Sportive will be on 19th April  and has been relocated to Brigg Town Football Club; the Bomber will again include a corporate and non-corporate team race and will be held on May 24th; the Brigg Sprint will be at the same venue (Ancholme Leisure Centre) and will be on September 27th. 
All club events are now on the new entry system called ItsYourRace.  This is seen as a big step forward for the club. Read full details of the AGM here

BRIGG RECRUITMENT FAIR IN MARCH

Another recruitment fair is to be held in Brigg - in March - to help local people find employment.
Coun The Rev Alec Depledge told fellow members of the Town Council that there would be "additions" to last year's fair.
He was giving an update of issues relating to the Brigg 20/20 Vision Group.
Coun Alec said the group was involved with "lots of very good positives" in the town.
He suggested the 20/20 group might be given an opportunity to update local people during the Annual Town Meeting in the spring.

ONE STEP NEARER COSTA COFFEE COMING TO BRIGG

Plans to set up a Costa Coffee outlet in the former Poundstretcher store on Wrawby Street, Brigg, received a boost on Wednesday night at a committee meeting of the Town Council..
In November the council had expressed some reservations about the plans,  but it had no objections to the amended scheme for the new shop front and the manner in which it will be illuminated.
North Lincolnshire Council now needs to support changing use of the building to a cafe and also the revised plans for the shop front.
Then Costa's cup can runneth over in celebration!

BRIGG BEDTIME READING

The final item on the agenda of Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee meeting on Wednesday night in the Angel Suite was: Lincolnshire County Council Minerals & Local Waste Plan.
There was no discussion or debate. Brigg Town Council merely received notification of the Pre-Submission Core Strategy and Development Policies Consultation.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard advised town councillors they might feel this was an issue best left with North Lincolnshire Council. 
(At least one person present in the room breathed a sigh of relief at this point!)
Statutory consultation on the Minerals & Waste Plan is now under way and continues until February 16.  If you want some essential bedtime reading, follow this link www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste
Why was Brigg Town Council informed of this? Because our town, in North Lincolnshire, borders "old" Lincolnshire (if we can call it that) and quarrying and similar activities could take place within a few miles of us.

NEW SCHOOL FOR BRIGG WELCOMED

A proposed new Brigg school passed through the first stage of the planning process with flying colours.
Planning permission is being sought to construct a new Vale Academy building, off Grammar School Road, on the same site as the existing one, which will be demolished once work on the "new build" is completed.
Last night (Wednesday) Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee, meeting in the Angel Suite Lounge, considered the application and raised no objections. Indeed, there was support for the project.
Councillor Chris Dyson summed it up in one word: "Fantastic!"
The application now goes before North Lincolnshire Council planners for the final stage of the process.
The "new build" will accommodate 1,010 pupils. Sorry, students.

BRIGG FOLK WILL ENJOY NOSTALGIA MAGAZINE

The latest issue of the Scunthorpe Telegraph Magazine is now on sale. A certain scribe from Brigg supplies the editorial content? View details here...

BRIGG EXTENSION PLANNED

Planning permission for second floor extension above existing side integral garage is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council for  The Oaks, 2 Redcombe Lane, Brigg.

BRIGG ANTIQUES FAIR & FARMERS' MARKET ON SATURDAY

Another of the  recently established monthly Antiques Fair will be held in Brigg town centre in the first floor room of the Buttercross on Saturday 24th January (10am to 2.30pm).

Don't forget that  Saturday sees the January Farmers' Market, from 9am to 3pm. This will draw the usual large crowd of shoppers to the town centre.

TAKING ACTION ON BRIGG CRIME

The Brigg Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) will be holding its next meeting on Thursday, January 29.
These get-togethers involve the police, councils, North Lincolnshire Homes and representatives of various groups, including our town's Business Partnership.
However, NAT meetings are NOT open to the general public, or the press. 
NATs discuss items like crime and crime prevention, including anti-social behaviour.
Brigg & Wolds' Coun Rob Waltham chairs the local meetings.

BRIGG HOLIDAY LAUNCH 2015

A Brigg firm will be launching its summer 2015 holiday brochure in the town centre on Saturday, January 24.
Radley Applebys Holidays is inviting interested members of the public to visit the Angel Suite Lounge between 10am and 3pm.
You can discover the contents of the exciting summer coach and air holiday programme for 2015. Information will be available on tours, special offers and incentives.
Staff will be on hand to take bookings and answer questions, with complimentary light refreshments available.
The company's travel office is in Chapel Court, Brigg - close to the main Old Courts Road car park. Email info@radleytravel.co.uk or visit www.radleytravel.co.uk and www.applebyholidays.com
The Lounge is at the rear of the Angel building and can be accessed either through the glass doors beyond the Cafe Courtyard or via the Rotunda (conservatory-like building near the Angel car park).

MORE PAPER WANTED FROM BRIGG HOUSEHOLDS

North Lincolnshire Council is calling on residents to recycle more paper as there has been a steady decline in the last few years across the country with the amount being recycled.

This coincides with a decrease in demand for magazines and newspapers, as many people are now choosing the internet and social media to find out about the latest news and gossip.
However, all households will have some paper that can be recycled in their blue recycling box, even if you do not get any magazines or newspapers.
Paper that you can recycle includes:

• Junk mail 
• Advertising leaflets 
• Printer paper 
• Children’s colouring books 
• Writing paper 
• Note paper 
• Letters (please remove any personal information) 
• Catalogues and directories 
• Envelopes (if you remove the gum strip and windows) 
• Shredded paper (place this in a tied carrier bag or wrapped in newspaper) 
• Even if you only have a small amount every little bit counts.

If you do not have a blue box, you can request one free online at www.northlincs.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/recycle-at-home/bins-boxes-and-bags/ or contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01724 297000. 

Paper that cannot be recycled includes:
Wrapping paper – this is due to the majority having glitter, sticky tape or other embellishments on it and many are not made of paper 
Wallpaper – whether it is stripped from walls or leftover as they can contain polystyrene, plastics and glue 
Cardboard 
Sticky labels 

Three great reasons why we need to recycle all of our paper are:
Saves the forests – reduces the need to cut down trees to produce paper 
Saves energy – it takes less energy to process recycled paper than original paper 
Reduces waste in landfill – landfill is costly and contributes to global warming and pollution 
Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), cabinet member for highways and neighbourhoods, said: “We are urging residents to help us recycle more in North Lincolnshire. This will help us improve our carbon footprint and be more environmentally responsible. Many people often aren’t sure what they can and can’t recycle, which is why we are trying to raise awareness.
“Even if you don’t read newspapers or magazines, there is still probably a lot of paper in your house that can be recycled. Everyone receives letters through their door, as long you remove your personal information, you can put these in your blue box. Just recycling a few bits of paper each week will make a difference.”

BRIGG STATION TO GET NEW FOOTBRIDGE, FRIENDS REVEAL

The footbridge at Brigg railway station

FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

 

Our rail group have now officially received conformation that the planned repairs and repainting of both Brigg & Gainsborough Central footbridges on the Sheffield - Cleethorpes via Brigg railway line have been cancelled.

This is due to brand new replacement footbridges been built at Brigg and Gainsborough Central in the summer of 2015.

This is due to campaigning by both the Friends Of The Brigg & Lincoln Lines rail group who work in partnership with the Gainsborough Rail & Bus Group (GRaB) and from locals and customers who use both stations.

The present Network Rail footbridges are aged around 120 years old and are in a state of disrepair, with the Brigg Footbridge having a 10 persons weight limit due to its fragile state.

FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

Twitter @Saturday_Only

 

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

 

THE GIG IN BRIGG - BY SUE HOY

           
It might seem unlikely that a group who have sung on both Broadway and at the Albert Hall could be performing in Brigg, but that’s what’s happening in a concert at The Angel in March.
The group in question is The Wilsons, a group of five brothers from the north-east who opened in Sting’s musical, ‘The Last Ship’, on Broadway last summer. They’re reprising their Broadway success in two special performances with Sting at The Sage in Gateshead at the end of April – but you can see them in Brigg first!
The brothers, who play regularly to audiences all over the country, each have unique and very powerful voices which have gained them a huge following wherever they go. Singing either individually or in close harmony, they perform both traditional and more modern material – along with a large helping of humour – making every concert a truly memorable one.  One of the brothers, Chris, has close links with the area, having lived in Winterton for a time some years ago, when he was a popular local singer.  
Their support at the concert is also familiar to local audiences. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Vermond was a great favourite when he sang regularly in the area a few years ago. His witty songs, great voice and brilliant musicianship will perfectly complement The Wilson’s powerful performance – it promises to be a terrific concert, so don’t miss it!
The concert - being promoted by Live Arts in Brigg -   is at the Angel Suite, Brigg on Sat March 7th  at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Brigg Tourist Information Centre £12 (£14 on the door). Tickets may also be reserved on 01652 678771.  

TIME TO RENEW YOUR BRIGG SERVICEMEN'S CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Membership of Brigg Servicemen's Club must be renewed by January 31 or you'll have to re-apply to join. The annual subs are £6. 
Given the low price of drinks in the Coney Court establishment, you can get that modest outlay back when buying a couple of generous rounds for friends and family!
We nipped in on Saturday night to renew ours. This proved to be a night when the committee weren't there to deal with the membership, but that proved no problem. They took care of it at the bar.
There's a helpful list of sub-taking sessions posted on the noticeboard, close to the bar. 
After leaving the club we spent some time in the Black Bull before finishing up at the Britannia. 
We did pledge to spend a few bob in Brigg after the previous Saturday night's outing to The Shires at Gainsthorpe, near Kirton Lindsey.

SAD TO SEE CLIMATISE SHOP IN BRIGG IS CLOSING

Find further reductions at Climatise in their closing down sale. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! while stocks last. 
That information was posted on Twitter yesterday. For the benefit of those who don't know the location of the shop, it's in the former Lloyds Bank building on Bigby Street.

BRIGG PEOPLE URGED TO BE PART OF LINCOLNSHIRE'S MOST EXCITING YEAR

A new visitor guide is showcasing what promises to be an action-packed year for the county. 
Lincolnshire County Council has launched its annual Visit Lincolnshire Guide 2015, full of information on what to see and do in the county and where to stay.
Coun Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: "We all know 2015 is going to be a major year for Lincolnshire, as we open the new-look castle and celebrate Magna Carta's 800th anniversary.
"But there's so much more to discover as well, and the Visit Lincolnshire Guide showcases all that our wonderful county has to offer. 
"We'll be using the guide to get the message out far and wide, encouraging more people than ever before to come and explore our rich heritage, beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches and charming county towns.
"And I hope local residents will also take the opportunity to rediscover some of the fantastic attractions that are right on their doorstep and be a part of this most exciting year."
The Visit Lincolnshire Guide 2015 is available by visiting www.visitlincolnshire.com/brochure  or calling 0844 888 9525.

SNOW IN BRIGG JANUARY 19th 2015 BY KEN HARRISON

Snow in Brigg - photographed by Ken Harrison in  Bridge Street - Monday 19th January 2015.
Ken says: "Many Brigg folk were surprised to wake up on Monday morning to a good sprinkling of snow that had fallen overnight. 
"These snaps were taken at about 5.30am in Bridge Street and the photographer was not the only early bird.
"From the look of the  number of tyre marks, it seems that some Brigg night owls had already been active for many hours before dawn. Over the brow of County Bridge, the cab of a North LIncolnshire Council  gritter can just be seen."
The other picture of  Bridge Street features the Dunham & Sherwood shops.

BRIGG WATER SHORTAGE EXPLAINED

Routine maintenance work is being undertaken on the River Ancholme. That's why the level of the river in Brigg is much lower than usual. Here are views taken from the towpath near the former Lidl store and from Candley Beck Bridge on Cadney Road.

NEW BRIGG HOMES COMING ALONG

Here are a couple of progress pictures showing new housing being built in Brigg on the Ancholme Gardens site, off Cadney Road. It's a project for Ongo/North Lincolnshire Homes, the area's main social landlord. 

VIEWS OF NEW WETHERSPOON PUB IN BRIGG

Here are some pictures Brigg Blog took yesterday of the outside of the town centre's White Horse pub, which JD Wetherspoon has revamped and will be reopening on January 27, offering food as well as drinks.
They've been busy on the social media front.  Here are the contact details for Twitter, Facebook and the official website:
@WhiteHorseJDW
http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-white-horse

https://www.facebook.com/JDWTheWhiteHorse

WORK STARTS ON RIVERSIDE WALL IMPROVEMENT NEAR BRIGG PUB

Work is under way on the wall near the White Hart pub beer garden, which overlooks the Old River Ancholme. 
This will improve the view from the County Bridge and the towpath, which is a public footpath.
A section of wall near the former Trent Foods factory has already been improved and the latest work will complete the task.
The contract can be carried out now the river level has been dropped for routine maintenance.

NEW SHOP COMING TO BRIGG MARKET PLACE

A new shop called Magpies is soon to open in Brigg Market Place, taking over the space left by Isn't She Lovely (see earlier Brigg Blog post). As the sign in the window says, Magpies will be selling items for home and garden.

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS REMAIN UNBEATEN AFTER TOUGH AWAY GAME

Briggensians FC visited division three leaders Epworth Town Reserves yesterday (Saturday) and held them to a 0-0 draw in the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League..
With games in hand, Briggensians  remain the only unbeaten side in their section of the competition.
On  Saturday 24th January, Briggensians are at home in week six of the Johnsons Transport Ironstone Cup, hosting Six Bells. 

DIVISION THREE

                                                             P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

      EPWORTH TOWN RES              12   9   1   2   43   18  25   25-

      CROSBY COLTS JNR                  9   8   0   1   44    6  38   24

      SCOTTER UNITED RES              14   6   3   5   46   31  15   21

      BRIGGENSIANS                         8   6   2   0   28    7  21   20

      WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS     8   5   1   2   35   14  21   16+/-

      LIMESTONE RANGERS RES      9   5   0   4   38   26  12   15

      BARNETBY UNITED RES          10   3   1   6   36   37  -1   10

      SIX BELLS                                    9   2   1   6   22   32 -10    7

      MIDTOWN UNITED                   12   1   1  10   14   76 -62    7+

      SANTON                                       9   0   0   9    7   66 -59    0

+ 3 Points        - 3 Points