BRIGG SUMMER FAIR ON SATURDAY

Abbey Village will be holding its summer fair in Brigg on Saturday, August 1.
The event will run from 11am to 2pm at 34 Wrawby Street, close to The Monument war memorial. All welcome - pop down and take a look.
Abbey Village is a residential care facility, still called Rosecroft by many, although incorrectly so. Read all about it...

EVERY LITTLE HELPS, TESCO, WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING BRIGG

An officer from Tesco contacted Brigg Town Council with an offer to help  the community, through manpower and funding.
At Monday night's monthly meeting of the authority, Town Clerk Claire Davis reported the 'bodies and cash' approach by the retail giant.
Coun Mike Campion immediately pointed out the need to improve the Spring's Parade area, near Tesco's store, with its potholes and litter, although he blamed "some appalling people" for creating the mess.
Coun Donald Campbell thought it  a good idea to invite the Tesco community liaison officer to address a forthcoming council meeting.
Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny suggested that, during their summer recess, councillors should come up with ideas to take up Tesco's offer.

BRIGG MARKET DAY SHOPPERS & VEHICLES

We keep banging on about the Brigg town centre pedestrian area being far from that, with many vehicles being encountered. 
Today we spotted something new - a  vehicle having to wait at the the top of Cary Lane to get into the Market Place because another van was parked in such a way that it couldn't get past.
Even when delivery vans and lorries have to visit town centre businesses without rear entrances, couldn't it be arranged so they did so before 8am or after 6pm? 
This would leave the pedestrianised part of the town centre for the exclusive use of shoppers and visitors. 
The worst category, though, remains people who can't be bothered to walk to cashpoints and insist on driving right up to the holes in the wall.
The other day we saw a moped rider dismount and push his machine into the Market Place to use a cashpoint. This is a good example of someone showing regard for the road signs which make it very clear what's not permitted to venture into the town centre.
We have CCTV, traffic enforcement officers and a police force, but how often is someone slapped with a fine for contravening the regulations designed to ensure Brigg is a haven for shoppers?

MIDGET GEM OF A BRIGG SHOP

We hadn't been in Natalie Sankey's Brigg town centre sweet shop for far too long - until this morning, when we were seeking an edible gift for an aged relative.
It was pretty busy, being:

1. Market day
2. The school holidays

Tinned mints in hand, we  made a mental note to pay a return visit to this 'midget gem' in Wrawby Street.
It's an old-fashioned sweet shop, almost directly across the road from where 'Goodie' Binns used to dispense the gob-stoppers!
Brigg is renowned for its speciality shops, of which this is a fine example.

AUGUST MUSIC EVENING AT THE STEEL ROOMS IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

There will be an August Music Evening at The Steel Rooms, on the corner of Spring's Parade and Market Place, Brigg.
Rachel Lewis sings all around the local area and is loved for her strong voice and acoustic guitar playing. 
Here's a sample of Rachel's music...  
The Steel Rooms say: "On our next music evening, you get to hear Rachel’s stunning voice and get your taste buds zinging with Evie’s yummy antipasto. 
"For the drinkers amongst you, we have an alcohol licence and offer a selection of beverages."
Go on, join us and book a table by calling in to our shop, emailing info@thesteelrooms.com or telephoning us on 01652 657256."

REVISED BRIGG REC REVAMP

Come in No 14, your time is nearly up. Brigg Blog's editor making his final football appearance at the Recreation Ground. The sun was setting on a career with few high spots.

Brigg Recreation Ground is a topic in which we take a keen interest, as do many men, women and children in the town.
Everyone, including owner and operator North Lincolnshire Council, is hoping the long-awaited refurbishment can finally progress without much further delay.
Revised plans are now being drawn up, this time including alterations to the provision for tennis
It's been dragging on since last year. But it will be well worth the wait, with a new building for changing and much better playing facilities.
The New Rec will be something in which the sportsmen and women of the town will be able to take real pride when entertaining visiting teams. Sadly, that has not always been the case in years past.
We will keep you posted as the revised plans go through the planning process.

BRIGG CHURCH SAYS THANKS

Brigg Town Council has received a letter of thanks from St John's Church after agreeing a donation for the purchase of a cooker, as part of  extensive refurbishment of the Church Hall, on  Bigby Street, which is used for a range of functions and events.

SIGN OF BRIGG CLEAN-UP TO COME

Coun Carl Sherwood during his year as Brigg Town Mayor

Spring cleaning is coming a little late but Brigg is going to benefit from having grime removed from various signs by North Lincolnshire Council, which is responsible for the area's roads, footpaths and pedestrian areas.
Coun Carl Sherwood,  who is a member of the Cabinet at the unitary authority, announced the clean-up during Brigg Town Council's monthly meeting in the Angel Suite on Monday night.
Former Town Mayor Carl, like this brother Coun Nigel and Coun Rob Waltham, is a member of Brigg and North Lincolnshire councils. Carl's nephew, Coun Luke, also sits on the former, having been elected in May.

BRIGG LONG-SERVERS STILL SHOWING AN INTEREST

It's good to see former members of Brigg Town Council still attending meetings, as observers.
Jenny Bell, Freeman Tom Glossop and The Rev Alec Depledge were all in the public gallery during Monday night's July meeting at the Angel Suite.
Previous sessions have seen Jackie Brock and Chris Dyson in attendance.
How many years' service to the town between them, we wonder?

WELL-KNOWN BRIGG MAN ROLLS BACK THE YEARS

It was like a trip down memory lane for "yours truly" and for Brigg resident Ralph Appleyard on Monday night.
Ralph was a deputy chief officer at Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council and was a familiar figure at meetings in the wonderful, wooden-panelled council chamber at what's now Hewson House, off Station Road.
Sitting with fellow officers and committee chairmen, he would answer councillors' questions and impart advice and recommendations.
But, long since retired from his role in local government, Ralph turned up at the Angel Suite on Monday to exercise his right to address Brigg Town Council during Public Question Time - part of the authority's monthly meeting.
We covered scores of council meetings in the 1980s when Ralph was a council officer and rang him on many occasions to put questions while reporting for the Lincolnshire and South Humberside Times.
There were no press officers at Glanford during this period, and no email. If you had questions you picked up the phone and rang the chief officer or his deputy. Ralph, then the deputy borough engineer and surveyor, was always very helpful to the gentlemen and ladies of the Press.
I hadn't see him addressing a council meeting since 1983 - until Monday night. How time flies!

BRIGG INVOLVED IN DISABILITY SUMMER GAMES

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

This year’s Disability Summer Games has been re-invented to provide even more activities for people to take part in during a week-long event from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August. 
The Disability Summer Games is part of the Do Something Different Project that provides a range of sport, leisure and cultural sessions specifically for adults aged 16 and above with a disability. 
With a schedule packed full of exciting sporting activities, it means even more people will get the chance to take part or try something new at the Games.
Activities will be taking place at a range of locations and there will be a wide variety of sessions to get involved in.
All sessions throughout the week are free, they include:

• Rebound Therapy on Monday 3 August from 9am to 11am at The Pods, Scunthorpe, and on Tuesday 4 August from 10.30am to 12pm at Brigg Community Wellbeing Hub, Horstead Avenue. 
• Foam archery on Monday 3 August from 2pm to 4pm at Scunthorpe Community Wellbeing Hub 
• Gardening on Tuesday 4 August at 10.30am at Normanby Hall Country Park 
• Table tennis and archery on Tuesday 4 August from 2pm to 4pm at The Pods 
• Multi-sports on Wednesday 5 August from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Baysgarth Leisure Centre, Barton, Thursday 6 August from 1pm to 3pm at Scunthorpe Community Wellbeing Hub and Friday 7 August from 1.15pm to 3.15pm at The Pods 
• Swimming on Thursday 6 August from 10.30am to 11.30am at Riddings Swimming Pool 
• Hands-on – Museum activities on Thursday 6 August from 2pm to 3pm at Brigg Community Wellbeing Hub 
• Indoor bowls on Thursday 6 August from 12.30pm to 2pm at Scunthorpe Indoor Bowls Club 
• Nordic Walking on Friday 7 August from 10.30am to 11.30am; meet at The Pods café and walk around Central Park 
• All attendees will receive a certificate for taking part in the Disability Summer Games and there will be the opportunity to win a trophy at each of the sessions.

Do Something Different provides health and physical activity sessions with the aim of helping to improve the health inequalities that these individuals face. 
For further details about the Disability Summer Games, contact Telle Medhurst on 07717587270 or email telle.medhurst@northlincs.gov.uk 
To find out about all the different activities available as part of Do Something Different project, visit the council’s website: www.northlincs.gov.uk/dosomethingdifferent 
Coun Carl Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport and Leisure, said: “By putting the event on over a full week we are hoping to encourage more people to attend new sessions that they haven’t previously been to. It will also help raise awareness of the activities that are available on a weekly basis as part of the Do Something Different Project. 
“Take part in the Disability Summer Games and have a go at a range of activities for free. Not only are the sessions a great opportunity to meet new people, you can learn a range of new skills.”

























  

BRIGG FOLK TO ENJOY RACECOURSE FAMILY FUN DAY

Britain’s leading jumps trainer this summer is on his way to Market Rasen Racecourse for Sunday’s Big Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 2, with many people from the Brigg area attending.
John Ferguson is piling up the winners and amassing tens of thousands of pounds in prize-money as the 2015/16 jump racing season progresses.
His man in the saddle Aidan Coleman – with whom he established a formal relationship this week – is already being tipped as a future champion jockey.
Ferguson, who also oversees the Godolphin training operation in Newmarket, has a remarkable 40% winner-to-runner strike rate at Market Rasen so far this season.
Coleman, whose biggest career win so far came in the Welsh Grand National last Christmas, is second only to the runaway leader Richard Johnson in the jockeys’ title race.  Both have enjoyed four winners to date at Market Rasen’s six fixtures since the season began in May.
The trainer, who in the past often relied on the now retired 20 times champion jump jockey Tony McCoy, has eight entries in the six races on Sunday and will decide on Friday which horses will run.
Sunday’s racing starts at 2.20pm, with gates opening two hours before.  Admission for adults is from £6.75 in advance, with all accompanied under 18s getting in free of charge.  
As well as the racing, there is free children’s entertainment including bungee trampolines, a circus workshop, soft play area, pony hoppers, a face painter, a Princes & Pirate fancy dress competition and a treasure hunt.
There’s also the BIG Jigsaw Challenge, an initiative created to help children learn more about racing whilst taking part in a team challenge with the opportunity to win prizes.  Children will have four opportunities to take part facilitated by Racecourse Presenter Steven Powell and Sales & Marketing Coordinator Patricia Grove.  Details can be found in the race-day programme and on the big screen.

CRAFT SESSION AT BRIGG HERITAGE CENTRE

A children's craft session will be held on Saturday 1st August at Brigg Heritage Centre, in the town centre's Angel building, from 10am to 2pm. 
This will be all about learning felting, making bracelets, key rings or a felted picture. Options are Superheroes and Robots. 
And do pop in and have a look at the Rabbit Trade Exhibition as well. We previewed this on Brigg Blog quite recently.

MIA AND THE MOON AT BRIGG FOR JERRY GREEN DOG RESCUE

Following the success of the launch tour in May promoting their debut album Fall Awake, sister act Mia and the Moon are heading cross-country again to bring their unique style to new venues around the UK. 
On Saturday, August 1 they will be at The Mount Tearooms, Castlethorpe, at an event for Jerry Green Dog Rescue, Broughton. Their genre is Acoustic Pop/ Gospel Harmony.
https://www.facebook.com/miaandthemoon

BRIGG LIVES FIRST RESPONDERS NEEDED

Brigg LIVES First Responders are seeking new recruits in the town. 
If you are interested in becoming a responder, or know someone who might be, contact  HQ on 01507 525999 for more information. 
You need to be over 18, have access to a vehicle and be capable of carrying the kit and performing CPR. 
No previous experience necessary - full no-cost training provided. Purely voluntary, all they ask is about 20 hours (more if you like) per month, times and days/nights to suit you.

FINAL PICTURES OF PHIL & DAWN AT THE BRITANNIA, BRIGG

View more pictures of Phil and Dawn Clipson's final farewell at the Britannia, Brigg, by clicking here...

OPENING BRIGG BASH NIGHT OF 2015/16 SEASON

FROM JOSIE WEBB, BRIGG AMATEUR SOCIAL HISTORIANS

The  Tuesday, September 1st meeting of BASH will be "Those Mitford Girls".
2014 saw the death of the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, the last of the famous Mitford Girls. Who were they, and why were they so controversial?
The talk is illustrated by well-known local writer and historian Marilyn Roberts. 
The meeting starts at 8pm  at Brigg and District Servicemen"s Club, Coney Court.
Light refreshments will be provided and a raffle  held to defray the costs. Admission is free and there is no membership. All welcome. 

BRIGG DISTRICT LIONS TO STAGE PENSIONERS' CONCERT

Brigg District Lions will be staging a pensioners' concert at Broughton Village Hall on Friday, August 7, from 7.30pm to 9.45pm.
In their poster, the Lions correctly employ the plural apostrophe, which set us thinking.
At Friday night's event in Brigg Buttercross about the proposed new signs for half-a-dozen of our Courtyards, there was a short discussion about the application of the apostrophe in Brigg.
Should we refer to Morley Yard or Morley's Yard?
Our view is it has always been known as Morley Yard. 
In centuries past the apostrophe was not employed in many cases - incorrectly so, it must be said.
Today, this form of punctuation is again dying a rapid death, due to the explosion of texting on mobile phones.
Folk can't be bothered to switch from ABC mode to select the full stop or apostrophe.
So the wheel is turning full circle again, as happens to the English language, which is always evolving and adapting.
It is by the people, for the people, as Abraham Lincoln so famously said. An American, it's true, but one using the English language.
The semi-colon has become virtually redundant, too. Yet it can be very useful in making long lists much easier to read.
During summers in the early 1980s, when we were reporting for the old Lincolnshire Times weekly newspaper at 57 Wrawby Street, our publication carried extensive reports of horticultural, agricultural and goat shows, plus school sports days.
Employing the semi-colon made lists of winners much more readable.
The same half-dozen growers seemed to win most of the classes at the various horticultural shows, including Brigg, Wrawby, Scawby, Barton and Barnetby.
Barnetby's is still going, but how many others have survived across Northern Lincolnshire?
Coun Dick Long, from Wrawby, who became leader of Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council, certainly knew his onions, and other varieties of vegetables, for which he won many, many prizes. He often appeared in Lincolnshire Times show reports.

BRIGG BLOG INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN GERMANY

Brigg Blog is a littleless popular in the United States but being increasingly  read over in Germany.
That's the conclusion to be drawn from our latest extract of site statistics from Google, which hosts Brigg Blog so efficiency. The site never seems to be "down" and we can't recall a time when we've been unable to share a post with you.
For a long time, people in the UK, followed by those whose "country of origin" is the USA have dominated our pecking order of site visitors. But over the past four weeks, Germany has held down second spot.

BRIGG BLOG VIEWERS, BY COUNTRY, PAST 4 WEEKS
1) United Kingdom
2) Germany
3) United States
4) Russia
5) Ukraine
6) France
7) Canada
8) Spain
9) Portugal
10) Ireland

Brigg Blog would love to receive feedback from our followers abroad. We value the emails received from our senior viewer, Cliff, down in New Zealand. But how about some of you in Germany, the US, and elsewhere, dropping us a line? Please email scoopfisher@aol.com
Our German and French is very rusty. Sadly, apart from a few brands of lager, we have no grasp of Spanish. So English would be a great help.  It's obvious that many our our worldwide viewers are Brigg "ex-pats" living abroad and we'd love to hear from them, too.

WE'RE ONLY MAKING PLANS FOR NIGEL - THE BRIGG & WOLDS COUNCILLOR

Coun Nigel Sherwood, pictured recently in Brigg's Angel Suite.

Brigg educated and proprietor of the family cycle business in Bridge Street, Coun Nigel Sherwood now has a new role on North Lincolnshire Council.
The Brigg & Wolds Ward representative recently switched from being Cabinet Member for  Highways and Neighbourhoods to chairman of the planning committee - another important role.
It looks like Nigel is in for a busy Wednesday afternoon this week (July 29) as the monthly meeting of his committee has a very lengthy agenda.
There will be 22 applications for the elected councillors on the committee to consider.
The meeting starts at 2pm at Scunthorpe Civic Centre, off Ashby Road, and is open to the public.
Nigel has succeeded Coun Arthur Bunyan (Broughton & Appleby) as chairman of planning.
Amiable Arthur was a very long-serving councillor who did many years on the old Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council prior to 1996 when the North Lincolnshire unitary authority was created.
We aren't going to reveal Arthur's age but we went to school with his sons!
If you haven't worked out the relevance of the headline, We're Only Making Plans for Nigel was a 1979 hit for the band XTC. It told the tale of a certain Nigel who worked for British Steel. Brigg Blog's editor was  in the employ of British Steel's Scunthorpe Division PR department at the time.

BETTER CLASS OF BUSKER IN BRIGG

An impressive group of buskers entertained the crowds at the July Brigg Farmers' Market yesterday (Saturday). The strains of the clarinet reminded us of the great Acker Bilk. But we didn't hear them play Stranger On The Shore, his signature tune. Perhaps we just weren't passing by at the right time.

FREE BRIGG VALUATIONS

Free valuation clinics are held by a local auction company in the Angel Suite, in Brigg town centre, on Thursdays. We know someone who took items along which eventually sold for several hundreds pounds. So why not take your attic treasures along?

POP ALONG TO SEE BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL IN ACTION

A previous meeting of Brigg Town Council, with Town Mayor Coun James Truepenny in the chair, assisted by Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley (nearest the camera).

Brigg Town Council holds its July meeting tomorrow (Monday) in the Angel Suite, from 7.30pm.
Go along and raise issues of interest to you during Public Question Time, which is always part of the agenda.
Prior to the full council meeting there will be one for the Planning & Environment Committee, starting at 7pm. This session is also open to the public.
If you are going along, please note that entry to the Angel Suite at night is through the Rotunda - a conservatory-like building adjacent to the rear car park.
We hope to see you there tomorrow!

BRIGG CRICKET FAN TAKES A RARE BREAK

If you were wondering why Brigg Blog has produced so many posts today there's a simple reason.
The editor, who would normally be umpiring in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, is to enjoy an early evening friends & family BBQ and has therefore "cried off" from his scheduled fixture at Hibaldstow, starting at 1.30pm and scheduled to finish about 7.30pm.
It's very rare, almost unique, for us to be not doing a Saturday shift at the Scunthorpe Telegraph AND failing to umpire on the same day.
Hibaldstow is one of the best playing surfaces in the county. Some would say it's THE best. 
We went there to umpire late last season and our former Brigg Town team-mate, left-arm seam bowler Garry Dixon, had baked some beautiful bramble pies for tea, using fruit he picked while out and about. He's been back playing at Hibaldstow for a good many years.
We scored our final half-century batting at Hibaldstow in a Lincs League game - the season before retiring - and once took six wickets there during a Sunday game.
More interesting, though, was being run out by a fielder lurking behind the ground's famous tree, which is well inside the boundary. Happy memories!

BRIGG RAILWAY LINE FINDS COMMONS SUPPORT

FROM PAUL JOHNSON - FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

It looks like the Brigg Line and the articles in Rail magazine have made the transport questions in the House of Commons.
Here's why....

WITH APOLOGIES TO 3 BRIGG BARS

Having left a Friday night event at the Buttercross it would be standard practice to drop in "for a quiet pint" at the Woolpack, the Black Bull and the Britannia. 
However, with all three hostelries currently  closed - awaiting new tenants - we broke with tradition.
When we walked into town earlier in the evening it looked much too busy for us to contemplate a visit  to JD Wetherspoon's White Horse pub, on Wrawby Street, "for a quiet pint."
However, the retail pub trade's loss was Bargain Booze's gain. We visited Spring's Parade to take advantage of the 3 pints of real ale for a fiver offer and had a night in.
With hindsight, perhaps we should have taken the alternative route home and called at the Lord Nelson, Dying Gladiator and the Exchange Coach House.
Maybe next time....

BRIGG PEOPLE TAKE CARE WHEN HAVING FUN IN THE SUN

We saw Coun Rob Waltham out running in Bigby High Road, Brigg, on a sunny evening  in Brigg earlier this week. And when we opened our email in-box today we found he'd donned his health chief's hat at North Lincolnshire Council to issue a timely reminder about taking care in the sun.
Rob and his colleagues have some good advice for us all to consider, whether sitting in the beer gardens at Wetherspoon's White Horse pub, the Nelthorpe Arms or the White Hart,  doing the gardening, making a day trip to an east coast seaside resort  or venturing in search of hotter climes abroad.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

As people prepare to go on their summer holidays or have fun in the sun at home it’s important they are aware of the risks of too much sun and know how to keep themselves safe.
Everyone needs some sun exposure so our bodies produce vitamin D, which is necessary to absorb calcium and form healthy bones. Too much exposure to sunlight though is responsible for damaging the skin, premature ageing and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Dr Faisel Baig, a Scunthorpe GP and lead clinician for Unplanned Care with North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group said “While you are out having fun with the children during the holidays remember to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun with a hat and high factor sunblock and don’t forget to reapply after they have been in the paddling pool or the new Splashpads at Normanby Hall and Central Park.”
Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. It is the exposure to these rays that can lead to damage.
UVB rays are mainly responsible for burning the skin whereas UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply. UVA is associated with ageing the skin (wrinkling, leathering, sagging and other light-induced effects of ageing). 
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of a sunscreens ability to protect from UVB damaging the skin. However, sunscreens vary in their ability to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays so try to take notice of how good your sunscreen is at protecting your skin.
Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. For example:
SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 per cent of all incoming UVB rays; 
SPF 30 keeps out 97 per cent; and 
SPF 50 filters out 98 per cent. 
They may all seem like small differences between the SPFs but if you are light-sensitive or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. 
They may all seem like small differences between the SPFs but if you are light-sensitive or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. 
No sunscreen is perfect though. Following the important tips below will help ensure you help your skin stay healthy, youthful and burn free:
No matter what the sunscreen strength, apply it to your skin at least every two hours. Reapply more frequently if you’re in and out of the water and/or playing sports. 
Reddening of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays only. Damage by UVA may well be underway without you knowing so follow other sun safety procedures such as covering up or staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. 
Wear a good quality sunscreen, at least SPF 15. 
Check the ingredients to make sure it covers for UVB and UVA. 
Everyone over the age of six months should wear sunscreen on a daily basis even if the sun isn’t out. Children under the age of six months should be kept out of the sun as their skin is still too delicate. 
Coun Rob Waltham, Cabinet Member for Health and Strategic Projects, said: “We all know that too much of something can be harmful to us and by taking unnecessary risks can lead to tragedy. We want people to stay safe this summer by being prepared, aware and sensible. 
“Everyone needs a little sunlight to ensure we get enough vitamin D to keep us healthy. But too much sun and burning the skin is not something to be taken lightly. It’s important that people follow a good skin care routine when in the sun – from applying sunscreen regularly to staying in the shade when the sun is at its hottest.”

NEW SIGNS FOR BRIGG COURTYARDS

Brigg Blog was pleased to be invited by MP Andrew Percy to an event in the top floor function room of the Buttercross last night, during which interesting information was delivered on the plan to install archways at the end of a number of courtyards, directing shoppers from the main car park into the town centre.
Malcolm Bailey, of Brigg Town Business Partnership, showed pictures and a brief video to explain what it's all going to mean. 
The main aim is to get more visitors into town with an obvious benefit to our shops and the prosperity of our community.
Talented students from North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe, set to work to produce designs for the metal arches and a couple of sample sets were presented to guests who attended last night. They were  asked to state which of the sets they preferred. Above are four examples. 
We must stress these are only "roughs" and much work, discussion and public consultation must take place before there's any chance of seeing workmen putting up the signs.
Brigg Blog told Malcolm at the conclusion of the meeting that we hope a standard typeface will be used for all the signs' lettering. However, it then struck us that with the courtyards offering  a wide variety of independent businesses, perhaps this should be reflected by different lettering. We are pedantic about typefaces, having joined the newspaper industry in the 1970s, when we had to learn about hot metal fonts and type sizes, such as pearl, ruby and brevier. The latter, 8pt, is an average size for type used in today's newspapers.
So clearly, we'll need something much larger than that on Brigg's courtyard signs.
They took a show-of-hands last night to indicate whether those attending were generally in favour of the courtyards signs scheme. There were 29 Yes votes and only 2 against.
As Andrew Percy is a Parliamentarian, we can report : "The Ayes have it. The Ayes have it."
We will give more detail about the scheme in our 'Mr Brigg' column in the Scunthorpe Telegraph in next week's issue, on sale from July 27.

IN PRAISE OF BRIGG FISH CAKES

We sampled a fish cake from Scalinis, in Brigg town centre, and were very impressed. It was large and very tasty. Proprietor Stavros is on a winner with this recipe.
A generous portion of fishcake, chips and peas for about three quid. You can't go wrong!
Back in the 1960s, it was a raee Friday night treat to visit Jack Wattam's chippie, in Wrawby Street, or Evy's, in Glebe Road,  where you could have a good feed for about a shilling.

TUDOR TIMES IN BRIGG & THE HUMBLE SPUD

As Monty Python used to say in the hit TV series of the 1960s and 1970s: "And now for something completely different..."
Tudor celebrations will be held in Brigg town centre on Saturday, September 12, when Pennants A Flutter will see a Tudor banquet, succulent hog roast "and the very latest vegetable - a potato!"
It's to be hoped that Brigg folk will "Raleigh" round to attend this event (pardon the pun!)
There will also be a chance to learn about falconry, archery and jousting. 
Brigg town centre's population of pigeons might want to have an away day in respect of the former.
During Tudor times, what was Brigg like? It was only a small settlement, centred on what's now the Market Place, with a bit of activity along the river bank. The Ancholme was still tidal, with no protection against the inwash from the Humber at South Ferriby.

BRIGG, RABBITS & HATS

Brigg Blog has been asked to mention the new exhibition at the Heritage Centre, in the Angel building in the town centre.
How To Pull A Rabbit Out Of A Hat is the interesting title of the exhibition, running from July to October.
It takes a look at the rabbit fur trade in Brigg, which was centred on Coney Court, off the Market Place. 

THE CHANGING FACE OF BRIGG BLOG

After receiving some comments about the thin-faced profile picture of Brigg Blog's proprietor being very much past its sell-by date we changed it a couple of weeks ago, since when not a single person has said a word about it. Or, perhaps, even noticed that the old one has gone. 
We'd like to think this is because people are so interested in our varied range of posts that they've failed to notice the image staring at them on the right-hand side of our home page. But we could be wrong!

BRIGG BASH PROGRAMME INCLUDES GHOST WALK

Brigg Blog has been speaking to Josie Webb, of the Brigg Amateur Social Historians group, and as a result hopes to bring you, in the near future, full details of BASH'S 2015/16 programme, starting in September.
Ahead of that we can confirm the annual Halloween Ghost Walk will take place on Saturday, October 31.
Demand for places will be high so if you want to make sure you get on the walk, contact Brigg Tourist Information Centre at the Buttercross.
We wouldn't like to estimate how many years it is since we worked with Josie, and a few others, to produce the script for the first ghost walk, when BASH was based at the White Horse. 
Our main input was the ghost that used to frighten some staff of the old Lincolnshire Times office, in Wrawby Street. 
We acted as one of the guides in the early days of the ghost walk - complete with bowler hat beard. Both long gone!
BASH's monthly meetings are free to attend and light refreshments are provided. A good night out is guaranteed. So keep watching Brigg Blog for details.

TOP CHEF COMING TO BRIGG

Renowned chef Colin McGurran, who enjoys national fame, will be coming to Brigg.
Colin, of Winteringham Fields - one of the UK's top eateries - will be at our autumn food festival on Saturday, October 24, Brigg Town Business Partnership has announced.
He will be making a guest appearance to sell and sign copies of his new recipe book.
We can see a good many being snapped up as Christmas presents!
Colin will join another renowned local chef, Nigel Brown, to judge the giant pumpkin competition.

BRIGG LOGBOAT COULD CARRY 28 PEOPLE

The Hull Museums Collection has a very interesting article about a pre-historic boat found in Brigg.
The log boat survived many centuries in our area but didn't do so well in Hull, where German incendiary bombs finished it off during the Second World War.
Fascinating stuff and well worth a look through this link...

BRIGG JOB ON OFFER

They are  looking for a driver/ catering assistant to join the team at the Vale and Worlaby Academy.
The post is Monday to Friday, Two hours a day (11.15am-1.15pm).
You must have own car to transport food to Worlaby from the Vale, in Brigg.
It pays £7.50 per hour, and the closing date is  01/09/15
Please ring Lyndsey on 07834 723568
Post would suit parent as it is term time only and is subject to a DBS.

BRIGG TOWN v GRIMSBY TOWN

Brigg Town FC have an attractive pre-season friendly tonight against Grimsby Town at the Hawthorns, with the Mariners expected to field a strong team.
This fixture goes back a long, long way. I can recall, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, watching some of note and queueing for Grimsby players' autographs outside the old green-painted wooden changing rooms.
Grimsby keeper Charlie Wright played in one of these games, as did Doug Collins, shortly before he was sold to Burnley,  then playing in the old First Division (now the Premiership).
We hope tonight's game draws the sort of support those clashes decades ago attracted.

BRIGG APPLICATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

Planning permission is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council to retain a rear sun room extension at 2 Ashdown Close, Brigg. This close is on the Toll Bar Farm housing development, off Bigby High Road.

FUN BBQs CAN BE SPOILT BY FOOD POISONING, BRIGG COUNCILLOR WARNS

Follow safety tips to avoid food poisoning this summer. 
That's the advice from North Lincolnshire Council and Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, the authority's cabinet member overseeing health issues.  
Food poisoning cases double over the summer, so it’s important to look after yourself and your guests when hosting a barbecue by following simple food safety tips.
Food poisoning is generally quite common and mild, and most people suffering with it get better within a week. People should take the risks seriously though as some cases can be severe - even deadly. 
Those with a weakened immune system, older adults and children are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning. 
If you are cooking on the barbecue, the two main risk factors are:
Undercooked meat 
Spreading germs from raw meat onto food that is ready to eat (cross-contamination) 
Raw or undercooked meant can contain germs that cause food poisoning such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter. These germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout.
When you’re cooking any kind of meat on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages, make sure:
You always wash your hands after touching raw meat 
Use separate utensils (plates, tongs and chopping boards) for cooked and raw meat 
The coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking, as this means they are hot enough 
Frozen meat is properly thawed before you cook it 
Never wash raw chicken or other poultry before cooking as this increases the risk of spreading campylobacter bacteria 
Don’t put raw meat next to cooked or partly cooked meat on the barbecue 
Don’t put sauce or marinade on cooked food if it has already been used with raw meat 
Turn meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly 
Remember that meat is safe to eat only when:

• It is piping hot in the centre 
• There is no pink meat visible 
• Any juices are clear 

Don’t assume that because meat is charred on the outside that it will be cooked properly on the inside. Always check before you eat or serve by cutting the thickest part of the meat and ensure none of it is pink inside. 
As well as cooking safety, people need to be aware of fire and carbon monoxide risks when using a barbecue. 
Make sure your barbecue is on a level surface away from trees and plants. The Fire Service advises that you cover the bottom of your barbecue with coal to a depth of no more than five centimetres (two inches). 
With charcoal barbecues, only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel, and only on cold coals. Use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
If you are camping, you are advised never to light, use or leave smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or other enclosed spaces because of the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
Coun Waltham, Cabinet Member for Health and Strategic Projects, says:  “As soon as summer arrives the barbecue season starts, and with it brings many potential risks that can be avoided if people follow a few simple steps. Barbecues are a great way to spend time with your family and friends whilst enjoying the summer sun, but we don’t want people to forget about their safety. A fun barbecue can quickly be spoilt by food poisoning. We are urging people who are planning to have a barbecue this summer to follow our top tips and this will ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time.”
If you have food poisoning, you shouldn’t prepare food for other people and you should try to keep contact with vulnerable people such as the elderly, infants or people who are already poorly to a minimum. Make sure everyone in your household (including yourself) washes their hands with soap and warm water regularly – particularly after going to the toilet and before and after preparing food.
Dr Faisel Baig, local GP and Unplanned Care lead with North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "if you are unfortunate enough to come down with food poisoning, it can usually be treated at home without seeing a doctor.
“Most people will feel better within a few days,” said Dr Baig. “It's important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, even if you can only sip it, as you need to replace any fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Try and rest as much as possible and when you feel up to eating stick to small, light and non-fatty meals at first or bland foods such as toast or crackers.  Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe or you don't start to improve in a few days.”

BRIGG SHOPS LONG GONE

Walking down Bridge Street the other night, after a brief visit to the Yarborough Hunt, we were asked about a nearby house and replied that we though it had once been Miss White's sweet shop. This was close to Harold Green's - another famous emporium.
We are going back to boyhood days of the 1960s and memories are sketchy. Perhaps some of our senior Brigg Blog followers can supply a few details.
We recall there was a popular cafe on the other side of Bridge Street street, together with Ike Tutty's barber's shop near Sherwood's toy and cycle shop and Dunham's bakery.
Gwen's Bargain Shop was near the White Hart.

WATCH OUT FOR BIKES IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

The school holidays have started and Brigg children are out and about in the fresh air, which is good.
However, if this afternoon is anything to go by, watch out for bikes when you are walking about  the town centre, doing a spot of shopping.
In our day we daren't ride on pavements for fear of being observed by policemen who could be encountered on the beat even in our housing estates. 
Times have changed, of course, and now we can't get a good many adult drivers to take any notice of the pedestrian zone restrictions, never mind expecting bike-riding youngsters to dismount in the town centre.
All we can ask is that the youngsters keep an eye out for pedestrians and those of us on foot watch  for approaching cyclists.
We hope the summer will pass without anyone sustaining injuries - riders and pedestrians.

BRIGG PEDESTRIAN AREA UPDATE

Brigg Town Council's monthly meeting will be held on Monday, July 27 in the Angel Suite, from 7.30pm.
This is a public meeting and interested Brigg people can go along and raise issues of interest to them during Public Question Time.
Councillor Rob Waltham is to speak about the Pedestrian Area in the town centre.

AGENDA
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
1. Notice convening the meeting.
2. To receive Apologies and Reasons for Absence
3. To consider the suspension of the Meeting for the Purpose of Prayer.
 4. a)  To record any Declarations of Interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below.  Members declaring interests should identify the Agenda Item and the type of interest being declared.
b)  To note any dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of the Agenda Items listed below.
5. To approve the Minutes, as circulated, of the Meeting held on Monday 22nd June 2015.
6. Police Matters
 7. To receive any correspondence (for information only).
 8. To receive the update on any outstanding issues from the clerk.
 9. Public Question Time
10. To Receive any Questions from Members
11. To Receive a report from the North Lincolnshire Ward Councillors.
12. a) TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE MINUTES, AS CIRCULATED, 
OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES.
i) Planning & Environment Committee Monday 22nd June 2015
ii)  Property & Services Committee Wednesday  8th July 2015
iii) Planning & Environment Committee Wednesday 8th July 2015

13. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM MEMBERS DELEGATED TO SERVE ON OUTSIDE BODIES.
14. a) TO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL REPORTS and APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:
i) 30th June 2015
15. ERNLLCA (local councils' association)
i) To note that resolutions for consideration at the ERNLLCA A.G.M. must be lodged by Wednesday 12th August 2015; and to determine whether there are any issues which members consider should be raised.
ii) To consider the request of any member wishing to attend the ERNLLCA 2015 Conference at The Village Hotel, Hull on Friday 23rd October 2015. (See attached Conference Programme.)
16.       VOLUNTARY ACTION NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
i) To nominate any members wishing to apply to join the Trustee Board of VANL
ii) To consider the request of any members wishing to attend the A.G.M of VANL at Heslam Park, Scunthorpe, on Thursday 7th October 2015 (see attached correspondence.)
17. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE FROM THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE REVIEW WORKING PARTY.
18.   TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM CLLR. WALTHAM REGARDING BRIGG TOWN PEDESTRIANISED AREA.

BRIGG HOMES PLAN TO BE CONSIDERED

Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Commtitee will meet in the Angel Suite on Monday, July 27, from 7pm.
Among items to be considered will be an application to build new homes on land close to Grammar School Road.
This meeting is open to interested members of the public.

AGENDA
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
1. Notice convening the meeting.
2. To Receive apologies and reasons for absence.
3. (a)  To record declarations of interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below.  Members declaring interests should identify the agenda item and type of interest being declared.
(b)  To note dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of agenda items listed below.
4. To Receive any general correspondence.
5. a) To Receive and Note any Applications for Market Consent
b) To Receive and Consider any Applications for a Grant or Variation of Premises Licence, 
6. To Receive the update on outstanding issues from the clerk. 
7. a)  TO CONSIDER ANY PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONAL PLANS PUBLICISED BUT RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS CIRCULATED: 

APPLICATION NUMBER PA/2015/0838
Planning permission to erect a pair of semi-detached bungalows with car port.  Land rear of 43 and 45 Glandford Court, Brigg

b) TO NOTE THE DECISIONS RECEIVED FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL REGARDING PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS

BRIGG EVENT CANCELLED

This Saturday, 25 July, the Craft Fair to be held at The Buttercross in Brigg has been cancelled and re-scheduled to Saturday 22 August, North Lincolnshire tourism have kindly informed us.

PINK TRIBUTE NIGHT IN BRIGG - LET'S GET THE PARTY STARTED

A Pink Tribute Night is to be held in Brigg for children's charity When You Wish Upon A Star.
It will take place at Brigg and District Servicemen's Club, Coney Court, on  Friday, September 11 at 8pm.
Back  by popular demand will be Kyla Porter in a tribute to Pink. Tickets are £5 each. Apply at the club.

THE BRIGG TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN'

Brigg Bike Night 2015

It must be many years since Brigg has seen so many changes in such a short space of time.
Pub-wise the Black Bull has closed, ending a family association going back more than 30 years, and  the long-serving mine hosts at the Britannia are all set to retire.
Both these licensed premises are showing 'To Let' signs, as is the Woolpack, in the Market Place.
Meanwhile, the White Hart, on Bridge Street, shut briefly, only to reopen under new management.
Wetherspoon's has  revamped and relaunched the White Horse, offering food and drink at low prices. And what a talking point that has proved!
Long-serving town clerk Jeanette Woollard has retired, while May's Brigg Town Council elections saw a  number of familiar faces go and  newcomers take their places at meetings in the Angel Suite.
Brigg Bike Night has been revived and the first event proved a resounding success. Hopefully, it will go from strength to strength during 2016 and beyond.
Our police station, on Barnard Avenue, now has a new role and work is continuing to convert the building, which dates back to 1978. 
Latest businesses to come on the scene include a hairdressing salon in the former Lloyd's Bank premises and an ice cream parlour converted from the former fire station, on Wrawby Street.

BRIGG FLAT TO RENT - CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE

We noticed a sign in the window of the long-closed Simon's Fried Chicken takeaway in Bridge Street, Brigg, which gives details of a two-bed flat  above the shop to let from late August.
We enjoyed our meals from Simon's Fried Chicken and have always reckoned there's a market in Brigg for such fare.
Now, of course, someone is seeking planning permission to establish a fast food takeaway specialising in chicken dishes, which rather proves our point, although it has taken a good many years.
This application - in the former cafe next to the Woolpack -  has yet to be considered by North Lincolnshire Council.

INFLUX OF BRIGG VISITORS FROM NOTTS AND DERBYSHIRE?

FROM PAUL JOHNSON, FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

This week and next the Nottingham Post, Mansfield Chad and Derbyshire Times will be advertising travelling on the Brigg railway line via the Robin Hood Line to Worksop, plus the range of tickets available, including Mansfield to Brigg at £10.60p return. We expect the 0803 & 1203 Sheffield Midland to Cleethorpes to be well loaded from Worksop.

BRIGG REPAIRS STILL AWAITED

It's hoped this unsightly "black stuff" in Wrawby Street and Brigg Market Place  will soon be removed and proper paving re-instated. We took this picture this morning (Sunday) to flag up (pardon the pun) this issue still being unresolved.
At the June Brigg Town Council meeting, Chris Dyson, the former town councillor, took the trouble to attend and raised his concerns during Public Question Time.
North Lincolnshire Council, the body that oversees our streets,  was represented at the meeting, which was told  the paving would be replaced, although we can't recall a precise timescale being mentioned. 
You may recall that utility work was undertaken in this part of the town centre, where the vast majority of paving was put back in neat and tidy fashion.
We took these pictures this morning (Sunday) as an aide memoire to those in charge, ahead of the Town Council's July meeting, when we hope to hear positive news. 
Aide memoire? We've had a bit of Latin in Brigg Blog over the years, but precious little French. Vernon Atkin, Brigg Grammar's renowned modern language practitioner, would have been impressed that one of his least able French students mentioned un peu** of what he laboured so hard, and so long, to teach us. 
Vernon loved his hockey with Brigg, and - late in life - came back to umpire some of our club's lower teams. He had been a much better player than those of us who hacked around in the 4ths and 5ths. Not that he ever mentioned it.
** Un peu - a little (if you haven't grasped the lingo).

BRIGG UGLY DUCKLINGS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Remember that old song about the sad ugly duckling with its brown, downy feathers which went on to turn into a beautiful swan? Well, we spied a large group of cygnets and one of their parents on what anglers call the Spring's stretch of the Old River Ancholme, near the old Lidl store. (Ken Harrison will know the correct collective noun for a group of young swans). 
We took this long shot from the store's car park, looking across the river to the far bank. Watch the birdie?

PHIL AND DAWN'S FAREWELL PARTY AT BRITANNIA INN, BRIGG

Phil, Calvin and Dawn behind the bar during the Saturday night party at the Britannia

Phil and Dawn Clipson are about to retire from the Britannia Inn, Brigg, and people who have used this popular pub, in Wrawby Street, during their long tenure are attending a two-day farewell party - part one last night and the second instalment tonight (Sunday). You will be very welcome if you want to pop in for a final pint.
Here are some pictures from the opening half, and you can view a further 25 by following this link

All hands to the pumps due to the huge attendance.

Dawn returning with yet another round!

What can I get you?

•  Hurry up Harry come on ... We're going down the pub! That's Arry on the left.

Eyeing the top shelf.

Louise and Emily giving the thumbs up to a great night at The Brit.

Members of Brigg punk band The Diseased, formed in the 1980s,  were, as you'd expect, giving it large on the karaoke and finding time for a pint or three!