JAYLAURS CLASSES IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Jaylaurs, on Wrawby Street, Brigg, are introducing a series of sewing classes, commencing in March, for adults and kids.
Proprietor Jayne Brett tells Brigg Blog: "We are hoping this will be successful and continue through the year."
Details in the poster above - learn more here...
www.facebook.com/Jaylaurs-Sewing-Studios-303305199732204/

BRIGG NEWSPAPER MEMORIES

Our thanks to fellow journalist Peter Thompson for taking this picture at Brigg Servicemen's Club and kindly forwarding a copy. 

It was taken just prior to our talk to the February meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians (BASH) about the History of the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times weekly newspaper and shows us with the very last edition, from July 1985.

In the background you can just see the screen onto which Josie Webb, the BASH chairwoman, kindly displayed the digital images we had taken along, showing various Brigg & district scenes and people, taken in decades past.

We added a few comments on the pictures, as did members of the audience.

Due to time constraints and our full-time job, we don't deliver as many illustrated talks as we used to when we were 100 per cent freelance.

But we were honoured to be asked by BASH and managed to fit this one into the busy schedule.

BRIGG EXTENSION & GARAGE ON WRAWBY ROAD

Planning permission is being sought to carry out alterations at 23 Wrawby Road, Brigg, with an extension and erection of a garage.
The application has been made by Mr N. Fussey, through his agent Vic Fowler, JD Associates (DC) Ltd, Brigg.
Brigg Town Council has raised no objections and North Lincolnshire Council will now decide whether to grant permission.

INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE DEVELOPMENT PLANNED IN BRIGG

Well-known firm CLS Civil Engineering Ltd is developing a 0.55 hectare site on Atherton Way,  Brigg.
The firm has now lodged a planning application seeking permission to raise ground levels across the site, using use imported, inert fill material.
The location is Site 3, Atherton Way, backing onto the M180 and not far from Brigg Primary School.
The reasons for raising the ground level is in preparation for developing the site following the granting of permission last year for Site 3 to be used for industrial and office development.
Condition 12 of  the planning permission granted by North Lincolnshire Council specified that all finished floor levels must be above 2.4m.
CLS says it has currently raised the ground level across the site to approximately 2.0m "with the anticipation of constructing the concrete slab for the future development from this level to achieve the required 2.40m AOD finished floor level."

RED ARROWS OVER BRIGG

Ken Harrison kindly  contacted us on Friday to say the world famous Red Arrows display team had just been  just seen over Brigg, flying from north-west to south-east at 12 noon..
Did you see the planes come over? We were in Scunthorpe at the time and so missed this free spectacle.
Having an elderly relative in Lincoln, we often drive along the A15 towards the county capital and sometimes see the Red Arrows practising as we near RAF Scampton.

LIDL ADDING TO ITS BRIGG STORE

Lidl has been granted advertisement consent for one illuminated free-standing pylon sign at its Atherton Way store in Brigg.
North Lincolnshire Council planners have just given approval to the international retailer's application.
The new Lidl bakery is nearing completion and there are plans to create additional car parking for customers at this popular store, just off the A18.
The new sign will have the Lidl logo at the top and will also advertise the new bakery with the wording "Delicious bread and pastries  baked for you throughout the day."

DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE FORMER TRENT FOOD SITE IN BRIGG

Planning permission is being sought to make changes at the site which once housed Trent Foods in Brigg.

Our picture is a few years old - hence the absence of cars, as there's been a sales outlet here for some years.

Permission is being sought for change of use from mixed warehouse, office and car sales to mixed retail, warehouse, offices and car sales, including partial demolition. The location is 2 Ancholme Way.

Brigg Town Council has raised no objections and the application now goes forward to the North Lincolnshire unitary authority for a final decision. 

PROVIDING CONTRACTORS' ACCOMMODATION IN BRIGG

Brigg Town Council has raised no objections to a planning application seeking permission to retain change of use from a care home to contractors' accommodation at 34 Market Place, close to the County Bridge.
This is Riverside Mews, looking down on the Old River Ancholme, with access off the Market Place via Ancholme Court.
The question of vehicles driving through the pedestrian area to Riverside Mews (the only  access route) was raised by Coun Jane Kitching when the application was disussed by the Planning & Environment Committee.
But chairman Coun Mike Storey said he didn't see this change of use resulting in additional vehicular traffic. Indeed, he suggested, there could be less!
Having successfully passed through the first stage in the planning process, this application now progresses to the unitary authority, North Lincolnshire Council, for a final decision.
We took the above picture from the County Bridge when Riverside Mews was still a care home.
There's much demand locally for contractors' accommodation. This should be seen as a good thing; it means the economy is doing well, with plenty of development going on.  
We shall watch with interest to see whether the huge Able UK industrial site near East Halton and Killingholme, when it really gets going, results in an influx of workers staying in Brigg. Or will our town be too distant for them? Probably not.

BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL MOVES WITH THE TIMES

During a session of Brigg Town Council this week in the Angel Suite, Coun Mike Storey, who is chairman of the Planning & Environment Committee, used new technology to make his point to fellow councillors.
He had been out and taken a photograph of interest on his mobile phone and walked round the table, showing them an image on the screen. This help councillors grasp what was being disussed.
There was a new layout of tables for the February meeting of Brigg Town Council, which the press bench moved from its long-established position immediately to the side of the top table, alongside the Town Mayor, Deputy Town Mayor and Town Clerk.
We are now sitting behind the ranks of councillors, close to the public gallery.
The change brings the public a little nearer to the council during debates. 
The Town Council will see how it goes and obviously review things at some point.
We like to get to meetings early, and this will help ensure there's no confusion with members of the public occupying the press area!

BANNER HEADLINES FOR BRIGG PLANNING CONSENT

Abbey Village Care Home, on the corner of Wrawby Street and Wrawby Road, Brigg, is seeking planning consent for signage and temporary banners.
Banners appear on the railings near the Monument war memorial, as you may be aware. 
At this week's Planning & Environment Committee meeting, Brigg Town Council raised no objections to planning permission being granted.
The application now progresses up the ladder to North Lincolnshire Council, which has the final say.
We don't like to pre-judge, but in this case we are going to suggest that it's a formality.

GOOD WEATHER FOR BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET

10.30am: The monthly Brigg Farmers' Market is being held today, Saturday, February 27. Dry weather (currently), absence of wind and reasonable temperature (43F) should make for a good turn-out in the town centre.
The other day we were looking back at archive pictures from 15 years ago and spotted that some of the stall-holders who were there in 2001 are still selling their wares on the farmers' market today.
We hope the queue for the very popular ostrich burger stall won't be too lengthy.
Perhaps you  are unaware that the Scunthorpe Telegraph runs a regular On This Day feature on its website, containing pictures taken exactly 15 years ago. Brigg pix often feature. 
Save/use this link to take a look from time to time. http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/pictures
If you want to view the pictures of Brigg Farmers' Market  taken 15 years ago, view the gallery of images from February 25, 2001.

CAN YOU SPARE A FEW HOURS TO HELP WITH THE BRIGG TIDY UP?

 

Brigg people seem to be in the mood to give a bit of their time to help tidy up parts of the town.
There's a communal clean-up session planned for Saturday, March 5. Meet at the Bandstand, in the Market Place at 10am.
Further to our earlier posts on this topic, we need to stress that materials will be provided. All you need to do is turn up in suitable clothing for the task ahead.
Ours is a pretty tidy town, but there are areas that North Lincolnshire Council can't cover as part of its routine cleaning operations.
Brigg Town Council and Brigg Town Business Partnership are involving in organising the March 5 event.
However, further tidying, involving the Women's Institute, will take place on Friday, March 4. And we gather there could be some more undertaken on Sunday, March 7.
North Lincolnshire Council, the unitary authority, tells us that community groups across the district are now gearing up, ready for the big clean-up weekend, as part of the Clean for The Queen campaign.
This is a nationwide initiative connected with Her Majesty's 90th birthday this year.
North Lincolnshire Council is supporting this campaign and encouraging local people and community groups to rally together. So far 16 community groups have signed up to take part in the big clean-up and more are expected to come forward.
There will be litter-picking in Scunthorpe, Messingham, Brigg, Belton, Worlaby, Bonby, Barton and Saxby  "just to name a few."
Interested residents and community groups can still get involved. Even if you can’t make the big clean-up weekend, you can arrange your own clean-up.
If you would like to take part, contact neighbourhood services on 01724 297775 or email neighbourhoodservices@northlincs.gov.uk. They can also offer support and advice; this includes everything from removing the rubbish you have collected to providing the litter picking equipment.
To take part in Clean for The Queen, please also register online at www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk where you can download the Clean for the Queen Guide, as well as advice and tips about how to join a group or to simply do your bit.
This campaign has been launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy to clear up Britain in time for The Queen’s 90th birthday in 2016.
The Queen is keen to get the ball rolling on what could be the UK’s largest clean-up operation in history.
The aim is to inspire a million people to take action and enjoy a few hours together litter picking to make the places where they live more enjoyable and instil a sense of pride in their communities.
An army of volunteers across the country will come together to clean up their local areas, which includes the special clean-up weekend from 4 to 6 March 2016.
All the litter charities across the country have come together to support the campaign. Also, a growing range of companies, land managers and associations and councils are now signing up to support it, including North Lincolnshire Council.
The council has agreed to co-ordinate the local events to ensure that activities are programmed into the national events. Officers have engaged with community groups, schools, charities and town and parish councils.
If every adult picked up just one piece of litter and put it in a bin, that would be more than 50 million pieces of rubbish disposed of. Imagine if everyone picked up at least one piece of litter every day for the next nine months.
"We can do it. We can all Clean for The Queen," says council spokeswoman Kirsty Westfield.
Coun Neil Poole, from Messingham, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods at North Lincolnshire Council and Ridge Ward representative for the area including Scawby, said: “The council already supports various clean-up initiatives but this is set to be something quite spectacular as whole communities will come together across the country to take part in what is expected to be the biggest clean-up of all time.
“We already have 16 community groups taking part and we are working with other groups to get them involved. It is set to be a fantastic weekend that will highlight the brilliant community spirit we have in North Lincolnshire.
“Any community groups or people in North Lincolnshire that would like to take part, or organise a big clean-up, you still have time to get involved. Get in touch with us and we will help in any way we can."
Brigg Town Council usually undertakes a Spring clean in May (see picture above from 2013), but for 2016 that event is being combined with the tidy up next weekend. 

3,000 GUIDES WILL PUBLICISE BRIGG RAILWAY LINE

BY PAUL JOHNSON, FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

Brigg station lighting has now been fixed. But regrettably again, due to the rain, the station area was not welcoming on Saturday. 
At present we only have ONE Brigg station sign on the platforms. This has been notified to Northern (the train company)..  
It was pleasant to see that despite the awful weather the line on Saturday had a steady flow of customers on all services. Brigg, Kirton In Lindsey and Gainsborough Central all performed well  with 0803/1520  the busiest.
Sadly the issue of the withdrawal of the Duo Ticket was to strike again, with Northern Rail Link 1 guards reporting at least a dozen new customers that travelled on Saturday wishing to purchase the Duo Ticket. We shall have to see if these new customers return.
Over the next few weeks the poster-boards in the Northern Lincolnshire area will be updated to include details of travel information for residents that hold a senior citizen's pass on how to get a discount on the Brigg Line trains.
The latest issue of the Brigg Line guide (paid for by a West Lindsey District Council grant) will be picked up from the printers this week and distributed across the network. A reprint will take place in May due to timetable changes but we expect the 3,000 guides to be snapped up quickly.
Some pictures from Saturday, including soggy Cleethorpes, can be found in the link below. 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/

BRIGG X-FILE MYSTERY SOON SOLVED

An unidentified creature was darting about footpaths and parking lots on the latest episode of cult TV series The X-Files. 
The following evening we were out in Brigg after dark and there were several sightings of people darting about paths near the main car park and along Barnard Avenue.  
They had lights on their foreheads, in the style of Arthur Scargill's underground membership when we still had a sizeable UK coal industry.
No need to put in a call to Mulder and Scully, though. We reckon we've solved the mystery.
They were members of a local group enjoying a spot of healthy after-dark orienteering.

ENJOY A NIGHT WITH BRIGG GARDENING CLUB

Brigg and District Gardening Club's next meeting is on the horizon.
The officials have done all the spadework and lined up guest speaker Lesley Burton, of Goltho Gardens, Market Rasen.
Lesley's  subject will be The Making Of  A Garden when she visits the.Methodist Church Hall, Barnard Avenue (alongside the A18), on Thursday, 3rd March (7.30pm start)
Admission is free for club members and just £2 for guests.  Turn up on the night if you want to enjoy this talk.
Our thanks go to Jill Dawson (secretary) for supplying the details to Brigg Blog so we can spread the word on the club's behalf.

CAN WE HAVE SOMETHING SIMILAR IN BRIGG, PLEASE

This attractive 1960s enamel-style Gainsborough Central sign - paid for from a West Lindsey District Council community grant - has now been erected by the Marshall's Yard shopping complex.
“Hopefully we may see some smaller designs of these around Brigg and Kirton in Lindsey, says Paul Johnson, of the Friends of Brigg & Lincoln Lines campaigning group.

NF adds: How about putting one on a wall in Queen Street, pointing the way to Station Road? 

HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE BRIGG WINDOW?

Charles Dickens famously wrote about the Old Curiosity Shop.

In Brigg town centre we have the relatively new to us Shipley's Curiositeas.

It's situated on the corner of Wrawby Street and  Cross Street.

We now note that the Curiositea Cake Studio is up and running, offering celebration cakes to order.

There's a poster in the front window of the shop showing some sample cakes.

We like the one pictured above best of all. The cost? We feel we have to ask: How much is that doggie in the window?

Email nicolajshipley@gmail.com for details of cakes to mark your celebration or call in at the shop.

BUNTING TO GO UP IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Bunting will be hung across town centre streets in Brigg during the warmer months of  2016.
Brigg Town Council has agreed in principal to the idea proposed by Coun Ann Eardley, Deputy Town Mayor.
Wrawby Street and the Market Place are set to get the colourful treatment (see previous year's picture above).
Costings will be obtained and presented to a future meeting, with a view to getting the bunting in place as soon as possible.
Coun Mike Campion felt the bunting should not be left up too long or it could begin to look tatty.
Coun Penny Smith voted against the proposal, saying she was sick of picking up bunting that had fallen down.

YOU CAN ‘ALE’ A BUS AFTER A TRIP TO WETHERSPOON’S BRIGG PUB

The White Horse pub in Brigg is ideally situated, having what amounts to its own bus stop.

How many hostelries can say that?

The stop, with extensive covered shelter (pictured),  is on the A18 but only a few yards from the entrance to JD Wetherspoon’s popular licensed premises.

Feeling thirsty? Fancying a pint? Leave the car at home and get a bus into Brigg, folks!

Our picture also shows one of the new signs from the Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines campaigning group, pointing bus passengers towards Brigg railway station, via Queen Street and Station Road.

There’s been much talk recently of people from North Nottinghamshire using the Saturday-only passenger train service to visit Brigg.

Whether people come to town by car, bus or train matters not; local businesses are just pleased to see them. And that goes for cyclists and pedestrians, too!

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS BACK IN ACTION

After a bit of a break, Briggensians FC will return to action on Saturday (February 27) when they host bottom team Midtown United in division three of the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League.

Briggensians play their home games at Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg.

HOW THEY CURRENTLY STAND - DIVISION THREE                                  

                                                P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

      THE BUTCHERS ARMS             11  11   0   0   51    3  48   33

      BARNETBY UNITED RES         16   8   4   4   50   36  14   28

      LIMESTONE RANGERS RES    13   7   3   3   40   23  17   24

      SCOTTER UNITED RES            17   6   4   7   39   41  -2   22

      A.F.C. QUEENSWAY                12   5   2   5   32   21  11   20+

      COLLEGE W (WRFC) RES        12   7   2   3   32   25   7   20-

      BRIGGENSIANS                        10   4   2   4   22   18   4   14

      CROWLE TOWN COLTS RES  14   2   5   7   31   51 -20   11

      SANTON                                     12   2   0  10   17   61 -44    6

      MIDTOWN UNITED                  13   1   2  10   17   52 -35    5

BRIGG LADIES: HERE'S YOUR CHANCE

Brigg Blog's lady followers please note: Market Rasen Racecourse has launched a search to find an ambassador for the venue’s two Ladies’ Days of 2016 - on Friday, 3rd June and Saturday, 16th July
The lucky lady who is chosen from all the entrants – with the deadline to apply being Sunday, 13th March – will:

• Take part in a photoshoot at the race meeting on Sunday, 10th April, showcasing the fashion sponsor’s clothing, plus receive a photobook as a memento;
• Have their image displayed on Ladies’ Days artwork, including billboards in the Lincoln, Grimsby and Cleethorpes areas, flyers, posters, print and digital advertising;
• Be given a table for four people at both of the Ladies’ Days, including Betfred & Lincs FM Ladies’ Day;
• Receive two tickets for ‘Rasen Rocks’ on Saturday, 13th August, starring Jess Glynne;
• Get the chance to join the best dressed judging panel at each of the Ladies’ Days.

To enter, all ladies need to do is to post a photo of themselves on Market Rasen Racecourse’s Facebook page. The top five photographs with the most likes and shares will be selected to be put in front of three judges who will announce the winner live at the racecourse on Easter Monday, 28th March.
Nadia Gollings, General Manager, Market Rasen Racecourse (pictured above), said: “Ladies’ days are one of the great success stories of the horse racing industry, helping to boost attendances for the country’s second most popular spectator sport which attracted six million visitors across Britain last year.
“These occasions at Market Rasen Racecourse are hugely popular so we are delighted to have launched the search for an ambassador who will become ‘The Face of Ladies’ Days’ at the racecourse.”
Four times in the past seven years the largest attendance of the year at the Lincolnshire racecourse has been recorded at the July Ladies’ Day which features the Betfred Summer Plate.
As is traditional, on Saturday, 16th July there will fashion shows, music from Marc Dillon and shops in which visitors can browse, as well as a beauty bar, plus - and new for 2016 - a live al fresco DJ set and Après Racing party from Lincs FM at the end of the afternoon.
Tickets for both Ladies’ Days can be purchased by calling 0844 579 3009 or going online at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk  while more information can be found out about entering to become the ‘Face of the Ladies’ Days’ by calling the racecourse on 01673 843434.
Market Rasen Racecourse is staging 22 jump racing meetings in 2016 and is a leading conference and events centre in the East Midlands.

WISH WE'D BET A PONY AT BRIGG BOOKIES ON THIS HAPPENING

Hands up if you are a Brigg Blog follower who remembers Tales of the Unexpected on TV.
Well, here's something unexpected from our own town centre...
Last night we left Brigg Town Council's monthly meeting in the Angel Suite and walked across the Market Place, only to spot a white horse as we neared Ladbroke's bookies. Standing quietly on the County Bridge, it was still there 10 minutes later when we made a return journey towards Exchange Place. 
Were we seeing things? Age finally catching up? Not a bit of it!
On Twitter, South Bank Specials ‏@Spec_SouthBank  posted this message last night: "Off duty, saw a horse running on A18, Brigg. Moved it off the road and police now in attendance." #neveroffduty
Just an hour earlier we had listened to Humberside Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove telling Brigg town councillors that the county force is now much more flexible than had been the case. Fewer 9am-5pm shifts, leave cancelled in August when the demand for police services is at its highest. More police at work at 7pm (peak time) than at 7am. 
Here's an example of flexibility the Commissioner might add to the extensive collection of statistics trotted  out last night (apologies, for the pun!).
Mr Grove @HumbersidePCC also took to Twitter after the meeting, saying: "Thanks Brigg Town Council for good discussion tonight & positive feedback on ongoing improvements to Humberside Police."
We'll share more of what the Commissioner had to say later. And there was much of interest. There will be a full report of the debate by David Elliott in Thursday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.

BRIGG TO SEND BEST WISHES TO HER MAJESTY

Brigg Town Council is to send its formal congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen on her 90th birthday.
Deputy Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley made the proposal at the authority's February meeting, held in the Angel Suite yesterday (Monday). It was agreed unanimously.

FULL MOON LIGHTS THE WAY IN BRIGG

It must be getting on for a week since one of the only two street lights in Springfield Road, Brigg failed.
Lights in nearby streets were replaced by the impressive new LED lamps a few years ago. However, the two in this cul-de-sac were not part of the conversion process.
Tonight there's a big full moon offering some natural illumination. But before this waxes (or is it wanes?) could North Lincolnshire Council perhaps send someone round to take a look.
Whether they put in an old-style light or an LED type doesn't really matter.

BRIGG TALK ON DISAPPEARING VICTORIAN POLICEMAN

The next meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at the Servicemen’s Club, Coney Court, starting at 8pm.

The subject is The Disappearing Policeman – A Victorian Tragedy.

Brian Davey will be delivering an illustrated talk about a senior officer from the Lincolnshire Constabulary going missing.

Everyone is welcome at BASH meetings and there’s no need to book a ticket or place. Just turn up on the night.

Light refreshments will be served and a raffle held to help with  costs.

BRIGG COACH FIRM RUNNING INTERESTING DAY TRIPS

TJ's Coach Hire, based on the corner of Bridge Street and Island Carr Road, Brigg, has some interesting day trips operating during 2016.

Saturday, April 23: Harrogate Flower Show.

Saturday, May 7: Cusworth Hall and Walkers Garden Centre.

Saturday, May 21: Holmfirth and Last of the Summer Wine Tour.

Saturday, June 11: Junction 32 Designer Shopping Outlet and Xscape

Saturday, June 25: Bridlington.

Saturday, July 30: Pickering and Whitby.

For further details, visit http://www.tjscoaches.com

BRIGG DAY OF PRAYER

Everyone is welcome at a service in Brigg on Women’s World Day of Prayer.

The service will be held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Barnard Avenue, on Friday, March 4, from 7pm.

“Praying for Cuba” is highlighted on posters to be seen about town.

POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER IN BRIGG TONIGHT

Brigg will be visited by a very important man in policing tonight (Monday, February 22).

Matthew Grove, the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, will be at Brigg Town Council's monthly meeting in the Angel Suite.

The meeting starts at 7.15pm and Item 5 on the agenda will be Police Matters.

Town councillors will consider the responses and correspondence received regarding the changes to delivery of policing in Brigg and the future use of Brigg Police Station, on Barnard Avenue.

Mr Grove "will be in attendance to answer questions from members regarding this matter."

Item 8 tonight will be Public Question Time.

This meeting is open to interested members of the public. So is  tonight's meeting of Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Comnmittee, also in the Angel Suite, starting at 6.45pm.

When Mr Grove made a previous visit to Brigg Town Council (see picture above) he outlined policing plans and said he hoped to be invited back, which is just what's happening tonight. 

IDEA TO ASSIST DRIVERS IN BRIGG

Turning your car round in one of Brigg’s most congested streets is no easy task.

The section of Bridge Street that’s no longer part of the A18 includes many shops, three pubs, a popular restaurant and a doctors’ surgery.

On-street parking is available on both sides of the street. But turning your car round can prove no easy task.

So how about painting a mini-roundabout turning circle between the White Hart and the Nelthorpe Arms?

The council  would need to shave a yard or two off what’s a very wide pavement on the side nearest the former Scanlon’s hostelry. But that shouldn’t be too difficult.

Why the need for change?

Next time you are down there, watch someone trying to do a three-point turn on the varying gradients.

The road climbs towards the County Bridge but dips away towards the Nelthorpe Arms, which does not make for easy uphill reversing.

Currently there insufficient room for a straight U-turn if you are in a reasonably sized car.

But if we’ve paced it out correctly, shaving off a small section of the pavement would allow the installation of a useful turning circle.

MUSIC NIGHT AT BRIGG VENUE

Enjoy Alessa’s Nowhere Music Night at the Steel Rooms, off Brigg Market Place, on Friday, March 4 (doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start).

This is the solo project of musician and producer Jamie Carnie – an artist with a distinctive sound and creative approach to songwriting.

For your £5 tickets, call in at the Steel Rooms, 1-5 Spring’s Parade (01652 657256).

BARRY HORSTEAD - BRIGG FOOTBALL LEGEND

Brigg Blog was very sorry to hear of the death of Barry Horstead - probably the town's most renowned footballer due to his many years of faithful service to Scunthorpe United. He played for Brigg Town as well as the Iron. 
There's a fine tribute to Barry in the Scunthorpe Telegraph. Read it here.

EASTER FAYRE IN BRIGG

An Easter Fayre and Open Day is to be staged at the Clarence House Care Centre, on Albert Street, Brigg.

It will take place on Thursday, March 24, from 2pm to 4pm.

There will be tea, coffee and cakes,  egg  painting and a raffle, music with Stan The Organ Player, and a guess the weight of the cake competition.

Everyone is welcome. Call 01652 650950 for further details.

BRIGG GETS A TASTE OF SUMMER

Given the unusually mild weather in Brigg this morning we thought we’d seen a mirage.

Walking along Old Courts Road towards Wilko’s, we glanced to the left and a touch of greenery caught our eye.

Just visible between contractors’ vans and other construction items in the car park of the old  Black Bull pub were what appeared to be two palm trees, or similar exotic foliage.

The last time we saw  tropical-looking trees at a UK hostelry was while holidaying in Torquay, dubbed The English Riviera.

As the Black Bull car park is currently a building site and out of bounds to   long-standing customers, we couldn't get up close for a picture. Maybe later....

The Bull, which closed last June, is currently being transformed into Dexters Ale House and Kitchen.

BRIGG GAINS LOCK ON RIVER

We’d never noticed these chains on the brick wall beside the Old River Ancholme in Brigg before.

Have they been there long? What’s the  purpose of the metalwork?

There’s a shiny new lock at the end of the chain nearest the County Bridge.

The chains stretch from the County Bridge as far as the old Lidl store.

BRIGG SHOP AMENDS OPENING HOURS

Apologies from Brigg Blog that we didn’t tell you about this earlier but we hadn’t taken a Sunday stroll doing Bridge Street since Christmas.

When we did so earlier today, we found Dunham’s baker’s  shop, on Bridge Street, was closed.

We are used to seeing the family concern open on the first day of the week but a notice in one of the windows explains that the shop is closed on SUNDAYS for the foreseeable future.

This alteration to opening hours came into force last month. Hence our apologies for not spreading the word until now.

WHY BRIGG TELEPHONE BOXES ARE STILL NEEDED

With a growing number of people using mobile phones, traditional public telephone box are used less and less.
We are struggling to remember the last time we used a call box. It was the red one in the Market Place and at least a couple of years ag.
But some people DO still use them. Not everyone owns a mobile phone. And even if they do have one, the battery may have run down. 
The most important role of public call boxes has never changed. If you chanced upon a fire in Brigg town centre, or came across someone needing urgent medical attention, it's good to know that call boxes are still there so you can dial 999.

BRIGG POTHOLE GONE AGAIN

Many thanks for filling in the big pothole in the road near Spring's Parade.
Brigg drivers should be grateful; no-one wants to dip a wheel and risk damaging a wheel or tyre.
We think contractors working in the area may have been responsible for this good deed.
There have been a couple of earlier "fill ins" of the same hole in the road. 
How long will this one last?

NEW SPORTS FACILITIES AT BRIGG RECREATION GROUND APPROVED

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council has given planning approval for the £2.3m Brigg Recreation Ground improvement project that means work can start on site this spring.
The scheme will see a new pavilion, full size floodlit artificial grass pitch and tennis courts being built at this popular sports ground on Wrawby Road.
Coun Carl Sherwood, ward member for Brigg and Wolds and cabinet member for customer services, sport and leisure, said:
“This is great news that the plans for Brigg Recreation Ground have been given the go-ahead. This is a key outdoor facility for Brigg and surrounding areas.
“The provision of first class facilities at the Recreation Ground is important for sport in the Brigg area. The facilities will improve the offer for existing clubs that use the site and act as a springboard to enable cricket, tennis and hockey to once again be played on site."

NF adds:  Carl's spot on with his comments. This is GREAT NEWS. Think back to the days when an old farm stable was used for changing rooms at Brigg Rec, still with the original door, though the horse had long bolted; remember when vandals targeted the current changing rooms so often the council had to build a metal stockade around the building; remember when you got splinters in your feet while changing in the wooden cricket pavilion that was second-hand and already well past its best when it came to the Rec. 
At last we are now going to get facilities the town deserves and in which we will be able to take great pride. 

EXTRA LIGHTING MIGHT HELP DETER BRIGG FLY-TIPPING

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 REVIEW OF THE TRAIN SERVICE 

BY PAUL JOHNSON, FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES

After heavy rain on Saturday the station area resembled a mudbath. Lighting on the Sheffield platform had failed again but this matter is been dealt with. 

We have asked North Lincolnshire Council to look at placing an extra floodlight to the rear of the market building to light  the area down to the old coal drops as this sees   fly-tipping.

With permission from North Lincolnshire Council, FoBLL have erected a number of A4 posters on the towns main bus stops, a Northern Rail timetable poster printed by West Lindsey District Council has been complemented with a basic, but easy to read, fare guide and a poster with a large arrow pointing to the station. This seems to have gone down well. And with the Brigg Line guides at the printers, numbers should rise again at Brigg - for those able to climb over the new footbridge!

 

Service, Route and Pricing.

Despite it been February, loadings were good on the Brigg Line for this time of year. This was boosted by Worksop Town playing at Brigg Town FC. A good clump of fans travelled from Worksop to Brigg by train on the now reduced fare. Feedback from the Tigers' Supports Group (Worksop Town) was a number of fans did not know these services existed until it was published through local media sources via FoBLL and that more fans would have come by train, but a 1908 departure back to Worksop from Brigg was a bit too late - 2 hours after the game had finished. 

The current timetable not being flexible enough comes screaming through!

As usual the 0803 / 1520 services were the busiest with numbers very robust.

Highlight of the day was 8 customers getting on at Kirton In Lindsey on the 0914 arrival. Two   village magazines have contacted FoBLL and asked them to contribute a future article about catching  trains from Kirton In Lindsey on a Saturday. This follows the lead of the Brigg Matters magazine.

 

Pictures from Saturday on the Brigg Line are in the link below.

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

 

CIRCUS BERZERCUS IN BRIGG

Our thanks to the Brigg Tourist Information Centre for further listings highlighting interesting events in the district.

LiveLincs North Lincolnshire Rural Touring Scheme Listings Spring 2016

• Friday 4 March:  7.30pm - The Hut People in concert – Scawby Village Hall . 01652 655595.
• Saturday 19 March: 1.30pm - Circus Berzercus – A Mismatch Made in Devon – Brigg and District Servicemen’s Club, Coney Court. 01652 658995.
• Friday 15 April: 7.30pm – Balbir Singh Dance Company – Brigg & District Servicemen’s Club, Coney Court. 01652 658995

QUESTION TIME AT BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL IF YOU WANT TO GO ALONG

Your monthly opportunity to raise issues of interest  with your elected Brigg councillors is coming up.
You can attend the next meeting of Brigg Town Council on Monday, February 22, in the Angel Suite, starting at 7.15pm.

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. Police Matters
To receive consider the responses and correspondence received regarding the changes to delivery of policing in Brigg and the future use of Brigg Police Station. 
Members are advised that Mr. Matthew Grove, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, will be in attendance to answer questions from members regarding this matter.
6. To receive any correspondence (for information only).
7. To receive the update on any outstanding issues from the clerk.
 8. Public Question Time.
 9. To Receive any Questions from Members.
10. To Receive a report from the North Lincolnshire Ward Councillors.
11. a) TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE MINUTES, AS CIRCULATED, 
OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES.
i) Full Council           Monday 25th January  2016
ii) Planning & Environment Committee     Monday 1st February  2016
12. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM MEMBERS DELEGATED TO SERVE ON OUTSIDE BODIES.
13. ANGEL SUITE LIFT INSTALLATION
To receive a verbal report from the Clerk regarding the current situation and projected timescale for the lift installation and slight building alterations required.
14. GRANTS & DONATIONS
To receive and consider the Grant Application form Lindsey Blind Society in respect of the provision of equipment to support visually impaired and blind clients in the Brigg area.
15. QUEEN ELIZABETH II – 90th BIRTHDAY.
To consider a proposal from Councillor Mrs. Ann Eardley that Brigg Town Council send formal congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
16. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER a verbal proposal from Councillor Mrs. Ann Eardley that bunting be put up in the town, as in previous years, and to set a financial limit on the installation, should it be approved.
17. ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT 
a)   To Receive the following Financial Reports and Approve the Accounts for Payment:
      As at 31st January 2016 for Full Council and the Angel Suite Accounts.
      

AMENDED PLANS FOR BRIGG APARTMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED

Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee will meet on Monday, February 22 in the Angel Suite from 6.45pm. This is open to interested member of the public.
A number of interesting applications will be considered.


AGENDA
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/2016/0039
Planning permission for change of use from mixed warehouse, office and car sales to mixed retail, warehouse, offices and car sales, including partial demolition.  
2 Ancholme Way, Brigg

APPLICATION NUMBER PA/2015/1239
Planning permission for retention of change of use from care home to contractors accommodation.
Riverside Mews, 34 Market Place, Brigg

APPLICATION NUMBER PA/2015/0822
Planning permission for conversion and change of use of upper and second floor of existing premise to form 4 no. residential apartments and upgrade rear parking area (AMENDED PROPOSAL: REMOVAL OF PARKING SPACE ADJACENT TO GABLE).
27 Market Place, Brigg.

APPLICATION NUMBER PA/2015/0989
Consent to display signage for Abbey Village & temporary banners.
Abbey Village Care Home, 34 Wrawby Street, Brigg.

APPLICATION NUMBER PA/2016/101
Planning permission to change the use from children’s home to self-contained apartments, erection of a two storey extension with alterations to windows, doors, parking and boundary features.
13 Poplar Drive, Brigg.

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

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD IN THE BRIGG AREA

You can't currently give blood in Brigg as we don't have any sessions in the town.
However, if you have access to a car, or care to climb about the No 4 Hornsby bus, you can go to Forest Pines, Broughton, to make a possibly life-saving donation.
There are sessions coming up on Monday, February 29, from 1.45pm to 4pm, and from 5pm to 7.15pm.
For further information, visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.
Remember: Save a life - Give Blood.

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT BRIGG TRAIN SERVICES

With permission from North Lincolnshire Council, the Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines  have been allowed to place timetable and pricing guides for the Saturday-only Brigg line railway services in the Cary Lane and White Horse bus stops in Brigg.
Not everyone living in, or visiting, the town knows that you can catch a train in Brigg to Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Gainsborough, Retford and Sheffield.
These displays will help to spread the word, and hopefully drum up more custom for the train service.

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS PLAYING CATCH UP

There was no game for Briggensians FC in the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & Football League yesterday  and the Brigg lads have another blank Saturday coming up on February 20.

As the division three table shows, Briggensians have played fewer games than anyone.

    

CURRENT STANDINGS - DIVISION THREE                                  

                                           P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

THE BUTCHERS ARMS             11  11   0   0   51    3  48   33

BARNETBY UNITED RES         15   7   4   4   44   36   8   25

LIMESTONE RANGERS RES    13   7   3   3   40   23  17   24

SCOTTER UNITED RES            17   6   4   7   39   41  -2   22

A.F.C. QUEENSWAY                11   5   1   5   30   19  11   19

COLLEGE WAND RES             11   6   2   3   28   23   5   17-

BRIGGENSIANS                     10   4   2   4   22   18   4   14

CROWLE T COLTS RES          13   2   4   7   29   49 -20   10

SANTON                                   11   2   0   9   17   55 -38    6

MIDTOWN UNITED                12   1   2   9   15   48 -33    5