DEATH OF FORMER BRIGG HEADTEACHER

Brigg Blog was very sorry to hear of the death of David Coulson, a former headteacher of the town's Sir John Nelthorpe School.
He was in charge  of the school from 1979 to 1990 and during his time in Brigg lived in the Bigby High Road area. 
The Briggensians' Association Facebook page highlights his pioneering work in forging links between the school and local businesses and industries.
This included the school newspaper Nelthorpe News, which was produced in conjunction with the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times and later the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
Ex-pupil Simon Church, now living in Australia, has posted this message: "Very sad news .. A much respected Headmaster and genuine, nice guy."
Others can be viewed, alongside the tribute, on the Facebook site, using this link...
David Coulson died at his home in Warwickshire and a funeral service will be held in the Midlands on Thursday, February 2.
There will be an obituary in the Scunthorpe Telegraph published on Thursday this week.

WHO WILL POLICE BRIGG REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2017 ROAD CLOSURES?

Whether Brigg receives police officers to close the town's main roads to through traffic during this November's Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying at the Monument  will be a matter for the Chief Constable.
That has been made clear by Keith Hunter, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside.
He accepted an invitation to attend Brigg Town Council's January meeting and soon stressed that his role does not include having an input into where PCs and PCSOs are deployed.
The invitation was sent to him following the police's decision last November to change a practice that had been in place for many years - sending staff along to put out the cones and close the A18, the A1084 and Bigby Street to through traffic for about an hour, either side of the wreath-laying.
Brigg Town Council, which organises the ceremony, did not receive very much notice and was left with little time in which to find volunteer marshals to shut the roads and a firm prepared to put up the necessary road signs to alert approaching drivers. 
The ceremony went ahead as usual, but it was a near thing.
Brigg councillors put their concerns, questions and views to Mr Hunter and Chief Inspector Jenny Bristow, who oversees neighbourhood policing.
Mr Hunter went into great detail to spell out what a Commissioner is required to do.
It was also suggested during the debate that road closures are a matter for North Lincolnshire Council, as the highway authority.
Following a positive comment made by Chief Insp Bristow, we can expect to see Humberside Police laying its own wreath again during the ceremony this November. This did not happen in 2016. 
It also expected that the police force's decision on whether it will provide PCs and/or PCSOs to assist with the road closures will be made known to Brigg Town Council much earlier than was the case last year.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council as well as being a town councillor, gave the meeting welcome news about the unitary authority giving assistance with future road closures for community events. Further details are expected to be made available in due course.
One question that remains unanswered about last November's Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying is why a police car arrived on Wrawby Road, resulting in many members of the public having to be moved aside to let it squeeze past on its journey towards Barnard Avenue along the A18 (see picture below).
Coun Mike Campion raised this matter during the meeting in the Angel Suite. No answer was forthcoming. Nor was a reason given to Brigg Blog when we asked the police to explain why last November.
Some police officers were near the Monument on Remembrance Sunday 2016 but they were not detailed to help with the road closures which were were managed by a specialist company assisting the town council and by volunteer helpers (see picture above).
Blog followers with views on this issue are asked to email them to scoopfisher@aol.com

Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley with Commissioner Keith Hunter in the Angel Suite where he spoke to Brigg Town Council.

The Commissioner addressing councillors. From the left, Deputy Town Clerk Alison Hannath, Chief Inspector Jenny Bristow, Mr Hunter, Deputy Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall and Town Clerk Claire Davis, nearest the Press table from where Brigg Blog took this picture.

Police near the Monument as crowds dispersed following the Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying during November 2016,

BRIGG PLANS DISCUSSED

Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee raised no objections to the following applications during its latest meeting in the Angel Suite:

• Single-storey rear extension at 45 Wrawby Street, the location of the Marmaris Pizza fast food outlet.
• Erect rear and front extensions at 28 King's Avenue
• Application for requirement for prior approval of a household extension at 33 Hawthorn Avenue
• Listed building consent to carry out alterations at 4 Manor House Convent, Bigby Street (pictured above).

North Lincolnshire Council will now make a final decision in each case.

BRIGG YOUNGSTERS TO VOTE IN 2017 YOUTH ELECTIONS

Very few young people in Brigg get involved in consultations or attend council or public meetings in our area. This is nothing new.
However, it does not help the powers-that-be know what the young folk want or think about particular topics and issues.
So Brigg Blog was very interested to receive the following from a North Lincolnshire Council spokesman... 

FROM CHRIS O'ROURKE

Voting in the 2017 Youth Elections will begin on Monday 30 January (today) with young people aged 11 to 20 in North Lincolnshire having two weeks to decide their future Young Mayor and Member of Youth Parliament.
Fifteen young people have put themselves forward for the positions – seven for Young Mayor and eight for Member of Youth Parliament – and they have been actively campaigning over the last few weeks.
During the voting fortnight, young people at schools, colleges and other settings across the area will be given the opportunity to decide who they want to represent them. 
At the last Youth Elections in 2015, 5,647 votes were cast by the young people of North Lincolnshire - the highest voting turnout since elections began in 2012.
Voting will close on 10 February before the ballots are collected and the winners announced at the count on Wednesday 15 February from 4pm to 6pm at the Civic Centre (Scunthorpe).
The outgoing Young Mayor, Kian Borg-Jackson, and Member of Youth Parliament, William McCullion, were elected to their roles in February 2015 and since then they have worked hard to represent the views of young people at a local, regional and national level.
A celebration event will be held at the Learning Development Centre on Enderby Road, Scunthorpe, on Thursday 2 February from 4pm to 6pm to highlight Kian and William’s achievements during their terms in office.
Young Mayor Kian has championed the development of the BE SMART Social Media Charter which encourages young people to be safe online. He has actively promoted the importance of being Dementia Friends and, as a Dementia Champion, he is rolling out training to his peers to raise awareness.
William was the first Member of Youth Parliament for North Lincolnshire to be invited to speak at the House of Commons Annual Debate and he has been involved in leading the collection of the votes for the annual Make Your Mark ballot, where young people can vote on the issues that matter to them.
The celebration event will also be an opportunity to meet with the candidates hoping to be Kian and William’s successors.
Full details on all 15 candidates in the 2017 Youth Elections can be found on the council’s website at www.northlincs.gov.uk/youthelections
Coun David Rose, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Learning on North Lincolnshire Council, said: “As Kian’s and William’s time in their roles comes to an end I would like to thank them for their dedication and hard work during the past year and a half. They have both worked tirelessly on behalf of all North Lincolnshire’s young people and will be a hard act to follow.
“Young people in North Lincolnshire now have the opportunity to choose who they want to represent their views and be their voice for the next two years. Don’t miss your chance to vote between 30 January and 10 February.”

NF ADDS: Brigg Town Council has a young member in its ranks - Coun Luke Sherwood, pictured above - who contributes to debates in the Angel Suite, which is  good to see. However, having checked the lists of those candidates for the post of Young Mayor of North Lincolnshire and Members of the Youth Parliament, provided by North Lincolnshire Council, there are none from Sir John Nelthorpe School (pictured above) or the Vale Academy. Our nearest  two candidates are from Huntcliff at Kirton Lindsey. However, we hope that many youngsters from the Brigg area will still vote in the elections.
We reported recently that Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley reckons  young people of the town she talks to would like to see a McDonald's restaurant or a Subway outlet established near the town centre. However, this view was not pressed home by young people during the all-day Brigg Neighbourhood Plan consultation exercise held late last year in the Buttercross.  So it had to be concluded that there was very little support for the draft option of earmarking a site for a major fast food chain. Only a handful of people supported this at the consultation.

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS LOSE UNBEATEN LEAGUE RECORD

A Brigg football team's proud unbeaten league record has finally ended.
Briggensians FC - based at Sir John Nelthorpe School - suffered defeat in their eleventh outing of the season.
Sadly, it was a whopping 10-1 reverse at the hands of leaders Shape Changers, who have now won all their nine games and  have a very healthy goal difference of +70 (Briggensians are +9 in comparison).
Briggensians' consolation goal yesterday in the T.S.W. Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League third division tussle  came from Stuart Briscoe.
On the mark for the visitors were Jack Crofton (4), Aaron Finnis (3), Chris Rodgers, Jack Finnis and the aptly-named Joe Winn.
It would be premature to say this result ends Briggensians' title hopes, but it has dented them considerably.
Another worry for the Brigg lads was the handsome 7-1 win achieved by third-placed A.F.C. Queensway against lowly Santon yesterday.
That means Briggensians and Queensway are  level on points but the Scunthorpe side has a game in hand.
So this coming Saturday's clash between Briggensians and Queensway will have a real say in the hunt for promotion.
The match at SJN on February 4 kicks-off at 2pm.
Yesterday also saw defeat for Barnetby United's first teamers.
They lost 4-1 when hosting Brumby at the village's Silver Street ground in an E C Surfacing Ltd Sporting Shield Semi-Final.
Cameron Hill netted his 16th goal of the season for Barnetby, but Tom Wilson (3) and Daniel Rickets earned the Scunthorpe team a place in the final against College Wanderers, who yesterday saw off Epworth Town 2-1.
Saturday, February 4 will see Barnetby United Reserves returning to action in division three.
Fourth-placed Barnetby visit third-from-bottom Epworth Town Colts Blues.

TOP OF DIVISION THREE - CURRENT STANDINGS

Shape Changers: Played 9, Points 27

Briggensians: Played 11, Points 24

AFC Queensway: Played 10, Points 24

Barnetby United Res: Played 10, Points 19

WHY BRIGG TOWN CENTRE ADDITION APPEARED & DISAPPEARED

North Lincolnshire Council has explained why a thick white line painted on the pavement near the entrance to the Tourist Information Centre in the town centre was quickly removed.
Red and white cones were in place for some days outside the Buttercross while this was taking place. So Brigg Blog sought clarification.
A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council, which is the highway authority and owner of the Buttercross, said: "The step had been identified as a potential trip hazard so a white line was due to be painted along the edge, similar to the one painted on the deep kerb at the Wrawby Street/Queen Street junction. 
"However, when it was painted, due to the foggy and generally wet weather, it took longer than expected to dry and some pedestrians ignored adjacent signs and walked through the wet paint.
"We got the graffiti removal team down to clear off the paint from the step and surrounding pavement and will look again at painting the step in future when the weather improves."
The Buttercross - once visited by Lady Diana, The Princess of Wales - is a grade two listed building which is almost 200 years old and within the Conservation Area.

RAIL BOSS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRIGG TRAIN SERVICE TO TAKE ON NEW ROLE

Alex Hynes - the railway boss responsible for the passenger train services operating through Brigg - is moving to a new post elsewhere in the UK.
The current managing director of Arriva Rail North is to take charge of a large operation north of the border later this year.
Brigg rail line campaigner Paul Johnson reckons Alex is the first managing director to visit Brigg station, which only sees passenger trains on Saturdays. And Paul, of the Friends of the Brigg Line, has provided this picture of the MD to make his point.
We wish Alex well in his new role.
Read the full story through this link...

LINCS & NOTTS AIR AMBULANCE HAS BUSIEST YEAR TO DATE & BRIGG HELPS WITH FUNDRAISING

A good deal of fundraising goes on in the Brigg area for the Air Ambulance which can be called to life-threatening emergencies.
Brigg Blog has given coverage to cheque presentations at which Trevor Cherry, from Scawby Brook, has presided for this very worthy charity.
Our messsage is: Please give generously to the cause. It could be you or friends and family may one day need to assistance of the Air Ambulance.

FROM MARIE WILLIAMSON, MEDIA & PR OFFICER

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, which responds to life-threatening emergency calls across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, undertook 1,009 missions during 2016 – 95 more than the previous year.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service responds to some of the most serious incidents across the two counties including road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests, farming, industrial & agricultural incidents, sporting & horse riding accidents and many more. The service treats both adults and children. 
 The infamous yellow Ambucopter can reach any corner of the two counties in less than 20 minutes and our highly skilled team of Doctors and Paramedics deliver the same level of care that you would expect from a hospital emergency department. We also have a Rapid Response Vehicle enabling us to respond to far more emergencies than ever before – something that is reflected in the number of missions undertaken last year.
CEO Karen Jobling, said: “Every week I hear inspiring, heart-warming of people whose lives we have saved.  One such person is Michael Govier, who recently came to visit the charity and crew to share his story. “

July 29, 2016, was a day like any other for Michael Govier. It was 4.30pm and he had just finished work as a water sports instructor and was about to cycle home to Bracebridge, Lincoln, where his partner Melissa Hearn and their 13-month old son Evelyn were waiting for him. It was a short journey that he had made many times before. Although it was a summer’s day, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and during the short ride home along Newark Road, towards the Doddington Road junction it had started to rain.
Michael explains: “I thought about stopping and putting my waterproof trousers on, but I glanced at my watch and was making good time. I was going to be home soon so I decided that rather than spend time stopping and putting on my waterproof trousers I would just carry on.” That was the last thing he remembered before waking up two days later in Queen’s Medical Centre. Nottingham. Unknown to Michael he has been in the wrong place at the wrong time and had been hit by a car. His head had taken the force of the impact when he collided with the car’s windshield before ricocheting off. 
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance was dispatched. Paramedic Roger Linnell and Dr Simon Topham jumped into the team’s Rapid Response vehicle and went on ahead while Pilot Paul Smith and Paramedic Jane Pattison followed in the helicopter. Roger explained: “When Simon and I arrived, the helicopter had already landed. We got to Michael at the same time. It was obvious he was in a bad way. He had a serious head injury, you could see the swelling getting bigger as we looked at it. Dr Topham to put Michael into a medically induced coma which allowed us to administer drugs to stop the swelling on his brain, take over his breathing and administer pain relief.”
While the crew was battling to save Michael’s life, the rain was beating down on them. They had moved Michael to a nearby driveway partially sheltered by trees and bystanders and police officers were attempting to hold tarpaulins over the crew while they worked.  Due to the severity of Michael’s injuries he needed to be taken to Queen’s Medical Centre urgently where a full medical team would be on hand. The weather meant that the helicopter could not make the journey so Roger and Dr Topham travelled with Michael in the land ambulance as Jane followed in a car behind.
Miraculously, Michael was in ICU for just two days followed by 5 days on a specialist trauma and neurology ward. He was able to leave hospital less than a week after the collision. He explained: “Most of that day is now a blank, I have no idea what happened after I checked my watch. I was told that I was very seriously injured, but all I remember is waking up in hospital and being very annoyed that they had cut off my jacket and rucksack. One of my first question was to ask if my bike was OK. I still suffer really bad headaches from my head injury and had some fantastic bruising over my body. Without the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance I really believe I would not be here now to see my son grow up.”
Just five months after the accident, although the physical scars have healed, mentally Michael is still coming to terms with the accident and is only now starting to be able to piece together what happened, thanks to people like the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance crew who treated him. Talking to the crew has helped Michael to better understand what happened and help his recovery. He still has a long way to go, but is determined to make it.

Karen added: “This remarkable story is one of many that we hear. As we are a Charity these stories are only possible thanks to the support of the people in Lincs & Notts who help us raise a significant amount of money every year to ensure the Ambucopter remains operational and saving lives every day. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of these people.”
Throughout 2017 the Charity will need to raise £2.5million. The year is already set to be an exciting time for the Charity as it prepares to take delivery of its new AgustaWestland 169 aircraft – something only possible thanks to the continued support of the people of Lincs & Notts since 1994.
To find out more about this essential life-saving charity or to donate, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk

WHERE TO GET BRIGG BUTTIES ON SUNDAYS

We've seen an interesting social media message from Dunhams Bakery, on Bridge Street, Brigg.
It informs people that the shop is open  "this Sunday and for the rest of the year."
Items on offer include bacon and sausage butties - £1 each.
You can usually expect to find a parking space free in Bridge Street on a Sunday.

BRIGG HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CEREMONY OPEN TO ALL

Brigg will be holding a Holocaust Memorial Ceremony tomorrow (Sunday, January 29).
This is open to everyone and those attending are asked to assemble in the Courtyard Cafe on the ground floor of the Angel building, near the Market Place, by 4pm.
The ceremony will start at 4.15pm.
Brigg Town Council is also staging a Holocaust Memorial Exhibition in the Angel Suite's Rotunda near the rear car park. This closes on Monday (January 30).
Brigg has held Holocaust Memorial Ceremonies for many years. 
The picture above was taken in 2015 by Ken Harrison.

BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET TODAY

  

Don't forget that today (Saturday, January 28) sees the monthly Brigg Farmers' Market being held in the town centre, alongside the general market. 
Here's the chance to stock up on produce and goods of various types and to support our markets.
Brigg received its market charter early in the 13th century., and the farmers' market has won awards.

FORMER BRIGG CRICKETER 450 NOT OUT

A local football official with strong Brigg connections reaches a milestone today (Saturday January 28).
Former Brigg Town Cricket Club batsman Lee Fielden, who was educated at Sir John Nelthorpe School, is the joint manager of Barnetby Football Club and this afternoon's game in the village will be his 450th in charge.
Barnetby's first teamers will be taking on unbeaten TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District League first division leaders Brumby in the semi-finals of the EC Surfacing Shield  (1.30pm KO).
The match at the village's Silver Street ground is a re-run of last season's semi-final which saw Brumby run out 1-0 winners.
It's is also the third time in a row that Barnetby have reached the semi-finals, their first being as a division two side when they went down 3-1 to Swinefleet.
The other semi-final sees College Wanderers take on Epworth Town.

HISTORIC BRIGG FOOTBALL COMPETITION REACHES QUARTER-FINAL STAGE

The quarter-final draw has been made for the Hett Cup, centred on Brigg Town Football Club's the Hawthorns ground.
The teams are playing to win a really historic trophy.


HETT CUP QUARTER FINAL DRAW 2016-2017

AFC BRIGG V HIBALDSTOW
Wednesday 25th January

SCOTTER UNITED V LIMESTONE RANGERS
Wednesday 1st February

BROUGHTON WMC V BARNETBY UNITED
Wednesday 8th February

BRIGG TOWN UNDER 18s V BRIGG TOWN RES
Wednesday 15th February

All ties kick off at 7pm. Spectators welcome.
The Hawthorns clubhouse bar can be used after each tie, if you are going along to watch and fancy some refreshment.

ENJOY BRIGG GARDENERS' MEETING

FROM JILL DAWSON, SECRETARY

Brigg & District Gardening Club's first meeting of 2017 will take place on Thursday 2nd February at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Brigg.
The speaker will be Radio Humberside's Doug Stewart and the topic will be Gardens in the Lake District.
2017 membership is now due at a cost of £5.  New members are welcome.  Guests - £2 per visit.
For more information contact the secretary, Mrs Jill Dawson, on 07545781013.

LINCSQUAD BRIGG EVENT DATES FOR 2017

Each year's major Lincolnshire Quadrathlon Club (Lincsquad) sporting events generate plenty of spectator interest in Brigg.
Here are the dates and details of those to be held during 2017:
Sunday,  April 2: The Paul Kirk Memorial North Lincs CycloSportive, organised by Lincsquad with profits going to Lindsey Lodge Hospice and the Air Ambulance Trust 
Read full details through this link...

Sunday, May 28: The Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon: 1.5k River Ancholme swim, 7k kayak, 36k cycling, 10k run. Again sponsored by Brigg company Keyo.
Read full details through this link...

Sunday, September 24: Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon: 16 lengths of the Ancholme Leisure Centre swimming pool, 20k cycling, 5k road run.
Read full details through this link...

Lincsquad recently made a generous donation to the  Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
A cheque for £2,497.26 was received on behalf of the life-saving service by Trevor Cherry, who lives near Brigg.
The presentation was made at the club's annual general meeting at Arties Mill, Castlethorpe, the money being raised from two events - the Paul Kirk Sportive and the Christian Brown Ride.

'BRIEF ENCOUNTERS' IN BRIGG

Remember the film Brief Encounters, which had a key scene about meeting up on a railway station? 
People are now regularly visiting Brigg station to meet friends getting off Saturday-only trains.
This is revealed in the latest report from the Brigg Line Group, which also reports how football fans boosted passenger numbers on Saturday by using one of the Brigg line trains.
Read the full report through this link...
The Lancashire railway station used for the 1945 film Brief Encounters boasted a fine range of buildings. Sadly, those on the platforms in Brigg were removed long ago. But we do still have a station on the national passenger train network - if only one day a week.

PLAY EQUIPMENT FOR BRIGG PLAY AREA

The range of equipment to be installed at a Brigg playground has been revealed by North Lincolnshire Council.
Among items earmarked for the Donkey Park - between Almond Grove and Atherton Way -  which is  being refurbished are: Rubber stepping posts, a four-seat spring see-saw, Ludic wagon, jeep, talk tubes and a Diabolo adventure multi-play unit.
The installation has been delayed but will be completed in the not too distant future by North Lincolnshire Council.
Images of some of the equipment, together with a lay-out of the new-look Donkey Park, is currently displayed on fencing at the facility (directly opposite the Lidl store car park).

'GAME ON' AT THE OLD ANGEL HOTEL IN BRIGG

We recall attending a Brigg Hockey Club annual dinner at the Angel Hotel during the 1980s during which game chips were served to accompany the main course.
This proved a talking point - certainly on our table.
Some guests thought they were crisps, which was not really surprising as the great British snack is said to have been inspired by the game chips which accompanied roast partridge, pheasant and grouse enjoyed by wealthy folk during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
The Smith company launched large-scale crisp production in the UK during 1920.
That fact is revealed in an interesting North Lincolnshire Council leaflet about the history of crisp-making in Scunthorpe, which was produced a few years ago. Someone has kindly given us a copy.
It contains much of note about Riley's Crips and Sooner Snacks, where manypeople from Brigg and district found employment.  
Brigg Men's Hockey Club used to end the season 30-or-so years ago by staging a couple of friendly matches on grass at the Recreation Ground. The players then had a shower and put on suits and ties to head down to the Angel for the annual dinner.
Next day, Saturday, many of us donned cricket whites and began a new season of summer sport, which continued until early September when we switched back to hockey.

HOW BRIGG FOLK MIGHT MAKE SOME MONEY

Brigg folk looking to clear out the clutter might be advised to think twice before they nip to the skip site near Broughton and throw away unwanted items.
Scunthorpe firm CJM Asset Management holds valuation clinics at the Angel Suite, in Brigg town centre, every Thursday. People are welcome to take along items to be looked at by an expert.
The Antiques & Valuables Clinic operates from 9am to noon.
The company holds similar sessions on Friday mornings at its HQ on Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe.
This is on the Queensway industrial estate, near Ashby Ville.
You can get the No 4 Hornsby bus from Brigg to the stop near Morrisons and then walk the relatively short distance to Dunlop Way.
We once advised someone in Brigg to take a few old sporting medals along to one of the sessions held in the Brigg and they eventually sold at auction for a few hundred quid.
Find out more about CJM at www.cjmasset.com

TICKETS NOW ON SALE IN BRIGG FOR MUSIC HALL EVENT

Brigg music-lovers can enjoy an event next month for which tickets are now on sale in the town.
North Lincolnshire Music & Drama Festival Society members are inviting locals to join them at Wrawby Village Hall for An Evening of Old Time Music Hall Entertainment.
This will take place on Friday, February 10, starting at 7.30pm.
"Bring your own drinks and glasses - nibbles will be provided," say the organisers. "Period dress is optional."
The show is being presen ted by the Scunthorpe Little Theatre Club.
Tickets are now available by contacting Mrs M Knaggs in Brigg. Call 01652 651242.

BRIGG PLAY PARK REFURB LATEST

These recently taken pictures show the current stay of play down at the Donkey Park play area in Brigg.
Regular Brigg Blog followers will recall that North Lincolnshire Council reported delays in the refurbishment, relating to drainage.
Council notices - still pinned to the metal fencing - say work starting during October 2016 was expected to be completed during November.
However, as this picture shows, there's still a good deal left to be done.
Hopefully, by the time spring and the warmer weather arrives, local children will be able to enjoy the new equipment provided for them.
The park is near the Lidl store, between Atherton Way and Almond Grove.
If you are wondering about the name, it's historic. There used to be donkeys kept in this part of the town decades ago - long before the A18 was re-routed along Barnard Avenue.
The Donkey Field was then a rather quiet location on the edge of the Newlands housing estate.

PRIME BRIGG TOWN CENTRE PROPERTY ON THE MARKET

A prime property in Brigg town centre is on the "to let" market.
PPH Commercial is advertising what it describes as an attractive grade two listed office property with two floors and a basement.
It's located alongside the A18 next to the former Vines Restaurant and the Cups & Cones ice cream parlour, and directly opposite the old police station and courthouse.
View full details and the leasehold price through this link..

BRIGG POTHOLES & STREET LIGHTS - MIND HOW YOU GO

 

Having been told that one driver was making a point of avoiding a Brigg street because of a range of potholes, Brigg Blog took a walk on Saturday afternoon with the intention of taking  pictures to highlight the issue reported.
However, it appears North Lincolnshire Council, the highway authority, had beaten us to it. For half-a-dozen holes on King's Avenue had been filled in with tarmacadam by the time we got to the scene, which is good news for motorists.
A walk round the corner into Yarborough Road showed a couple of others still awaiting attention. And there's also a street light "out" halfway down St Helen's Road, which has been like that for some time.
Putting things into perspective, the council has hundreds of roads and thousands of lights to monitor in an area from Haxey across to Killingholme and from Redbourne up to Barton.
But to members of the public it's only their little patch that seems to matter. NIMBY-ism, we think they call it ("not in my back yard").
Brigg Blog is confident someone will be sent out to sort the couple of potholes pictured here and attend to the street light in this very, very small corner of North Lincs.

Yarborough Road, close to the junction with St Helen's Road, Brigg.

BRIGG NEEDS A McDONALD's OR SUBWAY SAYS TOWN MAYOR

The first citizen of Brigg wants to see a branch of fast food giants McDonald's or Subway established in the town.
Coun Ann Eardley, the Town Mayor of Brigg, has revealed  what could be likened to a New Year's Resolution.
She wants the old, disused former vehicle repair shed (pictured below), between the Tesco and B&M stores, knocked down. And in its place she would like to see a top fast food outlet.

Coun Eardley suggests it's what the young people of Brigg want.
Identifying a site for a major food firm's franchise was among the options put forward as a consultation held in the Buttercross late last year.
Only a handful of people pledged support for the food outlet to be included in the Brigg Neighbourhood Plan, outlining how the town should develop in decades to come.
But did many young folk accept the open invitation to attend the consultation?

Coun Ann Eardley, the current Brigg Town Mayor

DATE REVEALED FOR BRIGG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON & FAIR 2017

Various items of interest to the general public will be discussed at Brigg Town Council's monthly meeting tonight (Monday, January 23) in the Angel Suite, starting at 7.15pm.
Verbal reports will be given about:

• The enhanced bulb planting scheme for 2017
• The Christmas Lights Installation 2016
• The 2017 festive lights switch-on to be held on Friday, December 1, in conjunction with Brigg District Lions' festive fair and accompanied by late night opening by town centre shops. Make a note of the date of what will be Brigg's top-attended community event of 2017.

Tonight's meeting will also receive an update on the lease of the Millennium Green, off Elwes Street. 
Keith Hunter, Humberside's Police & Crime Commissioner, will be there to answer Brigg councillors' questions.
Members of the public are welcome to attend tonight's meeting, when the Town Council will also be agreeing its budget for the 2017/8 financial year.
Please note that entry to the Angel Suite at night is through the Rotunda building at the back, adjoining the car park.

NEW MOBILE PHONE EQUIPMENT PLANNED IN BRIGG

New telecommunications equipment is planned in Brigg.
The proposed 4G ("fourth generation") equipment is to be sited at Midgley Transport, Island Carr Road, off Bridge Street.
North Lincolnshire Council, the local planning authority, has been informed.
It has received an application "for prior notification of proposed development for the installation of a replacement telecommunications mast and associated works."
A helpful supporting document explains the requirement to apply to the local planning authority for "a determination as to whether the prior approval of the council will be required regarding the siting and appearance of the development."
Planners have also been told: "The proposed site has been carefully selected in a position that benefits from some screening effects so as to provide the required new coverage to the area whilst minimising visual intrusion for residential properties which are located further afield." 
The monopole style design has been specified in order to allow the proposal to merge with the numerous street lighting columns distributed around the vicinity of the site." 
The steel "monopole" will be 20m high with a frame for six antenna.
The proposed installation is an EE LTD & H3G LTE monopole which will house both Orange 
and T-Mobile.
North Lincolnshire Council says it will accept any comments on the proposal until February 10.

VISITOR ACCOMMODATION IN BRIGG AREA TO BE PART OF NEW ACCREDITATION SCHEME

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council has teamed up with Visit England to launch Quality North Lincolnshire in February 2017; an assessment scheme that will improve standards of visitor accommodation and highlight quality accommodation.
Quality North Lincolnshire will focus on ensuring the minimum legal standards for providing visitor accommodation are met and that the accommodation is legal, safe and clean.
It is recognised that national quality schemes are not always right for every business. These are currently the only assurances available when promoting visitor accommodation.
Due to falling numbers of providers joining national schemes, the alternative local assessment initiative, ‘Quality North Lincolnshire’ has been developed and will sit alongside and compliment the full star rated scheme.
Popular review websites such as TripAdvisor are a great source for potential visitors but they are subjective and only offer reviews on customer experiences. They do not consider legal standards and assurances on customer safety.
Through Quality North Lincolnshire, annual assessments will take place by the council’s Tourism Team. The team has undergone extensive Visit England training to become accredited assessors. It will not include the more in depth assessment visits – this is only a necessity for star rated schemes.
The assessments will be available at much more affordable rates to the national alternatives, yet still offer many benefits to the business and potential customers.
All visitor accommodation in North Lincolnshire will be contacted and offered the chance to join Quality North Lincolnshire; it is not a requirement.
For further information on the scheme and its benefits, please contact the Tourism Team on 01724 297774 or 01652 657053 and by email at tourism@northlincs.gov.uk
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “We are committed to improving the quality of visitor experiences in North Lincolnshire. We want our visitors to be able to choose accommodation with ease, be fully informed and look forward to a warm welcome in accommodation that meets their needs. This scheme will enable us to be confident in the accommodation we promote, as well as give customers confidence in their accommodation choice.
“With an expected increase in visitors to the region for Hull City of Culture 2017 there is no better time for us to be doing all we can to support accommodation providers in North Lincolnshire and promoting the quality accommodation we have just a short drive down the road from Hull.”

How will Quality North Lincolnshire work?
The Tourism Team accredited assessors will inspect the property and score it against a checklist of essential criteria. Upon meeting the criteria, they will be awarded the Quality North Lincolnshire accreditation. They will be issued with a certificate and a Quality North Lincolnshire logo to display in their window.
If any accommodation does not meet the essential criteria, the team will work with them to achieve the accreditation.

3 BRIGG PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED

Three planning applications will be considered by councillors during a meeting in Brigg tomorrow (Monday, January 23).
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee will be looking at them when it convenes in the Angel Suite at 6.45pm.

• Application to erect rear and front extensions at 28 King's Avenue
• Application for requirement for prior approval of a household extension at 33 Hawthorn Avenue
• Listed building consent to carry out alterations at 4 Manor House Convent, Bigby Street.

Members of the public can attend tonight's meeting.
Brigg's planning committee chairman is Coun Mike Storey (pictured).
Brigg Town Council may comment on applications, or make recommendations, but the final decision on whether or not to grant permission rests with North Lincolnshire Council, the local planning authority.

BRIGGENSIANS & BARNETBY FOOTBALLERS MEET IN LOCAL DERBY

A Brigg football team remains in the running for promotion following the round of fixtures played yesterday (Saturday, January 21).
Briggensians FC drew 3-3 away to Barnetby United Reserves in division three of the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League.
However, rivals Shape Changers won 7-2 against Epworth Town Colts Blues - the three points gained giving them top spot ahead of Briggensians.
Scorers in yesterday's local derby at the Silver Street ground in Barnetby were Liam Dawson, Shaun Clark, Jeffrey Dove for the villagers, and Jordan Smith, Phil Cole and Neil Gallafent for Briggensians.
There's a cracking game in prospect this coming Saturday at Sir John Nelthorpe School, where Briggensians will host Shape Changers (2pm KO).
Neither side has lost a league game this season - Briggensians having played 10 fixtures to Changers' eight.
Briggensians have won seven and drawn three, while Changers have a 100 per cent record.
Yesterday, Barnetby United's teamers, who play in division one, drew 1-1 at Scunthonians, the villagers' goal coming from Josh Isaac.
This coming Saturday, Barnetby's top side have a home fixture with high-flying Brumby at Silver Street.
This is a semi-final of the E C Surfacing Ltd Sporting Shield and will kick off at 1.30pm.
Barnetby Reserves do not have a fixture in division three on Saturday.

EXTENSION PLANNED AT BRIGG TAKEAWAY PREMISES

There are plans to add an extension to premises housing a popular Brigg takeaway.
The aim is to build a single-storey rear extension at 45 Wrawby Street, the location of the Marmaris Pizza fast food outlet.
This is situated close to Queen Street and directly opposite Wetherspoon's White Horse pub/restaurant.
45 Wrawby Street is within the Brigg town centre Conservation area.
However, a statement submitted with the application for planning permission says: "The proposals will have no affect whatsoever on any building acknowledged as being of historic or architectural importance or, indeed, the setting of any such building."
The statement adds: "In overall terms, the impact of the new extension to 45 Wrawby Street will be minimal, if any."
North Lincolnshire Council will now consider the planning application and decide whether to give the go-ahead.
The application is being made by the owner of the building, who lives locally.

TOP SINGER TO PERFORM IN BRIGG

Anna Pancaldi, the British folk-tinged singer/songwriter, who is about to release the very personal single Brother, will  be playing at The Steel Rooms arts venue in Brigg town centre on Friday, March 10.
Described as an international songstress, Anna Pancaldi is set to burst back on to the scene this spring as she releases her highly anticipated third EP Sweet Charity (released on 20th March). 
With heavyweight support from both BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2, the new EP is the third release for the London-based artist, already a veteran, with three iTunes Top Tens under her belt. 
A gripping and tremendous evolution from her first two releases, Sweet Charity is preceded by haunting new single Brother, a mesmerizingly honest performance stripped back to piano and vocal. Yet Anna's voice is unmistakable in it's depth and emotion, which draws you in, in a way few can.
Drawing inspiration from the rich lyrical honesty of Carole King, Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell and the theatrical sincerity of Judy Garland and David Bowie, Anna is an artist whose depth of emotion hits you right at your very core. With the timeless magic of the greats echoing throughout her work, Anna is an artist whose work shines brightly.
Having sold out her last three London headline shows, Anna has enjoyed success in both the UK and US, where she made her US live TV debut on CBS. She also enjoyed an extended collaboration with Levi’s, for whom she penned a song for their Lot 700 jeans collection and featured in the accompanying advert.
Her single Keep On Keeping On has been playlisted by British Airways for their Unsigned Music Awards curated playlist, meaning the song will be on every British Airways flight in 2017! 
Live performances included Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Cambridge Folk Festival as well as supporting Prides, Bryde, Seafret, Paper Aeroplanes, and most recently Jake Isaac on his European tour.
Simple and elegantly performed, Brother is a truly unforgettable piece of music, with lyrics exploring the heart-breaking reality of loss. Vocally, Anna performs way beyond her years with an emotional depth that’s destined to move hearts and minds. She is most certainly One To Watch in 2017. 
Some reviews of Anna's work....
‘Anna Pancaldi’s alluringly smooth and harmonious vocals tend to stop people in their tracks’ – Gigslutz
‘…Arguably one of the hottest new acts out there.’ – Spindle
‘The sweet, soulful voice of Anna Pancaldi shines through from the pack’ – Record of the Day
‘Really polished... She doesn't need our help, we need her’ - Dermot O'Leary, BBC Radio 2.

N.F. ADDS: The Steel Rooms, with cafe, are located on the corner of Spring's Parade and the Market Place, in Brigg town centre. Call at the venue for further information about booking tickets for this performance. 
Follow this link to view a video of one of Anna's performances...
Brigg Blog's thanks go to Jeremy Williams-Chalmers, of London-based Sonnet Music, for supplying the information. View more about Sonnet Music through this link...

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE FOR WOMEN IN BRIGG AREA

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council is urging young women aged 25 to 49 in North Lincolnshire to have a smear test after figures reveal 30 per cent are not attending.
New research reveals that young women in North Lincolnshire aged between 25 and 49 in North Lincolnshire are less likely to attend a smear test in comparison to women aged 50 to 64.
In 2015/16 in North Lincolnshire only 70 per cent of eligible young women had a smear test compared to 79 per cent of women aged 50 to 64.
Every year in the UK, over 3,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. In North Lincolnshire there are between 10 and 15 women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.  
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22 to 28 January 2017) we are urging all women, especially young women to attend their cervical smear test when invited – it could save lives.
Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer; it’s a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix (the entrance to the womb). Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for around one in 20 women the test shows some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
The research from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows that the number of women of all eligible ages having a smear test in North Lincolnshire is decreasing year-on-year. In 2014 78.2 per cent attended and in 2015 only 77.2 per cent of women attended.
The symptoms of cervical cancer aren’t always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it’s reached an advanced stage. This is why it’s very important that women attend all of their cervical screening appointments. In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex. Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period is also considered unusual. Other symptoms of cervical cancer may include pain and discomfort during sex and an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge.
To find out more about Cervical Cancer Prevention Week visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website: www.jostrust.org.uk. For more information about cervical cancer and the NHS cervical screening programme visit www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-cervix
Coun Carl Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “A surprising one in four young women are not attending their cervical screening in North Lincolnshire. This is a high percentage and we are urging women of all ages not to ignore their invite for a smear test. Even though the test isn’t for cancer, it could save lives.
“Cervical screening gives women peace of mind and could protect you against anything serious developing.
“If you haven’t had your smear test, don’t put it off any longer – get in touch with you GP as soon as possible.”
Dr Phil Kirby, Screening and Immunisation Lead, NHS England – North (Yorkshire and the Humber) said: “We understand that going for cervical smear test can be daunting but a cervical screen test takes five minutes, is painless, and if you attend each time you’re invited it provides a high degree of protection against developing cervical cancer.
“It’s actually estimated that early detection and treatment through cervical screening can prevent up to 75 per cent of cervical cancers from developing in the UK. Therefore we want to urge all women who are eligible to attend their smear when they are invited, or book one if they’ve missed their last smear test by calling their GP, and ensure they stay healthy.”