TWO BRIGG SCHOOL REUNIONS FOR EX-PUPILS COMING UP

Two school reunions planned in Brigg are coming up soon on different dates, the Briggensians' Association has kindly informed us.
The annual ladies' rounders match at Sir John Nelthorpe School - followed by a social get-together - will now take place on Wednesday, June 21 from 6.15pm.
The annual men's cricket game is to be played on a Friday night in July - the date yet to be confirmed but after this year's A-level exams are well out of the way.
The cricket match is always followed by a few beers at a town pub and a chat about school days now long gone.
Both matches had originally been set for the same night - June 9.
The Briggensians' Association represents former pupils and staff of SJN, Brigg Grammar, Brigg Girls' High and Brigg Sixth Form.
If you are an ex-pupil wishing to play, turn up on the night.
Brigg Blog will post further details when we get them.
Sir John Nelthorpe School was created in 1976 when comprehensive education was introduced in Brigg by Humberside County Council.
This saw the closure of the grammar and high schools.

CRAFT FAYRE ON OFFER IN BRIGG

Craft beers can be enjoyed in Brigg.
Now a craft fayre is to be held at the Nelthorpe Arms pub, Bridge Street, Brigg, on Saturday, June 24, from 11am to 2pm.
If you are wanting a stall or further information,  call 01652 408088.

PLATFORM TO DISCUSS BRIGG AS AN HISTORIC ANGLING VENUE

A welcome new addition to the Old River Ancholme in Brigg is this angling platform.
An Environment Agency sign on the structure calls it the Glanford Bridge Angling Platform.
The wooden  perch is near the  Ancholme Way flyover,  carrying the A18.
Brigg has been a renowned angling venue for centuries and there used to be special trains to bringing fishermen from Yorkshire towns and cities into town to enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the riverbanks.

WORLD FLAVOURS & TRADITIONAL DISHES ON THE MENU IN BRIGG

A Brigg pub has extended its meals menu with many additional dishes.
We took these pictures of appetising fare during a recent visit to the Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street.
We were then shown an extensive list of starters, grazing dishes, mains, sides & extras, burgers & wraps, grills, light bites, sweet potato stackers and sweets.
But our eye was really taken by the curry range, World Flavours.

BRIGG A-ROAD CLOSURE ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - DRIVERS TAKE NOTE

Motorists should note the closure of a major road in Brigg on two different days.
Diversions will be in place so allow extra time for your journey.
The A1084 will be closed temporarily at the Bigby Road level crossing on Monday, June 5 and again on Sunday, June 11 while new road markings are put down and remedial clearance work is carried out.
The closure periods are 9.30 to 3.30pm on Sunday and 2am to 7.30am on the Monday.
Vehicles will be diverted through Wrawby while Bigby Road is closed at the level crossing.

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL & HOUSING SCHEMES IN BRIGG SEEKING THE GO-AHEAD

Housing and industrial developments aplenty in Brigg and district are keeping council officials and planning councillors busy.
Among the latest applications to be submitted in Brigg is one for 37 Station Road -  permission being sought to erect an extension to an existing warehouse
G W Rowbottom & Sons Ltd have made the application, which is now under consideration by North Lincolnshire Council.
The first stage of the planning process sees Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee being given the opportunity to comment, if it wishes to do so.
At the latest meeting in the Angel Suite Lounge, the committee - chaired by Coun Mike Storey - considered several.
An application to erect of a detached dwelling (re-submission of application PA/2016/233) on land adjacent Treetops, 2 Nicolgate Lane, off Wrawby Road, prompted most discussion.
As a result, Brigg Town Council has told North Lincolnshire planners that it feels the building should match with the general surroundings on Wrawby Road.
The Town Council is supporting the following applications:

• Erect a dwelling house on land adjacent to Reedmere House, Elwes Street.
• Notification of proposed work to prune one apple tree within Brigg's conservation area at 2 Albert Street.
• Erect a two-storey side and rear extension at 41 St Helens Road.
• Replace units within the bay window with double-glazing and installation of a rooflight on the rear west elevation - Fanling, Albert Street.

These now progress to North Lincolnshire Council planners for final decisions to be made.
The planning authority recently approved the following in villages near Brigg:
Erect a detached dwelling and demolish existing at Pye House Farm, Gravel Pit Hill, Cadney,
Convert barns into two dwellings at Fox Farm, Cadney Road, Howsham.

TWO MEN IN A BOAT DURING THE ANCHOLME RIVER FESTIVAL IN BRIGG

Two young men in a boat on the Old River Ancholme on Saturday - a picture, we think, sums up the mood of the successful and enjoyable River Festival in Brigg at the weekend.
We took it from the ferry boat taking us from Glanford Boat Club to the jetty near the motorway flyover bridge, close to the B&M store's rear car park.
Thanks are extended to Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters Magazine for sharing some of the other pictures which follow below, to go with our own.
The batch includes a few from May's Brigg Farmers' Market, in the town centre, also held on Saturday.
MORE PICTURES STILL TO COME OF THE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL. WE'LL BE POSTING THEM LATER IN THE WEEK.

A view from the ferry on the River Ancholme which took people to and from Glanford Boat Club, on Island Carr.

AHOY THERE! Firefly was also offering boat trips along the River Ancholme in Brigg on Saturday

Family under instruction at Ancholme Rowing Club's Manley Gardens boathouse

Llew Gudgeon, of the Brigg Branch of the Royal British Legion, queueing at the ostrich burger stand on Brigg Farmers' Market.

BRIGG HOUSEHOLDS: ARE YOU SURE WHICH BINS AND RECYCLING BOXES WILL BE COLLECTED THIS WEEK & WHEN?

Some bank holidays see changes made to which bins, boxes and bags North Lincolnshire Council collects from properties and when the lorry crews tour our streets to empty them.
Today being the late May bank holiday, Brigg Blog has done a check.
The council will be collecting the following from Brigg households tomorrow, Tuesday, May 30:

• Your burgundy bin containing cardboard and plastic items for recycling;

• Your brown garden waste bin, e.g. grass cuttings and hedge clippings.

The following Tuesday, crews will be collecting general waste wheelie bins, blue waste paper boxes, green boxes filled with cans and glass bottles, plus bags of textiles.

BOOK IN BRIGG FOR GREAT FREE TRIPS WITH STEEL APPEAL

You can call in at Brigg Tourist Information Centre and book a FREE seat on one of the Saturday train trips around Scunthorpe steelworks.
That's right, you do not have to buy a ticket.
Just give your name and phone number to staff at the Buttercross and turn up on the appointed day to board the train.
You can park your car in the British Steel visitor car park, which is only a few dozen yards from the special platform, near Brigg Road, used for the Saturday afternoon excursions.
We went on the first of the 2017 season but there are others coming up on June 3 and 10 and then through to late September.
Our two-coach train was hauled by a steam loco which took us over 15 miles of track.
We skirted the ironworks and passed the steelmaking plant and the mill that rolls rails.
There was a stop at the loco depot so we could take a look round but for obvious reasons we did not leave our carriage while out on the plant.
An excellent afternoon tour. We left a tenner apiece as a donation after leaving the train.
These tours are run by volunteers from the
Appleby-Frodingham Railway Preservation Society. Ours lasted 2 hrs 30 mins.
You need to be on the platform by 1.15pm for a 1.30pm departure.
Find out more at  www.afrps.co.uk
But we stress you must book through Brigg Tourist Information.
If you do have a car available, take the No 4 Hornsby bus from Brigg. You then face a walk of a few hundred yards to the platform off Brigg Road, close to the main steelworks offices.
We hadn't been round the steelworks since 1979.
So we appreciated the expert commentary given to passengers aboard the train.

LIVE MUSIC GIG AT BRIGG PUB

More live music is coming up to enjoy in Brigg town centre.
The Dirty Something will be playing a gig at the White Hart pub, Bridge Street, on Saturday, June 10, from 9pm.
Their play list includes hits made famous by Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin  and many others.

BRIGG AREA DRIVER ALERT

Safety enforcement cameras are to target another location in the Brigg area.
Following recent visits to the A18 on Scawby Road and the A15 leading to Barnetby Top, enforcement officers will be on Ermine Street, Broughton, on Monday, June 5.
Safer Roads Humber says it uses a range of enforcement equipment to ensure that the speed limit is enforced at safety camera sites.
So be sure to obey the instruction on the road signs whenever you venture out in your vehicle.

BRIGG TOWN CRICKETERS WIN HANDSOMELY

Brigg Town Cricket Club secured a handsome nine-wicket win over Haxey 2nds yesterday in division four of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, sponsored by Readers.
Haxey elected to bat first but were dismissed for only 60, with Owen Dunderdale taking four wickets and Danny Minshall and Nick Beacock three apiece.
Brigg made short work of reaching their  moderate target, Jack Richards scoring 16, Danny Bradley 25 not out and James Wood 16 not out.
Brigg gained the maximum 20 points from this victory and are fourth in the table.
The game was played at Keelby with Brigg as yet  unable to use the town's Recreation Ground.
This coming Saturday they will entertain Old Lincolnians 2nds - this time at Hibaldstow. The game starts at 1.30pm.

BRIGG RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL & MAY BANK HOLIDAY FARMERS' MARKET PROVE POPULAR - PICTURES AND REPORT

Wow! What a great day in Brigg on Saturday with the double draw for visitors and townsfolk of the Riverside Festival and the May bank holiday farmers' market and adjoining general market, provided by North Lincolnshire Council.
There were a couple of short-lived late morning  showers but otherwise the ideal hot and sunny weather prevailed.
We walked down Bridge Street and Island Carr to Glanford Boat Club to view the snack bar, ice cream van, bouncy castle and kids' slide before taking the free boat back along the River Ancholme to the landing stage near the B&M store car park.
It was the first time in 60 years that we'd been afloat on our local river.
We met a family from Appleby who had cycled down the new riverside track- it took about an hour - and guided them to Ancholme Rowing Club's Manley Gardens HQ where rowing boat and canoe instruction were being provided by Jim Copson and his colleagues.
We then visited the very busy markets before calling in at Natalie Sankey's sweet shop, on Wrawby Street, to purchase some treats for a young family member about to pay Brigg a visit.
Due purely to the hot weather and all that walking, we felt a sudden need to quench our thirst with an early afternoon stop off at the Britannia Inn's spring beer festival.
It continues today and tomorrow, Monday.
Good ale - friendly staff.
This is not in any way a criticism but in future years perhaps a few riverside festival directional signs would help visitors who are not Brigg residents find the locations of events.
There were actually two boats serving the public.
In addition to the one we boarded from the boat club, the familiar Firefly was operating from the White Hart pub jetty near the County Bridge. It has links to Brandy Wharf.
Later in the afternoon, the wind got up and  it clouded over for a brief period but by then - like many others - we had spent up and gone home!
We congratulate the Ancholme River Trust, Glanford Boat Club Ancholme Rowing Club  and Glanford and Scunthorpe Canoe Club volunteers and the council for their efforts.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TUCK INTO FISH AND CHIPS IN BRIGG AT THE 'PLAICE' YOU PREFER

If you are among the many in Brigg who like to map out their meals for the week in advance, take note that National Fish & Chip Day 2017 will be on Friday, June 2.

Folk across the UK are being urged to tuck into a portion of this great British dish.
We are fortunate to have three places (plaices?) two of which have restaurant facilities.
The ones where you can eat in or takeaway are Scalinis, on Wrawby Street, and the Hungry Fisherman, down Coney Court.
The Garden, on Grammar School Road, is the other chippie of note.
Of course, you can find "one of each" on offer at various Brigg eateries which do not restrict themselves just to fish, including Wetherspoon's White Horse pub/restaurant.

TOP TRIO MEAN BUSINESS IN BRIGG

High-ranking officials of Brigg Town Business Partnership are pictured here at the conclusion of the recent annual meeting and cheese & wine evening in the function suite at the Buttercross.
Left to right: Co vice-chairman David Carrick, of Grandad's Shed;  chairwoman Coun Deb Dunderdale, from the Deli Diner; Coun Jane Kitching, co vice-chairwoman.
Malcolm Bailey retired as chairman at the AGM, with Coun Deb stepping up to the plate. Fitting when you consider her managerial role at one of Brigg's best-known eateries!

BRIGG BEER FESTIVAL UNDERWAY - LIVE REPORT

Don't forget that the Spring beer festival at the Britannia Inn on Wrawby Street, Brigg, is now underway.
It started last night and continues today, Sunday and bank holiday Monday.
Guest ales are Spring Otter, Roaring Meg and Ghost Ship.
We are posting live from the Brit and have tried two of them with the third about to follow shortly.
Good food on offer, too.
Pop in and take a look. Pictured above, landlady Kate Savage pulling us a pint.

KEYO BRIGG BOMBER QUADRATHLON 2017 - GO ALONG AND TAKE A LOOK TOMORROW

Brigg will see enjoy a free-to-watch  spectator event tomorrow.
The Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon 2017 will be held on Sunday, May 28.
Organised by the hard-working Lincsquad club, the event will feature a 1.5k swim, 7k in a kayak on the River Ancholme, a 36k cycle ride and a 10k run.
Local firm Keyo Agricultural Services  is again the sponsor.
Competitors will be registering at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Brook, very early in the morning.
We expect the swimming event to start after 8.30am, followed by the  kayak 7k, then the cycling, taking in Brigg, Hibaldstow and Waddingham before returning to Brigg. (The route includes Tesco roundabout and Bridge Street).
The 10k  route will run from the  Leisure Centre, along Bridge Street, Market Place, Elwes Street and Cadney Road.
Presentations will be held under the Lincsquad Starshade, near the Leisure Centre, at approximately 12.45pm.
If the weather turns bad, the honours will be done inside the centre - rather than alongside the New River Ancholme.
Popular vantage points for spectators are the bridge near the leisure centre and along Bridge Street. Get there mid-morning and see cylists and later the runners.

BRIGG FUNDRAISERS ON COURSE FOR MORE CANCER CHARITY CASH

FROM ANDREW MARKHAM

Just to update you on the activities of our little group.
Zoe (Hall) last Saturday the 22nd of May completed the "tough mudder" a very muddy and very wet 10 mile obstacle course at Belvoir castle near Grantham raising over £500 for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
As I am 60 this year I've decided to do another cycle ride though only 60 kilometres this time, Lesley (Whitehand) will be joining me along the Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire a beautiful ride along the Calder Valley.
The ride will take place on Saturday the 15th of July.
I have set up a Just Giving page on
www.justgiving/fundraising/andrewMARKHAM4
We will also be collecting along the way and talking to  people about this nasty disease.
We will also be doing an awareness day on Brigg Farmers' Market - hopefully in July and in the Foundry in Scunthorpe soon.
There will be other details later.
Andrew and Zoe are pictured above on their awareness stall in Brigg Market Place.

BIG TURNOUT FOR BRIGG HANDOVER

This picture shows a sizeable turnout by the general public at the annual meeting of Brigg Town Council in the Angel Suite.
We took the picture from the Press table.  You can see councillors in the foreground and members of the public occupying rows of seats set out beyond.
Only a handful of people usually visit the public gallery during monthly meetings of the council.
But this was different; one Town Mayor was retiring and a new one taking her place. Cheques to charities were also being handed over, with representatives present.
Friends and family members supported Coun Eardley and Coun Riggall - respective first citizens for 2016/17 and 2017/18.
Angel Suite manager Karen Deeley served tasty refreshments. And they were much appreciated.
Coun Eardley, during her final minutes as Mayor, presented 'thank you' gifts to people who helped and supported her while in office, including our friend Ken, the Brigg Matters Magazine photographer who found himself infront of the camera for a change.
There were a good many gifts bestowed and we've included just a selection here, together with shots of some of the 'main players' on the night and the social get-together that followed.
Earlier, in the annual meeting, Coun Mike Campion had called for better support of civic events during the year.
He made particular reference to the annual civic dinner, suggesting that more councillors should attend.
Brigg Blog hopes that when the next dinner comes around in March 2018, steps will be taken to ensure the council function is not on the same night as the annual dinner of the Briggensians' Association.
These always seem to clash, meaning that Brigg folk who would like to attend both cannot do so.

Coun Eardley thanking Ken Harrison for catching the highlights of her mayoral year on camera

Thanking the Mayor's Chaplain, Father Owain Mitchell, Vicar of Brigg

Flowers for Alison Hannath, Acting Town Clerk of Brigg

Coun Eardley installs Coun Sharon Riggall as Brigg Town Mayor for the next 12 months

New Town Mayor Coun Riggall and Deputy Town Mayor Coun Donald Campbell with their chains of office

BRIGG BEER FESTIVAL NOW OPEN

A Marston's beer festival is being staged in Brigg over the May bank holiday.
The Spring's Brewing Guest Ale Festival is  at the Britannia Inn on Wrawby Street from tonight, Friday,  through to Monday, May 29.
Watch out for Spring Otter, Adnams Ghost Ship and Springhead's Roaring Meg.
The latter is known to real ale fans as The Big Blonde and has a 5.5 per cent strength rating. Otter is 4.0 and Ghost 4.5.

DOUBLE DRAW IN BRIGG TO ATTRACT TRAIN TRAVELLERS FROM NOTTS & LINCS

The latest report on Paul Johnson's Brigg Line Blog showcases the rising number of people from North Notts and other parts of Lincolnshire who are using the passenger train service calling at our railway station on Saturday.

Publicity and spreading the word about what Brigg can offer visitors are key factors.
We expect the double draw of the Farmers' Market and the Riverside Festival tomorrow to generate an influx of visitors by train. Especially if the hot and sunny weather holds.

View the full Brigg Line Blog here..

FAMILIES IN BRIGG AREA CAN ENJOY GREAT DAY OUT WITH FREE ADMISSION

Many people in the Brigg area will be interested in the forthcoming Wrawby Mill Family Fun Day.
There will be FREE admission to the event on Sunday, June 25, from 11am to 5pm.
The mill is located just off the A18 (Melton Road).
Attractions at the fun day will include children's games, vintage tractors, stationary steam engines, stalls, a barbecue, raffle and tombola.
It's billed as a great day out for the family.

BRIGG RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL AND FARMERS' MARKET TO ENJOY TOMORROW

Brigg will see big May bank holiday weekend crowds tomorrow (Saturday, May 27).
The town centre's monthly farmers' market and adjoining general market will offer produce and much more to eager shoppers from 9am.
In addition, fun for all the family will be on offer at the Ancholme River Festival.
Visit the Market Place from 10am to view what's on offer at various locations.
Among those involved with the festival are the Ancholme River Trust, Glanford Boat Club and Ancholme Rowing Club.
People can try canoeing, fishing, cycling and other events.
But the highlight for many will be a rare opportunity to take a boat ride on the River Ancholme.
A jetty has recently been constructed near the car park behind the B&M store.
This can be reached by using the riverside towpath/Ancholme Valley Way path.
A craft will take people to Glanford Boat Club, on Island Carr, where there's a fun weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Attractions include dodgems, bouncy castle, runaway train and slide. Plus refreshments.
The Ancholme River Trust informs Saturday visitors to Brigg that the festival is free and so is the car parking!
Here's hoping for hot weather and a big turn-out for the festival and the market.

PARENTS IN BRIGG AREA: TIME TO BOOK SWIMMING LESSONS FOR YOUR CHILD

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Book your child’s place on pre-school swimming lessons at The Pods, Ancholme Leisure Centre near Brigg or Baysgarth Leisure Centre at Barton.
The pre-school swimming sessions are designed for children aged three and four to prepare them for structured swimming lessons.
The lessons will cover basic swimming strokes and development of water confidence, in a fun and enjoyable environment.
Lessons are available on a first come first serve basis. They can be paid via direct debit at £18.10 a month or in 10 week blocks for £45.
Your child will be able to swim for free during casual swim times at the leisure centres and discount will be available for siblings when paying by direct debit.
If you would like to book your child on the pre-school swimming lessons or would like more information, email swimlincs@northlincs.gov.uk with your child’s name and your contact details.
Payment is required at the time of booking a place.
A North Lincolnshire Council spokesperson, said: “Learning to swim at an early age is a really important life skill and our Swimlincs to learn to swim programme will ensure children become confident and safe in the water.
“The pre-school swimming sessions help children get prepared for structured swimming lessons and make sure they have to necessary skills.
“Places are limited on the sessions, so make sure you book your child' place.

BRIGG TOWN MAYOR RAISES £5,000+ FOR CHARITIES

A very impressive £5,000+ was raised for worthy causes by Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley during her 12 months in office.
On her final day as first citizen she announced her appeal fund's grand total, thanked those who helped collect donations and presented cheques to the beneficiaries.
The total raised came to £5,046.
Cheques for £1,680 went to the local LIVES first responders, the Air Ambulance - SEE PICTURE ABOVE OF THE MAYOR WITH TREVOR CHERRY - and the Royal Artillery Association, SEE PICTURE BELOW - a charity supporting Forces' veterans and their families.
Coun Eardley thanked the general public for supporting her appeal, which included tombolas on a stand in the town centre.

In her final address as Town Mayor she told the Town Council's annual meeting that she had been proud to undertake the role and represent the authority at many events and functions.
She had some lovely memories of her 12 months in office.
Looking to the future she anticipated a new store being built in Brigg by Aldi later this year.
She also expressed a wish that a National Lottery funding application would be submitted to provide Brigg Horse Fair sculptures.
Representatives of the three worthy causes thanked Coun Eardley after being presented with the cheques.
The money will be put to good use.

The presentation to LIVES