BRIGG COUNCILLOR BACKS GRANT SCHEME TO HELP VICTIMS OF RECENT FLOODING

Brigg councillor Coun Carl Sherwood was involved in approving the creation of a new scheme offering financial support to those affected by recent flooding in North Lincolnshire.
Coun Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds) and Coun Neil Poole (Ridge Ward) gave the go ahead in their roles as North Lincolnshire Council cabinet members.
It was proposed that the council took action "to support impacted properties, regardless of the availability of Government funding, based upon a Flood Recovery Framework."
The following financial assistance has now been put in place:

• Community recovery grants of £500 for eligible households
• Business recovery grants of up to £2,500 for eligible businesses
• Council tax discounts
• Hardship/crisis grants for exceptional family circumstances up to £500 for eligible households.

Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, made reference to this grants scheme during Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, held in the Angel Suite.
A North Lincolnshire Council report, prepared by senior officers, explained: "A significant amount of rainfall fell across North Lincolnshire on Thursday 7th November and overnight, and again on 14th November 2019, which has resulted in instances of flooding across North Lincolnshire."
PICTURED ABOVE: High river levels on the River Ancholme in Brigg during mid-November.

CHRISTMAS PARTY IN BRIGG TONIGHT

Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, hosts its Senior Citizen's Christmas Party today (Monday, December 9). 
It starts at 4.30pm and runs until 10pm, with a buffet, entertainment from Jo Malins, a raffle and bingo.
This is a ticket-only event, the cost being £5.

HETT CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW MADE IN BRIGG

The draw for the quarter-finals of the Hett Cup was made at Brigg Town Football Club's ground. The ties, with provisional dates, are:
Brigg Town U18s v Limestone Rangers, 15/1/2020
Scotter United v Brigg Town, 22/1/2020
Broughton WMC v Ulceby FC, 29/1/2020
Brigg Town Reserves v AFC Brigg, 5/2/2020
Matches will be played at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns).
The Hett Cup raises money for local worthy causes.

BRIGG & DISTRICT HAS MANY STRIKING PERIOD PROPERTIES

Brigg and district contains many striking centuries-old buildings which have been kept in good order by successive owners.
So Brigg Blog was interested to see a recent planning application - relating to Bigby Rectory - being publicised by West Lindsey District Council. It refers to outbuildings near this listed property.
Permission is now being sought to rebuild a fire-damaged garage and for various internal and external alterations to the existing chauffeur's accommodation for use as annexe accommodation.
A statement submitted with the application says: "All aspects of the rebuilding will match the previous fire-damaged range."
The outbuildings are approximately 60m to the north-west of the main house, access to that being from Main Street along a curving drive, which sweeps through the open parkland.
The Old Rectory was built circa 1790 and originally served All Saints' Church, Bigby.
West Lindsey planners are now considering this application.
PICTURED ABOVE: The entrance to Bigby Rectory - visible in the distance.

BRIGG BLOG RAISES A FEW QUESTIONS IN PUBLIC

Brigg Blog continues to be surprised how few members of the public attend meetings of the Town Council which are always publicised in advance.
Although the vast majority of items to be discussed are expected, as they appear on the published agenda, there are notable exceptions - Questions from Members being a prime example.
This sometimes becomes a local mini-version of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons. And just like the Parliamentary sessions, ours can involve a very wide range of topics being brought into the spotlight.

Brigg Town Council's latest meeting saw long-serving Coun Penny Smith, pictured above, get to her feet to ask questions about the re-introduction of the former Stennett's market auctions and the out-of-use public toilets near the Tintab shelter.
Coun Rob Waltham, as Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, replied to both.
Unlike Parliament, where the Speaker often has to demand "Order! Order!" things are good-natured and courteous in Brigg's Angel Suite when questions are raised by members.
Item 7 at monthly Town Council meetings is Public Question Time. When that was reached at the latest meeting there were no members of the public present - except for Brigg Blog occupying the press bench.
Perhaps the next meeting will see local electors in attendance. We will publish the full agenda nearer the time.

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP: AWAY POINT FOR BRIGG TOWN BUT OTHER LOCAL SIDES SUFFER CUP DEFEATS

A very late goal earned Brigg Town Football Club an away point in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One yesterday (Saturday, December 7).
Joe Smithson was on the mark in the 90th minute as the Zebras drew 1-1 in Hull against Hall Road Rangers. Brigg are 14th in the table with six sides below them, including Hall Road.
At the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) Brigg Town Reserves beat Nettleham 3-1 yesterday in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier. Brigg are currently seventh in this 13-team competition.
At nearby Brigg Recreation Ground, Briggensians were in action in an EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District League Johnstone Insurance Nursing Cup quarter-final. However, the Brigg side went down 4-3 to The Butchers Arms - after extra time. Briggensians' scorers were Sol Hari, Andy Thirwall and Justin Walker.
Having established a good lead, Barnetby United went down 5-3 in Scunthorpe to Crosby Colts in a T.S.W. Printers Sporting Shield semi-final. Barnetby's scorers were Brendan O’Callaghan, Will Forest, Will Watson.
Barnetby United Reserves drew 1-1 at home to Ashby Bowl in Division Two. Martin Lestak scored for the second-in-the-table villagers at their Silver Street venue.

ENJOY A FREE CHRISTMAS MUSIC NIGHT IN BRIGG WITH THE DIRTY PITCHERS

Well-known local band The Dirty Pitchers are to perform a Christmas special gig in Brigg.
There will be free admission and an open invitation to attend when the boys host a festive sing-along at the Dying Gladiator's Stables Bar, off Bigby Street, on Saturday, December 21 (from 7pm).
Band members are telling locals: "Come out in your Christmas jumpers and sing along to a few Christmas tunes - and there may well be a few Britpop anthems thrown in, too."
Britpop legends Oasis famously covered Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody - so perhaps this will feature on the night.
The Dirty Pitchers have had a busy 2019, playing gigs across northern Lincolnshire.
They appeared at the Gladiator over the August bank holiday weekend and have also played Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns, the Exchange and the Servicemen's Club, plus venues in Barton and Scunthorpe.
In early September they performed at TV presenter Guy Martin's 'local' - the Marrowbone & Cleaver, Kirmington.
As a youngster living in the village, Guy was a pupil at Vale of Ancholme School, Brigg - now The Vale Academy.
PICTURED: Happy hour...The Pitchers, wearing suitably festive jumpers, last December at the Gladiator's Stables Bar with mine hosts  Eugene Irwin, left, and Rebecca Donner. This proved to be a memorable evening and the band had just finished their performance when Brigg Blog 'clocked' them in front of the bar's period timepiece.

TWO SETS OF BRIGG ROADWORKS COMING UP

If you are planning to make a Christmas shopping trip to Brigg Garden Centre by car, take note that roadworks are planned on the A1084 Bigby High Road on Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10, which are likely to mean delays.
North Lincolnshire Council will be carrying out drainage investigations on both sides of the carriageway. Temporary two-way signals will control traffic and delays are likely to result.
In addition, on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, there will be additional roadworks on behalf of O2 (UK) Limited on the same road, near the level crossing.
These will involve a lane closure, and temporary traffic lights will be in place between between 5pm on the 14th and 4pm the following day.

BUPA DENTAL CARE IN BRIGG COLLECTING TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS

Bupa Dental Care says it knows its people are passionate about caring for their communities and charities close to their hearts. This year, Bupa is dedicated to celebrating caring and asking for support from its patients, friends and colleagues.
At Bupa Dental Care in Brigg the team is collecting non-perishable food (tins, boxes, packets - nothing fresh), along with toiletries and gifts. These will be collected and placed into Christmas Hampers and packs and distributed by the Salvation Army. 
They will be given to families in need, especially those that struggle to meet the needs of their children at this time of the year and the elderly who are particularly vulnerable during the winter months.
If you would like to help the Bupa team with their collection, you can bring something to the practice at 2 Dudley Road  (near the A18 and opposite the fire station). 
Every item will be gratefully received by someone in the local area. The collection will run until December 18. 
Please ensure that food items are in date as the charity will not be able to distribute out-of-date items.
Bupa adds: "Thank you - together we can make Christmas a little more special for lots of individuals and families, for whom Christmas can sometimes feel very bleak and hard." 

BRIGG CLUB SEEKING EXPERIENCED SECRETARY

Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, is seeking an experienced club secretary. This is a part-time post - 16 hours a week - paying £8.75p an hour.
The closing date for applications is Saturday, December 14.
They must be made in writing, enclosing a full CV, and sent to The Committee at the venue, DN20 8EX.
The club will be staging a Boxing Day pool flier with prizes on the 26th, from 1pm. Entry fee applies.

BUSY DAY FOR BRIGG FOOTBALL TEAMS AND SPECTATORS

Brigg Town Football Club's Reserves have a home game at the EC Surfacing Stadium today (Saturday, December 7).
The Zebras will be entertaining Nettleham in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier (3pm KO).
Brigg first teamers will be crossing the Humber Bridge to Hull this afternoon to visit second-from-bottom Hall Road Rangers in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One.
There's more local football to watch in Brigg and district this afternoon...
At the Recreation Ground, Briggensians will be taking on The Butchers Arms in a Johnstone Insurance Nursing Cup quarter-final (1.30pm KO).
Barnetby United Reserves have a home fixture in Division Two of the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League, hosting Ashby Bowl at the Silver Street ground (2pm).
Barnetby first teamers will be in Scunthorpe to play Crosby Colts in a T.S.W. Printers Sporting Shield semi-final.

FOOD HYGIENE: EIGHT BRIGG & DISTRICT PREMISES RATED

Seven premises in Brigg and one in Scawby were recently rated for food hygiene as North Lincolnshire Council continues to make routine inspections at premises across its area.
They include two schools and a pub.
The following were all awarded Five Stars - "Very Good" - following visits by inspectors in October and November.
Hungry Fisherman, Coney Court, Brigg (takeaway & restaurant)
Beldon House, 5 Wrawby Road, Brigg (guest house)
The Garden Fish and Chip Shop, 86 Grammar School Road, Brigg (takeaway)
Live Love and Create, 23 Wrawby Street, Brigg (ceramics & crafts with cafe and gift shop)
St Mary's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy, Grammar School Road, Brigg
The Dying Gladiator, Bigby Street, Brigg (pub)
Abbey Village Ltd, Wrawby Street, Brigg (residential care facility)
Demeter House Upper School, The Grove, 38 West Street, Scawby.

YES SIR, WE CAN BOOGIE - IN BRIGG

The Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street, Brigg, is holding a 1960s, 1970s and 1980s disco night today (Saturday, December 7) from 8pm. There's an open invitation to pop in and "have a boogie" - fancy dress being optional.

BALMY BRIGG WEATHER AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES

 

Three weeks before Christmas, very mild weather gave Brigg folk a reminder of April yesterday (Friday, December 6).
The temperature reached 11C (52F) for several hours, later rising for a time to 12C - and there was even a rainbow on offer (see picture above).
A stiff breeze took a bit of the edge off the mild weather, but it hardly seems fitting to refer to this as being wind chill.
Heavy showers followed a spell of lunch-time sunshine, but in the afternoon it was still  positively balmy for early December.
Indeed, we can recall playing in a number of late April, and even early May,  matches for Brigg Town when the temperature was much lower than this!
Don't worry, though, we can expect more seasonal weather  to return in the weeks ahead. Hopefully not The Beast From the East, though; we had quite enough of that in March this year.
Our household turned off the central heating yesterday because of the mild weather. We can't have been the only ones.

Sun glinting on the Old River Ancholme near the County Bridge yesterday.

With a temperature of 11C It could be a showery day in April but the Christmas lights in front of the Buttercross tell the full story - it was actually Friday, December 6!

CHECK THE DATE OF CHRISTMAS 2019 BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET

The award-winning Brigg Farmers' Market is often described by North Lincolnshire Council, its organiser, as taking place on the fourth Saturday of each month. However, an important exception to this rule is coming up because of Christmas 2019.
The next farmers' market will be held on Saturday, December 21 and NOT on the fourth Saturday of the month (28th).
Here's a golden opportunity to buy Christmas produce - and presents for friends and family - from the many stalls set out in the Market Place. Free parking is available in Brigg on Saturdays.
Today being a Saturday with shopping in many people's minds, we thought it a good time to inform them about the date.
PICTURED: A previous December farmers' market in full swing.

D-DAY FOR BRIGG HOME IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES

With Brigg being such a popular place to live, North Lincolnshire Council continues to receive applications seeking permission for household extensions to be added to existing properties across the town.
Planners recently REFUSED to grant approval to erect a two-storey rear extension at 8 Woodbine Avenue.
Notifying the applicant of the reasons for refusal, the local planning authority said: "The proposed two-storey extension, by virtue of its height, siting and scale, would result in loss of residential amenity to the adjoining dwelling through the effects of loss of light and overshadowing to the rear-facing habitable room window and rear garden, exacerbated by the proximity of the development to the northern boundary."
Anyone refused planning permission by a local authority may choose to lodge an appeal, in which case an inspector will be appointed to consider the circumstances.
The council APPROVED another application seeking permission to insert two loft windows to the rear of 6 Albert Street - within the Brigg Conservation Area.
A council assessment report on this application concluded: "The scale and design of the proposed roof lights are considered to be acceptable in this location. They are relatively small in size, and therefore have minimal impact on the character of the property or the conservation area. As they are high in the roof and a significant distance from any neighbouring dwelling, it is considered that there will be no adverse impact on residential amenity due to overlooking."
Meanwhile, planning permission is now being REQUESTED to erect a single-storey rear extension at 9 Kennedy Close.  The council is now considering this recently-made application.
The council has also granted an application to RETAIN a conservatory to the rear of 36 Burgess Road. An assessment report prepared by council staff decided that the conservatory "does not result in loss of residential amenity to neighbouring properties through the effects of overlooking or having an overshadowing impact."
PICTURED: A bird's eye view of the Woodbine Avenue/Central Square area of Brigg by Neil Stapleton.

24-HOUR BRIGG CHARITY MARATHON NOW UNDER WAY

A continuous 24-hour charity fundraiser got under way in a Brigg bar at lunch-time today (Friday, December 6).
The Exchange Bar is raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society's Elf Day Appeal 2019.
A pool-playing marathon is now being played, plus a prize raffle and collection buckets.
Brigg Blog called in early this afternoon to take these pictures between frames.
Staff and customers are donning fancy dress in support of this worthy cause.
Pop in any time up to noon on Saturday and show your support.
If you can't make it until later in the evening or even Sunday, we are sure contributions to the collecting buckets will still be accepted.
There are pedestrian entrances to the Exchange from Bigby Street and Wrawby Street (through the brick archway and across the courtyard).
The Exchange was built in the 1760s but it's very unlikely that this historic grade two star listed building has seen attire quite like this being worn.
Three-piece suits and smoking jackets were the order of the day when it was still the Exchange gentlemen's club!

 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT COMING UP IN BRIGG

Here's a reminder about a music night coming up in Brigg next week.
The Brigg Singers Christmas Concert will be held on Monday (December 9) at Brigg Methodist Church, Barnard Avenue/Wesley Road, from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £5, including light refreshments, and are available from Grandad’s Shed, on Wrawby Street, or on the door on the night.

MILESTONE AHEAD FOR WETHERSPOON'S PUB IN BRIGG AFTER COMPANY'S 'NEW LOOK' BLUE BELL RE-OPENS IN SCUNTHORPE

It will soon be five years since Wetherspoon's re-opened the White Horse pub, on Wrawby Street, Brigg, after extensive refurbishment and considerable investment - the first pints being served to customers on January 27, 2015.
The picture above - taken by Ken Harrison of Brigg Matters magazine - shows some of the initial staff outside the premises.
Ahead of that anniversary, we expect many Brigg people to attend the forthcoming relaunch of Wetherspoon's "new look" pub in Scunthorpe town centre or to call in the run up to Christmas and the New Year.
The Blue Bell Inn, on Oswald Road (near Britannia Corner) will reopen on Tuesday, December 19, following a major redevelopment and expansion project costing £2.1 million.
Hornsby's No 4 bus service passes through this part of Scunthorpe (use the 'top of Mary Street stop'), while the quicker X4 will drop thirsty Brigg folk at the steel town's bus station - within walking distance of the Blue Bell along the High Street.
Wetherspoon's tells us that an additional 65 full- and part-time jobs have been created at the Blue Bell as a result of this work.
The hostelry, which launched in August 1999, has been closed since July 8 this year while the pub has been extended sideways to incorporate adjoining buildings.
Wetherspoon's national spokesman Eddie Gershon says the new pub extension has increased the customer area to almost double its original size, from 2,775 to 5,017 square feet, creating a new-look pub.
The beer garden has been enlarged and redesigned, with additional tables and booth seating.
The flat roof above the pub has been transformed into an accessible roof garden, with a lift installed for those customers with disabilities.
Pub manager Allan Starr said: “The Blue Bell Inn is an extremely popular pub which has been established in the town for 20 years.
“This investment highlights the company’s commitment to offering customers the best pub possible.
“This redevelopment has also provided further jobs for local people, doubling the size of the original team.
“Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers back into The Blue Bell Inn. We are confident that they will be impressed by the transformation of the building and the new facilities.”
Eddie says Brigg Blog is welcome to pop in and take some pictures on launch day.
We gather that an invitation has also been extended to the Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Coun Jonathan Evison, to attend.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS... A BRIGG TRAIN SET

We'll call this an early Christmas wish... Brigg Blog, and many others who use and support the Saturdays-only trains serving our town, are hoping for something better this weekend.
The operator only has to run six trains a week between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Brigg, Kirton Lindsey and Barnetby - three in each direction.
But staff shortages have resulted in a number of cancellations to this sparse service over recent weeks with replacement buses (and at least one taxi) used as substitutes. 
We were among the passengers affected - finding the last Saturday train of the day back to Brigg from Barnetby wasn't running.
Over recent years, some private individuals who support public transport, and particularly railways, have put a great deal of time and effort into promoting greater use of the Brigg line's Saturday passenger service.
But if people decide to take the train, they expect to travel on one - not by bus or a taxi!
PICTURED: A passenger train arriving at Brigg station on November 16 - heading for Grimsby and Cleethorpes. However, the last service that Saturday - in the opposite direction - was cancelled due to staff shortages.

EARLY CHRISTMAS DINER TRIES THE BRIGG DELI

Brigg eateries are already busy serving Christmas dinners to be enjoyed well ahead of the big day coming up on Wednesday, December 25.
One Brigg Blog follower, who had travelled a considerable distance from a neighbouring county, sampled the festive fair on offer at the Deli Diner, on Wrawby Street in late November and has kindly shared these images with us. So he must have been impressed.
Many Brigg pubs, restaurants and cafes cater for the lucrative Christmas trade, and it's been like that as long as any of us can remember.
Groups of friends and work colleagues often meet up at their eatery of choice to tuck into turkey (or vegetarian alternative) well ahead of the Big Day.
While Brigg Blog was working at the Brigg office of the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times newspaper in the early 1980s, staff had  pre-Christmas dinners in a room (upstairs?) at Dunham's bakery. We also recall visiting the historic Brocklesby Ox pub, on the other side of Bridge Street.
Meeting up with colleagues and friends for Christmas drinks in the 1980s also involved the Queen's Arms, the Nelthorpe Arms and the Ancholme Inn - no longer open to drinkers.
As late as the mid-1970s, Brigg Grammar School pupils were required to sing the Christmas carol O Come All Ye Faithful in LATIN during the final assembly, held in original 17th century schoolroom, prior to breaking up for the festive holiday. This was a very long-established feature of Christmas at the school. When pupils joined they were given a printed copy of the words in Latin and the canny ones taped it inside the back cover of the hymn book their parents had been required to buy for them when they started in the first year.  
Adeste Fideles - and best wishes to all our followers across the world for Christmas 2019.
Read more memories of Christmases past through this link...

GRIMSBY TOWN V SCUNTHORPE UNITED: WILL IRON FANS BE CALLING IN BRIGG AHEAD OF FORTHCOMING DERBY?

Can we expect many fans of Scunthorpe United to stop off in Brigg on their way from the steel town to watch the derby game at Grimsby Town, in Sky Bet League Two?
This match, which is ticket-only, will kick off at 1pm on Saturday, December 21 - two hours earlier than normal.  But that still gives Iron supporters in cars or coaches plenty of time to make a refreshment stop.
Over many years Brigg Blog has posted about fans of various Football League clubs who have stopped here for food and drink on their way to away games at Grimsby, Hull City, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United.
There has been a few incidents of trouble caused by visiting fans down the years (not Iron followers) but the vast majority have behaved themselves in Brigg while putting cash into local tills.
A quick look at the 2019/20 fixture lists for our four nearest Football League clubs demonstrates visiting fans who could choose Brigg on away days.
For example, Hull City will be hosting Stoke City on Saturday, December 7, Birmingham City on December 21 and Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day (December 26) - all having 3pm kick-offs.
League newcomers Salford City, from Manchester, will be visiting Grimsby on Wednesday, January 1 (3pm).
Next spring will see the return local derby - Scunthorpe United v Grimsby Town - on Saturday, March 7 - again with a 1pm kick-off. Will supporters of the Mariners be looking to break their journey in Brigg between 11am and noon? United's ground, formerly Glanford Park, is now known as The Sands Venue Stadium.
The pictures above and immediately below show good-spirited Aston Villa supporters outside the Woolpack and in the Market Place after visiting one of our chippies. They were heading for a game at Hull City a few years ago.

Andrew 'Sass' Markham has sent us this recent image - below - showing happy fans of The Baggies (West Bromwich Albion) who stopped off at the Black Bull in Brigg town centre before watching their team in action at Hull, having travelled up from the Midlands.

NINE PRE-CHRISTMAS EVENTS TO ENJOY IN BRIGG & DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS

For Alzheimer’s Elf Day, staff at The Exchange in Brigg town centre led by manager Mark Burns (pictured), and some of the regular customers, have offered to dress up as elves for the full day on Friday (December 6) to help raise some money for this charity. 
There will also be raffles, guess the name of the teddy, how many sweets are in the jar and a 24-hour sponsored pool tournament. Pop in, take a look and consider donating to the cause.
Jess Simpson will be singing at the Black Bull, Wrawby Street, on Friday (December 6) from 8pm.  Free admission.
Acoustic trio Joie de Vie will be playing an eclectic selection of tunes from Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Mark Knopfler, together with some of their own material, during a music evening at The Steel Rooms, in Brigg town centre, on Friday, December 6 (doors open 7pm). Tickets cost £15, including food, and are available from the venue on the corner of Springs Parade and the Market Place, or call 01652 657256.

The Sutton Arms, Scawby, has music from Michelle Knight on Friday evening (December 6) as part of its Christmas Entertainment programme.
Danny Stevens will be singing songs from various decades, including the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, when he performs a gig at The Woolpack, Market Place, on Saturday (December 7) from 9pm. Free admission.
Dave Bingham will be singing blockbusting hits at the Lord Nelson, Market Place, Brigg, on Saturday night. Free admission.
Singer/songwriter Luke Todd will be performing at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club on Saturday (7th) from 8.30pm. Free admission.
What's described as a closing down sale will be held in Brigg on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to 2pm, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The venue is the Buttercross, Market Place .There will be discounted craft items, Christmas decorations and beaded angels. Obviously the Buttercross is not closing!

There will also be a Christmas Craft & Table Top Sale at Hibaldstow Village Hall on Saturday (December 7) from 10am to 2pm.

The Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street, has a couple of large cuddly toys as prizes in a Christmas raffle, together with Prosecco and a tub of chocolates. Tickets are £2 a strip - available from the bar - and the draw will take place on Monday, December 16.

BRIGG CRICKETERS TO PLAY IN BIGGER DIVISION

Brigg Town Cricket Club will be part of an important change made by the Lincolnshire County Cricket League.
Brigg remain in Division Three, but for the 2020 season this section will be much bigger.
Division Four has been discontinued with Division Three enlarged to FOURTEEN teams, playing each other once rather than on a home and away basis.
Brigg will be playing Caistor 2nds, Nettleham 2nds, Lindum 3rds (Lincoln), Haxey 2nds, Messingham 2nds, Outcasts 2nds (Crowle), East Halton, Scothern 2nds, Barton Town 2nds, Alford 2nds, Louth 3rds, Scunthorpe Town 3rds and Horncastle.
League fixtures will be formatted over the coming weeks, and Brigg will then discover which teams they will be hosting at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, and also those they will be visiting.
The formation of the bigger Division Three was agreed by clubs at the league's annual general meeting, held recently in Market Rasen.
Following a successful summer, Hibaldstow have been promoted to Division One and will be joining Broughton in the league's second tier.
Broughton 2nds have moved up a section to Division Two.
Draws for the league's three knockout competitions will be made later this year - Brigg Town being in the Supplementary Cup.
Brigg, Broughton and Hibaldstow players and officials are being given the chance to enjoy the company of a former England player.
Dermot Reeve has been confirmed as guest speaker at the league's annual dinner/awards evening to be held at Hemswell Court, near Caenby Corner, on Friday, March 27, 2020.
After retiring as a player, he became a coach, commentator and pundit.

LATEST PLANS FOR THE ALDI STORE IN BRIGG CONSIDERED BY COUNCILLORS

When retail giant Aldi submitted further plans for its new store now being built off Bridge Street, Brigg, town councillors had to turn  the clock back and use an old-fashioned method to study the details.
North Lincolnshire Council - the local planning authority - used to send printed details of local planning applications to town and parish councils across the district. However, this method - employed since the days of Glanford Borough Council in the 1970s - was discontinued and lower-tier authorities like Brigg Town Council were told they would instead have to visit the North Lincolnshire's online planning portal to view applications on the website and submit any comments prior to North Lincolnshire planners making final decisions.
However, when Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee held its latest meeting in the Angel Suite, it soon became clear that councillors and staff had been unable to access full details online relating to Aldi's application for new store signs.

Chairing the meeting, Coun Brian Parker, the Deputy Town Mayor, pictured above, said it was impossible to get the information to display.
However, ahead of the meeting, quick-thinking Town Clerk Dinah Lilley contacted North Lincolnshire Council and managed to obtain the required information. She produced print-offs, in paper form, and these were passed around the table, from councillor to councillor.
Following discussion, Aldi's application - seeking advertisement consent for a free-standing double-sided sign and three illuminated building fascia signs - brought no objections from Brigg Town Council - "providing that the free-standing sign does not impact on visibility for road or pavement users."
North Lincolnshire planners will now decide whether to grant permission to the discount retailer.
Brigg Blog also tried, and failed, to access details of Aldi's application online prior to attending the town council planning meeting.
We alerted North Lincolnshire Council's technical staff and its press office about the problem and on the morning following the Brigg meeting noted that full details of Aldi's application were showing correctly on the planning portal.
We also received a helpful email from the North Lincolnshire Council, with a hyperlink to the relevant page on the planning portal.
Generally, this online system works very efficiently - with an obvious saving to 'the public purse' in printing costs, staff time and postage at North Lincolnshire Council.
At its latest meeting, Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee was also informed that North Lincolnshire planners now wants additional information sent to them about applications.
Brigg Town Council often informs planners that it is "in support" of particular applications. However, from now on, it will be required to specify the reasons WHY support is being given.
Most applications are now decided by planning staff; only a few go before the monthly meetings of North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee, which is chaired by Brigg & Wolds' Coun Nigel Sherwood.
As a matter of policy, objections being lodged by parish or town councils lead to those applications being placed before the unitary authority's Planning Committee for councillors, rather than staff, to make final decisions.
When we used to report on Glanford Borough Council planning meetings in the early 1980s, all applications were decided by the Planning Committee, which had more than 40 members who travelled in to what's now the Hewson House office block in Brigg from as far afield as Killingholme - to consider each application in turn... printed out on very thick agendas!
However, there was a benefit to the Brigg economy. With various committee meetings being held in the morning and afternoon every Thursday, councillors (and the press) would go for lunch in Brigg town centre and, in some cases, shop in the town. The Angel Hotel gained most of this lunch-time trade, serving lunches accompanied by a pint or two.
PICTURED: An artist's impression, provided by Aldi, showing how the store will look, once building work has been completed.

BRIGG VENUES AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS PERIOD NIGHTS OUT

Licensed premises in Brigg are keen to cater for small businesses in the town seeking a suitable venue for a Christmas night out.
Brigg & District Servicemen's Club will have 1980s tribute band Scoundrel DayZ in concert on Saturday, December 21, from 8.30pm, with free admission.
"This is a great opportunity for your works Christmas party night," the club says.
With the closure of Brigg Sugar Factory, Corah's stocking factory, Spring's preserves, Layne's and Falcon Cycles, Brigg lost some of its principal employers, with many current businesses being too small to merit hosting a festive 'do' of their own for staff.
However, by taking up the Servicemen's Club offer, a number of them can do so at the same time.
We also note that the Stables Bar - behind the Dying Gladiator - is advertising its availability for Christmas get-togethers.
Those "looking for somewhere different" to hold a party, or get-together, can call the manager on 07852 413857, for 'private hire' details.
PICTURED:  A pre-Christmas 'do' being enjoyed at the Stables Bar in December 2018.
 

HETT CUP DRAW TO BE MADE IN BRIGG TONIGHT

The last first round tie in the 2019-2020 season's Hett Cup competition will be played at Brigg Town Football Club's ground tonight  -  Wednesday, December 4.
Broughton WMC will be meeting Scawby Rovers (7pm KO). Admission costs £1 (by programme) and proceeds will go to charity.
Following Wednesday's tie the quarter-final draw will be made in the Hawthorns clubhouse.
The Hett Cup was donated to local sport more than 100 years ago.

NEW BRIGG FOOD FESTIVAL NOW FIRMLY ON THE MENU FOR 2020

A new Brigg food festival - proposed for the town centre - now looks set to go ahead next year.
An officer from North Lincolnshire Council offered to attend a forthcoming meeting of Brigg Town Council to make a presentation about the benefits of having a FoodFest.
However, with town councillors already looking favourably on the project, this well-meaning offer is considered unnecessary.
North Lincolnshire Council's initial FoodFest, held recently in Crowle, proved very successful, drawing big crowds. Now the aim is to run more of them in other communities, including ours.
When Brigg Town Council considered the issue at its latest meeting, Coun Jane Kitching was keen to ensure the festival did not replicate things already offered within the town.
She noted that Crowle's featured crepes - not something that would cause conflict in Brigg - but also pizza. And a new pizza business had been established in Brigg Market Place.
Coun Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council as well as being a town councillor, said it was difficult to create "a perfect market" for all traders. But efforts would be made to avoid any conflict, while feedback would also be considered.
Brigg Blog expects the next stage to be a proposed date for the FoodFest from North Lincolnshire Council.
Crowle's was held on a Friday, from noon to 8pm, while another was held in Scunthorpe town centre on Saturday (November 30) to coincide with the Scunthorpe Christmas lights switch-on.

FREE ADMISSION TO BRIGG FESTIVAL IN THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS

The annual Brigg Festival of Trees and Wreaths is coming up at St John's Church in the town centre.
The Brigg Town Business Partnership says admission is free, with donations welcome in aid of the church fabric fund.
Pop in and take a look at an array of beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths - all sponsored by local businesses and organisations.
Opening times are as follows:
Thursday, December 12: 10am to 3pm.
Friday, December 13: 10am to 3pm.
Saturday, December 14: 10am to 3pm.
Sunday, December 15: 11am to 1pm.
Thursday, December 19: 10am to 3pm.
Friday, December 20: 10am to 3pm.
Saturday, December 21: 10am to 3pm.
Sunday, December 22: Carol service at 2pm - all welcome.
Brigg Town Council recently agreed a £200 grant to help with staging the festival.
The Nukulees Ukulele Band will be performing in the Church on Friday, December 13 at 7pm. Tickets (£5 each inclusive of light refreshments available from Brigg Tourist Information Centre).
On Saturday, December 21 the Brigg Churches Together Choir will perform Graham Kendrick’s The Gift in St John’s Church at 7pm. Admission is free with donations welcome towards the cost of the evening; however, spaces are limited, so tickets are required which can be obtained from Brigg Tourist Information Centre in the Buttercross.
There will be a Brigg Community Carol Concert on Sunday, December 22 at St John's Church, starting at 2pm. All welcome.
PICTURED: A view of Trees which featured in last year's festival at the church.

ENJOY A FREE NIGHT OUT IN BRIGG

The Brigg Amateur Social Historians group holds its latest meeting tonight (Tuesday, December 3) with a well-known local speaker.
Josie Webb's subject will be The History of The Women's Land Army.
Josie will outline the important role played by women in agriculture during the two world wars, drawing on her late mum's memories and photographs. Mum served in the Land Army during the Second World War.
Admission is free to enjoy tonight's illustrated talk at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, Coney Court, starting at 8pm. Light refreshments will be served and a raffle held.
The club - pictured above - is very close to the town's main car park - free to use in the evenings.

BRIGG INVITED TO JOIN NEW MARKET TOWNS GROUP

Brigg Town Council has declined an invitation to join a new national group promoting market towns across the UK.
The Rural Services Network is establishing a Rural/Market Towns Group to give a new 'voice' to countryside towns and some larger parishes.
The council considered the invitation during its latest meeting, with £130 mentioned as the likely cost.
Coun Rob Waltham said he did not feel the town would benefit by taking part, and it was agreed to decline the offer.
Coun Waltham went on to record his thanks to North Lincolnshire Council colleagues Couns Carl and Nigel Sherwood for their support and work during the recent flood alerts - Coun Carl being Brigg's Flood Warden.
Town Clerk Dinah Lilley gave an update on the future creation of new allotments on Woodbine Park, saying a revised site plan had now been received from North Lincolnshire Council.
During its latest meeting, the Town Council declined an offer from Lincolnshire Life magazine to feature Brigg, having heard there would be a cost involved.

BRIGG TO SCUNTHORPE BUS CHANGES START TODAY

Alterations to the Brigg to Scunthorpe No 4 bus service via Broughton are being introduced from today by Hornsbys.
From Monday, December 2 the long-established Ashby company explains: "Service 4 will divert via Timberland during the day, replacing the majority of journeys on Service 13. "Additional services will also run on Saturdays to and from Foxhills Industrial Estate due to customer requests. There are also major changes to the times on Saturdays, broadly matching those of Mondays to Fridays."
Timberland is in Bottesford, and buses from Brigg calling there will take 47 minutes to reach Scunthorpe Bus Station.
Service 4 times from Brigg remain the same, departing on the half-hour from Cary Lane (eg 7.30am, 8.30am, 9.30am).
The X4 Brigg to Scunthorpe express service (NOT visiting Broughton) is unaffected and will continue to leave Cary Lane on the hour (eg 8am, 9am, 10am).
Hornsbys has produced a helpful online guide explaining the changes and giving people an opportunity to download the amended timetable.
Visit https://hornsbytravel.co.uk and click on 'Service Alterations' at the top of the home page.

EFFORTS CONTINUE TO FIND NEW OPERATOR FOR BRIGG AUCTION

Efforts continue to get well-known weekly auctions in Brigg up and running again, North Lincolnshire Council's Leader has stressed.
Coun Rob Waltham was replying to a question raised about the future of the former Stennett's auction/market held on Station Road, which ended suddenly in June when a notice appeared at the site saying the Thursday sales had been discontinued until further notice.
Coun Penny Smith raised the issue during Brigg Town Council's latest meeting in the Angel Suite.
She said people continued to ask her about a date for these auctions re-starting. This question had even been asked during a recent visit made to the Morrisons store in Scunthorpe.
North Lincolnshire Council owns the land used by the auction/market, and Coun Waltham said efforts were continuing to find a new operator. He thought they were now looking at the new year.  "We are chasing it up all the time," he stressed.

BRIGG BLOG REFLECTS ON THE LAUNCH OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2019

With an estimated 2,000 people out and about in Brigg town centre for the Christmas lights switch on and District Lions' festive fair & market on Friday evening (November 29) there was potential for a considerable amount of litter to be generated, ranging from unsuccessful raffle tickets to fast food trays and plastic bottles.
Several years ago we recall photographing one litter bin in the Market Place which was full to overflowing BEFORE the lights even came on.
Most people are public spirited and look to utilise litter bins to dispose of their unwanted items, but clearly this can't happen if the bins are full.
So we were pleased to note the same bin being emptied about 7.30pm on Friday, along with others in the town centre (see picture below).
The following morning a town centre litter-picking session was arranged to help keep Brigg tidy.

We were in the town centre by 4.15pm on Friday, having accepted the Town Council and Town Mayor's kind invitation to attend the traditional soiree in the Angel Suite Lounge, with light refreshments.

Annie Fanny and other cast members from the Scunthorpe pantomime called in, as did the Mayor of North Lincolnshire Coun Jon Evison, and Coun Carl Sherwood, one of the Brigg & Wolds Ward representatives on North Lincolnshire Council as well as being a town councillor.
Guests were welcomed by Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall, Deputy Mayor Coun Brian Parker, Town Clerk Dinah Lilley and Assistant Town Clerk Kerry McGrath.
 

Scunthorpe panto star Annie Fannie, right, fellow cast members... and Santa.

The switch-on ceremony at 5pm, performed on the temporary stage in the Market Place, had a new feature this year - a red button (pictured above) being pressed to bring the illuminations to life.
We undertook several circuits of the town centre, from the Market Place to the Britannia Inn, over a three-hour period.
 

Among our first ports of call were Paul Keane's La Finca Spanish-themed restaurant in the Angel building (above) which was busy serving tapas as part of a Sampler Night, and the new Jerry Green Dog Rescue charity shop, on Springs Parade, which had opened its doors for the first time just a few hours earlier. 

  

The new Jerry Green Dog Rescue shop opened on Friday - ahead of the Christmas illuminations being switched on.

We spoke to Stephen Hill, the illustrator, above, who had a stall in the Angel Suite displaying some of his impressive prints of Brigg scenes;  ex-Mayor Tony Glossop, who was helping to man the family cake stall on Wrawby Street; Ken Harrison, camera in hand, of Brigg Matters magazine; and Exchange manager Mark Burns, who was helping with the pop-up eatery located in the brick archway leading through to the 18th century venue. 
 

Mark Burns at the Exchange's pop-up eatery. Note the steam rising from the trays; the tops had to be on so we could take the picture!

On the other side of Wrawby Street, Deli Diner proprietor Parris Watson and his staff were doing their best to cope with queues of people waiting for hot burgers and other snacks,  served outside the premises.
 

Parris Watson, left, supervising operations outside his premises on Wrawby Street.

Some people who live out of town and came to Brigg by car got their first look at the metal archways recently erected at the entrance to some of the courtyards off Wrawby Street as they made their way to and from the Old Courts Road car park.
 

Some also passed the Tree of Light, above, with many messages already attached to its branches in memory of loved ones now no longer with us.
Click here for details of how to add your card to the tree...
There were outdoor stalls stretching from the Market Place along Wrawby Street almost as far as Cross Street, and indoor ones in the Angel Suite and St John's Church Hall.
Brigg Town Council organises and funds the Christmas lights, which will stay on well into the New Year. The bulbs used are LED - consuming much less electricity than traditional types.
The Christmas tree, in the Market Place, was supplied by Scawby Estates, and the surrounding wooden safety fencing by long-established Earnshaws of Bridge Street.
 

We made a point of photographing the tree with the Buttercross in the background as this will be the 200th Christmas our landmark building has seen.
Constructed with support from the Elwes and Nelthorpe land and property-owning families, it opened in 1819 and today hosts the award-winning Brigg Tourist Information Centre on its ground floor.
The Buttercross after dark in December gives something of a Dickensian feel to this part of the town centre. However, our landmark pre-dates author Charles Dickens' famous work A Christmas Carol - not published until 1843.
Brigg in 1819 was pretty much restricted to the Market Place, Bigby Street, Elwes Street and Wrawby Street, plus adjoining courtyards and alleys, some properties on Bridge Street and the original school on what's now known as Grammar School Road.
In 1819 the County Bridge had yet to be built to replace a much earlier structure.
The Angel building was in evidence, then being a coaching inn but without its mock-Tudor frontage - a late Victorian addition.
We produced an illustrated report about Friday night's event for the Scunthorpe Telegraph's website at the weekend. View it through this link...

Youngsters enjoying Annie Fanny's on-stage performance.

Chris Smalley, centre, dispensing those ever-popular Dinky Donuts.

The new Jerry Green Dog Rescue charity shop, on Springs Parade - illuminated on the night the illuminations were switched on in Brigg town centre. Donations of items suitable for sale are being welcomed, in a very good cause.

Crowds in the Market Place, admiring the lights.

Illuminations near the landmark Buttercross, which opened in 1819.