LEGENDARY 'LAUGHING POLICEMAN' OF BRIGG DID SO MUCH GOOD WORK IN THE TOWN

 

Whenever Brigg Blog visits the Exchange hostelry in the town centre we are reminded of a well-known senior policeman we got to know many years ago.
In the courtyard, close to the main entrance, stands a statue paying tribute to the diligent work of Sgt Robbin Triffitt, who retired in 1990.
Based at Brigg police station, he patrolled our pubs in the evenings to ensure all was well.
But it was the softly, softly approach he adopted that endeared him to customers and proprietors.
So much so that some years ago Exchange owner Joe Mullen - still in charge today - commissioned a statue to inform people of Sgt Triffitt's good work.
An accompanying plaque explains he was known locally as The Laughing Policeman and suggests he was "The last true Local Bobby."
Joe commissioned local sculptor Rex Howson "to build our own policeman, complete with lamp-post."
Brigg Blog thought it fitting to wait until late on a Saturday night to take pictures of the statue, as that was the time when Robbin would be going from pub to pub with one of his colleagues.
He would have a friendly word with each publican and look on, as closing time approached, to ensure 'drinking-up time' (10 minutes) was observed and customers left peacefully.
Today they call it 'visible policing' but in Sgt Triffitt's time it was a routine duty.
In case anyone is wondering about the significance of the lamp, these used to be situated outside police stations.
The Blue Lamp was a 1950 film that introduced George Dixon - another renowned community policeman.
Played by Jack Warner, Pc (later Sgt) Dixon went on to star in the very long-running TV series Dixon of Dock Green.
Licensing has now been passed from the police to local authorities when it comes to administering pubs and clubs.
But in Robbin's time Brigg still had a courthouse with magistrates considering whether to grant licensing applications, including late opening hours for special events.
Brewster Sessions were held annually, when a senior police officer would deliver a detailed local review of licensed premises.
These always made 'good copy' for reporters occupying the Press benches at the Wrawby Street court.
The building, including the old police station next to the courtroom, has since been converted to residential accommodation.
Modern versions of the historic Brewster Sessions would be a step in the right direction, in our view. Maybe someone in authority will make a note and consider the idea.
The Angel Suite would be an obvious venue for Brigg's, with the press and public (as before) welcome to attend.

A daylight view of the policeman sculpture at The Exchange in Brigg