TESCO STEPS UP IMPROVEMENTS TO HELP BRIGG SHOPPERS

There has been a welcome addition to the Tesco store in Brigg - 20 years after it opened - which will benefit many customers.
Steps, with a handrail, have been added between Cary Lane and the side of the store.
Hundreds of customers have been taking a shortcut across an adjoining grassy area, rather than stay on the footpath alongside the store's perimeter and then use the paved path at the edge of the car park to reach the entrance.
The distance customers have to walk has now been reduced and the grassed area will benefit from greatly reduced footfall.
Perhaps the store will consider adding some flowers at this spot, in due course.
Tesco's slogan Every Little Helps could be applied, although the improvement in this case is considerable rather than small.
When someone told Brigg Blog that steps were being added near Cary Lane, we visualised the shortcut through shrubbery on the other side of the store (see the fourth picture below).
It's still there but should see declining use now the steps have been added nearby.
That's a good thing as the inclined and unofficial route through the shrubs is far from ideal, with a wooden bar to negotiate on a slope.
Brigg Blog's pictures, taken yesterday (Monday), show the new steps, the shortcut across the grassy area and the unofficial route through the shrubbery on the other side of the store.

The long-used shortcut across the grass used by many Tesco shoppers.

The shortcut on the right with the new steps in the distance on the left.

The pavement just beyond the Tesco store boundary with the shortcut on the right.

Not recommended - this shortcut from Cary Lane to Tesco's car park.

BIG CROWD IN BRIGG TAKES A BUTCHERS AT CUP FINAL

A sizeable crowd of 130 spectators watched a cup final hosted by Brigg Town Football Club at The Hawthorns which was sponsored by a Brigg company.
The EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District League Challenge Cup showpiece proved to be a very, very close encounter.
The Butchers Arms v Scotter United encounter ended 0-0 after extra time, with The Butchers winning 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out which followed the 120-minute stalemate.
It was third time lucky for The Butchers Arms, having already lost in a couple of cup finals this season.
League official Lee Fielden from Barnetby - representing the sponsoring company EC Surfacing of Brigg - presented the trophy to winning team captain Ben Gearing (see picture above) on Thursday, April 25.
Below we see The Butchers Arms celebrating their success on the field at The Hawthorns.
Brigg Blog's thanks go to Paul Birkitt, fixture secretary of the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League, for supplying these images.

REPEAT PERFORMANCE PLANNED AT BRIGG PUB

A Brigg event - the first of its kind to be held in the town - proved so successful that a repeat has been arranged.
Local landlord Shane Garrett hosted the initial LGBTQ Night at his Britannia Inn, Wrawby Street, on Sunday April 21 (pictured above).
The abbreviation stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Questioning.
The successful event featured drag comedy by performers from Doncaster.
Shane now informs us that he's arranged another event with the same format for August 24.
Last Saturday (April 27) saw a trip down memory lane for older regulars at the Britannia.
A 60th birthday was being celebrated and the family in question invited regulars in the bar to share their sandwiches and snacks.
Such generous gestures used to common-place on local licensed premises years ago but you don't often see them today.
There was still some food remaining at the end of an enjoyable night which also featured music and dancing.

FOUR-DAY BRIGG ROAD CLOSURE SET TO BEGIN TODAY

Motorists in Brigg should note that a four-day road closure in the town is set to begin today (Monday, April 29).
Diversions will operate while roadworks are carried out by Anglian Water on Colton Street to tackle a blocked sewer. 
These works are scheduled to end on Thursday, May 3.
Alternative routes from Grammar School Road to the Newlands housing estate are available via Redcombe Lane and the A18 Barnard Avenue.

BRIGG TOWN FC TO HOST ADRIAN GIBBONS MEMORIAL FOOTBALL MATCH: PLAYERS & SPECTATORS WELCOME

There's still time to put your name down to play in the annual Adrian Gibbons memorial football match 2019, taking place this Sunday (5th May) at Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground (3pm KO - not 2pm as originally stated.).
The game will be between Brigg Town Over 40s and Briggensians.
Proceeds will be donated to charity, and raffle prizes donations are being gratefully received.
Message organiser Jon Taylor on Facebook or email jontaylorbrigg@aol.com
If you aren't in a position to play, go along and support the game.
A former pupil of Brigg Grammar School, Adrian, pictured, was a very well-known local sportsman, long-serving teacher at Sir John Nelthorpe School and devoted family man.
He played football for a number of local teams, including Brigg Town and Briggensians in the Scunthorpe & District League.
Well over 600 mourners attended Gibb's funeral service, held at St John's Church, Brigg, in March 2014.

NEW BRIGG EXCELLENCE AWARD ON DISPLAY

This distinctive plaque - awarded recently - is now on display on the front of a building in Brigg Market Place.
Brigg Town Council presented it to mark the tasteful refurbishment of the Lord Nelson Hotel by owners The Old Mill Brewery, Snaith.
Work was undertaken over many months, involving the front and rear of the premises and including new signage.
Lord Nelson landlord Richard Smith returned to his hostelry with the plaque a few Saturdays ago, having attended the annual Civic Dinner in the Angel Suite - an evening function.
It has now been given pride of place near the main entrance, pictured below.
Another Brigg Town Civic Award for 2018 was presented for refurbishment of a row of shops on Wrawby Street, including DDM's.

BRIGG FOOTBALLER NETS HAT-TRICK

Brigg football team Briggensians ended the season on a positive note in the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District League yesterday (Saturday, April 27).
Briggensians visited The Butchers Arms and gained a 3-3 draw, courtesy of a Ben Lingard hat-trick.
Second-from-bottom Briggensians have now completed their first programme since gaining promotion to the top flight. They won four and drew three of their 21 league fixtures, scoring 36 goals and conceding 60.
Barnetby United enjoyed a fine 3-1 win at A.F.C. Queensway yesterday, Brendan O’Callaghan scoring twice for the villagers with Ben Hunt also on the mark.
Barnetby are on course to finish fourth in the eight-team league.
In Division Two, second-placed Barnetby United Reserves were held to a 2-2 draw at the Silver Street ground by Limestone Rangers Reserves. Liam Dawson and Dominic McGuire netted for Barnetby.
Barnetby teams have a game apiece coming up this week to complete their programmes, both kicking off at 7pm.
Monday, April 29: Scotter United Reserves v Barnetby United Reserves.
Wednesday May 1: Barnetby United v Scotter United.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB ON THE GOAL TRAIL

Brigg Town Football Club enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 home win over Grimsby Borough Reserves at The Hawthorns yesterday (Saturday, April 27).
Barring a heavy defeat in their final fixture, the Zebras will finish runners-up to leaders Lincoln Moorlands Railway in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier for 2018/19.
Brigg will complete their league programme on Wednesday (May 1) with a home game against Nettleham (7.45pm).
Third-placed Gainsborough Trinity Reserves - three points behind Brigg and with an inferior goal difference - play their last match on May 4.
Brigg will host Lincoln United Reserves at The Hawthorns on Friday, May 10 in the final of the Challenge Cup (7.45pm).

BRIGG & BROUGHTON CRICKETERS TAKE TO THE FIELD DESPITE WET WEATHER

Brigg Town and Broughton both managed some play in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League yesterday (Saturday, April 27) but many other games failed to start because of rain.
In Division Three, Brigg journeyed to the well-appointed Marsh Lane ground to play Barton Town 2nds.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Brigg reached 23 for one (Danny Bradley 16 not out) in eight overs before the game had to be abandoned due to wet weather.
In Division One, Broughton hosted Alkborough, with the visiting villagers rattling up 200 for four before declaring their innings after 34 overs.
Broughton were finding it tough going at 34 for five, apart from Graham Wilson (20 not out), when the game was abandoned 18 overs into their innings.
Earlier in the match, all-rounder Shaun Clark, pictured above, had bowled well for Broughton, taking three for 39 in 12 overs.
Persistent rain meant no play was possible at Hibaldstow where Market Rasen 2nds were due to contest a Division Two fixture.

LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE
(Sponsored by Readers)
RESULTS - SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Premier Division: Haxey 213 for three, Scothern 214 for two; Nettleham 200, Cleethorpes 2nds 153; Caistor 32 for five v Grimsby Town - abandoned; Hartsholme 184 for nine, Lindum 2nds 137 for six; Market Rasen v Bracebridge Heath 2nds - no play possible due to rain.
Division One: Alkborough 200 for four declared, Broughton 34 for five - abandoned; Normanby Park 147 for seven, Outcasts 148 for one; Appleby-Frodingham 2nds v Messingham - no play; Louth 2nds v Barton Town - no play.
Division Two: No play possible in Caistor 2nds v Hartsholme 2nds, Cleethorpes 3rds v Clee Town Laportes, Hibaldstow v Market Rasen 2nds, Holton-le-Clay 2nds v Grimsby Town 2nds, Old Lincolnians v Cherry Willingham 2nds.
Division Three: Haxey 2nds 140, Messingham 2nds 142 for six; Brigg Town 23 for one v Barton Town 2nds - abandoned, Lindum 3rds v Cleethorpes 4ths - no play.
Division Four: Horncastle 192 for six, Alford 2nds 133 for three - abandoned; Scothern 2nds v Scunthorpe Town 3rds - no play.
Five points are awarded to each team where no play was possible; in abandoned games, 5pts to each side plus any bonus points gained.

BIKES, BANDS & BEERS FESTIVAL COMING TO THE BRIGG AREA

Beer, music and motor bike enthusiasts in the Brigg area take careful note...
A Bikes, Bands & Beers Festival will be held at the Sutton Arms, on West Street, Scawby, on Saturday, June 8, from 2pm.
There will be a bar, a barbecue and a real ale tent, plus live music.
Other attractions include bouncy castles and face painting.
Call 01652 652430 for further information.
And here are a couple of reminders while we are on this topic: 
Brigg Bike Night 2019 will be held on Friday, July 5 along Bridge Street, from 5pm. View full details here...
Brigg Beer Festival 2019 will take place between Thursday, May 16 and Saturday, May 18 at the Servicemen's Club, Coney Court. View full details here...

GO AHEAD FOR NEW PERGODA AT COUNTRY PUB IN BRIGG AREA

A pub in the Brigg area which we reckon provides customers with the best view of lovely Lincolnshire countryside available anywhere locally has been given the go ahead to make modifications.
Located beside the A1084, the Cross Keys, on Brigg Road, Grasby, has successfully applied for permission to install rear decking, a pergoda and bi-fold doors.
West Lindsey District Council approved an application submitted on behalf of Punch Partnerships Ltd, of Burton On Trent.
A report prepared by planners concluded: "The proposal is small scale in nature and located to the rear of the public house. The proposal will not overly dominate or change the nature of the public house and will largely not be visible in the context of the streetscape."
Grasby Parish Council expressed its support for this application.
The award-winning Cross Keys, which serves meals in its restaurant, is on a hill above the village and enjoys wonderful views of the Ancholme Valley and the Wolds.

ANOTHER CUP FINAL COMING UP FOR BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

Brigg Town Football Club players will soon have another opportunity to add to their silverware for the 2018/19 season.
The Zebras will play Broughton Working Men's Club in the final of the Hett Cup at The Hawthorns on Friday, May 3 (kick-off 7.30pm).
Spectators are welcome at this local derby, admission being by programme costing £1.
The historic Hett Cup is a charity competition, all proceeds being donated to local worthy causes.
The Hett Cup, which carries the name of a well-known local family, was first played for well over 100 years ago.
It was brought back into use a few years ago.
Brigg Town have already won this season's Lincolnshire Junior Cup, beating Horncastle in the final, played at Skegness.
PICTURED ABOVE: The Hett Cup on display a few seasons ago at The Hawthorns.

FISH & CHIP SUPPER FOR BRIGG QUIZ FANS

What's described as a magnificent fish and chip supper will form part of a "popular evening of fun and friendship" in Brigg.
The next Quarterly St John's Church Quiz will be held on Friday, May 3 in the Church Hall, on Bigby Street, from 7.15pm.
Teams of up to four members can take part - the cost per person being £8.50p, including the supper. There will also be a raffle and a licensed bar.
Tickets can be obtained by calling 01652 628416, 652160 or 659560.

BRIGG PUMP BLESSING 2019 - FULL DETAILS ANNOUNCED

Brigg Town Business Partnership will again be hosting the popular Pump Blessing which this year takes place on Saturday May 18 between 10.30am and 1.30pm.
Two teams of Morris Dancers – the local Tatterfoals and the popular Beverley Garland Dancers - will be dancing around Brigg from 10.30am onwards.
At 11.40am, the grand parade led by the newly elected Town Mayor of Brigg, accompanied by Curate The Rev. Trudy Hobson, will start from Boots the Chemists. 
They will be joined by the local Rainbows and Brownies and will parade down to the first water pump across from The White Hart, adjacent to the bridge. There, the pump will be blessed by Trudy in addition to flowers being presented to it and a dance in order of celebrating the pump.
The parade will then travel along Wrawby Street to the second pump alongside The White Horse where the blessing of the pump, presentation of flowers and a celebratory dance will be repeated. 
The two teams will then parade away to dance around Brigg with the celebrations ending in the Market Place at 1.30pm when the two teams join together for one last dance encouraging the local community to join in with them.
Both pumps together with the Bandstand in the Market Place will have been ‘dressed’ by the Mechanical Engineers in an elaborate yet sympathetic design. 
The Partnership is grateful to Tesco for providing the flowers; Wetherspoon’s The White Horse and Dent’s Local NISA shop for sponsoring the event so generously.
Visit the Brigg Town Business Partnership website at www.briggisbest.co.uk or the Partnership’s Facebook page to keep up to date with details of all Brigg events.

 

FOOD HYGIENE: BRIGG & BROUGHTON PREMISES RATED BY INSPECTORS

 

More businesses in Brigg and Broughton recently received routine food hygiene inspection visits from officers of North Lincolnshire Council.
The council uses a national grading scheme, through which stars are awarded to premises.
Brigg Blog is pleased to note that the following received the highest mark - Five Stars, Very Good:

• Brigg Mini Market, 24 Glebe Road, Brigg.
• Forest Pines Spa and Golf Resort, Forest Pines Golf Club and Hotel, Ermine Street, Broughton.

BUNTING TO ADD COLOUR TO BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Colourful bunting displayed within Brigg town centre received some favourable comments last year, and looks likely to do so again in the coming months.
When Brigg Town Council meets in the Angel Suite on Monday (April 29) councillors will be asked to agree funding for the installation and removal of bunting.
Other items of interest include Brigg in Bloom, an update on additional CCTV coverage for the Millennium Green and an update on relocating some of the town's allotments to a new site near South View Avenue.
Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting (see Item 7 below).

AGENDA/BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
1. To Receive Apologies and to Approve Reasons for Absence.
2. a) To Consider the suspension of the Meeting for the Purpose of Prayer.
   b) To Resolve that Standing Orders be reinstated
3. a) To Record any Declarations of Interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below. 
b)  To note any dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of the Agenda Items listed below.
4. Police Matters   
5.     To receive any correspondence (for information only).
6.    To receive the update on any outstanding issues from the clerk.
7.    Public Question Time
8.    To Receive any Questions from Members.
9.    To Receive a report from the North Lincolnshire Council Ward Councillors.
10.    MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS.
    i. To approve the minutes of Full Council, Monday 25 March 2019
    ii. To note the minutes of Planning Committee, Monday 25 March 2019
11.    To receive reports from members delegated to serve on outside bodies and working groups.
    • Masterplan and Arches
    • Millennium Green, to receive an update on the proposed CCTV installation
    • Angel Suite Review
    • Brigg in Bloom
    • Litter Picking Group
    • Christmas Lights Switch-on Working Group
12.    ALLOTMENTS UPDATE
    i)     Redcombe Lane
    ii)    Grammar School Road
    iii)    Allotment relocation update
13.    ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT
a)    To Receive the following Budget Monitoring Reports as at 31 March 2019, and Approve the Accounts for Payment as listed for Full Council and the Angel Suite, and Bank Reconciliations for each.
    b)    To Approve the 2018-19 Year End Accounts
    c)    To approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return and Statement of Assurance for 2018-19.
    d)    To receive the year end Audit Return.
14.    TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION
    To determine a grant application from the Rotary Club for the Purple Crocus for Polio campaign.
15.    TO CONSIDER THE FUNDING OF BUNTING
    To agree the funding for the installation and removal of Bunting in the town centre.

GO AHEAD SOUGHT TO ALTER OLDEST BUILDING IN BRIGG

Proposed changes to the only grade one listed building in Brigg will be considered by councillors at a meeting next week.
Listed building consent is being sought for the oldest part of Sir John Nelthorpe School, off Grammar School Road.
Permission is requested to erect an internal glazed floor-to-ceiling partition wall, make alterations to toilet provision and install a fan extraction system.
A report submitted in support of the application says: "By creating a glazed aspect, the original form of the library will be maintained whilst creating two functional areas."
The library is located within the 17th century part of the town's original school.
The report suggests the library and associated rooms "are in a dilapidated condition and under used."
It says the aim of the proposed works is to bring an historic part of the school back into a functional use. 
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee will consider this application, and others, when it meets in the Angel Suite on Monday, April 29, from 6.45pm.
It can make observations or comments on applications but the final decision in each case is made by North Lincolnshire Council - the local planning authority.
Monday's meeting is open to interested members of the public.

AGENDA/BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
1.    To Receive apologies and Approve reasons for absence.
2.    (a)  To record declarations of interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below.  Members declaring interests should identify the agenda item and type of interest being declared.
    (b)  To note dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of agenda items listed below.
3.    TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE MINUTES, AS CIRCULATED, OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2019.
4.    To Receive any general correspondence.
5.    a)    To Receive and Note any Applications for Market Consent       
       b)    To Receive and Consider any Applications for a Grant or Variation of Premises Licence.
6.    To Receive the update on outstanding issues from the Clerk
7.    a) TO CONSIDER ANY PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONAL PLANS PUBLICISED BUT RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS CIRCULATED:  

• Planning permission and listed building consent to erect 4 three-storey dwellings including removal of trees and associated works land at the former Nelthorpe Arms, 1 Bridge Street, Brigg
• Planning application to vary condition 2 of application PA/2015/0917 to modify the design of the proposed dwellings on land west of Almond Grove, Brigg
• Planning permission to retain a change of use of land for motor vehicle storage and retain portable cabin offices on land south of Engine Street, Brigg
• Listed building consent to erect glazed floor to ceiling partition wall, make alterations to WC and install fan extraction system at Upper School, Sir John Nelthorpe School, Grammar School Road, Brigg
• Planning permission to erect a two-storey side extension and retain outbuilding at 21 Atkinson Avenue, Brigg (amended and/or additional information has been submitted in connection with this application)
• Planning permission to retain the use as offices (Use Class B1a) at The Cedars, Bigby Road, Brigg

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






PICTURED ABOVE: The oldest part of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg. The library is within in the section nearest to Grammar School Road, from where this image was taken.

FREE TEA & COFFEE ON OFFER TO BRIGG SHOPPERS

Free refreshments are being offered to people attending Brigg Farmers' Market and/or browsing the stalls on the adjoining general market tomorrow (Saturday, April 27)
The Ancholme Artists are inviting people to take a break from shopping and join them for a chat over a free tea or coffee while viewing the paintings on display at St John's Church Hall, 10am to 3pm.
There's no charge no visiting the event and a tombola will be operating.
As ever, the monthly farmers' market will draw many people into the town centre, with free parking available in Old Courts Road.
If you are coming by car, our advice is to get there early.

SUGGESTED CHANGE TO FREE PARKING CONCESSION SCHEME IN BRIGG

Brigg is very grateful for the FREE two-hour car parking concession that North Lincolnshire Council has operated for some years - helping shoppers save money and the businesses they visit benefit from increased footfall.
However, something we observed earlier this week prompts us to clarify one aspect of the scheme.
On Easter Monday afternoon we observed FIVE yellow penalty tickets posted on windscreens in the Old Courts Road car park.
Some drivers wrongly assume that bank holiday Mondays are treated the same as Saturdays and Sundays when it comes to the need to obtain a ticket and display it on the dashboard.
This is NOT the case; Monday to Friday, irrespective of bank holidays, you still need to get a ticket from the machine to qualify for the concession.
We were surprised by the number of vehicles in the car park on Monday afternoon.
Perhaps the council might reconsider and extend the scheme to include future bank holiday Mondays.
It might be too soon to do this for the one coming up at the end of May, but there's another in late August to which it could be applied.
Every little helps when it comes to encouraging more people to visit Brigg.

WHEN RECORD VILLAGE SHOP CATERED FOR BRIGG MUSIC-LOVERS

An unusual event coming up in the Brigg area reflects a nostalgia-fuelled craze for traditional vinyl LP records and singles.
Many youngsters now purchase pop tunes online through downloads to their mobile phones or tablets, rather than buying discs.
But there's growing demand, particularly among those of more senior years, for vinyl - playing at 33, 45 or even 78 revolutions per minute.
So we expect plenty of potential customers to visit a Record Fair, to be held at Broughton Village Hall, on the High Street, on Sunday, May 19, from 1pm to 4pm, when records, CDs and DVDs will be on offer.
It's not that long ago that Brigg boasted a Record Village shop on Wrawby Street where music fans went to buy the latest tunes in the charts in vinyl and cassette format.
Now That's What I Call Music! 
Brigg punk band The Diseased (pictured) used to be frequent visitors to our local record store. They are seen here on Wrawby Street circa 1986.

AWAITING REMOVAL IN BRIGG - REDUNDANT SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS

Brigg Blog today suggests that removal of redundant road markings and street signs should be authorised by the powers-that-be.
Many months ago we posted a piece about a government campaign aimed at getting local authorities to remove those that have long since passed their sell-by date.
One Brigg street alone has a number of examples.
On Glebe Road there are:

• Two triangular 'watch out for pedestrians' signs warning drivers, but the primary school nearby closed 11 years ago.
• A range of speed-restricting humps on the road surface, although scores of schoolchildren and their parents no longer cross the road here.
• 'Keep Clear' road markings alongside a former entrance to the Sir John Nelthorpe School playing fields, since replaced by a gate too narrow for vehicles to use (see picture above).

Just round the corner, in Grammar School Road, are two signs pointing the way to Brigg Resource Centre, which ceased to operate on the Springbank estate many years ago.
It would cost public money to send a gang out to remove these signs and markings. But perhaps next time one is working in this part of town for other reasons, workmen/women could they be asked to make a slight detour and carry out the task.
Removing the 'Keep Clear' road markings would create another on-street parking space in an area of high demand.
On a positive note, Brigg Blog is pleased to see a large litter bin on Glebe Road, near the chip shop that closed many months ago.
These premises are currently being refurbished and are expected to reopen as a fast food outlet. So this bin is very well located.
An audit of bins across the town was carried out recently. Someone has shown some foresight in respect of Glebe Road.

MEMORIES OF BRIGG PUB DEMOLISHED NINE YEARS AGO

 

Most of us can remember when Brigg had four pubs on Bridge Street, but currently only one of them is open for business - the Yarborough Hunt.
The first to go was the Brocklesby Ox. Having been closed for some time and placed on the market, it was finally demolished in autumn 2010, with new town houses later built on the site.
The Nelthorpe Arms served its last pints in May 2018. Since closing as a pub, the building has been converted to purely residential use.
The White Hart changed hands last year. Closed for refurbishment over many months, it has yet to reopen.
These pictures give a nostalgic reminder of the old Brock Ox - some of them showing its demolition, with a team from local company Empringham's on site.
The Brock Ox boasted a unique feature for a Brigg pub, having a Royal Mail postbox built into the frontage - handy for Bridge Street residents.
Meals, singalongs and charity fundraisers were a feature of the pub over many decades, while Brigg Town Football Club played home games on a pitch behind it as late as the 1950s.
In the mid-19th century there was a fifth pub on Bridge Street - The Bricklayers Arms.
There were brick-making and perhaps tile-making yards on Island Carr, so perhaps that explains the name it was given.
The Nelthorpe Arms was previously known as The Greyhound.

THE MOGGIES BAND TO PERFORM IN BRIGG

Music-lovers can enjoy a live gig by The Moggies in Brigg this weekend.
The well-known band, which includes former Brigg & Goole MP Ian Cawsey, will be performing at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club on Saturday, April 27.
Admission is free to enjoy the show at the Coney Court venue, starting at 8.30pm.
The Moggies play many gigs in Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Barton and Immingham but don't  appear in Brigg all that often.
They specialise in songs from the 1960s, so a night of nostalgia is in prospect.

On Friday evening (April 26) The Blighty Belles will be appearing at the Servicemen's Club, having been re-booked by Brigg Heritage Centre.
From 7.30pm there will be what the organisers call a local hop, featuring popular music from the 1950s and 1960s. Tickets cost £12.50p - themed supper available. Call 01724 296771 for further details.
Pictured above: Ian Cawsey performing at a Summerfest in Brigg Market Place.

BRIGG BLOG'S WEEKEND CRICKET PREVIEW

Brigg Town, Broughton and Hibaldstow will all be in action in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League on Saturday (April 27).
Having lost their opening Division Three fixture of the season at the weekend, Brigg Town will be hoping to secure their first victory of 2019 during a visit to the impressive Marsh Lane ground where they will meet Barton Town 2nds.
Broughton open their programme in Division One with a home game against Alkborough.
Having won well in Grimsby at the weekend, Hibaldstow have a home match this Saturday, hosting Market Rasen 2nds in Division Two.

LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE
(Sponsored by Readers)
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Premier Division: Grimsby Town v Caistor, Hartsholme v Lindum 2nds, Haxey v Scothern, Market Rasen v Bracebridge Heath 2nds, Nettleham v Cleethorpes 2nds.
Division One: Appleby-Frodingham 2nds v Messingham, Broughton v Alkborough, Louth 2nds v Barton Town, Outcasts v Normanby Park.
Division Two: Caistor 2nds v Hartsholme 2nds, Cleethorpes 3rds v Clee Town Laportes, Hibaldstow v Market Rasen 2nds, Holton-le-Clay 2nds v Grimsby Town 2nds, Old Lincolnians v Cherry Willingham 2nds.
Division Three: Barton Town 2nds v Brigg Town, Lindum 3rds v Cleethorpes 4ths (at Sabraon Barracks), Messingham 2nds v Haxey 2nds.
Division Four: Alford 2nds v Horncastle, Scothern 2nds v Scunthorpe Town 3rds.
Premier division games start at 1pm, while matches in all other sections get under way at 1.30pm.

BRIGG LOCAL HISTORY WALKS & TALK COMING UP

Brigg Blog anticipates a good turn-out for a forthcoming local history talk.
Rob Fanthorpe will be delivering an illustrated talk about Highwaymen in North Lincolnshire at the next meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians.
This will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at the Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, from 8pm.
Admission is free and there's no need to book tickets - just turn up on the night.
A raffle will be held to help with costs, and refreshments will be served to those attending.
While we are on this topic, the first History Walk Around Brigg - to be held on Sunday, June 2 - is now fully booked; there will be another on June 9.
Tickets for these walks cost £2 - inquire at Brigg Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place's landmark Buttercross.

BRIGG TRAIN TRAVEL POPULAR WITH THE YOUNG GENERATION

Brigg Blog is interested to learn that more young people are using our local Saturdays-only passenger train service.
Phill Hewson, who keeps an eye on the line, reports that 49 people go on/off the six trains that called at our station last Saturday (April 20).  And he noted "a high proportion of the younger generation."
Among them was a youngster who came up from King's Cross by taking advantage of the special £14 fare available from London.
A couple of local cyclists also made use of the train while making a ride centred on Gainsborough.
Every Saturday, three trains call at Brigg and head off to Grimsby and Cleethorpes; three also leave platform two (on the other side of the footbridge) for Gainsborough, Retford and Sheffield.
By changing trains at Barnetby, it's possible to make Saturday trips from Brigg to Lincoln, Doncaster and other destinations.  
Have you thought about giving it a try?

SUCCESSFUL NIGHT AT BRIGG PUB

Here are some pictures from the first LGBTQ night ever held in Brigg.
It took place at the Britannia Inn, Wrawby Street, on Sunday evening, April 21.
The abbreviation stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Questioning.
The successful event featured drag comedy by performers from Doncaster, and our thanks go to Brit landlord Shane Garrett for supplying the pictures.

 

BUSY PERIOD FOR BRIGG AND BARNETBY FOOTBALL TEAMS

Brigg Town Football Club will host bottom side Grimsby Borough Reserves at the Hawthorns on Saturday, April 27 (3pm).
This is the Zebras' penultimate league fixture of a season in which they are likely to finish runners-up in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier.
Brigg Town will be hosting the Challenge Cup final for the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District League on Thursday (April 25) at The Hawthorns, when The Butchers Arms will meet Scotter United (7.30pm). Spectators welcome.
Match appointments are: Referee, J Hyke; Assistant Referees, L Cox & R Hall; 4th Official, A Pontin.
There will be away games this Saturday for local sides in the Scunthorpe League first division. Barnetby United visit A.F.C. Queensway, while Briggensians journey to meet The Butchers Arms.
Still with hopes of securing the division two championship, Barnetby United Reserves entertain Limestone Rangers Reserves at Silver Street (3pm).
Then, on Monday, April 29, Barnetby Reserves visit Scotter United Reserves (7pm).

SCHOOL-RELATED BRIGG ROAD SIGNS REPAINTED MONTHS AFTER THE SCHOOL WAS DEMOLISHED

School-related road markings have been repainted on Redcombe Lane in Brigg - many months after the demolition of the former Vale Academy buildings nearby.
This surprised a number of townsfolk who contacted Brigg Blog.
Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters Magazine, kindly took these pictures to show the completed work.
"There are two metal and secured gates further along to allow ground maintenance vehicle assess, but these are some distance from the zig-zags," Ken said.
Having been contacted for a comment by Brigg Blog last Wednesday, North Lincolnshire Council got back to us a few hours later to suggest contractors would be back on site the following day to remove these lines. However, the markings were still there when we took a look at noon on Good Friday.
Glanford Secondary Modern School was built off Redcombe Lane in the mid-1950s when Lindsey County Council ran local schools. The buildings later served Brigg Secondary School and the Vale of Ancholme Comprehensive before the creation of the Vale Academy.
The academy was subsequently given a brand new multi-million pound complex, with vehicular access off Atherton Way, replacing its buildings near Grammar School Road (Westmoor House) and Redcombe Lane.

The new seat of learning was officially opened by the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) in December 2018.
During demolition of buildings on the former Redcombe Lane site, the brick boundary wall was left in place, as was means of access, but this now leads to a vacant area with playing fields beyond (see Ken's picture below).

FIVE NEW FAMILY HOMES PLANNED IN BRIGG

Five new homes are planned for a vacant site in Brigg.
The intention is to construct five two-storey detached family homes with garages on land to the west of Almond Grove, to which the site will be connected by a drive. 
Following an earlier application relating to this area, approval is being sought to modify the design of the proposed dwellings.
North Lincolnshire Council, as the local planning authority, is now considering the application from a firm of builders in Louth.
The proposed development site is bordered by the Donkey Field play area and Brigg Town Council's Atherton Way allotments.

GUIDE TO MAJOR BRIGG SPRING/SUMMER EVENTS 2019 & THE BEST PUB BEER GARDENS, WALKING & CYCLING ROUTES

Brigg people of all ages will be looking to get out and about in the fresh air now that spring has arrived and hopefully another hot summer is on the horizon like the one we enjoyed in 2018.
Some folk will be soaking up the sun with pint in hand in the beer gardens of town pubs, while others will be taking to their cycles and going for walks.
Brigg Blog today offers a few suggestions - hopefully of particular use to people who have only recently moved to the town or are looking to pay us a visit as day trippers, tourists or holiday-makers.
We are also highlighting some of the major spectator events coming up in the months ahead.

BRIGG EVENTS 2019
Brigg Live Arts: Saturday, May 11, various venues within the town centre, 10am to 4pm, with a craft market, music, story-telling, singing, dancing, drama, stalls, exhibitions and busking. Free entry, donations welcome. There's free parking on offer in the town's main car park, off the A18, on Saturdays.
Brigg Beer Festival: Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at Brigg Servicemen's Club, in the town centre.  View full details through this link...
Brigg Bike Night: Friday, July 5, on Bridge Street, from 5pm. Join hundreds or bikers and spectators with many vintage machines on show at this free-to-attend event. View more through this link...
Brigg Horse Fair: Monday, August 5 on Station Road, close to the town centre. Watch travellers buying and selling steeds at one of the few remaining traditional horse fairs in the north, with supporting stalls. Use this link to get a flavour of the historic event...

TOWN CENTRE BEER GARDENS
Wetherspoon's White Horse has a large one behind the pub, with extensive tables and chairs, and is south-facing, making it a a real sun trap. However, if you want to enjoy the warmth but keep in the shade, try the Britannia Inn, which has extensive covered seating, and the Black Bull offering a taste of Spain with its palm trees and cabanas (wooden shelters). Other hostelries with beer gardens include the Dying Gladiator, the Lord Nelson Hotel, the Woolpack, the Exchange and the Yarborough Hunt (also with cabanas). The Hunt and the Gladiator welcome pet dogs as long as they are well behaved and under control.

CYCLING & WALKING ROUTES
The southerly and central sections of the new Ancholme Valley Way cycle track and walkway are now complete and offer the chance to enjoy the scenery beside the River Ancholme. Once completed, the Way will run from the County Bridge in Brigg town centre as far as South Ferriby, where the river joins the mighty Humber. Cyclists and walkers are also recommended to follow a circular route from tree-lined Cadney Road, Brigg, through Cadney and Howsham villages, calling at the latter's tea shop, before returning to town along the A1084, where another refreshment stop can be made at Brigg Garden Centre's restaurant on the outskirts of the town. Another good walk starts on St Helen's Road, Brigg, not far from the landmark Monument war memorial. Walk the full length of St Helen's Road and then follow the yellow indicator signs along Clothes Hedge Public Footpath, cross Churchill Avenue and walk between the fields to Wrawby, where you can take on fluids at the Jolly Miller pub. While crossing the fields you should be able to see the 'golf ball' radar station dome on top of the distant Lincolnshire Wolds. Walkers/cyclists can also use the shared footpath along Wrawby Road, Brigg, which leads to Brickyard Lane, on the edge of the village. This lane connects with Grammar School Road, Brigg, taking you all the way back to the town centre.