MAJOR ROAD CLOSURES COMING UP IN BRIGG

Two road closures are coming up in Brigg - at different times but affecting the same location.
Network Rail Infrastructure will be working on the Bigby Road level crossing, meaning that the A1084 will be unavailable to vehicular traffic.
The work will be carried out from 9pm on Saturday, August 1 until 11.30am on Sunday, August 2, and then again from 9pm on Saturday, August 8 to 7.30am on Sunday, August 9.
Shoppers planning to visit Brigg Garden Centre, on Bigby High Road, on August 2 need to be aware of the closure period on Sunday morning.
The local diversion available during both sets of roadworks is via the A18 Wrawby Road, Brigg, from the Monument roundabout to Wrawby and then (by turning right at the top of the hill) along Kettleby Lane, Wrawby, to rejoin the A1084 leading towards Brigg.
A new barrier crossing was installed on Bigby Road in March - replacing the traditional wooden gates.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB BACK IN ACTION THIS WEEKEND

Brigg Town Football Club will return to action this Saturday (August 1) following the Coronavirus lockdown.
The Zebras will have a pre-season home game against Newark at the Hawthorns (3pm KO).
However, due to restrictions that are still in place for football at his level, the match has to be played 'behind closed doors'.
All is not lost, though, for keen supporters as the licensed Hawthorns clubhouse is open again and a set of double doors offers a view of the pitch beyond the main stand.
There's a possibility that the 2020/21 ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One season will begin during September.
The Zebras continue in this 20-team section, together with Winterton Rangers.

CRICKET SEASON STARTS TOMORROW FOR BRIGG, BROUGHTON & HIBALDSTOW PLAYERS

 
Following delays relating to the Coronavirus emergency, Brigg Town Cricket Club can finally start the 2020 season this Saturday (August 1), visiting Barton Town for the first of their North East Group games in a specially arranged competition.  
Broughton are away to Grimsby Town in the same section, while Hibaldstow visit Alkborough in the North West Group.
This competition has replaced the Lincolnshire League fixtures that should have been played between now and the end of the campaign.
The nearest game to Brigg tomorrow afternoon (August 1) will be at Caistor, where Horncastle are the visitors in the Wolds Group.
Group games continue through August, with the four section winners meeting in the semi-finals on September 5. The final will be played at Barton's Marsh Lane ground on the 12th.
Sadly, there will be no Minor Counties (now known as National Counties) cricket at all for Lincolnshire in 2020.
All games have been cancelled and the aim is to 'roll over' the programme to 2021 which means that Lincs will be battling it out with Staffordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire in Eastern Division One, as well as taking part in T20 and 50 over competitions.
PICTURED: A Brigg Town Cricket Club home game at the Recreation Ground in a previous season.

BRIGG COUNCILLORS CONSIDER HOUSING PLANS

Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee has now considered two applications which involve changes being made to properties.
The authority held a 'virtual' online session, using Zoom, on Monday evening (July 27) under the chairmanship of Coun Brian Parker, the Deputy Town Mayor.
The committee considered a planning application to convert 4 flats into 2 dwellings, replace front porch & demolish an existing conservatory at Manton House, Flat 1, Bridge Street (pictured above).  
There were no objections to that proposal, nor to plans to erect two-storey and single-storey extensions at 1 Glanford Road.
A question was asked about possible landscaping at the front of the Manton House.
The committee's views have been forwarded to North Lincolnshire Council which makes final decisions on all local applications.

NEW BRIGG TAKEAWAY TO OFFER MORE THAN FRIED CHICKEN

The range of fast food to be sold by the newest takeaway in Brigg when it opens has now been revealed.
On offer at Sanjay's Chicken Shack, on Glebe Road, in addition to the expected fried chicken and chips will be kebabs, burgers and ribs, plus soft drinks.
The business will also be offering a local delivery service.
Former fish & chip premises - closed for many months - are being converted into Sanjay's - opening date yet to be announced.
Considerable interest has been shown in our previous posts about these well-known fast food premises changing hands and being re-purposed to offer a new range of food.
The number to use for orders, once Sanjay's opens, will be 01652 651248.

BRIGG SHOPPING BUSES RESUMING

Brigg will be welcoming the return of two popular bus services provided by Ashby-based Hornsbys from next week.
Suspended for weeks amid the Coronavirus emergency, the No 91 and No 92 services will resume during week commencing August 3.
No 91 is aimed at shoppers and tours housing estates, including St Helens and Springbank, taking people into the town centre and terminating in Cary Lane. This service operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
No 92 links the town centre with Brigg Garden Centre, with pick ups in Cadney and Howsham. It runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Both these services are particularly useful to shoppers of more senior years, giving time to shop before dropping them back close to their homes.
Hornsbys, which has been involved in local public transport since 1914, also operates the No 4 and X4 services linking Brigg with Scunthorpe, as well as serving Wrawby, Barnetby and Kirmington.
Find out more at www.hornsbys.net or call 01724 282255 or visit Hornsbys Bus & Coach on Facebook.
Pictured above: The No 91 service on Yarborough Road, Brigg, turning into St Helens Road.

REPLACEMENT GARAGE PLANNED NEAR BRIGG

West Lindsey District Council has approved a new garage in one of its villages near Brigg.
The planning committee has granted permission for a replacement garage workshop/MOT testing centre at Cross Roads Garage, Thornton Road, South Kelsey.
Iman Zidan, of Zidan Motorsport, successfully applied for the go ahead.
South Kelsey Parish Council told West Lindsey planners that it gave "full support" to this application and stressed that the village needed a garage.
If this application was rejected, the parish council suggested, the applicant would have no alternative but to "look outside the area."
The replacement garage is expected to create one additional job - for an apprentice.
This application generated a great deal of interest, with many people and local businesses submitting comments to planners.
Planning permission is now being sought from North Lincolnshire Council to erect a single-storey rear extension at 1 Ashdown Close, Brigg. This close forms part of an established housing development off Bigby High Road. No decision has yet been made by the local authority.

In Grasby, planning permission is being requested to erect two dwellings on land off Wilmore Lane. West Lindsey Council is now considering this application.
 

BRIGG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WERE SWITCHED ON IN JULY BUT WITH GOOD REASON

Brigg Blog wondered whether we'd had one too many late on Saturday night (July 25) when we thought we saw Christmas lights shining brightly in the distance as we crossed the Market Place from the Lord Nelson towards the Woolpack.
With this in mind we asked someone else at the Woolie to pop out and confirm that illuminations were indeed present beyond the County Bridge, along Bridge Street.
Despite having secured a reliable witnesses to back up our observations, we later crossed the Old River Ancholme and took these pictures.
 

Outside Simon Ho's China Royal on Saturday night.

On Monday morning we checked with Brigg Town Council, which provides the local Christmas illuminations, and staff soon threw light on the reason for Saturday night's unexpected display.
"The contractors are doing a test of all the lights in the trees in the town centre to see which ones work, what needs mending or what needs replacing," they explained.
"It's an on-going project to see if we can get a better display this year, even if we can't have a Switch On Event."
 

Lights near Dunham's bakery shop on Saturday evening.

 As we revealed recently, Brigg District Lions have already cancelled the 2020 Christmas Market due to Coronavirus emergency concerns about large public gatherings.
This would have followed the traditional switch-on ceremony undertaken on a temporary stage in the crowded Market Place and organised by the Town Council.
So if you observe other Christmas tree lights 'on' well ahead of the festive period, the reason is now clear.
Tree lights similar to those on Bridge Street are sited at other locations, including Queen Street and East Park (near the Tintab shelter).

The view from the County Bridge, looking down Bridge Street, on Saturday night.

ALDI NAME NOW EVIDENT AS NEW BRIGG STORE NEARS COMPLETION

Pictured here are further signs that the new Aldi store in Brigg is nearing completion.
The name of the international discount retailer now adorns the building, while a tall totem sign lists the operating hours.
 

The Brigg store's opening date has yet to be announced, and there is still work to be done on the A18 near the site, including completion of the pedestrian crossing points on Bridge Street and the addition of a mini-roundabout at the entry/exit point (opposite Island Carr Road).
On-site car parking spaces have also to be marked out, together with landscaping.
Work on and near the A18 will continue during August, including resurfacing towards the conclusion of the project.
These pictures were taken on Sunday afternoon (July 26).

SAVE MONEY WHEN EATING OUT AT VENUE ON WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG

Another Brigg food outlet will be taking part in the government's Eat Out To Help Out scheme through which discount meals are available.
When we posted recently that the Old Mill Brewery's Lord Nelson, in the Market Place, had signed up, we suggested that other Brigg businesses were expected to follow suit.
We now learn that The Loft Restaurant, on Wrawby Street (above Grandad's Shed) will also be taking part during August.
The countrywide savings offer can be applied to food and/or non-alcoholic drink up to a maximum discount of £10 per customer, Mondays to Wednesdays. Full details through this link...

BURNS NIGHT: POPULAR BRIGG LANDLORD ANNOUNCES HIS TAKEOVER DATE

Mark Burns (pictured above) will be taking over the Britannia Inn, Brigg, from Monday, August 17 - Burns Night. We knew he was assuming control but the exact date was awaiting confirmation - now received.
Further details to follow on Brigg Blog as the ex-Exchange landlord prepares to make his debut behind the bar of the Wrawby Street 'Brit' which has a kitchen for preparing meals.
Admiral Taverns' Britannia is open at present, being managed by a relief landlord.
Last Saturday evening's thunderstorms and heavy showers did not hit attendances at Brigg's pubs and bars too badly from what we observed, although the rain did deprive Brigg Town Football Club's licensed premises of our custom.
En route, on foot, to the Hawthorns to enjoy an hour in the refurbished bar and new beer garden dubbed 'the biggest in Brigg', we were forced, instead, to seek refuge in one of the Wrawby Road bus shelters outside the cemetery. Thankfully, it's a sturdy structure with glass panels on three sides to protect people from the elements. This bus stop is one of the most used in the town - hence the covered provision.
Having made it down to the Black Bull between downpours, we were allocated a corner table by landlord Andy Noon near one of the front windows looking out onto Wrawby Street. This brought back memories of 40-plus years ago when this area of the pub formed part of a separate room - before the layout became open plan as part of a refurbishment programme.
 

Later, at the Lord Nelson, we met Steve Filby (pictured) sporting a lock-down hair style which would not have looked out of place decades ago. Normally seen with a closely cropped 'Barnet', he asked for a pic to be taken of his current look.
We were pleased to see that Old Mill Mild - produced by Lord Nelson owner The Old Mill Brewery, of Snaith - was on pump. You don't find much draught mild on offer in Brigg pubs these days. It's seen by many as an old man's drink, and we now qualify! Worth trying is a 50/50 mix of bitter and mild.
Across the Market Place, at the Woolpack, we got a glimpse of pool being played in this era of social distancing. The Woolie is not the only Brigg venue to have a table available to customers.

NEW BRIGG PROPERTY CAN BE BUILT ON FAMILIAR SITE

A new residential property can now be built in Brigg at a location that is familiar to many residents and particularly our more senior blog followers.
North Lincolnshire Council has now granted planning permission for a detached two-storey dwelling on land adjacent to the Cemetery Lodge, 30 Wrawby Road.
The site is within a garden, and the new property will stand some way back from the A18.
Generous parking provision is included in the development.
This application had been awaiting a decision from North Lincolnshire Council since March.
Consulted as part of the planning process, Brigg Town Council said it had no objection to the proposal "provided there is no impact on the existing mature Horse Chestnut tree and existing hedgerows."
Decades ago when most Brigg children engaged in autumn conker-playing, youngsters used to gather daily on the footpath and grass verge near the Lodge's garden to collect fallen bounty. 
Following windy weather, nature often provided many - all free, of course.
Contests then followed during 'play time' at Glebe Road, Glanford, Brigg Grammar and other schools.
The conkers were pierced and boot or shoe laces threaded through the holes before battle commenced.
Some youngsters sought to prolong the lives of their conkers by soaking them in vinegar and baking a batch in the family oven to toughen the shells and insides,
However, this practice was frowned upon; if other contestants got a whiff of vinegar, these games were often declared null and void.
Eventually, someone emerged as the overall champion. Veni Vedi Vici, when Brigg Grammar still taught Latin ('I came, I saw, I conkered!').
Happy days - long before i-Pods, 'mobile' online enertainment and games consoles became the norm.
Looking ahead, if the builder of the new property is seeking a name, perhaps he, or she, might consider some reference to Horse Chestnut or conkers.

SPLASH COVERAGE TO HIGHLIGHT BRIGG FLOODING PROBLEM

Brigg Blog is devoting what newspaper industry veterans call a splash to this drainage problem, highlighted by a heavy thunderstorm on Saturday evening (July 25).
A splash is defined as a news story that's given a lot of attention in print, on TV/radio or online.
Pictured here is the flooded junction where Hawthorn Avenue meets East Parade, Central Square and West Square.
This may be a housing estate road but it is very well used, not only by people who live in this part of the town but also by others making their way to/from the Springbank estate and the fish & chip shop on Grammar School Road..
Cyclists also use this road, and ploughing their way through the surface water that accumulates here is no joke.
Pedestrians also risk a soaking if they are on adjoining footpaths while vehicles are passing through the standing water.
We gather that flooding after heavy rain is a long-standing issue at this spot.
So we offered to draw it to the attention of the powers-that-be, with the hope that remedial work will follow in the not too distant future.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council (our local highway authority), knows this part of the town particularly well. He grew up in one of the houses nearby on Hawthorn Avenue.

BRIGG & BARNETBY FOOTBALLERS READY FOR KICK OFF

Brigg football club Briggensians, together with Barnetby United (two teams), are now looking forward to the 2020/21 season in the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District League, when they will be playing Saturday matches.
Due to continuing uncertainty relating to the Coronavirus emergency, there is still no start date for the campaign.
However, as a late launch seems inevitable, teams will be playing each other twice rather than three times.
Both divisions have been formatted, and Barnetby's first teamers will be in the top section.
Briggensians and Barnetby Reserves are in the second tier.
Division One: Barnetby, Limestone Rangers, The Butchers Armss, Scotter United, Crosby Colts, College Wanderers, Ashby Bowl, Brumby (new team).
Division Two: Barnetby Res, Crosby Colts Res, Briggensians, Limestone Res, New Holland Villa, Scotter United Res, Santon, Baltic Boys (new team), Crowle Colts Development (new team), Kingsway (new team).
League sponsor EC Surfacing Ltd is a Brigg company.
Pictured: Briggensians FC prior to a home game at Brigg Recreation Ground in October 2019.

BRIGG CRIME FIGURES ARRESTED

The latest Brigg crime figures will be of interest - when they are finally released to the public.
August is now approaching but the crime total for June 2020 has not yet been issued through www.police.uk - the official channel.
The last figures published were for May when there were 49 crimes recorded within the town boundary. March and April both saw 32 incidents reported.
Perhaps the Coronavirus emergency has arrested the compilation and publication of the stats, although local police have continued to work throughout this period, dealing with crimes of many kinds.
We have to move with the times, but has the switch to online data - undertaken some years ago - resulted in the public knowing more about crime patterns in local areas?
In the early 1980s, while we were reporting for the Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times, an early morning visit to Brigg police station would produce information about almost every crime logged during the previous 24 hours - ranging from burglaries to anti-social behaviour. Today, it seems, only significant crimes are posted online by the police on the Humberside force's website.
Until a few years ago, quarterly public meetings were held in the Angel Suite, when the local inspector reported the crime 'stats' and was available to answer questions from the public.
However, these sessions were discontinued, with information being published through www.police.uk
Brigg police also sent an officer to monthly Town Council meetings from many years (as far back as the 1970s) but it's now rare to see the force in attendance.
'Police Matters' still appears on the council agenda, month after month - often without any issues being raised and discussed.

BRIGG MAN EDITING NEW UK MAGAZINE & OUR TOWN'S INCLUDED

A Brigg man has established a new UK magazine, and our town's station gets a mention!
Train Traveller - published by Key Publishing, based in Stamford - has been created and edited by Graham West who lives in Brigg and is also a member of the Brigg Matters magazine team.
Graham tells Brigg Blog: "It is dedicated to narrating and illustrating the cornucopia of exciting experiences and opportunities to be discovered in the world of train travel. It also highlights the fact that such a wide choice of life enhancing experiences is not just for travel writers and celebrities!"
The first issue contains personal accounts of travelling on board trains throughout Europe, Japan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK.
There is a feature on the 1147-mile journey that Amtrak’s Cardinal service makes three times a week between New York and Chicago, and it spotlights the breathtaking scenery and abundance of desirable destinations accessible within Wales on its one thousand-plus miles of mainline railway and five internationally recognised narrow gauge railways.
Graham adds: "For those of you who love the evocation of railways, past and present, and are keen to don your boots or Lycra, there is also an article about the Railway Ramblers Club and the many picturesque routes in Cornwall where the ghosts of bygone trains can still be summoned.
"To round all of this up, Michael Williams, a best-selling author and journalist on railways and travel, writes about the romance of railways and the virtues of nostalgia.
"Brigg station and its paired-back service also gets a mention!"
A4 in size, Train Traveller is a glossy, full colour publication with more than 100 pages of articles and illustrations.
You can order copy from your local newsagents, obtain a copy direct from Key Publishing's own online shop, or download from Pocketmags to read on your computer or tablet.

BRIGG HORSE FAIR 2020 CANCELLED, SAY POLICE AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire Council stresses that Brigg Horse Fair 2020 must be cancelled. And it has put measures in place to ensure that land the local authority owns near the railway station is not used to stage the historic event on Wednesday, August 5.
The reason is concern about public health during the Covid-19 Coronavirus emergency, with limits placed by the Government on public gatherings. Social distancing is seen as a key factor.
Brigg Horse Fair is not an officially sanctioned event; it is organised by people who come to Brigg from far and wide. Some of them bring steeds to be paraded and sold, while others attend to enjoy the spectacle as their parents and grandparents did in past decades. Arriving from across the north and midlands, they are used to parking caravans on land near the station for a week or more prior to the event, which usually attracts many spectators from Brigg and nearby towns and villages.
During Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, Coun Penny Smith inquired what was happening about this year's Horse Fair and social distancing.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said it was planned to send out a clear message stating that, for public health reasons, the Horse Fair "could not happen."
It was intended to lock the entrances leading to the usual site because the Horse Fair was "not safe."
Coun Waltham made it clear that any people who turned up would not be welcome.
Humberside Police also stresses that Brigg Horse Fair 2020 is cancelled.
Chief Insp Paul French said: “I can reassure residents that we have heard nothing to suggest that anyone will be looking to travel to the area, knowing that the event is cancelled.
“Brigg Horse Fair is a long-established event organised by our Gypsy and Traveller communities and, like all mass gatherings and events, would not be permitted to take place in 2020 and has rightly been cancelled.
“There will be a police presence through the time that the event would have taken place and I hope this will offer reassurance to all our communities.
“Anyone that has concerns about any neighbourhood policing issue can, of course, always contact us to share their concerns by calling our non-emergency number 101.”
Brigg Blog's picture (above) shows the barrier down at the northern end of Station Road which leads to the traditional Horse Fair site.

20TH ANNIVERSARY BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET - REPORT & PICTURES

Decent summer weather was enjoyed by North Lincolnshire Council's 20th anniversary Brigg Farmers' Market in the town centre on Saturday (July 25) from early morning until 2pm when a sharp shower intervened before the sun reappeared.
For the most part it was warm with a welcome breeze taking the edge off the temperature.
The attendance was a little below what we expected to see for this monthly showpiece; perhaps some people remain reluctant to venture out because of Coronavirus emergency concerns.
 

However, those who did support the event enjoyed the gentle music provided from the Bandstand by Irish folk musician, Meabh, pictured above, as they went about their shopping.
Stalls were spread across the Market Place and midway along the pedestrianised part of Wrawby Street - goods on offer including jam, locally-brewed bottled beer, cheese, cakes, pies, bread and meat. A hog roast catered for visitors seeking a fast food top-up.
Most of the people in the town centre for the market also called at shops and other business premises, helping put cash into the local economy.
Our award-winning farmers' market was first held in late July 2000.
These pictures were taken mid-morning yesterday.

WHEN BRIGG LOST AN OLD FRIEND

Brigg and surrounding communities lost an old friend exactly 35 years ago.
The Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times weekly newspaper published its last edition on July 26, 1985 and closed for good.
Staff and ex-employees met up at the office that afternoon, a Friday, to raise a glass to the end of an era.
For the paper (originally called the Hull Times) had been reporting the news in northern Lincolnshire for 127 years. However, by 1985 the owners closed it on economic grounds, as it was in a loss-making situation.
We were among ex-staff to attend the farewell, having by then moved to work for the Scunthorpe Telegraph (from January 1984).
For some years following closure, an annual July reunion was held - initially at the nearby Exchange and later at the Kings Avenue home of long-serving photographer Coun Bryan Robins, who also went on to work for the Telegraph in Scunthorpe prior to retirement.
Senior Brigg Blog followers who were paper boys and girls decades ago will remember delivering the Times on Friday mornings while out on their rounds. The paper bags many of them lugged around the streets carried the Lincolnshire Times' name on the front.
For many years now we've been invited by local groups to give illustrated talks about the history of the paper and our own time with the Times.
It was a very traditional weekly paper, and proud of the fact. Nothing was considered too small or insignificant to be included, as long as it related to local people or their everyday lives. A bit like Brigg Blog, in paper form, some might think!
We are compiling a two-page Nostalgia feature about the history of the Lincolnshire Times, with personal memories, which will appear in the Scunthorpe Telegraph on Thursday, August 6. 
The Times office at 57 Wrawby Street, Brigg, is pictured above in the late 1960s with a selection of pictures in the front window which many people stopped to look at on their way past. Black and white prints were available for sale to the public, and many were snapped up as family souvenirs.

BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET: LIVE MUSIC TO ENJOY AT TODAY'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

For the 20th anniversary of Brigg Farmers' Market today (Saturday, July 25) live music has been arranged by North Lincolnshire Council, which has been organising these town centre crowd-pleasers since the year 2000.
Helping to celebrate the milestone will be Irish folk musician Meabh, who will be playing her harp and violin in the Market Place's Bandstand between 9am and 1pm.
The council says: "Make sure you pop down for delicious and organic local produce and gifts."
The Saturday general market will be operating alongside the farmers' event stalls throughout the morning and into the afternoon.
The council's free car parking concession is available to visitors from far and wide. Follow the A18 to the Old Courts Road traffic lights. The sizeable car park is signposted.
People visiting town centre stalls will hopefully call in at other town centre businesses and eateries.
Picture of Meabh courtesy of North Lincolnshire Council. Below - the 10th anniversary of the farmers' market in July 2010 (Brigg Blog archive image).

 

DECISION PENDING ON 48 NEW HOMES PLANNED NEAR BRIGG

A decision is due to be taken in the next few days on a scheme to build 48 new homes just a few miles from Brigg.
The Trustees of Lt Col R Sutton Nelthorpe's Will Trust are seeking outline permission for the housing development (with appearance, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for subsequent consideration) on land to the south of St Martin's Road, Scawby.
An objection has been lodged by Scawby Parish Council, which says the site is outside the agreed current development boundary for the village and therefore should not be considered for development.
This application will be considered by North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee during an online meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 29, from 2pm.
The committee will also be considering an application from its Brigg & Wolds Ward.
This seeks approval to change the use of a workshop to a dwelling, including a new extension, to the south of North-Holme, Saxby Road, Bonby.

WES ALLISON: THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR FORMER CAISTOR & BRIGG SPORTSMAN

A service of thanksgiving for the life of former Caistor and Brigg cricketer, Dennis 'Wes' Allison, will be held on Wednesday,  July 29.
A short service at the Caistor Sports Ground will take place at 11.50am for friends and family - social distancing to be observed. A family service will follow at Grimsby Crematorium.
Donations to Caistor Junior Cricket Club, in memory of Wes, can be made out to Caistor Cricket Club and may be left on the day or sent to J. W. Varlow & Sons, 92 North Street, Caistor, LN7 6QU.
One of the great characters of Lincolnshire cricket, left-arm pace bowler Wes spent all his lengthy career with the Caistor club apart from 1974 when he played for Brigg Town and helped them secure the Grimsby League Division Three championship.
This was Brigg's first season since the club was re-established following a gap of 30 years. Home games were played at the Recreation Ground, where Wes was pictured above in 1974.

JOIN SUNDAY BRIGG SERVICE ONLINE OR BY PHONE

There will be an online Brigg church service held tomorrow (Sunday, July 26) which will be led by Kate Marr. Everyone is invited to take part.
It will start at 10.30am but with the option to join from 9.45am. Feel free to invite family, neighbours and friends.
For online Zoom users, the Meeting ID is 978 8891 8428, or click on the link https://zoom.us/j/97888918428
For Sunday worship by phone, dial any ONE of these four numbers: 0131 460 1196, 0203 051 2874, 0203 481 5237, 0203 481 5240.
A message will say that you have connected with Zoom and ask you to put in the meeting code - also used by those taking part online.
Enter the Meeting ID for Sunday worship - 978 8891 8428 - by tapping it in on your telephone keypad, followed by the hash key.
It will then ask for your own ID. Simply press the hash key AGAIN. And then you’re in!
Pictured: Brigg Methodist Church, viewed across the A18.

AIRING OUR VIEWS ABOUT FACE MASKS IN BRIGG

Face masks/coverings must be worn by all customers inside UK shops from today (Friday, July 24), Brigg Blog reminds its followers.  A penalty of up to £100 can be given to those who fail to comply, if the powers-that-be get involved. So don't run the risk; remember to take something suitable with you. 
Humberside Police says there are face-covering exemptions - children aged under 11 and  people with certain medical conditions.
The force says shoppers who are concerned about others not complying with the rules should speak to the store manager in the first instance. "You should only call the police in an emergency," it stresses, adding that fining is seen as "a last resort."
Some public transport users in our area might be seen as only paying lip service to the regulation requiring masks to be worn on public transport.
A small minority are not putting them on until after taking their seats, or are taking off face coverings before they exit the bus.
Surely the government's intention is for passengers to don masks before boarding and to keep them on until after they have stepped off the bus - or train.
However, the requirement seems to be paraphrased to 'face covering must be worn on public transport' without specifying exactly when.
Waiting at Scunthorpe bus station for a bus back to Brigg the other day we were impressed by the thoroughness of our driver, who sprayed all the seats with a pleasant-smelling substance and wiped down surfaces before letting any passengers onto his vehicle.
Chanel No 7 is a famous fragrance; this was Hornsbys X4.
Hats, but not masks, off to all bus drivers who have soldiered on, providing a valuable public service, since mid-March when the Coronavirus emergency was declared.

BRIGG PROPERTY CAN BE DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED WITH NEW DWELLING

A Brigg bungalow can be demolished and a new property built on the site to take its place, North Lincolnshire Council has decided.
Planning permission has been granted for the scheme which involves removing the bungalow at 11 Eastfield Road, which was erected around 1960.
Brigg Town Council considered the application and raised no objections.
Eastfield Road connects with the A18 on Wrawby Road and has a range of domestic properties built in different styles over the years.
North Lincolnshire Council has refused an application seeking permission to erect four dwellings, with associated access and landscaping, on land adjacent to 1 Silver Street, Barnetby.
The council considered this would be an over-development of the site and would result in additional traffic generation and the loss of existing on-street parking, which would exacerbate existing concerns of on-street parking and prevent the free and safe flow of vehicles along Silver Street.
Anyone refused planning permission by a local authority may, if they wish, lodge an appeal.
Reflecting changing times, BT has given notice to council planners that it proposes to remove the public telephone box near the junction of East Street and Redbourne Road, Hibaldstow, saying this facility is little used with an average of 17 calls made per month. BT also intends to remove others in Scunthorpe and Barton for the same reason.
West Lindsey District Council has granted permission to sub-divide a barn conversion into two dwellings and to retain associated alterations at Bruff Barn, Southfield Road, North Kelsey.

ELSHAM GOLF CLUB OPENS DRIVING RANGE

Many people from Brigg and district belong to Elsham Golf Club, which has opened its latest initiative - a driving range.

Members of the sub-committee who developed the project watched as Club President John Harris cut the tape to open the new facility. The project had been led by Sarah Harris and her team, writes Peter Thompson.
John Harris said: “To get us to this point has been a long and at times difficult road with many setbacks, but finally we have reached the point where we can open the range, which hopefully will be the first stage of developing and improving the practice facilities.
“I would like to thank all those whose involvement and hard work have made this possible as well as our sponsors Will Whittaker Land Agency and Nunn’s Mitsubishi.”
The range is open to members only with full Coved-19 Health and Safety rules in place.
Club Captain Robert Adcock was keen to stress the value of the new facility in enhancing the membership experience at Elsham, saying: “Elsham is a great place to be a member and the work by Sarah and her team in setting up this practice facility in these challenging times, is testament to the club’s commitment to improving every facet of the golf club for the members. The practice ground now stands alongside what is a great course and I feel there is no better place to be a golf club member.”
Winner of the Club Championship 2020 was Callum Bruce. After two consecutive rounds of 18 holes only one shot separated the top two players. Bruce won with scores of 69 and 72. Ben Lowery was second but won the Nett Championship with a score of 142.
The battle between Bruce, Lowery and Jonny Kittle was keen throughout with Bruce holing from two feet to win on the final hole.
Organiser Neil Roberts said: “Well played to all those who took part, there was an excellent turn out and some great scoring.”
The seniors raised £150 for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance in the Senior Captains' Charity Stableford won by Richard Murgatroyd with 42 points."
Pictured: Elsham Golf Club President John Harris and Project Co-ordinator Sarah Harris celebrates the opening of the club’s new driving range with the committee members who made the development possible. Picture credit: Peter Thompson.

HALF-PRICED MEALS COMING TO BRIGG

Brigg people will soon be able to eat out in the town centre and enjoy big savings on the bill after enjoying their meals.
The Old Mill Brewery, which owns the Lord Nelson Hotel in the Market Place, says: "We're really excited to announce that all our food pubs have signed up to the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme running throughout August.
"Come and join us and enjoy 50% off food and soft drinks* every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
"*Terms apply - up to £10.00 off per person."
Bob and Caz, mine hosts at the Nelson, have food available, as well as offering drinks from the bar and accommodation.
Read more about the Eat Out scheme here. You can take part as many times as you like and still enjoy the discount.
More Brigg venues are expected to join this government-backed scheme in August, but Snaith-based Old Mill Brewery is the first to issue information about its food establishments signing up. We'll be happy to publicise other local eateries' inclusion if they get in touch with Brigg Blog.
 

BRIGG COUNCILLORS TO CONSIDER PLANS

Brigg Town Council has now arranged a meeting of its Planning & Environment Committee to consider two new applications.
The authority will be holding a 'virtual' online session, using Zoom, for next Monday (July 27) from 6.30pm, involving staff and elected councillors.
These applications are seeking permission to erect two-storey and single-storey extensions at 1 Glanford Road, and to convert 4 flats into 2 dwellings, replace front porch, & demolish existing conservatory at Manton House, Flat 1, Bridge Street.
Brigg Town Council is always consulted about pending planning applications and can make its views known to North Lincolnshire planners, who make final decisions in all cases.

LEISURE FACILITIES POPULAR WITH BRIGG PEOPLE TO REOPEN THIS WEEKEND

Leisure facilities that are popular with people living in Brigg, Broughton and other local communities will reopen from lockdown on Saturday (July 25).
That's the good news from the DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort - located close to the A18 Brigg to Scunthorpe road.
“The long wait is nearly over, our pool, gym and health club will be open to guests and to the public next Saturday,” says Steve Whittaker the hotel’s General Manager. “We look forward to welcoming old friends and new faces in the coming weeks and months.”
“At this time our focus is on guaranteeing total safety for our guests and our staff. We will naturally comply with all government proposals including limiting the number of people using the facility at any one time by using a timed booking system. We will also be reducing class sizes and allowing sufficient time between each class to avoid groups waiting outside during changeover.”
The DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort has spaced out equipment and taken some out of service to maintain social distancing. The cleaning regime has been intensified and hand sanitizer are available at all stations. Floors are clearly marked for increased safety. At this time the pool will be limited to 16 swimmers while the spacious gym and studio will be restricted to just 21 guests at any one time. The award-winning 27-hole golf course has been successfully operating for some time.
“We have spent a huge amount of time researching and considering every aspect of safety,” comments Whittaker. “In particular we are asking visitors to the gym  and pool to arrive ready to participate and then to go to their rooms or home to shower and change to reduce congestion in our changing areas.”
The hotel has adopted the worldwide Hilton CleanStay programme in partnership with RB, the makers of Lysol® & Dettol®, to deliver an even cleaner stay for their guests.

BRIGG TAKEAWAY SNACK SHACK IS BACK

Another popular Brigg fast food outlet is open again at its traditional location within the town centre.
Burger fans can now call at local businessman Andrew Devai's Snack Shack, which will be open this afternoon (Wednesday) and into the evening, and at various other times to be announced. Use this link to find out more...
The full title of Andrew's mobile fast food business is Snack Shack at the Dying Gladiator.
It operates from a fully equipped trailer in the beer garden of the Bigby Street hostelry - entry being gained through a door at the side of the pub (see picture below).
 

Please note that the Gladiator pub has yet to set a reopening date. Mine host is going to let his regulars and Brigg Blog know when it is in the not too distant future. We had a word with him yesterday afternoon while popping in to confirm that the Shack Shack is indeed back.
Deliveries are available from Andrew. Call 07506 708208.

Andrew Devai serving a Snack Shack customer in February 2020.