PART ONE: BRIGG BLOG'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2020 - JANUARY TO JULY

Although the Coronavirus emergency has been a dominant factor in Brigg since March 2020, there have been plenty of other topics, happenings and achievements during the year that are worthy of inclusion in our review of the year.
Over the 12 months we posted 1,187 illustrated items on a wide range of subjects - exceeding our target of three per day.
Even though virus-related restrictions have resulted in the cancellation of many event we might have featured, Brigg Blog has kept its coverage at the usual level throughout.
Click on the highlighted link in the text to read our original post about each topic.

JANUARY
Brigg started the New Year without one of its bus services which was withdrawn.
Townsfolk also missed popular vicar, Father Owain Mitchell, who moved to take charge of a parish in the Peak District.
Brigg's new Spanish-themed La Finca Restaurant held a number of sell-out evening events.
A new use was approved for an unused building within the conservation area.
And a man from Warrington made a 200-mile round trip to visit Brigg by train and eat at Wetherspoon's White Horse pub!

FEBRUARY
Storm Ciara blew in with force, causing weekend damage and producing a dramatic picture of a fallen tree on a Brigg housing estate. Storm Dennis resulted in a flood warning being required.
Plans were announced for a new all-weather sports pitch in the town at one of the schools.
We also spoke about 'Doctor Bike' launching cycle repair clinics at Brians DIY on Wrawby Street!
A Brigg railway relic from Queen Victoria's reign was restored and put back in use on a heritage line far away.
The Wilder Ancholme eco project attracted a big attendance for its launch in the town.


MARCH
A call was made for the introduction of a new 'shuttle' service to bring more passenger trains to Brigg station on additional days of the week.
Charity fundraisers from local agriculture were on the road to success with an event which provided Brigg Blog with plenty of picture opportunities.
We revealed that the town's best-known 'Lady' had left her lofty perch for specialist attention.
Our first reference to the Coronavirus emergency came, fittingly perhaps, on Friday the 13th when we reported the cancellation of Brigg Town FC's weekend fixture.
Community awards were presented, including the coveted Joseph J Magrath one for public voluntary service in Brigg.
A Brigg school reunion dinner went ahead but many who had paid for tickets stayed away due to concerns about the pandemic.
Brigg pub-goers then downed their last pints as the government ordered enforced closure of bars due to the Coronavirus emergency.


APRIL
Brigg Blog noted a sad anniversary - 20 years since the closure of one of the town's best-known food shops - Turner's of Queen Street.
It was also 10 years since one of Brigg's historic pubs was saved from closure, but the emergency measures meant this could not be celebrated in traditional fashion  in spring 2020.
The town's general market moved indoors for the first time since the 13th century - a stallholder initiative made necessary by the virus emergency.
Brigg Blog completed its Timeline - listing significant dates and events in the town from 1066 to 2019. This took an age to compile and is thought to be the first time anyone had attempted such a list. The Timeline was welcomed by many people, which made all that effort worthwhile!
We also broke new ground by posting some pub quizzes about the town, which went down well. Some of the clues were cryptic but solved by those with local knowledge of recent decades.
Brigg Food Bank appealed for donations to assist families in need of a helping hand at a difficult time.


MAY
A huge Brigg site for new housing was placed on the market.
Our Town Council - unable to meet in traditional fashion in a room at the Angel because of emergency restrictions - switched to virtual sessions online, using Zoom as its host. The Methodist Church also opted for online services, with the opportunity to listen in by phone as well,
Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy completed 10 years representing our area in the House of Commons.
Social distancing had to be employed but Brigg still marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) after Germany had surrendered at the end of the Second World War in 1945.
The town welcomed back some of its businesses as 'lockdown' was relaxed by the government.
A well-known Brigg business opened lavish new premises, having relocated from its familiar base.


JUNE
A month into the new season, cricketers belonging to the Brigg Town, Broughton and Hibaldtow clubs had still to bowl a ball as the government continued to rule out any play because of virus-spreading concerns.
However, Brigg Market was permitted to reopen 'with a few changes'.
Brigg business Spelmans celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Then Brigg Farmers' Market resumed on June 27.
Brigg Blog produced a 'Then & Now' series - tracing the history of some of our well-known streets.
A scheme was announced to look into the possibility of introducing a new Barton-Brigg-Gainsborough passenger train service, with support from North Lincolnshire Council and local MPs.


JULY
'Super Saturday' (July 4) saw Brigg pubs permitted to reopen as restrictions were relaxed, but not all did so immediately. Sit-down eateries were also allowed to operate again.
However, Brigg Bike Night 2020 did not take place the following Friday - being an event at which social distancing would have proved impossible,
The Briggensians' scheduled summer sports reunion at Sir John Nelthorpe School was also 'hit for six'.
Hundreds of people viewed our post about a fast food takeaway when it opened in the town centre. And Brigg Farmers' Market enjoyed its 20th anniversary.

PICTURED: Michelle Dunnion and Eugene Irwin outside the Dying Gladiator as they prepared to reopen in the summer; Brigg from the air, featuring the Tesco store and the river; Keith Simpson, Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall and Freeman Tom Glossop on Remembrance Sunday; one empty and one half-empty glass inside the snug at the Yarborough Hunt - reflecting 2020 for Brigg licensed premises.

PART TWO: BRIGG BLOG'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2020 - AUGUST TO DECEMBER

August to December 2020 in Brigg was dominated by the Coronavirus emergency, but the Horse Fair was among annual events which did proceed. The long-awaited Aldi store opened on Bridge Street, while a proposed new school for the town received the go ahead from planners. North Lincolnshire Council also received applications to create a new licensed bar in the Market Place and to site 70 new homes on Island Carr.
Click on the highlighted link in the text to read our original post about each topic.

AUGUST
The national ban imposed on cricket was finally lifted... and Brigg, Broughton and Hibaldstow cricketers started their 2020 season by taking part in a specially arranged tournament throughout August - five fixtures apiece.
Brigg Town Football Club launched a new children's play area (with equipment) which soon became very popular - admission being free to all.
Brigg Horse Fair 2020 went ahead, despite calls from the authorities for it to be cancelled during the virus emergency. Police kept a watching brief on the Station Road site.
The historic Dying Gladiator pub - with social distancing measures in place - reopened and had a new bar manager at the helm.
Popular local landlord Mark Burns moved from the Exchange to the Britannia Inn, beginning his new role by providing a free barbecue.
Brigg Town Football Club kicked off the new season by securing a trophy.
Moving with the times perhaps, a Brigg retailer shut up shop on Springs Parade and switched to working from home.
Brigg's Gemma Chelton became 'The Face of Fashion' in support of Lindsey Lodge Hospice.
Plans to develop the former Sherwood's cycle shop site on Bridge Street might possibly include the provision of a coffee shop as well as new town housing, we revealed... subject to planning permission being granted for demolition of the existing buildings (decision still awaited at the end of 2020).


SEPTEMBER
Seventy new homes were proposed for a site on Island Carr by well-known local firm Keyo.
The Stagecoach bus service linking Brigg and Barton was withdrawn. However, a new dial-a-ride mini-bus service called JustGo was launched, with backing from North Lincolnshire Council.
A Brigg business gained a Trip Advisor award and was named among the world's top 10 per cent in its field.
The new Aldi store opened on Bridge Street on September 24 - immediately proving popular with shoppers from Brigg and well beyond.
New Town Clerk, Kerry McGrath, took up her duties with Brigg Town Council, following Dinah Lilley's retirement.
An immediately popular new slide was installed by North Lincolnshire Council on the Davy Memorial playing field to replace a life-expired one removed some months earlier on safety grounds. It was followed later in the year by new football goalposts funded by the town authority.


OCTOBER
A Brigg food outlet and one of the town's pubs received 'al fresco' additions after North Lincolnshire Council granted them special pavement licences.
Exciting plans to transform former bank premises in the Market Place into a new licensed bar (with apartments and offices above) generated major interest.
A Brigg pub offered free lunch boxes to needy children over the half-term holiday.
The Brigg Poppy 10K charity run went ahead but with competitors completing the course at different times to ensure social distancing before reporting their times to the organisers.
Brigg's landmark Angel 'community hub' building was officially reopened by North Lincolnshire Council after extensive internal improvements.


NOVEMBER
Lockdown 2.0 - at the beginning of the month - saw sit-down restaurant meals ruled out again, and various sporting fixtures were put on hold for a month.
There had to be changes on Remembrance Sunday, with no parade or church service, but wreaths were still laid at the Monument. Brigg Town Council asked the public not to spectate and instead posted 'live streaming' of the ceremony online.
Having suspended publication for some months during the emergency period, the Brigg Matters community magazine returned with a Winter edition in a new handy-sized format, which was well received.
The Town Council agreed to refurbish the Tintab shelter on East Park and to consider whether plaques remembering the man who donated this structure to the town decades ago might be put on view.
New Christmas lights provided by the Town Council were switched on by the Mayor, Coun Sharon Riggall. But because of the virus emergency, there was no mass gathering in the Market Place, nor accompanying festive fair from the Lions with indoor and outdoor stalls.


DECEMBER
A new 'Indie' Market - launched by local traders - proved successful, and plans to create a new school in Brigg, on Wrawby Road, were granted permission.
Former Town Mayor Coun Ann Eardley completed half-a-century's service as a community volunteer.
Brigg Town FC returned to action following another lockdown spell, and took part in a local derby, while North Lincolnshire Council put the former Brigg Youth Centre buildings up for sale on the property market.
Brigg Servicemen's Club reached the 100th anniversary of its foundation but suitable celebrations to mark this milestone must wait until the virus emergency passes.
A prime town centre site was snapped up at auction for well above its guide price.
The Christmas period saw four new anti-crime CCTV cameras in use for the first time.

Brigg Town FC sold out their Boxing Day home game several hours before kick-off but lost to Skegness before a 150-strong crowd (Brigg fans only permitted).

PICTURED: Brigg Horse Fair 2020; staff inside the new Aldi store - picture from the company; the former HSBC bank which is earmarked to be turned into a licensed bar with apartments and office space (application still to be decided by North Lincolnshire Council).

EVEN SEASIDE EXCURSIONS FROM YORKSHIRE STOPPED IN BRIGG

The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group has kindly shared this historic train timetable with us - remembering a time when our station was of such importance that even summer bank holiday 'specials' stopped here to pick up townsfolk.
Local people can still use the Saturdays-only passenger service to enjoy day trips to the seaside at Cleethorpes. But this summer timetable from 1934 gives a reminder that, from the late 1840s through to the early 1990s, Brigg had trains calling on other days of the week. Indeed, our station originally formed part of the original Manchester-Grimsby-Cleethorpes mainline.
Many extra excursion trains were provided over the decades, chiefly to take people from Yorkshire to the east coast (via Brigg and Barnetby).
When this timetable was produced in August 1934, Grimsby Town were about to begin a memorable season which would see them finish fifth in the First Division (forerunner of today's Premier League). The Mariners were still in the top-flight when league football resumed after the Second World War. Incredible!
Only Arsenal, Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City had better records than Grimsby in 1934/35. Tottenham and Leicester were the bottom two and relegated.
The year 1934 proved to be an interesting one in Brigg, too.
Our town's first Trades Exhibition was staged - at the Corn Exchange - attracting 2,000 visitors on the first day (many having travelled by train).  
Glanford Boat Club  (still going on Island Carr) was formed, while land was purchased from Tadcaster Brewery by the \urban District Council to build the Newlands housing estate, the estimated cost being £85,000. What a bargain!
Note the dates of the excursions which called at Brigg in 1934.
Was that year's Horse Fair held on Sunday the 5th or perhaps the following day?
Recent horse fairs which fell on a Sunday were re-timed.
The letters LNER on the timetable refer to the London North Eastern Railway, which took over control of Brigg station and local trains in 1923 from the Great Central Railway) and remained until January 1, 1948 when nationalised British Railways came into being.

LATEST BRIGG & DISTRICT PLANNING DECISIONS

An extension proposed for a property that is only a stone's throw from Brigg has been approved.
North Lincolnshire Council has granted planning permission for the erection of a single-storey side extension at 5 Swift Drive on the Water's Edge housing estate (within Broughton parish).
A council assessment report on this application said: "It is considered the proposal by way of its design would not prejudice the existing neighbouring amenity such as the of loss of daylight, overshadowing, overbearing or loss of privacy."
Meanwhile, the planning authority has approved "a non-material amendment" to a Brigg property improvement scheme it approved two years ago. The alteration now approved for 12 Westrum Lane is to change the garage door to a window with masonry below. In September 2018, permission was granted to demolish an existing single-storey rear extension and erect a new single-storey rear and front extension.
Planning permission to erect an extension to Wold House, 13 Clixby Lane, Grasby, has been granted by West Lindsey District Council.
North Lincolnshire Council is now considering whether proposed household extensions in Broughton will require the submission of formal planning applications - the addresses being 6 Cloister Walk and 2 Beechwood Crescent.
Permission to remove existing garages and erect a new double garage is being sought for 43 Ings Lane, Hibaldstow.
Approval is also being requested to erect a single-storey rear extension at Kerenza Cottage, Main Street, Howsham.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR BRIAN TAYLOR MBE

The funeral service for Brian Taylor MBE - well-known in Brigg for his community service as a charity fundraiser, school governor and magistrate - will be held on Thursday (December 31).
Please note that due to current Coronavirus emergency restrictions, attendance at the service is by invitation only.
It will be held at St Hybald's Church, Hibaldstow, at 11.30am.
Brian died earlier this month, aged 87. Read Brigg Blog's tribute to him here...
He is pictured above after receiving the MBE from Prince Charles  - awarded for public service within our district.

BRIGG HOUSEHOLDS TAKE NOTE

Following yesterday's Brigg Blog post about recycling Christmas cards, we noted this online update from North Lincolnshire Council - some of which is relevant to our area.
"Winterton recycling centre has reached capacity and will be closed until 2 January.
"Broughton and Kirton recycling centres are not accepting green waste until after the New Year.
"We are experiencing heavy demand at all our recycling centres, with long queues. Some centres may be forced to close early and have restricted capacity.
"Is your trip essential? Please protect yourselves and our keyworkers by helping us keep our sites open and Covid secure by waiting until after the festive break before visiting, and only visiting when necessary. #Staysafe."
The site near Broughton and Wressle also serves Brigg and surrounding communities.

BRIGG REC RULED OUT FOR FIREWORK DISPLAY'S RETURN: ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?

Brigg Blog received a rapid reply to our recent post in which we suggested now might be the time to try and reintroduce our town's once-popular early November firework displays at the Recreation Ground in early November- such well-attended community events having been discontinued some time back.
An official of a local group now tells us they tried to resurrect the event a couple of years ago "but parking is a barrier - along with less space on the field now with the hockey pitches and building."
The former refers to the 'Blue Astro' all-weather facility provided by North Linccolnshire Council on one of the well-established grass football pitches, and the latter to the large changing room block (with community room) which replaced the Glanford authority's smaller building of the early 1980s.
This reply set Brigg Blog thinking about other possible locations for a firework display, and we stress the word 'possible'.
Nowhere else seems ideal. We thought (briefly) about the Vale Academy's huge playing field between Atherton Way and Redcombe Lane. But even if the headteacher and governors agreed, there could be an issue with car parking - unless special permission was granted along the length of Atherton Way for an evening event.
The former Brigg Sugar Factory sportsground, off Scawby Road in nearby Scawby Brook, has stood idle for many years and is of suitable size for a firework display, with Ancholme Leisure Centre's car park close by. However, would the current owner(s) grant permission?
Can anyone come up with a viable alternative site in Brigg? Whatever might be suggested, consultations with residents living nearby is advised.

PICTURED: Brigg Recreation Ground (courtesy of Neil Stapleton), the former Sugar Factory sportsfield & clubhouse and the Vale Academy playing field (viewed from Redcombe Lane).

WORLD FAMOUS DARTS PLAYERS STARRED AT BRIGG CLUBS & TOOK ON MANY LOCAL AMATEURS

Brigg Servicemen's Club having very recently reached a milestone 100 years since its formation reminded us of a great night at the Coney Court premises which involved appearances by two world famous sportsmen.
Darts stars Dennis Priestley and Rod Harrington visited the club in 2004 to play local players in an exhibition event and also to present darts trophies won during the Brigg & District Games League season.
Among locals who took to the stage against Dennis were Terry Finch - well known locally for his hard work on behalf of Broughton Workingmen's Club - Roger France (Dog & Rat), Rob Collins (Ancholme Inn), Martin Drury (Britannia), Richard Drury (Dog & Rat), Clive Humphrey (Black Bull), Sandra Clarvis (Brocklesby Ox), Peter Pixley (Brigg Servicemen's) and Lou Hutchinson (Shires).
Rod Harrington's opponents included Tom Vessey (Brocklesby Ox), John Carter (Black Bull), Kev Hewer (Shires), Kevin Robers (Queen's Head), Mick Finch, Jack Colquhoun (Ancholme), Trev Vessey (Black Bull) and Dick Butler (Dog & Rat).
Next time we see Trev in Brigg we'll ask him about this night 16 years ago; we are sure he'll have some memories.
Kelly Taylor, from Brigg, won the souvenir Dennis Priestley darts board used on the night for all the legs.
Many people in our area are currently enjoying live coverage of the PDC World Darts Championship - courtesy of Sky TV - Rod Harrington being one of the commentators and expert summarisers.
Dennis, from South Yorkshire, has featured at other local darts nights down the years - the latest being at Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns venue.
Brigg Blog was invited down to cover that event and initially thought the organiser's invitation to play against the former world champion was a wind-up. It wasn't, and we did indeed take to the stage against Dennis. Although soundly beaten by the star nicknamed The Menace, it made a good addition to our sporting CV... "I once played a world darts champion... in Brigg!"
We wasted money on a new set of darts, having long thrown away the battered ones we used to employ while appearing for the Queen's Arms in the Brigg & District Games League during the 1980s.

PICTURED ABOVE: Terry Finch (top left), Martin Drury (right) and Lou Hutchinson pictured with Dennis Priestley on stage at Brigg Servicemen's Club in 2004. The former world champ wore his trademark Dennis the Menace shirt while playing but donned a jacket to make the formal presentations on behalf of the local league. Dennis was world champion in 1991 and 1994; Rod Harrington, from Essex, became world masters champ in 1991.

BRIGG PEOPLE URGED TO RECYCLE AFTER CHRISTMAS

Brigg people have received a post-Christmas recycling request from North Lincolnshire Council.
The authority says: "Most people in North Lincolnshire recycle paper and card. When it comes to recycling Christmas cards, remove any glittery bits or ribbons first – they can't be recycled – then put the cards into your burgundy bin. For more information go www.northlincs.gov.uk/recycling "
The next collection of burgundy bins in Brigg will take place on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
That's the day before 'Twelfth Night' when people traditionally take down their festive decorations and remove their Christmas cards from view.

CHRISTMAS WEEK BIN COLLECTION IN BRIGG - DON'T MISS OUT

 

Here's an important reminder aimed at all Brigg households... Don't miss out on the Christmas week bin collection.
North Lincolnshire Council crews will be visiting properties across the town tomorrow (Tuesday, December 29) to empty the following:

• General waste wheelie bins.
• Green kerbside boxes containing metal cans, glass jars & bottles, plus aluminium foil.
• Blue kerbside boxes filled with paper items.

Put all yours out for emptying before you go to bed tonight (Monday) or by 7am tomorrow if you are an early riser.
Christmas week potentially generates more waste and items for recycling than any other time of the year.
Plenty of community-minded locals have already been busy recycling over the festive period.
By yesterday morning (Sunday) these bins - pictured below on the edge of the Old Courts Road car park - contained scores of cans and bottles, as did others nearby. The metal and glass will be processed for further use, rather than going to landfill.

North Lincolnshire is urging households to recycle.

 

 

DECISION AWAITED ON FUTURE OF PUB NEAR BRIGG

A decision made in the New Year or the early part of 2021 will decide the future of a well-known and historic pub within walking distance of Brigg.
Brigg Blog took a stroll to Scawby Brook yesterday (Sunday, December 27) to take these pictures of the King William IV for which a new use is being proposed.
Will the pub still be evident next Christmas?
A public consultation period ended in mid-November on an application which is seeking approval to change the use of the pub building to a dwelling and also outline planning permission for the erection of three dwellings behind the premises off Scawby Road.
North Lincolnshire Council is still to make its ruling on the award-winning hostelry which dates back to the early 19th century.
A statement submitted with the application includes a section headed 'Loss of public house' which asks planners to note "there have been numerous attempts to market the pub for sale which have not resulted in any offers being made."
The King William IV has established a fine reputation for meals, and is also the base of the local Tuckers ice cream business.
During the consultation period, North Lincolnshire received comments from a few members of the public concerned about the proposed loss of the hamlet's hostelry, which is known locally as The King Billy.
Scawby Parish Council says, in principal, it has no objections to the proposed development as it is small and in keeping with the surrounding area, but says this site is situated outside the current development boundary and therefore the parish authority feels it must record an objection to this proposed development.
North Lincolnshire Council will make its ruling known in due course.
PICTURED ABOVE: The King William IV in late December 2020 with the public notice announcing future plans displayed in the yellow notice. BELOW: Other views, including car parking and land behind the pub.
Two years ago, North Lincolnshire Council approved the conversion of Brigg's Nelthorpe Arms pub to purely residential use.

 

 

ALDI STORE'S FIRST CHRISTMAS IN BRIGG MEANS SAVINGS FOR MANY SHOPPERS

 

  

Thanks to investment by international discount retailer Aldi, Brigg households had somewhere new available to do their main Christmas shopping this year.

The long-awaited store off Bridge Street opened on September 24, 2020 and hundreds of local folk opted to visit in the run up to Christmas, to stock up with food and drink. Our picture (above) shows the store yesterday (Sunday, December 27).
By using Aldi we've definitely reduced our usual festive spending on food and drink, with decent real ale in bottles for around £1 and canned cider for much less than that.
We also visited the Lidl store, on Atherton Way, yesterday (Sunday) when beer was on offer at similar prices, and went on to call at Tesco to make a couple of purchases,
Competition between big grocery 'giants' in Brigg can only be a good thing for consumers, and not just at Christmas!
We've taken a bit of flak in earlier posts this year for classing B&M as a Brigg supermarket.
That criticism came to mind during our most recent visit to the firm's riverside store. As we made our way along the two lengthy aisles nearest to the entrance, rows of shelves on both sides were packed with food and drink!
Brigg's popular Blyton Ice Cream parlour, on the eastern edge of Wrawby Street, is now taking a Christmas and New Year break and will reopen on January 8 to offer a takeaway service, including deliveries.

 

 

DISAPPOINTMENT FOR SELL-OUT BRIGG TOWN BOXING DAY CROWD

 

Before a sell-out Boxing Day crowd of 150 fans, Brigg Town Football Club hosted Skegness yesterday afternoon in ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns). 

It was the Zebras' first home league game for some weeks due to a Coronavirus emergency suspension of fixtures.
However, Brigg failed to give their socially distanced supporters a belated Christmas present - going down 3-1 to Skegness.
The Zebras were awarded an early penalty, but Jack Bowskin's spot-kick was saved. Skeggy then took the lead with a top corner free kick strike by Gary King.
The second period saw Brigg draw level, courtesy of an own goal by George Hobbins. However, Dan Brooks restored the visitors' lead with a 79th-minute free kick.
Brigg's Reece Newell was shown the record card eight minutes before Skegness added their third goal, through Ben Davison, as full-time drew near.
The game sold out several hours prior to kick-off - 150 being the maximum attendance permitted under the current restrictions on football at this level - home spectators only.

BRIGG FIREWORKS WILL SEE IN THE NEW YEAR BUT COULD OUR BONFIRE NIGHT COMMUNAL DISPLAY BE RELAUNCHED?

It will be interesting to see how many Brigg people set off fireworks to welcome in the New Year next Thursday as December 31 gives way to January 1, 2021.
Some may feel it inappropriate in view of the ninth-month Coronavirus emergency, while others might consider it a good time to light the blue touchpaper to demonstrate a belief that the virus will be overcome in the not too distant future.
This set us thinking about 2021 and whether Brigg's early November communal firework display might be reintroduced at the Recreation Ground.
Most people in Brigg will remember going down to the Rec from the late 1960s or early 1970s through to 2009 when they were discontinued. Crowds of up to 2,000 used to attend - depending on the weather.
Such events are expensive to mount and require a great deal of voluntary help, with obvious 'elf and safety' issues to be addressed, and costly insurance to be secured.
Originally, these communal celebrations - with huge bonfire, hot food, stalls and sideshows - were organised by a joint committee of volunteers drawn from many local clubs and groups; later, Brigg District Lions took charge.
In 2010, and then again in 2012, there were unfounded hopes that these crowd-pleasing events might resume.
The Jolly Miller pub/restaurant at Wrawby and the Sutton Arms at Scawby subsequently hosted Bonfire Night celebrations which many Brigg folk supported. But although there were displays for the public in these neighbouring villages, our town could not match them, which seems a shame.
Perhaps it's time to consider re-forming a joint organising committee along the lines of the one which did such worthy work decades ago. The 2021 version might receive welcome input from active organisations which support worthy causes like the Lions, Rotary, Round Table and the Freemasons.
Brigg Town Council has pledged financal help to many 'major events' over the years and might be approached for support.
As firework displays involve so much pre-planning, now might be a good time to consider whether something could be set up for November 2021.
In the latter half of the 1970s, Brigg Town Cricket Club was tasked by the joint committee with building the bonfire at the Rec - carefully sited on grass between the two football pitches. A large lorry was taken to Scunthorpe steelworks to collect 'scap' railway sleepers which were kindly provided by British Steel Corporation for a nominal charge. These were piled up to provide the base of the bonfire. 

One year we also visited Spring's riverside jam factory to collect piles of surplus wooden furniture, which ensured a particularly successful blaze.
 
PICTURED; Local people enjoying a communal firework display in the 1990s at Brigg Recreation Ground.

BRIGG BLOG JOINS NEW CCTV CAMERAS TO KEEP WATCH ON BOXING DAY

There were plenty of people out and about in Brigg on Boxing Day morning yesterday (Saturday, December 26) and some came under the watchful eye of new CCTV cameras.
Townsfolk of all ages were taking a stroll during the fine pre-lunch weather - in some cases to walk off food and drink excesses of Christmas Day.
The Ancholme Way riverside walk & cycle way, running north from the County Bridge, proved particularly popular and came within CCTV surveillance of two new cameras - adjoining Riverside Mews and on a metal post near the Amcholme Way flyover. Our picture shows the latter.
Brigg Town Council and North Lincolnshire Council are involved in this latest bid to keep an eye out for wrong-doers, including anti-social behaviour by the riverside.
The cameras are monitored from the unitary authority's control centre in Scunthorpe, together with many others across the district.
As word spreads that these cameras are now operational, it should make people think twice about unlawful acts.
It remains to be seen whether the live footage captured is being, or can be, used to help identify fly-tippers and dog owners who opt not clean up after their pets.
If the answer is yes, pet walkers and other pedestrians with litter to discard are strongly advised to use the bins provided nearby.
There was no sign of any riverside activity that might interest the authorities yesterday morning, nor within the town centre.
It's common to see the odd discarded beer bottle or pint glass on the paved part of the pedestrian area after Christmas, but not this year.
With all pubs in enforced lockdown due to the Coronavirus emergency, it was sad to walk past them late on Boxing Day morning and see the doors firmly locked at what is usually such a busy time for the licensed trade.
In addition to Brigg Town FC's home game with Skegness, there was some other sport being enjoyed yesterday. Pleasure anglers were using the Springs Stretch near the Ancholme Way Bridge - these pegs taking their name from the former jam factory, since demolished.
Pictured below on Boxing Day are balcony seats on the side of Riverside Mews, offering a bird's eye or panoramic view of the Old River Ancholme beneath. Directly opposite, beneath the wall at the side of the former Nelthorpe Arms beer garden, a giant pike was rumoured to live long ago. Many handsome pike have been caught over the years on the Old River near the County Bridge.

But did anyone ever manage to land this particular monster of the deep?

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM BRIGG TOWN FC ON BOXING DAY

There was an important Boxing Day message from Brigg Town Football Cub at 11am.
This afternoon's home game against Skegness - kickinf off at at 3pm - is now a SELL OUT with all 150 permitted places in the ground taken.
It's home fans only at the EC Surfacing stadium this due to the current Tier 3 Coronavirus regulations.ub at 11am.
This afternoon's home game against Skegness at 3pm is now a SELL OUT with all 150 permitted places in the ground taken.
It's socially distanced home fans only at the EC Surfacing stadium due to the current Tier 3 Coronavirus regulations.

COUNCIL LOOKS AT PROPOSED BRIGG CONSERVATION AREA TREE FELLING SITE IT'S NOT EASY TO VIEW

 

 

Members of Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee often pay personal site visits ahead of considering local applications of various kinds. 

However, one recently submitted within the conservation area is different to the majority because it is located behind a terraced property and cannot easily be seen.
The Town Council has been consulted over the proposed felling of a cherry tree within the rear garden of 18 Albert Street (part of a terrace near New Street).
In view of this tree's location and the fact that North Lincolnshire planning staff were expected to visit the site in due course, committee chairman Coun Brian Parker (the Deputy Town Mayor) said the unitary authority would be in a better position to judge and they should leave it to the planners.
Giving notice of intention to fell the tree, the applicant has told planners that the roots have taken over the small garden - ruining the lawn and patio. Previously, the roots had caused a drain blockage.
North Lincolnshire Council will now decide the application in due course.

PICTURED: The front of the terrace which includes 18 Albert Street and a rear view taken from nearby New Street, looking across back gardens.

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS SNOW IN BRIGG

These pictures were taken in Brigg on Christmas Eve 2010, and the following day saw a White Christmas - courtesy of a solitary shower of the white stuff.
Brigg Blog reported 10 years ago that due to the bad weather-related cancellation of the official switch-on ceremony in the Market Place, we had been unable to provide the usual pictures showing the Town Council-funded Christmas Lights, which were still erected by Barrie Gray and his team.
"No Christmas tree in the town centre, either, again because of the problems relating to the snow and ice," we explained in our post on Christmas Day 2010. "So, just for the record, here are three pix taken last night, Christmas Eve, showing the festive illuminations shining down on Wrawby Street and the Market Place, with a bit of snow and ice to add to the backdrop."
We recall that, despite the weather, Brigg pubs were well patronised over the Christmas period 10 years ago.

 

 

ROADWORKS COMING UP NEAR BRIGG

Level crossing-related roadworks are coming to the Brigg area on Monday, December 28.
The post-Christmas period is a good time to carry out such works with fewer cars on the roads than usual.
Network Rail Infrastructure will be working at Kettleby Lane, Wrawby, on Monday between 5am and 2pm during which stop-go boards will be used to control traffic.
The Sheffield-Brigg-Cleethorpes railway line passes through Kettleby, which has an automatic barrier crossing.
These roadworks will be the last in 2020 affecting road traffic in the Brigg area.

BRIGG TOWN FC HOME GAME TO WATCH ON BOXING DAY

 

There WILL be football to watch and enjoy in Brigg over the Christmas period.
Brigg Town FC host Skegness on Boxing Day at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns).
Kick-off tomorrow (Saturday, December 26) is 3pm for this ToolStation Northern Counties East Division One fixture.
Although Brigg lost narrowly away from home last Saturday when permiited to resume their programme, our local team is having a successful season and is currently fourth in the table.
There is a nationally imposed crowd limit of 150 on fixtures at this level in the football pyramid structure.
With Skegness Town visiting Brigg tomorrow, we jolly well hope the weather for this match is not too bracing!
Back in the 1980s, Brigg Men's Hockey Club used to play Boxing Day morning friendlies involving players from all four teams - some of the participants being a little below par for obvious reasons!
These popular matches were at the Recreation Ground when grass pitches were still used rather than synthetic all-weather versions.
Club president Len Marshall, from Wrawby, generally umpired, in return for which we provided a tot or two of Christmas spirit to warm him up at half-time! "Brandy or whisky, Len?"
From the late 1950s through to the early 1980s, the Brigg Branch of the Grimsby Town Supporters' Club ran buses to take fans to Boxing Day home matches at Blundell Park - another Christmas tradition now lost.
Nothing similar was provided for Scunthorpe United home games back then, although the Iron had more Brigg fans than Grimsby.
However, from time to time (though not at Christmas) Brigg Grammar School's resident bus was used to take pupils to some Iron encounters at the Old Show Ground. Scunny supporters who could't go by car would have to board a Lincolnshire Road Car bus from Cary Lane or Bridge Street (near Button's shop - opposite the Brocklesby Ox).

CHRISTMAS DAY IN BRIGG - PAST AND PRESENT

 

Many Christmas Day prayers will be offered up in Brigg today for an end to the Coronavirus emergency and a return to normality in the months ahead.
The older you are, the more Happy Christmases you will remember.
One old practice is seeing an obvious resurgence this Christmas and will continue until January 1 - home consumption of beer, wine and spirits.
There has been a rising trend over recent decades for people to visit Brigg pubs and licensed clubs over the festive period - some only doing so at this time of year.
That can't happen currently with all hostelries closed, so scores of folk are switching to supplies bought in from supermarkets and shops. Sadly, Brigg no longer has a dedicated off-licence - the last to go being Bargain Booze, on Springs Parade, in January 2019. And it was known to open on Christmas Day!
Advances in technology means that most Brigg homes today are centrally heated. But at Christmas time is there anything to beat sitting beside the glow of a coal-fired grate, toasting crumpets (pikelets) on a fork and placing chestnuts in the embers?
Clearly, burning coal as a fuel is frowned upon in today's modern 'green' era, and no-one now enjoying time-controlled central heating misses getting out of bed in a cold property on Christmas morning to rake out and dispose of the previous night's ashes, make and apply the folded newspaper fire-lighters, lay a framework of sticks, and carefully place lumps of coal once the wood had caught light.
Very few Brigg homes had freezers in the 1960s and 1970s, so the Christmas Day bird was bought fresh and picked up or delivered to the door just prior to December 25. Chicken was the major choice back then - being cheaper and more readily available than turkey.
Brigg kids 50 or 60 years ago kept an eye on the street in the hope of seeing what neighbouring children had been given for Christmas. New bikes from Bennett's (Wrawby Street) or Sherwood's, on Bridge Street, would be ridden with pride on the big day and their mandatory bells (to comply with the Highway Code) rung at will. Even on Christmas Day, kids were wary of riding on pavements in case a Brigg police officer came round the corner on patrol.
Mentioning town police reminds that, long ago, some Brigg youths - perhaps fortified by a little too much Christmas spirit - used to compete by shinning up the Christmas tree in the Market Place when the showpiece was much larger. There were no CCTV cameras in the town centre but there were many more police officers based in the town than there are today. So the tree-climbers were running the risk of arrest, if PCs happened to be on patrol.
When we were reporting for the Brigg-based Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times half a century ago, the first visit to the police station post-Christmas usually produced some newsworthy items from the Yuletide crime log.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO BRIGG BLOG FOLLOWERS ACROSS THE WORLD

Brigg Blog sends Christmas greetings and best wishes to all followers of our site living in or near the town, elsewhere in the UK and as far away as Australia and New Zealand. 

Despite the restrictions imposed worldwide because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we hope everyone enjoys their day.
People fortunate enough to be work-free on Christmas Day should spare a thought for those who will be on duty, including police, fire, ambulance and medical staff; all those providing residential care; the people keeping an eye on essential gas, electricity and water supplies; plus shop staff behind the counters in local premises that are opening.

PICTURED: Brigg's Christmas tree 2020 in the Market Place and illuminations near the Buttercross - provided by the Town Council.

DOES SNOW SHOWER IN BRIGG RAISE HOPES OF A RARE WHITE CHRISTMAS ? WEATHER UPDATES NOW ADDED

The snow shower Brigg experienced around 8.40am today (Thursday, December 24) might shorten bookies' odds of a White Christmas.
However, some of the weather forecasts we've just checked don't seem convinced there will be much in the way of precipitation of any kind tomorrow, Christmas Day.
Some large flakes fell in Brigg this morning but the shower proved to be brief.
With an air temperature of 3C (37.4F) and some clouds about, there might be some more flurries to follow later.
The weather has certainly proved a talking point in Brigg this morning - some early Christmas Eve shoppers catching the snow in the town centre.
The last really severe winter in the UK was in 1962/3, but the white stuff did not arrive in force until December 27/28. Very cold conditions, including frequent snow, then took hold for weeks.

However, Brigg did have a White Christmas in 2010 - courtesy of one fairly light shower which didn't last too long. "It added to the white stuff already deep and crisp and even on Brigg streets from earlier falls over recent weeks," we reported 10 years ago.
In early March 2018 we had to contend with the so-called Beast From The East, blowing in from Scandinavia, which brought considerable snowfalls - by Brigg standards.

11am update: The Met Office has issued a yellow warning about ice affecting North Lincolnshire roads and paths tonight and on Christmas Day. Some difficult driving conditions are expected.

11.30am update: Strong winds are forecast by the Met Office from Boxing Day into Sunday (December 27) and the name Storm Bella has been assigned for what's to come.
 

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME TO THANK THE 'UNSUNG HEROES' OF BRIGG DURING THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY

This being Christmas Eve and the season of goodwill, people in Brigg might like to reflect on the efforts of some unsung heroes of the community since the Coronavirus emergency began in late March 2020.
We often hear deserved praise for those involved in providing medical services and working in care homes, but let's also thank some others.
Essential Brigg shops, as defined by the government, have stayed open throughout the emergency, including those providing food and provisions.
We were reminded of this yesterday morning (Wednesday, December 23) when a 25-strong queue of customers waited patiently outside Steve Mundey's butcher's shop on Wrawby Street, not long after 9pm, despite the rain - many collecting pre-ordered items for the Christmas period. Only a couple of customers are allowed inside the shop at a time, due to the restrictions.
Brigg's so-called convenience shops have also stayed open during the period of the pandemic.
Even tomorrow (Christmas Day) help will be at hand if households suddenly discover that items are missing from cupboards, fridges or freezers. We note the OneStop Shop, on Atkinson Avenue, will be available to shoppers on December 25 from 10am to 3pm - providing a valuable service to the public. And not just those living on the Springbank estate.
We should also reflect on the contribution made by outdoor workers.
Brigg's 'posties' have taken to the streets in all weathers to make deliveries to households, including Christmas cards.
North Lincolnshire Council's binmen and women have faced a difficult year but have continued to call as directed by their management. Brown (garden waste) collections were curtailed for some time, but general waste and items for recycling have been taken away throughout.
We checked the council's recycling centre on the edge of the Old Courts Road car park yesterday - further to our recent post - and are pleased to report that the lid on the top of one of the bins has been left unlocked. This means you CAN deposit bags filled with cans in one go during this Christmas period of heightened demand, if you fill the household box provided.
Local bus drivers working for various companies have continued to provide public transport in and beyond the town during the virus emergency, as have our local taxi businesses.

PICTURED: Santa hats added to the raised flowerbed display beside the A18 on Wrawby Street.

CHRISTMAS EVE IN BRIGG WILL BE VERY DIFFERENT BUT THE THURSDAY MARKET IS OPEN

Christmas Eve in Brigg will be very different this year because of Tier 3 Coronavirus emergency restrictions.
However, among traditional events going ahead today will be the Thursday general market - ideally timed this year if you want to stock up on fresh fruit & veg and other items to see you through the festive period. We gather some stalls plan to close around noon, so don't delay.
The town's Tesco store, off Barnard Avenue, is opening today but only until 2pm. It will remain shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Saturday).
Many town centre shops - classed as essential and non-essential by the government - ARE open today (times vary).
On the down side, though, enforced closure of ALL licensed premises and eat-in restaurants will affect long-standing traditions enjoyed on Christmas Eve by scores of Brigg people, many of whom will be ordering takeaway meals instead (still permitted).
Not being able to enjoy a few rounds of drinks in local pubs and clubs with friends and family will be sadly missed by many people tonight, and it means that more important custom will be lost by licensees as a result of the virus emergency period.

PICTURED: The long-established Chilvers fruit & veg market stall operating in the run up to Christmas some years ago when Covid-19 was not an issue (courtesy of Ken Harrison, Brigg Matters magazine).

BRIGG COUNCILLOR URGES: STICK TO CHRISTMAS TIER 3 BUBBLES AND BE CAREFUL & CAUTIOUS

Brigg councillor Rob Waltham (pictured) is calling on people to adhere to the Christmas bubble rules as outlined by the government as part of its latest Coronavirus emergency measures. 

Coun Rob, who is the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council as well as a town councillor and Brigg resident, is asking people to comply, to help protect the NHS. He says we all need to be "careful and cautious for a little while yet."

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Residents in North Lincolnshire are being urged to stick to the new Christmas bubble rules.
The revised guidance reduces the number of days where a maximum of three households can get together, from five days down to just one, that being Christmas Day.
Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, has asked people to protect the NHS by respecting the new rules and said:
“No-one wants us to be in the position in which we find ourselves. The changes to the Christmas bubbles has been tough, it was not an easy decision to make.
“We have to appreciate that throughout the pandemic everything has been subject to change at all times. I will be restricting the usual contact I have with my family and friends and I hope other people will respect the rules too.
“The rate of infection across the area is rising, the rate among over 60s is increasing and the pressure on hospitals is still too high. What we do not need is people who need hospital care to not be able to access it because other people have been irresponsible.
“We are almost there – the vaccine is here and is the programme is seeing the most vulnerable people accessing it. The crunch point is now, though, and while we all appreciate the significance of people not being able to spend time with loved ones, we must remember that we are taking these measures to protect people who suffer most from the effects of Covid-19.
“We just need to be careful and cautious for a little while yet to ensure we look after ourselves, our families and our communities.”
To keep up to up to date with the current guidelines for residents within North Lincolnshire visit our website, which includes responses to frequently asked questions.
For the full guidance, regarding Christmas bubbles, visit the GOV.UK website.

HOW MUCH PRIME BRIGG SITE MADE AT AUCTION

The amount a prime site in Brigg town centre realised when it went under the hammer has been disclosed by the successful selling agents.
Savills say the former Anglian Water Services Depot at 5a Grammar School Road South achieved a 'hammer price' of £190,000.
When the 0.2 acre site, comprising buildings and car parking, was put on the market it was given a £150,000 guide price.
Surplus to Anglian Water's requirements, it formed Lot 90 in a national auction of 131 properties by Savills on December 20.

The Brigg site was marketed as having "development potential" - subject to planning permission being obtained for other uses.

The L-shaped site includes workshops, stores, offices, kitchens/communal areas, four lock-up garages and a large parking area.
Now vacant, it was described as being "of interest to owner occupiers and developers."

At the recent auction, Savills sold properties worth more than £28 million,  achieving a 74% success rate - it's biggest December auction for five years.
 

FOUR MORE CCTV CAMERAS NOW MONITORING BRIGG

Four additional CCTV cameras have been installed in Brigg to keep a watch on crime and hopefully deter people from breaking the law.
Brigg Town Council discussed the need for additional coverage on the riverside, and Brigg Blog recently noted work being carried out on a building near the County Bridge.
This prompted an inquiry to North Lincolnshire Council which monitors CCTV cameras across the district.
A spokesman tells us: "We have 4 new cameras in Brigg - one on Riverside Mews, another covering the underpass next to the river; the other 2 are located on Atherton Way - one at the Lidl end and the other covering outside the Vale Academy.
"These cameras were a request of Cllr Waltham and Brigg Town Council. They are all now fully operational and monitored in the Security Control Centre."

PICTURED: The new CCTV camera on Riverside Mews, adjoining the County Bridge.