WOULD BRIGG PEOPLE SUPPORT BANK HOLIDAY PASSENGER TRAINS TO CLEETHORPES?

The train operator would have been quids in today if it had run trains to Cleethorpes from Brigg on a bank holiday Monday, as used to be the case many decades ago.
The warm and sunny weather would have seen many families, and others, keen to visit the east coast resort. However, Brigg station now only receives a passenger train service on Saturdays.
The campaigning Independent Brigg Line Rail Group, which is keen to see more passenger-carrying units running on more days of the week, told Brigg Blog this morning that people are calling for the train operator to offer a service on bank holiday Mondays between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Brigg.
Yesterday's temporary use of the Brigg line for diverted freight trains brought many railway enthusiasts to the town to observe what is now a rare sight. They were joined by some locals.
Between 11.30m on Sunday (May 30) and 2.30am this morning, 13 freight trains came through Brigg when normally the line would be out of action.
No goods traffic is expected today but more heavy trains can be expected on Tuesday - the first being scheduled to pass through at 0.04am.
Our picture, courtesy of Simon Fisher, shows one of yesterday's freight trains heading through Brigg station.
When the Brigg line was still a main route decades ago, many goods trains ran through to interest local trainspotters - in the last years of steam power and once the diesels took over.
They included coal traffic connected with the West Burton power station, and (until circa 1967) aromatic fish trains taking Grimsby's finest haddock and cod towards Sheffield and Manchester!

BRIGG BLOG TRIBUTES TO SPORTSMEN PETER THOMPSON, STEVE BAILEY & MICK STOTHARD

Brigg Blog was very sorry to hear of the deaths of three well-known former local sportsmen we knew well, as did many other people in this area.
Peter Thompson and Steve Bailey played cricket for the Brigg Town Club, while Mick Stothard was a long-serving Broughton cricketer as well as appearing for Brigg Town Football Club.
All three contributed to sport as umpires once their playing days were over.
Peter Thompson was educated at Brigg Grammar School and later became a secondary school teacher in the town, latterly at the Vale of Ancholme.
Having moved to live in Caistor, he switched careers to journalism, creating a rural news agency which provided pictures and reports for the Market Rasen Mail, the Grimsby Evening Telegraph, the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph and other publications.
One of his roles included reporting on horse-racing meetings held at the Market Rasen course.
As well as having close links with St John's Church, Brigg, he was well-known as an official of the Scouts and as publicity officer for Elsham Golf Club.
But he will be best remembered in Brigg sporting circles for his legion service to our Hockey Club as player, coach and chairman, encouraging many people to take up the sport and then develop their talents.
He also became a league umpire and chaired the Yorkshire Hockey League.
As well as Brigg Town, Peter also played cricket for Barnetby when it had a team and for Brocklesby Park.
Mike Campion, a former Town Mayor of Brigg who has given decades of service to Scunthorpe's Appleby-Frodingham Cricket Club, rang Brigg Blog to say Peter Thompson was a true gentleman who worked hard to publicise cricket and also many groups and organisations in Brigg through his work for the local press.
Steve Bailey started playing cricket for Brigg Town as a medium-pace bowler in the late 1980s and went on to captain the second team during the following decade.
After retiring from playing, he qualified as an umpire and officiated in matches across North Lincolnshire, including many in the county competition's premier division.
While with Brigg Town he set a divisional record in the league which was never beaten by taking eight wickets for only five runs in a home game played at Sir John Nelthorpe School against a team from the Grimsby area.
Funeral services for Peter and Steve will be held in the near future.
Mick Stothard's took place recently. He played football for Brigg Town FC in the 1960s and later for Ancholme Wanderers in the Scunthorpe Sunday League - this team being based at the Ancholme Inn, on Grammar School Road.
Mick was in the Brigg Town line-up which played a team from Sheffield in a special Football Association game at The Hawthorns to mark the local club's 100th anniversary during the 1964/65 season.
He was also a fine all-round cricketer with the Broughton club until about 20 years ago before switching immediately to umpiring, doing so at the highest level locally.

PICTURED: Top left - Peter Thompson in the mid-1990s; top right - Steve Bailey during the same period; lower right - Mick Stothard when he played for Brigg Town Football Club in its centenary match in 1964/65.

KEY POSTS FOR BRIGG COUNCILLORS

Brigg councillors will hold key posts on North Lincolnshire Council over the next 12 months.
At the unitary authority's annual meeting, Coun Rob Waltham was again re-elected as Leader.
Coun Carl Sherwood continues as a member of the managing cabinet with responsibility for rural areas, while his brother Coun Nigel Sherwood remains chairman of the planning committee.

They all represent the Brigg & Wolds Ward on the authority.
In addition, Brigg-born Coun Peter Clark, who now lives in Barrow-on-Humber, has been installed as North Lincolnshire's Mayor for the next 12 months. He is one of the Ferry Ward representatives.
A former resident of Mill Lane in Brigg and educated in the town, Coun Peter has now become the only person to be the Mayor of North Lincolnshire three times.
Those people who attended Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, held in the Methodist Church, were informed of these appointments just a few hours after they had been made.

North Lincolnshire Council's Chief Executive, Denise Hyde, intends to retire from her post later this year, after almost five years. She has worked for the authority, in various roles, since its creation in 1996.

PICTURED: Above - Coun Carl Sherwood, left, Coun Rob Waltham and Coun Nigel Sherwood in Brigg Market Place; below - Coun Peter Clark who is now serving his third term as Mayor of North Lincolnshire.

 

 

 

MANY HEAVY FREIGHT TRAINS WILL BE TRUNDLING THROUGH BRIGG AT NIGHT

The railway line through Brigg, which only sees passenger trains on Saturdays, also doubles up as an important diversionary route for heavy freight when other routes, such as Barnetby-Scunthorpe-Doncaster, become unavailable for various reasons. This helps to keep the wheels of heavy industry turning.
There are MANY "booked diversions" over the Brigg line through today (Sunday, May 30) until approximately 4am on Monday morning. They will be running in close succession for some periods.
These will be heavy trains, so Brigg residents who live within earshot of the railway line, will now know the source if they hear some rumbling.

It will also mean some delays for drivers as the level crossing barriers will be down for each train.
The freights diverted through Brigg will feature wagons that are used to carry a range of products including biomass, iron ore and oil, and some will be 'empties'.
Destinations include Scunthorpe (via Wrawby Junction), Immingham, Killingholme, Lackenby, Jarrow, Drax and Redcar.
The Brigg route formed part of the original Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire railway mainline.
Sections of it in northern Lincolnshire were reduced to single line many years ago but double lines were retained in Brigg and through Northorpe so trains can pass each other during busy periods.

PICTURED: A train of empty biomass wagons from Drax power station in Yorkshire returning to Immingham during an earlier period of "booked diversions" through Brigg. This scene was recorded in June 2020 as it trundled over the level crossing on Bigby Road.

BRIGG TOWN WIN AT THE REC WHILE BROUGHTON GO TOP OF THE TABLE

Brigg Town Cricket Club achieved a comfortable eight-wicket home win over East Halton in a Lincolnshire League Supplementary Cup Group A game at the Recreation Ground yesterday (Saturday, May 29).
Town dismissed the visiting villagers for 68 and then lost only two batsmen on their way to achieving victory with plenty of overs to spare.
However, Brigg have failed to qualify for the competition's semi-finals, having won one but lost two of their Group A fixtures. Barton Town 2nds have qualified from Brigg's section.
Broughton's first teamers secured a welcome six-wicket win in Division One when visiting Lincoln to play Bracebridge Heath 2nds yesterday.
Broughton bowled out their host for 115 inside the permitted 45 overs, Robbie Ward leading the way with four for 18, and Sam Hayton and Sean Clixby taking two wickets apiece.
Nick Dobbs then finished 31 not out as Broughton achieved victory and secured the full 20 points on offer, losing four wickets in the process.
That win against one of their fellow promotion challengers sees Broughton at the top of Division One after five fixtures.
Broughton 2nds and Hibaldstow were without Lincs League fixtures yesterday.

PLANS TO BUILD NEAR BRIGG TO BE CONSIDERED BY PLANNING COMMITTEE THIS WEEK

Property building proposals very close to Brigg are among schemes earmarked to be decided by North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee at a meeting to be held on Wednesday afternoon (June 2) from 2pm.
Among items listed for consideration during this session at Church Square House, Scunthorpe, is the planned erection of a dwelling, with associated access and landscaping, at 111 Fountain House, Scawby Road, Scawby Brook (not far from the A18 mini-roundabout).
This application has been assigned to the committee of elected councillors to decide because what is being proposed involves a  "departure from the development plan" for Scawby parish.
Committee members have been told by council staff: "The application site is within the open countryside, but abuts the edge of the Brigg settlement boundary."
Three other location applications are also earmarked for consideration:
REDBOURNE: Erect a garage/garden room, 8 The Old School Yard.
BONBY: Erect four agricultural buildings for poultry rearing, together with associated feed bins, infrastructure and new highway access, Hall Farm, Middlegate Lane.
KIRMINGTON: Erect a prefabricated modular building, Frank Morgan School of Flying, Plot 5a adjacent to Hangar 2, Franklin Way, Humberside Airport.
The committee will also consider a range of other applications, not listed above, during Wednesday's session, involving sites in Scunthorpe, the Isle of Axholme and elsewhere.

BUSY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR BRIGG PUBS & THEIR BEER GARDENS

If the warm and sunny weather continues, this will prove to be an ideal late May bank holiday weekend for Brigg pubs and licensed clubs with their beer gardens proving particularly attractive, helping our hostelries to make up some of the lost lockdown trade over recent months
There's music to enjoy tonight (Saturday, May 29). Smudge, a vocalist, will be at the Lord Nelson, performing two sets  -  5pm to 6.30pm, then 8.30 till late.
Admission is free - book a table by calling the venue on 01652 652127.

£150 BRIGG LITTER FINE ISSUED

A £150 fixed penalty litter-related fine has been imposed in Brigg.
During Brigg Town Council's recent annual meeting, Coun Carl Sherwood, the Deputy Town Mayor, gave the latest available statistics for offences here and elsewhere. He is a member of the cabinet on the North Lincolnshire unitary authority.
Coun Sherwood revealed figures for fixed penalty fines in April - 179 in Scunthorpe, one in Brigg, one in Messingham.
He explained that North Lincolnshire Council was concentrating on Scunthorpe but would also be looking at other areas. The £150 penalty is reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days.
Late last year North Lincolnshire Council announced a crackdown on what it called litter louts and dog foulers.
It said: "Patrols are now in operation across the county and anyone caught dropping, throwing or depositing litter and leaving it on the ground will find themselves hit with a fixed penalty notice.
"The scheme is designed to stamp out littering and dog fouling."
The Leader, Coun Rob Waltham, from Brigg, told the North Lincolnshire Council website: "We are taking an even tougher stance on environmental crime. We have a zero-tolerance policy to those people who drop waste on the ground for someone else to collect."

PICTURED: Litter discarded on Brigg streets, later picked up and binned.

BRIGG MAYOR OVERCOMES LOCKDOWN DIFFICULTIES TO RAISE BIG AMOUNT FOR CHARITY

Brigg Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall, who finished her extended term of office on Tuesday (May 25), raised a praiseworthy amount for her chosen charity, despite lockdown difficulties.
One of her final and most enjoyable duties as the town's first citizen was to present the proceeds of her Mayor's Appeal Fund, £1,938-82p, to the Brigg & District Breast Cancer Support Group (see picture).
Due to Coronavirus emergency lockdown periods and restrictions, some of the fundraising events the Town Mayor might have held could not take place, including the popular coffee morning in September, in conjunction with the presentation of awards for the best-kept garden and allotments competition, which had to be cancelled.
Also ruled out was the Brigg Civic Dinner, always hosted by the Mayor.
However, Coun Riggall responded to the challenge and kept on fundraising.
In early March she arranged a Big Virtual Brigg Quiz, held online.
When Brigg Town Council held its annual meeting on Tuesday night and she stepped down from the post, many people (not only councillors) congratulated Coun Riggall on her efforts.
Brigg Town Council has elected a Mayor since its formation in the mid-1970s, but she was the first who had to serve during a period of national emergency.
She also had to adapt to chairing meetings online, rather than in a room at the Angel, without being able to turn to the Town Clerk sitting next to her for advice and supportive information.
But she took it in her stride and even offered some technical tips to others so they could log on, or listen in, successfully to sessions using the Zoom platform.

In her farewell speech, Coun Riggall thanked everyone who had supported her during the time as Mayor and hoped residents would continue to keep safe.

She then proposed Coun Brian Parker to be the next Mayor, and he was duly elected by fellow councillors.

LEADING LIGHTS IN BRIGG MEET AT NEW VENUE FOR COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING

Brigg Town Council has now added a new name to the shortlist of venues in which it has held monthly meetings down the decades.
Founded in 1974 as part of local government reorganisation, it met in what is now Hewson House, off Station Road, in the late 1970s with a few sessions in the Corn Exchange (since demolished) during the early 1980s while the old wood-panelled Glanford debating chamber was being refurbished.
The Town Council relocated to the Angel Suite when this venue was established in the mid-1990s, using the main function room and the smaller Lounge at various times.
But on Tuesday this week a fourth joined the list - Brigg Methodist Church, on Wesley Road.
It's in order for town and parish councils to meet in churches or church halls, though not on licensed premises while they are open.
Having attended Tuesday evening's session at the Methodist Church, we've been on the press bench at all the venues used by Brigg Town Council.
It remains to be seen which will be used for the next council meeting in late June.
However, the Methodist Church proved to be very acceptable and of ideal size, with decent acoustics for those who are hard of hearing.
For many years while using the main room at the Angel Suite the council had 19 members; this has since been reduced to nine. So the converted former ballroom is on the large size for this purpose.
The downstairs Lounge at the Angel, however, was a bit on the small size, especially if members of the public opted to attend.
Brigg also has the first floor room at the Buttercross, meeting facilities adjoining the Heritage Centre and St John's Church Hall.

PICTURED: Let there by light, and there was light (Genesis 1:1)... A view of Tuesday night's council meeting at the Methodist Church. From left to right, Coun Jane Gibbons, Town Clerk Kerry McGrath, Coun Rob Waltham, Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker addressing his colleagues, Coun Ann Eardley (nearest the camera) and Coun Sharon Riggall. Out of shot to the right were Deputy Town Mayor Coun Carl Sherwood and Coun Jane Kitching. Some members of the public also attended, together with the Mayor's Chaplain, Keith Simpson.

SIX NEW POLICE OFFICERS COMING TO BRIGG STREETS

Brigg is to see six more police officers on its streets. And it is thought all the new recruits will not cost much more than £360... in total!
During its annual meeting on Tuesday (May 25) Brigg Town Council agreed the purchase of six 'policemen figures' which will be sited at various locations in an effort to deter speeding motorists.
The 6ft tall prop-up officers (described as being quite imposing) are earmarked to 'patrol' alongside the A1084 (Bigby High Road, the A18 (Wrawby Road) and on Atherton Way, which has primary and secondary schools, plus other places yet to be decided.
Coun Rob Waltham told fellow councillors that these figures would act as "another deterrent" by the roadside.
They would make approaching drivers take stock, thinking they were approaching an officer with a hand-held speed measuring device.
Coun Waltham suggested the council should buy half-a-dozen figures "and just try them." Possibly, they might be moved around the town to different locations.
He stressed: "Speeding does blight communities."
Coun Ann Eardley suggested some figures should be used on some estates at night.
The council has already funded the installation of 'flashing' warning signs situated on Bigby High Road and Wrawby Road in an effort to reduce speeding on our A-roads. If an approaching vehicle is exceeding 30mph, a red alert display indicates how much above the limit it is travelling.
The picture seen above (left) of one of the 'officers' was shown to councillors during Tuesday night's meeting when they took the decision to purchase the stand-up constables for roadside duty. Also seen are views of Wrawby Road and Bigby High Road.
The figures are likely to cost in the region of £60 each (plus delivery) but the total may be lower if a reduction applies for buying so many at a time.
A number of local authorities across the UK use prop-up police figures in this way, some being attached to lamp-posts. They are said to be effective and useful aids to road safety.

BIG BRIGG LITTER-PICK COMING UP THIS WEEKEND: CAN YOU HELP?

Community-minded Brigg residents are welcome to step forward and volunteer to help in the town's major Spring litter-picking session to be held tomorrow (Saturday, May 29).
Those who can spare a few hours for a good cause should meet at 10am at the Bandstand in the Market Place. Litter-picking equipment will be made available.
Details of Saturday's session were given during Brigg Town Council's annual meeting held on Tuesday night; the authority is co-ordinating the event.
Some of the town's regular little-picking volunteers will be stepping forward yet again.
Other sessions will be taking place in communities near Brigg and across the district between May 28 and June 13, as part of the national Spring Clean 2021.
North Lincolnshire Council says it is again backing the country’s biggest annual litter campaign to encourage people to get outdoors, get active and help clear up rubbish.

WEEKEND SPORTS PREVIEW: BRIGG TOWN AT HOME TO OLD RIVALS

Brigg Town Cricket Club has a home game coming up at the Recreation Ground tomorrow (Saturday, May 29).
Town will be hosting East Halton in a Lincolnshire County Cricket League Supplementary Cup Group A game, starting at 2pm.
This match will be 30 overs per side, rather than the usual 45 which applies in standard league encounters.
Having lost both opening group games, Brigg can't qualify for the semi-finals - even if they beat the visiting villagers tomorrow.
Brigg and East Halton have played each other many times in various competitions since the mid-1970s when they were members of the Grimsby & District Saturday League.
A likely spectator at tomorrow's match will be former top all-rounder Garry 'Gig' Smith who played for East Halton in the early 1980s before returning to Brigg for his second spell which lasted until his retirement in 2000. 'Gig' watched last week's game between Brigg and Barton 2nds at the Rec.
Broughton visit Lincoln this Saturday to take on Bracebridge Heath 2nds in a Division One encounter. Broughton are second in the table - two places above Bracebridge.
Hibaldstow and Broughton 2nds are without league or cup fixtures on Saturday.
There's an interesting local derby coming up in the Mick Walker Memorial North Lindsey Cricket League on Sunday afternoon (May 30) with Hibaldstow hosting Broughton in Division Two (1.30pm start).

WINNER RECEIVES BRIGG TOWN AWARD FOR PUBLIC VOLUNTARY SERVICE

He's had to wait some time to receive his coveted Brigg trophy, but Keith Simpson now holds the annual award for public voluntary service during 2020.
A local lay reader, Keith received the Joseph J. Magrath Trophy - named after a long-serving former Town Clerk - during Brigg Town Council's annual meeting, held on Tuesday (May 25).
Brigg has been without a vicar for 16 months since Father Owain Mitchell left St John's Church to take up a new appointment in the Peak District.
But Keith continues to assist the parish in many ways, including taking a central role in the Remembrance Sunday commemorations in November at the Monument war memorial and also late January's Holocaust Memorial Service. He is also the Town Mayor's Chaplain, leading prayers before the meetings and carrying out other duties to assist the town's first citizen.
Keith was selected to receive the Magrath Award by Brigg Town Council during its January meeting, having been nominated by Coun Rob Waltham.
This trophy is usually presented to the winner during the annual Brigg Civic Dinner - a formal function held in March - but Coronavirus emergency lockdown restrictions ruled this out.

 

 

Addressing councillors on Tuesday night, Keith thanked them for the honour.
Joseph J. Magrath, who came to Brigg to work in local government in the 1930s, was the Clerk and Chief Executive Officer to Brigg Urban District Council until his retirement in the early 1970s, and went on to become the first Clerk to Brigg Town Council after its formation, serving into the 1980s.
Joe - widely known as 'Mr Brigg' - received the OBE towards the end of his lengthy career and was a national figure in campaigns for improved road safety and accident prevention across the UK.

PICTURED: Top - Keith Simpson with the Magrath Award; centre - with Coun Sharon Riggall on Tuesday night just prior to her term as Brigg Town Mayor coming to an end. Below - Keith on Remembrance Sunday 2020 at the Monument (image courtesy of Ken Harrison, Brigg Matters magazine). 

 

 

WHEN WILL BRIGG GET A NEW VICAR? CLERGY'S HOUSE 'TO BE PUT UP FOR SALE'

Brigg Town Council will be writing to the Church of England's Lincoln Diocese "to request when a new vicar will be in place."
This course of action - agreed at the latest meeting held on Tuesday, May 25 - comes 16 months after Father Owain Mitchell's 15-year stay at St John's Church, ended. He moved to take charge of the New Mills parish in the Peak District.
With a replacement still to be announced, Coun Carl Sherwood, the Deputy Town Mayor, suggested that the council should contact church authorities "to find out what the current situation is."
The meeting then heard that, during a recent service at St John's, it had been stated that Brigg's Vicarage, home to the local incumbent for many years, is being put up for sale. It is a sizeable detached property.
The Vicar of Brigg also looks after the spiritual needs of people living in Wrawby, Cadney & Howsham, Bonby and Worlaby.
Brigg is a relatively new parish in Church of England terms. Although some in Lincolnshire have existed for centuries, it was not until the Victorian era that Brigg became a parish in its own right. For many years, much of the town remained part of Wrawby, in ecclesiastical boundary terms, with other areas within the parishes of Broughton, Scawby and Bigby.
St John's Church, pictured, was constructed on the site of a former chapel of ease in 1843; the parish of Brigg was not created until 1872.

NEW ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO TACKLE SNOW AND ICE IN BRIGG

Brigg is planning ahead for next winter and new arrangements will be in place to ensure town centre paving is not slippery underfoot and that settled snow is cleared if freezing conditions prevail.
North Lincolnshire Council has done a good job for years when it comes to salting and gritting Brigg's main shopping zone - declaring this to be a priority area during wintry weather.
But Brigg Town Council will now be deploying local resources of its own to the task. This was agreed at the latest meeting (held on Tuesday, May 25) when councillors agreed "to resolve winter service and winter gritting of Brigg Town centre."
The meeting heard that while North Lincolnshire Council cleared snow and ice early in the day, it was not always possible to make return visits later if additional snow and ice appeared.
However, in the future, Brigg Town Council will be in a position to react locally to prevailing conditions.
One suggestion to be considered is use of a machine suitable for paved areas.
North Lincolnshire Council will continue to grit the A18 and other routes.

NEW BRIGG TOWN MAYOR ELECTED TO SERVE FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

A new Brigg Town Mayor was elected last night (Tuesday, May 25).
Coun Brian Parker will be the town's first citizen for the next two years -  until late May 2023.
He was elected through a unanimous vote by fellow councillors at last night's annual meeting of Brigg Town Council.
Well-known in Brigg for his community work as a member of local groups, Coun Parker established and ran a sizeable business in the town.
A middle-order batsman, he was one of the founders of Brigg Town Cricket Club in the mid-1970s, combining his playing role with duties as club secretary and treasurer.
More recently, as an elected councillor in Brigg, he has been chairman of the Planning & Environment Committee which considers and comments on proposed developments - large and small - within the town.
Latterly, he was been the long-serving Deputy Town Mayor.
It is usual practice for councillors to spend 12 months in the deputy's role before then being elected to the top post.
However, various factors combined to delay Coun Parker's election as Mayor, including the Coronavirus emergency.
It led to the cancellation of many civic and group events in Brigg and beyond at which the Town Mayor would usually represent the Town Council and the community.
Council meetings, which are normally chaired by the Town Mayor with councillors present in person, had to be suspended in line with the Government-imposed lockdown regulations, and instead held in 'virtual' fashion online.
The council therefore invited Coun Sharon Riggall, the serving Town Mayor, to extend her period of office beyond the usual 12 months, which she agreed to do.
Last night's meeting was the first to be held in traditional fashion since March 2020, although masks still had to be worn until councillors were seated in socially distanced fashion.
The regulations also put paid to the long-standing tradition of the retiring Town Mayor and the Town Clerk investing the new first citizen with his chain of office.
After taking over in the chair at last night's meeting, Coun Parker thanked Coun Riggall and the Town Clerk, Kerry McGrath, for their help, advice and support. He had waited three years to become Mayor.
He was pleased to see councillors back meeting again in the normal manner at a venue, which was "so much better" than the online method.
Keith Simpson will serve as the Town Mayor's Chaplain, and Coun Parker will be supported during his term of office by his wife, Jane, and the new Deputy Town Mayor, Coun Carl Sherwood, who was elected during last night's AGM held in Brigg Methodist Church, on Wesley Road.
Coun Sherwood is also a member of the managing cabinet at North Lincolnshire Council.
Coun Parker has launched an appeal fund which will operate during his period as Town Mayor and he will be raising money in various ways to be donated to help two local charities. Brigg Blog will publicise these events in due course, culminating in the presentation of cheques once all proceeds have been collected.

A socially distanced picture taken last night, showing Coun Brian Parker after taking over from Coun Sharon Riggall as Brigg Town Mayor.

Brian Parker as a member of the Brigg Town Cricket Club team in May 1974 which went on to win the championship of its division in the Grimsby & District League. This was the club's first season since being re-formed after a gap of 40 years.

Elected Deputy Town Mayor last night, Coun Carl Sherwood has previously been Town Mayor; he's seen here in May 2012 when he took over the role at a ceremony held in the Angel Suite.

WHEN WORK WILL START TO CREATE NEW BRIGG ALLOTMENTS

All the necessary preparatory spadework having been carried out in terms of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation, work is now scheduled to start on creating a new allotments site in Brigg.
A provisional date for this, June 21, was revealed last night (Tuesday, May 25) by Coun Rob Waltham during Brigg Town Council's annual meeting.
Giving fellow councillors an update on the project to establish new plots on part of Woodbine Park, Coun Waltham (the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council) said a local contractor had been appointed.
The new allotments site will replace the established one on Grammar School Road (not far from the M180 flyover) which is earmarked for redevelopment.
The North Lincolnshire and Brigg Town authorities have been working together to create the Woodbine Park allotments. They will occupy land (currently grassed) on which post-war prefab bungalows were located for more than 20 years until the early 1970s. A large park was established after this temporary housing had been removed. Today the park is managed by North Lincolnshire Council.
Tenants growing their own fruit & veg on Woodbine Park will hire plots through Brigg Town Council, paying an annual rent.
The town authority also operates an allotments site off Atherton Way and Redcombe Lane, whose tenants will be unaffected by the forthcoming changes to plot provision elsewhere in the town.

PICTURED: Part of Woodbine Park and some of the allotments on Grammar School Road - a site to be phased out to make was for future redevelopment.

RISE IN BRIGG CRIME, LATEST POLICE FIGURES SHOW

The latest monthly crime figures for Brigg have been released through www.police.uk by the Humberside force.
The data shows that, during April 2021, 57 crimes were recorded within a one-mile radius of our local police station.
This represents a month-on-month rise in the number of incidents recorded.
In March there were 47 crimes, with 36 reported across Brigg during February and 34 in January.
However, the average in April remained below two incidents a day.
Last month's 57-crime total included 16 in the town centre and 15 on the Springbank estate,
Brigg crime map graphic credit: www.police.uk Humberside Police & Google.

ACTION PLAN OVER BRIGG PAVEMENT PARKING TO BE CONSIDERED BY COUNCIL TONIGHT

With Brigg Town Council about to discuss measures to deter parking on the paved area at the eastern end of Wrawby Street, perhaps some of our elected representatives observed what things were like on Saturday evening (May 22).
Cars had been parked so they filled the entire space.
At the authority's monthly meeting tonight night (Tuesday) an agenda item will ask councillors "to resolve a programme of action on the York Stone parking issues."
This paving, installed in the mid-1990s, was never intended to be used for car parking, although there's no signage to deter people from doing so.
A close look at the surface of the paving shows some surface damage (pictured above), although this may, in part, be down to the age of the slabs and years of weathering.
Following the lifting of some Coronavirus emergency measures by the Government, May 22 was the first Saturday night when Brigg bar customers were allowed to begin sitting indoors again, rather than settling for tables and chairs in adjoining beer gardens.
In view of the chilly temperature and the threat of rain, this resumption proved to be well timed.
Due to lockdown and then a period of outdoor drinking only since April, the first Saturday pints since December were enjoyed indoors in Brigg.
It seemed strange to be back inside licensed premises, but some people still opted for spots in the beer gardens - perhaps having become accustomed to doing so in recent weeks.
Among people out and about last Saturday night was local mobile caterer Andrew Devai who we met on a travels, glass in hand. Andrew tells us that, further to our earlier post, he now intends to open his Snack Shack at the Black Bull (rear car park) this Thursday (May 27) which is market day. He will be offering a range of fast food.

 

 A picture taken one morning showing the area of paving some drivers are using for parking. This mostly happens in the evenings and particularly at weekends.

PLAN TO CREATE NEW JOBS GIVES FOOD FOR THOUGHT IN BRIGG

Up to 15 food-related jobs could be created within easy travelling distance of Brigg.
A planning application has been submitted to West Lindsey District Council seeking approval for the construction of a drying shed for food processing.
This facility at Manor Farm, Brigg Road, Clixby (1km from Grasby) will utilise waste heat from an anaerobic digestion plant.
Information supplied to the council in support of the application says the building will be used to dry fish for human consumption.
The fish - delivered to the site in sealed plastic containers - will be dried until it is only 20% of its original weight.
"The final product will be transferred to Grimsby once a week for distribution," the report explains.
The proposal will see the creation of up to 15 full-time and part-time jobs in the area.
West Lindsey planners are now considering this application.
Clixby is a hamlet on the A1084 between Brigg and Caistor.

WILL BRIGG FEEL ABLE TO REJOIN HIBALDSTOW & BROUGHTON IN THE LOCAL SUNDAY CRICKET LEAGUE?

Although Brigg Town no longer play North Lindsey League cricket on Sundays, Broughton and Hibaldstow still do and are performing well in what is now known as the Mick Walker Memorial League. They both won well at the weekend and are among the joint leaders of Division Two at this early stage in the 2021 competition.

FROM GLEN SANDS

There were just two games in the Mick Walker Memorial Cricket League on May 23rd, both in Division Two, and as a result there are now three of the five teams level at the top of the table.
Sam Brown came within five runs of making a century for Alkborough at Hibaldstow where his team set a tough target of 187 for 5, Neil Gray adding 38 and Will Standerline 31.
But a superb opening stand of 115 between Tom Taylor, who hit 67, and Toby Carter, who made his first ever half-century in senior cricket by scoring 59, saw Hibaldstow get off to a brilliant start. Middle-order batsman Lee Robinson (25 not out) then guided Hibaldstow home for the loss of six wickets, Sam Brown and Jacob Ridley picking up two wickets each.
The other Division Two game down the road at Broughton was another high-scoring affair with the home side hitting 176 for 9 before visiting Normanby Park were reduced to 142 all out.
Evergreen Paul Mitchell rolled back the years when hitting an exceptional 83 not out for Broughton with Jamie Robinson adding 29, Allan Dawson picking up 4 for 44 while Jack Cowling and Kevin Rowlands grabbed two each. But despite telling contributions from Matt Housam, who made 43, and Zach Meadows, who hit 24, Normanby were bowled out for 142, Broughton's Brett Fish capturing 3 for 13, Sam Hayton 3 for 42 and Jack Johnstone 2 for 17.

N.F ADDS: Many thanks to hard-working the long-serving league official Glen for his latest update. Brigg Town entered a second team in the North Lindsey League in the late 1970s when most fixtures were still being played on Saturdays. Town left to take part in the South Humberside Alliance when it formed in 1980, but later rejoined the North Lindsey League when all fixtures were played on Sundays. The Brigg team continued to play Sunday league games during the 1990s, winning some divisional championships and a few cup competitions. However, an eventual decline in the number of players wanting to turn out on Sundays later led to Town withdrawing. Today the club plays on Saturdays in Division Three of the Lincolnshire County League. For 2021, the North Lindsey competition has 11 teams - six in the top flight and five in Division Two. For many years it operated three sections. Hopefully, in the years ahead, Brigg will feel able to seek re-admission and help to bolster the numbers in this historic competition. Due to work commitments and other factors, some cricketers who are unavailable on Saturdays might be able to play on Sundays. There's also an opportunity to give squad members not required for Saturday duty a game the following day.

PICTURED: Brigg Town's North Lindsey League team prior to a Sunday game at the Recreation Ground in 1990. Back row, left to right: Chris Collins, Andrew 'Sass' Markham, Dave Matthews, Nigel Fisher, Steve Antcliffe, Simon Fisher, Matt Mosey. Front row: Andy Sharp, Garry Dunderdale, Garry 'Gig' Smith and Tony Bailey. This was an experienced line-up, with a few exceptions!

BRIGG 'SHRINKING VIOLET' STAGING OWN DISPLAY

Our town will be seeing many colourful flower displays in the coming months, thanks to the efforts of the Brigg in Bloom group, Brigg Town Council and the North Lincolnshire authority. But some Brigg residents are also working off their own bats, to use a cricketing phrase.
An example is the 'growing' display of potted plants pictured here on School Court - a walkway many people use to get between the Old Courts Road car park and Wrawby Street's shops and other businesses.
The person responsible for the display is something of a 'shrinking violet' and has declined our requests to be photographed alongside the plants, some of which he has provided himself while others have been donated by local retailers who declared them surplus to requirements. Nor does he want his name revealing.
Some Brigg business premises will be displaying hanging baskets of flowers on their frontages - arrangements being in hand to water them periodically, though this will be unnecessary in the short term if the heavy showers experienced of late continue to prevail.
Coronavirus emergency lockdown led to the cancellation of the 2020 best-kept gardens and allotments competition organised by Brigg Town Council, but this year the long-established event has been reinstated. It is open to local residents and there are various categories.
Further details will be forthcoming during the authority's next monthly meeting, to be held tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 25) together with an update on Brigg in Bloom and perhaps another about establishing new allotment plots on part of the park near South View Avenue.

 

 

'LOVE BRIGG' SHOPPING BAGS ARRIVED JUST IN TIME FOR TOWN'S LATEST FARMERS' MARKET

Brigg people are currently receiving free cloth shopping bags - hand-delivered to their properties.
They carry the wording LOVE BRIGG - Historic Market Town, Lincolnshire.
An accompany letter from the Town Council explains that the aims include encouraging people to 'Shop Local' and reducing the use of throw-away plastic bags. These cloth gifts (with handles) can be used again and again.
Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall says the importance of helping the environment and local businesses led the council to work with local traders and secure funding for the bags.
"We are encouraging residents to rid the town of single use plastics, whilst promoting our lovely market town and supporting all local independent businesses," she adds. "Please use the bag and keep supporting our town."
One bag is being delivered "to every accessible home."
Brigg Town Business Partnership, representing traders, uses the hashtag #lovebrigg in its promotional literature and online. Others include #visitbrigg #shoplocal and #briggforbusiness .
Some of the new Brigg bags were delivered to households in time to be used while shopping on Saturday's farmers' market (May 22) when, fortunately, there was fair weather in the morning rather than rain which would have affected the attendance.
Many people on Saturday stopped to watch dancing to swing-style music outside Shipley's Curiosities on Wrawby Street. A group of enthusiasts demonstrated their talents.
There have been some comments about the length of the straps on the free cotton bags. We think the bags are dual purpose; you can carry them by hand or (because of the length of the straps) put them over the shoulder.

BRIGG LITTER PICKER JACK, AGED 4, WINS CHAMPION AWARD

Congratulations go to local boy Jack Johnson, aged only four, who has won a North Lincolnshire award for his litter-picking efforts in Brigg.

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Since the beginning of this year, a little boy called Jack Johnson, who is just 4 years old and lives in Brigg has been dedicating his time and efforts to clean up the streets of Brigg in his mission to eliminate all ‘litter bandits’.
He started with the standard litter picking equipment provided by North Lincolnshire Council, but due to the amount of litter Jack collects, he needed something bigger. The Brigg community soon heard about Jack’s efforts and presented him with his own trolley to help him on his litter pick crusades.
Since receiving his trolley Jack has continued on his mission and litter picks wherever he goes. He is very aware that people should not litter and instead use the bins provided or take their rubbish home.
To help protect the environment and encourage others to dispose of their litter correctly, Jack is working on his own message to send to the ‘litter bandits’ that will be displayed in and around parks and playgrounds within Brigg.
Many within the Brigg community have recognised Jack’s efforts and nominated him for the Young Mayor’s environment award. Once the Young Mayor, Zaynah Jamal heard Jack’s story there was no denying his hard work and dedication and presented Jack with his environment award and crowned him an environment champion.
Jack has since taken on new challenges and projects within Brigg and with the support from his parents has his very own Facebook page called ‘Jack of all Trades’, so you can keep up to date with Jack’s latest crusades.
If you know a child or young person under 18 who is using their time to improve the local environment by litter picking, is passionate about recycling, reducing their plastic usage or plants trees or flowers to encourage wildlife, nominate them for the Young Mayor’s Environment Award.
To nominate a person under 18 for the award email young.voice@northlincs.gov.uk with the name and age of the young person you are nominating, along with your name, contact details and reasons for your nomination.
If you want to get involved and are looking for a litter picking group near you, or to start one of your own, call us on 01724 297000 or email neighbourhoodservices@northlincs.gov.uk
You can also sign up the Great British Spring Clean, running from 28 May to 13 June 2021, a nationwide litter pick organised by Keep Britain Tidy and supported by North Lincolnshire Council.

PICTURED: Young Mayor Zaynah Jamal (right), on Wrawby Street, Brigg, presenting Jack Johnson with his environment award goody bag. Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council.

NEW BRIGG TOWN MAYOR ABOUT TO BE ELECTED TO SERVE FOR TWO YEARS

A new Brigg Town Mayor is to be elected this week - in unique circumstances.
Since Brigg Town Council was created in the mid-1970s, first citizens have been inducted at a civic ceremony in which the current Mayor hands over the chain of office to his/her successor, with a social gathering of family and friends following an hour or so later, and refreshments being served and enjoyed.
However, due to Covid emergency restrictions, things must be done differently on Tuesday evening (May 25) as part of Brigg Town Council's Annual Meeting.
This session - chaired by current Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall - will be the first council meeting since March 2020 to be held at an indoor venue with councillors present. 

Due to Coronavirus emergency measures introduced by the Government, the council then had to organise 'virtual' sessions online using the Zoom platform to deal with a range of issues requiring decisions.
Tuesday night's meeting will start at 7pm in the Methodist Church, on Wesley Road, with social distancing observed and masks being worn by those attending (unless personal exemptions apply). 

First items on the agenda are the election of a new Town Mayor and a Deputy Town Mayor to serve for two years rather than the usual 12 months. They will remain in office until late May 2023.
The new Mayor and Deputy will sign the necessary declarations of office to accept these roles.
Item four on the agenda is Public Participation.
"Residents are invited to address the Council but are reminded that the Council may be unable to provide answers but issues raised may be added as a future agenda item," the authority tells us.
There are 23 items listed for consideration during Tuesday's session, which may well prove to be a lengthy one.
Brigg Blog will be attending to report topics of interest to local people.

LEAGUE CRICKET RETURNS TO BRIGG REC FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2019

Lincolnshire League cricket resumed at Brigg Recreation Ground after a gap of 20 months yesterday (Saturday, May 22).
But Brigg Town suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of visiting Barton 2nds in a Supplementary Cup Group A fixture.
Having ended the 2019 season in late summer, Covid emergency lockdown meant that last year's programme did not start until August 1, and Brigg's few fixtures that month were played away.
Although the 2021 league season began on time in mid-April, yesterday's game (for various reasons) was Brigg's first on home turf.
Despite heavy rain on Friday, Town managed to get the game on and a prompt start was possible in overcast conditions.
Brigg took several early wickets but Barton forged ahead with some attacking batting to rattle up an impressive 169 for six in their permitted 30 overs, John Knapton leading the way with 54.
Former Brigg player Tom Brock, best known for his bowling efforts, made a late appearance at the crease and got off the mark immediately with a big six.

Brigg's best bowling figures were two for 25 in six overs by Phil Dewfall.
Following a brief drinks interval (no traditional teas indoors) Brigg started their reply but failed to mount a challenge - being bowled out for only 58 in the 21st over, as Barton's experienced Andrew 'Teggy' Tester claimed five for 17.

Matthew Bell, who made 24, was the only Brigg batsmen to reach double figures.
Broughton Cricket Club's first and second team Lincs League games (both away from home) were cancelled yesterday because of wet conditions at Clee Town Laportes and Cherry Willingham without a ball being bowled; Hibaldstow did not have a match scheduled in Division One.
These pictures were taken while Barton 2nds were batting at the Rec yesterday. Above - Brigg's Nick Beacock during his bowling stint, with John Danson umpiring.

Brigg fielders celebrate taking a wicket.

Brigg's Phil Dewfall fielding near the boundary.

FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME TO BRIGG PLAYING FIELD

 

It's game on again at one of the parks in Brigg - reminding us of the Three Lions song, Football's Coming Home.
One set of goalposts was removed from the Davy Memorial Playing Field between Bigby Road and Kings Avenue, having developed a significant backward tilt.
However, within a few days, frames were again available to local youngsters in search of an enjoyable kickabout.
Protective safety fencing around the holes in the ground was erected until normal service resumed.
Brigg Town Council provided these posts last year to replace an earlier set declared life-expired by the North Lincolnshire authority which runs the park.
There's another set of posts on the Bigby Road side of the field (unaffected by the recent issue) so football matches can be played by local kids on a decent grass pitch.
Brigg Urban District Council did things very differently in the 1960s and early 1970s on the other side of town.
Football-mad children living on, or near, the Springbank council housing estate were allocated a small area of grass near South View Avenue but without goalposts (kids' coats and jumpers had to be put down instead).
Metal link fencing, topped with barbed wire, was erected to deter youngsters from using the two adjoining grass pitches on the Rec which had goalposts used by adult teams.
How many pitch hire fees did Brigg UDC have to collect from weekend clubs like Brigg Amateurs, Wrawby Athletic and Brigg Servicemen's Club before it clawed back the cost of the fencing and sharp wire?
This fence was removed long ago but many Brigg residents will remember it today.

PICTURED ABOVE: The period when posts were temporarily unavailable to youngsters and the all's-now-well-again scene a few days later on Thursday (May 20). Below - the protective barriers.

 

 

MOBILE SNACKS TRAILER TO OPERATE NEAR BRIGG PUB

Brigg mobile caterer Andrew Devai is to site and operate his snacks trailer at a new location within the town centre.
He will be serving burgers, chips and other types of fast food behind the Black Bull, in the hostelry's car park.
Operating days and opening hours are expected to be announced in the near future; we'll keep Brigg Blog followers posted once things are finalised.
There should be plenty of interest shown by peckish people after they've had a pint or two.
Andrew originally offered a fast food service while his trailer was located in the beer garden at the side of the Dying Gladiator.

BRIGG ROAD CLOSURE ABOUT TO BEGIN

A road closure is coming up in Brigg this weekend, local drivers should note.
The A1084 will be closed to vehicles while work is carried out at/near the automatic barrier railway level crossing where Bigby Road meets Bigby High Road and Westrum Lane.
The closure period will be from 10pm on Sunday (May 23) until 8am the following morning.
Car and van drivers can use a local diversion via Brigg Monument, Wrawby Road (A18) and Kettleby Lane, Wrawby, which connects with the A1084 in Kettleby.
Heavy goods vehicles face a much longer detour via the A18 and the A46.

BRIGG HERITAGE CENTRE REOPENS IN TIME FOR MAY FARMERS' MARKET

Brigg Heritage Centre has now reopened following the lockdown period.
It is located in North Lincolnshire Council's Angel building, off the Market Place (lift and stairs available to access the first floor).
Opening hours are 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
So there's an opportunity for shoppers to pop in while visiting Brigg Farmers' Market today (Saturday, May 22).
In addition to permanent displays, there's an exhibition relating to the 100th anniversary of the Brownies movement.
Volunteers play a big part in operating the Heritage Centre, which was launched on June 1, 2012.
May 2013 saw the famous and showpiece prehistoric Brigg Raft - also known as the Bronze Age Brigg Boat - put back on show to the public - housed in a case in the Heritage Centre inside the Angel building, off the Market Place.
Phase Two was officially opened in November 2013 by Andrew Percy, the Brigg and Goole MP.
It featured a host of interesting local items, ranging from Brigg Grammar School uniforms of long ago to Brigg souvenirs, catalogues and pamphlets.

PICTURED: Previous events and exhibitions at Brigg Heritage Centre.

WELL-KNOWN LANDLADY TAKES OVER AT BRIGG PUB

A well-known landlady has taken over at one of the pubs in Brigg town centre.
Alia Harris is now managing the Woolpack, in the Market Place, with her team.
The Woollie recently closed briefly after Sarah Ryder had left to take over a village hostelry near Boston.
But Alia reopened it earlier this week and is welcoming customers.
Alia, who used to live in Somerby, was educated at Caistor Yarborough School.
She came here eight years ago and worked at Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns venue.
Well-known in the town, she started bar work at the Brit in May 2018, taking charge during late summer 2019 in succession to Shane Garrett.
When she left the Britannia, we lost touch for a time. So it's good to hear she's back running local licensed premises again.
Alia's arrival at the Woolpack goes hand in hand with refurbishment work at this grade two listed 18th century hostelry within the Conservation Area.
The sign on the frontage has also been given attention and now, once again, has all the letters spelling Woolpack in place - a few of them having disappeared for a time (see picture below).