ACTION CALL OVER HISTORIC BUILDING IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Brigg has some fine and historic listed buildings in its town centre, but the front entrance to one of them has been surrounded by scaffolding for many months without repair work being carried through to completion.
The current situation at St John's Church, on Bigby Street, was highlighted by Ian Smith, who lives locally, during the Public Participation section of Brigg Town Council's latest meeting.
Well-known for his hard work on behalf of the former Brigg Civic Society over many years, Ian called on the Town Council and North Lincolnshire Council to use their contacts to raise the issue with those elsewhere who are overseeing the work on the church, in an effort to get things resolved.
Ian prefaced his remarks about the church with a general observation about the town, saying: "Brigg is looking absolutely brilliant at the moment."
Above are pictures of St John's Church following Ian's comments. The town centre landmark is grade two listed and was built during the mid-19th century.

RIVERSIDE REFLECTIONS NOW BRIGG SURGERY IS AGAIN OPEN FOR FACE-TO-FACE CONSULTATIONS

Face-to-face appointments alongside telephone and video consultations are again being offered by Riverside Surgery in Brigg and Broughton - something that many local patients will be very pleased about.
The surgery in Brigg was undergoing a revamp and extension in the early stages of the national Coronavirus emergency. When the building work was completed, lockdown still applied.
Some people took to social media to suggest the Brigg surgery should then have reopened to offer face-to-face appointments, while some others accepted it remaining closed for the time being.
As one of those registered with Riverside, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a recent call from staff and duly attended at the Brigg surgery for a face-to-face appointment. We had been assigned to Riverside Surgery at Broughton over recent months.
Staff at both surgeries have been most helpful, but it was good to be back inside the Barnard Avenue facility once again - removing the travelling time to our neighbouring town and also the cost of these journeys.
Volunteer marshals were on duty at Brigg Riverside during our face-to-face visit to assist patients and help to ensure social distancing.
While waiting to be seen at Riverside, we reflected on visits made to previous practice premises since the early 1960s.
Doctor John Foxton used rooms at what's now the tall block of flats between Bridge Street's petrol station and the top of Mill Lane back then. He administered many childhood 'jabs' against polio and other diseases.
By the late 1960s/early 1970s, the practice had relocated to another tall building - The Cedars, on Bigby Road, near the Monument roundabout, which had once been a sizeable domestic residence (today occupied by a computer software company).
The new purpose-built Riverside Surgery, on Barnard Avenue, won Brigg Town Council's best building award in 1989, while the redevelopment received the same accolade for 2020.
The surgery has moved with the times and patients with smartphones now receive messages and updates about appointments through this technology. People on Riverside's list can also use the Messenger service available on Facebook to exchange information with staff.

NEW USE PLANNED FOR PAVILION FAMILIAR TO MANY BRIGG AREA SPORTSMEN

Scores of people who have played cricket for Brigg, Broughton and Hibaldstow over the years will be interested to hear of a new use being proposed for the pavilion which the South Kelsey club utilised for changing, showering and kit storage.
Having played on a small ground at Skipworth Ridge in the village for decades, the Kelsey club later moved to the former Nettleton Mines sportsground in Holton-le-Moor, close to the Hope Tavern, the A46 and the Barnetby-Lincoln railway line.
Club cricket having ceased there some years ago, the pavilion is now described as being 'redundant' in a planning application recently submitted to West Lindsey District Council.
'Change of use' permission is currently being sought... from a sports pavilion to a therapy centre.
A supporting document on behalf of the applicant explains: "The pavilion will be retained with no change to the exterior. Also, the large grass area (the former cricket pitch) is to be retained with no material change.
"There will be opportunities to use indoor facilities with the pavilion."
Rooms inside the building will provide therapy for adults and children, with kitchenette and toilets also made available.
West Lindsey Council is now considering this application, with a public consultation period under way.
This is certainly a very tranquil setting from which to offer therapy and was one of our favourite away grounds while playing cricket for Brigg Town and also Brocklesby Park over many years.
The sportsground initially catered for workers involved in iron ore mining at Nettleton in the Lincolnshire Wolds - the stone being sent in railway wagons from Holton-le-Moor to Lysaght's steelworks in Scunthorpe via Wrawby Junction.
Local mining ceased around 1970 but sport continued to be played on the ground at Holton-le-Moor by Nettleton Mines Cricket Club and later South Kelsey.
During a visit there with a Brigg team in the early 1990s, we were pleasantly surprised to find a miniature locomotive and carriages parked under cover at the back of the pavilion. They originally ran on track which circled the boundary of the cricket pitch, chiefly giving rides to children and adults at Nettleton Mines Galas held each summer.
Brigg Town Cricket Club had some enjoyable Lincolnshire League games in Holton-le-Moor, initially against Nettleton Mines and then while South Kelsey were there.
Back in 2002, Brigg all-rounder Adam Dunderdale made the record books by taking eight wickets and then scoring an unbeaten century in a famous triumph. Ex-Brigg player Simon Church, who had emigrated to Australia in the late 1980s, came back on holiday in time to play for Town in this fixture.
The last time we visited the pretty, rural ground was about eight years ago to umpire a South Kelsey game in the Lincs League in one of the village club's final campaigns.
However, we always make a point of looking for the ground whenever travelling by train between Barnetby and Lincoln.
Fifteen or so years ago it was still possible to make out the remains of former sidings, rusting away underneath thick undergrowth between the edge of the cricket ground and the railway line (on the far side of the ground from the pavilion).
Our picture shows Brigg's Adam Dunderdale (right) shaking hands with South Kelsey's Andy Walton, who scored 85, after the memorable game in 2002. Behind them is the cricket pavilion.

OH SUGAR! BRIGG CRICKETERS CELEBRATE SWEET SUCCESS

Our thanks go to former local sportsman Simon Church, now living in Australia, for permission to use this interesting picture showing Brigg Town Cricket Club members celebrating during a presentation evening held at Brigg Sugar Factory Sports & Social Club in the late 1980s.
Many cricket memories were shared over the weekend during the Gary 'Bottler' Smith Testimonial Match at Brigg Rec which raised more than £700 for the Stroke Society. Gary features in this picture, and half-a-dozen others seen in the group  were also in attendance on Saturday.
We've done our best to compile a list of all the players pictured, despite so many years having passed by since it was taken.
Back row, left to right: Barrie Briggs (partly hidden), John McHale, Garry Dunderdale, John Blanchard, 'Yours Truly' wearing an American football jacket and Lincolnshire County Cricket Club tie, Martin Willerton, Gary 'Bottler' Smith, Nigel Beacock, Simon Pottage, Nick Willerton and Paul Belt.
Front row, left to right: Patrick Kenny, Steve Gavin, Simon Church who later emigrated to live down-under in the Perth area, Malcolm Barnard, Simon Fisher, Robert Todd, Craig Benson, Tommy Smith and last (but by no means least) Garry 'Gig' Smith in the chair.
Town were then playing their first team home games (and a few others) on the Factory ground
Beer prices at the Factory Club, off Scawby Road, Scawby Brook, were among the lowest in North Lincolnshire.

BRIGG ROAD CLOSURE & OTHER ROADWORKS AHEAD

A major road closure and some additional roadworks are coming up in Brigg.
The closure will apply at the level crossing on the A1084 where Bigby Road meets Bigby High Road at the request of Network Rail Infrastructure, and will be in force on Sunday, July 11 from 00.01 hours until 3am, with a diversion for light vehicles available via Kettleby and Wrawby.
Delays are also likely for drivers at Brigg level crossing from 10pm on Sunday, July 4 until 8am the next morning when temporary traffic controls will be in place.
Bigby Road will also be affected by gas company roadworks at times between Thursday, July 1 and Monday, July 5 with temporary control measures for traffic.
North Lincolnshire Council will be working on Wrawby Road (the A18) between July 8 and 12 with traffic controls in force which may result in delays.
BT-related roadworks are planned on Melton Road, Wrawby, between July 1 and 7 with temporary traffic lights operating.

LATEST MONTHLY BRIGG CRIME FIGURES RELEASED

Latest crime figures for Brigg have been revealed by Humberside Police through the national website www.police.uk
The 'stats' show that in May 2021 there were 58 crimes reported - in various categories - across the town.
The majority (21) took place in or near the town centre, with 12 others on the Springbank housing estate and nine on Island Carr/Bridge Street.
The 58 Brigg crimes recorded in May compared with 57 during April and 47 in March 2021 - these months averaging below two incidents per day.
Brigg Town Council is inviting the new Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside to attend a meeting to speak to our nine elected representatives during a session that will be open to the public.
Crime stats for some time were released by the local rural police inspector during public meetings held in the Angel Suite (usually chaired by Coun Tom Glossop, since made a Freeman of Brigg) but this was discontinued and replaced by a web-based system; a sign of the times as the police adopted newer methods.
These forums in the Angel Suite gave interested members of the public from Brigg and district an opportunity to raise crime and crime-prevention issues with our local police chief and also ask questions.
Back in the 1980s, when there was still a Brigg & Barton sub-division of Humberside Police, it was usual for the local chief inspector (or another senior officer) to attend Brigg Town Council's monthly meetings.
The Brigg & Wolds Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) also operates these days to consider local policing issues. Brigg Town Council has a representative on this body which also involves North Lincolnsnhire Council, Humberside Police and others.
Graphic credit: Humberside Police, www.police.uk and Google Maps.

THE BAR FACTS: WATCHING ENGLAND v GERMANY IN BRIGG PUBS & CLUBS

It's make your mind up time for Brigg people who are planning to visit licensed premises to watch live big screen coverage of tomorrow night's major England v Germany 'round of 16' football match in the Euro 2020 tournament.
Kick-off is 5pm at Wembley Stadium, London, and most Brigg pubs and licensed clubs will be offering TV coverage, as they did for all England's qualifying group games. Which 'local' will you choose to visit?
Among favoured venues tomorrow will be the Dying Gladiator, Black Bull, Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns, the Britannia and Brigg & District Servicemen's Club on Coney Court (pictured above yesterday with promotional board outside). There will be no quiz at the Lord Nelson tomorrow evening (Tuesday) with the next being held on July 6.
While one of the qualifiers involving Gareth Southgate's national side was being played, the cheering when England scored could be heard in the Buttercross where a Brigg Town Council meeting was taking place!
England v Germany tomorrow night will generate major interest, with pints flowing either to celebrate what will be a famous England win or to drown fans' sorrows if Gareth's team fail to progress to the quarter-finals.
Many local folk, of course, will be staying at home to watch the TV coverage - some opting to stock up with drinks bought in Brigg shops which have off-licences; another boost to the local economy which has already benefited from the Euro tournament in which Wales and Scotland also took part but have now been knocked out. 

Brigg takeaways will also see considerable demand tomorrow evening as people settle down to enjoy a pizza the football action at tea-time!

BRIGG BUSINESSES MAKE AL FRESCO EATING APPLICATIONS TO COUNCIL

Three Brigg town centre businesses recently submitted applications to North Lincolnshire Council for permission to site tables and chairs outside their frontages for customers to use during trading hours.
Brigg Town Council is consulted about such applications as part of the process and its Planning & Environment Committee raised no objections following discussions at its latest meeting, held in the Buttercross.
The latest applications relate to Scalinis fish & chip restaurant and takeaway, Cooplands (baker's shop) and Curiositeas (tea shop). 

A month-long public consultation follows the submission of such applications - details of the hours requested for the street furniture's use being advertised by way of public notices.
Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker told the recent meeting held in the Buttercross that having tables and chairs outside business premises helped to bring people into Brigg town centre.
His views were supported by the scene in the Market Place last Saturday evening when (in fine and warm weather)  customers of YellowBelly Pizza were dining al fresco in the Market Place - this business already having made a successful application for tables and chairs outside its frontage, as is also the case with the nearby Cafe Courtyard and the Woolpack.
Some 'street furniture' applications relate to a Highways Act and some to a more recent Business Act (pavement licences).
Brigg Blog has submitted a request to North Lincolnshire Council to be informed about Brigg town centre applications when they have been decided. We'll keep you posted.
As he is now Town Mayor, Coun Parker has stepped down as chairman of Brigg's Planning & Environment Committee after several years; he has been succeeded by Coun Sharon Riggall, the former Mayor.

GARY 'BOTTLER' SMITH TESTIMONIAL AT BRIGG REC TO BE ANNUAL EVENT

Here's a selection of pictures kindly supplied to Brigg Blog by Lee and Fiona Fielden from Saturday's Gary 'Bottler' Smith testimonial cricket match at the Recreation Ground. It raised £650 which will be donated to the Stroke Society.
Lee was one of the former Brigg Town Cricket Club players who took part in this enjoyable game, which is now to be made an annual fixture, we are very pleased to say.
Gary and Tracy Smith have thanked everyone for "a brilliant day" and for supporting this fundraiser.
Brigg Blog will reveal the date of the 2022 match once this is confirmed.
Ex-Brigg cricketers (not previously mentioned) who went down to watch and support Saturday's match included Patrick Kenny, Nathan Stewart, Jamie Burbidge, Mick Wescott and John Blanchard.
It was good to see the way in which the young members of the current Town team chatted happily with some of the old stagers from decades past.
But judging by the aches and pains endured the day after this short game (22 overs per innings), some of us have no plans to come out of retirement!

UPDATE 8.45am: Kim Richards, who worked tirelessly on Saturday behind the scenes, kindly informs us that the total has now risen to £687. We are aware of some other former Brigg cricketers who are keen to donate but couldn't make it down to the Rec on Saturday, so £700 may well be reached.

ABOVE: Former Brigg player Simon Fisher shows his delight at getting his bat back in use again after many seasons; Gary 'Bottler' Smith and Lee Fielden meet up many years after they established two league record batting partnerships; Nigel Fisher with some members of the team he captained - Joe Hebblewhite, Mark Dunderdale and Ross Richards.

 

 

TESTIMONIAL MATCH AT BRIGG REC FOR GARY 'BOTTER' SMITH PROVES ENJOYABLE & VERY SUCCESSFUL

The testimonial match for long-serving former Brigg cricketer Gary 'Bottler' Smith proved very successful and enjoyable yesterday (Saturday, June 26).
The Brigg Town club hosted the match at the Recreation Ground in which current and former players took part.
There was generous support for this friendly encounter and the raffle for which many prizes were donated.
Refreshments were available al fresco throughout the afternoon, including a wide range of tasty cakes.

The £650 raised is to be donated to the Stroke Society, it was announced today.
Jack Richards, still playing for Brigg Town after many years with the club, organised the match, which was graced by perfect weather - warm but not too hot, and thankfully rain-free.
Jack allocated numbers to all 22 players who were then drawn at random to constitute two teams.
As things turned out, the average age of one side was considerably higher than the other.
The result was of secondary importance - a tie with both teams scoring 121 runs, and batsmen having to retire once they made 25, to give others a chance of a knock. Guy Haxby, Steve Marshall, Adam and Mark Dunderdale, Lee Fielden and Ross Richards were among those to score freely.
The most senior participant was Garry 'Gig' Smith, aged 80, who fielded for the full 22 overs and later went to the crease to bat. The club's legendary wicket-taking seam bowler of the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s retired from club cricket 20 years ago and has long been a regular spectator at Brigg's Lincolnshire League home fixtures.
Next oldest to play, at 67, was David Willey, who first appeared for Town at the Rec in the mid-1970s.
Former Brigg players Jim Copson, Andrew 'Sass' Markham and Alan Ford kindly stood as umpires and did a very good job - 'wide' being a signal often given to the scorers as some of the 'Oldies' who hadn't bowled for many seasons tried to recapture line and length that was once second nature!
There was even an unexpected mid-afternoon fly-past by a Second World War Dakota transport plane, heading north from its base at RAF Coningsby to make an appearance at an Armed Forces Day event elsewhere.
Among the spectators was ex-wicketkeeper and club captain Garry Dunderdale, who watched sons Adam and Mark and grandson Owen playing out in the middle.
'Bottler' was there to watch the entire match, and sincere thanks go to everyone who gave their support.
Some of the players later met up in the nearby Brigg Town Football Club Hawthorns bar for an after-match drink or two -  another opportunity to discuss cricket, past and present.
On a sad note, Brigg Town Cricket Club mourned the passing of former 2nd XI captain Steve Bailey. During a break in play yesterday, a minute's silence was observed in his memory. Steve played for Brigg in the late 1980s and during the following decade and was a well-regarded medium-pace bowler.

PICTURED: Top - Gary 'Bottler' Smith (centre) with some of the players, the umpires and other ex-Brigg players who went along to spectate; Guy Haxby and Lee Fielden on their way out to open the first innings of the day; bowler Phil Dewfall celebrating hitting middle stump to claim a welcome wicket. Below - both teams prior to going out to field; the Dakota flying high over the Rec; tasty cakes to tempt the scorers. MORE PICTURES, KINDLY SUPPLIED BY LEE FIELDEN, WILL APPEAR ON BRIGG BLOG TOMORROW (MONDAY).

 

 

YOUNGSTERS ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF BRIGG COUNCIL PUTTING MONEY ON THE TABLE

 

A new piece of play equipment, just installed at a Brigg park, is believed to be the first of its kind ever to appear in the town.
The outdoor table tennis table is now free to use on the Davy Memorial Playing Field between Bigby Road and Kings Avenue.
It has been provided for community use by Brigg Town Council, to meet a local need.
At the authority's budget setting meeting in January, Coun Rob Waltham said 10 local youngsters had requested a table tennis table; he pointed out that not all children wanted to play football.
The January meeting heard that the table would be of a sturdy all-weather design and suitable for outdoor use.
Money was duly set aside for this equipment in the budget for the 2021/22 financial year which began in early April.
Finding it difficult to picture what an outdoor table looked like, we searched out some examples online earlier in the year. But it was still interesting to see the finished product which was installed last Thursday, together with non-slip mats on which the players stand.
In an effort to combat wind, outdoor table tennis is played with balls that are heavier than those used at inside venues. The outdoor balls are also water resistant.
The table has been located on the perimeter of the field, which offers some protection from the wind.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Brigg Recreation Ground hired out (from the groundsman's house) tennis balls and rackets for use on its grass and hard courts, clubs and balls for the nearby putting green, and even bats, balls, pads and gloves for a game of cricket!
This hiring policy really encouraged locals (not just children) to have a go at different sports.
People are more affluent today and those who engage in sports are generally expected to provide their own equipment.
As late as the 1980s, Brigg Town Cricket Club still had a large kit bag - taken along to all games - that contained pads, bats and other equipment for use by players who had yet to buy their own. Again, this provision helped to encourage people to try club cricket for the first time without having to stump up money for expensive kit.

 

HIGH SCORING HOME GAME FOR BRIGG TOWN FC BUT LOCAL CRICKETERS BEATEN ON THEIR TRAVELS

Brigg Town Football Club's initial pre-season friendly produced a 4-3 victory over Grimsby Borough at the EC Surfacing Stadium yesterday afternoon (Saturday, June 26).
Many spectators stayed at the ground to watch big screen coverage of Wales v Denmark in the Euro 2020 'round of 16'.
The Hawthorns clubhouse bar was open, together with Pips Kitchen serving snacks and meals, and the popular children's play area.
In the Lincolnshire County Cricket League yesterday, there was a disappointing result for Broughton who are chasing promotion from Division One. They were bowled out for 137 when visiting Outcasts (near Crowle), losing by six wickets and securing only two bonus points. Robbie Glentworth top scored for Broughton with 33, while Sean Clixby bowled well to take three wickets for 39 in his 10 overs.
Also in Division One, Hibaldstow lost at Louth 2nds. Having done well to limit their hosts to 140 for five in 45 overs, Hibaldstow were dismissed for 62 (Josh Thomas scoring 22). Our local side secured two bonus bowling points.
Broughton 2nds were without a fixture in Division Two, while Brigg Town had a blank Saturday in Division Three - instead hosting a benefit match at the Recreation Ground for former player Gary 'Bottler' Smith.

ON-SITE SPADEWORK TO CREATE NEW BRIGG ALLOTMENTS IS ABOUT TO BEGIN

A contractor will start work next week to create new Brigg allotments.
The plots are to be fashioned from part of Woodbine Park between Preston Drive, Hawthorn Avenue and the Springbank housing estate.
Brigg Town Council and North Lincolnshire Council have been working together to carry out the necessary spadework over many months, with planning permission being obtained which includes some conditions which are being complied with.
News that on-site work is about to begin was revealed during the Town Council's latest meeting, held earlier this week.
The area of land in question has been fenced off, on safety grounds, with some equipment being delivered to the site in recent days (see pictures here taken on Thursday evening, June 24).
Next week it will be all systems go to create the plots for tenants wishing to grow their own fruit & veg.
The Woodbine Park allotments will replace those off Grammar School Road (not far from the M180 flyover) which occupy land close to Atherton Way. It is required for future redevelopment.
Brigg Town Council will manage the new site on Woodbine Park which was occupied by post-war prefab bungalows from the 1950s through to the early 1970s when they were demolished.
A park and children's play area was subsequently created on this extensive site, stretching from Preston Drive as far as the junction between South View Avenue and Atkinson Avenue.
The Town Council's other allotments site, off Atherton Way and Redcombe Lane, will be unaffected by the new development.
Kelsey Construction - the contractor working on the Woodbine Park plots - was involved in the extensive and acclaimed Brigg Recreation Ground revamp a few years ago.

SUPPORT FROM AUSTRALIA FOR TODAY'S GARY ('BOTTLER') SMITH TESTIMONIAL MATCH IN BRIGG

As this Brigg Blog post went live at 12.15am today, fingers were firmly crossed for some half-decent weather this afternoon (Saturday, June 26) so the testimonial cricket match to benefit long-serving Brigg Town opening batsman Gary (Bottler) Smith can go ahead as planned at the Recreation Ground (players meeting from 1pm).
Messages of support have been received from Gary's ex-playing colleagues living in Brigg, our district, elsewhere in the UK and even abroad, including one from Simon Church on the other side of the world in Perth, West Australia.
Simon, who has penned a message he hopes can be read out during today's testimonial, emailed Brigg Blog to say: "I just wish I was there in person, but please be assured we will be there in spirit and I look forward to hearing reports of the game."
Hundreds of people have already read Brigg Blog's preview of this game which we posted on Thursday morning, accompanied by a montage of pictures showing Gary, who still lives in the town, during his playing career.
https://nigelfishersbriggblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/special-testimonial-match-in-brigg-for.html
Today's arrangements are being managed by long-serving Brigg all-rounder Jack Richards, who Gary's former team-mates are welcome to contact by email j.richards136@btinternet.com
Today's game will be T20 format (20 overs/120 balls per side) bringing back memories of the Broughton & District Evening League encounters which Gary (and many others) enjoyed over the years at the Rec, off Wrawby Road. These were 14 or 16 eight-ball overs an innings (112 or 128 deliveries). Sadly, this league, established in the 1960s, no longer functions.
Brigg also played a few seasons in the West Wold Evening League, with Gary being a member of the team.
Anyone wishing to support today's testimonial is welcome to spectate (observing social distancing) or contact Jack by email.
If you are among them and have something suitable to donate as a prize for the match day raffle, please drop it/them off at the Rec early this afternoon or contact current members of the club you may know.
Gary's well-known sense of humour was demonstrated many years ago while Brigg Town Cricket Club was playing home games at Sir John Nelthorpe School. Due to building work, a huge pile of sand was located near the gymnasium. Gary suddenly shot off and ran up the incline to the top, proclaiming: "Gary M. Smith...Krypton Factor!"
This was a reference to the type of physical challenge being faced by 1980s competitors in the popular TV series hosted by Gordon Burns.

PICTURED: Gary Smith (left) as a Brigg Town cricketer in the mid-1990s, ex-Brigg player Simon Church down-under in Australia, and a match under way at Brigg Recreation Ground with the fine new changing room block in the distance.

BRIGG BLOG'S WEEKEND PUB & CLUB ROUND-UP: FOOD, DRINK & FOOTBALL

Will the forthcoming Euro 2020 'round of 16' England v Germany football match affect Brigg pub attendances this weekend?
When England's qualifying group games were played, many people went to local bars to watch big screen coverage in preference to their usual Saturday night outs spent visiting town centre hostelries.
England's match on Tuesday (June 29) at Wembley Stadium, London, kicks off at 5pm and Brigg's bars will be very busy as a result. But how many people's 'beer budgets' will stretch to an extra night out following this weekend? Hopefully, pub-goers will still be able to make it to their 'local' on Tuesday, regarding England v Germany as a special case!
Tonight's scheduled 'gig' at the Woolpack by singer Lauren - previewed in an earlier blog post - has been postponed until later in the year (date to be confirmed). Lauren has made previous appearances at this Market Place venue. We'll let Brigg Blog followers know the date of her return booking once it has been finalised.
Trade at Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns bar and adjoining Pips Kitchen eatery is in for a boost.
They will be open today (Saturday, June 26) for the Zebras' first pre-season friendly against Grimsby Borough (1pm KO).
More trade is to follow now the club has received a home tie in the first round draw for the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Cup 2021/22. The Zebras will host Hallam FC (date yet to be confirmed).
Hallam, from Sheffield, are the second oldest surviving football club in the world, while Brigg Town are seventh on the list. So this season's cup-tie, when it takes place, will be an historic encounter!
The Yarborough Hunt, on Bridge Street, which does not normally offer food, is to be visited by Angelo's mobile pizza service on Friday, July 2, from 5pm to 8pm. Book tables now by calling the pub on 01652 658333.

PICTURED: Singer Lauren, the Yarborough Hunt and Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns clubhouse.

BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET COMES OF AGE

The monthly Brigg Farmers' Market will be held in the town centre tomorrow (Saturday, June 26).
Established exactly 21 years ago, the product-selling market, provided by North Lincolnshire Council, has certainly come of age. The authority also offers a free car parking concession to visitors and has done for a considerable period.
There will be many stalls tomorrow selling a range of goods from 8.30am until mid-afternoon - examples being cheese, meat, jam, cakes and bread.
The general Saturday market - including fruit, veg & flowers and fish - will also operate tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Delchris Interiors shop (home accessories and furnishings) has relocated to 10 School Court in the town centre and reopened (hours being 10am to 4pm).
Farmers' Market Saturday always increases the footfall in Brigg town centre, with many people who have visited the stalls going on to take a look at local shops, pubs and eateries.
The council is urging hashtag social media users (and other people) to #shoplocal and #shopsafe
The first farmers' market, held in June 2000, was graced by actor John Savident, Coronation Street butcher Fred Elliott. I say, Fred Elliott, from the long-running TV series! John's character Fred also had the key to the door to the local corner shop for some years!

PICTURED: Above - one year ago - on Saturday, June 27, 2020 - Brigg Farmers' Market was welcomed back by the town from Coronavirus emergency lockdown. Below - the Interiors shop which has moved to a new location on School Court, off Wrawby Street.

FOOTBALL AND CRICKET TO WATCH IN BRIGG THIS WEEKEND

 

Brigg Town Cricket Club is without a Lincolnshire County League Division Three game tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, June 26) and will be staging a benefit match for former player Gary (Bottler) Smith.
However, Hibaldstow and Broughton are both in Lincs League action on Saturday, starting at 1.30pm.
Division One leaders Broughton journey into the Isle of Axholme to take on Outcasts at the Hirst Priory ground near Crowle, while Hibaldstow head south to meet Louth 2nds in the same section.
There is no game for Broughton 2nds in Division Two tomorrow.
Just a reminder that Brigg Town Football Club has a pre-season friendly tomorrow against Grimsby Borough, kicking off at 1pm at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns). Admission is £5 (adults) and £3 (concessions) with under-16s admitted free if accompanied by an adult. The clubhouse's Pips Kitchen will be open throughout, offering food and drink.
On Sunday (June 27) it's Knockout Cup semi-finals day in the Mick Walker North Lindsey Cricket League but Hibaldstow and Broughton have failed to make it through to the last four.

PICTURED: Football being played at Brigg Town, a bird's eye view of the ground (by Neil Stapleton) and cricket at the Rec.

BRIGG MATTERS MAGAZINE: IMPORTANT MEETING COMING UP

Brigg Matters magazine will be holding its important annual meeting in the near future, we've been asked to mention.
Given away FREE, this not-for-profit, glossy quarterly community publication is run by a committee of volunteers which writes and collects articles from contributors, takes and arranges pictures, obtains support advertising from local businesses, designs the pages and arranges the distribution of copies in Brigg and some nearby communities. Brigg Matters also has a website.
The AGM will take place on Tuesday, July 6 in the Lord Nelson Hotel, Brigg Market Place, from 7pm.
This offers an opportunity for people who might be interested in helping or volunteering their services to make themselves known to the chairman and the other committee members.

SPECIAL TESTIMONIAL MATCH IN BRIGG FOR POPULAR EX-CRICKETER GARY 'BOTTLER' SMITH

Brigg Town Cricket Club is to hold a special testimonial game this weekend for Gary M. Smith - a very popular former player.
Gary's benefit match will take place at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, on Saturday, June 26 (meet 1pm - 20 overs per side).
Ex-Brigg cricketers - some long retired - are now being contacted with a view to donning their whites once again (if they still have them!).
People are welcome to pop along to the Rec on Saturday afternoon to lend their support, with raffle prizes being requested to add to those already donated by well-wishers.
Long-serving club member Jack Richards is kindly co-ordinating this match, and donations are welcome.
Still a Brigg resident today, Gary - nicknamed Bottler - was a fine opening batsman who scored stacks of runs for Brigg over many seasons from 1980.
Lee Fielden, the former Brigg wicketkeeper/batsman, has supplied details of two Lincolnshire League record partnerships he and Gary established for Division Three...
1st wicket 221 runs: L. Fielden (137 not out) and G. M. Smith (74 not out) for Brigg Town v Caistor 3rds at Caistor in 2003.
3rd wicket 149 runs: L. Fielden (88) and G. M. Smith (88 not out) for Brigg Town v Louth 2nds at the Brigg Recreation Ground in 2005.
Lee describes Gary M. Smith as his favourite batting partner.
"I’ll never forget a rain-affected game at Hykeham," Lee told Brigg Blog. "The home side declared at 200 after 35 overs as bad weather was incoming. During the subsequent early tea break there was a shower which, unknown to us at the time, had managed to get through the 3-piece covers, resulting in a damp patch just short of a length at the far end from the pavilion.
"Me and Gary walked out to bat and I took first knock, as I always did. I stood waiting for the rest of the fielders to appear but hadn’t surveyed the field as I should have. Apart from short leg and the bowler, most were in catching positions in the cordon.
"Through the gloom I could just about make out the bowler. He was a tall lad; a Lincs County Junior player I was later to learn, and he was coming in off a lengthy run.
"I asked for '2 please, umpire" (batting guard) and settled in for what I expected to be a fairly sharpish delivery.
"The ball pitched on the wet strip the covers had failed to protect, reared at an alarming angle and removed the cap from my head on its way through to the keeper.
"Somewhat flustered, I picked my cap up - placing it back on my head - and turned to see Gary, shoulders heaving with laughter, at the opposite end. He later said he could see the colour drain from my face!
"The bowling from the other end was just as intense, but with the weather closing in we both knew if we could stick it out it would save us.
"We both liked the ball coming on the bat - Bottler especially. He was the most languid of pullers; he seemed to have time to spare when playing the shot.
"We managed to take Brigg to 82-0 when Gary was finally out for 42. Two balls later the game was over as the new batsmen could not see the ball and we were offered the light and gleefully took it! (I was 37 not out)."

PICTURED: Views of Gary Smith with Brigg Town from the early 1980s onwards (taken from a selection of team pictures in our archive) and also with Lee Fielden, in the main image, following their double century batting partnership at Caistor 18 years ago.

EIGHT BRIGG & DISTRICT PLANNING APPS SUBMITTED

Recently announced plans to extend domestic properties in and near Brigg are now being considered by council planners, whose approval is required.
Permission is being sought to erect a first-floor side extension to the dwelling at 23 St James Road, Brigg.
North Lincolnshire Council is also being asked to approve the erection of single-storey extensions to the front, side and rear of the dwelling at 155 Station Road, Hibaldstow.
Approval is being sought to demolish a conservatory and erect a single-storey rear extension at 95 South View, Broughton, and also to erect a single-storey ground floor extension to the rear 60 St Barnabas Road, Barnetby.
Those four schemes still await decisions from North Lincolnshire authority planners.
However, permission has now been granted to convert a linked garage into a shower room with a drying area at 25 Greenfield Drive, Hibaldstow, and also to erect a single-storey rear extension at 8 South Street, Barnetby.
West Lindsey District Council recently approved the detailed particulars - including access, appearance, landscaping and layout - relating to the erection of six dwellings on land off Carr Road, North Kelsey (outline permission having been granted in 2018).
Approval has also been given by the Gainsborough-based authority for a detached garage and ancillary accommodation at 5 Bentley Lane, Grasby.

CHANGE OF OPPONENTS FOR BRIGG TOWN'S OPENER

There has been a change to Brigg Town Football Club's initial pre-season home friendly coming up this Saturday (June 26).
Rather than meeting Barton Town OB, the Zebras will now be playing Grimsby Borough at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns). The 1pm kick-off time is unaltered.
Meanwhile, the popular Pips Kitchen eatery - based in the clubhouse - has announced new Saturday opening hours with immediate effect - 9am to 4.30pm. You can eat in or order yourself a takeaway from the extensive menu.

The club also has a licensed bar, a beer garden and a free-t-use fully-equipped play area for youngsters who are accompanied by adults.

ACTION PLANNED AGAINST DRIVERS WHO PARK ON PAVING IN BRIGG

Official action is planned in Brigg in an effort to stop drivers from parking vehicles on a paved area at the eastern end of Wrawby Street. 

Enforcement comes amid concerns about damage being caused to the York stone slabs.
Brigg Town Council's meeting held last night (Tuesday, June 22) was the third time this issue had appeared on the agenda for discussion in recent months.
Coun Penny Smith said it was time to stop people from parking there. She suggested sheer laziness was the cause; they could not be bothered to walk from the main car park nearby!
Coun Rob Waltham, who is the leader of North Lincolnshire Council which is the local highway authority, said this was "an issue of enforcement" and the only way to resolve it was to issue fines.
He pointed out that the Highway Code stated drivers were not supposed to park on paths.
It is now expected that enforcement officers will monitor the area.
As many as four vehicles have been observed at a time parked on this area of paving in recent months. This is mainly an issue in the evenings, and particularly at weekends.

BRIGG IS ALREADY PLANNING AHEAD FOR QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE

Brigg Town Council is already planning how the community will mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee (her 70th anniversary as monarch) in June 2022.
It could be that the winning formula adopted 10 years ago for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee will be used again, with a committee being formed to draw up plans and make the all-important arrangements.
Coun Rob Waltham told last night's June meeting of Brigg Town Council that the community would expect the council to take the lead on this issue.
He suggested the Town Mayor, Coun Brian Parker, should chair a meeting of local organisations to collect ideas.
Coun Jane Kitching recalled a working group being established in 2012. "It was a really good day," she noted.
The programme included a picnic in the Market Place, a parade through the streets, events at the Recreation Ground and an evening disco/dance in the Angel Suite.
Coun Waltham questioned whether it might be better to hold the initial meeting with interested groups 'online'.
Back in 2012, the organisers held several traditional sessions in the Angel Suite.
It all went very smoothly 10 years ago. But as Coun Kitching rightly reminded fellow councillors last night (Tuesday), beginning the planning back then was left a little late.
Brigg Blog recalls attending and reporting on the initial session  - just four months prior to the big day in June.
This year, at Coun Kitching's suggestion, the issue is being addressed a full year in advance.
Brigg Town Business Partnership - representing local traders - was involved in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and is also likely to play a key role next June when a national four-day bank holiday will be enjoyed.
Brigg Recreation Ground was famously visited by the Queen in 1977 - her Silver Jubilee year - when she watched a pageant being performed.


PICTURED Freeman of Brigg, Tom Glossop, and wife Maureen enjoying the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Brigg Market Place on June 4, 2012 when the Way In shop showed its support.

NEW POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER TO BE INVITED TO BRIGG TO SET OUT HIS PLANS

 

The new Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside is to be invited to come to Brigg and discuss his plans during a meeting which will be open to interested members of the public.
Jon Evison, who lives in Barton, was elected the PCC early last month in a poll carried out across the Humberside Police area on both sides of the river.
The Town Mayor of Brigg, Coun Brian Parker, suggested to Town Council colleagues during last night's meeting held in the Buttercross that they should formally invite the new commissioner to attend a future session, deliver a talk and "tell us what his plans are."
The previous commissioner, Keith Hunter, accepted a similar invitation, speaking with councillors in the Angel Suite and answering questions put to him.
Matthew Grove, who held the post before Keith, also addressed a public session of Brigg Town Council.
Jon Evison is no stranger to Brigg, having attended a number of functions while he was the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of North Lincolnshire (see picture above of him at the Buttercross).
PCCs are elected to oversee and scrutinise the work of local police forces, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of policing services on behalf of the public. They are not police officers and do not run day-to-day force operations   which are the responsibility of Chief Constables. Police & Crime Commissioners are usually elected for four years.

BRIGG SPORTS REUNIONS PLANNED AND HELD

A Brigg sports club reunion is now in the planning stages, while another has already taken place.
Coming up later this year should be a get-together for former players and officials of Brigg Amateurs Football Club to mark the 60th anniversary of its formation to enjoy home games at the Recreation Ground - followed by a compulsory "shandy" in the Queens Arms, on Wrawby Street!
Amateurs had sufficient players to field THREE Saturday teams in the Scunthorpe & District League for a time in the 1980s before a sad decline saw the club disappear from the scene.
However, former players still living locally are now looking to stage a reunion at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club "towards Christmas, if there is enough interest shown."
Just a couple of hours before receiving news of that planned football get-together, we were informed of a small scale sports reunion that took place recently.
Councillor Brian Parker, the current Brigg Town Mayor, met up with Allan Kemshell - both being batsmen with the Town cricket club when it was relaunched in 1974 after a gap of more than 30 years.
Coun Brian informs Brigg Blog that they had an interesting discussion, sharing memories and interesting stories from those early days of the club.
"It was very good to catch up with him," the Town Mayor adds.
Coun Brian also reminds us of some highly enjoyable Sunday friendly games that Brigg played in the latter half of the 1970s at a sportsground in Tadcaster which belonged to one of the big breweries based there.
Brian proved popular with the home team; so much so that he was appointed honorary Mayor of Tadcaster!
"Quite funny how life turns out, as I am now a real Mayor!" he adds today.
In one of these games away to Magnet Sports/Tadcaster Brewery, we recall renowned Brigg all-rounder Dave Foster scoring a century -  the first for the Town club since the 1930s.
Around 20 years ago we went to play a Yorkshire League hockey match for Brigg against a team called Boston Spa.
After the game on an all-weather and floodlit pitch, the Brigg side was invited to drive into nearby Tadcaster for refreshments.
It was getting dark at the time of arrival but we soon recognised the venue... the same one we had first visited as a Brigg cricketer a quarter of a century earlier!

PICTURED: Trophy-winning Brigg Amateurs at the Rec Ground in the early 1960s, and Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker meeting up in the Market Place with Allan Kemshell to remember those early days of Brigg Town Cricket Club in the mid-1970s (image courtesy of Ken Harrison, Brigg Matters magazine).

'UNIQUE' CAFE & COFFEE SHOP COMING TO BRIGG

Brigg is awaiting the arrival of another town centre business offering refreshments.
Opening soon, Gracie's 'unique coffee shop and cafe' will be located at 22 Market Place, near the bookshop and the barber's.
A dog-friendly waiting area will also be available, promotional posters indicate.
Our recently-taken picture above shows the premises where Gracie's will be, once completed.
A Facebook page has been created ahead of the opening and received scores of likes.

While on the subject of food, we've noticed that one of the town's longest-serving outlets is up to date with latest trends.
Dunham's -  bakers and confectioners, established 1899 - has a distinctive orange and white sign on its Bridge Street frontage indicating that the renowned Just Eat delivery service can be used for orders.
Meanwhile, many customers continue to visit in traditional fashion to make purchases.

Brigg Blog has posted a good deal lately about football followers visiting local licensed bars to watch live big screen TV coverage of the Euro 2020 tournament - England's last qualifying group fixture being tonight (8pm KO).
However, many other people have opted to stay at home to watch the 'footy' while refreshing themselves with canned lager, bitter or cider. Perhaps this has contributed to the abundance of recycling evident on the Old Courts Road car park yesterday afternoon, Monday (pictured here).
There's a full week to go in Brigg before households' green-coloured bins are next emptied by the council, but many are already full, resulting in trips to local recycling centres to dispose of the excess.

STEP BY STEP: BRIGG SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS

 

Work continues on new additions outside the oldest building in Brigg and the only one with grade one listed status.
North Lincolnshire Council granted the necessary listed building consent and planning permission for Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School, off Grammar School Road.
The work involves installing a new disabled access leading to the existing doors, with a new ramp and steps being added.
Perhaps an official opening ceremony will be held once this project has been completed.
The original school building opened in 1680/1, with Brigg Grammar being extended in 1878. It became Sir John Nelthorpe School (a comprehensive) in 1976.

PICTURED: How far the project had progressed by yesterday afternoon (Monday, June 21) and an artist's impression from North Lincolnshire Council indicating how things will look once all the work has been completed.

FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME TO BRIGG THIS WEEKEND

Football will resume for Brigg Town Football Club this weekend after a very lengthy lay-off.
The Zebras, whose last first team match was on Boxing Day last December, will be hosting Barton Town in a pre-season friendly at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) on Saturday (June 26), kicking off at 1pm.
Admission costs £5 (adults) and £3 (concessions) with under-16s admitted free if accompanied by an adult. The licensed bar and Pips Kitchen will be open to spectators.
The 2021/22 season in the Northern Counties East League, to which Brigg belong, failed to restart after Covid emergency lockdown had been introduced by the Government late last year.
We now have a very interesting and unique situation.
As Brigg begin the countdown to the start of the 2021/22 season, the Euro 2020 tournament continues to be played (a year late). But the authorities opted not to re-date it to the current year.

FORMER BRIGG CRICKETER PLAYS HIS PART IN MASSIVE WIN

Former Brigg Town cricketer Tom Brock was among the wickets for Barton Town 2nds on Saturday (June 19) as the team he is now with, Barton 2nds, won their home game by the amazing margin of 247 runs.
Barton scored a huge 299 for two and then dismissed Horncastle for 52, with Tom taking four for 15.
This game was in Division Three in which Brigg Town are also playing this season.
Brigg are currently eighth in a very large division of 14 teams who will play each other once this season rather than on a home and away basis.
Yesterday (Sunday) saw Broughton and Hibaldstow in action in the Mick Walker North Lindsey Cricket League.
In Knockout Cup Group B, Broughton were bowled out for 71 by Normanby Park who went on to win by seven wickets.
Hibaldstow played Messingham in Group D and posted 185 for five (Lee Robinson scoring 67) but it was not enough as the visitors knocked off the required runs for the loss of only one wicket.
Broughton and Hibaldstow failed to progress to the semi-finals, to be played this Sunday (June 27): Luddington Dons v  Normanby Park, Messingham v Scunthorpe Town.

PICTURED: Tom Brock (top left) during his time with Brigg Town, plus some scenes recorded at our Recreation Ground on Saturday (June 19) when Town lost narrowly to Caistor 2nds in a high-scoring encounter.

Brigg Town opener Jack Richards put bats to ball against Caistor 2nds, going on to score 40 runs.

The early stages of the Brigg Town innings against Caistor on Saturday.

BRIGG WILL BE SUPPORTING ARMED FORCES DAY

On Armed Forces Day (Saturday, June 26) many Brigg people will be thinking about those -  past and present - who have served, or are now serving, in the Army, Navy and RAF.
Residents with poles in their gardens will be flying flags, while others will be displayed near public buildings.
Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, was founded around 100 years ago by local people who had served in the First World War and survived to return home. It involved early members of the Royal British Legion (officially reated in 1921).
North Lincolnshire Council today is "proud to be paying tribute to the brave men and women, and their families."
The authority says one way to remember the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces is by visiting the many beautiful and poignant war memorials in North Lincolnshire.
Brigg's Monument was one of the first to be erected after the so-called Great War of 1914-18 - a gift to the town from Alderman Harry Stamp, who chaired the Urban District Council and ran a local business. It was dedicated on on Sunday, June 15, 1919 at a ceremony attended by hundreds of local people.
Broughton also has a distinctive war memorial, dating back to 1924, showing a soldier in reflective mood.
Both memorials carry the names of local servicemen who died in the service of their country.
There are others in most villages across the Brigg area.
North Lincolnshire Council says: "We work with military partners, charities and public sector organisations to support those who are currently serving or have served and their families, under the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, to which the council has signed up."
Brigg Town Council has arranged periodic cleaning and refurbishment of the Monument over the years, including re-gilding the name-inscribed plaques on its base. The memorial is now a grade two listed structure.
The town authority also arranges the Remembrance Sunday parade, service and wreath-laying, and oversees the planting of crosses near the Monument by pupils from local schools.
Covid emergency regulations restricted what could take place last November, but wreath-laying and the sounding of the last post by a bugler was still undertaken.
People visiting Brigg Cemetery tomorrow may wish to reflect at the gravesides of former service personnel, many of whom are buried there. The cemetery has an area devoted to RAF personnel who flew on missions from the local Elsham Wold bomber base during the Second World War.
Among those reflecting on Armed Forces Day 2021 will be Brigg members of the Royal British Legion, the RAF Air Cadets and the Army Cadets (based in the town) and the local Veterans' Group.

PICTURED: Above - A previous Remembrance Sunday scene near Brigg Monument; below - Broughton's memorial.