MAJOR BRIGG ROADWORKS AHEAD ON THE A18: DETAILS OF WHAT'S HAPPENING AND WHEN

Brigg is facing the short term pain of roadworks before the long term gain of a new pedestrian crossing on the A18, a replacement road surface and new cycle lanes.
North Lincolnshire Council, our local highway authority, says work will start on Bridge Street on Tuesday (May 3) and is scheduled to last four weeks.
Roadside advisory boards (example seen above) have been erected on Bridge Street and adjoining Ancholme Way to give advance warning to drivers using this busy route.
However, Brigg Town Council's latest meeting, which we attended, heard much more detail about what's coming up.
This information came from Coun Rob Waltham, the unitary authority's leader, and Coun Carl Sherwood, who is the cabinet member with responsibility for rural areas.
The new pedestrian crossing will be installed on the A18 close to the cul-de-sac section of Bridge Street which begins near the Yarborough Hunt.
It will have a traffic island in the middle to assist pedestrians.
Road surface replacement along Bridge Street and cycle lane provision will also be undertaken.
Evening and overnight work has been written into the project specifications to help minimise the effects of roadworks.
Temporary traffic lights will be of the 'on demand' type and not time-controlled.
This will reduce delays for motorists on the main road if no vehicles are waiting to exit side streets.
Forester Street, Kiln Lane and the cul-de-sac section of Bridge Street all join the A18 in this part of the town (seen in one of our pictures above).
Advisory letters have been sent to addresses in this area.
During the Town Council meeting, reference was made to a zebra crossing on Bridge Street which was removed 30-or-so years ago before North Lincolnshire Council was established.
Brigg Blog has dipped into its archive and managed to locate a picture of this crossing in the early 1970s (see below).
It was taken two decades before Humberside County Council's inner relief road by-pass and the Ancholme Way Bridge were installed to re-route the A18 away from the town centre, turning the eastern section of Bridge Street into a vehicular cul-de-sac as far as the County Bridge.
Brigg has waited a long time to get a crossing restored in this area of town.
Pedestrian use of Bridge Street is bound to increase once building work is completed on the large Falcon housing estate and nearby Brocklesby Court apartments which are currently taking shape.

 

Bridge Street, Brigg, in the early 1970s when it still had a pedestrian crossing of the zebra type with accompanying Belisha beacons.

 

BRIGG COUNCIL SUPPORTS AMENDED PLANS FOR 16 NEW HOMES IN THE TOWN

Brigg Town Council is backing the proposed building of 16 new dwellings on the former Resource Centre and Community Hub site off Horstead Avenue, on the edge of the Springbank housing estate.
Amended plans incorporating proposed changes to the landscaping of the development were forwarded to the Town Council to consider as part of the public consultation process.
Coun Sharon Riggall, chairing the Planning & Environment Committee's latest meeting in the Angel building, noted comments made by Humberside Police about on-site lighting.
As part of a very detailed response, the force has suggested: "Appropriate street lighting should be provided around the development. Good lighting will deter intruders and reduce the fear of crime."
Coun Jane Kitching was pleased to see hedging for the site included in the plans.
Coun Ann Eardley hoped to see this development being served by the internal Brigg bus service which takes people to and from shops in the town centre. This receives a community grant from the council and picks up passengers elsewhere on the extensive sSpringbank estate.
Following discussions, the committee decided to support the amended scheme which will now be decided by North Lincolnshire planners at some future date.
The application has been submitted by JK Construction & Building Services Ltd, which is based in northern Lincolnshire. Read more about what's proposed here...


PICTURED ABOVE: Part of the former Resource Centre and Community Hub site in Brigg which is earmarked for housing development, subject to planning permission being granted by North Lincolnshire Council.

SPORTS SPECTATORS FROM BRIGG ARE NOT YET SITTING COMFORTABLY

The comfort of spectators from Brigg who go along to watch local sporting events should be considered.
That's the view of Coun Penny Smith who has highlighted the lack of public seating near one notable venue.
During Brigg Town Council's latest meeting she suggested action to resolve this issue near Ancholme Leisure Centre.
Land adjoining the centre is the start/finish point for runners involved in various triathlons and quadrathlons, with water-based sections also being held on the nearby river which spectators like to watch.
The western bank of the Ancholme, and the leisure centre, are not within Brigg's boundary but in Scawby Brook - part of neighbouring Scawby parish.
However, the centre is operated by North Lincolnshire Council whose three Brigg & Wolds Ward representatives were present to hear Coun Smith's comments.
Brigg Blog has walked a considerable distance from the eastern edge of the town to photograph many runners and cyclists competing near the leisure centre and even some hardy swimmers in the New River Ancholme over the years.
More about the possible provision of seating near the centre may well be heard at a future council meeting. When not being used by sporting spectators, benches would offer a good spot to look out over the river and observe some of its wildlife.
The Early Brigg Sprint Triathlon by FastFWD Sports was held on Sunday, April 24, involving a 400m pool-based swim, 20km by cycle and a 5km run.
Lincsquad has local events coming up, using Ancholme Leisure Centre as the HQ.
The Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon, the Keyo Brigg Bomber Standard Distance Triathlon and a new Keyo Brigg Sprint Quadrathlon will all be held on Sunday, May 29.
There will be a Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon and a Keyo Brigg Bomber Sprint Distance Quadrathlon on Sunday, September 25.
Use this link to find out more about the Lincolnshire Quadrathlon Club and its events programme for 2022.
Having reflected on Coun Smith's suggestion, Brigg Blog wonders if additional seating for spectators might also be worth considering at the town's Recreation Ground for those watching football and cricket matches, including former players who are now long-retired.

PICTURED: Above - many spectators standing as they encourage kayak competitors during a previous Keyo Brigg Bomber Quadrathlon (image by Ken Harrison); below - spectators standing to applaud runners as they head towards the riverside finish line adjoining Ancholme Leisure Centre. 

 

 

BRIGG BLOG PREVIEWS THIS WEEKEND'S FOOTBALL, CRICKET & 5K ACTION

League football and cricket will be played by Brigg area teams this weekend as one sport nears the end of its season as the other gets into full swing.
In EC Surfacing Scunthorpe and District Football League Division One tomorrow (Saturday, April 30) Briggensians will host Limestone Rangers at Brigg Recreation Ground, while Barnetby United have home advantage against The Butchers Arms at Silver Street (both matches kicking off at 3pm).
In the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier, Brigg Town Development have an away game at Barton Town Reserves.
Weather permitting, Brigg Town Cricket Club will begin their Lincolnshire County League season tomorrow - a week or two later than most other sides.
Town's opening game in Division Three West sees them journey into the Isle of Axholme to meet Haxey 2nds.
In the same section, Broughton 2nds make the short trip to Hibaldstow to play Scunthorpe Town 3rds.
Meanwhile, Hibaldstow club players will be heading north-east for an away fixture against Cleethorpes 3rds in Division Two at the Immingham Blossom Way venue.
In Division One, Broughton (first teamers) host Scunthorpe side Appleby-Frodingham 2nds.
All these cricket matches begin at 1pm.
Saturday morning will see another Ancholme Valley Way Parkrun taking place in Brigg, heading north alongside the river. Competitors for this 5K event will be meeting at 8.45am for a 9am start near the Ancholme Way flyover bridge. Use this link to find out more...
"Average finishers per week" over the initial 11 runs stands at 148 - an impressive figure which reflects the popularity of this new venture.
The fastest time recorded so far is Stuart Spencer's 16 minutes and 34 seconds (Week 6).
Sunday (May 1) sees Brigg Town Veterans in Hull & District Football League Division Four Cup quarter-final action at Hull University against Cottingham Rangers.

We've also been asked to mention that the Brigg Under 16 Colts will be playing Appleby-Frodingham in a cup final at Scunthorpe United's Sands Venue (formerly Glanford Park) on Sunday - free entry, kick-off 11am. Local people's support will be welcome.
One of our local cricket teams will be in North Lindsey League action on Sunday afternoon/early evening. Hibaldstow visit Scunthorpe Town 4ths for a Mick Walker Memorial Trophy Group B match.

PICTURED: Briggensians FC in action at Brigg Rec against Barnetby United earlier this season, watching cricket at Hibaldstow, and the Parkrun start line in Brigg (viewed from the Ancholme Way bridge).

THE MUSIC IS RELENTLESS IN BRIGG TOGETHER WITH KARAOKE SESSIONS

Rockabilly band Relentless (pictured) will be performing at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, Coney Court, on Saturday (April 30) from 8.30pm. Admission costs £3 (pay on the door).
Market Place venue the Woolpack tells us it has free karaoke on offer both nights this weekend.
On Saturday there will be an evening disco & karaoke to enjoy at the Dying Gladiator, Bigby Street, with disco music at the Black Bull and the Britannia Inn.
Singer Davey Champion will be performing popular songs from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s at Broughton Workingmen's Club on Saturday night.
There will be a traditional general market in Brigg town centre on Saturday, from 8am into the afternoon, offering fruit & veg, flowers and fish.
Looking further ahead, the Millers Barn in Wrawby has booked The Moggies band for a return visit on Friday, June 17. Tickets cost £5.
Former Brigg & Goole MP Ian Cawsey and his fellow Moggies were very well received when they played a recent gig at this village venue off Brigg Road.

SUCCESSFUL START TO BRIGG TENNIS CLUB SEASON - NEW PLAYERS WELCOME TO JOIN

Brigg Tennis Club, which uses the fine facilities provided by North Lincolnshire Council at the town's Recreation Ground, has made a successful start to the 2022 league season, as well as offering coaching and welcoming prospective new members.
Our thanks go to Ali Sharp for this update and for supplying the pictures seen here...

With the 2022 tennis season under way, Brigg have made a good competitive start in the Gainsborough Evening League.
Brigg 3 versus Brigg 4 in Division Four kicked off the season, with Brigg 3 edging a win.
Brigg 2 and Brigg 1 also won their first games in Divisions Three and Two respectively.
Brigg have also entered the men’s weekend Lindum League for the first time, and lost out narrowly on a tiebreak in their first match against Grimsby.
An influx of new players has meant good competition for team places and a great atmosphere at training.
Club member Jonathan Turner has secured some sponsorship for playing strip this season for all four teams and we are grateful for the support of the following local/Brigg businesses for providing each team with 10 smart playing shirts.
Brigg 1: Turner Warran Accountants.
Brigg 2: The Vault – new bar opening soon in the Market Place.
Brigg 3: EC Surfacing, together with Pip’s Kitchen, based at Brigg Town Football Club.
Brigg 4: Paperweight Accounts Ltd, from Grimsby.
Junior coaching is already well under way with weekly sessions and is a great introduction to tennis for youngsters from the age of five.
For newcomers, the first session is free to see if they would like to take up the sport.
If you would like play tennis, please come down and see us at a club session - Sunday mornings, Tuesday from 4.30pm, Friday from 6pm - where you will be made very welcome.
For further information and contact details, please visit our website http://www.briggtennis.co.uk or look at our Brigg Tennis Club Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/briggtennisclub
Jonathan Turner has organised a 24-hour tennis event to raise money for the National Autism Society.
He is asking local people to support this on Saturday, June 25 at Brigg Tennis Club, starting at 10am.
Jonathan has set a £1,000 fund-raising target, and anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/brigg24hourtennisathon

N.F. ADDS: This page includes a poem about autism and explains why Jonathan is raising money for the society.

PICTURED: Brigg teams in locally sponsored kit, and action from the Brigg 3rds v 4ths match at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road.

 

 

BRIGG BLOG PICTURES FROM LAUNCH NIGHT AT THE MILLFIELD BAR & RESTAURANT

People from Brigg and Broughton were among those who enjoyed the opening of the area's newest licensed venue last night (Wednesday, April 27).
The Millfield Bar and Restaurant is located in the former Arties Mill premises at Castlethorpe, near the A18 at DN20 9LF.
The listed building has been lavishly refurbished by the company which is now in charge.
We were among the early arrivers at the launch and were greeted in the foyer with a complimentary glass of punch, and also welcomed to the venue.
A Magician toured the tables performing card tricks and there was music from a singer & guitarist.
The plush surroundings were well appreciated by The Millfield's initial visitors.
Orders could be placed from tables for delivery by staff or made at the bars.
Further details and contact information for the venue can be found in our preview feature about The Millfield. See here...
Brigg Matters magazine attended to photograph some of the first night visitors.
Pictures from the launch event will feature in the forthcoming issue of this community publication.

Card trick magic being enjoyed...

 

BRIGG COUNCIL TAKES UNPRECEDENTED STEP BY GOING RIGHT TO THE TOP

Brigg Town Council is taking unprecedented action by calling on the head of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, to bring about the appointment of a vicar to serve our area - filling a vacancy which has existed for more than two years.
During its meeting on Tuesday night (April 26) in the Angel building, the council decided to write to the Most Rev Justin Welby.
The Lincoln Diocese, in which Brigg is located, has yet to appoint a successor to Father Owain Mitchell who held his final service at St John's Church on December 29, 2019 before moving to take charge of a parish in Derbyshire the following month.
Coun Rob Waltham told the Town Council's monthly meeting that Brigg's parish church needed not only a new vicar but also repairs.
He praised volunteers at St John's for their worthy efforts over the months since Brigg found itself without an incumbent.
Coun Waltham stressed the town required a functioning church with a vicar, and he suggested the Archbishop's attention should be drawn to matters in Brigg.
The head of the church needed to ensure Brigg got a new vicar, plus necessary repairs to the St John's roof.
Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker pointed out that the council had previously written to the local diocese. This was 11 months ago.
Coun Nigel Sherwood suggested Brigg Town Council should forward copies of its letter to the Archbishop to all the neighbouring parishes also administered by the town's vicar, including those in the Low Villages.
Coun Sherwood also made reference to the sale of the Vicarage (the vicar's house on Glanford Road, Brigg).
Coun Penny Smith stressed that rural clergy should be made available and based in the town.

PICTURED: St John's Church and its adjoining Church Hall, viewed from Bigby Street on Tuesday evening shortly before Brigg Town Council met "to resolve to write to Archbishop of Canterbury regarding lack of permanent Vicar for Brigg."

ON-SONG BRIGG GROUP TO STAGE FUNDRAISER IN THE TOWN

A Brigg group which does great work supporting worthy causes in the area is to hold its first "face to face" public fundraising event since the Covid emergency began.
Brigg District Lions Club will be presenting A Country Music Night on Friday, May 6 at the Servicemen's Club, Coney Court.
Doors will open at 7.30pm, with the on-stage entertainment starting at 8pm in the concert room.
Tickets cost £6.50p and can be obtained by emailing briggdistrictlionsclub@gmail.com or calling 07725 021725.
"Brigg’s very own Darren Busby will be the headline act - supported by Dave Lesley," the Lions inform us.
The Lions have kindly provided this picture of the performers (seen above).
While on the subject of Brigg fundraising to help others, we've just received an update from the long-established local Pancreatic Cancer Action group.
Andrew Markham, Lesley Whitehead and Zoe Hall have been in touch "to thank the people of Brigg, once again, for their amazing generosity."
A collection undertaken during a recent Saturday Farmers' Market in the town centre - together with the proceeds of collection boxes located in the Black Bull pub, the Lord Nelson Hotel and at Brigg Town Football Club - raised £405.09p for the charitable cause.
"This will go towards helping patients of this horrible and aggressive form of cancer," the group explains.
"Pancreatic Cancer is very hard to diagnose and therefore has a very low survival rate."
Andrew, Lesley and Zoe are pictured below with the coveted civic trophy awarded to them a few years ago for public voluntary service in Brigg.

LAUNCHING TODAY: THE NEW MILLFIELD BAR & RESTAURANT NEAR BRIGG

The Millfield - a new bar & restaurant in the Brigg area - will be launching tonight (Wednesday, April 27) with singer Mike Hardy and magician Tom Wright  (see below) entertaining visitors after 7pm.
The venue is located on the former Arties Mill site at Castlethorpe, close to the A18 at DN20 9LF and within Broughton parish.
Considerable interest was shown in our initial preview post about The Millfield last week which included many pictures of the interior taken by Calvin Taylor Lee Photography of Scunthorpe. View the post here...
Seen in today's reminder story about the launch are some Brigg Blog took during a recent guided tour we enjoyed of The Millfield to gain information for our initial feature.

 

 

BRIGG GETS READY TO PARTY WITH GRANTS NOW ON OFFER

Grants are available to groups of residents in Brigg wishing to arrange street parties to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in early June.
Up to £100 towards the cost of these communal get-togethers is being offered by Brigg Town Council.
The deadline for applications is May 11. Email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk or contact the authority at its office in the Market Place's Angel building.
A condition attached to this funding is that street party organisers buy the items required for these celebrations from local businesses, helping the local economy.
During Brigg Town Council's latest meeting held last night (Tuesday, April 26) Coun Rob Waltham suggested that Jubilee grants should be invited, and mentioned that one street party was already planned on Burgess Road.
He also suggested that groups of residents living near parks might opt to use them as Jubilee party venues.
Grant applications received over the coming weeks will be considered by a small working group appointed by the council.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated across the UK during an extended bank holiday weekend. The dates are Thursday, June 2; Friday, June 3; Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5.
Many other events will be held in the town on these days, and a committee co-ordinating these has another meeting coming up tonight (Wednesday) at at St John's Church Hall, Bigby Street, from 6.30pm. Anyone else who is interested in joining existing volunteers who are planning local Jubilee events is welcome to attend.

PICTURED: Bunting already in place in the town centre where shops are to enjoy some trade providing items for use during street parties in June as part of the council's grants scheme, discussed last night.

WHEN TIME WAS CALLED ON BRIGG SCHOOL'S PAVILION

 

It is now more than 20 years since the demolition of a well-known building at a Brigg school which had been used by pupils and also club players over many decades.
The wooden sports pavilion, erected at Brigg Grammar in the 1920s, continued to provide changing accommodation for cricket matches into the current millennium... but only just.
Brigg Blog has just chanced upon the picture (seen above) showing the pavilion shortly before demolition and while being used for a Brigg Town Cricket Club Saturday fixture.
By then the wooden building was in a poor state, particularly its roof, and deemed to be beyond economic repair at what was then Sir John Nelthorpe School.
The other picture (below), used here for comparison purposes, shows the pavilion during the late 1960s.
Part-funded by the proceeds of a special fete held at Brigg Grammar School, it had been officially opened on June 5, 1929.
A clock, located on the front of the building under the scorers' lofty box, was presented by headmaster J.T. Daughton and his wife. It gave decades of faithful service.
Brigg Town Cricket Club first hired the school cricket ground for Lincolnshire County Cricket League games in 1978.
Although the school's gymnasium changing rooms (with showers) were made available after pavilion use had been ruled out, there were some issues over the distance from the field. So the Town club took to erecting a temporary pitch-side gazebo on match days.
Eventually, however, all club games were played at Brigg Recreation Ground.
The brick-built building seen in the the background on both the pictures dated back to the 1890s.
A former school canteen used for mid-match cricket teas during the season, it was also demolished. We think the bricks may have been recycled. Showering facilities were latterly installed by the cricket club.

Many ex-BGS and SJN pupils will have fond memories of the old pavilion.
Its central area - between the changing rooms - was used to store athletics equipment, latterly including thick landing mats for the jumping pits.
Access to the cricket scorers' box was gained by using a wooden ladder. This vantage point offered panoramic views of action out in the middle.
Many pupils signed their names on the walls of the box (often accompanied by dates).
Some nesting birds also took a liking to the pavilion during warmer months of the year.

 

 

BRIGG LIVE ARTS EVENT WILL BE IN REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERTA FULFORD

A town centre event will be in remembrance of Roberta Fulford, the founder of Brigg Live Arts, who died last year.
Brigg Live Arts will be presenting Brassy Sharman's Band and the Folklinks Band in the Cafe Courtyard, Brigg Market Place, on Friday, May 13 (doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start).
Tickets, costing £12, are now available from the venue located on the ground floor of the Angel building, and can also be obtained from Grandad's Shed, on Wrawby Street.
The organisers of this event say the ticket price includes a delicious Spanish supper to be served during the interval.
For further details and ticket reservations call 07706 087340.
Roberta carried out a great deal of organisational work for Brigg Live Arts events and was active in the folk music scene.
She kindly supplied our blog with many previews and reports relating to Brigg Live Arts over the years, including its enjoyable town centre festivals.
A celebration of her life was held at Scunthorpe's Woodlands Crematorium on December 3, 2021.
Brigg Town Council observed a period of silence in her memory during its November meeting.

The Brigg Geology Group will be holding its next meeting on Thursday (April 28) at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, from 7.30pm. Admission is free to listen to a talk about The Blow Wells of Lincolnshire by Dr Mike Oates.

JORDAN THUNDERBOLT FOR BARNETBY KEEPS THIRD PLACE DREAMS ALIVE

Brigg Blog having very recently informed followers that Barnetby United Football Club is on course for its highest ever finish in the what's now known as the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District League, we are pleased to note The Railwaymen won 3-2 in West Lindsey last night (Monday, April 25).
Barnetby's Lee Fielden has kindly supplied this report and pictures from the Division One game against Limestone Rangers, in Willoughton.  Barnetby are in the black and white kit.
The win has lifted Barnetby above Rangers by a point and into third spot in the table, with both teams having one league fixture still to play. Barnetby also have a slightly better goal difference.

BY LEE FIELDEN

A thunderous 30-yard strike from Liam Jordan with 10 minutes remaining saw the Railwaymen complete a comeback victory in what was an end to end five-goal thriller at Limestone’s Hollowgate Hill ground.
It was the side's third game in five days, and again a raft of changes were made, but they were gaining a foothold in the game when a defensive slip allowed Limestone to open the scoring on the half-hour.
Trailing at the break Barnetby were forced into a change with an injury to Stothard. He was replaced by Popple as Cam Hill dropped to centre half alongside Merrick.
On 49 minutes, O’Callaghan raced onto a through ball and was brought down in the area. He picked himself up and rolled home his 47th of the season.
Limestone came roaring back in what was now a very open game.
Wilkins hit the post for Barnetby before a desperate slide from Merrick inadvertently played the ball into the path of a Limestone player and Barnetby trailed 2-1.
O’Callaghan then hit the bar with a dipping effort, and Paddy Shaw in goal thwarted countless Limestone attacks as Barnetby chased the game.
With 15 minutes remaining, O’Callaghan ventured into the Limestone box and squared the ball for the marauding Hill who had come up from centre half to level the game with his 142nd Railwaymen goal.
Again Limestone countered, taking advantage of space left at the back as Barnetby chased the win that would keep a 3rd place finish alive.
With 10 minutes remaining, Liam Jordan picked up the ball 30 yards out and hit a venomous, dipping and swerving shot past the rooted keeper to give his side a 3-2 lead, having twice trailed.
Euan Langton almost made it 4-2 but the Limestone keeper made a great save to deny his right-footed drive.
In the fading light both sides battled to the end and it was the Railwaymen who triumphed with their first win at Willoughton for nearly nine years.

 

 

 

 

DECISIONS MADE ON SEVEN BRIGG & DISTRICT PLANNING APPS

North Lincolnshire Council recently made decisions on a range of planning applications in its Brigg & Wolds, Ridge, and Broughton & Appleby Wards.
It has refused planning permission to erect three dwellings and construct a new vehicular access on land to the west of Station Road, Sturton.
Anyone refused planning permission by a council may opt to lodge an appeal, to be undertaken by an inspector.
North Lincolnshire planners have granted permission to erect a new dwelling and detached workshop and garage (including demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings) at White Coomb, Caistor Road, New Barnetby, and also to erect a two-storey side extension and increase the width of the vehicular access at 41 Post Office Lane, Kirmington.
Approval has been given to drop a kerb and form a driveway in the grounds of a listed building at 37 Horkstow House, Main Street, Horkstow, and also to erect a two-storey side extension and increase the width of a front dormer at The First House, George Street, Broughton.
Permission has been granted to erect a single-storey agricultural storage building located at The Coach House adjacent The Mount, on Brigg Road, Castlethorpe.
Neighbouring West Lindsey District Council has refused an outline application to erect four dwellings on land at Station Road, Grasby.
The West Lindsey authority has yet to decide an application which is seeking approval for replacement windows and doors at Manor Barn, 10 Somerby Green, Somerby.

LONG STAY FREE CAR PARKING AVAILABLE IN BRIGG BUT HOW MANY VISITORS & SHOPPERS KNOW IT'S THERE?

Drivers visiting Brigg town centre who possess a bit of local knowledge are now finding it easier to park for lengthy spells... free of charge and without getting a ticket from the meter.
This follows North Lincolnshire Council's relocation of employees from its Hewson House offices and depot on Station Road to local authority-owned locations in Scunthorpe.
The picture seen above was taken around noon on a recent weekday.  
When Hewson House was fully staffed, any vacant spaces on Station Road (nearest to the town centre) tended to be occupied by members of the public visiting the nearby office block and sometimes by van drivers making deliveries and collections.
But the council's decision to wind down operations at Hewson House has removed the need for casual visits of this kind - leaving parking spaces free for drivers visiting local businesses.
The council has now agreed in principle to work with a partner, or partners, to develop new housing for people aged 55+ on the Hewson House site and adjoining land stretching as far as the railway station (Holland Park excluded).
It may take years before this project gets from drawing board stage to buildings being available to rent or buy.
Meanwhile, would the council consider some local signage and social media publicity to inform motorists that free long stay parking is available along Station Road?
These extra spaces could prove particularly useful on days when the town sees major events which test the capacity of the Old Courts Road and Angel car parks.
An obvious example is the Friday evening Christmas Lights switch-on ceremony held in late November.
Some of the monthly farmers' markets, particularly in summer if the weather is sunny, also place heavy demand on the town's existing municipal car parks.
Local knowledge means many Brigg motorists will be aware that Station Road is a parking option - more so now the offices have been wound down.
But this is unlikely to be the case for many shoppers who come to town from elsewhere in North Lincolnshire or even adjoining counties.
The last thing Brigg wants is for these very welcome visitors to be put off coming again because they had to spend a long time driving around the Old Courts Road car park trying to spot an available space.
On major event days a few temporary prop-up signs on the A18 directing drivers to the free parking available on Station Road would certainly help, as would 'Free Parking' signs near the entrance to Station Road. 

The Hewson House offices in Brigg - now closed.

NEW DATE ANNOUNCED FOR BRIGG DOWN THE DECADES HISTORY TALK FEATURING PICTURES FROM THE PAST

Brigg Blog has just received information about a free-to-attend event in the town which will draw a sizeable attendance. We have been asked to inform our many followers.
Josie Webb will be presenting Brigg Down The Decades - an illustrated talk - at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club, Coney Court, on Tuesday, May 3 (starting at 8pm).
This Brigg Amateur Social Historians (BASH) event could not take place last month due to Josie having Covid.
"Come and join us for an evening of nostalgia, and relive your memories with many old photos and some more recent one," BASH is telling local people.
Admission is free and there is no need to book tickets in advance or join BASH as a member; just turn up on the night.
Everyone is welcome and a raffle will be held to help with costs.
Josie and a few others were chatting about "old Brigg" over a pint or two one evening in the town's White Horse pub in 2003 when the then landlord showed an interest in the discussions.
He offered to put on some food (free of charge) for a night of nostalgia at the Wrawby Street hostelry.
The initial event proved so popular that others soon followed. And the rest, as they say, it history!
BASH will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next October.
The archive picture above shows Wrawby Street as it looked circa 1904 (inset - Josie Webb).

VICTORY SEES BRIGG FOOTBALLERS PULL CLEAR OF RELEGATION ZONE

A Brigg football team ended the 2021/22 season on a high note yesterday (Sunday, April 24).
Black Bull squad members, some of whom are pictured above, began playing in the Paul Fox Scunthorpe Sunday League last autumn.
Yesterday morning they defeated Duffs Dynamos 3-0 in their final Division Three fixture which was played at Barnetby's Silver Street venue rather than at Brigg Recreation Ground.
Following this victory over the bottom-placed team, Black Bull have finished clear of the relegation zone.
They played 12 league matches - winning four, drawing one and losing seven.
Not in Division Three action yesterday, Barnetby United (Sunday) are runners-up in this section, while Hibaldstow have finished fourth - one place and one point above Black Bull.
Brigg team players are now to hold a presentation evening at their social base - the Wrawby Street pub of the same name - on May 6.
Elsewhere in the Paul Fox competition yesterday, bottom side Broughton WMC's scheduled Division One game against champions Mulligans was 'not played.'
The same applied to table-topping Brigg Town Veterans' away fixture at Withernsea in Hull & District League Division Four which will take place at a later date.
Brigg Town FC hosted the Paul Fox League's Bob Bedford Memorial Cup final at the EC Surfacing Stadium yesterday, with BFC beating Trinity 3-1.
FC Recoveries, who have been playing their home games at Hibaldstow, have finished second from bottom in Division Four.

BRIGG BLOG'S WEEKEND CRICKET ROUND-UP FEATURES SOME CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Brigg Town have yet to start their 2022 season in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, but Broughton and Hibaldstow took to the field for the first time over the weekend and were involved in close encounters.
Expected to be pushing hard for promotion to the top flight after narrowly missing out last September, Broughton lost narrowly when hosting Louth 2nds in Division One on Saturday (April 23).
Louth made 220 for nine in their 45 overs, with Broughton scoring 211 for nine in reply.
Paul Clark had a fine all-round match for the home team, scoring 49 not out in the middle-order to add to opener Neil Simpson's 51,  having earlier bowled well to claim three for 17 in his nine overs. Top scorer Neil is pictured above.
Broughton managed a decent haul of nine bonus points from this high-scoring encounter.
Now back playing in Division Two, Hibaldstow lost by two wickets to visiting Grimsby Town 2nds in another close match.
The villagers managed 138 for nine, which Grimsby just managed to top.
Hibaldstow's Lee Robinson hit 49, while Nathan Goodall took three for 23.
Congratulations are due to the historic Brocklesby Park club whose Lincs League debut came on Saturday, having been voted in as members during the close season.
Founded in the early 19th century and playing only weekend friendly games for the majority of its existence, 'Brock Park' used a lovely location (not far from Kirmington and the Earl of Yarborough's Brocklesby Hall) until five years ago.
Home games are still played in West Lindsey, but now at Keelby where Park hosted Cherry Willingham 2nds on Saturday in Division Three East.
Park began with an emphatic nine-wicket win. They dismissed the Lincoln area side for 103, with Nawaz Maroof taking four for 21. Brocklesby reached their target after only 19.1 overs, Inderjeet Sandhu finishing unbeaten on 52.
Brigg Town will not have much longer to wait (weather permitting) to begin their programme in Division Three West, in which Broughton 2nds are also competing although they were also without a fixture on Saturday.
Yesterday (Sunday) should have seen Broughton hosting Rodley in the first round of the national Village Cup. However, Rodley conceded the tie so Broughton are through to the next round and will visit Middleton & North Dalton, near Driffield, on Sunday, May 8.

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP: BRIGG & BARNETBY SIDES IN CUP ACTION

Having recently won the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy, Brigg Town Football Club is in the hunt for more silverware.
The club's Development team beat Grantham Town Academy 2-0 at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) yesterday afternoon in their Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Supplementary Cup quarter-final and will now meet Wyberton in Brigg on Wednesday night in a semi-final (kicking off at 7.45pm).
In the EC Surfacing Scunthorpe & District League yesterday, Barnetby United won 6-1 at Manor Park in Division One. Tom Watson hit a hat-trick, Brendan O’Callaghan scored twice and there was an own goal. Use this link for match report and action pictures...
Barnetby United Reserves, in their final Division Two outing of the 2021/2022 season, drew 3-3 with Ashby Bowl at the railway village's Silver Street venue. Barnetby's goals came from Ross Amner (2) and Greg Brackenbury.
In midweek, Barnetby lost 2-1 to Scotter in the final of the Johnsons Transport Hospital Cup, hosted by the Appleby-Frodingham club in Scunthorpe.


RAILWAYMEN FALL AT FINAL HURDLE

Barnetby lost by the odd goal in three to Scotter United in the final of the Hospital Cup at Brumby Hall on Thursday evening, writes LEE FIELDEN.
Following a nervy start they were indebted to goalkeeper Dale Coy (pictured) who managed to keep Scotter to only a solitary strike in the first half.
The half-time score could easily have been 3-0 or 4-0 to Scotter, such was their dominance.
Following the restart, Barnetby began to come into the game, though they had to be wary of Scotter on the break.
Jake Parker was lost to injury and Popple was replaced by Gunn as Barnetby went 4-4-2 and threw captain Joe Scott up front alongside leading marksman O’Callaghan.
With 10 minutes to go this move paid dividends as firstly O’Callaghan and then Scott flicked the ball on and it found its way to Liam Davies who coolly placed it over the advancing Lawson to level the tie.
It's an old footballing adage that you are at your most vulnerable just having scored, and this proved to be the case.
Straight from the restart, Scotter broke clear and made it 2-1 with an exquisite finish... in off the far post.
Barnetby piled pressure on the Scotter back line which stood firm and they held on to deservedly lift the cup.

Brigg Town's first team having lost to Harrogate Railway in their Division One promotion play-off semi-final on April 16, Harrogate were beaten by North Ferriby in yesterday's decider. So Ferriby accompany champions Hallam into the Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier for 2022/2023.