JUKEBOX JURY'S OUT

A press release about unusual Christmas gifts set me thinking about jubeboxes in Brigg. 'A jukebox sure beats the hell out of a pair of socks', the release suggests, urging women to 'surprise their man this year with something different – a jukebox.
It says a purchase from Jukeboxes Direct - at www.wurlitzer.co.uk - can evoke memories of a bygone era and whether you go for an original or one of the latest models it’s a sure fire way to make him think that you have put a lot of thought and effort into his Christmas gift.
Today, in Brigg, the most famous jukebox is surely at Scanlon's (Nelthorpe Arms), in Bridge Street. The Irish music so beloved of veteran landlord and landlady, the dearly departed Myles and Mary Scanlon, is still there and very popular. Indeed, a visit there is not the same without the Pogues or Dubliners. Muscially, we mean, not in person!
Turn the clock back some 25 years and the Queen's Arms, in Wrawby Street (later The Fish Inn, now The Vines Restaurant) used to sell off its unwanted discs, once they faded from the hit parade and came up for replacement with new tunes.
However, they kept overlooking a personal favourite of mine - Stool Pigeon by Kid Creole and the Coconuts - which lasted for a very long time, if you keyed in a certain number not actually listed for selection (could have been 10A).
If all that has got you in nostalgic mood, and you are thinking of getting your 'other half' one for Christmas, read on and get ready to raid the piggy-bank.
Models available from Jukeboxes Direct include the Wurlitzer One More Time Bubbler (priced from £4,495) or the 1950s-style Wurlitzer 2100M, which includes atmospheric lighting effects and a full view of the record-changing mechanism, available from £6,495. The online shop details all the models currently available including vintage jukeboxes. For more information call 0114 267 6333 or visit www.wurlitzer.co.uk