GUESTS OF HONOUR

By Ken Harrison

Guests of honour at the newly re-formed Brigg and District Royal British Legion Branch's pie & peas supper function at the Football Club were Poppy collection stalwart, Maureen Glossop, and her her husband Tom.
The function on Friday evening was the first social event held by the branch.
During the interval a number of celebrity items, such as a cricket bat and shirts signed by various members of the Eastenders cast were auctioned.
It was a good night for Maureen and Tom; not only did they win the raffle's star prize, on ticket 801, of a long-weekend in Nice - including flights - they also won a Black Bull meal voucher and received a bottle of 12 year matured single malt whisky.
The members appreciated Maureen's tireless efforts in organising poppy collections around Brigg and felt that the star prize could not have gone to a more deserving couple.
Money raised by Friday night's function will go towards the purchase of a Brigg & District Branch standard and to its charitable objectives.
The Branch holds meetings in the Black Bull on the last Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.30pm

CONFIDENT SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND

Hopes are growing that something can be done, on road safety grounds, to stop drivers turning right onto the busy A18, Barnard Avenue, when leaving Tesco's Brigg store.
Coun John Berry (pictured), one of the Brigg area's North Lincolnshire Council representatives, arranged a meeting involving himself, Tesco and Pete Scott, head of safer roads for this area.
Coun Berry said those talks had shown a willingness on Tesco's part, and he had now asked Mr Scott to look at "engineering solutions" to the problem.
Coun Berry added that publicity following his original offer to progress the issue had resulted in a number of phone calls from members of the public who had seen motorists ignore the 'no right turn' instructions when exiting Tesco.
"I am optimistic a solution can be found," he added.
Motorists leaving the slip road to rejoin Barnard Avenue should turn left and use the nearby roundabout if they wish to head off towards the Monument. This greatly improves the flow of traffic and reduces the possibility of accidents caused by vehicles attempting to turn right across a lane of oncoming traffic. Brigg police have asked members of the public to report incidents of driving failing to comply with the traffic signs at this spot.

CCTV CAMERA LATEST

Brigg Town Council is to ask North Lincolnshire Council for an explanation over why the CCTV cameras in the town centre apparently failed to deliver footage of a metal sign being stolen, in broad daylight, from outside Scalini's chippie. The North Lincs authority oversees the CCTV system.
However, as town councillors debated the issue at Monday's monthly meeting, Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard sought to put town centre crime into perspective. Perhaps we should now call Jeanette long-serving Town Clerk. However, her point was "We don't get the level of complaints we used to in the town centre." She recalled when first taking over the post, Monday often involved her reporting shop windows broken and other incidents from the weekend. "That's not the case anymore," she stressed.
Brigg Blog reported the Scalini sign theft at length from the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel's recent quarterly meeting, when the issue was raised by Ken Harrison, who pressed for an answer. However, the matter was debated again by the Town Council after Coun Tom Glossop made reference to it in his update of the Policing Panel meeting, which he chaired.
Coun Mike Campion said the CCTV cameras were never going to offer 100 per cent coverage of the town centre. However, he suspected that cutting back the trees to give a better view would not prove very popular with some people in the town.
Coun Julian Kidd wanted to know whether North Lincolnshire Council had carried out an audit of the effectiveness of the cameras.
Coun Ann Eardley questioned whether staff manning the CCTV control centre in Scunthorpe had sufficient local knowledge of Brigg "and know all the nooks and crannies where people can hide."
Coun Chris Pope said efforts should be made to identify any "blind spots" - such as alleyways.
Coun James Truepenny suggested: "It's just something we will have to keep monitoring."
It was agreed the Town Clerk should write to North Lincolnshire Council, requesting an explanation about the incident involving the shop sign.

REPORT INCIDENTS TO POLICE

Insp Brett Rutty has kindly responded to the earlier posting about anti-social behaviour on Brigg's Chartdale housing estate.
He says: "The Neighbourhood Team is aware there have been some reports of anti-social behaviour on the Chartdale Estate and patrols have taken in this area. However, we have had very few reports in recent weeks.
"I would encourage residents to call the police at the time, should incidents occur. We are not always in a position to respond there and then, calls for service to the police do have to be prioritised, but all calls are recorded on our Command and Control computer and the Neighbourhood Policing Team monitor this and use the information to help to identify locations that require police attention."

DO YOU WANT TO BE A BRIGG COUNCILLOR?

Due to the resignation of Coun Sue Nicholson, a casual vacancy has arisen on Brigg Town Council. If by Thursday, August 19 a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at Pittwood House, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1AB, signed by TEN Brigg electors, an election will be held to fill the vacancy; otherwise, it will be filled by co-option.
The election, if required, will take place not later than Monday, October 25

UNUSUAL CHALLENGE OVER VAN PERMITS

Will some vans and lorries parked in Brigg's town centre pedestrian area now incur a charge levied by North Lincolnshire Council?
If that is the case, concerned Brigg Town Council wants to see the situation clarified and reviewed.
An unusual course of action was agreed at the Town Council's monthly meeting - an attempt to challenge the decision affecting the town through what is known as the scrutiny system. It allows those with concerns about decisions made by North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet system of government to have the matter "called in" for a public airing.
The meeting in the Angel Suite heard the cabinet system had approved a review of traffic regulations affecting Brigg's town centre pedestrian area. It was suggested this would mean a daily charge of £10-£15 being made for permits to bring vehicles into the traffic-free zone while working at premises.
Coun Carl Sherwood (pictured), who is a town councillor and also a member of the opposition Conservative group on North Lincolnshire Council, told Monday's meeting that his group was already working to get the decision "called in" for discussion.
"There has been no consultation with Brigg Town Council. This has just been bulldozed through," he claimed. "It looks like another tax on the traders and we don't think that this is right."
He added, in reference to unauthorised entry to the pedestrian area by motorists: "We want to step vehicles going through and people abusing it, but this has gone too far."
Coun Ann Eardley wondered about the position of North Lincolnshire Council's own vans and lorries which needed to access the pedestrian area.
Coun Tom Glossop added of the Town Council's attempt to invoke a review of the issue: "It will do no harm at all to challenge it."
The cabinet system was adopted by North Lincolnshire Council, after due consideration, as one of several options. The aim is to speed up decision-making by allowing certain issues to be decided by very senior figures, rather than taking lesser matters to routine committee meetings.
This is in total contrast to the system employed by Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council (1974-1996) when every councillor sat on every committee, making decisions on even minor matters.

NF adds: Brigg Blog has complained again and again about drivers abusing the pedestrian area, with precious few taken to task for doing so. Without seeing a copy of the permit scheme being proposed by North Lincolnshire Council it's impossible to decide whether it's going to help, or not. Perhaps if the issue is forced into the public domain, through the scrutiny system, we shall get to know. There's no suggestion North Lincolnshire Council intends to charge a tenner for vehicles making lawful deliveries to town centre business premises, or to make a charge for stallholders' vans which need to be in the pedestrian area on market days. The new regulations seem to be aimed at what the town council refers to as contractors needing to "access their tools and equipment" inside vehicles parked in the pedestrian zone outside businesses.

SAYING THANKS

Brigg Town Council is to send a letter of thanks to Sue Nicholson, thanking her for her contribution during the time she was a member of the authority. There is now a vacancy to be filled.

"LETTERS" REMEMBER THEM ALL

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

Those famous lines by war poet Laurence Binyon, often used on Remembrance Day, also apply to Brigg Monument - for the lettering on our war memorial, paying tribute to those men of the town who made the ultimate sacrifice, has grown old...and faded.
But Brigg Town Council is to step into the breach once more to have the lettering replaced to make it legible once again.
There was much discussion at Monday night's council meeting about whether gold or black lettering should be used. Indeed, a vote was required in the end to decide on black. Which is, of course, the accepted colour for mourning.

WILL IT BE YOU?

Just noticed the Brigg Blog site counter is nearing 50,000.
Will you be the one who sends it ticking round to what will be a major milestone for our little presence on the internet?
If it is, please post a comment or email scoopfisher@aol.com

"MAYHEM ON ESTATE"

Brigg police are to be alerted to difficulties being experienced by residents on what many call the town's Chartdale Estate (off Redcombe Lane).
Coun Ann Eardley raised the issue at last night's monthly meeting of Brigg Town Council, in the section allocated to Police Matters.
She reported anti-social behaviour involving people coming onto the estate after 10.30pm. Incidents included damage to cars and rowdy behaviour. Coun Eardley said the trouble-makers were "generally causing mayhem."
Due to the concerns, she suggested it was possible residents could band together to form a Neighbourhood Watch group.
Brigg police were not represented at last night's council meeting in the Angel Suite; they do not usually send an officer along, feeling their time is better spent on other duties. However, the issues raised by Coun Eardley will be made known to Insp Brett Rutty's team by the council.

EX-CONVENT PROPERTY TO BE SOLD BY EX-PUPIL

An elegant Brigg town house, part of a late 1700s Manor House which became a convent, is being brought to market by a former pupil - Jacqui Marriott of Brown & Co.
In 1921 this imposing Grade II listed property was let rent free by the then owner, the historic Brigg-based Elwes family, to the Rosminian Order of Providence and their 13 pupils. Latterly the convent was taken over by the Poor Clares of Newry - an Order of Catholic Sisters - and at the time it was sold in 1971 it had 250 pupils, including now estate agent Jacqui Marriott.
“Although I was only seven when the convent closed, I can still remember what a tranquil environment it was, especially the mature gardens – the trees of which still form a backdrop for the property today,” says Jacqui Marriott.
Beautifully restored and converted, 3 Manor House Convent is among Brigg’s finest houses. The elegant living room retains many period features, while the open plan kitchen/dining room combines modern tastes with design classics such as an Aga and Belfast sink. French doors leading through to a beautifully designed walled courtyard garden − ideal for entertaining − while a second door leads down to a sizeable cellar.
The house has four stylish bedrooms and two sizeable bathrooms, all with sash windows and many beautifully restored traditional features. Shared access to the rear of the property provides parking space and a garage.
Manor House Convent enjoys a prime central position in Brigg, a thriving North Lincolnshire market town. Serving rural villages on both sides of the River Ancholme the town still boasts a traditional market as well as an award-winning farmers market.

BUSY MARKET

Brigg Blog carried an extensive preview of July's farmers' market earlier in the week, including mention of new canopies for the stalls, so obviously we had to go along, camera in hand, and capture some of the scenes today. Alongside the farmers' market was the traditional Saturday market.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

If you've got a topic of interest to raise with Brigg Town Council, make sure you get to public question time at the start of next Monday's monthly meeting. Issues raised by the public will be the first item on the agenda at 7.30pm in the Angel Suite. The date again: Monday, July 26.
Items of interest to be considered by councillors include:
1) Traffic regulations in the pedestrian area as applied by North Lincolnshire Council to contractors working in the town centre (permits required).
2) Choice of colour for the renewal of letting on the Monument war memorial.

COUNCILLOR STEPS DOWN

Sue Nicholson has resigned from Brigg Town Council. During her relatively short spell as one of our representatives she made regular contributions to the discussions, serving on the planning and environment, property and services and personnel committees.
It's likely a casual vacancy will be declared, meaning those interesting in filling the vacancy will be asked to write to the Town Council. Members will then consider the applications received and vote, if necessary, on a successor.
Further details will appear on Brigg Blog in due course.

BRIGG SETS ITS STALL OUT

North Lincolnshire Council announcement


Brigg’s traditional market and its Farmers’ Market both have reasons to celebrate this week.
The traditional market will be given a fresh new look on Thursday (22 July) with the introduction of neat new stall canopies. The green and white striped canopies will bring a vibrant look to the traditional market held every Thursday and Saturday in the pedestrian area of the town.
With stalls selling everything from delicious home baked cakes, fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and flowers, traditional sweets, pet accessories, hardware, clothing and shoes this open air market brings the town alive and is vital to the local economy.
North Lincolnshire Council is committed to developing the area’s markets and the new canopies are the first part of these improvements.
Brigg general market is held every Thursday with a smaller market on Saturdays, which is joined on the fourth Saturday of the month by the hugely popular Farmers’ Market.
This award-winning Brigg Farmers’ Market celebrates its tenth anniversary on Saturday, 24 July.
The whole town will be joining in the celebrations, with retailers and market traders coming together to welcome local shoppers and visitors. Among the festivities will be cookery demonstrations by renowned local chef Nigel Brown who recently opened a cookery school at the Ropewalk in Barton. Nigel will be cooking simple dishes inspired by the fresh local ingredients found on the market.
There will also be chocolate-making demonstrations by Fiona Sciolti, a choclatier from Brigg who sells her handmade chocolate on the general market. With a clown, accordionist, balloons, birthday cake, free prize draw as well as all the usual stalls selling everything from smoked salmon and ostrich to artisan breads, organic vegetables and the freshest seasonal fruits it’s going to be a fun-packed day.
There will also be a Treasure Hunt throughout the shopping area for children aged around nine to 12-years-old with a Falcon Storm bicycle as the prize.
Coun Tony Ellerby, lead member for Markets and Partnership Development and chair of the Market Traders’ Federation, said: “Brigg’s traditional market is a good, sound, solid market and I take my hat off to the traders who work hard to keep it that way. The new canopies are well overdue and well deserved. The markets we have in North Lincolnshire work very well together and in Brigg there is the added bonus of the Farmers’ Market, now celebrating it’s tenth birthday. A big thank-you must go to the council’s tourism team, they’ve given it 110 per cent. It’s vital to the local economy and I wish it every success for the next ten years. Market traders are good for the area and represent good value for money. I have great respect for those stall holders who stand there in all weathers keeping the tradition alive.”
Coun Mark Kirk, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire Council is committed to improving our markets and the new canopies will greatly improve the appearance of Brigg’s traditional market. This is just one of many steps we are taking to give our markets a much-needed boost and bring them into the 21st Century. Brigg Farmers’ Market has gone from strength to strength and I’m thrilled to see it reach its tenth birthday. Both markets are huge attractions for the town and by supporting them you are supporting the local community and keeping alive a tradition that goes back hundreds and hundreds of years.”

AREN'T WE "GLAD"

By Robert Borrill, Dying Gladiator pub, Bigby Street, Brigg

Work has started on the restoration of the Gladiator statue. It is being undertaken by Simon Cottle and his team of restorators from Lincoln University. The statue is in a very poor condition and is expected to take the team a week to complete all the repairs to the body. Not sure what we can do with the head!
The Gladiator statue is such an iconic landmark in Brigg and I am so pleased that a team has been pulled together the preserve it. Rachel Faulding, of Lincoln University, pulled the project together and has a personal interest as her ancestors used to run the pub.

BRIGG KUMON CENTRE WELCOMES NEW M.P.

By Craig Cook

Students from Brigg Kumon centre – which provides maths and English programmes that develop independent learning among students - were honoured for their excellent progress and results in English and maths at an Advanced Student Role (ASR) award ceremony.
Around fifteen students and their parents attended the award ceremony and Andrew Percy MP (pictured above) presented the students with gold, silver and bronze certificates in recognition of their success.
Winning these awards recognises students’ achievements in reading, writing and arithmetic for studying above their school level.
Andrea Pattinson-Lea attending the event with her daughter said: “Kumon has helped Kristie immensely, not only in an academic way, but her confidence has grown.”
For further information email brigg@kumoncentre.co.uk, call the freephone number on 0800 854 714 or visit www.kumon.co.uk

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

What Brigg Blog told you would happen has come to pass: Humberside Police have put bollards and tape up to stop motorists parking on the patch of unused land off Cary Lane. Meanwhile, round the corner, work has started on replacing the uneven footpath which has brought many complaints.

TRIBUTE TO KEN FISHER

KEN FISHER
(1929-2010)

Father Owain Mitchell conducted Ken Fisher's funeral service at Woodlands Crematorium, Scunthorpe. Ken, of Central Square, Brigg, was a former town councillor and railway manager.
Born in 1929, Ken’s formative years were spent at Chalk Hill, close to Melton Ross, Kirmington and what is now Humberside Airport. His father died when he was still a youngster, and his mother was left to raise Ken and his three older brothers on her own during the depressed years of the 1930s. Life was hard, demonstrated by the answer Ken always gave when asked which football team he played for as a boy. The answer: Kirmington TIN Dribblers!
Aged 14 he left school and worked on the land before securing a job on the railway. Signalling duties were interrupted, however, by National Service with the Royal Engineers, which took him to hot and sandy Egypt, where he awoke one night to find a scorpion crawling across his chest!
By then he had met the love of his life, Beryl Taylor, of Hawthorn Avenue, and the happy couple came to be married at St John’s Church, Brigg. The first home of their own was a Woodbine Grove prefab, where Ken took great pride in tending the garden.
Sons Nigel and Simon were born during those happy years in the late 1950s, to be joined, in 1966, by daughter Anne-Marie, following the family’s move to a larger council property in Central Square.
A keen member of the National Union of Railwaymen, Ken worked hard to better the lot of his fellow signalmen, and other British Railways employees, in the Scunthorpe and Barnetby areas. And this sense of duty continued when he gained a coveted seat on Brigg Urban District Council – impressing the visiting Edward Dodd, senior man on the Lincolnshire Times newspaper, with his extensive classical music collection and library of books which, Edward wrote, would not have looked out of place in the home of a university professor.
While serving on the UDC, Ken took a particular interest in council housing, Brigg Youth Club and the development of the cattle market.
Despite working very long hours in signalboxes the length and breadth of northern Lincolnshire, he somehow found time for his council and youth club duties, union meetings, woodturning, photography, amateur radio, running a second-hand shop in Bridge Street, tending a neighbour’s extensive vegetable garden, following motor car racing at Cadwell Park and further afield, and gaining the O-levels he never had the chance to obtain earlier in life.
Having been all over the country following Grimsby Town Football Club as a young man, he rekindled his interest in the early 1970s when the Mariners gained promotion, spending many happy Saturdays – often accompanied by his camera – cheering on Lawrie McMenemy’s Mariners at Blundell Park.
About that time, Ken’s railway career branched out when he gained promotion to the supervisory ranks – instructing at Doncaster and then working in Scunthorpe and Immingham as an inspector and then chief inspector, covering a very wide area. However, early retirement meant he did not quite make the milestone of 50 years’ service.
Ken’s retirement allowed him to develop his following of Brigg Town Football Club, spend more time with Beryl and enjoy visits by the next generation of the family – Fishers and Wescotts - as they came along.
He also put his commonsense approach and careful nature with money to very good use on Brigg Town Council. During one debate a female colleague said Coun Fisher was unduly parsimonious with the public purse. She meant it as a rebuke – he smiled and took it as a compliment!
As his deafness increased and the years went by, Ken decided to retire from the Council, but still liked to be kept informed of the debates and decisions.
And so to the final months of his life…
The onset and development of his illness, and its symptoms, were especially difficult for someone used to being so active, and for the family to watch its affect on Ken, particularly in the final weeks. But we all have fond memories of him in his prime – over many years.
Ken worked hard for his family, his employers, his colleagues and his community. Now, at last, he can rest in peace…

OLD TRADITIONS DIE HARD

The traditional Old Boys v School fixture, whose history stretches back decades, was played out between Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg, and a team representing the Briggensians' Association. The Old Boys won - approximate scores being OB 118 School 103, off 14 8-ball overs.
Old Boys included Dave Willey (Bottesford and Brigg), Tom Brock (Broughton and Brigg), Liam Redmond (Scunthorpe Town) and Andy Sharp (Keelby). The School XI included Ryan Musselwhite (Broughton). Batsmen had to retire at 25 - a milestone reached by Ryan and Andy. Hopefully, the fixture will continue in 2011. There aren't many Old Boys v School games still played in Lincolnshire, although they used to be very common.
On a personal level I was very disappointed to miss the game, due to it being re-arranged from the original date and therefore clashing with a friend's retirement party. The first time I encountered Old Boys v School was in 1972 when I played for what was then Brigg Grammar against the Briggensians. However, the fixture goes back a lot further than that.
Hopefully, I will be called upon to get the old bat out of the garage for the 2011 game.

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Penny Smith, Brigg town councillor, admiring a surviving copy of the very last issue of the Lincolnshire and South Humberside Times weekly newspaper, printed in July 1985. It's part of a FREE exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of the closure, being staged until September at the North Lincolnshire Museum, Oswald Road, Scunthorpe. There are lots of pictures from the past, plus old copies and items from the age of hot metal printing. Either side of a trip over to the exhibition, Times staff held a reunion at the Black Bull, Wrawby Street, where No 57 housed the editorial staff until closure. Among those returning was David Stephens, former editor, once of Bigby High Road, Brigg.

CHURCH A'PEEL

By Ken Harrison

The bells, the bells!
St John's Church bells, in Brigg, have been refurbished and on Sunday morning they will be re-dedicated/re-blessed. Following this short service, local campanologists will peel the bells at lunchtime.

ONE OF YOUNGEST IN COUNTRY

Sir John Nelthorpe School has a new school governor, 24-year-old Zoe Cranmer. She attended SJN and was in Brigg's Sixth Form, after which she graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Environmental Geography.
Zoe is now completing her appointment as a executive trainee with Kelder Water.
Her family has a strong connection with Brigg and she is the granddaughter of Mick Parkinson, of Smith Parkinson fame.

BEWARE OF DELAYS

We noted the A-road to Caistor again closed at the Bigby Road level crossing today, then received this useful information to Brigg area motorists from Ken Harrison...

Some traffic disruption maybe experienced next week as the North Lincolnshire Council undertake summertime programmed work of surface-dressing local roads.
Laying stone chippings on bitumen helps to seal the road's surface.
The A18 around Brigg will be affected on the dates shown below:

19th & 22nd July - Barnetby Top to Wrawby.
22nd July - Forest Pines to Scawby Crossroads.
22nd July - Castlethorpe to Wressle Crossroads.

The flow of traffic will be controlled by temporary road signals, or 'Stop/Go' signs.
NLC apologises for any delays, which will be kept to a minimum.

ALL QUIET ON THE PLANNING FRONT

Wednesday's scheduled Brigg Town Council planning and environment committee meeting has been cancelled due to lack of business.
However, the same night's meeting of the property and services committee, in the Lounge at the Angel Suite, goes ahead at 7pm.
Items of interest on the agenda include:

Provision of a litter bin for Almond Grove
Maintenance and repainting of the Bandstand in the Market Place
Cleaning and re-lettering of the Monument war memorial
Angel Suite management and events update
Allotment representatives - Redcombe Lane and Grammar School Road.

This meeting is open to the public, if you wish to go along and listen to the discussions.

PLEASE TAKE CARE

With the school summer holidays on the horizon, motorists in Brigg and district are being urged to support the campaign Twenty's Plenty and keep their speed to a minimum, with more children being out and about on our streets.
"Although the speed limit could be 30mph, 20 is more appropriate," says Pete Scott, North Lincolnshire's head of safer roads.
Leaflets are available publicising this important message road safety staff are keen to get over to motorists.

HOPEFULLY NOT THE LAST ONE

The next public meeting of the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel has been pencilled in for Tuesday, October 5 at the Angel Suite (7.30pm).

FANCY A DAY AT THE RACES?

Market Rasen Racecourse is gearing up for its biggest National Hunt racing occasion of the year on Saturday - Tote Summer Plate & Ladies' Day, supported by The Journal in Lincolnshire.
Brigg folk will be swelling the crowd, while our bookies will be taking bets from many others who can't make it but are still interested in the runners and riders.
The crowds will descend on Rasen in large numbers for the showpiece day of high-class horse racing, shopping, fashion shows, and live music. With £140,000 in prize-money on offer, July 17 is the richest racing day of the year at Market Rasen Racecourse, which means the country's top horses and jockeys will be in action.
The £60,000 Totesport.com Summer Plate is run over two and three quarter miles and is the most significant race of 2010. The major supporting race is the first at 2pm - the £40,000 Totescoop6 Summer Hurdle.
In the public enclosures, there are three fashion shows by the Agatha boutique of Lincoln, beginning shortly before the first race.
Judges will decide between ten finalists for 'best dressed lady' and five finalists for the 'best hat' award from those visitors who register between 12 noon and 2pm.
The 'best dressed' lady wins a £300 Planet voucher, a sheer indulgence package for two at Eden Hall, and a bouquet of flowers from Stem. The runner-up receives a £200 Planet voucher, flowers and Champagne from Lanson. The third placed lady gets a £50 Planet voucher, flowers and Champagne.
The lady with the 'best hat' wins a £50 Planet voucher, £75 to spend at Felicity Hats, a bouquet of flowers from Stem and Champagne from Lanson. The runner-up receives flowers and Champagne.
Pip Kirkby, the racecourse's managing director, said: "It's a delight to be looking forward to our most important horse racing day of the year, and we anticipating a super crowd of jump racing fans on Saturday."
As for punters looking for a tip in the major races, racing presenter Mike Vince will be hosting his punters panel in the parade ring before racing begins.
Admission gates at the racecourse will be open at midday. The first race is at 2pm. Premier Members - sold out; County Enclosure £20; Tattersalls £15; Family Enclosure £9; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Accompanied children under 18 always admitted free of charge. Parking free. More information at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk

SAVE OUR MEETINGS

With cash savings having to be made, Neighbourhood Policing Panel public meetings are being looked at by Humberside Police Authority. The latest suggestion is that such panels might stay - there are others held in Barton, the Isle of Axholme and Scunthorpe - but could be staged in different locations, and reduced in number, although a very senior policeman would attend. That might mean only one public meeting a year in Brigg, although interested residents from this area would be welcome to attend those held in other parts of North Lincolnshire.
Other alternatives are members of the public raising issues of concern through the police website rather than at meetings, plus the police contacting a panel of randomly selected people to get their comments and views.
Chairman Coun Tom Glossop outlined all the possibilities at the Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel's latest quarterly meeting in the Angel Suite, saying: "No firm decisions have been made yet."
Ironically, the latest meeting in Brigg drew the poorest attendance for some time. But those who did attend raised useful issues and put some interesting questions to Insp Brett Rutty and Pete Scott, head of safer roads, North Lincolnshire Council. For road safety and highway issues have long been an important part of the Brigg Neighbourhood Panel public meetings.
NF adds: The cost of hiring the Angel Suite is surely minute in Humberside Police's overall budget. However, the attendance last Tuesday was disappointing - just at a time when supporters of these panel meetings could have done with a big turnout to show their usefulness to the powers-that-be who will have to decide whether the public forums stay or go.

MUNCHKINS TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER

Munchkins, of Bigby Street, Brigg, held an open day which received a good response. The facility is hoping to open on September 6. If anyone wants further information they can contact manager, Karen Beach on 07595248002, or email munchkinsdaynursery@gmail.com

TIME TO CALL IN SPECIAL BRANCH?

CCTV in the town centre came under scrutiny at this week's Brigg Neighbourhood Policing Panel meeting in the Angel Suite, following the lunch-time, broad daylight theft of a £300 sign from outside Scalini's chippie, on Wrawby Street, on a recent Market Day.
Ken Harrison, from Wrawby, raised the issue, saying he, and the shop owner, were both expecting CCTV footage taken of the town centre would have made it quite easy to identify the culprit. However, it transpired the system had failed to do so. Ken said that brought into question the overall efficency of the CCTV, managed by North Lincolnshire Council from Scunthorpe.
Insp Brett Rutty said police had now given the shop owner the "disappointing update" that nothing had been recorded on CCTV. "Unfortunately the CCTV camera didn't capture the offence," he added. "As far as I am aware, it was operating."
Insp Rutty defended the system, adding: "We have had some good results with CCTV." However, he said the system could not be expected to capture every crime. The presence of CCTV generally re-assured the public.
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs pointed out Brigg Town Council had previously expressed concerns about leafy trees in the Market Place obscuring the view from the CCTV camera on the wall at the side of Ladbrokes' shop. But he understood all camera footage was now recorded onto a hard disc.
Panel chairman Coun Tom Glossop said it was "beyond my comprehension" that the trees in the Market Place could not be pollarded. "It may be the trees obstructed the view," he suggested.
Coun Glossop said he would report Ken Harrison's observations about the incident to the Town Council.
NF adds: Yesterday, Ken Harrison contacted us to report CCTV contractors attending to a camera near Scalini's. Clearly, the case is not yet closed!

WILKOS WANT YOUR WINNING DISHES

Wilkinson’s store in Cary Lane, Brigg, is creating a cookery booklet which will be sold at the branch in order to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust, the charity that saves lives by matching donors to patients who need a life saving bone marrow transplant.
Manager at the Brigg store, Adam Leaning, says: “We needed to come up with some fundraising ideas and one of our team members, who is a keen cook thought a community recipe booklet, would be a good way to get our customers involved. We have already had some recipes submitted but need more. Therefore we are asking the residents of Brigg and the surrounding area to either bring in, send or email us their favourite recipes that they would like to share for possible inclusion.
We would also like to receive photos of the finished dish and these should also be emailed to us together with their name and address.” The closing date for receipt of recipes is 30th, July 2010.
The Anthony Nolan Trust is Wilkinson’s Charity of the year 2010 and the company aims to raise thousands in essential funds through its stores across the UK to give hope to patients with leukaemia and related illnesses. There are currently around 1,400 people in the UK in need of a bone marrow transplant, which is usually their last hope of survival. Last year the Trust provided two transplants every day, however, as a charity is relies on the support of companies like Wilkinsons and public donations to continue saving lives.
For more information contact Sue Thompson or Tammy Rees on 01652 659007; e-mail brigg.recipebooklet@tiscali.co.uk

BRIGG AREA CRIME DOWN ALMOST 16 PER CENT

"Overall crime has reduced by 15.8 per cent, which means 107 fewer victims of crime," Insp Brett Rutty told the quarterly Neighbourhood Policing Panel public meeting in the Angel Suite, Brigg, on Tuesday night.
He said: "Crime figures are for the last 6 months, December 2009 to May 2010, compared to the previous 6 months, June to November 2009. Burglary to people's homes is down also over the last 6 months compared to the previous period, by 30 per cent (10 fewer victims). Vehicle crime is also down, Thefts of Vehicle by 76 per cent (6 crimes in the last 6 months against 26 in the previous period) and Thefts from Vehicle down by 20 per cent. Clearly this is good news, but burglary to people's homes remains a priority for the Division and none of us can afford to become complacent. Keep taking sensible precautions, locking doors and windows, particularly during this period of good weather, even when at home in the garden and report any suspicious activity to the police.
"The Neighbourhood Team continue to focus on and investigate Criminal Damage and during the last 6 months there has been a reduction of 19.9% in this type of crime. (37 fewer crimes). Incidents of Anti-social behaviour cause concern to the community and to the Neighbourhood Team. A lot of effort is being put into identify the minority of teenagers who engage in anti-social behaviour, identifying hot spot locations by monitoring calls for service and through community contact and targeted police patrols to those locations.
"We have seen a slight reduction in calls for service for Anti-social behaviour of just 0.6 per cent over the last 6 months compared to the previous 6 months. Neighbourhood officers and PCSOs will continue to work with the community to tackle this issue."
Of the Brigg and Wolds Neighbourhood, Insp Rutty added: "The majority of the parking issues around the pedestrian zone in Brigg are now enforced by North Lincolnshire Council's Civic Enforcement Officers. However, the Neighbourhood Team do liaise with them and joint patrols have been carried out and there does appear to be a reduction in the number of parking offences and inappropriate use of the zone by vehicles.
"Pc Jane Proud and the PCSOs, frequently patrol the town centre, particularly in the evening, and challenge inappropriate behaviour by young people. However, they report that although young people do still congregate together in some areas, their behaviour, more often than not, does not amount to anti-social behaviour."

Pictured: Policing Panel chairman Coun Tom Glossop (left), Insp Rutty and Pete Scott (right), head of safer roads, North Lincolnshire Council.

TAKE A LEAD FROM BARTON

Tonight saw Barton Bike Night attract thousands of people from all over the region to Brigg's neighbouring town for the annual motor-cyclists' convention. It's not council-run but generated great business for traders and provided entertainment for many townsfolk and visitors. Hundreds with no real interest in old bikes still went along for the ride, so to speak!
Brigg used to have its own Bike Night in the Market Place. Not as grand as Barton's has become, but very worthwhile. Then it died, which was a real shame.

MUM'S THE WORD

Just got back from tonight's Brigg Neighbourhood Policing public meeting in the Angel Suite. Much to report later, including the quarterly crime figures from Insp Brett Rutty and an interesting discussion prompted by Ken Harrison about the lunch-time theft of a shop sign in full view, on market day, in Wrawby Street.
But first, a moment of humour from Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs who noted an unfortunate "typo" in the minutes of the previous meeting.
Rather than representing Brigg Matters Newsletter, our First Citizen had been there on behalf of Brigg MOTHERS' Newsletter.

TRIBUTES TO KEN FISHER

On behalf of our family, many thanks for the expressions of sympathy received following the death of Ken, aged 80 - retired town councillor and former chief inspector with British Rail.
He served on Brigg Urban District Council from the mid-1960s and later on Brigg Town Council.
The funeral service will be at Woodlands Crematorium, Scunthorpe, on Tuesday, July 13 at 1pm.

SWING TO THE LEFT!

Further efforts are to be made to deter motorists who continue to ignore the “no right turn” restriction when leaving Tesco and joining the busy A18 on Barnard Avenue, Brigg.
Coun Ann Eardley again raised the issue at Brigg Town Council’s monthly meeting, saying: “It’s getting beyond a joke!”
Coun John Berry, one of the Brigg area’s representatives on North Lincolnshire Council, offered to help by raising the issue with Pete Scott, the authority’s head of safer roads. Coun Berry wondered whether a reservation “to physically stop them” might deter motorists from turning right.
Coun Tom Glossop suggested the store giant had promised improvements three years ago “We ought to be getting onto Tesco,” he suggested. “They should be getting their finger out.”
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard pointed out Brigg police had suggested people should give them the registration numbers of those vehicles seen turning right.

REC NEEDS INVESTMENT

North Lincolnshire Council should make “a specific commitment” to improve the facilities at Brigg Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, according to town councillors.
The “core strategy” blueprint controlling how Brigg will develop over the next quarter-century continues to be pieced together within North Lincolnshire Council.
And the latest consultation has seen Brigg councillors come up with a list of suggestions they would like to see included in the eventual Local Development Framework Core Strategy.
Stressing the need to improve things at The Rec, a Brigg Town Council report says: “This action is long overdue and would directly benefit the numerous sports teams which currently have to play elsewhere in the town (and the county) due to poor facilities at the Recreation Ground which do not meet the standards now required by some competitive sports.
“This results in unnecessary travelling for those living in, or near, Brigg, resulting in increased traffic on the roads, and is also detrimental to the health and well-being of those people who do not have their own transport, and are therefore denied the opportunity to participate in sporting activities within their own community.”
Other suggestions from Brigg Town Council (outlined in a report from a special working party established to study the lengthy document) include a wish to see:

Brigg included within Rural Renaissance Plans, including a definite commitment to develop the River Ancholme as a tourist attraction.

Specific mention of a commitment to improve railway passenger services through Brigg.

Brigg County Bridge to be specifically mentioned as part of the area’s Historic Environment.

FLAT PLAN WELCOMED

A planning application to change the use of first and second floor storerooms into a residential flat at 13A Market Place, Brigg has been welcomed by Brigg Town Council.
Coun Tom Glossop reminded his collegues that they had long had a policy of encouraging space above shops to be turned over to residential use.
North Lincolnshire planners will now make the final decision.

60 NEW HOMES FOR BRIGG - OR NOT?

Brigg Town Council has decided to object to new housing development near Bridge Street. Its views will be forwarded to North Lincolnshire planners, who will have the final say on whether to grant outline permission for 60 dwellings on land off Island Carr Road (behind Peacock and Binnington).
One of the main concerns in this low-lying part of the town, close to the River Ancholme, is flood risk. Councillors heard there were plans to install a reservoir on the site, into which surface water would be channelled and stored before being allowed to flow away at a controlled rate. It is also proposed to build three-storey homes with garages at ground level and living accommodation on the two floors above that.
Coun Ann Eardley said she was very concerned about access to the A18 (Bridge Street) through Kiln Lane. Coun Tom Glossop agreed, saying there were "great reservations" and perhaps the only possibility was to stop those drivers trying to turn right onto Bridge Street and make them go left to turn at the roundabout near Tesco.
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs questioned whether, in the Environment Agency's opinion, the proposed reservoir was large enough.
Coun Michael Galvin said the reservoir would need to be made "secure from children."
Coun Penny Smith thought additional houses would add greatly to the problems of "The Isle" with its "already full" solitary sewer running down Bridge Street.
Coun Mel Oades was concerned about the added pressure a new housing development could bring in terms of school places and accessing doctors and dentists in Brigg. "Sixty new homes is a minimum 150 people - that's a lot extra to integrate," he suggested.
Coun Jane Kitching was unhappy with the idea of three-storey homes, in terms of disabled people's requirements.
Councillors then agreed to let a member of the public speak on the issue. Mick Smith, owner of the Brocklesby Ox mobile homes development off Bridge Street, attended to listen to the debate - at the end of which he asked for permission to address the committee, which was granted.
He expressed concerns about how tall three-storey buildings could affect the pressure within the existing sewerage system and the affects that might have on people living in single-storey accommodation nearby. He also suggested there could be "stench" from the reservoir during periods when it dried out. "There's a lot of issues involved," he suggested.

HOPEFULLY NOT THE LAST ONE

Rumours have been doing the rounds that Humberside Police Authority is looking to save money, and that the Neighbourhood Panel meetings are not felt to be cost-effective.
However, the next one goes ahead - and it's on Tuesday (July 6) in the Angel Suite, Brigg, starting at 7.30pm. Prior to that, at 6.30pm, will be the "Public Surgery" when members of the public can speak in confidence, and in private, to Insp Brett Rutty's team.
During the public session, any interested members of the public are welcome to go along and raise issues of concern relating to crime, crime prevention and road safety.
As far as Brigg Blog is concerned, these meetings are very important and should continue. Hiring the Angel Suite can't cost that much!
Insp Rutty (pictured), who is in charge of rural policing, generally attends in person and delivers his quarterly report, giving crime figures and trends.
Again, this is a case of use it or (possibly) lose it. So let's have a good attendance at next Tuesday's meeting. The more folk turn up, the less chance there is of Humberside Police Authority being able to put forward a case that these meetings aren't the most effective way to gauge public opinion.
Brigg's Coun Tom Glossop is chairman of the Neighbourhood Panel and, like use, thinks they are useful.