LAST LOOK AT THE OX

This picture shows the former Brocklesby Ox pub on Bridge Street yesterday (Sat) afternoon, almost completely demolished. Another few days and it will only live on in people's memories.

PS: In this era of "elf and safety" and with the season of goodwill on the horizon, we'll offer a free tip-off to highways staff at North Lincolnshire Council. While taking this picture from the other side of Bridge Street, we kept hearing loud clanking sounds as vehicles sped by. Eventually it became obvious the noise was car and lorry wheels hitting a sizeable metal cover in the middle of the carriageway, close to the fishing shop at the top of Kiln Lane. If the cover gets dislodged, there will be a big hole for wheels to land in. It really needs someone to pop down and have a look.

URBAN MYTH

Clearly it's an urban myth that office staff at North Lincolnshire Council only work Monday to Friday. Just look what happened at 1.15pm ON A SUNDAY when we tried to access the latest Brigg planning applications on the authority's website. The message (double-click on the screensnap image to view in close-up) suggests they update the site at 1pm. Clearly on Sundays, too. Which is very commendable indeed!

"LEAF" THEM ALONE OR NOT?

In a case of “woodman spare that tree” Brigg Town Council is objecting to a large cedar felled on Bigby Road.
The planning and environment committee is prepared to go along with the loss of smaller cedar trees (near a boundary wall) but feels the larger ought to stay.
The trees at The Cedars, Bigby Road – once a doctors’ surgery/clinic but now newly-converted offices - are within the Brigg Conservation Area and their removal must therefore be agreed with the planning authority, North Lincolnshire Council.
Supporting retention, Coun Penny Smith pointed out the building’s name related specifically to cedars.
Coun Mel Oades added: “I don’t see any reason for the smaller ones to go.”
Coun Ann Eardley claimed: “There are too many trees being lost in the Conservation Area and not enough being planted.”
It is understood the cedar trees’ roots are interfering with brickwork.

MOST READ ARTICLES

These are the most read articles on Brigg Blog since May, when our statistical facility became available. Remember that our posts stay up on the site and can be read a long time after they first appear, and that you can use the search facility to locate items from the past.

1) SCHOOL LEGEND MOURNED BY BRIGG (John Allcock)
Posted: 22 Mar 2010

2) CAMP COMES DOWN (Pingley)
Posted: 9 Feb 2009

3) 'OFFICIAL' ADVERT BOARD THE ANSWER? (A-boards in the town centre)
Posted: 4 Jan 2010.

4) 60 NEW HOMES FOR BRIGG - OR NOT?
Posted 3 Jul 2010.

5) EX-CONVENT PROPERTY TO BE SOLD BY EX-PUPIL
Posted: 26 Jul 2010

6) TRIBUTE TO KEN FISHER
Posted: 18 Jul 2010

7) BOARD WITH IT ALL
Posted: 30 Dec 2007

8) BRIGG KUMON CENTRE WELCOMES NEW M.P.
Posted: 19 Jul 2010.

9) BRIGG TOWN CRICKET CLUB 1974
Posted: 3 Jan 2010

10) BRIGG BOW OUT LINCS CRICKET LEAGUE
Posted: 9 Sep 2010.

HISTORIC PLAQUE MUST LIVE ON

Assuming planning permission is granted for Lidl's new store on Atherton Way, we hope this historic plaque from the firm's existing emporium will be preserved, either in the new Lidl facility or (better still) on the building taking its place off Spring's Parade. The motif was taken from the old Spring's preserves factory, which closed in the 1970s after decades of jam, marmalade and lemon curd production. A sad loss of a prestigious firm, the jobs it provided and its distinctive aroma in the town centre.
We're posting this story to remind everyone concerned with this new development, including the planners, that the plaque's future should be safeguarded. Being on the back wall of Lidl's current store, facing the Old River Ancholme, it's not glimpsed by many people - those out for a walk along the historic towpath, rowers and a few boat-owners.

TAKING THE LEAD ON DOG CONTROL

North Lincolnshire Council’s Dog Control Order system/list is being reviewed.
Brigg Town Council has passed the issue across to its planning and environment committee for consideration in the near future. Any comments can then be forwarded to the unitary authority.
If you think there are areas of Brigg which would benefit from a Dog Control Order, put a comment here for the benefit of councillors. Or email scoopfisher@aol.com

Here's a helpful explanation from the unitary authority...
North Lincolnshire Council has Dog Control Orders for specified areas of land. They are enforced as follows:
Failure to remove dog faeces.
Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded.
One person taking more than four dogs onto (specified) land.
Anyone found to be breaking a Dog Control Order could be issued with a £80 fixed penalty notice or prosecuted.
North Lincolnshire Council dog wardens can be contacted on 01724 297000 or customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk

NF adds: The above public footpath from Churchill Avenue, over the fields to Wrawby, is very popular with dog-walkers. This strikes me as being one of the places in Brigg where you are most likely to put your foot in it, so to speak. Tread carefully!

DRIVE STILL HAS SOME WAY TO GO

The thorny and long-running issues of illegal parking in Brigg’s town centre pedestrian area, and vehicles being driven through what should be a traffic-free zone, are still concerning town councillors.
Efforts have been made by to get on top of the problem. And there has been less unauthorised parking observed inside the zone in recent months.
However, Brigg town councillors – asked to "score" each category - believe the drive to tackle the problems still has some way to go.
In terms of getting to grips with driving through the town centre, Coun Penny Smith suggested a mark of just one - “no improvement.”
Coun Julian Kidd said some drivers were still coming over the County Bridge to avoid the traffic lights on Barnard Avenue.
On the question of unauthorised parking in the town centre, Coun Ann Eardley commented: “I don’t think it has improved at all.”

But Coun Carl Sherwood (pictured) added: “I’d say give it five – there has been an improvement.”
Coun James Truepenny said: “I agree – five’s about right.”
Safer Neighbourhoods, the Neighbourhood Action Team for the Brigg area, local police and North Lincolnshire Council (all having an interest) will be able to reflect on Brigg Town Council’s marks on both issues:
1 For vehicles being driven through the pedestrian area
5 For unauthorised parking.

Some vehicles, of course, are permitted inside the pedestrian area, such as police cars, ambulances, fire engines and lorries/vans delivering to, or picking up from, businesses without an alternative access.

'LETTERS' CORRECT AN EARLIER POSTING

Monument (war memorial) lettering: The final decision on the colour will be taken after councillors have inspected and compared two small sections completed by the stonemason, one in black and one in gold. It was his suggestion that this would ensure an informed decision on the colour of the lettering.

WATCH YOUR GRAMMAR

Yesterday we were interviewed, at length, by a researcher working on a TV documentary about British grammar schools, which is scheduled to appear on the BBC. She asked an extensive range of questions about background, perception of Brigg Grammar School and views on the grammar/comprehensive debate. She sought my views on how attending BGS had helped me in life and employment terms.
Many others are being interviewed, too, not just from Brigg, but across the UK.
We recommended she read the second of Dr Frank Henthorn's books about the history of the school (published in 1969) which contains a statistical analysis of pupils' eventual jobs and careers and their family backgrounds, including father's occupations. Fascinating, in social history terms, and I'm sure very useful to the producers of the programme.
I've just looked out my much-read copy of this excellent work by the former BGS deputy headmaster and head of history, who lived in Westrum Lane for many years. I was going to post it to the researcher. However, I've since recalled that another "old boy" scanned all the pages of the book and made them available on the Briggensians' Association website www.briggensians.net - together with back issues of the school magazine. So I'll save the stamp.
One of my clear memories of BGS is a rather odd interest in what your father did as a job and where you lived. This has just been reinforced by another look at the book, with its sections headed The Boys' Homes and The Boys' Fathers. I recall being asked to reveal this information in response to staff questions during my early years at BGS. No problem there in teachers taking an interest in their pupils. But, looking back, it seems a little strange the school felt this information of sufficient importance to be recorded, on cards, in the official records.
Asked by the TV researcher, I happily described myself as coming from a working class background. I also said many employers used to look favourably on applications from BGS boys, safe in the knowledge they came from a very good school with some very good teachers. Which it certainly was.
However, which school you attended should really have been about as relevant as what your dad did for a living and whether you lived in a council house or a detached mansion in the Lincolnshire countryside.
Prime Minister David Cameron, and a few of his public school-educated Cabinet colleagues, seem to be going through something similar - but in reverse.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Three councillors surveyed Brigg Conservation Area to point out which streets, structures and walkways need cleaning, tidying or general maintenance.
Coun Jackie Brock presented the findings, on behalf of herself and Couns Jane Kitching and Lesley Whitehand, pictured, the newest member of the Town Council, who has recently been co-opted (no election being requested by the general public after a vacancy arose).
The area looked at stretched from The Monument to the County Bridge and as far as the Millennium Green (Elwes Street/Cadney Road).
Weeds, graffiti and rubbish were highlighted - plus public seats, railings and a litter bin all in need of renovation.
As she spoke at Monday's meeting of the planning and environment committee, Coun Brock held up sheets of photographs showing the areas in question. The three councillors were thanked for their hard work by Town Mayor, Coun Ben Nobbs.
The town council will now write to the various bodies, businesses and organisations deemed responsible.
NF adds: The councillors’ spot-check is similar to those carried out by Brigg Civic Society members. A couple of years ago, after this worthy organisation had ceased to function, I was invited (with camera) to join keen members Keith Nutting and Ian Smith on a similar tour of inspection of the town centre. I recall them being particularly concerned at the state of the metal railings on the County Bridge.

PLANS STUDIED CAREFULLY

Some reservations about a planning application at Nicol Lodge, 3 Nicolgate Lane, Brigg, have been expressed by the town council’s planning and environment committee.
The plan is to erect an extension to the front and rear of the property, carry out a loft conversion with increased ridge height and dormer, and provide a new double garage.
Brigg town councillors studied the drawings for some time at Monday’s meeting, debated the issue and then agreed they had reservations about the size and scale of the proposal.
North Lincolnshire Council, as the planning authority, has the final say on whether or not to give the go-ahead.The views of town councillors on the scheme were varied.
Coun Ann Eardley said: “I think it will be fine.”
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs added: “This is like two planning applications in one.”
Coun Penny Smith thought they should be mindful to object on the scale of the proposal, which would be out of keeping with the rest of Nicolgate Lane.
However, Coun Tom Glossop thought the town council should not speak against it unless neighbours in Nicolgate Lane were unhappy.
Taking up the point, Coun Mel Oades said as the lane was so small, the planners should ensure ALL residents were notified of the proposal.

TOWN TWINNING APPROACH

Brigg Town councillors are to consider the inquiry from the Mayor of Waldfischbach-Burgalben in Germany about the possibility of forming a twinning partnership with us.
This will be considered by the policy committee, meeting next Wednesday (Nov 3) in the Angel Suite Lounge (from 7.30pm).
A quick look on the internet reveals that Waldfischbach-Burgalben is a municipality in Rhineland-Palatinate, on the western edge of the Palatinate forest, about 10km northeast of Pirmasens. The population is about 5,000 - making it similar in size to Brigg.

VISITORS FROM AFAR

Brigg Blog page views since May, 2010 - top 10 countries of origin:

United Kingdom 14,665
United States 1,368
Netherlands 489
Germany 319
Saudi Arabia 231
Russia 149
Latvia 115
South Korea 92
Canada 63
Puerto Rico 54

Source: Google.

RIVERSIDE MEWS PARTY

Sunday, 31st October
Riverside Mews Care Home
Ancholme Place
Brigg
Tel 01652 653414

Residents are gearing up for a Halloween party. The day will be an opportunity for everyone, and the home will be open to visitors and families. The day will be even more fun with the addition of entertainers and a buffet running from around 2pm to 6pm. All welcome, please call for further details.

PUBLIC INTEREST IN LIDL STORE

There's still time to pop down to the Angel Suite, off Market Place, today to view the plans Lidl have announced for a brand new store off Atherton Way, replacing their existing one near Spring's Parade. The open session, with a fine array of refreshments, runs until 6pm. All welcome.
Brigg Blog had an informative chat with Philip Atkinson, development executive - property. He and his colleagues were inviting visitors to view the displays and to write down their thoughts on the plans for what is described as "a modern and light store for local residents of Brigg." The firm is keen to receive feedback.
Obviously, everything hinges on planning permission being obtained from North Lincolnshire Council, and we can expect the necessary application to be lodged in the near future.

DOUBLE-CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR A CLOSER LOOK.



Members of the public crowding round a display of the plans.


Lidl executive Philip Atkinson (above) with the plans and (below) with Coun Ann Eardley.



Coun Julian Kidd sharing a joke with "yours truly" during this afternoon's open day in the Angel Suite. Right is Lidl's Philip Atkinson.

SIGN UP TO HELP OUR HEROES

Tickets are still available for the special 1940s entertainment/lunch being organised by Brigg Town Council in the Angel Suite on Remembrance Sunday, November 14.
But hurry if you want to be there.
Tickets are £14, available from the Town Council Office, the Angel Suite (entrance off Exchange Place and the Market Place). Telephone 01652 659402 or email enquiries@briggmarkettown.co.uk
As regular Brigg Blog followers will know, the Town Council is currently paying to have our Monument (war memorial) refurbished, including the lettering.
It was finally decided at Monday's Town Council meeting that the letters should be done in gold, rather than black, following expert advice received from a stonemason.
The Town Council will oversee the traditional Remembrance Day parade, followed by a service and the procession to the newly-renovated Monument, where wreaths will be laid in memory of The Fallen.
However, this year, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the ending of World War Two, the Town Council has arranged a special get-together and fundraiser, proceeds to be shared equally between the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Help For Heroes.
Those attending will enjoy:
A warming lunch, comprising filling fare of the 1940s - stew and dumplings, followed by crumble and custard (vegetarian/diabetic options available on request).
ENSA singer Marlaina Rube (donating her time and talent).
The Angel Suite decorated in the style of a traditional street party of the period.
Music from The Kings of Swing.
A singalong to the Hits from the Blitz.
The Angel bar for those wanting liquid refreshment.
There will also be an auction, raffle and collection.
Guests are being encouraged to don 1940s dress, but this is optional.
The Town Council says: "We would very much like to see you here on the day. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to support these very worthy causes, any donations of prizes would be gratefully received at the Brigg Town Council office or we could collect if you can contact us prior to the event."

MONUMENTAL!

Ken Harrison attended as a member of the public at last night's monthly meeting of Brigg Town Council in the Angel Suite. Thanks for the offer of a pint afterwards, sir, but I had to decline. Much of interest arose and the meeting took much longer than anticipated.
Coun James Truepenny made reference to positive comments received from the public about the refurbishment being carried out to the Monument (war memorial).
We will start to share the relevant news with you tomorrow.

LIDL'S NEW STORE VERY WELCOME

An artist's impression/drawings of Lidl's new store, off Atherton Way, Brigg, are now on display in the current premises, off Spring's Parade, and creating plenty of interest among customers. They show almost 100 car parking spaces.
If you are trying to visualise the new store's location, it's very close to the Ancholme Way roundabout, near to what was Carefield's factory.
Planning permission will be required from North Lincolnshire Council, but we can't see that proving a problem.
Tomorrow (Wed), from 12.30pm to 6pm, Lidl will be holding a public open day for the new store, in Brigg's Angel Suite, off Market Place, where more information is expected to be made available to interested customers.
Lidl's new store announcement is the first part of the major retail story we forecast was on the cards. Phases two and three are expected to follow very shortly and Lidl's won't be the only big player mentioned when it all comes into the public domain.
I count myself a loyal and long-standing customer of Lidl and look forward to finding out how much bigger this store is going to be and what it will be stocking the current one doesn't. If you are a mere middle-aged man shopping for two of three items and not keen on the family checkout frenzy, Lidl has many advantages.

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE ANCHOLME

Sunday (October 31) sees the the Ancholme Inn's Function Room, off Grammar School Road, Brigg, Hosting a halloween party. Entry is £2 per child, including hot dogs and chips, music and games and a prize fancy dress competition.

DUTCH VISITORS LIKE BRIGG

The past week's hits by country (top 10 only) on Brigg Blog:

United Kingdom 786
Netherlands 60
United States 42
Russia 23
Moldova 9
Puerto Rico 8
Slovenia 5
Ukraine 5
Israel 3
Australia 2


Source: Google.

LOOKING TO SAVE THE EARTH

North Lincolnshire Council, like all local authorities and government bodies, sets itself targets. But Saving the Earth is surely beyond its remit. Like many Brigg folk I visited the information bus parked in the Market Place last Friday and collected leaflets about cavity wall and roof insulation, solar panels and two free boxes of light bulbs. The helpful staff poppped them all into this rather nice "green" shopping bag for me. If you missed your chance to get the leaflets and free bulbs (subject to availability), call the number given above on the shopping bag.

OUTWARD BOUND

Figures issues to councillors show the following attendances between mid-March and mid-June at sessions of the 3Bs Youth Project:
Brigg: 159 attendances and 64 registered youths.
Barnetby: 366 attendances and 70 registered youths.
Broughton: 258 attendances and 82 registered youths.
These were given in a report by Marie Bailey, play development officer, North Lincolnshire Council.
The Humberside Night Challenge proved a real success for the 3Bs team. They were joint winners and captain Joe Wilkinson was deemed the best in his role, winning a place on a three-week outward bound training course.
Nine youths from the 3Bs group helped voluntarily with the Brigg Spring Clean and youngsters supported the official opening of the refurbished Woodbine Park, off South View Avenue.
Wayne Pigott, senior street leader with the 3Bs Project, said he was happy to report an increase in the number of girls taking part in activities, mainly as a result of the purchase of tennis equipment.
Marie Bailey told councillors on the joint committee which oversees the project that she would like to know how young people's lives had changed as a result of being on the project. This could be a long-term initiative.
Brigg Town Council is now actively seeking new partners, as well as the funding required to substain the project from July 2011. Councillor heard there was was a possibility of further funding from the Big Lottery to sustain projects already undertaken.

PUBLIC WELCOME TOMORROW NIGHT

Brigg Town Council holds its monthly meeting tomorrow (Mon 25th) at the Angel Suite, off Exchange Place/Market Place, starting at 7.30pm. The first business of the evening will be Public Question Time, should any local residents exercise their democratic right to go along and speak their mind or question our elected representatives on Brigg-related issues.
It's not often anyone turns up, but if you want to go along, the 15 minutes is all yours!
The so-called "full council" meeting is something of a rubber-stamping exercise these days, as the Town Council now transacts most of its business through various committees - allowing things to be gone into in greater depth than used to be the case when everything had to be crammed into one monthly meeting.
Item 17 - Brigg War Memorial, asks the council to consider rescinding an early decision and to keep the lettering on The Monument in gold. This follows "informed opinion received from the appointed stonemason." Clearly it is not felt black lettering would be so effective, despite that being the majority view some weeks ago.
The landmark on Wrawby Road is currently being renovated and refurbished, our pictures here being taken on Friday to show progress on the worthwhile contract, ahead of Remembrance Sunday, when wreaths will be laid in memory of servicemen from the town who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs and Coun Jane Kitching may report on the Link2Energy Eco Brigg Workshop, while Couns Tom Glossop and John Kitwood will do likewise after attending the annual meeting of the association representing town and parish councils across North Lincolnshire and the East Riding (ERNLLCA).
If you want to make a night of it, there's a meeting of Brigg Town Council's planning and environment committee from 6.45pm, also in the Angel Suite. Planning applications relating to Bigby Road and Nicolgate Lane are on the agenda, together with a report on Brigg Conservation Area carried out by Couns Jackie Brock, Jane Kitching and Lesley Whitehand.

TALK OF THE TOWN

Further to yesterday's Brigg Blog post about work going on near Tesco and Lidl's stores we offer this picture for the benefit of those who haven't ventured into that part of town recently. They certainly aren't prospecting for oil or natural gas, but the purpose behind all the work has generated plenty of hot air, becoming the talk of the town.

TRAIN OF THOUGHT

A sizeable gang of workers came to refurbish Brigg railway station a few weeks ago but not much has happened. Just a few holes have been covered with boards and a fence put up to deter the few passengers using the Saturdays-only service from venturing to the outer limits of platform one. We trust it won't be too long before workmen return to carry on with the task, along the lines of I've started so I'll finish.

BORN IN BROCK OX BEDROOM

This is Sylvia Clark, who made a nostalgic visit to Brigg to watch progress on the demolition of the Brocklesby Ox pub in Bridge Street yesterday afternoon.
Now living in Moortown, she has more reason than anyone to be sad at the disappearance of the historic hostelry. For the bedroom she's pointing to in this picture was where she was born in December 1940.
Mother Nellie was the long-serving landlady, also helping to develop caravan use of land at the rear of the premises. (Brigg Town Football Club played there well into the 1950s before switching to Hawthorn Avenue).
Sylvia remembers many great times in the pub, including new year celebrations, and the local community in Bridge Street with its chapel, chippie, shops and 'Happy Land' across the road.
The Brock Ox is being felled, piece by piece, by Empringham Demolition, whose founder, Derek, is well-known in Brigg and district. He likes to salvage as much as he can from jobs so it's a fair bet some parts of the Ox will be recycled into other buildings with an historic feel, in due course.
Although not a listed building and not within Brigg Conservation Area, the Ox will be missed as a familiar feature of Bridge Street. It could never be described as the most attractive structure, but those of us who have enjoyed pints and meals there down the decades will still be sad to see it go when the site is finally cleared in the new few weeks.
However, the pub had been shut for some time and there's no holding back progress, with housing development planned in this area.
At the foot of this article we have included a picture of the Ox as it used to be, just for old time's sake. But we are sure it will live on in many people's memories in the years to come.

DOUBLE-CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR A CLOSER LOOK

IS SOMETHING BIG ON THE WAY?

All this prolonged activity near the Lidl and Tesco stores - theodolites on tripods, monitoring equipment, technical experts milling about - suggests something big might be coming our way very soon, in terms of a big news story.
Many of us have observed what's going on with growing interest and are busy trying to make two and two add up to four.
Brigg Blog follower Ken Harrison, who describes himself as a renowned nosey person, tried to get one of the chaps on the ground to give us a clue. "He was a bit cagey when I asked him what was going on. He kept repeating, 'It'll come out eventually'." says Ken.
Ken adds: "It may be speculative, but the combined evidence does indicate significant moves afoot."
If that line of thought proves correct, we should all keep our eyes on the excellent North Lincolnshire Council planning website, where developments generally get their first airing in the public domain.
Which reminds me of some journalistic detective work a few years ago which came to an amusing but very successful conclusion. There were many rumours doing the rounds about a major retail firm moving into Brigg, centred on the former Kwik Save store in Cary Lane.
Everyone stayed tight-lipped and even the planning application, when eventually posted late one Friday on the North Lincs website, did not reveal the company's identity in the accompanying blurb.
However, it you took the trouble to view the drawings there was one for a sign planned for the front of the premises, which contained the letters W I L K I N S O N
That still makes me smile!

PS: Nothing on the council's planning website today.

TREES COULD COME DOWN

DDM Agriculture has given notice of intention to fell cedar trees situated within a Conservation Area at The Cedars, Bigby Road, Brigg.
As part of the planning process, Brigg Town Council's planning and environment committee will consider the matter at its meeting on Monday (6.45pm) in the Angel Suite. Committee members have been recommended to undertake a site visit.
However, the final decision rests with North Lincolnshire planners.

IT'S JUST NOT CRICKET

Tonight should see Brigg Town Cricket Club's resignation from the North Lindsey (Sunday) League reported to the competition's annual general meeting in Scunthorpe.
Last Wednesday's AGM of the Lincolnshire League, held in Market Rasen, saw Brigg Town's name mentioned for the final time (in the roll call of clubs) and saw them cease to be members of that Saturday competition, too.
All very sad for me, having played for the club from its formation, in 1974, until retiring 30 years later to don the white umpiring coat.
Tom Brock, who has worked particularly hard this summer to get Brigg sides into the field in the North Lindsey League, is expected to move with some of his Sunday players to Broughton, where a new 4th X1 is being formed. The aim is for Broughton 4ths to replace Brigg 3rds.
Brigg Town CC's history has been one of ups and downs, peaks and troughs. The whole club nearly folded in the early 1980s, yet within a handful of years, under the guidance of captain Barrie Briggs, the first team won the South Humberside Alliance championship, going on to rejoin the Lincolnshire League, the county's senior competition.

EXTENSION PAYS DIVIDENDS

By Ken Harrison

It may be worth mentioning the newly opened shopping extension of Brian's DIY emporium.
Reclaiming the bricks from the demolished C19th workmen's cottages behind his cement and plaster shed, Brian has constructed the extension - joining his store with his Christmas shop in Grammar School Road South - to reflect traditional external features.
Brian says that there is more to do to outside side entrance, which he hopes will be completed in the near future.
Personally, I have always regarded Brian's DIY prices as very competitive. For example, I was pricing up the cost of a flexible soil pipe for an upstairs toilet. One major plumbing store informed me that, at trade, the price would be over £21; I discovered the same item in Brian's at about £13.50.
Once the external hoardings have been removed and the access has been complete, it may be worth Brigg Town Council reviewing the extension as a candidate for a Civic Award.

NICOLGATE NAME

Ken Harrison's interest in the origins of the name Nicolgate Lane for the Brigg cul-de-sac, prompt memories of when it was merely described as being "Off Wrawby Road."
No sat nav, no postcodes, no Google Earth. Yet people, and the posties, still found it years ago before someone decided it had to have a street name.

TOWN CENTRE BREAK DOWN

You'd be hard-pressed to find a less favourable spot to break down in Brigg than on the A18, Barnard Avenue, close to the traffic lights at the top of Old Courts Road.
Yet it seems that's what's happened to someone's rather elderly Mercedes this morning. We came past twice and saw it, no driver in sight - two wheels on the pavement and two on the roadside.

PS We've been away for the weekend - hence the lack of posts on Brigg Blog.

EXTENSION PLANNED

Planning permission is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council to erect an extension to the front and rear of the property, loft conversion with increased ridge height and dormer, and new double domestic garage at Nicol Lodge, 3 Nicolgate Lane, Brigg. (That's the cul-de-sac opposite Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School, off Wrawby Road).

BRIGG MAKES BRITISH TOP 10

Brigg Tourist Information Centre is celebrating after its staff were
rated among the best in the country by Visit England.
Each year, Visit England, the national tourism body, conducts a series of
mystery shopper tests at nearly 300 tourist information centres (TICs)
across the country.
Staff at the TICs are given scores for how they treat visitors and how
the respond to telephone calls and emails.
Visit England gave the Brigg team a score of 93.6 per cent and put them
in ninth place out of a total 296 centres that were tested.
This is a magnificent achievement for North Lincolnshire Council's Brigg
TIC and confirms the top quality service and customer care offered by
the people working there.
The assessor's comments said a very good welcome was provided and a
consistently good level of customer care was noted throughout the visit.

The top ten Visit England TICs are:
1. Gloucester
2. Swanage
3. Salisbury
4. Cartgate, South Somerset
5. Dorchester
- Lyme Regis
7. Hawes
8. North Shields
9. Brigg
10. Leicester

Brigg TIC is a hub for local and national information, helping people to
enjoying every minute of their leisure time in North Lincolnshire.
If people have friends or family visiting and don't know where to take
them for a great day out why not call in for some inspiration?
The centre is perfect for planning a short break with information on all
corners of the UK.
As well as a wealth of information about things to do here in North
Lincolnshire, the centre also sell a wide range of gifts, from books and
souvenirs to jewellery and gifts for your home.
Visit Brigg TIC in the Market Place or call 01652 657053.
Coun Mark Kirk, Leader North Lincolnshire Council, said:
"For Brigg's small tourist information centre to be in the England top
ten is a fantastic achievement. The consistently high scores are testament to the hard work put in by the team and it's wonderful for them to gain national recognition."
Emma Tatlow, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Marketing at Visit
Lincolnshire, said: "Congratulations to the team at Brigg TIC. Coming within the UK's top 10 Tourist Information Centres is a huge achievement and one the staff and
North Lincolnshire Council should be rightly proud of. The assessment from VisitEngland is tough and checks the quality of service provided to visitors and residents at every level - including face to face, over the phone and by email. Visit Lincolnshire would like to thank the TIC staff and North Lincolnshire Council for delivering such a great 'front of house' service, contributing to the reputation of Lincolnshire as a visitor destination."

RAISING THE ROOF

Many homes are currently being re-roofed in Brigg - we presume by North Lincolnshire Homes, which took over control of what we might years ago have called the council house stock.
Central Square/East Parade properties have scaffolding up at present.
Details are being requested from North Lincolnshire Homes.

MONUMENT TO THE FALLEN

Just driven past the Monument and seen one of the craftsmen attending to the restoration of the letting on the front of Brigg's war memorial.
Great to see this work is being carried out ahead of Remembrance Day.
Public money well spent!

ENERGY EFFICIENT ROADSHOW

Brigg councillor Nigel Sherwood has passed this on as being of interest to Brigg Blog followers.

The Home Energy Bus will be in Brigg Market Place on Friday, October 22, from 10am to 4pm. The Energy Road Show will be promoting:

* Free energy efficiency advice
* Free cavity wall and loft insulation for the over 70s
* Discounted cavity wall and loft insulation
* Free low energy lightbulbs
* Renewable energy advice

The following additional information comes courtesy of the council's press office...

Between October 11 and 22 North Lincolnshire Council is touring the area "bringing energy saving advice closer to you."
There will also be advice on the council’s Homelink that provides a vital service to those who, for some reason, cannot get to a local link office. So council officers visit residents in their own homes, offering a wide range of council and non-council related help and support.
Councillor Mick Grant, cabinet member for housing, said: “Many people are not aware of the help they could be getting – as much as £6,000 to make their home more energy efficient. We want to ensure that people are aware of the different schemes available to them. The event in October will help raise awareness of the help and support that’s out there, not just through the council, but through other agencies, too.”

WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER THE TOURISM INITIATIVE

In marketing terms, Brigg ought surely to be making more capital of the following information viewable on the internet for would-be visitors the world over to read...
Winston Churchill, war-time Prime Minister, stayed at the Exchange, in Bigby Street, during the Second World War.
There have long been rumours about him coming to the Exchange while visiting a factory in Scunthorpe which was vital to the success of the Pipeline Under The Ocean (PLUTO) Project, taking supplies across the England Channel after the 1944 D-Day invasion.
However, there's the confirmation of the story on the Exchange's own website.
www.exchangebrigg.co.uk

PS Ignore the description of the "young" Winston staying there, as he was born in November, 1874 and was in his late 60s. Despite all that stress, heavy drinking and puffing on huge cigars, he lived to be 90 and didn't die until 1965. For the benefit of Brigg Blog comment poster-in-chief, Ken Harrison, who thinks we can find a railway angle in any topic, we should add that Southern Region loco No 34051, named Sir Winston Churchill in his honour, was specially chosen to haul the train carrying the great statesman's coffin.

MILESTONE LOOMS

Some lucky Brigg Blog visitor is going to push our site counter up to 60,000 very shortly. IT COULD BE YOU!

JOIN BRIGG'S FASTER BROADBAND CAMPAIGN

A story about James Chapman has appeared in the Scunthorpe Telegraph. He's campaigning to get faster broadband for Brigg and district and has now contacted Brigg Blog to get some of our followers onboard.
He says: "Please put a link on your website and encourage people to vote. Please join the BT campaign for super-fast internet at the Brigg Exchange. I have already managed to get some press coverage about this."

NF adds: "As a community, we need to get 1,000 signatures in the Brigg area; if the Brigg area 'wins' there's £5,000 worth of computer equipment on its way to a local community project. Hopefully local companies, groups and councils will add their support."

View the Telegraph story through this link provided by James...
Telegraphstorylink

And here's a link to the BT announcement, explaining what we need to do and why....
www.racetoinfinity.bt.com/

Or, if you prefer, here's a shortened version of their PDF (It's one of those you can cut and paste the text from - not one of those 'flat scans' rather annoyingly favoured by our local planning departments on their otherwise excellent and helpful websites!).

Your town needs YOU! We are taking part in The Race to Infinity, which is giving five lucky areas the chance to be one of the next to enjoy BT’s new super-fast fibre optic broadband, BT Infinity. To vote go to bt.com/racetoinfinity
Do you want faster broadband where you live? BT is rolling out superfast fibre optic broadband across the UK. Whether you’re big on social networking, gaming or streaming video, with download speeds of up to 40Mb* your life will be transformed.
The Race to Infinity is giving people the chance to vote online for their area to become one of the first to enjoy fibre optic broadband.
The five areas which have the largest percentage of votes by December 31st, 2010 will win the chance to bring fibre optic broadband to their area and BT will give a donation of computer equipment worth £5,000 to a local community project.**
Winning exchanges will be enabled by early 2012 subject to availability, survey, terms and conditions. Exchanges need 1,000 premises to be eligible to be one of the winning exchanges. One vote per address. Race ends midnight 31st December 2010.
*Top speeds affected by various factors including distance from the cabinet and internal wiring.
**£5000 of computer equipment will be given to a community project of BT’s choice. Once winning exchanges are announced submissions from the local community will be called for and judged by BT.

POND UPDATE

North Lincolnshire Council's spokesman has kindly updated us on some "running stories" of Brigg interest.
"The sale of Manley Gardens fishing pond was the subject of a petition hearing. The petitioners asked the council to stop the sale and as a result we have decided to defer the sale while we investigate some of the points they raised."
Barnard Avenue CCTV: "The cameras were installed by a consultant carrying out traffic and pedestrian surveys at the two junctions. This work was not carried out on behalf of North Lincolnshire Council."

Brigg Blog is happy, as always, to afford the council 'right of reply' on any issues raised.

TALK PROVES RIGHT ROYAL SUCCESS

Seen at the October meeting are, from left to right: Pat Parkinson (BASH committee), Marilyn Roberts (Speaker), Graham Austin (BASH committee) and Caroline Sharp (BASH committee).



By Phil Allen and Pat Parkinson, Brigg Amateur Social Historians

The 5th October 2010 BASH talk was a slide show “Edward and Mrs. Simpson” by Marilyn Roberts. Marilyn started by telling how Harold Wilson's government had originally intended the files on Edward & Mrs Simpson should remain hidden for 100 years, as they were felt to be so damaging. She said her talk would show the gradual change of Edward, over the years, from "beautiful boy" to "bitter old man,"
At this point in the talk Marilyn paused to suggest to the audience that early Christmas presents for the ladies might be in order, because some of the Duchess' jewels - reputedly worth up to £100 million - are going on sale at Sotheby’s in London in November.
She spoke of the early life of Edward including his time in the First World War. He left a lasting impression with the troops - partly because he was always so well turned out. The is because he didn’t live with the troops in the trenches but in a chateau up the road from the front.
Edward travelled the Commonwealth for several years but was soon bored. When he met Mrs Simpson he had been involved with a woman 17 years - and he dropped her almost instantly.
Wallace Simpson thought herself an aristocrat as she was from a southern family who had lost everything in the civil war. She married to escape Baltimore but, after 7 years, they divorced. She then married Ernest Simpson and came to London. She met Edward at Melton Mowbray and the relationship developed.
The arguments against the marriage to a twice-divorced woman were intense. He was to marry her anyway and had to abdicate in 1936. His brother "Bertie" became George VI and he became the Duke of Windsor.
In 1937 he toured Nazi Germany. During the War there were accusations that he held pro-Nazi sympathies and he was moved to the Bahamas as Governor. After the war they spent the remainder of their lives in retirement, both becoming increasingly bitter at their loss of position and status.

The next BASH meeting, on Tuesday, 2nd November (8pm) at the Brigg & District Servicemen’s Club, Coney Court, will be "The History of The Scunthorpe Telegraph" - a talk by Nigel Fisher. On Sunday, 31st October the BASH Halloween Ghost Walk takes place.

GATES OF WRATH

The big metal yellow gates at the end of Station Road, Brigg, have been rolled across again, meaning no vehicular access to the railway station today.
Anyone know why this gate is there and its purpose?
It obviously can't be with the intention of keeping travellers out.
Brigg railway station's position is bizarre, to say the least. Money is currently being expended on doing it up, presumably in the hope of attracting more users. Yet there's a metal barrier to stop potential train-users driving up and taking a closer look at what's being done.
You can park your car on the North Lincolnshire Council offices side of the barrier and walk up to the station. That's if you can avoid all the muddy potholes and stones. But why put obstacles in people's way?

PLANNING TO HELP ENVIRONMENT

The way local authorities, like North Lincolnshire Council, make information about planning applications/decisions available online these days is marvellous - and very democratic.
However, couldn't they create PDFs of all the supporting documents put online, rather than just scanning the printed sheets and uploading them?
Sections of text in PDF documents can be cut and pasted into computer files or emails, making extraction of information so much easier.
The way things are at present, if you visit the planning section of the websites operated by North Lincolnshire Council and neighbouring West Lindsey you need to print off many of the pages, as you cannot cut and paste the text.
Both authorities, we are sure, want to help the environment by keeping the amount of paper generated to a minimum.
This small change of procedure could cut down a lot of unnecessary printing, and wasted time, for members of the public and businesses interest in planning applications.

THIS WEEK'S VISITORS

Brigg Blog page views this week - top 10 countries of origin only:

United Kingdom 703
United States 48
Saudi Arabia 29
Moldova 25
Netherlands 20
Spain 16
Puerto Rico 7
Germany 6
Switzerland 5
Australia 4

Source: Google.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING

By Claire Reid

My sister, Martha, and I have came up with a fundraising idea for St Mary's School in Brigg. I was a pupil there but I now attend John Leggott College, Scunthorpe; however, my sister still goes there. We are producing a recipe book including the pupils' favourite recipes. We are looking for pupils, past and present, and I was wondering if you could give us a mention on the Brigg blog. Any recipes can be sent to stmarysrecipebook@hotmail.co.uk or handed in to St Mary's School office. It would be great to have recipes from ex-pupils!

GLAD ALL OVER

You can buy a pint of Dying Gladiator hand-pulled real ale in the pub of the same name in Bigby Street, Brigg. Its strength is 4.0.

BRIGG GHOST WALKS RETURN

From tomorrow you should be able to get tickets for Brigg Amateur Social Historians' forthcoming Brigg Ghost Walks. They cost £3 from the Brigg Tourist Information Centre (The Buttercross). Children under seven go free. Telephone 01652 657053.
The Halloween Ghost Walk is on Sunday, October 31, and a second Walk follows on Sunday, November 28. Both start at 7.30pm from outside the White Horse Inn, Wrawby Street.
Guides from BASH oversee the Walks and relate ghostly tales about town centre buildings, such as The Exchange, and the Dying Gladiator.
We've just bumped into BASH chairman Josie Webb in the town centre and in addition to furnishing us with a copy of the latest Ghost Walk pamphlet, she asked us to mention the sponsors, which we are happy to do. A couple of new ones have come onboard. The full list is:
Brigg Fruit, Veg Flowers.
Safe at Home (Pets Care Services).
Albert House (Guest House), Brigg.
Old Barn Bed & Breakfast, Main Street, Cadney.
Nisa Local, Queen Street, Brigg.
INKIT (UK), of Brigg.
Brigg Beds.
Pol's Pantry.
Brigg Matters.
White Horse Pub, Brigg.
To find out more about BASH, visit www.briggbash.org.uk

THE BELLS, THE BELLS...

It's good to walk through Brigg town centre on a Thursday night and hear the bell-ringers practising their craft at St John's Church. Even those of us who don't regard ourselves as being particularly religious can still appreciate the sound.
If you are afflicted with tinnitus, ringing in the ears is very annoying. But I'll make a notable exception for the St John's bells!

EXTENSION PLANNED

Planning permission is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council to erect a first floor extension at 18 Bluebell Grove, Brigg.

STATION IMPROVEMENTS START

Some of us thought it might never happen, but improvements are currently being made to Brigg railway station. A gang of workers is busy repairing the platform, with fencing and the footbridge also expected to get the same treatment.
It appears they are going to cordon off much of the platform length, on both sides. No great problem, as we only see one-car units these days, Brigg station only getting three trains each way, just on Saturdays, to either Cleethorpes (via Barnetby and Grimsby) or Sheffield (via Gainsborough and Retford).
It's also understood that, at some point in the future, work will be carried out to improve the dreadful approaches to Brigg station - potted, rutted and totally unsatisfactory.
What Brigg station needs now is a meaningful train service, operating more than one day a week.

THIS COULD AFFECT YOU!

The following press release, potentially in Brigg wishing to rent homes, was sent to our Town Council by the North Lincolnshire authority.

Housing providers in North and North East Lincolnshire are changing the way that people apply for an affordable home for rent.
This affects everyone currently on a waiting list with North Lincolnshire Council or North East Lincolnshire Council or wanting a home with North Lincolnshire Homes, Shoreline Housing Partnership or Longhurst & Havelok Homes.
A new lettings scheme called Home Choice Lincs is being jointly launched by the five organisations.
However, people already on waiting lists with the partner organisations will have to re-register with Home Choice Lincs – their existing application will not be valid.
Letters have been sent to everyone this affects, explaining what they need to do now.
Home Choice Lincs is an online scheme and is a much fairer and faster way for people to get affordable homes for rent with registered social landlords, such as North Lincolnshire Homes, Shoreline Housing Partnership or L&H Homes.
Every week, all available homes for rent are advertised online and in housing and council offices. People on the register can then bid for any home they are eligible for, regardless of whether it is in North or North East Lincolnshire.
People can bid for up to three homes every week. Homes will be offered to those bidders who have the highest level of housing need and have been on the waiting list for the longest period of time.
The quickest and easiest way of registered with the new scheme is to log onto www.homechoicelincs.org.uk
For more information or help to re-register, contact one of the below:
• North Lincolnshire Council, tel 01724 296296
• North East Lincolnshire Council, tel 01472 313131
• North Lincolnshire Homes, tel 01724 279900
• Shoreline Housing Partnership, tel 0845 8492000
• Longhurst & Havelok Homes, tel 0800 1114013

ON THE RIGHT TRACK?

Workmen are busy repairing holes in tarmac on Bigby Road, Brigg - just a chipping's throw from North Lincolnshire Council's Hewson House offices and along a route used by many connected with the authority.
Good to see these repairs are under way - very welcome and necessary.
However, how about someone from the council having a look at the paths in the Glebe Road/Central Square area of town?
This issue has been flagged up (pardon the pun!) on past occasions.

FUN-PACKED SESSIONS

By Alec Depledge



The monthly children's club run by New Life Church gets its new season under way on Saturday, 9th October – held between 10am & 12noon - at Demeter House School (the former Brigg Prep. School) Bigby Street.
A fun-packed two hours for 6-10yr olds, aiming to build self-worth & respect for others,it presents issues of faith and morality in a simple child-like way, enabling each child to make his/her own choices.
Exercises, songs, games, refreshments, crafts, stories are all in a fast-moving programme, which includes lots of inter-action between children, KRASH Team & Helpers. Admission is 50p per session.
Future sessions: Saturday, 13th November, Saturday, 11th December.
For more information contact (01652) 652116.

ALL A BIT OF A MYSTERY

Now you see them, now you don't...
At the weekend we noted the installation of cameras to monitor traffic along Barnard Avenue. But they didn't stay long.
"The CCTV cameras outside Tesco and elsewhere have disappeared!" says Ken Harrison. "It is understood that they were removed on Monday. It can only be assumed that they were monitoring traffic flow and ponder what will happen next."
As promised we asked North Lincolnshire Council for a statement, but nothing so far.

GREEN-FINGERED WINNERS

Brigg Town Council presented the annual awards for best-kept gardens and allotments at a ceremony in the Angel Suite.
Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs extended thanks to Brigg Garden Centre for joint sponsorship with the Town Council of the competitions; to Rod Austin, the centre's manager, for once again undertaking final judging of the gardens; to Alistair Stothard for again undertaking the final judging of the allotments; and to members of Brigg Town Council for undertaking the task of judging the first round of the garden competition. Every area of the town was "walked" by a team of councillors, who draw up a list for final judging.

ALLOTMENTS
1st, the Mary Robins Memorial Rose Bowl, certificate and voucher for £50 for Brigg Garden Centre - Plot 1, Grammar School Road, Mr. F. Cooper.
2nd, certificate and voucher for £30 for Brigg Garden Centre, Plot 5, Redcombe Lane, Mr. and Mrs. T. Hedison.
3rd, certificate and voucher for £20 for Brigg Garden Centre, Plot 4, Grammar School Road, Mr. and Mrs. D. Barrett.
Certificates of merit, plus vouchers for £10 for Brigg Garden Centre, Plot 25, Grammar School Road, Ms. M. Jackson; Plot 26, Grammar School Road, Mrs. J. Scutt; Plot 23, Grammar School Road, Mr S. Mosey.

GARDENS
1st, Louis T. Jarratt Memorial Rose Bowl, certificate and a voucher for £50 for Brigg Garden Centre - Mr. and Mrs. D. Eardley, 30 Almond Grove.
2nd, certificate and voucher for £30 for Brigg Garden Centre, Mr. and Mrs. L. Dent, 12 Elm Way.
3rd, certificate and a voucher for £20 for Brigg Garden Centre, Mr T. G. Booth, 39 Grammar School Road.
Certificates of merit: Plus vouchers for £10 for Brigg Garden Centre - Mr and Mrs P. Altoft, 32 Highfield Grove; Mrs. J.V. Flynn and Mr. D.P. Flynn, Bracken House, Lyng Place; Mr and Mrs D. Wynn, 14, East Parade; Mrs. E. Cranmer, 19 Redcombe Lane.

Judging under way.

Mr Cooper with his certificate.

HISTORIC BRIGG PUB FENCED OFF

The Brocklesby Ox, in Bridge Street, Brigg, has been fenced off and warning signs have been posted by contractors Empringham Demolition.
We've done some pictures outside the historic hostelry, which has been closed for some time. We understand it's not a listed building and is outside the Conservation Area.

FIRST FOR NEW BRIGG CLUB

The first social event staged by the newly-formed Brigg Hockey Club has been organised. Those from different clubs within the town which have now created just one for the sport hope this Curryoke will be the first of many succesful events.
It's on Saturday, October 16 at Broughton Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and entry will cost £5, which includes a curry and the chance to sing you're heart out on the karaoke provided by North Star Entertainment.
There will also be a bar, if any Dutch courage is needed before singing.
Contact Simon Dixon for any further needed information or to book tickets on 07843670976.

POLICE MEETINGS AXED

A scene we shall not see again - a public policing panel meeting in the Angel Suite. Left to right: Pete Scott, head of safer roads, North Lincolnshire Council; chairman Coun Tom Glossop, Brigg Town Council; Insp Brett Rutty; Group Captain Paul Ryan, administrator.


Next week we were due to have the Brigg area's quarterly public panel meeting in the Angel Suite, but it won't be happening - because Humberside Police have decided to pull the plug on such gatherings.
They did say this might happen, believing such meetings to be poorly attended, relatively expensive (presumably in staff time and room hire) and that there are other ways in which the public can get hold of information about policing and crime prevention in this digital age.
Brigg Blog has long been a supporter of these quarterly public meetings and we think it's a bad move. We'll all miss the interesting and detailed reports given by Insp Brett Rutty, with up-to-date crime statistics. Plus the input on road safety issues from Pete Scott, head of safer roads at North Lincolnshire Council.
The public forum also produced interesting views from non-councillors on a range of topics - some very localised (such as parking problems in a particular street) but others of wider interest.
Brigg's Coun Tom Glossop chaired these policing panel meetings and he's also disappointed to see them discontinued. This policy decision was taken at a high level, we understand.
It seems another case where "use it or lose it" has applied in Brigg - and we've ended up on the losing side. A dozen, or even a couple of dozen, people attending the panel meetings was deemed insufficient by the powers-that-be. In purely numerical terms, their decision seems justified, but you have to have attended to appreciate the useful two-way dialogue between the authorities and the public.
The trouble was, of course, too few people ventured out and did so.

Perhaps, like us, you are now wondering where such information on policing statistics and crime trends in Brigg and district is going to be made available to us, and when. Will the quarterly report and facts and figures still be compiled? Will it be published somewhere online? Can those who want it have it emailed to them?
Would they like to send the report to Brigg Blog, as we'll be delighted to publish every word, as we always have, when it was delivered, in person, by Insp Rutty at the quarterly meetings in the Angel Suite.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

What appear to be closed circuit TV cameras have just been installed to monitor two busy road junctions in Brigg. One is pointing at the exit from Tesco onto Barnard Avenue, while the other is on Cary Lane, viewing the traffic lights controlling the junction with Barnard Avenue and Ash Grove.
The camera near Tesco follows many complaints about drivers exiting the store and ignoring the "no right turn" restriction - being too lazy to turn left and use the nearby roundabout to come back along the A18, Barnard Avenue.
Coun John Berry, one of the Brigg area's representatives on North Lincolnshire Council, recently took up the case and held talks at officer level, in an effort to get some positive action over road safety concerns.
Quite what the monitoring of the Cary Lane lights is about we haven't yet worked out. Perhaps there have been reports of motorists "jumping the lights."
However, we will contact relevant council staff tomorrow, await their response and hopefully report back with the answer.

OPEN DAY ON WAY

There will be an open day at John Turner's Black Belt Academy, in West Terrace (off Bridge Street), Brigg, on Saturday, October 16, from 9am-2pm. Free attractions include a kids safe workshop, teens/adult workshop, prize draw and refreshments.
To find out more, ring 01652 650509 or visit www.jtbba.co.uk

THIS WEEK'S VISITORS

Brigg Blog visitors by country or origin (top 10 only listed):

United Kingdom 728
United States 157
Netherlands 36
Saudi Arabia 31
Russia 24
Taiwan 16
Argentina 15
Canada 15
Luxembourg 15
Brazil 14

Source: Google.

PINT WITH YOUR LUNCH

Talking of Brigg Sugar Factory, as we were a moment ago, reminds me that the beet-processing campaign would just have been getting under way now, if our major employer had still been going. Drifting over town would have been that familiar sickly-sweet aroma we'll surely never forget.
I also raise my glass in memory of "bouncing beet" along Wrawby Road, Bigby Street and Bridge Street, and recall an unusual licensing case at Brigg Magistrates' Court in 1981 when I was on the old Lincolnshire Times, based at 57 Wrawby Street.
For sugar factory workers were granted permission by the licensing justices to have a pint with their lunch in the canteen, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Works manager Tony Warnes successfully applied for a drinks licence for the premises, but said it would be one pint of beer only with each meal.

FACTORY FACTS

I've just unearthed a statistic to say an average 380 loads of beet a day (or was it meant to be week?) were accepted by Brigg Sugar Factory in autumn 1981, with the factory being able to slice 4,300 tonnes in 24 hours.
Given that the processing campaign lasted something like 120 days, that's an awful lot of lorries coming in and out - whether it was a day or a week.
Make what you will of those facts and figures in relation to the straw-burning power station currently being proposed for the old factory site, where lorry traffic is one of the primary concerns.

BEAUTY SALON PLAN

Planning permission is being sought for change of use of a nursery to a health and beauty salon, with associated alterations and off-street car parking - Rainbow Kindergarten, Wesley Road, Brigg.

PLENTY OF NOTICE

Next Wednesday's scheduled meeting of Brigg Town Council's Policy Committee at the Angel has been cancelled, after discussions with the chairman and vice-chairman, as there was no business to transact.

GREAT TASTE OF BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET

First prize for Pipers Crisps (centre, left), presented by Coun Ali, with Brigg Town Mayor Coun Ben Nobbs (left) and Mayoress Barbara Morris (right).


Winners of the Great Taste Awards at Brigg Farmers' Market received their awards at the September event, with presentations made in the Bandstand. As the only "press" in the Market Place at the time, we were asked by Brigg Town Mayor, Coun Ben Nobbs, to take photos of the presentations.

HONOURS
1st: Pipers Crisps - West Country Cheddar & Onion.
Joint 2nd: Pink Pig Farm - Lamb and Mint Pie; Modens Lincolnshire Plum Bread - Melton Big Bake Fruit Bread.
3rd: Redhill Farm - Lincolnshire Haslet.

MAYOR'S AWARDS
Bridge Farm Organic Foods - Golden Mild Organic Goats' Cheese.
Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice - Apple Juice.

The Great Taste Awards coincided with British Food Fortnight. On Saturday, market shoppers were invited to taste a generous range of products on many of the stalls and vote for their favourites. Voting ended at noon.
All voting slips were entered into a free prize draw to win a hamper of delicious fresh produce from Brigg Farmers’ Market.
Coun Mashook Ali, Deputy Mayor of North Lincolnshire, presented the prizes.
Handy-sized cool bags, just right for keeping your fresh produce buys at the right temperature, were on sale at the special offer price of just £2.
Coun Mark Kirk, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Brigg Farmers’ Market began in August 2000 with just 14 stalls. It is now home to 34 stalls selling a wide range of produce from delicious jams and preserves to all types of meat, fish and fresh local fruit and vegetables. Held in Brigg on the fourth Saturday of the month, the Farmers’ Market celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and was winner of the FARMA Rural Farmers’ Market of the Year in 2009. It has been such a success that North Lincolnshire Council is to open a new farmers’ market in Barton upon Humber on Saturday, November 13. W’ve been working with Barton Tourism Partnership, Barton Town Council and Barton Chamber of Trade and Industry to make the market a reality.
"This new market will be held on the second Saturday of the month in George Street. It will begin with about 17 stalls selling a wide range of produce including venison, cheese, artisan breads and handmade chocolate.”

Awards for Moden's Plum Bread (left) and the Pink Pig's Lamb and Mint Pie (right).

Shoppers enjoying Saturday's monthly farmers' market.

Bridge Farm Organic Foods. On the right is Christine Edwards, of North Lincolnshire Council, who was master of ceremonies for the presentations and who is closely involved with marketing Brigg's markets.

Redhill Farm - Lincolnshire Haslet.

Christine Edwards announcing the winners.


A street collection for LIVES - Brigg First Responders was carried out in the Market Place. We trust market-goers gave generously to this worthy cause. If you suffer a heart attack, or other mishap at home, this group might get there before the ambulance and help save your life!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PICTURES ARE COPYRIGHT NIGEL FISHER 2010.