BRIGG FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS ON WAY

We can expect improvements to Clothes Hedge footpath in Brigg.
This is a public walkway which runs from the junction of Yarborough Road and St Helen's Road as far as Churchill Avenue. The narrow path runs between back gardens, with high fences and brickwork marking the boundary. 
Attempts were made many years ago to close the path, but this met with considerable opposition.
The path runs parallel to St James' Road and Churchill Avenue and some may feel it has little practical use. However, you often see dog-walkers using it, while groups of boot-wearing ramblers sometimes take the route.
The public footpath continues on the opposite side of Churchill Avenue, crossing the fields to Wrawby.
The odd name relates to a bygone era when women hung their washing out on  hedges to dry. This was long before the growth of the housing estate, of course.

BRIGG AND A CASE OF AFTER THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW

Brigg Blog reported on Saturday how the warm and sunny weather had brought shoppers out in force and set the tills ringing in local shops, with hundreds of people from out of town joining locals to tour the monthly farmers' market and adjoining general market.
In the name of balanced reporting, we have to point out that Saturday evening was in total contrast. 
Things were very quiet pub-wise, with the exception of the Dying Gladiator which was so busy late on that we decided not to wait and went elsewhere.
It was quiet in the Black Bull, the Britannia and the Servicemen's Club. 
 It was a nice evening, in terms of weather. So had folk spent all their money earlier in the day?

RUSSIAN CAR SPOTTED IN BRIGG

You don't see many Lada cars about in the Brigg area these days but we spotted one near the A18 at the weekend.
They were imported in large numbers by ship to the North Bank and there was a dealership in Scunthorpe which sold them from the 1970s onwards.
The example we saw was a later model and a saloon car, rather than the estate version.
They were cheap, compared to British cars of the period.

THE WAY BRIGG PEOPLE REGISTER TO VOTE IS CHANGING

Brigg adults are receiving an important letter in the post from North Lincolnshire Council, headed Your vote matters - the way you register to vote is changing.
Most of us have been automatically re-registered under the new system and need to take no action. The letter just re-assures us that all's well.
However, if such a letter does not come your way, please check to ensure you will still be able to vote at forthcoming elections. For there will be Parliamentary, North Lincolnshire and Brigg Town elections in 2015.
Find out more at www.gov.uk/yourvotematters AND www.northlincs.gov.uk/vote
You can also email elections@northlincs.gov.uk
There's a consultation under way at the moment about polling stations. Are people satisfied with the current arrangements? 
Brigg Town Council can see no reason to request any alterations. Indeed, there's been praise for North Lincolnshire Council staff who run proceedings when we go to the polls.

BRIGGENSIANS GIVE SCOTTER UNITED A HARD CONTEST

Brigg team Briggensians lost their TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League cup-tie yesterday.
They lost 4-3 at home to Scotter United  in the first round of the E C Surfacing Ltd Sporting Shield.
But it was a praiseworthy performance from division three Briggensians against division one opposition.
The Brigg side's goals came from J Stothard, N Gallafent and S Briscoe.
On Saturday, October4, Briggensians are at home to Scunthonians in the TSW Printers Challenge Cup first round.

DIVISION THREE

                                                             P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

      CROSBY COLTS JNR           3   2   0   1    8    2   6    6

      EPWORTH TOWN RES         2   2   0   0    6    4   2    6

      BARNETBY UNITED RES       1   1   0   0   18    1  17    3

      WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS  1     1   0   0   15    0  15    3

      SCOTTER UNITED RES         3   1   0   2   11    7   4    3

      SIX BELLS                              2   1   0   1    8    6   2    3

      LIMESTONE RANG RES       2   1   0   1    4    8  -4    3

      BRIGGENSIANS                   0   0   0   0    0    0   0    0

      SANTON                                  1   0   0   1    1   18 -17    0

      MIDTOWN UNITED                 3   0   0   3    3   28 -25    0 

THE NEW PIGEON CAPITAL OF BRIGG

Mention was made of Cressey Yard at a recent Brigg Town Council meeting, with suggestions that pigeon droppings are making this a very messy walkway for shoppers between Old Courts Road and Wrawby Street.

Brigg Blog winged its way down this morning and was soon able to confirm that this is a real problem area for pigeons. The pavement is covered with white, smelly droppings.

What’s needed is speedy action to get rid of the pigeon population and a good wash down and disinfecting of Cressey Yard.

In recent years, several building in Brigg town centre have been favourite spots for pigeons –until action was taken.

BRIGG BASH WILL REMEMBER PRINCESS

The next meeting of Brigg Amateur Social Historians is coming up. So make a date in our diary or planner.

It will be held on Tuesday, October 7 at Brigg Servicemen’s Club, adjoining the town’s main car park, starting at 8pm.

Marilyn Roberts will present an illustrated talk, The Excellent Princess – Lady Anne Mowbray.

My Lady was very well-known in Lincolnshire, being born in 1472.

Admission to BASH meetings is free, a raffle will be help to help towards costs, and light refreshments will be provided.

BRIGG BOUNDARIES - WATER'S EDGE & WRAWBY

The boundary between Brigg and Broughton - the New River Ancholme - with the Water's Edge housing estate within the neighbouring parish.

Discussions about the boundaries of Brigg - and whether they might one day be extended - continue to occupy our Town Council.

For the benefit of those Blog followers who have not been following this long-running issue, here's a brief recap...
Brigg Town Council surveyed people living on the Water's Edge Housing Estate (who live in Broughton parish) and the majority of those who responded declared a preference to live in Brigg. Our Town Council is now asking North Lincolnshire Council, which oversees electoral matters, to move things on to the next stage. The unitary authority has replied without indicating that it is mindful to carry out a review.
Brigg Town Council, however, seems in no mood to let things drop.
Town Mayor Coun Edward Arnott told the September meeting that he still thought they should pursue things. And it was agreed to seek clarification/opinion from the National Association of Local Councils.
Coun Mike Campion stressed people had expressed an opinion through the survey and Brigg Town Council could not ignore the views of these Water's Edge residents. 
Some people living in Western Avenue, Brigg, are actually within the parish of Wrawby.
Their opinions have also been sought (by Brigg) on whether they prefer to be part of our town, with support being expressed for a switch. However, Coun Carl Sherwood said a survey carried out from Wrawby had produced a different result. The question put to residents had  not the same in the two surveys, he suggested.
Clearly, any change of boundary will impact on Broughton Town Council and Wrawby Parish Council, as well as North Lincolnshire Council. So there is much more to come on this issue during 2014... and quite possibly next year, too.

FIRST PHASE OF BRIGG IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED

The scheme to improve drainage, roads and footpaths on the Newlands housing estate in Brigg continues now phase one has been completed, says Coun Rob Waltham.
A contractor is in place to provide the new footpath along the Old River Ancholme towpath between Brigg (adjoining the County Bridge) and Castlethorpe. The renewed path will eventually go as far as South Ferriby.
Work to repair the riverside wall near the White Hart pub is also planned.

BRIGG AREA LEISURE BOOST

Fifty new applications for membership have been received at Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Brook - serving the Brigg area - reflecting the major investment made by North Lincolnshire Council in upgrading and improving the facilities.
More than 6,500 children took advantage of the free swimming sessions made available up to September 1.

BRIGG LIGHTING ISSUE IN HAND

At the monthly meeting on Monday in the Angel Suite, Coun Nigel Sherwood updated Brigg Town Council about the problems with street lights in Westrum Lane, suggesting National Grid would be taking steps to fix things. 
Coun Nigel is the newest member of the Town Council but a long-serving member of the North Lincolnshire unitary authority, where he is Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods.
Couns Rob Waltham and Carl Sherwood also hold Cabinet positions and give updates on Brigg-related North Lincolnshire issues at meetings of Brigg Town Council.
For the benefit of his colleagues, Coun Carl outlined what Brigg Blog recently reported - the cricket square being relaid at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road.
In terms of the re-development of the Rec, Coun Carl said the scheme was going through the planning stage.

COWS ON LINE HOLD UP BRIGG TRAIN

Five passengers got on the 9.19am train from Sheffield at Brigg station today and two got off. But it  was 11 minutes late, due to cows on the line east of Retford.

When it left Brigg there were 23 passengers aboard and a dog who was going to Cleethorpes from Gainsborough Central for the first time.

Station Road - the approach to our station - has been patched up and is now more welcoming to train travellers. 

Thanks go our friend at The Friends of the Lincoln & Brigg Line for the update.

COMEDY CLUB BRINGING NEW YEAR LAUGHS TO BRIGG

A renowned comedy club is to put on a special night at Brigg Servicemen's Club in the New Year, which promises to draw a big crowd.
Details are in this week's Scunthorpe Telegraph (Brigg page) and on the paper's website, from today.
Having seen the story, Debbie Lewis-Bird, of Brigg SMC, says: "Tickets will be on sale from me in November and members will get a reduced rate."
VIEW THE FULL TELEGRAPH STORY HERE

BRIGG ‘BUZZING’ WITH SUNNY SATURDAY SHOPPERS

John Colby (left) and Coun the Rev Alec Depledge manning the Brigg Neighbourhood Plan consultation stand in the Angel Suite today.

Brigg folk had another opportunity to discuss the blueprint our the town’s future development today (Saturday Sept 27), including housing, leisure and recreation, sport and industry.

During the Town Mayor’s Coffee Morning in the Angel Suite, people connected with drawing up the Brigg Neighbourhood Plan were available to talk to interested members of the public.

John Colby, Coun the Rev Alec Depledge and Coun Ben Nobbs, among others, were available for a chat about the Plan beside a table-top map of the town (see pictures).

Brigg was buzzing today, the super weather helping to draw a  really big attendance at the monthly farmers’ market and adjoining general Saturday market.

Eateries were doing a roaring trade and other shops and businesses gained from the increased footfall, as they choose to describe it these days in retail circles.

Brigg Blog rightly forecast that parking spaces were in great demand, and hard to find for some late-comers (ourselves included!). Difficult, but not impossible. As we suggested ahead of the weekend, patience would pay off, eventually, even if it meant driving round the Old Courts Road car park once or twice.

We had asked drivers to ensure they parked between the white lines but this was not  the case adjoining the space we eventually spied. This resulted in a tight squeeze getting in and out of the car. Admittedly, 5 or 10 years ago this would have been much less of an issue!

We even managed a winning ticket in the Angel Suite raffle, in aid of the Town Mayor’s Appeal Fund – a nice bottle of M&S red wine. There was a good range of prizes.

All in all, then, a good day. Worth rounding off tonight with a trip to a Brigg hostelry or two.

BRIGG 'BLOT ON THE LANDSCAPE'

Mobile users in Brigg will benefit from a replacement telephone mast on Bigby Road, which will improve coverage in the district.
However, North Lincolnshire Council, alongside Brigg &Goole MP Andrew Percy, are looking to get the area near the mast tidied up.
There have been complaints made by members of the public about what Coun Rob Waltham has described as "a blot on the landscape."

ANNUAL BRIGG EVENT TOMORROW

Just a final reminder that Brigg Town Council will be hosting an enjoyable annual event in the Angel Suite tomorrow morning, Saturday, during which the best-kept garden and allotment competition winners for 2014 will be announced (at about 11am).
This will form part of the Town Mayor's Coffee Morning and there will be an opportunity for townsfolk to find out more about, and give their views on, the Neighbourhood Plan that is now being formulated.
If all that wasn't enough, it's also the monthly Brigg Farmers' Market - well worth a visit, as always, for its varied and quality produce.

BRIGG RALWAY ANNIVERSARY TO BE MARKED BY CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday 1st October - at 10.30am - the Friends of Brigg and Lincoln Lines will hold a short ceremony at Gainsborough Central station to mark the passing of 21 years without a weekday passenger service. 

The Friends say: "Today the Brigg Line, as it is known, has a Saturday only "Parliamentary" train service thus cutting off communities from the rail network during the working week.
"The Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines, in partnership with the Gainsborough Rail & Bus Group ( GRaB ), have worked with Northern Rail, local councils, MPs and the business community to maximise the potential for the Saturday passenger services between Sheffield and Cleethorpes via the on the Brigg line. The result has been a noticeable increase in passengers using the service.
"We have proposed to Northern Rail a Monday to Friday morning and evening peak service at Gainsborough Central using trains from Sheffield that currently terminate at Retford. This would be a first step towards introducing trains six days a week after this gap of 21 years which has been far too long for the people of northern Lincolnshire.

"Plans have also been presented to Northern Rail for an improved Saturday service without any extra trains or staff." 

NF ADDS: The reference to "Parliamentary" dates back to Victorian times when the Commons and Lords approved  the introduction of new lines and made the train companies provide a minimum of 3rd class carriages on trains stopping at all stations. They often ran very early or very late. 

LORRIES AND THE MAIN BRIGG CAR PARK

Brigg folk passing the town's main Old Courts Road car park the other night have been surprised to see two very large car transporters (fully loaded) and two more empty ones, all positioned near the back of the police station. There was also a high-sided lorry parked up some yards away.
We can't say whether they might have wished to use the former Lidl car park, had it not  been cordoned off. But this demonstrated there's no height barrier in place at the entrance to the Old Courts Road car park. You'd couldn't have one near the main A18 traffic lights as delivery lorries need to get through to Wilko's, the Servicemen's Club and the rear of premises on Wrawby Street.
However, is it worth the authorities considering a height barrier at the intersection between Old Courts Road and the entrance to the car park? 
Or perhaps there's a deal in place, or being considered, for overnight lorry parking.
This could bring in some money for the council and as long as the lorries did not arrive until early evening and departed before 8am would not occupy spaces needed by shoppers in cars.
Just a thought....

YOUNG BRIGG FOOTBALLERS SAW STARS DOWN AT SOUTH VIEW FIELD

The plans to develop Brigg Recreation Ground suggest utilising the small grassy area nearest South View Avenue. 
This patch of greenery, laced with weeds, was where may Brigg youngsters 40-50 years ago honed their skills at football and cricket during hundreds of semi-organised matches.
It was "coats for goalposts" football, with many arguments about whether the ball had hit the post or gone over the imaginary bar. 
For many years we used old-fashioned leather footballs of the type that got heavier as they picked up rainwater on wet days. You either mastered heading the ball properly or saw stars as the top of the brainbox took a buffeting. 
Cricket was played without pads but always using a hard ball. The strip of greenery made available by Brigg Urban District Council was narrow, meaning that unless the batsman mastered driving the ball along the ground there was a real risk of breaking windows in the houses of South View Avenue. 
However, when pitching stumps near the prefabs, care had to be taken not to play powerful pull shot to midwicket, or the hard ball would knock holes in the side of asbestos garages at the far end of Woodbine Grove, to the annoyance of householders.
The adjoining Recreation Ground was supposed to belong to the community but youngsters were banned from playing in the goals of the two main pitches.  To ensure the kids did not encroach on the hallowed turf, Brigg UDC erected a tall wire-mesh fence and topped it with layers of barbed wire!
The Rec today - just prior to the very welcome and exciting redevelopment now going through the planning process  - would be recognised by Brigg people who knew it between the 1950s and 1970s, with the exception of the circa 1982 changing room block brought in by Glanford Borough Council.
The main football pitches and the cricket ground occupy the same areas they always did, and the "front" hockey pitch remains, just off Wrawby Road, although this sport is no longer played there.Sadly, the tennis courts have gone. But hopefully 21st century replacements will follow.
If you have any vivid Brigg Rec memories, we'd love to hear them. Please email scoopfisher@aol.com

BRIGG FLASHER IS NO MORE

The Brigg area’s best-known flasher has been taken away by the authorities.

No, not that sort of flasher! We are making reference to the flashing speed sign encountered by drivers leaving Brigg and crossing into Scawby Brook, on the A18.

It was put in place to remind motorists they were entering a  new 30mph limit and told them their actual speed, displayed on a screen.

That 30mph restriction has now been in place for a good many months and by now people should have got used to the lowering from 40mph. So the flashing sign has been taken away - common practice across the area.

BRIGG PEOPLE CAN WATCH COUNCIL DEBATE LIVE TOMORROW THROUGH YOUTUBE FEED

Brigg folk are being invited to watch a council meeting LIVE.
Brigg Blog has been informed by Lincolnshire County Council about an interesting exercise in democracy tomorrow that townsfolk might like to sample.
We are mentioning it because Lincolnshire's boundary is only a few yards away from Brigg; if you venture down Westrum Lane or Bigby High Road you will cross the border into the old county, if we can call it that, our own only being created in 1996. Brigg Blog is also followed by folk in a number of villages in Lincolnshire.
A live webcast of the Full Council meeting at Lincolnshire County Council will be available to view from 10.30am tomorrow (Friday).
The event will be live-streamed on the council's website here: http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/local-democracy/council-webcasts/full-council-26-september-2014/123474.article
You can also view agenda items and find out more about the details of the meeting.
The council is also encouraging all residents to have their say live via Twitter on any of the issues being discussed by using the hashtag #lincscclive. However, the @LincolnshireCC Twitter profile cannot respond to any questions related to the issues being discussed by councillors or engage in political debate.
The Twitter timeline will be displayed on the side of the page and will remain available to view afterwards, with the exception of those which contain profanity.
The unedited video will also be available to replay after the meeting has ended. 
As the video is being live-streamed via YouTube, it can be easily embedded on other websites and is also available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REK_KfZfYx0
Brigg Blog sees this as a welcome move in making the public aware of what goes on at council meetings. However, we are not forecasting a huge response.

BRIGG BEST-KEPT GARDENS AND ALLOTMENTS TO BE REVEALED

An enjoyable annual event, the Brigg Town Mayor's Coffee Morning features the presentation of awards for the best-kept gardens and allotments. The accompanying raffle in aid of the Town Mayor's Appeal is always well supported.
Townsfolk will be very welcome at this event in the Angel Suite on Saturday (27th), from 10am to noon. We expect the awards to be presented about 11am.
Why not pop in for a cuppa and find out who has claimed the vouchers, certificates and trophies in the coveted competitions?

FRACKING BRIGG DEBATE IN PROSPECT

Councillor Ann Eardley has given notice that she wants Brigg Town Council to discuss fracking at a future meeting. She has already penned a detailed question for consideration.
There's no immediate suggestion that any companies are to seek permission to employ this process for getting at hydrocarbons buried deep under North Lincolnshire. 
But the process has promoted much debate in communities across the UK.
Picture of Coun Ann in Brigg Market Place by Ken Harrison.

PARKING WATCH ON BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET DAY

Brigg Blog will be interested to see the car parking situation for the monthly farmers' market this coming Saturday.
Tesco having cordoned off the former Lidl car park, scores of potential free parking spaces won't be available (no criticism intended - it's their land).
There should still be sufficient parking to meet demand in the main Old Courts Road site off the A18 Barnard Avenue, but drivers will have to be patient, motoring round to find a spot rather than be spoilt for choice.
We'd also like to suggest motorists park carefully within the clearly marked bays provided. Otherwise it's very easy to take up two spaces if your car or 4 x 4 is on the large size.  And this will mean someone else can't get a space.
Remember: You can park FREE all day on Saturdays - courtesy of North Lincolnshire Council - without having to pay or get a ticket from the machine to display in your windscreen. 
We've been through the Brigg Blog archive and above is a picture of a previous September farmers' market.

BRIGG PUB HOSTING COFFEE & CAKE FUNDRAISER

Enjoy coffee and cake at the Yaborough Hunt pub, in Bridge Street, Brigg, today (Thursday, September 25). It's a cancer charity fundraiser with a variety of refreshments and a raffle.
The organisers suggest people visit Brigg market and then pop down to the Yarborough.

GARAGE CONVERSION PLANNED IN BIRGG

Planning permission is being sought for a garage conversion and first floor extension above to form an attached annexe at 1 Bramble Way, Brigg.
North Lincolnshire Council has the application under consideration.
Bramble Way is near Redcombe Lane and Atherton Way.

BRIGG EXHIBITION LAUNCH WITH ENTERTAINMENT AND PRIZES

The Steel Rooms in Brigg town centre will be holding their 2^nd Open Exhibition preview on Saturday 4th October, from 1-3pm.  

"We will be giving out prizes and will also have entertainment," says director Julie Steel.

The Steel Rooms are at the corner of the Market Place and Spring's Parade.

www.thesteelrooms.com

FREE DOG MICROCHIPPING IN BRIGG

The next free dog micro-chipping session is taking place tomorrow (Thursday 25 September) at the car park on Old Courts Road, Brigg, between 11am and 3pm. 

Make sure you take advantage of this great offer before it becomes compulsory for all dogs to be micro-chopped from April 2016.
You could save around £20 to £30 by taking your dog to the micro-chipping session. 
Dogs Trust has donated the micro-chips and aim to micro-chip all dogs at the session. 
Getting your dog micro-chipped gives you the assurance that should your pet be stolen they are more likely to be returned to you safe and sound. The best way to ensure your dog is returned to you should it stray is by collar and ID tag inscribed with your name and number. 
All you need to do is turn up to the session; there is no need to book. A ticket system will be in place, so that everyone who has a ticket will get their dog micro-chipped. 
Dogs should be at least 12 weeks old and have had all of their vaccinations. 
Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhood, said: “If you haven’t already had your dog micro-chipped then make sure you take them along to the session. It will save you money and ensure that your dog is chipped before it becomes compulsory. 
“The previous micro-chipping sessions have been extremely popular. Therefore we wanted to provide people with more opportunities to get their dog chipped by working with Dogs Trust again. 
“It is important that you get your dog chipped – it can save a lot of heartache and enables your pet to be traced back to you should it be stolen. A collar and tag is still law and you must have an up-to-date ID tag with the dog owners contact details. This allows anyone finding a stray dog to contact the owner and reunite them.” 

LEADING LIGHT COMES TO BRIGG

A new officer who specialises in traffic lights has joined North Lincolnshire Council and he has already been to Brigg to take a look at the control system.
This interesting information has been imparted by Coun Nigel Sherwood, who is the unitary authority's Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods.
Brigg Blog had noticed a man attending to the light control box at the top of Wesley Road, near the main traffic lights on the A18, 
Perhaps this was the leading light! 
We wish him well in his new role and hope traffic movements through Brigg will benefit from his obvious expertise.

BRIGG OXFAM SHOP MAKING MUSIC

The Oxfam book shop in Brigg is taking part in the Don't Stop the Music Instrument Amnesty, which runs until October 17.
If you have any musical instruments gathering dust, drop them off at the Brigg shop, in Wrawby Street, and they could make a difference to primary school children across the UK.
www.dontstopthemusic.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT BRIGG SERVICEMEN'S CLUB

The Big Betty Band will be performing at a Soul & Motown Crimbo Party at Brigg Servicemen's Club, Coney Court, on Friday, December 5, from 8pm.

SHERIDAN SMITH AS CILLA LOOK-ALIKE IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

An attractive lady is causing heads to turn in Brigg town centre. She looks a bit like Epworth actress Sheridan Smith playing Cilla in the current TV mini-series.
Some people walking from Bigby Street into the Market Place may get the feeling they are being watched or else catch a glimpse of someone in the corner of their eye.
The manikin is in the window of the former printer cartridge shop which is now being  readied for a new role.

BRIGG BINS AFFORDED EXTRA SPECIAL PROTECTION

We were a shade surprised to see these rubbish bins in Brigg town centre being afforded such protection with a warning sign all of their own about CCTV surveillance. Don't put rubbish in these bins. Or else...

NO PAY OR DISPLAY IN BRIGG CAR PARKS ON SATURDAY

Just to reinforce the point made in a recent Brigg Blog post, here's a picture showing the sticker on an Old Courts Road car park ticket machine, making it quite clear to drivers that you don't need to display, never mind pay, on Saturdays.

BROWN & CO IN BRIGG ISSUE HEAVY HORSE SALE RESULTS

Thursday 18^th saw the sale of Mike Bingham’s and the late Jim Platt’s lifetime collections of Shire horses, horse drawn equipment and associated items near Blyth, Nottinghamshire.

The dispersal sale due to retirement meant that there were mixed emotions on the morning of the sale but as the crowds began to swarm the buzz of the sale took over and good prices were achieved. 

Judy Strawson (pictured), of Brown & Co’s Brigg office, said “The equipment had all been well maintained and was well presented which was reflected in the bids received.”

Numerous horse brasses were sold and prices ranged from £8 to £58, collars made from £80 to £270 for a patent 30” collar and a SFAS patent cart harness sold for £780.

The very rare Hornsby long breasted match plough with chipping point, furrow press and boat fell to the hammer for £1,050, the MB general purpose dray and Cookes of Lincoln Miller’s dray from 1928 both sold for £950 each.

The hay making equipment also sold well with a Bomford 2400 topper achieving £1,750, the 60ft x 30ft steel portal Dutch barn frame had received a lot of interest and eventually sold for £4,200.

The star lots were undoubtedly the six Shire horses. The 11 year old, Duchess, who could be ridden and has done all types of work including appearing in shows, ploughing matches and forestry sold for £5,600 and the final lot, Emily, the 16 year old Shire who “would do anything for anyone”, sold for £2,600, with the successful buyers letting out a cheer at the fall of the hammer.

The day was a great success and we are now looking forward to the collective auction at the Vintage Tractor show at Newark showground.

NEW USE FOR BRIGG BUILDING NEAR PUB & BUTCHER'S

The former health authority premises in Bridge Street, Brigg, have no stayed empty for long - a firm of accountants and tax advisers having taken over.
Here we see the newly refurbished offices (above) and a couple of pictures taken before the premises closed and were put on the property market.
Stevenson & Co are now near neighbours of Barnard Butchers and the Nelthorpe Arms pub.

HOW TO AVOID BRIGG U-TURNS

There's a road sign near the zebra crossing on Bigby Street, Brigg, warning drivers they are approaching a low bridge. We think it says 500 yards ahead, but it's more likely to be 500 metres.
This set us thinking and we can only conclude it's making reference to the railway bridge on Cadney Road. Is that correct? 
We don't think this road sees many tall lorries. But if a driver did venture down Cadney Road and find his lorry was not going to squeeze under the bridge, it would be difficult to execute a U-turn alongside the Old River Ancholme. So this sign clearly serves a useful purpose.
Is this warning sign newly-introduced? We can't recall seeing it until quite recently. But then, when approaching a zebra crossing, as a driver you tend to concentrate on the road.  

BRIGG HOCKEY BACK IN BUSINESS

It was interesting to see Brigg hockey players meeting up in Bridge Street, near the White Hart pub, yesterday, ahead of an away game.
It's 12 years now since we last swung a stick in  the Yorkshire League for Brigg Hockey Club, or Brigg Men's Hockey Club as it was back then. 
A Twitter message came our way today, linked to a report of Brigg 3rds' match against Barnsley, several of the players from "our day" being on duty.

SATURDAY SHOPPING IN BRIGG

Many drivers using the Old Courts Road car park in Brigg on SATURDAYS continue to be confused about whether they need to get a ticket from the machine and display it inside their windscreen.
The answer is: No, you don't. Parking is free all day - no ticket required.
There's a sizeable sticker on the ticket machine explaining this but some folk still don't seem to be getting the message.
This concession from North Lincolnshire Council is to be applauded and is helping attract shoppers to our town centre.

CASH SALES ON BORROWED TIME IN BRIGG SHOPS

The number of cash transactions in Brigg shops continues to fall as more and more folk elect to use cards for their payments at the tills - particularly the younger element. 
Similarly, good old cheques are being accepted by fewer and fewer outlets these days.
It's something of a paradox that people who choose to pay for their purchases by card are invariably offered "cash back" by shop assistants.
Can someone explain the logic behind that? You choose not to pay with cash but then leave the store with some notes in your purse or wallet. 
Paying by card is slower than handing over cash at the counter and can hold up other people in the queue. But at least it gives you time to rummage through your pockets and get the necessary coins and notes ready for when it's finally your turn to pay.
Here's an idea for larger stores: Let's have a designated cash payment-only till at the checkouts. 

BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW

Just a reminder that Brigg Town Council's Planning and Environment Committee meets in the Angel Suite at 6.45pm tomorrow (Monday, Sept 22), to be followed by the monthly meeting of the Town Council from 7.30pm. 
Both meetings are open to interested members of the public. The Town Council meeting includes Public Question Time, when locals can raise issues of interest or concern to them.

NEW USE FOR BRIGG SHOP

The Brigg shop vacated by the Lindsey Lodge Hospice some months ago is being converted, the charity having moved to larger premises further along Wrawby Street.
It will be good to see these premises, in a prominent spot next to the Buttercross, back in use again. 
It seems a very long time since Hounslow's occupied the shop!
Cliff Turner, former Brigg resident now living in New Zealand, has emailed us to say: "Yes, it is a long time since Eli Hounslow, wholesale tobacconist, had the premises between W H Smith and the Town Hall."
He has memories of Eli’s huge dog, often to be seen lying on the pavement outside the shop.
How many Brigg Blog followers remember it?

BRIGG TOWN FC BACK ON TRACK

Well done to Brigg Town FC who bounced back after a difficult week to beat Coleville Town 3-0 today.

BRIGG FOOTBALL TEAM ENJOYS MASSIVE WIN

In the TSW Printers Scunthorpe and District Football League this afternoon, a Brigg team enjoyed an amazing win.
Briggensians FC beat Santon 15-2 in the Johnstone Insurance Nursing Cup first round.
On the mark for the Brigg side were N Gallafent (7), C Coupland (3), D Bishop (2), J Taylor, J Stothard and an own goal.
On Saturday, September 27, Briggensians host Scotter United Reserves at Sir John Nelthorpe School, in the E C Surfacing Ltd Sporting Shield first round  (K.O. 2-30pm). The referee is C West.

DIVISION THREE

                                                             P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

      BARNETBY UNITED RES            1   1   0   0   18    1  17    3

      WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS     1   1   0   0   15    0  15    3

      SCOTTER UNITED RES               2   1   0   1   11    5   6     3

      CROSBY COLTS JNR                  2   1   0   1    6    2   4      3

      SIX BELLS                                     1   1   0   0    5    2   3      3

      EPWORTH TOWN RES                1   1   0   0    2    1   1      3

      LIMESTONE RANGERS RES       2   1   0   1    4    8  -4     3

      BRIGGENSIANS                            0   0   0   0    0    0   0     0

      SANTON                                        1   0   0   1    1   18 -17   0

      MIDTOWN UNITED                     3   0   0   3    3   28 -25    0

BRIGG FOLK TOLD: YOUR COUNTY NEEDS YOU

Brigg people are being invited to help create a lasting legacy for Lincolnshire's fallen by becoming war memorial guardians.
Open to those who join the Lincolnshire Remembrance project, those who receive the title will play a vital role in protecting local monuments and ensuring memories of the dead live on.
"All you need to do is volunteer with the Lincolnshire Remembrance project," says war memorials officer Cath Pike.
"You'll be given specialist training in war memorials, including how to care for them, record them, research them, and re-discover and share the story of those listed on them."
The training is available to anyone who signs up the Lincolnshire Remembrance project but volunteering doesn’t require a big commitment, as Cath explains: 
"Anything you can do will help – there's no minimum expectation.  Some will be able to offer lots of time, others will need to balance their contribution with other commitments.  But this fascinating training is open to all who agree to help in some way."
Training sessions have been organised for locations across Lincolnshire during September and October, with more to follow depending on demand.
Cath says: "As well as playing a vital role in ensuring sacrifices are never forgotten, our volunteers learn how to uncover lost stories, protect memorials, research local and family history, understand the social and historical significance of memorials, and share their discoveries with others."
It is estimated that there are 3,000 war memorials in Lincolnshire, including the north and north east counties. These cover conflicts from 19th-century Crimea to modern-day Afghanistan.  
The Lincolnshire Remembrance: Memories and Memorials project is working with volunteers to record and research them all.
The findings are being put into a new, searchable online database and interactive map of every war memorial in Lincolnshire – and every one of the fallen.
Available via www.lincstothepast.com/warmemorials, this list of locations, state of repair, names and stories of sacrifice is there for all to see, a new kind of memorial for the 21st century – and beyond.
To volunteer or find out more about the Lincolnshire Remembrance: Memories and Memorials project, visit www.lincstothepast.com/warmemorials, email warmemorials@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call Cath Pike on 01522 554959.

·       Caistor: Arts and Heritage Centre, 28 Plough Hill, 10am until 3.30pm, 9 October

The Lincolnshire Remembrance project is financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund and Lincolnshire County Council, the latter of which also administers the project.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR MORE BRIGG NEWS
www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Brigg 

BRIGG ANGELS WOMEN'S INSTITUTE TRIP TO PICKERING IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

Karen Deeley, of the Brigg Angels WI, has furnished us with further details of their bus trip to Pickering for the Wartime and 1940s Weekend on Saturday, October 11. Tickets cost £11, with the bus leaving Cary Lane at 8am.
Karen has had some flyers printed and is distributing them about town.
There will be lots going on in the North Yorkshire Moors town when the Brigg Angels visit. Highlights include a tea dance and  vintage market stalls, plus re-enactments. There will be tanks and other vintage transport on show.
Limited seats are available on this trip. Call Bev on 01652 655951, Donna on 07867751847, Karen on 07593878807 or Kath on 01652 659257. Alternatively, look up Brigg Angels WI on Facebook, send them a private message and they will get back to you.
The Angels say they are inviting all interested parties to join them on this day trip to Pickering. 
With thanks to Ken Harrison for the picture of Karen.


FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR MORE BRIGG NEWS
www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Brigg 

SHOULD BRIGG PARKING SPACES BE ONLY FOR CARS, NOT LORRIES AND VANS?

It's not unusual in Brigg to see commercial vehicles occupying parking spaces, particularly in Queen Street and Bigby Street. 
This set us wondering whether townsfolk think this is OK and whether North Lincolnshire Council, which oversees parking and highways, has considered the issue?
Here's a recent example: A lorry taking up two parking spaces in Bigby Street while two postal vehicles were parked up in Queen Street - the former Post Office building's back yard being only a few yards away!
All three vehicles were parked at the same time - between 8.30am and 9am - on the busiest day of the week in Brigg - Thursday, market day. This resulted in four spaces being unavailable to potential shoppers at local businesses.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
1) Should our street parking bays be made 'car only'? 
2) Should it be cars plus lorries delivering to nearby businesses only? (Brigg Blog's favoured option) 
3) Do we leave things exactly as they are with no restriction on the class of vehicle?
What do YOU think?

SOWING THE SEEDS OF BRIGG RECREATION GROUND IMPROVEMENT

The cricket square at Brigg Recreation Club is getting attention as part of major improvements being undertaken to the leisure facility. 

The ambitious scheme will involve removing the old changing room block built in the early 1980s - seen in the distance on the above picture - and building a new 21st century replacement.

Hockey, football, tennis and cricket will be among sports catered for at "The New Rec" - if we can call it that.

Brigg hockey has been awaiting a floodlit artificial pitch since the late 1980s.  It is a pity it has come too late for some of us to try, but this will be a major boost for the Brigg Hockey Club players of today - men, ladies and juniors.

What a transformation it is going to be from the 1950s and 1960s when the changing rooms were fashioned from former farmyard outbuildings!  Forward-thinking Brigg Urban District Council bought what was then a farm and grassed it over to cater for football, hockey and cricket. From 1974 to 1996 it was operated by Glanford Borough Council, with North Lincolnshire Council taking charge for the past 18 years. Now  it is planned that a sports organisation will take charge of running things. 

BRIGG ACADEMY TO HOST OPEN EVENING

The Vale Academy, Brigg, is holding a year six open day on Wednesday, October 1.

There will be tours from 9.30am and an opening evening at 6.30pm.

The Academy has sites off Grammar School Road and Redcombe Lane.

To find out more, visit www.valeacademy.org.uk

HARVEST FESTIVAL IN BRIGG - WITH LUNCH

The harvest festival at St John's Church in Brigg will take place on Sunday, October 12.

People are asked to meet in the Church Hall, Bigby Street, at 9.30am.

Following a service and refreshments there will be a 'bring and share' lunch.

LINDSEY LODGE HOSPICE TO BENEFIT FROM BRIGG SINGERS' FUNDRAISER

Enjoy An Evening with the Brigg Singers, in aid of Lindsey Lodge Hospice. 

The Singers will be performing on Thursday, September 25, in Brigg Methodist Church, Wesley Road, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5, including refreshments. They can be obtained on the door on the night, or call 01724 842485 if you want to ensure a place in advance.

The event will include a raffle and hospice merchandise will be available.

The Hospice, which does very important work for the community in North Lincolnshire, can only benefit from a Brigg Blog reminder about the Singers' event, which will hopefully attract more people as a result.

NEW APARTMENTS COMING TO BRIGG

This picture shows work under way on creating new apartments at Ancholme Gardens, off Elwes Street, Brigg.
Many of us have had elderly relatives living at Ancholme Gardens. Now the area's biggest social landlord, North Lincolnshire Homes, is making a major investment in the future.

FEWER UNEMPLOYED IN BRIGG & GOOLE

Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy has issued the latest job figures - something he generally does through Twitter.
Andrew says the number of unemployed people in Brigg & Goole has fallen again - down 458 from August last year.
If you are on Twitter, you can follow Andrew, whose presence is ‏@andrewpercy  
The above picture shows him outside his Brigg office, in Bigby Street (almost opposite St John's Church).  He's on the web at www.andrewpercy.org

KEYO BRIGG SPRINT TRIATHLON THIS WEEKEND: WILL YOU BE SPECTATING?

The Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, September 21, is organised by Lincsquad and involves a 400m pool swim at Ancholme Leisure Centre,  followed by  cycling and then a road run.
Weather being not too bad, we can expect a good turn-out of spectators along Bridge Street and the Market Place.
The swimming will be from 8am. The cycle race will take in Scawby Brook, Hibaldstow, Redbourne, and Bridge Street and Ancholme Way in Brigg.
The run will include Bridge Street, the Market Place, Elwes Street and Cadney Road.
Presentations will take place about 11.30am. 
View further details from Lincsquad through this link
View Lincsquad race information here

BRIGG CHURCH HALL FAYRE

Operation Christmas Child will benefit from an autumn fayre in Brigg on Saturday, September 27. The event will be in St John's Church Hall, Bigby Street, from 10am to 2.30pm.

ENJOY ITALIAN DINNER AT BRIGG PUB

Sunday night sees something new on offer in Brigg - an Italian dinner at the Britannia Inn.

It will be cooked by Giorgio.

Book places now at the Wrawby Street hostelry, pictured above..

BRIGG AREA BUSINESSES AT FOOD AND DRINK DAY

Food and drink businesses from Lincolnshire and beyond are set to descend on Market Rasen Racecourse for a Harvest Festival racing day on the final Saturday of the month. 

They will be joined on 27^th September by BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen Live wine expert Jane Parkinson who will be giving demonstrations about wine.

 The fixture traditionally marks the moment when ‘summer’ jump racing comes to an end and the autumn/winter season begins in earnest.

Harvest Festival Food and Drink Day – one of the most significant racing occasions of the year – features the Listed £50,000 Prelude Handicap Chase and the Listed £35,000 Prelude Hurdle, races always targeted by the top racehorse trainers across Britain.

As well as the horse racing, visitors will be able to sample and buy an array of food and drink, take part in baking competitions for both adults and children and see a display of farm machinery. 

Among Lincolnshire businesses getting involved in the Harvest Festival are: Cote Hill Cheese of Osgodby; MarRon Liquers of Waddingham; Crepes Delight of Brigg; Tom Woods beer of Barnetby; Sweet Heart Chilli sauce of Horncastle; Fabulously Fruity Wine of New Waltham; and Percy’s T vodka iced drinks of Kirton Holme, Boston.

From beyond Lincolnshire are coming: Hepys Hog Roast homemade sausages of Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire; Oak Tree Farm hog roast of Sutton-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire; and Raisthorpe Manor gin and vodka of North Yorkshire.

 Race-goers will be encouraged to make a donation during the afternoon to the Lincolnshire food bank.

 Pip Kirkby, General Manager, of Market Rasen Racecourse, said: “Our Prelude meeting – which this year is Harvest Festival Food and Drink day - is always popular as the change of seasons in jump racing is marked in Lincolnshire.  The quality of the racing is excellent and we are delighted with the response from small food and drinks from Lincolnshire and further afield who will be a super attraction for our visitors.  TV wine expert Jane Parkinson will also be a dig draw.”

Visitors can bring their own gazebos and fold-up furniture into the Family Enclosure.

Adult tickets can be bought at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk or by telephone on 0844 579 3009.  Advance prices, which are discounted, are: County £19.80; Tattersalls £14.40; Family £6.75.  Savings of up to 25% on on-the-day admission are available on advance purchases.  Accompanied children aged under 18 will be admitted free of charge.

The first race is at 1.45pm, with gates opening two hours earlier.

Market Rasen Racecourse is staging 21 jump racing meetings in 2014 and is a leading conference and events centre in the East Midlands.  More information is available at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk.