BRIGG, HIBALDSTOW AND BROUGHTON CRICKET AWARD WINNERS

Matthew Bell, of Brigg Town Cricket Club, won the award for top batsman in division four of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League.

Unfortunately, he was unable to make the league’s annual dinner on Friday night and collect his award in person from former England and Nottinghamshire batsman Derek Randall, who was the chief guest.

The dinner was held at Hemswell Court, near Caenby Corner.

However, Hibaldstow’s Chris Nash was there to receive his trophy as best wicketkeeper in division two.

Broughton’s Anne Wood received a trophy as the league’s joint scorer of the year.

Bob Welton, from Grasby, the league chairman, introduced chief guest Derek Randall.

Our pictures show Chris and Anne receiving their trophies from Derek Randall.

The new cricket season starts next month, when Brigg Town will continue to play their home games at Brocklesby Park.

The following year they hope to be back in town, playing at the refurbished Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road.

View  presentation pictures from the dinner, featuring world famous cricketer Derek Randall...

www.scunthorpetelegraph/pictures

BRIGG TOWN CLERK JOB VACANCY

Brigg Town Council has started the process of recruiting a new Town Clerk to replace Jeanette Woollard, who is retiring at the beginning of June. 
Those interested in the vacancy can follow this link for details.
You can view the Job Description,  Person Specification and Application Form.

BRIGG PEOPLE MAY BE INTERESTED IN PANEL POSTS

North Lincolnshire Council is currently recruiting people to join the Independent Education Admission Appeals Panel. While the vast majority of parents secure places for their child in their chosen school, one in 10 applications nationally don’t succeed.
If this happens, parents can appeal against the decision, where a Panel comprising a range of people including parents, people with an interest in education, governors, and head teachers, have the power to overturn the decision.
To become a Panel member you must fit into one of the following criteria:

• Parents who live in North Lincolnshire whose children are a registered pupil at school 
• Those with an interest in education who act as a lay member on the panels. A lay member is a person without personal experience in managing a school or providing education – this excludes teachers and former teachers. 
• Governors of schools within or outside North Lincolnshire 
• People who are or have, in the previous five years, been head teachers of maintained schools. This only applies to the eligibility of Exclusion Appeal Panel members. 

The Panel may also occasionally hear appeals from parents whose child has been excluded from school.
You would only be expected to give up a small amount of your time. Full training is provided and travelling expenses paid, plus a financial loss allowance, where appropriate.
North Lincolnshire Council employees are not eligible for appointment to the Panel. 
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Mmember for People at North Lincolnshire Council, said:m “All parents want their children to do well and to be able to attend a school of their choice. But this isn’t always possible. While the vast majority of parents succeed in getting their chosen school, some do not. This could be for a number of reasons – demand is high for that particular school and there simply aren’t enough places to go round.
“You can help make a difference by becoming a member of the Panel, where you will help influence and possibly overturn the decision. 
“The position is not necessarily time consuming and can be incredibly rewarding and empowering. If you think you’ve got what it takes, please get in touch.”
Robert Lyden, current member of the Independent Education Admission Appeals Panel, said: “There are a wide range of reasons to become a panel member. You can support students and/or the schools to which an application has been made. The decisions are reached after careful consideration, but can make a significant difference. It is not always easy but those decisions where you feel a student will benefit are particularly rewarding.”
If you are interested in joining the Panel, please contact Alex Dawson on 01724 296433 or Jo Findley on 01724 296235 or email: alex.dawson@northlincs.gov.uk or joanne.findley@northlincs.gov.uk.

BRIGG COMEDY NIGHT IS NEAR SELL-OUT

Debbie Lewis-Bird, of the Brigg Servicemen's Club, says there are a few tickets left - £8 each - for a brilliant night of comedy with compere Spikey Mike at the Coney Court venue on Friday, 17th April. Call 07745722113 for details.  Clearly there's another sell-out show in prospect.

BRIGG CHURCH FUNDRAISER

Brigg Methodist Church, off Barnard Avenue and Wesley Road, will be the venue for a coffee morning on Saturday, April 4, 10am to noon.

All welcome for £1 admission, with coffee and other refreshments available.

Attractions will include white elephant and cake stalls, plus a tombola.

Proceeds will go to the church maintenance fund.

RUN ON LAGER AT LIDL IN BRIGG?

Some customers visiting the Lidl store in Brigg to stock up on their best-selling bottled lager ahead of the weekend were disappointed to find the entire stock had sold out. 
Had there been a huge surge in demand? Was there a problem with deliveries?
Hopefully, this can be avoided on future Fridays.

BRIGG CHARITY SHOP NEEDS YOUR HELP

The Oxfam book shop in Brigg town centre needs volunteers to come forward and help the charity raise funds.

If you like books and/or music and computer games, perhaps you could spare four  hours a week.

They are looking for volunteers to help on weekdays and Saturdays at the shop in Wrawby Street.

Pop in the shop, near the Deli, to collect an application form.

BRIGG PEOPLE WHO ARE STRESSED OUT URGED TO SEEK HELP

Feeling the stress? You are not alone...
Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council is encouraging people who are feeling ‘stressed’ to seek help before it’s too late. Last year, in the UK, there were 244,000 new cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety. 
The total number of working days lost due to stress, depression or anxiety was 11.3m in Great Britain between April 2013 and March 2014. That is an average of 23 days per case of stress, depression or anxiety.
Many people don’t act positively to reduce the stress in their lives until physical symptoms force them to consider how their lifestyle is affecting their well-being.
There are numerous steps you can take to avoid the risk of being affected by stress:
Learn to recognise when you are stressed: knowing what causes stress can help avoid such things in the future 
Learn to relax: many people do not include relaxation time in their schedules. Conscious relaxation is important for your body and mind and can help you deal with the negatives of stress 
Time Management: effective time management allows the amount of work or other commitments undertaken to be regulated, reduces the uncertainty of not having enough time to complete every task required and allows for the planning of ‘time off’ periods in which to relax 
Reduce the demands on yourself: do not over commit yourself and be prepared to say ‘no’ if the load is too great. It is common for people to overestimate how much can be achieved in a particular space of time, so leave free time to cope with the unexpected 
Ensure that you get enough fun out of life: plan time in the day to do something that gives you pleasure. Looking forward to such times helps when you have to cope with unpleasant aspects of life 
Positive thinking: do not dwell on failures and reward yourself for your successes. Accept that everyone cannot exceed at everything. Reflect on what you have achieved 
Practice assertiveness: asserting yourself in a positive, non-threatening way can help combat stress. Accept the demands placed on you only as a matter of choice 
Looking after your physical well-being: people are better able to cope with stress when their bodies are healthy. Poor health in itself is a major source of stress; incorporating periods of physical exercise into your routine will help improve muscle control, make you feel healthier and increase self-esteem 
Seek support from others:  do not try to cope with problems alone. Having someone to share your problems with can greatly help to ‘off-load’ the stress. You might find it useful to talk to a friend or work colleague, or talk to your line manager or employer if you are experiencing stress in the workplace. 
Frances Cunning, Director of Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Often, people don’t seek help soon enough and that’s when it can start to impact on their lives and others. There are simple steps you can take to help avoid stress. Knowing the trigger points and how to avoid them is key. This isn’t always easy, especially if you have a demanding job or home life. But there is help out there, whether it’s by sharing what you are going through with a friend or relative, or going to see your doctor. The main thing to remember is you are not alone. Following these simple steps can help, as can your doctor. You don’t have to suffer; it will only get worse if you ignore the signs. Empower yourself by doing something about it and make little changes that will make a difference.” 

WHERE BRIGGENSIANS STAND IN SCUNTHORPE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brigg footballers Briggensians were without a game in the TSW Printers Scunthorpe and District League on Saturday and have no fixture next Saturday, either.

DIVISION THREE

                                                               P   W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

      CROSBY COLTS JNR                   13  11   0   2   68   15  53   33

      WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS      14  10   2   2   72   23  49   32+/-

      EPWORTH TOWN RES                 17  11   2   4   54   32  22   32-

      LIMESTONE RANGERS RES        16  10   1   5   71   40  31   31

      SCOTTER UNITED RES                 18   8   4   6   57   41  16   28

      BRIGGENSIANS                             14   8   2   4   45   26  19   26

      BARNETBY UNITED RES              16   7   1   8   50   46   4   22

      SIX BELLS                                       15   3   1  11   29   65 -36   10

      MIDTOWN UNITED                       17   2   1  14   25  100 -75   10+

      SANTON                                         14   0   0  14   18  101 -83    0

      

BRIGG EASTER FAIR

An Easter fete is to be held by the Brigg Crew of Operation Christmas Child.

It will take place tomorrow (Monday, March 30) at St Mary’s RC Church Hall, on the A18 Barnard Avenue, from 11am to 2pm.

Go along and meet Elsa and Ann, from Frozen.

Attractions will include tombola, bottle stall, cake stall, games, biscuit and egg decorating.

Refreshments will be available and the organisers promise fun for children and adults alike.

All proceeds will go to the Operation Christmas Child 25^th anniversary shoe box appeal 2015.

RELIEF FOR SHOPPERS AND VISITORS TO BRIGG

One of Brigg Town Council’s   unsung and little-known contributions to community well-being could be described as bog standard.

It pays North Lincolnshire Council to open up the public conveniences   on days when they would otherwise stay shut, due to the expense.

This brings relief to shoppers and visitors who are caught short.

The agreement between the two councils is about to be reviewed.

It’s expected to continue, which will be a relief on Sundays and bank holidays.

North Lincolnshire Council owns the toilets and looks after their upkeep.

KEEPING BRIGG MEMORIAL GARDEN NEAT AND TIDY

Brigg Town Council oversees the upkeep of the Brigg Riverside Memorial Garden.

It is close to the Old River Ancholme, the Ancholme Way A18 road bridge and Riverside Surgery.

The Town Council pays an annual fee to North Lincolnshire Council for sending workers along to keep  the grass tended and the area looking neat and tidy.

The technical term for this is a service level agreement, and this has been secured for a further three years.

BRIGG EASTER CHURCH SERVICES & WALK OF WITNESS

Last year's Walk of Witness about to leave from Brigg Methodist Church. PICTURE BY KEN HARRISON.

Easter services for St John’s Church, Brigg, parishioners are as follows:

March 29 – Palm Sunday: 6pm join service at the Methodist Church.

April 2  - Maundy Thursday: 9am & 7.30pm Eucharist.

April 3 – Good Friday: 11.45am Walk of Witness. Meet in the Methodist Church car park, off Wesley Road, at 11.30am;  Eucharist 2pm.

April 4 – Easter Saturday: 6pm Eucharist.

April 5 – Easter Day: 6pm Evening Prayer.

HOT NEWS ON BRIGG SUNDAY LUNCHES

The Bengal Spice restaurant, in Wrawby Street, Brigg, is to host a special Sunday lunch day.

Authentic home-style curry will be on offer on Sunday, April 26, from 11.30am to 4pm.

It’s £29.95p a head for the five-course meal.

Final bookings will be taken on April 25 (minimum of four people).

If you are interested, pop in and see staff during opening hours or call 01652 652100.

TSW CAR RALLY COMING UP IN BRIGG

Competitors in Brigg Market Place before setting off on the 2014 rally. PICTURE BY KEN HARRISON

Posters have now gone up around Brigg to promote an annual car rally which always draws big crowds to the town centre.

The TSW Printers Border Classic will set off from Brigg Market Place on Sunday, May 17. As ever, it is being promoted by the Border Motor Club.

Get down to the town centre from 9am to 10am to enjoy looking at dozens of gleaming cars from yesteryear before they set off on an enjoyable run into the countryside.

NEW BRIGG FOOTPATH & CYCLE WAY TAKING SHAPE

They have started work on creating the new footpath and cycle way in Brigg – close to the River Ancholme towpath.

But although only part of it has been laid, and this has yet to be finished, people are already using the new route.

We’ve  observed pedestrians and cyclists enjoying the facility at times when the workmen were not on site.

The aim is to forge a way through the Wold Villages to South Ferriby, where the Ancholme joins the mighty River Humber.

There has been a bit of concern about the apparently severe cutting back of hedges in Brigg to make way for the path.

However, a close inspection by Brigg Blog at the weekend revealed coppicing, which means the hedge will growing back, and   new saplings planted inside protective covers so they do not get eaten by wildlife before  becoming established.

The footpath/cycle way is much wider than we’d envisaged, and the stretch we examined, close to the sewage works and Atherton Way, is not as close to the river as some may have thought it was going to be.

We are expecting that the fragments of wood seen here after the hedge-lopping will all be collected and the area tidied up, once work has been completed.

CHILLI ON SALE ON CHILLY DAY IN BRIGG

A fundraising fair in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society was held on Saturday in Brigg.

The venue was St John’s Church Hall, Bigby Street.

Among the stallholders was Meg Earl, pictured here, owner/producer of Cottageworks Chill Jams and Chutney.

We first met her a few months ago at another fundraiser, held at the Hawthorns clubhouse of Brigg Town Football Club.

During our visit on Saturday we also chatted to Coun Ann Eardley, of Brigg Town Council, who was helping with the refreshments.

Meg sold us a jar of her hottest chilli   – ideal  on a very cold late March day.
Event organiser Kim Fox later thanked all those who helped out. The attendance figure was disappointing, no doubt being affected by the weather. However, £105 was raised for the Alzheimer's Society. And every little helps.

CALLING ALL BRIGG DOG LOVERS

The many Brigg people who like dogs will be keen to support a major fundraiser for the Jerry Green rescue charity.

The North Lincolnshire Centre, near Broughton, will be staging its summer show on Sunday, July 12, from 11am to 4.30pm.

There will be agility demonstrations, a fun dog show, stalls, a kids’ activity zone and a rescue dog walkabout.

Admission is just £1 for adults – children under-16 free.

Visit www.jerrygreendogs.co.uk

BRIGG LIFTING DAY AT GLANFORD BOAT CLUB

A large crane was visible on the skyline in Brigg on Saturday morning –  a sure sign that spring has sprung, as Frank Sinatra famously sang  in one of his major hits.

However, on this occasion the weather was very cold and unseasonal.

Down at Glanford Boat Club, the crane lifted boats back onto the River Ancholme so members can enjoy  some pleasure cruising during the warmer months.

BRIGG BUSINESS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN TOWN

Jones' Barbers, in Brigg town centre, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday.

Proprietor Hazel  thanked all customers "for making it the best 10 years ever."

She says it’s been a pleasure to serve the community for 10 years and she's looking forward to the next 10. Hazel also thanked staff for their hard work.

How time flies! It doesn’t seem five minutes since the Market Place premises opened!

BRIGG SHOPPING REQUESTS

Brigg Blog has mentioned before that it would be a good idea for someone from North Lincolnshire Council to take a pot of paint and draw a couple of white lines on the lay-bay opposite the old Post Office, in Bigby Street, to create defined short-stay parking bays.
Since we last posted on this topic we've seen sundry examples of vehicles being parked in the middle, removing a useful parking spot or two for some would-be shopper(s), depending on the length of car they drive.
The council has bays painted on the side of the slip road immediately in front of Hewson House, but not a few yards away, on Bigby Street.
Secondly,  by way of warning, watch your trolley when parking on the eastern edge of the Lidl car park.
You may not realise there's a slope and could turn round to see your shopping heading off back towards the store entrance. 

JUST THE TICKET: WORKING TO GET MORE PASSENGER TRAINS FOR BRIGG

Brigg Blog shares the sentiments of the Friends Of The Brigg & Lincoln Lines about being politically independent.
The Friends have sent us a Twitter message from Jacky Crawford, Labour's candidate in May's General Election, who says: "I believe all political parties should work together to get a 6 day service on the Brigg rail line."
Brigg Blog has always regarded Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy (Conservative) as being supportive when it comes to pressing for additional  passenger trains to call at Brigg station, beyond the current six on Saturdays only.
We'd expect other parties' candidates to feel the same way.
Brigg needs politicians of all parties, their supporters and non-political groups and individuals to pull together in the common cause. We are confident they will.

BRIGG TOWN HOSTING FOOTBALL FINAL

Brigg Town Football Club will be hosting one of the cup finals for the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League tomorrow.
Thursday, March 26 sees the final of the EC Surfacing Ltd Sporting Shield final at the Hawthorns, under lights, KO 7.30pm.
Swinefleet Juniors will be taking on Brumby, match officials being C Burnham, J Bramhill and A Parvaze.
Both these sides play in division one, so some good football should be on view if you want to pop along and take in the game.

BRIGG PLANNING ROUND-UP

Brigg fire station

A small single-storey extension is planned at  Brigg Fire Station, on Barnard Avenue, near the A18, to be used for training and meetings. 
Planning permission is now being requested from North Lincolnshire Council.
Many of us will think investment in this facility by Humberside Fire & Rescue Service is very welcome. We lost our ambulance station some years ago and the police station's role is being altered. 
Planning permission has been granted to Ken Harrison for a second floor extension above the  existing side integral garage at The Oaks, 2 Redcombe Lane.
Advertisement consent is being requested to retain two signs at Brigg Office Supplies, 23 Old Courts Road.
A planning application asking for consent to erect a three-bay portable building to provide office, staffroom and meeting room facility at Demeter House, Bigby Street, will be considered by North Lincolnshire Council's planning committee at one of its monthly meetings in Scunthorpe.
Small-scale applications are usually delegated to officers, rather than being ruled upon by the committee of elected councillors.

NORTHERN RAIL ASKED FOR EXTRA BRIGG PASSENGER TRAINS

MD Alex Hynes at Brigg railway station - pictured by PAUL JOHNSON

FROM PAUL JOHNSON - FRIENDS OF THE BRIGG & LINCOLN LINES 

Here a few of my personal notes from the recent meeting with Alex Hynes MD of Northern Rail, in Brigg.
The meeting was arranged by The Friends Of The Brigg & Lincoln Lines Rail Group ( FoBLL ) and its partners the Gainsborough Rail and Bus Group ( GRaB )
The meeting was held in the Angel Suite and both groups would like to go on record in thanking Brigg Town Council for the use of their room.
At the meeting the following were present: Alex Hynes, managing director, Northern Rail; Pete Myres,  Stakeholder Manager, Northern Rail; Cliff Mayall, Area Manager, Northern Rail; Jodie Booth, Strategic Transport Planning Manager, North Lincolnshire Council; Members of the Friends Of The Brigg & Lincoln Lines Rail Group;  Brigg town councillors; Alan Gouldthorpe, from The Friends Of The Barton Line Group.

The issue of only 3 trains on a Saturday along the Sheffield Midland - Cleethorpes line, through Brigg: A request was put in again to Northern Rail to see if a 4th round trip could be allocated in the future. Major  issues with Network Rail and invisible freight paths had been one issue in the past, Northern said they would look at this again but all depended on funding. This also brought up the subject of the first westbound train from Cleethorpes to Sheffield via Brigg, Kirton In Lindsey and Gainsborough Central. At present this train leave at 1110am arrives at Brigg and 1144, Kirton In Lindsey at 1153 and Gainsborough Central at 1212 before waiting for a path out of the station at 1220. This is the main bugbear of the travelling public that this service leaves far to late, as it was explained at the meeting a spare class 153 single unit is brought back on one of the Brigg Line trains to Sheffield Midland for fuelling, due to the fact since rail privatisation there is now no crewing point for local services at Cleethorpes. Crewing issues are now a major problem in Northern Lincolnshire. This means a Sheffield Midland Northern Rail crew would have to travel all the way to Cleethorpes to run this train; Northern do have crewing points at Doncaster and Hull. The situation is made even worse by the news that TPE are keep the Cleethorpes - Doncaster - Sheffield Midland - Manchester Airport services. It was highlighted in the meeting by FoBLL that if this has gone over to Northern then a crewing point at Cleethorpes could have done the ex TPE services; any future Brigg Line services and the Barton Branch if the latter was to remain within  Northern Rail's remit. FoBLL went onto add that due to TPE keeping their services it mean a step back for passengers in Northern Lincolnshire and a fragmented service on that part of the network that has little benefit to anybody,

Passenger stock: The issue of railbuses on the Brigg Line was debated. FoBLL and GRaB have been calling for more " family friendly units" on the line as both groups had received substantial complaints in the summer of 2014 about the units that work the line. Northern Rail took note of this request.

Brigg station: Before everyone went for a walk around of the station, the issue of what could be done realistically was talked about. Northern Rail said they would quite happy to work with the local councillors and the town council in providing wooden whiskey barrels that could be fixed to the platform and filled with plants.  Coun Rob Waltham acknowledged the ongoing concerns from FoBLL and its partners GRaB about the issue of the station area which is a target of fly-tipping and arson. It was made clear that FoBLL & GRaB support any redevelopment of this area and the sooner the better as this issue has been brought to the attention of both groups but customers using Brigg station on a number of occasions. 


Twitter: @Saturday_Only

E-mail: thebrigglinegroup@gmail.com

Website: http://e-voice.org.uk/friendsofbrigg-lincolnlines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoBLL

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/fobll/86/329/a53

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/123909447@N05/

Passenger Survey:  http://eSurv.org?s=LIMJGK_d6fe98a0

Timetable: http://www.northernrail.org/pdfs/timetables/20141214/32.pdf

SHARING BRIGG INFORMATION OF INTEREST HAS SEEN MANY CHANGES

Coun Neil Poole, whose Ridge Ward includes Scawby and borders Brigg, using a tablet computer to access the authority's website.

Brigg Blog was pleased to learn that North Lincolnshire Council's website www.northlincs.gov.uk has received a high grade in a survey of local authority new media. 
Some 407 UK council websites were  reviewed as part of the national SOCITM Better Connected 2015 survey and North Lincolnshire Council retained its 3 star (our of 4) rating for a further year, narrowly missing out on achieving the coveted 4 star maximum.
When we first started reporting on local government in January 1980, having joined the staff of the Brigg-based Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times weekly newspaper, things were very different. Websites and email did not exist and all press releases and agendas for meetings arrived in the post.
If you wanted to know what the councillors had decided, you had to go, in person, to the meetings, which often took several hours. This was old-fashioned reporting - little changed from the mid-Victorian era when the Times was established. Today, in many cases, the decisions,   agendas and reports are posted online.
In 1980 we had Brigg Town Council, Glanford Borough Council (based at what's now Hewson House) and Humberside County Council. North Lincolnshire, a unitary authority, arrived in 1996 and the old top-tier, Humberside, was abolished.
Glanford managed the council housing stock (now administered by North Lincolnshire Homes/Ongo), emptied the dustbins, decided most planning applications, ran elections and collected the council tax, as our precepting authority.
Humberside, based in Beverley, looked after roads, education, weights and measures and major planning (current jargon - spatial development and infrastructure).
Brigg Town Council's role in 1980 was similar to today but on a smaller scale. There was just one meeting a month, and no committees. 
But let's return to the present day and North Lincolnshire Council's website...
Excellent comments were received throughout and their reviewer summarised: “This site is easy to use and offers a very good range of content. It uses accessible language and a logical sequence of menus within service areas. 
Some areas are very good indeed, including Planning, Blue Badges and the Elections section.  
It was marked down because of the failure of a report form on a mobile device. 
The survey found the council had resisted the temptation to over-complicate the homepage. "This is plain but very effective," was the verdict.
The interactive mapping service is efficient and gives much very useful detail about location-based services. "A pleasure to use," the survey said.
North Lincolnshire Council commented: "Our site search and Google produced the expected results for a wide range of their standard phrases. And we complied with the required accessibility standards.
"We were also rated within the top ten of all UK councils in terms of volume of Self Service Account registrations, based on population. And we were also rated in the top four Yorkshire and Humber councils in terms of volume of customer visits based on population.
"During the last year we’ve refined our website design, worked on improving access for disabled customers and reviewed over 1,400 pages of content to ensure they are consistently easy to read and relevant. And we also reviewed over 500 customer comments about our online information."
A further series of improvements are planned for the coming year.
You can access a wide range of our services and information. It’s available all day, every day and it aims to be quicker and easier than calling us or coming in to our offices.
Coun Neil Poole (Ridge Ward), Cabinet Member for Policy and Resources at North Lincolnshire Council,  who once worked in Brigg, said: “We continue to improve our website and have done well to maintain our three out of four star rating. There is so much people can do on our website. While the traditional face-to-face contact is still very much in use, we do encourage people to explore our website and see for themselves what they can do. 
“We continue to encourage older people to get online through our free taster sessions and they are going really well with attendees finding out the many benefits of using the internet – not least to keep in touch with family and friends, but for booking holidays and theatres tickets, to voicing their opinions through various consultations and surveys. The options are endless and we would urge anyone to give it a go.”
Brigg Blog was interested in the   "mobile device" reference. Our site, hosted by Google, no less, works well with mobile phones, which we know many people use to access our posts.
This is not something to which we upgraded, or for which we had to employ any changed settings. Our "desktop" version adapts itself to mobiles.
Clever folk, those Google tekkies!

GET YOUR DOG MICROCHIPPED FREE IN BRIGG

North Lincolnshire Council is working with Dogs Trust to continue  free micro-chipping sessions, free health checks for all dogs, plus free neutering for bull breed dogs.
It will become  compulsory for all dogs to be micro-chipped from April 2016.
Make a note of the session on July 9 at the Old Courts Road car park, 11am to 3pm 
Others are to be held at various venues in North Lincolnshire.
For more information call Dogs Trust on 01325 335055.
Getting your dog micro-chipped gives you the assurance that should your pet be stolen, it is 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 one of the sessions; 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 when they get micro-chipped. 
Coun Nigel Sherwood (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for Highways and Neighbourhoods at North Lincolnshire Council, said:  "It is great that we are able to continue our partnership working with Dogs Trust to offer free micro-chipping for dogs in North Lincolnshire – saving their owners up to £30. As well as the micro-chipping, Dogs Trust is offering free health checks and neutering. This is a fantastic offer as owners would normally have to pay for these services.
“If you haven’t had your dog micro-chipped already, pop down to one of the sessions. It will save you money and ensure that your dog is chipped before it becomes compulsory. 
 “It’s 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.”

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON BRIGG TOPICS

The annual Brigg Town Public Meeting is being held tonight, Monday, March 23, in the Angel Suite, starting at 7.30pm.
This is your chance to go along, hear reports about what's happening in town from our councillors, put questions to them and raise issues of interest to you.
This is a golden opportunity to have your say, and we hope to see you there.

PUBLICISING WHAT BRIGG HAS TO OFFER SHOPPERS

Happy shoppers in Brigg - pictured by KEN HARRISON

Brigg Town Business Partnership continues to do all it can to attract more visitors  to our town, in the likelihood they will avail themselves of our shops, eateries, taverns and other services.
BTBP has asked us to publicise its full meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24) in the Heritage Centre at the Angel, 5.30pm, which we are happy to do, as a fully paid-up sole trader member!
The partnerships is looking to develop "commercial advantage" for all its members by  exploring further ways of working together.
The focal point of tomorrow's meeting  will be a presentation by Sylvia Priest on the opportunities for members to subscribe to an on-line registry linked to Estuary TV "with the further option to  develop on-line trading linked to this."
An update on issues from Brigg police is also expected, together with a look at forthcoming events to be staged in the town by the partnership.
To find out more, email briggisbest@gmail.com and/or visit www.briggisbest.co.uk

POPULAR BRIGG EVENT CANCELLED

The antiques fair due to be held in Brigg this Saturday (28th March) has been cancelled. 
This is because the lift to the first floor of the Buttercross, where these monthly fairs are held, is still out of action,  preventing some of the regular visitors from being able to gain access. 
Brigg Heritage Centre, which oversees these fairs, hopes things will be back to normal for the next, to be staged in conjunction with  Brigg Farmers'  Market  on Saturday, April 25. 
We climbed the ornate staircase at the Buttercross to take a look at the antiques fair in February and found lots of interesting items on display. 
Everyone hopes things will soon get back to normal.

BRIGG TOWN FC ANNUAL MEETING TOMORROW

Brigg Town Football Club's AGM, postponed earlier in the month, will take place tomorrow (Monday, March 23) at the Hawthorns from 7.30pm.
The Zebras lost 2-0 to mid-table Tividale yesterday and remain at the foot of Evo-Stik League Division One South.

COLD COMFORT FOR BRIGG PUBLICANS

It didn't seem to be a particularly busy Saturday night in Brigg - pub-going numbers doubtless being affected by the cold conditions. 
We ventured out somewhat later than usual and only took in the Black Bull and Britannia before an earlier-than-normal return home not long after 11.30.
Cold weather or age beginning to kick in?
Darts is very popular on Saturday nights in the Bull - a timeless feature of British pub life, and something not offered by JD Wetherspoon at the White Horse, further along Wrawby Street.
So far we have resisted the temptation to step up to the oche. Which is welcome news for those who like to sit near the dartboard!

BRIGG DISTRICT LIONS' SUMMER FAIR GRANT BEING CONSIDERED BY COUNCIL TOMORROW

In accordance with a request from Brigg Town Council, here's the agenda for its monthly meeting, to be held tomorrow (Monday, March 23) in the Angel Suite, starting at 6.45pm.
This meeting is open to interested members of the public who may, if they wish, ask questions (see Item 10).
Entry to the Angel Suite at night is via the Rotunda (conservatory-like building), off the rear car park.

AGENDA
1. Notice convening the meeting.
2. To Receive Apologies and Reasons for Absence
3. To Consider the suspension of the Meeting for the Purpose of Prayer.
4. a) To Record any Declarations of Interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below. Members declaring interests should identify the Agenda Item and the type of interest being declared.
b) To note any dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of the Agenda Items listed below.
5. To approve the Minutes, as circulated, of the Meeting held on Monday 23rd February 2015.
6. a) To receive the written three months’ notice of resignation from Mrs. J.M. Woollard, Town
Clerk and RFO.
b) To approve the salary scale point, job description and hours of work to be advertised to fill
the vacant position.
c) To confirm that the Personnel Committee is now authorised to progress the recruitment
process and appoint a new Town Clerk, as expediently as possible, under the guidance of
ERNLLCA.
d) To note that additional salary costs will be incurred during the handover period agreed.
7. Police Matters
8. To receive any correspondence (for information only).
9. To Receive the update on any outstanding issues from the clerk.
10 Public Question Time
11. To Receive any Questions from Members
12. To Receive a report from the North Lincolnshire Ward Councillors.
13. TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE MINUTES, AS CIRCULATED,
OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES.
i) Personnel Committee Wednesday 11th March 2015
ii) Planning and Environment Committee Wednesday 11th March 2015
iii) Policy Committee Wednesday 11th March 2015
iv) Property & Services Committee Wednesday 11th March 2015
14. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM MEMBERS DELEGATED TO SERVE ON OUTSIDE BODIES.
15. a) TO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL REPORTS and APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
i) 28th February 2015
b) TO NOTE THAT PAYMENTS DUE, IN THE SUM OF £1500 AND £197.50
RESPECTIVELY, REMAIN OUTSTANDING FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
16. NOTICE OF ANNUAL AUDIT – YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2015
To receive the notice of Annual Audit and note that the date fixed for local electors and interested persons to exercise their rights is Monday 8th June 2014.
17. ERNLLCA – ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE
To note and approve the payment of the Annual Membership fees, effective from 1st April 2015.
18. BRIGG & DISTRICT LIONS SUMMER FAIR 2015 MAJOR EVENT GRANT APPLICATION
To consider the recommendation of the Policy Committee that a Grant of £2,050.00 be awarded , case of need, to underwrite the cost of staging and entertainment for this new event planned for August 2015.
19. TO CONSIDER ANY PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONAL PLANS PUBLICISED BUT RECEIVED AFTER THE AGENDA WAS CIRCULATED:
Members are reminded to inspect any plans via the On Line Planning Register on the North
Lincolnshire Council web site, including Ridge and Broughton & Appleby Wards for any
applications close to the neighbouring boundary with Scawby Brook. The office computer is
available for this purpose.
Application Number PA/2014/0913: Planning permission for demolition of existing changing pavilion and redevelopment of site to provide new sports and changing facilities (AMENDED PLANS). Brigg Recreation Ground, Brigg.
20. TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION BY MR. M. DOHERTY (ON BEHALF OF THE SCUNTHORPE AND DISTRICT PRO LIFE GROUP) REGARDING THEIR REQUEST TO USE THE BANDSTAND.

BLUEPRINT FOR BRIGG RECREATION GROUND CAN'T BE LOCATED

The amended blueprint for Brigg Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, was expected to create plenty of interest when it reached the first stage in the planning process - consideration by Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee.
However, despite an array of tablet computers, town councillors were unable to locate the amended plans on North Lincolnshire Council's online planning portal.
This, they concluded, left no option but to defer this item for consideration at a future date.
The question was: Exactly how has it been amended?
The scheme still involves demolishing the existing changing pavilion and developing the site to provide new sports and changing facilities.
When town councillors met in the Angel Suite Lounge they were able to locate online details about two other applications and raised no objections to the following:

• Extend and convert outbuilding to dependent person's annexe, Crest Villa, Glanford Road
• Outline permission for industrial and office development, Site 3, Atherton Way.

When the latter application was considered, Coun Ann Eardley was keen to see "enough" car parking provided.

TV DOG LISTENER VISITS BRIGG AREA

Tony Knight, dog listener to famous Aussies, shared his advice with local schoolchildren on how to be safe around dogs.
He gained the title of Australian TV’s Celebrity Dog Listener while helping celebrities on Australian TV with their doggy dilemmas. After completing filming for Australian TV, he is now back to his roots in the UK to launch his new TV show on Estuary TV ‘Think Like a Dog’, resolving behavioural issues of pets in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
With the majority of dog bites taking place in the home and mainly involving young children, Tony took time out from filming to help children feel safer around their own pets and those they meet in the street.
His visit to Broughton Primary School on Thursday (19 March) was during assembly and will be interactive and allowed children to learn the "do’s and dont's" of being around dogs.
Tony Knight said: “I work hard to spread the message of the Amichien Bonding method, founded by my mother, for dog owners to get the very best out of their dog, without having to resort to the things that for dog lovers, go against the grain – including gizmos, gadgets, violence or enforced dominance.”
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Cabinet Member for People at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I think it is important that children know how to be safe around dogs, what to do and what not to do – to ensure they get the most out of their pets and know the how to behave around them."
Brigg Blog seems to recall that Tony's mum worked in our town for some years.
You can pick up Estuary TV in Brigg by visiting Freeview Channel 8.

GOURD NEWS FOR BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET SUPPORTERS

Now is the time to start planting your pumpkin seeds to ensure they are ready in time for the pumpkin competition at Brigg Farmers’ Market Autumn Food Festival, says North Lincolnshire Council.
Once again this year at the Food Festival there will be a competition for the biggest home-grown pumpkin. The winner of the competition will receive a wonderful local hamper filled with lots of treats worth over £100! All the items have been kindly donated by the local market traders.
The competition is a great way of celebrating local producers. So roll up your sleeves and plant those pumpkin seeds. Now is the time to be digging for your chance of winning.
The spectacular Food Festival is on 24 October, from 9am to 3pm, in Brigg town centre. 
At the Autumn Food Festival you will be able to enjoy the sounds and smells of the bustling Farmers’ Market. There will be a range of local traders serving up their best produce. 
Sample the foods and be inspired by the best of what North Lincolnshire has to offer. 
For further information contact Laura Smith-Higgins on 01724 297536 or email laura.higgins@northlincs.gov.uk 
Coun Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our Food Festivals are always extremely popular in North Lincolnshire. They showcase the wonderful local produce on offer in our area. I would encourage everyone to pop down and take a look at the array of stalls selling everything from cheese and jams to cakes. 
“It’s great that we are holding the pumpkin competition again this year. If you think you could grow the biggest pumpkin then why not enter? You could be in with a chance of winner a fantastic hamper.”

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS SUFFER HEAVY DEFEAT

Limestone Rangers Reserves beat Briggensians 7-2 in division three of the TSW Printers Scunthorpe & District Football League today (Saturday, March 21).
Matthew Eagles and Bradley Brookes scored for the Brigg team.
Briggensians are without a game on Saturday, March 28.

DIVISION THREE

P    W   D   L    F    A  Diff Pts

CROSBY COLTS JNR                    12  11   0   1   67    9  58   33

EPWORTH TOWN RES                 17  11   2   4   54   32  22   32-

WESTWOODSIDE RANGERS      13   9   2   2   66   22  44    29+/-

LIMESTONE RANGERS RES       15   9   1   5   63   39  24    28

SCOTTER UNITED RES                18   8   4   6   57   41  16    28

BRIGGENSIANS                          14   8   2   4   45   26  19    26

BARNETBY UNITED RES            16   7   1   8   50   46   4      22

SIX BELLS                                     14   3   1  10   28   57 -29   10

MIDTOWN UNITED                     16   1   1  14   17   99 -82    7+

SANTON                                       13   0   0  13   17   93 -76     0 

BRIGG CHARITY FUNDRAISER TODAY

Just a reminder that there's an Easter craft fair in Brigg today (Saturday, March 21) at St John's Church Hall, from 11am to 2pm. All money raised will go to the Alzheimer's Society.
On offer will be glitter tattoos, tea and coffee, jams, raffle and tombola.
Brigg Blog is planning to pop along and lend  support and hopes to see you there.

BRIGG TOWN CLERK'S RETIREMENT ANNOUNCED

Popular and long-serving Brigg Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard has announced her retirement.
She revealed the news to councillors attending the latest round of committee meetings in the Angel Suite.
There were some stunned looks - not least on the Press bench!
Jeanette will remain in post for three months while a successor is appointed.
Her decision to retire forms an agenda item at March's Town Council meeting, to be held next Monday night in the Angel Suite (full agenda to follow tomorrow on Brigg Blog).
Various administrative procedures will be required as the recruitment process begins.
There will be tributes to Jeanette's hard work and efficiency over the coming weeks, culminating in her final meeting as Town Clerk, in June. We will be adding our own, in due course.
The phrase "He/she will be a very hard act to follow" is often used when people retire, but in Jeanette's case this is most certainly the case.
She wishes to spend much more time with her family. 
We have been reporting on Town Council meetings since January 1980, when veteran Joseph J Magrath was the Clerk. We continued to do so during the tenure of Louis T Jarratt who, like Jeanette, came to us from Scawby.  
Experience and local knowledge are two factors you don't often see in job specifications but they are of great benefit to the officers who oversee the administration of parish and town councils.