OPENING BASH TALK IN BRIGG TOMORROW

Brigg Amateur Social Historians begin the new season of monthly meetings tomorrow (Tuesday, September 1).
Those Mitford Girls is the title of an illustrated talk for BASH being given by Marilyn Roberts at Brigg Servicemen's Club, Coney Court (8pm start).
Admission free - all welcome. No need to book and refreshments will be provided. A raffle will be held to help defray costs.
BASH holds one of these meetings every month at the same venue, which is alongside the town's main car park, where there's no charge to leave your car at this time of night.

BRIGG HOUSE EXTENSION APPROVED

North Lincolnshire Council has approved a planning application to erect a single-storey rear extension, a two-storey side extension and a single-storey link extension between house and outbuilding at St Gerrards, Lindum Crescent, off Colton Street, Brigg.
Consent has been given to fell 3 trees within Brigg Conservation Area at 3 Manor House Convent, Bigby Street.
Advertisment consent has been given to display a fascia sign at the NFU, 3A Queen Street, also within the Conservation Area.
Planning permission is currently being sought to erect a white UPVC porch at 9 Chapel Way.

BRIGG BANK HOLIDAY STING

Brigg Blog would like to warn householders to beware of a bank holiday sting.
Those fortunate enough to get some time off work will have a list of chores to undertake which may  include visiting  bottle and can recycling facilities to empty overflowing recycling boxes.
If you are doing so, watch out for wasps. They get inside the containers and can emerge from the entry holes just as your hand is depositing cans and bottles.
We can tell you from personal experience that wasps are a hazard at the recycling station in Old Courts Road.

£19k-£22k COUNCIL JOB AVAILABLE IN BRIGG

North Lincolnshire Council has a job vacancy for a partnership and planning officer to work at its Hewson House offices in Station Road, Brigg.
The salary is on a scale £19,000+ to £22,000+.
This is a temporary one-year post and is 37 hours per week, and the  closing date is midnight on September 2. View full details and apply here...

DEEPEST POTHOLE IN BRIGG - WE HAVE A NEW LEADER

We are now seeking your nominations for the deepest pothole in Brigg.

This is because the previous holder of the unwanted title is no more.

Ken Harrison, who took the above picture, explains: "The infamous axle-breaking pothole at the entrance of Springs Way have been filled-in."

Ken says Tesco recruited a Nottingham contractor to fill in the big one, and others in Springs Parade.

Drivers who dipped a wheel  near the old Lidl store will be thankful for the remedial work.

However, this repair means we must seek  a successor. And Brigg Blog would like to nominate one in St Helen's Road that's been getting bigger by the week. It's near the lay-by/turning circle.

Please post a comment on this story if you wish to make a nomination, or email scoopfisher@aol.com

We can't expect Tesco to tackle the St Helen's Road hole. This one will have to be done by North Lincolnshire Council, the highway authority. 

QUIET SATURDAY IN BRIGG PUBS

Those people who did venture to Brigg pubs last night (Saturday) were left wondering why the hostelries were relatively quiet.
This being a bank holiday, with good weather, we expected the town centre to be heaving. But although Friday was apparently busy, Saturday was not. We can only conclude that people were at home, saving their "hard-earned" to spend in Brigg pubs tonight. And/or tomorrow.
For some of us who are knocking on a bit, one night "on the town" is about all we can manage.
Last night saw us visit, from 9.30pm, the Yarborough Hunt, Dying Gladiator and White Horse - in that order.
We passed the White Hart, Woolpack and Lord Nelson and were able to observe the numbers inside as we passed by.

BRIGG HOUSING PLAN SCRUTINISED IN GREAT DETAIL

We went down after the evening meeting and took this picture looking across the Donkey Field play area towards the tree-lined development site. Homes in Almond Grove can be seen on the right.

A proposal to build five new homes, with garages, on land off Almond Grove, Brigg, was examined in great detail by the Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee.
The House of Lords has a function to scrutinise Parliamentary Bills before they become Acts and therefore laws of the land. Brigg Town Council, at grassroots level in local government, has a similar role within the planning process, with the North Lincolnshire unitary authority having the final say on whether permission is granted to applicants.
Brigg's Planning & Environment Committee met in the Angel Suite, under the chairmanship of Coun Mike Storey,  and looked at this application  with a fine toothcomb.
The area of land in question is near Almond Grove, close to the Donkey Field play area (pictured) and  the allotments off Atherton Way. It has an array of mature poplar trees.
Older Brigg Blog followers will recall this once being the Tune family estate, if we can call it that - Mountain Ash.
Just about every member of the Brigg Town Council committee chipped into the discussions at some point. They looked at everything from access to trees, drainage, the approximate number of cars per household, and even the likely collection arrangements for wheelie bins and recycling boxes.
On several occasions it was suggested that if local residents had views or "local knowledge" to impart to the planners, they should make them known to North Lincolnshire Council.
The poplar trees on the site were discussed at length. Will they be left as they are? Will they be lopped to reduce the height? As poplars draw huge amounts of water from the ground, would their removal affect local drainage? 
Coun Storey pointed out this is a brownfield, "infill" site which could mean new housing for Brigg "without resorting to greenfield."
Coun Ann Eardley, the Deputy Town Mayor, contributed to the discussions as many points were raised and discussed. Her local knowledge of the Newlands Estate is, of course, second to none!
The application got a very thorough hearing,  following which the Town Clerk  passed on the Town Council's observations to North Lincolnshire's planners who must now decide the application.

FIXTURES FOR BRIGG SATURDAY FOOTBALL FOLLOWERS

Saturday League local football is now back with us, although the cricket season still has a couple of weeks to run, meaning an overlap at some venues.
Brigg area football followers, players and referees will be hoping for some more enjoyable amateur sport until next April/May.
With the kind assistance of the League, Brigg Blog will again be bringing its followers the fixtures, results and tables.

T.S.W. PRINTERS SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
 Fixtures - Saturday 5th September

Division One                                     
Barnetby United           v Bottesford Town Reserves J Pullen                         
Crosby Colts             v Brumby                                        C Burnham
Limestone Rangers         v Epworth Town                                     M Frobisher

Division Two                                     
Crosby United Juniors     v Crosby Colts Reserves K Watts                                
Epworth Town Reserves         v Ashby RAOB                               D Bright
New Holland Villa         v Bruce’s Beacon                                   D Brown

Division Three                                   
College Wanderers (WRFC) Reserves v A.F.C. Queensway   A Brown                             
Crowle Town Colts Reserves v Barnetby United Reserves        B Dixon  
Midtown United           v Santon                                           A Barber
Scotter United Reserves       v The Butchers Arms                     K Allen

BRIGG SHOP & FLATS UNDER OFFER

It’s a positive step to see that this prominent building in Brigg town centre is already under off, not having long been placed on the property market.

It comprises four flats and a ground floor shop.

The agent’s sign makes it clear that the shop business is unaffected.

BRIGG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS HELP APPEAL

FROM LOUISE CHANT

We would be delighted if you could feature  a photo of my 10 year old daughter and her two friends from Year 5, Brigg Primary, who recently gave their time to raise funds for Lindsey Lodge Hospice.  
They have been doing several activities such as this over the summer as part of Humberside Police's Operation Lifestyle.  
The main event they organised was a book and cake stall at Brigg Market on Saturday 15 August in aid of the Mayor's chosen charity, Lindsey Lodge Hospice.  
Generous locals supported them and they collected almost £200 for their efforts.  They have also entertained residents at a local care home and raised funds for Cancer Research UK through selling homemade crafts of their own. 
They are pictured with the Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Coun Helen Rowson, and their names are  (L to R)  Ellie Stanfield, Eloise Elmore, Shelby Chant. (Ellie's little sister, Daisy Stanfield, was keen to help too!) 

BRIGG HERITAGE CENTRE CRAFTS

The new programme of crafts has been announced for Brigg Heritage Centre, in the Angel building, off the Market Place.
SAT Sep 26th - Falling Leaves - includes candle resist - embellished place mats - leaf prints and stamps - giant wall tree decoration.
SAT Oct 24th - Spiders, Bangs and Spooky Things - bead craft - Halloween pictures, firework craft and kits.
SAT Nov 28th - Santa isa t the Heritage Centre - visit Santa and make a decoration in the Elves Workshop. SATURDAYS 5th, 12th and 19th December - SANTA will be available to chat about children's wishes
SAT Jan 23rd, 2016 - Decorate a Terracotta Flower Pot and plant daffodils.

GROUP GEARS UP FOR CYCLE RIDE AT BRIGGSTOCK IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES

Back row, L to R , David Williamson, Brigg Town Mayor James Truepenny, Mayoress Sophie Brumby, Zoe Hall; 

front row -  Gavin Yule and Andrew Markham.

A group of local people, including Andrew Markham, Zoe Hall, David Williamson and Richard Dent, will cycle 18 miles and raise awareness on 5th September in Brigg for Pancreatic Cancer Action.  It is to coincide with Briggstock a music festival when the town of Brigg buzzes with music and excitement.  
The group hope to raise funds and awareness of pancreatic cancer in memory of Howard Stothard, Jean Ross-Fowler and Doreen Hardaker, and those affected by pancreatic cancer including David Williamson who had surgery to remove a pancreatic tumour along with part of his stomach and his spleen earlier this year.
Zoe said: “We decided to take part in this challenge for Pancreatic Cancer Action because pancreatic cancer desperately needs more awareness and funds. The survival rates and life expectancy are shocking, and sadly I know this all too well as my mum Jean died of pancreatic cancer just five months after diagnosis.  It will be a tough challenge but it’s great to know that we will be raising funds to improve early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and make people aware of this grim disease that is remarkably underfunded in terms of research.  Please support us and come to visit our stand during Briggstock, at the Nelthorpe Arms.”
Pancreatic Cancer Action aims to improve awareness of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer to the public through media campaigns, to fund educational programmes for clinicians including GPs and hospital doctors, to provide comprehensive patient information and to fund research specifically to improve earlier diagnosis.   
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Zoe, Andrew and the others are kindly giving their time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action.  As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals to help us continue our vital work.”  You can support the group by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/andrewmarkham2/
Pancreatic Cancer is the UK's fifth biggest cancer killer and 24 people die a day from the disease. The 5 year survival rate is just 4%, a figure which has not changed in over 40 years. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed too late. Pancreatic Cancer Action is determined to get more patients diagnosed early and in time for life-saving surgery.
For further information on pancreatic cancer visit http://pancreaticcanceraction.org

PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION IMPROVES

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

It has been confirmed by the government that primary age education in North Lincolnshire has improved for the fourth year running. 
The Department of Education has released the Key Stage 2 statistics for 2015 across the country, which has seen North Lincolnshire pupils improve their results once again.
In 2015, 78 per cent of 11 year-olds achieved the expected level of attainment (level four or above) in each of reading, writing and maths. This is a three per cent improvement on 2014 and eight per cent improvement on four years ago.
North Lincolnshire has also beaten the regional Yorkshire and Humber average for the first time. 
In the last four years there have been significant improvements in the quality of primary age education across North Lincolnshire. 
On 1 September 2012, 64 per cent of primary age children attended good or outstanding schools in North Lincolnshire. By the end of the last academic year this had improved by 13 per cent to 77 per cent. 
There are currently no primary schools in North Lincolnshire judged by Ofsted to be inadequate. 
Coun David Rose, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is fantastic news. Well done to all the staff in schools and pupils on your continued hard work. It really has paid off. We have seen improvements year on year and for the first time have beaten the regional average – this is definitely something to be proud of. 
“Our primary schools in North Lincolnshire work extremely hard to ensure that a high standard of education is provided and pupils achieve to the best of their ability. The council is fully committed to investing in primary education and is determined to make further improvements. We will continue to offer our support to schools to ensure that primary education provided in North Lincolnshire is the best it can be.”
Previous year’s figures for expected levels of attainment (level 4 or above) in each of reading, writing and maths:

• 2014 – 75 per cent 
• 2013 – 71 per cent 
• 2012 – 70 per cent 

BRIGG DISTRICT LIONS' FAMILY FUN WEEKEND HAS NOW STARTED

Brigg District Lions Family Fun Weekend, featuring the annual Cider Festival, is now under way at Sir John Nelthorpe School.
There's plenty going on tonight, tomorrow and Sunday.
Visit the activities tent at 12 noon tomorrow (Saturday 29th) to register for the FREE fun races/activities for children and adults.  Trophies and medals to be won!
Read a full preview of the event here...

LATEST UPDATE ON BRIGG RECREATION GROUND

The refurbishment of Brigg Recreation Ground is taking much longer to go through the planning stage than most of us expected. Further amendments have now been announced.
Read the full story here

IS FREE PARKING IN BRIGG AFFECTING USE OF OUR TRAINS?

Paul Johnson, of the Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Line, has kindly informed us of discussions that took place during a meeting yesterday (Thursday, August 27) about train useage at Brigg station.
It was held at Hewson House, Station Road, and  attended by representatives of The Friends,  North and North East Lincolnshire Councils, Brigg Town Business Partnership, Gainsborough Rail and Bus Users Group and a retired railwayman.
Paul says the meeting was called by Brigg's Station Adopter who is concerned at the decline in patronage of the Brigg line by passengers originating in North East Lincolnshire, despite the fact that, overall, there continues to be marked growth in passengers using the line, most notably in travellers TO Cleethorpes. 
It was noted that Brigg had introduced free parking all day on Saturday "and that may be a significant contributory factor to the decline."
To encourage rail use in travelling to Brigg ( and for that matter Kirton in Lindsey and Gainsborough) it was suggested that small, but attractive, discounts should be available to rail ticket holders from  a range of  local businesses  that would enable  a wide demographic  to be reached. 
Examples given were 10% off a cup of coffer or a pint of beer. 
Attracting CAMRA and other beer aficionados to travel by train to sample the wide range of beers on sale in Brigg, especially people from Grimsby,  would be worthwhile, as they will not need to use cars - for obvious reasons.
Forthcoming events to promote are:

• Sat 5 Sept Briggstock music festival form 10.30 am
• Sat 12 Sept Peanuts a Flutter - Tudor celebrations from 10am to 2pm
• Sat 24 October Autumn Food Festival
• December - Father Christmas arriving by train.

Paul says Brigg Town FC is sending out a flyer to away supporters to invite them to travel by train receive a discount at the bar with their rail ticket. 

BRIGG & THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SUNDAY FOOTBALL

A Sunday afternoon in Brigg during the late 1970s and  1980s saw many people visiting the Recreation Ground to watch local football, with Brigg Servicemen FC very much to the fore.
Sadly, despite operating continuously in the Scunthorpe League since its formation in the 1960s, the Servicemen will not be competing during the 2015/16 season.
We bumped into Paul Fox Scunthorpe Sunday Football League secretary Keith Dixon a few weeks ago during the beer festival at the Nelthorpe Arms and he told us that the new league handbook would include a section devoted to the league's 50th anniversary.
The other day he kindly presented us with a courtesy copy and we really enjoyed reading A Brief History of the First 50 years. A good many Brigg teams are mentioned and there's a picture of Geordie Fox, long-serving secretary of Brigg Servicemen, receiving an award. 
We gather that Lee Fielden, former Brigg Town cricketer, from Barnetby, has been busy researching information for the historic review.
The new season sees AFC Brigg playing in division two. Paddy Ellis is the club secretary, and home games are at Scawby Playing Fields, West Street.
The Jolly Miller has a team  in division six, operating from Wrawby Playing Fields, Vicarage Avenue.

BRIGG GHOST WALK - IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Brigg Tourist Information Centre, at the Buttercross, has sent out an important message about the next Brigg Ghost Walk.

Staff say: "We have just been advised that the Brigg Ghost Walk will not be taking place on Halloween, 31 October, but will be on Sunday 1 November instead, starting at 7pm from the White Horse pub, Wrawby Street."
Tickets, costing £3, will be available at the Brigg Tourist Information Centre from beginning of October. 01652 657053.

KEEPING BRIGG CLEAN

Men with a van were pressure-washing the Angel courtyard in Brigg this afternoon.
Along Wrawby Street, and in the Market Place, there was a group from Community Payback removing litter.
Meanwhile, the car wash close to the Monument was keeping busy.
Three ways to clean up in Brigg....

BRIGG BIN COLLECTION CHANGES - DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT

Waste and recycling collections will change week starting Monday 31 August and all collections will change days due to no collection on bank holiday Monday. Therefore, if your collection falls on Monday 31 August, your collection will be Tuesday 1 September, Tuesday collections will move to Wednesday, and so on through to Friday collection which move to Saturday.
To ensure you don't forget your bins and boxes this bank holiday, please check your collection calendar. If you don't have a collection calendar, check your collection dates online at www.northlincs.gov.uk or ring North Lincolnshire Council's customer contact centre on 01724 297000.
The household recycling centres (including the one near Broughton which serves the Brigg area) will be open as normal over the bank holiday period.

REMEMBER OPENING YOUR BRIGG EXAM RESULTS ENVELOPE?

BY SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire schools are celebrating their best ever results with 57 per cent of students achieving 5A*-C grades including English and Maths – an increase of 2.3 percentage points from last year’s validated results.
Of particular note is Baysgarth School that has had the biggest year-on-year improvement, having improved from 42 per cent in 2014 to 54 per cent this year. 
Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg, achieved the highest level of attainment in North Lincolnshire with 73 per cent 5A*-C grades including England and Maths. 
Coun David Rose, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for North Lincolnshire and demonstrates the hard work that teachers, support staff, school leaders, governors and parents have invested in ensuring our young people achieve excellent results. 
“In recent years, the council has invested millions of pounds to improve our secondary schools: creating exciting and stimulating learning environments which help students to achieve their very best. 
“Congratulations to all out young people receiving their qualifications today – they have worked hard and it has paid off. GCSEs are a key milestone in their lives that will help pave the way for their future careers. 
NF ADDS: Can you remember opening your GCSE results or O-levels as they used to be? At Brigg Grammar School in the early 1970s you provided them with a stamped addressed envelope, I seem to recall, and the postman delivered it to your door, one day in August. You then bought a copy of the Lincolnshire Times the following Friday to see how your mates had done.  Today, with Twitter, Facebook, text messaging and mobile phones, the students can share the results with each other in seconds. How times change! We were very surprised to pass 5 O-levels, which included chemistry at grade six - the lowest pass. Jack Moore and Gerry Longden, the chemistry masters, must have raised their eyebrows in disbelief! 

BRIGG CHARITY LAUNCH

Just to make it clear that the charity cycle ride for Pancreatic Cancer will have a launch event on  Wednesday 26th at 7pm at the Nelthorpe Arms, not Tuesday.

Andrew "Sass" Markham is central to the fundraising, and the Town Mayor has been invited to attend the launch. The 16-mile ride follows later - not on this date.

TURKISH DELIGHT AT BRIGG PUBS

Last night's hot weather in Brigg town centre pubs reminded us of holidaying in the popular seaside resort of Marmaris, or Majorca.
Drinkers were out in force, having a good time in the beer gardens (e.g. the Dying Gladiator) to enjoy the really warm conditions.
Today's just as warm - so make the most of it, folks! Cool off with a pint or two at the Brigg hostelry of your choice. 
Should we feel sympathy for those Brigg people who have paid to jet off abroad in search of the weather we are enjoying 'back home' for free?

PICK UP FASHION BARGAINS & HELP BRIGG OPERATIC

Brigg Amateur Operatic Society has a fundraising event coming up which will create plenty of interest.
Lincs Fashions invite you to a chainstore clothing clearance sale and fashion show extravaganza.
It will offer bargain clothes for all seasons - smart to casual, age ranges 16 to 60+ and sizes up to 24.
"All garments perfect... no seconds," say the organisers. "Many brand names - all at bargain prices."
The event wil be held on Friday, September 18 at Scawby Village Hall, from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost a fiver and are available from Brigg Beds, on Princes Street.
Find out more by emailing lincsfashions@tiscali.co.uk

SEASIDE FUN COMING TO BRIGG

The Bargain Booze off-licence, in Spring's Parade, Brigg will be staging a special seaside weekend at the end of August.
There will be non-alcoholic drinks on offer to customers who visit the shop next Saturday and Sunday
The shop will be raising money for children's charity When You Wish Upon A Star - a very worthy cause.
We hope to bring you more details about this event in a few days' time.

BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

BY SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

This August, Brigg Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 15th anniversary in Brigg Market Place, and to mark the occasion there will be a food festival, street entertainment, competitions and cookery demonstrations.
The food festival will begin at 9am until 3pm and will be held in the Market Place, Brigg. For the street entertainment, there will be scarecrows from a company called Earthbound Misfits (11am to 1pm) and Flo the clown from 10am to 2pm.
Local Farmers’ Market favourites will be attending with all their home grown produce and delicious foods including fresh fish and meat, freshly baked cakes, homemade preserves and much more.
Cookery Demonstrations will take place throughout the event with local chef, Nigel Brown.
To celebrate the occasion visitors can take part in a special 15th anniversary competition for their chance to win a beautiful hamper provided by traders of the market. All you have to do is follow the trail of candles!
For more information please visit Brigg Tourist Information Centre. Alternatively please call 01724 297536 or visit www.visitnorthlincolnshire.com/events 
Coun Liz Redfern, Leader at north Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Brigg food festival is an excellent way to mark the 15th anniversary of the Farmers’ Market. It gives us the chance to show the wider community the fantastic range of fresh produce that we have available from several of our local farmers. It will be a fantastic event to mark something which can now be called a tradition, and I hope the markets will continue to run and unite our community for another 15 years.”

BRIGG CRAFT FAIR CANCELLED WITH REGRET

Pat Horton, of Brigg Heritage Centre, says it has been necessary to cancel the Craft Fair at the Buttercross on Saturday (22nd August) due to insufficient stall bookings. 
However, the supervised children's craft sessions go ahead at the Heritage Centre, in the Angel, from 10am to 2pm.
There is an opportunity to visit the Rabbit Trade Exhibition, 10am to 3pm, and learn about felt-making.

SECOND BRIGG BIKE NIGHT ON THE WAY

FROM FIONA REID, BRIGG DISTRICT LIONS

Brigg District Lions are holding a Family Fun Weekend from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August. The event will be held on the Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School Field, Wrawby Road. The opening hours will be Friday 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Saturday 12 noon to 11pm, and Sunday 12 noon to 4pm.  
The event will host our annual cider festival, as well as live music and entertainment. 

• On Friday there will be a bike night as well as live music. 
• On Saturday, there will be charity and craft stalls along with sports activities for the whole family, including traditional races as well as zorb football and silly sports.  
• On Sunday we will have vintage bikes on display.  

In addition there will be fairground rides, food and various live entertainment.  More information is available by calling 07725021725.

WILL BRIGG TRAFFIC LIGHTS MAKE THE CUT?

Brigg Blog has been sent this picture and alert relating to the changes just introduced on the A18: "The new traffic lights are still being set up, but isn't there an issue when travelling towards Lidl, in that the only ones visible at the Grammar School Road  junction are the red ones even if the straight-on ones are green? A bit of bush trimming may be needed!"

IS THIS A COO FOR BRIGG BLOG?

Are we the first to notice a decrease in pigeons in Brigg town centre?
We thought it was very quiet this morning as we walked from Old Courts Road, through to Wrawby Street and the Market Place.
Then we twigged that the now-familiar background noise afforded by the pigeon population was absent.
On two visits  we saw only a couple of birds in the Market Place and one in Wrawby Street.
There was also much less pigeon muck evident on the flagstones.

BRIGG CHARITY SHOP NEEDS VOLUNTEER HELP

The Oxfam shop on Wrawby Street, Brigg, says  it  desperately needs volunteers.

If you have a few hours a week you can spare, apply within.

Volunteers could help in the shop or take on  roles behind the scenes.

We are talking about the Oxfam shop, not the charity's book store further along the street.

BRIGG FAMILY FUN WEEKEND TO FEATURE FAIRGROUND

Fairground rides will be a feature of the family fun weekend being held in Brigg at the end of this month.
Brigg District Lions are staging the event over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from the  28th to the 30th.
The venue is Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School, off the A18, Wrawby Road.
The event will have a beer and cider festival, sports and games, live music and displays.

BRIGG SUMMER FAIR COMING UP

The Brigg Community Wellbeing Hub will be holding a summer fair on Tuesday (August 18) at the centre in Horstead Avenue, on the Springbank housing estate.
This event will run from 11am to 4pm and will feature live music, games, varied entertainment and a raffle.
Pop down and take a look - all welcome!

STEAM BUFFS SHOULD HEAD FOR BRIGG

The Oxfam Book Shop, in Wrawby Street, Brigg, likes to devote its front window to publications on the same topic which it has available for sale. 

At present the display is about steam locomotives, with many books and magazines on show.

Surviving Brigg trainspotters of the 1950s and 1960s are advised to don their anoraks and make for the shop without delay.

We can't say whether any of the books Oxfam is selling feature pictures of Grimsby fish trains chugging through Brigg station, but it's worth taking a look at the wide range of publications on show in the shop.

What excitement there was, circa 1964/5, when "a namer" came to shunt in Brigg and we spied it in the station. This was B1 4-6-0 No 61250 A. Harold Bibby. Initial locos in this class of loco built in the 1940s and 1950s were named after species of antelope, while others in the run honoured directors of the London North Eastern Railway. We are presuming "A. Harold" was one of their number.

Perhaps we should explain that engines carrying names were  more highly prized by trainspotters than those which just had numbers. 

WD class 2-8-0s and 9F 2-10-0s were often to be seen in Brigg prior to the demise of local steam in 1965/6. Members of those classes, and B1s, are bound to feature in some of the publications currently on sale at the Brigg charity shop.

More than 700 WDs worked on British Railways, together with 250 9Fs and 400-plus B1s.

BRIGG HOCKEY LONG AGO

The autumnal weather today would have been ideal for playing hockey on the old grass pitches at Brigg Recreation Ground - something that's now just a memory, as all the local club's games are played "away" on floodlit, artificial pitches - until the long-awaited redevelopment of The Rec takes place.
As the cricket season began to wind down, decades ago, Brigg Men's Hockey Club members eagerly awaited the arrival, in the post, of an envelope containing the green-covered fixture card for the new season.
In the 1980s the fixtures - certainly for the lower teams - were all friendlies. As time wore on, league matches took over, bit by bit, until all 5 XIs were playing for points.
Friendly opponents were usually played on the same Saturday each year. So Brigg would open, in September, against Nottingham teams like West Bridgeford and Notts Gregory.
We played them at home one year and then visited them the following season.
There were derby matches against Normanby Park, Lincoln and Roses (Gainsborough) - always keenly contested.
Grantham away, despite being in Lincolnshire, proved a lengthy drive, as did trips to Woodhall Spa, Horncastle and Alford.
There were Sunday friendlies against the likes of Appleby-Frodingham (Scunthorpe), Adel (Leeds) and Acomb (York).
After Sunday home games we retired to Brigg Town Football Club to consume crates of light ale.
Dear old Lenny Marshall, who umpired in a style all of his own, borrowed a phrase from another winter sport. What went on after the game had finished was apres hockey in Len's lingo, rather than apres ski.

LATEST NEWS FROM BRIGG & GOOLE MP ANDREW PERCY

In the latest issue of his online newsletter, Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy gives his views on the proposed arches for the courtyards in our town centre and gives an update on better mobile phone network coverage. View the newsletter through this link

BRIGG CHARITY BIKE RIDE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Support is needed for a sponsored bike ride which will start and finish in Brigg next month.
The event is in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action, a registered charity leading the fight against the fifth biggest cancer killer in the UK.
The ride will start from the Nelthorpe Arms pub, in Bridge Street, on Saturday, September 5 at 10.30am. It will visit Hibaldstow, South Kelsey and Howsham before returning to Brigg - a distance of about 16 miles.
To take part or offer support, contact Brigg's Andrew 'Sass' Markham on 07880348449 or visit www.justgiving.com/andrewmarkham2
There will be a launch event on Wednesday, August 25 at the Nelthorpe Arms (7pm) to which the Mayor has been invited.

BRIGG PLANNING MEETING REMINDER

Brigg Town Council's Planning &; Environment Committee will be meeting at the Angel Suite tomorrow (Wednesday, August 12) at 6.15pm. This meeting is open to interested members of the public.
If you are going along, use the Rotunda rear entrance, alongside the car park.
We'll find you a seat next to the Press bench!

KEEP KIDS SAFE NEAR WATER IN BRIGG

Brigg has the River Ancholme - Old and New - and several ponds. So a timely safety water safety warning  issued by North Lincolnshire Council is very relevant to our community.
Coun Rob Waltham, of Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health and Strategic Projects, said: “We want to ensure that people are aware of the dangers of open water so that they have a safe and happy summer. The figures for the number of deaths due to drowning are shocking. Water can often be taken for granted as people don’t always realise how dangerous it can be. But this figures show the stark reality. 
“We are encouraging people to follow the water safety tips to ensure they are safe this summer. Children playing in a swimming pool and the sea are often fond family memories; we want to make sure these stay happy memories. So please keep safe this summer.
“In North Lincolnshire there are many areas of open water, including the River Trent, River Ancholme and the River Humber, as well as a number of other lagoons. These are all wonderful places to visit, but we are urging people who plan to visit any of these areas to consider very carefully the dangers of swimming in open water.”
With many people jetting off on their holidays or having family days out during the summer holidays the council says it is raising awareness of the dangers of open water and urging people to keep safe. 
Most people, especially young children enjoy spending their time on a hot day near water - whether that is the sea, lakes, pools or ponds. 
Young children are particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents; in 2012 18 children under the age of 15 drowned in the UK. Among the 16 to 19 age group, 24 people drowned at sites including beaches, rivers, canals and lakes. 
Younger children between two and six years are particularly vulnerable to drowning in smaller bodies of water such as ponds and paddling pools. Between five and 10 children a year drown in a garden pond. 
The national figures may seem alarming, which is why the council is raising awareness of the dangers and providing tips on water safety to keep children and young people safe. 
Locally in North Lincolnshire since 2008 three children under 15 have died due to drowning. Although the local figures may seem low, it is three too many children. 
Children are fascinated by water – it’s fun, keeps them cool and is great exercise. Anyone can drown though and even the best supervisors and carers can get briefly distracted, and all it takes is three minutes face-down in water to drown.
If you have a pond and a toddler, the best thing to do is fill the pond in with sand to make a sand pit. Otherwise cover it with a substantial grille or put a fence around it.
If you are staying in a villa with a pool this summer check the following:

• Does the pool have a lifeguard or pool attendant? A pool attendant is only responsible for keeping the poolside clean, rather than ensuring safety in the water. 
• Does the pool have a barrier? Having a fence is particularly important at villas if you have younger children. 
• Open water is generally where older children and teenagers are most at risk, from features near to their homes, such as rivers, lakes, coastal water near to the shore. 

• Have an early conversation with them about how to stay safe and the risks of colder, open water.

Even the strongest swimmer can be affected by cold water shock that affects the ability to control breathing. It can lead to gasping, panic and in the worst cases – drowning. Cold water shock can start at 15 degrees Celsius and the average temperature of the sea around Britain is 12 degrees Celsius. 
“Outdoor swimming in cold water can quickly sap your body heat making your arms and legs get weaker which can make it difficult to get out of the water.” said Dr Faisel Baig, local GP and unplanned care lead for North Lincolnshire CCG. 
He continued: “It’s not advisable to jump into water of unknown temperature.  If it has been established that the water is safe to swim in, you are better wading in slowly. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, stay close to the shore and take warm clothes to put on afterwards as even in summer you will feel cold when you get out. Hypothermia isn’t just something that happens in the winter. Shivering and chattering teeth are one of the first signs this is happening so get out of the water as soon as you notice this and warm up.”
Further research shows that half of all water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve the use of alcohol. It is always best to avoid having alcoholic drinks while taking part in activities, such as swimming; this is a good place to start for ensuring a safe summer. 
Ensuring your child can swim is another great way to make sure they will be safe in and around water. Visit the council’s website for information on swimming lessons for your children: www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisurecentres

NF ADDS: Dr Baig's advice about hypothermia, shivering and chattering teeth will strike a chord with Brigg Grammar School pupils who were made to use the unheated swimming pool - even in September when the swallows were lining up on the telegraph wires in readiness for flying off to Africa for the winter!

BRIGG PRACTICE WELCOMES NEW DENTIST TO TEAM

Oasis Dental Care, on Dudley Road, Brigg, welcomes a new addition to their dental team, Dr Josephine Odozor.  

After months of advertising and searching to find the right applicant for their family-orientated practice, they found the perfect candidate in Dr Josephine.  

She has been on maternity leave for a couple of years caring for her family, but prior to this worked in one of their sister Oasis practices in Hull for 9 years. 

Dr Josephine has joined a very busy team and has now enabled the practice to re-open its books to new patients.  

Oasis Dental Care in Brigg unfortunately has a full NHS list but is committed to providing family care, as such it accepts all 18 years and under patients onto its books as NHS patients.  

 Any adults wishing to join are accepted onto the oasis Basics Scheme.  A fixed price private scheme (Examinations are £27.00 compared to NHS price of £18.80).  

Once on the practice list, when an NHS place becomes available patients will be converted to NHS.

If you need further information please contact: 01652 652070 or brigg@oasis-healthcare.com or visit the website http://www.oasisdentalcare.co.uk/practices/oasis-dental-care-brigg/

THIRD BRIGG RETAIL UNIT TAKEN

We were pleased to read a notice in the window of the vacant retail unit in Queen Street, Brigg, indicating that a business is soon to move in.
NFU and Co-operative Funeral Services are already using units fashioned from the former Coleman's Restaurant premises. 
From next month, Dream Doors will be open for business in the third unit, offering "new life for old kitchens" by replacing doors and worktops. Visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

BRIGG LIGHT STAYS BRIGHT IN DAYLIGHT

We thought they'd sorted the issue of lights staying on all day in Brigg Market Place but we clearly missed one, as this picture shows. The electricity bill could be reduced by a very small amount if the lamp didn't stay on while the sun is offering free illumination.

As they like to say at Tesco: Every little helps!

BACK TO SCHOOL IN BRIGG

The Oxfam shop, in Wrawby Street, Brigg, is advertising the availability of a large supply of Brigg Primary School uniforms.
When we started Brigg Grammar School, in 1967, a neighbour whose sons had completed their education, let mother have a few items we could use. They included a quality football shirt in quartered shades of blue. 
At the opening "games" lesson it became obvious that this style had been discountinued some years earlier, in favour of a more modern plain-blue shirt.
Anyone remember those quartered shirts? I kept mine for many years, to wear out of school. It  was much warmer than the T-shirt replacements.  Waste not, want not!

WISHING BRIGG TEACHER A LONG AND HAPPY RETIREMENT

Pat Neal (centre) on his last day after 40 years at The Vale Academy is pictured with Principal Nicola Williams (left of centre, who bade farewell, and with his tutor group.

Brigg Blog enjoyed reading the excellent Scunthorpe Telegraph article about Pat Neal, who has retired from his teaching post at the Vale Academy after 40 years.
A former town councillor, Pat will be a very hard act to follow at the school.
A former colleague from his early days at the Vale of Ancholme, Peter Thompson, said:
"Pat had a great sense of fun, something his students always recognised. Any who went on his 1980s camping weeks at Primrose Hill were always guaranteed lots of entertainment alongside their learning."
Brigg Blog wishes him well in a happy and well-earned retirement.
Read the online version of the Telegraph article here...
Our thanks go to Peter Thompson for supplying the picture, on behalf of the school.

BRIGG STATION YARD: WHAT'S THE BEST APPROACH?

During a recent Brigg Town Council meeting, Couns Rob Waltham and Carl Sherwood revealed that, as North Lincolnshire councillors, they follow up all reports made to them about litter and graffiti near Brigg railway station.
The Friends of the Brigg & Lincoln Lines Rail Group is pressing for improvements on what is council-owned land.
A spokesman for FoBLL described this area as "a wasteground"  with a number of issues, including fly-tipping and anti-social-behaviour.
The group feels it is unfair that the people it encourages to visit Brigg by train to support the town's local independent shops "keep seeing this eyesore" near the station.
The Friends are seeking local people's views. Get in touch via  thebrigglinegroup@gmail.com 
Older followers of Brigg Blog will recall the term "Station Approach" which described the road from Albert Street right through to the station buildings. There were still sidings then and a  good shed/depot.

BECOME A BRIGG LIVES FIRST RESPONDER

FROM SANDRA CLARVIS, ON FACEBOOK

Brigg LIVES First Responders are seeking new recruits in Brigg. If you are interested in becoming a responder or know someone who might be contact our HQ on 01507 525999 for more information. 
You need to be over 18 and have access to a vehicle and be capable of carrying the kit and performing CPR.
No previous experience necessary, full no cost training provided. Purely voluntary, all we ask is about 20 hours (more if you like) per month, times and days/nights to suit you.

BRIGG PUPILS KEEN TO 'TWEET' AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Around 1,200 school children from across North Lincolnshire, including a number from Brigg, turned out to the launch of Words Count, where award-winning children’s author and illustrator Nick Sharratt held a mass Draw Along.
The scheme that aims to encourage more people to read for pleasure launched at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Thursday 25 June.
All the schools that took part in the Draw Along were really positive about the event and said how much the children enjoyed learning about Nick Sharratt’s illustrations and the ideas behind them.
Jo Winter, Teacher at Brigg Primary School, said: "Our children loved the event and were keen to 'Tweet' Nick afterwards; they were even more excited that he replied to it! We used the characters created during the session (Buddy Bulldog and Bobby Bunny) in our own creative writing the following week - thank you for organising it all!"
Nick showed the children how he draws his popular illustrations, including the well-known character Tracey Beaker. The children were then asked to draw along and illustrated different book characters.
Erin Wilson-Clarke (15 years-old) from Outwood Academy Foxhills found the Draw Along session really fun. She said:  “It was great to see the illustrator Nick Sharratt who is the face behind these well-known illustrations. He made it fun and easy to follow his steps while drawing. I'd happily attend again if he were to do another.”
Nick also talked to the children about how enjoyable reading can be, saying: “The Words Count launch was fantastic. I had such a good couple of days and did all sorts of wonderful things - all of which are to celebrate reading and the pleasure of reading, which is a brilliant thing to concentrate on.”
Nick particularly enjoyed his visit to Leys Farm Junior School, where he viewed a delightful exhibition of the children’s work linked to one of Nick’s most popular stories called Daisy.
The video of Nick Sharratt’s visit to Scunthorpe is now available, including the Words Count launch and him opening Enderby Road Infant School’s new library. Take a look at the video on the council’s YouTube page:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8kaGyoIA4c&index=2&list=PL1VJQezw_fo1kX648VhKvMD9PRo9qYLrk.

Through Words Count, the council wants to encourage people of all ages to read more and reap the many benefits. Evidence suggests that by developing a whole community approach to literacy, this can make a real difference to people’s life chances and skills for future employability for those most at risk of social exclusion.
Words Count follows on from the very successful Dolly Parton Imagination Library project that has resulted in 80 per cent of North Lincolnshire families joining the scheme. Children aged nought to five are eligible for the scheme and those registered receive a free book each month through the post.
Low literacy levels makes individuals and communities more vulnerable to inequality. Also, the achievement gap between young people who receive free school meals and the rest of their peers in North Lincolnshire is significantly wider in comparison to other parts of the country.
For more details about Words Count, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/wordscount.
You can get involved in Words Count. The council is meeting with different organisations to gather ideas and suggestions for the campaign to reach and involve everybody working and living in North Lincolnshire. It would be fantastic to include your ideas and events in the Words Count programme. To share your ideas please contact Sandra Simmons, email: sandra.simmons@northlincs.gov.uk and Sarah Tipler, email: sarah.tipler@northlincs.gov.uk
Coun David Rose, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “The Words Count launch was a great success. It was wonderful to see so many school children from across North Lincolnshire taking part in the Draw Along with Nick Sharratt. It was such an honour to have Nick Sharratt return to Scunthorpe to launch this scheme – the children loved the interaction drawing along with him. We received some really positive feedback from the schools that took part.
“We want everyone to read more – not only that, we want them to enjoy doing it. You can learn so much from reading books and immerse yourself in great stories. Reading is really important, especially for children to ensure they get the best start in life.
“We want Words Count to make a real difference. The Imagination Library has already achieved great things; we are hoping Words Count can expand on this and get people of all ages reading.”

HEALTH MATTERS IN BRIGG

Health Place, Brigg - one the site of Glanford Hospital.

FROM THE NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COMMISSIONING GROUP, BASED AT HEALTH PLACE, WRAWBY ROAD, BRIGG

Health Matters 2; together we’re better!

Some things really matter to all of us and more than 90 people recently attended an event to help us improve or develop new health services in North Lincolnshire.

North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wants to make sure local people get more involved in their own wellbeing, whether it’s taking care of themselves so they can be healthier and feel better or having their say about how we design the care they and their families might need.

Health Matters 2 (this follows an event earlier this year) brought together a number of different local health and social care organisations to talk about some of their plans, answer questions and – most importantly – listen to people’s experiences and views.

Caroline Briggs, CCG Director of Commissioning, explained: “There was a real buzz at the event. It’s very exciting that people with lived experience of using the services we plan and design are willing to challenge us and explain why they think some things will work and other things won’t. We all know health funding isn’t keeping pace with demand and spending NHS money wisely on quality, fit-for-purpose services that we can keep providing for future generations has to be something that we are all involved in together.”

People were able to have their say on issues such as non-emergency patient transport services, talk to us about services we are planning to help people with health and mobility problems to live independently, mental health services, services delivered over seven days and how people with long term conditions such as chronic wounds/leg ulcers and respiratory conditions are supported. There was also an update on Healthy Lives, Healthy Futures, which is looking at how we can develop an improved health and wellbeing system across the whole of Northern Lincolnshire that can continue to deliver safe, quality and affordable services that are built around people, for years to come.

Healthwatch asked people about their experiences of accessing GP appointments in North Lincolnshire and there were also representatives from public health, the council’s adult services team, the carers advisory group, our local mental health trust (RDaSH) and the trust that runs Scunthorpe Hospital (NLaG) to talk about some of their plans and answer your questions.

If you were not able to attend the event, there are still plenty of ways to be involved in health and wellbeing in North Lincolnshire. 

One way is to become a member of Embrace, our patient network. 

To find out more you can ring 0300 3000 567 or visit our website http://www.northlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/embrace-patient-network/

5 NEW HOMES PLANNED FOR BRIGG

Planning permission to erect five dwellings and garages on land to the west of, Almond Grove, Brigg, is being sought by Shirecare Property Co Ltd, of Lincoln
The intention is to build two-storey family homes.
The site is close to the Donkey Field play area.
Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee will consider the application next week, after which the final decision will be made by North Lincolnshire planners.
In an early post we gave the agenda for the Planning & Environment Committee's meeting to be held on Wednesday, in the Angel Suite.

BRIGGSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 WILL BE FANSTASTIC

Brigg Town Business Partnership says the preparations for this years' Briggstock are well under way and is looking forward to another fantastic event.  
There will be busking stations at JD Wetherspoon's White Horse pub, in College Yard and Chapel Court, with the main stage being in the Market Place, together with a  BTBP stand.

LATEST BRIGG CRIME FIGURES

		There were four fewer crimes in Brigg during June than were recorded in May. The latesrt monthly "stats" have just been released by www.police.co.uk They show crimes reported within a mile radius of the police station in Barnard Avenue. Half the reported incidents were in, or close to, the town centre, four being in the Bigby Street/Cross Street area. It's good that the crime stats are made available online like this but we still believe there is a place for the traditional system when our local police inspector delivered a detailed, verbal report during a public meeting in the Angel Suite, when interested local people could ask questions, face to face. These sessions were stopped by the police a few years ago.

All crime		42
Anti-social behaviour		10
Bicycle theft		0
Burglary		8
Criminal damage and arson		5
Drugs		0
Other crime		1
Other theft		5
Possession of weapons		0
Public order		1
Robbery		0
Shoplifting		3
Theft from the person		0
Vehicle crime		6
Violence and sexual offences		3

You are welcome to visit https://www.police.uk/shape/ChzFpj/ for more information including outcomes for these crimes and contact information for your local policing team.