BRIGG VICTORY LUNCHEON HELD TO HONOUR THE TOWN'S HEROES

Following on from our recent post about the refurbishment of the Monument war memorial in Brigg, here's an interesting 'find' from our family archive.
It shows the invitation extended to Sgt Charles Taylor, of Brigg, to attend a luncheon held only a few weeks after the Monument's dedication ceremony which took place on Sunday, June 15, 1919.
The Monument remembered 'the fallen' who gave their lives for their country, while the Brigg Peace Celebrations victory luncheon a few weeks later thanked those who served in the forces, survived the conflict and returned home.
It was held at the Angel Hotel on Saturday, July 19, 1919 "in honour of our heroes" by a grateful town during the era of Brigg Urban District Council.
Charles served with the Lincolnshire Regiment during the First World War and was wounded in action just a few days before his 21st birthday.
At that time he lived in Happy Land, off Bridge Street, and we also have a copy of an official letter sent to his mother to report the fact.
He was then recovering in hospital from a head wound and was subsequently able to return to active service, being demobbed in 1919.
Many other Brigg veterans were at this function 99 years ago, but is this the only invitation to survive?
Born in 1896 and considered too old for the army during the Second World War, he was a sergeant with Brigg's Home Guard. By then he was living on Hawthorn Avenue.
We have forwarded the above to Brigg Town Council, which today oversees the Monument and organises the annual Remembrance Day ceremony and parade.
Hopefully, next year will see an event held to commemorate the Monument's 100th anniversary and perhaps the Brigg Peace Celebrations victory luncheon.
Brigg no longer has the Angel Hotel where the original function was held, but we do have the Angel Suite community venue - fashioned from the hotel's former ballroom where the 1919 luncheon was probably hosted.
Brigg Urban District Council provided local government in Brigg from 1894 until 1974 when Brigg Town Council was formed.