BEST BRIGG GARDENS & ALLOTMENTS OF 2018 TO BE REVEALED

The top gardens and allotments in Brigg during  will be revealed at a ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, September 1, 2018).
Brigg Town Council will be announcing the winners at the Angel Suite during a coffee morning hosted by Town Mayor Coun Donald Campbell, in aid of his appeal fund's chosen charity Pancreatic Cancer Action.
The event starts at 10am and the presentations are scheduled for 11am.
In addition to the presentation of trophies and certificates there will be a raffle, tombola, book stall, tea/coffee and cake.
This always proves to be a popular and well-attended annual event.
Brigg Blog will be in attendance to photograph the competition winners and runners-up.

PICTURED: Some of the 2017 competition award winners and runners-up with the then Town Mayor, Coun Sharon Riggall (centre).

BRIGG TASTES OF THE PAST: HOW MANY CAN YOU REMEMBER?

Do you recall the tastes of Brigg's decades ago?
Can you still savour the tang of Spring's lemon cheese (curd) and the marvellous marmalade made in the town's own factory close to the Old River Ancholme?
Festive seasons or special occasion today remind Brigg Blog of Turner's wonderful pork pies, made by the Queen Street butcher to a family recipe.
They were always a feature of our family's Christmas Day and Boxing Day tea 'spreads' in the 1960s and 1970s. We loved 'the jelly' beneath the crisp crust.
There was cheese from Instone's, on Wrawby Street, too.
Jack Waters, the butcher, provided the week's Sunday roast - always tasty - and the mince for stews and Cornish pasties on weekdays, plus the sliced bacon.
Melia's, in the Market Place, delivered the neatly-boxed grocery order every Thursday by van - and were glad to do so to ensure continued custom.
We tucked into Bowen's cream-filled meringues which were wonderful but soon made a hole in limited weekly pocket money, and the bake house's penny bread loaves - breakfast 'on the hoof' for many children on their way to school in the morning.
With inflation, what would they cost today if Bowen's was still trading?
These delights would be washed down with a glass of 'pop' from Laws - Lindsey Aerated Water Supplies, made at a factory near today's Springs Parade.
Sweets were bought from Mrs Gray's shop on Glebe Road, from Mike Tierney's on Wrawby Street, Jack Clark's Brigg Grammar School tuck shop, Ernie Robinson's general store on Grammar School Road and Lilley's (Springbank) depending on how far we ventured from home and whether there was cash in pocket.
Wine gums and other delights were weighed out from jars - a quarter (of a pound) being the standard measure.
Crisps were a childhood staple and gained in popularity once the standard salted variety had been expanded by flavours like chicken, salt & vinegar and smokey bacon.
Riley's (later Sooner's)  made theirs at a factory in Scunthorpe, while Golden Wonder and Smith's were also popular in Brigg.
Bags of chips were bought from Evy's shop on Glebe Road, with lashings of free salt and vinegar sprinkled on the top.
Sargeant's, of Hibaldstow, described its product as "delicious dairy ice cream" and had every justification in doing so. 
But when you'd dashed out of the house after hearing the bell heralding the ice cream van's arrival, did you have a cornet, a wafer sandwich or a tub? We always found cornets to be longer lasting.
PICTURED: Spring's marmalade and lemon cheese.

LINCOLNSHIRE LOOKING TO MATCH BRIGG TOWN BY SECURING CHAMPIONSHIP

Brigg Blog has been following the fortunes of Brigg Town Cricket Club with great interest this season and also our Lincolnshire county team, which does not get the publicity it deserves.
Brigg Town cricketers - back playing home games at the Recreation Ground - have already clinched the Lincolnshire League division four championship.
The Lincolnshire Minor Counties squad is looking to do likewise and will make the long trip north to Carlisle to face Cumberland in their final Unicorns Eastern Division match of the season, knowing that a victory (16 points) plus 3 or more bonus points will give them the Eastern Division title for the third successive year.
This feat has only been achieved once before, and that was by Staffordshire in 1991, 1992 and 1993.
The 3-day Cumberland v Lincolnshire fixture commences on Sunday, 2nd September (10.30 am start each day), and Lincs will select from the side that drew recently with Suffolk at Ipswich.
The Eastern Division winners will meet the Western Division champions in a four-day fixture at Banbury CC commencing on Sunday, 16th September.
Our thanks go to Chris Keywood, chairman of Lincolnshire County Cricket Club, for keeping us in the loop.
Years ago, Brigg Town played against Chris a number of times when he was with Lincoln club Hartsholme. We've kept in touch down the decades.
Brigg Town - pictured above in action at The Rec earlier this season -  is without a fixture tomorrow (Saturday, September 1).

LIVE MUSIC AT BRIGG VENUE THIS WEEKEND

 

There will be live music to enjoy in Brigg this weekend.
On Saturday evening, September 1, vocalist Jo Jo will be performing at The Woolpack, Market Place, from 8.30pm.
Taking you back in time, she sings well-known songs from the 1940s through to the present day.
No admission charge applies for music at the Woolpack.

MONSTER MIXED GRILL CHALLENGE ON THE MENU IN BRIGG

A monster challenge is being extended to food lovers in Brigg by the new couple in charge at one of the town's most historic town centre venues.
Mark Burns and Ellie Vickers have a whopping mixed grill on the menu at the Exchange Bar, on the ground floor of Brigg's only grade two star listed building, The Exchange Coach House Inn.
"It's such a big portion that surely no-one can finish it," says Mark. "You'd need two people to finish it all!"
The monster mixed grill costs £13.95p at a venue where Winston Churchill famously stayed during the Second World War, ahead of D-Day.
Anyone who manages to clear their plate will qualify to give the Prime Minister's famous 'V for Victory' salute by way of celebration!
Ellie is overseeing the food menu and offering a wide range of English and Thai dishes, including her renowned Thai green curry.
This proved particularly popular at the White Hart, on Bridge Street, Brigg, which the couple ran until very recently.
Mark and Ellie spent 20 months at the White Hart, recently sold by the brewery to a hospitality management company.
Mark is a very experienced licensee and once ran a night club in Harrogate.
At one time he had 26 pubs in his portfolio at the same time, which he leased to a team of managers.
Opening hours at the Exchange Bar -  offering a range of beers, wines and ciders - are noon to 11pm , Mondays to Thursdays; noon to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 10.30pm on Sundays.
Food - freshly prepared and sourced from local suppliers - will be available daily from noon to 3pm and between 6pm and 9pm.
Sunday roast lunches are on offer.
Live music will be provided as an added attraction at the Exchange, with details appearing on Brigg Blog.
Among bands already signed up are local Britpop specialists The Dirty Pitchers on Saturday, September 8, from 8.30pm.
There are also plans to add another pool team, playing on the table available within the bar area.
Mark and Ellie took over at the weekend, with Brigg Blog popping by on Saturday night to take pictures of them and  staff behind the bar.
The Exchange enjoys pedestrian access from Bigby Street and Wrawby Street (through the brick archway).
The food menu is now been finalised and will launch from September 5.

FOLK ASKED NOT TO FEED BREAD TO DUCKS AND SWANS IN BRIGG

 

The popular Brigg Matters glossy magazine has a campaign aimed at the many people who like to feed ducks and swans that live on the Old River Ancholme near the town centre.
The not-for-profit community publication's name is on distinctive signs fixed to riverside railings in support of the "initiative."
The message to the general public is: "Please do not feed ducks or swans with bread!"
The signs suggest that feeding large quantities of bread can stop these birds from eating a natural, balanced diet.
"White bread, in particular, has no real nutritional value, so while birds may find it tasty, the danger is that they will fill up on it instead of other foods that would be more beneficial to them," says the message on the signs.
"It can also cause disease, illnesses, deformities as well as algal blooms in the water."
People are being advised that they can make up their own mix of duck food using "natural treats" like oats, grapes, corn, cooked rice and de-frosted frozen peas.
The message advises: "You can purchase an approved mix of food from Brians DIY Store, 24 Wrawby Street, and  The Pet Shop, 58 Wrawby Street."
Over many years Brigg people will have seen many families with young children feeding ducks and swans close to the County Bridge, particularly at weekends. A number of senior citizens also give bread to the birds.
The next issue of Brigg Matters Magazine will be distributed free to households and businesses shortly.

PICTURED: Ducks and swans hoping to be fed on the Old River Ancholme in Brigg, and one of the new  signs advising people against feeding bread to  water birds.

LAST CHANCE FOR BRIGG AREA BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR GRANTS UP TO £80,000

Brigg councillor Rob Waltham is urging businesses in North Lincolnshire to apply for grants up to £80,000 - before it's too late.

FROM CHRIS O'ROURKE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Time is running out for rural businesses and farms to apply for grants of up to £80,000.
The LEADER scheme has transformed a number of Northern Lincolnshire businesses since it began three years ago.
Grants of between £2,500 and £80,000 are available to micro and small rural businesses, farmers wishing to diversify, tourism projects, community groups and foresters that are contributing to improving the local economy.
The last application deadline for the remaining £1million is 3 October 2018, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to benefit from the cash.
Arial Trail, based at the Pink Pig in Holme, North Lincolnshire, received nearly £40,000 to help set up their high ropes adventure business in 2016.
Owners Anthony and Denise Fowler, said: “We wouldn’t have got this idea off the ground without LEADER funding.”
The two, 18-element courses at Arial Trail see guests swinging through the trees just outside Scunthorpe. Arial Trail have welcomed over 1,500 customers in their two years, with three years olds to 87 year olds tackling the courses, which include two 100m zip lines.
Denise Fowler continued: “We’ve come a long way since Andy first had the idea in 2015. As well as the high ropes course, we have nature boards dotted around the woods to teach visitors about the birds that call the area home, and during our school visits we do history walks around the local area.
“We get a lot of repeat customers which we didn’t expect. I think it’s our unique, personal approach to the business that keeps people coming back and we love to hear what they’ve been up to.”
Anthony Fowler added: “The Business Development Team were fantastic. They really couldn’t do enough for us. I’ve never done anything as a businessman before and it’s been a steep learning curve; we wouldn’t have been able to get the funding without them!”
The Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Rob Waltham, encouraged other rural businesses to apply for the scheme before it’s too late.
“This is grant money – not a loan – and is there to help businesses innovate, create jobs and flourish,” Cllr Waltham said.
“Arial Trail is a great example of what is possible. The grant money has helped them build a terrific business, create six new jobs, and provide a boost to our visitor economy.
“Businesses such as this are vital in our rural communities. I’d encourage others to get in touch and let the council team guide you through the application process.
“If the money’s not bid for, then we will lose it next year and with it opportunities to transform our local businesses.”
Rural businesses in North and North East Lincolnshire can apply for grants of up to £80,000.
Find out how your business can benefit from LEADER funding; contact the team on leaderfunding@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297330.

PICTURED: the team at Arial Trail. From the left, owners Denise and Anthony Fowler  with two of their employees, Ellie and Ben, at the start of the course. Image supplied by North Lincolnshire Council.

BRIGG HOPING FOR BETTER DAYS AS SAD ANNIVERSARY DRAWS NEAR

There's a sad anniversary coming up in Brigg on a day when we should be celebrating all that's good about living in our part of the country.
Rail campaigner Paul Johnson has been in touch to remind us that October 1, 2018 will be the 25th anniversary of the withdrawal of seven-day-a-week train services on the Brigg line, also serving Kirton Lindsey and Barnetby.
Back in 1993 the railway authorities reduced the Brigg line to Saturdays only, in terms of passenger trains.
And despite prolonged campaigning for better services, no improvements have been forthcoming.
October 1 is Lincolnshire Day, when groups, organisations and individuals celebrate the county's culture, history, produce and achievements.
Lincolnshire flags are evident, flown by proud Yellowbellies.
One of them is pictured above in suburban Brigg.
Decades ago we used to take it for granted that our town station had trains seven days a week.
People crossed the old cast iron footbridge (now being restored on a heritage line in Yorkshire) and awaited a train to Retford, changing for services to northern cities or to head south to London.
All the station buildings are long gone but Brigg can still say it is on the passenger network, if only by virtue of three trains each way on a Saturday (to Sheffield Midland and Grimsby and Cleethorpes).
Paul Johnson also informs us that further industrial action by the RMT Union is planned for Saturdays over the coming weeks (up to September 29).
So be sure to check in advance with Northern, the train operator, if you are intending to make a journey along the ironic Brigg line.
You can call the company on  0800 200 60 60 (24-hour service).

Brigg railway station in the 1970s when trains still called seven days a week.

DOUBLE FUNDRAISING EFFORT IN BRIGG TO HELP WORTHY CAUSE

Two neighbouring Brigg town centre businesses will be fundraising for a local charity this Saturday (September 1).
Barton man Aaron Winstanley was diagnosed with a rare cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma - a soft tissue and bone cancer.
In support of  Aaron's Battle, The Bank Hairdressing, on Bigby Street, is running a 24-hour 'Hairathon'  from 9am on September 1 until 9am on Sunday.
There will be food, drink, entertainment and children’s activities, plus a luxury raffle (tickets £1 per strip).
Also on Saturday the Dying Gladiator pub  will be donating 10p from every drink sold during opening hours to Aaron's Battle.
Collection boxes will also be available for customers to give to this worthy cause - perhaps from their change after getting a round in (see picture above).
Find out more about Aaron's battle and how to donate online here...

BRIGG HELPED WAR EFFORT IN THE DAD'S ARMY ERA

Brigg Blog was watching one of the early episodes of Dad's Army on TV recently, being screened as part of  50th anniversary celebrations for this classic comedy series about the Second World War Home Guard.
Captain Mainwaring (played by the great Arthur Lowe) proudly informed the platoon that their town's fund established to pay for a  new Spitfire fighter aircraft now exceeded £3!
The cost of building one in 1940 was about £8,000. But back in those dark days of the war, everyone was keen to play a part, however insignificant it might seem.
That point would have been appreciated by viewers watching that episode of Dad's Army when it was first screened less than a quarter-of-a-century after the conflict.
Many communities raised money, in various ways, to help the war effort and to support those on active service.
Brigg was among them and the Dad's Army joke reminded us of the above picture that has come our way from the archive of the late Cliff Padley, of Scawby.
It shows Mr W. H. Webster, right, presenting a £50 cheque to Mr C. C. M. Taylor in aid of the RAF Pilots and Crews Fund, which had, by then, raised more than £3,000 for the cause. Mr Webster was a local Justice of the Peace (magistrate).
Spitfires flew from RAF Hibaldstow and Kirton Lindsey during the Second World War, and Brigg had its own Home Guard. Bombers were based at Elsham and Kirmington.

BRIGG TOWN CRICKETER'S BOWLING THE BEST IN THE LEAGUE

Brigg Town Cricket Club's Tom Brock, pictured above, returned the best bowling figures of the August bank holiday weekend in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, which has five divisions.
The honours list showing top performances with bat and ball has been compiled by league fixture secretary Glen Sands.
Tom Brock's effort against Haxey 2nds was the only seven-wicket haul of the day.

BOWLING
Tom Brock ( Brigg Town v Haxey 2nds ) DIV FOUR 7 for 16
Udi Sheikh ( Keelby 2nds v Scun Town 3rds ) DIV FOUR 6 for 21
Joe Taylor ( Hibaldstow v Scothern 2nds ) DIV TWO 6 for 29
Aaron Wilkinson ( Alford 2nds v East Halton ) DIV FOUR 6 for 39
Marc Foster ( Barton Town v Outcasts ) PREMIER 6 for 40
Jacob Render ( Alkborough v Nettleham ) PREMIER 6 for 66
James Pickering ( Lindum 2nds v Alkborough ) PREMIER 6 for 71
Dave Newman ( Haxey v Lindum 2nds ) PREMIER 5 for 22
Kris Hall ( Cleethorpes 4ths v Alkborough 2nds ) DIV THREE 5 for 23
Jason Roberts ( Hartsholme 2nds v HLC 2nds ) DIV TWO 5 for 27
Rishabh Gupta ( Lindum 3rds v Barton Town 2nds ) DIV THREE 5 for 28
Brett Fish ( Broughton v C Willingham 2nds ) DIV ONE 5 for 31
Richard Backhouse ( East Halton v Alford 2nds ) DIV FOUR 5 for 38 

BATTING
Aidan Jackson ( Normanby Park v Outcasts 2nds ) DIV TWO 135 no
Dan McCardell ( Nettleham v Alkborough ) PREMIER 122 no
Darryl Prendegast ( Lindum 3rds v Barton Town 2nds ) DIV THREE 99 no
James Barker ( Normanby Park v Outcasts 2nds ) DIV TWO 93 no
Dave Newman ( Haxey v Lindum 2nds ) PREMIER 88
John Medler ( Louth 2nds v Scun Town 2nds ) DIV ONE 81 no
Matthew Hodgkin ( Horncastle v Louth 3rds ) DIV FOUR 80
Matthew Lawson ( Messingham v Caistor Town ) PREMIER 75
Lee Coupland ( Cherry Willingham v M Rasen ) PREMIER 72
Suranga Perera ( Keelby 2nds v Scun Town 3rds ) DIV FOUR 70 no
Chris Kipling ( Barton Town v Outcasts ) PREMIER 69 no
Hugo Nilsson ( Lindum 3rds v Barton Town 2nds ) DIV THREE 69
Liam Scales ( M Rasen 2nds v Cleethorpes 2nds ) DIV ONE 66 no
Liam Redmond ( Brigg Town v Haxey 2nds ) DIV FOUR 66 not out
Oliver Tonks ( Haxey v Lindum 2nds ) PREMIER 66
Gareth Mellors ( Normanby Park v Outcasts 2nds ) DIV TWO 64
Ian Andrew ( Barton Town 2nds v Lindum 3rds ) DIV THREE 64
Will Carter ( Brace Heath 2nds v Scothern ) PREMIER 60
Sam Marshall ( HLC 2nds v Hartsholme 2nds ) DIV TWO 59
Neil Davies ( Market Rasen v C Will'ham ) PREMIER 57
Steve Scott ( Brace Heath 2nds v Scothern ) PREMIER 55 no
David Mansfield ( Cleethorpes 2nds v M Rasen 2nds ) DIV ONE 54 no
Max Taylor ( Cleethorpes 4ths v Alkboro 2nds ) DIV THREE 53 no
Jack Drury ( Barton Town v Outcasts ) PREMIER 53
Sam Baker ( Cleethorpes 4ths v Alkboro 2nds ) DIV THREE 52
Paul File ( Horncastle v Louth 3rds ) DIV FOUR 52
Tom Morris ( Clee Town Laportes v Broughton 2nds ) DIV THREE 52
Matthew Bell ( Brigg Town v Haxey 2nds ) DIV FOUR 51
George Luya ( Scun Town 3rds v Keelby 2nds ) DIV FOUR 50

BRIGG PROVES POPULAR - DAY AND NIGHT

August bank holiday Saturday 2018 saw many people visiting Brigg - from mid-morning, through the afternoon until late at night.
Surprisingly, a few of the stalls erected by North Lincolnshire Council for the monthly farmers' market  stayed empty.
However, those producers who did come to town to sell their wares direct to shoppers found plenty of takers (see picture below).
Decent weather certainly helped the turnout.
Some football fans wearing red attire were about the town centre, and we can only think they may have been supporters of Immingham Town, playing that afternoon against Brigg Town at The Hawthorns. Or perhaps fans of Barnsley who had come for a drink or two before doubling back to Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park. Barnsley FC supporters have often used Brigg as a watering hole in years gone by.
The Brigg Decathlon - an annual charity event which sees a group of young people visiting various  bars - was a feature of the evening.
They travelled through the town centre and we caught up with a few of them, late on, at the Britannia Inn (see picture above).
Congratulations to Brigg Town FC on their 5-1 win at The Hawthorns.
We met a few of the Zebras later but on Saturday afternoon chose to visit the nearby Recreation Ground to watch Brigg Town Cricket Club secure the championship by beating Haxey 2nds.
Brigg Town FC are now back playing in the Lincolnshire League.
So things have gone full circle for the Zebras, who many of us used to watch play in this competition in the late 1960s and early 1970s before they advanced several steps up what's  now called the football pyramid structure.
It's good to see some local lads appearing in the historic club's black and white strip these days.
We haven't managed to locate the crowd total for Brigg Town v Immingham, although extensive 'stats' from the game have been made public.
We think  it's a good idea to make known the crowd figures for each match.
Next time we bump into one of the directors we'll be dropping that into the conversation.
Just a reminder that the Zebras are at home to Spalding Development Squad this coming Saturday, September 1, kick-off 3pm.
The team will then be at home again on September 8, hosting Lincoln United Reserves.
It's going to be a long season for Brigg, whose final league match is scheduled for May 11, 2019.

BRIGG MUSIC NIGHT WITH A DIFFERENCE

Get your flat caps ready for a music night with a difference coming up in Brigg.
What's billed as a Peaky Blinders Night will be held at Brigg Servicemen's Club on Saturday, September 22, from 7.30pm (fancy dress optional)
It will feature live music from Royal Navy/Welsh Guard veterans.
Proceeds will go the Soldiers Off The Street  - a registered charity helping ex-service personnel.
Tickets cost £10, including pie & peas, and can be obtained from the bar at the club or on Thursdays at Brigg Library.

BRIGG ROADWORKS LIKELY TO CAUSE DELAYS FOR DRIVERS

Drivers may experience delays in Brigg due to roadworks planned over a six-day period.
Between Friday, August 31 and Thursday, September 6, Cadent - the gas network company - will be carrying out essential repair work on Grammar School Road, close to Springbank.
Temporary traffic controls will be operating.
Further roadworks are to take place in Wrawby - just beyond the Brigg boundary, on Wednesday, August 29.
Northern Powergrid is responsible for these roadworks affecting the A18 near Brickyard Lane, and temporary traffic lights with be employed.
Drivers are advised that delays are likely to result.
Between Monday and Wednesday, September 3 to 5, a section of footpath will be closed to pedestrians on Cary Lane, Brigg, while drainage work is carried out by North Lincolnshire Council.
This will take place near the Freemasons' Lodge, which is within the pedestrian area.

BRIGG SUGAR FACTORY REUNION 2018 ARRANGED

The annual reunion for former workers at Brigg Sugar Factory, which closed in the 1990s, is coming up.
It will be held on  Thursday, October 4 at Elsham Golf Club (meet at 12.30pm for a 1pm start).
Former employees and their partners are welcome to attend this now well-established annual get-together, which includes a meal.
For bookings and further details, telephone Pete Robins on 01652 653571 or Gordon Dobbs on 01652 688351.
In 1981 the local factory, opened in the 1920s, had a permanent workforce of 340, rising to 440 during a processing campaign lasting 120 days.

OYEZ! OYEZ! BRIGG ONCE HAD A TOWN CRIER

Brigg folk today tend to keep in touch with friends & family and and pick up news through social media networks, email, mobile phone messaging and the internet.
But things used to be very different years ago, and the interesting picture above shows John Guilliatt, of Brigg, who was a town crier.
For centuries they toured town and village streets, ringing a bell, proclaiming Oyez! Oyez! and shouting snippets of news to inform the general public of important events or achievements.
John was a member of the Salvation Army and has its motif on his sweater.
The date of the picture is not known, but it may have been taken in the late 1940s.
Sending letters and postcards was the most-used method when it came to keeping in touch years ago - before email and other technology became widespread.
The picture below - perhaps taken in the early 1950s - shows Brigg's new postmaster Mr W. Robinson, left, alongside Mr E. Rose, who was retiring from this important post, based at the town's Bigby Street Post Office.
That was built in the 1930s and offered a full counter service, today provided at the rear of Martin's shop on Wrawby Street, though letter-sorting and parcels are still carried out in the building on Bigby Street.

Both pictures come from the extensive collection of the late Cliff Padley and are among a number of images recently passed on to Brigg Blog.
Cliff grew up in Brigg and worked in the town as a printer and later as a newspaper reporter with the Star newspaper.
A keen supporter of Brigg Town Football Club, he lived in Scawby for many years prior to his death.
Following the death of a king or queen, a Proclamation Day is held with a representative of the local council being the central figure. When this last happened (in February 1952) the proclamation was read to assembled townsfolk by the chairman of Brigg Urban District Council. But for centuries before that, the town crier might well have played a  part when one monarch died and another succeeded to the throne.

BRIGG TOWN CELEBRATE CLINCHING THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Brigg Town cricketers are pictured above celebrating after clinching the championship yesterday (Saturday, August 25).
We caught up with some of the squad in the Britannia Inn - not their only port of call, we feel sure!
Brigg defeated second-placed Haxey 2nds by a wide margin to secure top spot for the 2018 season in division four of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, having already clinched promotion the previous week.
Liam Redmond and Matthew Bell both hit half-centuries, while Tom Brock took seven wickets in yesterday's match at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road.
It was Brigg's final division four home fixture of the campaign, and they won them all!
After opener Danny Bradley had made a fine 47 and Mark Dawson had chipped in 27, a 125-run partnership for the third wicket between Liam Redmond (66 not out) and Matthew Bell (51) put Brigg on the road to victory.
Experienced off-spinner Mark Atkins, the Haxey skipper, managed to dismiss Matthew, who has the highest batting average in the entire Lincolnshire League, across all five divisions, and then accounted for Brigg captain Nigel Beacock, to finish with creditable figures of two for 36 from 10 overs.
However, Brigg's 213 for five, made from the permitted 45 overs, set the visitors a daunting target.
Mark Atkins, who made 13, and opener James Percival, with 11, were the only visiting batsmen to make double figures in a total of 52.
They were bowled out in the 20th over, Tom Brock grabbing seven for 16 and opening partner Nick Beacock two for 14.
Twenty runs were added by the last Haxey pair before Liam Redmond came on with his off-spin to bowl the visiting skipper and set the scene for Brigg celebrations that went on long into the night.
Result: Brigg Town (20 pts) beat Haxey 2nds (2 pts) by 161 runs.
Umpire: Jim Balderson.
Match ball sponsor: The Lord Nelson Hotel, Brigg - mine host Richard Smith popping down to watch some of the match.
Brigg Town are without a fixture this coming Saturday and will complete their programme on September 8 with an away game at fourth-in-the-table Alford 2nds.
The second promotion place is still being contested by Haxey 2nds and East Halton, who both have three games to play.
Brigg have won 12 and lost one of their 13 league fixtures to collect 245 points out of a possible 260.

Applause for Matthew Bell after he had entertained the crowd with another half-century for Brigg Town at the Recreation Ground.

Liam Redmond's unbeaten 66 helped Brigg Town rattle up a big score.

Match ball sponsor Richard Smith, of the Lord Nelson, with Brigg Town captain Nigel Beacock, right.

The impressive community room at the Recreation Ground, awaiting tea being laid out for the Brigg Town and Haxey players. The room has a kitchen attached.

One of the boundary fielders posted by Haxey skipper Mark Atkins while he was bowling his off-spin.

BRIGG TOWN FC WIN WELL AT HOME

Helped by a hat-trick from Reece Moody, Brigg Town Football Club enjoyed a convincing 5-1 home win over Immingham Town at The Hawthorns yesterday (Saturday, August 25).
Having drawn their opening away game, Brigg are second in the table behind Cleethorpes Town Reserves who have won both their fixtures.
Brigg will entertain Spalding Development at The Hawthorns on Saturday, September 1 (3pm KO).
The EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League - sponsored by a Brigg company - kicks off a new season on Saturday.
Briggensians and Barnetby United are both without fixtures in division one, but Barnetby Reserves will be in action in the second division.
They will host Santon at the Silver Street ground (3pm start).
A recent charity match at The Hawthorns between Briggensians FC  and AFC Brigg raised £207 for the Lindsey Lodge Hospice.

BRIGG PREMISES GIVEN TOP RATING

North Lincolnshire Council food hygiene officers continue to carry out routine inspections at premises across the district.
One business within Brigg town centre was visited on Wednesday August 8, 2018, and rated by the local authority.
This inspection placed the Woolpack at 4 Market Place in the top category, awarding the premises five stars - "Very Good."
The Woolpack is a pub offering accommodation, and is also a live music venue.
The above picture of Brigg town centre is by Neil Stapleton.

5 NEW HOMES APPROVED FOR BRIGG AREA

Outline planning permission for five new homes in the Brigg area has been granted by North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee, comprising elected councillors.
The council approved an application to erect the detached dwellings (including demolition of an existing nursery building), with all matters reserved for subsequent approval, at Sturton Nurseries, Main Street, Sturton (within Scawby parish).
Scawby Parish Council objected, saying the proposed development "is currently outside the building development line."
However, council planning staff recommended granting permission, and the committee agreed.
A report prepared by staff for councillors to consider said: "The proposed development conflicts with some of the restrictive policies of the development plan due to the site being located outside defined development limits where residential development is not normally supported.
"However, the proposal is considered to constitute sustainable development which would make an important contribution towards meeting a proven shortfall in the provision of housing land within North Lincolnshire.
"Given the lack of a demonstrable five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, it is considered that the benefits of the proposed development, with regard to the delivery of housing and redevelopment of a commercial site located in a predominantly residential area, must be given significant weight in the planning balance."
The report said the  adverse impacts of the development were considered to be limited "and do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits."

BRIGG EXTENSION APPROVED

Planning permission to erect a single storey extension, including demolition of an existing conservatory, has been granted for a Brigg property.
North Lincolnshire Council  approved the application for 6 East Parade, having been told the  intention was to remove an existing wooden structure and add an  extension, alter the utility room and provide a shower room.
Brigg Town Council supported this application.
Agent for the successful applicant was a building company based in Barnetby.

BRIGG MARINA WILL HELP LINCOLNSHIRE TOURISM BOOM

Many people are showing interest in the ambitious Brigg Marina project, with well-equipped luxury holiday lodges, whose first phase, off Mill Lane, is nearing completion. This will give a very welcome boost to local tourism.
Since Brigg Blog gave an in-depth and illustrated progress report on this project, Lincolnshire County Council has  issued new figures showing that, in  2017, the county attracted more than 20 million visitors – a 3 per cent rise on the previous year.
The value of Lincolnshire's tourism industry increased by a further 7.3 per cent, reaching £1.47bn in 2017.
Coun Colin Davie, Lincolnshire County Council's Executive Member for Economy and Place, said: "Tourism is a key industry for the county economy, employing around 19,500 people.
"We're working hard to attract even more visitors, and over the last couple of years we've dramatically improved what we have to offer.
"As a result, not only has the number of day-visitors increased by around 450,000, the number of people staying for longer has increased by around 160,000 too, a 5 per cent rise.
"And although August remains our busiest month, October and March have seen the largest increases in visitor numbers."
The figures quoted by the county council were produced by Global Tourism Solutions.
Brigg has an award-winning Tourist Information Centre, in the Buttercross, offering leaflets and advice to  those who visit our town centre. The TIC is operated by North Lincolnshire Council.

WRAWBY WINDMILL OPEN DAY COMING UP

Historic Wrawby Windmill has a open day coming up on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27, 2018.
Located just a short distance from Brigg, the restored 18th century landmark postmill will be open to the public between 1pm and 5pm.
As well as fantastic views, visitors can enjoy refreshments and there will be activity packs for children.
Admission on Monday is free - donations welcome.
The mill is close to the A18 - postcode DN20 8SR.
Read more about Wrawby mill here...

ON THE WAITING LIST: NEW BRIGG HOMES & BUILDING'S DEMOLITION

A Brigg planning application seeking permission to build 67 new dwellings with garages is still awaiting a decision from North Lincolnshire Council after 12 months.
The scheme to build on the former Falcon Cycles factory site, off Bridge Street, was given a "valid date" of August 22, 2017 by the local authority.
The application had been submitted to the council three weeks earlier on behalf of local firm CLS Civil Engineering Ltd.
A number of other local topics mentioned on our blog over recent months also await resolution. They will be on someone in authority's "to do" list, we feel sure.

• Weeks after top dressing various streets on the St Helen's housing estate, the road markings have yet to be repainted.
• The market stalls storage building on Cary Lane still awaits demolition, for which planning permission was granted many months ago.
• The weather vane on the top of the landmark Buttercross in the Market Place - taken down after sustaining damage during high winds - has yet to be reinstated.

Other planning applications awaiting decisions include:

• Erect a detached two-storey dwelling on land adjacent Cemetery Lodge, 30 Wrawby Road (valid date June 6, 2018).
• Proposed link road for land to the east of Atherton Way (March 26, 2018).
• Outline application for residential development, with all matters reserved, Plot 3 Atherton Way (October 26, 2017).
• Erect three dwellings to the rear of 53 Wrawby Street, alongside Cross Street (June 29, 2017).

The agenda for the next meeting of North Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee, to be held on September 5, has yet to be made public.
Perhaps one, or more, of these Brigg applications will be listed for consideration.

The above picture of Brigg is by Neil Stapleton.

Awaiting demolition: The market stall storage building on Cary Lane. Early in July a spokesperson for the local authority told Brigg Blog: "Before we go ahead with the demolition of the market storage unit on Cary Lane, we are making sure plans are in place for the future use of the land."

 

Land behind 53 Wrawby Street, where an application has been made to erect three dwellings.

BRIGG TOWN LOOKING TO SECURE THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Brigg Town cricketers have a very important home match coming up at the Recreation Ground tomorrow (Saturday, August 25).
Bidding to secure the championship in Lincolnshire County Cricket League division four, leaders Brigg entertain second-in-the-table Haxey 2nds (1pm start).
Victory tomorrow will mean that Brigg collect the coveted green and yellow championship pennant, and more importantly can look forward to playing higher grade cricket next season, in division three.
This has been Brigg Town's first season back playing home games at The Rec, which has been extensively refurbished by North Lincolnshire Council.
For some years the town club had to use 'guest' grounds at Hibaldstow, Brocklesby Park and Keelby.
This has proved to be a very fine and enjoyable season for Brigg. 
After tomorrow's game against Haxey, Brigg have only one remaining league match - away to Alford 2nds on Saturday, September 8.

FIXTURES - SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
PREMIER DIVISION
Barton Town v Outcasts
Bracebridge Heath 2nds v Scothern
Cherry Willingham v Market Rasen
Haxey v Lindum 2nds
Messingham v Caistor
Nettleham v Alkborough

DIVISION ONE
Broughton v Cherry Willingham 2nds
Louth 2nds v Scunthorpe Town 2nds
Market Rasen 2nds v Cleethorpes 2nds

DIVISION TWO
Caistor 2nds v Old Lincolnians
Holton-le-Clay 2nds v Hartsholme 2nds
Outcasts 2nds v Normanby Park
Scothern 2nds v Hibaldstow

DIVISION THREE
Alkborough 2nds v Cleethorpes 4tsh
Clee Town Laportes v Broughton 2nds
Lindum 3rds v Barton Town 2nds

DIVISION FOUR
Alford 2nds v East Halton
Brigg Town v Haxey 2nds
Horncastle v Louth 3rds
Scunthorpe Town 3rds v Keelby 2nds (at Hibaldstow)

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY, AUGUST 27
DIVISION TWO
Cleethorpes 3rds v Grimsby Town 2nds (at Chichester Road)

Premier division games start at 12.30pm; matches in all other sections commence at 1pm.