BRIGG BLOG'S NEW YEAR'S EVE PUBS & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Brigg pubs will be very busy tonight (Monday, December 31) as people venture out on New Year's Eve to bid farewell to 2018 and welcome in 2019.
Those who regularly patronise town centre bars will be joined by many who do so infrequently and a few we only see out and about in pubs on New Year's Eve.
Some licensed premises will be offering musical entertainment tonight, ranging from paid performers to disco and open mic/karaoke sessions.
In the hours leading up to midnight there's plenty of opportunity to visit a range of bars, though some regulars will be happy to stay put in their favoured watering holes.
At the Exchange Bar, Trevor Leeson - singer/guitarist, formerly of The Merseybeats Band - will provide live music. Pedestrian access to the Exchange is available from Bigby Street and also Wrawby Street (through the archway).
The Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street, will be staging a disco and karaoke from 7.30pm.
At the Stables Bar adjoining the Dying Gladiator, on Bigby Street, there will be party tunes, a sing-along session and the big countdown to 2019's arrival to watch on screen.
Brigg Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, has an Abba Tribute band performing, and the concert is already a sell-out success.
Among the busiest bars will be The Craft Union's Black Bull and Wetherspoon's White Horse, both on Wrawby Street; Old Mill Brewery's Lord Nelson and Star & Bars' Woolpack in the Market Place; plus Lincolnshire Craft Beers' Yarborough Hunt, on Bridge Street.
Away from the town centre, Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns Bar, off Hawthorn Avenue, is hosting a family disco featuring top tunes from the 1960s onwards. This will get under way around 7pm and a firework display is planned. All are welcome to attend.
For the benefit of out-of-towners coming to Brigg to see in the New Year and infrequent visitors to local licensed premises, please note that the White Hart is currently shut for refurbishment, while the Nelthorpe Arms - also on Bridge Street - closed for good in May this year.
With all that drink being consumed, there will be considerable demand for fast food tonight - making it a very busy one for Brigg's takeaway establishments.

SPECIAL NEW YEAR 2019 OFFER FOR BRIGG FOLK LOOKING TO GET FIT

Many folk in the Brigg area will be making New Year resolutions to change their lives for the better. Getting fit will feature in many people's thoughts during 2019, so this money-saving offer is timely...

FROM CHRIS O'ROURKE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Join a North Lincolnshire Council gym between 2 and 14 January 2019 and get one month free and pay no joining fee – saving you up to £55.
Kick-start your New Year’s resolution and get fit in 2019 with this fantastic offer on committed fitness or swim only memberships.
Join after 14 January, but before 31 January, and still get one month free, and pay the usual £20 joining fee. All vouchers for a free month are valid after completing 12 payments.
The membership offer is available all the council’s leisure centres:
Ancholme Leisure Centre, Scawby Brook, near Brigg
Axholme North Leisure Centre, Crowle
Baysgarth Leisure Centre, Barton upon Humber
Epworth Leisure Centre
Riddings Pool, Scunthorpe
The Pods, Scunthorpe
Winterton Gym
For more details about all the different types of memberships available, and prices, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/membership
Terms and conditions apply; speak to your local leisure centre for more details.
The offer also applies to committed gym only memberships at Winterton Gym.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member responsible for leisure on North Lincolnshire Council, said: “After the Christmas festivities, many of us are looking to start 2019 as we mean to go on, with a focus on our health and well-being. What better time to take advantage of this fantastic fitness offer, save yourself up to £55, and stay fit and active into the New Year.
“We’ve recently opened the new Axholme North Leisure Centre in Crowle, so gym members in North Lincolnshire are benefiting from even more facilities on their doorstep.”
Full details of what’s on offer at the leisure centres, and timetables of group fitness classes and swimming sessions, can be found on the council’s website at www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisure

SERVICE TO BE HELD AT THE TREE OF LIGHT IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

The Brigg Tree of Light 2018, which has stood proudly in the town centre before, during and after Christmas, will be decommissioned on Saturday (January 5).
An informal service will be held around the tree, in Chapel Court, at 3pm and local people are very welcome to attend.
Chapel Court is close to the town's main Old Courts Road car park.
On the tree's branches are messages posted in memory of friends and family members who have passed away.
Names from the book of remembrance will be read out at the service and the tree lights switched off.
After this has taken place, winners of the Christmas raffle will be announced, Brigg Town Business Partnership tells us.
Raffle tickets and memory cards will be available for sale at local shops until Thursday (January 3). To find out more, email briggisbest@gmail.com

INTERESTING BRIGG AREA FOOTBALL DERBY COMING UP

Brigg Blog's recent post about a real decline in the amount of football now being played over the Christmas period was supported by events on Saturday (December 29).
There was only one scheduled game in the entire EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League, but it didn't take place.
Hibaldstow Wanderers found they were unable to field a team for the division two home fixture with Sherpa, which had to be postponed.
Hopefully, things will return to normal this Saturday (January 5) when all games kick off at 2pm.
A full fixture list is planned, with three sides from Brigg and district in action.
In division one, Briggensians visit College Wanderers while Barnetby United will be away to bottom-placed Crosby Colts.
Division two provides a Brigg area local derby between unbeaten leaders Barnetby United Reserves and Hibaldstow Wanderers at Silver Street.
Brigg Town FC return to duty on Saturday, January 5 with a Lincolnshire Junior Cup quarter-final against Scunthorpe side Appleby-Frodingham.
Brigg will visit Immingham Town on January 12 and the next home league match at The Hawthorns is not until Saturday, January 19 when Lincoln team Ruston Sports provide the opposition.
Brigg are second in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League but have two games in hand on leaders Gainsborough Trinity Reserves.
Read our post about the days when sport flourished in the Brigg area over the Christmas period here...
PICTURED ABOVE: A match last year at Barnetby United's Silver Street ground, when Briggensians were the visitors.

IMPORTANT REMINDER THAT BRIGG HOUSEHOLDERS NEED TO PUT THEIR WASTE BINS AND BOXES OUT FOR COLLECTION

Just a final but very important reminder to Brigg households about putting their bins and boxes out to be emptied.
Instead of coming to town to make collections on Tuesday, the council will instead be calling tomorrow - Monday, December 31.
Crews will be emptying your general waste wheelie bins and collecting cans, bottles and newspapers for recycling. If you have a textiles bag, they'll also empty that tomorrow.
Be sure to put your bins out in good time (tonight or very early tomorrow morning) and spare a thought for the hard-working crews who will have mountains of stuff to collect post-Christmas.
The next collection of burgundy bins, containing plastic and cardboard for recycling, will take place in Brigg on Tuesday, January 8.

BRIGG BLOG'S REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2018 - HIGHLIGHTS AND A FEW LOW POINTS

Brigg Blog brought its valued readers almost 1,400 posts during 2018 - our 11th year providing news and views about the historic market town and communities nearby.
Our aim is three new items of content daily, as regular followers will be aware.
Four stories in 2018 proved so popular that they made it into our all-time top 10 most viewed posts.
They were one in May about local roadworks, and another in June confirming Aldi's commitment to build a new Brigg store.
Our feature about the Brigg Marina holiday complex taking shape and another about the new menu on offer at the Exchange Coach House in August, also made it into the top rankings.
All-time page views passed the 1.5 million mark during 2018.
July proved to be the most productive month of the year for posts with 141 - reflecting just how much was going on locally.
The new X4 (express) Brigg-Scunthorpe bus service was introduced by Ashby-based Hornsbys midway through the year, while people enjoyed summer favourites like Brigg Horse Fair and Brigg Bike Night.
Throughout the year we continued to press for Brigg to see an improved passenger train service, but without success.

In October we joined other campaigners on Brigg station to record the 25th anniversary of our town losing its Monday to Friday passenger service - cut back in 1993 to Saturdays only, and still like that today!
However, we particularly enjoyed making our first bus ride since the 1960s from Brigg to Lincoln - courtesy of Dent's Fridays-only service, which took us through many villages close to the A15, including Snitterby, Waddingham and Glentham. There some interesting views from the top of the double-decker as it negotiated rural Lincolnshire's leafy lanes.
Sadly, late spring saw last orders called for the last time at our historic Nelthorpe Arms pub, on Bridge Street. But - on the plus side - the Lord Nelson Hotel, in the Market Place, completed its refurbishment programme, while the new Stables Bar opened in the former restaurant building adjoining The Dying Gladiator.
The Black Bull, on Wrawby Street, reopened in April under new owners.
We've reported on Brigg Town Council meetings throughout the year - always a major source of news - but continue to be surprised that more members of the public do not attend sessions, details always being given in advance on this site.
On the sporting front we've been delighted to report on-the-field success for Brigg Town Cricket Club and (since September) Brigg Town Football Club, and to see Ancholme Rowing Club, based on Manley Gardens, celebrate its 150th anniversary.
Brigg Hockey Club and the cricketers have made good use of the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road, lavishly refurbished by North Lincolnshire Council.
Sportsmen and women in Brigg can now take real pride in welcoming visiting teams to these facilities, with the community room and changing accommodation being among the best to be found anywhere in the region.
We have diligently publicised all the monthly Brigg farmers' markets organised by North Lincolnshire Council during the year, hoping that online publicity will help attract more people to visit our town.
Brigg can feel proud of the dignified way in which it marked the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent in the First World War.
The Monument war memorial was refurbished, a poppy cascade was created on the Angel building and Brigg folk of all ages turned out in numbers on Remembrance Sunday to remember The Fallen.
November 30 saw the town's best-attended spectator event - the switch-on of the Christmas lights, accompanied by Brigg District Lions' festive fair and late night shopping.
December saw the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) officially open the Vale Academy's new building, off Atherton Way.
Go-ahead Brigg Town Business Partnership's varied events arranged to promote the town have been covered in detail throughout 2018.
Brigg Blog would like to end the year by passing on sincere thanks to all the people who have contributed news, views and images to our site during 2018.
Particular thanks must go to Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters Magazine, for coverage of events we couldn't get to, and the Town Council for valued support throughout the year - plus the many licensees whose premises we have visited and tried our best to help with publicity during 2018.
Neil Stapleton's unusual bird's eye views of Brigg - examples here - continue to be well received.
Last but by no means least, Brigg Blog also wishes to thank all the people, locally and across the world, who continue to visit our site.
We hope that 2019 proves to be a good one for you and look forward to bringing you more news about Brigg next year.

DELVING INTO THE HISTORY OF BRIGG SUGAR FACTORY

An appeal has been made for old pictures featuring Brigg Sugar Factory and those who worked there.
It was a major local employer, opening in the late 1920s and closing during the early 1990s.
Hilary Kemp, who lives in Hertfordshire, has contacted Brigg Blog by email to see whether any of our followers can help her with suitable pictures from the past.
She is trying to collate a history and collection of photos for her dad James Kemp (born 1935) who spent much of his childhood at the sugar factory during the Second World War when it performed a vital wartime role supplying sugar for the UK population.
James's father (Lionel Bertie Kemp) was foreman at the factory.
James was a keen cricketer - playing in local teams from an early age until he left to go to Manchester University.
He studied geography and we believe he wrote a dissertation about the UK sugar beet industry.
If you have factory-related pictures or information that might be of interest to Hilary, please email hillskemp@gmail.com

BRIGG CAN DO WITH A NEW YEAR CHANGE

Christmas is a season of goodwill to all men (and women, of course). But those people who turned up with Christmas sacks full of cans at one of the recycling centres in Brigg over the festive period might beg to differ.
For the lids on both the can recycling bins on the edge of the Old Courts Road car park were locked down. And that meant that rather than merely lifting the top and tipping in dustbin bags filled with cans, these had to be fed into the side slots - two by two.
With the dregs from the cans running down sleeves, this was not guaranteed to put recycling-conscious types in the festive mood.
Sometimes there's a nice surprise for those who visit the Old Courts Road recycling facility; they find the large bins ARE unlocked.
What we can't work out is why, if it's OK to leave them unfastened some of the time, this is not ALWAYS the case.
Brigg Blog has drawn attention to this issue previously, but no change of policy has been instigated.
It would not cost the authorities a penny of public money to leave the bins unlocked, but this would help encourage recycling. For this needs to be made as easy, simple and QUICK as possible.
So how about a slight change in procedures for the New Year?
 
Please remember that MONDAY, December 31 (rather than Tuesday, January 1, 2019) will see the next household collection made from Brigg properties by North Lincolnshire Council. The crews will be emptying our general waste wheelie bins, recycling boxes containing glass, cans and paper, plus bags of textiles.
 

Can re-cycling bins locked in Brigg on December 27, 2018 meaning people cannot tip in sacks full of cans but have to feed them in two by two

FOOD HYGIENE: TESCO STORE IN BRIGG AMONG EIGHT BUSINESSES RATED BY INSPECTORS

North Lincolnshire Council continues to undertake routine food hygiene inspections at premises across its area.
Eight in Brigg and district - including the town's Tesco store - have recently been rated by the local authority.
We are pleased to report that they all received the top ranking - five stars for being "very good." So congratulations to...
Tesco Superstore, Barnard Avenue, Brigg
Castlethorpe Nursing Home, Castlethorpe.
One Stop Shop, Victoria Road, Barnetby.
Paul Wilson Fruit and Veg, Pelham View, Hibaldstow.
Barnetby Central Bowls Club Pavilion, Silver Street Playing Field, Barnetby.
Bonby Pre-School, Worlaby Primary School, Low Road, Worlaby.
Wrawby Under 5s, Wrawby Church of England Primary School, Vicarage Avenue, Wrawby.
Barnetby Under 5s Pre-School, Village Hall, Barnetby.

VIEW BRIGG BLOG'S FAVOURITE 30 PICTURES FROM 2018 - WEATHER, SPORT, PUBS AND NEWS

Brigg Blog took scores of pictures during 2018, many of them appearing on this website which always includes at least one image with each post.
We've looked through our back catalogue and chosen these 30 for a variety of reasons.
PUBS: We recall Brigg Beer Festival 2018, the relaunch of the Black Bull, the new Stables Bar opening, some good nights enjoyed in bars like the Lord Nelson, the Britannia and the Exchange, but the sad closure of the Nelthorpe Arms.
SPORT: The Adrian Gibbons memorial football match in aid of charity was staged at Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground, while Brigg Town Cricket Club won their division, losing only one game.
ANNUAL FAVOURITES: We recall August's Brigg Horse Fair, the Brigg Live Arts Festival, the Christmas lights switch on, the Brigg Poppy 10k and Military Challenge race, the Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon and the colourful Blessing of the Pumps.
THE WEATHER: The Beast from the East brought snow early in the year (see picture above taken in Brigg town centre by Ken Harrison) but the summer proved to be one of the hottest in living memory, peaking perhaps on the day of the Jerry Green Open Day at the Broughton dog sanctuary that we attended one Sunday in July. It was a scorcher!
THE UNUSUAL: The circus came to town at Brigg Recreation Ground and the town also saw a cavalcade of scooter riders, recalling the era of the Mods in the 1960s.

Emma Coaker, landlady of the Black Bull pub in Brigg when it reopened in April 2018 after refurbishment by the new owners

Raising a glass to the success of Brigg Bike Night 2018 near the Yarborough Hunt pub from where this well-attended event was organised

A steed being ridden at Brigg Horse Fair 2018, held on Station Road

Renowned Scunthorpe pantomime performer Annie Fanny entertaining the crowd at the Brigg Christmas lights switch-on 2018 ceremony, with Brigg Town Mayor Coun Donald Campbell (left) enjoying the fun

A competitor in the Keyo Brigg Sprint Triathlon 2018 - held in September - does his Sir Mo Farah impression during the 10k section on Cadney Road

Brigg Town Mayor Coun Donald Campbell applauding competitors in the Brigg Poppy 10k 2018 running race - held in October - as they approach the finishing line

Service veterans proudly wearing their medals in Brigg town centre on Remembrance Sunday 2018

The Adrian Gibbons 2018 memorial football match under way at Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground. The teams were playing for this trophy, remembering the renowned local teacher and footballer. This game is now an established annual event

Scott Mitchell, left, behind the bar at Brigg Beer Festival 2018

The 2018 Briggensians' Association dinner at Elsham Golf Club went ahead, despite snowy weather in March

One of the Brigg Hockey Club teams (green shirts) in action on the floodlit 'Blue Astro' pitch at the town's Recreation Ground

Brigg in Bloom 2018 added floral colour throughout the town centre and beyond

Dancing in the streets formed part of the Brigg Live Arts Festival 2018

This Poppy Cascade at the entrance to the Angel building was one way in which Brigg marked the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent in the First World War

Tom Brock fielding for Brigg Town Cricket Club during one of its 2018 home games at the Recreation Ground. Town had a top season, topping the table in division four of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League to gain promotion

A Grim Reaper moment on Brigg railway station to mark the 25th anniversary in 2018 of the death of the town's Monday to Friday passenger train service -  reduced to Saturdays only

Britannia Inn landlord Shane Garrett with customer Gemma Chelton at a Christmas 2018 event held at the Wrawby Street hostelry on December 22

A circus came to Brigg during 2018 - a rare event at the Recreation Ground

People taking to the dance floor at the Exchange in Brigg as local band The Dirty Pitchers provide the music

Former Brigg & Goole MP, Ian Cawsey, judging the dog show at Jerry Green's sanctuary  near Broughton on a very hot Sunday in July 2018

Lee Fielden with the cake presented to him in 2018 to mark his 500th game as manager of Barnetby United Football Club

A sad moment in May 2018 - the last night of the Nelthorpe Arms pub in Brigg before it closed to be turned over to purely residential use. This was Brigg Blog's last pint at the town centre hostelry!

Staff at Orchard Court in Brigg celebrating the care home being graded one of the best in the country following an official inspection

Some of those who took part in the annual Blessing of the Pumps ceremony in Brigg town centre where two of the old cast iron water suppliers have been preserved

Memories of the 1960s "Mods" era in May 2018 on the A18 in Brigg as a large group of scooter riders roared through on their way to a rally on the coast

Opening night at the new Stables Bar in Brigg town centre during 2018

Brigg couple Joan and Keith Smith celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 at the refurbished Lord Nelson Hotel in Brigg, with music from the Ancholme Jazz Band

Hardy shoppers in Brigg during a spell of snowy weather in 2018

Enjoying a Christmas 2018 music night at the Stables Bar in Brigg

LIVE MUSIC SHOWS TO ENJOY IN BRIGG AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES

Male vocalist Noz will be performing at a Brigg town centre venue this weekend.
On the evening of Saturday, December 29 he will be making a welcome return to the Woolpack, in the Market Place.
On New Year's Eve (Monday December 31) Trevor Leeson, singer/guitarist - formerly of The Merseybeats Band - will be performing at the Exchange, on Bigby Street.
Brigg Servicemen's Club, on Coney Court, reports that the Abbaholics' concert on December 31 is already sold out!

COULD BUS SERVICES IN BRIGG BE EXTENDED?

Is there a case for extending a Brigg bus service by adding more stopping and pick-up points?
The 91 service - operated by Hornsbys - is a lifeline for many Brigg folk who are elderly or who have mobility issues.
It runs from Cary Lane to serve the Springbank, Newlands and St Helen's housing estates on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
But Brigg Blog wonders whether it might also drop off and pick up at the designated area outside the entrance to the Tesco store.
This would mean that shoppers with mobility issues do not have to cross Cary Lane and then use the stretches of footpath skirting the car park.
In addition, once Brigg Marina's holiday lodges start drawing large numbers of tourists to the town, would it be worth adding the facility off Mill Lane to one of the existing bus routes?
For the benefit of Brigg folk who might not have used the 91 Town Service before, it currently serves Ash Grove, Grammar School Road, South View Avenue, Poplar Drive, Western Avenue, Preston Drive, Hawthorn Avenue, Woodbine Avenue, Churchill Avenue and St Helen's Road.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Hornsbys 92 Brigg Town Service runs from Cary Lane to and from Brigg Garden Centre, on Bigby High Road.
View the timetables for both services through this link...

PICTURED: Above - the No 91 service on Yarborough Road, Brigg; below - the footpath to the Tesco store (centre) running from the Cary Lane mini-roundabout. Shoppers on foot have to turn right as they approach the B&M store to get to Tesco.

 

BRIGG BUSINESS SET TO FEATURE IN WORLD FAMOUS MAGAZINE

A Brigg business is poised to appear in Vogue - the world famous glossy and prestigious magazine.
In a post on social media over the Christmas period it quite rightly expressed pride in this achievement.
Joanna Leigh Couture - based near The Monument on Wrawby Road - says it is looking forward to receiving February's edition of Vogue and seeing itself in the world's most recognisable fashion magazine.
Joanna Leigh Couture has previously taken first prize in the Christmas window display competition (pictured below) organised by Brigg Town Business Partnership and has also showcased its wares at Angel Suite wedding fairs held in the town (see picture above).
In The Wedding Industry Awards it was a national and regional winner.
Find out more through this link...

WHEN FOOTBALL WAS STILL PART AND PARCEL OF CHRISTMAS IN BRIGG & DISTRICT

Brigg Town Football Club is taking a break over Christmas 2018, meaning there are no Balcan Lincolnshire League Premier games for Zebras' followers to enjoy over the festive period. Christmas fixtures are also few and far between for local teams at Scunthorpe & District level this year.
However, a newspaper cutting sent to Brigg Blog by Barnetby United FC official Lee Fielden recalls when football matches on CHRISTMAS DAY were part and parcel of the local sporting scene, and drew big crowds.
Lee has highlighted a local derby played at Barnetby on Christmas Day 1937 - in the West Wold League.
More than THREE HUNDRED spectators watched The Albion beat Wrawby 4-3.
The match report suggests that both teams were below strength, perhaps due to family pressure being applied on some players while others may have been at work.
But you don't have to go back very far to recall when sporting fixtures were still a regular feature of Christmas.
Brigg Town FC generally drew a sizeable crowd for Boxing Day games at The Hawthorns when they were playing higher up the football pyramid.
For many years from the 1950s through to the early 1980s, the Brigg Branch of the Grimsby Town Supporters' Club ran Boxing Day bus trips from our town and surrounding villages to take fans to watch the Mariners' Christmas fixture.
Into the late 1950s, the Football League still had Christmas Day matches, some of which involved Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town and Lincoln City.
Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, there was an annual Boxing Day morning friendly hockey match played at Brigg Recreation Ground.
We also recall that Christmas cricket matches used to be a feature in Broughton.
Market Rasen Racecourse continues to stage Boxing Day meetings - attended by many people from Brigg and district.
Our picture shows Brigg Town FC supporter Johnny North watching the Boxing Day 2012 match at The Hawthorns against Kings Lynn.
This was when the Zebras were in the EvoStick Northern Premier League Division One South. The visitors brought plenty of support for this Wednesday afternoon clash.

LODGE APPROVED ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BRIGG

Permission has been granted for a lodge just outside Brigg.
West Lindsey District Council has approved an application for the erection of a timber lodge to be used as an annexe to a main dwelling following removal of an existing annexe and demolition of an outbuilding.
The location is to the rear of Rose Lyn, off Westrum Lane - just beyond the border with North Lincolnshire and within West Lindsey's Kelsey Ward.
A council planning report said the proposal would not harm the character and appearance of the street scene or the open countryside, nor the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.
West Lindsey planners have also granted permission for a two storey side and rear extension at Alvista, Halls Lane, North Kelsey.