WOULD BRIGG WELCOME ANCHOLME VALLEY WAY II - THE SEQUEL?

North Lincolnshire Council has won deserved praise for its soon-to-be-completed Ancholme Valley Way footpath/cycle way linking the town with South Ferriby, where our river meets the mighty Humber.
Brigg Blog now wonders whether a pedestrian-only sequel is in order - Ancholme Valley Way II.
The Old River Ancholme towpath, on Cadney Road, is walkable with care from Brigg as far as the railway bridge in winter, if you don't mind a bit of mud on your footwear.
But during warmer months of the year, bramble bushes, sprouting grass and other vegetation takes over sections of this narrow track.
And beyond the railway bridge, in open countryside, there's no path at all beside the highway for pedestrians following the meandering course of the river towards Cadney
Those on foot have a choice of the grass verge, dotted with bollards, or stepping into the highway.
But Cadney Road is busier than many people realise. We were passed by nine vehicles and three cyclists after venturing out to take some pictures to illustrate this post, and that was during 20 minutes on a Friday afternoon in January!
We suggest a decent footpath on Cadney Road would prove popular with pedestrians and dog-walkers wanting to enjoy healthy walks in the fresh air.

The path makes a promising start on the bridge crossing Candley Beck

But not long into the track, vegetation starts to encroach, even in January!

The path gets muddy after rain and could do with a decent surface - stone or chippings, perhaps

The towpath/track ends at the railway bridge

Now in open countryside, the option is taking to the grass verge (mind the bollards!) or stepping into the road

RARE VISITOR TO BRIGG

Our thanks go to Martin Axon for providing pictures of a very rare visitor to Brigg.
They show one of Network Rail's Mobile Maintenance Vehicles - dubbed 'workshops on wheels' - passing through our station.
Based at locations around the country, MMTs help with repairs, renewals and upgrades to Britain’s 20,000-mile rail network.
Until Martin stepped in, we'd never seen a picture of an MMT on the ironic Brigg line.
Network Rail says that within the safety of these work units, employees can make repairs to sections of track or, using a slow ‘creep’ mode, effect what are called rolling repairs.
When launched in 2015, it was said they would revolutionise railway maintenance.
Was this MMT carrying out repairs on the Brigg line or merely using it as a way of getting to another destination to begin work?

 

PLAN SUBMITTED TO CREATE NEW BRIGG TOWN CENTRE HOMES STILL AWAITING A DECISION AFTER 18 MONTHS

There's plenty of demand in Brigg for additional housing - particularly close to the main shopping area and amenities.
But one scheme aimed at providing three new dwellings within the town centre has now been waiting 18 months for a decision.
Back on June 27, 2017 a "valid date" was assigned by North Lincolnshire Council to an application it had received to erect three dwellings on land to the rear of 53 Wrawby Street.
This is an area of land fronting onto Cross Street, latterly used for private car parking.
Consulted as part of the planning process, Brigg Town Council told the North Lincolnshire authority it supported the proposal. That was in late July 2017.
A statement sent to planners in support of the application suggested: " The proposed erection of 3 dwellings would provide additional accommodation within the locality, thereby making efficient use of the existing site."
It is within the Brigg Conservation Area and the land was occupied by three properties until their demolition in the mid-1970s.
The application still appears on the "not yet determined" list for Brigg, and has not been marked "withdrawn."
Most  submitted to North Lincolnshire Council are decided within a couple of months; sometimes it only takes a few weeks for a ruling to be made.
So why the delay with this one?
Brigg Blog has put that question to the council. So far no reply has been received. But if one is provided we will share it with you.

Cars parked on the land off Cross Street, Brigg, for which an application has been made for permission to erect three dwellings

BRIGG FOOTBALL MATCH A WEATHER CASUALTY

No chance of getting or or two in the back of the net! The football match planned for Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground tonight (Wednesday, January 30) is OFF because of icy conditions, we have been informed.
Barnetby United were due to play Scotter United in the Hett Cup, which raises money for worthy causes.
Re-arrangement is expected - date to be announced.

NEW BRIGG HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SCULPTURE PRAISED IN PARLIAMENT

The new Holocaust Memorial Sculpture in Brigg - used as part of a Holocaust Memorial Service held in the town on Sunday - has since been praised in Parliament.
The sculpture, on the Millennium Green, off Elwes Street, was designed by Izzy Roberts - a student at Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg.
Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters Magazine, was among those who attended a service held in the Angel's Cafe Courtyard and beside the new memorial.
Ken, who has kindly provided these pictures, said the dedication remembered the 10 million people murdered under Nazi persecution in their concentration camps.
The service was followed by a twilight procession and final Benediction by Father Owain Mitchell at the sculpture.
Poems and readings came from students of Sir John Nelthorpe and The Vale Academy.
The Jewish funeral hymn, the Kaddish, was read by Tony Sevilla Harland, from Barnetby, who also represented the local Jewish community.
Those attending the ceremony included Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy, Brigg Town Mayor Coun Donald Campbell,  other local dignitaries, congregations from the Anglican and Methodist communities, as well as members of the public.
Andrew Percy later told colleagues in the House of Commons that he was proud that the memorial had been unveiled on Millennium Green in Brigg, and proud of the young people from Sir John Nelthorpe School and The Vale Academy who entered the competition to design the memorial.
"I pay particular tribute to Izzy Roberts, a year 10 pupil from Sir John Nelthorpe School, whose design won out," he added.
"I also thank the town council, which committed £5,000, and local businesses Keyo, East Coast Surfacing and Turnbull, which put their hand in their pocket to fund the memorial."
The sculpture has been constructed from weather-resistant COR-TEN steel.
PICTURED ABOVE: Izzy Roberts, who designed the Brigg Holocaust Memorial, with her Mum and Dad.

Twilight finale at the Holocaust Memorial on the Brigg Millennium Green

Sir John Nelthorpe School pupils who took part in the service.

MAJOR ROADWORKS DUE TO START ON A18 IN BRIGG TODAY - DELAYS LIKELY

Drivers in Brigg should take note that major roadworks on the A18 are due to start today (January 30) with delays likely.
New lighting columns are being installed and existing ones removed between the Monument roundabout and Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School.
This project is planned to be undertaken along Wrawby Road between January 30 and Tuesday, February 5.

ROADWORKS COMING UP IN BRIGG ON MARKET DAY

Brigg Blog keeps a close eye on forthcoming roadworks in the town to alert the driving public.
But there were raised eyebrows when we spotted that Anglian Water is to carry out roadworks on January 30, January 31 and February 1.
The location is given as the Market Place, with 'give and take' traffic controls in place.
This, of course, is within the pedestrian area.
We can only conclude that, January 31 being a Thursday, these traffic controls might perhaps affect some of the market stall-holders who are permitted to bring vehicles into the traffic-free zone to load and unload their wares.
Some cynical people might well point out that the Market Place is visited by many drivers (not stall-holders) who just ignore the 'no entry' signs!
Shops in the town centre which do not enjoy rear access are also permitted to receive deliveries.
The powers-that-be say delays are unlikely to result from the roadworks between January 30 and February 1.
That should come as no surprise!

COMING UP IN BRIGG - SEVEN SCHOOL REUNIONS OF A SPORTING & SOCIAL NATURE

A range of sporting reunions will be held this year for former pupils of three Brigg schools.
They are open to people educated at Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg Grammar and Brigg Girls' High.

GOLF
Spring Meeting: 12.30pm on Sunday, 14th April, 2019
Autumn Meeting: 12.30pm on Sunday, 20th October, 2019
Past v Present: 4pm on Monday, 1st July, 2019
Contact David Harness - dave.harness@ymail.com or call 01652 688005 - to book places and find out more.

ROUNDERS & CRICKET
Friday dates in July to be announced, Youth v Experience, on the Sir John Nelthorpe School field, 6pm. Turn up and take part. Players and spectators will be meeting up afterwards at the Yarborough Hunt, Bridge Street, Brigg, from about 9pm.

FOOTBALL
Friday, 13th September, 2019 on the SJN school field, Youth v Experience (6pm). Reunion afterwards at the Yarborough Hunt.
There will also be football, followed by pub games, on 27 December, 2019 (10.30am start).
Keep an eye on Brigg Blog for further details about these reunions as they become available.
Sir John Nelthorpe School - a comprehensive - was created in 1976, occupying buildings previously used by Brigg Grammar and the High School whose pupils had passed the 11+ exam.
Pictured above: Action from a previous Youth v Experience cricket match at Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg - played in wonderful summer weather.

TRUSTEES SEEKING GO-AHEAD FOR NEW HOMES NEAR BRIGG

Planning permission to erect three linked dwellings with associated works, including demolition, on land to the west of Home Farm, on Main Street, Sturton, is being sought by The Trustees of Lt Col R Sutton Nelthorpe’s Will Trust.
North Lincolnshire Council is now considering the application for a farmyard and paddock site to the rear of Home Farm.
Council planners have been told that the paddock is seldom used for grazing and primarily provides temporary storage for farmyard equipment.
This development is aimed at providing three new 4‐bedroom residential dwellings, designed to complement existing barns.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BRIGG SCHOOL REUNION WITH TWO ANNIVERSARIES TO CELEBRATE

Tickets are now on sale for the biggest reunion of 2019 for former pupils of three Brigg schools.
If you attended Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg Grammar or Brigg Girls' High, please note that the Briggenians' Association annual dinner has been arranged for Saturday, March 16 at Elsham Golf Club (7pm).
The association says that as 2019 is a very special anniversary year, the organisers are anticipating an increased demand for tickets and are advising people to book early to secure places.
That's a reference to this year seeing the 350th anniversary of Brigg's initial school (later known as Brigg Grammar) being founded in Sir John Nelthorpe's 1669 will, and the 100th anniversary of Brigg Girls' High School opening in 1919.
The guest speaker will be Doctor Ann Rae, pictured above, a former pupil of Sir John Nelthorpe School, who is Head of Genetics, Research and Development with the Cherry Valley company.
It started as a Lincolnshire family business in the late 1950s, producing the UK’s first oven-ready duck.
Tickets for the event, which includes a three-course meal, cost £25. The closing date for applications is March 1.
Cheques - made payable to The Briggensians Association - should be sent to The Dinner Secretary, c/o Rachael Harvey, Sir John Nelthorpe School, Wrawby Road, Brigg, DN20 8DS Tel 01652 656551.
This will be the Briggensians' 42nd annual dinner, which is quite an achievement.

BOOK IN BRIGG TO ENJOY BRAKE VAN TOURS OF SCUNTHORPE STEELWORKS

Brigg Tourist Information Centre is again handling bookings for people who want to enjoy interesting and FREE train rides round the large steelworks complex in Scunthorpe.
They take place on Saturdays and there are two to choose from - in loco-hauled carriages and aboard brake vans.
The volunteer-operated Appleby-Frodingham Railway Preservation Society runs these tours, which Brigg Blog has tried and highly recommends.
Although no charge is made, passengers are welcome to make donations.
The tours, which give excellent views of British Steel's extensive works, including the rolling mills, blast furnaces and steelmaking areas, start from a small platform adjoining Brigg Road, near the main works office block.
Free car parking is available nearby or you can take a Hornsby X4 or No 4 bus from Brigg to Scunthorpe and make the short walk along Brigg Road to the platform to join the train.
Visit the TIC on the ground floor of the Buttercross to book places in advance. Telephone 01652 657053.
Saturday brake van tours for 2019 will be running on January 26, February 23, March 30 and April 27. They operate from 11am to 3pm.
Saturday tours of the works in carriages will follow from May to late summer. 
Our picture shows steam loco Cranford in the platform adjoining Brigg Road, Scunthorpe (right) after completing a brake van tour of the British Steel works.

FOOD HYGIENE: BRIGG SHOP & THREE OTHER PREMISES IN THE AREA RATED

North Lincolnshire Council continues to undertake routine food hygiene inspections at premises across its area.
Four in Brigg and district - including a shop within the town centre - 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...
Cooplands Quality Bakers, 70 Wrawby Street, Brigg
Wrawby Hall Care Home, Vicarage Road, Wrawby
Wrawby St Mary's C of E Primary School, Vicarage Avenue, Wrawby
Starkeys Cafe, Junction 4, Broughton

SPEED CAMERA LOCATION INFORMATION FOR BRIGG AREA DRIVERS

Safer Roads Humber says safety cameras are used across the region as part of our overall strategy to make our roads safer.
Mobile and fixed speed cameras detect speeding vehicles "at sites of risk."
They are able to deploy the cameras at a range of locations.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29: 'Daily enforcement' will be carried out on Ermine Street, Broughton.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31: 'Daily enforcement' will be carried out on the A15 - south of Redbourne Mere.
Our advice is: Keep to the speed limit on local roads at all times.

MANY BRIGG PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING A LOOK AT THIS NEW MARKET

Brigg Blog does its level best to publicise our town's shops and markets whenever the opportunity arises, but feels that due to public interest we should give a mention to the opening of the new St John’s Market in Scunthorpe, for which a date has now been announced.
Many people living in Brigg and surrounding settlements will be keen to take a look at the new facility, just as they did when refurbished Ashby Market received its new stalls not long ago.
North Lincolnshire Council, which operates the markets in Brigg, Ashby and Scunthorpe, has furnished us with detailed information, including a comment from Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, in his role as leader of the authority.
There's plenty of public car parking available near Scunthorpe's new market in the centre of the steel town, while Hornsby's 4 and X4 buses from Brigg terminate nearby.

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
The brand new, ultra-modern St John’s Market in Scunthorpe will open its doors to its first customer on Friday, 22 March at 8am.
North Lincolnshire Council has invested £4m to create St John’s Market in the heart of the town centre, creating a new home for traders and bringing the vacant former BHS store back into use.
The council today reveals it has reserved eight stalls as business incubators, offering fledging and start-up businesses a unique opportunity to join 70 other established, independent retailers in their new home.
The market, while being in a modern setting, will offer visitors a celebration of retail heritage from Scunthorpe and the wider Lincolnshire region with a wide variety of stalls selling must-have, locally-sourced goods including fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, accessories, hardware and music.
Fresh produce will be available from butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers offering a unique experience for visitors to the town centre, six days a week from 8am to 5.30pm.
A new concept also being revealed for the market is The Food Court. Located on the first floor, with a large communal area for eating, drinking and socialising, a range of delicious foods - including hot and cold sandwiches, Indian street food, burgers, jacket potatoes, crepes, hot puddings, tasty sweets and cakes - will be on offer.
A licensed bar will be serving a selection of modern drinks including craft ales, cocktails and traditional beverages.
The Food Court will open six days a week with opening hours extended into the evening.
Victoria Willerton of Victoria’s Sponges is one of the new traders at St John’s Market, she said:
“We are delighted to be part of this new venture for the town. Very exciting, and a brilliant idea for local small businesses. We are very eager to start trading in the St John's Market.”
The vision for the new market is a modern, sustainable market that is fit for purpose, offering local high quality products, with specialist themes that transform the customer offer and promote prosperity in the town centre.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “St John’s Market is a key investment in Scunthorpe town centre and forms part of wider regeneration plans to transform the area. It shows our commitment to improving the town centre, bringing in more investment and driving economic growth.
“The new market is a modern space which meets the needs of the traders and customers. There will be a huge range of high-quality products on offer. It is fantastic to see so many traders already signed up, both existing and new.
“With the market being in such a prominent location, it will attract more people to see what their local market has to offer. It will be a completely different shopping experience for visitors.
“The Food Court is a huge part of St John’s Market and will be a real destination for shoppers and visitors – it will become a central part of the development, creating a place and an experience where people can eat and drink but also meet friends and family.
“The Food Court will be open on evenings so visitors to the cinema, or people finishing work in town, can grab a bite to eat or have a drink. It will become a destination in itself, with people coming into the town centre to sample the variety of food and drink on offer – visitors are guaranteed a unique experience which you’d normally expect in cities across the country.”
Anyone interested in setting up a business at St John’s Market can take up one of these units and receive free business advice and support from the council.
Please contact the team at newmarket@northlincs.gov.uk or call 07773 647296 if you are interested in taking up a stall in The Food Court. Other stalls are also available on the first floor for non-food businesses.
For anyone interested in starting a business, contact the council’s Economic Development team for support on 01724 297330 or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk
Free Wi-Fi will be available in the new market and free public toilets, which will replace the existing public facilities at the bottom of the high street.
Construction work on the new market is progressing well, ready for the March opening. Stall units are being erected using British Steel from the Scunthorpe plant.
To keep up to date with news and previews of the works progressing, follow on the new St John’s Market Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

BRIGG CIVIC REGALIA TO BE REFURBISHED

Brigg Town Council is to set to spend more than £1,000 to repair and refurbish the Town Mayor's chain of office which he, or she, wears while undertaking official duties.
Every year since 1974 when it was created by local government re-organisation, Brigg Town Council has elected a Town Mayor to chair its monthly meetings and represent the council and the town at a wide range of events and functions - mostly in Brigg or the surrounding distict but sometimes further afield.
The chain of office is tarnished and chipped, while some names of past first citizens that appear on the regalia have worn off down the years and can no longer be read.
Coun Mike Storey told the Town Council's latest meeting that he felt uneasy about spending such a sum on the chain.
However, Coun Ann Eardley stressed this was not an annual cost but a one-off payment.
Pointing out the chain's current not very good condition, she urged refurbishment.
"We should be proud of our regalia," she added.
Another former Town Mayor, Coun Mike Campion, said the chain "should reflect pride in the town."
If it was going to cost £1,000 this year, he felt the council should pay.
Coun Tina Campbell said that while attending functions, the Town Mayor represented not only Brigg Town Council but also the town itself.
Current Deputy Town Mayor, Coun Brian Parker, felt it important to ensure all the names of past Town Mayors were visible on the chain - out of respect for what these people had done for Brigg.

GRANT TO HELP BRIGG HERITAGE CENTRE WORK WITH LOCAL YOUNGSTERS

Brigg Heritage Centre - housed within the Angel Building in the town centre - will be launching a new exhibition on Friday, February 1.
Called "Oarsome" it is celebrating 150 years of rowing on the River Ancholme.
Ancholme Rowing Club, based off Manley Gardens (pictured above), is one of the oldest organisations in the town.
Brigg Heritage Centre is getting a sizeable grant for its Young Explorers' Project. 
Brigg Town Council responded to a request for financial support by agreeing to donate £500.
Coun Chris Dyson told the January meeting that this was an excellent facility for the town.
Read more about the centre's work with young people through this link...

BRIGG TOWN TO HOST FINAL BETWEEN BRIGGENSIANS AND BARNETBY RESERVES

 

A football cup final coming up at Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns ground will involve two local sides and should attract a good attendance.
Briggensians will meet Barnetby United Reserves in the Johnsons Transport Ironstone Cup final, organised by the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League.
Date and kick-off time to be confirmed.
Yesterday (Saturday, January 26) saw the semi-finals concluded.
Briggensians won 4-0 at home to Limestone Rangers Reserves - the goals coming from Sol Hari, Phil Cole, Matthew Davies and Ben Lingard.
Lee Fielden has kindly supplied a report and pictures from the other semi-final between Barnetby United and Epworth Town Colts Blues...

Barnetby give Epworth Colts the Blues!
Late 2nd half strikes from Josh Goodman and Jaroslav Judiny saw Marcus Davies’s Reserves reach their 2nd final of the season in what was a battle of the top 2 in the 2nd division.
Both sides came into the game sporting outstanding league records - both unbeaten - but something had to give.
A close-fought game was decided in the last half-an-hour when a sublime Goodman finish was backed up by a thumping Judiny strike following a keeping error.
Tough-looking games face our local sides in the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League first division this coming Saturday.
In division one, Briggensians entertain second-placed Scotter United, while Barnetby United visit leaders College Wanderers.
In division two, Barnetby United Reserves will host four-placed New Holland Villa at Silver Street (2pm).
Brigg Town FC's Hawthorns ground will be the venue on Wednesday evening (January 30) when Barnetby United play Scotter United in the Hett Cup, which raises money for worthy causes.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALLERS IN SEMI-FINAL ACTION AT THE HAWTHORNS

Brigg Town footballers face one of their most important games of the season this coming Saturday (February 2).
The Zebras will be hosting Wyberton at The Hawthorns in a Lincolnshire Junior Cup semi-final (1.30pm).
Brigg drew 0-0 away to mid-table Cleethorpes Town Reserves in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier yesterday (Saturday, January 26).
The Zebras stay in second place, but title-chasing rivals Gainsborough Trinity Reserves and Lincoln Moorlands Railway both recorded victories.

HOWZAT FOR SUPPORTING BRIGG CRICKET!

Brigg Town Cricket Club has won high praise for its efforts on and off the field.
At the Town Council's January meeting, it was agreed to make a £1,000 grant "for the maintenance of the cricket square and other annual costs."
Brigg Town CC - playing home games at the Recreation Ground, off Wrawby Road - secured the Lincolnshire County Cricket League's fourth division championship last summer.
When its close season request for a grant was considered by the local authority, cricket-loving Coun Mike Campion opened the batting in the debate.
"They have had a really excellent season, achieving great things, with one or two players doing particularly well," he declared - in reference to club members who have won individual league trophies for batting, bowling, wicketkeeping and scoring.
Coun Campion noted that the club had benefitted from improved facilities provided for use at The Rec, but had also "worked hard on things themselves."
He added: "We should encourage this club in every way possible. I think the town should be proud of the cricket club and what it does."
Another fan of the summer sport, Coun Rob Waltham, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said much work had been done on the ground to help the cricketers who, in turn, had provided lots of volunteer support. He was particularly pleased about young people being involved in this sport at local level.
"It's really good to see there is a real culture in Brigg for cricket," he added.
Brigg Town Cricket Club's new season will start in May.
It has been promoted and will be playing games in division three of the county's largest competition.
After an absence of many years, the club resumed playing in 1974,  in the Grimsby & District Saturday League, with home games at Brigg Rec.
The club successfully applied to join the Lincolnshire League two years later.
The first player/secretary, Brian Parker, is now the Deputy Town Mayor of Brigg and was present at the latest meeting.
Among his team-mates in those early years of Brigg Town CC was a young batsman, spin bowler and occasional wicketkeeper who shall remain nameless but was also in attendance to take note of the council's very generous grant to the club.
Brigg Town CC spent some years in the doldrums but since the refurbishment of The Rec by North Lincolnshire Council has gone from strength to strength.
The changing block, including a room used for teas, is now among the best in the county.

BRIGG TOWN COUNCILLORS SUPPORT TRIO OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Brigg Town Council has decided it is "in support" of the three latest local planning applications submitted for consideration.
The Planning & Environment Committee, meeting in the Angel Suite, raised no objection to the following:

• Replace shop front and entrance to flats and advertisement consent to display front fascia signage at Riverside Mews Residential Home, 34 Market Place (close to the County Bridge).
• Erect single storey rear extension at 3 Kings Avenue.
• Undertake crown reduction by pollarding back to previous pruning points on a black poplar identified as T1 in (and subject to) Tree Preservation (Bigby High Road, Brigg) Order 1976 - at 63 Bigby High Road.

These applications now progress to North Lincolnshire Council, the local planning authority, for final decisions to be made.
Coun Mike Storey, pictured above, chaired the first Brigg planning meeting of 2019, and it did not prove a lengthy one.
The application submitted to planners about the black poplar explains that pollarding work is required to reduce shading and to rejuvenate the crown - thereby extending the life of the tree.

HONOUR FOR DOCTOR WHO GREW UP IN BRIGG

A former Brigg resident has been awarded an honorary fellowship by a university in Yorkshire.
As a girl, Kirsty Nicholson lived at the Queen's Arms pub, on Wrawby Street, when it was run by her parents Bob and Sue - among the best-known 'mine hosts' in the area.
Now as Doctor Kirsty Edmondon-Jones, director of estates and facilities at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hopsitals, she has been awarded the honorary fellowship by Sheffield Hallam University.
This prestigious honour is reserved for exceptional individuals who have worked closely with the university to make an outstanding contribution to their given field.
Kirsty has been supporting the university's new Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, delivering guest lectures and promoting the opportunity for nursing and midwifery students to contribute to live research projects.
She is also part of a research team, funded by Oxford University, developing a new health monitoring device that can be used in the home.
Brigg Blog thanks proud dad Bob for passing on details of Kirsty's achievements while we enjoyed a weekend drink together on local licensed premises, and a chat about the good old days at the Queen's in the 1980s and 1990s.
However, we couldn't raise a glass of Queen's Arms brewed-on-the-premises Pondwater, Blanket Lifter or Brigg Bitter to Kirsty's achievements.
For it's many years since Bob served the last pints of these ales, made in his micro-brewery.
The Queen's later became the Fish Inn Restaurant, serving up gigantic portions of haddock, and later The Vines Restaurant/Cafe and Bar.
Pictured: Doctor Kirsty Edmondson-Jones (left) with her Research Fellowship award.

SWEET SUCCESS: BRIGG SHOP SOLD

Natalie Sankey has taken to social media to announce a buyer for her sweet shop in Brigg town centre - closed since late December.
The proprietor of the niche shop on Wrawby Street says she's happy to announce the new year sale.
Natalie, who put the business on the market as a going concern, says the buyer, from Broughton, will be giving Sankey's Sweets a new name.
Brigg Blog passed the shop on Thursday evening and noticed the lights were on although the blinds were down. And that set us thinking.
Many people in Brigg and district who have a sweet tooth will be pleased to hear that the shop is to carry on meeting their needs.

BUDGET FREEZE MEANS NO INCREASE IN WHAT HOUSEHOLDS PAY BRIGG TOWN COUNCIL

Some welcome new year good cheer of the financial kind is coming the way of Brigg households.
Brigg Town Council will not be seeking any increase in the amount it requires from council tax payers for the 2019/2020 financial year, beginning in April.
At the authority's January meeting, councillors agreed a precept of £123,000 to fund the Town Council's services to, and work within, the local community.
That's the same as it requested for the current financial year.
So there will be no rise in the relatively small amount paid by Brigg households to the Town Council.
Exact figures for Brigg homes in the various bands cannot be confirmed until North Lincolnshire Council, which collects the local tax, holds its own budget-setting meeting and sets the tax base.
Currently, Band D homes in Brigg pay around £69 a year to help fund the Town Council's work.
The Town Council portion of the overall council tax is very small. Most of the money households pay in their overall tax goes to fund North Lincolnshire Council's various services and those provided by some other organisations, including Humberside Police.
Brigg Town Council's services include providing the Angel Suite community venue, local allotments and the town centre Christmas lights. It also gives grants to various local groups and organisations.
North Lincolnshire Council provides major services like refuse collection and recycling, sport and leisure facilities (including the Ancholme Leisure Centre and Brigg Recreation Ground), education, markets, libraries and Brigg Tourist Information Centre within the Buttercross.
At the Town Council's January meeting, Coun Rob Waltham proposed freezing the precept - the amount it requests from charge-payers.
"We can say, with pride, that we are delivering things in this town," he said.
Recent additions had included new litter bins and the services of a handyman to tidy up some areas of the town.
"People paying their council tax can see an end product," he said.
Despite the freeze, Coun Waltham felt the council should still set aside £10,000 in its budget for grants to local organisations between April 2019 and April 2020.
He said they supported a wide range of organisations.
"These grants must be available for groups to access," he added.
Coun Mike Campion agreed with the budget freeze, saying that Brigg Town Council provided excellent value for the community.

CALL FOR PEST CONTROL TO DEAL WITH PIGEON PROBLEM IN BRIGG TOWN CENTRE

Problem-causing pigeons in Brigg had town councillors in something of a flap at the January meeting.
Following on from previous debates about messy pigeon droppings littering town centre pavements, Coun Chris Dyson raised the issue again.
He asked fellow councillors to consider putting money in the budget to get to grips with this problem.
Coun Dyson, who lives in the centre of the town, reported huge numbers of pigeons and called for what he called pest control.
Noting the "absolutely disgusting" soiling of paving on Wrawby Street in particular, he urged: "We need to put money away for this."
Town Clerk Dinah Lilley noted that some alleyways were also affected.
Coun Jane Kitching called on businesses with pigeon mess on the pavements near their frontages to consider cleaning it up.
Coun Rob Waltham said these birds were strays, not racing pigeons, and stressed this was not a new issue. He recalled, years ago, when hundreds of birds lived in the old, disused Yarborough Mills (since demolished).
Coun Waltham, who is the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, suggested the unitary authority would undertake a clean up - details to be given later to the Town Council.

NO PROBLEMS GIVING THIS EVENT A MENTION ON BRIGG BLOG

The Women's Institute has asked Brigg Blog to let local people known about a FREE event coming up in the town.
The WI Federation North Lincs and Humber is publicising a play to be held at the Angel Suite, off Exchange Place, on Tuesday, January 29 (7.30pm).
Problems Problems Problems is a light-hearted play.
The WI Federation explains, on behalf of the membership committee: "This is about what we may encounter at our meetings. Plenty of humour and shows how problems are common to all our groups and simple ways to resolve them. Please join us for a fun evening."
Turn up on the night, free admission, refreshments available.
For further details, call 01652 653641 or email lincshumbfwi@gmail.com
Pictured: The entrance to the Angel Suite, off the near car park.

NEW BRIGG MEMORIAL TO FEATURE FOR THE FIRST TIME

The newly-erected Holocaust Memorial Sculpture in Brigg is to feature in a ceremony for the first time as the town remembers those who were victims of persecution.
A solemn service will take place in the town centre's Angel building on Sunday, January 27.
And people are also welcome to visit the Millennium Green to stand beside the sculpture and reflect on the suffering of those caught up in the Holocaust.
Brigg Town Council says the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2019 will be held in the Café Courtyard, off the Market Place, commencing at 4.15 pm.
This year the focus is 'Torn from Home'.
The Town Mayor and members of the Town Council hope local people will attend and remember the innocent people who lost their lives as a result of such atrocities, as well as those who survived.
Access to the cafe on Sunday afternoon will be through the rear doors near the Angel car park.
After the service, people will be welcome to join a procession to the sculpture, off Elwes Street. Prayer will be said and two minutes’ silence observed.
People are being advised to don appropriate clothing and footwear.
The Holocaust Memorial Exhibition in the Heritage Centre opened on Monday, January 14 and will close on Monday January 28.
A Book of Remembrance is open for personal messages.
Sunday, January 27, 2019 is Holocaust Memorial Day, and Brigg's sculpture has been designed by a student from Sir John Nelthorpe School.
It was erected recently on the green, near the local Scouts' HQ.
"It is complete," Coun Rob Waltham told this week's meeting of the Town Council.
He thanked local businesses which have supported the project.
The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Coun John Briggs, will be hosting a ceremony in Scunthorpe today (Friday, January 25) to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2019.
He will be joined by school children and guests from across North Lincolnshire in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, Ashby Road, at 4pm.
The Mayor is extending an invitation to all local people to join him at the ceremony and to lay a stone in memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
St Barnabas' Church of England Primary School Choir, from Barnetby, will officially open and close the ceremony with a song and other local school children will read poems.
Among those taking part in the ceremony will be the Rev Graham Lines the Mayor's Chaplain; Leo Solomon MBE, President of the Grimsby Hebrew Congregation; The Multi Faith Partnership; the Deputy Young Mayor of North Lincolnshire; and children from schools in North Lincolnshire including Berkeley Primary School, Althorpe & Keadby Primary School, Crosby Primary School, Crowle Primary Academy, St Norbert’s Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy,  Luddington & Garthorpe Primary School and St Augustine Webster Catholic Voluntary Academy.
Please be aware that seating is limited. If you would like to attend, call the Civic Office on 01724 296346.
The Mayor said: “This inter-generational and inter-faith ceremony will bring together our community in remembering the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. It is important that we never forget the atrocities of the past so I invite our communities to unite and commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in North Lincolnshire.”

FIRST BRIGG FARMERS' MARKET IN 2019 THIS WEEKEND

The first Brigg Farmers' Market in 2019 will be held on Saturday (January 26).
It will take place in the town centre from 9am until about 3.30pm.
North Lincolnshire Council organises these monthly markets, with stalls providing an opportunity for shoppers to buy direct from producers.
It's a chance to stock up on jam, cheese, meat and other items.
Saturday will also see the general market operating in the Market Place and on Wrawby Street.
Shoppers arriving by car - and there will be many of them - can take advantage of free parking, courtesy of a North Lincolnshire Council concession.
Fingers crossed for some decent weather!
Our thanks go to the council for confirming the dates of the other Brigg Farmers' Markets to be held in 2019:

23 February
23 March
27 April
25 May
22 June
27 July
24 August
28 September
26 October
23 November
21 December

LIVE MUSIC AT TWO BRIGG VENUE THIS WEEKEND - FREE ADMISSION

Singer Jo-Jo will be performing at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club on Saturday, January 26, from 8.30pm. All welcome at this concert and there's free admission.
Our picture shows Jo-Jo singing a few months ago at the Woolpack in Brigg.
She performs popular hits, including some from the 1960s and 1970s.
The Servicemen's Club annual general meeting has been arranged for Monday, March 25, starting at 7pm.
Singer Rob Bishop will be performing songs from the 1950s through to the 1980s at Brigg Town Football Club's licensed Hawthorns venue on Saturday evening January 26 . Admission to this concert is free.

BRIGG FOOTBALLERS LOOKING TO BOOK CUP FINAL PLACE

A cup final between two Brigg area football teams is a possibility that could result from semi-finals being played this Saturday (January 26).
In the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League's Johnsons Transport Ironstone Cup, Briggensians will be at home to Limestone Rangers Reserves while Barnetby United Reserves entertain Epworth Town Colts Blues.  Both ties kick off at 1.30pm.
Barnetby United first teamers are without a fixture in division one.
In the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier, second-placed Brigg Town journey to mid-table Cleethorpes Town Reserves (2pm KO).

BRIGG APPEAL MADE BY HUMBERSIDE POLICE

Humberside Police are asking relatives of a Brigg man who died earlier this month to get in touch.
"Can you help us trace the next of kin of 49-year-old Michael Jowett-Hall, from Brigg, who has sadly passed away?" the force asks.
He died on January 2 in Scunthorpe General Hospital, having lived in Ancholme Gardens, Brigg.
"We have tried to find his family but have so far been unable to. Can you help us?" say the police.
People are being asked to contact the force or the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust chaplaincy office on 03033 302489. Alternatively, email terrie.young@nhs.net

CHUFFING SAD: BRIGG NOW SEEN AS A HUMBLE BRANCH LINE STATION

Brigg railway station once boasted a roof, booking office, waiting rooms and full staff, forming part of the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway mainline (later the Great Central). Trains called here seven days a weeks in Victorian times and for much of the 20th century.
Now little more than a halt with a couple of metal shelters, it is only assigned passenger trains on Saturdays, and even then they might not run if staffing issues or industrial action intervene.
Three years ago this week, in January 2016, Brigg railway station's fall from grace was demonstrated by the arrival of a special one-off train.
Packed with enthusiasts from Lancashire, it stopped at platform one for some time, awaiting the green signal to proceed along the single-line section beyond the level crossing towards Kettleby and Barnetby.
The diesel-hauled special excursion, classified 1Z23, was organised by the West Coast Railway Company and the Branch Line Society.
Yes, the original mainline that served our town is now widely regarded as a humble backwater on the 21st century network.
How the mighty are fallen!