'GREAT TRADITION' OF CHRISTMAS IN BRIGG NOW IN DOUBT

A long-established feature of Christmas in Brigg is now looking in doubt this year because of the Coronavirus emergency restrictions.
A fundraising football match in aid of charity is usually held over the festive period at Brigg Town FC's EC Surfacing Stadium (the Hawthorns) as part of a winter sports reunion by the Briggensians' Association - representing former pupils and staff of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg Grammar and Brigg Girls' High.
However, organiser Jon Taylor was in touch with Brigg Blog over the weekend to say: "The old boys' football is looking doubtful this Christmas due to the global pandemic. An announcement will be made on December 16th to see if we move out of tier 3, so I will keep you posted.  
"Everyone loves this event so it is sad we may have to postpone a great tradition. We will look to hold a similar event later on, if need be. A final decision will be made later in the month (December) but everyone’s safety is paramount."
The reunion match held in late December 2019 -  by kind permission of Brigg Town FC - saw a collection held among the players which raised more than £200 for Lindsey Lodge Hospice. The game ended 2-2 and was followed by the usual Briggensians winter sports reunion pub games - pool, darts and dominoes - plus a quiz.
The Briggensians' 2019 dinner went ahead at Elsham Golf Club in March - just a few days before the virus emergency was declared. However, some people who bought tickets decided to stay at home.
The summer sports reunion, including the popular cricket match at Sir John Nelthorpe School, was cancelled.
PICTURED: A cheque for £1,600 being presented to the British Heart Foundation at the late December 2019 Briggensians'  match at Brigg Town FC. The money had been raised during that May's Adrian Gibbons memorial game at the Hawthorns - 'Gib' having been a very well-known Sir John Nelthorpe School teacher and renowned local sportsman. Brian Taylor MBE received the cheque on behalf of the foundation.