Saturday, May 29, 2021

BRIGG MAYOR OVERCOMES LOCKDOWN DIFFICULTIES TO RAISE BIG AMOUNT FOR CHARITY


Brigg Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall, who finished her extended term of office on Tuesday (May 25), raised a praiseworthy amount for her chosen charity, despite lockdown difficulties.
One of her final and most enjoyable duties as the town's first citizen was to present the proceeds of her Mayor's Appeal Fund, £1,938-82p, to the Brigg & District Breast Cancer Support Group (see picture).
Due to Coronavirus emergency lockdown periods and restrictions, some of the fundraising events the Town Mayor might have held could not take place, including the popular coffee morning in September, in conjunction with the presentation of awards for the best-kept garden and allotments competition, which had to be cancelled.
Also ruled out was the Brigg Civic Dinner, always hosted by the Mayor.
However, Coun Riggall responded to the challenge and kept on fundraising.
In early March she arranged a Big Virtual Brigg Quiz, held online.
When Brigg Town Council held its annual meeting on Tuesday night and she stepped down from the post, many people (not only councillors) congratulated Coun Riggall on her efforts.
Brigg Town Council has elected a Mayor since its formation in the mid-1970s, but she was the first who had to serve during a period of national emergency.
She also had to adapt to chairing meetings online, rather than in a room at the Angel, without being able to turn to the Town Clerk sitting next to her for advice and supportive information.
But she took it in her stride and even offered some technical tips to others so they could log on, or listen in, successfully to sessions using the Zoom platform.

In her farewell speech, Coun Riggall thanked everyone who had supported her during the time as Mayor and hoped residents would continue to keep safe.

She then proposed Coun Brian Parker to be the next Mayor, and he was duly elected by fellow councillors.