YOUNGSTERS ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF BRIGG COUNCIL PUTTING MONEY ON THE TABLE

 

A new piece of play equipment, just installed at a Brigg park, is believed to be the first of its kind ever to appear in the town.
The outdoor table tennis table is now free to use on the Davy Memorial Playing Field between Bigby Road and Kings Avenue.
It has been provided for community use by Brigg Town Council, to meet a local need.
At the authority's budget setting meeting in January, Coun Rob Waltham said 10 local youngsters had requested a table tennis table; he pointed out that not all children wanted to play football.
The January meeting heard that the table would be of a sturdy all-weather design and suitable for outdoor use.
Money was duly set aside for this equipment in the budget for the 2021/22 financial year which began in early April.
Finding it difficult to picture what an outdoor table looked like, we searched out some examples online earlier in the year. But it was still interesting to see the finished product which was installed last Thursday, together with non-slip mats on which the players stand.
In an effort to combat wind, outdoor table tennis is played with balls that are heavier than those used at inside venues. The outdoor balls are also water resistant.
The table has been located on the perimeter of the field, which offers some protection from the wind.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Brigg Recreation Ground hired out (from the groundsman's house) tennis balls and rackets for use on its grass and hard courts, clubs and balls for the nearby putting green, and even bats, balls, pads and gloves for a game of cricket!
This hiring policy really encouraged locals (not just children) to have a go at different sports.
People are more affluent today and those who engage in sports are generally expected to provide their own equipment.
As late as the 1980s, Brigg Town Cricket Club still had a large kit bag - taken along to all games - that contained pads, bats and other equipment for use by players who had yet to buy their own. Again, this provision helped to encourage people to try club cricket for the first time without having to stump up money for expensive kit.