VETERAN BRIGG SPORTSMAN CALLED UP FOR BROUGHTON FIRST TEAM DUTY

Brigg sportsman Col Mumby re-appeared for the Broughton Cricket Club first team in the second tier of the Lincolnshire County League yesterday (Saturday, July 30) and finished on the winning side.
Col, aged 72, who lives on the Springbank estate, used to bat high up the order in his cricketing prime during the 1970s and 1980s.
But yesterday he was last man on the scorecard, hitting a boundary and finishing four not out, with a strike rate of 200!
Col, whose other clubs include Elsham and Brigg Town, is now a veteran cricketer who helps out when required.
The Broughton club told Brigg Blog that Col was drafted in as a late replacement yesterday after one of their players was taken ill.
A keen gardener, Col was tending to his potato crop when the call came.
Home side Broughton rattled up a daunting 243 for nine against Bracebridge Heath 2nds in their permitted 45 overs.
There were plenty of runs from the upper order - Nick Dobbs scoring 44, Jake Parker 40, skipper Russ Blackburn 38 and Neil Simpson 31.
Later in the innings, Craig Hall made 23, while young all-rounder Matthew Oades finished 20 not out.
The visitors from Lincoln reached 48 for one but Broughton began to make inroads.
They ended up with 202, as Oades claimed four for 34.
Col Mumby played football for Scunthorpe United Reserves alongside future England star Kevin Keegan back in the late 1960s.
His career lasted much longer than Kev's, and in February 2019 we pictured him at Brigg Rec signing on for another Scunthorpe & District Football League season with Briggensians FC.
Hibaldstow, in Division Town, lost when hosting Lindum 3rds yesterday. Lee Robinson led the way with 80 in Hibaldstow's 171 for nine. But the Lincoln side lost only one wicket in securing victory.
Broughton 2nds lost away to Division Three West leaders Barton 2nds. Broughton did well to bowl out their opponents for 159 (Nick Crawford two for 14).
However, they fell short with an all-out 123 (Paul Clark 29 not out).

PICTURED: Col Mumby playing for Broughton 1sts in the early 1980s, signing on the dotted line and enjoying a pint in Brigg.

BRIGG CRICKETERS NARROWLY AVOID UNWANTED RECORD IN BRIEF ENCOUNTER

Brigg Town's cricketers narrowly managed to avoid setting an unwanted club record yesterday (Saturday, July 30).
They were shot out for only 23 at the Recreation Ground by Scunthorpe Town 3rds in Lincolnshire County League Division Three West.
Brigg Town's previous lowest team scores since the club's formation in 1974 were 17 and 19, in different leagues.
Twelve extras, courtesy of Scunthorpe, including a no-ball which sped to the boundary to add five to the total, helped Brigg avoid their lowest-ever innings in a competitive fixture.
The visitors reached their target in quick time for the loss of one wicket.
Brigg have had some run-scoring problems this season but topped 200 to win the match prior to Saturday's game against Scunthorpe.
There were no gremlins in the pitch, which was in good order despite the recent hot and dry spell.
Scunthorpe's opening pair attacked the stumps - eight of their 10 victims being bowled and another trapped leg before wicket, with just one catch being required.
AJ Dosanjh finished with six wickets for five runs, while opening partner George Luya took four for seven.
The innings lasted only 12.1 overs of the scheduled 45.
Town were without a number of regulars for various reasons but managed to field a full 11.

PICTURED: Above - Brigg and Scunthorpe players shaking hands at the end of yesterday's brief encounter; Brigg at the crease; and Scunthorpe's successful seam bowlers being afforded the honour of leading their side off the field. Below - co-sponsor of Saturday's match, former Brigg swing bowler Simon Fisher (centre) with home captain Danny Bradley (right) and opening partner Paul Neal prior to the start.

 

 

DRAMATIC FINISH: BRIGG COULD HAVE LOST, WON OR DRAWN

Brigg Town Football Club missed a late penalty and had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the 2022/23 season in Toolstation Northern Counties East Division One yesterday (Saturday, July 30).
The Zebras shared the spoils with Bradford side Campion at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns).
The visitors went ahead in the first half courtesy of an own goal, and a Brigg defeat looked in prospect until a leveller deep in the second half arrived from Fraser Papprill with a great strike.
Then, with time running out, Brigg were awarded a spot-kick which the Campion keeper managed to save.
The official attendance was 326 - the highest yesterday across Division One.
Match pictures above courtesy of Simon Fisher - one of the Brigg supporters.

GREEN LIGHT FOR HISTORIC KIRTON TUNNEL, BRIGG BLOG IS CHUFFED TO SEE

Brigg Blog is chuffed to report that North Lincolnshire Council has now approved plans to refurbish and conserve mid-19th century Kirton Tunnel - constructed during the great age of steam.
There would be no railway line serving our town without this lengthy and vital piece of Victorian infrastructure near the neighbouring town.
Network Rail has been granted all-important listed building consent to install security doors to the doorway, install mesh to the windows and arrow slits,  clear debris and make general internal and external brickwork repairs.
The green light having been given by local authority planners, Network Rail may now proceed whenever this project can be scheduled.
The Gothic-style tunnel entrance in question, completed in 1849, was given grade two listed status in 1985.
The other portal is less elaborate and not listed.
An assessment report compiled by North Lincolnshire Council planning staff explained: "The application has been assessed by the Council’s Conservation Officer and no objections have been raised to the proposal.
"There is no objection to the proposed works as they are necessary to ensure the long-term conservation of the structure and contribute to the health and safety of the public.
"It is considered that the proposal preserves the building, its setting and historic interest of the tunnel.
"It is therefore considered that the proposal is in accordance with the requirements of Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990."
Informing Network Rail's York Office of its decision, North Lincolnshire Council stipulated: "The works must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent (July 27)." The council received the application in early June.

Archive picture credit: Stephen Gay.

BRIGG DESERVES MORE FREQUENT SERVICE, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SURVEY FINDINGS SUGGEST

Dozens of people have taken part in a survey conducted into public transport provision in Brigg with the vast majority suggesting more frequent services should be provided.
We have decided to run a post about this today as Saturday is the only day of the week when our town's railway station should have passenger trains calling to link Brigg and nearby Kirton Lindsey with Sheffield, Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Gainsborough and Retford.
However, since January the train operator, Northern, has suspended all six Saturday trains on our local route due to Covid-related staffing shortages, and this situation is likely to continue until a review in December 2022.
The Independent Brigg Line Rail Group (IBLRG) issued some 'results' this week from its Brigg Line Questionnaire conducted over the last few months - based on 200 responses. The survey has now closed.
When passenger trains have been cancelled in previous years, for various reasons, a bus service has substituted - calling at stations along the Brigg Line.
However, since January's suspension, no replacement coaches have been provided.
When asked "Is this fair for the communities on this line?" 104 people (97 per cent) who took part in the survey answered No.
The reduction to Saturdays only passenger trains along the Brigg Line was introduced in 1993. The questionnaire found that 94 per cent (187 people) believe this is unacceptable for local communities.
When asked if the Brigg Line should now get an improved service through the Government's Levelling Up Programme, 97 per cent (194 people) thought this should be the case.
The IBLRG has suggested that a new Worksop to Cleethorpes shuttle service 'running every few hours' should be introduced via Brigg, Kirton Lindsey and Barnetby. Asked in the survey if they supported this idea, 87 per cent (173) said Yes, with 20 people saying Maybe and 7 others replying No.
The survey also gauged opinion on whether TransPennine Express passenger trains should be diverted along the Brigg Line if, for any reason, they are unable to run on the Cleethorpes to Sheffield route via Barnetby, Scunthorpe and Doncaster.
Ninety-one people (85 per cent) felt this should be the case, with four saying No, while 12 others replied Maybe.
The IBLRG explained that, as part of the national Williams/Shapps Rail Review, train operators "are advised to look at running on diversionary routes."
Suggesting that three trains only (on Saturdays) had been "dictated by the Department for Transport" the rail group's survey asked public transport users if they felt the DfT had "failed" local communities "by not providing a proper train service."
Some 194 people (97 per cent) felt this to be the case.
Other questions were also included in the survey which can be viewed (in full) by following this link...
Some of those who took part in the survey added interesting comments.
One Brigg resident, who works in Sheffield and is a non-driver, currently relies on getting lifts to Scunthorpe to catch trains to the steel city.
There's a "need to have the train back with an improved timetable" while "commuters would help fund the viability of the trains."
An increased service would also bring in more visitors and tourists to Brigg "helping small businesses thrive."
Another comment posted as part of the survey says "good quality public transport is now more important than ever."
The respondent suggests "opportunities exist to create a sustainable service if only someone in authority would be forward looking and thinking."
Brigg Blog points to high summer being a prime time of the year for potential travel from our town's railway station, particularly for family groups wishing to spend a Saturday at the seaside in Cleethorpes. However, this option is unavailable at present due to the suspension of all passenger trains.
We know that many local public transport users appreciate Northern's Saturdays-only service, in normal circumstances, means the town still retains a presence on the national passenger network - something it gained way back in the 1840s.
People should be aware that when local trains were reduced to Saturdays only, this was not on Northern's watch.
However, there are local hopes that, eventually, more frequent trains can be introduced... operating on more days of the week.

PICTURED: A Northern train picking up passengers in Brigg prior to the service being suspended; a TransPennine Express unit passing through the town's station - a rare sighting, although it was not stopping in platform two; and some extracts from the new survey.

 

 

SUMMER SHOWS ENJOYED AT BRIGG CORN EXCHANGE

Brigg hosted annual horticultural shows for many years, with the old Corn Exchange being their popular venue.
Well-known local man George Green was the long-serving secretary and worked hard to publicise these events through the local press and with posters.
We were reminded of these summer favourites the other day when reading a current poster on display within Brigg town centre.
It is promoting nearby Barton's 70th Horticultural Show, coming up on Saturday, August 13, 2022. View/download full details via this link...
Coun Dick Long, from Wrawby, who was the leader of Brigg-based Glanford Borough Council for some years and also chaired the planning committee, won many prizes in vegetable classes at our horticultural shows. Dick certainly knew his onions!
There were also lots of flower classes, and some for children - a welcome feature of the forthcoming Barton event which the organisers say "anyone can enter."
Many spectators used to attend horticultural shows at Brigg Corn Exchange - this huge social venue being full of tables on which the exhibits were displayed for the judges' benefit.
We recall there was a fundraising auction of produce towards the end of the afternoon, resulting in much fresh veg being enjoyed with Sunday lunches across Brigg the following day.
Perhaps one of our church halls was used as a show venue after the Corn Exchange was demolished in the mid-1990; possibly they switched to the Angel Suite after it was created from the former Angel Hotel ballroom.
For the benefit of Brigg Blog followers who did not know the mid-19th century Corn Exchange, it was situated at the end of Exchange Place, off the Market Place (see pictures above).

BRIGG FEATURES IN 'MASSIVE' SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS PROGRAMME

Free breakfasts in Brigg feature in a range of events available to children living in our area during the school summer holiday.
These are now available in the Angel building, off the Market Place, every Thursday through to September 1, as part of a Breakfast with Books initiative. Find out more here...
Free swimming sessions are currently on offer to youngsters at the Ancholme Leisure Centre in nearby Scawby Brook until September 4.
During the latest meeting of Brigg Town Council, Coun Rob Waltham, who is the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, highlighted the local authority's "massive" summer programme provided for youngsters.
View further information about the Fuelled programme and find out how to register through this link...
He thought North Lincolnshire Council was the only one in the country offering swimming sessions without charge.
Coun Waltham added that the authority had established a new online directory, Live Well North Lincolnshire. Full details are available through this link...
He revealed that nominations were also being welcomed for the 10th annual Community Champion Awards - closing date September 30.
There are 15 categories. Access the full details here...

PLENTY TO INTEREST SPORTS FANS IN BRIGG AS ZEBRAS BEGIN LEAGUE SEASON

Important home games are coming up this Saturday (July 30) for Brigg Town Football Club and Brigg Town Cricket Club, with the milestone 25th Ancholme Valley Way Parkrun also taking place.

Brigg Town FC begin what everyone hopes will prove to be a promotion season for the first team by hosting Campion (from Bradford) on the opening day of the 2022/23 Toolstation Northern Counties East Division One programme.
Kick-off at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns) is 3pm, with Pip's Kitchen and the licensed Hawthorns bar open for refreshments. Admission rates are £5 (adults), £3 (concessions), free for U18s (if accompanying a paying adult).
Brigg were a very free-scoring team last season when they finished third but failed to achieve promotion to the Premier through the play-offs.

Brigg Town Development will be away to Gainsborough Trinity U18s on Saturday at the Roses Ground (3pm).
Fresh from a tonic away win last weekend, Brigg Town Cricket Club will welcome Scunthorpe Town 3rds to the Recreation Ground tomorrow for a Lincolnshire County League Division Three West fixture, starting at 1pm.
It would be good to see some football fans watching the cricket before, or after, attending the Brigg v Campion game on the adjoining ground.
Broughton 1st XI will be at home to Bracebridge Heath 2nds, from Lincoln, tomorrow in Division One.
Hibaldstow, playing in Division Two, will also have home advantage against Lindum 3rds - another Lincoln team.
Saturday will be a big one for promotion-chasing Broughton 2nds - second in Division Three West - who visit unbeaten leaders Barton Town 2nds.
Tomorrow morning will see the 25th Ancholme Valley Way Parkrun start at 9am from near the Ancholme Way Bridge in Brigg.
Last Saturday (July 23) local man Mark Morris was the first of 153 competitors to complete the riverside course. View full details here...
These popular weekly Parkruns began in February 2022.
There's a local derby coming up on Sunday (July 31) in the Mick Walker North Lindsey Cricket League when Broughton 3rds host Hibaldstow 2nds in Division Two (1.30pm).

CALL TO SHOWCASE WHAT BRIGG OFFERS VISITORS

Wetherspoon's White Horse pub is widely regarded as Brigg town centre's most used hostelry.
But when people who are not Brigg residents approach the Wrawby Street venue for food and drink, how does our community make them aware what else the town has to offer or let them know about local places of interest?
Currently there is only the rather dated information board (seen below) located near the White Horse and the adjoining bus stop at the eastern end of the town centre.
What's displayed inside this Tourist Information board has faded badly over the years

.

However, Coun Jane Kitching suggested during the Town Council's latest meeting that a new public information 'lectern' is needed here by way of a modern replacement.
This would be on the type recently erected on the Old Courts Road and Angel car parks.
She said of current information displayed on the Tourist Information board: "You can't read it!"
A group of 61 Mansfield football supporters recently visited Brigg on a coach trip, with Wetherspoon's among the planned ports of call during a full afternoon stay.
With the 2022/23 season now under way, supporters of other Football League clubs bound for away games at Grimsby, Hull and Lincoln will be stopping for refreshments.
Other people regularly visiting the eastern end of the town centre include customers of the popular China Garden and Marmaris fast food takeaways, who might also find a new information board of interest while waiting for their meals to be prepared.
Many motor-cyclists and scooter riders stop off in Brigg - often parking their machines in this part of the town.
Once the currently suspended passenger train service resumes along the Brigg Line, there's the prospect of passengers visiting the town from Sheffield, North Nottinghamshire and Grimsby; walking down Station Road and Queen Street on their way to Wrawby Street.
They would pass a new information board near Wetherspoon's.
Following Coun Kitching's suggestion to colleagues during Tuesday night's council meeting, Coun Rob Waltham added that costings now needed to be obtained.
This will be the next step in the process.

Brigg Blog has since been down to take a closer look and suggests the public information lectern would be best sited on the paved area between the public seating and pub/restaurant's delivery access.
The current Tourist Information Board, installed many years ago, is far from prominent.
Sadly, few people notice it's there... unless they are passengers waiting for the Hornsbys No 4 service.
However, many pedestrians (including visitors to Brigg) traverse the paved area close to Wetherspoon's on a regular basis.
Brigg Blog has now informed Coun Kitching about our suggested location and will be following her idea for a new information lectern with interest.

PICTURED AT THE TOP: The site on the paved area we are suggesting would be ideal for a new public information lectern, with a close up of one already sited on the Old Courts Road car park.

BRIGG TOURNAMENT WILL BE ON COURSE ONCE AGAIN WITH PAUL'S HELP

There isn't a formal job descriptIon for the civic role of Brigg Town Mayor - elected by members of the Town Council.
He, or she, needs to know about council procedures and rules (known as standing orders), be proficient at chairing meetings of the authority, and be prepared to attend many functions and events as the town's first citizen and official representative.
However, current holder of the post, Coun Brian Parker, has added something new to the credentials list... an interest in golf.
He recently hosted an inaugural fundraising tournament on the Elsham course, and donated a trophy for this purpose.
Coun Parker has since informed fellow councillors that local man Paul McCormick, who organised the Mayor's Golf Day 2022, is willing to do so again in the future.
Town Mayors can opt to have year-long appeal funds in aid of worthy causes they wish to support.
Cheques are presented when the civic year ends in May at Brigg Town Council's annual meeting.
Formally electing and installing the next Town Mayor then follows.

PICTURED: Mayor's Golf Day organiser Paul McCormick (left) and Coun Parker, holding the trophy, during the 2022 event and the Town Mayor addressing competitors, of which there were more than 50 playing in teams.

LIVE MUSIC AND 'ALL YOU CAN EAT' IN BRIGG THIS WEEKEND

 

Live music shows and food nights will be enjoyed on a range of licensed premises across Brigg town centre this weekend.
Popular local singers Rachel Day and Mash (Ian Baxter) will be returning to the Woolpack tomorrow evening (Friday, July 29) with free admission. Their last appearance attracted a big crowd. This Market Place venue will have karaoke on Saturday night.

Rachel Day and Mash performing at the Woolpack in February 2022.

Long-established band The Moggies will also be making a welcome return.
Well-known for offering "The authentic sound of the 1960s" they will be performing on stage at Brigg & District Servicemen's Club on Saturday, from 8.30pm.
Admission to the gig is free - everyone welcome, says the Coney Court venue.
The Moggies include Ian Cawsey (pictured top left), the former Brigg & Goole MP, whose local constituency office was just a stone's throw away at 7 Market Place.
Saturday will see the Britannia Inn, on Wrawby Street, hosting a ticket-only 'all-you-can-eat' Thai buffet night, with sessions starting at 4pm and 7pm.
Apply to the venue without delay to secure any remaining places - the cost being £15.
There will be a Saturday night disco & karaoke session to enjoy at the Dying Gladiator, Bigby Street.
Tomorrow (Friday) the Yarborough Hunt, on Bridge Street, hosts another of its popular periodic pop-up pizza nights with Angelo (5pm to 8.30pm).
Orders are taken from customers, with food being freshly prepared adjoining the premises and then delivered to tables inside.
There will be a traditional Saturday Market in Brigg town centre from 8am through to the afternoon, offering fruit & veg, flowers and fish.

Lady Di will be featuring in a singalong karaoke at the Red Lion, Broughton, tonight (Thursday, July 28).

WHEEL TO TURN FULL CIRCLE IN BRIGG WITH WILDFLOWERS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Colourful wildflowers will be springing up at various locations in Brigg as part of a 'green' environmental project by the Town Council which will give a helping hand to pollinating insects.
During the authority's monthly meeting, held on Tuesday (July 26), seeding was agreed for:

• Areas of the Woodbine Park play area between South View Avenue and Brigg Town Football Club's ground off Hawthorn Avenue.
• The steep bank bordering the Davy Memorial playing field off Bigby Road.
• One of the boundaries of the Donkey Park children's play area near Atherton Way.
• Parts of the Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School, Grammar School Road.

Coun Rob Waltham told fellow councillors he regarded this as a community project.
He suggested up to £250 should be set aside for wildflower seeding.
Brigg Blog has been suggesting for many years that the steep grassed-over bank adjoining the Davy field would be ideal for wildflowers.
Other people of a certain age will also remember in the 1960s when scores of butterflies, belonging to many species, made this strip their haven, as did bees.
The bank's status back then might be described as overgrown.
Due to Brigg Urban District Council's reluctance to send in the cutting crews, 'Mother Nature' took full advantage and provided an abundance of wildflowers - at no cost to the public purse!
So when flowers again dot the bank it will be a nostalgic scene, and another example of the wheel turning full circle in Brigg.
For when the old wooden crossing gates clanked shut in the 1960s and the signals were pulled off for an approaching train, games of football halted on the Davy Field as young trainspotters waited to see if a heavily-rusted surviving steam loco was going to appear.
There would be groans if a 'dirty diesel' came into view instead - often a Brush Type 2, an English Electric Co-Co Type 3 or a passsenger-carrying multiple unit.
Steam locos 'spotted' at the time were mostly WD Austerity 2-8-0s, all-purpose B1 4-6-0s or BR 9F 2-10-0s.
Brigg UDC's reluctance to cut grass on public open space in the 1960s also resulted in wildflowers taking root on what was then known as the Donkey Field, adjoining the Newlands estate.

HIGH QUALITY CCTV FOOTAGE BEING RECORDED IN BRIGG

People who break the law in Brigg risk being identified by CCTV cameras which provide clear and high quality images.
There are various cameras located locally, particularly in and near the town centre.
Nothing on the agenda suggested Brigg Town Council was going to consider CCTV during its latest meeting.
But the topic came to the fore when Coun Ann Eardley reported concerns about the behaviour of some people who had visited the Donkey Park play area off Almond Grove.
Couns Rob Waltham and Carl Sherwood, who are also members of North Lincolnshire Council, outlined the location and range of vision of the camera sited near the Donkey Field, which stretches beyond the play area.
Town Clerk Kerry McGrath explained the procedures in place to monitor the footage and how it may be used effectively.
The meeting was reminded that crime investigations, with a view to bringing prosecutions, are a matter for Humberside Police.
CCTV was installed near the Donkey Field last autumn. View details here...

GOOD NEWS FOR PROPOSED 'DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT' IN BRIGG

There's good news for ale lovers in Brigg as a result of councillors' discussions held last night (Tuesday, July 26).
Consulted about a licensed 'drinking establishment' proposed for 11A Market Place (adjoining Coney Court), Brigg Town Council's Planning & Environment Committee raised no objections to three applications.
The town authority's views on the Bottle Shop & Micro Pub will now be forwarded to North Lincolnshire Council which will make final decisions in each case.
The applications seeking approval are:

• Premises licence (The Bottle Box Ltd).
• Planning permission for change of use from a florist's shop to a drinking establishment.
• Listed building consent for this change of use at 11A Market Place.

Proposed hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises are Monday to Sunday, 11am and 11pm.
During last night's committee meeting, held in the Angel Suite Lounge, Town Mayor Coun Brian Parker said: "The building needs using."
Coun Sharon Riggall, chairing the discussions, said a similar venture was already operating in Beverley with many others elsewhere, searches on Google indicated.
Coun Jane Kitching hoped subsequent arrangements would ensure noise was minimised from any glass bottles put out for collection and taken away for recycling.
Coun Ann Eardley had misgivings about the size of the premises for this proposed use, and also about how deliveries would be undertaken.
The Town Council committee agreed, by a majority vote, not to object to any of the applications on which they were being consulted.
In addition to the shop area facing the Market Place, rooms behind (parallel to Coney Court) will form an integral part of the proposed facility.
Seating will be available on the premises, with a bar, toilet and cloakroom provision  included.

 

 

BRIGG & WOLDS: DETAILED PLANS LODGED FOR 22 NEW HOMES

Well-known local company Keigar Homes has submitted detailed plans for 22 new dwellings within North Lincolnshire Council's Brigg & Wolds Ward.
Outline planning permission having already been granted for land off Applefields in Wrawby, Barton-based Keigar has now submitted a detailed application setting out the proposed appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development.
This is now being considered by North Lincolnshire Council, which has set August 5 as the date for the conclusion of a public consultation period.
Applefields connects with Vicarage Road in the village.
North Lincolnshire Council is now considering a householder application seeking approval to erect single-storey rear and single-storey side extensions at Shahdene, Westrum Lane, Brigg.
Permission is also being sought to erect a single-storey rear extension at Sycamore House, 4 Maltkiln Lane, Elsham.
Decisions on both applications will be announced in due course.
North Lincolnshire Council has granted approval for the following:
Erect a single-storey rear extension at 9 Woodland Drive, Broughton.
Erect a single-storey side and rear extension at 21 Station Road, Hibaldstow.
Erect a two-storey rear extension and make alterations to the dwelling, and erect a two-bay garage with storage, at 10 Barnetby Lane, Elsham.
The authority has also granted advertisement consent to Lincolnshire Co-operative Limited for three illuminated signs on the new food store it is building off Victoria Road, Barnetby. This retail outlet will open daily from 7am to 10pm and is expected to open next month.

BRIGG TOWN FOOTBALLERS IN FIVE-GOAL ENCOUNTER

The pitch at the EC Surfacing Stadium got a few more days rest ahead of the start of the regular season kick-off when Brigg Town Development played a friendly in Scawby last night (Tuesday, July 26).
The Development XI, from the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier, welcomed Hull side Reckitts AFC, of the Humber Premier League, to the village venue, off West Street, which Town have used for previous matches from time to time.
A young Brigg Development XI won 3-2 with goals from Lingard (2) and Hare.
Friday morning will see Brigg Blog previewing the first team's opening game in Toolstation Northern Counties East Division One which is coming up on July 30 at the EC Surfacing Stadium (Hawthorns).

PROPOSED CHANGES ON THE BRIGG LINE SUPPORTED BY ADVISORY REPORT

An advisory report is supporting the changes proposed by Network Rail for the most famous feature on the entire Brigg Line route between Sheffield and Cleethorpes.
Network Rail is seeking permission from North Lincolnshire Council to make additions and alterations to one end of Kirton Tunnel.
An application has been submitted requesting listed building consent to install steel security doors on supporting towers, mesh on window and arrow slits, clear debris and undertake general internal and external brickwork repairs.
These works relate to the ornate grade two listed portal at one entrance to the tunnel which was constructed early in Queen Victoria's reign as part of what became the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway mainline (later renamed The Great Central).
Consulted as part of the planning process, North Lincolnshire Council's conservation officer has raised no objections in a 'summary of advice'.
He has now informed the authority's planning department that the proposed works "are necessary to ensure the long term conservation of the structure and contribute to the health and safety of the public."
He adds: "There is no objection to the mesh on the window openings and the new door as they prevent unauthorised access to the structure, contributing to health and safety and also prevent pigeons getting in which cause damage with their guano. The works are reversible.
"The cleaning and brickwork repairs are necessary to ensure the structure remains in good working order. This will prevent deterioration of the building and maintain its lifespan.
"It is recommended that the application is approved and undertaken as per the submitted plans."
Kirton in Lindsey Town Council has also raised no objections.
North Lincolnshire authority planners have yet to decide the application submitted by Network Rail, which supplied a detailed heritage statement with its application for listed building consent.
This explains the impressive tunnel entrance is in the Gothic style, with imposing cylindrical towers either side.
Completed in 1848, the tunnel is 1,334 yards long.
"The primary reason for the works is to prevent access to the towers, through the installation of doors and window mesh. Minor repair and maintenance works are also to be undertaken," Network Rail explained.
Author and railway historian, Stephen Gay, wrote an excellent picture-packed book Through Kirton Tunnel tracing the history of the line from Sheffield to Grimsby and Cleethorpes via Brigg and Barnetby.
Stephen, a lecturer on railway history, said how pleased the line's engineers were with the end result of this lengthy project.
All the contract workers were supplied with a quantity of ale and a slap-up supper as a thank-you gesture for a job well done.
Saturdays-only passenger trains along the Brigg Line via Kirton Tunnel remain suspended by operating company Northern due to Covid-related staff issues, with a review of the the situation being expected in December. However, freight trains continue to use the Brigg Line.
Picture credit: Stephen Gay.

Click here to watch 'a train driver's view' video taken from Barnetby to Gainsborough Central via Brigg and Kirton Tunnel...

MIDWEEK REFLECTIONS FROM BRIGG, BARNETBY & BROUGHTON

Some travellers have made very early arrivals in town ahead of Brigg Horse Fair 2022 to be held on Friday, August 5 - giving them first pick of parking sites for their caravans and vehicles near the railway station.
This will be the first fair since North Lincolnshire Council declared its Hewson House site surplus to requirements, closed the office block and relocated staff elsewhere.
As a result, additional free parking is now available to the general public either side of lengthy Station Road, and some Royal Mail postal vans were evident at the weekend.

The new Barnetby Co-op store will mean jobs being created when it opens in a few weeks. But ahead of the first day's trading, it has already provided work for Brigg company EC Surfacing which undertook some 'tarmacing' outside the building off Victoria Road.

Should Brigg householders whose brown bin emptying was cancelled last week be permitted to put a bag or two of garden waste out for collection alongside their bin on Tuesday, August 2 when the crews next do their brown rounds in the town?
Most people in Brigg fully accepted the safety-related reason for cancelling the scheduled collection last Tuesday as the afternoon temperature neared 100F.
However, this is the prime time of year for domestic grass cuttings and hedge clippings.
North Lincolnshire Council's current policy, set out on its website, is: "Please ensure the lid is flat and no excess waste is presented as it will not be collected."
But as the local authority identified the heatwave as a special case for cancelling brown bin emptying in Brigg last Tuesday, could it make a one-off exemption on August 2 and accept suitably bagged side waste?
Many brown bins in Brigg are already full, or nearly full, following the cancellation of the recent collection.
It won't help the local area's carbon footprint if many Brigg residents who have filled their bins before August 2 drive cars or vans to and from the recycling centre near Broughton to get rid of their excess green matter.
The council began offering garden composters some time ago, but what's the ordering time for these?

With cyclists so often opting to ride on footpaths in Brigg and district, it was heartening to see a boy of primary school age not only cycling down a well-used road but then looking over his shoulder and giving a perfect left turn arm signal before entering a cul-de-sac.
This was observed in neighbouring Broughton a few days ago as we awaited a bus back to Brigg.
Those of us who attended local primary schools in the 1960s received mandatory cycling proficiency training from the police - carried out in the playground and resulting in certificates being issued.
Kids were left in no doubt that police street patrols would be looking for incidents of cycling on paths or riding without effective lights after dusk.

A Brigg Arts Festival is to be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 11, 12 and 13, at St John's Church in the town centre, from 9.30am to 2pm daily. Refreshments will be available in the adjoining Church Hall. The festival is another in the #LoveBrigg events series.

PICTURED: Tack on show at last year's Brigg Horse Fair, the Co-op store taking shape in Barnetby, and a brown bin nearly full but not earmarked for emptying until August 2.

'FINING REGIME' STEPPED UP IN THE WAR AGAINST LITTER, SAYS BRIGG COUNCILLOR

Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds) says North Lincolnshire Council, of which he is the leader, "will be stepping up the fining regime now and through the summer" as part of what the local authority describes as a new offensive in the war against litter.


FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL - MONDAY, JULY 25

A new offensive is being launched across North Lincolnshire as the council’s crack-down on litter louts intensifies.
Hundreds of bins across the county will be doubled in size and emptied more frequently, enhancing the network of more than 1,500 already in place.
Alongside this, mass education programmes and public information campaigns are to be backed up by a new zero-tolerance approach to fining as wardens issuing £150 fines have been instructed to show no leniency.
The new offensive is being launched across the summer and through the autumn months.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Communities are fed up with those small numbers of people who think others should clean up after them – the impact is huge but will not be tolerated.
“A great deal of effort goes into keeping North Lincolnshire tidy – the council already spends vast sums of taxpayers’ money to clean up other people’s mess and there are many conscientious people who come together and get involved in litter picks on a regular basis.
“Despite these best efforts, and the fact we are now going to have to spend more to increase bin sizes and the number of collections, people still think it is acceptable to drop their waste when they are done with it – it is not good enough and we will be stepping up the fining regime now and through the summer.”
The details for eradicating litter from North Lincolnshire’s streets are set out in the new Litter Plan, which is set to be discussed at the council’s Cabinet meeting today (Monday 25 July 2022).
Now 18-months into a two-year trial of fining people £150 if caught dropping litter, more than 2,000 people have been fined with some stung for more than £400 after refusing to pay, only to be slapped with additional fees in court.
The litter wardens patrol areas of North Lincolnshire and anyone caught dropping, throwing or depositing litter and leaving it on the ground will find themselves hit with a fixed penalty notice.
Cllr David Rose, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have launched our Green Future strategy which details our efforts to ensure that we leave the environment for future generations in a better state than it is today.
“This strategy is all encompassing, touching the lives of every person here now and those who will call North Lincolnshire home in years to come.
“Huge efforts have gone into developing these proposals and an incredible amount more will go into ensuring we deliver a cleaner, greener North Lincolnshire – yet despite this, some people still persist in acting in an anti-social way by dropping litter – it is nothing short of disgraceful and the offenders need to know that we will not stop until they do.”

PICTURED: Coun Rob Waltham in Brigg. Also seen are litter & recycling bins in the town over the weekend.

BRIGG & DISTRICT FOOTBALL AND CRICKET UPDATES

Brigg Town Football Club's Development team has another pre-season game ahead, while cricketers from Broughton are reflecting on the result of yesterday's cup semi-final.
Effectively Brigg Town's reserve side, the Development XI will play Reckitts FC (from Hull) in a friendly tomorrow night (Tuesday, July 26) kicking off at 7.15pm.
The venue is Scawby Playing Field, on West Street, as was the case on Saturday when Brigg Development beat Messingham in another pre-season game.
Free admission applies for Zebras' fans wishing to watch tomorrow night's game.
Broughton 3rds lost when hosting Luddington yesterday (Sunday, July 24) in a Mick Walker North Lindsey Cricket League Cup KO semi-final.
The visitors from the Isle of Axholme rattled up 194 for one in their 30 overs - Sam Hayton taking the only wicket, courtesy of a stumping by keeper Reuben Kelly.
Broughton replied with 138 for nine - Matthew Oades top scoring with 52 and Nathan Martinson scoring 22. (SEE FULL MATCH REPORT BELOW).
Messingham 3rds beat Scunthorpe Town Development by seven wickets in yesterday's other semi.
Brigg Blog has now received confirmation that Hibaldstow 1sts have been allocated five points from Saturday's Lincolnshire County League Division Two away match which could not be played because of the outfield "being severely parched, creating cracks." Five points is the standard award for cancelled or abandoned fixtures.
We have also received the latest tables from the league, showing Hibaldstow in seventh place in Division Two, which has 10 teams.
Broughton 1sts are fifth in Division One (five wins, five defeats so far).
Broughton 2nds hold down second spot in Division Three West, with Brigg Town at the foot of the table.
Brigg, who won well at the weekend, are now 11 points behind Caistor 2nds but have two games in hand (20pts being awarded for an outright victory).
Town have a busy programme ahead with seven games still to be played - half their divisional fixtures!

 

CUP SEMI-FINAL MATCH REPORT BY GLEN SANDS, WHO WAS ONE OF THE SCORERS

Holders Luddington Dons earned the chance to retain the Trophy when beating a young and valiant Broughton side who won the toss at their Scawby Road ground and invited the Isle of Axholme side to bat first. Openers Matthew Teal and Martin Davey made a solid start against a youthful opening attack then had to dig in when canny spin bowler Phil Heath and junior Matty Oades produced a spell of half a dozen overs that saw the run rate fall. However having seen off that threat the Dons pair began to flourish with Teal in particular finding his form. He reached a splendid half century then pressed on from there while his partner steadily accumulated runs at the other end and within no mtime at all the former was on the brink of what was a magnificent hundred. Davey brought up his fifty then Teal raised his bat to his team mates when going to three figures before finally falling for 112 stumped by Reuben Kelly off San Hayton bringing to an end a superb knock. Davey ended the innings on 66 not out with Casey Convery on four while the home sides young guns left the field to a round of applause having kept going and encouraged each other throughout under some intense cricket towards the end.

Having lost a three early wickets Broughton juniors Matthew Oades and Nathan Martinson put together a terrific fourth wicket partnership of 64 runs with an array of shots all around the ground before the latter was run out for 22 after which two further wickets fell with the total on 95 , ending any hopes of Broughton reaching the hefty Luddington target of 194. Young Matthew Oades was still there and was growing ever more confident as he went past his best ever senior score ( 33 ) , then he brought up a splendid half century with his seventh boundary before falling for 52 when being the eighth man out at 117. Graham Clark went on to pick up 5 for 13 with his own brand of spin bowling as the Dons went on to clinch a 60 run victory in what was a game played in good spirit and well umpired by Mark Mettam and Stewart Whitelam.

61 FOOTBALL FANS FROM MIDLANDS ENJOY 'STAG AFTERNOON' IN BRIGG

A big group of Football fans from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire made a day trip to Brigg and gave generously to a worthy cause while they were in town at the weekend, as well as generating welcome trade for local businesses.
Followers of the Stags stopped off here for refreshments towards the end of the last football season in April, ahead of watching their club play at Scunthorpe United.
They liked our town and, as a result, arranged a more lengthy 'Stag Afternoon' return visit on Saturday (July 23) during which they gave cash in support of the Brigg group promoting Pancreatic Cancer Action & Awareness.
Brigg's Andrew Markham, a staunch member of this local fundraising team, has kindly supplied a couple of pictures showing some of the Mansfield fans in town at the weekend.
They are seen outside the Lord Nelson in the Market Place, and in the beer garden at the Dying Gladiator, Bigby Street, with landlord Eugene Irwin. Andrew is on the left of both views.
We gather 61 Mansfield supporters came on this bus trip, and Andrew reveals: "We will see them again later in the year when the Stags visit Grimsby Town for a Division 2 fixture."
Andrew is better known to many as Sass - short for Sassenach. That's what the Scots call English people, and he has Scottish heritage.
He has travelled far and wide north of the border to watch matches at their Football League grounds, which brings us to the picture seen below.
It was kindly taken by Fiona Murray, who is a follower of Queen of the South FC, based in Dumfries.
She's now a Brigg resident and took the picture at the Yarborough Hunt on Saturday night, featuring some well-known locals enjoying a chat and a few drinks in the snug.

 

 

A ROARING SUCCESS: PICTURES FROM THE FIRST BRIGG TOWN MAYOR'S GOLF DAY

When the Town Mayor of Brigg told council colleagues (and us) a few months ago that he was planning to launch an annual golf tournament to raise funds for worthy causes, he hoped a decent number of players would sign up to take part.
It soon became apparent that Coun Brian Parker, who donated the winners' trophy, had plenty of support for his initiative, and the event proved successful and enjoyable at Elsham Golf Club last Friday (July 22).
As he said he would, the Town Mayor has supplied Brigg Blog with some pictures taken by Town Clerk Kerry McGrath.
More were kindly forwarded to us over the weekend by local man Paul McCormick, who organised the event.
Paul tells us Coun Brian was delighted to see 13 eager teams off on the course at the start of the inaugural Charity Golf Day.
The event was "a roaring success" with almost £1,000 raised to support the Mayoral Appeal Fund which benefits Lindsey Lodge Hospice and the MND association (causes chosen by Coun Brian).
People travelled from as far away as Nottingham to play, and Coun Brian thanked everyone on the day for their generosity.
First winners of the cup were Mike Hempstock's team - seen above receiving the trophy.
Coun Brian hopes that future Town Mayors will hold golf days along the same lines.

 

Paul McCormick (second left) with his team, and the Town Mayor.

 

VIDEO 'LIVE STREAM' OF BRIGG TOWN THRILLER

Brigg Town's cricketers turned in a fine performance to inch home by three runs in a nail-biting finish at Outcasts 2nds yesterday (Saturday, July 23).
Interested sports fans with web access were able to follow the action 'live stream'  - courtesy of the home club and play-cricket.com - and also obtain ball-by-ball updates.
This was only Brigg's second victory of the season in Lincolnshire County Cricket League Division Three West, and despite bagging 18 points yesterday they remain at the foot of the table. However, they have games in hand on all the teams immediately above them.
Brigg also have half their fixtures (seven) still to play.
Shortage of runs had been Town's main problem, but this was far from the case yesterday at the rural Hirst Priory venue near Crowle.
Brigg secured the maximum five batting bonus points available with a tonic total of 209 for eight in the permitted 45 overs.
Skipper Danny Bradley top scored with 47, veteran Jack Richards made 46, fellow opener Guy Haxby 22, and Paul Neal a handy 23 not out.
In reply, Outcasts lost an early wicket with only nine on the board, claimed by Nick Beacock.
However, a telling 121-run second wicket partnership developed before slow bowler Richards dismissed Jacob Dunston for 60 and Anthony Fitzgerald for 43.
Spinner Paul Neal was introduced as the sixth bowler of the innings and took decisive three wickets, including Russ Fletcher for 29.
Outcasts progressed to 172 for six but the overs were running out.
Things then got really tight, with a win for either side or even a rare tie all possible outcomes.
But a couple of late wickets by experienced seamer Beacock, who rejoined the attack, saw the home side come up short on 206 for eight at the end of a memorable match.
Neal finished with three for 14, Beacock with three for 43 and Richards with two for 39.
Footage from this game can be viewed by selecting the Videos tab at https://lincscl.play-cricket.com/website/results/5107216

PICTURED: Brigg Town opener Jack Richards at the crease yesterday (credit - Outcasts CC/Play-Cricketcom).

SPEED CAMERAS WILL BE OPERATING IN BRIGG

Speed cameras are to be employed on a road in Brigg this week.
Safer Roads Humber says safety enforcement cameras are used across the region as part of its overall strategy to make local 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.
THURSDAY, JULY 28: Vehicle monitoring will be carried out on the A1084 Bigby High Road, Brigg.
There are already 'flashing' speed alert display signs on this well-used route.
Brigg Blog's advice to drivers is: Slow down and stick to the speed limit in place on local roads at all times.

MORE INVESTMENT PLANNED FOR BRIGG SCHOOL

More investment has been announced for Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg - this time for the Lower School site.
Planning permission is being sought from North Lincolnshire Council for the installation of 2.4m high close-boarded timber fencing to divide the playing field from what is called the inclusion unit to provide privacy, and also for metal fencing facing Wrawby Road - "creating an inviting frontage and more minimal boundary appearance."
This application is now being considered by local authority planners.
The Upper School site has already received improved access on its frontage facing Grammar School Road.
Approval has been given to replace windows and doors in the former boarding house, dating back to the 1870s, and for improved science provision within the main school building through internal alterations.
Permission has also been granted for partial refurbishment to form a new technology suite, including a new meeting room extension and entrance lobby extension, which includes demolishing some redundant buildings erected in the 1950s.
Part of the present Upper School is grade one listed, dating back to the the late 17th century - the only building in Brigg with this heritage category.
A decision is awaited from council planners on an application to erect a 'work of art' stone sculpture on a grassy area near the original school doorway.
View details of the proposal here...

PICTURED: Parts of the Sir John Nelthorpe Lower and Upper School sites - the latter view showing the original entrance (extreme left, near the metal gates).

HAT-TRICK FOR BRIGG

Brigg Town Football Club's Development XI won well in a pre-season game yesterday (Saturday, July 23).
The Zebras defeated Messingham United 4-0 in a fixture played at the village ground in Scawby.
Hutson (3) and Herrett were the scorers.
Brigg Development are building up to their next campaign in the Balcan Lighting Supplies Lincolnshire League Premier.
Brigg's first teamere were not in pre-season action yesterday - their scheduled home friendly against Avro having been cancelled, with due notice given to supporters.

SUCCESSFUL SATURDAY FOR BROUGHTON CRICKETERS

Broughton 1st XI won well at Cherry Willingham in Division One of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League yesterday (Saturday, July 23).
The home side were contained to 142 for seven after 45 overs - Broughton's Jake Parker taking three wickets at a cost of 31 runs, while Shaun Clark managed two for 25. Robbie Ward went wicketless but conceded only 19 runs in his nine overs.
Broughton raced to a five-wicket victory in the 26th over, with opener Nick Dobbs unbeaten on 68 and Shaun Clark making 26.
Broughton 2nds, who play in the same division (Three West) as Brigg Town, kept up their promotion push with a convincing home victory.
Caistor 2nds were dismissed for 77 - James Oades taking three for six.
Broughton then lost only three wickets in reaching their modest target, Robbie Glentworth (pictured above) leading the way with 39.

BRIGG SCHOOL CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCED

Brigg Blog was interested to see the winner of the inter-house championship announced through social media by Sir John Nelthorpe School.
This was done on the final day of the summer term and the 2021/22 educational year.
Pelham secured the house championship with 324 points, the SJN PE Department revealed - just three more than Taylor in a close-run finish.
Eccles managed 299, with Lardelli on 275.
These house names relate to people who, in the past, contributed a great deal to secondary education in Brigg.
Some will be familiar to ex-pupils of Brigg Grammar and Brigg Girls' High which educated youngsters in the local era of the 11-plus selective exam.
The Sir John Nelthorpe comprehensive launched in 1976 when Humberside County Council was the education authority.
SJN took over the Grammar School Road and Wrawby Road buildings and their adjacent playing fields.
The Grammar and High establishments had their own houses which competed annually in championships.
At the former, boys were allocated places according to where they lived.
Ancholme - Brigg residents only; Nelthorpe - Scawby, Hibaldstow and villages to the south towards Lincoln; Sheffield - Broughton, Scunthorpe and other villages to the west of Brigg; Yarborough - Wrawby and settlements north-east as far as Keelby; School House - on-site resident boarding pupils.
A revision was undertaken in the early 1970s to equate numbers, with Scawby and Hibaldstow being attached to Ancholme.
Brigg Blog was pleased to see Sir John Nelthorpe School's inter-house cricket progamme being completed recently, with games on the school playing field and also at Brigg Recreation Ground.
In the 1960s, Brigg Rec was the venue for Brigg County Primary School's annual sports day and also hosted house football matches, as no sports field was included when this seat of learning opened in 1929.
Each pupil was required to carry a chair down to the Rec - lined up in neat rows to be used by parents and VIP guests - and then take them back to school once sports day was over.
Houses back then included Pelham, Carey, Sutton and Elwes.
Although today North Lincolnshire Council provides plush changing rooms (with showers) for sports players using the Rec, footballers and cricketers in the late 1960s and early 1970s used former outbuildings acquired by Brigg Urban District Council when it bought Woodbine Farm and converted it into a sports venue.
There was one outside tap nearby where mud could be washed off boots.
How times change... in this case, for the better!

PICTURED: Some views from sports day 2022 at Sir John Nelthorpe School (PE Dept credit) and pupils in race action many decades ago.