New era for beautiful Brigg

The north Lincolnshire town has worked hard over the past few years to boost tourism and attract new businesses to the town, but it has also strived to improve its offer for local residents and recreational visitors too.
Brigg Town Business Partnership and the Tourist Information Centre continue to work towards promoting the town as a destination for shoppers and visitors alike.The business partnership recently organised another successful pump blessing ceremony and it is working with Live Arts to help promote and put on some of their events.

Brigg’s pump blessing ceremony was revived by the partnership in 2013 as part of the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“There has been a change on the committee with some new vibrant ideas which we are hoping to take forward this year,” explained new chair Deborah Dunderdale who has lived in Brigg all her life and is manageress of Deb’s Diner in the town.

“The committee is looking ahead and planning for Christmas at the moment with ideas which include a free concert, a Christmas tree, a Tree of Light and a Lantern of Lights event.

“We are also working with the rail companies to promote the Saturday train and the Brigg in Bloom judging took place last month (July) with the results being announced in September.”

Deborah took over the partnership’s chair role in June and it is the first change in the committee for a long time.

“It is a new era for the partnership,” she explained, “and the new committee is looking forward to promoting and advertising the town as a place to visit rather than just for events.”

The partnership has been working in conjunction with Brigg Town Council and the town has been decorated with lots of new flower baskets and tubs and the flower beds have been planted.

“The work has all been done by local groups such as the air cadets, schools and general volunteers. It is looking really good,” said Deborah.

“The partnership has eighty paid-up members and thirty associated members. It is quite busy and membership is busy but we would like it to increase so we have taken steps to do that.

“We have seen shops close in the town but as fast as one shop closes another one moves in, so we are looking forward to promoting the town and advertising it as a place to see.”

The Brigg in Bloom project has also been supported by North Lincolnshire Council which awarded £5,000 from its Community Grant Funding pot to Brigg Town Council for the scheme. The money was used to buy and install planters throughout the town for the summer.

Councillor Carl Sherwood, North Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet member for Community Wellbeing, said: “The Community Grant Fund helps communities in many ways. Brigg in Bloom is a wonderful project that brings the town to life with an array of colours. It is great that we have been able to support Brigg Town Council with Brigg in Bloom this year.”

Mayor of Brigg, Councillor Sharon Riggall, said this was the first year the town council had supported Brigg in Bloom: “We received the support of a number of volunteers in the town to help plant and maintain our new planters and borders. The grant from North Lincolnshire Council gave a great boost to funding the project.”

The old town of Brigg is centred on the marketplace and the adjoining streets of Bridge Street, Wrawby Street and Bigby Street. The marketplace and Wrawby Street, where much of the town’s retail is located, were pedestrianised in the early 1990s.

A significant number of buildings in the town centre date from the late 1700s or early 1800s and are listed, with the old town as a whole designated a Conservation Area.

Dominating the marketplace is the Buttercross and the Angel, a former coaching inn with an early mock Tudor façade, which is now home to Brigg Town Council and various North Lincolnshire Council services.

Brigg Tourist Information Centre has operated from the town’s iconic Buttercross building since February 1991 but the building of the Buttercross was started in 1817 by the Elwes family to provide a meeting place for local organisations.

The stone paved ground floor was used as a market for the sale of butter, eggs and poultry. It was originally open to the elements but the ground floor was closed in when it was refurbished as part of the Brigg regeneration scheme in 1991 and it reopened as the Tourist Information Centre.

The centre has redeveloped into a showcase for customer care and high quality services for visitors and local residents alike rising from its first year’s visitor figure of 17,000 to today’s 27,000 visitors.

Brigg Tourist Information Centre is a VisitEngland official partner, offering a range of services for local residents and visitors to the area, playing a vital role in promoting tourist attractions, visitor accommodation and events in North Lincolnshire.

The other iconic landmark in the heart of the town which is very much part of twenty-first century life is the historic Angel building which is now not only home to the Brigg Heritage Centre but also the Library, Local Link and Courtyard Café and attracts visitors from far and wide which is helping to boost the local economy.

Thousands of visitors have already experienced the Heritage Centre’s inspiring displays, the main exhibit being the Bronze Age ‘Raft’ rescued from the river Ancholme, which sets the scene for a fascinating journey, charting the rise of Brigg as an important and influential marketplace, through to the picturesque town it is today.

At the Heritage Centre visitors can discover how the town of Brigg developed from an early crossing point for the River Ancholme to the thriving market town which exists today.

Heritage Centre manager Robert Jackson said: “Set in the Angel, a former seventeenth-century coaching inn, families can come on a voyage of discovery through the ages and track the history of Brigg and the surrounding villages from the prehistoric period right through to the present day.

“Children can enjoy hands-on activities, dressing up and much more while the adults can marvel at the Bronze Age ‘Brigg Raft’, dating from c800 BC which was stored and preserved at the Greenwich Maritime Museum since its discovery. They can also explore its history and how it has survived for nearly 3,000 years.”

The area of present-day Brigg has been used for thousands of years as both a crossing point of the Ancholme and for access to the river itself.

Prehistoric boats of sewn–built and dugout construction have been found in the town, both dating to around 900 BC. A causeway or jetty also stood on the riverside during the late Bronze Age, although its exact use is uncertain.

Greater use of the River Ancholme is something many people want to see in Brigg and Glanford Boat Club and Ancholme Rowing Club do a good deal, and the town continues to attract many anglers from near and far.

2017 has seen work continuing on a marina off Mill Lane, which has planning permission for cabins on site offering all-year-round holiday accommodation, which is a welcome development for the town and all helps put Brigg onto the destination map.

ROWERS DEVELOPMENT
Greater use of the River Ancholme is something many people want to see in Brigg.

Now North Lincolnshire Council and the Ancholme River Trust have invested £6,500 to install a new rowing club platform in Brigg on the River Ancholme.

The platform will be used by rowers and canoeists from nearby clubs and will support their range of activities on the river, helping to attract newcomers to the area and put Brigg on the rowing map.

Both clubs work with the local community and have thriving youth training programmes, so the platform will open up more opportunities for them. Last year many of the fishing platforms along the River Ancholme were upgraded in a joint initiative with the River Trust and Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers Club.

The work forms part of a series of works along the River Ancholme to improve the recreational facilities in the Ancholme Valley and adjacent villages.

Further developments are planned to increase the cycling provision and improve the landscape of Ancholme Valley Way through tree and hedge planting.

Leader of North Lincolnshire Council and Chair of Ancholme River Trust, Councillor Rob Waltham, said: “We are working with all users of the River Ancholme to help them improve their facilities in a bid to make the river a major recreational destination. The River Ancholme has huge potential and we plan on taking full advantage of this.

“In addition we are working closely with landowners to support landscape improvements in the wider valley and will be launching a new landscape improvement grant jointly with the Woodland Trust very soon.

“These improvements complement the work being carried out on the Ancholme Valley Way, which means that not only rowers, swimmers and canoeists can enjoy the River Ancholme but walkers and cyclists can take in the stunning views too.”

TOUR OF BRITAIN CYCLE RACE
Tour of Britain fever is heading for North Lincolnshire in September and Brigg will benefit from it.

Back in May, the historic market town was selected to host the local launch for the north Lincolnshire stage of the Tour of Britain 2017, which takes place on 5th September 2017.

The race is expected to attract tens of thousands of spectators when it comes to the area, not only boosting the local economy but putting the area on the visitor destination map.

Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’re so excited for communities across our area to get behind the Tour of Britain and want to see decorated bicycles, bunting, banners and street parties popping up to celebrate it coming to North Lincolnshire.

“The North Lincolnshire stage will cover more than 112 miles of our small but beautiful county. This makes it perfect for spectators, as they will have the chance to see the riders in multiple locations along the route.”

One of those locations is Brigg.

“North Lincolnshire is becoming increasingly known for outdoor activities, particularly cycling, and hosting the Tour of Britain this year will help to inspire and engage the next generation of cyclists in our area.”

The OVO Energy Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event, giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step, taking place between 3rd September and 10th September 2017.

The North Lincolnshire Tour of Britain route covers 172km meaning the racers will have to have their wits about them as they negotiate the tight course which will start at Normanby Hall Country Park, taking in the Isle of Axholme, Brigg and Barton, before the big finish near Central Park in Scunthorpe.

With the course being confined to such a relatively small area, spectators in North Lincolnshire will also have the best chance of seeing the professionals at more than one location along the route.

Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Stage three of the Tour of Britain in North Lincolnshire will mainly be flat and fast. But with some sharp turns and steep hills thrown in along the route it will make for a very exciting race and the nature of the course makes it the perfect stage for spectators.

“Hosting the Tour of Britain in North Lincolnshire will provide a fantastic boost to our local economy worth millions and inspire even more people in our area to get on the saddle and take up cycling.”

SCALINIS
Brigg is a small market town full of character thanks to its range of independent family-run businesses. Award-winning fish and chip restaurant and takeaway Scalinis is one such business.

Located in Wrawby Street, Scalinis recognised there was a demand for locally-sourced, professionally cooked food so it opened a restaurant above its chip shop. It seats 55 people and is open Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 7pm.

“We opened the restaurant upstairs two or three years ago because we had so much demand from people wanting to sit and eat inside,” said Andy Mappouras, whose family own and run the business. “We get people from all over including Lincoln and Grimsby and even further afield on market days.”

The Mappouras family – father Stavros, mother Anthoulla, brother Valando and Andy have been in the catering industry all their lives.

Andy said: “We are a family-run business. My dad came here when he was 6 and was involved in the restaurant business in Scunthorpe for a good 35 years.

“Catering was a big thing in his life and the family has all grown up in the area so we are locals supporting the locals.”

The restaurant doesn’t just sell fish and chips, it caters for all tastes and preferences.

“We actually do gluten-free batter. Another key thing is that we do all portions sizes including smaller portions,” said Andy.

“We aim to provide for everyone and serve salads, chicken dishes, lasagne and jacket potatoes as well as the usual fish and chip shop dishes and, where we can, we provide homemade specials.

“The restaurant is also fully licensed, so people can even enjoy a beer or glass of wine with their food.”

THE WATER ROOM
The Water Room, situated in the Market Place in Brigg is the region’s local bathroom specialist.

Offering a bespoke service tailored to suit your needs, they can create a space that complements and matches your personality without exceeding your budget.

“We are a small team that delivers a dedicated personal service on each project. We do our utmost to make the entire process as straightforward as possible. With regular communication, professionalism and no unnecessary costs we are confident you will not find a better service.”

The Water Room are proud to introduce ‘Indulge’, a dedicated new shop, situated at 9 College Yard, Brigg, selling candles and bath products. They are Lincolnshire’s exclusive stockist of the ‘Love to B’ skincare range, a natural and ethical company whose products are kind to even the most sensitive skin. Also stocked are Milla Maddern’s range of natural handmade products and Stoneglow London’s candles.

Visit The Water Room to discuss your future projects or ‘Indulge’ yourself with their bath products.

SMART SOLUTIONS – PARKERS OF BRIGG
When you want to smarten up your home or create an easy-to-care-for working environment, you naturally need tip-top flooring and decorating solutions that deliver.

With such a selection on the market, including innovative new floor coverings, wallpapers, paints and blinds, you are also likely to need expert advice in order to make the right choice when it comes to selecting the best products and finishes for the job.

Parkers Carpets & Flooring in Brigg is a family firm which knows the market inside out. With 41 years of service under its belt and a friendly nine-strong team ready to help, it’s the perfect ‘go-to’ supplier for all your needs.

Better still, unlike many businesses, Parkers is justly proud of the fact that it employs its own carpet and flooring fitters.

Visit Parkers’ store in Wrawby Street and you’ll be dazzled by the amazing ranges on offer, from traditional carpets to the latest contemporary wood and laminate flooring and luxury tiles. Matching up products for your home is made simpler by the fact that Parkers sells curtains, window blinds and wall coverings, so it’s easy to get a co-ordinated look in one shopping spree!

There’s so much choice, but popular brands include Amtico – a favourite, easy-care flooring, which can be personalised to suit your tastes. Parkers also stocks Farrow & Ball patterned and plain wall coverings and unique paints in superb complementary colours.

If you love the warmth offered by traditional carpeting, but want a modern finish, it’s time to take a fresh look at the wealth of different types of floor covering which are now on offer. Parkers has a dazzling selection, but there may be brands which you may be unfamiliar with – but which are certainly worth more than a second glance! One is Riviera Carpets which offers high quality textiles from bath mats, to rugs and broadloom carpet.

Another impressive range is by Alternative Flooring. UK-made and slightly edgy, its products are popular with both homeowners and interior designers. Check it out!

Sometimes, it is easy to think a long-established business may only deal in the traditional, but this is certainly not the case at Parkers Carpets & Flooring.

PUB’S NEW LOOK
The Black Bull in Brigg has recently reopened after rebranding and can’t wait to show off their new look and fantastic range of draught products including local cask ales and craft beers. They have also enjoyed pulling together their eclectic range of wines and spirits including an extensive gin selection along with some premium vodkas and have been doing lots of training to make sure your coffee and teas are served perfectly. On the food front they are very happy to have some wonderful juicy burgers alongside pub classics such as Fish and Chips, salads, steaks and of course Sunday roasts that all go brilliantly with their beers. Their staff are highly trained in all areas and have extensive knowledge of the wines, beers, spirits, coffees and the food they serve enabling them to provide excellent customer service whatever the occasion.

The newly refurbished restaurant offers space for parties of up to twenty-six guests for celebrations such as birthdays, leaving dos, anniversaries and much more. They have three private cabanas located in the beer garden, which comfortably seat six adults each. There’s plenty for sports fans too, why not enjoy a sharing platter or bar snacks while watching the game on one of three HD screens or the big screen.

Don’t forget to show the advert below to take advantage of 10% discount exclusive to Lincolnshire Life readers.

HOME FROM HOME
People’s top priority when looking for a residential care provider for themselves or a treasured relative is a place where they can feel safe, have all their needs catered for, and feel it’s a ‘home from home’.

This perfectly sums up Holme Farm Residential Home at Elsham.

It is set in accessible secluded gardens with pleasant surroundings within a quiet village location.

The home has a choice of nine single and nineteen en suite rooms plus a bedsit to suit a married couple. Each room is equipped with TV and telephone points if required. All have wash hand basins and nurse call bells.

Communal areas include a homely lounge, conservatory and dining rooms.

The home offers individual personalised care packages created through full consultation with the service user, family and/or advocate and are reviewed regularly.

Independence, dignity, respect and safety is always paramount. The home has two wheelchair friendly vehicles and can arrange transport for outside appointments, shopping trips and outings.

The home offers a friendly, open, personal approach to all care needs, encourages family involvement, has well trained dedicated staff and the proprietor lives on the premises, so is always accessible.

Please feel free to call Holme Farm Residential Home on 01652 688755.

J. NAYLOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS – GOING THAT EXTRA MILE
From the moment that a family contacts Andrew Holliday and his friendly team to arrange a funeral, to the weeks following, they aim to go the extra mile. They offer a personal service with all the arrangements tailored to your exact requirements and to suit all budgets.

From making the arrangements for the funeral, and giving you practical, honest and straightforward advice to conducting the funeral itself, their staff will support you every step of the way.

Once the team has received your instructions, your requirements will be handled to the very highest standards. Services at J.Naylor Funeral Directors include:
• Horsedrawn funerals
• Woodland burials
• Repatriation
• Floral tributes
• Order of service sheets and memorial cards
• Sourcing specific pieces of music
• Monumental masonry
• Assisting with composing newspaper articles
• Providing a list of mourners attending
• Arranging catering for the reception
• Managing charitable donations on your behalf

O’BRIEN’S OPTICIANS
The practice is situated in the Wrawby Street area at the heart of Brigg Town Centre. The aim is to create a warm and welcoming environment within the traditionally furnished surroundings. Emphasis is placed on personal service, correctly fitted frames and accurately dispensed ophthalmic lenses by exceptional manufacturers such as Carl Zeiss, Nikon, Seiko, Rodenstock, Essilor, Hoya and other independent lens suppliers.

Established since 1979, O’Brien’s boasts a state of the art examination suite with Optometric eye testing software – the same as that used at the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street Children’s hospital. Mr Sheeraz Janjua has been the lead Optometrist at the practice since 2003.

The largest range of quality and luxurious eyewear in Lincolnshire can be found at the practice. Designer ranges include sought after brands such as Armani, Bvlgari, Tiffany, Ray-Ban, Polo, Prada and Paul Smith.

The practice also offers a contact lens fitting and aftercare service as well as the newly launched Dry Eye and Blepharitis treatment plan. Spectacles and contact lenses have never been more affordable since the launch of the monthly ‘Eyeplan’.

O’Brien’s welcomes the registration of new patients. The practice is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Saturday 9am-4pm.

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