Brigg open for business
With a range of independent shops, well established businesses and fascinating heritage sites, Glynis Fox finds that Brigg is well worth a closer look.
If you love visiting places which boast an attractive mix of the historical and the new, then you should put this vibrant market town on your list of destinations to explore.
Brigg in North Lincolnshire has an interesting history, lovely shops and a lively community whose members are served by numerous clubs and organisations.
The town itself features a variety of long-standing and newer businesses and, in today’s climate when the retail scene is continually evolving, it makes sense to go along and see what’s new.
Don’t miss the most popular shopping areas, which include Wrawby Street, Princes Street and the Market Place. The town also has some quirky courts and yards that are also worth dipping into.
Sticking with the shopping front, some of the best-known shops include Wallhead’s for country clothing, and Grandad’s Shed.
Both in Wrawby Street, Wallhead’s has been in business since 1897 and is the place to go for men and women looking for top branded town and country outfits.
Grandad’s Shed is not to be missed if you are searching for new furniture or accessories for your home.
Upstairs is The Loft Restaurant, so this is the ideal spot to take a break for a snack, lunch or a quick coffee.
If you are looking for a better night’s sleep, Brigg Beds in Princes Street could have the answer, as it specialises in all sorts of beds, from divans to those which come with electrical assistance.
Are you an avid bookworm who can’t resist getting stuck into a good story? If so, you’ll definitely be drawn to pop into The Rabbit Hole in the town’s Market Place, which has a large children’s section.
This quirky indie bookstore often hosts author events, so make sure you check out what’s coming up on its New Year calendar.
The Rabbit Hole is owned and run by Mel and Nick Webb, who have been trading for six years, and its fabulous selection of books are displayed across three floors.
Mel said: “We have something for everyone and titles to suit adults and children. More than 600 people have signed up for our newsletters. We also go into local schools and sell both National and our own book vouchers.”
FASHION, BEAUTY AND STYLE
Isn’t She Lovely? in the Market Place is a shop not to be missed for ladies looking for a stylish new dress, pretty accessories and handbags. With stock changing regularly, this is one where you are likely to find something very special.
There are even more fashion shops to attract ladies who “love to shop” – including Kennedi Boutique and Molly Browns.
Ready to treat yourself to a beauty treatment? Why not pop and see Paige Heap and nail technician Natasha Millson at Blush Avenue in College Yard.
Paige Heap said: “I started my business two weeks before Covid hit and now we have had the energy crisis and cost-of-living challenge. It was a struggle to start with but I decided not to throw in the towel.
“Now three years later, things are much better and I love what we are doing and I always try to keep my prices reasonable.”
The New Year is the perfect time to give your home a fresh look and Leya Buster Interiors and Home Fragrance, which moved into the Market Place last May, offers many wonderful temptations.
Owner Benjamin Jerrard opened in Brigg, having previously had a shop in Keelby, as well as offering online sales and having pop-up shops. Leya Buster is bursting with fabulous things, from candles to pictures, ceramics, floral decorations and much more.
“Brigg is a vibrant and busy town. I needed to move the shop and it is going very well. I particularly enjoy dealing with customers face-to-face, but we also have a website,” said Benjamin.
When it comes to looking after your eyesight, you definitely need to talk to a well-established business.
Brigg has some long-standing shops and among them is O’Brien’s – the oldest independent opticians in the town.
The practice is based in Wrawby Street, at the heart of the town centre, and focuses on offering a truly comprehensive eye-care and eye-wear service, ensuring that patients and clients are left reassured that their eyesight and spectacles are being looked after by optometrists (Opthalmic Opticians) and Optical Assistants.
O’Brien’s has served people from around the world and not just the UK. Staff regularly welcome clients from neighbouring Grimsby, Hull, Lincoln and Scunthorpe.
The practice carries out private and NHS eye tests and also provides a comprehensive contact lens fitting, supply and aftercare service.
Markets-wise the town hosts its Buttercross Market on Fridays, where visitors can find everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothing and jewellery. It also has a farmers’ market on the fourth Saturday of the month.
Historical attractions include the Angel Suite, which has served as everything from a courtroom to a theatre down the centuries. Today it is a community venue, hosting a variety of events, including weddings and cultural activities.
As we went to press, North Lincolnshire Council was being asked to agree a change of use for the Brigg Ice Cream Parlour in Brigg in Wrawby Street, to allow it to be used as a hot food takeaway.
BRIGG HERITAGE CENTRE
Situated in the historic Angel building, the Heritage Centre offers plenty to interest people of all ages.
The centre is home to the Bronze Age Raft (known as the Brigg Raft) which dates back to 800 BC.
Excavated from the River Ancholme, it sets the scene for a fascinating journey because it charts the town’s growth as an important and influential marketplace.
Apart from this star exhibit, the centre offers educational facilities, hosting children’s craft sessions, as well as pop-up exhibitions, talks and events, including inspiring displays.
The Angel Building also plays host to the Community Hub/Library, Brigg Town Council and is home to the Courtyard Café and La Finca Restaurant. Rooms can also be hired in the Heritage Centre.
GARDENERS’ DELIGHT
You don’t need to have green fingers to visit Brigg Garden Centre, just outside of the town on the Bigby High Road.
This large centre has everything the avid gardener could possibly want, from plants to essential equipment and pots and birdbaths.
There’s also plenty for the non-gardener to enjoy, from clothes to craft materials, furniture and gifts.
A large onsite restaurant serves a variety of hot meals and snacks.
BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT FOR DRY EYE DISEASE (DED) – NOW AVAILABLE AT O’BRIEN’S
If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or painful for most or all of the time, you are quite probably suffering from Dry Eye Disease (DED), especially if you continually feel “there’s something in my eye”.
One in five, and nearly 800 million people worldwide, suffer from DED. Over 50% of females over the age of 40, and over 90% of menopausal females, are thought to live with this condition. More recently, the condition has become more common in all ages and genders due to environmental factors, such as use of cosmetics and medications, excessive screen use, and underlying conditions such as blepharitis and Sjögren’s syndrome.
The front part of your eye is lubricated by a special moist film – consisting of a mucous layer nearest your eye; a middle, watery layer derived from your tear glands; and a third, outer layer, which is oily (lipid) and produced by special glands (the Meibomian glands) in your upper and lower eyelids. If your Meibomian glands are not producing enough oily film, the other lubricating layers will continually dry out and that is what causes the irritation and other symptoms of Dry Eye Disease.
This new therapy for Dry Eye Disease offered at O’Brien’s in Brigg is safe, non-invasive, painless – and doesn’t involve any eyedrops. It is known as Intense Pulsating Light (IPL) and Low Light Level Therapy (LLLT), though it may also be referred to as Photobiomodulation (PBM).
IPL uses thermal pulses to stimulate the Meibomian glands, and LLLT uses a specific wavelength of light to gently heat the eyelids. This revolutionary new treatment helps the Meibomian glands to work properly and therefore stabilises and improves the quantity and quality of the oily layer of the tear film. The treatment provides immediate relief from symptoms.
Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special clinics held regularly at O’Brien’s Optician in Brigg. He can be contacted on 01652 653595, or visit www.obriensopticians.co.uk
QUALITY COUNTRY CLOTHING FROM WALLHEAD’S
Specialists in outdoor and country clothing, Wallhead’s Countrywear is a highly regarded family business which combines classic sporting brands with five-star customer service. Established in 1897 by James Blackburn Wallhead, this popular store in Wrawby Street, Brigg, is today run by fourth-generation Richard Wallhead, who is committed to offering a warm welcome with personal attention for both local shoppers as well as many who come from far and wide, including New Zealand and the USA.
As well as catering for formal and casual wear, here you will find everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors, with top quality designs from brands including Barbour, Brook Taverner, Le Chameau, Aigle, Viyella, Peter England, Gurteen, Farah, Hawick Knitwear, as well as Failsworth hats and caps. If you’re looking for quality shooting clothing, Wallhead’s stocks popular German brand Schöffel, including tweed breeks and waistcoats, with caps to match, as well as excellent Gore-Tex and Venturi waterproof, machine washable shooting coats.
For more information telephone: 01652 652356.
Photographs: Mick Fox
Brigg open for business
With a wide choice of independent businesses offering a range ofgoods and creative services, visitors to this popular market town are spoilt for choice, says Melanie Burton.
The north Lincolnshire market town of Brigg has always prided itself on its range of unique independent businesses and shops and yet again they are playing a big part in helping to bring the visitors back into the centre.
It has been a long road back from Covid for all sectors of business and the consequences are still being felt in some areas.
But Brigg has always had a determined spirit and thanks to what the independent shops and artisan markets have to offer, the town is busier than people might assume.
Brigg has a plethora of shops selling a diverse range of goods from quirky knick-knacks, gifts and homeware to the usual books, clothes and jewellery, mainly centred around a pedestrianised area with a myriad of historic courtyards leading off the Market Place and Wrawby Street.
Many are well-established family run businesses which did all they could to survive the lockdowns and restrictions and adapt to new ways of working.
Kennedi Boutique is one such shop.
Owner Aimee Waudby, who opened the shop 16 years ago, put the lockdown to good use and trained as a stylist with the London College of Style to add a new offering to her business.
Aimee can now offer personal styling advice and colour analysis on a one-to-one basis in-store and in clients’ homes.
“That has opened up a lot of opportunities for me,” Aimee explained. “I now do a lot of work out of hours going into people’s homes to look at their wardrobe and give advice on a personal basis about their wardrobe, styles and colour analysis. It is a new service since Covid.
“It is insightful and gives me a bit more learning and gives the customer extra expertise.”
The shop also relocated during lockdown which has been good for business.
“We moved during lockdown from one end of Wrawby Street down near the bridge to the centre of the town which has been good for us and is better because the car park behind the shop offers free parking on a Saturday and two hours’ free parking in the week,” Aimee said.
“We are fortunate because we are well established and have a loyal clientele. We are doing pretty well and on the whole I class myself as pretty fortunate.”
Aimee added: “The ages of the staff vary from 27 and 45 to 50 and 72 so it is a good age demographic, which means we can deal with clients of all ages.”
The shop caters for all figures and styles, stocking sizes 16 to 30 and a number of well-known popular brands such as French Connection, Scotch & Soda, Fransa, which is Danish, and a Spanish range which is highly popular.
Aimee said: “Vilagallo is quite unusual and colourful and is exclusive to us, with the nearest stockist being in London. People travel to us from all over for Vilagallo.”
SHOPPING DESTINATION
Brigg was always a popular destination for shoppers and things are starting to pick up now despite the cost-of-living crisis.
“Footfall is pretty good especially on the last Saturday of the month when we have the Farmers’ Market, which brings lots of people into the town. It is booming and it has gone from strength to strength,” Aimee said.
“More and more people are visiting Brigg – with it being pedestrianised they feel very safe. It is easy to park, you get the farmers’ artisan stalls and independent shops too. It is busier in Brigg than people think.”
Another shop that has done much to attract visitors back to the town is independent bookshop The Rabbit Hole, which was launched by husband and wife team Nick and Mel Webb in 2017 and is helping to put Brigg on the map.
It was instrumental in bringing the Totally Locally Indie Market to the town and also the No Limits Festival, held at Normanby Hall in September.
“The Rabbit Hole had a great year last year with the growth of the Totally Locally Brigg Indie Market, the launch of the No Limits Festival at Normanby Hall Country Park and winning the prestigious Independent Bookshop of the Year for its region at The Bookseller’s Awards,” said Nick.
“It was also a great week recently at The Big Malarkey Festival in Hull with Hull Libraries and the Hull Schools Library Service.”
The Rabbit Hole has put together an action-packed programme for this year’s No Limits Festival with best-selling authors, inspiring illustrators, live theatre, music workshops and much more in a huge celebration of creativity.
The free festival will see more than 40 acts appear across seven activity zones, ensuring visitors will enjoy interactive experiences and new sights and sounds around every corner of the award-winning Normanby Hall Park.
“In the next few weeks, the line-up for this year’s festival will be announced,” Nick added.
“For an inaugural event we were all really pleased with the feedback, participation and visitor numbers and intend this year’s event to be even bigger and better thanks to the support of the local community and the great team at Normanby Hall.
“We are hoping this will become a nationally recognised event to help promote reading for pleasure and creativity in the region.
“We continue to help support and develop community and independent creativity and working with schools and groups across the region and are developing ideas to increase support in this area during the next year with a new project called ‘creActiv’.
“This follows our successful ESF project last year and will build on growing links with colleges and schools across the region, as well as the number of creatives now attracted to the Indie Market in Brigg.”
Brigg Wool Shop in the Market Place was set up by a mother and daughter team in September 2019 and stocks everything to do with knitting. This month you can try your hand at Tunisian crotchet, weaving wall art, amigurumi, wet felt pictures or just learn to knit.
Furniture retailer and upholstery specialist Grandad’s Shed is one of the longest established businesses in the town, starting out as a small market stall more than 23 years ago and now located in a two-storey building in Wrawby Street.
It sells traditional and contemporary furniture, home accessories, prints, mirrors, lamps and quality gifts as well as made-to-measure furniture.
NEW BUS ROUTES LAUNCHED
Two new bus routes have been launched running between Barton-upon-Humber and Brigg.
Funded by Government cash, the buses connect not only the low villages between Barton and Brigg, but also link villages across the Isle of Axholme to Epworth. As a pilot scheme, the future of the routes in the long-term is not secure.
Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said: “Public transport is a major issue for people living in our smaller villages and now, thanks to Government cash, we are seeking to establish these two new pilot routes where the market cannot sustain 57-seater buses.
“These new regular bus services will connect residents, enabling them to visit some of our bigger towns to shop, access doctors and dentists and also visit friends and family.
“These routes are part of the council’s plan to offer more flexible transport for local residents and enable them to use greener transport options – we want this to be just the start, so it is important that people use it when it’s here.”
BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENT FOR DRY AMD EYE PROBLEMS NOW AVAILABLE LOCALLY
As 23 age, our sight tends to become less clear and some of us will develop what is known as ‘Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration’. When this happens, the central area of our vision darkens and becomes blurred, making it difficult to see detail, and preventing activities such as driving, reading, watching TV, using computers, tablets and so on. Even recognising faces can prove difficult.
Until recently, there were no effective treatments for Dry AMD, the only suggestions being lifestyle changes or dietary supplements. Now sufferers will be delighted to learn that there is a newly developed treatment available locally. It is a safe, non-invasive, painless therapy which is fully approved under European and UK directives.
This breakthrough treatment is known as photobiomodulation (PBT) and uses a cold laser system to produce low levels of red, yellow and infra-red light to stimulate the centre of vision by energising and providing oxygen for cell repair.
Results from extensive monitored trials of the therapy show that for many Dry AMD sufferers there can be an improvement in sharpness of vision corresponding to some five or eight extra letters on the testing chart. This therapy has also been shown to help diabetics who have certain eye problems related to their diabetes.
Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special clinics held regularly at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg. He can be contacted on 01652 653595.
SHOP FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT WALLHEAD’S
If you’re looking for a quality range of outdoor and country clothing at great prices, Wallhead’s Countrywear offers a selection of classic sporting brands, as well as formal and casual wear. Established in 1897 by James Blackburn Wallhead, this highly regarded family run store in Wrawby Street, Brigg, is run by fourth generation Richard Wallhead, who is committed to offering five-star customer service.
Here local shoppers, as well as customers who travel from far and wide, including New Zealand and the USA, can enjoy exceptional personal attention from the friendly and experienced team. The shop specialises in clothing from well-known brands such as Schöffel, Barbour, Brook Taverner, Le Chameau, Aigle, Viyella, Peter England, Gurteen and Farah, Hawick knitwear and Failsworth hats and caps. Quality shooting clothing by German brand Schöffel is available, including tweed breeks and waistcoats with caps to match. Choose from a selection of popular Gore-Tex and Venturi shooting coats, all fully waterproof and machine washable, as well as ski jackets for both men and women.
For more information contact Wallhead’s, tel: 01652 652356.
ENDURANCE OPENS ITS DOORS IN BRIGG
As part of its expansion and in support of its local installer network, Endurance Doors has recently opened a brand new showroom in the town of Brigg.
A member of the Rocal Group, Endurance is one of the largest employers in the vicinity, with more than 250 staff members over two sites and is currently implementing an ambitious strategy to grow substantially over the next 18 months.
With more than 800 installers of its doors throughout the UK, Endurance is proud to manufacture the most stylish, solid and secure composite door on the market and is the only composite door manufacturer in the UK rated as excellent on Trustpilot.
Many Endurance customers find their way to the website, where they can utilise the ‘Door Designer’ to create the perfect entranceway to their home, but since last October the dedicated staff have also been providing personal design consultations within their new showroom facility.
Homeowners can call or book an appointment online to sit with the showroom staff to discuss their requirements, such as the style of their house, and spend time viewing and getting hands-on with example door designs, glazing units and hardware.
However, if you’re not local to Brigg, you can also book an online design consultation at a time that is convenient for you. Appointments are available seven days a week!
Stand out from the crowd
So what makes Endurance doors stand out from the rest? The 48mm solid timber core comprises 15 cross laminated layers of timber, which is sourced from a carbon neutral and sustainable source of Norwegian spruce.
They also use heat reflective foiled door skins which do not crack or fade, even when used in the most exposed facing entrances.
A further benefit of using foiled door skins is that they can offer perfectly matching door and frame sets to achieve the colour combinations you require. Finally, integrated into the foot of each Endurance door is their unique Moisture Barrier System.
This innovative in-house development completely protects the solid timber core from moisture ingress, preventing swelling and delamination.
The specialist staff at Endurance Doors have decades of combined experience. They know the importance of paying close attention to every customer and responding to their individual needs. You’ll get comprehensive information on any door, whether it’s from the Classic, Country, Urban or Avantal collection and leave the showroom with the perfect design together with the details of a trusted installer convenient to you.
Visit the showroom on Bridge Street in Brigg or call to book an appointment on 01652 340340 or arrange an online design consultation via www.endurancedoors.co.uk
QUALITY CARE FROM WILLOWS DENTAL
Based at Riverside Medical Surgery in Brigg, Willows Dental Practice is a well established private dental and cosmetic centre offering excellent quality treatments.
Using the latest technology in digital dentistry, the team of friendly, highly trained professionals who share more than 20 years’ experience, provide bespoke treatments tailored to each patient’s needs with the aim of providing ongoing five-star care.
By focusing on preventative dentistry with advice on dental hygiene through regular check-ups, this caring approach also aims to help to reduce the need for dental treatments.
Willows Dental also offers bespoke teeth whitening and Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces.
The surgery welcomes new patients with appointments and same-day emergency care also available.
For more information visit www.willowsdentalgroup.co.uk
RABBIT HOLE WINS TOP BOOK AWARD
The team at Brigg’s popular independent bookshop The Rabbit Hole say they are “immensely proud” to have been awarded Independent Bookshop of the Year 2023 for the Midlands Region at the British Book Awards.
“For a bookshop from a small market town to be recognised as one of the best five independent bookshops in the country is an incredible achievement,” says owner Nick Webb.
“Our passion for inspiring creativity and curating safe spaces for authors, poets and musicians continues to flourish, with the introduction of monthly Spoken Word Evenings, known as ‘Rabbiting On’ in 2023, our use of the Indie Market and other local events. We’ve established a network between locally based authors that has been hugely successful, with the self-named group, ‘Rabbit Writers’, supporting and championing one another.
“Have you visited us yet? From 0 to 99, we have something for all ages. Whether you’re an avid reader, music lover, or simply love to create, there is something in The Rabbit Hole for you.”
For more information find The Rabbit Hole on Facebook or www.therabbitholebrigg.com
BRIGG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES TOWN
Working with community groups, local businesses, charities and local councils, The Brigg Community Partnership aims to help promote events and businesses in the market town. Originally named Brigg Town Business Partnership, it was formed in 2011 to support local independent traders; last year the group was changed to a charity with a new name.
The Brigg Community Partnership aims to safeguard the variety of local shops, uniting the views of the traders, while also promoting local events. The Love Brigg Arts & Craft Market is held on the secondSaturday of the month in the marketplace with free parking. New last year, the Brigg Food Festival, working with Brigg Live Arts, proved very successful; this year’s event will take place on 12th August from 11am-8pm. Working with St John’s Church, there will also be an Arts Festival in the church exhibiting work from local artists. The display will be open from 9.30am-2pm, from Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th August. Also, don’t miss the Love Brigg Arts & Craft Market Lincolnshire Market on 14th October.
For more information visit the Facebook page: Love Brigg The Brigg Community Partnership
Photographs: Mick Fox
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