Discover the bustle of Brigg

With new developments underway and investment opportunities being found, Melanie Burton finds economic prosperity is vibrant in the north Lincolnshire town.
The traditional market town is already experiencing an air of optimism, as its unique range of independent shops seem to be faring better than the larger, well-known retailers.

Both the area’s Chamber of Commerce and the Brigg Town Business Partnership (BTBP) report that the retail sector in the town is managing to survive. Even though it is finding times challenging, the smaller shops and businesses are doing well.

“Brigg is economically vibrant and is an active community in the sense of community events, live arts and crafts,” said Jacqueline Johnson, who lives in the town and has been a past chair of the Chamber of Commerce’s North Lincolnshire area board council, which covers Brigg.

“There are only a few empty shop units and businesses are doing well. Tesco and Lidl are both here and Aldi has a planning application to come to Brigg too.

“Brigg has a lot of agricultural businesses, which reflect its function as a market town and they appear to be doing well, and the farmers’ market always brings a lot of people to the town.”

Sport has a big part to play in Brigg, from football and cricket to cycling, all of which help boost footfall to the area and put the town on the map.

“There is a really active women’s cycling club and cycling events through the year, including a triathlon, all help bring extra people into the town,” said Jacqueline.

“And there is scope for Brigg to grow even more with new housing developments taking place on the edge of the town.”

Brigg Town Business Partnership, which formed in 2011 to support local independent traders in the town, also feels that Brigg business is doing well compared to other places. Brigg has a great selection of independent shops, offering visitors and residents a fantastic choice of gifts, fashion, homewares and daily essentials, as well great value and friendly customer service.
Partnership chairman, Deb Dunderdale, works at the town’s Deli and Diner.

“It is difficult, but it is difficult for everyone. The independents seem to be faring better than some of the big retailers because they haven’t got so many overheads. But we only have two empty shop units and one is being renovated so that is positive.

“I try to be positive. There are many people struggling but you just have to cut your cloth accordingly and people seem to be keeping going.”

The BTBP works hard to help flag up the town and all it has to offer. It has just produced a new map of the town promoting businesses in the partnership and it is working with the town council and Brigg in Bloom to help improve the streetscenes to make it more attractive to visitors.

“We are working with the Arches project, putting arches up to show where the alleyways are and history boards to tell you what they were used for originally. I am extremely positive about the town,” said Deb.

Brigg has a plethora of unique shops selling a diverse range of goods from quirky knick-knacks, gifts and homeware to the usual books, clothes and jewellery.

One of the town’s newcomers is the Rabbit Hole independent bookshop, which attracted a whole host of visitors to Brigg during Independent Bookshop Week in June.

Authors included Carole McEntee-Taylor, who has published a number of fiction and non-fiction books, and upcoming local author Tom Keenan who has just returned from Cambodia to the UK after two years teaching there. He has written a children’s book about football which has been illustrated by the children from the school themselves.

North Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Rob Waltham, who showed his support for the event and to local businesses in the town, said: “It is a relatively new business in Brigg, so not only has it showcased what the store has to offer, but it is a great way to get local people involved.

“The council is keen to support local businesses and encourage people to read.”

The road network plays an important part in attracting extra footfall to a town or city and North Lincolnshire’s road system including Brigg’s is to be improved thanks to £6m of investment across the area.

North Lincolnshire Council has been successful in securing £3.33m from the Government’s Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund to undertake works on the A161 from the A18 and for the A1084 Brigg road.

The £189,000 improvement scheme includes resurfacing the section of road from Monument roundabout to the county boundary. Lining will be refreshed and central hatching provided for some of the route. It is expected that work will be completed by March 2020.

Cllr Waltham said: “Investing in roads across North Lincolnshire is a key priority for us to ensure they are safe for all road users and improves road infrastructure, which is a major factor in boosting the local economy.”

The Safer Roads Fund is targeted at improving 50 of England’s most dangerous local A road sections, where the risk of collisions causing death and serious injury is highest.

The Road Safety Foundation’s analysis of the country’s major road network, published in 2016, highlighted where investment should be targeted. This identified the full length of the A161 from Goole to Beckingham and the A1084 to Brigg.

Brigg has always been business orientated and first grew as a crossing point on the River Ancholme and a forum for buying and selling goods and services. It has a colourful history of markets and fairs and is now a thriving market town with a variety of events, and a strong industry in tourism.

With its traditional street market and around 150 specialist shops centred mainly in the pedestrianised area, the town is a must-visit destination for visitors and tourists alike.

The main shopping centre has a myriad of courts and yards leading off Wrawby Street and Market Place leading to a range of shops owned and managed by local people who pride themselves on offering one-to-one customer care, and that all-important personal touch.

Every Thursday a traditional open-air street market takes place in the town, with a smaller market trading on Saturdays.

Running along Wrawby Street down to the historic Market Place, the lively market is set against the impressive backdrop of The Angel.

On the fourth Saturday of each month Brigg’s award-winning farmers’ market takes place with more than thirty stalls selling the very best in local produce.

ON COURSE FOR A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
With its abundance of majestic trees and wildlife, as well as its ability to challenge all player handicaps, the course at Elsham Golf Club is recognised as one of the premier golf courses in Lincolnshire.

The club and course were established in 1900 partly on parkland, partly on heathland and although only five minutes off the M180 Junction 5, the setting is amongst a beautiful, relaxing, rural landscape. The Greens team at Elsham were recognised for their environmental work in 2016, winning the STRI Environmental Award for Conservation.

The club takes great pride in more than a century of golfing excellence but has kept abreast of the times with forward thinking and innovative opportunities for members and non-members alike.

Last year a major management restructure replaced the traditional ‘Club Captain’ position with equal status and responsibility to Ladies Captains and Gents Captains. Working members are able to participate in competitions and social play through seven days and nights a week. The lively social calendar runs throughout the year and covers a wide range of events including yoga and pilates classes, quiz nights, live entertainment and themed dining evenings.

National recognition for the club has been achieved with selection in 2017 to host the Bridgestone Follow your Dream (in conjunction with England Golf) Ladies Medal Masters Northern competition.

This year the club are already winners of the Laddie Lucas Award for their work with Juniors and in 2019 Elsham Golf Club, an England Golf Championship Venue, has been selected to host the English Senior Men’s Amateur Championship.

The club is also home to a first class rated Coaching Academy headed by Golf Professional, David McNicholas, and his Assistant Professional, Dane Duffin.

With easy access for both north and south areas of the Humber and across Lincolnshire Elsham Golf Club makes a superb venue for corporate events and matches as well as for celebrating special occasions.

With rooms which offer fantastic views overlooking the course, Elsham Golf Course makes playing or visiting a truly memorable occasion.

You can find more details about the facilities for members and non-members at Elsham Golf Club at: www.elshamgolfclub.co.uk

ANGEL FINDS NEW WINGS
Brigg has a long history and some interesting historic buildings still visible in the town today, which continue to draw visitors to the area.

The Angel is one such property. A former 17th century coaching inn, it now houses the town’s Heritage Centre staffed by a team of knowledgeable volunteers. It is dedicated to showing how this historic market town developed from an early crossing point on the River Ancholme. Its centrepiece is the Bronze Age Brigg ‘Raft’, excavated in the 1970s and previously in storage at the National Maritime Museum. This is complemented by displays exploring the history of Brigg and the Ancholme Valley.

Visitors are taken on a voyage of discovery through the ages, from the prehistoric period through to the present day. And they can enjoy hands-on activities, while younger visitors will love dressing up in historic costumes or completing the games and activities on offer.

Phase 2 of the Heritage Centre opened nearly five years ago and was funded by WREN and LEADER. It provides a series of rooms telling the story of the role the River Ancholme played over the centuries and bringing the history of its communities to life.

Following the final phase of renovations to the old Angel Hotel, The Angel Suite was officially opened in 1995, as a conference/function venue which helps to bring in visitors to the town.

There is a large hall on the upper floor and a mid-sized lounge/meeting room on the lower floor.

From meetings to conferences, christenings to weddings – all occasions can be accommodated, and catering packages can be provided which are tailored to people’s individual budgets.

INDULGE AT THE WATER ROOM
Indulge, situated at 9 College Yard, Brigg are stockists of a fantastic range of bath products, candles and reed diffusers for the ultimate home pampering experience.

The ranges are sourced from companies that make products with gorgeous fragrances and which also have strong ethical and environmental values.
Indulge currently stocks the following amazing brands:

Milla Maddern – a natural skincare range inspired and influenced by the Somerset Levels.

Love to B – an honest, conscientious skincare company that aim to be as natural as can be.

Stoneglow – 25 years of making candles by hand, a natural choice for high quality home fragrances.

Melita Rose – handmade candles of captivating fragrances that will fill your home with beautiful scents.

Isle of Skye products – hand made on the beautiful island of Skye, a gorgeous selection of candles and reed diffusers.

Looking to treat yourself or searching for the perfect gift for someone special? Look no further, call in or place an order online at www.indulge.uk.net.

LOTS FOR VISITORS TO SEE
Nestled on the edge of the Ancholme Valley, Brigg is a gateway to the Lincolnshire Wolds and has a strong tourism industry. Not only can visitors enjoy independent shopping, discover the old courts and yards off the pedestrianised town centre, take a stroll along the river or enjoy one of its bustling markets, there are many attractions which give an insight into the town’s bygone eras.

Brigg, which was granted a Royal Charter by King John has been holding regular markets for over 800 years. Thursday is the regular market day, when colourful stalls fill the pedestrianised Market Place.

One of the town’s great successes is the award-winning Brigg Farmers’ Market, held on the fourth Saturday of every month. This market is nationally recognised as one of the best in the UK, having achieved FARMA accreditation.

The Angel building located in the Market Place houses The Brigg Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre tells the history of how the town developed from being a crossing point of the River Ancholme to what it is today, the spectacular centrepiece being a Bronze Age Raft.

The Ancholme Valley Way is a new pathway for walkers and cyclists that runs along the River Ancholme and will eventually link Brigg to South Ferriby. The pathway has interactive trail boards and mile markers. They provide lots of helpful information about the area including wildlife to watch out for and the history of the villages: Worlaby, Saxby All Saints, Bonby and Horkstow.

All the villages are accessible by impressive bridges and visitors can drift along from place to place and village to village.

Whilst in Brigg, people have the perfect opportunity to discover more about the area at the North Lincolnshire Tourist Information Centre, which occupies the magnificent Buttercross Building. It has a long history, starting when work on its construction began in January 1816 with the digging of the foundations. The building opened eighteen months later and was first used as a town hall.

Brigg is also a popular place for people to stay while exploring the surrounding area and nearby attractions play their part in boosting the local economy.

Brigg Garden Centre is a must for all garden lovers. There are acres of outdoor plant displays as well as a huge indoor shopping area.

Scawby Hall is a Grade I listed Jacobean manor house and has been occupied by members of the Nelthorpe family since it was built around 1605. Open for twenty-eight days each year, this family-sized gem contains fine portraits and engravings by George Stubbs, the celebrated horse painter, as well as other notable artists.

The house also contains some impressive examples of Georgian and Regency furniture, and an extensive collection of objects brought back from the orient.

For the youngsters, FunForest is a purpose-built adventure play area offering fun for all the family with giant slides, sports and a separated toddler area.

And for the more adventurous, Skydive Hibaldstow offers the chance to skydive from up to 15,000 feet, which is the highest in the country!

Then there is Elsham Hall and Gardens which is a perfect place for a family day out. The park offers carp lakes where you can feed the fish, an adventure playground, secret garden, art gallery and the Secret Garden Tea Room.

Within contemporary gardens there are aviaries, animal paddocks, a sensory garden and a guinea pig village.

GOING THAT EXTRA MILE
From the moment that a family contacts Andrew Holliday and his friendly team to arrange a funeral, and through 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

HORNSBY ACCOUNTS OFFERS NEW FACILITY FOR BUSINESSES LARGE AND SMALL
Based in the Market Place, Brigg, Hornsby Accounts has recently moved to new premises thanks to continued business growth. Owner, Lorna Neal, has recently celebrated twenty-one years working with SMEs and large businesses across the local area. Opening the new office, having previously run the business from her home, has allowed Lorna to expand her team and offer more services.

This exciting move has allowed Lorna to encompass a new business facility to support start-ups, small and local businesses – Flexidesk.

Flexidesk allows business owners and employees to rent a space or desk, monthly or daily. The space is perfect for new businesses looking to make the first move into their own premises or for anyone who wants to work away from a busy environment. Flexidesk also offers a meeting room for hire – available by the hour, half or full day – as well as providing a business address, mail forwarding and a telephone answering service.

Hornsby Accounts provides a professional, efficient and friendly accountancy service, which is personalised to each client’s individual requirements. Specialising in accountancy for industries including chemical engineering and consultancy, Hornsby Accounts is also the perfect choice for retail, healthcare, construction, rental properties and holiday lets to name a few.

A MEMORABLE VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONS
If you are looking for a venue to celebrate a special occasion in north Lincolnshire, look no further than the superb facilities at Elsham Golf Club.

The two function suites, the Centenary Room and Elsham Room, accommodate 120 and 40 seated respectively and the Elsham Room is licensed for Civil Ceremonies. An ideal venue with stunning photographic opportunities, the location is perfect for weddings and any special occasion. Elsham Golf Club also offers excellent packages and is ideal for corporate and society days. Offering modern facilities as well as an excellent restaurant and bar, there is everything you need under one roof, with plenty of help on hand to make your celebration an outstanding success. There are three flexible wedding packages available which begin at £4,995 based on 80 daytime and 120 evening guests but the skilled chefs and events team at the club will be pleased to discuss any additional requests to create an extra personal touch for your special day.

Non-members are also welcome to enjoy the club’s entertainment as well as dining in the restaurant, which is open throughout the week for lunches and evening meals. Sunday Lunch is always a popular option for families and their guests.

You can find more information about the dining, entertainment and special occasion facilities at Elsham Golf Course at: www.elshamgolfcourse.co.uk or visit our facebook pages www.facebook.com/ElshamGolfClub and www.facebook.com/golfcoursespecialoccasions

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