Janet's husband John has very kindly written for us about the life of this remarkable Briggensian from Wrawby. We are devoting a separate page to what he has written, with accompanying photos and web links.
The Chairman has received this request from Tony Martin:
"My brother Trevor is very interested in second world war POW camps and is putting together a website containing his research.
I know this is a long shot but I was wondering if anyone of your members has any information on the camp at Brigg, either personal or general. If so and they would be willing to share it, his e-mail address is
Any old pictures too would be welcome.
Please could you ask them to mark their mail Brigg POW as it will probably go into his junk mail."
From Nigel Fisher's Brigg Blog, December 2007 (slightly edited) :
"If you've lived in Brigg some years, or used to in decades past but have moved away, you will want a copy of John Rhodes' new book.
Yeller-Belly Years, Growing up in Lincolnshire 1930-50 looks at the author's childhood days in Central Square.
It brings back many memories for me, having also grown up in this part of town. And, like John, having gone from Glebe Road School to Brigg Grammar.John's memory is impressive - people, places and events flood back.
But just a word of warning: Don't start reading this book if you've got a busy day ahead. You might well find it difficult to put down, once you've dipped into its contents.
John’s 205-page book is now on sale for £7.50 from Brigg Tourist Information Centre in the Market Place. Or copies can also be obtained from John, tel 01480 464874. Email
If you are ordering from the author, please add £1 to cover postage and packing.
Maybe next year John will be able to get over to one of the monthly meetings of the Brigg Amateur Social Historians, held at Brigg Servicemen's Club, to sign more copies and talk about his time growing up in our town.
A more detailed review of Yeller-Belly Years, with period photos of Brigg, features in the latest issue of the Scunthorpe Telegraph's Nostalgia magazine, on sale for 75p.
While you are out in Brigg buying John's book, make sure you go home with a copy of Nostalgia, compiled by Chris Horan. And enjoy reading them both."
The web minder adds:
John Rhodes' memoir of Brigg Grammar School 1941-48 can be downloaded from our Library Page.
Submitted by Nigel Fisher from his Brigg Blog, July 19th 2008:
"Last night's scheduled annual cricket match between The Briggensians (ex-pupils) and Sir John Nelthorpe School at the Recreation Ground was called off, due to heavy rain.
Not a ball was bowled, with captains Adrian Gibbons (School) and Lee Fielden (Briggensians) agreeing after half-an-hour that there was no prospect of any play.
Some of the senior players then headed off to the Nelthorpe Arms and the Yarborough Hunt to drown their sorrows. Due to the school year ending next week, it will not be possible to re-arrange the match to a new date."
Barbara Kernon adds:
"The only Briggensians match played this year was the Rounders and only the enthusiasm of the teams prevented them making a run for cover towards the end. The spectators, ie myself and a few others, took shelter under the trees to cheer them on.
Everyone enjoyed the match and despite rain at the end the game continued. School won by 18 and a half rounders to 9 but School knew how to keep sneaking half rounders! Good batting, good fielding and a very enjoyable event.
Tennis and cricket were both cancelled."
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