Contemporary History

January

• His and Hairs hairdressers has now closed down in the Market Place.
• Events on George Street has closed down.

February

• Barton Clippers, a Turkish Barber, has opened in the former florist’s shop on High Street.
• Cobblers on High Street has closed down.
• Partners Café is to close down as the owners are retiring and have failed to sell the business as a going concern.
• A community café is to open at Wilderspin School on Fridays, run by ‘Slow, Circular Earth’.

March

• Deaths have occurred of the following people:
Dr. John Ball – retired GP and local historian.
Wendy Witter – councillor for over 50 years, and counsellor to many.
Adrian Dodsworth – former member of the Executive Committee.
Philip Aelberry – last Head Teacher of Queen Street School.
• The plaque to Geoff Bryant has been erected on his former home in Queen Street.
• Keigar have started work on the next phase of housing North of the cemetery.
• Archaeological excavations are being carried out on the proposed route of the relief road, near Caistor Road.
• The Wilderspin School Museum will be open on Friday to Sunday , starting on 29th March.

April

• The deaths of BCS members Nigel Land and Nancy Hornsby.
• McColls is to become a Morrisons Local.
• Work has started at the Coach & Horses.
• Roof repairs at the White Swan.

May

• Keigar have commenced building work in the grounds of Providence House, presumably on their new head office building.
• A long distance sponsored walk by ‘3 Dads’, in support of suicide prevention, recently passed through Barton and was well publicised.
• Dr. Stephen Wright, a former member of the Executive Committee, has died.
• Cobblers on High Street is now trading as Petsville.
• Partners Tea Room is continuing under new management.
• Work has started on the conversion of the Coach and Horses building into apartments.

June

• The beacon at the Viewing Area was lit as part of the recent D-Day events.
• The Money Box in the Market Place has ceased trading.

July

• Martin Vickers has been elected as the first MP for the newly aligned Brigg and Immingham constituency at the recent general election.
• The Sandwich bar on George Street is now under new ownership, with a focus on deli type products.
• A former industrial building on the Meldan / Hoppers site off Soutergate has had its steel frame refurbished and is currently being prepared for new cladding and roofing. It therefore looks unlikely that this site will be redeveloped for housing.
• A new tanning studio, Bronz’d Boutique, has opened on High Street

September

• Assembly Rooms – work is underway on repairs / replacement of the windows, but some have been found to be beyond repair.
• The former Events shop on George Street is now an American style drinks and sweet shop.
• Scruffy Mutts dog grooming parlour has relocated to the Old Tile Yard.
• There have been several acts of vandalism at St. Mary’s church, including activating fire extinguishers, and this has now resulted in the church being closed during the daytime.
• The 180th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for Queen Street School has been celebrated.
• Work has been carried out on Barrow Road to relocate electricity cables underground, resulting in considerable traffic disruption.

October

• McColls shop on High Street is currently closed down for a few days whilst it is being re-branded as Morrisons Local.
• The Humber Bridge Half Marathon was held on Sunday 29th September.
• Work has resumed on Keigar Homes new Office Block on the Providence House site.
• The death was reported of Mrs. Barbara Greaves, a long standing member of the Society.

November

• Barton WEA has been wound up after 100 years.
• The access road to the treatment works at Water’s Edge has been surfaced in tarmac, presumably by Anglian Water.

January

• Water started to rise in the Beck during w/c January 2nd, and is almost up to the outfall level. Although total rainfall for 2022 was down to 583mm from 645 in 2021, the Autumn was particularly wet with 105mm in October.
• National Government has introduced a £2 maximum fare on all local bus journeys until the end of March.
• Nick Lyons has died.

February

• The 20 mph speed limit was implemented in the centre of town on 1st February.
• The former Xandria’s hairdresser’s premises has now opened as a tattoo parlour, and is also offering a tattoo removal service.
• Westfield Alpacas is now open for visitors.
• The first tranche of Dr. Ball’s History of Barton has now been completed and is available to print on demand.

April

• The signage on the ‘Trend Cut’ barbers in the Market Place is contrary to planning regulations.
• The old Sally Anna’s shop now includes the gents’ barbers that has moved from the Market Place.
• 37/39 High St is now occupied by Lone Bee & Co, a tattoo parlour.
• The old China Shop premises is now a nail bar and the building has been well refurbished.
• The old Queens has reopened as a Creativity Arc.
• Ride-A-Bike has moved further along Waterside Road and the old premises will become a community building.
• Booze Bros in the Market Place is now Broadway Wines.
• The Imaginarium has been refurbished and reopened and now has 5 rooms for B&B.

May

• The Coronation of King Charles lll took place on Saturday May 6th, and bells were rung at St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s churches.
• The Age Concern shop on High Street has again closed for building works.
• Little Harry’s Burger Bar has opened in the Market Place.
• The town market was held on Coronation day and was well attended.
• Keigar have commenced work in the grounds of Providence House.

June

• The whole of Butts Road has been completely resurfaced, to good effect.
• AGE UK has re-opened on High Street.
• There has been no rain in Barton for the past four weeks.

July

• A Premier mini-supermarket has been opened on George St.
• Barton Bike Night suffered from considerable rain and bikes numbered in the 100’s rather than the usual 1000’s.
• The Shakti Tattoo Parlour at 25 High St has closed. Also closed is the small ‘Lindsey Lodge style’ shop on George St opposite Boots.
• Face to Face, a beauty shop, has opened on Chapel Lane.
• On-line booking has started at Central Surgery.

August

• Beck Hill Motors has changed hands and is now trading as “Sam’s”.
• Lloyds Pharmacy is now trading as “Pharmacy Wise”.
• Bank House Worktops has now opened in the former HSBC bank premises.
• Elite stoves on High Street has closed down.
• The Old School Canteen at Wilderspin School is to close down on 20th August as it is no longer commercially viable.
• The Gallery on George Street is closing down.
• The Veterinary Practice in the Old Police Station has been taken over and is now trading as “ Medi-Vet”.
• No. 17 has opened in the Market Place.

September

• The retaining wall at the Beck was damaged by a hit and run driver on Monday 11th September but the culprit has been caught on camera and the matter reported to the police.
• A further fire has taken place at the former Humber Bridge Hotel.
• Dawn Barley has given notice of intention to quit the former Queen’s Club building.
• A new hairdressers has opened up on George Street.

October

• Andrea Brocklebank has left her post as NLC’s Tree Officer, and apparently there are no plans to replace her. Any issues with trees are to be dealt with by the Council’s Enforcement Officer.
• Scaffolding has been erected around the old Coach and Horses building, in preparation for conversion into apartments.
• Work has commenced on the construction of new industrial units on Falkland Way.
• A new window has been installed on the side elevation of Elm Tree House.
• Wren is now turning over in excess of one billion pounds per annum.
• The seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Samaritans will be on 2nd November.

November

• Elite Stoves on High Street has closed, and a Photographic Studio is to open on the premises.
• The former florist’s shop across the road is to re-open as a barber’s shop.
• Storm Debi has caused some damage to the town in recent days, notably to the Red Lion.
• The Lions’ fireworks display was held in Baysgarth Park on Sunday 5th November.

December

• Bella’s has opened on Priestgate.
• The Banking Hub is now open in the Market Place, one of only 20 nationwide.
• Chao Baan restaurant has closed down and is up for sale.
• Five Fathoms distillery is to close down in late December.

January

• Val Maxworthy, former Civic Society member andcustodian of 51 Fleetgate, has died.
• A 10.35 pm bus service from Hull has been introduced.
• Margaret Sidell has been awarded the BEM. in the New Year’s Honours list.

February

• Work is continuing on the installation of a new rising main along Barrow Road, near to Falkland Way.

March

• Footings have been installed for the new housing East of the White Swan.
• The George appeared on a recent edition of ‘Four in a Bed’ and came out winners.
• Heart Ease has moved from High Street to the arcade.
• Andy’s Children’s Hospice shop has closed permanently.
• Soft landscaping works have started on the new Wren factory site.

April

• New litter bins installed in the town centre
• Flower Garden at 12 High Street Closed
• Internal Floors at Hewsons Mill collapsed
• Green Gym installed in Baysgarth Park with water refill station
• Link Path from Brigg Road Car Park to the network of paths in the park installed.

May

• The first market was held in Market Place and George Street on Saturday 7th May.
• Paul Vickers is to be the new mayor of BTC.
• The former Day Centre on Tofts Road has now re-opened as Barton House, a residential centre for vulnerable adults.

June

• R D Newton Butchers is to close at the end of the month.
• A Flotilla from Hull turning at the Humber Bridge for the Jubilee took place at 7pm Thursday 2nd June and beacon lighting at 9.45pm.
• The Ropewalk held a volunteers thank you afternoon jubilee tea 5th June
• Baysgarth Museum was open for Jubilee with an exhibition on Royal Visits to North Lincolnshire and John Harrison.

September

• The property on the corner of King St and Chapel Lane is to become a branch of Pepperell solicitors.
• The Mill roof repairs are in progress at long last.
• The Newport ex-cinema building is being re-roofed.
• Lloyds bank is due to close on 2 November.
• Fleetgate Hardware is now officially up for sale as a going concern.
• The pop-up café at Baysgarth House has been a success during Museum openings in the summer school holidays.
• 26 High St has become Bloomie Nails.
• NLC is working with KCOM on how to lay fibre optic without creating such a mess.
• Flags are flying at half mast to commemorate the passing of the Queen and the church bells have been rung fully muffled.
• The Red Lion has been repainted green.

October

• WiFi is being installed at the Interchange.
• The old Money Box premises at the corner of Chapel Lane and King Street are currently being renovated for future us as Pepperells Solicitors.
• Work is currently progressing on repairing the cap on the Old Mill.

November

• Lloyds Bank closed for business on Monday 31st October.
• The garden wall alongside Marsh Lane has been dismantled ready for rebuilding.
• Barton is to be included in the proposed new Parliamentary constituency of Brigg and Immingham.
• Pepperells Solicitors have now opened on King Street.
• The deaths have occurred of Councillor Ann Clark, former councillor Jean Mason, and the Reverend Gordon Plumb.
• Barton Arts has folded after 25 years.
• The former Hunstman restaurant has re-opened as Gatsbys.
• The former Harrisons restaurant in the Market Place is understood to be re-opening in the future as a burger bar.

December

• The old phone box on King street has been removed.
• David Witter has died and his funeral is to be held on December 23rd.
• Xandria’s hairdressers on High Street has closed down.
• St. Peter’s Church is currently open free of charge on Sundays.

January

• Vaccination against Covid 19 has started.
• The third national lockdown commenced on January 5th.
• Les Archer of 16 Holydyke has died.

February

• The laundry on Fleetgate closed down at the end of December.
  New windows have been fitted at Eagle House.

March

• Lindsey Lodge Hospice has taken over the former Heron shop on Chapel Lane and are preparing to open once current restrictions are lifted.
• K-Com are working in various areas around the town to install new broadband systems.
• The Old School House on Burgate has suffered extensive damage in a fire on Saturday 6th March.
• A new café is being set up in the former Coastguard House at The Point. There have been discussions with the operator and the condition of the public toilets on the viewing area car park has been raised as a problem. The availability of modular toilet blocks has subsequently been looked into. Funding for this, possibly from NLC or BTC, in conjunction with the café operator has been suggested.
• A defibrillator has been installed at the side of the Ted Lewis Centre.

April

• The Salvation Army shop is moving from 84 to 94 High Street.
• Paul Gibson has published a website containing the history of Barton’s pubs and breweries.
• The walkways on the Humber Bridge have been closed indefinitely to pedestrians and cyclists following a recent spate of suicides from the bridge.
• The Viking Way Café in the Old Boathouse opened on 12th April.
• Local elections are to be held on 6th May. Cllr. Jon Evision is a candidate for the post of Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, whilst the one vacancy on Barton Town Council is to be contested by Liz Bennet, Suzy Evison and Paul Wilkinson.
• The erection of steelwork is progressing rapidly on the new Wren factory.
• Three former members of the Society have passed away recently – Kath Davis, David Dukes, and Christine Read.
• A presentation on the new relief road proposals is to be held on 19th May.
• The Ropewalk is celebrating 21 years since its inception in its current format, and has been awarded charitable status.

May

• The Salvation Army shop opened on 94 High Street on 4th May.
• Elite Stoves has opened on High Street.
• There has been substantial activity at Eagle House.
• Soozy Evison has been elected to Barton Town Council.

June

• Geoff Bryant died on 25th May, aged 88, and his funeral is to be held at St. Mary’s on June 16th.
• Memories Café has re-located to New Holland.
• The Ice Cream Parlour has now opened on Waterside Road.
• The Garden Day was held at The Ropewalk on May 23rd.
• Some lockdown measures were relaxed on 17th May.
• Ringing of the church bells resumed at the end of May.

July

• BHM reopened on 3 July, with Barton Volunteers in attendance. The two ground floor display rooms are being used to celebrate the opening of the Humber Bridge 40 years ago and to show material on Barton Carnival over the years. Visitors are being encouraged to share their memories and to bring material for scanning.
• Meldan have been breaking concrete on the Marsh Lane site and there are reports that the conversion of the Elswick building into flats may start at last.
• Sally Anna’s old shop is being repaired externally and the Age UK building repairs are complete.

September

• Barton was voted the Most Improved Village in Northern Lincolnshire by the CPRE.
• The hairdressers at 24 High St has closed and the vape shop has not reopened.
• On 7th September Age UK reopened.
• The Sloop is doing well for business.
• Filming of ‘9 Years’ took place in Barton from 27th August to 1st September.
• Banks will have an advert in the next issue of the Bartonian.

October

• Barton Baggers have received an award from the CPRE.
• Work to install new high voltage electricity cables is ongoing on the A1077, with traffic lights being in place for several weeks.
• The installation of new fibre broadband cabling by K-Com continues to take place around the town.

December

• The Christmas Festival had to be cancelled due to Storm Arwen.
• Nick Turner has published a new book on William Jex.
• Phil Colby has had three entries accepted for the Ferens 2022 Open Exhibition.

January

• ‘This and That’ and ‘Fast Eddie’s’ shops have ceased trading.
• Benson’s Butchers has been sold as a going concern.
• The sale of Bardney Hall has now been completed.
• The new entrance to Barton Town Football Club from Pasture Road has now been completed.

February

• Work is progressing on the new Army Cadets building on Humber Road, with the steelwork now erected.
• Earthmoving work has commenced on the new Wren Kitchens extension site off Barrow Road.
• The old Weir site on Humber Road has been taken over by Jacobs.
• The Sloop Inn has been sold to Colin McGurran, owner of Winteringham Fields.
• The BPH site off Humber Road has been sold.
• The Humber Bridge Hotel has gone into administration, but it is understood that the business has now been taken over by a new consortium with no links to the previous owners.

March

• The Water Margin restaurant has closed down but the takeaway business will continue.
• A Turkish Barber is to open for business in the old ‘This ‘n That’ shop on George Street.
• Maureen Welch, former long standing committee member of the Society, died recently and several members had attended her funeral.
• The deaths of Rodney Clapson and Don Tyson were reported.

May

• Dorothy Pearson has died at the age of 93.
• The 75th anniversary of VE day was celebrated on Friday 8th May. Despite the restrictions on social gatherings several street parties were held, observing social distancing rules. Large poppies were placed on street lamp posts along the A1077, each commemorating a fallen serviceman from the town. Les Archer of 16 Holydyke again created a display in his front garden which was well received.
• Humber Road – work on Collingwood’s new building is nearing completion and work on the new Army Cadet building is expected to start shortly. The former BPH plant yard has now been sold, and the former cabin yard on the corner of Far Ings Road is up for sale.
• The Cemex plant at South Ferriby has been mothballed with workers to be made redundant.
• Barton Town Council have now assumed responsibility for grass cutting around the town from NLC, who will continue to pay for it. Mark Nettleton has been awarded the contract but concern has been expressed that the foliage of daffodils has been cut down prematurely.

June

• The whole of the rear garden of Seaforth, on Barrow Road, has been cleared.
• Boyes re-opened on June 8th.
• Trains resumed running on the Barton to Cleethorpes line on 19th May.
• It is rumoured that Keigar Homes are hoping to buy Providence House, with a view to converting the existing building into apartments and also building some new housing in the grounds.
• The ‘Street Volunteers’ around the town have received a lot of praise.

July

• Earthmoving has resumed on a large scale on the site of the new Wren factory North of the A1077 near Barrow Mere.
• The former Day Centre on Tofts Road has now been sold by NLC but the new owner has erected a new boundary fence without planning permission.
• Brian Peeps has passed away – a sad loss to the town.
• Golden Scissors Turkish barbers have opened on George Street.
• St. Mary’s church re-opened for private prayer on 5th July.
• From 4th July pubs, cafes and restaurants were allowed to re-open with appropriate social distancing (1m+), and most establishments in Barton have done so.
• Barbers and hairdressers also re-opened on 4th July with queues forming outside barbers by 7.30 am.
• A book entitled “Where the Wind Blows” by Jennifer Roberts, about the Brown family of Elsewhere in the World, has just been published.
• Sunday services have been reinstated on the Barton-Cleethorpes line from 12th July.

September

• The Community Farm Project for Mental Health and Well being is up and running on two sites – the former poultry farm on Waterside Road, and also off Falkland Way.
• There is a Llama farm / visitor centre on Dam Road which has been operating for some months.
• The Ted Lewis Centre on Ferriby Road opened on Tuesday 1st September.
• Work is progressing on the construction of a new entrance to the Wren factory on Barrow Road.
• A tabloid issue of the Bartonian was issued in July, but no decision has yet been made as to whether future editions will be in this format.
• An Elswick Hopper owners club has been established on Facebook, currently with 28 members.

October

• Shirley Richards, Town Clerk, retires on 30th October. Tracy Broughton is taking over and a new deputy, Clare Bramley, has also been appointed.
• CHAMP handed over the keys to Baysgarth House on 30 September.
• Charlie Taylors, 11 High St, is now ‘Bronzed’.
• It was recorded that Meals on Wheels had supplied more than 10,000 meals since the start of lock-down. Barton Community Kitchen is to open at Trinity Church Hall every Tuesday from 12-4pm for seniors and for families after school, until 31st March next year.
• A new business has opened on Humber Road for self-storage in containers.
• Fleetgate was closed for a week in mid-September for services work and the opportunity was not taken to lift the granite setts. The noise from additional traffic along Queen St was very bad during the week.
• It is understood that the Wheatsheaf is up for sale.

November

• The Bartonian has been published and distributed. Future editions, however, will once again be produced by the Town Council.
• The Community Development in the Queens Club premises is now back on track after problems over the lease. It is understood that they are now operating under a ‘Tenancy at Will’ which is not ideal for a long term arrangement.
• KCom are currently carrying out broadband installation in the area.
• Collingwood Engineering has now relocated to Humber Road.
• The Back Community Kitchen is currently offering takeaway meals.
• The George is currently carrying out renovation work.

December

• After approximately 3 months, traffic lights have now been removed from the A1077 at the entrance to the new Wren Kitchens development near Barrow Mere, following extensive remodelling of the road.
• The National Lockdown for Covid-19 ended on 2nd December, but North Lincolnshire was then placed into Tier 3, meaning that whilst all shops could now re-open, all pubs and cafes remain closed.
• ADR Fabrications has moved into the old Collingwood workshops on Castledyke West.

January

• The Gingerbread Café is now The Fig Tree.
• Sargent’s Ice Cream is now Memories Coffee & Tea Room
• The George has closed.
• Qudos have moved out of Wilderspin and Adult Education have moved in.
• Fleetgate was closed for 4 days due to a water main problem.

February

• Baysgarth Park – work is currently under way to construct a new footpath to link the Chad Varah Garden with the perimeter path to the West side of the park.
• Baysgarth Leisure Centre – work progressing on new building, completion now due in May rather than April.
• Haven House, Waterside Road – new hedge has been planted around the car park.
• Improvements are to be carried out to the Humber Bridge Viewing Area.
• Osgerbys Haulage have ceased trading.
• The White Room hair salon has ceased trading.

March

• Work has started on the Euro Garages site on Top Field.
• Mary Robertson, Vice President of the Society, has died at the age of 94.
• Michael (‘Zac’) Hall has died. He was very active in the town during the 1980s as a builder and property developer.
• The land on Marsh Lane opposite St. Peter’s school has been surrounded with Heras fencing in readiness for development.
• There has been some activity at the George and it is hoped that a new operator will be taking over.
• The new Thai restaurant on High Street is to open shortly.
• Rebel Estates on George Street has ceased trading.
• The housing on the former Carnival site on Tofts Road / Forkdale has now been completed.

April

• Buildings are being demolished on the old Osgerby Haulage yard on Waterside Road. New fencing has been erected across the site frontage and a sign has been erected offering the land for sale for redevelopment.
• Work is progressing on the Pine World premises on Humber Road.
• Brian Peeps has been presented with the Town Award,
• A new bin store has been built on Market Lane, West of the Pet Shop.
• Considerable renovation work is ongoing at the George.
• Heras fencing has been erected around part of the old LIDL car park, and some low profile work is being carried out inside the building.
• The new Thai Restaurant has now opened.

May

• Local Government elections were held on 2nd May. North Lincs Council remains under Conservative control, with the three members for Barton all re-elected.
• Barton Town Council has been reduced in number from 22 to 12 seats, and several former councillors failed to secure election.
• The George has re-opened after significant refurbishment, to be run by the former management of Harrisons.
• The recent popular BBC programme ‘Line of Duty’ featured Rochenda Sandall as gangster Lisa McQueen. Rochenda is a former pupil of Baysgarth School.
• A man was arrested in Barton on Tuesday May 7th on suspicion of murder in Worlaby, after an extensive police pursuit.
• The latest journal published by the Lincolnshire Society for History and Archaeology features reports of two different finds in Barton, one in the grounds of the White Swan.
• Work is progressing on the Euro Garages site on Top Field.
• Work has resumed on Eagle House.

June

• The recent death of John Oxley was reported, with his funeral to be held in St. Mary’s Church on Friday 21st June at 9.30am. John served on the Executive Committee for many years as representative of Barton Town Council, as well as being involved in several other local organisations.
• A public consultation on Wren Kitchens’ expansion plans was held earlier in the day at Baysgarth School, with the promise of over 1000 new jobs.
• Bardney Hall has been sold but is expected to continue as a going concern.
• Demolition work is continuing in Hoppers yard.
• Councillor Jonathan Evison has been sworn in as the new mayor of North Lincolnshire Council.

July

• Work has started on the old HSBC bank premises.
• Work has resumed on Eagle House.
• Permission has been granted for 24 hour opening at the new filling station on Top Field.
• Conversion works on the old Lidl store are drawing to a conclusion, and it is believed that Heron and Boyes will be the new occupants.
• Envy Hairdressers has now been relocated to the former Sylini salon on Priestgate.
• Providence House closed down on 21st June, and services are gradually being transferred to the new Hub in Baysgargth Park, which is still some way from completion.
• Barton Arts Week and Barton Carnival have both been successfully held.

August

• One of the large Beech trees framing the original gateway to Cliff House on Ferriby Road has been felled due to the presence of a disease.
• It was reported that Providence House is to be made available for sale or rent, but it was noted that this was protected by as an asset of community value and should therefore initially be offered for community use.
• Annabelle Pounder, a former member of the committee, has died.
• Work has started on the new entrance to Barton Town football club off Pasture Road.
• Heron is to relocate to the former Lidl store on 24th September, and Boyes are now advertising for staff for the adjacent unit.

September

• Heron Foods opened for business in the old Lidl store on 5th September, with Boyes to follow on 24th September.
• The Euro Garages site on Top Field is to open on 27th September.
• Providence House is definitely on the market for sale or to let.
• Work is progressing on the former HSBC bank premises.
• The newsagent’s shop in the Market Place is to close down shortly.

October

• The Holydyke wall alongside Beech House has been dismantled and much earth moving is in progress. It had been damaged by the old beech trees.
• Boyes/Heron carpark is now restricted to 2 hours, though overnight parking is allowed.
• The new Ferriby Hill service station is open and prices have fallen by 6p/litre. The drive-through cafés are also in operation.
• Café 20 has opened in the Market Place.
• The phone boxes in the Market Place and Castledyke corner have been removed.
• St Peter’s Church is now closed until next Spring. Bell repairs continue.
• Heritage Days were a great success.
• Former Labour Councillor Alan Todd has been elected to the Town Council for the Conservatives at the recent by-election.
• Four mature silver birches have been felled on the Caistor Road estate on Fairfield Drive. A letter is to be written to Ongo expressing disappointment and requesting their replacement.
• New readable notice boards are now in place at the Assembly Rooms.

November

• McColls Newsagents in the Market Place has closed down.
• Spring water is flowing again at the Beck, which is now full to the weir.
• A new Vintage Hospice shop has opened on George Street.
• The Salvation Army have a new Captain.

December

• A flood warning had been issued on 16th November to residents in the North Eastern corner of Barton due to the threat of rising ground water.
• Work is progressing on the new retaining wall at Beech House.
• The Age UK shop has been closed down for structural repairs.

January

• Positive comments were made about the Christmas decorations around the town.
• The first residents have moved in to Long’s Gardens ( Queen Street).
• Development has recommenced on the small housing site on the corner of Butts Road and Pasture Road.
• Bed and Breakfast on board a vessel on the Haven is currently being offered.
• The Ropewalk building has now been purchased by the Ropewalk Artists’ Co-operative.
• A new barber’s shop has now opened in the former bridal shop in the Market Place.
• LED street lighting is gradually being introduced throughout the town.
• North Lincolnshire Council have withdrawn funding subsidies for two bus journeys each day, leading to a reduction in the timetable.

February

• Excavation along Brigg Road is currently in progress for the installation of new services.
• The George Hotel has closed down.
• De Vita Platt Solicitors has been forcibly closed down by the legal profession’s enforcement body, due to malpractice.
• Collingwood Engineering has been taken over by Trainload Ltd., and plans have been announced to build a new facility for both firms on Humber Road.
• Weir Engineering is to close down its Barton operation on Humber Road.

March

• Milla dress shop on High Street and the Sweet Station on George Street have both closed down.
• A barber’s shop has opened on the North side of High Street and a new salon on Chapel Lane (Face 2 Face).
• Scunthorpe Telegraph appears to have dropped the ‘Barton Beat’ page.
• Funding for a feasibility study for a Barton by-pass has been announced by NLC.

April

• Major works are being carried out to the Electricity sub-station on King Street.
• The areas of designated nature reserve around the Ferriby Road roundabout are now being managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.

May

• Laurie Robinson died in April, and will be remembered for his many works in commemoration of the town’s war dead. His funeral in St.
• Mary’s church was attended by approximately 300 people. It is hoped to fix a memorial plaque on the Tin Tommy site, and it was agreed that the Civic Society would pay for this.
• The Sweet shop on George Street is now being used as a dress shop.
• Labels on King Street has closed down.
• Work has started on the new Lidl development on Top Field.
• The C & C kitchen and bathroom centre on Ferriby Road has ceased trading.

June

• Labels has relocated to Brigg Garden Centre and there is now a run of empty shops along High St.
• Following resurfacing work on West Acridge JF reported that bright yellow lines have been added in spite of his request for a more mellow tone.
• A temporary path has been installed for dog walkers to access the south part of Top Field.

July

• The Weir Engineering premises on Humber Road are up for sale.
• Sargents Café on Market Lane has closed down.
• The George Hotel has re-opened.
• A Herbal shop has opened at 26 High Street.
• Barclays Bank is to close down in October.
• Ian and Julie Wolseley, together with Peter and Janet Smurthwaite, have recently represented the Wilderspin School volunteers at a garden party at Buckingham Palace to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, one of only three organisations in Lincolnshire so recognised.
• Stephen and Freda Wright have sold their house on Brigg Road and are moving to Haxby, near York.
• The Arts Festival has been held during June.

August

• M and J Cars has commenced trading on Cottage Lane (old Lee Reid premises).
• Carlton Education is now administered solely from Grimsby, but the laundry is still open for business on Fleetgate.
• Building work has commenced on the extension to Baysgarth Leisure Centre (new library etc.).

September

• The photo shop in the Market Place has changed hands and is now trading as ‘Barton Imaging’, but with the same staff.
• Bella Estate Agents have started trading in the former Bridal Shop premises in the Market Place.
• Work is continuing on the construction of two new houses on the corner of Butts Road and Pasture Road.
• There has recently been theft of lead from St. Mary’s Church on two successive nights.
• Serious vandalism has occurred at St. Peter’s Church.

October

• Seaforth, Barrow Road, has been sold.
• A new sauna facility has been opened at Baysgarth Leisure Centre.
• There are ‘For Sale’ signs at the former Midland Bank on Holydyke, on both the building plots in the garden and also the existing building.
• Work is progressing on the new extension at Baysgarth Leisure Centre, with the ground now being terraced.
• Mason, Baggott and Garton are to open a Solicitor’s office on High Street on 29th October.
• The death has occurred of Aaron Winstanley, whose fight with a rare form of cancer has attracted a wealth of publicity far beyond the town.

November

• Work is progressing at a fast pace at the new Lidl store, and an opening date of 6th December has been announced.
• Alterations are currently being carried out to the old Labels shop on High Street.
• An official opening of the new Mawer, Mason and Baggot solicitor’s office is to be carried out by Tom Robinson on November 7th.
• Barclays Bank has closed down and the ATM machine has been removed.
• The Lions firework display was held in Baysgarth Park on 5th November, and it was reported that £4500.00 worth of fireworks had been used.

December

• The new Lidl store off Ferriby Road opened for business on Thursday 6th December.
• Some development work has started on the land to the rear of the Coach and Horses.
• The former Elio’s restaurant is now under new management and trading as “Imaginarium”.
• The Gingerbread Café is to be under new ownership.
• Resurfacing work has been carried out in the Market Place, including re-alignment of the car parking spaces at a more acute angle and with wider berths.
• All trees have been cut down from the Haven House Car Park.
• Members of the Barclay family, descendants of the Wright-Taylors of Baysgarth House, were in Barton on Saturday 10th November. Mrs.
• June Barclay is now 95 years old and it is she who is depicted as a small child on a picture hung in Baysgarth House.

January

• Teasdales Café and shop has opened in the former Frocks premises on King Street, but their old shop is closing.
• A Fireworks display to herald Hull City of Culture 2017 was held on the Humber on Sunday 1st January, and was watched by large crowds from various vantage points on the South Bank. Late night buses are to run from Hull to Barton at 22.10 and 23.30 during the City of Culture year. The Ropewalk is mentioned as a tourism destination on the City of Culture website.
• A board saying ‘sold subject to contract’ has been displayed on Providence Chapel.

February

• Keigar Homes have started building work on the Queen Street site.
• Work is still progressing on the application to upgrade the URC chapel to grade 2*. Slides have been discovered taken around 1985 which provide a good record of the interior of the church prior to closing.
• Demolition work is continuing on the old buildings at Baysgarth School.
• The White Swan is now offering bed and breakfast accommodation.

March

• A Vape establishment has appeared in Market Lane.
• The footpaths on High Street have been sealed with slurry.

April

• The Bridal Shop in the Market Place has closed down.
• The Pyracantha hedge around the pumping station on Waterside Road has been partially pruned by Anglian Water.
• Charlies pub on Fleetgate has been sold.
• The new skate park has been opened at Baysgarth School.
• The old buildings at Baysgarth School have now been demolished.
• A memorial statue known as “Tin Tommy”, with a memorial seat, has been erected on Barrow Road, opposite the cemetery.

May

• The mature Beech tree has been removed from the grounds of Beech House, alongside Holydyke. A report from Colin Horton, the NLC tree officer, confirmed that this was extensively decayed, and could potentially have posed a danger to the public.
• The new artwork in the windows of empty shop units such as Mama-Mia is a result of action by the Regeneration committee, to improve the appearance of such properties.
• Keigar Homes has put forward our suggested name of ‘Long’s Garden’ for their development on Queen Street, to the relevant authorities.

June

• New town signs being erected at entrances to town.
• Benson’s butchers/bakery is currently for sale.
• The traditional signpost at top of Fleetgate has been restored.
• An exhibition celebrating the life and work of Rex Russell has opened at Baysgarth Museum.
• Long’s Gardens housing development on Queen St. is well underway.

July

• The Brick planters on Whitecross Street and Market Lane have now been reduced in size, re-faced with new bricks and planted up. This work is a direct result of the Barton Regeneration Committee.
• The Salvation Army held their final service at Queen Street on June 11th, and have now moved to their new premises on Tofts Road.
• H and HJ Huteson Funeral Directors have now been taken over by Dignity.
• The Ropewalk Artists Co-operative has received significant funding to enable them to complete the purchase of the building from the Proudfoot family.

August

• Sargents Ice Cream café on Market Lane is up for sale.
• His ‘n hers hairdressers in the Market Place is closing down in its present location, but the owner will continue to work from home.
• The Humber Bridge has now been awarded grade 1 listed status.
• Work has now been completed on the new planters in Market Lane and Whitecross Street.
• The upper floor of Baysgarth House museum is currently closed off due to crumbling plasterwork on the first floor.
• The front boundary wall at Elm Tree House has been badly damaged by a passing vehicle.

September

• The new Humber Bank seats have been installed between Pebbly Beach and the viewing area.
• The Tour of Britain cycle race, stage 3 passed through Barton around 3pm on 5th September. A wet, wet day and the riders all looked pretty miserable!
• The London to Edinburgh cycle ride came through Barton.
• The next Tuesday bin collection is delayed until Saturday due to the Tour of Britain and residents are urged to get their bins back as soon as possible as it is Carnival Day. Litter picking is also being organised for this weekend.
• The tattoo parlour at 26 High St is moving to 22A Market Place.
• The bridal shop in the Market Place is being redecorated.
• The new Salvation Army Citadel on Tofts Road opens on Saturday 2nd at 2pm.

October

• A second DVD of images from Barton’s past has been issued by Laurie Robinson and John Thompson, with all proceeds donated towards the St. Mary’s Shoebox appeal.
• Jason Threadgold Funeral Directors have taken over the former Teasdale shop on King Street. It is not yet known whether any major alterations will be undertaken to the main body of the premises.

November

• The new footpaths in the Northern section of Baysgarth Park are now complete.
• The Post Office on Burgate now have a Travel Agency.
• A new Sports Village has been opened at Baysgarth School.
• The food bank is shortly to be relocated to the new Salvation Army Church on Tofts Road.
• Mervin Dove has published an autobiographical book on his early life in Barton.
• The Alternative Health centre has now opened on Priestgate.
• The footpaths on Far Ings Road are being resurfaced.

December

• The Money Box has relocated from King Street to the former NatWest building in the Market Place.
• Pete Davis, long time member of the Society, and a past chairman of the Environment sub committee, has died.
• Adeline Brack has been appointed head teacher at St. Peter’s Primary School.
• The Christmas Festival was held on Saturday 25th November.
• Nick Turner has been given an award from NLC in recognition of his work on Ted Lewis.
• The new book on Ted Lewis by Nick Triplow, “ Getting Carter” has recently been launched.

January

• Miriam Stead was 100 years old on 31 December 2015.
• There are signs of activity on the building plot behind the converted brewery on Pasture Road.
• Improvements are being made to the rail track necessitating closure and a substitute bus service from 24 December 2015 to 10 January 2016.
• Proposals have been put forward for a zebra-crossing on Holydyke.

February

• Dr. Jaggs-Fowler has fully retired as a GP from the end of January.
• The new Lindsey Lodge Hospice shop on George Street is now open.
• The Humber Bridge was closed to all traffic on 1st February after a lorry overturned on the Southbound carriageway during high winds.

March

• Amy duBois is the recipient of the Town Award for 2016.
• Work is progressing on the frontage of the Trinity Methodist Church.
• The shop front has been removed from 36 Fleetgate.
• Work has recommenced on the new housing at the Eastern end of Dam Road.
• Lords and Ladies hair salon has now opened on Priestgate.
• Qudos Homes are now based at Wilderspin School.

April

• It was reported that a whirlwind had struck Barton on the evening of Saturday 26th March, with considerable damage resulting to some properties in the Waterside Road area.
• Wren Kitchens have announced a new £40,000.000 factory development, along with 600 new jobs.
• The Flower Garden is now trading from the old Days shop on High Street.

May

• The former China shop premises in the Market Place are being renovated in preparation for opening as a charity shop for St. Andrew’s Children’s Hospice.
• 73 Ferriby Road is now open as a guest house, offering Bed and Breakfast facilities.
• It is rumoured that the large area of Public Open Space at the junction of Ferriby Road and the A15 is to be sold for development by NLC, with an Aldi store and 50 houses apparently being a possibility. Several residents on Forkdale have received visits from Councillor Keith Vickers seeking opinions on the proposals.
• Stephenson’s Farm, on Brigg Road, extending to over 800 acres, is up for sale by sealed bid.
• A debate on EU membership was held in the Joseph Wright Hall on Friday 6th May, with a majority of attendees voting to remain.
• Scaffolding has been erected along Soutergate onto one of the former Elswick Hopper buidings, presumably in preparation for demolition.
• The ornamental wall ties from the old buildings are to be incorporated into the building which is to be converted into mixed uses.
• The bungalow on Barrow Road has now been demolished by Keigars.
• Keigar are also progressing with new houses on the former Appleyard premises on Bowmandale.
• Work is continuing on the Methodist Church but there were several negative comments about the self rusting railings erected on the Chapel Lane frontage. It was felt that this was a policy in line with current fashion, but would prove rather unsightly in the medium to long term,
• with rust stains already appearing on the coping.

June

• The Queens pub has closed.
• King Street has been resurfaced.
• Day’s Outfitters has been reopened as a florist shop.
• Reed’s is now to be known as the Humber Bridge Country Hotel.
• Lots of structural work is being done to the Market Lane public shelter to make it structurally sound.
• Work is now finished on the north side entrance to Trinity Methodist Chapel and the scaffolding on Vestry Lane is almost all down.
• Some work appears to be going on at the Coach and Horses and there is a rumour that it has been sold.
• The annual Beer Festival was held in Baysgarth Park.
• There are parties planned in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

July

• The path along the top of the Humber Bank West of the Haven is currently being resurfaced with tarmac.
• Considerable internal work is currently progressing in the former Balfour Beatty Office Block on Humber Road, but it has been confirmed that a recent planning application for conversion to dwellings was refused.
• A new Charity shop on behalf of St. Andrew’s Children’s Hospice, known as “Andy’s” has opened in the former China Shop premises in the Market Place and has been well received.
• Regular annual events including Arts Week, Bike Night, Lions Beer Festival and the Humber Bridge Half Marathon have all been held successfully in recent weeks.
• The shelter in the Market Place has been re-opened after considerable strengthening work, but as yet the roof has not been replaced.
• The housing development on the former Appleyard premises on Bowmandale is progressing well.
• A pedestrian crossing is being installed on Holydyke.

September

• The former baby clothing shop in the Market Place has closed down.
• Angela Jones ( Seamstress ) has ceased trading.
• Serene Beaute has opened at 37 Fleetgate.
• Old Courts Veterinary Surgery has relocated to 53 Whitecross Street.
• The new pedestrian crossing has been installed on Holydyke.
• The Volunteer Arms has had a facelift.
• The Annual Award plaque has been erected on Blue Bell Court.
• A new house is under construction on Park Avenue.
• The death has occurred of Keith James, who served on the executive committee and environment sub committee for several years.
• The death has also occurred of Audrey Lee, widow of Peter who served as the society’s treasurer for a long period.

October

• Land adjacent to 13 Queen St has been bought by Keigar.
• Public consultation was held on 6 October at the Assembly Rooms regarding the proposed development of the Top Field.
• Land at Tesco and the old Ropery warehouses are up for sale.
• Nicola Jones was appointed the New Methodist Superintendent Minister.
• The world record for ‘Knitted Bears’ was achieved by St Mary’s Church.
• Keith Ready & Co, Solicitors, has merged with Beetenson & Gibbon of Grimsby.

November

• The latest book in the series on the later history of Barton on Humber, The Railway Comes to Barton Humber, by Anthony Berridge, was launched at the Ropewalk on Wednesday 2nd November.
• A DVD entitled Barton Then and Now has been released by Laurie Robinson and John Thompson.
• It is understood that Coultas Plumbing and Heating on Fleetgate is to cease trading.
• Frocks has closed down.
• Baysgarth School has moved in to some of the new buildings, and demolition of the old buildings is shortly to commence.

December

• The demolition of the old Baysgarth school buildings is under way, including the Phil Pape sculpture.
• Coco Bean has opened in the Market Place.
• Reeds Hotel has re-opened as the Humber Bridge Country Park Hotel, under the same management.
• The former Frocks shop on King Street is to be opened as a café, run by Teasdales Bakery.
• The Christmas Festival was held successfully on Saturday 26th November.
• The Sixth Form at Baysgarth School will cease to exist from Summer 2018.

January

• The Co-op has re-opened after refurbishment.
• Lidl is currently closed for several weeks for extensive renovation works.
• Work is progressing quickly on the new housing on the Blue Bell site.
• Work is progressing on the conversion works on St. Peter’s Court.
• Rex Russell, founder member, former chairman and president of the Society, died on 15th December.
• Shape Changers has opened on Falkland Way.
• Rodney Clapson’s book on the shipyard has been published.
• Ron Hill has published a book entitled “ A Grammar School Boy “.
• The bus stop on the West side of Fleetgate is now signposted.

February

• New signage has been installed at the Co-op.
• The Bengal Village restaurant has opened on Fleetgate.
• The Red Cross clothes shop has opened in the Market Place.

April

• The restaurant at the Tileyard Visitor Centre is to re-open on 23rd May.
• Roxy jewellers in the Market Place is to close shortly.
• The Stables restaurant has now been renamed “The Huntsman” and is understood to be under new management.
• A recent report puts Barton as a “hot spot” for increase in house sales, as the number of house sales is up 75% from the previous year. This report has attracted considerable media publicity, which has all been very positive for the town.
• LIDL reopened on 26th February after intensive refurbishment.
• Rachel Atkin has relocated to 22 High Street.

May

• Improvement works are being carried out to the area East of the Co-op. A new tree has been planted into a large “structured” tree pit constructed of strata cells which are designed to be load bearing but at the same time contain topsoil allowing the tree to spread its roots in a safe manner without causing any root upheaval. It is understood that the scheme being carried out is not that which was proposed by the
• Society, but should significantly enhance the area.
• Handrails have belatedly been positioned alongside the steps up to the Lidl store.
• A new Garden Centre has been opened at the Deepdale Country Store.
• The potter is still working at the Tileyard Visitor Centre.
• Two new books have been published with relevance to Barton:
The 1st-5th Batallion in the Great War, by Chris Bailey and Steve Bramley, published by Iron Mariner.
Bayonets and Blue Flames (On the life of Tom Barker)

June

• The Gallery has opened at 15 George Street.
• A little woman has started trading in general items from a stall on the Thursday market.
• The NatWest bank is to close on 20th August but it is hoped to have a mobile banking service visiting twice per week.
• The timetable for the 350 Fast Cat Bus service has now been altered and unfortunately now leaves prior to the arrival of the trains. This situation is clearly unsatisfactory and it is hoped that some compromise can be reached.
• Work has been completed on the area East of the Co-op.
• A book on Ted Lewis has been published by Monty Martin.
• Work on St. Peter’s Court has now been completed.
• The restaurant at the Old Tileyard has now reopened.
• Several old buildings have been demolished on the old Hopper Cycle Works site.
• Madge Dickenson, believed to be Barton’s oldest resident, has celebrated her 105th birthday in Beech House.
• 36 Holydyke is undergoing renovation work, as is 36 Fleetgate.

September

• Amy’s Barbers and the Vape Shack have opened in the newly refurbished shop units in the former Rafters building.
• Work has commenced to convert the Nisa shop on Fleetgate into a One Stop Shop.
• The Jewellers in the Market Place has closed down and the shop is now open as a Children’s Wear shop, but the premises have been painted in a bright blue colour which was thought to be inappropriate.
• A new CCTV system has been installed around the town centre, with cameras situated on lamp posts rather than on individual properties.
• Cobblers sandwich shop has opened on High Street.
• Work had started on the Queens Street housing development but was subsequently aborted as the wrong design of foundations was being installed.
• The former Birse offices on Humber Road are now vacant.
• The former Techmac building on Humber road is now being occupied by Bush Tyres and BAB Distribution.
• The Natwest bank has now closed and the HSBC bank is due to close on 2nd October. A mobile branch of the Natwest is now visiting the town on two days per week.
• Restoration work has started on Eagle House.
• Work on the railway line is to be carried out on Sunday 13th September, including replacement of the track bed.
• The Carnival is to be held on the weekend of 12th and 13th September, after an absence of several years.
• The exhibition on the life and work of Philip Pape is currently open at Baysgarth Museum and has received favourable comments.

October

• A street light in Soutergate is totally covered in ivy!
• Work has started in earnest on the Beck.
• Barton Carnival successfully took place again: profits will go to next year’s event.
• A Laser Centre (for the removal of tattoos) has opened in the Corn Exchange.
• Concern was expressed about the perceived increased street litter.
• Many more houses have been erected on the Falklands Way development.
• Baysgarth School now has a smart new school uniform with individual House neck ties.
• The chimney at the Wm Blyth Tileworks is being re-built.

November

• One-Stop shop has replaced the Spar shop at the Fleetgate Waterside Road junction.
• Days Menswear shop on the high street has closed.
• Work has started on refurbishing the old co-op on George Street.
• The Birse yard off Dam Road is now a Crane Hire business.
• The Humber Bridge Tag method of payment is now in operation.
• The jazz Festival has taken place.

December

• Lionel Grooby has retired as resident warden of the Far Ings Nature Reserve, and his replacement is Simon Wellock.
• A children’s clothing shop has opened in the former jeweller’s shop in the Market Place.
• A Cabinet Maker is now trading on Fleetgate.
• Another tattoo parlour is now open at 26 High Street.
• Building work has now been completed on the former Rafters building on High Street.
• The Christmas Fair was successfully held on Saturday 29th November.
• Steelwork is now being erected for the new Baysgarth School building.
• Due to lack of funding it is now unlikely that the Pape sculpture at the school can be saved, but a thorough record is to be made prior to removal and a small section of the sculpture may be preserved by CHAMP.
• Dr. Robert Jaggs-Fowler is to fully retire from the Central Surgery practice in January after 26 years.
• New brown Tourism signs have been erected for the Far Ings Nature Reserve and the Tileyard Visitor Centre.

January

• Co-Co has ceased trading at 15 George Street.
• The recent tidal surge has caused extensive damage to the inner side of the clay embankment between the Tile yard and Pebbly Beach, but there is as yet no sign of any repairs being instigated.
• Reeds Hotel suffered extensive damage from the surge and has subsequently gone into liquidation.
• It was felt that the flood defences along the Haven had performed very well, and the committee were reminded that Jim Robertson had campaigned strongly in the past for these defences to be in place.
• The chairman has written to the Environment Agency to ask for their comments on the recent tidal surge. The Environment Agency have agreed to talk to the Town Council on 8th January.

March

• Eagle House has been sold at auction for £62,500.
• The Place restaurant in the Market Place is under new ownership and is now known as ‘Harrisons’.
• Liz Bennett is to be the recipient of the “Town Award”
• Face to Face has opened on Chapel Lane.
• The Gallery has opened on George Street in the former Co-co shop.

April

• Progress is continuing on the photographic record of the town, and the committee agreed in principle the purchase of a digital photo frame so that images of the town’s historic buildings could be displayed at the Wilderspin School. The anticipated cost will be in the region of £150.

May

• Reincarnation Safety Supplies has moved from High Street to Falkland Way.
• The Spice Lounge has closed for refurbishment.
• The naming ceremony took place on Saturday 26th April of the ‘John Longitude Harrison’ train at Barton Railway Station, by the mayor of North Lincolnshire Council, Peter Clark.
• The Civic Amenity Site on Gravel Pit Lane is currently closed for refurbishment.
• Remedial works are continuing to the clay bank along the Humber.

June

• A dog grooming parlour is to be opened on Holydyke.
• Castledyke School have held their centenary celebrations.
• Mrs. Clarice Day has celebrated her 105th birthday.
• Days Outfitters has now changed hands and is known as Days and Jones Ltd., incorporating Angela Jones, seamstress.
• The crown on the new state coach Britannia has been carved by O.H. Boyd.
• North Lincs Council have been sowing poppy seeds at the cemetery in recognition of World War 1.

July

• Sally-Anna’s has closed for refurbishment and the café section will not re-open, as the whole shop will now be required for storage of stock following the sale of the Queen Street citadel.
• Bike Night was held on Wednesday 2nd July.
• The Arts Festival has been held.
• Bardney Hall is up for sale

September

• Sally-Anna’s has re-opened.
• Colin Saywell has retired from Baysgarth School and a new head has been appointed.
  Molly’s Flowers has ceased trading in the Market Place and the premises are now occupied by the Foot Clinic which has relocated from High Street.
• The Cricket Club are currently carrying out complete reconstruction and drainage work to the outfield.
• Keigar Homes have carried out a site strip to the Southern end of their site on Falkland Way.
• Keigar Homes have commenced building works on Mill View.
• Deepdale Country Store has opened.
• Mary Robertson has left the town to live in Bed Rhydding., near Ilkley.
• The Blue Bell has been sold with planning permission for residential development.
• The Coach and Horses is available to lease.

October

• It is now official that there is a bus-stop on the West side of Fleetgate opposite Fleetgate Hardware.
• Clarice Day, our oldest member has died at the age of 105.
• The Philip Pape sculpture at Baysgarth School needs money to both renovate and replace it. Wendy Witter, Chair of the Governors Building
• Committee of the School has identified the need for £70,000 for removal and £30,000 for restoration and re-siting.

November

• The Old Bell Watson shop in the Market Place is being converted into a clothing shop for the Red Cross, who will continue to sell furniture etc. from their existing shop on Chapel Lane.
• Second Choice has opened for the sale of antiques and second hand goods in Dennis Boyall’s former shop on High Street.
• Building work has commenced on the Blue Bell Car Park.
• Refurbishment work has commenced at Lidl.
• A garden wall believed to date from the 18th century has been demolished to the rear of the Co-op car park, and all the bricks have been thrown away.
• An article has been published in the Yorkshire Post magazine on OH Boyd, with particular emphasis on his recent work on the new state coach.
• Nancy Birtwhistle of Westfield Road was the overall winner of the Great British Bake Off programme on BBC.
• The former Salvation Army citadel on Queen’s Street has been bought by the Queen Street School Preservation Trust. It is hoped to name the First Floor Hall after Joseph Wright, the architect of the building, who was prominent in the design of Primitive Methodist Chapels in this region. Restoration and improvement works to the building are to be carried out in stages as funds permit.
• The Salvation Army are renting the building back for the time being, but are hoping to build a new citadel on the old Carnival Inn site on Tofts Road.

December

• Refurbishment works are being carried out at both the Co-op and Lidl stores.
• The Southern section of Marsh Lane has been closed to traffic to facilitate the rebuilding of outbuildings at Elm Tree House.
• The Christmas Festival was held on Saturday 29th November.
• Resurfacing work has been carried out on several roads in the town, including Maltby Lane, Cottage Lane, Chapel Lane and Tofts Road.
• The Dry cleaning shop on George Street has re-opened under a new name.
• The Wheatsheaf has re-opened after kitchen refurbishment.
• The Humber Bank footpath West of the Haven has been resurfaced.
• The Balfour Beatty office on Humber Road is closing down with the loss of 20 jobs.
• The 5th December marks the first anniversary of the tidal surge which caused extensive flood damage along the Humber.

January

• The Beck has overflowed into Soutergate.
• A novelty card shop has opened on High Street.
• A ‘Pop-up’ Shop is to open in the former DDM premises on Chapel Lane.
• Work is progressing on 33 Fleetgate.
• The Singing Kettle Café is now open.

February

• The Salvation Army are now the owners of the former Carnival Inn site but have decided that the present building cannot be adapted for their purposes. It is therefore proposed to demolish the existing building and to erect a new building in its place. It is also proposed to sell off a small portion of the land for housing to assist with financing of the venture.
• Radley Coaches have bought the “Applebys” name from the administrator and hope to operate a new coach in Applebys livery to be based in Barton.
• The new Barton Directory has been published.
• Kimberley Clark is to close down at the end of March. Their management has announced that it is hoped to find another company to take over the premises, but if this cannot be achieved the factory will be demolished.
• It is understood that Birse ( now part of Balfour Beatty ) is to cease operations in Barton in the near future.

March

• Applegate House on Holydyke was officially opened on 13th February.
• Teasdales Bakery has opened on King Street.
• South Cliff Farm has been bought by Gordon Harrison who is intending to run this as a working farm to support his enterprise at the Tileyard Heritage Centre.
• The Tattoo shop on 9 High street has closed.
• The annual Town Award was given to Margaret Sidell for her establishment of the Food Bank.
• The Money Box has opened on King Street.

April

• The Kimberly Clark Factory has ceased production.
• A second hand shop has opened at 9 High Street.
• The Money Box on King Street is a pawnbroker.
• Tim Hollis has retired as Chief Constable of Humberside Police.

May

• There is still some water in the Beck after 3 consecutive dry months.

June

• The Lions annual beer festival was held on 30th May/ Ist June.
• The Tattoo shop on High Street has closed.
• A new tattoo shop has opened above Sylini’s on Priestgate.
• The site on the corner of Butts Road and Pasure Road has been cleared of vegetation and footings installed for one dwelling.
• Extensive refurbishment works are being carried out at the White Swan and the owner has been in to 51 Fleetgate to make contact.

July

• Papillon and Crazy Card Card Crafts, both on High Street, have closed down.
• Building work has commenced on the former Car sales premises on Dam Road.
• Hewson’s Mill is to be put up for sale by auction. It is understood that Jon Sass has contacted the NLC Conservation Officer with concerns about the future of the building.
• It is understood that around £1150.00 was raised for Lindsey Lodge Hospice at the Open Gardens event.
• The annual Bike Night was held on Wednesday 3rd July, with probably a record attendance.
• The Humber Bridge Half Marathon was held on Sunday 30th June.

September

• Wren Kitchens have now taken over the former Kimberly-Clark premises on Falkland Way.
• Some repair work is being carried out on the former Bell Watson Office.
• Work is underway on the conversion of the former Canty and Clark shop to 3 houses.
• Recent closures include Johnsons Cleaners, the Card Shop on High Street and the Training Provider in the Market Place.
• The Coultas family have opened a new Plumbing and Heating Showroom on Fleetgate.
• The Carnival Inn building is to be demolished by the new owners, the Salvation Army.
• Ivor Akester has died, aged 76.

October

• Barton Cricket Club have carried out a complete reconstruction of their square.
• The Carnival Inn has been demolished.
• Rachel Atkin has relocated from 22 High Street to 11 Queen Street.
• A new Play area has been installed by Keigar Homes on their Dam Road Development, after some pressure from the Town Council to comply with the planning requirement.
• The former card shop on High Street has been sold.
• The Registrar’s Office will cease to operate from Baysgarth House as from 1st October.

November

• Eagle House was severely damaged by fire in the early hours of Wednesday November 6th. The entire roof has been destroyed but the walls all remain standing. The future of the building is uncertain.
• The White Swan has reopened on 7th November.
• Amy’s Barbers has now opened at 26 High Street.
• Milla’s Dress Shop has opened at 9 High Street.
• Building Work is progressing well on the small housing development on Dam Road.
• Clearance work has commenced on the former Welch orchard site on Queen Street.
• Work is progressing well on the former Canty and Clark premises and it is hoped that the three town houses will be complete by the end of the year.
• The Queens public house is under new management.
• The Knitting Box shop has closed down.
• St. Peter’s Court housing complex is now understood to be vacant and is awaiting redevelopment.

December

• Work is progressing on the former Rafters building on High Street.
• The highest tides since 1953 were recorded on Thursday 5th December, with severe flooding occurring at Barrow Haven and South Ferriby Sluice.
• Articles on Barton have been published in both The Times and The Guardian in recent weeks.
• The cracked parapet on the Haven Bridge has been brought to the attention of Councillor Paul Vickers.
• A recent road accident on Humber Road has claimed the life of Koen Allwood, 15, a pupil of Baysgarth School.
• Beercock, Wiles and Wick have opened an Estate Agent’s Office in the former Knitting Box shop on High Street,
• A Branch Line Special train excursion visited Barton station on 26th October.
• The Barton office of VANL is to close – a letter of thanks is to be sent to VANL expressing the Society’s gratitude for the work carried out by Carol Thornton over recent years.
• The final Farmers’ Market is to be held on Saturday December 14th, but there are plans to hold “one-off” events on two occasions during 2014.
• Tree pruning work has been carried out at the Anglian Water facility on Butts Road.
• A new Hair Salon has opened at 37 High Street.

February

• The top floor offices of the Water’s Edge Visitor Centre are now vacant following  C Spencer’s relocation to Island Wharf in Hull.
• Works on sewers and gas mains are being carried out around the town.

March

• MD Signs has moved onto Falkland Way.
• The White Swan has been sold at auction.
• A section of perimeter fencing has been removed from Water’s Edge.
• The former premises of Spencer Molloy and Lloyds Chemist on the High Street have both been decorated.
• New fencing has been erected around the Electricity sub-station on Chapel Lane.

April

• The former Post Office premises on Fleetgate have been refurbished and are to be opened as a café.
• The former Barton Carpets Shop at 30 High Street has re-opened as a hairdressers.
• Barton Town Band has won through to the National Finals to be held at the Royal Albert Hall.
• Hem Sew Soon on Holydyke has ceased trading.
• The Blue Bell property is being offered for sale with full planning permission for around £300,000.

May

• De Vita Platt Norris Solicitors have moved in to new premises at 92 High Street.
• Humber Bridge Tolls were reduced from April 1st, to £1.50 for cars, but it was reported that the increase in traffic during the first month was only 6%.

June

• Several Thorn trees have been removed from the front garden of Elm Tree House. This is in the Conservation Area and it is believed that no permission has been sought.
• The new café on Fleetgate is to be known as The Singing Kettle.
• A flotilla of around 60 craft is to sail along the Humber from Hull Marina to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Monday June 4th, and it expected to pass
• Eastwards near to Barton around 7p.m. The Beacon on the Waterside is to be lit at 10.15p.m.
• Many shops and premises in the town have been adorned with flags and decorative bunting to celebrate the Jubilee.
• A ship originally built in Barton, The Elvin, is to form part of the flotilla on The Thames.
• Jubilee in the Park is to take place on Monday 4th June, with entertainment provided.
• Age UK have taken a lease on the former Spencer Molloy shop on High Street.
• New gates have been installed at the end of the Ropewalk.
• Bell ringing from Barton is to be featured in a Radio Humberside broadcast on Sunday 3rd June, starting at 7am.
• The Jubilee Sweet Shop has opened on Holydyke.

July

• The Humber Bridge Half Marathon was held on Sunday 24th June.
• The Flower Festival was held between 1st-3rd June.

September

• New shops have opened – CoCo on George Street, and Age Concern, Card Shop and Papillon on High Street.
• Demolition of buildings has been carried out on Soutergate.
• TC Power have gone into Administration and their premises on Falkland Way are up for sale.
• The Red Lion is to re-open on 12th September after refurbishment.
• Jack’s Return Home (by Ted Lewis) is being serialised on Radio 4.

December

• There have been changes to the Royal Mail delivery system in the town, with cycles no longer in use.
• The Wheatsheaf is under new management.
• The Jubilee Sweet Shop has relocated to George Street.
• The final printed edition of the Dandy was issued this week, notable for the illustrations by Barton resident Ken Harrison.
• Richard Clarke’s book on housing in eighteenth century Barton was launched on November 15th.

February

• The Barton Upholstery Shop on High Street has closed down.

March

• Nigel Land’s book on the history of Elswick Hopper has now been launched.
• Spencer Molloy have closed down.
• The George and the Blue Bell are currently closed.
• The new Barton Directory has been launched.
• Terry Clipson, a regular contributor on Barton History in local publications, has died.
• Chris Ketchell, of Hull, has died. He had been a long standing supporter of the Society, and a persistent campaigner for the retention of the Old Church School.
• Ken Baker, long standing secretary of Hull Civic Society, has died.
• Tom Wood’s Brewery, of Melton Ross, and supplier to several Barton pubs, has been placed into Administration.

April

• Tastee Foods has ceased trading.
• The Spar shop on Fleetgate is now trading under the “Nisa” umbrella.

May

• The Rushby Dance Studio is to open on Saturday May 7th, on Maltkiln Lane ( former NLC Offices )
• Stuart McWilliam is understood to be the new proprietor of Days Menswear.
• The Play Area in Baysgarth Park has been refurbished, and is being well used.
• North Lincolnshire Council is now under Conservative control following the local elections. Coun, Margaret Sidell has stood down after many years’ service and has been succeeded by Coun. Jonathan Evison. The other two Barton representatives remain as Councillors Keith and Paul Vickers, the former to serve as mayor.

June

• Queens has reopened, under a manager.
• Votre Décor in the Market Place has closed down and will concentrate on Internet Sales.
• The Proposed Development site adjacent to 13 Queen Street is up for sale, with planning permission.
• Dorothy Pearson is to be the mayor of Barton and Keith Vickers the mayor of North Lincs.

July

• The Day Nursery at Yuba House has closed down.
• Barton Arts Week and Barton Bike Night have both been successfully completed.

September

• The Baby Place at 11 High Street has closed.
• The Sloop and White Swan are up for sale.
• A ‘Fitness Factory’ has opened on Harrier Road.
• A ‘Foot Clinic’ has opened on High Street at the premises previously occupied by Barton Upholstery.
• The Scunthorpe Telegraph has gone weekly.

October

• Queens is under new ownership.
• Work has started on the George Hotel.
• High Street and Burgate have been re-surfaced.
• A workwear shop has opened on High Street.
• The chimney at the former Hoe Hill Brickyard is being restored.

November

• The former babywear shop has now opened as Charlie Taylor hairdresser.
• Learning Direct has opened in the former China Shop premises in the Market Place.
• The former Barton Upholstery shop on High Street has now opened as a Foot Clinic.
• The former home and shop of Councillor Ted Appleyard on Bowmandale have now been demolished and cleared in preparation for a new housing development.
• A new two volume book on the history of St. Peter’s Church and Barton on Humber have recently been published by Warwick Rodwell, retailing at £75.00
• The death was reported of Dr. Arfeen, a former member of the Central Surgery practice.

December

• Room 101 on Newport has started trading, producing publicity goods (inc. the mugs in minute 8.)
• The George Inn is to re-open on December 7th.
• A Beauty shop has opened at 22 High Street.
• The Ropewalk has been surfaced with a new bitumen surface to eliminate all the loose stones etc.
• Car parking spaces are being installed on Beretun Green, part of environmental works being carried out generally around the town by North Lincolnshire Homes.
• The Christmas Festival on Saturday 26th November was claimed to have attracted the best ever attendance, helped considerably by advertising on Viking FM.
• The final postal collection each day from Burgate is now being made at 5 pm, although the time advertised on the plate is still 5.30 pm.

January

• Janet Denovan, head of St. Peter’s Primary School, has died.
• Improvements are being carried out to the houses on Hewson’s Lane.
• The White Swan is currently not open for business (it was reported that the lease being demanded is in the region of £ 2000.00 per week).
• The Halifax Estate Agency has been taken over by Reeds Rains, and the bank counter has been closed down.
• David Lee Photography is re-locating to new premises on Falkland Way, and the existing premises on George Street are being offered for sale for £160,000.
• Finishing Touches is being offered for sale.

February

• The White Swan has re-opened.
• Regal Fish has temporarily re-located to Falkland Way after the recent fire. There is no news on the future of Rafters restaurant.
• Some shrubs have been removed at the Transport Interchange, presumably to improve visibility.

March

• Dr. Jim Robertson, Vice President of the Society, died on 19th February.
• Darren Stockdale was featured on a recent Channel 4 Television Programme by Monty Don, in which a new blacksmith made gate was fitted to his property. The programme was filmed in the old Blacksmith’s Shop at South Ferriby.
• The area of overgrown vegetation adjacent to the Transport Interchange is being cleared.

April

• Finishing Touches on King Street has closed down.
• C and C (Colin Day) has open a new showroom on Ferriby Road.
• A new raised pedestrian crossing has been installed in the Market Place.
• Environmental Improvements continue to be carried out at the Transport Interchange.
• The house on Chapel Lane opposite Heron is up for sale.

May

• The Ropewalk is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
• Work on the new lift at the Assembly Rooms is to commence on Monday 10th May.
• At the General election, the sitting MP, Shona McIsaac has lost her seat to Martin Vickers, the Conservative candidate.
• Steel shutters have been fitted to the Lloyds Chemist premises.
• The Link Office on High Street is being offered for sale, following relocation to Providence House.
• Library Returns have now been computerised at Providence House.
• Keith Vickers is to be the new mayor of Barton.
• 81 Fleetgate is being offered for sale.
• Veronica Turnbull has died.

June

• A new firm of Solicitors has opened on the High Street.
• Michelle Button is leaving her post as Neighbourhood Services manager to take up a similar post in Scunthorpe. Her present post is to be filled by Andy Long.
• Thompsons Furniture Shop is to close down at the end of June.
• Charlies Bar is up for sale.

July

• Day’s Outfitters is up for sale due to retirement.
• Thompsons has now closed down completely.
• Darren Stockdale’s new gate which was made on the recent television programme is to be featured at the Yorkshire Show.
• The loss of one Field Maple in Haven Meadow and one Copper Beech on Beretun Green has been reported – both trees had been planted by the Society and had become well established, but appear to have been removed by others.
• Bike Night was held successfully on 7th July.
• The Tennis Courts in Baysgarth Park have been allowed to fall into disrepair.
• Meldan Engineering have gone into liquidation.
• The Odd Fellows Hall is up for sale.
• The Carnival appears to have re-opened as a public house and doubts were expressed as to whether the proposed move by the Salvation Army will now proceed.
• Captain Huggins of the Salvation Army has moved on to a new post elsewhere.

September

• Members were reminded that the Swan figure is no longer present on the corner of the White Swan.
• Part of the former David Lee premises on George Street is to become a carpet shop.
• The former Finishing Touches shop has reopened as a new shop / tea room.
• A new Skills Centre has been completed at Baysgarth School.
• Hem Sew Soon has opened on Holydyke.
• The former Rafters / Regal Fish Building is up for auction.
• The former clinic on Holydyke is being offered for sale – it is understood that the former users, ‘Connexions’, have relocated to the Youth Centre.
• Bell Watson Estate Agents in the Market Place has closed down.
• Reeds Rains Estate Agents on King Street has closed down.
• Rex Russell has been presented with his Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Association of Local History at Nettleton Manor Nursing Home.
• The Toilet has been removed from Waterside Road – NLC have suggested that alternative facilities are available at Tesco or in the Market Place.
• The Jewellery Shop in the Market Place has changed names.

October

• Keigar Homes have commenced excavation works on their Falkland Way site.
• DDM have moved from Chapel Lane to the former David Lee premises on George Street.
• The Rafters / Regal Fish Building on High Street is being offered for sale on eBay.
• Regal Fish are now based permanently on Falkland Way.
• The Central Surgery has now opened a satellite branch in Goxhill, complete with pharmacy.

November

• Network Rail are to carry out clearance works on the side of the railway line at Barton Station. Discussions have been held with their representative to discuss management of the overgrown vegetation.
• An official opening of The Hub was held on 21st September.
• The first of the new Farmers’ Markets is to be held on Saturday, 13th November, on George Street.
• Frenchy’s Boutique has opened for business on Fleetgate.
• The Willows Nursing Home has been placed in Administration.
• SPS Distribution have vacated their premises on Humber Road.
• A Barton resident has received a jail sentence for last year’s arson attack on the Rafters / Regal Fish Building. The Building has again been offered for sale on eBay for £75,000.

December

• Several trees have been removed from the proposed building plot on the corner of Pasture Road and Butts Road.
• The RAPI Indian Restaurant has changed ownership and is now known as the Spice Lounge – new signage has been erected.
• Severe Winter weather has prevailed in the region during December, with temperatures falling down to -11C on several occasions.
• There has been no train service for at least two weeks as a consequence of the weather.
• There have been at least two occasions when Fleetgate has been blocked due to problems with buses – one breakdown and one protruding car blocking the passage of the bus.
• The Silver Birches Caravan Site has been entirely cleared, including demolition of the toilet block, in preparation for siting of permanent static caravans.
• The Christmas Festival was held successfully on 27th November, with the Lantern Parade being particularly impressive.
• The first ever peal on St. Mary’s was rung by the Barton Sunday service Band at the Christmas Festival.

January

• The Food for Thought premises on George Street have been seriously damaged by a stolen car during December, resulting in closure of the business for the time being.

February

• Miles Hopper died on January 31st.
• The formal opening of the Wilderspin School was held on 23rd January.
• Work is being carried out on the former Tastee Fruit and Veg shop on High Street.
• Votre Décor has opened.
• The Place has re-opened after a brief period of closure.
• Jane Tuplin is the recipient of the Town Award.
• Food for Thought has re-opened.

April

• Ted Appleyard died on 24th March and his funeral was held on Friday 3rd April, at St. Mary’s Church. He died at the age of 91 and was believed to be the oldest serving mayor in the country at the time of his death.
• Canty and Clark have closed down.
• The half hourly bus service known as the ‘Humber Fast Cat’ was introduced on Monday 23rd March.
• Barton WEA group has closed down due to a lack of volunteer officials.
• The committee noted the valuable contribution made to the WEA by Geoff and Ro Bryant over many years.
• There was a fatal accident on the A15 Humber Bridge Approach Road on 1st April, causing the death of 20 year old Ashley Greensides of Cleethorpes.

May

• The Civic Trust has been placed in Administration.
• An article about the Wilderspin School by Gervase Phinn has appeared in the Yorkshire Post magazine.

June

• The Tanning Studio has opened on High Street.
• Two Rowan trees planted by the Society some years ago on Beretun Green have been removed to facilitate demolition works on the adjacent property. It is understood that the developer will plant replacement trees.
• Peter Lee died on 18th May. Peter was treasurer of the Society for many years.
• Ken Osgerby died on 4th June.
• Local elections were held to elect replacements for Ted Appleyard, resulting in the election of Paul Vickers on NLC and Alan Searle on BTC.
• Councillor Ann Clark is to be the new mayor of Barton Town Council, with Paul Vickers as her deputy.
• Installation of a new gas main has started on Fleetgate ( South end ) causing considerable traffic disruption.
• A set of Guinness labels from the Anchor Brewery in Barton has recently been sold on E-bay for £28.

July

• The 13th Barton Bike Night was held on 8th July, organised for the first time by a committee following Malc Bennet’s resignation.
• Victorian Day was held on 28th June.
• Ted Corney, Town Crier, has died.
• The Co-op is to close down on August 1st.
• The installation of a new gas pipeline continues on Fleetgate / Holydyke, with considerable disruption to traffic.
• Construction has commenced on the new flats on Brigg Road (ex John Keal site).

September

• The deaths of Vera Atkin and George Elia were recorded.
• A tattoo studio has opened on High Street.
• The new Kingdom Hall on Humber Road is now completed and an open day has been arranged for Sunday 6th September.

October

• The Stables bistro has opened on Holydyke.
• Molly’s Flowers has opened in the Market Place (formerly the Pamper Place).
• The Baby Place has opened on High Street.
• New steel Lamp columns are being erected around the town to replace the concrete ones which are crumbling.
• The Barton CCTV network is shortly to become operational.
• The Curate, Kathy Colwell is to be ordained.
• The Round the World Clipper Race set off from Hull on 13th September, and was visible from the South Bank.

November

• The Salvation Army Citadel on Queen’s Street is being offered for sale after the upper floor was condemned as being unsafe for use. The organisation is hoping to move to the Carnival Inn on Tofts Road.
• The Halifax Estate Agency has been taken over and the banking section is to be closed down.
• Gertie Clipson has died.

December

• Rafters Restaurant was destroyed by a fire on 28th November, and the building (including Regal Fish Offices) may have to be demolished.
• Barry Smith (Copperfield Developments) has died.
• The Somerfield Store has re-opened as the Co-Op and Alliance Pharmacy has been re-branded as Boots.
• Mollies Flowers has opened in the Market Place.
• Conversion work is on-going at the Youth Centre on Maltby Lane.
• Colin Day Ltd. is understood to have ceased trading and the premises on Falkland Way have been vacated.

March

• Fleetgate Post Office has closed down.
• Rev. Canon John Swaby died on 26.2.08, aged 97.
• An earthquake epicentred on Market Rasen occurred on February 27th at 12.57.
• Ben Brunwin has died aged 57.
• The Sustrans Cycleway on Barrow Road is under construction.
• Target Cycles have vacated premises on Falkland Way.
• Clearance work has commenced on the Old Brewery site on Pasture Road.
• Helphas has closed down.

December

• Royce Foster, a member of the Society and regular attender at public meetings, has died.
• The Barton Christmas Festival was held on Saturday 30th November, to a different format from previous years, with no funfair.
• Queen Street School held an initial open day on Saturday 30th November, which was well attended.
• The White Swan has re-opened after a brief period of closure.
• Barton Town Band has achieved a ranking of 171 in the World.
• Services of Thanksgiving for the life of Chad Varah have been held in St. Paul’s Cathedral on 12th November, and in St. Mary’s Barton on 23rd November.