Sandy Historical Research Group - preserving our roots!

Sandy Historical Research Group was formed in 2002, in order to capture the history of this Bedfordshire town during the last 150 years or so (and further back where possible).

A number of projects have been undertaken - some completed, others in progress
This website was set up to promote the group's activities and also invite contributions from interested parties.

The group also produces a Newsletter twice a year (Spring & Autumn and FREE to members) - "SHRUB". This is full of articles written by members and supporters, about the history of Sandy and its residents over the last 150 years or so. Back copies are available @ 50p, the current Spring & Autumn editions are 75p. All can be posted for an additional 50p per copy. For back copies or if you are not yet a Member of SHRG, please email us and we will organise delivery to you.

Sandy Historical Research Group published the first volume of 'Pictorial Memories of Sandy'. The book contains 40 views and images depicting the life of Sandy, dating back in some cases to the turn of the 20th century and up to the 1950's/ early 1960's. There are still some copies available.

The second volume of 'Pictorial Memories of Sandy' was published on November 2nd 2009 and is now available online, from any Committee Member, or from Sandy Tourist Information Centre. Click here for more details about Volume 2. We also have a Special Offer (while stocks last), for Volumes 1 & 2 together - see the Books & Memorabila page for more details.

Projects:

• The Sandy Show - 1869 to the present day. Many of the photographs in our gallery represent scenes from shows held at Sandye Place in the early 1900's through to its demise in 1953, when the property was sold off to Bedfordshire County Council and what is now Sandye Place Middle School.

• In addition, Michael Rutt has carried out some research into the origins of a few of our local place names.

• The group has already commenced with audio and video interviews of some of Sandy's senior citizens, in order to capture their personal recollections of the last century.

• Forum - please note that the Forum is no longer in use, as we have had real problems with hackers & spammers and for the little real use that it has been put to, it is not worth maintaining.

• On 9th December 2009, the Chairman and the Editor were kindly invited to speak on Biggles FM. During the interview, we were able to discuss the group's activities and our future plans. We are grateful to Alan Waring for the opportunity to 'spread the word'.
• We are going to join Facebook in due course and possibly even put a short video on You Tube, promoting the group and our recent publications. More of this later.
• The Members Area is still unfortunately in the process of rebuilding after our enforced move to a new provider. We apologis for this and hope to have it up and running in due course.

If you have any information about the history of Sandy, or something specific about any of the above projects, then please get in touch via a Committee Member. Or, email us.

The group has recently presented several exhibitions of some of its collection of old photo's and artefacts. We intend to continue with these over the coming months and years.

Go to the Diary Section for news of the next scheduled event.
If you want to learn more about modern day Sandy and a brief snapshot of the town's history over time, please visit:

Sandy Community Website.

News About SHRG
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