Home
Biggleswade History Society
Project Plan

Projects completed May 2006 to May 2007:

  1. Full transcription of the 1851 census for Biggleswade - Mike Strange, Archivist
    This is not being made available to the public; there is a look-up facility for members or those who
    purchase one of our publications (one surname printed out per purchase)
  2. In-depth reorganisation of storage of photographs - Mike Strange, Archivist
    This is the structure of our photographic records.
  3. Refurbished the archive/research room lay-out - Mike Strange, Archivist
  4. Indexed George Skevington wedding photographs -
                    Jean Strange (Secretary) and Rowena Wolfe (Secretary of the Langford District Local History Society)
  5. Established a Publications Sub-Committee and started our next publication.
  6. Reprint of Mary Webb's book "Remember Your Manner" - Mike Strange

Projects currently underway:

  1. Detailed recording of photographic records - Mike Strange
  2. In-depth reorganisation of storage of ephemera and artifacts - Mike Strange
  3. Transcribe 1915 Qualification of Electors - Mike Strange to Babs Elsworth
  4. Publication of new book, "Townsfolk of Biggleswade"-
                     Eric Lund, Ken Page, Jennifer Lawrence & Mike Strange

Projects planned to start in the near future (1 to 6 months):

  1. Total indexing of photographs, ephemera and artifacts - Mike Strange
  2. Transcription of the Rose Lane School intake ledgers - Awaiting a volunteer
  3. Transcribe Fire Service Records - Rex Skinner

Continuous Projects:

  1. Recording news today as tomorrow's history - Babs Elwsorth
  2. Photograph buildings at risk - Ken Page

Ideas for the future (6 to 12 months and beyond):
The History Society would like to undertake a number of projects in the future; there are two main limitations: insufficient willing and skilled volunteers and funding.  Given that these could be overcome by members with sufficient enthusiasm, knowledge and skill and with aid from grants we would like to:

  1. Produce a Heritage Trail leaflet and booklet.  Ken Page has supplied the outline content for these and detail from the heritage plaques; this can be seen here.
  2. Produce Volume 2 of the "Heritage Trail" full publication series.

Ideas Shelved due to Lack of Resources or Interest:

  1. Reinstate the "Beating the Bounds" ceremonial walk around the parish boundary as an annual event in Rogation Week, between the fifth Sunday after Easter and Ascension Day.
  2. Have a town museum.