A new social media site has been launched with the aim of preserving Wymondley parish’s history in cyberspace.

The Wymondley Scrapbook group on Facebook has almost 200 members so far, and its main driving force Robert Howard told the Comet the goal was to eventually publish a book of all the photos posted.

“We have been delighted with the response we have received to the scrapbook, and the fact that we already have more than 350 photos posted on the site,” he said.

Robert said they were extremely keen to have new members and to see new photos added to the site.

The group is interested in any photographs from any era that are connected with Little or Great Wymondley – as well as Titmore Green, Redcoats Green and Todds Green, which are also in Wymondley parish.

Numerous photographs of Wymondley have been published in books in the past, and the Wymondley Scrapbook hopes to be able to collate a huge number of high-quality images for the benefit or future generations.

Photographs in the group range from old Wymondley school photos to scenes of villagers riding a tractor through the flooded streets. One series of photos, from Fred and Carol Gearing, shows the construction of the now ubiquitous A602 Wymondley bypass between Hitchin and Stevenage in 1991 and 1992. Another shows the July 1982 royal visit of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Great Wymondley.

There are also newspaper cuttings, among other things shining a light on the 1960s fight to stop Wymondley electricity transforming station being built.

Nigel Billingham, who four years ago published a book on the history of Wymondley’s Baptist chapel, is among those getting behind the new online scrapbook.

“Robbie’s idea of a Wymondley Scrapbook is a brilliant idea,” he said. “We are looking for all types of photos that relate to the Wymondleys – whether the subject is street scenes, buildings or family snaps.

“We would love to hear from people with a connection to either of the Wymondleys.”

The scrapbook is a ‘closed’ group, meaning people have to request to join on Facebook.

If you’re interested in getting involved, send Robert an email at at r.howard96.rh8@gmail.com.