Severn Vale Historical Research And Detecting Society
July 2026 Update - praying for some rain
This is the introductory
page to the Severn Vale Historical Research And Detecting Society (SHRADS). We are a Metal Detecting club based in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire and meet on the first Wednesday of the month. The club was formed in 1979 and in 2019 celebrated its 40th Anniversary.
If you are interested in the history that lies beneath your fields then please contact us to find out more!
The club offers a free search facility for members of the public who have lost metallic objects of value. We have had
success in recovering items of jewellery and also lost parts from farm machinery. There are a number of links on the left hand side that will take you to contact details and a gallery of some of the finds that have been made in recent months by members of the club whilst on society digs.
David Whalley receiveing the Eddie Masters Memorial Shield in 2019 for contributions to SHRADS. Passed away 19th June 2026
Tortworth Estate Open farm Day in June 2026
A recent wedding ring reunited with its owner in Bromley Heath
John Dury SHRADS Photographer pictured in 2017 receiving the Eddie Masters Shield for contributions to SHRADS. Passed away 19th February 2022
Some of the members enjoying a Sunday dig
Our total donations to St Peter's Hospice now at £ 7,000 see the link on the left hand side for further details. In 2025 thanks to Detecnicks and Minelab for their generous donation of gifts for the raffle and from Society funds we have sent £ 100 each to the Great Western Air Ambulance, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and £ 50 to Help for Heroes.
Detecnicks 
Minelab 
Western Region – SHRADS are a member of the Western Region