'He was a proud Staffordian': Tributes to well-known Stafford businessman Freddie Sandy
A well-known Stafford businessman has died aged 89.
Freddie Sandy was a former vice president of the Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Association, one of the founders of Stafford Grammar School and opened three Wimpy restaurants in the town.
Mr Sandy died last week and his funeral is set to take place today at St Austin’s Church.
He was born on April 15, 1930, the youngest of nine children of Daisy and Cyril Sandy.
The family lived in Lawn Road, Rowley Park, and Mr Sandy attended King Edward Grammar School, in Newport Road.
After leaving school he served in the Royal Artillery before working at Burgess Motors and Rediffusion in Stafford.
He was also a keen performer and spent two years on the professional stage, including a summer season on the pier at St Anne’s and also appearing in pantomime at the Chelsea Palace Theatre.
He married local girl, Jean Giles, in 1958 and they began their own business soon after.
Originally, Mr Sandy had planned to open a sports shop. He found premises on Newport Road, and began decorating downstairs, but as there was plenty of room upstairs, he decided to open a coffee lounge.
The sports shop was never opened and it was the start of a career in catering for Mr Sandy.
The ground floor was turned into The Pop Inn, providing drinks and snacks, while meals were served upstairs in the Juliet Restaurant.
Mr and Mrs Sandy then expanded their catering business, opening the Wimpy on Milford Common in 1964.
These were followed by further Wimpy outlets on Stafford’s Bridge Street and Princess Street.
They also opened the Tuck Inn on Foregate Street, The Grove in St Mary’s Grove, The Soup Kitchen on Church Lane as well as the Wavecrest Café at Church Bay, Anglesey.
In 1994, Mr Sandy redeveloped the Bridge Street site, designing a Spanish-style Hacienda, which is now occupied by the Casa nightclub.
He was an accomplished sportsman, representing the Royal Artillery in rugby and playing football for local teams including Penkridge and Brocton. He also played tennis for the men’s county team aged just 17, and continuing to represent Staffordshire right through to veterans’ level.
A former vice president of Staffordshire LTA, he also had success in international veterans’ tournaments in France, Spain and Croatia.
And in 1984, My Sandy was one of the founders of Stafford Grammar School and served as a governor for eight years.
'Incredibly proud'
Mr Sandy's son, Duncan Sandy, said: "He was incredibly proud to see how the school has grown over the years and two of his grandchildren currently attend.
"Although he did not pursue a professional career in the stage, Freddie still enjoyed performing. In 1982, he recorded and released one of the first charity singles. Freddie’s version of Max Miller’s ‘Bicycle Song’ was played many times on Radio 2 with all proceeds going to the mental health charity MIND.
"He was always keen to help with fundraising for local causes and even bought a candy floss machine which he loaned free for church and school fetes.
"He also purchased an early laser karaoke system and would spend many evenings hosting events for local charities.
"He was proud Staffordian, who campaigned against the planned demolition of the original Victorian market and Crabbery Street, as he felt it would take the heart out of the town.
"Although the original market was lost, he was pleased that Crabbery Street was saved.
"He was a committed family man, who is survived by his wife Jean, six children, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren."
The funeral will be held at 11am St Austin’s Church.
