Have a go at splicing and watch a blacksmith’s traditional skills
SUNDERLAND’S HERITAGE IS ON SHOW AT A PROGRAMME OF OPEN DAYS PLANNED FOR NEXT MONTH ... IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO ADMIRE CHURCHES, SEE AN EARLY WARNING DETECTION SYSTEM AND GO ON GUIDED WALKS
If it’s heritage you’re after, look no further than Sunderland. The city is rich in buildings which are steeped in history. And the good news is, they are open for the public to find out more. Chris Cordner reports.
This year’s annual series of Heritage Open Days are on the way next month. Churches, a First World War acoustic mirror, traditional shipbuilding skills or majestic castles, there is something for everyone. The Heritage Open Days in Tyne and Wear project is a chance to find out more about the area’s history. Here’s our first look at the line-up of events.
When Sunderland came under attack from German Zeppelins, the city responded by building an early warning system. The First World War Acoustic Mirror can be found at Fulwell, just off Newcastle Road. It has recently been restored – 100 years on from the attack. It is one of only six acoustic mirrors built during the First World War that is still standing. Local history volunteers and costumed interpreters will be on hand to answer any questions during the open event from 9.30am to 4pm on Thursday, September 8.
St Nicholas Church, in Queen Alexandra Road, is a Grade II listed building built in 1939. It now has a complete set of magnificent stained glass windows. They were all were designed by the late Leonard Evetts and the glass came from Hartley Wood in Sunderland. To find out more, why not call along from 2pm to 4pm on Friday, September 9, or from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, September 10.
Another impressive church stands in Hendon. The Parish Church of St Ignatius The Martyr is in Suffolk Street, and people are invited to call in and see its majestic interior. It was designed by C Hodgson Fowler, built in the Early English style, and completed in 1889. Notable features include the beautiful stained glass by Burlison and Grylls. Call along to find out more on Thursday, September 8, from 10am to 4pm; on Friday, September 9, from noon to 4pm; Saturday, September 10 from 10am to 5pm; and Sunday, September 11, from 11.30am to 1pm.
The shipbuilding industry holds a place in many people’s hearts. Pay a visit to the Sunderland
Maritime Heritage centre in Unit 2, Church Street East, where traditional skills and techniques are on display in the busy boat yard. But don’t just stand back and watch. People can have a go at traditional boat building activities such as caulking, copper roving, knots and splicing. There will also be guided tours of the visitor centre and lots of competitions and activities throughout the days. Tea and coffee is available in the onsite cafe. Get along between 10am and 4pm from Friday, September 9, to Sunday, September 11.
Hetton Heritage Walk is on the way on Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11, at 10am each day. This interesting walk starts at the Hetton Centre, which is on the site of the old Hetton Hall, the residence of the Lyons family. It continues for more than a mile and takes in heritage locations along the way. The walk finishes at the refurbished 18th century Hetton Smithy, where there will be demonstrations by the owner, blacksmith John Guy. Those who take part should wear suitable clothing and footwear. People are being urged to pre-book by calling (0191) 526 2804, emailing alan.t.jackson@hotmail.com or by visiting www.hettonlocalhistory.org.uk
People can also find out more about Hetton Smithy on Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11, when there’s a chance to put questions to John Guy. The event is not suitable for children under five, and people should go along from 10am to 2pm. Watch out for more details on the open days tomorrow. And to find out more on the programme, visit https:// www.hodstw.org.uk/
See the recently restored First World War acoustic mirror at Fulwell Try your hand at caulking at the Maritime Heritage Centre