Raising a glass of cheer
A PICTORIAL VIEW OF THE SOCIAL SIDE OF WORKING AT VAUX IN SUNDERLAND
Vaux is no longer a major employer in Sunderland – but it will always be an important part of the city’s past and heritage.
The Sunderland-based brewery closed in July 1999, bringing an end to a century of brewing by the Nicholson family, and to the work of more than 600 staff, as reported in the Sunderland Echo.
Take a look at these photographs from our archives as they show the dedication of Vaux employees and the fun times employees and their families had at the annual sports day which used to be held on the Vaux sports field at Glenesk Road.
Other pictures include hard-working staff receiving their long-service-awards, and the beautiful Vaux horses having a well-deserved rest on their annual holidays.
Who remembers those magnificent dray and horses that used to deliver the beer to the pubs that dotted Sunderland’s streets?
And when walking through the centre of the city, who could ignore the occasional pungent smell of the hops as the beer-making was going through its process.
Did you or your friends have a favourite tipple – Samson, Double Maxim or the unusually named lager Scorpion Dry?
Looking at today’s selection of photographs from our archives, the Vaux employees certainly enjoyed a fantastic social event, from playing football and cricket, to performing in the brass band which in 1998 headed off to the North of England Championships.
And does anybody know how the band got on at the event?
If you are one of those in the pictures, or have memories that you would like to share with us, contact chris. cordner @jpress.co.uk