NEW SAFC MUSEUM HAILED
Fans are red, white and proud to see plans to turn a landmark building in the city into a museum dedicated to their team.
Monkwearmouth Station Museum’ s future was cast into doubt when Sunderland City Council said it was looking at alternative options for the North Bridge Street Museum due to falling visitor numbers and cash cuts.
Now preparations are being made to turn its exhibitions on trains into items relating to the history of Sunderland AFC’s team after it was confirmed it will become home to a museum of arte facts relating to the side’s contribution to the Beautiful Game.
The railway museum is expected to close to visitors at the end of this month, with the clearance and relocation of its items to take up to eight weeks.
Michael G an ley, who owns a collection of shirts, tickets, balls, trophies and medals amassed over 30 years, hopes to sign the lease and his team will then begin work to transform it into a new visitor attraction, which could include items donated by fellow fans once displays are collated.
He says the feedback from people since the announce Bridges. ment was made earlier this week has been “fantastic.”
He added: “They’re all amazed at the building we’ve acquired.
“If people feel like they have something that could be displayed, we can look at it, and we’re looking for support by sponsorship and companies as we seek funding in the long term.”
Garry Stout is the education officer for the museum, which has already put on displays at venues including The In addition to creating a permanent home for the display, there are plans to continue its work with schools, using the collection to inspire as it boosts literacy and numeracy skills, particularly with years 5to8.
He said: “We want to hear from teachers, who can contact us through the Facebook page, if they would like us to work with them.
“People are overjoyed and excited and think it will be fantastic .”
Among those to voice their backing for the project is the Sunderland AFC Senior Supporters’ Association.
The association’s chairman Ken Barker said: “When I first heard about it, I thought it would bean excellent venue.
“It will be sad to see the railwaymuseum close, but I think Michael is going to make one heck of a job of it, and he must have the heart the size of the town hall clock.
“I think he will make it a real success .”
The museum will include a section dedicated to the Sunderland Echo and its coverage of the club over the years.