There’s plenty of pastimes that were once part of the fabric of Sunderland life which you sadly can’t do anymore.
We’ve had a rifle through our archives to bring you some great memories from over the decades, from bagging a bargain at the Dewhirsts shop to being able to smell the hops at Vaux which filled the air on brewing days.
5. Riding a donkey on Seaburn beach
A popular pastime in Sunderland in the '60s was a day out at Seaburn Beach where you could enjoy a Smiths donkey ride. Pictured here is the beach in 1962. Photo: Courtesy of Bill Hawkins
6. Christmas fancy dress at Annabel's
Annabel's nightclub down the town was once the place to be, whether it was for a '70s disco night or a festive fancy dress. At Christmas the admission price used to be an item of food, usually a can, which would be donated to a good cause. Pictured here is staff counting up the collection on January 3 1981. Left to right; Mrs Bloomfield and Mrs Thompson of the Social Services, and Mr Barnwell, manager of Annabel's. Front (left to right) are Annabel' staff in fancy dress, Mrs Patricia Barnwell and Miss Sue Barrass. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Ice skating at Crowtree
Ice skating was once the thing to do in Sunderland on a Saturday afternoon when we had a designated rink at Crowtree Leisure Centre. Pictured here is John Fickling, the then vice chairman of SAFC, with Coun Mel Speding and the late Bob Symonds when the football club began using the rink as their academy training barn. Photo: JPI Media
8. Enjoying a cuppa at Louis
A cuppa and an ice cream float at Louis in Park Lane was once an integral part of city centre life and the popular family-run cafe only recently closed its doors. It's pictured here in December 1982, alongside the old ABC Cinema and Fino's night club. Photo: Sunderland Echo