A Christmas present with a difference? Sunderland's history is available for you to buy after seven months of lockdown

And although the new-look Sunderland Antiquarian Society heritage centre can only have a limited opening to comply with the pandemic restrictions, it is back with a pop-up shop to cater for public demand for Christmas presents.

History books and DVDs will be on sale at the centre in Douro Terrace which has undergone a revamp during the lockdown.

Society secretary Philip Curtis said the centre would re-open for the first time this Saturday from 10.30am to 12pm and then every Wednesday and Saturday between those same times until Christmas.

Despite the centre being shut since March, the Antiquarian Society’s membership numbers have gone up.

Philip said: “We are delighted that, despite the centre being closed since March, the membership of the society has actually increased and now amazingly stands at over 930, making it one of the largest in Britain. The website, Facebook site and regular newsletter has helped.”

Now comes the chance for people to buy books and DVDs on Wearside history to give as Christmas presents.

People will only be allowed to enter the building one at a time under strict control. There will be sanitiser stations, social distancing and strict access to the lobby only.

Philip said the re-opening is ‘for visitors purely to purchase local history books and DVDs for Christmas. This is to meet the demand. They will all be on sale in the lobby. Social distancing and safety regulations will be adhered to.”

Society officials have been keeping busy during the pandemic.

“We have been adding to the archives,” said Philip. “Our latest acquisition is 14 large coloured billheads for the Empire from 1914 to 1916. Two of them feature Gertie Gitana and Florrie Ford, who were stars of the Music Hall then.

"Another advertises a short silent film of the World Heavyweight title fight between Jack Johnson and Jess Willard to be shown between acts.”

The centre has been improved with new display cabinets, shelving and the ‘refreshment room has also been completely revamped and a colour version of the 1790s 8ft long Rain's Eye Plan of the town on display there’ said Phil.

To find out more about the society, contact its Facebook page or visit here.

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