Here’s a look back at the past 12 months. We’ve picked one story from each month for a glimpse of what went on in 2019. They might inspire, annoy or amuse you.
5. MAY: We're going to Wem-berley - sadly
On the first day of the 2018-19 season, Sunderland beat Charlton Athletic with an injury time winner. But on the last day ... pah, you know what happened. Luckily everything has gone swimmingly for our football club since then ... or something. Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. JUNE: What we want, what we really, really want
For some reason there had been no Stadium of Light Concerts since Beyonce in 2016. That was put right by a barnstorming performance by the Spice Girls on June 6. The show was a roaring success. As poets throughout the ages have said; zig-a-zig-ah. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. JULY: Doxford family intervention comes to nothing
The campaign to save the 1903 gatehouse at the former Doxford gatehouse, seen here in 1921 was given a boost when Richard Doxford, great-grandson of the yard's founder, lent his support. It was not to be. The council said the gatehouse was beyond repair and demolition was completed in October. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. AUGUST: Attempt to silence bagpiper backfires spectacularly
Accomplished Roker bagpiper Alan Jamieson received an anonymous letter of complaint about his practising in the hope of silencing him. However, the Echo's story was taken up by national media, including several newspapers, GMTV and an interview with John Humphrys on Radio 4's Today programme. Photo: Sunderland Echo