It's the news all of Wearside was waiting for. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were fast asleep in the spaceship Eagle after their first day's exertions on the Moon. The third astronaut Michael Collins was taking his own well-earned rest on board the mother ship Columbia high above them.placeholder image
It's the news all of Wearside was waiting for. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were fast asleep in the spaceship Eagle after their first day's exertions on the Moon. The third astronaut Michael Collins was taking his own well-earned rest on board the mother ship Columbia high above them. | JPIMedia Resell

Moon Landing 50th anniversary: 15 reminders of what was happening in Sunderland on the day Neil Armstrong took 'one small step'

By Chris Cordner
Published 20th Jul 2019, 06:00 GMT
Updated 25th Jul 2019, 19:42 GMT

The front page was emblazoned with stories of the ‘Moon Men’

But while Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were reflecting on one of mankind’s greatest achievements, life went on in Wearside and County Durham.

Everyone, including the Beatles were talking about the men on the moon but it was a great year for the Miners Gala and Sunderland Football Club had just released the fixtures for the coming season. What were you doing that day.

And here, 50 years on from that incredible moment, is our look back at what was happening closer to home in July 1969.

Shiney Row had a new social club and there was plenty to enjoy including bingo on a Monday, dancing on a Tuesday, and lots of live entertainment.

9. Shiney Row

Shiney Row had a new social club and there was plenty to enjoy including bingo on a Monday, dancing on a Tuesday, and lots of live entertainment. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: SE

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What a historic time it was for 30 pupils of Ryhope Grammar School. As well as watching the Moon landing, they were leaving for a ten-day trip to Avignon in France. Were you part of the party and what do you remember about it? Email chris.cordner@jpimedia.co.uk.

10. Ryhope Grammar School

What a historic time it was for 30 pupils of Ryhope Grammar School. As well as watching the Moon landing, they were leaving for a ten-day trip to Avignon in France. Were you part of the party and what do you remember about it? Email [email protected]. | JPIMedia Photo: SE

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There were loads of live acts on at Sunderland's social clubs and just look at the packed line-up from Grindon Broadway to Downhill and Farringdon. Where were you won the Moon landing made the news? Email chris.cordner@jpimedia.co.uk.

11. Loads to enjoy

There were loads of live acts on at Sunderland's social clubs and just look at the packed line-up from Grindon Broadway to Downhill and Farringdon. Where were you won the Moon landing made the news? Email [email protected]. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: SE

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The table tennis scene was bouncing in Sunderland. There were five divisions of the Sunderland and District League and the Durham County Summer League held its meetings at Houghton YMCA to consider its future and whether to hold an extra league.

12. Tops at table tennis

The table tennis scene was bouncing in Sunderland. There were five divisions of the Sunderland and District League and the Durham County Summer League held its meetings at Houghton YMCA to consider its future and whether to hold an extra league. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: SE

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