Christmas in Sunderland: Nine shops you loved when you stocked up for a retro Christmas in Sunderland
Imagine it. Christmas is fast approaching and you’ve got a day to get everything you need at Sunderland’s shops of the past.
But now here’s the question, which Wearside shops would you have gone to? Was it Joplings for toys, Tommy Rowntrees for the turkey and Milburns for the Christmas cake?
We have all these and more as we go on a shopping spree in Sunderland’s past with the help of Bill Hawkins from the Sunderland Antiquarian Society.
Have a look and virtual shop at these stores, and then get in touch to tell us about your own favourites.
Have a look and virtual shop at these stores, and then get in touch to tell us about your own favourites.
5. For the festive table
Christmas turkeys at Gibbons butchers in 1973. One of the most important purchases for December 25. Photo: Bill Hawkins Photo: Bill Hawkins
6. A sweet touch
Christmas cakes being decorated at Milburns Bakers. Got to have cake for Christmas tea! Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins
7. A letter to Santa
Santa Claus visited Joplings in 1960 and Ann Rawling, pictured, got to meet him. Was it your favourite place to visit Santa? Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins
8. Choices at Tommy Rowntrees
Choosing the Christmas turkey at Tommy Rowntrees in December 1956. Photo: Bill Hawkins. Photo: Bill Hawkins