National Mackem Day – a chance to be loud and proud about all of the things that make Sunderland special – is celebrated every August, and we wanted to raise a glass to the city’s most valuable asset; the people who live and work here.
From coal mining and shipbuilding to factory work and retail, we take a look back at the days of some Wearside employers and applaud the people at the helm of the business.
See if you can spot any familiar faces in our round-up, and see which places spark memories for you. Join in with more retro discussion on our Facebook group, Wearside Echoes, here.
See if you can spot any familiar faces in our round-up, and see which places spark memories for you. Join in with more retro discussion on our Facebook group, Wearside Echoes, here.
5. Joplings
Back to 1962 for this view of Sunderland favourite, Joplings. Its final day in the city came in 2010, after being in business for more than 200 years. Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Laings Shipyard
Shipbuilding in 1950 at Sir James Laing & Sons, which was founded in 1793. The yard's last ships were completed in 1985. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Littlewoods
You never forget the shops of your childhood - and this 1980s trip to Littlewoods to see Santa was one these children will have remembered for a long time. Were you a staff member there? Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Pyrex
Workers at Pyrex, pictured in March 1981. There can’t be many households that don’t have a Pyrex dish or piece of kitchenware in their cupboards! Photo: Sunderland Echo