On National Mackem Day, August 12, we’ve rounded up some of the weird and wonderful things associated with people from our city by the sea.
13. The excitement of getting a delivery from the 'Pop Man'
Villa Pop was once a staple drink in Sunderland, thanks to its long-established bottling plant in Southwick, which is now Clearly Drinks. A highlight of the week would be getting a delivery from the 'pop man' from Sykes' or getting some sarsaparilla Villa pop. Pictured here is worker Martin Fenwick in October 1994 when we ran a story on Villa lemonade being exported to Russia. Although the factory is no longer called Villa, it still produces some Villa flavours: cherry, lemonade and orange. | Sunderland Echi
14. Enjoying a cuppa at Louis
A cuppa and an ice cream float at Louis in Park Lane was once an integral part of Sunderland life before the popular family-run cafe closed its doors . It's pictured here in December 1982. The business first started in Ryhope in 1924 and later opened in Crowtree Road in Sunderland city centre before moving premises to Park Lane in 1975 where it traded until 2018. | Sunderland Echo Photo: jpi media
15. Bagging a bargain at Dewhirst's and the iconic yellow uniform
You could pick up a real bargain from the outlet shops at Dewhirsts and the distinctive yellow gingham uniforms, and white socks, of its workers almost became as famous as the shop itself. In February 1997 a film crew visited the Leechmere factory. Pictured here are, from left: Ann Adams, Jackie Finnigan, Pat Spooner, Julie Wales, Stephaney Brown and front, Wendy Purnell. | Sunderland Echo
16. Visiting 'Santy' at Jopling's
No Christmas in yesteryear Sunderland was complete without seeing Santa (or Santy to give him his Mackem title) in the grotto at Joplings (or Joblings as it was often pronounced). Kids are pictured here at the beloved store in 1994. Photo: Sunderland Echo