The Southwick army grows - and here is its latest plan in its bid to protect the history of the village

The Southwick Village Green Preservation Society's plans to preserve the history of the area are gathering pace.

And the ever-growing Southwick Village Green Preservation Society has revealed its latest aim in its bid to to preserve Southwick’s ‘long and fascinating’ history.

Only last month, the Echo told how the society had 1,000 members who were committed to the improvement of Southwick Green.

Since then, 100 more people have joined the Facebook group and committee member Peter Gibson said there was plenty for them to look forward to.

Suddickers gathered at the east end of The Green to witness the official handover ceremonies on April 2nd 1928, to mark Southwick's incorporation into Sunderland.

"Our membership is confident we can move forward and win grant funding for several projects passed by our committee. Southwick Village Green Preservation Society's next step is two install two more heritage blue plaques at The Green area.”

Stoney Lane has been chosen for one site because of ‘its importance as an ancient thoroughfare. Formerly called Limestone Lane it was an 18th-Century wagon way that winded its way down the steep gradient from the west end of Southwick Green to the limestone kilns at the riverside.

Peter said: “At the turn of the 20th Century and up to the Second World War, Stoney Lane continued as the main shopping area for Suddickers where almost every kind of shop was found.

"It was like a busy little town that hummed with activity. In Stoney Lane in 1925, there were 44 shops, two public houses, a railway goods station, a printer's, a Sunday school, and a Salvation Army Hall.

Dr C.F. Brears (left), the last Chairman of Southwick's Council hands over the seal of the Council to the Mayor of Sunderland Alderman Cairns.

“In the 1950s, the shops were demolished in ones and twos as The Green and Southwick Road became the main shopping area. By 1967 most of the street had been flattened.”

The second proposed blue plaque, pending a successful grant application, is for the former Southwick-on-Wear Urban District Council Offices now occupied by Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project. This plaque will celebrate local government in Southwick.

We first told of the plans to preserve the village green in August last year.

To find out more about the group, visit the Southwick Village Green Preservation Society Facebook page.

The Southwick Council Offices in June 1911, decorated to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.

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