It’s one of Sunderland’s oldest, and most proud, communities - and the society established to preserve Southwick’s heritage are celebrating their accolades.

Southwick is one of Wearside’s most ancient communities, with its earliest mention in historical documents dating all the way back to 1072.

Southwick Village Green Preservation Society chairman Peter Gibson along with Christine Fletcher and other members have received another plaque for the work the group have put in to the community. | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — Southwick Village Green Preservation Society chairman Peter Gibson along with Christine Fletcher and other members have received another plaque for the work the group have put in to the community. | Sunderland Echo

In 2019, the Southwick Village Green Preservation Society was established to promote and preserve the village’s history and foster partnership working to improve the area.

Southwick was a village in its own right until becoming part of the Corporation of Sunderland in the 1920s and the society has done great work in honouring the long history, whilst also boosting the already strong community spirit of Suddickers.

In seven years, just some of their achievements include: the installation of a heritage blue plaque trail, tending to the ancient village green, the installation of historical interpretation panels, honouring the fallen from Southwick as well as the village’s sporting heroes and working with SARA (Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations) to create award-winning flowerbeds.

Now, a new plaque honours the society’s many awards over the years.

Peter Gibson, chairman of Southwick Village Green Preservation Society, said: “We fitted our Northumbria in Bloom awards plaque in Southwick Remembrance Gardens last November and we decided to produce another panel to record our other awards which we’re installing this week.

“Southwick Village Green Preservation Society (SVGPS) work with Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations (SARA), and our volunteers have worked hard over recent years to improve Southwick's ancient village green.

Awards the society has received over the years, along with its partners | Submitted

“We have also recorded Southwick's long and colourful history by installing heritage blue plaques and historical interpretation panels around The Green area.

“We view this as a community effort, and the people of Southwick have been very generous with their donations, making the improvements possible.”

Peter added: “The Southwick community has been rewarded by the achievements recorded on the awards plaques, and SVGPS/SARA are incredibly proud of our successes.

“We have received help from other voluntary groups. AESC Ltd is a factory in Washington, and during the last two years, it has sent its workers to help out on Southwick Green.

“AESC volunteers have made a huge difference, as have the MICC Chapel of Light volunteers (formerly St Columba's Church).”

“We are grateful for their help.SVGPS has an enthusiastic group of 15 committee members, and we look forward to 2026 as another challenge to continue with our work on Southwick Green.”