‘Name tags sewed into every item of clothing’

The end of the Summer holidays in the past meant Wearside families would turn their attentions to the new academic year - and school uniforms.

This time of year means the annual headache for parents of buying a school uniform. | img

placeholder image — This time of year means the annual headache for parents of buying a school uniform. | img

But we wanted to know where people got theirs from, so we asked our 21,000 followers on Wearside Echoes.

They came up with some great answers and while most people mentioned one store in particular, there were plenty of other options for people to choose their outfits from.

Caslaw, Hayter & Tate was the choice for many people including Sue Paxton, Ingrid Golden, Lorna Button, Terry Graham, Alex Elliott and Malcolm Curtis.

Joplings department store on John Street, Sunderland, in June 1962. It was often the place where children would be fitted for new school shoes. | Iconic Media

So did Liz Rayne, Veronica Knowles, Catherine Atkinson Dennis and William Steel.

Margaret Kennedy said: “Had to go to Caslaws as I went to St Anthony's and they were the only shop selling this uniform.”

We also heard from Paula McKinnell who said: “Caslaws for my blazer and tie. Marksies & BHS for my skirts, shirts & everything else. Clarks shoe department in Joplings for my shoes.”

Joan Lay commented: “Caslaws for blazer, jumper and tie for St Anthony’s and Joplings for everything else.”

And Janet Butler reminisced: “Caslaws it was compulsory...... Along with having name tags sewed into every item of clothing including even your blue ankle socks if I remember rightly.”

Sale time at Liverpool House in High Street West. Photo: Sunderland Antiquarian Society.

But there were other choices including Newbles which was favoured by Judith Cutter, Karen Robson, Lynn Hartley, Alison McCombie and Anthony Cheal.

Sharon Rowntree said: “Newbles! Went on to work there when I left school. It was crazy busy in August before the schools went back.”

Other shops to be mentioned included Joplings, Liverpool House, BHS, Robsons and Browns.

Some of you never had to wear a uniform at all while others had talented family members who could turn their hands to creating something special.

Ken Cannyfolk said: “My Mam knitted my jumper and half the streets grey jumpers.”

Philip McManus commented: “Generally my blazer would come from Blackett’s department store, they were one of the authorised stockists for Bede Grammar School uniforms, the only other things featuring the school’s insignia might have been the tie, socks, cap ,worn only in the first year , and the option of a school scarf . Any of these items might had come from Blackett’s or Caslaw, Hayter and Tate.”

Thanks to everyone who responded.

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