What Sunderland people did for fun in 1944, the year of D-Day

The world was changing in 1944.

The war was turning tide in favour of the Allies but it was far from over.

Tension still ran high. But the people of Sunderland had plenty of choices if they wanted to get away from the daily chores and live a little.

Dancing by the evening sky

More than two hours of dancing was planned in Barnes Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm.

There was a grand dance at Wetherells to music by Jack Brown and his Swingtette. Admission was 2 and 6 unless you were in uniform, in which case it was one and 6.

And you could try out your latest moves at the New Rink to Geoff Hedley and His Band.

Memories from the movies

Meanwhile at the pictures, what a choice you had.

Dana Andrews was the star attraction in Berlin Correspondent which was on at the Millfield.

James Stewart and Carol Lombard shared the bill in Made For Each Other at The Plaza.

There was a screen masterpiece at the Ritz. Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon were starring in Madam Curie. It was so popular, it had been kept on for a second week.

Johnny Weissmuller playing Tarzan

If you loved Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller was playing the main role in the film at The Havelock, in Tarzan’s Desert Mystery. Nancy Kelly and Johnny Sheffield were also in the cast.

Nelson Eddy and Claude Rains were starring in Phantom of the Opera at the Palace.

Ghosts in the Night

Ghosts in the Night was on at The Savoy with Bela Lugosi in the main role.

Then there was the radio. Children’s House was on the Home Service from 5.30pm with War Office Calling on the General Forces channel from 6.30pm.

They were tough times - but with plenty of entertainment to speak of.