The Sunderland man who grew up with Stan Laurel as his 'uncle'

Did you know there's a new way for Sunderland Echo readers to enjoy nostalgia? Our new podcast, also called Wearside Echoes, has launched and two episodes are out now.

A life filled with theatre memories

Backstage at the Empire Theatre

But don’t think for one minute that it’s all we have to offer in the series which is sponsored by Tony Clarke Funeral Directors.

The third episode will be going live on Tuesday, November 12 and it will feature Sunderland man Bill Barron.

His mother worked at the Empire Theatre in Sunderland in 1963, the year when The Beatles starred.

Bill’s family links to the stars

His childhood was filled with backstage memories of the Empire Theatre - including links with comedy legend Stan Laurel who was known as ‘Uncle Stan’ to Bill.

All of the interviews were conducted by Sunderland Echo journalist Chris Cordner who has been a part of the Echo team, and that of its sister papers, for 44 years.

The first two episodes featured interviews with; Dave Murray, the Mackem Folk singer whose songs were all based around memories of Sunderland past.

But did you know that he grew up amid struggles with dyslexia?

Glenda Young, a best-selling author who grew up in Ryhope with two parents right at the heart of community life - and she loved it.

Chris’ insight also comes during the Journalism Matters campaign, which highlights the vital role trusted news media journalism plays in our society.

A huge range of ways to enjoy Sunderland news and nostalgia

This year, the week-long campaign will run from now until November 3. Ninety two per cent of people say they use local media in some form.

Make sure you make the most of the Sunderland Echo’s own coverage which includes the newspaper which has been produced since 1873, the Echo website, its Facebook page and its sister group on Facebook, Wearside Echoes (the social media site dedicated to nostalgia).

And of course, click here for all episodes of our new podcast.