Sunderland's own airfield and how you can find out more about it at an exciting city event
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A fascinating chance to learn more about Sunderland’s own airfield is on the way.
Sunderland Antiquarian Society’s next illustrated talk will be given by Trevor Thorne and it will be a detailed look at Usworth airfield and how it played a part in World War I.
It will be held on Thursday, April 16, in the Bethany Hall in the Bede Tower in Ryhope Road which is opposite the Antiquarian Society's Heritage Centre.
Society secretary Philip Curtis said: “Discover the fascinating history of our own Usworth Airfield, its role on WW1 and the humour generated in the trenches during that period. Join Trevor as he brings to life this little known area of history. It should be a fascinating evening.”
The talk is titled ‘Early History of Usworth Airfield/WWI Trench Humour’.
The fully illustrated talk starts at 7.30pm and doors open 6.40pm
All are welcome and admission is £2 for members and £3 for non-members
Philip urged people to ‘come along and support the society. You will have a great evening.”
From shipyard flags and the grand clock from the old Sunderland Train Station to a ticket from the infamous Victoria Hall disaster, letters written by Sunderland prisoners of war and bound copies of the Sunderland Echo archive – The Sunderland Antiquarian Society in Douro Terrace is bursting at the seams with centuries of Wearside history.
Volunteers at the society are the proud custodians of this vast collection of artefacts, newspapers, documents, photographs and so much more and their encyclopaedic knowledge of the city is an incredible resource for the people of Sunderland, whether it be businesses researching past events to people looking into their family tree or the history of their home.
The society was founded in 1900 by the elite of the time, wealthy merchants and business owners who were keen to preserve the then town’s rich and colourful history.
But now the modern day society has a proud boast of its own as it is the biggest in the land.
You can find out more about the Antiquarian Society by getting along to its Heritage Centre which is open in Douro Terrace on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 12pm.
You can also visit the Antiquarian Society’s Facebook page or its website which is at http://www.sunderland-antiquarians.org
And to become a member, email [email protected]
Tell us about a moment in Sunderland history that you would like us to revisit, by emailing [email protected]