Chris Cordner

1 week ago | sunderlandecho.com | Chris Cordner

One of Sunderland’s most noticeable landmarks began taking shape 140 years ago. It is one of the city’s most photographed structures and Roker Pier has seen some of the biggest events in Wearside history. Blocks weighed up to 45 tonsBuilt between 1885 and 1903, the pier and its lighthouse were hailed a triumph of engineering. It was the brainchild of Henry Hay Wake, who was Chief Engineer with the River Wear Commissioners, and it was built using granite-faced blocks, each weighing up to 45 tons.

1 week ago | sunderlandecho.com | Chris Cordner

It was one of the darkest days in Sunderland history and it happened in this month in 1972. The announcement was made that the Sunderland Store of Blackett and Sons Ltd, was to close in July that year. And that meant an uncertain future for about 150 sales and clerical staff who were set to lose their jobs within months. As it was, they had already lasted longer than the workers at three other Blacketts branches.

1 week ago | sunderlandecho.com | Chris Cordner

Sunderland’s chimney-sweeping tradition, which had lasted for centuries, was facing a bleak future in the 1980s. George Harnett, whose family’s business dated back to at least the 1700s, had mixed feelings in 1988 as he looked forward to his retirement. More than 250 years of traditionHe had been working hard in the profession since he was 14 years old.

1 week ago | sunderlandecho.com | Chris Cordner

One of the saddest days in Sunderland shipyard history happened in May 1979. It was the day which saw the end of an era from the North Sands yard of Thompson’s. It was a huge affair and it saw the Badagry Palm head down the slipway. The last to be builtThe 16,350-ton cargo ship was pictured being taken by the tugs after going down the ways. She was named by Mrs D S Williams, wife of a director of A.U.C. International Ltd, which was the parent company of Palm Lane.

1 week ago | newcastleworld.com | Chris Cordner

Newcastle area collector Joseph Robert O’Donnell is putting a rare piece of Beatles memorabilia up for sale. But if you want the pair of underpants which was designed for the legendary Apple Boutique in London, you will have to pay £2,000. Rare glimpse into Beatles historyTynemouth man Joseph previously made headlines with the unearthing of unseen Led Zeppelin artwork and a preserved piece of George Harrison’s breakfast toast.