‘THE EAST END REMEMBERED’ will be screened for the first time on Thursday (22 Oct) as part of Sunderland Literature Festival.
The film made by Sunderland City Council’s Community IT team in partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust, shares local people’s memories of living in the East and The Garths from 1940 – 1995.
There will be an afternoon 2-4pm and evening performance6.30-8.30pm at Holy Trinity Church in Church Street East. East End, Sunderland SR1 2BB. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
The joint project between the Canny Space community project based at the church and Sunderland City Council Library Services, features interviews with more than 50 people about their recollections of life in the area with music inspired by their memories provided by local folk band YUMA.
( Short clip of film available at www.sunderland.gov.uk/east-end
Children from Hudson Primary have produced art work based on the cultural heritage of the East End theme, which will be on display at Holy Trinity Church and the City Library.
Not only attending the evening screening but also interviewed in the film, is the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran, whose grandparents lived in the East End.
Councillor Curran said: “When I first heard about this film I was intrigued to find out more, and delighted to actually be invited to take part and be interviewed.
I have many happy childhood memories of visiting my grandparents who lived in Wear Garth and hearing their tales of family life in the East End.
“Great memories which hopefully will come across in a great film which I am really looking forward to watching with an audience, to see what other people’s reactions are to it.”
Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Cllr John Kelly added: “This film is the result of a fantastic cultural and creative partnership between the film makers and the East End community.
“We asked local people to share their memories with us in some way, on film, by chatting, singing, or sharing photos. We’ve tried to capture these memories for future generation to enjoy and I hope everyone will join us at one or even both special screenings of the finished film.
“The film project is part of the diverse programme of events and activities we have staged throughout the Sunderland Literature Festival, which we hope will make it the most successful yet.”