Sunderland Industrial Giant (The History Press 2017)
Sunderland was once one of Britain s industrial giants. Famous for its shipyards, mines and glass-making, it thrived at a time when its country needed it most. After the Second World War the town saw incredible change, as the heavy industry that seemed so permanent, faded and died. How do you cope with the loss of centuries of working tradition? These are the stories of the people who worked through this evolution, watched their town change around them and become a city the people who saw the end of one era and the beginning of a challenging new one.
Secret Sunderland (Amberley Publishing 2019)
Sunderland enjoys a good hark back. Mackems (Sunderland natives) take great pleasure in sharing their knowledge – pointing out what used to be where and why. Stand a few inches taller with pride as we encounter past heroes like lifesaver Joseph ‘Stormy Petrel’ Hodgson, and Jack Crawford, who reached dizzying heights in the midst of battle. Learn how Sunderland’s football club came into existence, how we almost lost our beloved Sunderland Empire Theatre and why there’s a concrete boat stuck to the bed of the River Wear.
Celebrating Sunderland (Amberley Publishing 2023)
In Celebrating Sunderland, we look from dizzying heights at the Sunderland International Airshow after its humble beginnings at Sunderland Airport, to the town – and later, city – putting on its best for the parties and parades through its streets. Discover how one local architect changed lives and created a lasting legacy after a heart-warming encounter with a homeless boy. Relive past glories in the form of FA Cup wins, feats of derring-do, and awards for valour. Join us as we put up the bunting, string the lights, and dress to impress for Celebrating Sunderland.