Magical Mackems

Magical Mackems is a page dedicated to bigging up the people and places that make us incredibly proud to be from Wearside. Take a look at those who have been lighting up our city in recent weeks…

Mackems honoured by Her Majesty…

We’re delighted to learn that Ellen Thinnesen and Rob Lawson have both been awarded OBEs in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List. Both major players in our city’s education and culture offering, Ellen and Rob were honoured for their outstanding contribution to education for their work with Education Partnership North East (EPNE), a fabulous partnership that incorporates the likes of Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. Ellen was appointed Chief Executive and Principal at Sunderland College in 2016 and after both mergers became Chief Executive for EPNE in 2019. Rob is a current trustee at Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust. He was a former Editor of The Shields Gazette and currently works in public relations across the city. The fantastic news regarding Mackems mentioned in the New Year’s Honours List doesn’t stop there! We’re reserving special mention for Tom and Carla Cuthbertson - a local couple who were awarded MBEs for their poignant charity work honouring son Nathan's memory. This inspiring couple devoted themselves to raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity and raising the profile of those who have served in the military since their 19-year-old Nathan died in 2008. The brains and sheer determination behind the likes of ‘Cuthy’s Big Bike Ride' and the Memorial Wall, Tom and Carla are now working on developing the National Veterans’ Walk; a pathway in Mowbray Park that features the names of hundreds who have served their country.

EDUCATIONPARTNERSHIPNE.AC.UK | NATIONALVETERANSWALK.CO.UK

Sunderland Nursing Team honoured in NHS Parliamentary Awards!

Words can’t describe how proud we are of our NHS staff who are working tirelessly day and night to keep our city safe, so to see that they’ve been specifically honoured by MPs and NHS leaders in the 2020 Parliamentary Awards, we feel, is justly deserved. In case you didn’t know, our wonderful team of community nurses were handpicked as regional winners across the whole of the North East and Yorkshire in the ‘Future NHS’ category for their unbelievable efforts during the pandemic. The team were nominated for providing outstanding advice and psychological support to care home staff, helping vulnerable people to undertake COVID-19 swabs as well as offering virtual and faceto-face consultations for all residents discharged recently from hospital. Our NHS heroes deserve all the plaudits they can get and more, so it’s truly heartwarming to see their exemplary work recognised nationally!

STSFT.NHS.UK

Jack Berry flies high for charity…

Now this is a heart-warming story! We’re shouting high and low for Jack Berry this spring, as this generous Mackem and aviation enthusiast has illustrated a brilliant book in aid of military charities after taking up art as an outlet during the pandemic. Jack Berry, a Sunderland local, began drawing planes in his own time last summer. His creations were that great that Red Arrows squadron leader, Adam Collins, and Formula 1 ace, Lando Norris, have all supported his book! This cool new project features Jack’s very own drawings including the likes of Spitfires, Sea Harriers, Chinooks and the McLaren MCL35 - very impressive if you ask us! The SSAFA's Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum, International Bomber Command Centre and Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association will all receive a percentage of sales too. Amazing work young man - well done!

Faye Fantarrow awarded the Alan Hull Songwriting Award!

The world may seem a crazy place at the moment, but tons of talent from Wearside continues to shine bright and that’s no different with our very own Faye Fantarrow! We’ve recently learned that this melodic songstress has just claimed the prestigious Alan Hull Award 2021! Announced by The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, this

highly-sought after achievement is made annually to an emerging singer/songwriter or composer based in the North East in memory of Alan Hull, the iconic songwriter and founding member of North East group Lindisfarne, who died in 1995. Faye has been setting our livestreams alight in recent weeks, and so it’s no surprise to see her bag this awesome award. Congrats Faye!

FACEBOOK.COM/FAYEFANTARROWMUSIC | WEMAKECULTURE. CO.UK/YOUNG-MUSICIANS-PROJECT

Chanel Murrish and family light up Christmas for North East families…

You may have read our heart-warming story online about Chanel’s new bike for Christmas thanks to the guys at Red Sky Foundation. Well, as we were cosied up indoors during the festive period, we learned that Chanel and her family went a step further by presenting gifts to families who, unfortunately, were spending Christmas in hospital. Chanel and her clan have worked tirelessly to support others like them ever since her lifesaving operation, and they’ve been raising funds and collecting gifts so that they could present gifts to the Children’s Heart Ward at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Usually, Chanel is accompanied by a whole host of cartoon characters on her annual visit. Given the situation, Chanel and family instead hand delivered over 100 gifts to the nurses at the Freeman - helping to light up little lives and spread an untold amount of Christmas joy.

REDSKYFOUNDATION.COM

HRH the Countess of Wessex shares her pride for ‘incredibly special’ foundation of light…

HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO has spoken about her pride for the “incredibly special” Foundation of Light in a video call to mark the start of the Foundation of Light’s 20th birthday celebrations. Hosted by Sky Sports presenter and Sunderland AFC board member, David Jones, The Countess was joined by the Foundation’s Chair of Trustees, Sir Bob Murray CBE, Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler OBE DL and Sunderland AFC Ladies Captain, Keira Ramshaw. Thanks to donors, corporate partners and community fundraising, the Foundation reinvests millions back into Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham communities each year through delivery of over 40 sport, employability, health and wellbeing and education programmes, tackling some of the regions’ biggest societal challenges such as obesity, poor mental health, unemployment and anti-social behaviour. To mark the very special year, the Foundation is aiming to raise £50,000 to support hundreds of people across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham access life-changing employability and mental health projects.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO THIS INCREDIBLE FOUNDATION BY VISITING: JUSTGIVING.COM/CAMPAIGN/FOL20

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The wonders of Wearside

Credit: Martin Burdon @martin870

It’s been a challenging year for everyone, and as COVID restrictions continue, we are all feeling the need to have something to look forward to.

We joined forces with Sunderland City Council to bring you the wonders of Wearside, a city-wide guide to lift the spirits, help us look ahead to happier times and marvel in everything Sunderland has to offer during the springtime…

Enjoy our city from the comfort of your sofa

Filmed during Autumn last year, check out the amazing drone footage on the See it do it Sunderland website, which shows how lucky we are in Sunderland to have such fantastic green spaces all around us. Taking you from the countryside surrounding Penshaw Monument and along the banks of the River Wear it is a real hidden kingdom with a rich, fascinating history and brimming with wildlife. Sit down with a cuppa, and enjoy the glorious outside, inside!

Put a spring in your step…

It’s no secret to any of us that taking a walk can have huge physical and mental wellbeing benefits, so take some time out and plan some amazing local walks that really will put a spring in your step. When something is on our doorstep, we often forget its charms, but with a beautiful coastline, historic parks and open countryside, not to forget a 10-mile stretch of the River Wear, when it comes to walking opportunities, Sunderland has it all. Here are five of the most popular walks with something for all age groups and levels of ability. Check out our recommendations, make plans for your next local walk and lookout on our website for our 'Ten best walks in Sunderland' guide!

Where in Wearside: High Wood Distance: 2 miles Starting point: Ferryboat Lane

A stunning short walk taking in beautiful oak woodland, riverside vistas and what is quite possibly the best view in Sunderland! Be sure to take your camera and tag us in your snaps too!

Where in Wearside: Roker to Seaburn Distance: 2 miles Starting point: Bungalow Café

A gentle walk from Roker to Seaburn and back again, set against the backdrop of the fabulous North Sea coast. A perfect stroll for all members of the household.

Where in Wearside: Penshaw Monument Distance: 0.5 miles Starting point: The foot of Penshaw Monument

If you’re able to manage a steep ascent, this short walk is a must-do for any Wearside rambler. One of our city’s most iconic landmarks, Penshaw Monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, is to locals, their symbol of ‘home.’

Where in Wearside: Cox Green River Walk Distance: 7 miles Starting point: Cox Green

This walk will let you explore the heavily wooded, picturesque setting of Cox Green and Fatfield, taking in the lovely open countryside near Offterton. A real escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Where in Wearside: City Centre to Roker Marina Walk Distance: 2.5 miles Starting point: Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

This fascinating walk along the River Wear is accessibility-friendly and packed with culture and history both ancient and modern - ideal for those wanting to learn more about Sunderland’s rich heritage!

Download the Step Up Sunderland app now!

Step Up Sunderland is a great way to keep track of your activity levels and increase physical activity by adding friends, creating walking teams and collecting badges for your walking achievements – all of which can be done whilst maintaining social distance. You will also gain access to exclusive rewards and discounts just for taking part too! • It’s FREE! • It’s FUN! • Motivate yourself with daily

BADGES and ACHIEVEMENTS • Be part of a TEAM • Get REWARDS and DISCOUNTS

Why not sign up today? What’s coming up around the city?

Sunderland Libraries Services and Active Sunderland will be hosting a range of Easter activities throughout the school holidays, including online craft activities, Storytime and Time for Rhyme. Check their Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on their programme or go to sunderland.gov.uk for more information.

10-year anniversary of the Active Sunderland BIG Bike Ride 29 - 30 May

Huge news for the two wheel enthusiasts out there! Subject to the COVID regulations of the time, The BIG Bike Ride is zooming back into the city this May, meaning you and your bubble will be able to take part in the likes of the BIG Family Bike Ride and other exhilarating activities across the May weekend. They are all part of the BIG Bike Ride weekend, celebrating Sunderland City Council’s 10-year anniversary of this mega cycling extravaganza!

SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/ BIGBIKERIDE2021

Sunderland Runs Weekend 19 & 20 June

Having first hosted the Sunderland city 10km back in 2011, Sunderland City Runs is back again and they’re welcoming 5000 keen runners to the city streets in a celebration of fitness. So, whether it be the 10th anniversary 10k, the stunning Half-Marathon, the Northern Spire 5k or the Big 3k, there truly is something for everyone. One of the North's largest running events that races through the city and along the seafront, with two of its famous bridges providing a stunning backdrop to all 4 distances, this sprint through the city is always a major date. No matter if you’re a firsttimer or an experienced runner, the course and atmosphere are conducive to fast times as well as a whole load of fun. See you on the start line - COVID permitting!

SUNDERLANDCITY10K.COM

Digital Library Services

Sunderland City Council are continuing to offer a wide range of digital services for all ages, to reduce feelings of isolation and without having to leave the house. Accessible from computers, tablets, iPads and smartphones, the free offers range from e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whatever your taste.

SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/LIBRARIES

Books at Home Service

Books at Home provides a free home delivery service for Sunderland residents. If you are unable to access a library due to age, ill-health, disability or mobility problems (whether these are long-term or short-term), you can apply for the service. The team at SCC are also welcoming residents to use their e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazine service.

SUNDERLAND.GOV.UK/LIBRARIES

Penshaw Bowl Goes Online!

Although the traditional family event can’t go ahead as planned this year, there’s still lots of Easter-themed fun to have online. Have a crack at their egg-decorating competition, get cooking some Easter family favourites and you can even meet the animals at Down on the Farm.

SEEITDOITSUNDERLAND.CO.UK