Episode 10

Shopping and Leisure : Step into Another World

The Galleries Shopping Centre opened in 1974 and many Washington New Town residents have memories of shopping and working there. People were able to shop indoors once the roof was built and they stepped into another world of supermarkets such as the SavaCentre store for the first time.

People in in the new town were doing all sorts of hobbies – who knew that the 2003 and 2004 world champion in constructing slot car racing chassis came from the town?

Of course going to pubs and clubs were integral to most adults’ leisure time (and some younger folks); and Washington has seen quite a few iconic clubs, bars and pubs come and go, including (most) Working Men’s Clubs transformed into affordable, inclusive and family friendly venues for every occasion.

Football is of course a major obssession for many Washies - what team you support is said to be dependent on which hospital you were born in … or family loyalties… We hope to look at this area in a future podcast!

Step Into Another World

(song by David Brewis)

Step into another world

A square world, oh so clean

Coq au vin served by machine

Through the walls of the galleries

Peer beady eyes from the aviary

Step into another world

Such convenience, so fancy free

Grab a greenhouse, or a cup of tea

The conveyor brings a bite to eat

And the motorway brings a white heat

And a new age

Oh, a new way to be

Decanted from

Or built upon

Or ferried in

On a Bluebird’s wing

Step into another world

You’ve been listening to: Ian Murray, Mandy MacDonald, Claire Turnbill, Tracy Mallan , Mike and Linda Laws, Richard Robinson, George Kimber, John and Jackie Murray, Lesley Stephenson, Ged Parker, Bill Elliot, Kathy Simmons, George Simmons, Eron and Daniel Hall, Carol Heddon and Claire Short

Step into Another World was written and performed by David Brewis

About the Project

This episode was developed in collaboration with:

• Washington Heritage Partnership
• Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee
• Sunderland Culture at The Arts Centre Washington
• Baseline Shift
• We Make Culture

• The University of Sunderland
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Special thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible.