Preserving Heritage and Building Community Pride in Sunderland
Overview
The Southwick Village Green Preservation Society (SVGPS) is a constituted community group formed in 2019 by passionate volunteers all with deep roots in Southwick, Sunderland. Operating in an area recognised as having high levels of social deprivation, the group is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the cultural, environmental, and historical value of Southwick Village Green — a key local landmark and community space.
The Challenge
Southwick Village Green has undergone many changes over the years, some of which have negatively affected its appearance and community relevance. SVGPS identified a strong need to restore pride in the Green and its surrounding heritage, especially among young people, many of whom lack awareness of Southwick's historic significance.
Support from Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance
SVGPS has received valuable support from the Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (SVSA), which has been instrumental in:
- Promoting the group's work through local networks and platforms.
- Assisting with funding applications including a successful bid to the Barbour Foundation.
- Guidance on developing project proposals and governance.
- Introduced to other local partners
Thanks to SVSA's advice and encouragement, SVGPS has grown its visibility, expanded partnerships, and unlocked vital resources to deliver tangible community benefits.
Key Achievements
1. Successful Barbour Foundation Funding
With SVSA's support, SVGPS secured £2,000 from the Barbour Foundation for a heritage project at the Southwick Youth Hub. The project involves transforming a room into an interactive exhibition space featuring historical artefacts and displays. The aim is to:
- Engaging local people with their local history.
- Promote a sense of identity, pride, and belonging.
- Preserve Southwick's rich heritage through storytelling and visuals.
The room will serve as an educational and reflective space, with curated content developed in collaboration with young people and community historians.
2. Ongoing Partnership with Sir John Priestman Trust
SVGPS has also submitted a funding request to the Sir John Priestman Trust to support additional improvements on the Green, including:
- Reinstating a traditional clock, once a proud symbol of Southwick.
- Creating a community mural in partnership with local artists and school children.
- Supporting ongoing work to promote Southwick's historical figures, such as Sir John Priestman, who saved the Green from being lost to roadworks in 1909.
The group proudly honours Priestman's legacy with a permanent information board on the Green and is committed to continuing his vision of protecting Southwick's communal spaces.
Community Impact
SVGPS's work has already had a significant impact:
- Environmental Improvements: The Green enters the Northumbria in Bloom competition on an annual basis.
- Heritage Preservation: The war memorial has been restored and now serves as a well-maintained place of reflection and respect.
- Cultural Engagement: Local youth will soon have access to a hands-on learning space connecting them with their heritage.
- Community Pride: Residents are increasingly engaged in the Green's care and history.
Next Steps
SVGPS continues to seek support and funding to:
- Install the Southwick clock at the centre of the Green.
- Deliver the mural project reflecting local identity.
- Expand their educational and historical offerings in partnership with local schools, artists, and community organisations.
Conclusion
The progress made by Southwick Village Green Preservation Society highlights the power of grassroots community action, especially when backed by strategic support from organisations like the Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance. Their collaborative approach has led to successful funding, greater community engagement, and a renewed sense of pride in one of Sunderland's most historic areas.
Quote from SVGPS Chair:
"Thanks to the support from SVSA and our funders, we've been able to turn our passion for Southwick into real change. This is just the beginning — we're building something that future generations can be proud of."
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