Generations came together to remember those who lost their lives in the First World War Zeppelin attack on Sunderland.
As part of the centenary commemorations of the First World War, a project was developed in partnership with Sunderland Museums and Heritage, Libraries, Infinite Arts and Year 5 children from Grange Park Primary School, funded by Sunderland North Area committee.
The project involved the children participating in handling sessions and interactive talks delivered by the Time Bandits, who brought the historical impact of the Zeppelin attack to life, followed by workshops with Infinite Arts to explore their own feelings had they lived in Sunderland in 1916 – at the time of the attack.
The culmination of the project was the production of a model ‘Zeppelin’, the skin of which consists of artwork and creative writing by the Year 5 pupils, launched at a commemorative event at Monkwearmouth Museum today, which marks the 100th year to the day of the attack.
Today, the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Barry Curran was also joined by guests, including community and veteran’s groups, for a public unveiling of a memorial bench at the Wheatsheaf Green.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Barry Curran said: “It is hard to imagine what people must have experienced at the time with bombs raining down on their communities, and we need to commemorate both their suffering and their bravery facing such an attack.”
The Mayor then traveled to Monkwearmouth Station Museum to join the primary school children for the launch of the ‘Zeppelin’ art structure they created in class.
“The memorial bench provides the opportunity for people to sit and reflect on what happened, while our young people have used their creative talents to capture the emotions children must have experienced a hundred years to create the Zeppelin artwork,” the Mayor added.
During the attack, 22 people were killed and more than 100 were injured.
Monkwearmouth Station was hit when the German military dropped 32 explosives and 22 incendiaries across Sunderland on April 1, 1916.
There would be a chance for everyone to take part in a guided walk through the city centre 9.30 – 11.30am, to learn more about how the First World War affected Sunderland.
To book a free place please contact Anthony Hindmarch on 0191 561 4578.