A SPECIAL reception celebrating Sunderland’s 21 years as a city has been held at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.
Joining the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland were more than 60 people born in the city in 1992. Everyone at the event who is celebrating their 21st this year received a specially commissioned commemorative glass keepsake. The gift was designed and produced by the National Glass Centre.
Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Bob Heron said: “This reception is a fitting way to bring to a close our year of celebrations. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in activities throughout the year and in particular our special guests who came along and made this birthday celebration such a memorable evening.
“It is fitting that we take a look back and celebrate all that Sunderland has achieved since becoming a city in 1992. We also continue to celebrate our distinctive qualities and optimistic plans for the future. In particular I’d like to wish everyone, who along with the city, is celebrating their 21st birthday this year lots of luck with their own plans for the future. I also hope that they can all continue to enjoy the opportunities which the city has to offer.”
HM The Queen granted Sunderland ‘City Status’ by letter patent, on the 40th anniversary of her accession; it officially became a city on 23 March 1992.
Head of Enterprise, Commissioning & the Studio at the National Glass Centre, Chris Blade added: “We were absolutely delighted to be asked by Sunderland City Council to produce cast glass awards to help mark this auspicious milestone. Considering the essential role glass played in the history of Sunderland, and indeed still plays today through National Glass Centre and the University, it seems an extremely appropriate material to jointly celebrate both our past and our future.”
