Mackems for Madrid: Sunderland's contribution to the Spanish Civil War.

What happened when one nurse and 20 Sunderland born volunteers went to Spain to serve in the International Brigade? Tony Fox reveals all.
About this Event

One Nurse and twenty Sunderland born volunteers went to Spain to serve in the International Brigade supporting the Spanish government during the Spanish Civil War. They have yet to be honoured in their home city.

In April 2025 Solidarity Sunderland was launched, aiming to commemorate not only those who fought and died, but also the many who supported the Spanish people in other crucial ways: fundraising, collecting and sending food on the Food Ships, supplying medical aid, breaking naval blockades and aiding the Basque refugee children who found sanctuary in the North East of England.

Tony Fox will tell the stories of the many unsung heroes from Sunderland, such as Captain Andrews, Frank Graham, and Eileen O’Shaughnessy Blair (the wife of George Orwell) and the ordinary Mackams who showed remarkable humanity and a progressive vision in resisting Fascism in the 1930s.

(Thank you to North East Volunteers for Liberty for the synopsis above).

Schedule:

1pm: Arrive and grab a seat, coffee/tea and scones will be available at the coffee bar.

1:30pm: Lecture begins.

Registration and Cost:

- Attendance to these lectures is free but we encourage you to make a donation if you're able. Money raised will go towards future 17Nineteen Society events and to the Churches Conservation Trust towards the management and upkeep of Sunderland’s wonderful Georgian treasure.

Location:

Holy Trinity Sunderland is conveniently located close to the Donnison School and Sunderland Maritime Heritage Museum for avid history fans to make the most of their visit. The venue offers ample parking facilities, wheelchair accessibility, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Chronicles and Crumbs at Holy Trinity Sunderland. Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact us.

Lectures coming up in 2026:

2nd September 1960s Gangland Newcastle - the Baffling M**der of Angus Sibbet (Derek Potter)

7th October The 1825 Sunderland Seamen’s Strike (Bill Wildish)

4th November Bringing Classic Vehicles Back to Life: The story of the North East Restoration Club (Jim Pace)

2nd December From Tyneside to Wearside: In Search of Sunderland Songs (Eileen Richardson)