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The walls may have come tumbling down during the 70s, but the sights, sounds, memories and businesses of Palmer’s Arcade still ring true 125 years since this independent arcade was erected.

Originally named ‘The New Arcade’ when it opened in 1876, Palmer’s Arcade opened to the public on the site of the gardens associated with Frederick Lodge. A stunning addition to what was a rapidly developing shopping scene in Sunderland, Palmer’s Arcade featured an airy glass roof, small brick and mortar storefronts and provided a handy walking link between High Street West and St. Thomas Street. In 1900, Marks and Spencer unveiled their famous penny bazaar to the masses and Mrs Palmer’s Music Shop also became a major attraction for shoppers and passersby. That’s how ‘The New Arcade’ became to be known as Palmer’s Arcade - as the music shop came to occupy most of the arcade with walls upon walls of music paraphernalia. Before World War I, it was common for tenants to remain open until around 9pm on Saturday evenings, and each shopkeeper hung colourful bunting, vibrant banners and inquisitive trinkets above their store in an attempt to catch the attention of those walking by. The arcade was demolished in the 1970s to facilitate the extension of the British Telecom Telephone Exchange, yet the spirit of supporting local and exploring Sunderland city centre endures to this present day.

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PALMER'S ARCADE: A SHOPPING ICON!

Looking after your Wellbeing this winter

As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, we’ve collated some top tips for looking after yourself and others this winter.

Drink less

It’s the time of year when many of us may find we’re drinking more than we do normally. Like tobacco, alcohol can cause cancer and the UK’s top doctors advise it is safest for men and women not to drink more than 14 units a week, over three or more days, with at least a few drink-free days per week. 14 units is around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints of 4% beer.

Apps are a great way to help you cut back and keep track of how much you’re drinking. Here are our top picks: • One You Drink Free Days - One simple way to cut down is to have at least a few drink-free days every week. This app helps you to choose your drink-free days and access practical support to stick with it.

Download free and see more tips and advice at www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less

• Try Dry: the Dry January app - Pledge to take part in

Dry January 2022 and set your own custom goals for your drinking year-round. You can also track your units as well as the calories and money you save.

Download free: www.reducemyrisk.tv

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol and needs further support, contact Wear Recovery. Find out more at www.changegrowlive.org/sunderland

Give quitting another go

If you smoke, have you thought about giving quitting another go this winter? Smoking causes heart disease, lung disease, COPD, cancer and stroke. But evidence shows it can also weaken the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as Covid, influenza and pneumonia. There are more ways to quit now than ever before – from a stop smoking aids prescribed by a GP or pharmacist to visiting your local Stop Smoking Services for friendly advice, support and encouragement to help you stop for good.

See www.stopsmokingsunderland.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Every Mind Matters

Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. There are little things we can all do to help.

See www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

Get your jabs and help stop the spread

With both Covid and flu circulating together, it’s important we continue to do all we can to prevent the spread of infection….

• Get all recommended doses of the Covid vaccine and get your flu jab (if eligible) as soon as you can.

Anyone 12 and over can get a Covid vaccine and the booster programme is open to those most at risk from Covid 19, including anyone over 50 who had their last vaccine more than six months ago.

Even if you haven’t had your first or your second vaccine, it’s never too late, find out more at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations - or ask your GP. • Wear a face covering when in crowded and enclosed public places • Keep your distance when out and about • Meet outdoors if you can and if you are inside, open a window to let fresh air in

• Test regularly with an LFT when you feel well and isolate and get a PCR test if your home test is positive or if you have any symptoms, even mild ones • And, with lots of winter viruses in circulation, you should also stay at home if you feel unwell to help stop passing on any infections.