Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre

12/10/2026

Trafalgar Day – Saturday 17th October
A full day of heritage, remembrance, music, and community across Sunderland’s historic East End.
Programme of the Day
11.00am – 17Nineteen opens Explore our Trafalgar Day exhibition inside the beautifully restored 1719 church.
10.30am – 2.30pm – The Donnison School & Café open Homemade soup, fresh scones, hot drinks, and a warm welcome in our Georgian schoolroom. Enjoy our heritage exhibition throughout the day.
10.30am – Sunderland Maritime Heritage open for tours Guided tours and maritime displays celebrating Sunderland’s shipbuilding story.
1.00pm – The Death of Nelson talk by Stuart Miller A powerful and engaging exploration of Nelson’s final moments and legacy.
2.00pm – Sailor’s Tot of Rum at The Donnison Raise a traditional tot in honour of Trafalgar Day.
2.30pm – Trafalgar Day Service at 17Nineteen A reflective service led by Father Andrew to mark the day and honour all who served.
Sea Shanties with Gordon Donkin at The Donnison A lively rendition of shanties and maritime songs to set the scene for the afternoon.
Kids Activities

10/10/2026

Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre Day Trippers are off to Pickering War Weekend today. Have a fabulous day. fans East Sunderland Community Sunderland Events and Promotion

09/10/2026

Trafalgar Day in Old Sunderland. A Local Event Not to Miss
Join us Saturday 17th October for a full day celebrating Sunderland’s maritime heritage and the 66 mariners who sailed at Trafalgar.
🕥 Event starts at 10.30am
⚓ Sunderland Maritime Heritage open for tours — explore ships, stories and our seafaring past.
☕ Donnison School Café open all day with homemade refreshments + heritage exhibition.
📚 1pm — Heritage talk with Stuart Miller at Donnison School.
🎶 17Nineteen hosting an exhibition and some shanty songs throughout the afternoon.
⛪ 2.30pm — Trafalgar Day service at 17Nineteen.

Come along, explore, learn and remember and help keep the heritage of Old Sunderland alive. Sunderland Events and Promotion Events North Sunderland, UK Sunderland Echo

07/10/2026

Just some of the beautiful gifts on sale. Grab a cuppa in the cafe and browse the lovely gifts, trinkets and jewelry 🥰 fans Sunderland Live Sunderland, UK Sunderland Echo

07/10/2026

Another shout out for the Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre and the volunteers who keep its doors open and provide a warm welcome. fans Sunderland History

07/10/2026

Just a reminder .... Margaret getting prepared for her Lovell Lecture talk at the end of the month... She's here to tell you all about it ... Tickets selling fast 😁 Just love our volunteers, they are amazing 😍 fans Sunderland Events and Promotion Sunderland Live

25/09/2026

Step into the world of Rudyard Kipling with our amazing volunteer speaker Gordon Donkin as he explores Kipling’s life, inspiration, impact and the controversies that still spark conversation today.

📅 Monday 28th September
🕖 Starts 1.30pm
🍷 £5 per person – refreshments included
📍 The Donnison School Heritage & Education Centre, Sunderland
Events North Sunderland Events and Promotion

23/09/2026

https://www.donnisonschoolheritagecentre.com/event-details/lets-talk-murder-2026-10-07-13-30

Let’s Talk Murder is a new monthly discussion club at The Donnison School Heritage Centre for anyone fascinated by real‑life crime, historic mysteries, and the cases that continue to shape communities. Each session explores a different murder case — from Victorian investigations and forgotten ...