Calling all Sanddancers! Check out South Shields Museum's gifts inspired by the town

Sanddancers are sure to love some of the gifts inspired by South Shields on sale online and in the museum’s gift shop.

From coasters and tea towels featuring vintage tourism posters, to iconic prints of Westoe Netty by South Shields artists Robert 'Bob' Olley, the museum has revealed an impressive range of North East inspired items.

South Shields magnets and tote bags with the iconic landmark the Groyne also feature in the collection, as well as a dedicated range of Arbeia merchandise in tribute to the town’s historic site.

And it comes as the museum on Ocean Road reopens its doors to visitors for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.

The museum opened on Thursday, August 13, visitors are able to view its popular displays but with lowered capacity and social distancing restrictions in place.

Cleaning regimes will be increased especially in areas of high contact and contactless payments will be encouraged.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help visitors adjust to the new way of visiting.

The venue has been awarded the 'We’re Good To Go’ Covid-19 industry standard from Visit Britain, which assures local residents and visitors that the venue is adhering to Government guidelines.

The ground floor of the museum will be open for visitors to explore and the Victorian Pantry cafe will also be open with social distancing measures in place.

The upper floor will be closed and there will be a one-way route around the museum.

Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager North & South Tyneside, TWAM, said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to enjoy the museum displays.”

Entry is free, but visitors are urged to book a ticket for a time slot in advance online.

There will also be a small allocation of tickets for people who walk up on the day, for those who are not able to book tickets online.

To check out the South Shields gifts on the website and to book free tickets visit: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk/

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