Grumpy Old Man
Striker
I was born in 1949 and brought up in Fulwell, Pennywell and Gilley Law. In 1968, I left for London and since 1972, I've lived abroad, France and Switzerland. I've totally lost my Sunderland accent. People are amazed when I tell them where I'm from.
However, my twin brother left Sunderland in 1966 and has lived in Norf Landon (Arsenal country) ever since, and he hasn't lost one iota of his accent.
I suppose we all react differently to our backgrounds and developments.
Haven't lived in the NE since I was 21. Down here in Bristol, my accent is pretty neutral. However, once I get north of Scotch Corner, I start to go native, especially once I start talking to people. Mrs G once said my accent came back within 30 seconds of starting a phone call with my late mother.