From hopscotch to Cabbage Patch Kids - Sunderland's favourite toys and games from yesteryear, as named by you

There’s plenty of time for children to enjoy toys and games at the moment – but which was your childhood favourite?
Traditions such as skipping and hopscotch were on show when children at Richard Avenue Primary School tried out much-loved games in 2005.Traditions such as skipping and hopscotch were on show when children at Richard Avenue Primary School tried out much-loved games in 2005.
Traditions such as skipping and hopscotch were on show when children at Richard Avenue Primary School tried out much-loved games in 2005.

We asked our 4,000-plus followers on the Sunderland Echo’s specialist nostalgia page on Facebook: “Which toy was all the rage during your childhood days?”

The response on the page called Wearside Echoes was huge but we have a question ... do our members’ replies match up with your own memories? Take a look and let us know.

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Here is a list of toys and games from over the decades which were played by the children of Sunderland – and what they had to say about them.

Subbuteo has been a favourite for decades and here is a scene from the Peacock's Subbuteo World Cup in 2018.Subbuteo has been a favourite for decades and here is a scene from the Peacock's Subbuteo World Cup in 2018.
Subbuteo has been a favourite for decades and here is a scene from the Peacock's Subbuteo World Cup in 2018.

Robert Craggs remembered Subbuteo while Loretta Stokes MckIntosh remembered Clackers. So did Julie Watson, Katrina O’Connor, Irene Corner, and Elaine Fairley who said: “Used to bandage my wrist when playing clackers.”

Al Kerr said: “Clackers but you paid the price in bruises reet up your arms.”

Kimberley Morrison remembered having Care Bears while Linda Browell loved Kerplunk. Weebles, Barbie and Polly Pocket were also faves of Wearside Echoes followers.

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Keith Mullen said: “Bagatelle – played with it for years. It was like a pin ball,” while Sharon Donkin recalled Spirograph (which was a favourite with others including Julie Rate) and Etch A Sketch.

Meccano models on show in a 2011 workshop run by the North Eastern Meccano Society.Meccano models on show in a 2011 workshop run by the North Eastern Meccano Society.
Meccano models on show in a 2011 workshop run by the North Eastern Meccano Society.

Diane Albrow said: “Tressy the doll who’s hair could grow” and both Angela Fox and Susan Hayton said Tiny Tears dolls.

Ingrid Golden remembered: “Clackers, Pogo Stick, Ride a Roo, Skates, Tressie, Teeny Tiny Tears Tiny Tears, Plaster Craft, Candle Maker.”

Some followers remembered games on the streets such as hopscotch and two baller. Ann Burke was another fan of the pogo stick and David Anderson remembered the Hercules bike.

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Chuck stones was a favourite with lots of followers including Dorothy Smith and Marion Hall.

Games such as bagatelle remain in the memory of Wearside Echoes followers.Games such as bagatelle remain in the memory of Wearside Echoes followers.
Games such as bagatelle remain in the memory of Wearside Echoes followers.

Meccano and Lego remain big favourites while Edward Brannigan said Action Man. Lisa Wright suggested: “Cabbage Patch Kids, Ninja Turtles, Care Bear and Glow worm.”

Janice Thompson said: “Top and whip and marbles” while football loving Bernard Joseph Gordon said: “Old Casey, that kept going down, had to be blown up every 5 minutes.

There were so many brilliant reminders of the toys and games we loved. Others included Potters Wheel, tricycles, a Johnny 7 gun, and scraps.

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Do you remember these or do you have suggestions of your own?

A 1970s favourite. Who remembers clackers?A 1970s favourite. Who remembers clackers?
A 1970s favourite. Who remembers clackers?

Get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected].

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Lego is a favourite in Sunderland and here are children pictured in Josephs toy shop where they won Lego packs in a 1981 competition.Lego is a favourite in Sunderland and here are children pictured in Josephs toy shop where they won Lego packs in a 1981 competition.
Lego is a favourite in Sunderland and here are children pictured in Josephs toy shop where they won Lego packs in a 1981 competition.

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