The best prizes that Sunderland people have ever won at a tombola - and some are wonderful!

Let’s face it. Who doesn’t love spending a pound or two at a tombola?
By Chris Cordner
Published 5th Jul 2022, 04:55 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It’s a great way to spend time and help a worthy local cause as well. But what is the best prize you ever won at one?

We asked Wearside Echoes readers and they came up with some great answers.

Read on to find out more!

We would love your memories on the best and quirkiest prizes you have won at a tombola.We would love your memories on the best and quirkiest prizes you have won at a tombola.
We would love your memories on the best and quirkiest prizes you have won at a tombola.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Kenny J Baddeley won a bottle of whisky in a box in 1992 and told us he’s still got it.

Elaine Whitwood also won a spirited prize but there was a twist – she was only nine when she won the sherry!

Elaine explained: “I won a bottle of cream sherry at the church fete while staying at Middleton camp. The teachers took it from me for safe keeping until I got off the trip bus and gave it to my parents.”

Benjamin Taylor won a leg of lamb while Phil Bowden’s prize was a gonk. Who remembers when they were all the craze decades ago?

The St Luke's garden fete in 1975.The St Luke's garden fete in 1975.
The St Luke's garden fete in 1975.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Vince Kelly, meanwhile, got a Skeletor figure. He added: “The nice lady gave me a massive bag of Hot Wheels track and cars too.”

Graeme Collinson remembers winning ‘soap on a string!’

Read More
10 pictures of shops from Sunderland's past - including Joplings, Joseph's and W...

What are your favourite wins at a tombola? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

Elaine Whitwood was only NINE when she won a bottle of cream sherry at the church fete while she was staying at Middleton camp. Elaine said: "The teachers took it from me for safe keeping until I got off the trip bus and gave it to my parents."Elaine Whitwood was only NINE when she won a bottle of cream sherry at the church fete while she was staying at Middleton camp. Elaine said: "The teachers took it from me for safe keeping until I got off the trip bus and gave it to my parents."
Elaine Whitwood was only NINE when she won a bottle of cream sherry at the church fete while she was staying at Middleton camp. Elaine said: "The teachers took it from me for safe keeping until I got off the trip bus and gave it to my parents."

Wearside Echoes is the Sunderland Echo’s sister page on Facebook and it is dedicated to the nostalgia of Sunderland and County Durham.

It has more than 7,200 followers with more joining our ranks every day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Those who have joined are already enjoying daily reminders of Sunderland’s past. It’s also a page where people can share their own memories.

So why not come on board and enjoy a trip or two down Memory Lane.

Seaham Hall garden fete in 1974. Anyone for tombola?Seaham Hall garden fete in 1974. Anyone for tombola?
Seaham Hall garden fete in 1974. Anyone for tombola?

And while you are at it, why not sign up to receive the free Wearside Echoes newsletter email each month.

It will give you updates on the latest archive coverage coming your way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The first bulletin winged its way our followers in June but don’t worry, you haven’t missed out!

We’d love you to sign up, receive future newsletters and become part of the fun! Sign up by clicking here.

So get ready for a trip down memory lane with throwback features, pictures from the Echo archive and special reminders of those big days from our city’s past.

Related topics:Sunderland EchoSunderlandMiddleton