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Parents still utter these cliches during school holidays and people my age bemoan youngsters spending their time playing computer games. Fair point. It isn’t healthy.
The big game currently is Fortnite. I know nothing about it and have no intention of learning; although I notice it’s spelt wrong.
However, that’s exactly what out-of-touch people said about the Beatles in 1963, so let’s not be too precious. Furthermore, some kid won $3million recently playing Fortnite. No amount of skill with a hoop-and-stick will ever be similarly rewarded.
Also, we were regularly admonished for watching too much television. I don’t think we did. Contrary to popular belief, telly was mainly rubbish then too.
Kids still do many of the same things we did. It’s worth remembering too that health and safety bans on activities like conkers and climbing trees - are a complete myth.
So what, if anything, did now-decrepit people like myself do during school holidays that youngsters today don’t?
Here are nine “When-I-were-a-lad” favourites (the legal ones).
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5. The Radio One Roadshow
We travelled to Whitley Bay to see legendary DJ Adrian Juste (???). He shouted: “Is anyone here from Sunderland?” at which point my friend Tonka naively stood up and squealed affirmation. We never attended another one. | JPIMedia Photo: AN
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6. Genevieve’s
This was a Monkwearmouth discotheque for teenagers. It took me ages to go because I didn’t think I was cool enough. When I realised I was cool enough, I didn’t want to go back. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Bandstand concerts in Barnes Park.
Everyone loved these, regardless of musical taste. It was always a spectacle as the adjacent hill made a natural amphitheatre. Bring em’ back. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Sunderland Echo.
8. Pooh sticks
The footbridge in Burn Park is ideal for pooh sticks. | Other 3rd Party Photo: AN