We dug into the archives of the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail to come up with these images.
They all show people who loved heading for the bowling venues across the North East.
So whether you were a national champion or a local fundraising hero, or just someone having fun at tenpin, we have got reminders of it all.
Join us on a journey back in time.
. Across the ages in 2011
Pictured at Sunderland Ten Pin Bowling in 2011 were Lewis Graham, aged 10 front right, with fellow members of the Sunderland Young Bowling Club. They were joined by Ann Barraclough, front left, 90 with colleagues from the Sycamore Care Centre, Grindon. Photo: Picture by Peter Berry
. Bowling back to the UK Superbowl
A retro scene from Hartlepool. These tenpin bowling players were pictured at the UK Superbowl in the Tees Bay Retail Park. But which year was this? Photo: hm
. Instruction at the Dog's Bowl
A scene from 1963 showing tenpin bowling instruction at the Dog's Bowl in South Tyneside. Showing Mrs M Dodds, left, and Mrs T W Peel the correct ball delivery is Mr F J Bright, centre manager. Photo: Shields Gazette
. International winners in 2006
Adam Cairns, 16, and Matthew Blythe, 14, had reason to celebrate in 2006. The Wearside pair had won the Junior Youth Ten Pin Bowling Championships in Malta. Photo: PB|
5. At the top of their game in 2008
Sunderland trio Sophie and Tom Lovegrove were pictured in 2008 with Kirstie Allison and they all competed in European events 12 years ago. Does this bring back memories? Photo: CA
6. A moment's rest for Tony
An eight-man team of charity ten pin bowlers were striking a record for Sunderland in 1983. The team were trying to establish a record 24-hour pin-fall if they could keep going until 8pm in the evening. Marathon bowler Tony Pratt is pictured taking a break from the action. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Plenty of smiles in Hartlepool
Another scene from the UK Superbowl in Hartlepool but who are the players and which year is this? Photo: hm