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.
5. Bowled over in 2006
Washington tenpin bowlers Chantelle Russell and Angela Taylor both won national titles in the sport and here they are in 2006. Photo: TY
6. Medal winners in 1990
These bowlers from Sunderland Bowl in Newcastle Road were all winners in 1990. They were, left to right: Gaynor Culkin, 9; Joanne Reynolds 16; Nicola Christie 15; Michael Snow 10; and Jamie Christie. Does this bring back memories. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. 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. Breaking records in 1983
The eight-man team of charity ten pin bowlers who 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. Left to right, back row: Mark Fife, 20; John Edelston, 31; Lawrie Gomm, 24; Bill Kimmitt, 20; amd Terry Tattersall, 35. Front row: Neil Donnelly, 20; Rod Peel, 42. Photo: Sunderland Echo