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|
9. 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
10. 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
11. Another reminder from Hartlepool
One last reminder of the UK Superbowl in Hartlepool. Can you spot someone you know? Photo: hm
12. A marathon effort in 2006
TENPIN BOWL MARATHON IN AID OF WASHINGTON YOUNG BOWLERS CLUB. BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT, DAVE POTTER, TOMMY TENPIN, JONNY HALIDAY, MARK ROBINSON, PHIL TURNBUL, FRONT ROW GLENN BAKER, NICK DAY,GRAEME EVANS AND HARRY BUNCE PIC BY ANDREW RAGSDALE - NOT FOR RESALE OR TO BE USED BY ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER Photo: AR