Long before iPhones and Netflix, Glasgow's children played in the streets for hours on end - enjoying endless games that were non-stop entertainment.
Days were dictated by the street lights, the sun, or sometimes realising that our bellies were empty. Summer days flew by, filled with games in the streets - some of which were blocked off to vehicles at certain times to allow children to play.
While many of these games have stood the test of time, some have been branded dangerous while others have simply fallen out of fashion. We've taken a walk down memory lane to look at some of Glasgow's favourite childhood games from days gone by.
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British Bulldog
Only those of a certain age will remember British Bulldog, with many schools across the country banning the game as it was deemed too violent. Typically, one or two players are selected to be the ‘bulldog’. They stand in the middle, with remaining players stood at one end of the field.
The aim was for the remaining players to reach the other end of the field without being caught and, if they were caught, they became bulldogs. The last player standing is the winner, and begins the next game as the bulldog.
The game saw tragedy to a school in Twickenham, London in 2013 when an eight-year-old girl was killed after playing a game of British Bulldog. She was knocked down and fell onto an ornamental feature, suffered a ruptured liver and died two hours later.
Though many schools had already placed their own bans on the game, word of its dangers spread through the country.
Kick the Can
Got an empty can and a big field? Sorted.
It’s a little bit hide-and-seek, a touch of tag, and a sprinkle of capture the flag. The game begins with one person being designated It, who then closes their eyes and counts to a number.
The other players run and hide, before It attempts to find them all while keeping an eye on the can. Any player who is caught is sent to jail - usually in plain sight of the can.
Players attempt to kick the can before being caught, which sets all captured players free again.
Kerby
Back in the days when the streets were less filled with cars, a simple game of Kerby could fill an afternoon.
All you need is two players, two kerbs, and a ball. Players throw the ball with the intention of hitting the kerb on the opposite side of the street, where the other player is standing.
You score points if you hit the kerb, and the ball bounces back to your half of the street.
The game is so popular, that one company created transportable kerbs that can be used on the beach or a park - moving from the risk of vehicles.
In the Netherlands, there is an annual Kerby Championship attended by over 20,000 participants every year.
What’s the time, Mr Wolf?
A less aggressive, higher concept version of British Bulldog.
One player is chosen to be Mr Wolf, standing on the opposite end of the field to the other players - facing away from them.
All other players stand in a line at the other side, and ask Mr Wolf in unison: “What's the time, Mr Wolf?”
Mr Wolf can respond with a time, for example five o’clock - to which the players would take five steps before asking the question again. Otherwise, Mr Wolf would announce ‘Dinner Time’ before turning around and chasing the players.
If Mr Wolf tags a player, that player becomes the new Mr Wolf.
Perfume Jam Jars
This one was far more dignified than some of the other childhood games we played.
Finding a good jam or coffee jar to fill with water was the first step, before going on an adventure to find good petals and florals to mix up a lovely perfume.
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Blindman’s Bluff
Thought to stretch back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece, Blindman’s Bluff begins when one player is blindfolded before being disoriented by being spun around.
The other players, who are not blindfolded, call out the Blindman’s name - while hoping to avoid being tagged by them. Any player who fails to dodge being captured becomes the Blindman, and the game begins again.
Piggy in the Middle
An old favourite, Piggy in the Middle requires nothing but a ball and a minimum of three players.
The game sees two players throw a ball to each other, with one player standing in the middle of them hoping to catch it and intercept the throw.
Hopscotch
Some chalk and a free bit of pavement is all that’s needed for a game of Hopscotch.
A game that's stood the test of time, it can be played solo or with multiple players. Drawing a Hopscotch diagram on an outdoor pavement, the first player finds a small object (a twig or stone) into the first square.
If it lands on a line, or outside the square, you lose your turn. Passing the marker onto the following player, they then do the same.
If you do land your marker in the square, players follow the diagram with one foot or two feet on the ground depending on the markers. If you fall, jump outside the lines, or miss a marker - it's back to the start.
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