Robin and his friends collected beer bottle tops from Dales Brewery in the 1950s and fashioned them on their pullovers to create a ‘classy and colourful look’. Click here to hear Robin talking about playing out (1).
Dales Brewery (2) operated on this site from 1900 to 1958 where it produced an award winning pale ales and oatmeal stouts. Robin lived nearby on Sturton Street. He and his friends often played out on the surrounding streets and parks, rode their bikes and made jumps, making use of the things they found around them.
Bill Silvester also recalls playing with bottle tops, but this time with cardboard milk bottle tops. (3)
Contemporary games with found objects went viral during lock down with people using all manner of stuff in their houses to make their own entertainment. This included pots, pans and ping pong balls; recreating famous paintings with clothes and household objects; and the water bottle flip challenge.
What games have you invented with the stuff you have around you? Share them via our socials!
(1) You can read more of Robin’s stories here and here.
(2) Read more about Dales Brewery on the Capturing Cambridge website.
(3) https://cambridgeplaylaws.fun/playmap/scooters-and-bloody-noses/
