Games we played and songs we sang
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The old games played and rhymes sung by generations of schoolchildren in the Dornoch and Embo areas have been the focus of a recent project organised by Historylinks Museum in Dornoch.
It started with Dornoch Primary School children comparing today’s games with those played by parents and grandparents when they were at school. Some games have lasted the test of time like hop scotch and skipping, as well as clapping and ball games.
Marbles and ring games seem to be less popular and playing with a gird and cleek (hoop and stick) is unknown to most youngsters. Although the children’s list included Wii computer games, there were a lot of the familiar older games that have been updated by successive generations of children.
The children have heard the childhood recollections from Dornoch residents Joan Martin and Eileen Aitken.
Joan told the children that she used to play French Skipping using elastic bands joined together to form a long chain that was tied and placed around the ankles of two children spaced apart. The child in the centre proceeded to do elaborate steps and jumps in between and over the bands.
Eileen demonstrated the use of a yo-yo to do all sorts of tricks which the children later tied to replicate.
The next part of the project involved making a film showing the children re-enacting these old games and rhymes. Not daunted by the cameras, the children put on a wonderful display taking them back to the Victorian times when games were used to teach children how to behave properly and even how to tie the perfect bow – I wonder how many of us can do that today!
They also played Farmer’s in his Den and In and Out the Dusty Bluebells, as well as jacks, fortune teller and pitch and toss.
The project co-ordinator, Jacquie Aitken, says: "The children all really enjoyed learning how to play the old games and sing the rhymes. This project has shown that there is still a place for these activities, at home and at school, and it can help to keep children fit and active."
The final part of the project was led by artist Sally Wild, who helped the pupils to produce a colourful wall mural for outside the museum showing children playing all sorts of games from the past and present.
The museum also received funding to install an outdoor hop scotch game that can be enjoyed by visitors to the museum. Sally presented the school with a book full of the children’s artwork.
The project culminated on Monday when the completed film, edited by Historylinks curator Peter Wild, was shown for the first time – much to the embarrassment and amusement of the children. They were all given a copy to take home.
Historylinks acknowledge teacher Fiona Mackenzie, and head teacher Jane Mason at Dornoch Primary School for their help and support.
Funding from Museums Galleries Scotland and The Highland Council, has allowed the museum to continue its successful collaborative work with the local children at Dornoch Primary School, as well as developing intergenerational activities with the wider community.
