These Annesley youngster enjoy the local park in 1972.

placeholder image — These Annesley youngster enjoy the local park in 1972.

Thrifty Thrills: How Mansfield kids had a ball for less

By Tracy Smith

Published 21st Oct 2025, 12:49 BST

Updated 21st Oct 2025, 13:03 BST

In Mansfield, a generation grew up with scraped knees and endless summer evenings spent outdoors, where the most valuable currency wasn't pocket money but imagination.

Long before smartphones and digital streaming, kids found joy for a fraction of the cost.

This photo essay is a journey back in time to an era when a patch of green grass was a football pitch, a stream was an adventure, and the simple, unscheduled moments of free time made the happiest memories.

These Mansfield youngsters take on the wheelbarrow race in 1970.

5. Don't Let Go

These Mansfield youngsters take on the wheelbarrow race in 1970. Photo: National World

A family enjoys a funfair ride in Clipstone in 1973.

6. In a Spin

A family enjoys a funfair ride in Clipstone in 1973. Photo: National World

'Sailors' take to King's Mill Reservoir in 1986.

7. Man Overboard!

'Sailors' take to King's Mill Reservoir in 1986. Photo: National World

Kids loved nothing better back in 1963, than going to the ABC cinema on Leeming Street and watching a good movie.

8. Don't forget your popcorn

Kids loved nothing better back in 1963, than going to the ABC cinema on Leeming Street and watching a good movie. Photo: Chad

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