Being a bit of a history buff I was delighted to find some interesting information regarding one of best known games manufacturers in the UK, John Jaques. A name synonymous with Croquet and Table Tennis.
However, I had no idea that John Jaques II was the inventor of some the best known and much loved parlour games. Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, Happy Families and last but certainly not least Tiddley-Winks.
I have John Jaques II to thank for the happy vision of my Dad’s belly wobbling with joyous laughter when he says “Did you know I am the World Tiddly Wink Champion, I once beat Fred Fanakapan”. Who is Fred Fanakapan and why is this funny? I really don’t know but everything my Dad says if funny to me.
I also have the wonderul memory of many happy hours playing Snakes & Ladders with my Nan. We would rattle the dice and munch on homemade coconut macaroons and fizzy lemonade by a warm fire with Grandad softly snoring from the depths of his armchair.
Bring back the simple things in life!
I would love to hear anybody else’s memories of playing these games either when young or old?
Yeah I agree, bring the simple things back in life! These days it’s all too easy for the younger generation to sit up in their room all day and play on their Xbox’s or Playstation’s!
You don’t seem to get memories like the above blog anymore, family’s just don’t seem to mix as much as they used to. No more sitting around the table having a good old game of Snakes and Ladders and Ludo, boo hoo!
Get the John Jaques range though, you will get the family playing around the table again in no time!
I remember playing Snakes and Ladders with my friends and sisters but we would go up the snakes and down the ladders (born rebels ha ha). Bring it back!