Searching for local bingo nights please?

Mark300zx

The long and short of it is my Mum is 82 and was a regular at her local chuch hall bingo, the church has without notice cancelled what was a great social evening for the elderly community!

I can see that she has been suffering socially because of this and wanted to know if there was anyway of finding a local cost efficient replacement to give her a social outlet?

Savvy_Sue

I just googled Bingo and my home town, and quite a few came up - obviously some are the big commercial clubs but some are community associations etc.

If there are any local Help the Aged / Age Concern centres they may run bingo.

Does the church have any plans to run other activities to replace the bingo? Has anyone asked "Why?" It might be lack of helpers, or a fall in numbers, or that they have other plans, but if it's something that can be sorted out then they need to know that regulars are suffering as a result.

mountainofdebt

Where does your mum live?

I work in our local bingo hall (definitely one of the old style ones - hasn't seen a lick of paint in years I would imagine!) but there is a real sense of community there and for some of the older members, the first time they talk to anyone must be when they come to the hall.

Mark300zx

My Mum lives in Balham, there are a few commercial halls but finances are close to my Mum's heart and she would not consider these!

Savvy_Sue

Do they not have 'pensioners afternoons'? Could she not work out whether her winnings would cover (most of) the costs?

mountainofdebt

Mark

I don't know what the atmosphere would be in the clubs near you but I can honestly say the members of my club are wonderful and always look out for other members. (in fact I've compared it to walking into a room full of Aunts and Uncles!)

Personally I would give them at least a try.

Mark300zx

Thanks for the advice, I am not looking for myself (ahheemmmm), but persuading my Mum to try them will be a slightly more difficult!

Newly_retired

Many churches and other organisations run lunch clubs where senior citizens can get a meal for £2 and good company. Others run "Reconnect" which again are social clubs for older people. I think Bingo is on the programme.
It is a pity there hasn't been some sort of explanation for the sudden closure.