Last bingo hall draws in new generation of players

Two teenagers said "bingo was not just for older people" as they turned their hand to the game in the last bingo centre in the county.

Lucy Lonnen and Alesksa Svencika, both 18, said they always wanted to play bingo when they legally could and visited the Buzz Bingo hall in Peterborough.

The site has become Cambridgeshire's last dedicated bingo centre following the closure of Winners Bingo hall in Wisbech.

Dan Shuttleworth, 48, the manager of Buzz Bingo, said the game was "evolving" and would "survive long into the future".

Ms Svencika said: "One of the first things I wanted to do when I turned 18 was experience real live bingo.

"I am quite competitive and I found my eyes couldn't scan the card quickly enough - but I think I got the hang of it."

The National Bingo Game Association said a combination of the Covid pandemic, energy prices and the impact of the recent Budget on employment costs have "made it difficult for smaller independent bingo clubs to survive".

Ms Svencika added she was surprised that her first visit to play bingo was free as a taster.

"I'm not worried about getting hooked on it - it's not that addictive.

"I would only come with friends for a social time out," she added.

Mr Shuttleworth has been involved in the industry for more than 25 years.

"We see bingo as low cost, low risk, people can spend a couple of hours here for £6 - it's good value," he said.

He felt the game had a future, despite the county losing some bingo venues recently.

"We are evolving, changing and investing and can see some green shoots, it is a bit like the pub industry, which is also facing challenges.

"It can be an important part of the community giving people a chance meet with friends, others like to come out for a night of fun, have something to eat and drink and escape the real world for a bit," he added.

Margaret Heaney, 74, plays bingo at the venue with her 45-year-old daughter Jo Heaney.

"I think online bingo is affecting numbers, it is not as busy as it used to be with my friends, it must be hard to make a profit," she said.

Ms Heaney said in 1971 her late mother scooped £1,000 at another Peterborough bingo hall, which has since closed.

The winnings allowed her to buy a house in the city, which was later sold for £250,000.

"I have played since I was 18, it was to be a great way to meet up with old friends but not so many come these days," she said.

"Bingo hasn't changed much over the years, the most I've ever won was about £80.

"I can't play online as I don't have a computer or smartphone.

"There does seem to be more younger people coming to play, it does appeal to all ages and both sexes," she added.

Miles Baron, from the National Bingo Game Association, said: "It is a sad day when any bingo club closes, they are often an important part of the local community and those social connections formed by members are often irreplaceable.

"Our heart goes out to the members, employees and owners of the Winners Bingo club in Wisbech."

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