(Saturday 31st of October 2009)
Elderly people could be given financial help to go to the bingo under new proposals. From the middle of next month, Cumbria County Council is enabling social care users to determine how their funding is spent for the very first time. The initiative, dubbed personal budgets, could help people across the county drop into their local bingo clubs more regularly. However, only time will tell if other councils decide to follow Cumbria's lead.
(Wednesday 28th of October 2009)
Free bingo will play an important role at Gary Barlow's wedding anniversary. The Take That frontman and wife Dawn are planning to hold free bingo games on the day, while bingo balls make an appearance on the party invitations. It's all part of the decidedly British tone of the party. An insider has explained that the couple don't want "daft French scoff" so they'll be ensuring Harry Ramsden's fish and chips get top billing on the menu.
(Saturday 24th of October 2009)
You might find it hard to believe, but Alex Salmond has just turned his hand to bingo calling. The First Minister of Scotland took centre stage at a Glasgow bingo club to promote SNP by-election candidate David Kerr. The seat of Glasgow North East has been a Labour stronghold for 74 years - and sure enough the winning number was none other than 74. Following the bingo game, Mr Salmond joked that "you can't fight fate".
(Wednesday 21st of October 2009)
In his mid-30s, Greater Manchester bingo caller Charlie Walduck was told his weight problems could prove fatal. He was 50 stone. Following a life-changing bingo game in a Manchester club, Charlie resolved to take action by eating more healthily and exercising regularly under the supervision of a well-known celebrity doctor. In just a few short years, Charlie shed an astonishing 35 stone. Now, he hopes his incredible life story will prove an inspiration to others.
(Monday 19th of October 2009)
If you've ever doubted bingo's capacity to do good, consider the case of Watford Disability Forum. The group, which provides vital support to local disabled people, has just raised £1,000 from a charity bingo session led by none other than the mayor of Watford herself, Dorothy Thornhill. The much-needed funds will be spent on an accessibility audio kit for businesses and social events to give disabled people something a little bit special to look forward to.
(Wednesday 14th of October 2009)
Bucky Bingo's fabulous selection of side games offer plenty of entertainment. But as Mayan Mania fan Christopher 7 found out, they also have a habit of offering some fantastic cash prizes. Christopher 7 scooped no less than £17,500 on the game, which is set amid the pyramids and statues of the ancient Mayan civilisation. The superb Mayan Mania progressive jackpot, seeded at £10,000, can be won simply by getting five erupting volcanoes on a payline.
(Thursday 8th of October 2009)
Police community support officers are waking up to the power of free bingo to get their message across. Crime Reduction Bingo, based on the popular numbers game, teaches sheltered accommodation residents in Somerset how to stay safe from criminals in a "fun and informal way". Meanwhile, did you know that Bucky Bingo offers a range of games with a quirky law-and-order theme? Cops N Robbers and Mafia Millions are fun ways to pass the time between free bingo sessions.
(Friday 2nd of October 2009)
Bingo has been given an edgy appeal by a top-secret London bingo club. The Underground Rebel Bingo Club is moving to a new home near Angel tube station but mystery surrounds the precise location. It's all part of a deliberate plan to give bingo an edgy appeal among trendy young urbanites. Many regulars may have dabbled in free online bingo before checking out this wacky new bingo club, which boasts several twists on the traditional numbers game.
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