Monday 30th of November 2009
Bingo magnate loses health battle
Bingo has attracted more than its fair share of larger-than-life characters down the years.
But north-east bingo fans are currently mourning the passing of one of the biggest personalities of all.
Kay Newton, of Waltham Road in Grimsby, lost her battle against a long-running illness at the age of 83, reports This is Grimsby.
Her son Stephen paid tribute to the impact she made on generations of bingo players.
"It is the end of an era," he said. "She was a fighter and very courageous in the battle with illness she faced. She helped dad throughout his life she was a pivotal part of his business empire from launderettes to nightclubs."
For nearly two decades after her husband died in 1991, Mrs Newton ran a business empire that included the Clifton Bingo Hall on Grant Street, The Rialto in Roberts street, The Queens on Alexandra Road and the Starlight in nearby Immingham.
Famed for her bingo club boutique
But perhaps she will be best remembered for operating a successful boutique at the Clifton Bingo Hall.
Mrs Newton was renowned for raiding Leeds and Manchester wholesalers in order to bring top-quality beauty products to her beloved Grimsby.
As if that wasn't enough, she was also a renowned racehorse owner.
En Attendant was her most famous horse, having twice picked up the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket, while Solid Silver and Pottersville also achieved several notable wins.
It has been a period of transformation for bingo in the north east.
Earlier this month, local players staged a protest against plans to close the Whinney Banks Youth and Community Centre before construction had even started on its replacement.
The facility currently stages two bingo game sessions per week for elderly residents.
