Monday 28th of December 2009
First came the three wise men
We all know that three wise men are a key part of any nativity.
But bingo fans may be surprised to hear another trio has taken centre stage in South Wales this Christmas.
Three well-meaning bingo games proved a hit in the small seaside resort of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, reports the Tenby Observer.
Organiser Sian Cole settled on the popular numbers game to raise money for groups that were close to her heart.
Carew Memorial Hall hosted the events, which all took place over the course of December 2009.
Beneficiaries of the bingo
The first two bingo sessions were held to support the Pembroke High Dependency Unit Ward at Morriston Hospital and Sageston CP School.
And the beneficiaries on night three were determined by the health problems of a close family member.
Ms Cole explained: "My father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia earlier in the year, which closely resembles Alzheimer's and Parkinsons.
"He uses the facilities in the Cleddau River Day Centre in South Pembrokeshire Hospital.
"Therefore, the monies raised will be going towards the centre and to the Lewy Body Dementia Association."
The origins of bingo
Bingo has a long and distinguished track record when it comes to fundraising.
In fact, it was used to support needy causes from the very start.
Although the modern format was invented by American Edwin S Lowe back in 1929, another person brought bingo to the mainstream.
It was left to a modest Catholic priest to persuade Mr Lowe that bingo could help raise funds for his church - and the rest, as they say, is history.
