BINGO LINK The only magazine produced for the bingo industry Issue 59 Autumn 2002 The Bingo bride Cashing in Competitions! Her perfect day to remember The future of cash handling Win some furry friends! The Bingo Industry’s Finest

The excitement is mounting And what a job those finals. For those as one of the bingo indus- judges have had. It all chosen, it must try’s most important dates started with a massive sifting have been a draws near. The search to process from over 100 real kick of find the 2002 ‘Bingo Caller entries to select which excitement of the Year’ will reach its entrants would make it as they know goal at the Mecca Bingo through to one of the five that to have got this far Club in Wandsworth on regional finals. Judges had means that the title is within Sunday 24 November. This to read entry forms from their reach. prestigious event will see each contestant and view This year's competition has the elite of Britain’s bingo the accompanying videos. been supported by Halls, callers being put through That’s one hell of a lot of who have provided a gener- their paces so that the viewing hours to get through ous supply of Soothers, to judges can choose one win- in one day! o Continued on Page 6 ner to take the coveted title. Those making it through the first selection process Winner takes all: Ian Carroll from Gala Visit us online at Kilmarnock celebrates his win in the were then notified that they www.bingo-association.co.uk Scottish Bingo Caller of the Year regional final were through to the regional Global gaming expo This year's Expo event got 133,330 square feet, to 616 The ‘Bingo Track’ seminar off to a great start with an exhibits in 190,400 square programme was designed to opening ceremony at the feet for 2002. This year’s pre- offer crucial information on world renowned Caesar's liminary gate figures on day the latest developments in Palace. Those attending one indicate a similar trend bingo, enabling gaming pro- were eager to report that for attendees. There were fessionals to grow their busi- Elvis is alive and has taken 8,183, compared to the 5,996 nesses. Among the topics part in a cloning experiment! for day one in 2001. covered in the Bingo Track This annual Vegas show Bingo is one of America's were regulatory issues like has become the most impor- favourite pastimes and is electronic bingo and printed tant exhibition in the gaming a multi-billion dollar ticket operation; how success- industries' calendar, all business world-wide. From ful clubs attract and retain around the world. Covering all the plush bingo halls of players; and how to keep aspects of gaming and relat- Europe, to the many varia- bingo in the mainstream. All shook up: This year’s Expo attracted interested parties from all aspects of the industry ed services, the event pro- tions of the game throughout The Bingo Pavilion provid- vides both an exhibition and a the world, bingo has become ed a dedicated floor area for Oklahoma, Tabco/The Bingo programme of seminars, in a major player in the gaming exhibitors, who included Paper Company, Planet addition to the main confer- industry. In recognition of its Jenosys Technologies, Game Bingo, Daktronics, Electronic ence. In just two years since growing importance, this Tech International Inc., Gaming Solutions and the event's inception, the G2E year's Expo featured a Bettina Corp., Atlantic Edward Thompson. exhibition floor has expanded ‘Bingo Pavilion’ and bingo Gaming Inc., Millennium UK National Game Chief Bingo Link is published by from 375 companies in seminar programme. Games, Miami Tribe of The Bingo Association o Continued on Page 7 Make a million for Macmillan Cancer Relief see page 12 news

The National Game Diary  Quarterly News and Update from Chief Executive, Paul Talboys. 27 October items are still available if you require them. NBGA Big Game for up to £500,000 Exciting times! I would like to thank all those who completed I am pleased to be able to and returned the questionnaires we circulated 2–10 November share with you all the exciting concerning prizes and the timing of intervals. The Bingo Association Game For Life Week news of our first £1 million Of those who replied, more than half felt that National Game, scheduled for the current number of prizes provided by the TBC Sunday 22 December. This National Game is about right. However, there The Bingo Association regional meetings new prize value has been was a definite feeling among all those who made possible by limit changes that came responded that the value of Zone Prizes 24 November into effect this August. needed to be reviewed, with many suggesting Caller of The Year Final, London In the weeks running up to this UK first, club that the main National Prize be capped and managers and operators will receive additional prize funds directed to the Zone 22 December a number of communications to keep you all prizes. As many of you may be aware, this NBGA Big Game, the UK’s first £1 up to date on the support activities and is exactly what will now happen, from 4 million bingo game materials that will be arranged to assist November. Thanks once again for your time with promoting the game. on this. 21–23 January However, it is important that Caller of the Year 2002 is The ATEI, Earls Court, London we do not overlook October’s currently at the regional final Big Game in the excitement stage, with plenty of fresh 29–30 January and anticipation of the £1 faces appearing alongside Euro Amusement Show, Fiera di Genova, million game. many of those we already Genoa, Italy. Our latest 2002 television recognise. This year’s final will www.EuroAmusementShow.com commercials have been given their second be compered by Lesley Joseph (Dorien from airing, returning to screen in late August for a Birds of a Feather), who helped ensure a lively Drop us a line with any key dates or period of six weeks. Preliminary survey results and spirited final on one other previous events readers should know about. are encouraging and show that they continue to occasion. The final takes place on Sunday 24 be well received by audiences. They will be November and I hope to see a great many aired again in the week preceding our next Big people there. Bingo in the news Game, on Sunday 27 October. As the As this is the last issue of Bingo Link for 2002 advertisements feature the web address, clubs I would like to get in early and wish everyone a The second quarter of 2002 got off to a great should remember to keep checking for new Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. start for ‘bingo in the news’, with April being a online membership applications through their Our next issue will be out in January 2003. particularly successful month for coverage. NGMW. National Bingo Game: key statistics This was greatly helped by the Chancellor of Table talkers to support October’s £500,000 Total prize money since the game began £702,181,997 the Exchequer’s announcement in the April game are now being produced, featuring Total prize money played for in 2001 £50,176,626 Budget Statement that he was considering Total prize money played for in 2002 to date £34,277,727 the two characters from the recent television abolishing bingo duty. advertising. Quantities of these should be Biggest games for 2001 Regional press coverage, which is a key with you by the time you are reading this. Sunday 25 March with ticket sales of 859,989 aspect of promoting both bingo and the National You should also re-use the light-box posters Sunday 23 December with ticket sales of 832,467 Game, saw best results in the West Midlands and door stickers that were supplied to you Biggest game to date for 2002 region for April and May and in the South and earlier on in the year, which featured the same Tuesday 30 April with ticket sales of 940,039 South East for June. characters. Additional limited quantities of these Tuesday 28 May with ticket sales of 915,514 The list below shows written media coverage only and does not include radio and television exposure achieved.

BINGO LINK is published by Produced by Axon Publishing Ltd, 11 Plough Number of press hits by month The Bingo Association, Yard, London EC2A 3LP; tel: 020 7684 Lexham House, 7111 e-mail: [email protected] Number of stories April May June 75 High Street North, National papers 30 4 3 Dunstable, Reproduction in whole or part strictly prohibited Consumer magazines 6 2 2 Bedfordshire LU6 1JF without the permission of the publishers. Views Regional dailies/weeklies 156 151 83 Tel: 01582 860 921; Fax: 01582 860 925 expressed are not necessarily those of The Electronic media 3 0 13 e-mail: [email protected] Bingo Association or Axon Publishing Ltd. TOTAL 197 157 101 Prices and information correct at date of For support with National Game winner coverage, Editor Rosemarie Teece publication, but subject to change. please contact National Game Regional PR support on 01438 718 500

2 news

The Report of the Ultimate safety award Gaming Board for Great Britain 2001-02 for Gala Group The Gaming Board’s annual report is out and shows that only Gala Group has been presented with a British Safety 75% of certificates of consent Council Sword of Honour, following a recent ceremo- applications (where the applicant ny at the historic Goldsmiths’ Hall, London. With already held an earlier certificate) recent media focus firmly on accidents that take were determined within six weeks place at work and the need to reduce them, Gala of receipt. This was 5% below the Group, as one of only 40 organisations world-wide performance target. presented with Swords of Honour, has recognised The report states: ‘Targets were the importance of such issues for business. met or exceeded in four of the six The Sword of Honour recognises organisations that areas. Two just failed: the Bingo have implemented some of the best safety systems in Section had an unusually large the world. Only organisations that achieve the maximum proportion of complex applications rating in the Council’s Five Health and Safety whilst Certification Management System Audit are eligible to apply and must Top honours: David Ballard (centre), Director General of the British Safety Council, Section underwent a presents the award to Andrew Daft, Catherine Low, Sue Moores and Louise Helliwell prove they have a culture of aiming for best practice, complete change of which emanates from the boardroom down. In congratulating Gala, David Ballard, Director General case working staff.’ Each year only about 100 companies are eligible to of the Council, was very pleased that safety issues had Copies of the apply, completing a questionnaire covering eight key been treated seriously: ‘You have shown you are truly Gaming Board’s areas of safety activity. The applications are then judged world class by adopting best practice. If every business Annual Report by an independent panel. Andrew Daft, Gala’s Health followed your example, industry in the UK could save up may be accessed and Safety executive said: ‘I’m delighted that our rigor- to £18 billion per year by cutting the costs of accidents, on the Board’s web ous procedures have resulted in improved practices and lost production, sick leave, compensation, fines and site at www.gbgb.org.co.uk this prestigious award.’ court cases.’

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Following initial consultations with ● The Government’s proposal to document, but for those who have The Bingo Association and visits to a introduce a gross profits tax, similar not, copies are still available from number of bingo clubs, HM Customs to those introduced for betting and HM Customs and Excise offices taxation in order to identify a system and Excise has decided to issue a pools taxation. at New King’s Beam House, that will deliver maximum net consultation document. ● What they believe the rate of this 22 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PJ benefits to the industry overall. As many of you in the industry new tax should be. (020 7865 4701) and from their It is anticipated that this work will already be aware, the ● Whether the Government should website www.hmce.gov.uk will be completed by mid-to-late- consultation document, entitled change the VAT treatment of par fees. The Bingo Association has been October and those wishing The Modernisation of Gambling ● How the Government should working hard on members’ behalf to respond to the consultation Taxes: Consultation on the Abolition define ‘gross profit’. to prepare for, and then make a individually may like to delay their of Bingo Duty, was made available at ● How the Government could reduce submission to, Customs and Excise. response until they have had the the beginning of September, marking compliance costs. A key part of this preparation has opportunity to consider the outcome the start of a two-month consultation ● When the reforms should be been a number of meetings with of The Henley Centre’s work. As period. During this time Customs introduced. representatives from Customs and soon as the report is completed, and Excise will be seeking the ● Whether there is any need Excise and the appointment of it will be made available on views of ‘bingo clubs, trade bodies, to review the current scope of The Henley Centre to work with The Bingo Association website their advisers, players and other bingo taxation. the Association. The Henley Centre (www.bingo-association.co.uk). interested parties’. The key areas Many people reading this may is carrying out a study that tests The deadline for consultation under consultation are: have already received a copy of the various models and scenarios for responses remains 31 October 2002.

Appointments Soccer Fan Calls The Right Number Bingo caller Sarah Downes Peter Cox has been appointed Director of Operations at showed her support for her GamCare to allow Paul Bellringer to take on the role of favourite ‘legs eleven’ when Chief Executive. she became a Paul Bellringer explained: ‘Significant interest to Soccerette for the day. establish a code is coming from operators of both Sarah, 23, from Nelson terrestrial and e-gaming applications and GamCare is near Abercynon, was fea- currently working with a number of them to establish tured on the Soccer a.m. tele- a realistic yet high standard for their venue or site. In vision programme wearing order that GamCare is able to respond to the increasing the shirt of her Premiership number of requests for help, we have adjusted the heroes Leeds United. organisation’s structure. The programme, a prelimi- ‘As Director of Operations, Peter Cox will be responsible nary to the afternoon’s big for the day-to-day running of GamCare. This will allow matches, interviews a differ- me, and other members of staff as appropriate, to ent girl every Saturday respond to this new challenge of assisting the gambling morning. Candidates have to happened really fast after Bingo caller Sarah (right) and her boss Carl Prosser. Sarah became a Soccerette on Sky industry to prepare for the new licence requirements.’ appear in a football shirt, that. By the Friday of that Sport’s Soccer a.m. TV show talk about their favourite week I was in London, and BACTA has appointed Phil Jarrold as Chief Executive team and tell the panel being interviewed in the appearing on the programme following the departure of Julien Rychlik. Jarrold has a about themselves. studio the next morning! It in my Leeds shirt might have background in the pools industry and is an experienced Sarah, who is the main was great fun.’ brought them some luck, but general manager. He has previously been Managing stage caller at the Top Ten Sarah’s whole family loves sadly it wasn’t to be. Director of various UK and European-owned companies Palace Bingo Club in Ystrad football – but that’s where Birmingham beat us 2-1.’ but for the last three years has been self-employed work- Mynach, is ’s third they start to differ. She sup- Sarah’s boss at the bingo ing as a consultant. Soccerette of the season. ports Leeds United, her club, Carl Prosser, said: Association President Keith Smith commented: ‘In She first wrote to the Soccer brother is a Coventry fan, her ‘Sarah’s a lovely girl and very welcoming the appointment of Phil Jarrold I must also a.m. show over a year ago. Mum cheers for Newcastle, popular with our members thank Julien Rychlik for his contribution to the Association She said: ‘I didn’t hear any- whilst her Dad’s loyalties lie here. Football team loyalties over the last three years, particularly the Gambling thing and I had forgotten all with Liverpool. Sarah told us: became irrelevant when we Review and for the growth of membership. BACTA faces about it. Then I got a phone ‘I’ve been to see Leeds play saw Sarah on the telly. She many future challenges that I am sure we will meet.’ call on a Wednesday to ask if five times but they’ve lost was the only one we cheered I was still interested. It all every time. I was hoping that for that day!’

4 news Electronic bingo at Mecca Electronic bingo will launch at Mecca Quay in Glasgow later this month, where there will be 60 electronic positions to play at in a specially designed ‘Electronic Bingo lounge’, complete with bar

Electronic Bingo is exactly ready to go. They won’t even • Once they have purchased that – bingo played need a dabber! their books they need to find electronically on a console a seat. rather than with conventional Playing electronic bingo • Once the card is entered books. Instead of buying • When customers arrive into the console it will ask bingo books, customers use in the Electronic Lounge, customers for their pin their membership card to they make their way to the number. purchase bingo games, find customer service point. • In order to play, they then a seat in the Electronic Bingo • Their membership card is select the appropriate Lounge and then they’re topped up and they are screen, Cashline, main-stage ready to play the bingo and so on. National Game, Link • Each time a number A member of staff shows a player how to get to grips with the new electric bingo console Games and all main- is called, the customer stage bingo games. touches anywhere on the • Collecting winnings, which the card is removed. Players • They will need screen and the ticket will are paid directly onto cards. can then service their card to remember to top be automatically marked. • Withdrawing winnings or (top up, collect winnings and up their card to topping up the card at so on) at any of the service Cashline too. The Electronic Bingo service points. points. It is Mecca’s intention card has a number of other After the session has to roll out this exciting new Screen star: electronic bingo is easy to play, and also fulfils a uses, including: finished, the ‘leave’ icon is way to play bingo across number of added functions • Obtaining statements. pressed on the screen and its estate.

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The Roll of Honour Whoever wins the competition and claims the title will know they have beaten some of the finest bingo callers in the country. The roll of honour, detailing those who made it to the Regional Finals, names 25 of the best and their Clubs. Well done to them all.

Regional Finalists Scotland John Walsh Gala, Dundee James Cook Mecca, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh James O’Kane Gala, Glenrothes Ian Carroll Gala, Kilmarnock Roy Cunningham Gala, Falkirk

North Karen Winstone Walkers, Selby Andy Tate Testos, Durham Brian Gillatt Gala, Burnley Jason Dale Top Ten, Cumbria Patrick Bowler Gala, Morecambe

Midlands Max Rayner Mecca, Norwich Crystal Lucas Palais, Nottingham Peter Winterton Gala, Wednesbury Kelvyn Davies Mecca, Stoke Ryan Jackson Gala, Hereford

Wales Peter Lewis Castle, Newport Road, Cardiff Paul Stephenson Empire Bingo, Neath Well done!: Last year’s Bingo Caller of the Year winner Alan Stockdale congratulates Ian Carroll on his victory in the Peter Wilson Mecca, Cwmbran Scottish Bingo Caller of the Year regional final Colin Baker Castle, Canton, Cardiff Tricia Keen Gala Club, Cardiff

South Ricky Denton Mecca, Wood Green The Industry’s Finest John Clarke Club Grand, Bournemouth o Continued from Page 1 Dawn Milton Mecca, Harlow, Essex help callers and players at all the regional finals.’ with the title! Mike Barnes Leo Leisure, Eastleigh, Hants regional heats keep their As those chosen As an ambassador to Graham Wibrew Gala, Crawley vocal cords ready for action. from the regional the bingo industry, the For the first time in the his- finals count down the winner will be trained as a Regional Hosts tory of the competition there days to the grand media spokesperson and, The judges would like to thank the following clubs was a lady caller in every final in London in during their year of office, will that hosted the regional finals and all the staff at regional final, with the excep- November, they be invited to take part in TV these clubs who made everyone very welcome and gave tion of Scotland. can dream about and radio interviews to talk their assistance. Event organiser and judge taking the title about the industry. Gloria Pattinson said: ‘The and winning the In the meantime, the five Carlton Bingo Club, Livingston standard of competitors gets fantastic prize of a luxury finalists (who were being Cosmo Bingo Club, Stalybridge better every year. We see holiday in Los Angeles and selected as this issue went to Walkers Bingo, Mansfield entrants from previous years Las Vegas where they may press) need to focus on what Castle Bingo, Bridgend who show new confidence get the chance to call a the judges will be looking for: Gala, Brighton gained from the experience game in a Vegas casino – that special X factor, which of having been in the compe- and where they might also puts one person head and ● Look out for full coverage of the Final tition before; but it’s also nice choose to blow the £500 shoulders above another. We in the next issue of Bingo Link. to see lots of new faces in spending money that comes wish them all good luck.

6 news Global gaming expo

o Continued from Page 1 Testing times: Visitors to Executive Paul Talboys the Expo event in Las Vegas attended this year's event, were tempted to try the new machines and formats along with a number of other UK delegates from the bingo and gaming sectors, and was pleased to see that exhibition space.’ conference and seminar now making possible.’ bingo had at last been ‘The exhibition itself pro- programmes.’ Machines were also singled out for some special vides a good overview of He continued: ‘It is a key area of the exhi- and positive treatment. what is new. This year it was clear the UK is not the only bition, with all present ‘Seeing an entire section clear that many companies country whose gaming laws nies are to have a fair showing the latest for- given over purely to bingo is had been refining their need updating and amend- chance in this online market, mats available and contribut- a great boost to those products and services, and ing. The advent of gaming it is vital that de-regulation ing considerably to the noise involved in the business,’ he further integrating the use of (gambling, rather than con- here in the UK is thorough and flashing light factor. said, ‘as, for a great many computer based technology.’ sole playing) on the internet, and exact.Like many other years, casinos have been ‘Legislation was also a is something that has very countries, we have legal def- ● Further details of this seen to be the main players. strong theme which evidently clearly highlighted the anom- initions set 50 to 60 years ago event can be found on the The Bingo Pavilion covered needs to be addressed, as it alies that exist around the that are just unable to accom- G2E 2002 web site at nearly a third of the entire appeared in both the main world. If UK-based compa- modate what technology is www.globalgamingexpo.com

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The majority of Over the past few years the bingo mixed notes is likely to increase dra- range of AWP machines supplied to gaming and industry has changed radically. Not matically. This is set to cause similar bingo clubs. Leisure Link customers gambling activity only by trying to attract a younger problems to those experienced with are offered machines on rental, with remains cash based, customer base, but by the masses of coin counting before machines were the benefit of not having to sign up hi-tech wizardry that has been intro- introduced. However, the problem of for long-term leases. Clubs also which can be both a duced into clubs to make the running counterfeiting is also a far greater receive a share of the convenience blessing and a blight. of a bingo session smoother and issue with notes. fee charged to customers for using But as debit and more efficient. Those clubs partici- Cummins-Allison has produced the the machines. credit cards, online pating in the National Game and JETSCAN, with counterfeit detection, ATMs offer bingo players a conve- gaming and the Dream Ticket will already be aware to count and sort mixed notes in one nient way to access their cash at a security issues of of the automated cash reconciliation easy operation. It is ideal for count- time and place to suit themselves. cash lead us towards service that is offered alongside ing money from a note acceptor or From the operators point of view, these games and the benefits that change machine and can operate ATMs help boost profits as any virtual and plastic electronic reconciliation can bring. independently or linked to a JET- money withdrawn from a machine in money, how much The handling of cash and the SORT or existing software. a club, is likely to be spent there. longer will cash integration of cash management Developments have not only affect- Scott Tod Developments, which has remain king? systems has become an area of con- ed how cash handling is managed by been working with the bingo sector siderable importance to cash-based businesses, but have also had a for over 20 years, has also recog- businesses such as bingo. As tech- huge impact on how cash is dis- nised the value of resident ATMs to nology has improved and customers pensed and obtained by the leisure sector. have demanded more, standards have risen among suppliers. One supplier, Cummins-Allison, has gone ATMs have had a huge from strength to strength and now supplies around 95% of bingo clubs impact on the relationship in the UK. When it was first introduced over people have with their cash ten years ago, Cummins-Allison’s JETSORT range revolutionised the customers. There is an entire gener- In a period of rapid change, where process of cash counting within ation out there who know nothing of new technology brings an ever- clubs. Machine collection was the Friday afternoon queue at the increasing spectrum of leisure activi- drastically reduced both in terms bank to get cash for the weekend ties, Scott Tod Developments has of time and manpower. As their and who can't conceive of life without continually been impressed with the reputation for producing the Hole-in-the-wall and 24-7 world- professional and ambitious strategies durable, reliable and hard- wide access to cash. working machines grew, so Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) did their customer base within have had a huge impact on the rela- the bingo industry. JETSORT tionship people have with their cash. has moved with the times, They have also enabled people to be and current machines have a far more impulsive about what they touch screen, exact bag stops wish to spend, where, when and and, among other features, the how. A considerable number of busi- ability to download a count directly nesses, in a range of sectors, have into a PC, offering massive time found their success is greatly influ- savings to the operator as well as enced by their proximity to an ATM. reducing the human error factor. Leisure Link, the largest leisure The most popular model within machine management company in bingo clubs is the 4200, which the UK, believes bingo clubs are no counts and sorts mixed coins at exception and can boost their income 3,000 coins per minute. by installing ATMs on their premises. The coin-ops sector is also now They have added ATMs to their port- starting to see machines with note folio of products to complement the

acceptors. As these become more Left: An Automated Teller Machine (ATM), ideal for commonplace, the amount of clubs. Right: The popular 4200 counting machine

8 features

Left: Some clubs prefer to use the more compact 1000 model which counts mixed coins at half the speed, but takes up less space

All this technology, delivering great results, might also increase that well known problem of the customer who fills their machines with loads of cred- its just before closing. The problems associated with ask- ing players to leave machines are well known; however, Coincheck Electronics have the technology! The RF is a device that disables the coin mechanism and prevents it from accepting any more coins. The unit is attached to the coin mechanism of a gaming machine that can be disabled via a radio signal. Although the RF units would need to be fitted to every single coin mecha- laid down by the leading bingo oper- vice that we provide in operating our covers cash handling products, such nism, it could give the operator the ators. Scott Tod Developments’ machines with full service and main- as ATMs, cashless systems and ability to prevent players from filling Managing Director Nicholas Tod tenance guarantees is also proving note/coin sorting equipment. Clients up machines with credits five minutes says: ‘We are delighted that the lead- to be very popular with other compa- for ATMs include Scottish & before premises are due to close. ing players in the leisure industry nies, as we are able to ensure Newcastle, Megabowl, Georgica and This simple piece of technology could such as Gala, Mecca and Shipleys minimal downtimes of machines.’ Bass – all of whom are realising the eliminate some of the problems asso- continue to buy our machines over The range of equipment currently increased revenue potential of ATMs ciated with closing time, though not our competitors. The additional ser- offered by Scott Tod Developments on their sites. all. Happy counting!

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Our comprehensive range includes: • Household goods • Kitchen equipment • Branded electrical goods • Lighting • Clocks • Glassware • Toys • Branded clothing and accessories • Famous name sunglasses • Porcelain dolls • Famous name fragrances • & much much more… Top quality gold and silver jewellery Watches by Seconda, Umbro, Avia, Zeon, Carvel and Accurist Glass cabinets available Conditions Apply

Contact: Leon / Gerald Summers 01606 351333 Fax order hot line: 01606 352652 We promise fast delivery Phone lines open every day 7.30am to 7pm Our commitment to quality and Just Everything Ltd: P. O. Box 115 Northwich service is your guarantee Cheshire Sales positions now available, call for more information! CW9 7FT features Just the ticket for Bingo bride As well as crossing off the days to As we went to press Alison, 30, her wedding, a Winsford bride-to-be and husband-to-be Ray Waldecker, was crossing off numbers on a bingo 37, were looking forward to tying the ticket when she chose to hold her knot at Rookery Hall, near Nantwich. hen party at a bingo club. Bingo-mad Alison tells us she was Alison O’Mara, from Wharton in even thinking of popping into the Cheshire, invited 35 friends to join club on her big day for a quick game. her at her favourite nearby night She said: ‘We’re off to Portugal for spot, The Top Ten Club in Dingle our honeymoon. I’m going to miss a Lane, Winsford, to share her whole week of bingo! I don’t know if favourite pastime – bingo. they play bingo there but I’ll find a The club pulled out all the stops to game if I can!’ make sure Alison’s special evening Ray, a logistics manager, who met went with a swing. The girls took his future wife over ten years ago at over the balcony area where club a night club in Winsford, also plays manager David Ryder laid on the bingo with her occasionally. It was bubbly and presented Alison with about bingo. I love it. It’s the best Centre: Bride-to-be Alison O’Mara celebrating her hen night Ray’s mum who first introduced with a game of Bingo at the Top Ten Club in Winsford. A flowers and wedding presents. night out ever! I’ve been playing great night was had by all! Alison to the Dingle Lane club. And Alison’s friends didn’t go home since I was a kid and I get withdraw- Club manager David Ryder said empty-handed. Several of the party al symptoms if I miss a week. night. Everybody said what a brilliant of the evening: ‘This was the first hit the jackpot, taking away a total of ‘A few of the party are regular play- idea it was. They didn’t even mind hen party we’d hosted and we all over £500 in prize money. ers and were able to show the oth- me telling them they could only laugh enjoyed it as much as Alison and Alison, a Production Administration ers – I call them the bingo virgins – during the intervals. I didn’t want her friends did. It was a novel idea Officer who is at the club every how to mark their cards. I was a bit them getting me barred because they and we did our best to make it a Friday night, said: ‘I’m just mad nervous about it but we had a great were making too much noise!’ night to remember.’

PH Toys Ltd are proud to announce they have joined forces with some of the major worldwide “players” in the plush and giftware industry This brings the benefits of sole UK distribution, to include, Nintendo, Super Nintendo and “Classic Characters” as well as Disney families new and traditional, mixed juniors, Franklin the friendly tortoise, Bob the Builder and the unforgettable “PINK PANTHER”. All this along with our existing Looney Tunes, Southpark, Bubblegum, Sony Playstation characters, and generic plush and giftware to name but a few. We have secured a very strong and healthy position from which to cater for your every need, small enough to move with the latest trends and fashionable crazes but now with the backing of huge licences to support you and regularly supply you. Our proactive sales support both external and internal will be contacting all of our existing customers to pass on this good news but we more than welcome all enquiries. So why not move into the “Pink” with PH Toys Ltd and contact us now. Telephone – 01724 290640, Fax – 01724 868582, Email – [email protected] features Fantastic fundraisers go for the Macmillan million! The first week of November sees Dr Winnie Ewing, MSP,presents Lossiemouth Quayside Bingo Club with their Macmillan Fundraising Award the third Game for Life Week get underway, with bingo clubs dimension to its fundraising this throughout the UK raising money year, with a ten-kilometre fun run for The Bingo Association’s current along Blackpool’s famous seafront. charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Gala clubs are also going a step Relief. Clubs will be organising free further, pledging £1 to Macmillan games with ‘Bertie the Bingo Beagle’ for every single club admission as a cuddly prize, and players on Monday 11 November. making donations to Macmillan. If you are taking part in Game for This is just the start for many clubs, Life Week, why not try something who will be organising other activities new this year? Every extra penny such as kiss the caller, fancy dress raised will bring us a little bit closer nights, bed pushes and pub crawls. to our target of £1 million for people Quayside Club in Lossiemouth, with cancer. winner of one of last year’s explained James Allan, the club’s fundraising awards, has already director. ‘In one day we raised more If you have any questions about held a fun day for its members and than £1,400 towards Game for Life.’ Game for Life Week, please speak to their children. ‘There were stalls and The Rank Group, owner of Mecca Fiona Jackson or Catherine Fleuret games of all kinds, and even a disco,’ Bingo Clubs, added an extra on 020 7840 4648/9 competitions

Last issue’s winners Win a fantastic Firm support furry friend! Paul Ryan from Beach Bingo Club in Denny, N G Griffiths from Argos Social Club Llanelli and Stuart Morton from the Beach Bingo Club in North Shields have all won a McKenzie Super Roll back support.

New home for Chuckie Rug Rats favourite, Chuckie, will be settling into his new home with Gary Oakes from the Cosmo Eccles Bingo Club . What a picture! Dave Jackson from the Astoria Bingo Club We’ve got two very colourful If you would like to ‘adopt’ in Hull will be snap happy when he receives characters looking for new either Spiro or Cobra, send his new camera, perfect for capturing those your name, address and club Game for Life Week moments. homes. Spiro the dragon and name to: Cobra the snake are up for PH Toys Offer, Bingo Link, Many Thanks to Mobilis Health Lexham House, 75 High Street, Care, PMS International and grabs courtesy of PH Toys Ltd. Dunstable, Beds LU6 1JF Just Everything for providing This cuddly duo are part of the such great prizes and their ● The winner will be selected continued support of Bingo Link. extensive range of plush toys at random and entries must be featured in the PH Toys range. received by 15 December 2002 BINGO CALLER OF THE YEAR 2002 National Final 24th November 2002 Mecca, Wandsworth, London

Do you have any news The BINGO Shop items or features that Suppliers of Bingo & Gaming Accessories you would like to see ✰ Our famous Bingo Bags - made in the USA arrivedJust from the in Bingo Link? ✰ Character Dabbers incl.Santa, USA - first time snowman and the popular to hit the UK Romeo ✰ Bingo Jackets, Aprons, market Please e-mail shoppers - stock too numerous to mention Rosemarie Teece at You name it – we can supply it! [email protected] All private and trade enquiries to: Paul or Karen Friday on:  Tel: 01253 592414 Mob: 07787 541303 Fax: 01253 594427 Next issue published http://www.thebingoshop.com email: [email protected] January 2003 Marylands, 50 Bispham Road, Blackpool, Lancs FY2 OSX England