New Look For Bingo Players

Having some where you can relax with friends and have fun is important at any age but when you start to hit the golden years in life, it is even more important to be able to have a place that you can mix and mingle. This is why day centres, community halls and any other place where senior citizens can congregate without having to spend too much money are very important for the local community. Sadly, market forces and basic economics mean that it is becoming harder and harder for these clubs and halls to remain open but there is a growing awareness of the importance of these halls to people.

Bingo is a treat for many

An example of the willingness to support the life of these halls and centres can be found in Hailsham where last week, a grand re-opening ceremony took place. The Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field is an extremely popular day centre for people who are 55 and over. On Thursday the 26^th of January, over 30 people came along for the grand re-opening of the hall which plays host to the Age Concern Hailsham, Hellingly and Herstmonceux groups and which had been closed down over the festive period. A number of dignitaries including the deputy town mayor and the Hailsham branch president of Age Concern were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A lot of success in its time

The hall was initially opened in 1987 so it has a fine pedigree and has worked hard to provide important services to local elderly residents. There is no doubt that bingo has been at the forefront of the services provided by the centre but it is far from the only entertainment being laid on by the club. The club has a total of 450 members and is serviced by 60 volunteers giving up their time to ensure that a great time is had by all. With cooked lunches, beauty treatments, social galas and a charity shop all operating from the hall, there are more than enough ways for people to mingle with other people from a similar background to them.

The hall is open on week days between 9.30am and 4pm every day and hot meals are served every day. Bingo is a regular afternoon activity alongside line dancing, indoor curling, mat bowling and even live performances from musical acts. It seems as though there is a lot going on in Hailsham and bingo lovers will definitely be happy.