Bingo Caller gets an Award

Blanche Gibbs, a 78 year old bingo caller, has been fund raising for the last 11 years and has now been officially recognised for her work. Over this time she has managed to raise more than £30,000, and has been called a ‘community star’ for her efforts.

Mrs Gibbs has organised a string of charity nights in Ludham Church near Great Yarmouth, where people take part in bingo games and she acts as the bingo caller. In this time she has helped the Air Ambulance and several charities, voluntary groups and schools.

Her charity work began in August 1999 when she decided to raise funds for the Air Ambulance, following an incident where a young boy was knocked down by a car in Stalham. “When I started 11 years ago I never thought I would still be going today” she said, but since that first event she has organised over 100 bingo nights. Mrs Gibbs buys all the prizes herself as well as calling the numbers, and she has had up to 50 people at her nights.

This week her work was officially recognised by Norman Lamb, the MP for North Norfolk, who presented her with a MP’s Heroes Award. He also praised her work, saying; “She is a remarkable woman and a real star. She is an absolute example to us all for putting others before herself – while entertaining a lot of people on the way.”

Although many people her age and younger would be looking for an easy life as the years advance Mrs Gibbs has a different view on things, and says; “I hope to keep going until I am 100 at least. The reason I think the bingo nights are popular is because it gives people somewhere to go and socialise and have fun.” Her next charity event will be on 22nd June, and is again hoping for a good turnout.

Brought to you by London Bingo News

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