I was a bingo virgin until last weekend, when my friend decided that it would be a brilliant idea to head down to Gala for her 24th birthday outing. A slightly unconventional choice, yes, but it was SO much fun. True, the flowing gin and white wine helped significantly to make it a fabulous day, but if you've never played bingo on this scale before, then you have got give it a go.
It may have been because we were feeling particularly giggly and excitable when we got there, but the staff on the front desk didn't really seem that helpful and we had to get a third person to explain the rules to us when we got into the main hall. Eventually though, we got the rules straight and the bingo began. I swear, my heart was beating so hard with all the excitement (they go so fast!) that I was quite exhausted at the end of each round. We laughed the whole way through, but I feel I must warn you that some people take it frighteningly seriously. We even witnessed an out-and-out Jeremy Kyle-style fight between the bingo caller and a woman who apparently didn't shout loud enough to stop the game. Rule No. 1 - SCREAM if you win.
Drink and food prices are immensely cheap at £2.70 for a 187ml bottle of wine (Blossom Hill signature white, oh yes) and £2.75 for sausage and chips. You can't go wrong really. Unless you hate greasy, canteen-style food of no discernible nutritional value. In that case, I'd bring a packed lunch.
At £9 for five afternoon games, it's pretty good value for such a laugh as we had. We're already planning our next outing. We might even win something next time. read more
