The bingo clubs may be closed – but look how Doncaster residents are getting their fix

Families on two streets in Askern joined forces with a loud public address system to play a game of prize bingo, with the money raised going to help old folk in a nearby home.

The outdoor game, which ran the length of both Manor Road and Green Lane, was run by Kim Jobes, who usually runs the pensioners’ bingo sessions at the China Cottage care home, in Carcroft, and Hilary Walker.

With the sessions at the home on hold due to social isolation at present, the pair put together a large scale game with residents on the two streets gathering in their front gardens to hear the numbers read out.

Kerri Gillispie, who is also involved in organising the events, said: “It was brilliant. We’re on a T-junction between Manor Road and Green Lane, and we got out a sound system and microphones. There were people relaying the calls from Manor Road where it was getting too quiet.

“I think people just enjoyed getting some fresh air. We’re hoping to do it every week, and perhaps link it in with the weekly applause for the NHS.

“Everyone was just sitting in their gardens or at the kerbside in front of their homes. People got out camping tables and garden chairs. We put the cards on people’s walls, and they left money on there. There was hand sanitiser out too.”

As well as plans to run sessions weekly, there is talk of running a game on May 8 for the anniversary of VE Day, as part of a sort of socially isolated street

party.

The first game this week raised £221, which will be donated to the China Cottage residents fund.

There are also plans to put together a scrap book for the home to show them that people are thinking of them, and a pen pals scheme has been suggested involving children from the village writing to the residents.

“We’re living in strange times,” said Kerri. “But we feel that if we can spread some joy and happiness to people at the moment, lets do it.”

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