Mecca Bingo Hall: The Luckiest Hall Around?
22nd October, 2007
The Forge Mecca Bingo Hall may have 2500 filled seats, but you’d never guess it if you walked in with your eyes-closed. Once the playing begins, silence falls over this massive venue as newcomers and regulars alike hope to call “house” on number one in the Mecca Millionaire game.
Since recent winners Margaret Shearer, 46 and Jean McCullagh, 69 became the first two bingo millionaires of Britain, Forge Mecca has felt like the luckiest bingo hall in the world. Although controversy surrounds the division of McCullagh’s winnings (see our 17 October article), that doesn’t seem to put a damper on the positive mood of the bingo hall lately. There is such an air of excitement surrounding the bingo hall now, as people arrive nightly hoping to become the third child of lady-luck. Forge Manager Grant Munro is conviced that a third winner will appear sooner than later, knowing full well how profitable his bingo hall has been:
“It’s the busiest bingo hall in the country, and wins more than its fair share…we have won the National Game 22 times this year.”
So what is the big draw to this hall—and bingo in itself? Sure, the millions are great to dream of winning, but that doesn’t explain why Margaret Shearer still comes back three times a week after she became a millionaire. For Shearer, among others including Jean Docherty, it’s not always just about winning.
“I come for a night out,” said Docherty. “ I have won wee lines here and there but nothing big. I was here last Friday (when Jean McCullagh won) and it was brilliant. Everybody clapped when she won. We all wish it was us but I really enjoy the buzz of playing, that's the reason I come every week."
For the many regulars that keep coming back, although it’s a fun, social atmosphere, some take it more seriously than their day job. Everywhere you look, good luck charms are in front of hopefuls, ranging from Shearer’s Buddha statue to an urn containing the ashes of a loved one. For some, including 22 year-old Nicola Hughes, it’s not about what you bring, but where you sit.
“I come all the time, twice a week, sometimes more,” Hughes explained. “But once you pick your seat, you never move.”
For more information on Forge Mecca Bingo Hall, visit Mecca Bingo Online.
