Listen to this article:Earlier this month, George Harmer from Salisbury bingo player celebrated his 100th birthday by doing one of the things he loves most: playing bingo with his wife.
George is the longest-serving member of St Paul’s Club on Devizes Road and to mark his centenary, he was joined there by his fellow members, friends, and family. St Paul’s Club is a social venue that regularly holds events, such as comedy nights, raffles and, of course, bingo. It offers its members facilities, including a fully stocked bar and games like darts and pool.
The birthday boy was treated like a celebrity by all those present and he brought along his medals from World War II as well as his card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The club presented him with a specially made cake and Lisa Davies, from St Paul’s Club, said: “We at St Paul’s Club wish you a very Happy birthday, George and hope you have had the most wonderful day.”
The tradition of sending congratulatory messages to those celebrating significant birthdays and anniversaries from the British monarch began in 1917 during the reign of King George V. The tradition was started as a gesture of goodwill designed to boost morale during World War I and to help build a closer connection between the monarchy and the public.
Initially, the King sent telegrams to congratulate people on reaching their 100th birthday and to couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries. Over time, this was expanded from 100th birthdays to include 105th birthdays as well as to couples who are celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries.
The messages are no longer sent as telegrams but rather as modern cards. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, roughly 1.3 million cards were sent from Buckingham Palace to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries across the UK, Commonwealth and British Overseas Territories.
As people live longer, the number of cards sent has grown. In 1917, King George V sent out 24 telegrams to people celebrating their 100th birthdays. In 1952, the year Elizabeth II became queen, 273 telegrams were sent. By 2014, the office responsible for sending out the cards hired extra staff, as approximately 7,500 cards were being sent each year.
You don’t have to be turning 100 to celebrate your birthday with bingo. Many bingo clubs and online bingo sites offer players treats on their birthdays.
For instance, online players at Mecca Bingo can enjoy a birthday treat by playing the pick-a-pressie game during the month of their birthday. Simply choose a present to unwrap an instant prize. The prizes include free spins that come with no wagering requirements.
Similarly, many bingo clubs across the UK run special promotions for players celebrating their birthdays. In the past, Buzz Bingo has offered free games to those celebrating and it is always worth checking your local bingo club to see if there are any special offers. In addition to free bingo games, you may come across free or discounted food and drink to help you have the perfect birthday bingo night out.
Of course, you could decide to run a bingo-themed birthday party of your own. There is plenty of scope for bingo-themed decorations bingo games, and what better way to give presents than through bingo games? It is guaranteed to be a fantastic party – just look at George Harmer enjoying bingo at 100.
If you start young enough, you could be enjoying bingo-themed birthdays for 80 years or more. What better motivation could there be for reaching your next birthday?
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