Norfolk nostalgia: Old photos of local bingo halls

It is said to have historic roots in 16th-century Italy, but the version of the game we play in the 21st century is more modern - apparently arriving in Great Britain in the 1700s.

But today we are taking a trip down memory lane to more recent decades with these old photos of Norfolk bingo halls in days gone by.

The summer season Yarmouth in late July 1960. On the seafront a bingo caller is surrounded by a sea of solemn faces checking their cards. (Image: Newsquest)

Swaffham couple Nick Poole and Tracy Bond at the Mecca Bingo in Norwich. Date: July 1993. (Image: Newsquest)

Perhaps you used to visit some of the dedicated venues for playing bingo that sprung up in the 1950s and 1960s.

Or maybe you used to play bingo at your local school or village hall during fundraisers, where you couldn't help but feel the volunteer caller was making up their own slang for each number as they went along.

A player receives a cheque for winning the National Golden Scoop prize playing bingo in 1965 (Image: Newsquest)

Players sat at their tables in the Mecca Bingo hall in Norwich. Date: 1993. (Image: Newsquest)

Either way, we hope you enjoy these delightful old photos from our archive and that they bring back happy memories.

Let us know in the comments section below.  

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Looking over the TOp Rank bingo hall on All Saints Green in Norwich. Date: March 1983. (Image: Newsquest)

Bingo fans settle down for an evening of entertainment at Mecca Bingo in Norwich. Date: April 1997. (Image: Newsquest)

Max Rayner call numbers at Mecca Bingo in Norwich. Date: 1997. (Image: Newsquest)

Bingo players in Norfolk. Date: April 1975. (Image: Newsquest)