Bingo scores a multi-cultural “full house” at sheltered scheme

Published by kerri smith for Wellingborough Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Bingo and cream teas helped bring older people together from different cultures at a sheltered housing scheme near Wellingborough.

The multi-cultural event, organised by Wellingborough Homes, was held at Barringers Court in Irchester.

Asian residents from the Gharana Nivas sheltered scheme, in Wellingborough, were welcomed by members of Wellingborough Homes’ “50 Plus Group”.

Residents mingled, chatted, played bingo, enjoyed cups of tea and made new friends at the event, which aimed to share each other’s food and cultures.

Di Bradbury, Community Involvement Officer at Wellingborough Homes, said: “Everyone had a great afternoon and really enjoyed themselves.

“A lot of the Asian residents had never played bingo before so it was a real eye-opener for them, but they loved it and have decided to get themselves a bingo machine so they can play it at home.

“We ran the event as something a bit different, to build links with other housing schemes and as an opportunity for residents to make new friends and learn about different foods and cultures.

“It follows a visit our residents made to Gharana Nivas last June, when they tried out Asian cooking and activities.

“Both visits have been such a success that we hope to carry on having events like this and strengthening our links with Gharana.”