Where to start? Probably at the beginning. MC Regan Dooley kicked off the evening setting out the plans for the night to a small but tight group of BNU club members and off-siders. It was to be a busy night with not only three action packed rounds of bingo to get through but also the inaugural BNU Zimmerframe Shootout and inaugural BNU Arm-Wrestling Championships. There were also 24 raffles plus a competition for the best dressed pensioner. And what would a bingo night be without the requisite meat pack raffle?

Demand far outstripped supply for the first round of bingo with half the room missing out on a card. A riot was only narrowly avoided by the promise of a rationing of cards for rounds 2 and 3. Big Mo had the honour as first guest caller for the night and Sandy Aitchison lead out the night as the first big winner.

The inaugural Zimmerframe Shootout was next up and it will live long in the memory for the skill level and competitiveness on show. After five rounds of cut and thrust, Jacob Fleming from the Pterodactyls edged out Sam Morris from the Pints for the coveted title of BNU Inaugural Zimmerframe Shootout champion. As well as the plaudits and respect of the entire club Jacob was rewarded with a bottle of wine. And a first team contract.

Round two of the bingo quickly followed with guest caller, Paul Wilson, all the way from Leeds. With translation assistance from Terry this round was taken out by Stu McAndrew.

Next up was the arm-wrestling. Terry Parle officiated both the men’s and women’s competitions with Nick Mooney out-lasting Brent Watson to take out the men’s title. Cushla Lichtwark bossed the women’s competition. A battle of the titans between the men’s and women’s champions was proposed but Nick had made himself very scarce so Cush was awarded the overall title in his absence.

Cushla also went close in the Best Dressed Pensioner competition but was pipped by Bronwyn Kelly in her pink ‘Paris’ woolen blouse and cream slack combination. Practical but so very stylish.

The evening was wrapped up with the third round of bingo. Guest caller for this one was Andy Cochrane who put on an inspired and educational call. Winner of this one was Chris Mooney. Taking out the big prize here might have gone some way to helping Chris put his ignominious defeat to his brother in the arm-wrestling behind him.

Thanks to all those who donated prizes including New Balance, YHA, Hog’s Breath Café, Maranui Café, Civic Video, Randwick Meats, Reading Cimemas, Keith Allan and Terry Parle.

See you all next year.