Bingo: 'The biggest thing I missed during lockdown'
Laurence Cawley
BBC News
BBCCopyright: BBC
Bob and Margaret Lusher say they have hugely missed their bingo outingsImage caption: Bob and Margaret Lusher say they have hugely missed their bingo outings
Margaret and Bob Lusher are regulars who come from Norwich to Great Yarmouth for their bingo outings. And they were back today.
"It is a friendly club," says Mr Lusher, sitting at one of the tables inside The Palace at Great Yarmouth.
"We've missed it so much - our friends, the bingo, everything. I have missed this more than the shops," says Mrs Lusher.
"I would rather come here than go shopping."
"It is the biggest thing I've missed during lockdown," says Mr Lusher.
Asked what he most wanted from his visit, Mr Rusher says: "A win. That would be nice."
"And to see our friends," says Mrs Lusher. "We've not seen them for about six months."
Dancing Queen, 17. For Bingo fans 17 May has finally arrived, meaning they can once again step inside their beloved halls and get their eyes down on the cards.
The BBC is at a Bingo hall in Great Yarmouth finding out what a post-lockdown game looks like and what it means to those taking part.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Customers return to the Palace in Great YarmouthImage caption: Customers return to the Palace in Great Yarmouth
Patrick Duffy, managing director at The Palace, says: "We've had hundreds of phone calls and the relief with people is incredible.
"There was so much sadness when we closed. People were very worried and concerned. Everybody is very enthusiastic.
"The bulk of our customers are regulars. We know nearly every customer and often their children and grandchildren as well."
Live Reporting
Caroline Kingdon
All times stated are UK
Video caption: Adrian Forbes: 'I'm here as a role model to help black coaches'Adrian Forbes: 'I'm here as a role model to help black coaches' 
BBCCopyright: BBC Bob and Margaret Lusher say they have hugely missed their bingo outingsImage caption: Bob and Margaret Lusher say they have hugely missed their bingo outings 
BBCCopyright: BBC Customers return to the Palace in Great YarmouthImage caption: Customers return to the Palace in Great Yarmouth 
Video caption: Matt Hancock 'looking closely' at rebuilding King's Lynn hospitalMatt Hancock 'looking closely' at rebuilding King's Lynn hospital 
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Read moreBingo: 'The biggest thing I missed during lockdown'
Laurence Cawley
BBC News
Margaret and Bob Lusher are regulars who come from Norwich to Great Yarmouth for their bingo outings. And they were back today.
"It is a friendly club," says Mr Lusher, sitting at one of the tables inside The Palace at Great Yarmouth.
"We've missed it so much - our friends, the bingo, everything. I have missed this more than the shops," says Mrs Lusher.
"I would rather come here than go shopping."
"It is the biggest thing I've missed during lockdown," says Mr Lusher.
Asked what he most wanted from his visit, Mr Rusher says: "A win. That would be nice."
"And to see our friends," says Mrs Lusher. "We've not seen them for about six months."
You can read about who joined them with dabbers at the ready, here.
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By Laura Devlin and Laurence Cawley
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Read moreBingo fans head back to their halls
Laurence Cawley
BBC News
Dancing Queen, 17. For Bingo fans 17 May has finally arrived, meaning they can once again step inside their beloved halls and get their eyes down on the cards.
The BBC is at a Bingo hall in Great Yarmouth finding out what a post-lockdown game looks like and what it means to those taking part.
Patrick Duffy, managing director at The Palace, says: "We've had hundreds of phone calls and the relief with people is incredible.
"There was so much sadness when we closed. People were very worried and concerned. Everybody is very enthusiastic.
"The bulk of our customers are regulars. We know nearly every customer and often their children and grandchildren as well."
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