Grantham family hosts street bingo sessions for charity

A Grantham family have been hosting street bingo sessions to raise money for charity.

John Barwell, of Houghton Road, along with his children Yasmin, Connor and Evie, hosted bingo games on the 75th anniversary of VE Day last month and again on Bank Holiday Monday last week, with plans to host more.

Residents up and down the street joined in the games as well as donating several prizes.

John said: “The road has got a WhatsApp group set up in case anyone needs any shopping or help with anything. One evening I posted about bingo and the response was great.

“We have raised £300 so far but we are hoping to hit the £500 mark.”

They donated £150 of the funds raised to Grantham Care Packages (GCP), who deliver food and essential items to the elderly and vulnerable in the town.

Ian Haynes, who set up GCP with Emma Emms and her husband Danny, said: “We don’t like asking for donations but funds are low so this was a real boost.

“We had 20 bags for Saturday to deliver and it helped us restock the packages again.

“Thank you Houghton Road on behalf of us all at Grantham Care Packages.”

The next game is on Saturday, June 13, in Dysart Park with social distancing in place.

John added: “Anybody is welcome to come and have a game. Tickets will be on sale on the day but we haven’t decided on a time yet.”