Askham Village Community kicked off December with a heartwarming evening of festive excitement at its Christmas Bingo Night, held on Sunday, 7th December at Doddington Village Hall. With a fantastic turnout and an atmosphere full of laughter, cheers and friendly competition, the event successfully raised funds in support of Askham’s Residents’ Fund. Generous prize donations, enthusiastic supporters and a joyful sense of togetherness made the night a wonderful celebration of community spirit. Continue reading to discover the highlights from this memorable festive evening.

A warm and welcoming festive gathering

The evening opened with a cosy atmosphere as guests arrived, ready for festive fun and a chance to reconnect with friends, family and neighbours. Throughout the event, the hall buzzed with excitement as each round of Bingo brought cheers, laughter and friendly rivalry.

Reflecting on the night, Ella Cuthbert, Activities Coordinator at Askham, shared: “The Christmas Bingo Night felt incredibly special. Seeing the community come together, especially at this time of year, creates such a warm and uplifting atmosphere. The excitement during each round and the joy on everyone’s faces made all the planning worthwhile.”

Her words captured the spirit of the evening, which was filled with smiles and meaningful moments.

Supporting Askham’s Residents’ Fund

As a fundraiser, the event played an important role in supporting Askham’s Residents’ Fund, helping to provide enriching activities, outings and special experiences for those living within the community. The generous support and participation of everyone who attended were key to the event’s success and greatly appreciated.

Speaking about the importance of the event, Kelly Hayes, Activities Coordinator, said: “The energy in the hall was fantastic. It was lovely watching families, residents and local supporters enjoy the night together. The cheers when someone won and the smiles from people enjoying their prizes were highlights for me. Events like this remind us how important these moments of connection are, especially during the festive season.”

Fantastic prizes and generous community donations

A key highlight of the evening was the impressive range of hampers, vouchers and festive goodies donated by local businesses and supporters. These generous contributions helped create a wonderful display and added to the excitement of each Bingo win.

Donations included sweets from Nikki Man and the Greetings Shop in March, chocolates and alcohol from Creed, and vouchers from Cambridgeshire Hair and Beauty, Install Barbers, Riverside Chip Shop, Smashalicious, Rumbles Chip Shop and Treetops. Additional prizes were kindly provided by Alex (massage voucher), Shelley Brandon (hamper and voucher), and our enthusiastic Bingo caller, Robert Gay, whose lively presence helped bring the entire hall together.

Many guests commented on the fantastic quality of the prizes which is a true reflection of the generosity of the local community.

A celebration of togetherness and festive spirit

The Christmas Bingo Night offered more than just games and prizes. It created a space for togetherness, shared laughter and meaningful connection. Residents, families and community members joined in a memorable celebration that embodied what this season is all about.

Expressing his appreciation for the event and all who made it possible, Mavrick Leveille, Associate Director of Operations and Quality, shared: “Our Christmas Bingo Night was yet another example of the heart and generosity within our community. I want to thank the Activities Team, our volunteers, the prize donors, and everyone who joined us on the night. Supporting our Residents’ Fund in such a fun and meaningful way truly reflects the spirit of Askham.”

Looking ahead to future community events

Askham Village Community extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, donated or supported the Christmas Bingo Night in any way. The success of the evening reflects the strength of the community and the joy that comes from gathering together during the festive season.

We look forward to hosting many more events throughout 2026 and welcoming our community back for future celebrations filled with warmth and cheer!