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Bingo Hall History - The York Clifton - Part 2

Family Run Bingo Club

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It was immediately converted into the Clifton Bingo and Social Club, but very little change has been made to the building. The doors give entry to the outer foyer; where (following a major refurbishment in 2006) the effect is warm, light and welcoming. The features of the foyer have been highlighted in neon and original 1937 doors with leaded light glasswork lead to the spacious inner foyer which once led to the stalls seating. Here the space has been opened up and now contains the drinks and food bars serving the ground floor bingo players. The former seating has been removed and tables and chairs now occupy the floor, all giving a good view of the unaltered proscenium arch just in front of which the caller holds court. The Clifton had a small stage, sometimes used for variety, and this has now been equipped with a few more tables.

The rear of the club looking towards the stage

Going back to the outer foyer, there are two staircases leading to the balcony waiting area and the former café and ballroom, also now converted to a bar. In the former circle the steppings have been built out to provide more room for tables and chairs. Many former cinemas do not bother to improve this area, leaving the cinema seats as they were, but the Clifton has been made more comfortable throughout. At the rear you can still see the projection portholes through which the films were beamed to the screen!

Looking towards the balcony from the front of the club

The outside wall of the Clifton is becoming famous due to the “Banksy” style of artwork adorning the wall. Some people viewed it initially as graffiti, a form of vandalism, but there is a overwhelming consensus over the last decade that the work adorning the Clifton’s wall is considerably better than that, and it is proving an attraction in its own right. The paintings have been changed on several occasions and are highly accomplished creations.

Art work on the outside wall of the club

The Clifton has, in 2008, played host to the bingo enthusiasts for considerably longer than it screened movies. From the start it has always remained an independent hall both for films and the game, and is currently run by Jeremy Prendergast, grandson of the original owner! It remains a warm, friendly and comfortable place for the bingo players of the centre and west of York.

Clifton Bingo and Social Club
52-54 Clifton Moor
Acomb
York
YO30 6AW

Tel: 01904 623680

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Bingo Hall History - The York Clifton - Part 2

Family Run Bingo Club

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