Lost Bingo Halls - Gala Bingo Wimbourne Road, Bournemouth

Gala Bingo
713 Wimbourne Road
Winton
Bournemouth
BH9 2AU (View map)

Closed: February 2008

Gala Bingo History And Background

Gala Bingo in Wimborne Road, is another victim of the economic, and legislative factors that have seen many a club call 'eyes down' for the last time. It has been taken over by Bournemouth Community Church, and plans are underway for a community resource. There will be children's clubs, community events, and as well as facilities for youth. While bad news for local bingo players, at least the premises are remaining 'within the community', instead of being transferred into the hands of big business, which is often the way when a club closes down.

The premises opened in 1935 as the Moderne Cinema, which was designed by Edward G. de Wilde Holding in the 'Modernist style' - hence the name. Still standing, the cinema had 1500 seats, and was decorated in an art deco style, so it must have been quite an impressive venue in it's heyday. After a long run as a cinema, it closed in 1983, and was refurbished as a bingo club and operated by Granada. Having been taken over by Gala it closed in 2008, and the building's future is currently unknown.

By Gareth Whieldon (July 2010)

Your Memories And Stories Of Gala Bingo

Would you like to tell us about your time at this club? Share your memories and stories about the Gala Bingo Wimbourne Road, Bournemouth - write a bit about your time at the hall, send it to us here and we'll add it to this section.

Photographs Of The Gala Bingo

Have you got any photographs from the Gala Bingo Wimbourne Road, Bournemouth, whether it be interior shots, party events or anything? If you have, we'd like to add them to this section. Drop us a line via Email and we'll arrange a way to get the photos on the site.

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