Date of closure: 2003
Address (for reference only):
Independent (Lost Halls)
Trinity Street
Dorchester
DT1 1TT
The history of Plaza Bingo bucks the trend, as the premises’ usage has gone around full circle, from cinema, to bingo, and back to cinema – which is quite rare. If bingo legislation changes it could even go another round of bingo – fingers crossed!
The cinema was opened in 1933, with a seating capacity of 968, which reflects Dorchester’s small population. The club lasted 25 years until it was closed in about 2003.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2010)
In the year 1997 I was manager for the welcome bingo club. I worked for the owners having known them from york (my home town) Barry smith then moved to Dorchester, and the co- owner moved me to Banbury. I had good relations with the customers. Lots of promotions, I even took two to go on a concord flight from heathrow and back in time to play bingo.
I used to work at the Plaza in 97/98 I think. It was in the evenings shouting back the numbers and handing out the payouts of 20ps. It was one of the best jobs I had, I enjoyed meeting all of the people and all of the people I worked with. I think it was Barry that used to run the place with his wife.
Worked there as a bingo caller from March 1981 till November 1982