A mum who has been a bingo caller at the same hall for 17 years says she is “famous” in her local community for her expert skills.
Kelly Horton was over the moon when she was crowned the Mecca Bingo Caller of the Year 2024 last week (17 September).
The 46-year-old usually presents the numbers at the Brierley Hill club in the UK’s Dudley borough.
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Kelly was up against five other callers and won the coveted title thanks to not only her expert calling skills but also rapport with customers and unique line dancing performance to an R&B version of ‘Stand By Me’.
“Bingo calling is great fun and a huge part of my life,” Kelly told What’s The Jam.
“It felt absolutely amazing [when I won].
“My mum was there, and all I heard once it was announced was her and everyone screaming and cheering for me in excitement.
“Everyone always thinks I have loads of confidence because of calling but I don’t.
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“On the stage, it’s like I become Beyoncé with her alter ego, so it really is a great feeling having that boost.
“In my spare time, I also volunteer at the Wollescote Community Centre, and it was there that I realised I could use my line dancing to get everyone moving [at the bingo hall].
“It’s really accessible – anyone who can walk four steps can learn how to line dance.
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“I was nervous at the final but when I started playing the music, the audience jumped up and joined in straight away!
“Everyone knows everyone [in Brierley Hill]; my son thinks I’m famous when we’re walking around town because I’m always getting stopped to have a chat, and before I can even explain, he says ‘Let me guess… bingo’.”
Eager to help future bingo players, the mum has also shared some of her top tips for a good bingo round.
Kelly said: “I love the spread of different people I get to meet and chat to everyday, but above all, it’s such a great feeling when you call out winning numbers for big wins – especially when it helps them pay for big life events like a hen party or moving house.
“[You need] confidence, you’ve got to have confidence to stand up there on the stage.
“Be chatty but also know when to be quiet.
“You have to speak clearly and make sure you’re not calling too fast or too slow, remembering to change up the tempo to keep the audience focused.
“Make sure everyone is keeping up – sometimes I jump off the stage and help the players in the audience.
“At the end of the day, if my calling isn’t right, people could lose out on winning, and that’s not fair!
“Relax and just be yourself. You’re there to entertain!”
Kelly will be representing Mecca at the grand final of the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition in Wakefield this November.
She hopes to follow in the footsteps of the reigning title holder and fellow West Midlander, rapping caller Benj Maycock from Mecca Wednesbury.
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