Culloden church loses its ‘bingo boost’ as stalwart caller bows out after 20 years
An Inverness pensioner has hung up his mic after 20 years running his church’s bingo sessions.
And during 77-year-old Don Williams’ long stint calling the numbers for the sessions in St Columba’s Catholic Church in Culloden, £55,000 was raised for the church.
Don’s proud grand-daughter Elaine Williams contacted the Inverness Courier because she thought her granda deserved a mention for his efforts.
After watching him call the numbers for his final session, wearing his trademark suit, collar and tie, she said: “My son came along too and was really surprised and impressed that granda knew all the bingo lingo.
Subscribe to receive regular email newsletters
“He is a valued member of the community, and now that he has retired from the bingo after over 20 years of fundraising, I felt he deserved the recognition.
”He also played an instrumental role in fundraising to build the new St Columba’s after the church was based in Duncan Forbes Primary School Hall for many years.”
Don’s good work for the church was also noticed by the Vatican, and he was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Benedict XVI for services to the Catholic church which was presented to him on May 2, 2010 by Bishop Peter Moran of Aberdeen.
Elaine added: “It was terrific that his devoted efforts were recognised by the Pope.
”Despite celebrating his 77th birthday recently he continues to contribute many hours to the local Smithton and Culloden Youth Centre as chairman, and recently redecorated the whole centre almost single-handedly and continues tirelessly maintaining the building, managing and cleaning between community groups there.
”Many people at his last bingo session on Friday 26th April said how they would miss the event and how grateful they were to my grandfather for his efforts over the years.”
Don is very well known in the area as he was the janitor of nearby Duncan Forbes Primary School for 37 years.
Elaine said: “He has decided to step back from the bingo to help care for Granny Ellen, his wife of almost 60 years who doesn’t keep so well after a fall.”
Parish priest Fr. Domenico Zanré said: “Don has been a significant supporter and servant both of the community and the Parish Church of St Columba.
“The bingo has been our main fundraiser and Don has selflessly given of his time and made it the great success it is.”
He said that when the new church was first considered Don became involved in its planning, and is still part of the Parish Pastoral Committee.
Don said: “The monthly bingo sessions were very popular with the community and they regularly attracted 70 to 80 players.
“It was a good social event for all the family and we got groups of friends coming along to play and enjoy socialising. Children were welcome too and they got free admission.
“It was very sociable with a break for a cup of tea and a home bake.”
He added: “So far there are no volunteers to take over, but someone might still come forward, and if they do I will be willing to help and guide them.”
He said that when he started helping at the sessions back when the church was in the school, the bingo was run by the late Colin Morgan of the Clach Club, and he was “amazingly helpful” when he took over calling the numbers.
The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. It was originally an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, and while it is now a civil decoration it may still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
