Legendary South Shields bingo caller to share memories of Mecca Bingo Hall in radio show reunion

Blake Robson, 54, was the bingo caller at the Mecca Bingo Hall in Dean Road for two decades, from the early 90s until shortly before its closure in 2014.

In 2007 he made the town proud as the first from the North East to win the national bingo caller of the year award.

Now the self-employed entertainer is the host of a new radio show Talk of the Tyne on community station Radio Shields, which launched in September 2019.

A special three-hour feature on Thursday, March 5, will focus on memories of the bingo hall.

“It was my life for a quarter of a century,” said Blake, who lives in Tyne Dock.

“We were like a massive family, including the staff and the people who used to play there. We had all age groups, from 18-year-olds to one lady who was 93.”

Blake continued: “The regulars all had their seats and if they weren’t in we used to investigate to make sure they were okay. Unfortunately that is non-existent now.

“So many people have great stories and they desperately miss the place. I’m forever getting stopped by people saying they miss the Mecca.

“This is an opportunity to talk about some of those memories.”

Blake is inviting anyone who worked or played at the bingo hall to reminisce about their favourite moments over the years - such as when a regular won the life changing amount of £205,000.

Participants will meet at the Westoe Crown Community Hub at 7pm on Thursday, March 5, with the show going out live at 8pm.

People can talk live on air or share their story beforehand and others who can’t attend are invited to phone-in.

“It will be three hours of great fun, laughter and possibly tears,” added Blake.

“I want the show to put a smile on people’s faces.”

To tune in download the Radio Shields NE app.

For more details contact [email protected] or Blake Robson’s Facebook page.