The Springs Senior Citizens Club hosted its final bingo session of the year on November 3, marking the end of a year of steady growth, with familiar faces returning and new members joining the fun.

For bingo master Bessie Smit, the growth has been particularly encouraging. She recalled how attendance at some sessions was once as low as 11 people, with 16 considered a good turnout.

However, the recent increase in participation has been a welcome change, with several new faces joining over the past two months and returning for subsequent sessions.

Smit told the Springs Advertiser that the appeal of bingo goes beyond the chance of winning prizes, describing the gatherings as an opportunity for senior citizens to reconnect and enjoy one another’s company.

“It is like having friends coming together for a game. Nowadays, people do not visit each other anymore. So they don’t talk a lot. But coming together here, you can let yourself out and talk. When you go home, you feel richer,” she said.

She added that the sessions had also created meaningful friendships, making the club a place where members feel welcomed and appreciated.

For Smit, seeing participants enjoy themselves, regardless of whether they win, is one of the most rewarding aspects of hosting the sessions.

She encouraged members to keep attending next year, as their health allows, emphasising the importance of sharing love and companionship.

Club manager Pauline Houghton also reflected positively on the year’s progress, describing the growth in membership and participation as steady.

Although attendance tends to drop during colder weather, she was pleased to see a full house at the final bingo session, with members also bringing friends along to introduce them to the club.

Houghton said the club had worked hard to keep its members motivated, particularly after losing some members during the year.

She explained that introducing different activities and events had helped maintain interest and given senior citizens something to look forward to.

Among the activities introduced were line dancing and chair yoga, both of which have received encouraging support.

The club also organised outings, including a visit to Barnyard Theatre, as well as themed lunches for occasions such as Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and more.

“We try to be innovative and have quizzes which they enjoy, but we don’t do them all the time; otherwise, it is boring,” she said.

For Houghton, these activities serve a purpose beyond keeping members occupied. They allow senior citizens to leave their homes, meet people, and find something positive to look forward to.

She believes this is particularly important at a time when older people can become isolated and vulnerable.

“The senior citizens are quite often neglected in the communities and the club relies on support and funding from the Department of Social Development to continue serving the community.

Despite having limited resources, Houghton said the club strives to accommodate as many senior citizens as possible, including those from surrounding areas where opportunities for older people are limited.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to continue expanding its activities and welcoming more members in the new year.

Beyond its social activities, the club has also encouraged members to give back to the wider community.

She said the initiative reflected the spirit of generosity among members, who continue to find ways to support other organisations despite their own limited resources.

As the year comes to an end, Houghton thanked everyone who has supported the club and helped introduce new people to its activities.

With new ideas already being considered for the coming year, both Smit and Houghton hope the bingo sessions and other activities will continue bringing senior citizens together.