Parais Bingo Club Celebrates Patron’s 100th Birthday

Last Monday, July 11th, Minnie Rudderham of the UK, got an unexpected birthday celebration from Palais Bingo to ring in her 100th birthday. Born in Retford, Minnie's family relocated to Worksop when she was five, and she has resided there ever since.

The management team of the hall, located on Newcastle Avenue, welcomed Minnie's friends and family, and decked out the facility with decorations, while offering discounted games, champagne, and a festive birthday cake.

Minnie also received a beautiful floral bouquet from everyone at the bingo club, presented by the facility's manager, Steve Race. He commented, “Minnie is a remarkable woman and we are proud to have her as part of the Palais family.”

Among the other highlights of the celebration included a card from the Queen, plus a visit from Minnie's daughter-in-law, who resides in Scotland.

While Minnie appreciated the gesture, at 100 years old, she is not quite as fazed by this day as she used to be. She commented, “I wouldn't say it was exciting, but it was nice to have everyone together, I'm home alone most of the time. But I don't really feel any different now.”

The Palais Bingo club previously served as the Palais de Danse cinema building, where Minnie once worked as an usherette, when it was named, Victoria Palace cinema.

At 21, Minnie married Ernest Sargeson, and began working at an ammunition factory in Ranskill just two years later, following the start of the war. The two had a son, Edward, who started a career in the Royal Navy. She had a second husband, Jack Rudderham, who has passed away. Friends, Mary and Steve Tulip currently take care of her.

Reflecting on how times have changed, Minnie commented, “It's the same as ever, there's rich people and there's poor people. When we were children we could skip in the road, but you couldn't possibly do that now.”

In reference to her future, Minnie stated, “I just hope I can keep going like I am now, ring me next year.”