Bingo caller misses out on the jackpot
A BINGO caller from the Capital has narrowly failed in his bid to be named the industry's top star.
James Cook, who works at the Fountainpark Mecca, beat off
competition from his mentor Alan Brown of Gala Wester Hailes in the
Scottish final, to secure his place alongside five others at the UK
final of the Bingo Caller of the Year competition.
The 31-year-old took a busload of supporters to back him in the final at London's Wood Green Mecca.
But he was pipped at the post by South Shields Mecca caller Blake Robson.
Mr Cook, who lives in Slateford, had to face a panel of judges at the UK final for an interview, in which he was grilled on the rules of the game.
He then had to give a three-minute presentation on why people should get involved in bingo, as well as call a full game. Despite falling at the final hurdle, Mr Cook now wins automatic qualification into next year's Scottish final and is hoping he can scoop the regional title for a second year in a row.
"Maybe I can even go a step further next year, we'll just have to see," he said.
"It was a good experience going down there and it was a really good day."
