The Bingo Association staged its annual general meeting today without representation from the UK's largest operator Gala Bingo.

Having attended last years rather pressurised meeting and some heated exchanges between operators and speakers at the Association, this year in contrast was a much more relaxed and proactive affair.

The Bingo Association began with the official step down from the Chairman Sir Peter Fry who has enjoyed his position as chair for 9!/2 years.  He was thanked by the Bingo Association for his devotion and commitment to the industry and was awarded with a season ticket for his beloved Rugby Union team Northampton.  Sir Peter Fry in turn thanked the Association for its support over the years which he had immense enjoyment from and will miss worrking with his long term colleagues.

Paul Talboys paid tribute to Sir Peter fFry before going about his business of confirming the minutes of last years meeting and confirming the audited accounts.

Andrew Cunningham (Not to be confused with Andy Cunningham of Buckingham Bingo) from the DCMS gave his speech and offered his continued support for the bingo industry.  He acknowledged that bingo was different when it came to Gambling and it also had avery important role in the community.  He ireiterated that the argument over taxattion issues remained with the Treasury and the DCMS does support our causes and want to help the industry.  The DCMS recommended we listen to see if anything was offered in tomorrow's budget but emphasised that any decisions made by the treasury have not been indicated to the DCMS.