In response to the impact of Covid, the Church Bingo series advocates for the revival of community events to provide a recreational and social outlet for those in need. Photographer Angela Christofilou captures the essence of bingo enthusiasts who once gathered at a Lancashire church, portraying the unique world of this longstanding pastime. The series not only showcases the charm of simple and joyful moments but also emphasizes the importance of communal activities.
Originally initiated in 2019 during Angela’s visit to Heywood, Lancashire, where her nan resided, the project took shape when her nan mentioned her regular attendance at a bingo club in the local church. Joining her nan, Angela, accompanied by her mother from Athens, unexpectedly felt compelled to photograph the event. What started as a plan to participate in the game turned into an immersive documentation of the vibrant atmosphere and community energy. Angela reflects, “Although the game was a regular community event, it was more than just numbers on a card; it was a snapshot of a cultural tradition and communal bonding.”
Now transformed into a photobook by Pendle Press, the series encapsulates the beauty of these community gatherings, emphasizing the significance of preserving cultural traditions and fostering social connections.
The spontaneity of Angela Christofilou’s 28-image Church Bingo series lends it an authentic, off-the-cuff ambiance. Striving for unobtrusiveness, Angela embraced the natural light in the hall, setting a tone accentuated by beige colors and muted lighting from covered windows. This palette provides a subtle backdrop, contrasting with the palpable warmth emanating from the people and their relationships. Angela’s focus on participants captures them in various moments: chatting at a table, awaiting the game’s start, the red glow of a digital number randomizer operated proudly, and an array of labeled chocolates and homeware ready to be enjoyed.
Angela Christofilou highlights a poignant image from her Church Bingo series, capturing her nan and two friends on a tea break. Framed by the kitchen hatch, the composition skillfully depicts each figure at a different stage of the tea-making process. This snapshot of a “very simple, yet very British moment” earned recognition, winning an award in British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain 2022 and gracing screens and billboards across the UK, bringing pride to Angela’s nan.
The series took on added significance in 2020 as Covid lockdowns halted such gatherings. Angela emphasizes the communal effort, citing individuals like Janet and her late husband Karl, who passed away during the pandemic. Beyond bingo, these events symbolized community building, offering a haven of joy in a town with limited recreational activities. Angela’s hope is that, post-Covid, the exposure garnered by her series will inspire people to revive local recreational events, once again fostering community connections.
