BUZZ BINGO CRICKLEWOOD UNVEILS ‘STEPHEN’S SUITE’ IN HONOUR OF CHERISHED ENGINEER

Monday, 17th February 2025: Buzz Bingo Cricklewood is paying tribute to the cherished memory of Stephen Sabapathy, a longtime and beloved team member, by renaming its Jackpot Lounge to “Stephen’s Suite.” The redesign draws inspiration from Stephen’s life and his Sri Lankan heritage.

The special event will take place on Saturday, 22 February 2025 from 1.20 pm - 2.20 pm at Buzz Bingo Cricklewood and will include a speech from Deputy Manager Amos Mataba, words from Stephen’s son Jon, and an opportunity for customers to share their memories.  A £1250 cheque with donations from the club and its customers will also be presented to Harefield Hospital Charities, in honour of the care Stephen received in his final days.

Stephen, Machine’s Engineer who worked at Cricklewood for 10 years, was well-known and loved for his generosity, kindness, and wicked sense of humour. Before joining Buzz Bingo, he had a long and varied career in gaming, working for Namco on the South Bank before eventually settling in bingo. Famous for his long-winded jokes, his passing was deeply felt, with customers and staff setting up a small shrine in his honour, and many travelling from far and wide to attend his funeral.

The redesign features a colour scheme reflecting the Sri Lankan flag, intricate lotus flower patterns symbolising his roots, and bells representing both his church faith and the jackpot machines he worked with throughout his career.

Craig White, Deputy Manager at Buzz Bingo Cricklewood, personally designed the tribute, to reflect the impact Stephen had at the club and the ten years they worked together.

Craig White, Deputy Manager at Buzz Bingo Cricklewood, said: “As a team, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Stephen, who was not only a dedicated colleague but also a friend to many of us here at Buzz Bingo Cricklewood. I had the privilege of working alongside him for many years, and his unwavering commitment to the team left an indelible mark on all of us. Designing this new suite in his honour was a personal way for me to pay tribute to the incredible work he did and the positive energy he brought to the club every day. Stephen’s legacy will continue to inspire us, and this space will serve as a reminder of the lasting impact he had on our team and this community."

Stephen’s family will also be attending the unveiling and will share a few words about the impact the bingo community had on his life, as well as how deeply loved he was by everyone around him.

Jon Stephen, Stephen’s son, said: “Our family is deeply touched by the dedication of 'Stephen's Suite' in honour of my father. Buzz Bingo was more than just a workplace for him, it was a community he cherished. This tribute beautifully reflects his heritage, faith, and passion for his work. We are grateful to everyone involved in keeping his memory alive in a place he loved so much.”

Buzz Bingo Cricklewood launched in 1995 as Beacon Bingo and joined the Buzz Bingo family in 2024 following its acquisition from Merkur. This latest dedication demonstrates the club’s deep connection with its community and the people who make it so special.

For those looking to get in on the action, this Mother’s Day, one lucky winner in Cricklewood will win over £100,000 in the biggest single house payout in history.  What’s more, Buzz Bingo Cricklewood offer great value food and drink deals all day every day. For further information on deals and promotions, you can visit buzzbingo.com.