Exeter Bingo Employees Rewarded for Bravery

Two Mecca Bingo Exeter employees have been recognised for their quick thinking and bravery this week at the Exeter Historic Guildhall.

Operations Manager Simon Hampson and Team Leader Jane Densham were at work in the North Street bingo club on 21 July 2018 when they noticed a fire in the Exeter Synagogue, the result of a suspected arson attempt. The two immediately sprang into action, putting a stop to the blaze in the historic venue, before alerting authorities to the attack.

As a thank you, the local Jewish community invited the pair to the official reopening of the Synagogue where they were introduced to the Lord Mayor of Exeter. On hearing their story, he invited them to the Commendation Award Ceremony where they were awarded for heroism and bravery in front of family and friends.

Jane Densham, Team Leader at Mecca Bingo Exeter, said: “As soon as we saw the fire, we knew the situation was serious and had to be dealt with quickly. In situations like that you never know how you’re going to react but our instinct kicked in and we grabbed the nearest fire extinguisher to put the flames out.”

Simon Hampson, Operations Manager at Mecca Bingo Exeter, added: “As a club we’re very much part of the community in Exeter, so to see something like this happen on our doorstep was shocking. However, receiving the award from the Lord Mayor was very humbling and our certificates are proudly displayed in the club.”

Alan Forshaw, General Manager at Mecca Bingo Exeter, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Simon and Jane. Their actions were fast, brave and admirable and they deserve the recognition from the Lord Mayor and local community. We will certainly be celebrating them in our club.”