Joe is delighted and honoured to be taking on a special role for ‘Variety The Children’s Charity’, who support sick, disabled & disadvantaged children & young people around the UK.

He will be making special personal appearances to accept cheques on behalf of ‘Variety’ at Gala Bingo Stoke on Trent on Thur 15 February and Gala Bingo Middlesborough on Friday 16 February, both nights between 6pm and 8pm.

Everyone’s welcome to come along to see Joe and play bingo but please allow a little extra time if you are not already a member of Gala to join up. We understand this takes just a moment on the day.

Joe hopes that as many of you as possible will come along to support these two great evenings at Stoke & Middlesborough on behalf of Variety The Children’s Charity’.

He’s looking forward to continuing his 35 year association with the charity during which he’s been honoured with three prestigious Variety Club awards, ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ in 1983, ‘LifeTime Achievement’ in 2007 and ‘Silver Heart’ in 2010.

Joe Longthorne receiving 'Most Promising Newcomer' from the late Eric Morley, Chief Barker of The Variety Club in 1983.

Joe Longthorne receiving a 'Lifetime Achievement ' award from Variety UK The Children's Charity in 2007.

Joe Longthorne receiving the ' Silver Heart' Award from Variety Club The Children's Charity' in 2010.