Buzz Bingo Cricklewood in London, UK, has renamed its jackpot lounge to Stephen’s Suite as a memorial to a longtime and beloved team member, Stephen Sabapathy.
The renamed suite will be unveiled in a special event which will take place on Saturday, 22 February, from 1.20pm, 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 £1,250 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.
Sabapathy worked as an engineer at the Cricklewood venue for 10 year and was “well-known and loved for his generosity, kindness and wicked sense of humour.”
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.
“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,” said White. “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."
