Bognor: 29 Jan-1 Feb 2010 ("Disco Inferno" / Ocean Hotel / Chalet Demolition, etc)

[Bunnykins]

Had an e-mail from Butlins last week with some great last minute offers for the weekend. Silver chalets were being offered at £40 for the whole weekend and as there were some good deals I thought it a great opportunity to try the new Ocean Hotel (we saved £154 off the usual price). So with only a couple of days notice we found ourselves heading down to Bognor on Friday night after work. I’ll do a proper review in this thread on who was on and what was new at Bognor etc. Plus I took lots of photos just for everyone on here, which I will start to upload to this thread as soon as I can. (Amazingly I don’t think my other half thought I was TOO much of an anorak, but just as well there was plenty of sport on TV to keep him occupied whilst I went out on my photography missions!!)

Just a word of warning … if you do not like seeing photos of chalets being demolished then best not read on. Similarly if the new hotel upsets you then again maybe this isn’t for you! I found the chalet demolition a sad sight myself of course, but having stayed in the hotel I can equally see why the old Bognor chalets are not really the future, even though it gives me no pleasure to say that knowing there are so many of you who know and love the old chalets so much. :peace:

Back again as soon as I have finished typing my reports and downloading my photos!

[Bunnykins]

The Ocean Hotel

Arriving through the entrance doors from the hotel car park you have to take the lift up one floor to Reception, which seems odd at first but what a fun surprise to go up in the disco lift! Certainly put a smile on my face … so a good start to the weekend!

Stayed in a “Neptune Family Room” which is the largest room they have - it sleeps the 5th person on a sofabed (but of course being an adult weekend we had the whole room to ourselves). It was dark when we arrived and what an amazing sight the colour changing lights over the headboard were as we entered the darkened room. Really funky, modern and welcoming! As the room slept 5 we had a big decked balcony complete with table and 5 chairs (obviously some balconies were smaller). The “Neptune” rooms also have a sea view but as we were on a low floor there wasn’t that much sea to see (!) but we had a good view of the fun fair from the balcony … and the car park!

As you have no doubt seen on Butlins’ website, there is a kids den as you enter the room and the bathroom is between the den and the main bedroom. The kids den had subtle lights underneath the beds which is a modern touch (useful if they don’t like sleeping in complete darkness). No wardrobe or drawers in the den, although there were plastic containers for putting stuff in under each bed and a few shelves in the room. The main bedroom had a wardrobe one side of the king sized bed and shelves in the cupboard the other side, complete with a safe inside. The only thing it really lacked was bedside tables but we got round that by using the dressing table stool as a table at night! The linen was white with throws at the bottom of the beds - all very crisp and fresh, and there were lovely plump, fluffy pillows. I found the bed very comfy indeed. There was a small fridge with narrow shelves just suitable for putting 2-3 bottles in, plus there was a hairdryer. We had the sofabed plus one chair and a coffee table in the seating area. The flatscreen TV/DVD on the wall in front of the bed had all the Freeview channels on (we couldn’t get Freeview on the TV in the den as it said it had zero signal). The heating was very efficient. Some of my past chalet experiences have been very chilly but this was the opposite - lol. Despite trying to turn the control down it still kept heating up when we didn’t want it, so we sometimes had to open the balcony door to let the heat out! The bathroom was quite compact but had all you needed. We had a mass of towels because of the room capacity and for once the bath sheets were really soft and larger than the postage stamp sized ones you often get in hotels or abroad! There was also a shaver socket which is always worth noting because it’s a hassle when some places don’t provide them.

I must say the hotel was a very positive experience and far exceeded my expectations - my other half was asking when we could come back! It was certainly different to any other hotel I have ever stayed in, with it’s funky modern twists and vibrant colours. The room still smelt new. The only few points I noted was that the kids den, being right by the main bedroom entrance door, and therefore near the corridor, could pick up noise of people returning to their bedrooms/slamming doors etc more so than in the main bedroom. I also wondered whether the rooms near the lifts would pick up the sound of the music from the disco lifts and the automated “level 4, doors opening” lift voice! Our room was more or less above the restaurant and every night we could smell garlic bread in our room and in the corridor outside. One or two mornings we smelt bacon in the room at breakfast too … I was beginning to wonder if it was a ploy to get us spending money in the restaurant! Not exactly a problem though. There was a basic room service menu (sandwiches, cakes, cream teas) which I think incurred a £2.50 charge although we didn’t order anything.

As someone else has mentioned, the hotel lacks a lounge area just for sitting in although of course there is the bar and restaurant. We were staying on room only basis but paid for breakfast there one morning to see what it was like. It was a buffet with all the usual cereals & pastries plus fried breakfast (bacon, eggs, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, fried bread, sliced potatoes, toast, black pudding, kippers, etc ...) and it was quite good. We didn’t eat an evening meal there as we were unable to see anything we fancied on the menu, but would certainly check back next time to see what was available. When you return to the hotel at night the multi-coloured lights in the restaurant/bar look amazing. We tried to capture this in a long-exposure shot but were unable to get a photo which did all the colours justice.

So to sum up, I would definitely return to this hotel. Hope you find this helpful.

Here are some photos in and around the hotel. (Photo no 2 is a failed attempt to capture a night shot of the colourful bar/restaurant!)

[Bunnykins]

Maybe the second photo below captures the colours of the bar/restaurant in the dark better ... and here are some more photos. The aerial shots were taken through the window on the top floor so aren't that great (photos 6 & 7).

[Bunnykins]

Chalet demolition

As mentioned, chalet demolition had started at Bognor and I saw men at work on the site on Saturday. I will post some photos but just so you know whereabouts I am referring to, here is a rough map of the chalets that we already knew were fenced off (fenced off area in red). The area I have marked with a yellow dotted line is where they have already started demolishing chalets.

[Bunnykins]

Pictures in the Ocean Hotel

Again I took these photos specifically for some of you here as I thought you’d be pleased to see the pictures in the hotel primarily reflect fairground rides, such as the dodgems which I felt was a direct reference to the great man himself! The first 3 were in my hotel room, whilst the other two are just a selection of the photos on the walls in the hotel corridors. One depicts ladies on a roller-coaster and the other is of children playing football at Butlins.

Looking at the photos I have posted of the hotel so far, one thing that comes across strongly is colour, which is something I feel some people may have been missing at modern Butlins!

[Bunnykins]

Chalet demolition

I walked along the road that goes up the middle of Oyster Bay chalet lines to begin with so did not notice the demolition on the other side until I got around there later. The photos below start from the road up the middle of Oyster Bay, showing the chalets fenced off and then we go around the corner near the perimeter fence to the Deluxe chalets which are part of the fenced off area. “Wessex Demolition & Construction” signs and vehicles can be seen everywhere. Many of the chalet doors and windows have already been removed. All chalets appear to have been emptied of furniture and parts of the balconies have been ripped off the Deluxe chalets.

[Bunnykins]

Chalet demolition

Now I am around the other side where demolition has started. As men were working I took some shots through the fence and moved on. I returned the next day and went up on the balcony of the chalets the other side of the demolition fence to get better shots to show you. It appeared that the chalets overlooking the demolition were in use which must have been bleak for those looking out on the work! Quite a sorry sight I’m sure you’ll agree.

[hobbsy45]

Thanks for the pics

I for one am extremely shocked by the pics as i never imagined that those chalets would be on the road to demolition quite so quickly so they are obviously rather keen to get rid of them. It is extremely saddening to see something which we are all so used to just being ripped down but then if butlins want to secure there place in the future i guess it is a price we will have to pay :) xxx

[Bunnykins]

Sun & Moon

I looked at the "What's New" at Bognor page on Butlins website before I went away, which shows a photo of a modern wooden look new Sun & Moon and says it has "undergone a complete refurbishment". Imagine my surprise to walk in and find it exactly as I recalled it from a previous visit? Either this is an error on the website or they have not in fact started refurbishment yet!

Whilst I was in there I was telling my partner how people on this website had said how much Butlins photos and memorabilia is on the walls in there, so we had a look at what was near our table. In fact all the walls were covered in old Butlins photos, posters, etc, and there was a bust of Billy Butlin in the corner which I longed to get a photo of but there was always someone sitting there and I was too embarrassed to take a photo in front of the table occupants. Here's just a few photos I took of what was on the wall by my table and the first photo is what the bar looks like inside (no refit yet). Let's hope they keep all these photos etc on the walls somewhere if they do refit the bar! Lots of memories there.

[Bunnykins]

Thanks for the pics

I for one am extremely shocked by the pics as i never imagined that those chalets would be on the road to demolition quite so quickly so they are obviously rather keen to get rid of them. It is extremely saddening to see something which we are all so used to just being ripped down but then if butlins want to secure there place in the future i guess it is a price we will have to pay :) xxx

Yes, I have to say it was quite a shock to me as I was only expecting to see the area fenced off at this stage. You are quite right in what you say though and it's something that everyone has strong views on, but at the end of the day, as you say, they have to concentrate on making it a place that future generations will want to go to.

[keno051]

Thanks for taking the time out to get us those photos!

I love the aerial shots.

[Bunnykins]

You are more than welcome keno051. It's nice to know someone has enjoyed looking at them. I must have taken approx 180'ish photos at the weekend, which is quite unusual for me, but I did it for everyone on here!

I'll try and write some more about the weekend later this evening (those last posts took all evening to do last night)!

[keno051]

So after now experiencing a hotel room on camp, which accomodation would you stay in when you next go to Bognor?

[Bunnykins]

So after now experiencing a hotel room on camp, which accomodation would you stay in when you next go to Bognor?

The Ocean Hotel again, keno051. We have spent several birthdays at Bognor and at other times of the year too. When we could we would stay in Deluxe. Although we have always had a good time I wouldn't say my other half has ever been in a hurry to rush back again within the following 12-24 months or so. However, after experiencing the hotel he asked me when we were going to return, which says it all!

[Bunnykins]

The Entertainment

Here’s the line-up for “Disco Inferno” Weekend (29-31 Jan 10)

FRIDAY:

Centre Stage:
Evening: DJ Dave Clark / Hot Stuff / Gibson Brothers / Emaculate

Reds:
Evening: DJ Chris James / Odyssey

SATURDAY:

Centre Stage:
Evening: DJ Dave Clark / Hot Stuff / Boney M feat. Maizie Williams / Earth Wind for Hire

Reds:
Afternoon: Boogie Wonderband / Jaki Graham
Evening: D J Chris James / ABBA Rival

SUNDAY:

Centre Satge:
Evening: D J Dave Clark / Angie Brown / Leee John of Imagination

Reds:
Afternoon: Tucker followed by the Team with Angelo Starr (brother of Edwin Starr)

I didn’t see all these. Butlins’ website did not mention Odyssey and the Gibson Brothers were in the line-up (but an adult weekender 2010 guide I had did). We were rather disappointed by the Gibson Brothers as they came on at 11pm and sang just 4 songs and one of those was basically an encore of “Cuba”, another was what I call messing around on the drums and playing for time with audience participation. They did “Que Sera Mi Vida” but I recall at least two other songs in their repertoire which they omitted and felt they could have fitted those in instead of singing Cuba twice and the “messing around” bit!! Don’t get me wrong though, I was having a great evening anyway!

After that we changed venue to see Odyssey in Reds, who did not disappoint. I’d been assuming we’d have trouble finding a table or somewhere decent to stand at that time of night as they weren’t on until 12:30am, but Reds was virtually empty (in comparison to other weekenders I’ve been on) - we simply walked in and had a choice of tables to sit at.

Talking about capacity, it was obvious by the amount of people in the venues and from looking at the car parks that the resort was nowhere near capacity this weekend, which was a bonus for me as I’m not a lover of crowds and hate standing up all night. Must remember that for next time!

Here are a few pics - nothing too exciting though:
(1) The "Disco Inferno" Disco in the Skyline, where they had a light-up dancefloor.
(2) & (3) Centre Stage.
(4) Reds ... looking rather dated in comparison to CS.
(5) The obligatory visit to BK in the small hours!!

[Bunnykins]

My last stay at Bognor was about 1½ years ago, so I noticed a fair amount of changes although I’d already seen the Ocean Hotel from the other side of the fence on the odd trip to Bognor.

First of all there is the chalet demolition, of course, which I've covered separately.

I expect some of these changes won’t be new to those of you who visit regularly, but this is what I observed …..!

Changes on site: (1) Work near Papa John’s and near Oyster Bay chalets

There was work going on in the area between the Spar and Papa John's. This was boarded up but they happened to open the construction gates to let some diggers out and I snapped inside the compound (4th & 5th photos below).

Also, there was barrier fencing up outside some of the chalets in Oyster Bay (the end nearest the Skyline) but it appeared they were only doing something to the kerbs or borders perhaps (last 2 photos)?

[Bunnykins]

Changes on site: (2) Deluxe chalets at Oyster Bay

I noticed they had clad the Deluxe chalets at the front of Oyster Bay. These were previously faced with dark brown wood and now look far more attractive, having a light fascia. The wooden tables & chairs that were previously on their patios have been put on the upstairs balconies.

[unigraduate]

i must admit the new cladded delux buildings look very nice

i wonder if they were atacking the cerbs if it could have been something like disconnecting water/gas/electric to the chalets at the end?????

did they actually make any more changes when u were there?

[Bunnykins]

Changes on site: (3) New sports activities area

As many of you have seen already, the whole area opposite the Oyster Bay Deluxe chalets has been improved immensely (albeit, I know, at the cost of the outside fun pool and the reception building). With the new landscaping and all the added sporting facilities it is miles better than the previous bland football/basketball pitches. A nice little path meanders it’s way around the perimeter of the sports area from the Ocean hotel to the Deluxe chalets and there’s an improved archery shooting range, not to mention the high ropes, beach volleyball etc etc, plus nice colourful touches such as the giant deckchair, and the meerkat and footballer carvings, etc. I thought the signage for the sports activities was spot on (very eyecatching).

Here are some photos from that area.

[Bunnykins]

Changes on site: (4) Shops / Prize bingo

Some of this may be old hat to regular visitors but it was all new to me .... The prize bingo shop/arcade had gone … not that it concerns me. Previously this had been near the cinema. There is an internet cafe in that vicinity now (although the computers were removed and it was closed). The prize bingo has moved to the amusement arcade next to Papa John’s. A few of the shops had changed including, as we all know, Everydays now being a Spar. Here’s a few random shots of the bingo and some shops.

[Bunnykins]

Changes on site: (5) Dining Rooms

Then of course, as we know, there is Coast and the Yacht Club. I was “room only” so no comment to make there but here’s a few photos.

[Bunnykins]

Deluxe Chalets at Starfish Quay

I thought the other Deluxe chalets over at Starfish Quay were looking somewhat uncared for in so much as there was rampant ivy on the end of the rows (see below). Looks like it’s really taken hold in a big way. Add to this the fact they have not clad the Deluxe chalets like has been done in Oyster Bay, and one wonders what their ultimate life expectancy is?

Whilst looking at these chalets I also took the liberty to take a couple of snaps of the staff sheds (last two photos).

[Bunnykins]

i must admit the new cladded delux buildings look very nice

i wonder if they were atacking the cerbs if it could have been something like disconnecting water/gas/electric to the chalets at the end?????

did they actually make any more changes when u were there?

Yes, agree the Deluxe look really nice like that and the landscaping really helps set them off too.

I'm afraid to say I didn't really work out what they were doing with the kerbs shown fenced off in my photos. The chalet lines were still in use at that end of Starfish Quay ... sorry I was too preoccupied with concentrating on the chalet demolition!

[unigraduate]

will be interesting to see what changes if any have been made,


i have 8 new memory cards for the camera ready and waiting to take as many photos as i can when i go there

[Pushbutton]

Thanks Bunnykins. You've done a great job documenting the changes at Bognor. This is a historical record which I think should also be on the main site Bognor section.

I'm not very familiar with Bognor having only been once, but I can see that the changes there will have a dramatic impact.

I love the look of the new hotels but I really think they must maintain at least a few rows of chalets for the long term, for those who really want to stay in them for the memories they hold.

It's terrible to see such precious history being destroyed and I can only hope this never happens to Minehead.

[Bunnykins]

Thanks Bunnykins. You've done a great job documenting the changes at Bognor. This is a historical record which I think should also be on the main site Bognor section.

I'm not very familiar with Bognor having only been once, but I can see that the changes there will have a dramatic impact.

I love the look of the new hotels but I really think they must maintain at least a few rows of chalets for the long term, for those who really want to stay in them for the memories they hold.

It's terrible to see such precious history being destroyed and I can only hope this never happens to Minehead.

Thanks Pushbutton. I enjoyed taking the photos as I thought some of you would find them interesting.

Note to Kev: If I can be of any assistance in helping with photos for the main Bognor pages from any I have posted, please contact me and I'll be happy to send you what you need. I expect you have your work cut out keeping everything updated on here but if you want to update the Bognor pages then let me know if I can provide you with any suitable images!

[Bunnykins]

Bognor Lodges

I know this has been asked before but as new members are always joining I thought it wouldn't hurt to raise the subject again!

There are 3 lodges near the perimeter fence facing the sea at Bognor but so far we have been unable to find anyone who has stayed in them, or indeed knows anything about them. They've been there for some time and I have a feeling there used to be more than 3 (for some reason I'm thinking 7?). Also, I have never seen them come up on the website ... which I guess is no big surprise seeing as there are only 3 so would presumably be in constant demand.

I walked past them at the weekend to see if I could work out if they were used as guest accommodation. They are numbered "Lodge 1", "Lodge 2" and "Lodge 3" and each has a name (eg. "Lodge 1" is called "Blue Grass"). From the little I could see, they seemed to have the same furnishings as Deluxe (ie. plum coloured "leather" sofa and the Deluxe plum and cream coloured curtains). I took this photo of them.

I'm only interested out of curiosity (not thinking of booking). I know there are lodges at other Butlins but am particularly interested in hearing more about these ones.

If anyone has stayed in them, do let us know, and some interior photos would be great if poss!

[redcoat_wannabe]

So sad to see these iconic chalets being destroyed. When I visited Bognor at christmas I stayed in the chalets opposite to thoes being dimolished. I want to go back and see these chalets for one last time. Iv just been on the internet to price up going on Friday.

[unigraduate]

i believe 4 of this row were demolished to make way for the new hotel (shoreline) - can anyone confirm this

[Bunnykins]

4 rows of chalets are fenced off for demolition currently, and they have started demolishing one of these rows within the fencing, if that's what you were asking (or maybe I've misunderstood the question, unigraduate - lol). Page 1 of this thread shows a map of the fenced off chalets and which ones are currently being pulled down. I understood the reason for this was because it was a condition of the planning permission for the Ocean Hotel - ie. they would have been over capacity with the hotel rooms plus these chalets (but that's only what I read in someone else's post).

I think it will be a while before all the other chalets go, redcoat-wannabe, because, for example I can't see them demolishing the Deluxe at the front of Oyster Bay yet when they have just reclad them and made them look smart. Hopefully there will be plenty of time yet to still enjoy the remainder of the chalets.

[unigraduate]

sowwi.... i meant 4 of the lodges along the see front were demolished to make way for the shoreline hotel

[Bognor Boy]

Bognor Lodges

I know this has been asked before but as new members are always joining I thought it wouldn't hurt to raise the subject again!

There are 3 lodges near the perimeter fence facing the sea at Bognor but so far we have been unable to find anyone who has stayed in them, or indeed knows anything about them. They've been there for some time and I have a feeling there used to be more than 3 (for some reason I'm thinking 7?). Also, I have never seen them come up on the website ... which I guess is no big surprise seeing as there are only 3 so would presumably be in constant demand.

I walked past them at the weekend to see if I could work out if they were used as guest accommodation. They are numbered "Lodge 1", "Lodge 2" and "Lodge 3" and each has a name (eg. "Lodge 1" is called "Blue Grass"). From the little I could see, they seemed to have the same furnishings as Deluxe (ie. plum coloured "leather" sofa and the Deluxe plum and cream coloured curtains). I took this photo of them.

I'm only interested out of curiosity (not thinking of booking). I know there are lodges at other Butlins but am particularly interested in hearing more about these ones.

If anyone has stayed in them, do let us know, and some interior photos would be great if poss!

Superb post by the way. I think there were more lodges before not sure exactly but they did used to be in the brochure. I asked about hiring one before and you can but the waiting list is around a year.

[Bognor Boy]

Deluxe Chalets at Starfish Quay

I thought the other Deluxe chalets over at Starfish Quay were looking somewhat uncared for in so much as there was rampant ivy on the end of the rows (see below). Looks like it’s really taken hold in a big way. Add to this the fact they have not clad the Deluxe chalets like has been done in Oyster Bay, and one wonders what their ultimate life expectancy is?

Whilst looking at these chalets I also took the liberty to take a couple of snaps of the staff sheds (last two photos).

Does anyone know if there has always been a level of staff sheds in this area. I know there used to be more guest accomodation then there is now because I stayed in some of the back rows as a child?

[Bunnykins]

Thanks Unigraduate and Bognor Boy ... I thought there had been more than 3 lodges at some stage. Now I know my mind was not playing tricks on me!

[Bunnykins]

Does anyone know if there has always been a level of staff sheds in this area. I know there used to be more guest accomodation then there is now because I stayed in some of the back rows as a child?

On the map in my guide from last weekend, it only shows the Deluxe lodges plus two rows behind them on the map, so I guess the rest are staff accommodation as they don't look that great. I was looking at some of the older maps on this website and for instance a map from 2003 seemed to show all the rows of chalets in that area, whilst the next map, from April 2007, only shows 3 rows, so I am not sure if this means they turned more of them over to staff accommodation between these years or just that they stopped showing them all on the map.

[Bognor Boy]

During the 90's they cut off the last few back rows by building the "Berlin wall" to seperate them from the guest accomodation (which looked dreadful) so maybe they were all used for guests prior to then.
Whilst I can understand that they may not have as many guests now as then, plus they have the hotels for extra accomadation, I cant believe they now have more staff then before. Where were the staff pre 90's? I know there has been staff quarters at either end of the halfboard restaurants for many years, so I guess that maybe staff in the old days used to lodge in nearby Bognor. or were locals, I suppose more of the staff now are from Eastern Europe and not locals which is why they need the extra room? Also this got me to thinking, if they are now demolishing chalets because they have to due to the new hotel planning conditions, what chalets were demolished for the same reason when they built the Shoreline? Was it the 1978 chalets also at the Eastern end of the camp?

[Bognor Boy]

Bunnykins, have they made any changes to the front of Reds, Centrestage as there was scaffolding up in a photo a few months back?

[Bunnykins]

Bunnykins, have they made any changes to the front of Reds, Centrestage as there was scaffolding up in a photo a few months back?

Well it has been a while since my last visit, Bognor Boy, but I don't think I noticed anything too different there. These are the only two photos I took which show the outside of Reds & CS - don't know if they are of any help though as I think I already posted them earlier in the thread (you can just see Reds in the corner of the first photo).

[Bognor Boy]

Thanks but I think it was the far corner opposite the Spar that had the scaffolding up. BTW is their a new venue in the old Echo Beach yet?

[Pushbutton]

It was there, and that scaffolding was up when I went in early November 09. I would be interested to know what they were doing as I couldn't work it out at the time.

[Bunnykins]

Thanks but I think it was the far corner opposite the Spar that had the scaffolding up. BTW is their a new venue in the old Echo Beach yet?

Ah I see! I don't recall anything specific going on in that area opposite the Spar. I don't have any photos of that corner of the building (typical, isn't it?!) but I do recall looking at that part of the building and thinking how "Echo Beach" and "Chick 'n Kebab" have both occupied it. Am almost certain there was no scaffolding and that nothing else was there other than big blue exit doors. I zoomed in on the first photo in my previous post (the photo dominated by the smoking shelter) and although it is not 100% clear as the shelter is in the way, it is possible to see up to the end of that building and I can't see any scaffolding and in any case if there was any I'm sure it would have attracted my attention. Hence I think it's safe to say no scaffolding was present and there was nothing obvious on the far corner of the building.

Incidentally I did walk up the side of that building (between the corner we are talking about and the Shoreline Hotel) and photographed all the Butlins posters (from the 1930's until the '00s) on the outside of the wall, although I think similar photos of these posters have been posted on here before so I haven't uploaded them. They were great to see ... that's the sort of history that interests me (you can forget the Battle of Hastings or whatever they teach at school these days - Butlins history is a lot more interesting to me - lol)!!

[Pushbutton]

You're right Bunnykins. They should teach BUTLINS history at school. That would get the kids excited about the subject instead of falling asleep listening to someone droning on about ancient kings and battles etc blah blah blah.

[Bognor Boy]

Never mind BunnyKins, A star for effort regardless.
Can't wait to see your photos......

Oh and Butlins history, sounds great, sign me up!

[Bunnykins]

Oh I'm so glad you both agree, Pushbutton and Bognor Boy! Kings and battles etc are (to me) so dry and boring that I just switched off at school - absolutely hated history and didn't learn a thing as I wasn't interested! As you say, on the other hand if they had taught us the history of Butlins then I am sure I would have shown a lot of interest and excelled in the subject!

[unigraduate]

we need to start learning things about true "great britons" - billy butlin is a true historical figure who needs to be taught about.

[unigraduate]

field trips to butlins archives at bognor :D

[unigraduate]

field trips showing all the original features at butlins.

and get the artists to draw them now and then using the archives :D


school project: field trip to butlins, dig around in the archives and write reports about changes -

that would be interesting reading :D

[Pushbutton]

Maybe we could start the Butlins Memories education company, and hire out our services to schools across the UK.

[Bunnykins]

It all sounds wonderful, Unigrad & Pushbutton!!

[beatles]

i had a look at the photos while i was there and thought they were really good lots of memories for me and i knew some of the people in the photos i never thought to take pictures of them

[Bunnykins]

I am sure similar photos of these posters have been posted elsewhere, but for those who are interested, here are the snaps I took at Bognor in January (these are on the side of the Technical Services part of the building - opposite the Shoreline Hotel).

[beatles]

just up from there was where the old staff bar used to be great times but i like looking at the posters because it brings back happy memories

[Bunnykins]

Yes, there are many memories on those posters. I was trying to look more closely on my photo of the 1950s one and read the bit that said: "Butlins at Bognor Regis, opening for the first time on July 2nd .... A new, luxurious, up-to-the-minute resort .... with a private bathroom and toilet attached to every sleeping chalet".

I thought it opened in 1960 but I guess that's close enough to the 1950s! It was interesting that they called Bognor "luxurious" and "up-to-the-minute" at that time because I guess they are still striving for the same thing today.

[Pushbutton]

Yes, there are many memories on those posters. I was trying to look more closely on my photo of the 1950s one and read the bit that said: "Butlins at Bognor Regis, opening for the first time on July 2nd .... A new, luxurious, up-to-the-minute resort .... with a private bathroom and toilet attached to every sleeping chalet".

I thought it opened in 1960 but I guess that's close enough to the 1950s! It was interesting that they called Bognor "luxurious" and "up-to-the-minute" at that time because I guess they are still striving for the same thing today.

Good points, and they called it a "resort" too, not a holiday camp!

I was brought up calling Butlins a "camp" so I don't think I'll ever really totally change over to "resort" (although I am trying to call it that whenever I think it's appropriate). But there's an example of them calling it a resort even back then, so maybe not so much has changed!

You're right though, Butlins has always strived to provide up to the minute, luxurious facilities. Even Skegness with it's basic hut chalets without toilets was opened as a "luxury holiday camp"!

[beatles]

to me its always been camp i think{ resort} being spain not over here

[Bognor Boy]

Yes, there are many memories on those posters. I was trying to look more closely on my photo of the 1950s one and read the bit that said: "Butlins at Bognor Regis, opening for the first time on July 2nd .... A new, luxurious, up-to-the-minute resort .... with a private bathroom and toilet attached to every sleeping chalet".

I thought it opened in 1960 but I guess that's close enough to the 1950s! It was interesting that they called Bognor "luxurious" and "up-to-the-minute" at that time because I guess they are still striving for the same thing today.

Bognor opened in 1960.

[Jen88]

Bognor Lodges

I know this has been asked before but as new members are always joining I thought it wouldn't hurt to raise the subject again!

There are 3 lodges near the perimeter fence facing the sea at Bognor but so far we have been unable to find anyone who has stayed in them, or indeed knows anything about them. They've been there for some time and I have a feeling there used to be more than 3 (for some reason I'm thinking 7?). Also, I have never seen them come up on the website ... which I guess is no big surprise seeing as there are only 3 so would presumably be in constant demand.

I walked past them at the weekend to see if I could work out if they were used as guest accommodation. They are numbered "Lodge 1", "Lodge 2" and "Lodge 3" and each has a name (eg. "Lodge 1" is called "Blue Grass"). From the little I could see, they seemed to have the same furnishings as Deluxe (ie. plum coloured "leather" sofa and the Deluxe plum and cream coloured curtains). I took this photo of them.

I'm only interested out of curiosity (not thinking of booking). I know there are lodges at other Butlins but am particularly interested in hearing more about these ones.

If anyone has stayed in them, do let us know, and some interior photos would be great if poss!


Hi!

Not been on the forum for a long time and when I saw this thread I thought I would reply.

We always stayed in the lodges when we came down, bar maybe 3 years when we stayed in the deluxe chalets. The lodges were basically deluxe chalets inside with the same decor and sofas etc. I'm sure there was 6 of them (possibly more, but no more than 8 ). They were great to stay in as you had a nice seaview and it was lovely and quiet. It was also good as there was no traffic and my brothers and myself could play out front without any hassle. We could not stay there the last few years because of the building work for the hotel starting. Good to know that they are still there though. Not been down for a few years and my family just assumed that they were all demolished due to the hotel being built.

I should have some photos of the inside somewhere. I'll have a look and see if I can get them scanned onto the computer :-)

Jen

[Bunnykins]

Dear Jen

Thanks very much for your reply. It was great to read that you had stayed in these and your memories of them ... and welcome back to the forum. If you do find any interior/exterior photos of the lodges it would be fantastic to see them on here.

Yes, now you mention it, I can see how it must have been a nice quiet area to stay (away from the rest of the accommodation).

Many thanks again.

[unigraduate]

i can confirm there was 3 or 4 - i think three in march this year

[Bunnykins]

i can confirm there was 3 or 4 - i think three in march this year

Yes, definitely 3 lodges still there as I made a special visit to look at them.

[wizzyworld]

With regards to the lodges there was another thread somewhere on here about whather they were ever let out to guests then i found this mention in the 95 brochure
next to the Snowdon lodge section
http://butlinsmemories.com/brochuresimages/summer1995/page012.htm
we were there last week
the echo beach has morphed into "activity venue"
the little shop next door is empty
the area where they were working on the kerbs has been relaid out with curves and stuff nice n landscaped
all chalet rows that were fenced off have now been demolished and replaced with extra car parking but bwhen we were there last week only the disabled parking was tarmaced
the road down the middle of the rows is no off limits to vehicles and the disabled bays have been removed
some new picnic tables have been added in the spaces
and heres the big one
we were toild by the staff member in the booking shop
there will be NO MORE HOTELS at Bognor
the reason he gave was something to do with capacity
on a side note reds at bognor was starting to look a lil old so i reckon thats what they will do next

[discokev]

all chalet rows that were fenced off have now been demolished and replaced with extra car parking but bwhen we were there last week only the disabled parking was tarmaced
the road down the middle of the rows is no off limits to vehicles and the disabled bays have been removed

So does this mean that the only disabled parking spaces near the chalets are the ones where the, now demolished, chalets were? In other words, quite a distance from the fully adapted chalets which are in row c? Certainly a lot further away from them chalets than the previous disabled spaces which faced the outdoor pool, and which were buried under a pile of soil when I was there last June!! :x :twisted:

[wizzyworld]

So does this mean that the only disabled parking spaces near the chalets are the ones where the, now demolished, chalets were? In other words, quite a distance from the fully adapted chalets which are in row c? Certainly a lot further away from them chalets than the previous disabled spaces which faced the outdoor pool, and which were buried under a pile of soil when I was there last June!! :x :twisted:

none of the Disabled bays that were at the end of the rows on the centre road were still there
and the road was technically no entry though cars were still going down it and getting stuck as they have closed off teh camp end near to the pavillion to vehcials
i think there are still few diabled bays right next the adapted otheriwuse they are all in one large car park as far as i could see
the more intriguing thing is that the guy specificaly said there would be no more hotels
maybe the income hasnt been as good as expected?
maybe they werent impressed with the demolition cost?
we wont know
wish i had taken some more proper photos now
EDIT
the maddening thuing is that the hotel and car park as well as the NEW access road do not actually take up a lot of room
the reception building need not have been demlished and the pool could simply have been moved over slightly

[Bunnykins]

......
on a side note reds at bognor was starting to look a lil old so i reckon thats what they will do next

Hi Wizzy - thanks for the update. Totally agree that Reds is looking so dated at Bognor - let's hope that is next in line for refurbishment!