Pushbutton
09-12-03, 10:11 AM
(Originally posted by...Keith)
Looking at the Butlins late offers, there are a huge amount of breaks totally sold out. Just think of all those customers that will have also wanted Butlins holidays on these dates but cannot.
Seems to me it was a mistake for Butlins to down-size this last time (a Rank decision?). Three camps is obviously not enough to meet current demand. Butlins is doing very well and so now is the time to expand again. Since Bourne Leisure owns Haven (I think), I reckon it would be a good idea if they reinstated the Ayr and Pwhelli camps 'Butlins' status.
Not that bothered since Butlins/Haven are both pretty lame excuses for a holiday these days - but it would be nice to have these two back as 'Butlins' again!
Keith
(Originally posted by...Blinking Owl)
I totally agree with you keith...i am off to a 70s week-end at skeggy on the 7th nov, it was packed to the rafters last time.(i think we got the last chalet this time) And yet again there will be something less this time (the mono-rail)
But yet again it will be full of people that want things from years gone bye.
Maybe it's me ...but i still stand for Butlins from the 60s 70s etc ( tannoy?)
Yes i know that i always go on about Butlins from way back,
Tell me. ..is there anything wrong with having a passion about a way of life that still gets the hair on the back of my neck standing on end ????
(Originally posted by...Dean)
Totaly agree and i know from speaking to some of the management team at Minehead that Bourne are very dissapointed that Ayr in particular is not a Butlins anymore.
(Originally posted by...Andy)
tried to book online for 70's weekend at skeggy in Nov only to find everything had sold out
also seeing as no-one replied to my other post regarding 2004 revisited i presume that either
a. no-one has booked or
b. no-one can be bothered to reply
(Originally posted by...Paul_Beesley)
Keith,
I completely agree with your comments, availability at Butlins these days is becoming increasingly difficult and although I cant comment on Ayr (never been) I can certainly comment on Pwllheli.
I would also like to see this camp changed back into Butlins or to become some sort of super size camp as the camp is still huge I dont believe any land has been sold/given to the local council.
When you look at the camp these days, some of the Butlins elements still exist.
1. The minature railway - The railway has disapearred but the stations and original route for the track still exist even down to the stones used to lay the track on. im pretty sure that even if Haven/Bourne didnt want to pursue opening the track up again many small gauge railway enthusiasts would jump at the chance and run it for them - I would certainly pay a small charge if I new this was going to preserve the railway.
2. The outdoor pool - This is in a sad state of repair and looks a disgrace, this hasnt changed for years now, I believe the pool has some structural damage but surely it can be fixed or filled in and reused.
3. Although some of the entertainment buildings have been took down the Bonga Wonga beach club formerly the Windsor dining rooms can be extended and improved there is also sufficient room on that side of the camp to build some more entertainment venues, the huge car park next to the bridge is never used. There is also Ceasers and the foodworks area on the opposite side of the bridge that can be used.
4. Fairground - Completely gone from Pwhelli, there is room to reintroduce a fairground but the space would probably be used for Caravans.
5. boating lake - Still used today in peak season and weather permitting. the lake itself needs completely cleaning or however they do it, years of rubish have been dumped into this and it looks a mess
6. The hire shop is in the same location.
7. Rock gardens - slightly overgrown.
I could go on.
I wrote them a letter after our last break to ask about the future plans for the park and out of all the questions I asked they only answered to following.
1. What is happening with the minature railway/platforms - The platforms will be removed over the winter and the overgrown track/route will be cut back.
2. What is happening with the outdoor pool - The pool is part of the parks 5 year plan which the current management team are reviewing as is the old stable blocks.
reading back over the above comments it sounds like im moaning, Far from it, I am concerned about the future of this park, It could even be re-branded again as a British Holidays park for all we know. Its obvious to anyone who has visited over the last few years that the main focus is on caravan sales.
Cheers
(Originally posted by...Tannoy)
Hey gang - just wanted to say I'm glad people are still enjoying a Butlins holiday and that the name still survives.
But I'm with you 100% on what were the best days - and they were to be had in the 60's and 70's. No comparison, we're talking a different ballpark these days (in fact the ballpark's been turned into a giant carpark, if you know what I mean).
Just look at the sight of Skegness from the front road and think of how it looked in the days of 'old' or should I say 'proper' Butlins.
Think about the 'industrial estate' style cladded grey buildings and blacked out 'we couldn't possibly install anything remotely colourful or interesting to look at' interiors.
And not a single plaster of paris tree, cloth ceiling or plastic parrot in sight! And the atmosphere - don't get me started on that.
Bring back Porky the Paper Eater that's what I say.
Moan over!
(Originally posted by...Blinking Owl)
Another top moan Tannoy.... Here here etc etc
(Originally posted by...Jules)
I, personally, would love to see Ayr re-Butlinised, but after visiting the site in August of this year, there is virtually nothing remaining of the old camp. It would cost an absolute fortune to rebuild all the old venues, i.e. theatres, etc., there are hardly any chalets left standing, just caravans so far as the eye can see. It is a crying shame, and still upsets me now when I think of visiting there recently.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Even Ayr looked impressive from the main road in the days before the Heads of Ayr Hotel was closed and the 'top' camp demolished. Rows of flags, the gardens, the venue buildings and even a retired steam locomotive right out at the front next to the road. Not forgetting the chairlift of course. But I guess Clacton looked the most spectacular from outside the camp, especially at night with that L-shaped pool and the lights of the buildings and illuminations reflecting.
(Originally posted by...Stevo)
I agree with John entirely. What ever happened to colour, imagination, fibreglass, plaster of paris, chicken wire chalets?
The rot started in the 70's with those bland suspended ceilings, just after Billy relinquished control.
When I see pictures of some of the interiors of the old bars and buildings, I can't help thinking we've forgotten how to use our imaginations and have some fun today!
The picture I've uploaded here shows the Vienese ballroom after they had torn the heart out of it and started to 'improve' it during the seventies.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Hi Stevo. Spot on. There was only one (slightly) redeeming feature about the new Princes Ballroom at Filey and that was the handful of strange plastic features in the suspended ceiling that were lit up and changed in about 3 different colours. But you're right it ripped the heart out of the old Viennese and French Bar. What a great building the Viennese was for us kids with a balcony to explore and the entrance way from the funfair side complete with plants and feathered friends! I guess it was like a medieval castle come to life at that age - with suits of armour, shields and flags on the wall and all those plaster features. Great.
(Originally posted by...Keith)
Drive past the M62 Xscape building at night.
This is what the front of Butlins should be like today. Even more atmospheric than the flags and lit water fountains of old.
Keith
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
There surely cannot be a finer sight than the water cascades, floodlit outdoor pool and boating lake viewed from the Promenade Lounge at Filey. There's the lantern style street lights and the red neon of the Playhouse Theatre. Wish I could pop in there tonight for a lemonade or two and watch the swimmers through the pool windows!
(Originally posted by...Keith)
The Xscape display is the modern equivalent to all that. I have never seen such a fantastic moving projected and strobing light show over the whole front of a large building. As a kid, it would have blown my mind!
I can't see it lasting though - it is bound to cause an accident on the M62 soon.
Why don't a few of the Bourne Leisure execs come up with something like this? If Billy Butlin had still been around, it would have been Xscape copying the whole thing from a Butlins camp.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Keith - sounds great. But it's not like the Bourne execs are not coming up with great ideas........I mean they have come up with Billy Bear
Looking at the Butlins late offers, there are a huge amount of breaks totally sold out. Just think of all those customers that will have also wanted Butlins holidays on these dates but cannot.
Seems to me it was a mistake for Butlins to down-size this last time (a Rank decision?). Three camps is obviously not enough to meet current demand. Butlins is doing very well and so now is the time to expand again. Since Bourne Leisure owns Haven (I think), I reckon it would be a good idea if they reinstated the Ayr and Pwhelli camps 'Butlins' status.
Not that bothered since Butlins/Haven are both pretty lame excuses for a holiday these days - but it would be nice to have these two back as 'Butlins' again!
Keith
(Originally posted by...Blinking Owl)
I totally agree with you keith...i am off to a 70s week-end at skeggy on the 7th nov, it was packed to the rafters last time.(i think we got the last chalet this time) And yet again there will be something less this time (the mono-rail)
But yet again it will be full of people that want things from years gone bye.
Maybe it's me ...but i still stand for Butlins from the 60s 70s etc ( tannoy?)
Yes i know that i always go on about Butlins from way back,
Tell me. ..is there anything wrong with having a passion about a way of life that still gets the hair on the back of my neck standing on end ????
(Originally posted by...Dean)
Totaly agree and i know from speaking to some of the management team at Minehead that Bourne are very dissapointed that Ayr in particular is not a Butlins anymore.
(Originally posted by...Andy)
tried to book online for 70's weekend at skeggy in Nov only to find everything had sold out
also seeing as no-one replied to my other post regarding 2004 revisited i presume that either
a. no-one has booked or
b. no-one can be bothered to reply
(Originally posted by...Paul_Beesley)
Keith,
I completely agree with your comments, availability at Butlins these days is becoming increasingly difficult and although I cant comment on Ayr (never been) I can certainly comment on Pwllheli.
I would also like to see this camp changed back into Butlins or to become some sort of super size camp as the camp is still huge I dont believe any land has been sold/given to the local council.
When you look at the camp these days, some of the Butlins elements still exist.
1. The minature railway - The railway has disapearred but the stations and original route for the track still exist even down to the stones used to lay the track on. im pretty sure that even if Haven/Bourne didnt want to pursue opening the track up again many small gauge railway enthusiasts would jump at the chance and run it for them - I would certainly pay a small charge if I new this was going to preserve the railway.
2. The outdoor pool - This is in a sad state of repair and looks a disgrace, this hasnt changed for years now, I believe the pool has some structural damage but surely it can be fixed or filled in and reused.
3. Although some of the entertainment buildings have been took down the Bonga Wonga beach club formerly the Windsor dining rooms can be extended and improved there is also sufficient room on that side of the camp to build some more entertainment venues, the huge car park next to the bridge is never used. There is also Ceasers and the foodworks area on the opposite side of the bridge that can be used.
4. Fairground - Completely gone from Pwhelli, there is room to reintroduce a fairground but the space would probably be used for Caravans.
5. boating lake - Still used today in peak season and weather permitting. the lake itself needs completely cleaning or however they do it, years of rubish have been dumped into this and it looks a mess
6. The hire shop is in the same location.
7. Rock gardens - slightly overgrown.
I could go on.
I wrote them a letter after our last break to ask about the future plans for the park and out of all the questions I asked they only answered to following.
1. What is happening with the minature railway/platforms - The platforms will be removed over the winter and the overgrown track/route will be cut back.
2. What is happening with the outdoor pool - The pool is part of the parks 5 year plan which the current management team are reviewing as is the old stable blocks.
reading back over the above comments it sounds like im moaning, Far from it, I am concerned about the future of this park, It could even be re-branded again as a British Holidays park for all we know. Its obvious to anyone who has visited over the last few years that the main focus is on caravan sales.
Cheers
(Originally posted by...Tannoy)
Hey gang - just wanted to say I'm glad people are still enjoying a Butlins holiday and that the name still survives.
But I'm with you 100% on what were the best days - and they were to be had in the 60's and 70's. No comparison, we're talking a different ballpark these days (in fact the ballpark's been turned into a giant carpark, if you know what I mean).
Just look at the sight of Skegness from the front road and think of how it looked in the days of 'old' or should I say 'proper' Butlins.
Think about the 'industrial estate' style cladded grey buildings and blacked out 'we couldn't possibly install anything remotely colourful or interesting to look at' interiors.
And not a single plaster of paris tree, cloth ceiling or plastic parrot in sight! And the atmosphere - don't get me started on that.
Bring back Porky the Paper Eater that's what I say.
Moan over!
(Originally posted by...Blinking Owl)
Another top moan Tannoy.... Here here etc etc
(Originally posted by...Jules)
I, personally, would love to see Ayr re-Butlinised, but after visiting the site in August of this year, there is virtually nothing remaining of the old camp. It would cost an absolute fortune to rebuild all the old venues, i.e. theatres, etc., there are hardly any chalets left standing, just caravans so far as the eye can see. It is a crying shame, and still upsets me now when I think of visiting there recently.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Even Ayr looked impressive from the main road in the days before the Heads of Ayr Hotel was closed and the 'top' camp demolished. Rows of flags, the gardens, the venue buildings and even a retired steam locomotive right out at the front next to the road. Not forgetting the chairlift of course. But I guess Clacton looked the most spectacular from outside the camp, especially at night with that L-shaped pool and the lights of the buildings and illuminations reflecting.
(Originally posted by...Stevo)
I agree with John entirely. What ever happened to colour, imagination, fibreglass, plaster of paris, chicken wire chalets?
The rot started in the 70's with those bland suspended ceilings, just after Billy relinquished control.
When I see pictures of some of the interiors of the old bars and buildings, I can't help thinking we've forgotten how to use our imaginations and have some fun today!
The picture I've uploaded here shows the Vienese ballroom after they had torn the heart out of it and started to 'improve' it during the seventies.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Hi Stevo. Spot on. There was only one (slightly) redeeming feature about the new Princes Ballroom at Filey and that was the handful of strange plastic features in the suspended ceiling that were lit up and changed in about 3 different colours. But you're right it ripped the heart out of the old Viennese and French Bar. What a great building the Viennese was for us kids with a balcony to explore and the entrance way from the funfair side complete with plants and feathered friends! I guess it was like a medieval castle come to life at that age - with suits of armour, shields and flags on the wall and all those plaster features. Great.
(Originally posted by...Keith)
Drive past the M62 Xscape building at night.
This is what the front of Butlins should be like today. Even more atmospheric than the flags and lit water fountains of old.
Keith
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
There surely cannot be a finer sight than the water cascades, floodlit outdoor pool and boating lake viewed from the Promenade Lounge at Filey. There's the lantern style street lights and the red neon of the Playhouse Theatre. Wish I could pop in there tonight for a lemonade or two and watch the swimmers through the pool windows!
(Originally posted by...Keith)
The Xscape display is the modern equivalent to all that. I have never seen such a fantastic moving projected and strobing light show over the whole front of a large building. As a kid, it would have blown my mind!
I can't see it lasting though - it is bound to cause an accident on the M62 soon.
Why don't a few of the Bourne Leisure execs come up with something like this? If Billy Butlin had still been around, it would have been Xscape copying the whole thing from a Butlins camp.
(Originally posted by...TANNOY)
Keith - sounds great. But it's not like the Bourne execs are not coming up with great ideas........I mean they have come up with Billy Bear