Maddieson's Camps

[Jintygirl]

Has anyone any further information on Maddieson's camps? Apart from what's on the main site? Who was Maddieson? When were they sold off? etc. etc. Go on - someone must know!!! :lol:

[glen]

Earlier in the summer I did manage to track down Peter Maddieson, it was his grandfather who started the company and Peter himself took over during the later years. He offered to write a little history of Maddiseons for the Butlins Memories site so I look forward to seeing it when it arrives as I really don't know much about them. They were certainly around before Billy Butlin appeared on the scene, I think their first camp opened in the 1920s?? I think they sold out in the 1980s. Some of their camps are still open under new owners but some have been demolished.

Glen

[Jintygirl]

Earlier in the summer I did manage to track down Peter Maddieson, it was his grandfather who started the company and Peter himself took over during the later years. He offered to write a little history of Maddiseons for the Butlins Memories site so I look forward to seeing it when it arrives as I really don't know much about them. They were certainly around before Billy Butlin appeared on the scene, I think their first camp opened in the 1920s?? I think they sold out in the 1980s. Some of their camps are still open under new owners but some have been demolished.

Glen
Wow, Glen, that's amazing! I couldn't find anything on the web about them (apart from what we've got here) except that one of the stations on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (which I frequented as a child) used to be called Maddieson's Camp. That camp is still there (although the name of the station has changed). I had already decided to visit and see what's left of the Maddieson's camps that were there in the mid-60s (being all I've got to go on!) and try to trace a real Maddieson! I'm so pleased you've already done it (at least the latter, you're a bit far away for the former!)

Very much look forward to Mr. Maddieson's stuff for this site.

Vikki/Jintygirl

[Anonymous]

Yeah the old Maddiesons camp next to the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway was called Littlestone (but most people just knew it as Maddiesons). The camp is still open today but it's now called Romney Sands and is mostly caravans - the name of the train station has also been changed to Romney Sands. Maddiesons also had another camp next to St Marys Bay station on this railway (a bit further north, near Dymchurch) and this was called Golden Sands - this has now been demolished. I was down there earlier this year but didn't have much chance to investigate (my wife doesn't share my enthusiasm for old holiday camps!!) so we just went for a ride on the train and I managed to take a few pics as we steamed past! I do have an old 1960s brochure for Littlestone (and some postcards and adverts also showing Golden Sands) so I'll get them scanned sometime and put online.

Maddiesons also had camps at Hemsby, St Margarets (nr Dover), Camber Sands and at least one or two others. Don't know much else. I might have to contact Mr Maddieson again, I think he might have forgotten!

Glen

[glen]

I didn't mean to post the above reply as 'Guest' , I did log in but it must have unlogged me again! Glen

[phil kane]

I've just come across your request for info on Maddiesons. We stayed there first in Aug 1946 for 2 weeks and enjoyed it so much we came back for two weeks at about the same time for the next 9 years, until 1955. In 1957 we left for the US but on a visit in Aug 1965 we returned for another week. We enjoyed our stay just as much but the crowd we partyed with were no longer there. I have quite a few pictures taken over the years (mostly of ourselves and others on the beach) and would gladly send you copies if thay are of interest.
I should add that I'm talking about the camp in Hemsby -- my sister stayed at the Dymchurch one several times but she passed away some years ago so I have no real knowledge of that.
I've seen very little over the last two years about the Hemsby camp which we always understood to be the original -- owned by Maddieson himself. We all called him Maddie. I've seen several references to family members associated with the Littlestone camp which we Hemsbeyites believed to be an addition managrd by Maddie's son. Is this right?
The last time I saw the Hemsby camp was in 1989, apparently owned by Pontins. The chalets had been replaced by a multistory, rather unattractive brick dormitory. I'd love to hear from anybody who stayed there during those early years.
When did the Littlestone camp actually open?

[ScottDay]

Hi all, new here so hello.

Regarding Maddiesons, Peter is my grandfather....I live with him so i may be of some use?

Cheers,
Scott

[Maddiesons]

Hi all, i have had to change me name, I waas the above post but you will have better luck reaching this one,

Cheers,
Scott

[Joker]

Hi Scot

Welcome to the forum !

I am looking forward to your memories and your Grandfather owned a Holiday camp ! WOW Bet he has a story or two.

Have Fun !!!

Joker (Moderator)

[chunky]

Hi all,

I've just stumbled across this forum. I was a regular at Maddieson's at Littlestone from the late 60's until the early 80's. It was more than a holiday camp to us; it was a big part of our life. Even now, I remember the layout of the camp like I was there yesterday. From 1970, we used the self-catering chalets by the bowling green, and then, when the flats were built over on the west side of the camp, we stayed there.

Originally, we would take two separate weeks, and we'd often go back for the weekend in September, when they held the finals of the "Miss Charm" competition. Then, we started taking a fortnight every June.

Between my family (I used to go with my parents and grandparents), we won virtually very competition over the years, from the bowls, snooker, and putting, to the fancy dress. My dad and I both won the darts...

I don't why, but we got more involved than most holiday makers, and usually became good friends with most of the redcoats (and Stan, the photographer). I still remember most of them now! Reading some earlier posts, I was pleased to see Scott on here, and I would love to see some of Peter's memories. It would also be nice to see what the old redcoats are doing now.


It is a great pity that there is so little information on Maddieson's available these days. The last I knew (I live in the US now), was when it got taken over by Hoseasons in the 80's. Wouldn't it be great to have a website?

Well, sorry to ramble on like this, but as I said, it holds such wonderful memories for me for so many years.

Steve

[waiter]

Ah, Maddieson's Littlestone camp! I remember it well. My father was manager there for most of the '60s.

At the time I'd just left school and had started studying at Folkestone Art School, about fifteen miles away. For about two or three summer holidays, I worked at the camp as a waiter, eventually graduating to working as a barman. Long hours for little pay but loads of fun!

I have millions of memories of the place, though one of the most enduring was when England played Germany in the 1966 World Cup final. A tiny black and white television was set up in the ballroom and the place was absolutely packed. When England finally won, the place erupted. Needless to say, we all had a wonderful evening.

One of my worst memories was stencilling a number on every chalet door during blizzard conditions one particularly cold winter. Having displayed this technical side of my limited artistic abilities, I was then allowed to paint a few seaside murals in the cafe, after which I was eventually unleashed on an unsuspecting ballroom stage where I created a masterpiece(?!) of a backdrop featuring an abstract guitar design.

During this period I worked with a couple of other student mates. We still keep in touch.

Happy days!

[Sally]

I visited Golden Sands as a child in the 60's and have very happy memories of the place. I particularly remember the children's entertainer "Aunty Betty". I visited the site a couple of years ago and was upset to see the place totally demolished. I got chatting to a man who lived nearby and was really sad to hear Aunty Betty had recently died. She was a lovely woman who kept me amused for the whole holiday. Does anyone have any photos of her and the camp apart from the ones on this site - I would really like to see them.

[M.WALKER]

I was on the entertainments staff 1969. I was in the programme as Michael Walker your popular entertainer. I did the compering in the ballroom dances competitions bingo etc. On the team was Martin Lukins Piano Accordianist,The Crofters group, Don Pike Keyboard,Alan Alexander redcoat,Peter Busenicker redcoat, Aunt Edie Childrens entertainer,Pat Robsons Band, The owners where Ray Maddieson, Peter Maddieson and Les Hambridge. The camp manager was Major Clive Smith. This was the real HI De HI,

[M.WALKER]

M.Walker Would like to hear from you I was redcoat 1969 season

[Ceejay]

Hi

New to site

I went to Maddiesons/Littlestone as a child in either 66 or 67 with my parents and sisters. My memories are a bit vague but a few things that stick out from my 2 weeks there are:

Hiring bikes/scooters on site
The boating lake and paddle boat races
Motorised Elephant!
Ice Cream Sodas in the Cafe - there is a postcard/picture on-line!
Organised rambles around the local countryside led by the entertainment staff!
Winning the children's art/drawing competion!

Happy Days

Chris

[chunky]

I'm glad to see a couple of newer posts. Hmm, redcoats in 1969... Even though I was a regular in the 60's, I was very young at the time. These are some of the names I remember over the years.

Jerry Jardine - moved to the US in the 70's.
Steve Heather - very talented entertainer.
Terry Bateman
Ossie - can't remember his surname
Eddie and Maureen Pryor - eventually went into management before leaving to run a hotel in London
Penny - again, can't remember her surname, but cute Auntie Penny!
Bobby Parr - later in the 70's
Gary Dean - well-known face as an extra on TV was head of entertainment

Steve

[M.WALKER]

Has anyone any further information on Maddieson's camps? Apart from what's on the main site? Who was Maddieson? When were they sold off? etc. etc. Go on - someone must know!!! :lol:
Directors
Ray Maddieson
Peter Maddieson
Les Hambridge

Camps
Littlestone. Chalets, Ballroom ,Pool ,Dinning Room,Pub with stage.
Camber Sands (caravans) Ballroom, Bar.Pool.
Golden Sands, St Marys Bay.Chalets, Ballroom,Pool,Bar, Dinning Room.
St Margarets Bay.Dover. Ballroom , Bar.


Mike Walker

[jon anton]

Hi Jintygirl,
I was an Entertainer at Maddiesons St. Margarets from 1967 to 72.
I still live in the area. Other people have covered most of the details of what's happened to the Sites. St. Margarets is now a Country Club. It was originally a RAF Camp. The ONLY remaining buildings still there are the Reception & the Swimming Pool. The Ballroom & Dining room are Car Park.
Littlestone has only the Ex-Mermaid Bar, Shop & Railway Halt. The Ballroom burnt down while it was still a Camp. St. Mary's Bay later became a Caravan site. That closed about 14 years ago. The main buildings were demolished only 2 years ago. The kidney shaped Pool is still there covered in Bracken & weeds. It is at the End of Dunstall Lane. St. Marys Bay. You can see the remains as you pass on the RHDR Railway. Camber Sands is now a modern caravan site with all new Buildings & has changed owners several times.
I have no idea what happened to Hemsby. I have a large collection of Brochures, Leaflets & "What's On"s from those days.
Please see my main letter elsewhere on the site under St.Margarets Bay.
Jon Anton.

[DarrenS]

I was a regular holidaymaker to Camber Sands (1970-1985), with days out at St Margarets and Littlestone as part of the "its a Knockout" Team.
Anyone got any other pictures and memorabilia?? Thanks

[DarrenS]

Also does anyone know if Silver Sands caravan Park was also owned by Maddiesons?? I know the two parks are now connected into one big park, but back in the 70's there was no link betwwen the camps, you had to got to main entrance of either to get in, Does anyone know who owned Silver Sands?

[DarrenS]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p224/tracyc_2007/maddiesons.jpg

[DarrenS]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p224/tracyc_2007/mads.jpg

Vintage Maddiesons badge (before Black Eyes became Pirates & Smugglers)

[Golden Girl]

Hi I remember Golden Sands very well as apart for 1 year we went there from 1963 to 1971 - There was Derek and Barbara had a one son Kevin and they lived in one of the bungalows just behind the camp - they were the first Camp Compares I can remember - Then came Danny O Hara who could belt out Danny Boy like no-ones business - he had another 2 "Red Coats" with him towards the late 1960's - Denny Cook and Gary Coombes - who after Golden Sands was sold to Hoeseasons went to Littlestone (Romney Sands) for a short while - also at that time Danny left to be replaced by Terry (can't think) of his last name.

At the begininning the Camp was split into Flintstones and Rubbles for all competitions - I have pictures of the games field at the top of the camp.

The Company was orginally started by the father with the Hemsby Camp -then Camber Sands - Littlestone - Golden Sands -St Margarets Bay - the offices were in Lydd - when he retired he passed them onto his 3 sons. They began selling them off as trade dropped with the new charter holidays.

How about the band that played every night - Bert the Trumpeter/Saxophonist was a Coalman - funny knowone ever recognised him at his day job. Or the Maddieson Kick the dance named after the camps.

Or the weekly ramble Ok in the sun - not too good in the rain - then it was all back on the Romney Hythe Dymchurch Railway for dinner which was cooked in the dining hall in those days - Oh for Alan the pastry chef it just melted in the mouth.

There were always Spanish Waiters who had an eye for the girls - I know I had 3 sisters 10 years older than me. Name the Hat Night - Those 3 wheel bike races in the Ballroom the damage you could do on those - Miss Maddiesons - My sister won that on year.

They closed Golden Sands as was in the mid 1970's and in the early 1980's I went back with my daughter when it was Hoeseasons - Met up with Derek and Barbara again!!!

Oh for the Goodnight Campers or the Talent Evenings all good clean fun - well almost.

Would love to hear from anyone who would like to do some more remenising

TTFN Golden Girl

[Golden Girl]

Has anyone any further information on Maddieson's camps? Apart from what's on the main site? Who was Maddieson? When were they sold off? etc. etc. Go on - someone must know!!! :lol:

Do you want me to add anymore or has someone already said this

All the best Golden Girl

[Golden Girl]

Hi If the Auntie Betty you are referring to was Barbara hubby was Derek son was Kevin then yes I'm sure I've seen quite a few photos that were taken of her with my sisters

Oh for the days - never a lot of money - can recall a Maddiesons Brochure that said Holiday for a weeks wages £7.00 per week - think those were the basic chalets though -you knoew the ones - dashing for the shower block as hot water was only on at certain times!!!!!!!!

All the best Golden Girl

[Maddiesons]

Hi everyone, its been a while since I was last on here, been busy moving, finding more work etc, its all been happening!

What do people know of the Hemsby camp?

Scott

[peterfaulkner]

I run the Greatstone Website www.greatstone.net.
I have just done a page for the Maddieson's Holiday Camp which was at Greatstone. You can can see the page at: http://www.greatstone.net/history/maddiesons.htm
If anyone can help me with any information about the camp or have any photos, I will be very please to hear from you.
My email address is peter@greatstone.net.
thanks
Peter

[M.WALKER]

Peter re your website will email you some old photos
Mike Walker

[techieguy]

I know we're going back a few months here but just a bit of trivia for you all, the old Maddiesons camp in Hemsby did indeed get sold to Pontin's and closed for good in Jan 2009. If you drive 100yds further down Beach Road (past the old Pontin's main gate) you'll see an electricity substation - the identification plate on the side shows "Danger 400 Volts - Maddiesons Camp Main Supply" - so at least a tiny bit of the old site is still there! :-)

[ScottDay]

I have started the site, no history yet, just a few pictures for now. Will try to get into it fully this week.

Theres a few pictures on Photobucket.

Details to follow


Scott

*Edited to add link*

http://maddiesonholidays.page.tl/

Page up and running, but very bare at the moment, adding bits in my limited free time.

Scott

[Pushbutton]

They had redcoats?

[DarrenS]

Excellent Idea

I have started the site, no history yet, just a few pictures for now. Will try to get into it fully this week.

Theres a few pictures on Photobucket.

Details to follow


Scott

*Edited to add link*

http://maddiesonholidays.page.tl/

Page up and running, but very bare at the moment, adding bits in my limited free time.

Scott

[DarrenS]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p224/tracyc_2007/Scan-100401-0003.jpg

[garkins]

I have read recently about the Maddieson's Holiday Camps
Maddiesons started holiday camps before Billy Butlin, I believe as early as 1920, Maddieson's first camp was in Hemsby near Yarmouth, I don't know when they opened the others in Kent but it was much later than Hemsby.
I first went to Maddieson's I think in 1961 where I met my present husband. Hemsby would play against Seacroft and there was much banter between the camps, all good innocent fun, I also visted St Margaret's Bay some years later, I have a tankard that has the Maddieson's motive on it, good memories.

Garkins

[M.WALKER]

Facebook have a Maddiesons Holiday Camp page under Groups. 50 members