longest butlins marriages

[bonzojohns1962]

hello
my wife and i met at Filey in 1981 and married in Falmouth,Cornwall a year later and are still going strong..can anyone beat that?
cheers
mark

[wizebuys1]

my mum & dad met @ butlins clacton in 1956 married in 1957 & went every year untill dad died in jan this year so im now taking her later this month

[mikeonions]

I met my wife Janet under a grand piano at Minehead in 1970. She was a revue dancer and I was the compere. We married in 1972. Now she runs a dancing school and I compere her shows. Our daughter Jacqueline is a Coat at Bunn Leisure, Selsey.

[MARTY BARWELL]

And may I say you could not wish to meet a nicer couple than Mike and Janet Onions.


I know coz I've worked for them.


starz11soundz@yahoo.co.uk


Martin

[skegred]

Martin(Marty Barwell,fellow ex Redcoat)l'd like to second your last posting.

l too have the pleasure of knowing Mike and Janet Onions,a very talented likeable couple

skegred Andy

[mikeonions]

Thankyou Martin & Andy. Martin was one of my reds during my last season with Butlins at the Grand, Scarborough - he was very helpful and enthusiastic and it is wonderful to hear from you again. He may remember that that was a difficult season for me because Janet was pregnant and nearly lost the baby so she was confined to bed for several weeks. Jacqueline is 23 now and an excellent dancer as well as being a BSc - she is with us thanks to the help of all that year's reds - Martin, Simon, Hazel, Bob and Lisa plus Gertie Fisher on the piano.

[MARTY BARWELL]

Mike

I'm not sure if Eugene (Gerry) was in your time there too.He were a right character.Martin and Lisa became Mr and Mrs Barwell.It lasted fourteen years and two offspring...Felecity and Oliver.

So nice to hear that everything went well with the little one.(Who obviously ain't little anymore).

I have visited the Janet Denny website ansd she hasn't changed a bit.Bet the girls would love to see her doing OOM PAH PAH.

My enthusiasm hasn't waned.I'm now a Karaoke and Disco host and use an awful lot of what you and Si taught me.I have also nicked a few of the things we used to do....Music Man,Barbershop Quartet.I constantly rack my brains for more memories to see if I can adapt them to my current situation.


Best years of my life.....YOU BET

[mikeonions]

Glad to hear you are doing well Marty and keeping the flag flying. Thank you for reminding me of Eugene - I have spent the last 20 years trying to forget him.

[janbarrmason]

I met my husband Geoff at Filey when we were both redcoats. We knew each other about 2-3 months before we got married, at the end of Filey's season. We have just celebrated 32 years married and very happy too. Three children and 2 small grand children we do not regret a thing. We both enjoyed our time at Filey and have good memories of it.

[snoopy]

We met in '85 married in '87 and are still going strong.... realise its not as long as some of you but..........

[Bill Whitton]

I met Julie (Barlow from Hyde, Cheshire) in August 1970 in the Windsor Cafeteria, Minehead. Quite fancied her but was far too busy with other things, and anyway she and her mates were scary! Returned in '71 hoping to see her and there she was. Finally had the courage to ask her out......we got married in the Registry Office, Williton on Aug 26, 1971! Gave her a kiss as I left for work this morning.

[barmydragon]

I was a dining room supervisor at Minehead '96 when a couple of watress's (Donna & Mel) I think it was, sent me on a blind date with another waitress (GAIL BROWN) we have now been married 10yrs come this october and have 3 children.

Oddly enough we just happen to be going back down for the last week in October this year to take the kids for the halloween week.

So to anyone that remembers us, HELLO!! and hope to see some old faces when we go.:D

Doh! what a donut, forgot my name.....nahh those that know us know me, nasty supervisor...."GET THEM ROWS CLEANED UP!! "
:)

[willee26]

I met Willie McArthur when I was a waitress at Minehead.
Hated the job but loved Willie. He was a cook.
I met him on my first day at the camp in 1991.
We are still married and I managed to drag him home to my country, New Zealand.
We now have two beautiful children. ;)


Lee McArthur (nee Palmer)
Minehead main catering (purple bay) 1991

[SkeggyReds]

We met in '76 at Skegness, got married just before returning for '77 season.
Just celebrated 30 years this year,can't believe where the years have gone!

[Frank Worrall]

We met at Barry Island Camp in 1969 at the end of the season. Marion was a nursery nurse and I was a redcoat. We got married on the 31st of January 1970, and will have been married for 38 years on that date in 2008 all being well. Accounts of the way that we met, are in other parts of this site thanks to Butlins once again.

[Basilbrush]

We met at Barry Island Camp in 1969 at the end of the season. Marion was a nursery nurse and I was a redcoat. We got married on the 31st of January 1970, and will have been married for 38 years on that date in 2008 all being well. Accounts of the way that we met, are in other parts of this site thanks to Butlins once again.
Hello Frank & Marion,
Just to say:
HAPPY 38th ANNIVERSARY
Hope you have many more happy years to come.
Look forward to giving you both a champagne toast at the Reunion.

[catmad]

many more of them frank and marion, congratulations!

[Maid Marion]

Thanks for the kind words, look forward to the champagne at Skegness in May, and meeting all of you Redcoats and friends. He has already taken me out for a meal, breakfast at Tescos, (not Tiffanys) I should be so lucky. Thanks again Marion and Frank.

[mikeonions]

Tomorrow is the 36th wedding anniversary of myself and Janet. When we first met I was twice her age - I am delighted to say that that is no longer the case.

[catmad]

And Again Well Done, Happy Anniversary. (there's A Song There!) Have You Sung It To The Wife Mike???

[butlins-addict]

i think my mums was the shortest!!!! it lasted 3 months bless her!!!!!

[catmad]

i think my mums was the shortest!!!! it lasted 3 months bless her!!!!!

She has beaten me by 3 month. Thought mine was the shortest at 6 month.

[SkeggyReds]

We're STILL working on the record for the longest !!

[catmad]

Met Val and Sham at the reunion Eileen and they have hit the 31 mark.

[skegred]

Val and Sham were a nice friendly couple Valda,l got on well with them, Guenuine Redcoats

Re longest marriages ,Anne and l had been married for 36yrs before she died(met her at Butlins in 1961 married 1963)

Tell me Val did we do "Goodnight Campers"???? and "Auld lands Syne"???

No l wasnt drunk its just that l was in the Conference room for 10pm to watch the Butlin memories films,and NO Goodnight Campers
l wondered if it had been done earlier!!!!!!!!!!

l also think it needs two or three years between Reunions,just my opinion,

skegred Andy

[catmad]

Yes Andy we did it in case any of the Laurel and Hardy lot wanted to go. I have it all on vid, when I work out how to do it ,I shall put it on here or send it you on a DVD. We did the march round, then sang good night campers, the singing was a bit of a mess, but it was a laugh, and that's what it was all about at the end of the day. I agree there needs to be a couple of years in between, but the trouble is we are all getting that bit older.

[valsham]

valda, helloooo it 35yrs for us, barry island 1972,ooohhhhh ,yesss

[skegred]

Didnt realise you were already on BM Valsham was nice meeting you both,

l still say there was an elephant at Skegness that drowned,knickers to what A.J, says

Did you do "Goodnight Campers"???


skegred Andy

[SkeggyReds]

l still say there was an elephant at Skegness that drowned,knickers to what A.J, says


skegred Andy

I know i'm going off thread,but i agree with Andy. There was definately an elephant that drowned in the outdoor pool that used to be near the main gate. Don't know what year it was offhand,but the pool was later filled in and turned into a crazy golf pitch.
Eileen.

[Frank Worrall]

Marion and I are now in our 39th year, but Dave and Tina Simpson who we are going to meet in Barry next week, were already married when he was my Entertainments Manager at Barry Island in 1969. What a great Reunion we had, great bunch of people despite dead elephants and flying pigs about the camp.

[Doncaster_Dave_Skegness85]

Didnt realise you were already on BM Valsham was nice meeting you both,

l still say there was an elephant at Skegness that drowned,knickers to what A.J, says


skegred Andy

the photo of the drowned elephant in the pool has been posted on BM....not too long ago

[Basilbrush]

l still say there was an elephant at Skegness that drowned,knickers to what A.J, says

skegred Andy

Andy, Andy, Andy!! You've disappointed me. I explained to you at length, why I didn't want to start off the Locations Tours around the camp with the story of the elephant. Of course I knew about it. Who doesn't? It's in all the Butlins biographies. I even have a 5 minute film clip explaining the whole saga around the elephant dying, and how removing it from the pool was a major feat, but I chose not to show that, as well.
To put it in to context, put yourself in this situation. You're taking a large party of former Redcoats around a holiday camp, to reminisce and talk about "the good old times." At the very first stop you come to a car park, which was formerly a swimming pool. Do you say?
1) Before this was a car park, there was a huge outdoor pool here, where tens of thousands of holidaymakers splashed around, and had fun in the sun.
2) This is where an elephant drowned. It caused a lot of grief, and it was a real messy situation trying to get the dead body out.
3) One day, a child dove in here, straight after lunch, and vomitted into his own mouth. The lifeguard had to suck out all the vomit, to clear the air passages, before he could resuscitate him.
I chose to start off the tour with the first one. I know an elephant never forgets, but that was one occasion when I felt it was best to forget the elephant.

[skegred]

A.J, A,J. A.J,
You are definatley out of order here, l couldnt believe it when you were sarcastic to me twice just because l joined in with my memories about the Elephant drowning in the North Pool and later when l mentioned the next building that was the Rock Ballroom in my time with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (with Ringo as drummer) .
l wasnt trying to upstage you "they are My Memories"

Why cant you start the morning Ramble when you start at the Pool by saying this is where the Elephant drowned a lot were interested and one or two were suprised with your remarks to me.

l am a Butlin Anorak as far as Memories go as one can see with my postings on BM,so l cannot see any thing wrong with expressing them with Facts.

A..J,l still think you did a great job with your Commitment time and Dedication to the Reunion,but this will be my last Butlin Reunion, not because of your remarks but will certainly be going with my family twice a year as usual as they enjoy todays Butlins and l enjoy watching them enjoy it.

Was very disapointed the Goodnight Campers was at 9.30 pm (a first)sorry but the atmosphere wasnt there but that wasnt your fault as there was too much going on in the resort ,and most left the Conference room too early,

Andy

[SkeggyReds]

Oh well seeing as we've gone off thread again i'll add my thoughts too.
I was so dissapointed we couldn't get to the reunion.But now apart from missing being able to meet up with old and new friends,i don't feel like we've missed very much.
I was so looking forward to reading all about it on here and seeing lots of pics.I know that some of the reds have done that,but i really thought more would have been said about it after the big build up.
I have enquired if there is to be another one next year,as we were going to try our hardest to get to it.But not so sure now!
Eileen.

[Basilbrush]

A.J, A,J. A.J,
You are definatley out of order here, l couldnt believe it when you were sarcastic to me twice just because l joined in with my memories about the Elephant drowning in the North Pool and later when l mentioned the next building that was the Rock Ballroom in my time with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes (with Ringo as drummer) .
l wasnt trying to upstage you "they are My Memories"

Andy

Hello Andy,
Oh dear! You know I wasn't trying to upset you, nor was I trying to be sarcastic. It was just that I wanted to start off the ramble on an upbeat note, and it was unfortunate that that particularly spot was associated with a macabre event. If it had come further round on the tour, when I'd got into my rhthym, it would have slotted in more comfortably.
So please don't take it personal Andy. It's just that I like to keep everything geared around how enjoyable the camp used to be, and the positive things we came away with. And that goes for the Reunion as well.

[catmad]

Oh AJ we aren't children, and we all wanted to know more about the elephant, ok leave out the one about the kid, that was a bit sick(scuse the pun) but like Andy says the elephant was a fact, it's Butlins history. I understand why we were with the Laurel and Hardy lot, but it did seem, oviously, to be more geared around them. I wasn't impressed with new Butlins, but certainly enjoyed meeting everyone.

[Bionic Redcoat]

I find the story of the elephant funny, and feel it should be told as such. Not funny at the time, but after the initial event it can be seen as amusing. Rather like someone dropping something heavy on their foot, and breaking their big toe. Definately not funny when it happens, but later even the unfortunate person will have a laugh about it.

The PC brigade wouldn't agree, I'm sure, but who cares what they think (better hadn't start that debate again).

[mikeonions]

I'm confused - who was married to a dead elephant.

[skegred]

Mike l dont know how the elephant postings got onto the Butlins Longest marriages thread,l can see why your confused,join the club
Your posting gave me a laugh,

Andy

[catmad]

HaHa me too Andy.

[SkeggyReds]

I'm confused - who was married to a dead elephant.

Just read this, it's making me laugh too. :lol:
Eileen.

[monorailfan]

We are newlyweds by comparison, we met at Minehead in 1995 and married in 1996...

[Kookie]

Don't know anything about dead elephants but back to longest marriages. My wife & I met at Filey when I was a Red & she was A Revue Dancer in 1964. We married the same year & this year celebrate 44 happy years in October.

[skegred]

Hi Kookie, Last time l saw you was at the Redcoat Reunion at Scarborough 2002 or 2003

Looking forward to seeing some of your photos of Filey as l know you were a Red there ,and your experiences


l have added a photo of you and the one and only Tony Peers l tookat Scarboro Grand Hotel


skegred Andy

[pizzaqueen]

I met my husband, Neil whilst working at Minehead in 1991. He was a Catering Manager in the Wessex and I worked on Bars. We got married in 1998 and it will be our 10th wedding anniversary next week. We have two gorgeous daughters and very fond memories of working at Butlins.

[lillybit]

hi
i met my husband at skeggy he worked there doing a bit of everthing but beening a redcoat. we had a hoilday romance and remind friends after i come as we both come from scunthorpe and lived 10 minutes a way from each other. i was there on my hoildays . we got together again in 91 married in 95 and now we bring our kids to butlins. our 17 year old as applyed to work there and our 13 wants to as well looks like they are going to follow in dads footsteps.
lillybit

[carlae]

My mum and dad were both redcoats. They met at Clacton in 1970 and have been married for 35 years and are still going strong!

[harmonica]

i was an entertainer at minehead in the and prior to the opening year transfered to margate for the christmas of 62 and was seconded for the 63 season where i met my wife at the time a childrens nurse married in 64 we are still married and have been living in australia for most of this time bumping into past reds on the way

[rocky mason]

This business is getting to be a close thing my friends and it could all be down to which month .....between Harmonica, Kookie and me!! I met Marty in 1962 at Minehead during the filming of 'Beauty Jungle' with Ian Hendryand Janet Scott. Marty was an 'extra' playing a beauty queen in a line up around the pool! Harmonica should be able to remember this!! We married at Ramsgate Registry Office in 1964... is Mike Onions able to confirm this? We didn't have any guests other than Ron Hayter, my best man and his wife Ann, who was a witness. (If the wedding had been any quieter it wouldn't have happened!) Dear Jimmy Noon and Lynda would have run us all into the ground lads but sadly old Jim passed away a couple of years ago! I can't raise Lynda on the phone to find the exact dates...Terry herbert and Avril run pretty close as they were married early in 65. Amazing how many ex Red's met their wives at Butlin's!! Certainly a lot of the Ents Mgrs did... at the end of the day what is important is that we are still married and still happy! A wonderful thing considerig the Media's opinion on Butlin's at that time!! Well done everyone!!

[penychainphil67]

Dear Rocky, great to hear you put the record straight about our wonderful camps. I think it was about 10 years ago that I watched a particularly dark documentary made by Channel 4 about Sir Billy his personal life;and also the supposedly lose moral attitude of both himself and that of his staff and campers.Your last message has told things as they really were on the camps, that genuine and good people - including the great man himself - on the staff ensured that campers had the time of their lives. Of course your going to get 'Hurray Henry's' of either sex her and there from time to time in any walk of life. Bur they are the exception rather than the rule.Great piece Rocky, thanks.Phil

[mikeonions]

It's lovely to have you on board Rocky. I cannot confirm your marriage date as 1964 as requested because I did not meet you until 1966 when I did the Autumn and Christmas for you at Margate before going on the Here Come The Redcoats tour that is the subject of another thread.

I saw the Beauty Jungle being filmed at Bognor when I was there on holiday in 1963 - they must have filmed both there and Minehead because it has to have been Bognor I never set foot in Minehead until 1969. I remember Ronald Fraser getting up in the Pig and Whistle and doing jokes that would have got any redcoat the sack.

[rocky mason]

Thanks for that Mike! What year was it that You, Dave Nichols, key board,Terry Dale, Frankie Day, Kathy ? (She later married Terry.) Marty and I did the touring show, which we rehearsed at the Metropole,.The second half was Music Hall?...Were the tour dates arranged by Len Norton? I only did the one, but have an idea you did a few! By the way I found a touch of nostalgia in a box from my loft yesterday!... You, Terry, Liam, Brian Ward and Rob and Chris Charles, standing on the stairs at the Ocean hotel!!! I will post it as soon as I can! Woops, it might be Margate, as it's a black timber staircase!!...Liam phoned me just two days ago..
Take care my friend...I know it's hackneyed but there really isn't that many of us left!....or as you might say.."We are not too numerous these days!"

[mikeonions]

Hello again Rocky. The tour that you refer to must have been 1971/72 because I got married in March 1972 during the second half of that run. I remember that the trial performance at the Metropole, before we went on the road, was not particularly good but as the show developed it became very successful. I think we stayed in digs by Thirsk station for the first few shows which was booked by Len Norton. That was quite an important show for me as I was able to develope the white faced stooge character that later got me a tour working with Nat Jackley. If my memory serves me right you acted as chairman to begin with and Terry Dale took over that role when you left.

The other day I found a letter from Frank Mansell offering me Filey for the summer of 1974. I think that would have given me the opportunity to do a summer for you but by then I had decided that I ought to try the world outside of Butlins and I signed to appear in Chapmans Music Hall at the Embassy, Skegness.

[rocky mason]

Hello again Rocky. The tour that you refer to must have been 1971/72 because I got married in March 1972 during the second half of that run. I remember that the trial performance at the Metropole, before we went on the road, was not particularly good but as the show developed it became very successful. I think we stayed in digs by Thirsk station for the first few shows which was booked by Len Norton. That was quite an important show for me as I was able to develope the white faced stooge character that later got me a tour working with Nat Jackley. If my memory serves me right you acted as chairman to begin with and Terry Dale took over that role when you left.

The other day I found a letter from Frank Mansell offering me Filey for the summer of 1974. I think that would have given me the opportunity to do a summer for you but by then I had decided that I ought to try the world outside of Butlins and I signed to appear in Chapmans Music Hall at the Embassy, Skegness. It's surprising how memories fade with time, but you did do part of the summer with me at Bognor, 1965? I left during the season to go to Skegness, to swap with Martin Tiffen.

[rocky mason]

Thankyou Martin & Andy. Martin was one of my reds during my last season with Butlins at the Grand, Scarborough - he was very helpful and enthusiastic and it is wonderful to hear from you again. He may remember that that was a difficult season for me because Janet was pregnant and nearly lost the baby so she was confined to bed for several weeks. Jacqueline is 23 now and an excellent dancer as well as being a BSc - she is with us thanks to the help of all that year's reds - Martin, Simon, Hazel, Bob and Lisa plus Gertie Fisher on the piano.

The lovely Gertie Fisher used to play in the Regency, Pwllheli with liam, and fill the bar!!

[rocky mason]

Oh well seeing as we've gone off thread again i'll add my thoughts too.
I was so dissapointed we couldn't get to the reunion.But now apart from missing being able to meet up with old and new friends,i don't feel like we've missed very much.
I was so looking forward to reading all about it on here and seeing lots of pics.I know that some of the reds have done that,but i really thought more would have been said about it after the big build up.
I have enquired if there is to be another one next year,as we were going to try our hardest to get to it.But not so sure now!
Eileen. Hi Skeggy Reds, about the reunion, I believe in the old saying "You shouldn't judge a restaurant by one dinner!" I have been to two reunions - not the last one at Scarborough as we couldn't get there, but the one prior and one at Brighton around five years ago? Both were superb and it was marvelous seeing so many old friends. I know how enthusiastic you both are and so please don't be put off and do try to make it to one of them in the future! I am sure you will have a great time. Rocky x

[rocky mason]

Don't know anything about dead elephants but back to longest marriages. My wife & I met at Filey when I was a Red & she was A Revue Dancer in 1964. We married the same year & this year celebrate 44 happy years in October.

Kookie, my dear old friend I think we are running a dead heat!! I met Marty in 62 and I am sure we were married in 64, but I daren't ask!!! Rocky

[rocky mason]

Kookie, my dear old friend I think we are running a dead heat!! I met Marty in 62 and I am sure we were married in 64, but I daren't ask!!! Rocky

Kookie, kookie, I beat you!!! I plucked up the courage and asked! We were married in January so I beat you by nine months!! ........Kookie old friend, what's good for a black eye?

[rocky mason]

hello
my wife and i met at Filey in 1981 and married in Falmouth,Cornwall a year later and are still going strong..can anyone beat that?
cheers
mark

Hi Mark, it's so nice to hear that and congratulations, but it doesn't win you any 'House points' I'm afraid!! I think Marty and I might be in the lead, with January 1964!! What department was your wife in at Filey?... Rocky.

[rocky mason]

Hello again Rocky. The tour that you refer to must have been 1971/72 because I got married in March 1972 during the second half of that run. I remember that the trial performance at the Metropole, before we went on the road, was not particularly good but as the show developed it became very successful. I think we stayed in digs by Thirsk station for the first few shows which was booked by Len Norton. That was quite an important show for me as I was able to develope the white faced stooge character that later got me a tour working with Nat Jackley. If my memory serves me right you acted as chairman to begin with and Terry Dale took over that role when you left.

The other day I found a letter from Frank Mansell offering me Filey for the summer of 1974. I think that would have given me the opportunity to do a summer for you but by then I had decided that I ought to try the world outside of Butlins and I signed to appear in Chapmans Music Hall at the Embassy, Skegness. Yes, the touring show brings back happy memories Mike and I do remember the few days at the Railway Cottage digs, in Thirsk. I remember you Marty and I travelled in the brake together and you did the navigating with an ordnance survey map!! So much has happened for all of us since those carefree, blissful days!!

[Terry Herbert]

My Wife and I met in 1963 at the Ocean Hotel at Brighton. I was the EM and Averil was my waitress. I got her made up to a Redcoat when she became my secretary when I was transfered to Cliftonville in 1964 and we married in 1965 at Ramsgate Registry Office and had a reception at the Queens Hotel at Cliftonville and left the company the same day. So we have been very happily married for over 45 years with three married children and two grandchildren. Rocky told me he married in 1966 at the registry office in Ramsgate or maybe it was the year before???
Hi Mike Onions, you may remember you took over from me as EM at Brighton in 1964.

[Terry Herbert]

I should have tagged my last posting as Butlins Longest Marriages. I cannot quite get the hang of this, my apologies.

[mikeonions]

Hello Terry - nice to have you with us. Thankyou for promoting me. I remember 1964 at Brighton but I was only there to be Recoat Compere - Les Glass (Melville) took over from you as ents manager. I got the job eventually but not until 1979.

[Leslie Melville]

Hi Terry - were you at Brighton through the winter of '63/'64?

I could be wrong, but I thought that I had taken over at Brighton from Vince Dimanno - as Mike says, we were together during the summer of 1964.

I went back to The Metropole at Blackpool for the winter of '64/'65, following which I left the company - to become fabulously wealthy in my uncle's photographic business! - at least that's what he promised me! - It folded within 12 months!

A year later, I was earning £8.00 a night, performing with a Clairvoyant Chicken in northern working men's clubs!

Happy days!

Leslie