View Full Version : Back from Minehead today
Hi All,
Well just got back from a week at Minehead and heres my review:
Check in was excellent-we normally go gold so would get a seperate check in area but were very surprised and pleased with how prompt we got checked in as premier guests. I guess the main thing to point out here is the shock we got when we were handed over cards (as in the type you get given in hotels) rather than keys!!!!!!!!!!
Apparently keys will be no more soon! :evil:
Silver plus accomodation-Excellent-better than gold. All ground floor bungalows with pretty surrounding areas, we were just by the chapel in Holnicote Village row C. Very clean and tidy on inspection (Even got a stool for the dressing table Jinty :lol: ) Very spacious and nice to have the option of a bath or shower.
Entertainment, Activities, pictures and the Mad Billygirl tales to come soon :lol:
clactonman
07-10-05, 05:47 PM
Glad you had a good time sammy. Look forward to hearing more about your hols as Minehead is my favourite camp!
wizebuys1
07-10-05, 05:47 PM
hi sammy
hope you had a good holiday
look forward to the write up
discokev
07-10-05, 05:55 PM
Welcome back Sam, glad you had a good time and look forward to hearing more! :D
Glowstix Warrior
07-10-05, 06:07 PM
we just got back today too! pockets are seriously empty but it was well worth it :D
billygirl
07-10-05, 06:37 PM
Bet you all can't wait for my photos... I managed to sneak around Sunsplash completely unrestricted, and the Beachcomber too. Well, the doors were open, and I've always been a nosey parker... :D
wizebuys1
07-10-05, 06:52 PM
Bet you all can't wait for my photos... I managed to sneak around Sunsplash completely unrestricted, and the Beachcomber too. Well, the doors were open, and I've always been a nosey parker... :Dwell done billygirl...did you errmmm borrow any items from the beachcomber? :wink:
Ok Round Two:
After settling in the chalet we went to explore and see what was different from May (When we were there last) not a great deal apart from the new Billy fountain in the fair ground!
Bar Rosso called us then for a cocktail or two and we made our way to Centre Stage for "The Butlins Music Awards" Not a bad show!
On Saturday we were back in Centre Stage when all of a sudden I heard a "Are you Sammy"-now I was very hungover and sipping coke and didnt even know whether I was Sammy or not but said I was and met billygirl. It was great to meet another BM member and together we sat and put the world to rights (Mainly men, toilet humor and occasionally Butlins)
It was great to meet you Elaine, you made me laugh more than I have done in a long time and cant wait till I am in Putney again and we can go on the lash.
(Just make sure you have plenty of loo roll :lol: )
Part three to follow later
billygirl
07-10-05, 07:06 PM
In reply to the last two posts yes, I have a great load of loo roll, so there's no need for me to cut squares off the curtains for ablusion purposes and no, I didn't nick anything from the Beachcomber as there really wasn't anything worth nicking. Apart from randomly dumped chairs, they are ripping up the carpets in the building and I'd have looked pretty odd lugging one of those around!
Im interested to hear more about this idea of having cards instead of keys! Presumably everybody in the party is given cards, which would in turn save the need for wristbands?
Any idea when they plan to implement thsi system fully?
Evening Entertainment
The entertainment in Centre Stage was good all week (We didnt frequent Reds due to the No Smoking) paticuarly enjoyed Saturday night with 911 who are still good and performed live. "Remember when" was as usual fab and Max Hutton continues to steal the show at the Butlins Music Awards as Robbie Williams.
On the Tuesday we decided to go to Swinging Shillalegh for the karaoke which was good fun and made a change. 2 very nice female redcoats hosted, shame it finished at 10.45!
PP and the Floorshakers were on Wednesday night and played to a very empty Centre Stage (I would have left as well but goddaughter was having a whale of a time) They were a soul band who were not my thing and there just didnt seem to be any atmosphere. There was more atmosphere when Mad Martin was doing his "thing!"
Last night was "One Big Night" and have to say I enjoyed the show, variety was back at Butlins. We were treated to The Acrobats from Kenya, Butlins answer to Stomp, and a gameshow with a really funny old granny taking part who had previously stood up in Centre Stage and sang "My Way" whilst pulling up her Kaftan flashing all her bits to get noticed by the host!
The Zodiac show followed and then a female singer-we left then to get some well deserved sleep before our journey home today!
Im interested to hear more about this idea of having cards instead of keys! Presumably everybody in the party is given cards, which would in turn save the need for wristbands?
Any idea when they plan to implement thsi system fully?
Hi James,
We were given 2 cards for a group of 4. We were given no wristbands all week and NOT once were we asked to show any cards or any other form of paperwork to prove we were guests on entering any of the venues.
Heres a pic of our front door complete with card slot.
just got back today after 2 weeks, everything was great apart from the food in the diningroom as it was often cold or dried up or the veg was rock hard or rubbery and you couldnt complain to anyone unless you were fluent in polish!!!! and that means everywhere not just the restaurant, even so still booked for next year
Hi Zoea,
We didnt notice as many polish staff this time as we did in May, the ones that we did get served by were so much more polite than the English staff.
Two examples-The female bar staff in Centre Stage were so rude and only concerned about acting the eejit and dancing, they also all made a beeline for the male customers and ignored the females (One night I waited for almost 20mins) and then she was so rude I wanted to complain.
Second example was last night in Burger King, two English staff serving on the tills and polish staff working on the grills-now I dont know what had previously occured but the two english staff were quite clearly taking the mick out of the polish staff for all of the customers to see. When they got my order wrong I was told by the English girl "You just cant get the staff these days" and then she bawled out this polish guy in front of everyone.
If I spoke to my staff members like that I would have a mutiny on my hands!
The Entrance and Old Reception Area (Now Gold check in)
we stopped in a disabled unit pacific wharf p1 and it was brill really comfy sofas new wood effect kitchen cupboards, loads of space ,widescreen tv but really thin walls!
We rebooked out Butlins holiday for May 12th 2006 whilst we were there and got a really good deal. To stay in a gold self catering apartment for 3 adults and 1 child it has cost us ?300 for the week.
The staff were very helpful and told us we had got this half price so would be getting no premier discounts, however we did get given a free gift of a Billy Bear chair which my goddaughter Abbie made us carry with us everywhere for her to use from then on.
We found plenty to do in the day but everything was so costly. We went bowling one day and thankfully the game packed up on the last round so we were given a free game for any time in the week. (It had cost ?18.00 for 4 of us to play)
We did have a free game of darts on the ONE dartboard in hotshots but had to leave a ?5.00 deposit for the darts! They obviously can afford to let us have one free game of darts and we brought a coke and pint of carling in there and it came to ?4.40!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The pool was great (still too much chlorine though) but certain parts of it were closed at different times during the day for maintainence.
Most of the fair was in action all week, and the road train operated every day apart from Monday. (Monday was like a ghost camp, everything seemed to either be shut or close very early!)
The Skyline had plenty to watch (although the Kenya'n acrobats are repeated about three times per day) and was clean and well maintained throughout our break.
Character Explosion was a new show for the kids featuring Fireman Sam, Pingu and of course Billy Bear and was thoroughly enjoyed. It was hosted by Redcoat Adam who as usual was his professional and fun self.
Crazy golf remains at ?1.50 per person, the bungee tramps at ?4.00 per person and the new rope thing is ?25.00 pp if you want to do all of the ropes and climbs!
Well the electronic card system looks good. Presumably this is in an attempt to improve security on resort, as it is so easy (and always has been) for somebody to take keys home, then come back at a later date and break into the chalet.
With the card system, I presume that they will deactivate any cards that are not returned.
On another note, the new soofas in the chalets look a lot better than the old ones they had in the gallery / rooms!!
They may have looked better James but they were ruddy uncomfortable :(
discokev
08-10-05, 08:31 AM
Bet you all can't wait for my photos... I managed to sneak around Sunsplash completely unrestricted, and the Beachcomber too. Well, the doors were open, and I've always been a nosey parker... :D
Great to hear you managed to sneak around these areas aswell as sending me a postcard billygirl, thanks alot! :D Look forward to seeing your photos
Pushbutton
08-10-05, 08:46 AM
I would love to see those photos if you get chance please billygirl!!!
Sounds like you all had a great holiday.
I'm off there again next July,all paid for by my Dad & his partner :D
hey sammy, i remember seeing your daughter round the camp a few times
hey sammy, i remember seeing your daughter round the camp a few times
Once seen never forgotton eh? She was extremely naughty for most of the week! Shame we didnt know you were there or you could have come and met me and Billygirl for a beer :lol:
Great to hear you managed to sneak around these areas aswell as sending me a postcard billygirl, thanks alot!
Did you not get mine Kev?
billygirl
08-10-05, 10:54 AM
I will upload my photos sometime over the next couple of days.
Like Sammy, I also noticed that there were less Polish staff than last year, and that they were far nicer than the English staff.
At the bar I also found the staff rude and dippy. When a till crashed in Reds, rather than do things the old fashioned way and serve the packed bar-load of customers first, count the prices in your head and sort the cash differences out later, a full and major confab had to take place instead. You'd have thought Tony Blair had issued a state of emergency, what with the way these incompetents flapped around! If I was their guv'nor, they'd all be relegated to wearing the Billy Bear suit!
I also found it hard to get served by female staff. But as I've got nice tits, I just flashed a bit of cleavage at the barmen and that problem was solved! :D
I liked Crazy Horse as a venue, but they could have opened more than the one bar.
I also found that the people in Minehead are like Bob Geldof- they don't like Mondays! The pool was cordoned off, in part, for most of the day and lots of places were shut inside and outside the camp.
I was pleased with the grub on offer generally, and the service, although I was not overly impressed with kids running wild as I was trying to balance a tray and get fed, although I realise that this is the fault of their stupid parents.
I stayed in standard half board which was okay. On the plus side I had a lovely big bath rather than the pokey shower I got in silver last year. There's not much difference between standard and silver. My only gripes were the fact that I couldn't turn the heating down and that stronger lightbulbs were required- the place was like the black hole of Calcutta! Also, it would have been nice if they'd replenished the tea/ coffee supply, so that I didn't have to filch extras from the dining halls. And one bog roll per arse per week is not enough. What's a girl to do, wipe her jacksie with her hand and scrub it under the hot tap?!
Eating Venues:
The Sun and the Moon- This pub has downsized its menu considerabley to allow for the carvery which is served between 12-3 and 6-9. An excellent meal for the price of ?7.99 (I think) with the choice of two meats and loads of veggies and three differnt types of potatoes. You have to time it right though as the queues can be quite horrendous!
Shame they have downsized the menu though as there isnt a great deal of choice now at all.
Burger King- Apart from the attitudes of some staff working here the food was fine (Once they got your order right)
Finnigans-Had a kebab there after a night on the beer and it was well worth it (Or is that the beer talking?) loads of meat served in a wrap. The portions were really good and the polish staff were always polite and apologised for any delay.
The Skyline- Dry old crusty rolls but very tasty cakes and pastrys. Very overpriced!
discokev
08-10-05, 11:04 AM
Great to hear you managed to sneak around these areas aswell as sending me a postcard billygirl, thanks alot!
Did you not get mine Kev?
Nope, no sign of it at all Sam! :shock: Did think it was weird that you didn't send one.
Good to hear you had a generally good time butlinsgirl. Shame that there are still a number of Butlins staff letting the resorts down, in terms of customer service, but then again I think many cmpanies have staff liked this unfortunately.
I'd be interested to see some pictures of the crazy horse if anybody happens to have any, as Ive never been in there.
I wonder how the Bar staff would have coped in the event of a total systems failure on their epos system? Surely they have got a procedure in place to take manual orders etc?
Looking forward to the pictures Billygirl, have you been sober enough over the weekend to scan them in yet? :lol:
also when i was there i overheard one of the amusements staff telling his mate he had a big bag of skunk back at his chalet and was gonna sell it round camp! i reported this along with a spot on desciption of the bloke and was told this would be sorted, that night hed gone only to return to work on the friday(prob assumed that id gone home) and as id been talking to him at the start of my hols i asked him where hed been and he said hed been told to take a few days leave(paid) as a guest had made a complaint and was told to come back fri!!!
Thats terrible, did you complain again?
i was just told it had been dealt with, end of matter
Butlins_Shamus
14-10-05, 10:28 AM
Did You Say Less Polish Staff . The Polish and Latvien staff has actually incresed in the past months . i left in sept and in the res cat dept they went to latvia on another recruiting trip where they were under the impression of employing another 30 staff so your post was very missleading . but the english staff who work at butlins now probably seem v nice due to the amount of trouble guests have with polih staff so obviously we can do things a helll of a lot quicker due to well we can actually speak english.
Oh yeah most staff do hate mondays !
gemma22
14-10-05, 08:17 PM
did anyone hear the cpl in row c holnicote village,,argueing??
gemma22
14-10-05, 08:18 PM
Hi,,My Camera was lost on holiday I Butlins,Minehead!! recently. My 4yr old son,absolutely loved 'The Skyline Gang'. If anyone has any pictures of them I could have,,I know he would be made up!!
Thankyou Very Much
Sorry Gemma, I never took any of the skyline gang-hope your son likes the pictures that other members have provided :lol:
did anyone hear the cpl in row c holnicote village,,argueing??
We were in row C Holnicote Village, which end where the arguing couple at? (and No it wasnt me and my other half, though I felt like it a couple of times :lol: )
dancingdog777
15-10-05, 08:51 PM
Re EPOS breakdown confusion - serving and doing money in the old fashioned way, in their heads, would not be acceptable to the people who run Butlins these days, ie Accountants. There's too much to be lost (stock) in their eyes, so longer queues are preferable, using the still working EPOS machines.
So much for progress!
butlins babe
15-10-05, 09:14 PM
I agree a lot of companies actually do not allow their staff to work manually as they have no record of what has gone on for audit purposes. I have worked for a couple of large national companies and that has been the case in them. Crazy if you ask me because at the end of the day you wouldn't exsist if it wasn't for the customers you are serving, yet they won't let you serve them!
But if their entire system failed, what set up would they use? Would Butlins simply not trade?
I am a checkout supervisor for Sainsbury's, and we have got an entire procedures manual on Total Systems Failure, and each checkout in every store will have been allocated its own pack, containing calculators, pens and duplicate books, EFT fallback slips etc should the system ever totally fail.
Thankfully, no store has ever had a system failure since they moved over to the REPOS system, and I pray that we arent the first store when I'm in charge!!
johnrobert
16-10-05, 03:57 PM
Re EPOS breakdown confusion - serving and doing money in the old fashioned way, in their heads, would not be acceptable to the people who run Butlins these days, ie Accountants. There's too much to be lost (stock) in their eyes, so longer queues are preferable, using the still working EPOS machines.
So much for progress! :?: So thats why I received a receipt for every single pint while at Minehead last week . Did find it a bit strange at the time!! [/quote]
johnrobert
16-10-05, 04:05 PM
Whilst on the topic of Minehead. A special mention here of redcoat Vanessa (Zone club dancing) and sports coach Kevin ( football) whose exceptional talents made my childrens holiday that little bit special. :D
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