Reception

[admin]

Now that you're on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

[barryislandfan]

We did this on all about us, but think its a good idea here as we can all see it when we come on the site.

Im Dan, 29 from Gloucester. I live with my fiancee Rachel whos 22 and originally from Stockport. I work as an Admin Officer for a company that mantains databases for government departments. I work 2 days a week in an office and 3 days at home, which is harder than going to the office as im always on here and not working!!

In my spare time I like films and music. I have hundreds of DVD's, watch Sky Movies and like going to the cinema. I also read alot and play The Sims. Me and Rachel usually go out on Saturday nights for a drink and Rachel loves the karaoke, we both enjoy eating out when we can. Im mad on Butlins (shock horror) and love Barry Island, I collect Barry Island merchandise off ebay when ever it crops up!

I have 2 cats and 2 part time dogs!!

[rach1971]

hiya, i'm rachel, i'm 35, married for nearly 17 years with a 7 yr old son, i live in accrington but am originaly from ashton-u-lyne.

i love writing, reading books, watching wrestling, music, anything to do with the paranormal and of course----- BUTLINS. (even though i've only been the twice, it was a place that i always dreamt of visiting as a child).

i have a cat called gizmo and a bearded dragon, called stone.:)

[Sherwood Bear]

Hi, My name is Malcolm or Malc or Max. I am 44 years old, divorced with a son of 10 who lives with his mum but who I see as much as I can. That is him to the left in his Omega 92 goalkeeping kit I live at present in Kent.
I have never been to butlins before, well I may have done but would have been to young to remember. I wish I had been after seeing all the wonderful pictures of Butlins past and reading the wonderful memories of those that have been many times before.
My son and myself are going to Butlins Skegness for the first time on Monday 7th August 2006 till Friday 11th August 2006 and we are both looking forward to it very much. I hope if anyone else is going at the same time perhaps they could message me.

[Jules67]

Nice idea!
I'm Juliet. I'm 39 and live in North Wales with my Hubby Paul and our two children! I work in a primary school, I'm a behavioural support worker and I love it!

Holidayed at Butlins in my teens mostly and thought it was Heven. I found this place by chance about 3 years ago and its been lovely to find so many other peeps who love Butlins too!

[muriel]

Think I also put this in all about us, but just a brief bit about me, 32 had many happy holiday's as a child at Clacton, Bognor Regis and just the one at Skegness. Worked at Pwhelli, Minehead and Bognor Regis in the early nineties in the summer's from uni, chalet maid, waitress, bar person, with some babysitting thrown in. Also worked at Pontins for two years after uni , couldn't decide what I really wanted to do and was loving the life too much!! ha.ha.
Butlins holds so many happy memories for me and I also made a lot of good friends there on holiday and working. Still go on a five day break to Bognor every year if I can manage it.

Clacton was always my favourite though, such a shame they closed it!!

Haven't been a member of this site long, but am totally addicted, it is great to share memories and talk about Butlins with others that love it as much as I do!!:D

[david lythgoe]

I am 50years old, been married to Jayne for 16 years and have a daughter Lucy who is 14.
I work in Golf and spent four years at Primrose Valley running the P'n'P.
My Mum & Dad (both are no longer with us) met at Butlins Pwllheli and my Uncle Steve Beatie was one of the Dining Room Managers at Filey for many years. I used to visit Filey regularlly as a child and have had many long coversations about the site since its closure.
May be I should not say this here but I know the "Top Brass" at Bourne Leisure too.

[Ash]

Hi Im Nigel (thats why everyone calls me ASH)
Married 11 years to Lynne, have a 16 month son Joe. Work as a debt advisor for Citizens Advice.
Been to Minehead, Skeggy, Pwhelli and my old favourite Barry Island about 15 times when i was a kiddie.
Going to Bognor (Shoreline Hotel) for 1st time in September and really looking forward to it, I think Joe will be old enough to appreciate Butlins. Current favourite is Minehead.
Mainly collect Butlins postcards 1960s-80s, key fobs, letters and brochures.
Reignited my interest in Butlins when I followed the demise of poor old Barry Island, and then got into the Filey demolition. Found this website and the rest as they say is history.

[discokev]

Hi all,

Thought I'd better add a bit about me...

I'm Kev, 26 from Norfolk and I'm an accountant.

As a kid I went to Clacton once before it closed then Skegness for 6 years running before going round the other camps (Minehead, Pwhelli, Ayr & Bognor) in the early nineties. I returned to Skeggy last year for an adult weekend which inspired me to find this site.

I love music and clubbing (what did you expect with a name like Discokev! :p ). My clubbing ability has been effected slightly lately since I had my leg amputated last year but I will hopefully be up to full dancing power before too long.

Kev

[butlins steve]

hi all

My name is steve and i have been going to butlins since 1989 when i was 17 with my then girlfreind (now wife) our 2 year old son also loves butlins but he calls it Bobs. Ive worked for Tesco for 17 years and think this site is great as it brings back a lot of great memories. As soon as i learn how i will try and post some of our 17 years worth of photos.

[Rainbow]

Hi my name is Melanie, I'm from Derby originally, Now live in the west of Ireland, was a redcoat at Skegness from 95- 98 loved every minute of it, Butlins is special to me as I met my boyfriend Peter there,
I love this site as it's a place I can share my memories, and I love reading about other people's memories too, Its nice to have people to chat to that also have a passion for Butlins past, present and hopefully future. have a pet Yorkshire terrier called gizmo and I am 31.

[gabbo]

Hi my name is Dean. I am 41 years old and live in Sheffield though i am originaly from Redcar. I am a manager with Royal Mail and I am married to Vicki and we have two little girls Amber who is 10 and Summer who is 8.

I was a lifeguard (and occasional red) in Minehead in 90 and 91 where i met Vicki. I was also a twice yearly camper as a kid at Filey until the late 70's early 80's.

I still go to Butlins every year both with the kids and also to the adult breaks and love every minute.

[alan7554]

:p hi there my name is alan and i was a redcoat at phwelli in the early 90,s, grat time and a great place to work then, i mainly worked in broadway but some times it was in stars,
i worked there from 1993-1994 my ents manager was the dragon(joan smith ) so if any one remembers me,give us a buzz, i had short spikey hair and used to sing a lot,but icould,nt dance to save my life, i was always put at the back in the redcoat show, i worked with mike horne, les, ralphy, sarah fryer, sarah colins, sharon and michael and our chief red was leah hemsley, any info would be appreciated
yours alan smith,
p.s i got sacked on a trumped up charge of gross misconduct with another red who 6 weeks later got his job back, i appealed and won,but was told i was then being finished because my work was not up to the standards required at that centre, i was one of the few reds to speak my mind at the staff meetings, and i dont think that joan smith liked that, but i enjoyed all the good times also donna and carol neederman, so think hard were you there then if so give us an e-mail.:p

[wearecity]

I wish I was really in the reception now at Bognor Regis in the 70's or 80's but sadly I'm not.

Anyway, Hi, I'm Steve, I'm 35 for another 12 days.

My favourite Butlins is Bognor Regis. I have been to Butlins at Pwhelli, Clacton, Minehead and Bognor. I have been going to Bognor since the early 70's, when I was a little child. My last visit to traditional Butlins was in 1997 or 1998 (can't remember) but I went back last year, but still had a great time on an adult weekend, but it looks like the family holidays are nowhere near as good as they were in the 70's till early 90's.

Personally, I'm single, I work for the Railway and live in London, I love footy (Manchester City and St Johnstone) as well as going out to the seaside several times a year. I also going out to the pub and don't mind clubbing.

[Guy Morris]

Hi, I'm Guy & from a family of Butlins Holiday makers since before I was even born in 1962. My family won many table tennis trophy's whenever holidaying at the many Butlins camps. My oldest brother Dean won a talent contest in about 1961 at Skeggy, singing "Somewhere over the rainbow".
Although I never had my family's penchant, or skill in the table tennis department, I did win a fancy dress competition in Ayr, 1973 as Monty python's flying circus & 3rd place in Minehead a couple of years later as a weather forecast "Wet & Windy" dressed in just a nappy & sucking a dummy.
I've also enjoyed a couple of hols at Skeggy in summer & Xmas 2002, where my daughter had a crush on Redcoat Lee Thomason. All the Reds, as usual, were Fantastic.
Now that I've got my life back in order since my rather accrimonious divorce (aren't they all ?) I'm very much looking forward to taking my daughter & her friend to Skeggy again this August & may even have fun making a fool of myself, having a crack at the "X Factor" whilst there.:D
Ciao 4 now...... Guy.

[Paul Graham]

Hello all or should I say Hi De Hi,
My name as you can see is Paul. I have recently seperated from my wife. I have three grown up children, Linda, Mark and steven. Linda and Mark live in Leeds, steven lives in Essex with his girlfreind Steph. I now live in Rotherham. We used to holiday at Filey and Skegness from the early 60s to the 70s. Which I think was the best era. During that time most of you will remember the name change from Butlins camps to Butlinlands. Also it was the time when the Rank organisation took over and the demise began. The last we visited a Butlins camp was in the 90s to Skegness but I didnt like it and havent been there since. Still say the best camp was Filey.

[Smileysal]

Hi I'm Sally-Ann, but everyone calls me Sal. I'm 39, with 2 great girls. 1 14 and the youngest 2. Went to Butlins from being a baby till bout 89. Been to them all apart from Minehead and Moseney.

Worked as a dancer/teamstar at Gunton Hall HV in Lowestoft when warners was called Warners Holidays, then in 1991, name changed to Haven-Warner ltd, i worked at Devon Coast HV in Paignton (now sadly gone grrrr!!!). Met my oldests dad when at Devon Coast, he was in the band. split in 97, then single, met my now ex (yep another one, crazy fool!) in 2002, had baby in 2004, then split up with him last year, 2005. So now single again. Think ive decided to stay single its safer. hehehe.

Last worked at Co-op on deli for 4 years till had baby, then didn't go back after maternity leave. Did GCSE Law from '04 till last year, got a b (and beat ex woohoo, happy with that. took a year out, and going back in September to carry on and do A-Level Law, then hopefully get a job either in a solicitors office or join the police, not decided which yet. guess it depends on the results next year.

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, im a qualified dance teacher in Ballroom, Latin American, Old Tyme Sequence and Disco Freestyle, hopefully will go back to teaching in the future. fingers crossed. Well thats me.

Sorry for going on and on, bad habit of mine, talk too much. hehehe.

:) Sal XX

[Doncaster_Dave_Skegness85]

hi...I'm Dave, 40 yrs old (sob!), born in Goole , lived in Doncaster all my life though.
Graduated in 1988 with a 2i Hons ...worked mainly in financial services; since 1998 I've been a mortgage manager for Chelsea B. Society, work mainly from home (nice!).
Partner (15yrs) is Janet, kids Amy (13) & Sam (7)

aka 'Rossobantam' on Rainbow's Quiz page , 'cos I grew up in a mining village called Rossington (Rosso!), and I'm a season ticket holder at Bradford City (nickname 'The Bantams').

Holidayed with parents/family friends at Pwhelli & Skeggy 1971-6, then worked in the kitchens/bars at Skeggy in 1985. Best hols ever. Best (fun) job ever.


Dave
:razz:

[janbarrmason]

Hello, I am Janice Mason and I live in Knutsford in Cheshire. Geoff and I have been married 33 years (so old) and we met as Redcoats working at Filey in 1973. I had done 2 seasons there and a Christmas at Minehead in 1972.
We became good friends mid season, (July) and got engaged in the August and married in September. We left Butlins together and have not been apart since. I was Chief Hostess then in 1973, and it was a job I really loved.
When we left Butlins we moved to Manchester after marrying, we both come from Yorkshire. Geoff started a Chemistry Degree at Uni and I took a driving job, it was hard after being at Butlins but we were ok just being newly married.
We had our first daughter Jill in 1975 and Geoff finished his Degree doing very well and got a job with IBM in Portsmouth. We moved there and loved it, we had two more children, Nikki and Davd. Geoff stayed with IBM for 27 years , in that time we had moved up to Knutsford as he was working in Manchester.
So, here we are with our family almost grown up, Jill is a Primary teacher and Nikki teaches at a College in Business Studies, David is at Salford Uni doing Sports Science and does some chefing in his spare time. ( he can cook) .
Our biggest joy is our little Grand children, born 7 weeks apart, Molly, and Thomas both nearly 2 now. They are gorgeous, I have Molly alot as Jill works part time, but Thomas is in Leeds so we see less of him, but I make sure we see him once a week though
So thats me really, I have worked over the last 15 years at Tatton Park in Education, (flower show) but do very little there now. My one thing I do do is at Xmas work on dressing the house for a Victorian Chrithmas. We make garlands and rings from greenery to dress the Mantle pieces and tops and it takes about 6 weeks. I enjoy it very much.
I hope I have not bored you but I must stop there, here we are in Knutsford , Geoff working for Barclays Bank, I feel very lucky to be able to say that as Geoff has had a few health scares, serious ones too. But I bet he is the only one there with Butlins Redcoat on his long CV.

[caz75]

Hi, I'm new to this!

I'm Caroline aged 31 from Dundee. I enjoyed many Butlins holidays, Ayr 1980, 1984, 1986 and 1987, Bognor (Southcoast World) 1989, 1990 and 1991 and Butlins Hotel Blackpool 1997 and 1999.

There was always so much to do and so many new people to meet! I loved the roller skating rink and the swimming pools at Ayr best I think. I was really sorry to read that the Stuart Ballroom had been demolished!

At Bognor I liked seeing comedians at The Vaudeville and The Manhattan - I saw Mike Reid, Tom O'Connor and several others!

IMO the "old" Butlins was better than the Holiday Worlds - I just wish I could have another holiday like that now!

[tedcanthearyou]

hello All I'm Rob lived in lincolnshire all my life, never been to Butlins until last year, my parents loved the sun so we always ended up going to spain and the like, I'm 32 married to Joanne with one child called Rebecca, been to Butlins once this year already, going again in September then again in December and going to try 1 of the other sites next year as i've only been to the Skeg site.

Hope to have a Forum meet up sometime i also post www.flyer.co.uk

[Captain Peacock]

Hello all,

I'm Graham (but with my surname been known as Captain for a long time!). Originally from Croydon but now live in Farnborough, Hampshire.

I'm 41, seperated, have two little boys and I'm an accountant.... look it's not my fault it just happened ok!!

Used to holiday in Skeggy in the late 70's and early 80's with a school friend and his parents. Then worked in Minehead 1991-97 did many jobs.. mainly Customer Services but also covered Cleaning, Stores, Payroll/Personnel, Accounts, Accommodation, on what was then the Rank Management Training Scheme. (I did wear the famous Reds on promotion tours to Travel Agents occasionally and also the meet-and-greet at Taunton train Station but was never a Red on Centre). Left when they stopped the scheme just before they sold to Bourne.

Miss it everyday. Great life, great friends and great memories.

My old school friend who I went on holiday with got me the job there.. he was a Red in Minehead in 86 and 90-92, then went to Barry Island and then on tour with 'That'll be the day' and as a comedian. Although he doesnt post on here we do often sit and reminisce about things that went on. Redcoat Russ Chalton if anyone remembers him.... also 41 from Croydon, unmarried, no kids.

[EmptySouls]

I'm Nick

I have great childhood memories of Butlins in the 70's. I was at various:
Minehead 71
Clacton 72
Skegness & Clacton 73
Minehead 74
Clacton 76
Brighton Hotel 77
Bognor 78
Clacton 79

I think it is a shame that those days are gone but things change. I remember the 2 knights on hoeseback at the Gaiety theatre at one camp and those red plastic tubes that had your photo in. And the louges where you could see the legs of people swimming.

Nick

[Mickey]

Hey,
Im Mike, 13 years of age, Live in suffolk with my mum. Have been to butlins holidays 6 times now, 3 times skegness, 2 times Minehead and once to bognor regis. Whenever i talk about Butlins especially Minehead all my memories come back, some of them make me cry.
That's pretty much it from me lol

[amybeean]

okay ive been posting for like a month now so .... MY TURN! :D
the names amy if ya didn't gather already, i grew up in the uk....never holidaying at butlins that i can think of but we went quite a lot for day visits. anyway moved to australia with my boyfriend when i was 17 [yep, young, immature and blah blah blah] but came back to the uk for 7 months [dec 2005 - june 2006] and while there worked at none other than butlins, minehead.
worked in the food and beverage department in the lovely overpriced skyline cafe. if anyone was lucky enough to be served by me you would have been undercharged.....but lets keep that to ourselves!! :D please....
anyway, back in oz again now livin' it large [job and house hunting, whoop dee doooo..........] keep in touch, im friendly! honest.... :D
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Kath]

Hello! I guess it's time I did mine!

I'm Kath and I've just turned 30! I have a husband and two small children (aged 3 and 1). I work in a health shop so if you want to chat about herbal rememdies for stuff, I guess I'm your person!

I've lived around Nottingham all my life. I love to travel but I love to come home too!

As a child we usually went to Skegness every year, until 1988 when we stopped :(

In Feb 2004 I started taking my baby daughter and my husband to Butlins and actually found out I was pregnant with my son on the journey home from Skegness Butlins that month! We've since gone twice a year (Once in the summer and once in Autumn) and we all love it! My husband had never been to Butlins before but now he's almost as hooked as me!

To date, I have never been to any camp except Skeggy but that will all change this September when I visit Minehead for the first time on the 29th!

[jayne]

Now that you’re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

My name is Jayne.I'm married to Tony and we have 2 children-Ryan and Olivia age 9 and 7.
We are from West Yorkshire. Alot of our holidays in Britian are based at the
Haven Holiday Centres, as I grew up with many happy memories on camp sites.We have recently purchased a tent and all the equipment to go with it,so we have started to research some good sites to visit.
I have alot of happy memories from the Butlins and Derbyshire Miners Holiday Camps at Skegness. My family used to go every year in August along with all my mum's family(about 30 of us). we used to stay in the chalets and virtually take over the camp there was so many of us. My brother always celebrated his birthday on holiday.We used to carry tables outside in a long line and have a party/barbeque every year!!!.
The lads joined the football team games. Mum's and Dad's did the tug of war. My cousins and I used to go in the Disco at night downstairs while our mum's and dad's were upstairs in the club. When we very young mum's and dad's used to get us to sleep and go to the club where there was a babysitting service. If any baby or child was heard crying in the chalets,the number of the chalet used to flash up by the side of the stage!!
We all used to go in the Ballroom and enter the Prince and Princess competitions. My female cousins and I used to enter the beauty comp.by the side of the outdoor pool!!
We even had a go at ballroom dancing. Is there anyone out there who used to go in the 70's and 80's. I was 17 on my last visit in 1985!!. we stayed in the brand new log cabins.

[Angelbabe]

Hi my name is anne i am 34 years old live in lowestoft. Married to alex, have two sons Johnathan who is 13 nearly 14 (butlinsroc) and samuel who is 9.

Went to clacton for many years with my parents and had many happy childhood memories of butlins so when johnathan was 6 months he was introduced to butlins at skegness and has been addicted to it ever since we go to skeggy 3 times a year.

[butlinsroc]

hi my name is johnathan im 14 years old i live in lowestoft. i play the drums and go to butlins skegness regularly (3 - 4 times a year).
I have a brother called sam, mum (angelbabe) and dad (works offshore).
i like a variety of music mostly rock - heavy metal , punk etc.

[muffin_girl]

My name is Jenny, Im 15, I go to Minehead evry year and have been since i was still in my mums tummy :D i love it sooooooo much and will be going again 1st september with my friend ivy who has never been so im gonna give her a personal tour (ie. this is the site where the old outdoor pool was which was so much better than the new one and if you look down that corridor you can see the entrance to sunsplash pool which again was better than the current pool (just ;) ) but aside from all that i still love it every year)

the place that holds the most memories for me is the old sunsplash pool i remember so many things (including how cold the flume tower was) and i wish i could just visit there again...
i like loads of different kinds of music mainly rock (especially Green Day i am obsessed with Green Day so yeah) but i did enjoy a steps tribute show at minhead a little while ago so yeah i like damn near everything music wise
i play drums, guitar, recorder :mrgreen: and piano/keyboard
recently i have been mostly listening to The Network :cool:

[Dj Dan]

Hi....

I'm Dan Eastwood, I'm 25 and used to be the Butlins Skegness Jaks Host between 2001-2004.

I now live in a little village just outside Cirencester, and have been doing all sorts since leaving the best job in the world. I live with my Girlfriend Redcoat Ria and just before christmas 2005, I started my own business.

Just wanna say Hello to eveyone on here who I will inevitably end up in conversation with at some point or another.

Come say hello if you wish.

[barryislandfan]

Hi....

I'm Dan Eastwood, I'm 25 and used to be the Butlins Skegness Jaks Host between 2001-2004.

I now live in a little village just outside Cirencester, and have been doing all sorts since leaving the best job in the world. I live with my Girlfriend Redcoat Ria and just before christmas 2005, I started my own business.

Just wanna say Hello to eveyone on here who I will inevitably end up in conversation with at some point or another.

Come say hello if you wish.Hi Dan, im another Dan from just down the road in Gloucester. Welcome to the forum!

[Laura B]

Hey!

Im Laura, Im 14 and come from Telford, Shropshire.

Ive just recently come back from Butlins Minehead, My first time at a Butlins resort, and it was amazing! I'd love to go next year, but my mum unfortunately wont take me again. :neutral: :( :???: I would love to become a Redcoat when I'm old enough.

My interests are music and film. I love music and my favourite artists are; James Blunt, The Feeling, Panic! at the Disco and Green Day. I love most musi except from R&B, Rap and Hip Hop stuff. My favourite Movies are anything done by Pixar and Disney.

[michael weston]

Hi
My name is Mike and I am a Butlins fan my first visit was to Skegness in 1956, and I have all my badges still, what I have to say about modern Butlins is, why have the powers that be decided what the public want, because they have got it wrong

The theatres have all gone, but if the public didnt want them why were the House Full signs still going up in their final year in operation, and why as a Butlins fan am I subjected to childrens entertainment out of school holidays, answer is because its cheap entertainment,

But keep smiling they may get the message one day but I have serious doubts.

Mike

[marie11]

My names Marie im 22 years young, and i live with my mum, dad, brother and boyfriend which i have been with for 4 years. ive been going to butlins since i was a baby, minehead mainly so i have so many memories. went to bognor this year in the new hotel its lovely really enjoyed it. hopely will be going back around christmas. i collect all butlins things i have loads of badges and postcards, but some more different stuff like a coat hanger and knifes and forkswith butlins on. If you have not been to butlins GO your love it.

[Jules]

Hi I'm Jules
Worked at Ayr, 1985 and 1986
Holidayed at Skeggy, and Pwhelli before becoming a member of staff!
Really happy memories of Skeggy in the 70's, best holidays of my life ... never thought as a child that I would ever work for Butlins.
I have 3 boys aged 19, 18 and 14, separated and happy!
Work as a legal secretary these days, quite a change from those happy carefree days at Ayr!
Jules
x

[uncle martin]

Hello my name is martin
i worked at pontins/butlins at Dolphin, st mary's bay, osmington BAY,Seacroft,
wick Ferry,
Barry Island (majestic)
as a childrens uncle (dolphin ,St Mary's)
and as an ent manager at the others,
i was at dolphin in 1987 and the others through the early 90's,
i would love to chat to anyone about pontins and Barry island

thx
Martin;)

[barryislandfan]

Hello my name is martin
i worked at pontins/butlins at Dolphin, st mary's bay, osmington BAY,Seacroft,
wick Ferry,
Barry Island (majestic)
as a childrens uncle (dolphin ,St Mary's)
and as an ent manager at the others,
i was at dolphin in 1987 and the others through the early 90's,
i would love to chat to anyone about pontins and Barry island

thx
Martin;)Barry Island, my favourite camp ever both under Butlins and Majestic, I still miss it.

Have you tried Rob's website www.butlinsbarryisland.com it is fantasticly put together and Rob never actually went to the camp either, which makes his enthusiasm ever better.

Also try www.barryislandreunion.com

Oh and welcome to the fourm!

[-Aaron-]

Hi, I'm Aaron, 15 from Telford.

Just come back from Minehead the other day and found this website so decided to pop in and have a look :D

I like Sports(mostly football) and like most types of music..so yeah thats me so Hi :D

[snoopy]

Hello
Im Sue and my hubby is Ray
I worked in Bognor in 1985 for a season in the kitchens and also as a jaffa...
Ray worked at Bognor from 1973 to '85 and Minehead till the end of '86 he was a cleaner then supervisor and finally services manager...
Ray moved to Leicester at the end of the '86 season and we married in '87
we had our son Bryce in '88 ...
I am now a resources coordinator (librarian/reprographics) in a local school and Ray is stores manager in a lift manufactoring firm.. Bryce is at college doing his A Levels and getting ready for Uni and enjoying his time in his band.. he is talking about taking a year out before uni and going to Butlins as a redcoat... we will see
we have been to Bognor once since we left but really I don't like it as much as when we worked there... we go to Skeg but not to stay we go as day visitors at least three times a year..

[Lydz]

Hey to you all, hopefully will get to have a chat with yous all!

Im Lydia, from Northamptonshire.

I found the site whilst doing Travel and Tourism coursework about Butlins.

I have been to Butlins in Skeggy, Minehead, Bognor Regis and Pwelli before it shut (sorry about spelling) before. Usually I go to Skegness as its the cloest one to me, I would say I go about every other 2 years.If the pay was better I would be a red coat :rolleyes: :p

I love drama, swimming, laughing, chatting and shopping. I have a brother called Dominic and I have 3 guniea pigs, 1 cat, 1 goldfish and an aquarium.

Here is 2 photos of me.I like editing photos as well as you can tell lol

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3724/img200610131552430468ha8.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/636/vintageatpromkl6.jpg

XO

[Pob7161]

Well here we go this is me...

I am originally from Warsop near Mansfield Notts now residing in Bedford...Started off as lifeguard for local council then joined the army, left army and thought hey what do I do for the rest of my life...My girlfriend lived in Skeg and I wanted to be close to her then somebody said 'why not apply to work at Butlins skeg' This I did and applied to be a barman heard nothing for ages then they called me and said do i want to be a lifeguard instead, I said OK! when would you like me to start...they said tomorrow...lol so from that moment, that one phone call my life was to change and have a lasting effect that has made me the man I am today... i had 3 years at skeg as a lifeguard then a Red then both at the same time..86,87,88... I have been in the entertainment business ever since, manager,coat,act production and technical...lived in the states for a while now i am in the building trade but gigging as well, as a vocalist... the most important thing in my life now is my daughter who is 8 going on 18, who now lives in Spain. that's a little potted history of my life so far but believe me...there is more meat on this bone...lol

Take care

Scott

[streetwize]

Now that you’re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

i am 14 i like going to the gym playing on the ps2 and nintendo ds
and i have a job on the markets on the weekend
and i am the son of mr and mrs wizebuys and brouther of butlinsbunni

[sarahw]

Hi all been a member for a while and thought it about time I posted.
I worked at Clacton in the 1980's at the Crazy Horse and the chip shop (someone had to) I lived on and off camp and had some great times.:D Who can fail to remember, the wonderful standard of accommodation on the camp, I used to sneak onto the roof to sunbathe and have fun :twisted: with a few other workers( you know who you are) I have attached the only photo I could find of me and a couple of fellow staff at the Fairground, (also used as my aviator) I miss Clacton and finally went to Skegness this year, I had a great time and will post the pics later. best wishes to anyone who knew me then be great to hear from you.
Cheers
Sarah

[Aaron]

My name is Aaron and I've never been to Butlins in my life! :shock: But my very good wonderful friend adores it, and so I'd like to learn as much about it as I can, so here I am! Also, I like to play the arcade games here.

I'm 22, live in the good old US of A and have never been to England or out of the country. I hope you'll all indulge me with any Butlins questions I may have. Maybe someday I'll get to go to a Butlins (I will get to England sometime, I know), but it's just not in the forseeable future.

[Redcoat Woody]

Ey Up!
I've just come across this site and thought I'd say ello
I worked as a Red at Minehead during the Summers of 1991,2,3
It would be good to hear from those how might remember me!
I was always know as Woody (as there was originally a Paul and no two Reds were allowed the same name badge)
I kept Woody even when the order was only "proper names" to be used as people knew me as Woody (and Dave Ferris insisted it had to stay!)
My time as a Red still has a special memories for me
A mad time of working 9 til midnight, 6 days a week ~ but I can still do the "party Set" dances!
Love to hear from you!
Paul (Woody)

[theman]

hi a am 14 live in lodon
have one bro
work as a paper boy lol
love a joke

[graveyardshift]

Hi everyone

My name is Alex. I am 42 years old. I am married to (angelbabe) and dad to (butlinsroc)

The reason for my username is i am a deck officer on standby ships in the north sea and my working hours are 12 - 4.

Angelbabe introduced me to Butlins 14 years ago, and i enjoy it very much

[butlinsroc]

and i enjoy it very much

hi dad

do you??????????

you are always forced to go and you are the only one that doesnt whinge when we have to come home :D :D

[Disco Stu]

hi all,

i'm Stuart "disco" lake

just discovered the site and have to say what a great place...

i worked as havenmate in 1997/1998, and in 1999 as asst ents manager on a private park, from 2000 onwards have been ents manager, compere & dj at private holiday parks in uk and at hotels abroad....

i have loads more i could add buti will be rambling for hours!

hope to chat with you all shortly!

[amy-lou]

Now that you?re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

Hello, there.
I thought I would join this site and share many a good memory. I have always been to Minehead with my family while growing uo. Now, I holiday with my two sons and they love it!!
I have returned from the westlife break. How well the staff worked what with the severe weather!! It was my first break since the start of the year and enjoyable as ever.
However....................where was Mad Martin?! I hope he was only on holiday as it would not be as WOW without him. Redcoat Chris Gray was as good as ever. He is fantastic and has so much energy. Where has Redcoat Abbie vanished to? She always lit up the venues she was in and always had time to talk or acknowledge even when being mobbed by children. I hope the big personalities aren't leaving!!!
Looking forward to sharing good memories.

Amy-Lou

[amybeean]

Hello, there.
I thought I would join this site and share many a good memory. I have always been to Minehead with my family while growing uo. Now, I holiday with my two sons and they love it!!
I have returned from the westlife break. How well the staff worked what with the severe weather!! It was my first break since the start of the year and enjoyable as ever.
However....................where was Mad Martin?! I hope he was only on holiday as it would not be as WOW without him. Redcoat Chris Gray was as good as ever. He is fantastic and has so much energy. Where has Redcoat Abbie vanished to? She always lit up the venues she was in and always had time to talk or acknowledge even when being mobbed by children. I hope the big personalities aren't leaving!!!
Looking forward to sharing good memories.

Amy-Lou

Hi amy and welcome to the site [wow u have my name! Amy-Lou is my real name!] hehe
I dont know about martin leaving but i hope not, i shall ask some of my lovely lovely friends! Abbie now works in the holiday booking shop, she is also on this site her username is 'Lovely'
Look forward to your memories! :) Amy xxxxxxx

[Longshot]

Hi all

Im Dominik 31 and currently live in North Nottinghamshire. Feel abit left out as I never worked for Butlins, but I did have many happy holidays there year in year out, growing up on the Isle of Wight we normally went to Bognor every year (1st bank holiday week in may every year from about 1978 to 1988) plus we also went to Minehead twice, clacton once (but I was too young to remember it) and Pwllheli once. It was such a great time to be had there and findign this great website last week has brought back so many happy memories.

[andytheandy]

Hi there. I recently came across this site after been away in south east asia and a must say i am facinated that there are so many fans of butlins. Of course i used to go to butlins as a kid. Skegness and filey most popular with our family. You see it was my wish to be in show business and inparticular a redcoat. I applied many times when i was 17 but never was taken on. But in 1983 my luck turned after so many years waiting i was accepted and started out in filey. I had been there many times as a child, so i had a an idea where most things were. I remember it was a short season, and my take home wage was ?41.50 after tax. That didn't seem to matter as it was fun fun fun. The first night i can remember my feet in total pain as i seemed to be dancing non stop. I can remember about 11.00 going home to bed to rest when i was suppose to finish at 12.00. I met many friends there and appeared in all the shows and learnt a lot. I could write a book on the funny stories i encountered but maybe later. I think my last day was a friday 2nd sep 1983 and we all appeared in the gaiety cabaret bar in the old thyme musical hall show. I also remember the compere telling me that that he had a funny feeling inside that this would be his last show at filey, but everyone laughed it off. We finished off with land of hope and glory and goodnite campers and then we all went for a final drink in the gaiety bar. Musin man, green grow the rushes grow, and bladen races was a must and finished off the nite. The next day we all met in the ents office and said our good-byes. I Remember going to the kent to get my final wages. Myself and my girlfriend at the time (also a redcoat) left the gates at filey bound for leeds. After about maybe 30 yds in the car she stopped and reversed. We got out and looked over the trees towards the ferris wheel and remember saying to her that i could here goodnite campers in the wind. We laughed and drove off. but the fire in the belly continued down towards stamford bridge. It felt so sad. but i didn't dwell on it cos i knew one day i would return. Looking at the pictures of the camp just before been demolished. It feels like we are so ungratefull to let this happen when it gave us so much pleasure in our lives. I spent another 21 years working in holiday parks and resorts. And yes i did return to filey but sadly not working at the best camp that ever was.

[Joker]

Hi Andy

Welcome to the forum ! What a moving first post :) we have many members who have a special place in there heart for Filey, and will be interested to hear your stories.

Have Fun !!!

Joker

[andytheandy]

[QUOTE=Joker;83670]Hi Andy

Hi joker. Here is a few more memories from filey 1983. The year filey closed. I can remember the regimentation of it all, it sticks in my memory. Myself and redcoat mick walking up towards kent for breakfast. We were discussing some girls from the night before. And we ignored the guests as we approached the kent. We didnt realise that the ents manager (mr humphries) was behind, and later he called us in the office. He said that the next time we walk up and not talk to guests we will carrying on walking and go through the gates, never to return... Scary but that was true. Another was my 20th bday all the redcoats played a practical joke on me. while i was in the bath they ran in and filled my bath-water with donkey poo! That smell stayed with me for a week. Just before the camp closed around august bank holiday. David hamilton did his radio 2 show from the princess ballroom, and i can remember black lace making there first appearance and showing all the reds the superman dance for the first time.This was live at the time. I had the radio 2 poster somewhere but it got torn and thrown. If only i had known the camp was closing, i would of kept my red jacket and other items. I did keep my chalet key, and my letter of notice which i still have today, as well as pictures etc. There was a redcoat called mick partridge and i can remember him filming the last days of filey on his video camera. If he's out there get in touch. I can also remember bbc north showing a film on the closure featuring staff etc, that would be good to have. The strange thing was that at the time there was no inclination to save anything or take many pictures cos we thought we would be back. I also remember 1984 season trying to get a job with pontins in manchester and nearly all filey entertainments team been there. Very sad really. Hope to be back soon with more memories. Also i worked for haven and warners in the nineties so have some memories there as well. Bye for now.....

[andytheandy]

Hi . Did anyone visit the camp in 1983? Or is there any staff from filey from that year? Also would anyone know if there was a reunion from filey at any time? Or maybe one is planned. If any one can answer any of these questions i would be gratefull. thanks:o :o

[skegred]

Hi Andy,l still get a fantastic feeling when l hear "Goodnight Campers" and "Auld Langs Syne". such Happy memories and Nostalgia

As for Reunions of Filey Camp,l've been to three in last five years twice at Grand Scarborough and again 3yrs ago at "The Grand" Brighton,but they were for all Butlin camps and Hotels,and Filey was well represented every time,with Filey Legend Tony Peers usualy taking over,

There could be another on in April 2007,watch the Reunion page,l usualy get an invite

Andy skegred

[andytheandy]

Thank you skegred, for you reply. I knew tony quite well. Was there many team from 1983. cos i can only really remember that year. I bumped into many of the ex ents team members in later years, and they always had fond memories. I spend a lot of time in west sussex so if the latest reunion is there in april i would like to attend.But i would very much like to know who attended the reunion from fileys latter years. As chances are a will know them. andytheandy...

[andytheandy]

Would anybody out there know if i could get a dvd or any footage etc on filey. I have been away for a while and missed out on the recent dvd's etc. If anyone knows of where i could get these, i would be gratefull.
andytheandy..

[lea_uk]

I'm Leanne, I'm 22 years old and I live in Northumberland. I love music, singing, dancing, sport, clubbing, fashion, TV, movies etc....
From what I can remember I've been to Butlins 4 times (twice at Skegness and twice at Ayr). I believe the last time I went was in 1990 (Ayr). I'm planning on having a weekend at Butlins sometime next year with mates.
I still watch the Redcoats TV series even though I've seen each episode about 4/5 times hehe.
I've attached a picture of me from last summer.

[womanluv]

hi all my name is pat.i worked for clacton from 1979 till it closed and then onto bognor twice minehead skeggy also did a stint working for pontins at blackpool and prestatyn.this has lasted about 20 years all told.omg now i feel old;) so am looking forward 2 looking at any pics ,cos sadly when i was travelling i lost all my badges and pics.so thanx for the oppurtunity 2 wander dowm memory lane:-D

[cazza]

Hi I am new to this site, I love butlins and go about 4 times a year and attend the gala dinner for the last 3 years, I am a life time gold member!
I have 2 children and they both love butlins. I am a big Barry island fan!I would love to hear from any one,
caz

[littlemissbutlins]

hi i'm Debbie 33 single mum of 2 girls 5 years old and 8 years old we live in Blackpool. i worked in Butlins hotel Blackpool in the 90's. went to Pwhelli and skeggy as a kid and now i bring my two all the time. they love it as much as me. they want to be in the skyline gang when they get older :)

[cazza]

Hi Debbie, really sweet about your children wanting to be in te skyline gang, my older little girl is 7 and mad about Candy, we brought the new skyline gang cd! And it is driving me up the wall they have played it that many times lol, which Butlins do you go 2? caz

[iwanabaredcoat]

Oooh... I want to be a redcoat, then a Mimi :)!

[Gem07]

Hi, I'm Gemma i'm 22 and mum to Joshua, 4. We live in Blackpool.
I havent been to Butlins since 2003 :( but am hoping to go back this year!
I used to go at least once a year as a child, went to them all except Bogner.
My fave was Pwhelli. Thats where im hoping to go this year.

[littlemissbutlins]

Hi cazza we go to Skegness. mine have the cd too and do shows everynight its great!! their really good.

The little one is candi and older one is pip. they have their face painted everynight. Little one loves candi so much and i hear she is leaving this year so she will be so upset :( the older one loves pip too and shes going aswell. Sprout is staying thankgod but the only one. hes cute and very nice but i will, sorry my girls (lol) will miss rest of the gang so much (dont go Tilly) but i hope the new gang will be as friendly as them :)

[Blue Camp]

Hi

We go to Skegness now. We have in the psat been to Filey,Ayr, Pwllheli,Minehead and Bognor Regis. I personally started going to Butlins in 1963

Incidentally, this is the third time I've had to register, The first and second times, I didn't get the activation email

[Jamie]

You need to check your spam folders/settings on the email accounts you used. Hotmail are buggers for that!

Welcome to the forum!

[cazza]

Hi littlemiss butlins,
We only have been to minehead but have offen thought it would be nice to explore and try skegness, My older girl Chloe age 7 loves candi, and the younger one likes Pip, are they replacing Candi or is she leaving all together? they keep cuttting down the skyline gang there used to be 8 and now there are only six!! The facepaints sound a good idea they would love that, how old are your children? are they girls or boys? x

[littlemissbutlins]

heres my girls 5 & 8 and cute candi

[redcoat ria]

Hi All.

My name is Ria and I was a redcoat at butlins from 2002 - 2004.

It was the most fun job I have ever done!!

Since I left in 2004, I have run a pub and now, become a PA for an international Oil company. I live with My partner, DJ DAN who I met whilst working at Butlins.

ttfn Redcoat Ria

:p

[Auntie Jan]

Now that you?re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!



Hi, I'm Jan and I met my husband Pete (Lacey) during the hot summer of 76 at Skegness. We were both redcoats, Pete worked with the children and I was a general duty red. I was only 16 at the time (had to tell a small lie about my age as I was desperate to be a redcoat) and Pete thought I was 18 until the end of the season. He forgave me tho' and we have now been married for 29 years. I would love to hear from anyone who visited or worked at Butlins around this time. Pete worked there for 6 years, at Barry as well and we both did the season at Pwllhelli in 77.
Hope to hear from you soon
Auntie Jan

[martin c]

Hi folks, I'm not sure what to do around here but I'll pick it up. I was a redcoat and a comp?re in the 80s and returned as Barnums comp?re 96-98. If anyone remembers me or just wants to exchange memories, I'd be happy to chat. ;)

[George Brooks]

Hiya I'm George I worked at Butlins Ayre in the 70's had a great time did not want to leave at the end of the season made so many friends,but sadly lost touch I would love to reaquaint if any one out there remembers me (A long haired scouser) my best mate was Alan Ramsey (Lost touch) and many of my friends were from Belfast please do E-Mail me george.brooks@lineone.net lovely to find this site

[Matthew Willbye]

Hello everyone:D
My name is Matthew, I am 18 an A-Level Student who loves all types of music past and present and I am from Peterborough:D
I am a chorister in a choir in Peterborough:)
if you want to know more about me and some more pics visit my website:-
http://www.matthewwillbye.20m.com

[no2 noddy]

thought id introduce meself im clair from notts. im 27 and currentley an entertainments manager on a park in yorkshire an l love it.98 till 01 i was a red in skeg i was very lucky as i got to do quite alot. my first yr i ran kids club then i moved to toyland and made friends with noddy then i became toyland presenter. loved every minute and made lots of good friends who over the yrs i have lost touch with so if your around get in touch.. oh by the way great website im addicted.

[beth-ere-2k7]

:) hey im beth from west yorkshire and im 13 (14 in may) i luv going to butlins skegness every year and also like going to spain every year for my birthday as well in my spare time i luv sports and films and hanging out with mates and i luv talking. my working dream is to work at butlins skegness as a redcoat when im in my 20's im fun, outgoing, talkitive and sporty.:p

[dancingdog777]

Wow, I forgot to add my bits!
My name's Pete, I'm 53, and I worked at Minehead in 1975 (Summer and Christmas) and Summer only in '76 and '77, in the Security Dept as Assistant Night Manager.
The Night Managers I worked with were Pete Harris in '75, Bob Tyres in '76 and Clive Martin in'77. Anyone else remember them? Another man on Security at that time still works at Minehead today, Phil Crane, though he's on Maintenance now.

Sorry for name dropping, though it's history!

I live in Dorset now, on the edge of the New Forest, and work as a lorry driver for a plumber's merchant.
Am married with two boys aged 9 and 11.

It was certainly the best three years of my working life!

I'm also a born-again Christian, so that might explain some of my comments on this site!

I empathised with "andytheandy", about my final day at Minehead and my feelings on leaving & driving home, I had a nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach which remained for several days! I can still remember it 30 years later!

[The Charmer]

Hi,

I've just stummbled upon this site.Like to say Hi to anyone who rembers me.
I was a redcoat at Minehead in 1994 and 95.
My name was Simon known as "Charmer",the name given to me by Steevie Cambel.
I have too say it's bringing back a few memories

[Domestiques]

Hi,

I've just stummbled upon this site.Like to say Hi to anyone who rembers me.
I was a redcoat at Minehead in 1994 and 95.
My name was Simon known as "Charmer",the name given to me by Steevie Cambel.
I have too say it's bringing back a few memories


is that big steve campbell, former red at skeg and pwhelli? Black dude? Worked with him at skeg if it was.

[Paul Long]

Hi ya

I was a red for a number of years,I was the organist @ Pwllheli in the Rendezvous Ballroom for the 1995 summer season,under the direction of stage and production departments manager like,Robbie Eastcott-Maria Spellman,the reds were very talented perhaps the best I have ever worked with

[Joker]

Hi Paul

Welcome to the forum.

Nice to see yet another member from Blackpool.

Must be something in the sea air that makes Blackpool a haven for Butlins fans :)

Joker

[paulcliff]

Good day all,
I am Cliff Charlesworth . I was the male night nurse at Butlins ,Skegness in the seasons 1976 & 1977.
There has been very little said about the medical services supplied at Butlins except to list it as a First Aid post. It was was very much more than that and full medical facilities were supplied and there were 6 visiting Drs. who were available day and night and held daily surgeries.
I used to be on duty from 12 M/N until 8am for 6 nights per week.
I met my wife Pauline there and we have now been married for 26yrs. Her maiden name was Cooper and was and is a beautiful blonde lady.
We were given managerial status and this allowed us to sit in the managers section of the staff dining hall and be waited on and not have to wait in the queue which sometimes used to extend outside the dining hall.
We worked hard , and for little pay, but we got 3 cooked meals a day and a nice chalet to ourselves.
I was chosen to do the night shift as I was male and at the time a `Brick toilet` and there were quite a few unpleasant and violent incidents on nights when the bars closed.
The `Botton` amusement staff used to enter the camp and infiltrate into the staff bar to be served with the cheap drink available.
Pauline and I used to like to go to the `Good Foot` disco in `76 and the `Mardi Gras` in `77.
I was attacked one evening in the `Yellow Security Caravan` at the front gate by an ex-paratrooper who was a guest and the security guy ran out of the caravan and the Alsation dog whimpered and cowered under the table.
I gripped the guy in a wrestling hold `(that I learnt at Rampton when I was on the staff there) and he gave in. He finished up in Skegness Hosp. but smashed the ward up and then he was taken to the police station and smashed up his cell. - A real psycho.
I remember Terry Shepherd on security ( A Brummie ).
Anybody remember me and Pauline ?
It was a very hot summer `76 and `The year of the ladybird`.
Cliff (Now 76yrs. old and still working)

[LisaDobie]

My name is Lisa im 21 and i worked at both haven and butlins.

Haven Seashore 2001-2002
Haven Caister 2003-2004
Butlins Minehead weekend breaks and xmas 2003 on the fun fair

as a child i visted both minehead and skeggy a number of times, id love to visit butlins again but my husband is not keen on it.

I am married to Mark who is in the Raf, my maiden name was Bell-Kidd. We live on an Raf base in Lincolnshire with our 2 cats (1 x moggy 1 x Ragdoll) and 2 dogs (1 x rottie/ridgeback cross 1 x Dobermann) we have no children and dont plan on having children.

[cooper]

Hi, I never worked at any Butlins, but used to take my children (when they were little) on holiday to Skeggy

[Gorf]

Hi all,

I am professional musician and a major Butlins fan. I went to every single camp. I went with my dad and two sisters, every year through out my childhood.

I have lots of hobbies. I am into the paranormal, manga and anime, vintage synthesizers and 70's/80's arcade machines.

Back in the 70's and 80's I could normally be found lurking around the arcades clutching a sweaty little handfull of 10 pence pieces, all wide eyed and grinning! :p

I have this crazy dream that, if I ever got rich (and I intend to ;)), but I mean really mega-rich, that I could rebuild and restore my favourite camp, Filey, back to it's former glory with the traditional Butlins tiered fountains, the Beachcomber bar, the chairlifts, the original arcade games as well as some new ones.. basically everything just as it was before. I reckon such a camp would out-strip the new ones! :p

[netty64]

Hi everyone.........Just joined this site after looking thru butlins memories loads of time....never noticed this bit tho!!

I worked at bognor as a redcoat 1987-1991 and i have great memories from thoes days......I made many friends.........some of which im still friends with now!!Been reading thru the posts for hours now (kids can wait for tea lol)and it is bringing back loads of memories!! if anyone was at bognor during this time i would love to hear from you.........................talking of party dances..............

Agadoo
wig wam bam
music man
el vino collapso
holiday rocking
star trekking
time warp................to name but a few!!!

And guess what i have them all (god i am really sad!!)If anyone want to hear them again i can send u the file.....just ask ( I swear u will be up dancing - u wont be able to resist lol)

[shycaz]

Hi I'm Caz, i'm 33 years old and i met my husband John while i was working at Butlins Bognor Regis in 1996. We worked in the retail department in what was used to be called "Triple Choice". I came across this site and thought i might be able to find some of the people that we worked with.

We have some great memories of our time at Butlins and it would be great to catch up with some old friends or make new ones.

Caz xxx

[minehead forever]

hi caz welcome to the forum,we do have members who worked at butlins but mainly minehead.

[shycaz]

Hi thanks for the welcome, it's great to be here. Do you know if there are any other websites where i might be able to find staff from bognor?

hi de hi!

[Paul Long]

Enjoy yourself on this fantastic website its the best you will find

[shycaz]

Hi Paul i am sure i will enjoy myself on here, it is the best i have found

[babajack]

Hi my names Yvonne Bowey I am 31 years old and used to work at somerwest world, minehead from 94 -96 I worked in nearly every bar they had there but my main one was the broadway showbar. Would love to hear from anyone who worked there!! I am now a mother of three, happily co-habiting, just trying to relive some of the good old days.!!!!

[Moseleyshoals]

Ross, 25 from sunny Lichfield. Barry Island visitor on more times than I care to imagine until I was about 14!

[monst]

hi, i'm chris atkin aka monster/highlander,
i'm now 28, married with 2 kids.
i worked at skeggy butlitz for the 97/98 seasons in the foodcourt, mainly on the bar.
i have lots of fond memories of skeg, i learned a few life lessons there.
i still talk to a few peeps a used to work/live with.
this could be another way of doing such.

[muriel]

Hi I'm Caz, i'm 33 years old and i met my husband John while i was working at Butlins Bognor Regis in 1996. We worked in the retail department in what was used to be called "Triple Choice". I came across this site and thought i might be able to find some of the people that we worked with.

We have some great memories of our time at Butlins and it would be great to catch up with some old friends or make new ones.

Caz xxx


Hi, Caz, I'm a fellow ex-Bognor Regis employee, but we just missed each other, I was a chalet monster at Bognor 92, 93 and 94, so we just missed each other, was down the road at pontins in Bracklesham bay in 95 and some of 96.

Nice to have another ex Bognor Regis employee here though, we seem to be outnumbered by the mnehead and Skegness people, though I did do a few stints there as well and pwhelli.

[havenChris]

Hello peeps im chris im 26 i slogged 4 seasons with Haven from 99 to 2002 best fun EVER!! :D

[Red C213]

Hi All,

My name's Nicki and I live in the Midlands.

I went to Barry Island Butlins every year from when I was born until I was about 15 (and after that it just wasn't cool to go on holiday with your parents any more) so I guess the last time I went would have been in about 1984.

I'm gutted because I've only just found out what's happened at Barry Island so I'm really glad I've found this site where I can reminisce about the good old days.

Looking forward to lots of chats about happy times

[anne0809]

Hi All,
I'm Anne, 30 married with 2 kids, used to go to Butlins at Skeggy with my grandad, last time would of been 1994.But we went again last August bank holiday and the kids loved it so have just come back from another week there, again had a brilliant time. Can't wait to go back, we all love doing the chocolate dance lol and the new witch doctor dance:D

[LittleMissPerfect]

Hi my peeps,
I am LittleMissPerfect and I love butlins I want to be a redcoat then be mim or candi out of the skyline gang!!! I love my mum littlemissbutlins so much she is the mum eva and i know the witch doctor dance and can't stop doing it lol xXx

[Paul Long]

Hi All,

My name's Nicki and I live in the Midlands.

I went to Barry Island Butlins every year from when I was born until I was about 15 (and after that it just wasn't cool to go on holiday with your parents any more) so I guess the last time I went would have been in about 1984.

I'm gutted because I've only just found out what's happened at Barry Island so I'm really glad I've found this site where I can reminisce about the good old days.

Looking forward to lots of chats about happy times

yes its a pity,a great camp and now nothing

[tweety]

hi im maria 35 im married with 2 children who love butlins just as much as me lol.
infact i had my honeymoon at butlins bognor nearly 6 yrs ago.

[missy71]

Hi i'm Sandra, 35 single mum of a gorgeous little boy. we LOVE Butlins at Minehead and have been going there for 5 years, twice last year. i wish i could afford to go more often!
we've just got back from out annual visit to Minehead and ive just finished editing and uploading our hol vids to Youtube, phew, i didnt realise we'd packed so much into 5 days!
Love the Skyline gang, especially Dude and Sprout, Redcoat Chris & Christien are GR8 too :D

[Angelbabe]

Hi Sandra welcome to the forum x:p

[missy71]

Thanks, i stumbled across the site by accident in a random google search! i'm looking forward to getting to know the other members and hopefully theres some of the staff from Minehead on here to chat to too!

[Angelbabe]

Have you put a notice in the butlins reunion section you may find some old workmates through that way.

The members are very friendly and will look forward in hearing your memories.

[missy71]

i never worked there, im just a Butlins Minehead holic lol, i'll have a look through there though. Thanks again

[Angelbabe]

Know the feeling we as a family are skegness holics

[Dazza 77]

Hi all my name is Darren and i am 30 years young from North West London. Just split up from my fiance. Been going to Minehead for the last 28 years and love it to pieces. Been away for the last couple of years and looking forward to sharing my memories again with you all.

[Angelbabe]

Welcome to the forum Darren x :p

[muffin_girl]

Im Jenny and I am 16 years old,
lol
Ive been to Butlins Minehead since before I was 1 every year in (or occasionally around) september and ppl keep complaining that I talk about (and love) butlins waayyyy too much but yeah, butlins is pretty much a holy place for me. so many years of happy memorys.
I really really reallllllyyyy wanna be a redcoat when I'm older, its the only job Ive consistantly wanted since I was a child.

and yeah, im a Minehead holic too :p

[Paul Long]

Good to see the forum up and running again,all the best to the new moderators

[beachcomber]

Hi my names Karl i'm 41 live in malton north yorkshire and spent many happy a year at butlins filey , i collect anything to do with the camp ,badges,postcards chalet keys etc hope to speak to you all x

[apeman]

Hi im Steve my profile should say it all

[margie71]

Hi my name is margaret and I am a new member, I worked at Butlins in 1971 and 1972 as a waitress and in the shop wonder if anyone was working there at the same time, it was a great time all I have are happy memories of that wonderful time.

[margie71]

Hi Margie again forgot to mention I worked at Butlins Filey in 71 and 72 ta

[tempest john]

Hi, having been a member for a couple of months, thought I'd tell you a little about myself. My names John, Im 50 and live in Chesterfield, I've been with my partner for 5 years now, having previously been married to someone I met at Skeggy with whom I have a son now 19.

My first link with Butlins was my first holiday on my own, Spring Bank Holiday week 1976 at the metropole in Blackpool. After being made redundant by British Steel in 1980 and having tried to find another job I went for an interview in Sheffield in 1982 and was offered a job in the amusement park. I was walking on air all the way home, I can tell you.

I remember sitting in my chalet that first night thinking "what the hell have I done?" then someone knocked on my door and asked me out for a drink and that was it, 6 years of pure heaven! I made many friends, all of whom I have sadly lost touch with, If anyone does want to get in touch try spirite1997@aol.com .

I worked mainly on the Tempest but in the early years spent time on most of the other "big" rides. In the evenings I would work on the follow spots in the theatre, most memorably on the Rolf Harris show in 1987 and also did a spot of chalet patrol and fun pool patrol.

After leaving,(and like some of you I do miss it every day) amongst other things I spent the Summer of 1991 working at the Haven caravan site at St Osyth, Clacton, where I used to walk past the flattened Clacton site where they were just starting to build on it.

I took my son to Skeggy in 1996 and apart from Bob Bryant I only saw 1 other person I recognised, and since then Ive been to Minehead (Halloween 1999) and Bognor (June 2000) and have to say that Skeggy will always be my favourite and one day I will return!

So remember YOU'RE NEVER FULLY DRESSED WITHOUT A SMILE!!!!!!!!

[kazaroo]

To all you RedCoats out there join facebook.
i have found so many old faces on there it is great fun

check it out :p :D

[kazaroo]

Hi thanks for the welcome, it's great to be here. Do you know if there are any other websites where i might be able to find staff from bognor?

hi de hi!

Take a Look at www.facebook.com

i have found loads of people from all over

[kazaroo]

Hi, I'm new to this!

I'm Caroline aged 31 from Dundee. I enjoyed many Butlins holidays, Ayr 1980, 1984, 1986 and 1987, Bognor (Southcoast World) 1989, 1990 and 1991 and Butlins Hotel Blackpool 1997 and 1999.

There was always so much to do and so many new people to meet! I loved the roller skating rink and the swimming pools at Ayr best I think. I was really sorry to read that the Stuart Ballroom had been demolished!

At Bognor I liked seeing comedians at The Vaudeville and The Manhattan - I saw Mike Reid, Tom O'Connor and several others!

IMO the "old" Butlins was better than the Holiday Worlds - I just wish I could have another holiday like that now!

must agree
the old butlins way the best
i holidayed at bognor for yrs .... 80s and 90s
still chat to a few reds from those days

[indyw]

Thought I'd best pop in and say hi!
I'm Linda aged 29 from Cardiff. All bar one of my Butlins holidays have been during Salvation Army week, starting in Bognor in 1978 when I was youngest camper (and had my ugly mug all over the local papers lol). I've been to every single Army week Butlins since then and just came back from this years holiday last Friday.
My brother worked in Minehead in 2001 in one of the shops - I think it was in Jokers.
Apart from Butlins, I'm into figure skating and astronomy.

[catmad]

hi all, i'm valda, i'm 54 turned, so thats 45, that'll do for me ! i was a red at ayr for two seasons, 79 and 80. i live in cheshire now with my 25 yr old son , whos' father was also a red at ayr. i'm not sure yet how this site works, but look forward to someone [please] offering help! anyway i'm still in the ents. business, although i don't sing anymore.these days i like to sit back and be entertained. i also worked at skegness for two seasons as a coffee bar supervisor. in the holiday fayre and empress ballroom. that was 73 & 74. oh and one season at bognor in the one of the bars, can't recall which. i stayed on after season, for the salvation army week. good fun, but a bit hard, no alcohol ! i worked as a waitress, now hats off to all those who did that job. that was WORK !! regards to all

[deedublin23]

Hey all,

I'm Dee, I'm 23 and I am from Ireland. I loved star coast World and have nothing but good memories of it. I was upset earlier to see how bad the place has gotten :(


Anyways, ism here just to reminisce really and share my Star coast World memories with you all.

Talk to you all soon

Dee

[Pushbuttonclick]

Hi
Im Mel,35-used to go to Butlins as a child till i was 14 (Barry Island) and just really enjoyed it!
Shame its gone now! V.Sad!
I worked for Pontins in Morecambe (or Heysham) and thats now been torn down after being there since the 50's. Very Sad too as there are a lot of memories there.
I would have loved to have taken my daughter to Barry Island-it was basic but entertainment was entertainment then! Now its who can sleep with the most campers!!
I remember eating a banana split in one of those cafes on site, jumping off those floating toadstools in the water, dancing in the disco (where they used to do all the competitions in), and generally enjoying myself.
Nowadays its all about money money money. Then, you had, for example, table tennis free but you had to queue BUT it was exciting. Now if that sort of thing happened there would be complaints left right and centre.
Its all changed, sadly but im just glad we have the memories from this site and the odd photo here and there.
Mel

[Paul Long]

Hi
Im Mel,35-used to go to Butlins as a child till i was 14 (Barry Island) and just really enjoyed it!
Shame its gone now! V.Sad!
I worked for Pontins in Morecambe (or Heysham) and thats now been torn down after being there since the 50's. Very Sad too as there are a lot of memories there.
I would have loved to have taken my daughter to Barry Island-it was basic but entertainment was entertainment then! Now its who can sleep with the most campers!!
I remember eating a banana split in one of those cafes on site, jumping off those floating toadstools in the water, dancing in the disco (where they used to do all the competitions in), and generally enjoying myself.
Nowadays its all about money money money. Then, you had, for example, table tennis free but you had to queue BUT it was exciting. Now if that sort of thing happened there would be complaints left right and centre.
Its all changed, sadly but im just glad we have the memories from this site and the odd photo here and there.
Mel

Hi mel,Pontins morecombe,didnt that looklike a ship from outside !

[skylinestu]

HI my names stuart,stu to my friends,i was 50 this year,married to julie for 27 years and have two grown up daughters,emma and rebecca,i work at plymouth pavilions for front of house and have done so for the past 11 years,i'm really looking forward to sharing memories and making new friends.:grin:

[Angelbabe]

Welcome to the forum

[skylinestu]

Thank you very much,i'm sure i'll love it hear.;)

[skylinestu]

must agree
the old butlins way the best
i holidayed at bognor for yrs .... 80s and 90s
still chat to a few reds from those days

HI i'm new too,my names stu,i'm 50 and live in plymouth,Butlins is'nt the same as it use to be,i still love going on holiday there but the atmosphere has changed,i miss the themed venues like the beachcomber bar and the monorail at minehead,i first went to Butlins(minehead)in 1965 with my mum dad and sister and have been going back ever since,i just love the place.:rolleyes:

[skylinestu]

Hello! I guess it's time I did mine!

I'm Kath and I've just turned 30! I have a husband and two small children (aged 3 and 1). I work in a health shop so if you want to chat about herbal rememdies for stuff, I guess I'm your person!

I've lived around Nottingham all my life. I love to travel but I love to come home too!

As a child we usually went to Skegness every year, until 1988 when we stopped :(

In Feb 2004 I started taking my baby daughter and my husband to Butlins and actually found out I was pregnant with my son on the journey home from Skegness Butlins that month! We've since gone twice a year (Once in the summer and once in Autumn) and we all love it! My husband had never been to Butlins before but now he's almost as hooked as me!

To date, I have never been to any camp except Skeggy but that will all change this September when I visit Minehead for the first time on the 29th!

HI kath,i've only ever been to minehead,how do the other camps compare with minehead,i'd love to go to bognor and skeggy one day though also how did you do your signature-Butlins kath loves it,it's great?

[Kath]

HI kath,i've only ever been to minehead,how do the other camps compare with minehead,i'd love to go to bognor and skeggy one day though also how did you do your signature-Butlins kath loves it,it's great?

Well, since writing that post over a year ago (wow!) I have been to both Bognor and Minehead and can honestly say I love all three camps! They each have something special the other two don't have but quite frankly I'd be happy in any of them! They all have that special Butlins feeling for me & I have many happy memories for each one now!

Oh and my signature was made for me by my friend, Paul. I don't know how he did it!!

[skylinestu]

HI kath,thanks for replying if you do find out from your friend paul about your signature i'd like to know,visting bognor and skeggy are top of my wish list,we vist minehead reguarly as it's easiler to get to and has so many wonderful childhood memories.:D

[catmad]

Thought I'd best pop in and say hi!
I'm Linda aged 29 from Cardiff. All bar one of my Butlins holidays have been during Salvation Army week, starting in Bognor in 1978 when I was youngest camper (and had my ugly mug all over the local papers lol). I've been to every single Army week Butlins since then and just came back from this years holiday last Friday.
My brother worked in Minehead in 2001 in one of the shops - I think it was in Jokers.
Apart from Butlins, I'm into figure skating and astronomy.

hi linda, valda here, i stayed on at the bognor camp in 78 for salvation army week, i worked in the bars, but obviously that week i was employed as a waitress in the dining room.i think i have a very vague recollection of a little girl being made a fuss of, could have been you? glad to hear you are still doing butlins.

[indyw]

Hey Valda!
It could quite possibly have been me - I would have been about 6 months old. I still have the press photos and the newspaper clippings and apparently I was a bit of a celebrity that week. Not that I remember LOL

[catmad]

Hey Valda!
It could quite possibly have been me - I would have been about 6 months old. I still have the press photos and the newspaper clippings and apparently I was a bit of a celebrity that week. Not that I remember LOL

yes, must be more than a good chance it was you. happy days! valda.

[Paul Long]

:p hi there my name is alan and i was a redcoat at phwelli in the early 90,s, grat time and a great place to work then, i mainly worked in broadway but some times it was in stars,
i worked there from 1993-1994 my ents manager was the dragon(joan smith ) so if any one remembers me,give us a buzz, i had short spikey hair and used to sing a lot,but icould,nt dance to save my life, i was always put at the back in the redcoat show, i worked with mike horne, les, ralphy, sarah fryer, sarah colins, sharon and michael and our chief red was leah hemsley, any info would be appreciated
yours alan smith,
p.s i got sacked on a trumped up charge of gross misconduct with another red who 6 weeks later got his job back, i appealed and won,but was told i was then being finished because my work was not up to the standards required at that centre, i was one of the few reds to speak my mind at the staff meetings, and i dont think that joan smith liked that, but i enjoyed all the good times also donna and carol neederman, so think hard were you there then if so give us an e-mail.:p

You naughty boy,I was here in 95

[BournePool]

Hi Guys,

New to the site, looks good though. I've never been on holiday to Butlins, but I have worked for Bourne for two seasons for Haven and am going up to Bognor next month for a few weeks to work there. Love working on Holiday Parks!

[sarah_1975]

Hi my name is Sarah and I have been going to Butlins Minehead since childhood. We always went twice a year every year and some of my best memories are of Butlins. Now I have 2 children of my own and they love Butlins as much as I do. Its been amazing to see all the changes over the years. I now go twice a year with my own children and my hubby and he loves it most of all. especially the redcoats of the female variety lol.

[Leslie Melville]

Hello, My name is Leslie. I first visited Butlin's at Clacton in 1939! That make me very old! I actually worked for the company between 1960 and 1964 inclusive (Summers at Clacton, Bognor, Clacton, Brighton. and winters at Blackpool (3) and Margate.)

From 1966, I became a pro-magician, working mostly cabaret and working men's clubs.

Now in semi-retirement, I perform in schools & libraries etc. as a storyteller.

Check out my website: www.thestorytelling-resource-centre.com

Leslie.

[Basilbrush]

Hello Leslie,
From July-November 1974 I was Redcoat Compere at the Butlins Metropole Hotel, in Blackpool. One of our regular Guest Cabarets was Leslie Melville - Magician. Would that be you? If so I have fond memories of meeting you and I enjoyed your performances. We used to chat backstage while you set up your props. Didn't you have a chicken in your act? (That's 'chicken' NOT 'chick')
It would be nice to get confirmation from you.

[Leslie Melville]

Guilty as charged!

And you're right about the chicken, "Madame Charmaine - The World's Greatest Clairvoyant Hen!" - Alas, now in the Great Scratching Shed in the sky!

I may have told you that between 1961 and '64, I 'wintered' as a Redcoat at the Metropole.

in '61, Freddy Davies (as in 'Parrotface') was Ents. Manager.

It all seems a long time ago!

On a slightly different subject, does anyone remember Dave & Tina Simpson?

They were my pals at Blackpool but ended up at Barry Island. I attended Dave's 80th. Birthday party, two years ago!

I'll bet that will make somebody feel old!

[skegred]

Hi Leslie,

l was a Redcoat with Freddie (Parrot Face )Davis at Skegness in 1961 he later became Assistant Ent:Manager. .

l also was a Redcoat with Tina for three seasons she was a very good Redcoat,also at Skegness in 1961-3

l next met her at a Redcoat Reunion at the Grand Scarboro in 2003/4 she was then married to Dave Simpson,(who l didnt find too friendly)
lt was announced he was the oldest Redcoat at the Reunion

Welcome ot this BM website

skegred Andy

[skegred]

Freddie (Parrot Face )Davis certainly did well in 1961

ln early 1961 he was a Redcoat at Skegness as on the photo with Redcoat Doreen Shaw,(incidentally Doreens son Simon was also a Chief Redcoat at Bognor in 1980s later to be Entertainments Manager At Bognor) .

Freddie was later that same year 1961 appointed Ass:Ents Manager as seen on Photo interviewing Holiday Princess Competitors ,and then as you say Entertainments Manager later same year at Metropole Blackpool
Didnt he do well, then of course he did lots of TV work

l'm still in touch with Doreen Shaw(Barker)today

skegred Andy

[Leslie Melville]

Freddie went on to have a successful theatre and t.v. career. For a time he also ran his own theatre production company (In 1983/4 I played 'Abanazar' for him in the pantomime, 'Aladdin' at Blackpool's Grand Theatre).

He featured in the film, "Funny Bones", with Lee Evans, Jerry Lewis & Leslie Caron etc.

Since then he has played character parts in numerous television plays.

I was in touch with him for quite a while, but lost contact about ten years ago. If anyone knows where he is currently living, I would love to hear from him.

Leslie.

[coopie65]

hallo just found the site i am steve and i worked at pwllheli 96/97 and skegg 98 i worked in bigbazers the food court and most of the bars and at skegg i ran the staff bar looking forward to hereing from anybody from 96 to 98 regards steve

[adwgs]

hi
I started going on Butlins holidays when i was 5 years old in 1972, going every year, been to Ayr, Filey, Minehead and Skegness, did the usual kiddy thing dreaming of becoming a redcoat even writing to Jim'll fix it lol...Eventually in 1989 I realised part of my dream by being accepted for a job at Butlins, Skeg on the bars and what a ball i had, sure many a story i will share at some point....3 weeks into my season they were asking for staff to move to redcoats but by then i was enjoying bars to much...many memories

[debsy]

Now that you?re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

Just want to say I cant beleive after weeks of looking have found this site, I am a total fan of butlins adult weekends, I just cant get enough, but now I am single girl, me and my ex used to come about 4 times a year, and now I am on my own I am missing out so if no one will come ( they dont know what they are missing) I go alone, so maybe with the help of this site, I can make some new mates that are fellow bultins fans, so when I am were can met and say hello, and spend some time with them, I dont mind been on my own, but there are times, when I am sure others look at me and think ohhhh billy no mates, but there are so many friendly people there, I find it easy to get chatting, and the atmosphere helps along the drink !

So if there are any other fellow single butlins fans out there message me and lets talk butlins !!

[Jaymz]

New member here. First of all, Hi to everyone.

I was a photographer at Starcoast World, Pwllheli from September 94 to the end of season 1995. This was my first real job, and my first time away from home. I had a blast working at Starcoast, and while I loved most of the time there, I'm glad I wasn't around to see the site deteriorate. I went back a few years ago, and it was a bit sad to see so much gone - the fair, the railway, the cable cars etc, etc. They'd even demolished the Broadway bar, former home of the Photoshop. Yes, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Ok calling Broadway paradise was a big stretch of the imagination, but you've got to give me some credit!

Keep on rockin in the free world

JAYMZ.

[Thelma Lewis]

My name is Thelma Mary Lewis and I was a Redcoat at Filey Butlins in 1955-1957. I am interested in reuniting with other redcoats that I may have worked with. I married an American in 1959 and moved to the states. I was from Manchester and was Ms. Manchester United in 1954. If you remember me please drop me a line: Thelma (Lewis) Fulton, 10831 Vivaldi Ct. #2001, Miromar Lakes, FL 33913 (239) 267-5721 Cheer-i-o

[tommo]

i'm Tom, i live in Redcar the North East UK.

i worked at Minehead 1987 to 89, great days, great fun.
I returned back to Redcar after the 89 season, to go surfing and amateur road
race cycling, ohh yeah and to a new job.

I now own and run a cycle shop in Redcar. I am also a crewmember of Redcar Lifeboat.
now married with two step kids.

Over the past 6 years i have been looking at this site and taking part in the old chatroom.
Last Year myself and my wife met another ex-Butlins emplyee in York, we had a great day
with her.
Keep up the postings on here and take care everyone.

[Lucy2003]

Hi!!!

My Name is Lucy, I worked at Butlins in Minehead from beginning of April to end of August 2003. I would really love to find others that worked there at the same time. I really miss my old gang.

I worked in Rescat for the first 2 months and then I transfered to Funfair.

I had the time of my life and thoroughly enjoyed every high and low!!!!!

[kaznmav]

Hi there i worked at Minehead in 1991 where i met my husband known as Mav. We both worked at The Captains Table Resturaunt and we have loads of great memeories of our time there. We now have two great boys aged 9 and 7 and we are hoping to take them for a holiday to Minehead this year so they can see where we met. (not literally like u know what i mean).:):)

Looking forward to hearing from some of you who also have memeories of butlins and it would be fantastic if there was anyone who remembers us form our time there.

Love kaz

[jackalus02]

Hi, I'm Jack, I'm 17.

I'd never been to Butlins before until this club I go to started doing an annual trip to Skegness in 2004. I've been every year, and I'm going this year, in February!

[debsy]

HI Jack welcome to the site, guess you love butlins too, when are you going in Feb??

[djmess]

my name is shaun messer,im 26 and i live in dudley. iv been workin at butlins in minehead for 4yrs until this year when iv left to hopefully start a career in the fire service.
i started workin on the fair then transfered to rtv in the skyline,then up to rtv in centerstage. i then left for a couple of months but went back as a redcoat and iv spent the last year as the resident dj in jaks.

i love football,specially aston villa,boxing,goin out,watchin all kinds of films,music and meetin ladies!!

i loved my time at butlins and wudnt have changed it for the worldx

[debsy]

my name is shaun messer,im 26 and i live in dudley. iv been workin at butlins in minehead for 4yrs until this year when iv left to hopefully start a career in the fire service.
i started workin on the fair then transfered to rtv in the skyline,then up to rtv in centerstage. i then left for a couple of months but went back as a redcoat and iv spent the last year as the resident dj in jaks.

i love football,specially aston villa,boxing,goin out,watchin all kinds of films,music and meetin ladies!!

i loved my time at butlins and wudnt have changed it for the worldx

Hi Shaun, welcome to the site, good luck with your career the fire service, bet you had a good time working at butlins and met lots of ladies dj ing Jaks?? the girls all love a dj ( and a fire men for that matter)
Hope you enjoy the forum, and hope you add some good threads and posts
Debs

[Butlins Lass]

my name is shaun messer,im 26 and i live in dudley. iv been workin at butlins in minehead for 4yrs until this year when iv left to hopefully start a career in the fire service.
i started workin on the fair then transfered to rtv in the skyline,then up to rtv in centerstage. i then left for a couple of months but went back as a redcoat and iv spent the last year as the resident dj in jaks.

i love football,specially aston villa,boxing,goin out,watchin all kinds of films,music and meetin ladies!!

i loved my time at butlins and wudnt have changed it for the worldx


I remember you Messer :)

Good luck with the fire service :)

[Butlinsbaby]

Hi my name is Sarah and i'm 26. I discovered this website a few years ago, after a holiday to Minehead. I have been going to Butlins since I was 6 weeks old been every year once or twice since then. Got my boyfriend to come about 9 years ago and now we take our baby with us. Butlins has changed alot since I started going but I still get excited about going. Discovering this site I was so excited looking back over all the old photosandreading stories was great.

[samblue]

Hi there, i have just recently joined this site in the hope that i might be able to find a photo for a close friend of mine.
He recently lost his mother, and is looking for a photo of her which was taken at minehead butlins in the summer of 68' or around that time, she won glamorous granny competition, if there is anyone out there with a photo of the glamorous granny competition 1968 i would be most grateful for a reply as to how i can get hold of it. The ladies name who won the comp' that year is mrs Vera Waters if that is any help!
Cheers all !

[redrider]

:lol:what fun it was cant remember much but by cumming on here ill soon remember so many people to many to mention best days of my life if u have pics r memories let me know and we shall all have a big party oh yes xxx my nick name was bondy also known as ian i had red hair worked on fair , boomerang all rides even nite ones lol boatinglake too and stage crew lighting tech also first pink pig funny

[keno051]

Hi all,new to the site,been browsing recently so ended up signing up and joining

Aged 21 from Runcorn in Cheshire

Been going to Butlins since 2 y-old..been to Butlins on 15 occasions at all resorts.

[Greenland]

Have been recommended to try your site.

Have in my possession a Billy Butlin approx. 6" alabaster bust, which belonged to a relative who was a shareholder. I think he obtained it at one of the London meetings years ago.
Would be v. interested to know if anyone else has seen such an item and if so what would the approx. value be. Probably wouldn't part with it though!

I have also posted a similar item on the Memorabilia site, but not sure if it will be seen there.

[Essex seasider]

Hello to you all, have just joined today and thought I should introduce myself.
Although I live in Clacton and can remember the former Butlins camp, which was a big area on the sea front. We spend most of our holidays in England and have been to Haven, Park Resorts and Parkdean parks since the late 80`s.
Remember when me and my sister were kids, we went to Warners camps and have to say thoght they were great holidays with all the family.
Looking forward to joining the threads.

[basguy1968]

Th only warners camp i went to was in Dovercourt, but as i worked there it dont count lol
i went o butlins clacton a a kid my fav camp was skegness

[securitysimon]

Hi everyone, Im Simon 34 years old and I have just completed my first weekend at Butlins Skegness. I worked at the 80's Madness event as contracted in security in Reds and im looking forward to the 70's event this coming weekend. You will see me roaming around in Reds or Jaks, so feel free to come and say hi. I dont bite.....unless asked to.:D:p

[rugrat2]

Hi Simon, I like you have just joined this forum and am stagered at all the peeps who really enjoy Butlins,Me and the wife love the place Skeggy that is nearest us in Hull,have done three adults this year already any am booked for two more shortly,skool reunion in march,disco inferno, and soul weekender and I think I might get booked for the big get together in october (I think) You are prolly asking how I get time of well I am self employed so please myself, by the way if Debsy reads this thread let me know if your sleepy village is anywhere near mine?......:)

[Ann]

got a phto of me in my oit fit as a chamber maid :oops:

[debsy]

got a phto of me in my oit fit as a chamber maid :oops:

Why dont you post on it here so us to see then Ann were you at a adult weekend or were you working there?? Deb x

[Gill 1964]

Now that you?re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

Hello, not quite sure what to do here, a bit confused by this web-site. I live in Portsmouth, and worked at Butlins Bognor Regis in 1963 and 1964. I was a dancer in the Gaiety Theater, and part time Redcoat. I have many memories and quite a few photo's.

[skegred]

Hi Gill,
Kev the Administrator will put you right but thought l'd ask if you knew any of the Revue Dancers from Skegness in 1963 /4 .

Where you Marie De Vere Dancers?
l used to Stage light all the Revue shows in the Gaiety at Skegness the 6 seasons l was there and as you say as well as Dancers you also had to do Redcoat duties.

Welcome to the BM website,also join the main section and as Kev Admin says share photos and memories with us all ,

l have added a photo of the Skegness Revue Dancers in the hope you may know one or two of them,as after all these years l'm in touch with two of them today

skegred Andy

[betterwatchit]

I'm Betterwatchit, from London. First time I went to Butlin's was to Bognor in the early 90's. Second time I went was to Minehead. I've entered this competition at http://www.butlins.com/dvd and if I win, I'll invite my young niece to Skegness. Mainly as there's no way I'm aware of that her mother could raise the money to go by herself. Also it's the only one of the remaining three resorts I haven't been to yet. P.S. PM me if you want the answer to the competition!

[CurlyTherms]

hi there, i joined in 2006 but forgot to add my info on here.
i am a devottee of butlins and have been since an early age.
i loved clacton, but have been to other camps, namely Bognor, Skeggy, Barry Island, Ayr.
I don't like what they done to Butlins because it's not Butlins anymore.
I live in South East Essex and work for a local charity that helps people and thier family with cerebral palsy. I am married, but no children.
my hobbies are reading, playing my nintendo ds lite and watching telly.
I like Michael Ball, Ronan Keating, Westlife and Robbie Williams.
My fave music era is the 60s, but I also like the 70s.
:p

[pommydoris]

Hi all

I am Carole, worked for 4yrs at Sussex Coast before they sold it off and built flash houses on there. Now live in NZ with my husband, two kids, two cats and baby due in September. Would love to hear from anyone who also worked at Sussex Coast.

C

[hotwombat]

Now that you?re on the site why not tell us a little about yourself to give people a snapshot of who you are, where you're from, hobbies & interests - nothing too personal!

hi there everyone! my name is richard braham and i played keyboards,sometimes flute at barry island in the pig and whistle with wyn davies and chris flavin. the singer was caroline good.i was there from 1992-94 before heading off to play piano aboard the royal viking sun out of miami. im trying to establish contact with any musoes or bluecoats thsat were working at the same time. Clare Taylor ? Stacy Creese? Ian kimber? are some of the names. Im from australia originally and initially went to manchester to study music/work and made my way down to Wales to play with John oliver sound.If anybody can pass on any information that would be great.

[satinycats]

Hi

I am Anne , I live in Sunny NSW Australia

I was a Redcoat at Ayr 1972,73,74 and 75

Anne

[~*sparkle*~]

Hi everyone. I'm on here because it's only 12 days until my Butlins Holiday. The first time I went was in Bognor Regis on 10-13 Feb in 2006. Now I'll go to minehead from the 23-30 May.

Billy x

[discokev]

Hi everyone. I'm on here because it's only 12 days until my Butlins Holiday. The first time I went was in Bognor Regis on 10-13 Feb in 2006. Now I'll go to minehead from the 23-30 May.

Billy x

Ooh, you'll be arriving at the same time as me - see here (http://butlinsmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7458)

Feel free to say hello if you spot anyone wandering around in a bright yellow Butlins Memories t-shirt! (http://butlinsmemories.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8068)

Welcome to the forum! :)

[JMK_IRELAND]

My name is Marron and I live in Dublin Ireland.
I lived beside Mosney for many years and sorely miss it when it closed its doors at the start of the Millennium.
I went every year from when I was a small boy until 1999 before it closed.
It holds many good memories for me , and now that its gone, I even miss the things I didn't like in Butlins.
I am 42 years of age this year, and I would swap any holiday abroad for a weekend again in Mosney.

[discokev]

Hi Marron and welcome to the site.
We don't have many members on here who've holidayed at Mosney so it's good to see you on here! If you have any photos of Mosney to share or any knowledge/rumours regarding Mosney then we'd love to hear them! If you'd like to share any photos then please send them (in jpg format please) to contact@butlinsmemories.com for eventual inclusion on the main site

Best wishes
Kev

[butlins-addict]

Hiya!!! im jo and im the biggest butlins addict ever :D:D lol!!!! im currently studyin performing arts but waiting for a phone cal to see if ive got my dream job which is a REDCOAT WOOOP!!! lol!! as u probabli gathered im pretty hyperactive and a little crazy!!! would love to meet more butlins addicts :D x x x

[mrs_butlins]

Hiya!!! im jo and im the biggest butlins addict ever :D:D lol!!!! im currently studyin performing arts but waiting for a phone cal to see if ive got my dream job which is a REDCOAT WOOOP!!! lol!! as u probabli gathered im pretty hyperactive and a little crazy!!! would love to meet more butlins addicts :D x x x

Hi Jo, welcome! You'll love this site .. and you're certainly in the right place to meet fellow addicts!

[debsy]

Hiya!!! im jo and im the biggest butlins addict ever :D:D lol!!!! im currently studyin performing arts but waiting for a phone cal to see if ive got my dream job which is a REDCOAT WOOOP!!! lol!! as u probabli gathered im pretty hyperactive and a little crazy!!! would love to meet more butlins addicts :D x x x

Hi Jo, ( are on facebook the girl, who is giving the cone a shower, I laughed so much when i saw that)
WElcome to the site, I think you will get on so well with futureredcoatraani, she is 17 and so so so so wants to be a red coat, she is our no 1 butlins skyline gang addict

Hope to hear lots of your stories, ( if they not x rated from adult weekends, we all have lots of them, but we have to pm each other about them)

Good luck re the red coat, pleased keep us informed
Debs xxxx

[butlins-addict]

Hi Jo, ( are on facebook the girl, who is giving the cone a shower, I laughed so much when i saw that)
WElcome to the site, I think you will get on so well with futureredcoatraani, she is 17 and so so so so wants to be a red coat, she is our no 1 butlins skyline gang addict

Hope to hear lots of your stories, ( if they not x rated from adult weekends, we all have lots of them, but we have to pm each other about them)

Good luck re the red coat, pleased keep us informed
Debs xxxx

haha yeah we did shower the cone :D dont asked what made us do it cos we cant remember lmao!!!!!!

yeah still waiting for a phone call bout bein a red!!!! i keep gettin constant butterflies!!!!! lol!!! dont wanna get my hopes up too much tho :) x x x x x x

[iwanabaredcoat]

I think you will get on so well with futureredcoatraani, she is 17 and so so so so wants to be a red coat, she is our no 1 butlins skyline gang addict

Debs xxxx

YAY :) i get on with anyone really... but especially butlins fans haha! even better redcoat wanabies or skyline gang mad heads :)

I cant wait for 4 days :)
Good luck with the redcoat job dude x

[discokev]

Hiya!!! im jo and im the biggest butlins addict ever :D lol!!!! im currently studyin performing arts but waiting for a phone cal to see if ive got my dream job which is a REDCOAT WOOOP!!! lol!! as u probabli gathered im pretty hyperactive and a little crazy!!! would love to meet more butlins addicts :D x x x

Welcome to the forum Jo, always great to see hyperactive Butlins mad people on here! :D

Good luck with the Redcoat job, hope you still come back on here to visit us when you're a famous Redcoat, we're bound to go to Butlins and visit you! :)

[butlins-addict]

Welcome to the forum Jo, always great to see hyperactive Butlins mad people on here! :D

Good luck with the Redcoat job, hope you still come back on here to visit us when you're a famous Redcoat, we're bound to go to Butlins and visit you! :)

of course i will come on here im takin my laptop haha x x x x

[Geordie]

Hi all.


One of the older members on here I think, however I'm not ready for the saga cruises at the moment I don't think haha.
I used to go to Middleton Towers every year from when I was a young kid right up until I was about 16 or something. It was a whole family thing and there were two busloads from our village went every year. This was during the 60's and 70's.
I loved it so much that one day I promised myself that I would work at Pontins and I did. It wasn't Middleton Towers though, it was Blackpool. I worked in the kitchens at Blackpool for the whole summer of '79' and have some very fond memories. I think a bloke called Ken was the Entertainments/Master of ceremonies chap there at the time.


Geordie.:D

[debsy]

Hi all.


One of the older members on here I think, however I'm not ready for the saga cruises at the moment I don't think haha.
I used to go to Middleton Towers every year from when I was a young kid right up until I was about 16 or something. It was a whole family thing and there were two busloads from our village went every year. This was during the 60's and 70's.
I loved it so much that one day I promised myself that I would work at Pontins and I did. It wasn't Middleton Towers though, it was Blackpool. I worked in the kitchens at Blackpool for the whole summer of '79' and have some very fond memories. I think a bloke called Ken was the Entertainments/Master of ceremonies chap there at the time.


Geordie.:D

Hi Geordie,
Welcome to the site, I never worked at butlins and I only go on the adult weekends these days, but I love the place, and cant get enough of them, hope you enjoy the site, and will look forward to reading lots of your posts x

[samuelbutlins]

Hi my name is Samuel I am angelbabe's son and butlinsroc younger brother.

Ive been going to butlins skeggy since i was 3 months old.

I enjoy watching the skyline gang with my mates Raani and George.

[Geordie]

Hi Geordie,
Welcome to the site, I never worked at butlins and I only go on the adult weekends these days, but I love the place, and cant get enough of them, hope you enjoy the site, and will look forward to reading lots of your posts x


Thanks I will try and keep my posts constructive, or unconstructive depending on how much I have had to drink. lol:cool::oops:

[aussietrekker]

Hi there, just joined up for a bit of nostalgia.
I had 3 memorable childhood holidays to Butlin's in Mosney, Ireland- 1958, 59 and 61. Still remember almost everything, including our chalet numbers (is that sad or what) and still have two or three photos lurking somewhere. We relocated to Australia soon after, but I went back for a few weeks in 1976 and did a day trip to Mosney, which gave me a chance to appreciate it in its mostly unaltered state, before the rot set in. I always told the kids how good it was and that I'd take them one day, so I wasn't real happy when I took the eldest to Ireland in 2001 and found it was a refugee camp and no longer open to tourists. We felt mightily robbed...thankfully I'd rung up from home and made enquiries before we went. Well never mind, it was great times to look back on, and I look forward to having a read of others' experiences, and adding my own two bob's worth.
I live down the bottom of Australia and with husband and two daughters, 12 and 19, and assorted critters. I am a signwriter by trade ,and most of my social life revolves around science-fiction clubs and Star Trek etc. conventions (I was nerd before the term was invented). Well enough from me, I'll enjoy reading some posts now.

[discokev]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

You may enjoy reading these personal accounts of Mosney on the main Butlins Memories sites if you haven't already - http://butlinsmemories.com/mosney/yourmemories/index.htm

Look forward to reading some of your posts and memories! :)

Kev :)

[aussietrekker]

Thanks matey, I'll try and rake up some trivia for the Mosney thread. Just had a look at the photo gallery, it was excellent.

[keno051]

Welcome to the site mate!

[debsy]

Hi my name is Samuel I am angelbabe's son and butlinsroc younger brother.

Ive been going to butlins skeggy since i was 3 months old.

I enjoy watching the skyline gang with my mates Raani and George.

Hi Samual, nice to see you posting on the site, taking after your mum and brother, glad you had a nice time, sounds like you mum did not see much of you, you were with Ranni and George most of the time having a ball!! xx

[lee]

Hi all.

Just found this forum while looking for old Butlins (Minehead) pictures and information. My first visit to Minehead was in 1984 when I was just 4 years old and went almost every year up until 1996 when the last of my grandparents died. I revisited in 2007 and could not believe how much the place had changed and I have just returned from another weekend there yesterday. I am already looking forward to my next visit. I was surprised to read/see that the Sunsplash is still there complete. I used to LOVE that place. It would be magical if Butlins did a nostalga weekend where they did tours/opened old places like Sunsplash up for a weekend so people could see how things were etc.

Anyway, a little more about me. I work in Local Government as a Performance Management Officer. I oversee my admin team and some of our IT based Building Maintenance systems. I enjoy reading, music and movies in my spare time, not to mention visiting Butlins when I see good deals last minute :-)

I'd be happy to hear from anyone who wants to contact me... Who knows we may have even met at sometime during a stay at Butlins :-P

Anyway, enough of my ramblings now..

Stay safe, Lee xx

[butlins-addict]

Hi all.

Just found this forum while looking for old Butlins (Minehead) pictures and information. My first visit to Minehead was in 1984 when I was just 4 years old and went almost every year up until 1996 when the last of my grandparents died. I revisited in 2007 and could not believe how much the place had changed and I have just returned from another weekend there yesterday. I am already looking forward to my next visit. I was surprised to read/see that the Sunsplash is still there complete. I used to LOVE that place. It would be magical if Butlins did a nostalga weekend where they did tours/opened old places like Sunsplash up for a weekend so people could see how things were etc.

Anyway, a little more about me. I work in Local Government as a Performance Management Officer. I oversee my admin team and some of our IT based Building Maintenance systems. I enjoy reading, music and movies in my spare time, not to mention visiting Butlins when I see good deals last minute :-)

I'd be happy to hear from anyone who wants to contact me... Who knows we may have even met at sometime during a stay at Butlins :-P

Anyway, enough of my ramblings now..

Stay safe, Lee xx


Hi lee!!! your going to love this website theres soooo many friendly people take a look at our forum get together thread for october you should come along its going to be wicked :D:D x x x x

[friendsforever]

hi there, am sarah am 26 and i'am married to dave (who i met at butlins in skegness, he was working behind the bar in centre stage) we have been together since june 2001 and got married april (easter) 2007. We have to children a boy named toby who is 3 yrs old this mth and a 9 mth old girl named keira.
I live in Doncaster but i'am from bredbury in stockport (small world!)

I love butlins, i have loads of friends there. my mum and dad own a caravan on butlins so its like we go down there anytime we want really with it being just a 2 hour drive away. I like skegness alot and i love taking my kids swimming at butlins. I work with a company called Kleeneze which i deliver books to peoples doors and pick them up 2 days later. My husband cant work now due to badly skin conditions which i wont go into.

[Angelbabe]

Hi Sarah welcome to the forum x

[louise]

Hi there!!

I forgot to tell you all about me!!!!! and I have been a member since March I think!!!
I'm Louise, Married and have a little boy Thomas (6) who I take to Butlins as much as I can!
We live in Nottingham
I am an Office Manager for GolfZone in Nottingham!!!
I was a Butlins Virgin until we went in May 2007! and then there was no stopping us... all family breaks, so far we have been May and Aug 07 and March 08 - Skegness. A day pass @ Skeg in May.
Plans for this year are Aug and Christmas Skegness and October Bognor!
My son and I love it @ Butlins because we feel safe and have a great time.
hello to everyone !

[debsy]

Hi there!!

I forgot to tell you all about me!!!!! and I have been a member since March I think!!!
I'm Louise, Married and have a little boy Thomas (6) who I take to Butlins as much as I can!
We live in Nottingham
I am an Office Manager for GolfZone in Nottingham!!!
I was a Butlins Virgin until we went in May 2007! and then there was no stopping us... all family breaks, so far we have been May and Aug 07 and March 08 - Skegness. A day pass @ Skeg in May.
Plans for this year are Aug and Christmas Skegness and October Bognor!
My son and I love it @ Butlins because we feel safe and have a great time.
hello to everyone !

WE will have to get you on a adult break next year maybe then lousie, and you will love it even more, one of the reasons I love it so much is that I feel safe too and always always have a fabby fab time!! xx

[louise]

I would love to go on an adults weekend....I think my son would be jealous...lol

[debsy]

I would love to go on an adults weekend....I think my son would be jealous...lol

Tell him we will bring him a billy bear gift home the biggest and best in the shop, or what ever we can swop one of my vouchers for!!! xx

[king of filey]

Hello my name is Liam Kelly and I spent the happiest years of my life as a red at Pwllheli and Filey 1967_1978 would love to hear from any-one who remembers the good old days Liam

[debsy]

Hi there King of Filey, Just wanted to say welcome to the site, sorry I was not at Filey when you were, I am quite new to butlins ie the last 15 years, only ever went to Filey once, and it was so long ago I dont really remember a lot, sure you will find lots of people of here to chat to though, and I look forward to reading your threads and posts, Debs x

[SkeggyReds]

Hi Liam, welcome to the forum.
We were Reds at Skegness,also did Christmas at Barry Island and Clacton.
As you say, happy years. Wouldn't have missed them for the world.
I could go on for AGES about those wonderful days,but would probably bore everyone to death!!
Eileen.

[brandon]

I worked with Liam. What a fantastic bloke. AND a good entertainer. We had lots of fun times at Filey, HI MATE

[Smileysal]

Hi Liam,

Welcome to the forum,

:) Sal

[jojo1970]

Hi everyone, I am new to the site so thought I would introduce myself. My name is Joanne, I live in Leigh nr Wigan and married to Gary with three kids, amy leah and josh. I used to visit Butlins like most of you when i was a kid, we always went to Pwhelli, i did have one holiday at Skegness but my heart belonged to Pwhelli. I was lucky enough to work at the camp for two seasons 89-90, i was a nursery nurse. i loved every minute of it, i was there the year half the camp blew down with the great wind. My favourite memory was going with the fair lads to the local RAF base camp bar for the night, we did it every year. I have great memories of my time there.

I look forward to posting on the site and chatting to you all

Joanne:

[debsy]

Hi there welcome to the site, hope you enjoy it has much as I and all the others on here do, we are a friendly bunch and we all love butlins, some are lovers of the old butlins but I am a new butlins fan, and I LOVE the big adult weekends there, as you will see from some of my threads and post, I look forward to reading and enjoying your posts Deb xx

[jojo1970]

thanks Deb

My hubby has been to one of the adult weekends for the last two years and he raves about them the 80's stars took him back to his youth

[debsy]

thanks Deb

My hubby has been to one of the adult weekends for the last two years and he raves about them the 80's stars took him back to his youth

You need to get yourself on one mrs!! they are brilliant, dont let him just have the fun!! x

[Bill-Loy]

Hello, my name is Bill and I worked the season of 1968 as theatre electrician at the Gaiety, Filey. As a member of the elite Entertainments Department I was afforded certain priviledges like a quick move from staff to campers chalet lines. Many workers would have liked to have left mid season so to counter this the management promised a "generous" bonus with the final weeks pay. Tempted by this, it was always resented when you were actually offered half of the promised sum and told that you could claim the other half if and when you come and work next season!

[Smileysal]

Hi Bill-Loy,

Welcome aboard, hope you enjoy it here.

:) Sal

[Bunnykins]

Hello

I'm new to these forums but have visited the website on several occasions, and what a great site it is - congratulations! As a child, I did not holiday at Butlins but love to see the old photos and read about the history of the camps, particularly Bognor, which is the nearest camp to where I live. I've only been visiting Butlins in more recent years (late 90's onwards) apart from the odd day trip when I was small, and have mostly been on the adult weekenders as a couple (although my first stay was on a hen weekend quite a number of years ago before the Skyline pavilion was built). Have always thought what a fun place Butlins must have been to work in, particulaly in the early years. I've just come back from a party weekend at Bognor but have never visited any of the other camps although somewhen in the early part of 2000 I stayed at the ex Butlins Ocean Hotel at Saltdean which at the time was the saddest and worst hotel I have ever seen in terms of the upkeep (I sincerely hope they have made improvements since). So that's my Butlins history so far!

[debsy]

Wecolme abroad Bunnykins, hope to read lots of your posts and threads xxx

[Mike Reynolds]

Hi everyone,

My name's Mike, 41 years old, with loads of happy memories of Butlin's holidays in the 70s and 80s both at camps and hotels. (I even remember the names of all the redcoats from the Blackpool Metropole hotel in 1981..wonder if any post? - Claire, Sue, Barbara, Graham, Simon and John)

I live in Exeter, and am a volunteer worker for Hospital radio here.

Be great to share my memories of some wonderful holidays on here with you all.:D:cool:

Mike

[Mike Reynolds]

Well, I was lead to believe this is a friendly forum, but having poosted three messages in the last week and not had a single reply from anyone, obviously I was wrong. Won't bother posting again, then, total waste of time.

Such is life.:cry::cry::?

[SkeggyReds]

Well, I was lead to believe this is a friendly forum, but having poosted three messages in the last week and not had a single reply from anyone, obviously I was wrong. Won't bother posting again, then, total waste of time.

Such is life.:cry::cry::?

Hi Mike, yes this is a friendly forum.
Sometimes it can take a while to get a reply to a post. It rather depends on how many people are around,and if they have any comments to add. Obviously this time of year there aren't as many members online,with holidays and other things.
Stick with us,as we're not a bad bunch of people. Also we have our love of Butlins in common. Whether it's ex Redcoats like us,or people that have discovered Butlins in more recent years.
Eileen.

[catmad]

well, i was lead to believe this is a friendly forum, but having poosted three messages in the last week and not had a single reply from anyone, obviously i was wrong. Won't bother posting again, then, total waste of time.

Such is life.:cry::cry::?

hello mike, i have to say that i don't always check the reception thread, so i apologise. We would love to hear your stories from your visits to good old butlins, for me the 60s 70s and 80s were the very essence of butlins. Welcome. Please give us another chance.

[Mike Reynolds]

Hello Catmad and Skegreds

Good to be here, my memories of Butlins (especially in the 70s and 80s when I was a kid/teenager were some of the best times I have every had on holiday. Great fun will post memories soon.

Mike

[maggie]

Hi Everyone:)
Just joined the site so i hope i am posting in the right place
Thought I would pop in and introduce myself.. My name is Maggie I live in Birmingham..go to Butlins twice a year,once with the grandkids and once with hubby..always go to Minehead really love it there.
take care all Maggie

[catmad]

welcome Maggie, it's a great forum, hope you enjoy it.

[jo jo]

hi ya to all i am new to this forum my name is josie and i love love love butlins i live in the east end of london i am 44 with 3 kids 2 dogs and only 1 hubby hes not realy a lover of butlins so he stays at home to look after the dogs most of the time when we go to butlins. i have been going to butlins for the past 8 years 7 times to minehead and only 1 time to bognor not realy my cup of tea and i went to try skegness last year and realy loved it so booked for 2 times this year going in 11 days time with my family and back for a short brake in september with hubby no kids i cant wait just thinking of butlins makes me so happy i love it :)

[debsy]

hi ya to all i am new to this forum my name is josie and i love love love butlins i live in the east end of london i am 44 with 3 kids 2 dogs and only 1 hubby hes not realy a lover of butlins so he stays at home to look after the dogs most of the time when we go to butlins. i have been going to butlins for the past 8 years 7 times to minehead and only 1 time to bognor not realy my cup of tea and i went to try skegness last year and realy loved it so booked for 2 times this year going in 11 days time with my family and back for a short brake in september with hubby no kids i cant wait just thinking of butlins makes me so happy i love it :)

Hi Josie welcome to the site, glad to have a another new member, I look forward to reading lots of your threads and posts.
Glad to to see you have come up to skeggie and you love it!! It is the nearest camp to me, and as i travel alone I usually stick to skeggy, and only the adult breaks, but I totally love it, and cant wait for my next break in October, I have been three times this year, might even sneak another one in SEpt the Disco inferno weekend, which one are you and your hubby going on in SEpt??? Debs xxx

[jo jo]

hi Debs thanks for the warm welcome butlins 3 times already this year you are a lucky girl i was lucky to find a cheap 3 days at skegness for the first week in september so taking my hubby with me he drives i dont i would love to go to the disco inferno week end but i think i may get my head choped off:rolleyes:

[Greg Pryce]

Hello everyone,
My name is Greg, I live in Kent and have just joined this fine looking forum and have yet to get to know my way round.
I have many interests including most things old! Fairgrounds, old Cinemas ,Cars etc.
I enjoy occassionaly working with a friend of mine who has a 1930's Ride called a Skid,(very Fast!) also known as a Swirl.
I make fully working Fairground Models with lights, Music etc that I display at Shows around the Country, in fact I like anything in Miniature.
I have a 1950's Classic car I take to Shows, have played Drums for 30+ years.
I don't know why but I do have a strong fascination with BUTLINS, especially 1950's, 1960's but have only been to Butlins once!:neutral: This was around 1989 at Minehead and have fond memories ,especially of watching the 60's band The RAPIERS! Fantastic!
All the Best,
Greg

[Clunk]

I was very unsure as to register here or not, and thought to myself, no one will remember me so it should be ok :).

Well going by my user name maybe I have rung a few bells , then again if you have a memory like mine you wont

Anyway here goes, My name is Alan , work as security in Butlins in Ayr (booo hisss ), I worked there for a few seasons , took a break from my job , I wanted to do something diffrent, yup butlins was that ...anyway I worked there from 1992 till mid way through 94.I would like to think I was very well known to the entertainment staff......some of whom I just took an instant dislike to for some reason , but I was happy as most people were.I lived outwith the camp in the first season but was live in on my second season , simple reason for that ,I met a very nice young lady inmy first season , whom I must admit to being totally in love with , we continued so see each other and whom I am now married to and have to daughters with , Jade who is 14 in October and Chloe who is 12........I feel like this is a life story :).

I met rather alot of people whom I still keep in touch with but sadly have lost touch with a few too.Ooops sorry forgot to mention that the young lady that I married was Kathleen , she was shop supervisor at the pic N mix .

I liked working in the venue that was called Gatsby's and then went on to be called Buffalo Bills I think , or something along thoses lines I enjoyed it very much seeing people drunk and happy while I was working yeah got me everytime :p

I got to know a few red coats , some of whom were very nice indeed, one of which I would love to have the chanc to talk with again , sure her name was Kerry (although not 100% sure) she came from the Cumbria area, very small person but very happy and funny most of the time.I read somewhere that people had a dislike to Sid Sims........yes I was one of the many that didnt like him , but less said the better....I was also very friendly with reception staff, from reception staff all the way to the managers and managersess, there was one young lady that used to join me for luch( us security staff wasnt that well liked, I often wonder why :p) she was sort of local , lived in the Irvine area (Aryshire), I could go on all night I have that many memories sadly the peoples names have let me down well I am getting on in life, what age am I again , oh yes 34 , I wish 43 more like, but the couple of years that I spent at butlins changed my whole life and it was for the better , A wife and two kids......what more could a person ask for.

I shall sit back and wait for a bombardment of people throwing abuse at me ....only joking (I hope).....if you do remember me say hi ......

[NAF08]

Hello all, i like making new friends.

[mjj49]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this site, thought this would be a good place to introduce myself.

My name's Jane (but everyone calls me Jay), and my son and I love Butlins. I went to Butlins every year as a child and started taking my son when he was 3 (he's now 14). We are gold premier members and absolutely love the place - Bognor is our favourite :)

Got a 7 night holiday book for the 15th August, but won't be telling my son until the night before we go - he's going to be sooooo excited :D

Jay

[debsy]

Hi everyone - I'm new to this site, thought this would be a good place to introduce myself.

My name's Jane (but everyone calls me Jay), and my son and I love Butlins. I went to Butlins every year as a child and started taking my son when he was 3 (he's now 14). We are gold premier members and absolutely love the place - Bognor is our favourite :)

Got a 7 night holiday book for the 15th August, but won't be telling my son until the night before we go - he's going to be sooooo excited :D

Jay

Hi Jay and welcome to the site, hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to reading all about your butlins trips. It is not long now until your trip, I bet your sons face will be a picture when you tell were you are going in the morning, how have you kept it a secret for so long??

Debs xx

[mjj49]

Hi Debs :)

It's been really difficult, he thinks I've got a few days off work to take him into London for some day trips, can't wait until he knows where we're really going :cool:

I've been packing his suitcase bit by bit so he doesn't notice, not been easy lol.

Friday week, Butlins here we come :D

[Fileyred]

Hello everyone my name is Carole used to be carole Rowney in my redcoat days. Worked at Filey 1964 & 65 then odd months at other camps. The best years of my life.
I've got loads of old photos some of them are on the filey page.
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

[Frank The Red]

Hi

Having grown up going to Butlins at Ayr, Skegness, Filey I got the dream job, working three summer seasons as a Red in Ayr from 82-84, worked in Pwhelli Kids Venture Weeks and a Christmas in Bognor.

As far as I am concerned, it was the best job in the world, despite the long hours and low pay, but it give me memories to cherish for a life time, friends, who I am trying to get back in touch with and not forgetting, my dear wife, Wendy (Tinkerbell).

I have been feeling very nostalgic looking at my old videos an pics. Those Ayr ones are my collection and there are more clips to come.

Want to try and get a website from my time there and get it on line soon.

Watch this space

[Queenie]

Hi, I'm Cheryl (30) and have a lovely husband and 2 rugrats.

I have always been to Skegness Butlins. It started from my dad, he was a security officer at Butlins Skegness between '72-'76. He converted my grandma who used to come for the week every year. The tradition followed and every year more members of family used to go in Sept for 'race week'. Always budget red camp self catering and it was brilliant! fitting 8 people in those chalets with plastic white garden table and chairs oh the days.....

The site was so secure that we as children under 12 used to roam the camp at night whilst our adult peers were in the 'Showboat'. A favourite of mine was the Gaeity theatre's free cinema film shows and entertainment. And of course the monorail.......

Then when grandma died (who also used to babysit upto 8 children at night) in 1992 we stopped going as a family......also the children such as me were growing up and wanted to go 'abroad'

However my yearning for Butlins hasnt died and we picked up the spirit last year. We go 3 times a year where possible.....will be harder now as DD is starting nursery mon-fri from Sept. This year we went in May, 1 in Sept and for Halloween........I cant wait to go again.

By only bugbear is Splash, it looks so unkempt and needs updating. I cant wait to see what will happen to it as we have a break already booked for April next year.......

The kids love the entertainment, Bob and of course Billy Bear. DD loves the Skyline Gang and has already asked to me to get her a redcoat for her birthday :brick:

I really look forward to reading all the details on your holidays and what you did on what days. You all seem to fit in soo much. Maybe I'm poorly organised and boring........

[debsy]

HI Queenie, welcome to the site, I will look forward to reading your posts and threads too, we are a friendly bunch so dont be frighted to say hi to anyone:Banane40:

[Queenie]

Hi Debsy :Banane19:. I love reading your posts. I'd love to go on an adult weekend but its very difficult with the kids being so young. You are so brave for going on your own........girl power :Banane52::Banane52:

[doyley1]

Hi. my name is Sally and I'm new to this site, I'm 33 and married with 2 kids - my eldest Keely loves Butlins, and we have been with her 7 times (all Skegness!), my youngest is also beginning to love it - she has been 6 times. My husband went a couple of times as a child, but I had never been - I love it! :typing:

[Steve Perks]

Hello to everyone.
I found this site whilst doing a search this morning.
I was the guitarist in the Beachcomber Bar at Ayr in 1979.
The band was called Des Mitchell and Aquarius.
We left at the end of the season to become the backing band to the Dallas Boys.

I was 19, just turning 20 at the time and have very fond memories of the season.
The line up was Des Mitchell (band leader/keyboards and vocals (allegedly!)
Dave Dawber (drums) and myself on lead guitar for most of the time and occasionally bass guitar when required by visiting artists.

I found a picture of Valda, Bev and (Sue?) elsewhere.
Ents Manager was Doug Mcloud who went on to become General Manager at Pwhelli (I was in correspondence with him a couple of years ago)

I also remember Mr Hudson the General Manager, Mel, the cockney redcoat and of course Gerry The tramp/clown (we threw him in the stream in the Beachcomber on the last week) I think the compere was called Tim.

My memory is fuzzy on the other bands, but I remember the Alex Cairns Band in the Continental Bar. Can anyone fill the gaps in for the other bands?

WE backed the late night cabaret shows and visiting artists included Wayne Check Allen (comedian) and Nicky Martin (who befriended the band)

Whatever happened to little Beth, the Redcoat from Edinburgh?

I've got a few photos up in the loft somewhere so I'll post them when I find them.

I was originally from the Wigan area, but enjoyed my time in Scotland so much I alsway wanted to return.
I remarried in 2003 and relocated to Montrose up on the North East Coast.

I would love to hear from anyone else from the Ayr '79 season.

[catmad]

Hi Steve, Valda here, nice to have you on the forum. I loved my days at Ayr. I did 79 and 80. Kevin King band was the band in the stuart ballroom, Della was lead singer she was kevins wife, martin was lead guitar, and I can't recall the drummers name. Sadly Kevin passed away in 86. We had George on keyboard in the Pig and Whistle.
Beth went out with Brian from the continental band. I have tried to trace her, but no luck so far. Brynn was the compare and Tim was asst. ents manager.
I have to admit I don't really remember you, but there again we were only allowed in the Beachcomber on late night cabaret nights. Maybe if I saw a photo. Have you seen my pics on the BM image gallery, page 7. I'm still trying to trace Gerry and a few others. I've found 4 of my old reds from 1980, so I'm still holding out some hope. I would dearly love to find my old mate Bev, we were chalet mates for both seasons, we kept in contact for about 5 years then just lost touch. Can't wait to see your photos. luv V. x

[Steve Perks]

Hi Valda,

I remember you quite well and recognised you as soon as I saw your photo elsewhere.

Thanks for filling in the gaps.

If I remember rightly, George and his drummer brother got sacked near to the end of the season.

Brynn was rather fond of a drink and nobody was really fond of Des Mitchell lol.

Myself and the drummer had a musicians union case against him which they made a hash of and he went on to do a couple more seasons before they finally nailed him.

I was just reading another thread about redcoats not being allowed to leave the camp.

Musicians weren't allowed on the camp after I think it was midnight (with the exception of us who were backing the late night cabarets twice a week), but myself and the drummer enjoyed many unofficial staff parties after hours and would crash on the floor wherever we could...chalets or the dressing room floor. Oh happy days!

You may remember the twin dancers Heidi and Karen Walmesley, Heidi used to go out with Des Mitchell and they were both from my homewtown of Golborne near Warrington.
I got the gig through them as I knew their father.

I'll be digging the photos out tommorrow and will post them up.

[Kookie]

Hi Gill, Just found your name & message. Who was with you in 63 & 64. I was also a DeVere dancer. did you work with Judy Prince. My name was Jennifer Bisseker, I was with Devere for quite a while in Butlins & in the Ballet Montpanasse. hope to hear from you.

[lillybit]

hi
my name is liz (lillybit is my nick name) its been great to find a site where you can talk to and see memories of butlins i have been going to butlins on and of since i was 2 and i am 44 this month i used to go to filey then to skegness i met my husband their in 1984 we just become friends then and thought it was great to find someone from scunthorpe and then to find out we only live 10 minutes from each other. he used to work at bultlins skeggy he did a bit of evething exect redcoating his name is phil wilkinson and wonders if there is anyone out there that rembers him. we got to gether as a couple in 91 and married in 95. we now bring our children to skeggy and they love it. my oldest is now 17 and loves butlins that much he appleid to work there.
we think they should bring the beer keller back. plus the boating lake, monrailand chair lift. my mum used to love the beeacomber . its been lovly seeing photos of the old butlins. my sister won the fancy dress a few times with her costume she was dressed as miss tissue my mum sowed tissues on a long dress and hat.
they were the bested hoildays i had as a child at butlins we did try golden sands at melthorpe and potins at blackpool but i hated them hoildays .the redcoats awere great then and still are long may butlins reign. i have been married to phil 13 years we have a `17 year old son jack and a 13 year old son tony. my birthday is 20 october, phils 10 jan and my boys are jack 16 june tony 16 july. there is exally 4 years 1 month between them. we are all bultlin fans and love it our fav show at the monet at butlins is king meets queen we have seen it 19 times. we also love the show the red coats did in centre stage for us to vote for to send to london we loved tertdeno(chis and deno) we hope they win and would love to wish them good luck.
lillybit (liz)

[Lucy-Anne]

Hello.
Well, I'm Lucy. I like to put "Lucy-Anne" but my name is not a double barreled. My father's a member of the forum. I'm sixteen and at Sixth Form.

Much Love, Lucy.

[Angelbabe]

HI Lucy

Welcome to the forum xxx

[Liesa]

saying hello from Brighton, im happily married and have 6 kids and 8 grandkids.... its been really good reading up on here all thos ehappy memories!!

[keno051]

Welcome to the forum x

[beatles]

welcome to the site hope you have a great time reading this site and replying to people that youve found