Barton Hall in the '60s - did anyone see it on the tv today?

[Jintygirl]

I've put a thread on the Butlin's-related section, but I wondered if any Pontin's fans saw it? It was a film in b&w, but the Barton Hall bit was really clear - you could really see the building itself - and as I was saying to my daughter 'Barton Hall... I'm sure that was a Pontin's one - or was it Warner's...' - there was some bloke wearing a Pontin's hat!

Did you see it?

[Playitagainsam]

Barton Hall was Pontins. It was Sir Fred's 'own' sort of resident place I believe. It was deemed to be the upmarket Pontins venue, you know, bow ties, evening dresses and the like.

[ps646566]

Barton Hall certainly was Pontin's flagship centre through the 1960's and early 1970's. Fred Pontin did not in fact live there, but his sister and brother in law, Bob & Elsie Brown, were the resident managers. Fred would frequently visit, landing his helicopter on the sports field.

The standard was very high for those days, and Barton Hall was what would now be known as a resort hotel. The clientele was predominantly middle class -- the sort of people who might well now go on upmarket cruises. Food was excellent and plentiful, with three all-inclusive meals a day in a proper, stylish dining room. Rumours that dinner jackets were de rigeur in the evenings are in fact untrue, though a lounge suit or jacket and tie was requested, and pretty much 100% adhered too.

Accomodation ranged from rooms in the country house hotel itself, through luxury chalets with full facilities, to more basic chalets in rows or small blocks. But it was all set in landscaped grounds and gardens, and everything was well kept and well maintained inside and out.

The centre was set in a lovely position amidst Devon country lanes, and looking out over Torbay (you could see right over to Brixham). There was a very wide range of amenities including :- two bars plus an on-site pub, a sprung-floor ballroom, several lounges, a two tier theatre/cinema, a splendid outdoor heated pool, extensive sun terraces, four tennis courts, a full size football pitch, a pitch and putt course, and riding stables.

Excellent entertainments and activities were plentiful by day and by evening, led by an extremely hard working and talented entertainments manager called Bobby Rich :- shows, films, cabarets, live band dancing, games, tennis competitions, football matches, swimming galas -- you name it. In poor weather, extra indoor activities were organised. Even though there was an element of 'Hi-de-Hi' type stuff, it was always tounge in cheek and never 'in your face'. Anyone who just wanted to relax and do nothing active did not have a problem. There was also plenty laid on for kids and youngsters, with a children's entertainer who actually liked kids !

Barton Hall was so popular that many people used to go back year after year for the same week/s, booking up a year ahead. As a result groups of friends formed, so that each holiday was by way of a reunion too. Consequently there was an incredibly relaxed, friendly, and convivial atmosphere about the place.

It's good to know that this magnificent holiday centre still exists as a viable concern, albeit in a different vein.