Neil Phillips remembers working as a cashier at Clacton in 1980 Back

I was lucky enough to work for nearly the whole of the season in 1980. As a cashier I enjoyed most of my tasks. My favourite was working alongside the Red Coats with the Bingo and filmed Horse Racing where I had to sell tickets and work out the prize money.

The Red Coats were always very cheerful. I remember Chris Drake (son of Charlie) was one of them. Lee was another and older than most.

I also enjoyed meeting the holidaymakers in Reception on a Saturday and handing them their keys and giving them a welcome.

Another of my tasks was emptying the fruit machines and checking that they worked by having a play!

One task I didn't like was emptying the electricity meters on a Saturday - there were some horrible smells in some of those chalets!

As a cashier handling money you obviously had to be an honest individual. I remember that one of my colleagues did not last long in employment because it turned out he was wanted by the police for fraud and was using an alias!

I also did overtime with a second part-time job in the Crazy Horse Saloon where I took money and gave change from the waiters and waitresses.

My own chalet was needless to say very basic but I was lucky to have one to myself.

I remember being fed very well and I put on some weight as I would often go back for second helpings of fish and chips!

My summer at Butlins in 1980 was a very happy one and I was very saddened to see the Camp close. However, my fond memories will never die.