We often have emails requesting information on Relatives and friends in Clacton,
as well as on the Butlins Holiday camps (not just Clacton)
so I have decided to separate the letters columns into different sections.
Requests for information about Clacton
If you want to be a Redcoat or Work at Butlins then you need to look at their website
We have had so many in the past that I have decided to put the older ones on a separate page
| Name | Comment | Date | Location |
| Mick Stammers Michael@Stammers482.Freeserve.Co.Uk | Does anybody there have a milkman by the name of Dave who went to germany for
the world cup? If you do, let me know as he left his tent with me when he went
home. He probably doesn't want it back but I've got some photos for him and Cath |
26 August 2006 | UK |
| clifford lawrence Butlin cliff.b@webmail.co.za | Just browsing through family history. My grandfather John Lawrence Butlin was a cousin of Billy. Editors comments: Cliff , Nice to hear from you , we all admired Billy. I even met him once along with his daughter cherry. Stephen Adams |
7 Jun 2006 | Canada |
| sexyden@msn.com denise | I have fond memories of Butlins at Clacton. I went every year from the age of 4 and I am 46 now and I stil remember the thrill of going in the L-shaped swimming pool and in the indoor pools with the windows round it for viewing. When I first went there we were in the little full board chalets which looked like cottages and then we were in the two tier ones and then in 197o when they started doing self catering we were in blue camop near the entrance and I could not wait to get there. I could go and on but why did they have to sell it. | 27 April 2005 | |
| Simon Baker fa497602@skynet.be | Having enjoyed many family holidays in Clacton, I am keen to track down local railway artefacts to remind me of the area. Of particular interest are the blue ‘hot dog’ shaped signs that were used to display the station names at Clacton on Sea and other local stations during the 1950’s and 60’s. If any ex railwaymen or anyone else has information as to the whereabouts of these or similar signs or has one in their possession that they would like to part with, please drop me a line at the following address: - Mr Baker, c/o 11 Slades Green, Bothenhampton, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4DZ or via e-mail to fa497602@skynet.be Your help is much appreciated, thank you. | 08 May 2005 | Belgium |
| Rob Norton robert.norton5@btinternet.com | I worked at Clacton in the hot, hot summer of 1976 at 22 years old. My two mates were Stuart Smith and Brian Duncan. I shared a 'large' staff chalet with Tex from Warrington, the others were a joke size. Our crew were in the kitchens cooking all that luvverley stuff for all. I made Assistant Cook and had the pleasure of 2000 fried eggs twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. I know it was a Tuesday as we got paid on Monday and the Staff Disco was right beside the field where the 'Donkey Derby' runners were kept. They didn't appreciate being ridden by drunken staff members at 1am and there were many occaisions when I would bump into a herd of them breezing around the camp whilst I was off to make the eggs at 5am. I remember Jimmy McGowan, Scouse Joe (soooouuuuund!) Peter Percy, Alan, Billy and Eddie O'Keefe (from Edgeware) and Julie Tonkin from Dudley the dining hall manageress. 'Bob Marley Live at the Lyceum' came out that year with No Woman No Cry on it and the camp made the Sunday papers about the staff going to town, getting drunk on cider at the Football Club ( I think ) then smoking dope back at the camp. Not true of course. I went back 20 years later in 1996. The camp was a housing estate and the Medina in the town was a bank. Funny, I thought pubs went the other way about. | 20 April 2005 | UK |
| busylizzy2004@msn.com denise | I WENT TO CLACTON A TOTAL OF 14 TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND WAS VERY SAD WHEN IT WAS KNOCKED DOWN. I WOULD LOVED TO HAVE BEEN AT THAT AUCTION AND SEEN WHAT THEY WERE SELLING. MY MUM HAD TWO SPOONS FROM ONE OF THE SELF CATERING CHALETS WE STAYED IN. I REMEMBER THE YEAR THEY WENT OVER TO SELF-CATERING, 1970. MY DAD GOT A DISCOUNT OFF EVERY YEARS HOLIDAY COS WE WENT THERE EVERY YEAR. IT HAS VERY HAPPY MEMORIES FOR ME EVEN WHEN I FELL OVER IN THE VIENESE BALLROOM AND CUT MY HEAD OPEN AND ENDED UP IN THE FIRST AID POST HAVING 3 STITCHES PUT IN. I STILL HAVE THE SCAR UNDERNEATH ALL MY HAIR. | 22 April 2005 | |
| arlenedenham@hotmail.com arlene denham | I worked in Butlins Clacton in the summers of 1975 and 1976. The first year I worked as the receptionist in the hairdressers and the second year I worked in The Fry fish and chip shop. I had the time of my life and wish I could do it all again! I would love to hear from anyone who remembers the long hot summer of 1976. | 26 March 2005 | |
| charlotte durst charlottedurst@hotmail.com | Ifanyone has pictures of the redcoats that have worked in Butlins SKEGNESS this year please send me a pic or more if you have more to charlottedurst@hotmail.com thanx xxxxxxxxxxxx | 19 February 2005 | |
| bev loxdale bevloxdale@tiscali.co.uk | My name was Beverley Fuller and worked in Clacton Butlins in the Medical Centre as a nurse either 1979. I was friendly with Ellen Lyons who was a waitress. I had a fab time while i was there, made a lot of friends, with waitresses, bar staff and the rest of the medical team who i have lost contact with, anyone thinks they knew me please get in touch. | 15 February 2005 | UK |
| samwoodward garywoodward9@btinterney.com | Great to find anyone who worked as a Butlins Redcoat/Bluecoat circa 1964-1968.Photos would be loveley.xxxxx. | 13 February 2005 | |
| paul arrowsmith chunkie69@hotmail.com | hi everyone had a great time working at butlins where i mey my current girlfriend lynn i love butlins id go back again |
25 February 2005 | |
| Joanne Bryan tracy.candy@tesco.net | did you work at butlins clacton in 1955? do you remember the entertainments mangers? does geoff Brown ring a bell? if so could you please get in contact. my mum used to work there and was really close friends with him and would like to get in contact. any information or pictures would be great. | 23 February 2005 | UK |
| Joanne Bryan tracy.candy@tesco.net | Did you work at bulins clacton in 1975? Did you know the enterainments manager called Geoff? If so could you please give me as much information as possible. My mum worked there in 1975 and was very close friends with him and would like to make contact. Also any memories that you have. I would love to know. | 23 February 2005 | UK |
| jimmy mann billynoname1@aol.com | hi jimmy here from belfast i worked at buttlins clacton from 1978 to 1982 as a porter in the accon department if any nos me or the rest of the lads from ireland could u let me no would love to meet them all again i live in london now thank u | 08 January 2005 | London, UK |
| Harry we@hmckerlie.freeserve.co.uk | Can anyone tell me is the lady drummer, Chrissie Lee on the Frank Skinner show, Christine Lee who used to drum with her band at the Stuart Ballroom at Butlins Ayr. | 05 January 2005 | UK |
| pressoffice@bourne-leisure.co.uk | Dear Mr Adams
There is an archive at Bognor Regis. Its purpose is for the safe keeping of
Butlins memorabilia but is unfortunately not open to guests or members of
the public. Hope this helps Thanks Kate |
UK | |
| vanessa lesleyanng@aol.com | we have reacently been to butlins and we met this really nice redcoat called mark we all really liked him. | 24/10/04 | UK |
| garystratton gs040268@hotmail.com | I have to been to butlin"s many times as a yungster. my fav camp is skegness. i also worked at the old warners site in Dovercourt not far from clacton in the late 1980"s the dovercourt camp has many memories for me. | 24/10/04 | ? |
| pat turner womanluv@msn.com | HAVE SPENT MOST OF MY LIFE WORKING ON HOLIDAY CENTRES,MOSTLY BUTLINS.MY FIRST HOLIDAY CAMP WAS CLACTON,IT WAS ALSO MY FAVE.I WORKED THERE IN 1980-1984,WHICH WAS ALSO THE LAST YEAR CLACTON WAS OPEN.IT WAS THE OLD STYLE CAMP,WITH OLD STYLE FAMILY FUN.HAVE WORKED BOGNOR ,SKEGNESS,MINEHEAD SINCE,BUT NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO CLACTON ON SEA,OR TO THE TIMES I HAD THERE. | 24/10/04 | ? |
| Mike Onions themightyonion@btinternet.com | Hello. I was the compere at Clacton in 1971, the Michael Barrymore year. I was engaged to Janet Denney who was one of the Manhatton dancers in the revue. We are still married and Janet runs a dancing school in the Rhondda Valley. From 1959 to 1980 I worked at all sites except Ayr & Filey in various capacities but mostly as compere. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. | 22 September 2004 | UK |
| John Wallis john@johnofessex.fsnet.co.uk | I have fond memories of Clacton when I was a little boy back in the 1970s - of the killer whale at the aquarium on the pier, of the children's amusements at Butlins and of the brilliant coloured lights of The Crazy Horse Saloon Bar at Butlins at night, with the lights depicting a horse hitting itself on the head with a hammer and stars coming up. If there photos online somewhere of the Butlins camp I would love to see them. | 20 September 2004 | UK |
| leslie liddle unknown@1cust56.tnt1.willunga.au.da.uu.net | My family was one of the first campers at the newely open minehead holiday centre,and thanks to the good morning call wake wake my father had an accident and that is how my young sister Lindar was concieved. I can remember the wonderful heated swimming pool with ferns and birds coming down from the ceiling, and every day roller skating, and going out on the boating lake, I was terrified that I would drown until I found out that it was only about a foot deep,a memmory that I will treasure the rest of my life, my sister Lindar is now 40 years old. | 13 September 2004 | Adelaide South Australia |
| emma richad@driftover.fsnet.co.uk | I went to butlins in august and i really had fun but i am looking for pictures of the redcoats from 2004 all up to date but i cant find any especially any of redcoat dean please help me | 13 September 2004 | UK |
| helder mano24@sapo.pt | I need talking to Churshe, Vanessa. my inglish is too bad, sorry.......... Vanessa churshe | 09 August 2004 | Portugal |
| john j.welsby2@bushinternet.com | great web site.is there a postal fan club and official butlin archives? best wishes john. Editors Note: Butlin's Archives are held in Minehead Camp, I don't know if there is a postal fan Club, you need to look on the Butlin's site.Butlins Web Site
|
11 August 2004 | ? |
| pete mardon bunnym@tinyworld.co.uk | in your history of billy butlin there is no mention of the giant fair ground and menagerie of wild animals monkies etc,he ran at edgbaston reservoir in birmingham in the late thirties early forties? is there no record of this? | 12 August 2004 | UK |
| nigel betteridge nbetteridge57@aol.com | I played drums in the band "Fifth Avenue" at Butlins Minehead during the summer season 1981. The band was formed by Brian Smith of Harlow...fellow musicians were Brians partner Diane, my good mate Paul Dickens on the bass and Ralph on the keyboards.Anyone know where Paul is now...would love to get in touch again. We played the hits of the day in the main ballroom every evening. A cracking season...great fun. Anyone have any memories to share from that summer of '81 ? Photos of the band etc... |
08/08/04 | UK |
| Bev Fuller bevloxdale@tiscali.co.uk | I found this site by accident. Wonderful memories as a child and teenager going to Clacton Butlins. My best memories are when I worked in the medical department as a nurse during the Summer of 1979. Met many wonderful people who I will never ever forget, these included people who worked at waitress, bar staff, etc. Often wonder where they are and what they are up to. | 08/08/04 | UK |
| Charlie scarpetta@quantico.fsnet.co.uk | I went to Butlin's at Ayr in the Summers of 1954 and 1955 with my mates and they were great holidays. Now that I have retired, I am trying to bring together as many photographs and bits of information about all the Butlins CAMPS. i WOULD LIKE TO HERE FROM anyone with photographs or memories they would like to share. | 08/08/04 | Scotland |
| gary woodward gary.woodward9@btinternet.com | I am looking for old photos of staff at butlins minehead 1960's can anybody help ?many thanks. |
18/07/04 | ? |
| Louise Tomsettj@Aol.com | I love Butlins its just the besti love the Redcoats and really would love to become one when older. I've only been to the Butlins in Minehead and would love to experience Bognor Regious and Skegness. Anyway i'm writing this because the other day i went to Barry Island and as I was coming home I spotted this swimming pool i asked my nan what it was and she said that it was the old Butlins I was so shocked and would of loved to seethat open and how the redcoats would look and what the clubs and shallays would look like so i am now looking on the internet to see if i can find any pictures of the place. please can u help me ??? | 30 June 2004 | Wales |
| John Smith-Daye john@lambert-chapman.co.uk | Unfortunately my father Henry, a well known character in Clacton, died in November, and in going through his effects we have found a number of photos of his time at Butlins. In particular, I would like to contact Linda David or Paul Baxter, as I have a few pictures of what we believe to be their father Jack's retirement dinner and I would be happy to pass on copies. | 20 Jun 2004 | Clacton |
| Andrea Carbon amecarbon@hotmail.com | I went to Butlin's at Clacton when I was eight or nine years old. It was 1978 or 9 and I just remember that it rained for the entire week. All the rides were closed due to the rain and it was bitter cold and I think it was in the middle of summer! Somehow, we still ended up having a great time. Until recently I had a recording of one of the Redcoat shows we went to there. We often played it for the sake of memory. I have a photo of me taken there in my party frock. I think it was taken on the last night of the week. I wish I had other pictures. If any one has pictures of the camp itself it would be fun to see them. Holiday Camps are a British institution and a central part of our history. Nowhere in the world can you find an institution quite like Butlin's or some of its similar rivals. I am an American and we have summer camps for kids but nothing where the whole family could go. I think it is disgraceful that we haven't preserved this part of British history more. At the very least there should be a plaque or memorial but I think a museum would be truly fitting. Editors note. Butlins have a museum at Minehead, but I don't think it is widely published. |
18 Jun 2004 | USA |
| petersykes@ntlworld.com | Comments: FILEY SITE Update The whole site is about cleared now but Bourne Leisure (Haven) bought a strip of the site from the main A165 to the clifftop and have this week begun development work for 70 plus caravans. Someone of an unsporting nature fenced their area 30 feet too narrowly, it is said: couldn't have happened to a nicer company! Haven have also developed part of the old Pitch n'Putt area at the clifftop end of the park adjacent to the Butlins site but the newts and orchids stopped the whole area being done over. Usually such intrusive work (intrusive if you're a caravan owner or holiday maker)is done during the winter months but Bourne set off just after Easter and are candidates for appearing on the "Holiday from Hell" programme for the Bean Counters'indifference to people. The pathway created last year to the beach on the Primrose Valley park site was abandoned... don't think the Heritage Trust had ever heard of "Health & Safety" as a concept. Their creation resembled the final push to the top of K2 but without the handholds! The footpath issue has arisen again as metal fencing topped with razor wire now blocks the way along the clifftop at the edge of the old Butlins site. The little ponds at the back of the White House have been re-exposed and some work has gone on to create some "order" in the environmental work that Haven promised last year. |
13 June 2004 | Filey |
| Stuart Billinge bennyblanco77@hotmail.com | Hi, im doing a project on Butlins and Id just like to ask a question to anyone who has been. If you could name one unique thing about Butlins that no other holiday camp or holiday hasnt got, what would it be? I have enjoyed reading peoples experiences, everyone seems to remember the place with great fondness. | 28 May 2004 | ? |
| kelly kellym19782002@aol.com | Hi, im wondering if any1 can help me, im looking for a Roy Williams who worked in butlins in ayrshire roughly about 1977 onwards, i would b extremely gratefull if any1 could remember him or give me any information on him, thanx kelly | 21 May 2004 | |
| stuart curtis stuie_667@yahoo.com | I grew up on the Clacton site in the 60s&70s as my father was catering manager Jack Curtis,Does anyone remember us. Many a time was spent on the camp with good friends Ted Harrison and Mark Lovering who it would be good to here from. I am now living back in Clacton after a career in the army but it will never be the same without Butlins.My eldest daughter Mickila has carried on the butlins tradition and is at this time working at the skegness camp in Bar rosso. If you remember me drop me a line. | 15 May 2004 | |
| Scott Sanders Scottydoo121@aol.com | I think britain should be proud of such a popular and successful holiday camp./ We should be proud that we have it i have been going to the site evr since i was akid whata great time i had the redcoats are so freindly thats why i am going to be one in about twelve months it will be brill to work for such a fun company and such a successful BRITISH holiday camp BUTLINS RULES | 07 May 2004 | UK |
| shonagh sunnyrcdiamond@aol.com | Im desprate to become Red Coat and need some details on how to become one, as a child i always went to Bognor Regis with my nan who is now no longer with me. And as a child i always said i wanted to become a Red Coat now i feel it's the time for me to do so, So if there's any1 who can help i would be very greatful come on people give a 22 female who is lively, wacky, up for a laugh a chance thank for taking the time to read this hope you are able to help many thanks shonagh x | 06 May 2004 | UK |
| barbara provis leedle@aol.com | I hadn't visited this website for more than a year and see a lot of new messages. As I had mentioned before when I left a previous message, my dad was Doug Mason, who was Camp Manager and then Camp Controller during the 1950's. I spent a lot of time at the camp at Clacton and worked there for a couple of years 1958, 1959 and in 1960 we came to Canada to live. My dad passed away in 1988. I worked in allocations with Iris Hayter and we had so many laughs. She was a good friend of mine and we corresponded after I came to Canada until about 1993 when she died. I lost touch with her and she didn't answer my letters so when I came back for a visit in 1994 (after 30 years) I asked her neighbours what had happened. That's when they told me she had died some months previously. If anyone remembers Iris Hayter and her Mum and can let me know when she died and where she is buried, I would like to pay my respects when I come over to England again. I still miss her. She ha! d a great sense of humour and we had a lot of fun together. I have just read the Billy Butlin Story but it doesn't say much about Clacton. My father, Doug Mason, should have written a book about the funny goings-on. He always had a good story to tell and would keep us in stitches recounting some peculiar things that happened on the camp. I have so many good memories of those times and was sad to see the camp closed at Clacton and now a housing estate. | 07 Apr 2004 | Canada |
| donna roxburgh clivehardman@aol.com | I went to butlins in claccton when i was only 7 or 8 yrs old.im now 36yrs old and what fond memories i have of that holiday lots of photos with my family.i have relatoins whom live in clacton now as we spent so much time in clacton in the 1970's | 14 March 2004 | |
| chris whatmore firstpromotions@btopenworld.com | ayr 1973 butlins best summer of my life ,worked as a dining hall porter ,work was long hours and tiring but we played as hard as we worked. met some great guys tony graham ,john maclean from glasgow bud beano tagy and the gang would love to hear from any of you or anyone who knows of their whereabouts.imet my wife sally munro who also worked during this season as a chalet maid amzingly we are still together after more than thiry years . many happy memories of ayr during that summer.other names that come to roost ellen barrie left to go to university big jan played guitar bella ,alice margaret , | 26 February 2004 | UK |
| Michael Phillips mphill4975@aol.com | Message for the editor. Would you kindly let Bobby Butlin know that Robert (Bob) Arthur Phillips passed away peacefully in Clacton Hospital on 29th January 2004, aged 90. The funeral is today at Weeley Crematorium. Dad knew Bobby from very early days and always spoke fondly of him. | 05 February 2004 | Clacton |
| paul arrowsmith chunkie@virtualtourist.com | hi worked at butlins at skegness and minehead had a great time will go back again meyt so many people who where great see you all soon bye | 03 February 2004 | |
| Gemma geminem_cupida_@hotmail.com | I wrote earlier, and I have now made a website about the redcoats. It isn't finished yet, but will be in about a month or so. There will be loads of pictures on there (mainly of the Bognor Regis redcoats). If you go on there, PLEASE SIGN MY GUSTBOOK!!! www.freewebz.com/redcoats_rule | 25 January 2004 | UK |
| Ricky Whichello rickywhichello@hotmail.com | Wow, I found this site by accident. I was born in 1957 and lived in Clacton until 1974. During the 1960's, I lived in the house, behind what used to be the car park, in Coan Avenue. The car park was situated directly opposite the entrance of the former Clacton Butlins camp. Memories? Mainly the cacophany of noise in the swimming pool while 'Summer Holiday' and 'Return to Sender' spun it's way from the raised speakers all around the pool area. Then back downstairs for a knickerbocker-glory and watching people swim through one of the thick glass windows that surrounded the pool. I remember there being two TV rooms by the pool area, one for BBC and the other for ITV. I recall with fear and dread the day my brother Garry took me into the BBC room to watch a new programme called DR WHO. I remember Redcoats in the small theatre shouting "Oompah, oompah, stick it up ya jumper". I recall, knobbly knee competitions, people getting thrown into the pool and jumping on the trampolines. My dad, called Peter Whichello and owned the Pavillion Garage in Colne Rd, also played in a local, musical combo called the Vibratones. The band feature an ex-squadrionnaires trumpeter called Archie Craig who, I rekon, looking back, stood around 4 ft 3 inches or thereabouts. The Vibratones often performed at Butlins. Also I have a big, big confession. Janet Worsely, I'm sorry I forgot to pay you back 1s 6d, entrance money I borrowed off of you. Contact me and I'll send you a cheque. Also remember John Smith-Daye and his dad very well. Hi John, hope you're well! My most impactful memory, is the easter of 1964, sitting on the wall and watching the mods and rockers ride into the carpark opposite Butlins. They were kicking each other's bike and shouting out things like, "Oy wadd'ya call that, a sering machine on wheels?" The Song playing on our wireless while this was happening was 'Can't Buy Me Love', buy a group called THE BEATLES. Everyone was talking about it, because it was the first time that Paul McCartney had taken a lead vocal. Love to hear from anyone who remembers me, I used to play in local bands called: Renovated Love (with John Reynolds who's dad was a renovator), THE CHORD LORDS, CHAPTER FOUR and EPISODE THREE. Sandra Wright, Dawn Sherman and of course Sonia Diss, whatever happened to all those young dudes? | 08 January 2004 | UK |
| Ralph Morris ralph@jackbox.co.uk | Ah, sweet memories as a waiter at Butlins Clacton 1978 - 1979. And that immortal catchphrase as we all sank into our bunks on a Saturday night after too many snakebites (cider/lager): "You won't be so chirpy in the morning". Anyone remember that? | 03 January 2004 | UK |
| Ted Harvey edwardharvey@bigfoot.com | Comments:Anyone remember Little Canada Holiday Camp on The Isle of White my best holiday in 1960 | 29 December 2003 | |
| karla atkinson (nee baker) karlaatkinson6@hotmail.com | after moving away from clacton when i was 18, after being bought up there, I
often visit your site for memories and to see how the town is changing. was amazed at the difference in clacton county high school, my love to all the teachers who may be still there from my time. I still have some family there. I remember butlins well and sneaking in through the fence on a friday night with a group of friends, yes it could be done if you timed the dog patrol right! I remember a friend of my family called george who I think was a manager of some sort used to take my mum and aunt there some times. does anyone remember betty baker, or myself karla would love to hear from you. it is such a shame that these camps are going, but i suppose it is a sign of the times, I dont think teenagers would enjoy what was offered now. In answer to lisa doolan i think some of the hi de hi series was filmed in the dovercourt camp. thanks for the site. |
19 December 2003 | |
| Jase cjvickers@bhhs.biblio.net | Hi, I'm 14 now & I cant wait to be 18 so I can audition to become a Redcoat. I dont really sing or dance but I know (from waht I've seen of todays redcoats) I've would be great for the job! If anyone who is interested in becoming a Redcoat wants to contact me then do so (cause people round here think i'm a sado cause I so badly want to be a Red) For the People who are after PHOTOS OF THERE OF BUTLINS CAMP theres loads @ www.butlinsmemories.com Please somone write back to me (hopefully soon to be) Redcoat Jase |
14 December 2003 | |
| Melani Reid itshotmel@hotmail.com | I am looking for a Steven who worked as a kitchen porter or a redcoat
in Xmas 1975 at MINEHEAD BUTLINS. He was short, thin with dark hair, pointed features, ice blue eyes, looked a bit like david essex and wore an earring. He was 17, and studied law at glasgow university, was scottish but well spoken. He liked classical music and was friends with June the challey maid from Durham. This is very very important and I need to contact him. |
15 December 2003 | |
| malcphoto@yahoo.co.uk (malcolm trousdale) | HI Camp cinema projectionist/press photographer/movieman !! at skegness 1957 what a seaeson floods and the opening of the indoor pool wiyh glass walls so you could see folk swimming! opened by Julie Hoyle who was part of the Olympic team in 1956. I think I was the only non redcoat invited to the redcoat end of season party what a night I still remember the oysters and champers!! Any one out there remember me???? please contact.. |
Mon, 20 Oct 2003 | UK |
| mxfrncs@aol.com | hello all!! couls someone help me?? I would like too know how i can get audition fro butlins... if an 1 could get back too me i would be very thankful I replied to Max and I have now put the recuritment web site on a link above. |
Fri, 17 Oct 2003 | |
| tm006e9755blueyonder.co.uk Tracy McWilliam |
I have some really fantastic memories of Clacton Butlins - I spent a lot of time there in the 70's with my parents and grandparents. My poor Grandad - he had to sit with us and listen to all the kids shouting 'Uncle Frank we're waiting' - who was Uncle Frank??? And who remembers getting into the fair late night that was fun. My fondest memory is that I first swam in the deep end of the pool at Clacton Butlins - outside of course, and who could forget that indoor swimming pool with the view from the outside. I loved the fair with the big man and being able to walk through his legs, also loved the television rooms with different channels in each room - its amazing to think back now - how would we cope today!!! I have some great pictures especially those ones in the plastic tube things that you put right up to your eye to see, I'm sure most of you will remember them! | Fri, 17 Oct 2003 | UK |
| ladybonez@hotmail.com (naomi) | if any bogy has anyt pictures of 'redcoats' please can u send them to me, as im doing a project on butlins redcoats. thanx | Thu, 9 Oct 2003 | |
| howard.provis@ntlworld.com (Howard Provis) | I was sorry to hear of the demise of Clacton. I never visited the camp but I have fond memories of the smallest of all the camps, Barry Island, because as a student between 1974 and 1977 I worked Chrishmas, Easter and the Summer in the following roles, Red Coat/Lifeguard, assistant manager in catering and beer stores, security, griddle operater, dairy manager, and I can tell many a lovely story of not just what the staff got up to, and how the 'fries and doughnuts' were made, but of the many families who still send me a christmas card. Strangely I came across this site by looking up my surname Provis. I was wondering if Barbara Provis has any relations in London or South Wales. Please get in touch if you wish to know more of my family tree. | Wed, 8 Oct 2003 | UK |
| hj.cattermole@virgin.net (Harvey) | Good web site.I have very many happy memories of Butlins at clacton.I haved lived in clacton all my life and spent my childhood school holidays (60's and 70's) in the camp at clacton.Along with my family,I had a free day pass because my grandad was one of the managers,pehaps some might remember him,his name was geoffry Garnham ( he was known as 'Cubby' ) | Mon, 6 Oct 2003 | |
| geminem_cupida_@hotmail.com (Gemma) | I'm only 14 at the moment, but when i'm older i really wanna be a redcoat!!! i went to butlins (bognor regis) about 2 months ago, and i wondered if you have any pictures of the 2003 redcoats? if you do could you please send them to me? Thanx. | Sun, 5 Oct 2003 | UK |
| jon442@sympatico.ca (Ann horridge ) | another butlins site yah ;-) i worked in the hotels in cliftonvile from 68 to 73 loved it , met so manny nice friends would love to here from somone who worked thier also i go in the chat room evrey sunday at 8 pm its great to chat about things we all had in comman no mater witch of the buttlins you worked at :-) best wishes from canada Ann former chamber miad at the grand hotel clifftonvile ;-) knockknock :-) | Mon, 15 Sep 2003 | Canada |
| debjigsaw@aol.com | I never went to Clacton but visited a lot of the other camps. We had out annual family holidays at different ones from 1966. We stopped going as a family in 1981 but I went for several further years with my Mum and have got some really good memories. I even took my Husband to Pwllheli where we went the most.Then I took him and my Daughter after she was born to Skegness. It is a shame to see what they have done to the camps. This year we decided to take both our daughter and son to Haven at Primrose Valley But he has missed out on the Butlins fun now.The camp was dirty and a lot (not all) of the staff were only there to enjoy themselves. We were really disappointed, we will not be going back. I think that once you have been to a Butlins Camp Site you have been spoiled and the memories that I have will last for ever. | 17 Aug 2003 | UK |
| lynn.cole2@btopenworld.com (LYNN COLE) | WHAT A GREAT SITE!! I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF DEAR OLD CLACTON 1974-75.
MR BRIGDEN WAS OUR ENTS MNGR HE WAS SOUND!! HAD A BRILL TIME AND MADE LOTS OF
PALS MET MY HUBBY THERE 29 YRS AGO AND WERE STILL HAPPILY MARRIED WITH 2
GRANDCHILDREN. MY MAIDEN NAME WAS GLEADHILL THEN ,I MET NAT WHILST HE WAS ON HIS
HOLS HE WAS IN THE ARMY THEN AND HE KNEW EVERY WAY IN TO CAMP WHILST EVERYONE
ELSE WAS TRYING TO ESCAPE!!!TONY CARNEY AND I USED TO BUSK OUTSIDE THE BLINKING
OWL IN OUR PRECIOUS BREAKS. WE ALL LOST A FRIEND WHILST I WAS THERE , I GOT
APPENDICITUS AND WAS RUSHED OFF TO HOSPITAL AND AT THE SAME TIME DAVE WAS RUSHED
OFF BUT SADLY HE GOT PERRITINITUS AND DIED .HIS PARENTS PLANTED A ROSE BUSH FOR
HIM THERE, SADLY THIS WILL HAVE GONE ALONG WITH THE CAMP AS I TOOK MY KIDS IN
THEIR TEENS TO VISIT AND IT WAS GONE. I NEARLY CRIED I HAD SPENT SO MANY HAPPY
DAYS THERE . MY CHALET MATE WAS LESLEY BALL SHE WAS A SCREAM ALWAYS LOSING HER
CONTACT LENSES AND WE HAD TO SEARCH FOR THEM NE!
ARLY EVERY DAY ,PUT IT DOWN TO ALCOHOL POISONING!!!.IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO
HEAR FROM ANY OLD PALS. I'LL TRY TO SEND ON SOME PHOTOS FOR THE SITE , THEY MAY
BE FADED BUT THE MEMORIES LIVE ON IN MY HEART ,OH WHAT HAPPY DAYS !! MY
GRANDFATHER WAS THE PHOTOGRAPHER AT THE METROPOLE HOTEL FOR MANY YEARS HIS NAME
WAS JOE TAYLOR , I KNOW A LOT OF THE ENTS MNGRS KNEW HIM ,IT WAS THANKS TO HIM
THAT I GOT MY JOB AS A REDCOAT . GOD BLESS HIS COTTON SOX . DROP US A LINE ALL
YOU EX REDS. IT WOULD MAKE MY DAY XXXXXXXXXXXXLUV 2 ALL XXXXXXXX |
Wed, 13 Aug 2003 | UK |
| rodney.beale@ntlworld.com (Rod Beale) | I had a cousin who was a redcoat at Clacton during the 1950s, her name was Doris (Peggy)Beale, she married the piano player Alan, who was in the Eric Winstone Orchestra, any one know where they are,(family history research) | Wed, 6 Aug 2003 | UK |
| terry-seal@tnseal.fsnet.co.uk | Well done on your site. It has brought back so many memories. My Father Sydney Seal was one of the Photographers at Butlins in the 1960's, I stayed there during the Hawalian bar period (loads of Bamboo around the bar). We lost contact with my Uncle Stan who lived in the town. My father is no longer alive, but went to clacton to look for him. It is sad that the old camp is no more SHOULD HAVE BEEN LISTED note well council! so many other uses could have been made conference centre? ANY news on the missing uncle to terry-seal@tnseal.fsnet.co.uk thanks again | Fri, 1 Aug 2003 | Uk |
| sean conroy sam.deeside@virgib.net | BUTLINS PWHELLI is in my blood. I still remember all the little details from about 33 years ago (I am 37). It is my heaven on earth, why o why did they change it all, it is sacriligious. I cannot say how deeply distressed I feel about how BUTLINS has changed so much from the original ideals of Sir Billy, it is one of the biggest disasters since the second world war, but then again so is everything these days. | Fri, 1 Aug 2003 | Uk |
| Kelly@andersonmanning.com (Kelly Hamilton) | Please could you email me with information on becoming a Red Coat at
one of your Butlins Camps. I am a real fun person and I live life to the full
and I know that I would be a great asset to your company so please could you
send me an application form at your earliest convenience
Kind Regards
Kelly Hamilton
Editors Comments:- I directed her to http://www.butlins.co.uk, and wished her good luck on her job application. |
Thu, 24 Jul 2003 | ? |
| william boyle at carol.boyle1@ntlworld.com | :any staff who remember s me scottish glaswegian boating lake att year 72 73 75 | 24 Jul 2003 | UK |
| petersykes@ntlworld.com (Peter Sykes) | FILEY Developments 2003 The company with the log cabin idea have gone bancrupt and a chunk of the site from the road has been bought for development for additional caravans by Bourne Leisure, current owners of the Haven Brand park at Primrose Valley. It is said that the company will redevelop the cifftop area in conjunction with the David Bellamy Trust into a usable wildlife area, including the pond that's half way down to the sea. The path along the cliff was kept open despite the efforts of the developer and the issue of access to the beach has, for now, died. The Heritage Trust constructed a new pathway access to the beach during the spring from near the main Reception/Sales area but the train doesn't run down to the beach anymore: No revenue generated/costs or problems with land slips are the favoured options! Thanks to those who wrote to me on the footpath issue. Peter 21.07.03 |
Mon, 21 Jul 2003 | Filey UK |
| michelle_palfrey@lycos.co.uk | have you got any infor on a redcoat called Mitch i went there last year and the year before and i saw him. All I want is a photo of him. Minehead in somerset i woul like to know if you could e mail me a photo of the red coats that were there in 2000 coz there were some really cutes ones. could i have a photo of the people that operated the rides as well thankyou very much michelle palfrey aged 17 |
Thu, 26 Jun 2003 | UK |
| terryben@blueyonder.co.uk (Terry B) | Hi,----I was one of those lifeguards at Clacton\Mosney. I was a lifeguard/Redcoat. I now have my own business. I have piles of photos. I can't remember which year I was at which camp. I supposed I was famed for messing about on the trampoline and playing Capt. Blood etc. I got the boot from Mosney for entertaining a guest in my chalet and ended up Assistant Entertainments Manager in the Barry camp. All this late 60's\early70's--Jimmy Cricket era(met him a few years back - Paignton 1983) Love to hear from anyone(Noel Dickinson - Australian International swimmer in particular)or anyone who can remember me.I won ten million on the lottery and don't know what to do with it!! Terry B was my stage name. | Tue, 20 May 2003 | UK |
| peter.egglenton@ntlworld.com (Peter Egglenton) | I went to Butlins at Clacton when in re-opened after the war.It must have been in 1946 or 47.The Squadonairs Band were playing there led by Ronnie Aldritch on piano. Can anyone confirm the year? There was a small amusement park which had a big wheel. I didn't visit Clacton again as Skegness was a lot nearer. I went there a few times as a teenager and then for 15 years running with my wife and children.They would not go anywhere else.I have since taken my grand daughter. | Wed, 14 May 2003 | UK |
| jack.007@Tesco.net (Steve Ward) | Yes I remember Michael Smith Day. He worked in the Golden Egg when I worked in Coffee Bars. Jack Curtis was Catg Supt and Denis Temple was Coffee Bar Manager. Roger Reynolds was deputy catg Supt. Eve (Can't remember her last name was Restaurant Manager for Michael. My Dad was deputy Chief Electrician Percy Ward. Sad to hear of the loss of michael. My dad passed on also. Steve Ward | Mon, 12 May 2003 | UK |
| Kelly | oh my god you are all soooooooooo lucky to have been redcoats i am 14 and i really really want to become a red coat im am going to go to all the auditions when im 18 and get loads of experience!!! what is ti like being a redcoat (by the way i think im going to Bognor) what did you guys have to do for our audition?? I go to Butlins often and i never ever want to come home!! | ? | UK |
| Peter Kavanagh | October 1998 Butlins Camps Pwllheli and Ayr are to be converted into Haven All-Action Holiday Parks. A decision made by Rank Leisure. Reason being that the camps were not profitable | Thur 10 Apr 2003 | |
| john@lambert-chapman.co.uk | I'm sure that many of you who knew Clacton will remember my Dad, Henry, who is
still with us at 92. You may also remember my big brother, Michael. He worked on
the camp quite a bit, for Johnny Canning and others in the 60's and 70's. Sadly,
he was taken from us on 6th April 2003, aged 52, following a stroke, at his home
in France. I know I'll miss him. If anyone does have any memories of him, please
post them here. John Smith-Daye |
Tue, 8 Apr 2003 | UK |
| hydrochem@compuserve.com (Jim McCann) | My grandad was Vic Ailwood, a serious type!, who as top electrical enginner at Butlins meant my sister and i would visit clacton every year travelling by bus from coventry to be met by gran, the walk down St Osyth road to see their house was nearly as good as the first view of the sea as we walked to the camp, that was in the sixties, and butlins and clacton was the best! where is Peter French of Carr Road? and my auntie elainne and cousins joanne and louise Ailwood? | Tue, 4 Mar 2003 | UK |
| suziq102@optusnet.com.au | |||
| dean@asmus.fsnet.co.uk (dean) | my mum worked in butlins (clacton branch) during the early sixties.She worked in the gift shop .Her name was Maureen Terry. my dad met her there as a 'teddy boy'his name is Graham,he was a donut maker! -and are still married. Doesanyone remember them? | Mon, 3 Mar 2003 | UK |
| franz_53@libero.it (Franco) | Hello! I'm Italian, I've worked at Butlin's Minehead in '74, Ayr in '75 and Bognor Regis in '76. In Bognor I had met a girl from Stockport, Margaret Shuttleworth. I lost her traces. Could anyone help me? Thank you. | Sun, 2 Mar 2003 | |
| www.matlor.com@btopenworld.com (Lorraine Andrews(nee dePlacido)) | I'm looking for anybody who's got any info & photos of butlins wonderwest Ayr in the seasons of '85,'86 & '87. I used to work in the amusement park & I'm wondering if there is any ex staff and/or "punters" who would like to contact me! | Sun, 23 Feb 2003 | UK |
| robsreds@btopenworld.com (shauna) | as now aged 30 as a child my mum and dad took myself and my 2 brothers and sister on holiday to mosney butlins and as the holiday season is approaching i thought that it would be a great idea to take my own husband and three children there for a holiday and to remminise and to think on all the great holidays and memories that we all had there now that my own mum and dad have passed away i thought that it would be a fantastic idea but to my absolute horror they have turned it into a freeloaders farm i can not believe this looking back on all these precious memories and photographs that this brilliant and absolutely fun place has been taken away from us please get it back i remember as a child watching princess dianas wedding in the cinema there in mosney and swimming in the pool and waving to my mum and dad through the glass screen down on the street the fairground rides etc i have the photographs to prove it and so many many many great memories ,,,the time! is now changing where families want these kind of holidays again,,,family ones,,,as a family the last ten years we have went abroad but we want "our mosney butlins back" i even remember the long journey down from northern ireland stopping off here and there for a quick bite or the toilet,,,the outdoor and indoor pools the boating the rollerskating all the free amusement rides the beautiful meals and entertainment at day and at night the hospitality and freindlyness of all the staff the challet that we were staying in was absolutely second to none i even remember that it had a bright red door,,, i just want to say please get this place back on track.. i would definitely say if yous put out a questionair that i wouldnt be the only person that wants this.......... | 5 Feb 2003 | Ireland |
| Stephen.Ward[jack.007.@Tesco.net (Steve Ward) | What A GREAT WEB-SITE. My name is Steve Ward. My father Percy Ward worked at Clacton in the electrical department. I was a Management Trainee in 1975. I still work at Butlins 27 years later in the Call Centre at Bognor. I was the youngest Personnel Manager at 25 in Minehead.. Hold the record for never having a day sick. Had some great times and windups at Clacton. I have many stories to tell. Anyone remember me? | 6 Feb 2003 | Butlins Bognor |
| r.farrow@ntlworld.com (Richard Farrow) | Worked in Blinking Owl bar in 1972 - with Keith Vaness, Sam Fisher and Sam Innes amongst others. Lots of fun, even if hard work. Worked as swimming pool cleaner in the most glorious summer ever - 1976. Best ever year of my life - sun every day, lots of fun and met WJS. If only we could roll back the years.... | 6 Feb 2003 | UK |
| jack.007@Tesco.net (Steve Ward) | Hello,everyone. Great to see the names. My name Steve Ward in Clacton 1975 to 77 with Father Percy Ward Electrician for lots of years with Vic Ailwood. I still work at Butlins 28 Years this June in The Call Centre Bognor Regis. Never had a day off sick since 30.6.75. Started as a trainee manager and went to Minehead as a trainee Personnel Manager. Then went to Pwllheli, then Ayr then back to Minehead 1982 as the youngest recorded Personnel Manager. Roger Billington still does archives here at Bognor and is a wonderfull collection. Always talkiing about the past and the funny stories. Any one remember me let me know. Steve Ward Bognor Call Centre | 2 Feb 2003 | Butlins Bognor |
| brian.wright@kolumbus.fi (Brian Wright) | Hello and Greetings and GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I was at butlins filey in 1966,and 1967. in 1966 was working at the york as waiter and colecting the food rubbish and giving the tea and coffee.I MET MY WIFE, "Sirkka Maja" now "Sirkka Wright.she is Finnish,as many finnish girls was working,Sirkka was a Waitress. fell in Love with her.Had a Very memorable time,with Gods help. yes we got married,we live in Finland,have 2 daugters"Virve and Meri" meri the younger daugter has three children. My Wife"Sirkka" is now a New Born Christian,me"Brian" am also born again Christian, so is my daugter"Meri" and my Mother"Amalia" Found Jesus too,now in heaven.Remember God Works in Wonderful Ways at Filey Butlins too. my web site is http://mywebpage.netscape.com/stationcentigrad/STATIONCENTIGRADE.html or go to "GOOGLE" and in Find type "stationcentigrade" welcome to write to me, would like photos of Butlins Filey 1966. i love Filey and have stayed at a Hotel near the Beach,some years ago. we belong now to the "Pentacosts in Nummela, Finland.. Please do write.from a fan of Butlins Holiday Camp... greetings and Peace to you all"Gods Way" yours Brian | 25 Jan 2003 | Finland |
| mattman@blueyonder.co.uk (matthew) | Help wanted, i am born and bread butlins i am looking for photo's of bognor and clacton, also in the early 80's bbc tv presentor russell harty recorded his show at the site one day i was there and maby of my family were in the show i am looking for video or photo's of this day if you can be of help please contat me at mattman@blueyonder.co.uk thank you and enjoy your holidays and memories | 22 Jan 2003 | UK |
| robin@poultercb9.freeserve.co.uk (robin poulter) | I AND MY WIFE MARGARET WERE AT CLACTON 1980 TO 1982 WE GOT MARRIED IN 1981.WE WERE BOTH REDCOATS,WE REMEMBER ROY WICKS WHO WAS OUR BOSS.DO YOU REMEMBER US IF SO PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.MY NICKNAME WAS MR.MAGOO,AND I WAS SONNY BOY WITH KELVIN DAVEY,REMEMBER HIM. | 12 Jan 2003 | UK |
| okuwatton@ntlworld.com (Gay watton) | Really pleased to find this site. My dad, George Watton was part of the management team at Butlins Clacton from 1964-69. Does anyone remember him? He is full of memories and stories about such a happy time in his life. At some stage he was responsible for staff welfare, organising raffles and disco's etc and accommodation at Ambleside. I was between the ages of 8-13, can you imagine the bliss! I had free passes summer and winter, my record for the WILD Mouse was 23 trips in one day! I became a barrowgirl and on Saturday mornings would meet campers arriving by coach and car in the main carpark. I was so small that the regulation white jacket came down to my ankles and when the barrow was loaded with luggage I could hardly push it often resulting in the man of the holidaying family pushing it. I made lots of tips and really irritated the barrow boys! My older sister Lynne did chamber maiding and sold icecreams. Will have a long chat with dad next time I am in Clacton,! jiggle his memory, and put another message up but names I remember him mentioning are Ron Beechner, Cubby Garland, Henry Day, Tommy (who did the stores)also the names Haywood and Lovitt. He also has lots of photos. | 6 Jan 2003 | UK |
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