BUTLIN'S: 75 YEARS OF FUN! by SYLVIA ENDACOTT and SHIRLEY LEWIS

 BUTLIN'S

75 YEARS OF FUN!

by

SYLVIA ENDACOTT and SHIRLEY LEWIS

THE BLURB:

After successfully developing a series of funfairs, Billy Butlin progressed to opening holiday centres and hotels across the UK to provide families with an inexpensive but entertaining holiday. Over the years the centres first expanded and then declined in number due to changes in our preferences for types of holiday. Now boasting spa hotels, the resorts are very different from the chalets of yesteryear. However, the original slogan “Our True Intent is all for Your Delight” is fondly remembered by all of the original holidaymakers, whether they enjoyed one trip to a holiday centre or still make an annual pilgrimage with their families.

This nostalgic selection of images, many published here for the first time, illustrates the history of the various camps and hotels, including all of the things we associate with this most British of establishments. From Redcoats to water worlds, and from the Glamorous Grandmothers competitions to National Talent contests, this book provides an enjoyable and nostalgic trip down memory lane for all who know and love Butlin's, allowing us a glimpse into the social history of this quintessential British holiday.

THE REALITY:

I bought this as, at the time I was chasing after this book below, which is named FILEY- Thanks for the Memories, which raised its head on eBay...

...But for some reason I wasn't allowed to do a last minute snipe. Oh well- they can go for as much as £70-80 (although this particular book went for something like £13 to the lucky buyer) and I wasn't prepared to pay too much. I then saw the book at Filey Museum and had a happy root through so didn't need to buy a copy after all! I've blogged about the museum and here's the link:-

http://elainerockett.blogspot.com/2023/06/miss-elaineous-visits-filey-museum.html

This book was only a few quid and did what it said on the tin, which was provide me with a wonderful selection of photographs of all nine of the camps (I've visited seven), plus its Butlin's hotels and overseas resorts. I also learnt some new things; such as Billy Butlin owning smaller resorts- mostly in Cornwall- which were called Freshfields, and were part of his Small Centre Division. I also learnt about the success of School Venture Weeks, where Butlin's hosted school and youth visits. Kids could even gain nationally recognised certificates at these times- cycling proficiency and learning to swim being only two of many skills on offer, and they could also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. I know a fair bit about Butlin's, so it was nice to find out more- and I wish Billy's revolving Top of the Tower Restaurant, which was 150 metres high in the sky at the top of the BT Tower in London still existed- I'd just have to pay it a visit!

My only gripe was that the print was very small. No, I don't have problems with my eyes, thankfully, but it made reading the book tedious. The best thing was the wonderful selection of photographs.  A must for any Butlin's fan wanting a trip down memory lane.