| Butlin's
Clacton Reception |
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In 1964, when I was only 5 years old, I had my first holiday at this great
big holiday camp at Clacton on Sea. It was called Butlin's and was the second
site that (Sir) Billy Butlin had bought in 1938. Today of course, in the
modern world of 'Political Correctness', holiday camps aren't mentioned because
of their 'Hi-de-Hi' image. But hey, when you're not yet 6 years old, The
Beatles are the number one group, life is a wonderful adventure, and Butlin's
Holiday Camp was a place to be explored and enjoyed .
Click on the section headings below to learn more...
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| These pages relate the
unofficial history of Butlin's Holiday Camp at Clacton on Sea. |
The Front Gate
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As you entered a Butlin's camp, you stepped
into a magical world of fun and games, of brightly painted umbrellas,
star - shaped illuminaries, coloured lights and all the daily routines
of a well organised holiday...
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Plan of the Camp (1969)
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B U T L I N' S Clacton opened on 11th June 1938. It closed to holidaymakers
on 4th September 1939, but was used by the armed forces for the duration
of World War II, re-opening on 6th April 1946. It officially closed on 18th
October 1983.
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The Miniature Railway
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Located on a windy corner close to the boating lake and Dining Halls,
a ride on the miniature railway was comparatively exhilarating...
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The Dining Halls
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The Dining Halls were always packed, but it didn't matter as your table
was reserved for the week. Catering for hundreds of people with a three course
meal with just over an hour between sittings could have been a logistical
nightmare, but Butlin's managed it day after day.
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The Playing Fields
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Outside Gloucester and Kent Dining Halls were the sunken gardens and a
grassed playing field. There were slides and roundabouts and a climbing frame.
An unusual attraction was the 'Butlin Beavers' Fire Service' fire engine.
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My Butlin's by Peter Jones
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"My one and only holiday at Butlin's was in 1975, when I was 9 years old,
and it has left a lasting impression on me ever since. Though I have travelled
the world I can honestly say that that particular holiday was probably one
of the best!"
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Watch these pages for more related memories of
Butlin's... |
| The Post Office Tower Foyer. |
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A popular Sixties theme was the charity pond which could also be found
in the reception areas of buildings such as the Post Office Tower where Butlin's
Holidays Ltd leased the 'topofthetower' restaurant.
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The
Light-Straw Domain ©
1997-2008 |