A small video showing you highlights of this website
A large warm welcome to everyone who takes the time to come and visit my website celebrating the great and amazing name Butlins, Sir William Butlin and your stories.
My name is Mark Banks and I am the proud owner of this website, which is designed by me during my personal time at home. Being a big fan of Butlin's, I can not help but have much pride in showing you my collection of Butlin's Memorabilia, in hope that it will spark a smile and memory for you all.
The founder of Butlin's - Sir William Butlin
Shown in the photo behind this writing is a gem, a truly magical and beautiful building that is maintained by the amazing staff at Butlins Skegness. When I visited the Skegness resort, I had to admit that I had a deep love for this gem and what it represents to us all. The feeling of the Butlin spirit is extremely deep and the meaning it has is very strong. For me, it allowed me to be closer to my hero and founder of the company, Sir William, also known as Billy, Butlin.
My Butlin's started during the time when it was known as the Holiday Worlds. My favourite camp was Somerwest World in Minehead and the joys it gave me, even now as I type this, remain with me. Butlin's helped me during a moment when I was very depressed and had the feeling of being alone. However, my love for the name grew stronger as I was introduced to the founder, Sir William Butlin. With my new connection of learning more about my hero, my love for the name and the founder had only grown until the first website was opened leading to this site you are visiting.
Butlins changes from camp to resorts
In 1999, I applied for a role to work in Butlin's Minehead, in hope that my story can be expanded from a camper to an employee. Having gone for an interview in Brighton, with my friend Tracy coming as support, I eventually got offered the role of a room attendant. With the date confirmed, I made the bold move to Somerset as a teenager. However, there was going to be a shock to me as I arrived at the camp to see that Somerwest World was no more.
I have to admit that I was devastated and hurt inside as my Butlin's was gone forever. Working on a row of chalets known as Rockpool Grove in Ocean Point, I would find it hard to adjust to the changes. However, there was a moment when I use to go for walks out of the camp that helped me change the way I think towards my favourite holiday location. On a corner of a road was a very old friend sitting there to remind me that my Butlin's had not gone, it just changed. This old friend was the Monorail Train as it sat on the grass reminding me of a time that I loved so much. I knew that I had to do something to remind others of my Butlin's but did not know where to start, however, the spark was there once again as I accepted the changes made by the owner at the time, Rank. (To read more about my story and how I started my collection, please click on these words)
Me saying "Hello" to you all
Here is a video from me for you all to watch and hear about my love for the name Butlin's. I have to say that I was nervous about doing this video and sharing it online. The video shows my one-of-a-kind bedspread made by my mother, Annette Banks.
In this video, you can see more about my love for the name and a nice message for visiting my website. My goal has always been the same for the website and that is to help spark that memory and smile from you all, no matter the era of Butlin's as I respect them all.
Your memories are so very important and a part of the Butlin's story, if you wish to share this on this site, please on these words
In honour of you Sir with much love
There will never be another Sir Billy Butlin to walk the Earth as we celebrate his legacy. I love you so very much Sir Billy Butlin and am honoured to feature you on this website. Everything you see here is thanks to you, a person who worked so very hard to achieve something of pure gold. You are amazing to me and to all the visitors that come to this website.
To all Members of staff of all eras of Butlins
Thank you all for what you did for us all to help create these memories as you are all so very important to this website and our group. Each and every one of you holds a special part in the history of this amazing company and continue to help create more memories for us all. No matter what year you worked or where in Butlins, from camps to head office, each and every one of you has the spirit of this man within you. I send all our love to you all and can not thank you enough for what you do for us all. I am also a former member of the staff of Butlin's, Minehead 1999.
Thank you to all the members of our group, you are fantastic!
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