Babs Morrison Untold Butlins Story

Madeleine (Babs) Untold Butlin's Story

Having worked alongside Sir Billy Butlin on several occasions, Babs has a wealth of knowledge about Butlins. Representing the Redcoats to a high standard, Babs carries on the Sir Billy Butlin spirit to this day. I am so lucky to have Babs as a friend.

Bab's name is Madeleine, it was changed at Butlins as it was too long. At Minehead Madeleine was known as Lena for the first two weeks, then when she moved to Clacton she had to give everything back including the Lena badge. On arrival at Clacton, Madeleine was given the name Babs.

In loving Memory of Doris & Harry Palmer

It is a great honour for me to share with you the story of Bab's parents, Harry and Doris Palmer. Having taken their daughter to Butlin's from a very young age, they would enjoy the Butlin's atmosphere offered to all campers. With so many new memories to be made on holiday, Harry and Doris would enjoy the dance competitions.

Holidays at Butlins took on a special meaning as their daughter Madeleine wanted to be a Redcoat. Every time they had a break, Madeleine wanted to be part of the Butlin's story even more.

Mark Banks and Butlin's Memorabilia send our highest respect and love to Mr and Mrs Palmer.

Doris and Harry Untold Story

The Butlin's story for Babs started with her Mum and Dad. Two marvellous people who had shown their daughter about Sir Billy Butlins Sprit, This photo was taken in 1949 in Skegness with the original chalets in the background.

Butlin's was the place where Babs, Doris, and Harry had enjoyed a great deal. In this photo, they had ventured to Filey and was having a great time. This fantastic photo shows you the power of the Butlin's name.

This is Reg & Doris Spriggs, The Old Time Dance Instructors

Reg & Doris in Reds, again with Mum, just look at the size of the band behind them.

In this photo, you can see Bab's dad on the front left and Babs mum on the front right. Bab is sitting next to her mum. This was taken with Babs was about seven. It would be either Filey or Skegness.

Doris & Harry Palmer had enjoyed performing the dancing competitions at Butlin's. Showing everyone how the dancing is to be done correctly, Doris and Harry had the very spirit of Sir Billy Butlin within them.

With the live music playing, the dancing competitions were the entertainment they loved a great deal. In this photo, they had just won the Veleta heat.

Not in Butlins, this is a photo of Doris with Babs at Loch Katrine. Glasgow main Water supply. This was taken in 1970.

Madeleine at Butlins on holiday

It was this photo, taken in 1949 when Babs had known that she was becoming a Redcoat in the future. The smile on Babs face here says it all.

Bab's with her dad in Skegness (1949/50)

Before the Monorail Train in Skegness

Boating Gala day at Skegness. Me and that lady finished up flat out in the boating lake, Louie and Dennis turned our boat over.

Me on holiday in Butlin's Skegness 1960.

Madeleine becomes Lena the Redcoat

On a train heading into Somerset, many people are excited to arrive at a brand new Butlin's in Minehead. Madeleine was one of these people as she arrived at the reception desk to be given details of her department. When the new staff were given their details, Madeleine was told that her name was too big for the badge. To solve this problem, it was decided that it would be easier to call her Lena.

Saturday 26 May 1962 is an important moment in the Butlin's timeline as the gates opened to campers for the first time. Lena was one of the first Redcoats to be there, and she saw the many new campers arrive, excited to see the new camp. Working in her department, Lena would be part of Butlins Radio.

Madeleine becomes Babs the Redcoat

After the second week at Butlin's Minehead, there was a need for a Redcoat to help out at Radio Butlin in Clacton. As the other Redcoats had to concentrate on another area, Madeleine was chosen to move to the second oldest camp at Butlin's.

On leaving Minehead, Madeleine had to give back her brand new Redcoat uniform and stop using her Redcoat name of Lena. It was a new chapter in Madeleine Butlin's story as she arrived in Clacton to begin her duties as a Redcoat. When she was issued with her uniform, she noticed that it was the older design. When she was given all the information about her department and role, she was now to be known as Redcoat Babs.

Babs shared this photo with me and told me the following;

"This was the first-night l arrived at Clacton in the South Seas Bar, with another Redcoat Butlin girl and two stage crew."

The story of Babs the Redcoat

Babs is in a bar in Clacton with some campers.

Enjoying a meal in the dining hall in 1963.

This is a very interesting photo, with Lord Valentine Thynne, the Marquees of Baths youngest son, he became a Redcoat 1961. I met up with him at Bognor 1962/3 winter. He was lovely and known as Redcoat Val

This is a photo of the Redcoat girls at end of season "Redcoat party 1964". We are with lovely Walter Swash, who was the Deputy entertainments manager

First picture Clacton with a regular Camper.

Clacton 1962

Christmas morning Clacton, 1963

Clacton 1963

This was taken in Clacton 1963, me with Nic Ward, love the row of nappies behind us, that baby will be 60 now.

Clacton Sports Field 1965.

Clacton Viennese Ballroom in the background 1963

The Redcoats having fun on the sports field.

Me with Pauline Marlow, Winter 1963/1964, Bognor Regis Reception.

This photo is Mavis, Harry (Babs Dad) And Babs. At the Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Ocean Hotel Brighton with a regular guest.

Sun Lounge Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Pantomime, Cinderella, 1965 Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website

Mark Banks is the individual responsible for the creation and ownership of this website, which displays his collection of Butlin's memorabilia. It was created in my spare time after work as a hobby and has since grown into a site that gives others a chance to smile. It is important to note that this website is not associated with Butlin's and is not an official archive of the company. Furthermore, it includes stories, with the consent of the individuals involved, that recount memorable moments at Butlin's from both customers and former staff members. This website pays homage to the esteemed company and its founder, Sir William Butlin. Additionally, it provides information on the history of Butlin's, based on personal research.

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This website is a fan site dedicated to celebrating the Butlins brand. It is created and maintained by Mark Banks. Further information about the website and answers to any questions can be found below. In case of any additional inquiries, please feel free to contact Mark.

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The Untold Stories of Butlin's

The website now includes a section called 'Untold Stories of Butlin's', featuring personal anecdotes shared by members of my group. The website now includes a section called 'Untold Stories of Butlin's', featuring personal experiences shared by members of my group. Members of the group have graciously shared their personal experiences at Butlin's and added these stories to the website. These stories are not affiliated with the official company but rather represent the memories of the individuals who shared them.

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You are here: Home ---> Butlins Untold Stories Home Page ---> Babs Morrison Untold Butlins Story

Madeleine (Babs) Untold Butlin's Story

In loving Memory of Doris & Harry Palmer

Doris and Harry Untold Story

Madeleine at Butlins on holiday

Madeleine becomes Lena the Redcoat

Madeleine becomes Babs the Redcoat

The story of Babs the Redcoat

Remembering the curtains of Butlins

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