It was in 1966 that Butlin's began to make its mark on Jeanette's life. This photo shows Jeanette in the arms of her father at the popular camp in Pwllheli, one of two camps in Wales, UK. This smile and feeling from the ride shows the true Sir Billy Butlin spirit and how Butlin's has created another memory!
The ride is called the Jungle Book and looks like something I would have loved to have tried :)
Jeanette's Memories
Just a footnote or two that might interest you, Mark. Our first family holiday, as mentioned, was in 1966 when I was 2. What I didn't mention was that in those days, of course, we only had the full board. However, halfway through the holiday week, I came down with chicken pox. The family meals had to be taken to the chalet in the Red Camp. The next day we were asked to leave the camp because it was contagious. I don't remember, of course, but my siblings often remind me, as I was the youngest.
Another time, one long hot summer in 1976, my sister Elaine was doing the dishes in the self-catering. Unfortunately, the tap came off in her hand as the water gushed out like a fountain. It was the year of drought and water conservation. A few days later, the cistern in the toilet burst. Water again..everywhere. One of the photos is from 1976 with my dad posing on the fence after locking him and his sister out of the chalet, what wonderful memories and happy days.
I often entered the fancy dress competition, the only one I could take part in. I remember watching the donkey derby and the races. I can still remember the song my Uncle Johnny would sing at the children's entertainment in the Empire Theatre."Every night at 8pm, when the sun is very low, we all go to the Empire to see Uncle Johnny's show. He says it's all magic, We shout oh, no, it's not, He looks out and shouts right back... Aren't you a funny bunch.
I and brother think one of my first rides by myself holding on for dear life.
Dressed as Rupert the bear, I didn't win. The winner was a chest of drawers. Someone had a tee shirt with a load of knickers pinned to the top of it over her chest. Simple but effective.
My dad acting the goat. He and my sister Elaine were locked out of the chalet. Yellow camp C7. They were waiting for a new key to be organised.
"I am in the corner. My two sisters are in the photo also. I have got no idea who the other couple are.
Showing my photos in the place that I loved so very much. Here is my sister Elaine enjoying a break in Butlins Pwllheli. This was also the last time she came to Butlins with us
This photo was taken in the year 1977. I loved the hobby horses at Butlins. Every time we went to Pwllheli, we had to go on this ride.
I would always have a photo with the Butlin's Redcoats. My dad is at the back looking out of the coach window
With mum and dad. The people who introduced the family to the Billy Butlin experience in June 1966. So glad they did so many happy memories.
The memories and the fun kept on coming as new memories were created.
As my memories continued to grow, I was very lucky to take a photo of an important area. This is of course (besides me) the umbrella, another iconic design from Sir Billy Butlins
My beloved mum and dad near the gaiety arcade at Pwllheli. Their love for the family took us to Butlins year in and year out. They knew it was important to make happy memories and no better place than Butlins.
They were special in every way possible
I am at the back in the Redcoat's arms in this very special photo. I have very fond memories of aunty Anne. My aunty, Anne looked after me year after year. I broke her sunglasses which were in her pocket when she lifted me so I would love to buy her a new pair. My sister and brother are to the right of me in the corner.
This one holds special memories. The very last Butlins holiday my dad went on before he passed away. He loved the Malones club where this photo was taken. The duo in there every night played Crazy Horse Saloon by patsy cline. Every time I hear that now it takes me right back. That is what Butlins does for you.
Think everyone had their photo taken at these. There were two at Pwllheli. Either side of the outdoor pool. First thing you saw when you came through the main entrance. Also seen on the main road to Pwllheli town center. Here I am with my sister Elaine who looked after me and still does today.
Myself and mum and dad at Butlins Saltdean Hotel Brighton. have a well-deserved drink.
This place is also special, it is on the other side of the chairlift ride at Pwllheli. I used to love the excitement of the chairlift and the longest one at Butlins. It was a sunny day and the scenery was stunning. Once over the other side, it was rocky as you can see. But somehow, with Dad's help, I made it. Mum pushed my chair. My sister Elaine was always there to guide me.
We found a niche where you could sit and paddle. We had lots of picnics up there. It was so beautiful and picturesque that we went every year. Sometimes we had to take the Puffing Billy train back when the chairlift was full, which happened a lot. It was so long that the ride seemed to go on forever. But the views were magical. Sometimes you think they stopped it on purpose. When you were halfway through the ride.
Permission has been given to Mark and Butlins Memorabilia website by Jeanette to show her wonderful Butlin's story. All stories and photos shown on this site do not belong to me and belong to those who have shared them. Please do not ask for their details as I will not share them with you as I do not hold their details and it's not my place to give them away if I did.
