It is the year 1966 when Butlin's started to make an imprint onto Jeanette's life. Featured on this photo is Jeanette in the arms of her father in the popular camp in Pwllheli, one of two camps to be in Wales, UK. That smile and feeling from the ride show you the true Sir Billy Butlin spirit and how Butlin's had created another memory!
The ride is called the Jungle book and looks like something I would love to have given a try :) Jeanette has given be full permission to place these on the site in the hope it will spark that smile and memory from you all, please enjoy! All photos are the ownership of Jeanette.
Just a footnote or two you might be interested in Mark. Our 1st family holiday as stated was when I was 2 years of age in 1966, however, I haven't mentioned we were obviously full board only available way back then.
However, halfway through the holiday week, I had chickenpox. The family meals had to be brought to the chalet in the red camp. The day after we got asked to leave the camp as it was contagious. Obviously I don't remember but my siblings often remind me as I was the youngest.
Another occasion was on a long hot summer of 1976 my sister Elaine was washing up in the self-catering. Unfortunately, the tap came off in her hand as the water was like a fountain spurting out. The year of the drought and save water. A couple of days later cistern came down in the loo. Water again..everywhere. One of the photos is of 1976 with my dad posing on the fence after locking him and sister out of the chalet. what amazing memories and happy days.
I often entered the fancy dress the only competition I could really take part in. I remember watching the donkey derby and races. I can still remember the song sung by my uncle Johnny children's entertainment in the empire theatre.
"Here goes at 8 0 clock each night, When the sun is very low, We all go to the Empire
to the uncle Johnny show . Hes says its all magic, We shout OH no its its not, he looks out and shouts right back ... Aren't you a funny lot."
" I am in the corner. My two sisters are on the photo also. I have got no idea who the other couple are"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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. There love for the family took us to Butlins year in 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 would always have a photo with the Butlin's Redcoats. My dad is at the back looking out of coach window!
Myself and mum and dad at Butlins Saltdean Hotel Brighton. have a well-deserved drink.
"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 here 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. "
Minehead 1990 - an important photo
This one holds special memories. The very last Butlins holiday my dad went on before he passed away. He loved it 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 what Butlins does for you.
This place is special too, it 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, the scenery was breathtaking. Once over the other side, it was rocky as you can tell. But somehow I made it with the help of dad. Mum pushed my chair. My sister Elaine always there to guide me on.
We found an alcove where you could sit and paddle. Picnics galore up there. So beautiful and quaint as we went every year. Sometimes having to come back on the puffing Billy train if chairlift packed up which often happened.
It was so long that the ride went on forever. Views were magical though. Sometimes think they stopped it on purpose. When you were halfway through the ride.
I and brother think one of my first rides by myself holding on for dear life.
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.
Dressed as Rupert the bear, I didn't win. The winner was a chest of drawers. Someone had a teeshirt with a load of knickers pinned to the top of it over her chest. Simple but effective.