In loving Memory of Rocky Mason

Rocky Mason began his career at Butlins Filey in 1957 as a boxing instructor. Helping to create memories for many campers, Rocky would become an inspiration to many as his passion for Butlin's was strong. As Rocky continued to rise through the ranks at Butlins, he became Chief Redcoat in 1959. Many campers would dance and smile with Rocky as he was one of the Redcoats who helped create the memories.

In 1962 Rocky joined the management team and became assistant entertainment manager and presenter to Bill Martin at Butlin's Pwllheli. It was in 1965 that Rocky Mason moved to Butlin's Bognor Regis where he became Entertainment Manager for one season. In 1966, Rocky moved to Butlin's Skegness as Entertainment Manager for a further five seasons. In 1971, Rocky worked at Pwllheli Butlins for a further four seasons, sharing his knowledge and experience.

Filey Butlin's

In 1975, Rocky Mason returned to the place where he started his career at Filey. His new role was Leisure and Amenities Controller until the camp closed in 1983. With the third eldest camp now closed, Rocky moved to the small operations in the Butlin's timeline known as Freshfields.

Sadly, Mr Rocky Mason passed away in November 2015.

Thank you Mr Mason for all you have done and for all the work you have continued to do with the memories you have shared. You will be greatly missed by many and highly respected by Mark Banks and the Butlinsmemoriabilia website.

Marty's tribute to Rocky Mason

Thank you, Mark. Rocky truly deserves this Honour. He loved Butlins with all his heart, it was his life. When Filey closed I think a lot of Rocky closed down with it. He learned to adapt to a different way of life but Butlins was in his blood. He never stopped talking about it.

Funny looking back now I said to him several times "If you mention Butlins once more time Rocky......I will scream!" He just couldn't help it. It was with him 24 hrs a day. I'm sure when we all go to that great place in the sky, he will be there welcoming us all in and guiding us to his Butlins in the sky, and I reckon we will all follow him wanting all those happy memories all over again.

God Bless you, Rocky, you are so loved and respected. Xxx

Rocky's Untold Story

Steuart K Memories

Steuart K Memories

I arranged the Redcoats guard of honour for his funeral

Marty Mason Memories

Thank you so much for that Stue. I had no idea how it all came together. As you can imagine after Rocky's passing and up to the funeral (and after if I'm honest) I didn't even know what day it was. So many people I wanted to talk to at Rocky's Aureviou but the day just came and went. I know I didn't get around to everyone, I am so, so sorry about that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Steu (seven years later!) for making it such a wonderful day. It really was perfect, just as he would have wanted it. Thank you.Xxx

Memories of Rocky Mason

Bab's Memories
I first worked with Rocky, one Easter at The Ocean Hotel, it could have been 1965, Rocky came in as an extra Redcoat for the Easter holiday. Now to put you in the picture, in those days all the AEMs and DEMs wore Red & White during the winter, that was the way management could keep their summer jobs open for them. The management l worked with wearing R&W were, Rocky, Jack Wilde, Dave Moore. Dave Sheared, Alan Ridgeway, Alan Keough, Ken Hopson, Roger Roberts, plus one I am sure more, so now you see how lucky I was just being a GD Red that Larry Knight kept me on.
Chris Chapman's Memories
Please click on these words to see Chris Memories on his page

Karen B Memories
Mr Mason was a red with my mum when she was revue and gave me a job as a red. I went on to revue company and he was supportive and a brilliantly mentor xx
Liam K Memories My Boss and best friend 1970 to 1978.
Stephen K Memories My boss 75/76 along with the great Ron Stanway . True Butlins legends, they don't make them like that any more.
Gilly S Memories Worked with Rocky at Pwllheli in 1961_63. He truly was a wonderful man. XXX

Butlin's in its prime - Written by Rocky Mason

Over 15 million adults in Great Britain have been to Butlins and they know Billy Butlin as the man who revolutionized their holiday habits. The general public reveres him as the man who made luxury holidays affordable to the average British family, but do they know the true Billy Butlin? Butlins in its Prime is the second instalment in the life of Rocky Mason, focusing on his 30-year career working for a British holiday institution as well as his own personal tribute to the man, known as “The Holiday Camp King.” With over 50 archive pictures, this book is a must for any Butlins Devotee

*The button below takes you to eBay, to read more, see the Book Sale links below*

Purchase the book

Butlin's in its prime - Written by Rocky Mason

Poverty to Paradise, by Rocky Mason, is a story of courage, fear, deprivation and humour. There are times when you will laugh out loud and others when you will weep. It's the definitive autobiography of a man who has been there, done that and still proudly wears the T-Shirt. It's an eventful life of tough childhood wartime experiences, a successful amateur boxing career of 69 straight wins in 87 fights only to move from "Gumshield to Greasepaint" and a life in showbiz working for the "Holiday Camp King," Billy Butlin. Drawing on a multitude of sources Rocky offers a compelling account of those six gruelling years 1939 - 45. Food shortages, conscientious objectors, head lice, visits of the nit-nurse, rationing, nightly air raids and his own personal experience of evacuation to an atrocious boys camp. During what was a 30-year association with Butlins, Rocky became a personal friend of almost every showbiz star in the country, many of whom have contributed to this book.

*The button below takes you to eBay, to read more, see the Book Sale links below*

Purchase the book

Permission was given to Mark and Butlins Memorabilia website by Marty, Mr Mason's wife, to show the wonderful story of Rocky Mason. With the help of Karl and Chris Chapman, you are able to see the story of a person who has helped many in the Butlin's timeline. All the stories and photos shown on this page 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 anything with you as I don't have their details and it's not my place to give them away if I did.

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.

Butlins Memorabilia extra areas

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.

If you are not official, who is Mark?

Please note that Butlin's Memorabilia is an independent website and is not affiliated with the official Butlins website or archive. The owners of Butlin's and Butlins.com have not been involved in the development of this site, nor have they approached me to design it. However, I am grateful for their willingness to allow me to continue to share the rich history of their company with you.

The number one website for Butlins is always, www.butlins.com where you see all the information about booking a break.

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Butlin's Memorabilia Website Celebrating Butlins History

You are here: Home ---> Butlins Untold Stories Home Page ---> Rockys Masons Untold Butlins Story

In loving Memory of Rocky Mason

Filey Butlin's

Marty's tribute to Rocky Mason

Rocky's Untold Story

The Redcoat Photos

Newspaper Articles

The Telegraph and Argus News paper

The Pressreader

The Daily Mail

The Daily Mail

Fond Memories of Butlin's Filey

Judith's Memory

Rocky's Birthday

Rocky's Birthday

Rocky's Birthday

Rocky's Birthday

Steuart K Memories

Steuart K Memories

Memories of Rocky Mason

Butlin's in its prime - Written by Rocky Mason

Butlin's in its prime - Written by Rocky Mason and Frank McGroarty

Gumshield to Greasepaint

Butlin's in its prime - Written by Rocky Mason

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