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William Butlin during the War
Sir Billy Butlin undoubtedly stands out as one of the greatest individuals to have ever lived. His remarkable talent for building a business that brings joy to countless people is a true blessing for all of us. Many individuals would love the opportunity to express their gratitude for his contributions, as his legacy remains vibrant even today. The way he established a fantastic company that fosters happiness and continues to thrive is a testament to his extraordinary vision and dedication to campers.
The Butlin family has a deep-rooted history that goes back to the 1500s, paving the way for the establishment of the Butlins holiday camps. To learn more, please check out the Butlins Memorabilia timeline page. In this part of the website, we shine a light on the founder, William Butlin, who is often called Billy Butlin. He was born in Cape Town in 1899, and alongside his brother Harry John, known as Binkie, they were raised by their parents, William Colborne Butlin and Bertha Cassandra Hill. The family operated a small cycling business, pouring their love and effort into raising their two sons.
Billy and Harry received devastating news when their parents' marriage ended, leading Bertha to return to England with her sons, where they settled in Coaley. The year 1907 brought further sorrow as Harry tragically lost his battle with polio, leaving a significant void in their lives. In her quest for a new direction, Bertha found love again and remarried, hoping to provide a more secure life for her family. She faced the painful decision to emigrate to Canada, leaving Billy in the care of his two aunts. Although it was a challenging choice, Bertha felt it was necessary for Billy to have a brighter future in England while she worked to build a new life in Canada.
Billy's transition to Canada was not an easy one; he felt unhappy and struggled to fit in. Nevertheless, his inner strength propelled him forward, leading him to a job at Eaton, the largest department store in Toronto. This role became a turning point, as summer camp experiences revealed the joy of holidays to him, setting the stage for his legendary journey. In a further display of his resilience, Billy decided to enlist in the army to aid in the war.
(Additional note: You can view the Butlin timeline here)
Video of Sir Billy Butlin
A video provides further insight into Billy Butlin and his significant role in shaping the timeline that contributed to the development of the beloved company. He is a hero to me and an inspiration to countless others; without this kind gentleman, many individuals, both employees and campers, may not have experienced the joy of smiling.
William Butlin during the War
Once the war came to an end, Billy made his way back to England on a cattle ship, driven by a vision and a mission. A significant chapter in his life began when he opened a hoopla stall in Bridgwater. With his keen business sense, he provided his customers with better chances of winning prizes. Many of his fellow stallholders would joke, "You’ll be out of business soon, Bill; everyone keeps winning, and you’ll be in the red." Yet, Billy pointed out that the influx of customers at his stall resulted in much higher profits. He focused on small immediate gains that would lead to long-term success.
Billy Butlin's ambitious vision became a remarkable success as he launched amusement parks in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Skegness, and other areas, incorporating zoos into the attractions. However, a transformative day at a bed and breakfast in Barry Island would redirect his business focus. Being locked out for the day while the owner shopped made Billy realize that this was not the ideal way for people to enjoy their holidays. This experience, along with his strong connection to the Warners, laid the groundwork for the Butlins Holiday Camp.
In 1936, we arrive at a landmark moment with the opening of the first Butlins Holiday Camp in Skegness. This was a crucial time for Sir Billy Butlin, as it represented a decisive moment in his endeavors. The introduction of the Redcoats marked the beginning of a journey filled with memories. Sir Billy Butlin's legacy flourished as he established ten camps and thirteen hotels (later reduced to twelve in 1942). His dedication to supporting the war and his generous contributions to charity created a lasting impact, filled with joyful moments for many.
A sad chapter unfolded on June 12, 1980, with the death of Sir Billy Butlin. As he was laid to rest, the camps and hotels he founded remained in operation. Yet, as we looked ahead, we were met with more unfortunate developments: the closures of Filey, Clacton, Mosney, and Barry Island. These closures were largely influenced by the growing competition from overseas, which significantly impacted holiday trends in the UK. By the late 1980s, the company experienced another shift, with only five resorts left to represent Sir Billy Butlin's legacy: AYR, Pwllheli, Bognor Regis, Minehead, and Skegness. The hotels continued to operate under the Butlins name, preserving a piece of his vision.
The Rank Group invested heavily in upgrading the sites to align with new demands, and the initiative was successful. This period marked the expansion of the Butlin's brand with the establishment of the Butlins Hotel in London. Butlin's regained its former glory by hosting dance competitions, darts events, and the Radio One roadshow. However, to adapt to the evolving landscape, Butlin's underwent a significant transformation in 1999. The introduction of the Pavilions at Minehead, Skegness, and Bognor Regis represented a pivotal change, as Butlin's redefined itself from holiday camps to resorts. Meanwhile, Pwllheli and AYR were passed on to the sister company, Haven, where they remain today, leading to the closure of the hotels.
In the year 2000, the Rank Group parted ways with Butlin's as Bourne Leisure Limited acquired the brand and its locations, marking a significant shift in the business landscape. Then, in 2020, it was announced that Butlin's, Haven, and Warner Hotels would have a new part-owner, Blackstone, which has taken a substantial share in the company. This new chapter appears to hold great potential for positive growth.
The last three Butlins hotels and resorts were on the market in 2022, as Blackstone had a vision that excluded this historic name. Luckily, the Harris family, who had significant involvement with Bourne before, took the initiative to repurchase Butlins. This is excellent news for all, as it suggests that Butlin's will now have the focus it needs to thrive and cater to today’s demands.