BUTLINS BARRY REDCOATS 1973

Tony
Lifeguard

Allison
Radio Butlin

Yvonne
Radio B

Norma
GD Red

John
SwimCoach

BACK ROW

Peter
Lifeguard

Brian Ward
BingoCaller

Frances
Radio B

Graham
GD Red

Janice
Dancer

6
GD Red

Carol
GD Red

Geoff
GD Red

Taffy
Lifeguard

ROW
3

Phil
Lifeguard

Paul
GD Red

Janet
Onions
Beavers

Woody
GD Red

Elaine
Dancer

Scott
GD Red

Wendy
Dancer

Bob
Cashier

Ann
Dancer

Val
Savage
Beavers

Gareth
Lifeguard

Dave
Stage
Man.

Kay
Dance
Teacher

Mike
Onions
Compere

Paula
Chair
woman

Derek
Brandon
AEM

John
Wilson
Ents.Man.

Terry
Bennett
AEM

Pauline
Chief
Hostess

Ray
Martin

Mary
Radio
Butlin

FRONT
ROW

In 1973 me and my mate Ron got the job of Redcoat Lifeguards at Butlins Barry, after interviews in Bristol. On the photo I am on the back row 3rd from the left. I roomed with another lifeguard, Bob, 1st on the left back row.

Part of my lifeguard duties was teaching holidaymakers how to swim, which was sponsored by the Sun newspaper. In the evenings I would change into the regular Redcoat uniform, and sometimes do Bingo duty. The bingo-caller, Lee, used to give me some stick by calling me “Butlins’ answer to Jason King,” [the character played by Peter Wyngarde in the then popular TV series Department S, who had shoulder-length hair and a Mexican-style moustache.]

I remember the Kids Club and “Hunt Captain Blood,” Whoever played that part, and I was one of them, always ended up in the pool.

It was a great time there, but then I got moved onto Minehead. I didn’t stop long as I didn’t seem to fit in, but great memories.

I hope the photo jogs some memories for the other Redcoats I worked with..

Regards,

Tony Mashiter