REDCOAT RANDOM REMARKS 10 January 2009

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

IRISH JESSON - R.I.P.

It is with deep sadness that I have to report the passing of Irish Jesson. "Irish" was one half of "Paddy and Irish" - who worked numerous years and Camps with Butlins. Earlier in their career they had toured the Variety halls as "Jesson & Farrelly" - a song and dance act.

I had the pleasure of working under Paddy and Irish during my 1973 and '74 seasons, and they gave me all my stage breaks, for which I will be ever-grateful. I was pleased that, in 1996, I travelled to Minehead, and met up with them both at their home, and also had a meal with them on Camp, where I was able to pass on my gratitude.

On Camp, Irish would never just walk into a room - she would "make an entrance." She would open the door and shout at the top of her voice "Nuts - whole hazel nuts. Ooooh!" (As per the Cadbury's chocolate advert of the time.) Only when everyone had turned around to see who was shouting, would she enter.

I always thought of her as "the white Eartha Kitt." She would adopt that sultry, laid-back, temptress style in the "Roaring Twenties Show," when singing "I'm in Mood For Love" (simply because you're near me.) Lying on the stage, with one arm crooked at the elbow holding up her head, and one leg waving in the air, in suggestive movements, she never failed to bring the house down. It was a brilliant pastiche, and the audiences loved her.

Ron Stanway said of them:

I first met 'Paddy & Irish' at Pwllheli in 1958. They were contracted as 'Redcoat Entertainers,' whilst I was just a GD Redcoat. They were at Pwllheli 58/59/61 - don't know about '60. Then, when I went back to Pwllheli as Ents. Mngr. in 67, I asked for Paddy to be my Assistant, and he worked for me in this capacity in 67/68/69, but wasn't with me in '70.

After the 1970 season I went to Head Office, and have no record of P & I's whereabouts - though I do know that, for at least one season, he was Ents. Mngr. at Mosney. [EDITOR: Paddy & Irish were at Filey in 1972, and Skegness in 1973, 74, 75, and 76]. When they retired, they went to live in Minehead. Paddy died in 1999 aged 81.

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

GEORGE OUTRAM - R.I.P.

Ron Stanway writes:
Just last week, in addition to Irish, we said goodbye to another old Redcoat - Georgie Outram. George joined the Redcoat ranks in 1947 and worked at Clacton; Filey; Skegness; Pwllheli; Brighton; and Margate. He was an ex PTI in the Army and became one of the best Redcoats ever - featuring in the "Butlin Square Dance Team" - which toured the country during the winter months and made many TV appearances. He was always the 'comic' when his steps went wrong, and was spun round by his partner and slid the length on the floor flat on his face, crashing into the bandstand. Similarly, there was the 'Lancers' - based on the Old Tyme party-dance and, again, he was the 'idiot' who got it all wrong.

Both will be sorely missed.

(If you have any photos of Irish, George, or Russ, please send them to me for inclusion here.)

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

17 November 2008

RUSS HAMILTON R.I.P. (1932 - 2008)

Russ Hamilton: Butlins' Redcoat turned chart-topping singer

The history of pop music is littered with "one-hit wonders," but the story of Russ Hamilton is one of the strangest. To make the case even more unusual, his single successful record gave him two different hit songs on opposite sides of the Atlantic: in his native Britain, "We Will Make Love" made number two in the charts but, in America, it was the B-side, "Rainbow," which made the top ten.

Born Ronald Hulme in Liverpool in 1932, he took a job as a Redcoat at the Butlins Holiday Hotel in Blackpool, in 1956, to escape a dull life as a cost clerk. Swept along by the skiffle craze he had, by then, begun playing guitar and writing songs. After Billy Butlin heard him singing at a party for Butlins' staff, he asked him to record a song for use as a wake-up call in his holiday camps.

Arrangements were made for the recording with the Oriole label, which was sufficiently impressed to sign him for further recordings. In early 1957, he duly cut two songs for the label, backed by the Mike Sammes Singers and the Johnny Gregory Orchestra. One of them was "We Will Make Love." Despite the risqué title, the song, which was written for a former girlfriend, was an innocent romantic waltz. The other, intended as the B-side, was a whimsical ballad "Rainbow."

The record was released under the name "Russ Hamilton," and he spent the summer touring Butlins' holiday camps building a fan base, as he sung his songs and judged amateur skiffle contests. Coupled with appearances on BBC TV's "Six-Five Special," by the beginning of August 1957, this had helped "We Will Make Love" rise to number two in the British charts, only kept from the top spot by Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up."

In America, the record was 'flipped' so that "Rainbow" became the A-side. It took the Liverpudlian to number four in the Billboard chart, six years before the Beatles' first American hit led to the so-called 'British invasion'. Yet Hamilton was never able to repeat his success. The follow-up, "Wedding Ring" struggled to number 20 in Britain in October 1957 but he never bothered the charts again, despite releasing another 15 singles.

In later years, he was embittered and claimed that he had not only been denied a certain number one, but that he had also been swindled out of "millions" by unscrupulous record companies. By the end of his life, he was living in reduced circumstances in a council flat. Russ Hamilton was born on January 19, 1932 in Liverpool. He died on October 11, aged 76

The above item appeared in the TimesOnline on 08 November 2008
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article5110235.ece)
TIMESONLINE

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

6 January 2009

RON STANWAY has added his own memories of Russ:

Russ Hamilton: real name Ronnie Hulme, started work with Butlins as a Junior Campers' Redcoat, at the Metropole Hotel Blackpool - in about 1956. There he used to strum his guitar and sing to the children, and was well liked as 'Uncle Russ.' I think it was in the same year that he wrote two songs and both these were recorded on one disc. The 'A-side' "We Will Make Love," quickly climbed the charts in the UK, while the song on the reverse side - 'Rainbow' - quickly went to the top in the USA.

The following year 1957, because of his new popularity, he was sent to Clacton as a Redcoat Entertainer and, from there, he would visit other camps for a few days at a time. During the time at Clacton he would be detailed for the Sing-Song in the Jolly Roger Bar and his backing group was, me (Ron Stanway) on the Tea-chest bass (other Reds were used for this too) and at the piano was our resident sing-song pianist, Al Chinnery. Every time we played "We Will Make Love" the audience went wild. Russ was obviously delighted and was quite open in that, when he had time off during the day, he would walk into Clacton town, visiting all the record shops and ask for a copy of "We Will Make Love" just to hear the shop assistant say: "I'm sorry, sir, we've sold out!"

Russ became one of the few, if not the only one, to have a Gold Disc for both sides of one record - the A-side Gold in the UK, and the B-side Gold in USA.

He left Butlins after the 1957 season and toured the world, enjoying his success. Eventually, however, with no other recording successes, he came back to the UK and, in 1966, completed a full circle by returning to the Metropole Hotel as Entertainment Manager. He was EM there for three seasons: '66/'67/68.

I attach a picture of myself with Russ (wearing a tie) and two redcoat girls, Jan and Tulah taken at Clacton in 1957.

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

Clacton: Roy Hudd launches Butlins exhibition

FORMER Butlins redcoat Roy Hudd has officially opened an
exhibition on the history of the holiday camp.

A Week's Holiday for a Week's Wage will be on display at the town's library for the next year, charting its opening in 1938 to the day its doors closed in 1983. Mr Hudd told the assembled crowd about his own memories of Butlins, where he was a redcoat for two years from 1958. "I know what you're thinking - what was a two-year-old boy doing there?" he joked.

"It was the greatest place to work and to get started in the business, because you didn't have to be very good! "As redcoats, we did everything possible, from refereeing football matches to dancing in the ballroom." He said he was among good company, counting Dave Allen, Jimmy Cricket and Charlie Drake, among his colleagues. "And Des O'Connor - but you can't win them all," he said.

Also present at the opening of the exhibition were representatives from the Clacton and District Local History Society, Essex County Council, Tendring Council chairman Roy Smith and John Curry, chairman of governors at Colbayns High School. The project has received £50,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £35,000 from Creative Partnerships.

Originally published on 12th June 2008 in the:

COLCHESTER GAZETTE

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

FAMOUS REDCOATS

Quite a few of the ex-Redcoats who went on to become famous were invited to the 2008 Skegness Redcoat Reunion. FREDDIE DAVIES - who went from Redcoat to Ents. Manager between 1959 and 63 - was disappointed that he couldn't make it. And to show just how genuinely disappointed he really was, he very kindly made a DVD presentation, to show at the Reunion. I originally asked Fred just to tape himself sending greetings to all the Reds. However, he very thoughtfully turned it into a little documenatry, and cleverly edited photos of his Butlins' history into it, accompanied by a very nice narration and background music ("Housewives Choice.") Having made up a few DVDs myself, I know just how much work and time goes into making one, so I really am most grateful to Fred for making such a kind gesture, and I know it was enjoyed by all who had the privilege of watching it.

Freddie ended the DVD by saying that he would do his very best to attend the next reunion, and we have spoken at length about this since I got back. Here's looking at you, Fred! (To be said in the style of Humphrey Bogart.)

Go to:  FREDDIE "PARROT-FACE" DAVIES

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

HI-DE-HI

 Another famous face to send in his apologies that he couldn't make the 2008 Skegness Redcoat Reunion was Jimmy Perry - creator and writer of the TV series "Hi-de-Hi." Jimmy was a Redcoat at Pwllheli starting in 1948. For the next three years, he spent his six-week summer break from RADA as a Red. He's quite happy to divulge that all the people who appeared in the TV series were based on actual people he'd met working on the Camp.

He very kindly sent me a signed copy of his autobiography, which is a thoroughly entertaining read, by a very talented writer. If you want to buy a copy it's called:

"A Stupid Boy" by Jimmy Perry. Published by Arrow Books.
ISBN 0-09-944142-X. Price £7.99p.
Go to: www.randomhouse.co.uk

Jimmy hasn't been too well of late, so we wish him well, and hope he's fit enough to join us at the next Reunion.

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

I WILL TELL YOU WHEN

I've seen Leeds funny man Billy Pearce on stage many times, and met him on a couple of occasions, but they were over ten years ago, and there was nothing that I thought Billy might remember me by. Imagine my delight therefore when, upon getting home after the 2008 Skegness Redcoat Reunion, Billy rang to apologise for not getting back to me regarding the Reunion. It was some apology - we chatted for around a hour-and-a-half. Two days later, we spent another hour on the phone. I've forgiven him now.

Although Billy has been a stand-up comedian for over thirty years, he didn't actually start out as one. In 1970 he did a season at Butlins Margate, in a singing duo, with his friend Andy Beaumont. Sadly, Andy has since passed on, but Billy is going to see if he can keep his own Date-Sheet open for the next Reunion. I can still hear him saying: "I will tell you when!!"
If you are in Blackpool this summer, you can catch Billy in his own show in the Tower Ballroom, on Thursday Nights, commencing in July. Make a point of going - Billy is a VERY funny lad.

Go to:  BILLY PEARCE 2007

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FILEY REDS??

Amazingly the Butlins Filey Camp had only one representative at the 2008 Skegness Redcoat Reunion. I wrote to the "Remember Filey Butlins" website at least four times, but didn't get so much as a single courtesy reply. There was a party of ten ex-Filey Redcoats who had intended coming, but they self-eliminated owing to holidays, other engagements, and ill-health - until the last two pulled out because the other eight weren't going.

My two old mates Mike Jerome and Johnny Laff, who were Redcoats at Filey in 1973, also very much wanted to attend, but both had prior bookings. It's good to know that they are both still working comics, but it's a beggar when work interferes with play. For the next Reunion, everyone will have far more advance notice so, hopefully, lots of Filey Reds, and lots more acts will be joining us.

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

WHAT THEY SAID!!
Comments from some of those who attended the 2008 Skegness Redcoat Reunion:

What a great weekend, at the Skegness Redcoat Reunion. Thanks to A.J. for organising it, and putting so much in,
in time, and backing it financially to make sure that from beginning to end it was interesting and entertaining.
And what a great bunch of Reds and friends came along.
Many photographs were taken and I'm sure will be appearing soon.
Thanks again A.J.
FRANK WORRALL

AJ, Just to thank you for all your hard work and organisation
in getting the Skegness Reunion off the ground.
RAY MARTIN

I had a great time meeting up with the Martin brothers, Val, and Christine. Not forgetting all my pals from Barry.
I don't think I went to bed before at least 2.30am. every night. Don't know what my sister thought of her little brother.
I didn't like the camp at all, I learnt that it is not even owned by Butlin's anymore, the Redcoats work a shift system
and all the magic that we created has gone forever. Our kind of humbug will only live on in our memories.
I would thank you for all your efforts in putting the whole thing together, quite a task I would imagine.
It was great to see the old photo's, the films, and stills. Thanks for the memories and old friends made new.
See you AJ. God bless.
PETER LACEY

Elsie and I enjoyed the weekend. And we both appreciate all the effort and hard work you put in.
As I stated before, my highlight of the Reunion was seeing that photo of myself from Minehead 1963. Thank you for planning that.
We would like to be informed of any future invents, and will watch your website.
Cheers for now,
ALFRED & ELSIE HILL

Thanks AJ for a well organised weekend.
I really enjoyed meeting up with an unexpectedly large number of former associates.
MIKE & JANET ONIONS

Eve & I had a great time at Skegness.
Many thanks once again for all your hard work.
We don't like the camp as it is now, but it was nice to see how it has changed.
Very best wishes,
RAY & EVE ALLEN

Dear AJ, thank you so much for all your hard work this happy memorable week .
I am sure you are exausted, but truly it was super meeting so many nice Reddies.
Have a rest and keep well.
Love Heri
HERI HARRISON

We had a FANTASTIC time. The girls keep asking me when the next one is.
KELLY KELLEHER (and the 6 Cardiff girls)

Yes I know there are only Five. One is taking the photo - CLEVER!!

As you say it was a weekend where we all made some very good friends .
I think we all can look back and see the changes in all of us,
but we all found that great bond that keeps a friendship alive for years.
Not everything was as I`d hoped but I`m glad I made the trip even thou it cost me an arm and a leg .
MARTIN KELLEHER

o-o-o-0-o-o-o

Happy Days, "A.J"

MORE SOON

o-o-0-o-o

2008 REDCOAT REUNION PICTURES

2008 REUNION GUEST LIST

 Back to Home