Wednesday 5th January 1949
Image © Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily News
Further information started to become available to the public about the new Butlins project.
As we continue from the third segment of the Butlins Bermuda plan, we now explore an essential chapter in the Butlins Caribbean saga.
To read the disclaimer about the resources used on this page, please click on these words or look towards the bottom of the page for further details
Image © Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily News
Further information started to become available to the public about the new Butlins project.
Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Skegness News
Information about the new village and the director and chairman announcement.
There is an excellent newspaper article from the Owosso Argus-Press on Google Books that shows Billy Butlin looking at a model plan for the new Butlins Resort in the Bahamas. I do not have the permission to share this with you on the site however, I can give you the link to look for yourself by clicking on these words.
The Evening Star published a comprehensive three-page article in April 1949 - page 3, along with a brief section detailing the story of Butlins. I have provided zoomed-in scans below to enhance your reading experience of these sections.
The Evening Star published a comprehensive three-page article in April 1949 - page 5, along with a brief section detailing the story of Butlins. I have provided zoomed-in scans below to enhance your reading experience of these sections.
As Billy Butlin worked tirelessly in the Bahamas to launch his new camp, he was summoned to a meeting in the United Kingdom concerning his Butlins Ltd operations, where his main camps are situated. At that moment, he was unaware that his efforts in the Bahamas were diverting his attention from the UK camps, which were underperforming. The chairman of the company at the time, Mr. Ian Anderson, had confirmed that the bookings for the camps were down from the previous year; however, they were not to the point of concern. The board of directors wanted to meet to address the dividend, which had decreased from 100% to 60% in 1949, and the operations in the Bahamas. The meeting proceeded as well as possible, with Billy Butlin agreeing to suspend his £5,000 annual salary until the dividend could recover to its previous 100% level. The meeting included four hundred shareholders who wanted to question the founder of Butlins about the hotel and the camp that is currently being built in the Bahamas.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
South Wales Daily Post
This article highlights the efforts of Billy Butlin regarding his projects in the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. He faced numerous tasks and had limited time to reach his desired level of satisfaction.
Image © Reach PLC.
Evening Despatch
A new article reveals the board of directors in the UK expressing their dissatisfaction with the Bahamas ventures, while Billy Butlin discusses their importance to the Butlin's identity.
Believing in the project and stepping down from some roles in the United Kingdom
The shareholders increased pressure, repeatedly questioning the Bahamas project and speculating on its underlying purpose. Billy Butlin took the opportunity to explain that his ambition for the Butlin's brand was to grow within the United States. Nevertheless, the shareholders remained sceptical, demanding clarity on the rumours that were circulating. Billy Butlin would continue to answer the questions for the shareholders about concerns, including the one of him moving away from the United Kingdom;
"It has been said that I have taken money out of the country and I am going to live aboard to live. If that were true, I am sure that I would not lease these hotels (Bahamas)to Butlin's. If I let Butlin's down, I do not get my rent. If I wanted to go abroad, I would have taken my money and lived out there in comfort, but that isn't me. This firm is my life"
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
The Liverpool Daily Post
The Liverpool Daily Post goes into further detail about the pressure that Billy Butlin was under as he explained himself to the four hundred shareholders that was at the meeting.
The annual meeting was coming to a close
Billy Butlin declared his support for his Butlin's company and its services. He further announced his intention to resign from his directorships at other companies that are not part of the Butlins group.
(a) Belle Vue Ltd (Manchester),
(b) Margate Estates Co Ltd,
(c) Carlton Hotel Cannes,
(d) Hotel De Paris Monte Carlo.
There was a division among the shareholders regarding the wisdom of the Bahamas project, but Billy Butlin successfully convinced most of them that his method of operating the Butlins brand was the best way to proceed. A shareholder spoke to the Newark Herald on Saturday, July 16, 1949.
"The majority of people who backed Billy Butlin with their shillings and pence did so because they believed in the holiday camps. Now they find themselves interested in two hotels at Nassau and Bermuda"
Billy Butlin had support from Lord Strabolgi and Lord Westwood, who quoted, "The Nassau Hotel is a dollar-earner for the country and will repay this company over and over again". Billy Butlin also had the support from Mrs Marceline Beslv, who said, "I am a widow and my money is very important to me. Wherever he likes to take them, in any part of the world, Mr Butlin can always have my pennies, simply and solely because I believe in Mr. Butlin's genius. Because of that same faith, I propose to leave it there for him to take to any part of the world".
Billy Butlin would say in the meeting, "Just after the war, I sold a considerable number of Butlin shares, but I can prove they averaged less than 10s each. The last time I bought was 18 months to two years ago. I got angry about an article on Butlins in the Press, so I went in and bought £50,000 worth at 19s, 6d. Those rents amount to less than a penny on each meal that Butlins serve in a year". The Newark newspaper continues with saying that Billy Butlin would start to tap his pencil on the table "The reason we went to that part of the world was that we wanted to spread our risks, and we wanted to get into the States; we still do".
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Manchester Evening News
Showing further details about this special moment in Butlin's history
The long-awaited moment had finally arrived, signalling the start of Billy Butlin's dream for the Butlins Bahamas Holiday Village. With staff beginning to arrive, preparations for construction were underway, aiming for a January 1950 launch. However, as is typical in such projects, several issues arose that posed challenges to the construction of this new Butlin's establishment
Levelling the land and Staff accommodation
The primary role of the staff was to prepare the land for the Holiday village by levelling it and eliminating any barriers that could interfere with the development. At the beginning of the Bahamas holiday village construction, staff members were accommodated at a location known as the "Sea Foods Ltd" factory and a staff house. Shortly after, an order was placed to construct timber housing for the staff, which would be situated half a mile from the building site and named the "European Quarters.". This name was given to the small village as the staff was all from Europe at this early stage of the development.
Airport and Sea ramp
The development of the new airport started with the construction of a 5,000-foot runway, which incorporated a 200-foot overrun on each end. The team faced significant challenges in levelling the terrain and conducting an excavation, which turned out to be more complicated than originally thought. To tackle these issues, Mr. W. E. Reed analysed the situation and designed a 15-ton rock plough, which successfully addressed the challenges and aided in the runway's construction. Furthermore, a sea ramp was built to support amphibious aircraft, along with a parking area measuring 450 feet by 150 feet for landing operations. The airport will also feature a new radio transmitting station and a control tower positioned near the aircraft parking area, both equipped with the essential technology for the arrival of aircraft.
The new airport will be accessible through a dedicated road that connects directly to the holiday village. Spanning two miles, this road will accommodate the transport of materials as well as guests who prefer this route to reach the Butlin Holiday Vacation village.
Essentials
The domestic water supply was sourced by pumping from boreholes distributed over 150 acres of land. Initially, construction began on a 50-acre section, which was sufficient to meet the needs at that time. The plan included a service reservoir with a capacity of 250,000 gallons; however, since the project was in its early stages, a 100,000-gallon storage tank was installed for the first phase. A sewage system was designed to connect to the main pipe, utilising gravity to facilitate the flow of wastewater. This primary sewage pipe would direct the wastewater to a swamp located at the southwest corner of the Butlins Vacation Village, where it would subsequently be pumped out to the sea along the western shore.
Accommodation
Billy Butlin aimed to implement a model inspired by the camps in the United Kingdom for the chalet blocks, which would feature either a single or double-decker design. This design continues to be present in Butlins locations such as Minehead, Bognor Regis, and Skegness. The original plan included a chalet block with 44 double suites, each equipped with its own toilet and bath area. However, only one chalet block was constructed according to this initial design, as the plans were later revised to accommodate 64 double suites. Consequently, the first block built was the sole one to offer the 44 double suites, while subsequent rows were designed to the updated specification of 64 double suites.
The plans were set to change once more with the introduction of the "Reema pre-cast concrete construction method." However, challenges arose due to difficulties in sourcing the necessary materials for the panels. Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village would be the first to implement this method, as all other projects were focused on private work. Billy Butlin aimed to keep the project moving until the materials were available, and it was agreed that the Reema company would continue constructing the chalet blocks using traditional blockwork techniques. Reema would finish five chalet blocks before halting construction to prepare the panels for the remaining four chalet blocks.
Reema Company is set to build a factory on the Butlins site, featuring an engineering machine and fitting shop aimed at maintaining the tools and machinery necessary for the new Butlins project. Once the materials are delivered, the team will commence the fabrication of the panels needed for the last four chalet blocks. Workers will pour concrete into moulds tailored to the chalet block design, reinforcing them with steel bars for added strength. To prevent air bubbles, they will vibrate the panels, ensuring the concrete is smooth and ready for installation. The moulds will be allowed to cure overnight, setting the stage for the next phase of work.
The day after, the panels are examined for any issues that might have occurred overnight and subsequently removed from their moulds. Once the inspection is done, the panels are placed in a storage area where they will be ready for installation at the site. After all preparations are finalised, the panels are installed using bolts and other materials to form the chalet blocks. The remaining openings are reserved for windows and doors, with electrical and plumbing systems already installed. Although the construction of all chalet blocks was completed on schedule for the opening, some still required decoration and the installation of essential utilities such as water and electricity.
Entertainment, Swimming and Amusements
The main facility was established to include kitchens, two dining rooms, four lounges, four bars, a swimming pool, and gardens. As of the 1950 deadline, the swimming pool, kitchen, and ballroom were completed, while the lounges and bars were only partially finished. Unfortunately, the administration building, which housed the reception hall and staff offices, was left unfinished and required additional work and equipment. Furthermore, the third major structure, the theatres, still needed considerable effort, especially regarding the installation of electrical systems.
Although construction was actively taking place, Billy Butlin faced a great deal of frustration and pressure to ensure the site was ready on time. Unfortunately, the slow pace of work and ongoing problems in the United Kingdom made it increasingly difficult for him to implement his plans.
Coconut Trees
To create a more Bahamian Butlin atmosphere, Billy Butlin aimed to introduce coconut trees to the site. These trees would have to be brought in from 300 miles away to the West End of Grand Bahama. They could weigh between two and three tons and attain heights of up to 20 feet.
The Bahamas Storms
The challenges continued as Billy Butlin grew increasingly frustrated when a hurricane with winds reaching 120 miles per hour swept over the resort, resulting in damage and halting all ongoing work. Additionally, a second hurricane with winds of 75 miles per hour was set to affect the resort's construction.
© 2008-2025 Northern New York Library Network. All rights reserved.
Endicott Daily Bulletin
Details of the storm that impacted the construction and caused some damage, impacting the progress of the construction of the resort.
Image © National World Publishing Ltd
The Scotsman
During the annual meeting in Nassau, Billy Butlin reported on the ongoing development of the Butlins Bahamas project to shareholders. This article details the updates regarding the coconut trees and the failed appeal to the Colonial Development Authorities.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily Herald
It was quite amazing to find that a newspaper had written about the coconut trees. This article confirms the weight and length of the trees. If they remain there to this date, you will now know that they are Butlins trees (not in ownership but originally put there by Billy Butlin and his team, quite amazing if you ask me)
Engaging with investors to maintain the Butlins Bahamas dream
Following two annual meetings for Butlin's and Butlin's Properties Ltd, as well as Butlin's Bahamas Ltd, Billy Butlin found himself under continued pressure. After assessing the details, he announced his intention to surrender two hotel leases in the Bahamas. Effective January 1950, these hotels will no longer be associated with the Butlin's name, as they will be leased to an unnamed American company. Billy Butlin was optimistic that this strategy would boost shareholder satisfaction and provide him with the opportunity to focus on the Bahamas project.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily Record
This newspaper article explains more about the closure of the hotels in the Bahamas as Billy Butlin focuses more on the Holiday Village.
Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Yorkshire Evening Post
Anne Clifford - Sir Bede Clifford's daughter
In support of the holiday village's development, Anne, the daughter of Sir Bede Clifford, contributed her efforts on the site before its official opening
Image © Daily Mail & General Trust. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Evening News (London)
Another article showing the involvement of Anne and the Bahamas Butlins.
The Butlin Story Book - Page 189 - The Butlin Story - By Sir Billy Butlin
Shields Daily News
News of Dock strikes were making it hard for Billy Butlin to obtain his materials that were needed to build his new project.
Link to website
Holyhead Mail and Anglesey Herald
Showing the details of the devalued pound, increasing the cost of the materials
Link to website
Another challenge that Billy Butlin faced was the hurricane on August 26, which resulted in damage and additional delays in the arrival of materials and supplies. Compounding the situation, the weather forecast indicated that a severe storm was expected to reach the Bahamas in December, leading to further postponements in the delivery of essential resources. Billy Butlin was increasingly frustrated by the slow progress of work, as the target completion date began to seem less attainable.
The dock strikes in the United Kingdom added to the pressure on both him and Mr. A. J. Clark, who had placed the orders for materials. There were times at the construction site when materials were scarce, followed by chaotic moments when large shipments arrived, leading to disorganized storage. My research indicates that finding a specific item often requires searching beneath other materials. Additionally, the devaluation of the pound created further complications, resulting in material costs from the United Kingdom exceeding the original budget by 25%.
A new strategy was initiated whereby Mr. A. J. Clark would procure materials and supplies from Miami, Florida, rather than the United Kingdom. This choice was made due to the reduced costs involved. Nevertheless, even with this cost-effective approach, the expenses remained 25% over budget. The difficulties for the location did not end there, as additional troubling news was on the horizon for Billy Butlin, Brigadier-General Critchley and Mr Harrold Drayton, which would have a considerable impact on them.
Billy Butlin story, page 190;
"For when it began to look as though the Grand Bahama venture would be successful, the attitude of the Bahamas Government changed dramatically and when we asked for its promised half of the cost of the airport, the money was not forthcoming. I have always felt that the hotel owners and businessmen in Nassau, many of whom were members of parliament, thought that the Grand Bahamas project would take business from them and so they put pressure on the Government to back out of the deal"
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily Express
By exploring the statements made by Billy Butlin in greater detail, I discovered a remarkable newspaper article that presents similar information, affirming that this had a significant effect on the shares of Butlins Bahamas as well.
Billy Butlin felt a deep sense of disappointment upon receiving the news and quickly confronted the reality of the situation, stating, "But whatever the cause, it was a serious blow and the £500,000 promised by the Preference shareholders was vital". Recognising the urgency, he remained committed to the project and its importance. To demonstrate his belief, he decided to invest an additional £50,000 of his own funds and sought further assistance from Mr. Drayton regarding the additional investment needed to finalise the airport. Mr Harrold Drayton agreed to provide the necessary £450,000 from his investment trust, which would grant him a controlling interest in the company.
By the end of October 1949, the holiday village was projected to have a workforce comprising 165 Europeans and 1,050 Bahamians to assist in constructing the new Butlins facility. Nevertheless, due to various complications encountered by Billy Butlin and Brigadier Critchley, the deadline of January 1, 1950, was not feasible. The 1949 commissioners' reports state;
"A considerable volume of finishing works remains to be completed after the end of 1949, but the main task has been successfully completed. For a project of this size, the work has progressed with exceptionally few labour troubles and disputes, and the co-operation between European key-men and native workers has been excellent."
The Colonial Office Annual Report 1949 Documents
In my efforts to continue this story, I found an online document called the Colonial Office Annual Reports. These documents provided valuable information regarding the Butlins Vacation Village during this fascinating time as we approached the first opening of Butlins Bahamas. Below are the details that illustrate this significant project and the views of those who authored the report.
Page 3
"The Colony was a ready field for investment, and construction began on the Butlin Vacation Village at West End, Grand Bahama, which planned to open its doors to American tourists in January, 1950."
Page 5
TOURIST INDUSTRY
"Some expansion of the tourist capacity of the Colony was achieved, notably by the construction of the Balmoral Club in Nassau by the 21st Century Corporation; and although the Butlin Vacation Village was not opened during the year, it became a focus of interest as chalet blocks to house 500 visitors and the ancillary buildings neared completion. The Fort Montagu Beach Hotel leased by Mr. W. Butlin kept its doors open during the summer months. The Development Board considered plans for the lengthening of the tourist season in 1950. Work has advanced on the airstrips at West End, Grand Bahama."
Page 8
Industries
"The major enterprise in this sphere is the Butlin Vacation Village in Grand Bahama, designed to provide accommodation, on the lines made famous by Mr. Butlin in the United Kingdom, for American visitors in the middle-income brackets for a minimum of a six-month season. Accommodation for 500 visitors will be completed by February 1950."
Page 38
Civil Aviation
"During the year work was begun on the aerodrome at West End, Grand Bahama, to specifications recommended by the Department in conjunction with the Air Ministry Meteorological Section, and towards the end of the year a seaplane ramp to enable amphibious aircraft to taxi ashore was also completed with advice from the Department. , Butlins (Bahamas) Limited decided during 1949 that a two-runway; aerodrome should be constructed and decided to begin work on the runway of 5,400 feet abutting the seaplane ramp to accommodate: aircraft of the DC-4 category"
Page 40
Radio-telephone and Telegraph
"The opening of a Butlin’s Vacation Village at West End, Grand Bahama, about 120 miles from Nassau, necessitated the installation of radio telegraph and telephone circuits between West End and Nassau and West End and Miami. This work was started in September 1949."
© 2008-2025 Northern New York Library Network. All rights reserved.
Endicott Daily Bulletin
An excellent article showing how Billy Butlin travelled to the USA to explain more about the Butlins resort opening in the Bahamas and what it offers to all those who wish to have a great vacation.
Image provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Evening Star
Close to the opening year for the Butlins Bahamas Vacation village and the Evening Star gives some additional information about the new exciting resort to open in the Bahamas.
*Some areas of blurred and darken in accordance to the terms of usage. However, the high light area shows the information related to this story.
Image © Reach PLC.
Grimsby Daily Telegraph
The press announcement of the new Butlins adventure with Billy Butlin telling the United Kingdom and the USA what is going to be on offer.
Image provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Evening Star
The information continued to be shown in the American newspapers as
*Some areas of blurred and darken in accordance to the terms of usage. However, the high light area shows the information related to this story.
Butlins Memorabilia website is the unofficial website for Butlins!
The research and details provided on the Butlins Memorabilia website have been thoughtfully assembled by Mark Banks, the site's owner. It is important to emphasize that Butlins and its owners have not reached out to me or requested that this information be collected and displayed here. Butlins has a rich legacy, with its founder, Sir Billy Butlin, celebrated for his success in establishing a company that continues to offer joy and create cherished memories. The official website for Butlins is www.butlins.com. As such, the information on this site should be considered unofficial, as the Butlins Memorabilia website is a fan-oriented endeavor.
Billy Butlin and The Grand Bahama Books
The information I discovered while investigating my favourite subject, the story of Butlin's and Sir Billy Butlin, has been incredibly engaging, as it highlights the importance of each site and its meaning to the Butlins timeline. To assist with my research, I have used notes from Sir Billy Butlin's autobiography and The Grand Bahama book for reference. The sections presented below are brief excerpts from these works, aimed at shedding light on a particular area of the Butlins Bahamas story. Each excerpt will provide full credit to the source, including the page number. No scans were included; only small excerpts are provided to enhance this historical educational topic regarding the Butlins Bahamas project and its importance within the Butlins timeline.
The British Newspaper Archive
The significant and noteworthy newspaper articles featured on the Butlins Memorabilia website have been sourced from a platform known as "The British Newspaper Archive." You can explore their offerings at www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. I am providing this link as a gesture of appreciation for their ongoing and professional service, with the hope that you may discover something of interest. The research conducted on Butlins has greatly benefited from extensive newspaper involvement, which has significantly enhanced the Butlins Memorabilia website.
The Butlins Memorabilia website operates as a non-commercial platform, created to provide free access for everyone to celebrate the remarkable history of Butlins and the legacy of Sir Billy Butlin. Each document features a watermark to recognize the copyright of the image, along with a direct link to the British Newspaper Archive website. We encourage you to review their terms and conditions regarding the sharing of items from their collection at this link: terms and conditions.
The National Archive website
This website showcases images obtained from research conducted on The National Archive website. I would like to emphasize that this site is dedicated to non-commercial use and is created, maintained, and overseen by me, Mark Banks. I invest my personal time into this project, which centers around a brand I hold dear, Butlins. The site is open to all visitors, and it is important to clarify that Butlins and its owners have no connection to this site or its content. Each image is accompanied by a credit and a link to its original source. The Butlins Memorabilia website is a personal endeavor that aims to preserve historical memories and, in some instances, provide educational insights into its history. You can find the terms and conditions of The National Archive by clicking on these words
Archive Website
This website features materials obtained from archive.org, which is known for its vast collection of memorabilia. It is essential to clarify that archive.org has no affiliation with this website or its creation. I would like to highlight that this site operates on a non-commercial basis, dedicated to celebrating Sir Billy Butlin, the holiday camps, the hotels, the campers, the guests, and the staff. Resources sourced from archive.org are presented here with watermarks to recognize their origin, and each item includes a direct link to their site. I invite you to explore their terms and conditions of use by clicking on these words to gain further insight into the applicable Creative Commons license.
Harold Charles Harley Drayton and Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford Photos
I would like to clarify that the image in question is not owned by the Butlins Memorabilia website; it has been sourced from the National Portrait Gallery's website. A direct link to the original image location is provided just below the photo. It is essential to understand that the National Portrait Gallery in London is not affiliated with the Butlins Memorabilia website. This site serves as a non-commercial platform dedicated to the historical elements of Butlins. Additionally, Butlins itself has no connection to the Butlins Memorabilia website, which is a fan-driven initiative established by Mark Banks, an amateur web designer who invests his personal time into this endeavor. In accordance with the guidelines of the National Portrait Gallery, this website is categorized under Creative Commons - Websites. For further details on the available licenses, please click on these words to access the National Portrait Gallery and to review the Creative Commons license, please click on these words.
Library of Congress Newspaper Clippings
The Butlins Memorabilia website wishes to clarify that the newspaper clippings sourced from the Library of Congress website are utilized solely for educational purposes related to the historical narrative of Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village. In compliance with the established terms and conditions, these clippings will exclusively depict the history associated with Butlins. A discreet watermark will be included on the newspaper to indicate the website, along with a link to the document and any pertinent information. For further details regarding the terms and conditions, please refer to the section titled "Rights and Reproductions" by clicking on these words. I would like to clarify that the Library of Congress has not requested me to promote their website, nor do they have any affiliation with the Butlins Memorabilia website. I am sharing this link as a gesture of gratitude for the valuable service they provide to the numerous visitors who explore their site. To view their website, please visit https://www.loc.gov
The New York Historic Newspapers
The Butlins Memorabilia website wishes to clarify that the newspaper clippings sourced from the New York Historic Newspapers website are utilized solely for educational purposes related to the historical narrative of Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village. In compliance with the established terms and conditions, these clippings will exclusively depict the history associated with Butlins. A discreet watermark will be included on the newspaper to indicate the website, along with a link to the document and any pertinent information. For further details regarding the terms and conditions, please refer to the section titled "Copyright and Reproductions" by clicking on these words. I would like to clarify that the The New York Historic Newspapers project has not requested me to promote their website, nor do they have any affiliation with the Butlins Memorabilia website. I am sharing this link as a gesture of gratitude for the valuable service they provide to the numerous visitors who explore their site. To view their website, please visit https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org
Get in touch
When I engage with any material on the website, I always check the relevant terms and conditions. It is a privilege to share resources that provide a more comprehensive view of history, as these additional documents can enhance the narrative significantly. Prior to sharing, I make sure to gather all pertinent information regarding usage rules and give credit where appropriate. As the only person dedicated to designing and uploading these details, I wish for the process to be as smooth as possible. If you believe there is an error in the newspaper clippings that needs my attention, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss the matter by clicking on these words
