Butlins Vacation Village in the Bahamas - 1951

Mr Dark Eyes bids for Butlin village

In February, a notable development occurred when a newspaper article was published on February 16, 1951. Written by R. M. MacColl, the article reveals that American gambling syndicates are interested in bidding for the resort to operate a casino. This concept was met with resistance from both the government and residents, posing a significant challenge for the Americans, arguably more difficult than Billy Butlin's efforts to raise the £800,000 needed to sustain the company. The main concern surrounding the casino was the belief that it would invite unwelcome elements, such as gangs and individuals of questionable character, causing anxiety among the local populace and leading the government to conclude that this was not the appropriate direction for the resort's development.

The individual who exhibited the greatest interest in the former Butlins site was a man named Raymond 'Dark Eyes' Craig, residing in Miami and having experience in operating gambling establishments. Upon learning in August 1950 that the Butlins Bahamas village was available for purchase, he travelled to Nassau to propose an acquisition of the village. At that time, it was believed that Mr. Raymond Craig possessed the ability to transform a negative response into a potential opportunity and ultimately a positive outcome. Discussions commenced in early August, involving the Butlins Bahamas attorney and parliament member, Stafford Sands. Initially, little was known about Mr. Craig, and the negotiations progressed smoothly until Mr. Sands discovered Craig's gambling company background.

Armed with the knowledge of Mr. Craig's gambling history and the relevant laws of the Bahamian government, Mr. Sands would promptly alter his stance to oppose the sale of the site. Undeterred by Mr. Sands' position, Mr. Craig embraced the challenge and sought additional support for his plans by reaching out to another director of Butlins Bahamas Ltd, Mr. Frank Christie, who responded in a non-committal manner to the request. This prompted Mr. Craig to seek further assistance from Billy Butlin himself. Mr. Butlin graciously provided a tour of the resort, showcasing its offerings to customers. Nevertheless, he cautioned Mr. Craig that his plans for the site would likely face resistance from both the government and the local community.

Despite the numerous warnings and evidence presented to Mr. Craig indicating that his aspirations would be extremely difficult to realise, he returned to Miami, declaring to others, "You bet I got an interest". It appears that the obstacles confronting Mr. Craig have had minimal effect on his intentions regarding the site, as he expressed his interest in acquiring a one-third share in the vacation village project. A reporter inquired about Billy Butlin and whether this was the group of Americans interested in the property, to which Mr. Sands responded, "We are not at liberty to reveal their names. But they are most honourable men, totally unconnected with gambling". This suggests that there were multiple bidders interested in the former Butlins Village.

Mr. Sands stated to the reporter, "If they embark on this venture under the present plan, the effect will be that all trade creditors will be paid in full and all financial creditors will have an opportunity to recover their loans". He further elaborated that two individuals are ready to invest £850,000 in cash for the village and issue £600,000 in shares; these individuals are Mr. Lionel Marks, the president of a distilling company in Indiana, and Mr. Dunn, who sells refrigerators for American households. The article concludes by noting that Mr. Lionel Marks is staying at the Fort Montagu Hotel in Nassau, owned by Butlin, and he declined to discuss the matter over an unsecured telephone line.

*Special note*
It's worth noting that this article mentions Lionel Marks is involved with the distilling company, while Mr. Dunn sells fridges. However, in Billy Butlin's book on page 193, it states that Lionel Marks supported Mr. Craig's idea to turn it into a casino, and that Mr. Dunn was actually the distiller. I'm curious to see what more research reveals about this topic. Rex North's account of the Butlin story aligns with Billy Butlin's, and I can't help but wonder if the newspaper got this part wrong or if it's just part of the mystery that unfolded later. Let's dig deeper to find out what happens next. My opinion is that I believe Billy Butlin is correct as he knew his story, interesting!.

Update to the Special Note
Details are now in line with what Billy Butlin and Rex North tell us, further down to Monday 30th April 1951 details are shown that Lionel Marks is an associate of the gambling and the connection to Mr Dunn on the May 3, 1951,

MR. Dark Eyes has a dream: 7 ships a day to Butlin's
After five days, another article by R. M. MacColl has appeared in the Daily Express, shedding more light on the sale of Butlins Bahamas Ltd. The article commences with Mr. Craig's handling of gambling issues in Miami and his opinions on the subject. The section titled 'Snow-white shirt' marks the point where the Butlins Bahamas story resumes, revealing Mr. Craig's perspectives. He confirms that he has been reflecting on the location for a considerable duration and his plans for the village, detailing how it could effectively align with his vision.

"I have a friend who runs a fleet of ships. This man was prepared to send seven ships daily from Miami to the vacation village, each holding 1,000 passengers. Moreover, he was prepared to spend 600,000 dollars (£215,000) improving harbour and dock facilities near the village. Just think of that"

As Mr Craig continues to talk with the reporter, he would get out a large scale map of the Grand Bahama and would explain how he has it all figure pending the news if he is allowed to take over the holiday village. Mr Craigs vision of the holiday village is to make it better than Miami and all he needed is the green light on the project.

"We'd really develop that island -- build it up in huge apartment blocks. Then big corporations could send their employees on all-expenses-paid vacations, see, instead of giving them bonuses. In that way, they'd save on taxes. That beach! Why, that beautiful strip of white sand would be better than Miami Beach. Of course, there are plenty of people who don't relish the idea of 7,000 Americans daily going off to the Bahamas. There's strong opposition from certain interests in Miami."

The article was quite interesting, as it revealed his vision of attracting American tourists to this island with a different configuration. I believe that if it weren't for Billy Butlin's role in developing the airport and village, Mr. Craig might not have considered this island at all. Nonetheless, it is fascinating that both businessmen have a shared interest in this location, although one is more inclined towards the holiday village spirit while the other is taking a completely different direction. The article also mentions that Mr. Craig still hopes to build a casino there, but he recognises two major hurdles: Billy Butlin and the Bahamas Government.

An interesting part of this article to note down is that this is not the first occasion on which Mr. Craig and Billy Butlin have discussed the Butlins Bahamas Ltd village. This article reveals that Mr. Craig was among those with whom Billy Butlin had previously conversed regarding the pursuit of an £800,000 investment to rescue the company in 1950. However, due to the gambling company's history and the regulations governing such matters in the Bahamas, this initiative was abandoned and not pursued further. Mr. Craig recounts, 'Mr. Butlin conveyed to me, in the strongest possible terms, that the company was not interested in his proposals.' This illustrates the behind-the-scenes efforts that Billy Butlin was undertaking while adhering to the laws of the country. Although Mr. Craig could have potentially assisted in preventing the company's dissolution, Billy Butlin recognised that doing so would contravene Bahamian laws and disrespect the local residents, thereby corroborating the account from 1950 in which Billy Butlin asserted that the issue was not entirely financially motivated.

Mr. Craig continues to express to the reporter his belief that there is more beneath the surface regarding the current situation, and he recognises that the church has protested against the casino's development. He is confused by the opposition, given that a company in Nassau has already been permitted to operate a similar venture, referring to the seasonal casino that has been in operation at The Bahamian Club on West Bay Street, Nassau, since 1920. When asked by the reporter if he has ever met Mr. Lionel Marks, a potential buyer for Butlins Bahamas Ltd., Mr. Craig responded, "I'll be seeing him this afternoon. Nice fellow, Lionel. I met him in New York and credit goes to Billy Butlin for that". The conversation shifted as Mr. Craig remarked on Billy Butlin, stating, "and I want to tell you that Billy Butlin is one of the greatest gentleman I have ever met"

In the upcoming months, Billy Butlin will persist in negotiations with American firms interested in acquiring the Butlins Bahamas village. However, there remains a critical issue to address: the impending review of the company's winding up, which has been postponed until April of this year. This deadline looms over Billy, who seeks additional time to market the site, given that there are legitimate interested parties. The status of the sale remains uncertain, as they await patiently for feedback on whether the site will be sold.

Billy Butlin sought to ascertain the current status of the sale, as the mystery American company has not yet communicated their decision. The most effective method to gather information about the sale was to engage in discussions with the company, which had been referred to as the 'sell-or-sink' talks. In his yellow-spot tie, Billy Butlin approached the firm to inquire about the sale, posing a straightforward question: Is the answer yes or no? Billy Butlin shared this with the Express newspaper: "I don't know exactly how much I shall lose -- but it certainly won't mean that I shall have to smoke fewer cigarettes -- but you can't expect to wind all the time. If they don't take up the option by Saturday, the thing goes broke. Butlins Bahamas will go into liquidation."

On Saturday, April 14, 1951, Mr. Clifford Sands, the attorney for Butlins Bahamas Ltd, and Lionel Marks held a private meeting with the creditors to discuss updates regarding the former Butlins site and the impact this has on them. The purpose of the meeting was to allow creditors to assess alternatives to slowing down the winding-up of the company, with Lionel’s company proposing an offer of five shillings per pound to provide additional time by extending the liquidation period by one year. Should this proposal fail, the attendees concurred that it would be best to liquidate the company immediately. The outcome of this significant moment rested in their hands.

No additional information has been disclosed regarding the sink or sell meeting, as a significant event is scheduled in the Butlins calendar for Sunday, April 15, 1951. This was the moment Billy Butlin hoped to avoid, which was the hearing for the liquidation of Butlins Bahamas Ltd. Chief Justice Oswald in Nassau was set to examine the developments that occurred during its construction and assess the new information concerning an unnamed American company led by Mr. Lionel Marks. The evaluation of the takeover of the Butlins site could potentially provide an extension for the liquidation deadline, granting Billy Butlin additional time to secure a buyer for the property. On the day of the proceedings, the request from the Butlins Bahamas Ltd lawyers to adjourn the application of liquidation until April 21st 1951.

Following the meetings, the Supreme Court in Nassau will determine the proceedings regarding the liquidation of Butlins Bahamas Ltd. The review included details about the American syndicate's offer to pay five shillings per pound to the minor creditors. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Butlins Bahamas Ltd on Thursday, the 26th April 1951, granting a one-year extension to facilitate a smooth sale of the former Butlins site. The Court stated that the repayment to the minor creditors will total £8,145, and it will be interest-free. Further news is that the larger creditors also agreed to this extension to allow the sale to be agreed on terms they are all happy with.

On April 30, 1951, it was officially announced that Butlins Bahamas Ltd. had received a proposal. This offer, made by Lionel Marks, an associate of the gambling tycoon Frank Costello, aims to acquire the Butlin Holiday village within the next year. The total offer is £1,450,000, with £850,000 to be paid in cash. The group also intends to invest an additional £2.5 million for enhancements, which will include a restaurant, clubhouse, a 256-bedroom hotel, and 44 private cottages. Major General Robert Neville, the Governor of the Bahamas, stated that as of May 1, 1951, no application has been filed for the casino that is rumoured to be planned for the location.

Given Mr. Costello's experience in the gambling industry, Major General Robert Neville recognised that the Casino had been previously discussed with Mr. Craig. He understood that if the Casino were to be included in the planning permission, a review by an assembly would be necessary. Lionel Marks will coordinate the meetings and represent the involved companies to acquire the resort from Butlins Bahamas Ltd and realise their vision of a paradise in the Bahamas.

Special Note
This confirms the connection to the Casino with Lionel Marks, who is mentioned in Sir Billy Book on page 193 (see near top of this page about this special note, in case you are unsure what this is about)

On May 3, 1951, additional information was provided by reporter R. M. MacColl of the Daily Express. In his article, he recounts a meeting with the primary individual involved in this acquisition, Mr. Lionel Marks, who prefers to be referred to as "Just call me a retired New York businessman". The headline of the Daily Express article reads 'Mr. Marks has his eye on a permit, just a hint - Roulette for Butlins.' The reporter begins by portraying Mr. Lionel Marks as the architect behind a new initiative aimed at revitalising Billy Butlin's Vacation Village, along with plans related to gambling.

R. M. MacColl commenced the article by portraying Mr. Lionel Marks as a gentleman and proceeded to elaborate on his vision for the resort and its future under new management. He stated, "To assure the success of the Grand Bahama resort it is necessary to provide facilities such as a gold course, yacht club, first-class restaurants, bars and so on, similar to those found in all Caribbean resorts". This initial impression suggested significant plans for the former Butlins Bahamas site, as Mr. Marks further discussed the topic of gambling. He noted, "In most Caribbean resorts, such as Puerto Rico (a U.S. possession), the governments have seen fit to legalise gambling as an attraction to tourists. In the Bahamas, gambling on a small scale is permitted. Since the new resort on Grand Bahama is going to require an immediate additional expenditure of £2,000,000, beyond the £2,000,000 already spent, it is felt that it should not be subject to any greater restrictions than are now imposed elsewhere".

In my view, this indicates a significant concern regarding the gambling regulations in the Bahamas. Mr. Lionel Marks is attempting to convey that, given the substantial investment in the resort and their confidence in the location, the resort ought to be exempt from these regulations. Mr. Lionel further stated to the reporter, "However, I wish to make it clear that no formal application by my group is before the Bahamas Government at this time to permit gambling at the Vacation Village". As the meeting progressed, Mr. Lionel Marks emphasised that Billy Butlin was permitted to operate slot machines on the premises, which he referred to as 'one-arm bandits.' With this already established, he argues that it would be reasonable to relax the rules regarding roulette as well, suggesting that there should be a review of regulations rather than differing standards for similar activities.

The conversation progressed to elaborate further on the American companies expressing interest in the site, as the reporter reveals that Billy Butlin, Lionel Marks, and Mr. W. C. Dunn, a prominent figure in the oil and liquor industries from Indiana, are the financial backers of the new resort. When inquired about his introduction to Billy Butlin, Lionel Marks stated, "I was introduced to him by a legal firm -- and I want to say here that he is a fine, decent man. My hat off to Billy". Further probing into the new company, R. M. MacColl questioned, "Who will run the new company, Butlin or Marks?" Lionel replied "Oh, nobody's the boss, we're just a team. The control will be split among the people who donate the money. I'm only putting this thing together".

Special Note
This confirms the connection to the Mr W. C. Dunn, who is mentioned in Sir Billy Book on page 193 (see near top of this page about this special note, in case you are unsure what this is about)

Details regarding the future of Butlins Bahamas Ltd holiday village remained quiet until June 1951, when two resignations were submitted to the board of directors. The first resignation came from chairman Brigadier S. K. Thorburn, who had held the position for a brief period. The second resignation was from board member Mr. K. M. McKenzie, who also had a short tenure with Butlins Bahamas Ltd. Up to this point in the timeline, the chairman had been diligently working to source the necessary funds to save the company and to help the sale of the site to the American group.

Brigadier S. K. Thorburn was approached to comment on his resignation from the Butlin's Bahamas Ltd group "There is no story behind this. I have achieved what I set out to do as far as was possible. I could not see, as the Americans now have an option, that there was anything else for me to do" At this moment in time, Butlins Bahamas Ltd has no chairman.

The resignations had a greater effect on Billy Butlin than he anticipated, as it was reported on June 10, 1951, that the shareholders made an additional request. They inquired whether Billy Butlin would consider following the lead of former chairman Brigadier Keith Thorburn and resign from the board of directors of Butlins Bahamas Ltd. In response, Billy Butlin stated, "I 've never yet given up anything I start, I am not resigning. I've got a responsibility to shareholders". He further clarified that while his time in the Bahamas was nearing its conclusion, he would be returning to the United Kingdom. As of June, the Butlins Bahamas resort remained closed and was designated as 'mothballed.'

While the details regarding the acquisition of Butlins Bahamas were still being finalized, Billy Butlin faced increasing pressure from his Butlins UK company due to declining profits. Having not received a salary for the past three years, Billy Butlin stated that he had moved on from the Butlins Bahamas Ltd project and had no further intentions of investing outside the United Kingdom. He reiterated his refusal to accept the £5000 annual salary, despite shareholders urging him, 'Come on Billy, take the pay. We're not doing badly this year.' Nevertheless, Billy maintained that he would not accept the salary until the dividends returned to their appropriate level. This annual meeting was held at the Butlins Filey camp, attended by 600 individuals in the ballroom adorned with candelabras, surrounded by flowers, and in front of the Union Jack.

During the meeting, the shareholders were essentially guests enjoying the offerings of the remarkable Butlins atmosphere over the weekend. Some shareholders had arrived with a desire to question Billy Butlin regarding recent events; however, after experiencing what Butlins Filey had to present, they changed their minds and advised him to only keep out of any more foreign adventures". Billy Butlin addressed the crowd of 600, speaking for thirteen minutes about the future prospects of Butlins. One shareholder inquired, "Will there be another free weekend?" In response, Billy suggested, "Let's take a vote" to which they all unanimously agreed. He concluded with. "All right, well try to take 1000 people next year for the weekend before the meeting".

Prior to inquiries regarding Butlins Bahamas Ltd, a shareholder sought further information about the company's future prospects and the reasons behind Butlins' lack of expansion in the United Kingdom. In response, Billy Butlin stated, "Conditions won't allow us to build any more camps for many years, but we have 15,000 more bookings this year than at the same time last year. The rising cost of living, income-tax and longer industrial holidays are brining us more and more customers. But higher cost are cutting a hole in our profits".

Butlins Bahamas Ltd
Billy Butlin anticipated this topic would come up when a shareholder inquired whether he could assure that no funds would be invested abroad following the recent events at the Butlins Bahamas resort. In response, Billy stated that "If the American group take up their option on the Bahamas property I may have to visit it two or three times a year but you don't begrudge me a bit of sunshine in the winter which helps me to run the camps here in the summer better, do you?" The share holders responded with "we don't". Mr. Colvin-Smith, a prospective Conservative candidate for the Morpeth division and one of the shareholders present at the Butlins Filey meeting, criticised Billy Butlin. He considered the Bahamas project to be a complete waste of shareholders money and was intent on addressing his concerns with Billy Butlin. However, after his visit to Butlins Filey, he reconsidered his views and acknowledged Billy Butlin work that he does in the United Kingdom. Mr Smith can see what the camps here can offer and urged the board to assure that no further projects like the Bahamas would be undertaken. In response, Billy Butlin would say "I do not anticipate any such schemes but, I can not commit myself to this"

The July 1951 annual meeting turned out to be way more successful than anyone expected. Billy Butlin realized that his talents were needed more in the UK. The shareholders wanted him to focus on the UK side of Butlins and not pursue projects abroad. It was clear to Billy that he needed to pay attention to the shareholders' concerns. From then on, his task was to wrap up the Butlins Bahamas venture and show everyone that his true passion lies with Butlins UK.

It was not until September the 2nd that news had been released showing that Billy Butlin was on his way back to New York to discuss the American's group commintment into buying the Butlins Bahamas Ltd site. The company have until April 1952 to make their decision and Billy Butlin felt that he needed to see what the current status is regarding this former Butlins site. The feeling was that he needed to issue s statement to the shareholders who had been waiting for some time for an update to help ease any concerns.

Civil Aeronautics Board

Between 1938 and 1985, the United States maintained a department responsible for regulating aviation services. In the board report from 1951, found on page 712, the Aeronautics board reviewed the trips to and from the Butlins Holiday resort.

"West End, Grand Bahama Island, is the location of Butlin's Holiday Village, a vacation resort catering to middle-income groups in the United States. The project is located on the extreme western tip of the Bahamas, some 60 miles from West Palm Beach and 101 miles from Miami. The village is similar to eight other vacation facilities operated by Butlin's Ltd. in the British Isles and is the sole tourist attraction on the Island. Butlin's either owns or has under lease 20,000 acres of land for the project, which, when completed, will have housing facilities for 2,000 guests. Accommodations are presently available for 500 guests but are expected to increase to 1,000 by January 1, 1951.

The Village will be operated on a year-round basis and will offer visitors a wide variety of indoor and outdoor recreational diversions such as fishing, swimming, archery, tennis, dancing and motion pictures. The proposed rates, which include the cost of the meals and of all the other activities mentioned above, are $15 per day and $98 per week for each adult during the winter season and $12 and $79 per adult, respectively, during the summer. The only means of transportation to the West End is by air, and the success of the venture is dependent upon ample air transportation being available at all times. Butlin's owns and operates its own airfield at West End, which is located one half mile from the village. Construction of the airport is still in progress, but one hard-surface runway, 4,2000 feet in length, has been completed and is now being used by carriers serving West End. When completed, the airport will have 3 runways, the longest of which will be 7,000 feet."

This report is quite interesting to read, revealing that there were still plans considered to move forward despite the well-known challenges at the time. An engaging read that you can check out for yourself by clicking on these words. As of November 30th, 1951, Aeroplan magazine reported that Midet Aviation Corporation received authorisation to operate special services from Palm Beach International Airport to Butlins Vacation Resort. The report further indicates that the previous company, Skyways Ltd, expressed interest in the route; however, due to significant changes in the resort's future, that arrangement would be postponed until April 1952. You can read more about that report by clicking on these words.

1952

Limited information is available regarding the meetings that may have occurred from September to January 1952. The Western Mail provides an update confirming that during this period, Billy Butlin engaged in discussions with an American firm concerning the sale of the site, aiming to finalize the deal prior to the liquidation review in April. The negotiations appear to be progressing positively, with Billy Butlin informing shareholders that the situation has been 'quite satisfactory.' There remains a strong hope that the sale will be completed, as it would suffice to settle the creditors' claims, and the impending deadline is a significant concern. At this point, the resort was closed and not operational.

By the deadline for April's review regarding the company's liquidation, Billy Butlin was set to declare that negotiations with Lionel Marks and the mysterious American syndicate had failed. They had lost interest in the previous Butlins Bahamas resort site for their project, despite having invested significantly in surveys, investigations, and other related activities. At this point, it was anticipated that the resort would be liquidated when a gentleman named Mr. William Dunn, chairman of a merchants distillery in Chicago, expressed interest in making an offer for the property.

In light of the recent offer, Billy Butlin instructed his lawyer to request a further postponement until May 19th, allowing time for discussions with Mr. William Dunn regarding his proposals for Butlins Bahamas concerning the site. Fortunately, Mr. Sands successfully obtained the extension, with Billy Butlin actively engaging in discussions about the available options. Notably, Mr. Dunn had deposited a sum with Butlins Bahamas Ltd to preserve the buildings during this period, providing the company directors the opportunity to converse with him about the potential acquisition of the site.

After extensive negotiations, the deadline for the extended agreement was approaching rapidly, leaving Mr. William Dunn with insufficient time to make a decision regarding the Butlins Bahamas Ltd resort. During a meeting with creditors on Friday, May 16, 1952, Billy Butlin successfully secured an additional one-month extension through an agreement with the creditors. They expressed satisfaction with the proposal, granting Billy Butlin more time to negotiate with Mr. William Dunn about his plans for the site. A noteworthy part of the Butlins Bahamas story in 1952 is that the prospective new owner, Mr. William Dunn, had indicated his intention to settle the full amount owed to the smaller creditors. This would cost Mr. Dunn £125,000 and would be paid by September, thereby easing some pressure from Billy Butlin. There is also a newspaper article from the Evening Standard that explains that the resort might be up for sale. I am unable to show you the screenshot as it's not allowed to be placed on websites however, I can give you the link to see for yourself by clicking on these words

Further research has shown me that Mr William Dunn would also put some demands into the offer, which included;

1. Exchange control approval for the issue of first mortgage debentures in the United States, with a guarantee of dollar repayment if the company were liquidated.
2. Permission to pay out net profits of up to $412,500 (£147,300) annually.
3. Permission to employ presiding or chief executive officers from the United States at total salaries of $35,000 (£12,500) annually, and other additional staff from the United States as the company considers necessary.
4. Dollars for food and high-class United States entertainers.
5. A reasonable amount of dollars for advertising and publicity

Mr William Dunn was also looking to have the license that Billy Butlin had for slot machines to also be included in the sale however, there was no further information about the larger scale gambling. You can read this on the Google Books store by clicking on these words to view the Evening Times - 20th June 1952.

Following extensive discussions, the company represented by Mr. William Dunn has proposed an offer of £805,000 for the former Butlins Holiday Resort located in the Bahamas. The preference shareholders will be invited to evaluate the offer presented by Mr. Dunn, which comprises £125,000 in cash, £650,000 in 5% second debentures, and £30,000 in 600,000 'B' 2s ordinary shares of the new entity that will succeed Butlins Bahamas Ltd. This transaction will require assessment by the principal creditors, namely the group led by Mr. Harold Drayton, which has invested £471,300, Barclays Ltd. with an investment of £11,300, and Billy Butlin, who has contributed £7,600, as these amounts will be retained as equity in the newly established company. It's thought that if this deal goes through, Butlins Bahamas directors believe that all creditors and 600,000 B shares will be paid in full.

The proposal from Mr. William Dunn was seen as disappointing, as the offered amount was unexpectedly lower than anticipated for the former Butlins resort. In comparison to Lionel Marks's offer of £1,450,000 on behalf of an American syndicate, many believed that Mr. Dunn's valuation of £805,000 fell short, a reduction of £645,000. However, certain newspapers presented an alternative viewpoint. For instance, the Birmingham Daily Post argued against the rejection of this offer, suggesting that Butlins Bahamas Ltd had only one other option: to dissolve the company, which would be considerably worse. It was recommended that shareholders and creditors carefully consider this proposal, as dissolving the company could result in insufficient funds to settle outstanding debts.

Shareholders are encouraged to evaluate the proposal and consider the potential benefits that could enhance their financial situation. Many experts recommend accepting the current offer, as time is limited for finding a new owner, with the alternative being closure. Should the deal be accepted, shareholders would also acquire a minor stake in the new company that Mr. William Dunn plans to establish, which could help them recover their losses over time. The board of directors strongly supports this deal, believing it to be the most advantageous path forward for maximising returns from the former Butlins resort. Currently, there are no other companies or individuals expressing interest in acquiring the Butlins resort in the Bahamas. It was not until the 18th July 1952 that the information was submitted to the Bahamas House of Assembly for it to be considered by Major General Neville, the governor of the Bahamas, for approval of the takeover of the former Butlins resort. The deadline date for the assembly's approval will be set for July 31st 1952 otherwise, Mr William Dunn will withdraw his offer for the site.

The growing concern among shareholders regarding the Bahamas Butlins Ltd situation was evident as they reflected on the financial implications it had for them. During the 15th annual general meeting in July 1952, Billy Butlin addressed 450 shareholders at his Butlins Pwllheli camp in North Wales. Prior to the meeting, they gathered at the Viennese Bar to discuss their thoughts and formulate questions for Billy Butlin. When the topic of the Bahamas venture arose, a shareholder named Miss Taylor inquired, "Will we get any of the money back?" to which Billy Butlin responded "I would not like to say" As the meeting progressed, he clarified that he was not solely accountable for the Bahamas project's shortcomings, stating "Harold Christie, a Bahamas man and Brigadier General Critchley, the dog-racing chief. They picked the site, my responsibility was to run the camp after it was built"

A newspaper article dated Sunday, July 20, 1952, authored by Bernard Harris, provides updates on the sale's progress. The article details Billy Butlin's vision and aspiration to establish a holiday camp in the Bahamas, aimed at offering middle-class customers an opportunity for a vacation that they might believe was exclusively available to wealthier individuals. However, as noted on the Butlins Memorabilia website, the venture did not unfold as Billy Butlin had intended, leading to the resort being put up for sale after an unsuccessful attempt to sell it to Lionel Marks. Ultimately, positive news reached Billy Butlin when the Governor of the Bahamas, General Sir Robert Neville, consented to the sale of the resort, bringing considerable relief to both Billy Butlin and the investors in Butlins Bahamas Ltd.

The new proprietor, Mr. William Dunn, a millionaire whisky distiller, aimed to redevelop the resort to accommodate up to 1,000 luxury customers seeking respite from their demanding occupations. However, in a small situation faced by Butlins Bahamas Ltd, there existed a persistent challenge concerning gambling regulations. Billy Butlin and Brigadier General Critchley had obtained concessions for the operation of slot machines, pinball tables, and horse and dog racing; yet the same could not be assured for Mr. Dunn's aspirations. The article discusses Lionel Marks attempt to take over the company and his vision for the site, which did not materialise as desired, particularly regarding the casino. Negotiations with the Bahamian government ultimately led to the deal's collapse, resulting in the withdrawal of the £1,450,000 investment. Without the necessary permissions for the casino, Lionel Marks and the entities he represented lost interest in the site. If Mr. William Dunn's plans were to include an area similar to Lionel Mark and company, it could potentially create some difficulties with the conclusion of the sale.

Bernard Harris provides background information on Mr. William Dunn to enhance our understanding of the individual interested in acquiring the former Butlins resort. At 52 years old, during this phase of the Butlins timeline, Mr. Dunn amassed his wealth by the age of 33. He is characterised as a fair-haired gentleman standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, and he may be considering the gambling concession as part of his vision for the former Butlins site. Mr. Dunn is no stranger to risk; his history reveals that he took over the Merchants Distilling Corporation in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1933, starting with only twenty-seven customers. Under his leadership, the corporation significantly expanded to become a nationwide distribution company. Additionally, Mr. Dunn served as the chairman of the Ajax Corporation, which manufactured air conditioning units. Notably, Mr. Lionel Marks had previously claimed to hold this position during an earlier attempt to purchase the former Butlins site, raising concerns about whether the gambling option could hinder the sale of the property. The remaining part of the article then explains the history that has already been shown to you on this website from 1948 to 1950. This article was perfectly written and explains a great deal about Billy Butlin, including the important annual meeting in Butlins Pwllheli this year.

Additional information revealed that the assembly in the Bahamas approved the sale on Saturday, July 26, 1952. The next step in the process involved submitting the plans and details to the Bahamian legislative council on Monday, July 28, 1952. Further information was released regarding Mr. William Dunn's plans for the site, which included accommodations for up to 1,000 guests at the highest standards, the operation of an airbase, and the installation of electric and telephone equipment. A newspaper article from the Scotsman indicates that the government has agreed to allow £400,000 worth of building materials to be imported duty-free. Similar to the agreement made with Billy Butlin, there will also be a twenty-year exemption from property and income taxes. Additionally, an agreement was reached, similar to the one Billy Butlin and Brigadier General Critchley had, stipulating that the license to operate the totalisator for horse, donkey, car, motorcycle, and other racing events would remain valid under a fifteen-year license.

It was not until August that I discovered evidence confirming the sale's approval, as reported by the Lincolnshire Echo, which stated "a bill authorising the sale of Butlin's Grand Bahamas camp to Mr William C. Dunn, chairman of the merchant distillers" This news indicated that Billy Butlin and his shareholders had finally reached a conclusion, marking an end to the Butlins Bahamas story.....well that was the plan that Billy Butlin was hoping to see become a reality but knew you always had to be be prepared for something that might get in your way. Further research found that the bill was not signed until Tues,day 12th August 1952, making it official that the sale can now go ahead as planned.

As Mr. William Dunn prepared to take possession of the former Butlins resort, Billy Butlin received troubling news from the new owner regarding a complication that had arisen. Both Mr. Dunn and Mr. Butlin had notified the creditors that the new company was not yet prepared to assume control. The delay was unforeseen and related to issues with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington. After considering the explanations provided, the creditors consented to grant an additional three months to resolve the matter; otherwise, they would need to reconsider the option of liquidation. Unfortunately for Billy Butlin, this location continues to present challenges, as he struggles to find a positive path forward amidst ongoing difficulties.

There was limited information available regarding Mr. William Dunn's progress from September to December. The deadline for the company's winding-up proceedings was approaching. Mr. Dunn attended a meeting with the creditors to provide them with an update on his circumstances and to request an additional three months to secure the necessary financing and resolve his issues in the USA. The creditors consented to this request and granted him the extra three months he required.

Butlins Memorabilia Disclaimer

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 and details on how to obtain a copy. 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

Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website
The Butlins Memorabilia website was originally established as a place on the internet where people could view Mark Banks' Butlins collections. As a passionate enthusiast of the brand, Mark took the initiative to explore the extensive history that led to the website's transformation. Now, the Butlins Memorabilia site has matured into a historical education platform, demonstrating to visitors the meaningful ways in which Butlins has fostered joy and created unforgettable memories.

Are you the official Butlins Archive?
There exists only ONE official website that represents Butlins and that is located at www.butlins.com. The Butlins Memorabilia website is NOT the official archive of Butlins, nor does it serve as the authentic historical record of this extraordinary company. Butlins and their respective parent company have no role in the development of this site and have not participated in its creation. The singular official source for all Butlins information is the one indicated above. This site is strictly a fan-created platform, and any material presented here should be viewed as unofficial. Butlins and their esteemed parent company have NOT reached out to me to create this site, nor have they requested me to promote them. I undertake this effort solely to demonstrate my appreciation for their remarkable name and brand.

If you want to know more about this website
If you would like to read more about this website, you are more than welcome to click on these words. This special page will show you more about this site, how my Butlins collections started, how to get in touch with Mark, Social media links, our Facebook experts and the friends of this website.

Butlins Memorabilia Support and help
If you get stuck and need help with an area of the website, please click on these words to read about known problems and how to solve them

The Untold Stories of Butlin's
An exciting addition to the website is the section titled "Untold Stories of Butlin's," which includes a range of personal stories. These narratives have been contributed by members of the Butlins Memorabilia social media groups, who have shared their individual experiences at Butlin's. It is important to understand that these stories are not sanctioned by the official company but are personal recollections from the individuals, as indicated on the page. The accounts shared reflect the magical atmosphere of Butlin's and the memorable moments it has inspired.

Can I get in touch with you about my situation at Butlins for some help?
For any issues related to bookings, inquiries on how to use the app, or to file a complaint, it is essential to follow the official procedure by contacting Butlins directly. Unfortunately, the Butlins Memorabilia website is not equipped to handle these matters, and no assistance can be provided through this platform. Complaints must be directed to Butlins, as they are the only ones capable of addressing them; this site lacks the direct control or involvement necessary to assist. The sole website that can provide help is the Butlin's official site, www.butlins.com. Everything you need can be found there, including their contact page, which is available on this link, and assistance with the Butlins app can be found on this link.

Google adverts and policies
There is a single Google advertisement located at the top of each page. I have created a privacy policy available at this link and a cookie policy at this link, which aim to provide further clarification regarding this section of the website, with the intention of enhancing your understanding of how this operates.

Butlin's Memorabilia Sitemap - Visitor layout
For those who prefer a sitemap layout to the menu, please click on these words.

Butlin's Memorabilia Website Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village is for sale - Pt 61951

Chapter 13 - Have you heard about the Bermuda Plan? - Part 4

What a story so far....

Friday 12th Janurary 1951

Friday 12th January 1951

Friday 16th February 1951

Wednesday 21st February 1951

Sunday 8th April 1951

Wednesday 11th April 1951

Saturday 14th April 1951

Friday 27th April 1951

Monday 30th April 1951

Tuesday 1st May 1951

Thursday 3rd May 1951

Tuesday 5th June 1951

Tuesday 5th June 1951

Sunday 10th June 1951

Tuesday 17th July 1951

Sunday 2nd September 1951

Civil Aeronautics Board

1952

Monday 28th January 1952

Wednesday 23rd April 1952

Saturday 17th July 1952

Sunday 18th May 1952

Tuesday 17th June 1952

Tuesday 17th June 1952

Wednesday 18th June 1952

Saturday 19th July 1952

Sunday 20th July 1952

Saturday 26th July 1952

Saturday 26th July 1952

Tuesday 12th August 1952

Tuesday 12th August 1952

Saturday 13th September 1952

Saturday 13th December 1952

Do you have any fond memories of Butlins Bahamas that you'd like to share?

Join the Butlin's Memorabilia Social media groups

A group where you can discuss any Butlins camp/resort, hotels or parks (public setting)

A group where you can discuss any Butlins camp/resort, hotels or parks (private setting)

A group to chat about Butlins Barry Island and the Barry Island Majestic Resort

Butlins Memorabilia Disclaimer

Butlin's Memorabilia Website
Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village is for sale - Pt 6
1951