Saturday 14th January 1953
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Birmingham Daily Post
Showing details about the extension given to Mr William Dunn to conclude the sale of the former Butlins Resort.
As we continue from the fourth segment of the Butlins Bermuda plan, we now explore an essential chapter in the Butlins Caribbean saga.
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The specifics regarding Mr. William Dunn's activities over the past three months are difficult to find and research. Nevertheless, it is known that the extension period for the proceedings to dissolve the company has arrived. During a meeting, Mr. Sands, the lawyer for Billy Butlin, will engage with the creditors regarding Mr. Dunn's pending decision from the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning his application to sell securities and shares valued at three million dollars in the United States. Following this discussion, the creditors were happy with all the details provided and consented to another extension. A new hearing date for May 11th, 1953, in the Supreme Court of the Bahamas and for the creditors to access their position with Butlins Bahamas Ltd.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Birmingham Daily Post
Showing details about the extension given to Mr William Dunn to conclude the sale of the former Butlins Resort.
While awaiting an update on the progress of the sale, a newspaper article authored by Newell Rogers was published in the Daily Express on Saturday, March 21, 1953. The article provides further details regarding the plans for the former Butlins Bahamas resort, with architect Roy F. France engaged to develop the designs. Mr. Roy F. France is a highly regarded architect known for his numerous building projects and was invited to create a resort that would exceed 'Billy's wildest dreams.' It is important to note that Billy Butlin aimed to provide holiday opportunities for those who had never experienced one, which suggests a misunderstanding of the essence of Butlins, particularly when the article refers to the new location as 'Super Butlins'. The new owners wanted to change the resort into a glamorous location, which was going to cost an additional £700,000 to build.
The proposal involves transforming the chalets into a contemporary design similar to those found in Las Vegas. The new resort will provide a rapid plane service to and from Miami Beach for guests interested in attending horse racing events at the Hialeah Track. Additionally, the resort will feature a dog racing track equipped with tote and slot machines. Significant renovations will include the refurbishment of rooms for staff, incorporating air conditioning units and outdoor balconies. The anticipated cost for accommodation at this venue is £12 7s per day for two individuals, which includes meals during the winter season. In the summer season, the rates will decrease to £7 17s per day.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily Express
Showing a brilliant part of the Daily Express that explains more about the plans for the former Butlins Bahamas Resort.
Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
West Lancashire Evening Gazette
I have added this article in respect for Mr Henshaw, who was a construction foreman during the construction of the Butlins Bahama resort.
As we reach the conclusion of the Butlins Bahamas story, there was one final attempt to prevent the company from winding up. In October 1953, the High Court in Nassau granted an additional three-week adjournment for Mr. William Dunn to arrange his situation to secure the necessary funds. However, on Monday, December 7th, Mr. William Dunn's attorney communicated that the efforts to raise the required funds to purchase the former Butlins resort had been unsuccessful. The last chance offer to purchase the former Butlins resort has been terminated, marking the end of this amazing historic journey.
On December 8, 1953, an order was issued to initiate the liquidation proceedings. Creditors, shareholders, and likely Billy Butlin himself knew that it was time for these proceedings should commence, as they had been postponed for just over three years. Justice Guy Henderson authorised the commencement of the proceedings, stipulating that there would be no further delays in dissolving Butlins Bahamas Ltd. The saga of Butlins Bahamas concludes as Billy Butlin made efforts to salvage the venture, aiming to return funds to investors; however, he faced a series of unfortunate challenges. For the first time, Billy Butlin would personally close the gates, marking the permanent closure of Butlin's Bahamas resort. This was not a nice feeling for Billy Butlin, but that is explained on the next page.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Birmingham Daily Gazette
Showing the extension to the possible takeover by Mr William Dunn.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Liverpool Daily Post
Confirming the closure of the Butlins Bahamas resort.
Image © D.C.Thomson & Co. Ltd (Aberdeen cut-off). Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Dundee Courier
Confirming the closure of the Butlins Bahamas resort.
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Daily Express
I finish the year 1953 by using the Daily Express newspaper last, as it was their newspaper that helped a great deal with the storytelling
(not official but through archived newspapers)
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
