Butlin's Memorabilia Website
In depth Research about Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village - Pt 3
1948

Chapter 13 - Have you heard about the Bermuda Plan? - Part 3

As we continue from the second 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

Page 187 - The Billy Butlin Story

The Butlin Story Book - Page 187 - The Butlin Story - By Sir Billy Butlin


Brigadier-General Alfred Critchley

On February 23, 1890, Alfred Cecil Critchley was born in Canada, in a place that was once called Calgary, now recognized as Alberta. He attended St. Bees School in Cumberland. Mr. Critchley began his military career in the Canadian regiment known as Lord Strathcona's Horse. As his career developed, he also joined the Royal Flying Corps towards the end of World War One.

Mr Critchley was appointed to the Royal Flying Corps in 1918, attaining the temporary rank of Brigadier General at the age of 28. He played a crucial role in training, commanding, and overseeing the RAF cadet brigade. By the end of the war, he had become the youngest Brigadier General in the British Imperial Forces. Furthermore, Mr. Critchley was married to Maryon Galt. The Brigadier General was honoured with several prestigious awards, including the CMG, CBE, and DSO medals.
(click on the names if you wish to see more, opens a new window) 

Brigadier would go on to be a crucial player in the creation of the Greyhound Racing Association in the United Kingdom, which became an essential element of the Butlins Vacation Village saga.

After his discussion with Brigadier General Critchley, Billy Butlin felt a strong desire to learn more about the area and was excited about the opportunity to travel there to assess its potential and whether it captured the essence of Butlins. He chartered a Goose seaplane, both Billy Butlin and Brigadier General Critchley would fly over to the location to have a further look. Billy Butlin remembers seeing an "idyllic island" with glorious pink-white beaches and that the island really did have that lovely feeling to it. They land the plane to have a further look at the location to be greeted by very few people as the island was not populated a great deal. 

Page 84 - Grand Bahama - P J H Barratt

Grand Bahama - Page 84 - P. J. H Barratt

The chosen location was perfectly in tune with the goals of Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley, featuring ample space and beautiful scenery for all to appreciate. With his characteristic foresight, Billy Butlin would reflect on the future growth of this camp. However, he faced a challenge in securing the necessary funds and making a detailed plan essential for the project's execution. Brigadier-General Critchley would lend his support to Butlin by facilitating discussions that included a third party, Mr Harold C Drayton. This project was anticipated to be profitable, though the initial financial commitment would be quite significant.

In the discussions held among Billy Butlin, Brigadier-General Critchley, and Mr. Harold Drayton, various aspects were addressed, including strategic plans, necessary negotiations, sourcing of essential materials, and the collaborative efforts required to launch the new business in the Bahamas. Key topics of focus during these meetings included:

"Billy, your understanding of setting up and managing a holiday camp is invaluable for achieving success. Alfred, your insights into air services will significantly contribute to the new camp's operations. Harold, you have the expertise needed to develop a strong investment profile."

The team united, and the news began to circulate as individuals observed a new chapter unfolding in the Butlins timeline. An announcement was made about the new Butlins holiday vacation village at the moment when the Princess Hotel was re-opening after it was closed for ten years because of the war. 

Thursday 17th June 1948

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Daily Express 
News of this latest development had arrived to the United Kingdom as Frederick Ellis reports on the talks with Mr Drayton about this Butlin's adventure in the Bahamas. 

Harold Charles Harley Drayton by Elliott & Fry, Bromide print,  NPG x89074

by Elliott & Fry, Bromide print, 
NPG x89074
© National Portrait Gallery, London 
Disclaimer of use of this image


Mr Harold Charles Drayton

Harold Drayton, born on November 19th, 1901, in Streatham, was one of the two sons of Mr. Bob Drayton and Mrs. Annie Drayton, whose maiden name was Keep. Sadly, his mother passed away when he was still young, and Mr Bob Drayton devoted himself to raising his sons while working as a gardener for the county council.

Mr. Harold Drayton was a notable businessman with a successful track record and numerous interests. He held the position of chairman at Mitchell Cotts and United Newspapers, while also serving as a director for Midland Banks and Eagle Star. As the third investor in the Butlin's Bahamas Ltd venture, Mr. Drayton was enthusiastic about realizing Billy Butlin's vision. Mr Harold Drayton became a self-made millionaire with his investments and the roles he worked in.

To learn more about Mr. Harold Drayton, you may click on the link to the Streatham Society website. (I provide this for additional research)

Billy Butlin's next objective was to gather more information regarding the acquisition of the land he envisioned for his new camp. Upon returning to the Bahamas, he began investigating potential sellers and sought the necessary information. However, he encountered significant challenges, as each inquiry was met with resistance and a lack of cooperation. As he delved deeper into the matter, he reached out to contacts in London and Washington for assistance, only to be met with silence. Undeterred, Billy Butlin eventually uncovered the reasons behind the difficulties he faced in obtaining the crucial details needed to establish his Bahamas Butlins camp.

The land was under consideration by the American Air Force for a ballistic missile tracking station. Upon learning this, Billy Butlin grasped the reasons behind the unexpected feedback he had received. However, he remained committed to acquiring the land. In the end, the US Air Force chose to suggest a different location, Gold Rock Creek, giving Butlin the opportunity to proceed with his holiday camp project. He acquired 685 acres from Mr. Alex Wennergren for £1 per acre, initiating the development of Butlin's Vacation Village in the Bahamas.

Friday 9th July 1948

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Liverpool Daily Post
The Liverpool Daily Post featured an article on its front page announcing that Billy Butlin had successfully acquired the land from Mr. Alex Wennergren.

Daily Record - Friday 09 July 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas story
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Friday 9th July 1948

Daily Record
News started to travel around about the purchase of this new land in Bahamas adding towards the excitement of a new Butlins

Link to website

Birmingham Daily Gazette - Friday 09 July 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas Story
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Friday 9th July 1948

Birmingham Daily Gazette
Showing another article with different wording as the excitement started to be shared with the readers of the newspapers.

Link to website

Belfast News-Letter - Friday 09 July 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas Story
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Friday 9th July 1948

Belfast News-Letter
This is the article that shows the name "Holiday Village" when reporting on Billy Butlin new purchase in the Bahamas.

Link to website

21st November 1948

Image provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Evening Star 
The American newspaper also confirms the idea of the Butlins Holiday Village 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.  

Information about the Butlins Bahamas Vacation Village

 Accommodation
The development plans indicate a half-mile zone intended to originally host 1,000 guests in a holiday village comprised of single and double-decker chalets. Each chalet will be provided with necessary amenities such as water, electricity, and sewage facilities. By the year 1960, this area is projected to grow, enabling accommodation for up to 2,000 guests to enjoy the offerings of Bahamas Butlins.

Airport
An international airport will be constructed, featuring three runways, with the government providing half of the funding for the construction costs as part of a concession agreement (if approved).

Powerplant
Construct a power plant capable of providing the village with the essential electricity it requires.

Conference Halls
Construct the conference halls in alignment with the planning materials that will be submitted.

Docks
The installation of boat docks is available for customers who prefer to travel to the island by this means and for the purpose of transporting materials.

Swimming pools
The construction of swimming pools, is applicable to both internal and external settings.

Entertainment buildings
Development of entertainment facilities along with all the necessary essential equipment.

Shops
The construction of Butlins shops is intended to present an authentic British experience to the expected guests from the United States and Canada.

Pathways, roads and essential work such as sewage and water
The project involves the construction of a road that will provide direct access from the village to the new airport, along with the development of pathways, maintenance of gardens, and essential infrastructure work including electricity, water supply, and sewage systems.

Butlins Bahamas Limited

The land has been successfully purchased, prompting Billy Butlin, Brigadier-General Critchley, and Harrold Drayton to initiate the planning process for a new holiday camp, which Butlin would later name a Vacation Village, reminiscent of his Mosney location. The first step for Butlin was to set up a new company for the Bahamas, which he named "Butlins Bahamas Ltd" on April 13, 1948. Creating this new company name would assist in securing the projected £1,500,000 necessary for the development of the site, aiming for a 1950 opening. The initial funding for Butlins Bahamas Limited was provided by four key investors;

Billy Butlin: £200,000
Brigadier-General Critchley: £100,000
Harold Drayton: £100,000
Butlins Limited (England): £100,000 worth of shares, no charge in return for assistance and advice on the development of the holiday village. 

Harold Drayton is working towards raising £600,000 through investments, which is dependent on the successful outcome of planning negotiations with the Bahamian government. In parallel, Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley are planning to strengthen their team by introducing a chairman position and hiring an attorney to ensure adherence to government terms and to mitigate any potential challenges. Sir Bede  Edmund  Hugh Clifford has been appointed as the new chairman of Butlins Bahamas Ltd., bringing significant expertise from his previous roles as a Colonial Office insider and the former Governor of the Bahamas. Stafford Sand has also been appointed as the company’s attorney, bringing a wealth of experience, including his prior position as a legal advisor to the Bahamian government.

Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford

by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 11 August 1925
NPG x123448
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Disclaimer of use of this image


Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford

Sir Bede Clifford, a British diplomat and colonial administrator, was born on July 3, 1890. His parents were William Hugh Clifford and Catherine Mary Clifford, whose maiden name was Bassett. It was not until he reached the age of ten that Sir Bede began attending a regular school.

In the latter part of his life, Sir Bede Clifford pursued studies at Melbourne University to become a surveyor. His professional journey began as a merchant navy officer, eventually leading him to serve as an army captain with the Royal Fusiliers during World War I. Additionally, in 1921, Sir Bede Clifford contributed to the imperial administration and diplomacy in South Africa.

From 1932 to 1934, Sir Bede Clifford held the position of governor in the Bahamas. He then became the 24th Governor of Mauritius, serving from 1937 to 1942. His career continued in Trinidad, where he governed both Trinidad and Tobago from 1942 to 1947.

In 1925, Sir Bede Clifford married Alice Devin Gundry in Cleveland, Ohio. The couple was blessed with three children: Anne France Mary, Patricia David Pandora, and Alice Devin Atalanta Clifford.

Preparation and submitting the plans

In the course of their preparations, Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley faced an important challenge: obtaining the support of the local residents for the new holiday village. They anticipated that the project would be well-received, as it was expected to enhance the island's economy and create numerous job opportunities. Surprisingly, the initial feedback was largely unfavourable, with many locals expressing a desire to distance themselves from the project. Having dealt with similar opposition in the UK, Butlin took the opportunity to engage with the community, explaining the potential benefits of the village. Gradually, the local population began to recognize the opportunities it could provide and started to respond more positively.

In the UK, the team was actively engaged in formulating plans for a new holiday village in the Bahamas. Billy Butlin contracted the architectural firm Lionel H. Fewster & Partners from London to aid in the creation of the planning applications necessary for the Bahamian government. Additionally, Alfred J. Clarke, a gentleman from Pwllheli, was recruited to assist in translating the architectural designs into a material cost estimate, which totalled £592,000. This estimate included costs for labour, water, sewage, airport runways, and roads. Consequently, the total expenditure for the site was projected to be £1,000,000, with preparations aimed at a 1950 opening. Careful planning was essential for the camp's expenses, as Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley aimed to identify cost-saving measures to keep expenditures manageable. A potential approach included procuring materials and equipment from the United Kingdom to minimize costs, alongside leveraging the local Pine Ridge lumber operation, owned by Wallace Groves, for timber.

28th May 1948

The anticipated moment had arrived for Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley as they prepared to present their plans for a new village, complete with an aerodrome, to the Bahamian government. They conducted a thorough review of the documents to ensure that the West End location was accurately represented and that all required materials were in order for submission. This included eight pages outlining the concessions to be made by the government, the Treasury, and the Crown. With the details now submitted, they awaited further communication regarding the application’s progress, as the realisation of their dream lay in the hands of the Bahamian government.

24th June 1948

Almost a month had passed since Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley submitted their plans to the government. They received an invitation to meet with Governor William Murphy and the Executive Council. During this meeting, they were requested to provide further details about their proposals and to negotiate any terms that had been established. The discussion was scheduled to resume on June 28, 1948, with Stafford Sands, the attorney for Butlins Bahamas Ltd, in attendance to facilitate the process and address any inquiries from the council and their legal representative.

The plans that were discussed

The information submitted reveals that the holiday village plans to open its doors on January 1, 1950, with the ability to host 1,000 guests, with intentions to increase this capacity to 2,000 within two years. The village will provide amenities similar to those available in camps across the United Kingdom, including a swimming pool, a boating lake for fishing, nightclubs for entertainment, and various sports such as table tennis and football. Additionally, it will feature shows, cinemas, and special events that cater to the specific expectations of customers in the Bahamas, which will be notably different from those in the UK. Concerns were expressed about the all-inclusive rate being proposed within the $80 to $100 range. It was clarified that additional spending on cigarettes and beverages would contribute to the anticipated profits, with expectations of generating $4,000,000 from the holiday village and an additional £2,000,000 from the air service provided to and from the holiday village.

What concessions were offered to the government by Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley?

To keep the costs related to the camp's construction to a minimum, Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley proposed a set of concessions for government approval aimed at promoting the development of the holiday village and its benefits to the Bahamas.

Importing materials - The proposed plans incorporate a concession that permits the importation of materials, furniture, and equipment to be free from any applicable taxes, including landing fees.
Weekend customers - Additionally, they suggested that landing fees be exempted for those customers who planned to visit exclusively on weekends, aiming to boost visitor numbers.
Company Taxes - The company is eligible for a ten-year tax exemption on its earnings, attributable to the investments made in the site and the local area.
Additional land - To have the same option of £1 per acre for any expansion plans at any time during a 15-year agreement

The government reviewed the recommendations and expressed general approval, believing they would enhance tourism and provide advantages for the Bahamas, with minor adjustments to the terms. Nevertheless, Brigadier-General Critchley sought an additional concession, which posed difficulties due to the island's legal framework. Since gambling has been prohibited in the Bahamas since 1901, this presented a challenge for Brigadier-General Critchley's plans for the new Butlins site. Collaborating with Stafford Sands, they identified a potential solution in the Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1927. This legislation permitted the governor of the council to issue exemption certificates to certain companies to avoid prosecution. However, these exemptions would come with stipulations, including that local residents, employees, government officials, and individuals under 18 years of age would not be allowed to gamble, nor would those coming from abroad to work on the site. 

If these certificates were to be issued, they would come with an annual review process to ensure compliance with the license's terms and conditions. Only two companies have been allowed this exemption certificate. The first is the Bahamian Club, found on West Bay Street, which was granted a seasonal casino license. The second is located in Cat Cay, south of Bimini. Both were granted an exemption to the law in 1939 through legislation endorsed by Stafford Sands, the attorney for Butlins Bahamas Ltd. The second legal barrier is referred to as Section 255 of the Penal Code, which restricts the use of slot machines and other gambling machines.

Brigadier-General Critchley's concession -The proposal outlined that Butlins Bahamas Ltd would receive an exemption from the law to permit the installation of a totaliser machine for betting on dogs, horses, and various races occurring at that time. The betting revenue would see five percent directed to the government and ten percent allocated to Butlins Bahamas Ltd. Furthermore, the agreement included provisions for Billy Butlin, Harold Drayton, Brigadier-General Critchley, and Butlins Bahamas Ltd to be exempt from Section 255 of the penal code, thereby allowing the gambling machines to be set up and used by guests at the holiday village. This concession highlighted the need for these exemptions to avoid any legal repercussions from the code and act.

Governor Murphy was not pleased with this concession, as he felt it was more influenced by Brigadier-General Critchley than by Billy Butlin. The proposal to be exempt from both the act and the code was perceived as excessive in its demands, sparking significant debate on the matter. During discussions with the colonial office in London, the conversation took an unexpected turn, as they appeared to favour the idea, believing that the holiday village would attract more visitors to the island. The review indicated that visitors to the site would likely spend more money on amenities such as the totaliser and gambling machines, which could be economically beneficial for the Bahamas. The meeting underscored the importance of this development, as Butlins Bahamas Ltd could potentially become the third company to receive such an exemption. Both departments concurred that Billy Butlin's vision for the holiday village represented the most effective strategy for boosting tourism.

8th July 1948

Following the conclusion of the meetings, Governor Murphy will assess all plans and details, advocating for a more positive outlook on the revised agreement. Meanwhile, Billy Butlin, Brigadier-General Critchley, and Harold Drayton are on standby for news about the new Butlins village, as Governor Murphy has decided to delay the proroguing of parliament until the assembly and legislative council complete their tasks. It is crucial that this project is reviewed and commenced swiftly to enhance tourism in the Bahamas.

August 17th 1948

The Bahamian authorities have finalized their assessment of the project and approved to move forward with the development of the Butlins holiday village. This has led to the introduction of a new law, The Butlin Vacation Village (Grand Bahama) Act 1948 (see further below for an explanation). Governor Murphy is set to convene with Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley to formalize an agreement regarding the new Butlins village in West End, Grand Bahama. Once the agreement is signed, Mr. Harold Drayton will seek additional financing to commence construction orders for the site.

Bahamas 1947 & 1948 Colonial Annual Reports

Additionally, the reports featured extra details about the development of the new Butlins Holiday Village, including some quoted text below for further clarification.

Part I - Page 3 - General 
"The most striking example of external interest in the Islands for the purpose of investment was the project submitted by Butlin Bahamas Limited to construct a vacation village near the settlement of West End on the island of Grand Bahama. This was approved by the Government and an agreement with the company was ratified by the Legislature in August 1948"

Part I - Page 4 - The Dollar Position:
"A notable instance is the Butlin Vacation Village already mentioned, which is planned to provide 1,000 beds for Americans in the middle-income brackets from 1st January 1950 onwards and thereafter to expand to 2,000 beds."

Part II - Page 8 - Population
"The major enterprise in this sphere was the Butlin Vacation Village in Grand Bahama, which is designed to provide accommodation, on the lines made famous by Mr. Butlin in the United Kingdom, for 1,000 American visitors in the middle-income brackets for a minimum of a six-month season. Thereafter the promoters hope to expand."

Chapter 8 - Page 27 - Legislation
"The Butlin Vacation Village (Grand Bahama) Act (No. 24 of 1948) empowers the Governor in Council to enter into an agreement with Butlin’s Bahamas, Limited, for the establishment of a vacation village at Grand Bahama.

The agreement is on the general lines of that existing in respect of the Fort Montagu Beach Hotel, but in addition, it grants to the company certain rights concerning its aviation activities and also extends the Race Course Betting Act to Grand Bahama, the only other island in the Colony in which race course betting is allowed. It is anticipated that the Butlin vacation village will earn a large number of dollars."


Chapter 11 - Page 39 - Communications
"Towards the end of 1948, the two local registered companies, Bahamas Airways and Nassau Aviation, both of which operate flights to the Out Islands of the Colony, were absorbed by British interests. Bahamas Airways was purchased by British South American Airways on the September, and on 30th September Nassau Aviation was purchased by Butlin (Bahamas) Limited."

Wednesday 20th October 1948

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Skegness News
Reports regarding the deal have begun to circulate in United Kingdom newspapers. This article verifies the agreement for a ten-year tax exemption on earnings. Additionally, it confirms that Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford has been appointed as the new chairman of Butlins Bahamas Ltd.

Wednesday 13th October 1948

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Daily Express 
An encouraging response is taking shape in the United Kingdom, as this remarkable article outlines the initiative to provide those who have always dreamed of visiting the Bahamas with a chance to do so through Butlins.

Page 188 - The Billy Butlin Story

Purchase your copy from eBay by clicking on the photo above and read about this amazing man story

The Butlin Story Book - Page 188 - The Butlin Story - By Sir Billy Butlin

Harold Drayton - Butlins Bahamas Shares

The third important investor was hard at work behind the scenes, taking the necessary steps to sell shares and raise the funds essential for the Butlins Bahamas project. Mr. Drayton found the share sales to be quite manageable, and the money was quickly secured for Billy Butlin and Brigadier-General Critchley to begin the new holiday village.
Nottingham Journal - Friday 15 October 1948
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Friday 15th October 1948

Nottingham Journal
This newspaper shows the moment when the shares explain above had been advertised and further information on the plans.

Link to website

Nottingham Journal - Friday 15 October 1948
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Sunday 24th October 1948

Sunday Express
This article provides further details regarding the direct connection with Mr. Harold C. Drayton, who played a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes efforts to sell the shares.
Link to website

Nottingham Journal - Friday 15 October 1948
Image © Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Thursday 4th November 1948

Bradford Observer
Another newspaper showing the details of the shares, however, the Bradford Observer was only showing limited information

Link to website

Thursday 18 November 1948

Image © National World Publishing Ltd

The Scotsman
Showing the part that Mr Drayton with regarding the shares using the newspaper article from the Scotsman.



Butlins Bahamas Limited - Shares

Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 8th November 1948
As you can see from this article, the information about the share is expanded a great deal showing you the details that was outlined by Billy Butlin above.  Interesting note is the details of the project;

1. The company will build and operate a Vacation village on the Island of Grand Bahama, the northernmost large island of the Bahama Group, to accommodate some 1,000 people at the opening and increasing to 2,000.
2. This resort will be run on somewhat similar lines to the Butlins Holiday Camps in Great Britain. Due allowance will, however, be made for the difference in income, tastes and requirements of American and Canadian visitors, who will constitute practically the whole of the clientele with, it is expected, a preponderance from the U.S.A.
3. An airfield will be constructed on the island which is only 20 minutes flying time from Palm Beach, and within five hours of the big industrial cities of the North Eastern States of the U.S.A
4. The chairman of the Company is the Hon, Sir Beded Edmund Hugh Clifford, G.C.M.G, C.B., M.V.O. (former governor of the Bahamas), and the directors include both the chairman and managing direct of Butlin's Limited.
5. £400,000 of the Ordinary capital has been privately subscribed at par. Firm applications have been received on underwriting terms for 300,000 Preference Shares of the present issue and these will be allotted in full.

Yorkshire Evening Post - Monday 08 November 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas Story
Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Monday 8th November 1948

Yorkshire Evening Post
More information was starting to be shown in the United Kingdom as news started to spread about the new Butlins to open. 

Link to website

Daily Express - Wednesday 24 November 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas Story
Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Wednesday 24th November 1948

Daily Express
This article shows the information of Mr Richard Vernon becoming the deputy managing director of Butlins Ltd and Butlins Properties Ltd.

Link to website

Daily Express - Wednesday 24 November 1948 - Butlins Memorabilia Butlins Bahamas Story
Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Saturday 27th November 1948

Bognor Regis Observer
The Bognor Regis Observer reports on Charlie Kunz getting the job as entertainments manager at the Butlins Bahamas

Link to website

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    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.

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    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. 

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    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

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    Harold Charles Harley Drayton  and Sir Bede Edmund Hugh Clifford Photos

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    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.