Babs Morrison Untold Butlins Story

Madeleine (Babs) Untold Butlin's Story

Discovering the joy of bringing people together, Harry and Doris Palmer introduced their young daughter, Madeleine, to the enchanting experience of Butlin's holidays. Overflowing with excitement and opportunities, these vacations created lifelong memories, immortalized in cherished tales of fun and adventure.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Harry and Doris indulged in their favorite activity – attending captivating dance competitions. These moments, steeped in laughter, formed the foundation of their annual tradition, drawing them closer as a family and fueling their passion for Butlin's magic.

For the Palmers, holidays at Butlin's signified something truly magical, igniting a spark within their aspiring daughter, Madeleine. Each break presented a new opportunity for her to immerse herself deeper in the rich tapestry of entertainment and delight. Her ultimate dream? To join the ranks of the celebrated Redcoats, embodying the essence of Butlin's charm and hospitality.

Every vacation, Madeleine returned home with renewed determination, inspired by the talented performers gracing the stages of Butlin's camps. Fueled by ambition, she grew more passionate about joining the iconic troupe, eager to contribute her talents to the storied history of this treasured institution.

Holiday's at Butlins

On holiday at Skegness

On holiday at Filey

It was this photo, taken in 1949 when Babs had known that she was becoming a Redcoat in the future. The smile on Babs face here says it all.

Boating Gala day at Skegness. Me and that lady finished up flat out in the boating lake, Louie and Dennis turned our boat over.

In loving Memory of Doris & Harry Palmer

It gives me great pleasure to tell you about Madeleine's parents, Harry and Doris Palmer. They started taking their daughter to Butlin's from a very young age and loved the friendly atmosphere that the campsite offered to all its visitors. Harry and Doris enjoyed participating in the dance competitions and creating new memories on their holidays.

Butlins became even more special to them when their daughter Madeleine expressed her desire to become a Redcoat. During every break, Madeleine's passion for being part of the Butlin's story grew even stronger.

Mark Banks and Butlin's Memorabilia send our highest respect and love to Mr and Mrs Palmer.

Madeleine becomes Lena the Redcoat

On a train heading into Somerset, I bet you're excited to arrive at the brand new Butlin's in Minehead! Madeleine was one of these people, and when she arrived at the reception desk to be given details of her department, she was told that her name was too big for the badge. But don't worry, they came up with a solution and decided to call her Lena instead. How friendly is that?

Saturday 26 May 1962 was a special day in the Butlin's history as the gates opened to campers for the very first time. Lena, one of the first Redcoats to be there, warmly welcomed the many new campers who arrived, eager to explore the new camp. As a member of Butlins Radio, Lena played an important role in making sure everyone had a great time.

The story of Babs the Redcoat

Babs is in a bar in Clacton with some campers.

Enjoying a meal in the dining hall in 1963.

This is a very interesting photo, with Lord Valentine Thynne, the Marquees of Baths youngest son, he became a Redcoat 1961. I met up with him at Bognor 1962/3 winter. He was lovely and known as Redcoat Val

This is a photo of the Redcoat girls at end of season "Redcoat party 1964". We are with lovely Walter Swash, who was the Deputy entertainments manager

First picture Clacton with a regular Camper.

Clacton 1962

Christmas morning Clacton, 1963

Clacton 1963

This was taken in Clacton 1963, me with Nic Ward, love the row of nappies behind us, that baby will be 60 now.

Clacton Sports Field 1965.

Clacton Viennese Ballroom in the background 1963

The Redcoats having fun on the sports field.

Me with Pauline Marlow, Winter 1963/1964, Bognor Regis Reception.

This photo is Mavis, Harry (Babs Dad) And Babs. At the Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Ocean Hotel Brighton with a regular guest.

Sun Lounge Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Pantomime, Cinderella, 1965 Ocean Hotel Brighton.

Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website

Mark Banks is the individual responsible for the creation and ownership of this website, which displays his collection of Butlin's memorabilia. It was created in my spare time after work as a hobby and has since grown into a site that gives others a chance to smile. It is important to note that this website is not associated with Butlin's and is not an official archive of the company. Furthermore, it includes stories, with the consent of the individuals involved, that recount memorable moments at Butlin's from both customers and former staff members. This website pays homage to the esteemed company and its founder, Sir William Butlin. Additionally, it provides information on the history of Butlin's, based on personal research.

Butlins Memorabilia extra areas

This website is a fan site dedicated to celebrating the Butlins brand. It is created and maintained by Mark Banks. Further information about the website and answers to any questions can be found below. In case of any additional inquiries, please feel free to contact Mark.

Learn more about the Butlins Memorabilia website by clicking on these words

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

The website now includes a section called 'Untold Stories of Butlin's', featuring personal anecdotes shared by members of my group. The website now includes a section called 'Untold Stories of Butlin's', featuring personal experiences shared by members of my group. Members of the group have graciously shared their personal experiences at Butlin's and added these stories to the website. These stories are not affiliated with the official company but rather represent the memories of the individuals who shared them.

If you are not official, who is Mark?

Please note that Butlin's Memorabilia is an independent website and is not affiliated with the official Butlins website or archive. The owners of Butlin's and Butlins.com have not been involved in the development of this site, nor have they approached me to design it. However, I am grateful for their willingness to allow me to continue to share the rich history of their company with you.

The number one website for Butlins is always, www.butlins.com where you see all the information about booking a break.

eBay and Google adverts

If you would like to see further information about this area of the website, please click on these words to read more about how these help the website.

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

Madeleine (Babs) Untold Butlin's Story

Holiday's at Butlins

In loving Memory of Doris & Harry Palmer

Madeleine becomes Lena the Redcoat

Madeleine becomes Babs the Redcoat

The story of Babs the Redcoat

Remembering the curtains of Butlins

Join the Butlin's Memorabilia Social media groups

Butlins Stories is a group about all locations, including the hotels and parks.

Butlins Memories group is all about Butlins and its connection to us all, no matter the year (Private)

Butlins Clacton group is all about this location, no matter the year

The Facebook page for this website.

Send Mark a message to have a chat!

Just click on an icon below to send Mark a message to chat about your time at Butlins and memories