Dave Nicholas Untold Butlins Story

Dave Nicholas Untold Story

Below you see a diary of an amazing member of staff that contributed towards the needs of the customers or as they would say, campers. Playing in a band and sometimes alone, Dave would share his talent to see so many people dance away in the clubs that are no more.

Dave is an honored member of this website and his memories below show you another view from a valued member of staff. I am thankful to Dave to allow me permission to share all his history and photos on this website. The photos showed are extremely good and could spark so many memories for so many people.

1961 - The Empress Ballroom

I started at Skegness playing in the Empire on my Hammond organ in the venues and in the Empress Bar with Tommy Brown. Redcoats use to do the church service and Miss She Holiday Princes competitions, in the Empress Ballroom. I remember as an assistant, Talent John Rockett orchestra, warming up in the Gaiety theatre in the same format. There were many times when I played to see the smiles from so many guests for the music I was playing.

1962 - Metropole Hotel

Another year has passed, and this time I had a Compton organ in the Empress Ballroom. There were two people who were very kind, Andy King and John Fullerton, who were stage managers at the Empire. Having seen the new organ, he would look after it to allow it to play well when I was working. 1962 had seen the same format as the Blackpool Metropole hotel had used for the semi-final of the Bert Hayes competition. Talent Johnny Ball on drums, John, Freddie Davies, and Ken Wood did three seasons with me. Frankie Day, Keith Ellams, and Kay Hamilton Hostess were at the Butlin's Blackpool hotel.

1963 - Filey and Clacton

I went to Filey and Clacton in 1963 for three years, where I did the world premiere of the march of the Mods.

1964 - International Rotary and Blackpool

I had also played on the International Rotary and for Joan Hinde a number of times. Working with Ken Hopson, Mike Onions, Alan Keogh, and Ken Frost, I would play for them for three years. Dave Butler went back to Blackpool in September 1966.

1967 - Moving on from Butlin's

I had made a choice to leave in September of 67,

1968 - 30 years recognition certificate

I was given a Certificate by Michael Eakin Chief Executive 30 years cinema organist and one from Liverpool Cathedral signed by Professor Ian Tracey Organist Titulaire and a pipe D3 French Horn was adopted in my name celebrating 30 years with the Philharmonic The Liverpool Philharmonic oldest Concert orchestra in the world 1840 plus the Walturdaw rising Screen it 1939 became the Royal Philharmonic in 1957

1969 - 1971 - Return back to Butlins Filey and Hotels-

I returned back to Filey in 1969 and worked in the Butlins Blackpool hotels.

1972 - LP names Around the World

It was in the winter, that I went to Skegness to make an LP called "Around the World" with the Redcoats on the sleeve

1973 - Butlin's AYR

I was in Butlin's Ayr in 73.

Dave next to the postcard that he is featured in

Dave Butler Show Clacton.

Alan Ridgeway entertainment's manager is on the right. Jack Reed compere, Blackpool 1970

Clacton 1965

Bob Lees Redcoat and Reverend Messenger

Ken Hopson with Dave, Entertainments manager in Clacton 1964

Ken Wood on left next to Freddie Parrot face Davies, Butlin's Blackpool.

Blackpool 1972

Metropole 1972

Filey

Dave with his good friend Len Belmont.. Vent and kiddies Uncle.

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Who and What is Butlin's Memorabilia Website

Mark Banks owns and created this website to show his collection of Butlin's memorabilia items. It was created during my spare time at work and is a hobby of mine and has since grown into a site that offers a chance for others to smile. This website is NOT the official website for Butlin's and is NOT the official archive of Butlin's at any stage. The website has expanded to show stories, with permission from that person, of a moment in Butlin's from people who are either a customer or former staff. This website is in loving memory of all that had come to this amazing company and to Sir William Butlin, the founder. This website also has information about research regarding Butlin's history with information obtained from the research I made, which is not official.

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This website is made and maintained by me, Mark Banks, as a fan site to celebrate the amazing Butlins name as it has such a large meaning to me. Below is additional information about the website and answers to questions that you might be thinking of (hopefully I have covered them all, if not, get in touch)

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The Untold Stories of Butlin's

The website has expanded to now include an area called "Untold Stories of Butlin's". These stories have been added to the site by a member of my group who has shared their moment at Butlin's. These stories are not from the official company and are from the person it represent, as shown on the page. The stories shared are from that person's memory and show the magic of Butlin's on how it creates that special moment.

If you are not official, who is Mark?

Butlin's Memorabilia is NOT the official website for Butlins. This site is also NOT the official website for the archive of Butlin's. The owners of Butlin's, Butlin's company, and Butlins.com have NOT approached me to design this site. They have no involvement with the development of the website or with the information that is shown. I am extremely thankful that they allow me to continue showing you their company's rich history.

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

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Butlin's Memorabilia Website Celebrating Butlins History

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Dave Nicholas Untold Story

Dave's Diary at Butlin's

1935 - Plaza Birkenhead

1954 - The Cinema Organ Society

1957 - Liverpool

1957 - Soloist