Dave Nicholas Untold Butlins Story

Dave Nicholas Untold Story

Below is a diary of an amazing member of staff who has contributed to the needs of customers, or as they would say, campers. Playing in a band and sometimes alone, Dave would share his talent to see so many people dancing in the clubs that no longer exist.

Dave is an honoured member of this website and his memories below give you another view from a valued member of staff. I am grateful to Dave for allowing me to share all of his stories and photos on this website. The photos shown are extremely good and could bring back 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.

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

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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.

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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

1961 - The Empress Ballroom

1962 - Metropole Hotel

1963 - Filey and Clacton

1964 - International Rotary and Blackpool

1967 - Moving on from Butlin's

1968 - 30 years recognition certificate

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

1972 - LP names Around the World

1973 -Butlin's AYR

Around the World With Dave Nicholas

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