Starting collecting your Dovercourt Bay with eBay, have a look at these items below

Major Frank Bond

In loving Memory of Major Frank Bond

 I am extremely honoured to show you the story, an important one I might add, of Major Frank Bond. As told by the granddaughter, Mandy, you can see and read about how Dovercourt Bay holiday camp and Major Frank Bond had a large involvement in the very early days of Butlins.

Mandy had started to tell me about the stories of her family and the connection they have with the Butlin's name. From here, we see one of the most important stories to be told as we see another side of Sir Billy Butlin with Major Frank Bond. Major Frank Bond's photos are also ones that have not been seen before, making this story so very special.

The connection to Dovercourt was only made when I had been in touch with Mandy regarding her family history with Butlins and Sir Billy Butlin. As the story expanded, I got to understand more about the Dovercourt Bay connection. There are still new areas being discovered and being added to this page in time.

I am extremely honoured to feature Major Frank's story on this website.

Major Frank's Story

Another Untold Story of Butlins
Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

My Grandpa seemed to have so many interests and irons in the fire! A very talented man! Very proud of him indeed!  

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story
Dovercourt Bay

Major Frank Bond in Dovercourt Bay, take note of them gems in the background. You can read more by clicking on the name Dovercourt Bay. 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

This is a photo of Captain Harry Warner and his wife Dorothy

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

This photo shows Dorothy Warner sitting on the grounds of the Dovercourt Holiday Camp.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

In this photo, we have a photo of my Nanna, my Mum and Billy Warner one of Captain Warner’s sons.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story
Dovercourt Bay

The second from the left is Major Frank Bond, my grandpa. Billy Butlin is in the middle at the back and in front of him is Alderman Ward, who was my godmother, Wendy Ward Spackman. Raven’s Grandfather, Mayor at that time. Second, from the right standing was Billy Butlins wife Dolly. (click on the name to see more)

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story
Dovercourt Bay

Dovercourt Bay Holiday camp. In the middle, shown below, is Sir Billy Butlins. What a great photo this is and one that is extremely important to the history of Butlins. Billy Butlin wife Dorothy (Dolly) sat in front of him in the white suit, black hat, and sunglasses.

Dovercourt Bay


This amazing photo from Mandy's personal collection shows William Butlin and his wife at Dovercourt Bay. The connection between Dovercourt and Butlin's is one that I am starting to get obsessed with and I have to admit that I was so very pleased to be able to share this on the site with you all. A young Mr Butlin looking at the person taking a photo thinking "another one ticked off my list...now on to the next project".

The power of the Warner's working alongside Butlins making their task of entertaining and creating memories for all the guests. Truly honoured to show this photo to you all.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Dovercourt and the Warner’s camp , which was situated on Low Road, I have kept this interesting in this paper cutting “ More fun than Hi De Hi” written by Rex Bale, who in 1938 came to Dovercourt to help out the entertainment manager whilst waiting for his own camp (Seaton) to open. That manager was the one and only Bill Owen! Compo from Last of the Summer Wine! 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

This is Billy’s Butlin wife, Dolly Butlin with Grandpa showing her a plant or something beautiful from the garden in one of the camps. I’m not sure which camp it is. 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Grandpa is on the right but I’m not sure who the other two are. This was a part of the Dovercourt and Harwich Festival where they were advertising the Butlins chalets and the new proposed camps. So this must have been after Dovercourt, Skegness, Seaton and Northney camps and before Clacton and Ryde in 1938. 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Another picture of the proposed chalets for the new camps. Dorothy Warner top left and I think that could be Cappy Bond, then Captain Harry Warner. Major Frank Bond is slightly visible behind the ladies on the left.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Miss. Ruby Ward, my godmother's Mother before she was married, then Major Frank Bond and Noel Roper.

Keeping Fit Sessions

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Cherrie Butlin

In loving Memory of Cherrie Butlin

Born in 1939, both Nora and Billy Butlin were over the moon that their family was to be extended by one more. As Cherrie grew up, she became friends with Mandy, Major Frank and Peggie Bond. Wanting to adventure away from the family business, Cherrie had decided to move to Australia. 

Becoming an actress, Cherri would get married to fellow actor, Brook Denning (real name Roy Daniel).  Cherrie would become the host for the Desmond and the Channel 9-Pins between 1961 and 1962. 

Click on these words to view a video of Cherri Butlin in 1959.

Mandy's story of Cherri Butlin

Another Untold Story of Butlins
Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Another photo of Cherrie Butlin with my Nanas dog 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Cherrie Butlin at Broom Hall, Pwllheli in town 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Cherrie Butlin with her husband Brook Denning

Postcard to Mandy from Cherrie

Postcard from Cherrie

Postcard showing the Brothers of St. John of God.

Postcard from Cherrie Butlin

A postcard I received from Cherrie Butlin when she was in hospital in Ireland in the 1970’s 

Pwllheli Photos

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Lord Brown, my Mum, Lady Brown and my Nana all at Broom Hall, Pwllheli 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

My Nana and Lady Brown 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Grandpa, my Mum, Mary Bond, Basil Brown, Peggy Bond. 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Michael Brown out shooting with my Mums Brother Bobby Bond and Maxi with one of the dogs 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Taken at Ayr camp, not sure of the date, Not sure who the lady and child are. Grandpa and Nanna on his right with their car outside the restaurant with doorman dressed very smartly in black tie 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Mandy Williams in the middle, sat on top of one of the iconic fountains at Pwllheli camp in the 60’s 

Broom Hall and Airfields

Broom Hall and Airfields

As Mandy continues to send more information about Butlin's story, I get to learn new areas that I was not known about myself before. Sir Billy Butlin story increases with the amazing connection between the Bond family and how they helped towards the Butlins name. The photo above is from Mandy's personal album and shows the Broom Hall house, which is now a grade-listed building, you can find that information here. As shown here, further research had shown the connection to Sir Billy on the website www.geograph.org.uk. Here is what the website states about Sir Billy Butlin.

In 1946 the Broomhall estate was purchased by William (Billy) Butlin who was in the process of converting HMS Glendower into the Pwllheli Butlins holiday camp. A keen aviator, Butlin purchased additional land from the adjoining Rhedynog Ganol farm to enlarge the airstrip and provide two runways North-South (2150ft long) and East-West (1,800'). Flights were provided for Butlin campers, few of whom had flown before. Cambrian Airways began a commercial service from the airfield to Cardiff and Dublin using Rapide aircraft. The Dublin-Broom Hall fare was £8.25p. You can find further information about Cambrian Airways on the Wikipedia website, just click on these words to see more.

Following a fatal accident involving an Auster, activity at Broom Hall came to an end in the mid-1960s and the main hangar was demolished. The land was then sold back to Rhedynog Isaf and is now used for sheep rearing." You can see the location by clicking on these words.

Remembering Broomhall Butlin's Connection with Major Frank Bond story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

This is my Nana and my Mum on the Airfield on the Broom Hall estate.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

With permission, here is a photo showing the same location as this airfield. This photo is copyright to Eric Jones 

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Here are Billy’s guests, Butlin Directors, and Grandpa on the right.

Dovercourt Bay

Silver Wedding Anniversary

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story
Butlin's Skegness 1945

My Grandparents Major Frank Bond and his wife Peggy Celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary with Billy Butlin and his wife Dolly. Standing to the left of my Grandpa is Norah. On her left is Bobby Bond, my Mum’s brother.

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story
Butlin's Skegness 1945

A large selection of people came to say congratulations on the silver wedding anniversary

Break in Cannes, South of France

Nanna and Grandpa are on holiday in Cannes, South of France with Billy, Norah, some Directors and their wives.
Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Sir Billy Butlin in Cannes on a break

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Nanna and Grandpa are on holiday in Cannes Uncle Billy

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bond enjoying the sun

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Butlin's Bahamas

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

My Grandpa! Major Frank Bond at Butlins in the Bahamas. August 1950

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

My Grandpa sat in the gardens as he was sent out by Billy to oversee the running of Butlin’s in the Bahamas!

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

This postcard is from plastichrome by colour picture, Boston 15, Mass. New York Office. View of the pool and patio looking toward the dining hall

When Frank Bond was Captain Bond before his promotion

Captain Bond

In this photo, you will see Grandpa known as Captain Bond obviously before he was promoted to Major 

Captain Bond before promotion

Driving past the former Butlin's Pwllheli

Another Untold Story of Butlins
Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Major Frank Bonds Untold Story

Get the children out! - Mike Levy

Dovercourt Bay and Major Frank bond are in this marvelous book showing their support during World War Two. The publisher, Lemonsoul, has this description (they have not asked me to put this on)

Mike Levy shines a light on the courageous deeds of twenty-two women and men who transformed the lives of the Kindertransport and other refugees. In 1938, when the Government refused to act and those around them turned a blind eye, these heroic individuals took it upon themselves to orchestrate one of the greatest lifesaving missions the world has ever seen.

Until now the compelling accounts of these extraordinary rescue missions have remained untold. Mike Levy is a researcher for the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Association for Jewish Refugees, an educator with the Holocaust Education Trust and Chair of The Harwich Kindertransport Memorial and Learning Trust.

Extra note: The button below will take you to eBay and a small cookie will be used. No personal details are obtained by you or your device. For further details about this cookie, please visit the Cookie Policy by clicking on these words and by clicking on these words to view the  Privacy Policy 

Get the children out

Additional History

Major Frank Bond Story
Francis Robert Bond MBE

Trinity House Air Sea Rescue 

Major Frank Bond Story
Francis Robert Bond MBE Painting

The painting is of F R Bond’s Air Sea Rescue Launch where he was the Skipper and it was painted by my Grandpa  Major F B Bond. The rescue launched HSL 2561 and he was known to everyone as Bobby Bond. If you look closely you will see a small yellow dinghy on the left of the painting. It was this rescue that was portrayed in the film “ The Sea Shall Not Have Them “See it on YouTube. 

Major Frank Bond Story
Francis Robert Bond MBE Painting

Major Frank Bond Story
Francis Robert Bond MBE Painting


Permission was given to Mark and Butlins Memorabilia website from Mandy to show the wonderful story of Major Frank Bond. With help from Mandy, you are able to view a story of a person that had helped many in the Butlin's timeline. Any stories and photos shown on this page are not owned by me and are owned by those who shared them. Please do not ask for their details as I will not share anything with you as I do not hold their details and it's not my place to give them away if I did.


Join one of our groups and chat about Butlins

Private Group
Private Group Settings

This group is a part of this website and has the Facebook Private Group setting. 

Public Group
Public Group Settings

This group is a part of this website and has the Facebook Public group settings

Page
Facbook Page

This is the only Facebook page that represents this website. Please feel free to follow for the updates for the 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

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. 

Butlins Memorabilia extra areas

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)

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 the about known problems and how to solve them

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.

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.