Phil with Laughter!
This time around our chosen REDCOAT is PHIL DAVIES,
who was at Skegness during the 1968 to 1972 seasons.
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Here's me in my first season as a GD Redcoat,
being trained under (Princes Ballroom, SKEGNESS 1968) |
Phil tells us in his own words about his time in 'Reds.'
My story starts, having worked in the Banking Industry in the West End of London, February 1968. I made the decision to apply for the prestigious job as a Butlins Redcoat.
Much to my utter amazement, I was invited to attend Oxford Street, for an audition and, after a very long interview with Rocky Mason, jumped at the chance to join his team at Skegness that Summer.
I was, as you can imagine, very excited at the prospect of wearing the famous 'Red &Whites,' and following in the footsteps of many famous names who had previously started their careers at Butlins.
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No! I haven't pulled. I'm
simply escorting a young lady to the stage, (Princes Ballroom, SKEGNESS 1970) |
My time at Skegness spanned 5 successive summer seasons, working also during the winter months at the Margate hotel, and the Bognor Regis camp.
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And just to prove those
coats really were red, (SKEGNESS 1970) |
The work was hard: twelve-hours a day, six days a week in the public eye, but I loved every minute of it.
STARS IN THEIR MIDSTS |
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EDMUND HOCKERIDGE - 1968
Edmund Hockeridge regularly performed at the "Sunday
Night Variety Show" at
Pictured. Norman Hope, Gordon London, a very lean
Phil Davies, |
THE PUPPET MASTER |
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ROGER STEVENSON |
It was the most rewarding, and enjoyable time of my life and, during those years (1968-1972) I met so many wonderful people, who remain close friends, 41 years on.
Phil Davies
See Phil on the following Butlins Skegness team photos:
1968 BUTLINS SKEGNESS REDCOATS
1969 BUTLINS SKEGNESS REDCOATS
1971 BUTLINS SKEGNESS REDCOATS
1972 BUTLIN'S SKEGNESS REDCOATS
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