BUTLINS SKEGNESS 1972 and 1973 UNCLE RAY

After a chance comment to a friend about my having worked at Skegness, he informed me that his neighbours had once worked there. A few enquiries down the line and, in April 2007, I was put in touch with Ray King and Eve Lacey - two people I had been on the Redcoat Team with for the 1973 season at Skegness. Following a very lengthy and entertaining phone call, and the receipt of a disc containing some of their archive, I am delighted to bring you the second of this series on REDCOAT PROFILES.

UNCLE RAY and AUNTIE EVE

Ray and Eve first met in 1971 at Butlins Clacton, where Ray was the Children's Uncle, and Eve was a Redcoat. The following season, 1972, Ray transferred to Butlins Skegness, and Eve went with him as 'Aunty.' A second season at Skegness followed in 1973.

BUTLINS SKEGNESS 1973 UNCLE RAY

Uncle Ray and Aunty Eve managing to snatch a bit of respite from the kids,
during mealtime in the Gloucester Dining Room, Skegness, 1973.

In May 1974 Ray and Eve exchanged a temporary home at Skegness for a permanent one in Derbyshire - which they moved into as man and wife. It's not often that men marry their Aunty but, in this instance, it was quite acceptable.


RAY KING and EVE LACEY Butlins Skegness 1973 In '74 they became Mr. & Mrs. Ray Allen (Yes! His real name is Ray Allen. He had to change it because of Ray Alan - the ventriloquist)	RAY and EVE Derbyshire 2007 Showing how they look now - relieved Pictured with with one of their two 'permanent' Beaver Club members, Amy.

As Ray and Eve didn't want to leave the house empty during the summer months, they ceased playing summer seasons. Ray had by then completed eight seasons, and Eve three, so they considered themselves due for a change. Ray kept very busy right up till four years ago - as a Magician, Stilt-walker and Novelty Cyclist - but is now retired at the age of seventy.


UNCLE RAY - Children's Entertainer - Butlins Skegness 1972 - 1973 Showing just why Auntie Eve looked up to him.

Eve works at Derby City Church as a Children's Minister, where her duties involve organising all the children's events. [Sounds like the same job, but different jacket, to me.] During their thirty three years of happy marriage, they have raised two children - now aged twenty-eight and twenty six, and are very content with the way life has treated them. They are also, of course, very thankful for the special times they spent at Butlins, and especially for it bringing them together. No doubt that thousands of children too will have happy memories - those of "Uncle Ray & Auntie Eve" giving them such a wonderful time at BUTLINS SKEGNESS. Happy Days!!

Our thanks go to Ray and Eve for the wonderful images they have chosen to share with us,
many of which can be found on this website.

To share your story and photos email A.J Marriot at REDCOATS REUNITED
via the link below.

BEAVER CLUB 1972 and 1973

SUNDAY IS FUNDAY

See also:

1967 BUTLINS AYR REDCOATS

1969 BUTLINS PWLLHELI REDCOATS