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Ian Crossland remembers working at Barry Island in 1986 Back

My memories of Butlins Barry Island came in the last year of 1986. I was 1 third of the group Barry Lucas and Two For The Road, based in the Pig and Whistle. It was my first season working for Barry, it wasn't a good start as the 70's special was cancelled early in the year due to poor ticket sales. We worked Easter and Summer, and was looking forward to xmas. I left at the end of the season, later getting a call to say that butlins would be closing as of now.

There was Barry Lucas, (singer) Dave Zane (comedian, drummer) and me on keyboards (The Perve) don't know why I got that name!

I never got back to South Wales till 2005/6, and was upset to see the site flattened. I saw Barry a few years ago in Blackpool, acting as a agent (still smoking his cigars) I saw Dave in Spain, his girlfried was the act.

I'll never forget my short experience of that year, I have worked all over the UK and Europe, however this particular year will always stick with me. I remember listening to Band Aid in my luxury chalet, it was luxury as we paid £35 a week each to upgrade to the punters chalets (sorry to everyone that had to put up with the noise) if you saw the staff chalets, you'll realise it was well worth the money.

I hope this will be of interest to your site, and maybe we could get some others sharing their experience, yours faithfully The Perve

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