Gary Phillips remembers working at Clacton in 1980 Back

I have just found your site and what memories it brought back. I worked behind the bar, at Butlins in Clacton, from March to August 1980, although it could've been longer my memory isn't what it used to be.

Seeing all those photo's reminded me of what a great place Butlins was, and reminded me of all those friends I made, and lost contact with.

I'd love to know what happened to them. There was a girl called Gerri from the Midlands, a tall and very thin girl called Trudi (I think) a tiny HGV driver called Barry who was from the North East and others to vague to remember.

I also met a girl there called Kerry who was working as a Nursery Nurse. We started going out together and are still together 29 years later!!!! I think it was something to do with their uniform (only kidding). We met when she was with a bunch of colleagues on a night off. I was sitting at a table in one of the bars on my night off too. She the laughed loudly and fell off her chair into my lap, literally. I think she was a bit drunk, although to this day I still don't know if she did it deliberately!

Other memories of Butlins include working til 1AM then going to the beach for a party with colleagues, spending time in that bare chalet, trying to get a hot bath (the water always seemed to be cold) visiting the pier, Martello tower and making use of the bus shelters when it rained.

Thanks for a great site.

If anyone who remembers me or I've mentioned wants to get in touch, that'd be great. Also is anyone organising a re-union for the class of 1980?

Gary Phillips