Hi A.J – Denise Hidle here, formerly DENISE WILSON. I worked at Clacton from 1979, starting off originally as a waitress in the dining room, celebrating my 21st birthday on the 7th June whilst working in there, and the same year moving on to working in the Golden Grill as a waitress. 1980 – I worked on accommodation as a chalet maid, working my way up to Supervisor. 1981 – was offered the position as a Junior Guest Redcoat — working with Uncle Ted and Auntie Marg in the Junior Showplace, and again in 1982.
1983 – I took over Auntie Marg’s position as Junior Guest
Leader.
The 1983 season saw a familiar face
join the Revue company:
a lady singer known as Carol Lee Scott — better-known as ‘Grotbags’
from Emu's World. I was privileged to get to
know her fairly well, while doing theatre duty, and enjoyed many a
night out
with her. Lovely lady with a fabulous singing voice.
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This Redcoat photo from
Clacton
1983 was the last year it was in operation, although we didn't know
that at the
time. We had a new Ents’ Manager that
year – Gerry Thatcher. (He's the one in
the white suit). I'm on the next to last row at the back – 4th from the
right. Back
row, left hand side is Kelvin). 1st on the right and 4th on the left
back row
are the Glassett brothers Jimmy and Martin. Left hand side of Gerry 4th
row is
Una. Third row right hand side of Gerry is Tony Sweet. Right hand side
of Tony
is Uncle Ted, Children's entertainer (also in white) to the right of
Ted is
Christine (Chief hostess). 2nd row from front 3rd left is Glen Tolle,
front row
1st left I think is Jan Fretwell. The other names escape my memory I’m
afraid. |
1984
– I was sent to work at Minehead taking on the role as
a GD Red, as they already had a Junior Leader.
1985
– I was invited back to Minehead but I didn't accept– deciding
to go and work in Spain instead, but, in hindsight I wish I had
accepted and
gone back.
My
memories are precious and I wish I could relive it all
again. Fabulous days, Happy times and I am extremely proud to have been
one of
the famous Butlin's Redcoats.
Denise Hidle
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With thanks
to DENISE (WILSON) HIDLE for sharing
these
unique photos.
See also: CLACTON 1980-81 REDCOAT - Kenny Jones |