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| The above shows the
switchboard,
which was used to activate and control the sound level in each venue. In the hotels, it was a scaled-down version, about the size of a modern lap-top. |
Click on the "PLAY"
link below to hear Sleepy
Shores by the Johnny Pearson Orchestra.
(N.B. The original was the theme tune to the TV medical drama Owen MD,
but this is a re-scored arrangement, with different
instrumentation.)
Sleepy Shores
Now, while Sleepy Shores is playing, read the item below. I guarantee it will take you right back to those times.
The Killer Days
(Butlins Metrople Hotel, Blackpool 1974)
In the account of my time as a Redcoat at the Butlins Metropole Hotel, Blackpool, I mention that the days we were given Radio Butlin duties were ABSOLUTE KILLERS. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I have listed the Daily Duties below:-
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07.00am Wake
up call by Night Porter. (Bing-bong)
Good Morning. This is Radio Butlin calling. The
time is now 8 o'clock and breakfast for all our 1st sitting
guests will be available in 30 minutes time at 8.30.
That's:
Breakfast for all our 1st sitting guests will be available in
30 minutes time at 8.30. (Bing-bong)
08.15 Breakfast announcement 2:- (Bing-bong)
Good Morning. This is Radio Butlin calling.
The time is now 8.15 and breakfast for all our 1st sitting guests will be available in 15 minutes time at 8.30. That's: Breakfast for all our 1st sitting guests will be available in 15 minutes time at 8.30. (Bing-bong)
08.30 Breakfast announcement 3:- (Bing-bong)
Good Morning. This is Radio Butlin calling.
The time is now 8.30 and breakfast for all our 1st sitting guests is now being served. That's: Breakfast for all our 1st sitting guests is now being served. (Bing-bong)
[At 9.00am the process starts all over again for the benefit of the second sitting guests:] 09.00
Breakfast announcement 1:- [You had to pity all those on
second sitting. Come Breakfast time at 9.30, 10.05
This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the (Snooker) Competition, for
all our 1st sitting guests, will be starting in 10 minutes time
at 10.15. 11.05
This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the (Snooker) Competition, for
all our 2nd sitting guests, will
be starting in 10 minutes time
at 11.15.
11.15 This is Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the (Snooker) Competition, for all our 2nd sitting guests, is now starting.
12.00 Lunch
announcement 1:- 01.00 Lunch
announcement 1:- 02.20 This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the (Darts) Competition, will
be starting in 10 minutes time at 2.30 03.05 This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the Whist Drive will be
starting in 10 minutes time at 3.15 04.10 This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the Miss Elegance Competition
will be starting in 10 minutes time at 4.20. 05.15 Dinner
announcement 1:- 05.35 This is
Radio Butlin calling to inform you that the Quiz will be starting in 10
minutes time at 5.45. 06.30 Dinner
announcement 1:- I'm not sure, but I think announcements from Radio Butlin then stopped at 7pm. BUT (and it's a big BUT) whoever had just done a twelve-hour shift on RB, still had to work another five hours on ballroom and other duties. Now study
the above Timetable, which runs from 7am till Midnight (that's
SEVENTEEN HOURS) 1)
Several
visits to the loo.
2) Eat three meals. 3) Set up film equipment, card tables, competitions. 4) Take down film equipment, card tables, competitions. 5) Rehearse shows and your own Cabaret spots. 6) Change into your evening wear. 7) Prepare your clothes and props for the evening's show. 8) Actually run some of the competitions you announce. 9) Take Coffee breaks. 10) Socialise with the guests. 11) Rest - WHAT rest??
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Try getting someone to work seventeen hours straight these days, and see how far you get.
Mind, you, we still managed to find time for fun, and PLEASURE.
o-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-o
