REDCOAT REUNION RANDOM REMARKS

FAMOUS REDCOATS

Quite a few of the ex-Redcoats who went on to become famous were invited to the Reunion. FREDDIE DAVIES - who went from Redcoat to Ents. Manager between 1959 and 63 - was disappointed that he couldn't make it. And to show just how genuinely disappointed he really was, he very kindly made a DVD presentation, to show at the Reunion. I originally asked Fred just to tape himself sending greetings to all the Reds. However, he very thoughtfully turned it into a little documenatry, and cleverly edited photos of his Butlins' history into it, accompanied by a very nice narration and background music ("Housewives Choice.") Having made up a few DVDs myself, I know just how much work and time goes into making one, so I really am most grateful to Fred for making such a kind gesture, and I know it was enjoyed by all who had the privilege of watching it.

Freddie ended the DVD by saying that he would do his very best to attend the next reunion, and we have spoken at length about this since I got back. Here's looking at you, Fred! (To be said in the style of Humphrey Bogart.)

Go to:  FREDDIE "PARROT-FACE" DAVIES

HI-DE-HI

 Another famous face to send in his apologies was Jimmy Perry - creator and writer of the TV series "Hi-de-Hi." Jimmy was a Redcoat at Pwllheli starting in 1948. For the next three years, he spent his six-week summer break from RADA as a Red. He's quite happy to divulge that all the people who appeared in the TV series were based on actual people he'd met working on the Camp.

He very kindly sent me a signed copy of his autobiography - which I haven't had time to read yet. If you want to buy a copy it's called:

"A Stupid Boy" by Jimmy Perry. Published by Arrow Books.
ISBN 0-09-944142-X. Price £7.99p.
Go to: www.randomhouse.co.uk

Jimmy hasn't been too well of late, so we wish him well, and hope he's fit enough to join us at the next Reunion.

I WILL TELL YOU WHEN

I've seen Leeds funny man Billy Pearce on stage many times, and met him on a couple of occasions, but they were over ten years ago, and there was nothing that I thought Billy might remember me by. Imagine my delight therefore when, upon getting home after the Reunion, Billy rang to apologise for not getting back to me regarding the Reunion. It was some apology - we chatted for around a hour-and-a-half. Two days later, we spent another hour on the phone. I've forgiven him now.

Although Billy has been a stand-up comedian for over thirty years, he didn't actually start out as one. In 1970 he did a season at Butlins Margate, in a singing duo, with his friend Andy Beaumont. Sadly, Andy has since passed on, but Billy is going to see if he can keep his own Date-Sheet open for the next Reunion. I can still hear him saying: "I will tell you when!!"
If you are in Blackpool this summer, you can catch Billy in his own show in the Tower Ballroom, on Thursday Nights, commencing in July. Make a point of going - Billy is a VERY funny lad.

Go to:  BILLY PEARCE 2007

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FILEY REDS??

Amazingly the Butlins Filey Camp had only one representative at the Reunion. Thankfully, it was Kelly Kelleher, who turned out to be an absolute cracker, along with the six girls she brought along.

I wrote to the "Remember Filey Butlins" website at least four times, but didn't get so much as a single courtesy reply. There was a party of ten ex-Filey Redcoats who had intended coming, but they self-eliminated owing to holidays, other engagements, and ill-health - until the last two pulled out because the other eight weren't going.

My two old mates Mike Jerome and Johnny Laff, who were Redcoats at Filey in 1973, also very much wanted to attend, but both had prior bookings. It's good to know that they are both still working comics, but it's a beggar when the work interferes with play. For the next Reunion, everyone will have far more advance notice so, hopefully, lots of Filey Reds, and lots more acts will be joining us.

WHAT THEY SAID!!
Comments from some of those who attended the Redcoat Reunion:

What a great weekend, at the Skegness Redcoat Reunion. Thanks to A.J. for organising it, and putting so much in,
in time, and backing it financially to make sure that from beginning to end it was interesting and entertaining.
And what a great bunch of Reds and friends came along.
Many photographs were taken and I'm sure will be appearing soon.
Thanks again A.J.
FRANK WORRALL

AJ, Just to thank you for all your hard work and organisation
in getting the Skegness Reunion off the ground.
RAY MARTIN

I had a great time meeting up with the Martin brothers, Val, and Christine. Not forgetting all my pals from Barry.
I don't think I went to bed before at least 2.30am. every night. Don't know what my sister thought of her little brother.
I didn't like the camp at all, I learnt that it is not even owned by Butlin's anymore, the Redcoats work a shift system
and all the magic that we created has gone forever. Our kind of humbug will only live on in our memories.
I would thank you for all your efforts in putting the whole thing together, quite a task I would imagine.
It was great to see the old photo's, the films, and stills. Thanks for the memories and old friends made new.
See you AJ. God bless.
PETER LACEY

Elsie and I enjoyed the weekend. And we both appreciate all the effort and hard work you put in.
As I stated before, my highlight of the Reunion was seeing that photo of myself from Minehead 1963. Thank you for planning that.
We would like to be informed of any future invents, and will watch your website.
Cheers for now,
ALFRED & ELSIE HILL

Thanks AJ for a well organised weekend.
I really enjoyed meeting up with an unexpectedly large number of former associates.
MIKE & JANET ONIONS

Eve & I had a great time at Skegness.
Many thanks once again for all your hard work.
We don't like the camp as it is now, but it was nice to see how it has changed.
Very best wishes,
RAY & EVE ALLEN

Dear AJ, thank you so much for all your hard work this happy memorable week .
I am sure you are exausted, but truly it was super meeting so many nice Reddies.
Have a rest and keep well.
Love Heri
HERI HARRISON

We had a FANTASTIC time. The girls keep asking me when the next one is.
KELLY KELLEHER (and the 6 Cardiff girls)

Yes I know there are only Five. One is taking the photo - CLEVER!!

As you say it was a weekend where we all made some very good friends .
I think we all can look back and see the changes in all of us,
but we all found that great bond that keeps a friendship alive for years.
Not everything was as I`d hoped but I`m glad I made the trip even thou it cost me an arm and a leg .
MARTIN KELLEHER

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Happy Days, "A.J"

MORE SOON

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