Butlins Skegness

Hi-de-Hi!
Morning Campers! (Sorry, couldn't resist)

I last visited a Butlins holiday camp when I was three or fours years old. I have black and white photographs to prove it.

Last weekend I returned to Butlins in Skegness, and dragged Gloria, kicking and screaming, along with me. But she was just overtired, once she got there, she was fine.

I didn't know what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. Although it is geared for children, there's plenty for adults too.



We stayed in a Gold Star apartment, and ate the good food in the Yacht Club Restaurant.
All of the staff, without exception, were absolutely marvellous, nothing was a trouble to them.
Mark and Cliff, you are stars.



The Red Coats entertained everyone.
Wish I had half of their stamina - they are unbelievable!



We enjoyed a 'chill out' visit to The Spa and had a dip in the Hydrotherapy Pool, but declined the offer of a drenching with freezing water from the Cold Bucket Splash. Can't understand how folks can enjoy that kind of thing.

We ventured to the fairground where we watched (notice I say watched) the scary rides whiz past at the speed of light.




The sun shone so we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach. I asked Gloria if she wanted a bucket and spade. She settled for a candy floss.
The security was amazing. Even to go onto the beach we had to show our key card to go out of the complex, and again on return. Children had to be accompanied by an adult.



There is something for the whole family at Butlins www.butlins.com
You can be entertained all day, and night. There is a great choice. It's perfect for water babies too. There is an outdoor pool and a great, and very popular, indoor Splash Waterworld.

We spoke to people who returned year after year.
Many regarded it as a safe environment.
Others - including me - loved the entertainment especially the Rock The Country Live Music Show, and Crossfire.

Cherish - Charity Fundraiser.

Cherish and Miss Kitty Lit-teur - a fun night!
Last Thursday night I was invited to attend a charity bash at the Slug and Lettuce in Durham. The night was billed as 'Cherish'. All proceeds went to the Butterwick Hospice to help them to look after terminally ill children. I gladly donated a signed copy of my novel Beautiful Strangers to their fund raising efforts.

Luckily I was able to attend, so Sat Nav (Gloria) and I set off up the A1 to County Durham.

Well, I have to tell you something unbelievable...Sat Nav failed me that night! I know you won't believe me, but it's true! I wouldn't care, but I lived in County Durham for years, yet couldn't find my way to The Slug and Lettuce in the city centre. lol!!!

Happily we were rescued from going round and round the roundabouts!
How??????..... I can hear you all shouting!

Well, my niece Amy was on hand because she'd decided to join us and share our night out. A quick distress call to her and she guided us in. All I can say is thank goodness for mobile phones, & Sat Nav - you're sacked! Ouch!

All of the staff at the Slug and Lettuce are courteous and friendly - without exception.
Hazel (deputy manager) who invited me, and Abigail (Manager) were charming, and ensured we were enjoying our evening.

The cabaret and hostess for the evening was billed as Miss Kitty Lit-teur, one of the North East's top Drag Queens. We were in for a treat.......and a helluva surprise!

Why? Well let me tell you. Miss Kitty is one of our long lost friends. Of course there was no chance to catch up properly, it was a brief hello and on with the show.

The show was spectacular! The costumes absolutely fabulous, and the audience participation went down a storm.

Of course I was dancing as usual. Only this time I had a terrific toy boy to dance with. Kenneth - what an absolute charmer you are........
and just like your Dad - a terrific mover ;-)

It was great to see Rolly, another special old friend. Catch up soon Rolly, eh?

Now if you want to see Miss Kitty then visit her website for dates and venues. I do believe she is coming back to Durham in a month's time at the Slug and Lettuce. Check out the websites.

http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk/durham


I'm sorry I don't have any pics to show you. I forgot my camera :-(

Well done to the organizers for a great evening, and for raising £400.