Latest news with #Butlins
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
We live in a UK seaside resort that Butlin's abandoned before Hollywood moved in – it's a real-life paradise
BARRY Island is the Welsh seaside resort we all know and love thanks to the hit series, Gavin and Stacey. But it's so much more than just a filming location to the locals whose exclusive homes, built on a headland at the resort made famous by the BBC show, offer panoramic sea views and spectacular sunrises. Advertisement 13 Barry Island is one of the most recognisable spots in Wales Credit: Alamy 13 The seaside resort used to be home to an enormous Butlins resort Credit: Wales News Service On a clear day, residents living at Nell's Point on Barry Island in south Wales have uninterrupted views reaching as far as Somerset. Some have rear gardens joining a grassy clifftop with a private pathway down to the sandy beach below. There are incredible views of the coastline, and some people have seen dolphins and porpoises from Nell's Point. Sightings are rare, but seals are regularly spotted in the area. Advertisement Read More on Wales The smart, executive-style homes on the Nell's Point estate are a world away from the rows of chalets that were put up at the same spot 60 years ago by William 'Billy' Butlin when he bought the site and turned it into one of his famous Butlin's Holiday Camps. In those days, it was predominantly coal miners and their families trudging up and down the pathway as they revelled in their annual summer holiday leave from their jobs in the long since-closed South Wales collieries. Now houses sit on the former Butlin's site, with some that have been turned into holiday homes rented out by individuals. Some locals still remember the resort's heyday when thousands of excited holidaymakers made the journey to the island to stay in the more than 800 chalets at the attraction. Advertisement Most read in Travel At its peak in 1934, 400,000 people visited during the August bank holiday weekend. Like any other Butlin's resort there was a plethora of activities to choose from, like paddling in the heated swimming pools. The real life of Barry Island made famous by BBC's TV Series Gavin and Stacey 13 Mark described Barry as 'paradise' to holiday-goers Credit: Nigel Iskander 13 Butlin's used to be one of the busiest places on Barry Island Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales Advertisement Onsite, there was also funfair, cable car, miniature railway, restaurants, bars, and a fish and chip shop. Mark Anthony, now 68, was a young boy when Butlin's opened and shared his memories of those booming summer months every year. Mark, who runs a cafe and gift shop on the nearby seafront with his wife, Lisa, 60, said: 'Barry was bustling with people, many of them families who'd come down from the coal mining valleys for a well-earned summer holiday." Mark continued: 'They loved coming here because there was so much to do, especially at Butlin's. There were the famous Butlin's Redcoats, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a ballroom, a boating lake, tennis courts and an amusement arcade. It was like paradise. Advertisement 'People used to come down here and spend a few hours crammed on the beach like sardines. "Those that couldn't get a chalet at Butlin's up there used to stay in one of the numerous local boarding houses and B&Bs. Hardly anyone went abroad in those days because there was so much to do here. 'It's sad that nowadays so many people seem to want to spend their holidays overseas because, I guess, it's so cheap to get there and the sunshine is almost guaranteed. 'Even so, Barry has a lot to offer still. There are lots of lovely places to go out for a drink or a nice meal and there's the funfair and beautiful beaches which are just as good as anywhere in the world. Advertisement 'And there are several beautiful bays that are safe to swim in. I absolutely love living here. Barry Island should still be at the top of everyone's list of holiday destinations." 13 Barry Island has become more popular again thanks to Gavin & Stacey Credit: Tom Jackson/BBC Popular beach-side cafes in Barry Island include On the front is also Bay 5 Coffee House which serves savoury snacks and sweet treats and 'pancake stacks' according to a Tripadvisor review. Advertisement As for the top restaurants, the most highly-rated on Tripadvisor is Paletta Pizzeria which lots of customers say to book early as it gets very busy. It was also Barry's first wood-fired Pizzeria, serving up tasty pizzas, pasta dishes and gnocchi. As for ice cream shops, they are around most corners with John's Cafe being the most highly-rated. The classic sweet treats shop also serves candy floss, a stick of rock and of course, ice cream too. Advertisement Barry Island has five notable beaches with Whitmore Bay is also the spot where the Shipmans and the Wests go for their beach day in Gavin and Stacey in series three. Jackson's Bay is a more secluded section of the coastline and is more popular with locals because it's lesser-known. One visitor wrote on Advertisement Another added: "What a nice walk and lovely scenery. A nice bay, small and hardly anybody there." Cold Knap Beach, which has pebbles instead of sand, is also a quieter spot than Whitmore Bay. 13 Whitmore Bay on Barry Island is the most well-known and popular beach Credit: Alamy Helen, a grandmother strolling along the seafront with one of her grandsons, agreed: 'Barry is still a fantastic place to come for a holiday. Us locals are incredibly friendly and the fairground is great fun, whatever the weather. Advertisement 'In fact, I prefer it now to when we had Butlin's here. Sure, the holidaymakers brought in money, but it was mostly spent at the holiday camp, not in the rest of Barry. 'In those days, it was mainly miners coming here, but nowadays people come for the Gavin and Stacey experience and that means they go everywhere on the island. "It's created plenty of trade for the whole of Barry and as a result, the place has been transformed. It's no longer just a cheapo holiday destination.' There are plenty of locations to spot during a visit to Barry, Advertisement On Barry Island itself there's the famous Marco's Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots. We've listed a few more foilming locations at the bottom of the article. Over the years, Barry Island has become increasingly popular and according to the Gavin and Stacey fans coming from as far away as Australia, Hawaii and India. Visitors often take pictures in front of her house and when Glenda opens it up, have a tour too. As for shopping on Barry Island, there's been a new development called Goodsheds . Advertisement The site is home to independent shops which are in repurposed shipping containers in an area called the Shipyard - there you'll find craft beers, records, home furnishings and fashion stores. Nearby there's The Tracks, where railway carriages have been repurposed, and there's even a cinema . The Wales Coast Path runs right around the coastline at Barry. It's about 4 miles along the coastline to Rhoose Point, the most southerly spot in Wales which offer incredible views over the coast. 13 The Pleasure Park is still a hit with tourists and locals alike Credit: Alamy Advertisement The most recognisable attraction is the giant Ferris wheel, but they also have three rollercoasters, a log flume and spooky ghost train. The family-owned business' biggest ride is Aerospace. It's a giant, 32-seater space machine that swings riders up and down, reaching heights of 214 feet and speeds of up to 75mph. During the summer months when Barry is bustling with visitors, the amusement park gets 400,000 ride goers. Advertisement 13 There was lots to do at Butlin's like swimming in the pools Credit: WalesOnline/Media Wales 13 Coach driver Barry is more than happy to visit the Welsh coast Credit: Nigel Iskander Coach driver Barry Elms, 60, from Birmingham, was having a rest on the seafront when we caught up with him. 'I've just dropped 50 holidaymakers off and this is just what I need - fresh sea air and magnificent views,' he said. 'The lot I've just brought here from Brum have come for Gavin and Stacey. I think that show is what has made Barry Island famous again." Advertisement Solicitor Jay Thomas, 42, was in Barry enjoying a day at the seaside. He said: 'It is just a beautiful spot to come to. It's very clean and the people are super-friendly. I've driven down from Solihull in the West Midlands and it has been well worth the time spent getting down here. 'You can get here and back home in a day, so it's perfect." I didn't know until today that there used to be a Butlin's here, but to be honest there still seems plenty to do." Local Tony Rosser, 79, remembers the Butlin's era but says he prefers the resort as it is today. He said: 'As a boy, we never really came to the sea front here in summer because it was so busy. We only used to come here in the winter , when it was a bit quieter and have lovely long walks. Advertisement 'The local traders liked having Butlin's here, for sure, because they benefited from there being so many holidaymakers in town, but now they're enjoying the Gavin and Stacey effect instead, so they're happy again. 'However, I still think the council needs to do a lot more to encourage more people to come here because the show has finished now and we'll always need visitors to help the local economy.' 13 Tony prefers Barry Island without the Butlin's resort Credit: Nigel Iskander 13 The seafront is far less busy during the winter months Credit: Nigel Iskander Advertisement Barry Island no longer has any holiday parks on the island, but there are still a few nearby that mean visitors can easily access the island. Porthkerry Leisure Park is a family-friendly located close to Barry Island and the scenic Vale of Glamorgan. There's also Fontygary Touring Park which has a spa, pool, and sea views . But none of the holiday parks are on the scale that Butlin's was. 13 Lawrence's nickname is the 'karaoke king' Credit: Nigel Iskander Advertisement Lawrence Hill, an 83-year-old retired painter and decorator, proclaims himself to be the 'karaoke king' of Barry Island. He said: 'They should never have built those luxury homes on the old Butlin's site. It was a wonderful complex and I'm sure it could have been spruced up and used as some kind of holiday attraction again. It's such a good spot up there. 'I have such fond memories of Butlin's. I wish it was still here in Barry, I really do.' The Top Locations For Fans of Gavin and Stacey Gavin and Stacey came to an end with the finale episode over Christmas, but you can still keep the show's spirit alive with a trip to Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy's local Essex hangout and of course the There are organised tours of Gavin and Stacey locations, some onboard Dave's Coaches, but it's easy enough to go on your own adventure. 13 Barry Island used to be home to a bustling Butlin's resort Credit: Getty Advertisement
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
We live in a UK seaside resort that Butlin's abandoned before Hollywood moved in – it's a real-life paradise
BARRY Island is the Welsh seaside resort we all know and love thanks to the hit series, Gavin and Stacey. But it's so much more than just a filming location to the locals whose exclusive homes, built on a headland at the resort made famous by the BBC show, offer panoramic sea views and spectacular sunrises. 13 13 On a clear day, residents living at Nell's Point on Barry Island in south Wales have uninterrupted views reaching as far as Somerset. Some have rear gardens joining a grassy clifftop with a private pathway down to the sandy beach below. There are incredible views of the coastline, and some people have seen dolphins and porpoises from Nell's Point. Sightings are rare, but seals are regularly spotted in the area. The smart, executive-style homes on the Nell's Point estate are a world away from the rows of chalets that were put up at the same spot 60 years ago by William 'Billy' Butlin when he bought the site and turned it into one of his famous Butlin's Holiday Camps. In those days, it was predominantly coal miners and their families trudging up and down the pathway as they revelled in their annual summer holiday leave from their jobs in the long since-closed South Wales collieries. Now houses sit on the former Butlin's site, with some that have been turned into holiday homes rented out by individuals. Some locals still remember the resort's heyday when thousands of excited holidaymakers made the journey to the island to stay in the more than 800 chalets at the attraction. At its peak in 1934, 400,000 people visited during the August bank holiday weekend. Like any other Butlin's resort there was a plethora of activities to choose from, like paddling in the heated swimming pools. The real life of Barry Island made famous by BBC's TV Series Gavin and Stacey 13 13 Onsite, there was also funfair, cable car, miniature railway, restaurants, bars, and a fish and chip shop. Mark Anthony, now 68, was a young boy when Butlin's opened and shared his memories of those booming summer months every year. Mark, who runs a cafe and gift shop on the nearby seafront with his wife, Lisa, 60, said: 'Barry was bustling with people, many of them families who'd come down from the coal mining valleys for a well-earned summer holiday." Mark continued: 'They loved coming here because there was so much to do, especially at Butlin's. There were the famous Butlin's Redcoats, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a ballroom, a boating lake, tennis courts and an amusement arcade. It was like paradise. 'People used to come down here and spend a few hours crammed on the beach like sardines. "Those that couldn't get a chalet at Butlin's up there used to stay in one of the numerous local boarding houses and B&Bs. Hardly anyone went abroad in those days because there was so much to do here. 'It's sad that nowadays so many people seem to want to spend their holidays overseas because, I guess, it's so cheap to get there and the sunshine is almost guaranteed. 'Even so, Barry has a lot to offer still. There are lots of lovely places to go out for a drink or a nice meal and there's the funfair and beautiful beaches which are just as good as anywhere in the world. 'And there are several beautiful bays that are safe to swim in. I absolutely love living here. Barry Island should still be at the top of everyone's list of holiday destinations." 13 Popular beach-side cafes in Barry Island include Marco's Cafe which of course is famous for its appearance on Gavin and Stacey - and there's even a mural on the side dedicated to the TV show. On the front is also Bay 5 Coffee House which serves savoury snacks and sweet treats and 'pancake stacks' according to a Tripadvisor review. As for the top restaurants, the most highly-rated on Tripadvisor is Paletta Pizzeria which lots of customers say to book early as it gets very busy. It was also Barry's first wood-fired Pizzeria, serving up tasty pizzas, pasta dishes and gnocchi. As for ice cream shops, they are around most corners with John's Cafe being the most highly-rated. The classic sweet treats shop also serves candy floss, a stick of rock and of course, ice cream too. Barry Island has five notable beaches with Whitmore Bay being the most popular, it's known for its golden sand and sits directly in front of the pleasure park. Whitmore Bay is also the spot where the Shipmans and the Wests go for their beach day in Gavin and Stacey in series three. Jackson's Bay is a more secluded section of the coastline and is more popular with locals because it's lesser-known. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "This is a beautiful safe enclosed sandy beach away from the fairground and bustle of the main beach of Barry Island. " Another added: "What a nice walk and lovely scenery. A nice bay, small and hardly anybody there." Cold Knap Beach, which has pebbles instead of sand, is also a quieter spot than Whitmore Bay. 13 Helen, a grandmother strolling along the seafront with one of her grandsons, agreed: 'Barry is still a fantastic place to come for a holiday. Us locals are incredibly friendly and the fairground is great fun, whatever the weather. 'In fact, I prefer it now to when we had Butlin's here. Sure, the holidaymakers brought in money, but it was mostly spent at the holiday camp, not in the rest of Barry. 'In those days, it was mainly miners coming here, but nowadays people come for the Gavin and Stacey experience and that means they go everywhere on the island. "It's created plenty of trade for the whole of Barry and as a result, the place has been transformed. It's no longer just a cheapo holiday destination.' There are plenty of locations to spot during a visit to Barry, Trinity Street is home to the homes of Gwen, Uncle Bryn, and Doris - now belonging to Gavin and Stacey. On Barry Island itself there's the famous Marco's Cafe and the Arcade where Nessa worked the slots. We've listed a few more foilming locations at the bottom of the article. Over the years, Barry Island has become increasingly popular and according to the BBC, the home belonging to Gwen, which really belongs to a lady called Glenda Kenyon has had nearly 30,000 visitors. Gavin and Stacey fans coming from as far away as Australia, Hawaii and India. Visitors often take pictures in front of her house and when Glenda opens it up, have a tour too. As for shopping on Barry Island, there's been a new development called Goodsheds. The site is home to independent shops which are in repurposed shipping containers in an area called the Shipyard - there you'll find craft beers, records, home furnishings and fashion stores. Nearby there's The Tracks, where railway carriages have been repurposed, and there's even a cinema. The Wales Coast Path runs right around the coastline at Barry. It's about 4 miles along the coastline to Rhoose Point, the most southerly spot in Wales which offer incredible views over the coast. Barry Island Pleasure Park first opened in 1897 and is still going strong down on the seafront. The most recognisable attraction is the giant Ferris wheel, but they also have three rollercoasters, a log flume and spooky ghost train. The family-owned business' biggest ride is Aerospace. It's a giant, 32-seater space machine that swings riders up and down, reaching heights of 214 feet and speeds of up to 75mph. During the summer months when Barry is bustling with visitors, the amusement park gets 400,000 ride goers. 13 Coach driver Barry Elms, 60, from Birmingham, was having a rest on the seafront when we caught up with him. 'I've just dropped 50 holidaymakers off and this is just what I need - fresh sea air and magnificent views,' he said. 'The lot I've just brought here from Brum have come for Gavin and Stacey. I think that show is what has made Barry Island famous again." Solicitor Jay Thomas, 42, was in Barry enjoying a day at the seaside. He said: 'It is just a beautiful spot to come to. It's very clean and the people are super-friendly. I've driven down from Solihull in the West Midlands and it has been well worth the time spent getting down here. 'You can get here and back home in a day, so it's perfect." I didn't know until today that there used to be a Butlin's here, but to be honest there still seems plenty to do." Local Tony Rosser, 79, remembers the Butlin's era but says he prefers the resort as it is today. He said: 'As a boy, we never really came to the sea front here in summer because it was so busy. We only used to come here in the winter, when it was a bit quieter and have lovely long walks. 'The local traders liked having Butlin's here, for sure, because they benefited from there being so many holidaymakers in town, but now they're enjoying the Gavin and Stacey effect instead, so they're happy again. 'However, I still think the council needs to do a lot more to encourage more people to come here because the show has finished now and we'll always need visitors to help the local economy.' 13 Barry Island no longer has any holiday parks on the island, but there are still a few nearby that mean visitors can easily access the island. Porthkerry Leisure Park is a family-friendly located close to Barry Island and the scenic Vale of Glamorgan. There's also Fontygary Touring Park which has a spa, pool, and sea views. But none of the holiday parks are on the scale that Butlin's was. 13 Lawrence Hill, an 83-year-old retired painter and decorator, proclaims himself to be the 'karaoke king' of Barry Island. He said: 'They should never have built those luxury homes on the old Butlin's site. It was a wonderful complex and I'm sure it could have been spruced up and used as some kind of holiday attraction again. It's such a good spot up there. 'I have such fond memories of Butlin's. I wish it was still here in Barry, I really do.' The Top Locations For Fans of Gavin and Stacey Gavin and Stacey came to an end with the finale episode over Christmas, but you can still keep the show's spirit alive with a trip to Barry, Wales. Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy's local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin - where pints cost £4, according to reviews left by guests. There are organised tours of Gavin and Stacey locations, some onboard Dave's Coaches, but it's easy enough to go on your own adventure. 13
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Best last minute gifts for dad this Father's Day
Father's Day is almost here, literally a week today, and with it comes the annual sense of panic that maybe we should have gotten something earlier. I've been quizzing my siblings on what would be the best thing to buy for our dad and been getting lots of not so subtle suggestions of things that they want for themselves. So I spread the net a little wider and decided it was time to look a little closer at what I think my dad might like other than a card and box of chocolates that the rest of us will no doubt eat ourselves. It can be a challenge thinking of something that hasn't been done before. Butlins revamp major holiday park with 'top quality' attractions and prices at £69 Tassimo coffee machines slashed to less than £40 in summer sale If dad is a foodie there are plenty of gadgets and goodies that can elevate life in the kitchen, from high-tech app-controlled meat thermometers perfect for upping your barbecue game through to a surprisingly budget friendly Ninja device to take the hassle out of chopping. For something a bit more unusual, why not zhuzh up the essentials? I was lucky enough to head out to France earlier this year to see behind the scenes of Peugeot's new salt mill mechanism - I even put together my own pepper mill. As a result my dad has been dropping constant hints that his kitchen is missing something special. There are so many options available but I think the Paris mills are the best. They've recently been released in a few gorgeous green shades, which I think makes them a great option for dads with a green thumb, but there's a massive range of colours. Notably the mills mechanism comes with a lifetime guarantee, so it's truly a gift that will last. Peugeot homewares also has a huge range of kitchen accessories from tart dishes and tagines to barware, typically all available in the same colour, so it's an easy way to have a matching and linked gift for birthdays and Christmases to come. Paris mills are available from £31.99 although the price is impacted by the height. It's a classic for a reason, there's something nice about dads looking at their children's faces when they make their morning brew. While there are plenty of generic mugs in the supermarket, Moonpig offers mugs for £11.99 with the opportunity to add your own pictures. Quite a few even offer five pictures alongside a sweet message so it's a great opportunity to get in siblings too. Emma Bridgewater also offers personalised mugs, from £19, but they're hand painted which means that there will be a name or initials rather than a printed image. For those who like the hand painted touch but want something more personal Pott'd Paintables Paint-a-Mug Kit is available on Amazon. It's £29 for a single mug or £34 for two, it could be a cute activity with dad or a fun surprise on the day. My dad has told me out right how cool he thinks the driving experience days look. Virgin has a massive range of them available up and down the country with prices from £25. It's important to read the small print though as some are only allowed on certain days Whether it's drivign an American Big Rig Truck (£148), a Lamborghini (£182.50) or simply classic cars (£25) there's quite a big variety of options. It's not just driving days though, there are stadium tours, cocktail masterclasses and more. What's more, if you are working on the really last minute you can get a virtual voucher so you don't even have to worry about how long it takes to get delivered. Whether it's a bottle of rum, whisky or a nice bottle of wine, booze tends to always go down a treat as a present. My dad prefers rum so I'll be reaching for a bottle of my favourite Project #173 Butterscotch Rum, which is currently £20.95 on Master of Malt, but there's a lot of other flavour options. At 42% it's on the strong side but great for sipping neat. It could also be a good idea to get drinking glasses to elevate the experience. For those who don't like darker liquors, Smirnoff recently came out with Miami Peach flavoured vodka which is available in premixed cans with lemonade as well as a 70cl bottle for £18.49. Inspired by the Miami beach lifestyle this peach vodka is ideal for garden parties and is even said to be delicious in a peach mojito. It's important to note that alcohol should be drunk responsibly. Candles can change the atmosphere of an entire room and while they might more often be first thoughts for Mother's Day, there's no reason dads can't also enjoy. WoodWick Renew Tomato Leaf & Basil is a great option, and currently £20.62 on Amazon. Terra Haze is also a new scent from the Woodwick Candles range at Yankee Candle. It's currently reduced to £24.74 at Boots and aims to replicate the scent of 'nature being stripped down to its molecules'. The candle has a natural scent that fills a room without being overpowering and the crackling wick adds a touch of ambiance that can't be denied. Bath and Body Works Mahogany Teakwood High Intensity (£32.99), is often described as 'smelling like a man' with woody notes and a touch of frosted lavender. It could be a nice option for dads who are looking for a relaxing moment to themselves.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
'I cried saying goodbye to my Butlins lover - 33 years later we were married'
For Sue Palmer-Conn and Bill they thought their romance came to a end with their summer job at Butlins, but decades later - one message led them back to each other Most people either marry their first love... or they don't. They move on, build new lives, and often never cross paths again. But for Sue Palmer-Conn and Bill, what started as a teenage summer romance at Pwllheli Butlins in 1971 didn't end on that bridge - although it took 33 years, missed letters and one unforgettable message for fate to bring them back together. The then-teens met during a 10-week season working as lifeguards and they hit it off immediately. They spent every spare moment together, but the moments that really stayed with Sue were the quiet ones at the end of the day. 'We were inseparable,' Sue told the Mirror. 'That summer we just hit it off and talked about everything.' They'd share hot chocolate and a doughnut, winding down after their shift - but like all summer jobs, it eventually had to end. 'He was driving away, and I was standing there on the bridge waving to him, tears were rolling down my cheeks,' she said. 'I hoped I would see him again.' Sue returned to Butlins the following two years, hoping she may be reunited with him again. But he had started a sandwich course and couldn't return. Still, she remained hopeful even writing him letters. But he never got the letters. 'His mother intercepted them,' Sue said. 'She didn't want him distracted by another girl - he'd already failed his A-levels once over love.' And just like that - they never saw or heard from each other for decades. They both moved on. Sue stayed in Liverpool, became a teacher, married a university student who became a dentist, and had two sons. After 25 years of marriage, the relationship ended when, as Sue puts it, 'I got a PhD and he got a girlfriend'. They divorced in 2001. Meanwhile, Bill had moved to London, trained as an accountant, married, had four children and divorced in 2002. It may not have felt like it at the time, but those endings quietly cleared the path for a new beginning. Sue joined the website Friends Reunited, putting in her profile: 'old, free and single.' Around the same time, Bill performed in a local production and one of the songs was We'll Meet Again. 'In Butlins on a Friday night, all the Redcoats line up at the back of the stage and we'd link arms and sing We'll Meet Again,' Sue added. That memory triggered something in Bill. He searched for Sue and found her. 'Ho-de-ho, fancy you remembering me,' he wrote. 'Hi-di-hi, oh, fancy you remember,' Sue replied. From there, everything changed. By Sunday, they'd moved to phone calls. 'We talked and talked, it was amazing how many times our life paths had crossed,' Sue said. 'We talked morning, noon and night after that.' Then on Thursday, while on the phone to Bill, Sue received a delivery at work. 'There was a bouquet of 33 red roses, and it said: You're my first, my last, my everything - one for every year I've missed you.' A few weeks later, they reunited face to face, at the old camp back at the same bridge where Sue once stood in tears. 'We met up on Valentine's Day and that's where he proposed,' she added. At that moment, it didn't feel like 33 years had passed. 'It felt as if he'd gone out for a paper,' she said. 'It wasn't even a question - I said yes.' Bill later asked her mum and her sons for permission to marry her. Nine months later, they tied the knot and in their wedding they danced to You're My First, My Last, My Everything. Today, Sue is a divorce coach and bestselling author of 'Plan the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding: Essential Conversations You Must Have Before the Big Day'. 'You have to get to know them as a friend, get to know all their ins and outs before you actually get married - no nasty surprises,' Sue said. She believes their love stood the test of time because their friendship came first. 'We talked and talked in the months between getting in touch and getting married. There was nothing we didn't know.' she said 'You've got to like somebody before you love them.' Now 21 years married, Sue hopes their story reminds people that second chances are real and it's never too late for love. 'We defied the odds. After 33 years, we picked up where we left off - we've been married 21 years this November,' she said.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Planning a budget-friendly break? Butlin's now has Showtime family holidays from just £49 - plus an EXTRA 10% off for a limited time
Looking to plan your next summer getaway? Well, good news, as Butlin's is currently offering an extra 10 per cent off their iconic Showtime Term-Time Breaks – with prices starting at just £49. Running throughout the year during term-time, Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks showcase more quality entertainment than you can shake a stick at, and won't break the bank, either, making your next family getaway more affordable than ever. Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks Looking to plan your next summer getaway? You can now score your next Showtime Term-Time Break with a whopping 10 per cent off, perfect if you're looking to save money on your next family holiday. Running throughout the year during term-time, Butlin's Showtime Term-Time Breaks showcase more quality entertainment than you can shake a stick at, and won't break the bank, either. From £49 Shop While an unforgettable getaway at Butlin's has always been excellent value for money, you can now score your next Showtime Term-Time Break with a whopping 10 per cent off, perfect if you're looking to save money on your next family holiday. But while your stay will cost less, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences up for grabs during these term-time getaways. With everything from exclusive, West End-quality shows to thrills and spills in the huge Splash Waterworlds, there's plenty for the entire family to enjoy when you spend your holiday at Butlin's. Showtime Term-Time Midweek Breaks start from as little as £49 based on two adults and two children, and include a stay in a comfortable apartment with separate living and sleeping areas (ideal if you're catering to different bedtimes), and fully equipped kitchen areas to prepare your own meals. Holidaying with younger children? Butlin's are here to make your stay seamless with buggy parks, highchairs, child-friendly cutlery, baby food pouches included and travel cots available at selected locations, so you don't have to take the whole nursery with you. With stays of three to four nights up for grabs, and deposits for as low as £5 per person, you'll find plenty of activities included to keep little ones entertained, including mini discos, arts and crafts and unforgettable soft play zones. And these aren't called Showtime breaks for nothing… Also included in the price of your stay are a whole host of dazzling shows such as Snow White and Her Magnificent Friends, Peppa's Circus Celebration and The Butlin's Party Show Hosted by Mister Maker, none of which will be forgotten in a hurry. After all the excitement experienced during your Butlin's break, you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite. Luckily, there's plenty of dining options to help you and your family refuel throughout your break. Whether you opt for a dining plans that offer incredible variety at a great price, or pick and choose what you fancy each day, the Butlin's restaurants and grab-and-go outlets mean your action-packed days start and end with satisfied tummies. With so much to see and experience for the whole family, there's truly never been a better time to book an unforgettable getaway at Butlin's and treat your family to a magical holiday for less. Click here to find out more about what's included in your Showtime Term-Time Break, browse locations and dates available and secure your next holiday today.
