Broadreeds 1987

My summer at Broadreed was to be a challenge, i would be working as Assistant Entertainments manager under Colin Green whom i had worked with the previous summer. I was impressed with Broadreeds as it was modern. I had my own room and full Bathroom. WHOOPEE!!!!!, the swimming pool area was spanish style and really nice, the ballroom was modern and spacious with nice seating and the spanish bar had a homely feel with a gallery around the sides.
I worked with some fantastic people. Kathy Henry was chief hostess and we worked well together but we did have a fall out which di dnot last too long, Mandy from Leeds was great laugh, Joanne from North London, Wendy from Blackpool and Clare from Burton on Trent, her boyfriend who came to visit ended up as a bluecoat, Jock from Scotland ( surprise surprise) left and we needed a replacement, he had been at Broadreeds the year before and expected to be offered promotion and i got it over him so there was some bad feeling there on his behalf.
I organised some great shows and used ths skills of Wendy who was a dancer to choreograph new routines which we practiced outside the chalets in good weather, this motivated her and instilled confidence in her. I tried my hardest to motivate everyone and i think looking back we all had a great season. Colin Milne who i had worked with at Middleton 84, Sand Bay 85 showed up as Childrens uncle working alongside Aunty Vicky who was about 4ft8" and a bundle of fun who the kids love, if i remember correctly she was from Nottingham.
Cabarets were great and the lighting system helped us out as it was modern and i colour coded all the switches so everyone knew what was what.
This was the year i took 2 weeks off in May to go to Corfu with ged, it was not the normal thing to do and usually not allowed but i was given permission by the asst camp manager unaware that he had not cleared it with the Manager so i had that to deal with when i got back and a lot of grovelling. Anyway i settled back in and the summer continued.
Looking back now we did so many dangerous things like, i drove the noddy train with up to 30 kids riding on it, it had a mind of its own and took off quite quickly, i did it last minute when driver we usually used went sick. I was not insured and could only imagine the claims if something had happened.
We still had comedians that told racist jokes and covered delicate subjects that we cannot even think about these days without being accused of non-Pc behaviour.
I used as much talent in the shows as i could and everyone who could sing/dance/act had their chance to do it, we ended up with an International show containing Copacabana, Dont't cry for me Argentina, Western Section, Cockney section and a all singing all dancing finale. It was great fun and we all looked forward to the Friday night show.
Alas this was going to be my last season and i would be saying goodbye to Pontins but talk about going out with a bang!!! Remember Michael Fish saying " there is no hurricane coming" well it did, one October night. Broadreeds was situated south of Chichester in Selsey-on-Sea in Sussex which took the brunt of the storm. We were all called for an emergency meeting the next morning in the ballroom. The swimming pool surrounding walls had collapsed, there was damage to many chalets and roofs had been blown off chalets. Police wer stopping coaches heading south with holiday makers and turning them around as the site was not habitable. I really am a little blurry as to what happened the rest of the season as there was only a few weeks left so if anyone can fill me in on that i would appreciate it.
I am hoping some of my old colleagues will get in touch and we could organise a re-union. Once again to those who are unaware, check out www.bluecoats.net and register yourself free.











My personal favourite, Broadreeds Bluecoats 1987 with the man who started it all, Sir Fred Pontin Himself.

Bluecoats 1987 evening wear

Bluecoats 1987 in daywear

Gary and Fancy Dress competition, Gary and Garry in corridor leading to Ballroom from Dining room.

Aunty Vicky and Chief Hostess Kathy

Aunty Vicky and Uncle Colin Milne in childrens theatre.

Western

Copacabana ( again)

Western Show

Friday night Finale show

The trio in the Spanish bar

Richard and Lar Jarmain. A personal favourite.