A blue plaque placed at the seafront garden at Nell’s Point to commemorate Butlin’s Holiday Camp – there for 20 years between 1966 and 1986 – suddenly disappeared without warning recently in what was described variously as mindless vandalism, theft or simply removed for renovation works.
On Friday 22nd April, a plea for information was posted on the popular social media group, Barry Island Historical, with an image taken by Steuart Kingsley-Innes of an empty space where the polycarbonate plaque had been positioned for over seven years.
With the costs met by former members of the camp’s Red Coats, the plaque was installed in September 2014 to commemorate the Butlin’s Holiday Camp and its operator, showman and philanthropist, Sir William ‘Billy’ Butlin.
Spotting a suggestion that the plaque may be with council workers at Whitmore Bay, group member Samantha Adams decided to visit their beach office on Thursday 26th April and found it safe and sound. She then posted a photo online for other group members’ awareness and relief.
Speaking to the Glamorgan Star, Samantha said: “I was informed on my Facebook status that they had it and went to check it was there. He confirmed it had fallen off the wall.
“I asked if I could see it and took the photo to confirm to other members of our Butlin’s family to assure them it was in safe hands.”
A spokesperson for Vale Council told the Glamorgan Star: “I’m told the plaque was recently removed by vandals but was recovered by Vale of Glamorgan Council staff.
“It is now in the possession of a former redcoat who worked at the Butlins camp. He originally arranged to have the plaque put in place and is now having it cleaned before it is returned to its former location.”
🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 05.05.22.
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