FORMER Redcoats will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Barry Island Butlins on the camp’s former site on Saturday.

Staff members are inviting all former colleagues and guests, and members of the public to join them at the commemorative plaque, located at the eastern promenade, for an informal gathering at 2pm.

The camp was opened to visitors in 1966 by Sir Billy Butlin.

Former Redcoat Steuart Kingsley-Innes said: “Fifty years ago the gates opened to admit guests for the first time. The last camp to open and the smallest, it is said it was also Sir Billy's favourite.

Mainly because 'The Island' was where, on a wet holiday in the 20s, he came up with his plan based on something he'd seen whilst living in Canada, to open holiday centres for working people that would give them and their families real value for money breaks.

"He also vowed to come back to Barry one day and open a camp there. A promise he fulfilled 50 years ago."

"Little did Sir Billy realise on that early holiday the impact his ideas would have on British social history in general and working class life in particular in the years just before, and after the war. Or that in addition to this legacy, he would add words to the English language, 'Butlin's', 'holiday camp' and of course 'Redcoat'," added Kingsley-Innes.

"Although there is a now a permanent memorial on the site, the camp, like many others, sadly no longer exists, even Sir Billy himself, Knight of The Realm, philanthropist and showman extraordinaire, is, as we get older, a fading memory.

"There will be an informal gathering at the plaque at 2pm to remember all of the staff and guests who made working there such a pleasure, the memories of which still resonate today. Anyone wishing to come along will be welcome to help us wish a happy 50th Anniversary to The Camp on Barry Island.”