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Woman marks 45 years of working at Butlin's

Kelly WithersSomerset
News imageButlin's Linda Carroll and two other women. They are in blue outfits and are also wearing glitter. The picture was taken in the 1980s.Butlin's
Linda Carroll (left) and other staff members at Butlin's in the 1980s

"My husband says if you cut me in half, I'd have Butlin's running through me like a stick of rock."

Linda Carroll, from Minehead in Somerset, is marking a major milestone after working at the holiday resort in the town for 45 years.

She became a permanent staff member in August 1981 and has held various job titles since. "I've met so many lovely people along the way too, many of whom have become lifelong friends from all over the country," she said.

Craig Goodwin, resort director at Butlin's Minehead, said: "Reaching 45 summers at Butlin's is an extraordinary milestone and Linda has been part of life at Minehead for generations."

News imageButlins Linda sits at a desk in an office. A keyboard and computer screen are in front of her. She is wearing a brown cardigan and a blouse. She has blonde her. There is a noticeboard in the background.Butlins
Linda Carroll met her husband at Butlin's and says she has made lifelong friends there

Carroll added: "What I always say is where on earth can you go to work and then at the weekend come back in to sit and enjoy Fat Boy Slim?"

She first spotted her future husband, Tommy, while working at the resort in 1985, with the pair getting together the following year.

She has held various jobs including supervisor titles and management positions, before stepping into her current role helping staff across Butlin's three resorts.

Her favourite memories come from the 80s when she took part in the yearly carnivals dressed as a trapeze artist and cowgirl.

Goodwin added: "From arriving as a 20-year-old to now helping new starters begin their own Butlin's journey 45 years later, Linda has made an incredible contribution to the resort, the wider business and everyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside her."

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News imageGetty Images A birds-eye view of Butlins in Minehead by the seafront. There are big buildings and some tents. It is sunny and the coastline is visibleGetty Images
Linda Carroll has worked at the Butlin's resort in Minehead since 1981

Emma Kelly worked alongside Carroll at Butlin's and said her 45 years' service was "a truly remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication and commitment".

"She is admired not only for what she does, but for who she is, a truly lovely person inside and out," she added.

Carroll said she would remain at Butlin's for a few more years.

"I've got a couple of years until retirement but I am a bit scared to retire. I'll carry on here for as long as my mind let's me and my body."

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