AS holiday giant Butlin’s celebrates its 90th anniversary in Minehead this year, shared services co-ordinator Linda Carroll is celebrating being part of the firm’s story for half of that time.

Linda started work on the Minehead site at the age of 20 years in August, 1981, and is now marking her 45th anniversary supporting the behind the scenes running of the resort.

Her incredible story goes beyond just a commitment to the Butlin’s brand, as Linda met her husband Tommy while working on the resort just four years later.

Linda has lived in Somerset since she was four years old and settled in Minehead in 1980, a year before she joined Butlin’s as a personnel clerk.

She and Tommy later spent 15 years living in Taunton, but the couple missed Minehead so much that they moved back in 2016.

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

Linda Carroll (right) as a cowgirl for a Butlin's Minehead carnival in the 1980s.
Linda Carroll (right) as a cowgirl for a Butlin's Minehead carnival in the 1980s. (Contributed)

Since 2018, they have found themselves working alongside each other again after Tommy returned to Butlin’s as part of the gardens team.

Throughout her 45 years, Linda has held various jobs, including supervisor titles and management positions, before stepping into her current shared services co-ordinator role.

Today, she helps onboard all new team members across all three Butlin’s resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis, and Skegness, allowing new starters to smoothly begin their careers.

Her wealth of experience in payroll has also made her the go-to team member for payroll queries from Minehead staff.

Linda has seen millions of guests enjoying their summer holidays at the Minehead resort over the past 45 years, but her favourite memories come from the 1980s when she took part in the yearly carnivals dressed as a trapeze artist and cowgirl.

Her 45th summer comes in a landmark year as Butlin’s marks 90 years of entertaining the nation, with Linda’s career at Minehead now spanning half of the brand’s history.

Linda said: “Looking back on the last 45 years, it still surprises me how far I have come.

Linda Carroll (left) as a trapeze artist for a Butlin's Minehead carnival in the 1980s.
Linda Carroll (left) as a trapeze artist for a Butlin's Minehead carnival in the 1980s. (Contributed)

“When I first joined, I was so shy, but throughout my career I slowly gained more confidence.

“Although I did not realise it at the time, I have always been a people person.

“I have met so many lovely people along the way, too, many of whom have become lifelong friends from all over the country.

“My husband says if you cut me in half, I would have ‘Butlin’s’ running through me like a stick of rock.”

Resort director Craig Goodwin said: “Reaching 45 summers at Butlin’s is an extraordinary milestone and Linda has been part of life at Minehead for generations.

“Her knowledge and experience are invaluable, but it is the support she gives those around her that has made such a lasting impact.

“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 everybody who has had the pleasure of working alongside her.”