The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. It wasn't until we were on the promenade at a safe distance that I looked back to see the building completely engulfed in flames. You were certainly spoilt for choice - you could go swimming in 2 lovely new pools, rollerskate or play a multitude of sports in the massive sports hall, moonwalk in a big white type of enclosed bouncy castle (which like everything in there had a distinctive new smell). I was 15,and in the fire, but I escaped by jumping around the bannisters which were jammed with people too frightened to move on the stairs which were on the same side as the balcony with the crazy golf where the fire was started.. The Summerland site today is in the ownership of the Isle of Man Government, derelict for 12 years and for sale for 10 years until January 2018 when it was taken off the market. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) fire, which triggered a major change in fire regulations on the Island. Noel Skillicorn, LiverpoolSummerland for me, like many others who grew up on the Island was one of the main places that you could find entertainment of all forms from Rollerskating through to catching a afternoon film in the cinema. Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. (Good move as it happens - I understood later that about 12 people were found dead at the bottom of that staircase, which I seem to recall did not have proper handrails round it, being largely decorative.) We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. I loved it so much and will always remember it . Locations. We went back when they rebuilt it but it didn't have the same atmosphere & at first people almost seemed to be looking over their shoulders as if they were waiting for something to happen, it was strange. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. I remember winning a talent contest at Summerland when I was 6 years old.We went to the IOM every year for our summer holidays. from when I was an infant until I was a teenager.Also my dad and his friend used to have such fun jumping on the beaded filled cushions in the solariumI also remember being at home in Liverpool watching the blaze on TV and crying becuase I would never be able to go there again. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. sammy hamiltonI worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. With the building also suffering from concrete cancer, the remainder of the site closed in 2004, and demolition began in January 2006. We actually visited the Summerland on the day of the fire, I can remember the night of the fire, we were staying in a hotel on the opposite end of the prom, I was there with my cousin and our Mum's and Dad's had gone out for the evening. I was 5 at the time. Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. I remember going there as a 6 year old. It was indeed quite glamorous and I know for a fact my mum and dad spent more than a few romantic evenings there, (We kids got packed off to our grandparents house!) My dad played a lot of squash so I was always there watching him, well trying.. it took me years to be tall enough to see over from the spectators gallery properly.Every weekend it would either be rollerskating, swimming or the play area in the day and at night we would come back for the cabaret and more time in the play area.Through the week I would be in Summerland for 5-a-side football and swimming lessons with my school.For years I knew nothing about the fire but was told by my parents at a sensible age, from this moment on I wanted to know what the place looked like as their description made it sound out of this world and it was!I have spent many an hour researching everything Summerland.I have to admit I did feel very sad when I saw this place coming down.A newer more aesthetically pleasing version needs to be built, we need a more resourceful entertainment complex on the Island, everthing under one roof.. like Summerland! Custom Mountain home in Tehachapi CA.-2 hrs from LA or 2 hrs from Central Coast. [14] No specific individuals or groups were blamed and the deaths were attributed to misadventure, although the delay in evacuation and the flammable building materials were condemned. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. In The Summerland Story written by Robert Kelly he promotes the centre as a holiday town where it never rains, the wind never blows and the temperature never gets chilly. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. Original 1970s flyer in colour. The fire was contained in an internal space within the walls until it penetrated the interior, destroying the wiring of the fire alarm system in the process. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. Tehachapi, CA, US. The decor made it look like a tropical fairyland in places with the waterfall which looked like it was tumbling into the building from where the cliff-face was at the rear of the building. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. Now it's completely gone & it is a shame but they will hopefully put something back there for the manx & visitors to enjoy & make their amemories last a lifetime too. Zoom in to cu of Summerland Complex and fire damage 2. vs fire damage 3. John McGimpseyI was 15,and in the fire, but I escaped by jumping around the bannisters which were jammed with people too frightened to move on the stairs which were on the same side as the balcony with the crazy golf where the fire was started.. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. We saw the fire take hold and like many others my parents were shocked and crying at the horror of the tragic loss of life. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. It was a tragedy but the happy memories as a child are still vivid even in my late 40's.My thoughts are with those who lost someone dear xx. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. A period semi-detached double fronted town house built circa 1864, set along a quiet cul-de-sac, yet within easy walking distance of the shops and cafes of Parliament Street. Game & Entertainment Centers. i loved summerland it was amazing the play area and the skating the swim baths and all shame the way things went, HI, I PLAYED THE SUMMERLAND DISCO WITH MY BAND 'ROCOCO' THE YEAR BEFORE THE FIRE,I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS 'ROCOCO' I HAVE SOME VERY FOND MEMORIES OF MY TIME THERE, I HAVE VISITED THE ISLAND ONCE SINCE THEN,QUITE BY CHANCE IT WAS THE YEAR BEFORE THE DEMOLITION TOOK PLACE,BUT I SUPPOSE I COULD SAY GOODBYE. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Isle of Man: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399644 at the best online prices at eBay! Summerland complex, Isle of Man Isle of Man Tram and Summerland Leisure Centre. I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. ISLE OF MAN: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399665 - 12.48. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. dotty kiddI was 17 and was working there at the time of the fire, it was total panic, the fire spread so fast and no body could get out due to the doors being locked, I managed to get my friend away safely but with all the panic going on around I ended up in a daze, I dont know how I got out but remember someone pulling me, I got out befor the first explosion went off. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. on the night of the summerland fire,my wife and mother and father inlaw (in there late seventies) plus myself with a wife who was expecting a child,were due to have a drink in the top bar as a fairwell to there holls before returning to liverpool next day, due to a strange event my wife hair rollers broke down so delaying by half an hour our departure.we stoped at the laxey filling station only to be told the complex was on fire!! The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. mike howarthI was at summerland in august 1973,and went to the groovey disco underneath,but it seemed a bit lacking in atmosphere compared to the clubs in Manchester.I was also in Douglas when Summerland set on fire and joined the long queue of people donating blood for the victims. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. The plans took years to finalise. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA My Mum and I started to go towards a spiral staircase which led towards the main entrance but my uncle steered us further along the gallery to where there were fire exits leading to the swimming pool area. But the dream was short lived. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. Ladies Location: Douglas - The Nunnery estate Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Dr Ian Phillips' book on the Summerland fire, revised in March 2021, is the most comprehensive account ever written of the disaster. Then with my children to manxland,their first birthday parties, my sisters-in-laws fashion shows & watching cousin's children do ballroom dancing & they're just a handfull of memories!Summerland was a one off & while the Villa Marina is a part of our islands history & heritage, there will never be another place like Summerland - it's in a league of it's own. Douglas Corporation, aided by grants from the Isle of Man Government, spent 1.5 million on the building and more cash was provided by The International Trust House Forte group who had taken Summerland LTD on as a subsidiary. The fire started at around 7:30p.m. on 2 August 1973 when approximately 3,000 people were inside,[5] and was caused by three boys who were smoking in a small disused kiosk,[6] on the centre's miniature golf course[7] and who told police it was likely started by a carelessly discarded match or stub. Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. jilliani loved summerland it was amazing the play area and the skating the swim baths and all shame the way things went, WAYNE FORDHI, I PLAYED THE SUMMERLAND DISCO WITH MY BAND 'ROCOCO' THE YEAR BEFORE THE FIRE,I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS 'ROCOCO' I HAVE SOME VERY FOND MEMORIES OF MY TIME THERE, I HAVE VISITED THE ISLAND ONCE SINCE THEN,QUITE BY CHANCE IT WAS THE YEAR BEFORE THE DEMOLITION TOOK PLACE,BUT I SUPPOSE I COULD SAY GOODBYE. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. I've just seen that picture of the pool with the rows of spectator seats and it brought it all back to me.I remember the next year when the fire happened because we were packing for our holiday to Anglesea when the news broke. [1][2][3], Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. Numerous firms are employing truck drivers in different locations of Canada like Alberta, Ontario, Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Quebec, Ottawa, Calgary, and also great deals of extra. The fire quickly spread across the sheeting on the leisure centre walls and roof, and through vents which were not properly fireproofed. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Just then I distinctly remember seeing a small flicker of light at the base of the building on the West side thinking it was someone with a torch or something, as it was getting dusky. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr keith jamiesonI was 7 and on holiday with family,that inluded aunts,uncles and cousins.A lot of us had been holdaying in Douglas that week and we spent a lot of time in Summerland.It was a great place to spend the day.It had all the ammenities ,everything you wanted was there,a funfare ,indoor heated swimming pool,indoor amusement arcade.It had bars,a disco's everything.On the night of the fire, we just finished our evening meal in our hotel and we began walking up Douglas promenade ,going towards Summerland,when we noticed smoke billowing up from behind the building,the next instant the entire building was engulfed in flames.I remember seeing people pouring out of the building,some were on fire,it was horrific.We were standing some distance away and I could not take my eyes off it.The explosions from the burning building boomed across Douglas bay.I had never seen so many injured people before and it is something that I wll never forget.The following morning we all cut our holiday short and returned home,as the ferry was leaving Douglas we all stood on the boat deck ,staring at the burnt out shell of Summerland.Have never been back to IOM since that terrible fire. To experience Summerland at that time was special and afterall, what has the Government ever done since to improve our quality of life here in the IOM. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. I WILL RETURN AS THERE IS A KIND OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ABOUT THE ISLAND,I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER 'THE GEM IN THE IRISH SEA' WAYNE FORD, Moonwalk,rollerskating & swimming, just 3 of the things that kept myself, my brother & cousins entertained for hours. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. It was all shining, it even smelt new. 1. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. This part of the building was clad in a material called Galbestos: profiled steel sheeting with asbestos felt on both sides coated with bitumen,[5][8] with no fire-resistant qualities. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. Location. Overview. Although I remember when the fire happened (as a relative was working there that evening and thankfully survived), my happy memories are also quite vivid as I used to go there many times, especially during school holidays. . Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in the British Isles. 7. My parents had gone for a drink and I was looking after myself on my own in the safety that was 1973 in the fantastic Isle of Man. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Find it on the Isle of Man | Business, Restaurants, Classifieds, Events and more To access your webmail, click Sign In Find it on the Isle of Man Click here to sign into webmail What's On? We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. Phase II panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. FOR SALE! "Excellent! I've got used to passing the site & it not being there but from the boat, going in either direction it's still not the same. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. Film: Pos - Sound: Mag SOF - Colour - NYFilm: No - LN Number: LN45368 - Available in HD Storyline Go to top Scenes of the aftermath of the Summerland Pleasure Complex fire Categories Go to top Locations: We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. The 3.5 acre Summerland resort, claiming to be the biggest and most innovative indoor entertainment centre in the world, was hailed by the British Tourist Authority as An outstanding tourist enterprise. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. Its charred steel skeletal remains were demolished in 1975 and then rebuilt on a smaller scale, construction commencing in 1976, with a smaller area of glass than the original, and a highly advanced fire extinguisher and alarm system. BBC Isle of Man, Broadcasting House, Douglas Head, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1SW, I was 16 at the time of the fire, like many teeagers in Douglas we spent most of our evenings and many a wet day at Summerland.We could occasionally get served in the bars and if not we roller skated on the big rink downstairs.The night of the fire we had left Summerland to go to the stock cars at Onchan stadium, we got as far as the Catholic church in Oncan park when we saw a thin column of black smoke and people began to gather at the cliff top overlooking the site.We ran across the golf course watching the smoke grow, by the time we reached the cliff, half of the seaward wall of Summerland was blazing with a thick sheet of jet black smoke rising hundreds of feet.From our viewpoint we watched the fire spread over the huge oroglas canopy and saw thousands of people pouring out of the doors.When the events of 9/11 were shown on tv it reminded me of Douglas prom that night, teeming with shocked people and emergency vehicles flying up and down.We ended up in the Granada hotel trying to phone our parents to tell them we were ok but the phones were busy.The next morning the whole town stank of burnt plastic and vans instead of ambulannces ferried the dead to a makeshift mortuary.I didn't loose anyone and I dont have nightmares, but it was a dark part of my childhood and a memory that is still often in my thoughts. xx. Those were the days. Kayti Summerland signed up 2022-08-04 22:08:04 -0400. The Summerland site is to go on sale after Manx government attempts to find a private development partner failed. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). My Mum persuaded me not to stay any longer in the childrens' play area in the basement, so we returned to the gallery area overlooking the stage/dancefloor to join my brother and uncle. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. Summerland was fulfilling its promise of taking Manx tourism into the future. Located in the heart of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, the complex was a landmark of the island, offering a wide range of attractions for both locals and visitors alike. His solution was to design an artificial centre of sunshine and it had to be spectacular enough to compete with the growing threat of cheap foreign holidays. I was 9 at the time of the Summerland fire and on holiday with my Mum and Dad staying at the Granada Hotel as we always did then. There was no attempt to evacuate the 3,000 people present[5] until the visible evidence of the flames prompted a panic-stricken mass rush for the exits. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. At 8:00 p.m. on 2 August 1973, Summerland, a leisure centre on the Isle of Man as shown in Figure 1, was seen to be on fire. 'We are keenly aware that the Castle Mona is a key heritage asset for the Isle of Man and extremely mindful of the great interest that the Manx public have in the property. Summerland was rebuilt, but staff and visitors to the site reported the sounds of screaming, hearing footsteps along empty passages, and occasionally seeing ghostly people wandering around the area. I was 17 and was working there at the time of the fire, it was total panic, the fire spread so fast and no body could get out due to the doors being locked, I managed to get my friend away safely but with all the panic going on around I ended up in a daze, I dont know how I got out but remember someone pulling me, I got out befor the first explosion went off. [10], Because of the locked fire doors, many people headed to the main entrance, which caused a crush.[9]. It was all shining, it even smelt new. The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. One survivor (who was a child at the time) remembered her father noticing smoke coming from the ventilation shaft and had started to attempt to evacuate when the whole area erupted in flames. "So far the best Chinese I had on the Island ( and I lived 3 years in China) t.". When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. [9] The centre was seriously damaged by the fire. I was 7 and on holiday with family,that inluded aunts,uncles and cousins.A lot of us had been holdaying in Douglas that week and we spent a lot of time in Summerland.It was a great place to spend the day.It had all the ammenities ,everything you wanted was there,a funfare ,indoor heated swimming pool,indoor amusement arcade.It had bars,a disco's everything.On the night of the fire, we just finished our evening meal in our hotel and we began walking up Douglas promenade ,going towards Summerland,when we noticed smoke billowing up from behind the building,the next instant the entire building was engulfed in flames.I remember seeing people pouring out of the building,some were on fire,it was horrific.We were standing some distance away and I could not take my eyes off it.The explosions from the burning building boomed across Douglas bay.I had never seen so many injured people before and it is something that I wll never forget.The following morning we all cut our holiday short and returned home,as the ferry was leaving Douglas we all stood on the boat deck ,staring at the burnt out shell of Summerland.Have never been back to IOM since that terrible fire. [4], Summerland was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 tourists and consisted of a dance hall, five floors of holiday games, a rollerskating rink, restaurants and public bars. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. There is also significant attic. Having met with Mr Gawne MHK to discuss my proposal for a commemorative space prior to his unsuccessful re-election, then continued with Ray Harmer MHK the newly . StewartI dont remember the initial Summerlands complex, but I was in Summerlands in the mid 80's; after it was rebuilt and reopened in 1978; I was therer on annual camp with the scouts, that was the year I joined the scouts and that was the reason i joined, the trip to the Isle of Man.What a great time I had there using the swimming pool. 1. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. A report commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor in 1973 stated that the blaze was the worst peacetime fire disaster in the British Isles since 1929. last updated: 04/04/2008 at 15:38created: 03/04/2008. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. The water in the pool was lovely and hot and we used to go out and stand in a cold shower and the cold foot bath then dive into the pool to get that even warmer feeling. [17], In October 2002, torrential rain caused damage to several structures, as well as two landslides behind Summerland which dislodged two 50-tonne concrete blocks that had once supported the roof of the original building, but had not been removed in the wake of the fire. It was the brain child of Douglas architect, Mr James Phillips Lomas who had been commissioned by Douglas Corporation to design a building which would attract visitors to the Isle of Man whatever the weather. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. The water in the pool was lovely and hot and we used to go out and stand in a cold shower and the cold foot bath then dive into the pool to get that even warmer feeling.
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