3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". I used to love walking round the place & everytime it was just as amazing as the first time.Then in my teens & 20's & 30's going to the cave & upstairs for the TT events from TT supporters club meetings,to gigs & tyre balancing. Latest Truck Driver Job Vacancies in Canada in 2022: A certified truck driver is qualified to use for every one of the work placements around right here. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. Inside the centre he included plans for an indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, Turkish baths, an artificial sunshine zone, a childrens theatre, an underground disco, cascading waterfalls, restaurants and bars all with live entertainment throughout the day. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. I had a great time. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. 8. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. Those were the days. The queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. I hope you'll find it a useful means of info as to the current status of the site; my hopes for the Isle of Man Government to develop a memorial space there dedicated to the 50 killed in the fire of 2nd August 1973; the one minute's silence I organise on the anniversary of the fire; the Summerland Memorial Concert held each year; together with links and blogs. The plans took years to finalise. Two years after its completion in 1971 the high tech promenade venue was the scene of devastation after a fire ripped through the building killing 50 people. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. 6. vox pops boys re. Summerland Leisure Complex Douglas Isle of Man IM99 2TB Tel: +44 (0) 1624 625511 The Site Facilities Include: Cinema Children's Soft Play Area Squash Badminton Basketball Five-a-Side Football Tennis Rollerskating Volleyball Indoor Golf Simulator Sports Bar Nightclub Spa Suite Future of Summerland Site 5 October 2010 What a great place. The first occupants were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. Jade Harbour Restaurant. "Services weren't equipped for Summerland disaster", "Article about the disaster based on the report by Dr Ian Philips", "Remembering the Summerland fire disaster, 40 years on", "Isle of Man 'shame' over Summerland fire disaster", "Remembering The Summerland Disaster 40 Years On", "Asbestos information centretrade names", "Summerland fire survivor: 'I don't blame dad for saving my sister and leaving me in blaze but I never got to tell him', "Summerland fire: Fifty victims remembered on anniversary", "Summerland disaster survivor: 'I still dream of people in flames', "THE SUMMERLAND SITE IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY", "Summerland fire memorial built to mark 40th anniversary", "Summerland fire victims remembered on 40th anniversary", 1972 amateur film of pre-disaster Summerland, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Summerland_disaster&oldid=1142829611, Fire disasters involving barricaded escape routes, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 16:12. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) We never knew if she saved our lives. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. 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. 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. The Summerland fire, according to the independent report into the blaze, will remain a permanent scar in the minds of Manxmen.. The closure of the . 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. [12] The fire brigade's provisional total of 51 deaths at the scene was subsequently revised down to 48, and two others died in hospital, one in Douglas on 11 August and the other in Scotland on 29 September; the latter is excluded from the Isle of Man coroner's list of 49 deaths. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. The island is in desperate need of some alternative. Gallery Click to Enlarge. 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. The fire exits - clear glass ones, all in a row - were locked which I guessed afterwards was to prevent people paying for access to one area and then going to the other as well. xx. From Wonderful California, published 1915. The venue attracted thousands of people to the. The burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. The rest is of course history. The conflagration took place on 2 August 1973 in this ambitious entertainment complex in Douglas, Isle of Man, commissioned in 1965 and opened in May 1971. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. 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. 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. What a great place. 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. With a year-round programme of shows and events, there's plenty of ENTERTAINMENT on offer at VillaGaiety. 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! Summerland was such a great place to hang out and I would guess that most of the Isle of Man population that was around at the time of the fire is still in shock. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. Location Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland Geographic coordinates 54 15 N, 4 30 W Map references Europe Area total: 572 sq km land: 572 sq km water: 0 sq km country comparison to the world: 193 Area - comparative slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries total: 0 km Coastline Places - Lost in Time: Summerland Centre, Isle of Man - YouTube Hello, and welcome again to Places - Lost in Time, a series that looks back on the tale of places and locations that have. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. 7. vox pop older man re. Bob EmeryWhen Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). The first drawings materialised in 1965 but hundreds were drafted out before building work actually started. Those were the days. Property & houses for sale in Isle of Man *DISCLAIMER. I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. Seconds later the light grew to a flame a few feet high, then within no time at all there were large flames extending the whole height of the side of the building I was frozen in shock watching what was kicking off. Feb 22, 2021 - Manx Electric Railway 26 a 1898 GF Milnes crossbench tram at Derby Castle terminus in Douglas about to push crossbench trailer 56 back to the depot past the rebuilt Summerland on 14 July 1978. Condition is excellent. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. This was on the 2nd floor. "Excellent! On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Summerland Fire Memorial - Douglas, Isle of Man in Disaster Memorials Posted by: Mike_bjm N 54 10.005 W 004 27.799 30U E 404467 N 6003063 Quick Description: The Summerland Fire Memorial is in the Kaye Memorial Gardens on King Edward Road Rushen in Douglas. Map. The world's first offshore oil wells, drilled from piers in 1896. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and These proposals will necessitate significant investment but will enable us to rectify core issues that have compromised the integrity of the building in recent years, such . Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. 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. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) JaxuttonOK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! 8 ISLE OF MAN EXAMINER www.iomtoday.co.im Tuesday, June 27, 2017 BUILDINGS AT RISK Heritage: A look at the Castle Mona Hotel s history S A newsdesk@iomtoday.co.im Twi er: @iomnewspapers The journey from the jewel in Douglas s crown to an eyesore A nyone who knows the song The Ugly Duck - ling will know that the bird in Summerlands bed and breakfast (B&B) is a charming and unique house in Ramsey, which has recently been refurbished throughout to a very high standard. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. We hadn't had decent swimming baths for a long time in Douglas and for that reason alone I couldn't wait to get in and have a look. [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. A recent trip to Isle of Man brought back many happy memories but I was sad to see that not only had Summerlands closed but the building was completly gone.Some people said I was daft as there was no pool on the prominade but my memories of that place will never disappear. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. 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. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. We had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. It bears the names of those killed in the fire and is set into a circle of paving, alongside a stone laid earlier to mark the 25th anniversary. JacquiI remember winning a talent contest at Summerland when I was 6 years old.We went to the IOM every year for our summer holidays. 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of building. fire, which triggered a major change in fire regulations on the Island. Property reference . I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. 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. 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.. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. 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. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. We would spend alot of time up there because of the pool and because they could keep and eye on us and have a drink at the same time. The Summerland disaster occurred when a fire spread through the Summerland leisure centre in Douglas on the Isle of Man on the night of 2 August 1973. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition . 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. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. I loved it so much and will always remember it . The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. (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.) Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. 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: Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. 5. vs burned out building. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. After a couple of hours frozen to the spot I remember seeing my Mum running towards me and picking me up, crying and hugging me as if she hadnt seen me in years or something. The indoor Summerland leisure complex in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world and its facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. 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. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! [18], Forty years after the tragedy, a permanent memorial in the form of three granite columns was unveiled at Kaye Memorial Gardens, at the bottom of Summer Hill. County: . I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. This button displays the currently selected search type. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. of 1971. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. Property description & features. I worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. the old building demolished. Original 1970s flyer in colour. A survivor of the devastating Summerland fire on the Isle of Man which killed 50 people, including 15 from Merseyside and Cheshire, has made an emotional appeal for the three Liverpool friends who . I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. When we finally reached the bottom the firemen were there to guide us out and just as we got outside, the whole place was engulfed by fire. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. i remembr 1968-69 , I worked at White City on the Isle of Man , they were the eight best years of my life. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. 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. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world and its state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. After another few minutes the flames had spread over the top of the building and were beginning to engulf the whole place, it was horrible to see. 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! of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council Mountain retreat in Southern California. See more ideas about summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture. 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 were first alerted to it by the noise from the fire engines.Looking out the window of the boarding house we saw the flames. 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. Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man The ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. 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. Summerland. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. STORY. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. RM R8WF63 - Oil wells drilled into the bed of the Pacific ocean at Summerland, between Santa Barbara and Los Angleles, California, United States of America, c. 1915. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world and its state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map. 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. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 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. Location:Isle of Man Posted February 17, 2006 Some photos of Summerland and the demolition (I'll post them in batches because uploading all at once seems to mess up the order) Quote Regulars 7.1k Gender:Male Location:Isle of Man Posted February 17, 2006 Damn flood control Quote The Old Git Regulars 7.1k Gender:Male Location:Isle of Man The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom.