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. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. 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!) The building's exterior and the interior were designed by two different architectsthey did not coordinate their planning with each other and thereby created a venue with significant fire risks that were to become apparent only later. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. We never knew if she saved our lives. 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. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. With a year-round programme of shows and events, there's plenty of ENTERTAINMENT on offer at VillaGaiety. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. 05 Apr 2023 - 16 Apr 2023. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. On 17 September 1973, three Liverpool boys two of them 12 and the other 14 appeared before Douglas Juvenile Court and admitted wilfully and unlawfully damaging the lock of a plastic kiosk next to Summerland. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. SUMMERLAND, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. [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 worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. STORY. Douglas (Man I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. 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. What a great place. 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. 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. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. County: . We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. 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. 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. Flora Mcintyre i remembr 1968-69 , I worked at White City on the Isle of Man , they were the eight best years of my life. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. 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. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. It was a climate-controlled building covering 3.5 acres (1.4ha) on Douglas's waterfront, consisting of 50,000sqft (4,600m2) of floor area constructed at a cost of 2 million. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . 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. The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. The fire spread to the wall's interior soundproofing material, which was highly combustible, causing an intense fire that ignited the flammable acrylic sheeting that covered the rest of the building. Experts into wreckage of building 4. With the building also suffering from concrete cancer, the remainder of the site closed in 2004, and demolition began in January 2006. 5. vs burned out building. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. . Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. on arrival above somerland we couldnt beleve the whole building was an infurno (just where we would have been had we not been delayed)we left the site not beleving such a tragity could be hapening to those poor people,and by the grace of god spared us.with the passing of time and no disrespect to those who loved ones perished or were injured i beleve that summerland was a fabulous venue of the time and should be under another name be reserected for the people of the island and visitors alike,the past is the past and nothing can remain a stain of the building/archetects or goverment who built it in good faith and by unforcene events that happend.the island needs a new complex to invest in tourisem and for the island people to enjoy in these hard days ahead bring life back to the island as it was before the doom and gloom merchants moved in.being a stopover from the late 60s and with three children who were born here i personaly would like to see an indoor complex such as summerland revived. 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. 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. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. It was all shining, it even smelt new. 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. (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 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. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. 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. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). Property reference . 7. Property & houses for sale in Isle of Man *DISCLAIMER. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. When we noticed the black smoke to one end of the building - and the crowds looking in that direction - we started to move towards the exit. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) I was 5 at the time. The Summerland concept was new and made the Isle of Man complex unique in the British Isles when the building opened in 1971. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. 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! 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. 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. You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. 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). Meanwhile a group of three school boys on holiday from Liverpool was hanging around at the back of the building next to a section of a dismantled fibre-glass kiosk. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. 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. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. Jumping and diving from the boards was also fun with us all playing dead mans fall from the different boards, but I never did manage to dive or even jump from the top board. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. . We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. 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. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA Add Your Event View All 04 March Saturday Manx Amateur Drama Federation Coffee Morning View 10:00 - 12:00 Current Weather 9 4 03 March Friday 8 4 After a geotechnical team determined that the blocks could not be safely stabilised or removed, and that there was a risk they would fall into the buildings below, the site was scheduled for demolition. I loved it so much and will always remember it . Property description & features. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. 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. 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. Bid today! I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. I 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. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. 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. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . This was on the 2nd floor. On August 2, 1973, at about 20.00, a fire in a kiosk close to Summerland, Isle of Man, started a conflagration and caused the death of 50 people. 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 still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. 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 BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . LizAlthough 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. Those were the days. 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 [email protected] 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 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. 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. And the name, it was just called the summerland play area, or Barry Nobles arcade before that (not to be confused with the one that was opposite Woolworths) 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. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. Dr Ian Phillips' book on the Summerland fire, revised in March 2021, is the most comprehensive account ever written of the disaster. In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. 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. For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. Tehachapi, CA, US. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. The first responding fire crews realised additional resources would be required and almost every resource available to the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service was mobilised to the incident (93 of its 106 firefighters and all 16 of its engines). I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. I had a great time. This was on the 2nd floor. 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. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. Locations. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. NOTHING! Ladies Location: Douglas - The Nunnery estate Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. 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. While children were entertained in the theatre, parents could relax upstairs. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. I 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. 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. The fire services were not called for over 20 minutes,[5] and even then the call did not originate from Summerland. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. It was all shining, it even smelt new. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. At the time Summerland was one of the most. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. [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. I was 9 and on holiday with my Mum, brother and Uncle Peter (Mum's brother), the aim of the holiday being to give Mum a break after my Dad had died following a long illness. 6. vox pops boys re. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. 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. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. I was 12 that year. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. 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 . Location: Doolish; Share; Posted July 3, 2008. . I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. The plans took years to finalise. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. But the dream was short lived. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. 1. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. I was 13 when summerland went on fire i still remember that night clearly my mum and i had told my dad that we were going to summerland while he went to the villa marine to watch wrestling but just before the bus stopped we changed our mind and went to white city we had just got into white city when we were told summerland was on fire we had to walk all the way round onchan to get back to the prom its a scene you will never forget seeing people jumping into the sea to get away from the flames even when we came home on the boat your were reminded again as we had to wait until all the coffins were taken of first as a mark of respect. 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. The burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. Summerland opened on 25 May 1971 and was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 tourists as one of the largest entertainment centres in the world. 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. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. 1. Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man on arrival above somerland we couldnt beleve the whole building was an infurno (just where we would have been had we not been delayed)we left the site not beleving such a tragity could be hapening to those poor people,and by the grace of god spared us.with the passing of time and no disrespect to those who loved ones perished or were injured i beleve that summerland was a fabulous venue of the time and should be under another name be reserected for the people of the island and visitors alike,the past is the past and nothing can remain a stain of the building/archetects or goverment who built it in good faith and by unforcene events that happend.the island needs a new complex to invest in tourisem and for the island people to enjoy in these hard days ahead bring life back to the island as it was before the doom and gloom merchants moved in.being a stopover from the late 60s and with three children who were born here i personaly would like to see an indoor complex such as summerland revived. On the night of the fire my Mum and Dad were taking me to see the Black & White minstrels, my much older brother and sister didn't want to go and went on the prom. xx. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. We never knew if she saved our lives. the old building demolished. From Wonderful California, published 1915. Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. 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. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. This button displays the currently selected search type. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. 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. FOR SALE! [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. When we noticed the black smoke to one end of the building - and the crowds looking in that direction - we started to move towards the exit. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 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. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. FREE membership. Summerland. Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event.