(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.) But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. 7. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. (en) dbo:thumbnail [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. I loved it so much and will always remember it . 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. [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. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. 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. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. FOR SALE! slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. 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. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. Catherine WoodhouseI 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. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. I've not lived on the Island for 10 years, but I have the memories of the great times I had & will never forget Summerland, even know my time spent there was in the 90's, quite a long time following the 1973 Disaster. [1] [2] [3] Isle of Man > Ramsey > Summerland > Semi-detached house for sale - 4 bedrooms . 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. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. I was 5 at the time. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. 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. xx. 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 . [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. 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. [16], Soon after the disaster, John Hinnigan was brought in from Blackburn fire and rescue to become the new chief. 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. Douglas (Man Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. Phase II Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. County: . 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. . If you like to see Seven Sisters - view in Seaford, United Kingdom or any other wonderful filming locations from Summerland, start scrolling. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. Experts into wreckage of building 4. 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. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". The ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. 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. We had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. 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. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. 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. It is a British Crown dependency (and therefore not part of the United Kingdom itself); the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. 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 will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. 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. 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. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. 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. 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. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! 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. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the NOTHING! The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. Phase I was the I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. The island is in desperate need of some alternative. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. 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. 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. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. We stayed for a week and on all of the 4 nights preceding the evening of the disaster I had been to the complex for a swim and play around with new-found friends. "Excellent! I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Johnny, LaxeySummerland 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. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Property description & features. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of building. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. 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. 1. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. Overview. 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. A couple of the girls had been at the afternoon disco but were on their way back to the digs when the fire must have taken hold. This button displays the currently selected search type. 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! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for LIGHTHOUSE DOUGLAS - ISLE OF MAN ( T30 ) at the best online prices at eBay! Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. But the dream was short lived. 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. 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? 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. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. When it opened Summerland w On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) 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 . 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 year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. 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 stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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 complex Facts About Isle of Man: Places to Visit in Isle of Man Location Map of UK Cities Where is Aberdeen Where is Basildon Where is Basingstoke Where is Bath 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. 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. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. The Summerland fire, according to the independent report into the blaze, will remain a permanent scar in the minds of Manxmen.. Lots of wildlife viewing!! As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. I survived that terrible disaster. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. [19][20], On other anniversaries of the disaster many memorials take place, such as a memorial concert and a moment of silence at the location which is now a vacant site. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. 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. 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. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. Instead the first call came from a passing taxi driver, while another came from the captain of a ship 2 miles (3.2km) offshore who radioed HM Coastguard and said, "It looks as if the whole of the Isle of Man is on fire". Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. We never knew if she saved our lives. 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. sammy hamiltonI worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. 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. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. 420,000 Property details; It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. 6. vox pops boys re. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. We stayed for a week and on all of the 4 nights preceding the evening of the disaster I had been to the complex for a swim and play around with new-found friends. 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 was 12 that year. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. 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. 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. The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr Property reference . In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . jimmy kitchin onchanon 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!! Experts searching the wreckage. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. They were each fined 3 (equal to 31.86 in 2020) and ordered to pay 33p compensation and 15p costs. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. The island is in desperate need of some alternative. 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). 4. vs damage to building. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) Summerland was only a mile away from the District General Hospital and there was no clearing station for preliminary assessment of the injured. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. David ButteryI 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 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. Game & Entertainment Centers. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 STORY. 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. Bid today! We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. The rest is of course history. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. 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. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. What a great place. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. 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. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. I loved it so much and will always remember it . We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. 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. The survivor and her mother were separated from her father and sister and stuck in the venue before being rescued through a window by firemen. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. I had a great time. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. 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. I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. 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. 8. There were two phases in the building The burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. Location: Doolish; Share; Posted July 3, 2008. . Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. The Summerland leisure complex in the Isle of Man, a popular tourist destination for many years, closed its doors for the last time in 2018. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. Just a stump of a diving board and the deep end of the Aquadrome pool, now home to about twenty billion pigeons The Brutalist concrete exterior concealed a range of sports and leisure facilities, all very wholesome and family-oriented. Much thought was given to bringing a sunshine-feel to the building. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition Bob EmeryWhen Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. The centre reopened in June 1978. Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. 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. Figure 2 shows where the fire initially started, and it spread quickly over the building faade. The plans took years to finalise. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. I've not lived on the Island for 10 years, but I have the memories of the great times I had & will never forget Summerland, even know my time spent there was in the 90's, quite a long time following the 1973 Disaster. Ladies Location: Douglas - The Nunnery estate Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. 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.. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. There's not much left of the place. Dr Ian Phillips' book on the Summerland fire, revised in March 2021, is the most comprehensive account ever written of the disaster. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) I lost a couple of pals in the fire. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. xx. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. CLOSED COMPLETELY! 5. vs burned out building. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest.