I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) Opened with much fanfare a little more than two years earlier on 25 May 1971, the 2m climate-controlled building boasted restaurants and bars, an indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, a children's theatre and an underground disco. There are more than 2 filming locations on our site. 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. Original 1970s flyer in colour. 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 8. 420,000 Property details; When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. County: . The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. 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. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. 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. 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 Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. The west wall remains intact as there is concern that its removal may cause the adjacent cliff to collapse. ISLE OF MAN: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399665 - 12.48. of 1971. 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. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. 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.. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. 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. 6. vox pops boys re. It was all shining, it even smelt new. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. 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!) Summerland was fulfilling its promise of taking Manx tourism into the future. Phase I was the The first occupants were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. The island has been visited by various raiders and trading peoples over the years. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. 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. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! This page has been archived and is no longer updated. As kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. There is also significant attic. 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. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . Gallery Click to Enlarge. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. While children were entertained in the theatre, parents could relax upstairs. 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. [16], Soon after the disaster, John Hinnigan was brought in from Blackburn fire and rescue to become the new chief. Those were the days. I remember seeing below us musicians from the group who had been on stage swimming across the learner pool, one of them with his guitar. The centre reopened in June 1978. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) 1. I was 5 at the time. carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. I was 12 that year. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. What a great place. The Isle of Man is located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea, Isle of Man to the east, Northern Ireland to the west, Scotland (closest) to the north and Republic of Ireland to the southwest. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. 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. I was 5 at the time. 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 burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. 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! 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. 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. (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.) 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 will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. CLOSED COMPLETELY! My uncle saw someone he knew from our home town (Widnes) whose hotel was closer than ours, and he was able to phone family at home to say we were OK just as the story was coming on the news.We were all OK, apart from my uncle's cracked ribs from charging at the fire door, but the horror of the evening is still with me such that even lighting a candle is something I struggle to do and I always check out fire exits when I'm somewhere new. 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 lower floors were geared towards children and teenagers, with a disco, fairground. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. ! 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 (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.) 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!) 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. Summerland 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. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council Phase II The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. Map. Bit by bit over the years things would start to disappear, until by the end there was only "Manxland" left, my son really enjoyed palying there with all his cousins & it was a great place for Mums to meet on a Saturday & have a coffee while the kids played, we did that for a lot of years. Tehachapi, CA, US. fire, which triggered a major change in fire regulations on the Island. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. 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. The plans took years to finalise. FREE membership. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. 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 Manx Development Corporation is part of the strategy for realizing economic, social and environmental benefits through enabling full utilization of government owned land and property assets and acting as a catalyst for regeneration and repurposing of urban and brownfield sites. 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 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. Summerland complex, Isle of Man Isle of Man Tram and Summerland Leisure Centre. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . Dr Ian Phillips' book on the Summerland fire, revised in March 2021, is the most comprehensive account ever written of the disaster. Re: Isle of Man Summerland Fire Yes I remember the fire I was 10 years of age and on holiday with my family. 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: 7. vox pop older man re. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. 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. 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. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. A Cafe. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. SUMMERLAND, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. 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. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. 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. Much thought was given to bringing a sunshine-feel to the building. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. 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. 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. What a great place. The new Entertainment Centre was named Summerland and opened in the summer Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! NOTHING! belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. The site on King Edward Road in Douglas has remained unused since the complex was. 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). Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. 1. 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. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. 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. 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.. This was on the 2nd floor. Overview. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). 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. 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. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. 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 venue attracted thousands of people to the. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. The Summerland fire, according to the independent report into the blaze, will remain a permanent scar in the minds of Manxmen.. 5. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 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. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. The ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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. 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. 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. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. 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. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. 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 was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. I had a great time. 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. 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. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. 7. 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 scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. They were each fined 3 (equal to 31.86 in 2020) and ordered to pay 33p compensation and 15p costs. Lots of wildlife viewing!! 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. Humans colonised it by travelling by sea some time before 6500 BC. STORY. 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. 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. 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 old building demolished. 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. It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. The burning kiosk collapsed against the exterior of the building. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. 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. 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 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.