It is a British Crown dependency (and therefore not part of the United Kingdom itself); the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. I was 5 at the time. I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. 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. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. 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. Re: Isle of Man Summerland Fire Yes I remember the fire I was 10 years of age and on holiday with my family. The island has been visited by various raiders and trading peoples over the years. 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. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. The world's first offshore oil wells, drilled from piers in 1896. Summerland. It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. Mountain retreat in Southern California. 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. Humans colonised it by travelling by sea some time before 6500 BC. Property reference . Phase I was the 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. Property description & features. The plans took years to finalise. Location: Doolish; Share; Posted July 3, 2008. . I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. [1] [2] [3] 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. 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. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Tehachapi, CA, US. 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. 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. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". Lots of wildlife viewing!! I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. NOTHING! I went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. 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. 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". was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. Phase II The fire started at around 7:30p.m. on 2 August 1973 when approximately 3,000 people were inside,[5] and was caused by three boys who were smoking in a small disused kiosk,[6] on the centre's miniature golf course[7] and who told police it was likely started by a carelessly discarded match or stub. 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 was 12 that year. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. Overview. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. Outside its raining yet here you are relaxed in your shirt sleeves, gently perspiring in a tropical 80 degrees.. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. 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. 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. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. The 3.5 acre Summerland resort, claiming to be the biggest and most innovative indoor entertainment centre in the world, was hailed by the British Tourist Authority as An outstanding tourist enterprise. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. 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. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. 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! Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) 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. 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. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. 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 From the Sea Terminal proceed the length of the Promenade. See more ideas about summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture. 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. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. 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. This was on the 2nd floor. 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 comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). The first occupants were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. 6. vox pops boys re. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. I loved it so much and will always remember it . 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. 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: carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. The queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. 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. 8. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. The Isle of Man [1] ( Manx: Ellan Vannin) is an island in the British Isles, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. 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. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. We had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. 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. 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. 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 420,000 Property details; 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 ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. 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. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. 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. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. County: . This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. . 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 remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. 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. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). 7. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. 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. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. 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. We never knew if she saved our lives. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. August ISLE of MAN "SUMMERLANDS DOUGLAS" DESTROYED BY FIRE 2nd AUGUST 1973 POSTED 1974 Street Cars Derby Vehicles Swiss Derby Castle before Summerland was demolished J Judith B summerland isle of man August 2013 My Heritage 40th Anniversary Birth Gem Sidewalk Memories 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 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. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. Jade Harbour Restaurant. The complex The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. xx. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. the old building demolished. Isle of Man > Ramsey > Summerland > Semi-detached house for sale - 4 bedrooms . I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. 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. There is also a mysterious underground room in the castle where a male ghost has been seen lingering. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. keith jamiesonI was 7 and on holiday with family,that inluded aunts,uncles and cousins.A lot of us had been holdaying in Douglas that week and we spent a lot of time in Summerland.It was a great place to spend the day.It had all the ammenities ,everything you wanted was there,a funfare ,indoor heated swimming pool,indoor amusement arcade.It had bars,a disco's everything.On the night of the fire, we just finished our evening meal in our hotel and we began walking up Douglas promenade ,going towards Summerland,when we noticed smoke billowing up from behind the building,the next instant the entire building was engulfed in flames.I remember seeing people pouring out of the building,some were on fire,it was horrific.We were standing some distance away and I could not take my eyes off it.The explosions from the burning building boomed across Douglas bay.I had never seen so many injured people before and it is something that I wll never forget.The following morning we all cut our holiday short and returned home,as the ferry was leaving Douglas we all stood on the boat deck ,staring at the burnt out shell of Summerland.Have never been back to IOM since that terrible fire. 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. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. 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. 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. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. 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. 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. 4. vs damage to building. 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!) Map. 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. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. 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. 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. Those were the days. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. 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. sammy hamiltonI worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. 7. vox pop older man re. . I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. What a great place. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. 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. 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. 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. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. xx. Zoom in to cu of Summerland Complex and fire damage 2. vs fire damage 3. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. Original 1970s flyer in colour. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. 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. The Summerland site is to go on sale after Manx government attempts to find a private development partner failed. 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. 1. JaxuttonOK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. 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. Examples of their tools are kept at the Manx Museum. 05 Apr 2023 - 16 Apr 2023. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. 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. 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. His solution was to design an artificial centre of sunshine and it had to be spectacular enough to compete with the growing threat of cheap foreign holidays. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. Douglas (Man 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. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. As kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. With a year-round programme of shows and events, there's plenty of ENTERTAINMENT on offer at VillaGaiety. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. [10], Because of the locked fire doors, many people headed to the main entrance, which caused a crush.[9]. The fire was contained in an internal space within the walls until it penetrated the interior, destroying the wiring of the fire alarm system in the process. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 The centre reopened in June 1978. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. [1] [2] [3] Background Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. [7] The coastguard immediately called the fire brigade. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. There's not much left of the place. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 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 remembr 1968-69 , I worked at White City on the Isle of Man , they were the eight best years of my life. 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. [9] The centre was seriously damaged by the fire. Tehachapi, CA, US. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). 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 venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz.