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: I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. Summerland complex, Isle of Man Isle of Man Tram and Summerland Leisure Centre. 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. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. STORY. people screaming and trying to escape, one boy broke a window with a microphone stand. the old building demolished. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. Bob EmeryWhen Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of 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. 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. 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 . 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. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. 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 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. 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. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. 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. 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. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. tracyI am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. The story of the devastating Summerland fire on the Isle of Man in 1973 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. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. 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. Summerland. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). 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. 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. xx. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. Location: Doolish; Share; Posted July 3, 2008. . 1. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. 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! My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. 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. 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 I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) FREE membership. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. SUMMERLANDS B&B - Reviews, Photos (Ramsey) - Tripadvisor The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) Lots of wildlife viewing!! 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 this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. [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 it opened Summerland w 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. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. The Summerland site is to be put on the market - BBC News We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. They were each fined 3 (equal to 31.86 in 2020) and ordered to pay 33p compensation and 15p costs. Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. 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. Those were the days. "Excellent! The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . ISLE OF MAN: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399665 - 12.48. 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. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. [10], Because of the locked fire doors, many people headed to the main entrance, which caused a crush.[9]. Much thought was given to bringing a sunshine-feel to the building. 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. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. Summerland was fulfilling its promise of taking Manx tourism into the future. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. [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. 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. 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.. 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. What a great place. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! Siobhan McHaleWe had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. The site on King Edward Road in Douglas has remained unused since the complex was. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. 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. Welcome to Summerland Today! I was 12 that year. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . I had a great time. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. 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. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! 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. There are more than 2 filming locations on our site. 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. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. 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. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. At the time Summerland was one of the most. 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. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. xx. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. Tehachapi, CA, US. 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 remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 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. 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. Isle of Man community commemorate 49th anniversary of Summerland - ITVX 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. 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. Isle of Man > Ramsey > Summerland > Semi-detached house for sale - 4 bedrooms . The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. 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. 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 need to speak to the three Liverpool friends who started the The fire quickly spread across the sheeting on the leisure centre walls and roof, and through vents which were not properly fireproofed. [1] [2] [3] Background Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. is now owned and operated by the Department of Tourism and Leisure. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. 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. See more ideas about summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture. Isle of Man Guide - DOUGLAS, Summerland It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Summerland - filming locations - SCEEN IT The indoor Summerland leisure complex in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world and its facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. The 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. 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. 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. 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. It was all shining, it even smelt new. 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH for Sale in Carville LA 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. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! Map. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. But the dream was short lived. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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. Isle of Man - Wikitravel They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. 7. vox pop older man re. 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. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. Summerland Series: The Cave - Gef - Isle of Man I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. 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 [1][2][3], Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. 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. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. . I loved it so much and will always remember it . You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. 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. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. Property description & features. 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. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. [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 WILL RETURN AS THERE IS A KIND OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ABOUT THE ISLAND,I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER 'THE GEM IN THE IRISH SEA' WAYNE FORD, Crazy Carol, OnchanMoonwalk,rollerskating & swimming, just 3 of the things that kept myself, my brother & cousins entertained for hours. Ricky Rooney, DouglasFor me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. 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 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. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. Summerland disaster - Wikipedia 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. of 1971. 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. 30 Summerland isle of man ideas | summerland, isle of man, isle "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. The venue attracted thousands of people to the. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. The Paranormal Database We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. I WILL RETURN AS THERE IS A KIND OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ABOUT THE ISLAND,I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER 'THE GEM IN THE IRISH SEA' WAYNE FORD, Moonwalk,rollerskating & swimming, just 3 of the things that kept myself, my brother & cousins entertained for hours. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland Phase I was the In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. 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! At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. 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. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. The plans took years to finalise. janice gale from dreghorn scotlandI 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. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). 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. 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. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. The End Of An Era: The Closure Of Summerland Leisure Complex In 2018 It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday.