ISLE OF MAN: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399665 - 12.48. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 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. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. VillaGaiety is the Isle of Man's premier ENTERTAINMENT venue. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. The Summerland disaster is the worst day in Manx history and remains the third worst loss of life from fire on land in the British Isles since World War Two. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). 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. 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. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). of 1971. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. [16], Soon after the disaster, John Hinnigan was brought in from Blackburn fire and rescue to become the new chief. 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. 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. There are more than 2 filming locations on our site. 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 Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. Phase II I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. 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. 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. 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. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. The first drawings materialised in 1965 but hundreds were drafted out before building work actually started. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. 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. The Summerland concept was new and made the Isle of Man complex unique in the British Isles when the building opened in 1971. County: . I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. I was 9 and on holiday with my Mum, brother and Uncle Peter (Mum's brother), the aim of the holiday being to give Mum a break after my Dad had died following a long illness. 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. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. 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 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. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. The Majestic. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. Zoom in to cu of Summerland Complex and fire damage 2. vs fire damage 3. At the time Summerland was one of the most. While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. 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 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. What a great place. 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. 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! 4. vs damage to building. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. The island has been visited by various raiders and trading peoples over the years. 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 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. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. We never knew if she saved our lives. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. I worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. 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. From Wonderful California, published 1915. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. StuartI 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. 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. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. The centre reopened in June 1978. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. 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. FREE membership. This was on the 2nd floor. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. [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. 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. The closure of the . of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council 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. 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 1. Original 1970s flyer in colour. While children were entertained in the theatre, parents could relax upstairs. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. 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. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. 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. 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. 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. 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. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. is now owned and operated by the Department of Tourism and Leisure. 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). LOCATION From the Sea Terminal proceed the length of the Promenade. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. STORY. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. . I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. The fire quickly spread across the sheeting on the leisure centre walls and roof, and through vents which were not properly fireproofed. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. 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. 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). 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. Condition is excellent. 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. 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. (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.) [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. 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 wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. The Summerland disaster occurred when a fire spread through the Summerland leisure centre in Douglas on the Isle of Man on the night of 2 August 1973. I was 5 at the time. Custom Mountain home in Tehachapi CA.-2 hrs from LA or 2 hrs from Central Coast. 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. Property & houses for sale in Isle of Man *DISCLAIMER. "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. What a great place. 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. NOTHING! The world's first offshore oil wells, drilled from piers in 1896. 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. 7. vox pop older man re. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. FOR SALE! Douglas (Man 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. 420,000 Property details; Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. 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. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. Location. 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.