I survived that terrible disaster. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. [7] The coastguard immediately called the fire brigade. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. At the time Summerland was one of the most. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. 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. You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. the old building demolished. Dr Ian Phillips' book on the Summerland fire, revised in March 2021, is the most comprehensive account ever written of the disaster. 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. 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. 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 . I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. 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. "So far the best Chinese I had on the Island ( and I lived 3 years in China) t.". 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 remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. VillaGaiety is the Isle of Man's premier ENTERTAINMENT venue. The fire quickly spread across the sheeting on the leisure centre walls and roof, and through vents which were not properly fireproofed. I was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. I was 5 at the time. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. 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. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and 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. The rest is of course history. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. 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. 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! Map. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Experts searching the wreckage. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. I worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. I went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. While children were entertained in the theatre, parents could relax upstairs. I 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. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. I loved it so much and will always remember it . This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. 4. vs damage to building. There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. [9] The centre was seriously damaged by the fire. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. I was 12 that year. xx. With a year-round programme of shows and events, there's plenty of ENTERTAINMENT on offer at VillaGaiety. The west wall remains intact as there is concern that its removal may cause the adjacent cliff to collapse. The queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. See more ideas about summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture. 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. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. 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. 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. For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. This was on the 2nd floor. Mountain retreat in Southern California. 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. jimmy kitchin onchanon the night of the summerland fire,my wife and mother and father inlaw (in there late seventies) plus myself with a wife who was expecting a child,were due to have a drink in the top bar as a fairwell to there holls before returning to liverpool next day, due to a strange event my wife hair rollers broke down so delaying by half an hour our departure.we stoped at the laxey filling station only to be told the complex was on fire!! The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! 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. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. Gallery Click to Enlarge. 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. The lower floors were geared towards children and teenagers, with a disco, fairground. When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. tracyI am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. Ricky Rooney, DouglasFor me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. 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. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. Property & houses for sale in Isle of Man *DISCLAIMER. 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. 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. A survivor of the devastating Summerland fire on the Isle of Man which killed 50 people, including 15 from Merseyside and Cheshire, has made an emotional appeal for the three Liverpool friends who . But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. 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". Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. CLOSED COMPLETELY! 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 newsdesk@iomtoday.co.im 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 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. 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. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. Summerland complex, Isle of Man Isle of Man Tram and Summerland Leisure Centre. Game & Entertainment Centers. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. 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). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. 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. What a great place. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental 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. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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! 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. 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. We had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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. [12] The fire brigade's provisional total of 51 deaths at the scene was subsequently revised down to 48, and two others died in hospital, one in Douglas on 11 August and the other in Scotland on 29 September; the latter is excluded from the Isle of Man coroner's list of 49 deaths. The plans took years to finalise. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. Those were the days. 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. 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. 7. vox pop older man re. 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 year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. 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. 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, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. 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. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. [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. NOTHING! Douglas (Man 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. If you like to see Seven Sisters - view in Seaford, United Kingdom or any other wonderful filming locations from Summerland, start scrolling. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. 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. At the time Summerland was one of the most. 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. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. 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. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. 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. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. The centre reopened in June 1978. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. Welcome to Summerland Today! 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of building. The ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. . [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. FOR SALE! construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. 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. from when I was an infant until I was a teenager.Also my dad and his friend used to have such fun jumping on the beaded filled cushions in the solariumI also remember being at home in Liverpool watching the blaze on TV and crying becuase I would never be able to go there again. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. This button displays the currently selected search type. The first drawings materialised in 1965 but hundreds were drafted out before building work actually started. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. 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. Flora Mcintyre i remembr 1968-69 , I worked at White City on the Isle of Man , they were the eight best years of my life. 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. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. 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. 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). With the building also suffering from concrete cancer, the remainder of the site closed in 2004, and demolition began in January 2006. 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. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. 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. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! RM R8WF63 - Oil wells drilled into the bed of the Pacific ocean at Summerland, between Santa Barbara and Los Angleles, California, United States of America, c. 1915. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) Experts into wreckage of building 4. 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 will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. The Summerland concept was new and made the Isle of Man complex unique in the British Isles when the building opened in 1971. The venue attracted thousands of people to the. The conflagration took place on 2 August 1973 in this ambitious entertainment complex in Douglas, Isle of Man, commissioned in 1965 and opened in May 1971. 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. 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. . 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. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. I was at summerland in august 1973,and went to the groovey disco underneath,but it seemed a bit lacking in atmosphere compared to the clubs in Manchester.I was also in Douglas when Summerland set on fire and joined the long queue of people donating blood for the victims. 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. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. The island has been visited by various raiders and trading peoples over the years. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. I dont remember the initial Summerlands complex, but I was in Summerlands in the mid 80's; after it was rebuilt and reopened in 1978; I was therer on annual camp with the scouts, that was the year I joined the scouts and that was the reason i joined, the trip to the Isle of Man.What a great time I had there using the swimming pool. 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. 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. 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. 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 I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. We found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. 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 acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. 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. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. 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. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. 'We are keenly aware that the Castle Mona is a key heritage asset for the Isle of Man and extremely mindful of the great interest that the Manx public have in the property. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). LOCATION From the Sea Terminal proceed the length of the Promenade. The complex 1. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. 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. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. There were two phases in the building 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. 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. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. Isle of Man > Ramsey > Summerland > Semi-detached house for sale - 4 bedrooms . 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..

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