sammy hamiltonI worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. 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 Kayti Summerland signed up 2022-08-04 22:08:04 -0400. 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! Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. 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. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. On August 2, 1973, at about 20.00, a fire in a kiosk close to Summerland, Isle of Man, started a conflagration and caused the death of 50 people. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. 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. It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. 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. Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. The end of a holiday dream is now owned and operated by the Department of Tourism and Leisure. 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 the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). Siobhan McHaleWe had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. And the name, it was just called the summerland play area, or Barry Nobles arcade before that (not to be confused with the one that was opposite Woolworths) [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. 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. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. 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. The rest is of course history. 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. Summerland was such a great place to hang out and I would guess that most of the Isle of Man population that was around at the time of the fire is still in shock. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). [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. 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). Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. 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. For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. tracyI am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. Game & Entertainment Centers. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. 7. 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. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! The Manx Development Corporation is part of the strategy for realizing economic, social and environmental benefits through enabling full utilization of government owned land and property assets and acting as a catalyst for regeneration and repurposing of urban and brownfield sites. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. 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. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. 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. 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. dotty kiddI 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. 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. LOCATION From the Sea Terminal proceed the length of the Promenade. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. 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. Re: Isle of Man Summerland Fire Yes I remember the fire I was 10 years of age and on holiday with my family. . 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. While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. 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. 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. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council 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. ! In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. Phase II We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. The queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. Ricky Rooney, DouglasFor me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. There is also a mysterious underground room in the castle where a male ghost has been seen lingering. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. 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. [4], Summerland was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 tourists and consisted of a dance hall, five floors of holiday games, a rollerskating rink, restaurants and public bars. 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. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. 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. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. 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. The burning kiosk collapsed against the exterior of the building. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). Overview. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. The complex I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. [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. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. mike howarthI 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. (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.) Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. 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. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. of 1971. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition Experts searching the wreckage. I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. 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. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. 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 420,000 Property details; My uncle saw someone he knew from our home town (Widnes) whose hotel was closer than ours, and he was able to phone family at home to say we were OK just as the story was coming on the news.We were all OK, apart from my uncle's cracked ribs from charging at the fire door, but the horror of the evening is still with me such that even lighting a candle is something I struggle to do and I always check out fire exits when I'm somewhere new. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. The plans took years to finalise. 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. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. Those were the days. 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. 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. I worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. 4. vs damage to building. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. There is also significant attic. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and 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. Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey. The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) 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!! But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. 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. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. The Majestic. [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. The fire services were not called for over 20 minutes,[5] and even then the call did not originate from Summerland. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. Phase I was the When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. 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. My Mum persuaded me not to stay any longer in the childrens' play area in the basement, so we returned to the gallery area overlooking the stage/dancefloor to join my brother and uncle. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. We actually visited the Summerland on the day of the fire, I can remember the night of the fire, we were staying in a hotel on the opposite end of the prom, I was there with my cousin and our Mum's and Dad's had gone out for the evening. I had a great time. 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. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?)