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. 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. Ladies Location: Douglas - The Nunnery estate Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. 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. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. I had a great time. Welcome to Summerland Today! 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. 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 House Sitting in Mission Canyon, California, US | TrustedHousesitters.com Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. 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. 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH for Sale in Carville LA The rest is of course history. Lots of wildlife viewing!! 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. Johnny, LaxeySummerland 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. Isle of Man - The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency Re: Isle of Man Summerland Fire Yes I remember the fire I was 10 years of age and on holiday with my family. [9] The centre was seriously damaged by the fire. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. Douglas Corporation, aided by grants from the Isle of Man Government, spent 1.5 million on the building and more cash was provided by The International Trust House Forte group who had taken Summerland LTD on as a subsidiary. The fire started at around 7:30p.m. on 2 August 1973 when approximately 3,000 people were inside,[5] and was caused by three boys who were smoking in a small disused kiosk,[6] on the centre's miniature golf course[7] and who told police it was likely started by a carelessly discarded match or stub. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. 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. 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. PDF Heritage: A look at the Castle Mona Hotel s history The journey from Summerland Series: The Cave - Gef - Isle of Man It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. Experts searching the wreckage. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. 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. Locations. 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. After a couple of hours frozen to the spot I remember seeing my Mum running towards me and picking me up, crying and hugging me as if she hadnt seen me in years or something. 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. 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 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!! 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, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. 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. 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. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. Kayti Summerland signed up 2022-08-04 22:08:04 -0400. 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". I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. I went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. Overview. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". Lomas wanted to create the illusion of being outside and to this end he planned to cover exposed cliff faces with tropical plants while allowing wild birds to live and fly throughout the building. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. 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 average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. As kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. We had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. 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. StewartI 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. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . This was on the 2nd floor. Phase II 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 need to speak to the three Liverpool friends who started the 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.. 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 comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. 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 My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition 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. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) 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. 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. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. Summerland Site - Dedicated to the 50 who lost their lives in the The island is in desperate need of some alternative. 5. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. Only three Solaria existed at the time: Chicago, Japan and Switzerland. The Isle of Man [1] ( Manx: Ellan Vannin) is an island in the British Isles, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The Majestic. 'The inferno was racing towards me': survivors of the Summerland fire Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. 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. Figure 2 shows where the fire initially started, and it spread quickly over the building faade. 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. 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. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. Add Your Event View All 04 March Saturday Manx Amateur Drama Federation Coffee Morning View 10:00 - 12:00 Current Weather 9 4 03 March Friday 8 4 Gallery Click to Enlarge. The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. MER 26 56 Douglas 1978 | Isle of man, Summerland, Isle Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey - Chrystals ! 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. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Isle of Man 'shame' over Summerland fire disaster - BBC News 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. About: Summerland disaster I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. [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. 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 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. 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 remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. 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. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. 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. 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. Summerland - filming locations - SCEEN IT 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. carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. sammy hamiltonI worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) "Excellent! 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 concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. '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. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. Isle of Man Summerland Fire - DoYouRemember.co.uk forums My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. At 8:00 p.m. on 2 August 1973, Summerland, a leisure centre on the Isle of Man as shown in Figure 1, was seen to be on fire. 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. 5. vs burned out building. These proposals will necessitate significant investment but will enable us to rectify core issues that have compromised the integrity of the building in recent years, such . The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. Site Status - Summerland Site You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. 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. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. NOTHING! When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. 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! The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. Summerland Fire Disaster - Douglas, Isle of Man - 2nd August 1973 22 Summerland IOM ideas | summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture 1. SUMMERLANDS B&B - Reviews, Photos (Ramsey) - Tripadvisor I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. 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. What a great place. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. Summerland was only a mile away from the District General Hospital and there was no clearing station for preliminary assessment of the injured. jilliani loved summerland it was amazing the play area and the skating the swim baths and all shame the way things went, WAYNE FORDHI, 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. [7] The coastguard immediately called the fire brigade. 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. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. 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. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. 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.

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