The west wall remains intact as there is concern that its removal may cause the adjacent cliff to collapse. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. 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. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. 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 scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. The closure of the . the old building demolished. Now it's completely gone & it is a shame but they will hopefully put something back there for the manx & visitors to enjoy & make their amemories last a lifetime too. Catherine WoodhouseI was 9 and on holiday with my Mum, brother and Uncle Peter (Mum's brother), the aim of the holiday being to give Mum a break after my Dad had died following a long illness. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. 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. From Wonderful California, published 1915. I was 5 at the time. 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. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. [7] The coastguard immediately called the fire brigade. We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. On the night of the fire my Mum and Dad were taking me to see the Black & White minstrels, my much older brother and sister didn't want to go and went on the prom. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 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. There were two phases in the building The first drawings materialised in 1965 but hundreds were drafted out before building work actually started. Location Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland Geographic coordinates 54 15 N, 4 30 W Map references Europe Area total: 572 sq km land: 572 sq km water: 0 sq km country comparison to the world: 193 Area - comparative slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries total: 0 km Coastline Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. Summerland for me, like many others who grew up on the Island was one of the main places that you could find entertainment of all forms from Rollerskating through to catching a afternoon film in the cinema. 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. I remember going there as a 6 year old. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. 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. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man 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! Phase II Tehachapi, CA, US. 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. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. 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. 6. vox pops boys re. 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 . 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. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) VillaGaiety is the Isle of Man's premier ENTERTAINMENT venue. 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. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. 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. of 1971. ! 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. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. 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. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. janice gale from dreghorn scotlandI was 13 when summerland went on fire i still remember that night clearly my mum and i had told my dad that we were going to summerland while he went to the villa marine to watch wrestling but just before the bus stopped we changed our mind and went to white city we had just got into white city when we were told summerland was on fire we had to walk all the way round onchan to get back to the prom its a scene you will never forget seeing people jumping into the sea to get away from the flames even when we came home on the boat your were reminded again as we had to wait until all the coffins were taken of first as a mark of respect. Zoom in to cu of Summerland Complex and fire damage 2. vs fire damage 3. STORY. I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. 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. You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. 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). The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. fire, which triggered a major change in fire regulations on the Island. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. The fire services were not called for over 20 minutes,[5] and even then the call did not originate from Summerland. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. 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. There is also significant attic. 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. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Department of Community, Culture and Leisure announces future of Summerland site, Redevelopment of the Former Summerland Site - The Wave. 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. 7. vox pop older man re. people screaming and trying to escape, one boy broke a window with a microphone stand. 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. Lots of wildlife viewing!! Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. The burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. The first occupants were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. 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. 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. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. 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 too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. But the dream was short lived. 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. 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) 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 had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. 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. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. At the time Summerland was one of the most. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. '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. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. 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. "Excellent! 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. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! [16], Soon after the disaster, John Hinnigan was brought in from Blackburn fire and rescue to become the new chief. [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. 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. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. 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 Continue along King Edward Road beyond the new offices of Royal Skandia. 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. 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 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. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Those were the days. The worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. . Summerland was only a mile away from the District General Hospital and there was no clearing station for preliminary assessment of the injured. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. Location. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. CLOSED COMPLETELY! Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 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 There's not much left of the place. Kayti Summerland signed up 2022-08-04 22:08:04 -0400. [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. There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. The fire was contained in an internal space within the walls until it penetrated the interior, destroying the wiring of the fire alarm system in the process. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. Jade Harbour Restaurant. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. 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 crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. 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 . We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. The burning kiosk collapsed against the exterior of the building. Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey. The plans took years to finalise. Bob EmeryWhen Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. 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. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. 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. It was a tragedy but the happy memories as a child are still vivid even in my late 40's.My thoughts are with those who lost someone dear xx. While children were entertained in the theatre, parents could relax upstairs. 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. 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. Siobhan McHaleWe had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. 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. 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. 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! I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. xx. If you like to see Seven Sisters - view in Seaford, United Kingdom or any other wonderful filming locations from Summerland, start scrolling. This button displays the currently selected search type. 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. 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 night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) The Summerland concept was new and made the Isle of Man complex unique in the British Isles when the building opened in 1971. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. What a great place. 5. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. 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. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA 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 was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. Custom Mountain home in Tehachapi CA.-2 hrs from LA or 2 hrs from Central Coast. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in the British Isles. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. Summerland. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. 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. FREE membership. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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 complex 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. Film: Pos - Sound: Mag SOF - Colour - NYFilm: No - LN Number: LN45368 - Available in HD Storyline Go to top Scenes of the aftermath of the Summerland Pleasure Complex fire Categories Go to top Locations: Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. I worked in Summerland a week before it burnt down. 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 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 end of a holiday dream 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. It was indeed quite glamorous and I know for a fact my mum and dad spent more than a few romantic evenings there, (We kids got packed off to our grandparents house!) 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. Original 1970s flyer in colour. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. Behind the stage was the huge rock face. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. It does not take away from the fact that it was for a few years, a great place to be. 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. Douglas (Man I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. 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. Summerland opened on 25 May 1971 and was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 tourists as one of the largest entertainment centres in the world. Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz.