In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. 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. 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. The site on King Edward Road in Douglas has remained unused since the complex was. 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. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. 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) But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. 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. 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. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) 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! Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. Department of Community, Culture and Leisure announces future of Summerland site, Redevelopment of the Former Summerland Site - The Wave. Experts searching the wreckage. 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. I was 9 and on holiday with my Mum, brother and Uncle Peter (Mum's brother), the aim of the holiday being to give Mum a break after my Dad had died following a long illness. 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. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. 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! We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. Outside its raining yet here you are relaxed in your shirt sleeves, gently perspiring in a tropical 80 degrees.. 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. 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. A report commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor in 1973 stated that the blaze was the worst peacetime fire disaster in the British Isles since 1929. last updated: 04/04/2008 at 15:38created: 03/04/2008. over 1.7 million (government grant of 600,000). We got out past the swimming pool - as a lady carrying some keys ran towards the doors to unlock them. 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. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. seeing many bodies, young people burned beyond recognition Bit by bit over the years things would start to disappear, until by the end there was only "Manxland" left, my son really enjoyed palying there with all his cousins & it was a great place for Mums to meet on a Saturday & have a coffee while the kids played, we did that for a lot of years. 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 . 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. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. 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. CLOSED COMPLETELY! The world's first offshore oil wells, drilled from piers in 1896. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. [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. At the time Summerland was one of the most. Those were the days. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . 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. Noel Skillicorn, LiverpoolSummerland 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. 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. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. The centre reopened in June 1978. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. 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. In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! 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. 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. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. 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. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. 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 crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. The new Entertainment Centre was named Summerland and opened in the summer Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. 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. 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. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. 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 1. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. 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. 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. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. The plans took years to finalise. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 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!) belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. 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 felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". 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. 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. 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: Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. There is also significant attic. The complex Property reference . We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. 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. The fire services were not called for over 20 minutes,[5] and even then the call did not originate from Summerland. After a geotechnical team determined that the blocks could not be safely stabilised or removed, and that there was a risk they would fall into the buildings below, the site was scheduled for demolition. FOR SALE! complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. 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. 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. 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. [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. It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. 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. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. 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 . Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. Siobhan McHaleWe had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. 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. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on 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. Bid today! 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. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. We were first alerted to it by the noise from the fire engines.Looking out the window of the boarding house we saw the flames. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. 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 worst thing was I could hear screams even from that distance, this has haunted me to this day. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 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. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. 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. There was no attempt to evacuate the 3,000 people present[5] until the visible evidence of the flames prompted a panic-stricken mass rush for the exits. The latter idea was eventually scrapped when it was discovered some of the birds were poisoning themselves by eating the plastic foliage. 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of building. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. 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 so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Its charred steel skeletal remains were demolished in 1975 and then rebuilt on a smaller scale, construction commencing in 1976, with a smaller area of glass than the original, and a highly advanced fire extinguisher and alarm system. 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. Original 1970s flyer in colour. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz.
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