I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. A survivor of the devastating Summerland fire on the Isle of Man which killed 50 people, including 15 from Merseyside and Cheshire, has made an emotional appeal for the three Liverpool friends who . I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. [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. 05 Apr 2023 - 16 Apr 2023. 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. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. 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. 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 Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. 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. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. (en) dbo:thumbnail ISLE OF MAN: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399665 - 12.48. 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 . A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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 was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. 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. 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. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the 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. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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. 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. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. 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. Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. the old building demolished. "So far the best Chinese I had on the Island ( and I lived 3 years in China) t.". 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. 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 stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. There's not much left of the place. 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. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. As kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. They were each fined 3 (equal to 31.86 in 2020) and ordered to pay 33p compensation and 15p costs. 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. 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. 8 ISLE OF MAN EXAMINER www.iomtoday.co.im Tuesday, June 27, 2017 BUILDINGS AT RISK Heritage: A look at the Castle Mona Hotel s history S A newsdesk@iomtoday.co.im Twi er: @iomnewspapers The journey from the jewel in Douglas s crown to an eyesore A nyone who knows the song The Ugly Duck - ling will know that the bird in 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. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. 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. Outside its raining yet here you are relaxed in your shirt sleeves, gently perspiring in a tropical 80 degrees.. Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. What a great place. Humans colonised it by travelling by sea some time before 6500 BC. 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. The fire spread to the wall's interior soundproofing material, which was highly combustible, causing an intense fire that ignited the flammable acrylic sheeting that covered the rest of the building. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. 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. The first drawings materialised in 1965 but hundreds were drafted out before building work actually started. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. Locations. 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. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. 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. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. 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. jimmy kitchin onchanon the night of the summerland fire,my wife and mother and father inlaw (in there late seventies) plus myself with a wife who was expecting a child,were due to have a drink in the top bar as a fairwell to there holls before returning to liverpool next day, due to a strange event my wife hair rollers broke down so delaying by half an hour our departure.we stoped at the laxey filling station only to be told the complex was on fire!! The 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. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. The fire services were not called for over 20 minutes,[5] and even then the call did not originate from Summerland. 7. vox pop older man re. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. There is also significant attic. 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. Location. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. [7] The coastguard immediately called the fire brigade. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. 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. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Douglas (Man The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. I survived that terrible disaster. FOR SALE! I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). The centre reopened in June 1978. Location: Doolish; Share; Posted July 3, 2008. . celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. 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 found them distraught watching the flames as they thought we were in the building. 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). Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. tracyI am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. 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). This page has been archived and is no longer updated. The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr 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. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. 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. 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". 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. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. Find it on the Isle of Man | Business, Restaurants, Classifieds, Events and more To access your webmail, click Sign In Find it on the Isle of Man Click here to sign into webmail What's On? In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man "A good batter, a tasty sauce, and the excellent fried rice with chives.". 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. 2. ws Summerland after fire - skeleton of building. Jade Harbour Restaurant. 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!! 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. 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 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.
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