I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. 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. 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. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. [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. 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. 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. 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 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 on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. What a great place. Condition is excellent. ! 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. 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 do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. 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 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. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. (Good move as it happens - I understood later that about 12 people were found dead at the bottom of that staircase, which I seem to recall did not have proper handrails round it, being largely decorative.) My Mum and I started to go towards a spiral staircase which led towards the main entrance but my uncle steered us further along the gallery to where there were fire exits leading to the swimming pool area. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. The rest is of course history. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. I remember going there as a 6 year old. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. See where they filmed this movie from 2020 starring Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Lucas Bond. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. . Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. We never knew if she saved our lives. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 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. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. 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 queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. 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. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! Those were the days. 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!) 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. 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. 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. I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. FREE membership. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. 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!) Tehachapi, CA, US. There were two phases in the building VillaGaiety is the Isle of Man's premier ENTERTAINMENT venue. 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. The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. Game & Entertainment Centers. 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. 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. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. (Good move as it happens - I understood later that about 12 people were found dead at the bottom of that staircase, which I seem to recall did not have proper handrails round it, being largely decorative.) What a great place. It was my last night on the IOM with my BB Company from N Ireland. I went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. It bears the names of those killed in the fire and is set into a circle of paving, alongside a stone laid earlier to mark the 25th anniversary. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental The first occupants were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. 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. 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. It was all shining, it even smelt new. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. Such a happy reunion but such a terribly sad sad time. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. The plans took years to finalise. 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) Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. 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. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. The site on King Edward Road in Douglas has remained unused since the complex was. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. Latest Truck Driver Job Vacancies in Canada in 2022: A certified truck driver is qualified to use for every one of the work placements around right here. See more ideas about summerland, isle of man, brutalist architecture. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. 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. 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. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. Phase I was the It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. 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. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. 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. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. 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. JaxuttonOK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. Aug 27, 2019 - Explore Amanda Smith's board "Summerland IOM" on Pinterest. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. At the time Summerland was one of the most. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. [16], Soon after the disaster, John Hinnigan was brought in from Blackburn fire and rescue to become the new chief. August ISLE of MAN "SUMMERLANDS DOUGLAS" DESTROYED BY FIRE 2nd AUGUST 1973 POSTED 1974 Street Cars Derby Vehicles Swiss Derby Castle before Summerland was demolished J Judith B summerland isle of man August 2013 My Heritage 40th Anniversary Birth Gem Sidewalk Memories 5. 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. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. [18], Forty years after the tragedy, a permanent memorial in the form of three granite columns was unveiled at Kaye Memorial Gardens, at the bottom of Summer Hill. 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. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. [1][2][3], Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. 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. On 17 September 1973, three Liverpool boys two of them 12 and the other 14 appeared before Douglas Juvenile Court and admitted wilfully and unlawfully damaging the lock of a plastic kiosk next to Summerland. 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. In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. There were 7 floors in total and the building had a capacity for 5 thousand people. 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. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. 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. I remember winning a talent contest at Summerland when I was 6 years old.We went to the IOM every year for our summer holidays. 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? The island is in desperate need of some alternative. "Services weren't equipped for Summerland disaster", "Article about the disaster based on the report by Dr Ian Philips", "Remembering the Summerland fire disaster, 40 years on", "Isle of Man 'shame' over Summerland fire disaster", "Remembering The Summerland Disaster 40 Years On", "Asbestos information centretrade names", "Summerland fire survivor: 'I don't blame dad for saving my sister and leaving me in blaze but I never got to tell him', "Summerland fire: Fifty victims remembered on anniversary", "Summerland disaster survivor: 'I still dream of people in flames', "THE SUMMERLAND SITE IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY", "Summerland fire memorial built to mark 40th anniversary", "Summerland fire victims remembered on 40th anniversary", 1972 amateur film of pre-disaster Summerland, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Summerland_disaster&oldid=1142829611, Fire disasters involving barricaded escape routes, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 16:12. Original 1970s flyer in colour. I had a great time. mike howarthI was at summerland in august 1973,and went to the groovey disco underneath,but it seemed a bit lacking in atmosphere compared to the clubs in Manchester.I was also in Douglas when Summerland set on fire and joined the long queue of people donating blood for the victims.
How To Make Your Wish Come True 100% Works,
Burnley Express Archives,
Callaway High School Football Coaches,
Is The Lgps Pension Index Linked?,
Articles S