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The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. The fire quickly spread across the sheeting on the leisure centre walls and roof, and through vents which were not properly fireproofed. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. Only three Solaria existed at the time: Chicago, Japan and Switzerland. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. The state-of-the-art facilities put the Isle of Man on the map as one of the most important tourist destinations in. Demolition of the site from Oct 2005. SUMMERLAND, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. 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. 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. If you like to see Seven Sisters - view in Seaford, United Kingdom or any other wonderful filming locations from Summerland, start scrolling. complex was rebuilt in 1976 and opened again in 1978. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. "Excellent! Overview. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. 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. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. Summerland. With a year-round programme of shows and events, there's plenty of ENTERTAINMENT on offer at VillaGaiety. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. 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. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. [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. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). I still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. We never knew if she saved our lives. The average house price in Summerland, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 is . There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. 8. 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. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. Figure 2 shows where the fire initially started, and it spread quickly over the building faade. I had a great time. I went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. Phase II 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. Welcome to Summerland Today! 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. [9] The building's open-plan design included many unblocked internal spaces that acted as chimneys, adding to the conflagration. 7. There is also significant attic. carol burnsI survived that terrible disaster. At the time Summerland was one of the most. Location. 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. 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!) It was all shining, it even smelt new. As Bob says the smell of the place too & being in there when it was pouring down outside was amazing to us kids. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. The closure of the . Denis Cowley QC acted for the Douglas Corporation. 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. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. I loved it so much and will always remember it . 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. Find average house prices, current average values, other historic property data & request a valuation from an estate agent. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. 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 was 12 that year. Jade Harbour Restaurant. 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! 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. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. 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 island has been visited by various raiders and trading peoples over the years. With the building also suffering from concrete cancer, the remainder of the site closed in 2004, and demolition began in January 2006. 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". The fire killed 50 people, eleven of them under the age of twenty. 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. Map. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. 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. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) 5. vs burned out building. [10], Because of the locked fire doors, many people headed to the main entrance, which caused a crush.[9]. Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. 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.. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. Original 1970s flyer in colour. 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. While many escaped the inferno unharmed, the incident claimed 50 lives and seriously injured 80. This was on the 2nd floor. The lower floors were geared towards children and teenagers, with a disco, fairground. 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. 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! I was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. 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. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. We never knew if she saved our lives. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. 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. Located in the heart of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, the complex was a landmark of the island, offering a wide range of attractions for both locals and visitors alike. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. [1] [2] [3] Background Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. I remember walking past Summerland and seeing a rocking horse from a ride stood on its own. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. OK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) 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. JaxuttonOK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! Custom Mountain home in Tehachapi CA.-2 hrs from LA or 2 hrs from Central Coast. 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. 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. Bid today! I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. 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 summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. We were there the night before the fire, we just thatought the "moving staircase" by the front door was the best thing ever. 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. StuartI 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. 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. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. 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). There was a lot of excited anticipation before it opened. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. It was an example of Modernist architecture incorporating advanced controlled internal climate, built with novel construction techniques using new plastic materials. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). 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. The concept was so radical that architect Geoffrey Ellis came to the Island to work for Mr I am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. 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. 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. 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. 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. But the dream was short lived. 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. VillaGaiety is the Isle of Man's premier ENTERTAINMENT venue. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. [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. (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.) 05 Apr 2023 - 16 Apr 2023. 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! Although 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. 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. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. "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. 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 Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. The queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. The burnt out remains of the centre in September 1973, one month after the fire. Situated only a few minutes walk to the beach, harbour, shops and public transport. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. 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 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. 5. I remember hearing a woman shouting "My God, my children are in there", which I still find a bone-chilling thought. 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? It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. 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 Summerland was only a mile away from the District General Hospital and there was no clearing station for preliminary assessment of the injured. 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 still remember those who died and those who lost loved ones. 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 decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. 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. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. 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. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. Examples of their tools are kept at the Manx Museum. I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. 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. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. I had a great time. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. 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. STORY. Then with my children to manxland,their first birthday parties, my sisters-in-laws fashion shows & watching cousin's children do ballroom dancing & they're just a handfull of memories!Summerland was a one off & while the Villa Marina is a part of our islands history & heritage, there will never be another place like Summerland - it's in a league of it's own. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! Bob EmeryWhen 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. 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. Kayti Summerland signed up 2022-08-04 22:08:04 -0400. The Summerland fire, according to the independent report into the blaze, will remain a permanent scar in the minds of Manxmen.. 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. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why.