The whole thing ended so tragically but it's important to remember the good times too. 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. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. Re: Isle of Man Summerland Fire Yes I remember the fire I was 10 years of age and on holiday with my family. 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!) The Summerland fire, according to the independent report into the blaze, will remain a permanent scar in the minds of Manxmen.. 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. belindaI went to the Isle of Man after the fire and never heard of the fire until recently. I think they must have broken through a back wall or something to get there. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. the old building demolished. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. 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!! dotty kiddI 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. Phase II I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. of a new Sports and Entertainment Centre, which would cost the council I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. What a great place. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. 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. For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man. I survived that terrible disaster. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. With the help of the government and Trust House Forte Leisure Ltd the 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 had a great time. 1. My legs went like jelly and the next thing I knew, flames shot up the sides of the windows. When Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. 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. 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. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. [15] Changes to building regulations to improve fire safety were introduced. slide somewhere near where the Hilton Hotel is now I think. The acrylic material melted, allowing more oxygen to enter, and dropping burning molten material, both starting other fires and injuring those trying to escape. 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. (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.) Condition is excellent. Julie was 14, and identified by her jewellery. 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 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. [19][20], On other anniversaries of the disaster many memorials take place, such as a memorial concert and a moment of silence at the location which is now a vacant site. They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. It is a British Crown dependency (and therefore not part of the United Kingdom itself); the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. 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. I will never forget her and that night that I nearly died.Sincerely John McGimpsey, Newtownards N Ireland. 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. Douglas (Man . We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. The venue attracted thousands of people to the. It was a strange building, influenced by the geodesic structure of Buckminster Fuller's American Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. Figure 2 shows where the fire initially started, and it spread quickly over the building faade. There is also a mysterious underground room in the castle where a male ghost has been seen lingering. 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. [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. For me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. CLOSED COMPLETELY! Bob EmeryWhen Summerland opened it was sensational here on the IOM. Marketed by Chrystals, Isle of Man 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. I was 17 and with my boyfriend at the time. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. NOTHING! Behind the stage was the huge rock face. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental In the summer everyone enjoyed the talent competitions which were great fun. 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. celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! 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. Reverse of the small poster is also in colour and lists all the many attractions.. SUMMERLAND, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. 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. I was 12 that year. On the evening of Thursday 2nd August 1973 an estimated 3,000 people were enjoying themselves at the resort. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. Locations. [1] [2] [3] Background Summerland was opened on 25 May 1971. The lower floors were geared towards children and teenagers, with a disco, fairground. 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 . 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. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. Experts into wreckage of building 4. The conflagration took place on 2 August 1973 in this ambitious entertainment complex in Douglas, Isle of Man, commissioned in 1965 and opened in May 1971. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. There's not much left of the place. Summerland was a high tech leisure centre that was built in Douglas, on the Isle of Man, and opened in 1971. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. panels dropping in flames onto the ground and I guess, people below. tracyI am a surviver of this tragedy.I still have nightmares. 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! Welcome to Summerland Today! 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. of 1971. Siobhan McHaleWe had a family holiday on the IoM when I was 6. 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 was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. But I have fond memories of summerland and I to did win the talent competion in summerland. The venue was designed to hold 10,000 people in five floors and included swimming. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Firemen were already on the scene and ran past us with hoses. The ghost walk at Castle Rushen is said to be one of the best on the island and can be booked here. 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. The year before the fire we were taken to Summerland to watch a syncronised swimming display. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. Most of week had been spent at the evening disco and I still have photos and the weekly ticket from our good times there. 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. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. 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. 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. The centre reopened in June 1978. The island is in desperate need of some alternative. 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. I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. I loved it so much and will always remember it . xx. I lost a couple of pals in the fire. I still remember the screams and panic, they haunt me to this day. 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 were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. LOCATION From the Sea Terminal proceed the length of the Promenade. Andy, LiverpoolAs kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. There were posters everywhere and everyone was talking about it. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. We were in Summerland on the night of the fire, as we had been most evenings. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. From pantomime to ballet and live music to musicals. It took me a long time to go on holiday again. 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. Summerland complex, Isle of Man Isle of Man Tram and Summerland Leisure Centre. The Majestic. A girl I met that night but got separated from in the panic died. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. 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. was the development of an entertainment complex, which was completed in 1970. There are more than 2 filming locations on our site. FOR SALE! On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Summerland. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. 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 finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Ricky Rooney, DouglasFor me, Summerland was the hub of all my childhood memories, I would be there at least 4 times a week. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. [17], In October 2002, torrential rain caused damage to several structures, as well as two landslides behind Summerland which dislodged two 50-tonne concrete blocks that had once supported the roof of the original building, but had not been removed in the wake of the fire. 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. people screaming and trying to escape, one boy broke a window with a microphone stand. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. "Good crispy duck and great main dishes.". Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. 7. vox pop older man re. 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. 6. vox pops boys re. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and 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. The Summerland building in Douglas was the first of its kind in the world. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. The Summerland concept was new and made the Isle of Man complex unique in the British Isles when the building opened in 1971. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. Meanwhile a group of three school boys on holiday from Liverpool was hanging around at the back of the building next to a section of a dismantled fibre-glass kiosk. 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. When they couldnt locate me they began their search for me on the prom. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. We went to the shops on the prom and I still have Minnie the clockwork mouse to this day. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. 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. Summerland was only a mile away from the District General Hospital and there was no clearing station for preliminary assessment of the injured. 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. I will never forget the screams and people climbing over each other to get out.