THE PETITION

We have launched a petition for the creation of a National Memorial and Commemorative Gardens on the Summerland site. We call on members of our community to show their support in honouring those that lost their lives and the survivors.

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WHY?

Listed as a "Prime Development Site for Sale", it is currently still under the ownership of the Isle of Man Government and has been derelict since 2005.

There have been numerous development proposals; none of which have been viable or progressed since the site was listed in 2008.

This space should be used to honour the victims and remember the tragedy in a meaningful and respectful way with a Government funded memorial proportionate in size to this tragedy. This also ensures that our next generations know the events that led to the tragedy.

ITV Granada

"My constituent describes the memorial near to the Summerland site as “insignificant and insulting”, drawing comparisons with a stone bought from a garden centre. She has recently discovered that it is only her family who are mentioned in the remembrance book at the crematorium on the island, and that is only because they paid for their entry in it. I find that disappointing. In fact, I find it appalling and disrespectful. The families lost so much on that day, and recognition of such should not be reliant on payment. That is something that we expect and hope will change.

The original memorial was replaced with something more fitting in 2013, on the 40th anniversary, but we must question why, for the preceding 40 years, those in charge felt that the loss of 50 people did not warrant a proper memorial that would offer a space for reflection and solace. Heather tells me that even at the memorial event in 2013, the dignitaries who attended failed to approach any of the family members present, which she describes as incredibly hurtful for those visiting the place where their loved ones had perished."

Justin Madders MP 12th July 2023

Memorial stone laid on the 25th Anniversary

Memorial laid on the 40th Anniversary

ITV Granada

THE OPPORTUNITY

Community

The creation of Commemorative Gardens and Memorial for the community to visit, utilise and hold annual memorial services of remembrance.

On Site

A meaningful and respectful solution for the site; to create a beautiful and meaningful space for the families, friends and the next generations to reflect and honour those killed.

Education

A space to raise awareness about the heritage of the site, the Summerland disaster and to support further learning around the impact of the disaster.

Read what supporters of the Petition have to say

"It needs to be sorted awful state it’s been left in and not good for those to see it that endure that terrible tragedy on that night."

"I think it’s an insult to the people that lost their lives at Summerland 50 years ago and still no proper memorial, and the remains of the site is still there. The Manx Government should hang their heads in shame."

"It currently looks awful, and it would be a fitting tribute to those who died in the Summerland Fire to have a memorial garden on the site."

"Turn it into a beautiful memorial garden in memory for those who lost their lives that day and also remember all those who saved people’s lives that day."

"The lack of respect the IoM Government have shown by leaving the site in its unkempt condition needs to be rectified. It’s a disgrace the site has been left for so long and the terrible loss of life needs to be remembered not obliterated from memory."

"It's a disgrace that's been left like that for so long."

THE CONCEPT

This is Kaye Associates architect's design for a memorial on the site comprising of 17 stones (one for each of the groups of families, friends and colleagues who perished together) with a story board for each group. It also allows for an information/ educational centre detailing the history of the site and the events leading up to, during and after the Summerland fire.

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