'Goodbye to the Lido' Manx Radio programme about the demolition of the Palace Lido dancehall in 1991
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Date(s): 3 October 1991
Scope & Content: 'Midweek in Mann' programme on Manx Radio on the demolition of the Palace Lido dancehall in 1991 with Terry Cringle, Peter Kelly, Charlie Skillicorn and Jonathon Clague.
David Callister, Manx Radio presenter, begins by mentioning that the Palace opened in 1889 and was replaced by the Lido; fire in 1921; rebuilt 1922. Peter Kelly mentions the Opera House as previously on the site.
Charlie Skillicorn, aged 90, talks about Creer Brothers and George Kay, architect; original appearance of the Lido (then called the White Palace); attending the 1922 opening; working on the Lido as apprentice with Edward Wade and son, ornamental plasterer. He describes the building before the 1921 fire; sea lions; the 1921 fire; his first day working there and his apprenticeship; plasterwork by Wade's and scaffolding; cement work of fishes made by William Wade and the ornamental plastering.
Interview with bandleader Ronnie Aldrich (The Squadronnaires) about 1950s and early 1960s at the Palace Lido. He talks about first playing at the Palace, then the biggest venue in Europe and its poor acoustics; ‘There’s Something in the Air’ music track; competition with Joe Loss at the Villa Marina and crowds between 6,000 and 12,000; interior of Palace with cafes; no alcohol on sale until end of 1950s or early 1960s and the change with the granting of an alcohol licence; going to Derby Castle for a drink; dance floor at the Palace; Master of Ceremonies; Glasgow Fair Week and the excitement caused by playing the 'Gay Gordons'; ‘There’s Something in the Air’ music track.
Terry Cringle recalls his memories of the summer season, especially the girls; getting in through the railings at the back as he was too young to get into the Lido; social life of young people and holiday romances; his friend George Killip and dance etiquette. He ends with an anecdote about a girl’s knickers falling down whilst dancing in the Palace ballroom (!).
Manx Radio presenter mentions the demolition of the Lido to become a car park. Jonathon Clague, Palace Chairman, talks about necessity of demolition; how they opened it as a disco for a while and won Best Disco in Britain; changes in tourism; Manx Museum invited to retrieve items before demolition and storage of dance floor; plans for demolition process at end of current tourist season. Ends with comments on the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina as an important venue and the future of tourism on the Isle of Man.
Language: eng
Extent: 17 min. 15 sec.
Item name: magnetic recording tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0154
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH, #UOSHArts
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