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Interview with Brian Evans and Carole Evans about staying at the Manningham, Castle Drive and the Imperial Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas, 1952-1999

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Date(s): 1998, 1999

Creator(s): Manx Heritage Foundation

Scope & Content: Mr and Mrs Evans talk to John Beckerson about their holidays in the Isle of Man staying at the Manningham, Castle Drive, and the Imperial Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas, 1952-99. They talk about Carole's first visit as a child in 1952 with her family for the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races; her childhood memories of motorcycle racing, Laxey Wheel, a small fair at Onchan, beaches and horse trams. Conversation continues about being onboard the 'Manxman' with men at the bar and mothers and children in the silver service restaurant; Mr and Mrs Crellin's boarding house, unpacking and going straight out; staying with Mrs Kinnin at the back of the Villa Marina and then at the Manningham where three meals were served each day; travelling as a large family group and taking over the boarding house; Brian's first visit to the Isle of Man when they were courting; honeymoon, including the Manx Grand Prix (MGP), staying at the Mannin; sailing from Liverpool in a force 9 storm, Brian strapped to the handrail, and children feeling seasick; honeymooning at the Manningham; moving to the Imperial when the Crellins took it over; hotels appearing run-down; the Empress hotel; the Imperial's bar and atmosphere; watching the races; Creek Inn, Peel; picnicking; driving a 1969 MG on the island's roads; the boat expensive since the 1970s; hotel prices; cheaper travel to Ireland; staying in a cottage in Laxey with extended family; visiting for the Manx Classic Rally late in the season; changes at the Imperial; nightlife in Douglas; playing golf; girls' nights out at the Lido, Summerland, casino, dancing and drinking; how their holidays on the island have changed; the old Bushy's pub, the holiday atmosphere, and how safe and clean the island was; former thoughts of moving to the Isle of Man; anecdote about being tied up on the seafront; death of Phil Hogg; the weather; happy holiday memories and how the boat journey made it special; experience of flying to the island; and having a standing booking every year at the Imperial.

Administration / Biographical History: Brian Richard Evans was born 6 September 1955. Carole Evans was born 25 December 1951. John Beckerson, researcher, born 1974.

Language: English

Extent: 42 min. 43 sec.

Item name: cassette tape

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 2019-0001/35

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, #UOSHHolidays

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