25 minutes | Wednesday, 3 April 2024
In this episode of The Archive Room, we take a closer look at the tourist industry on the Isle of Man in the years between the two Wars. In 1919 the Falcon Cliff Hotel was deemed a white elephant - it couldn't make money - but that was before Mr and Mrs Kane bought it in 1919 - and in the early 1920's turned its fortunes around. Tonight we find out how they did it.
Cunningham's Camp was a highly successful way to give young men a healthy and happy holiday - set up by the acknowledged father of holiday camps - Joseph Cunningham - some 40 years before Billy Butlin even began his similar venture. There was never any trouble, although thousands of young men came to the camp each season - the rules were strict - but just how well did the ban on alcohol work? We find out in this programme - and discover how the outbreak of war in 1939 changed these attractions for ever.
We finish with a visit to Derby Castle - former MHK and Minister for Industry Bernie May remembers that in the late 1950's and early 1960's it really did offer superb facilities and entertainment - a mecca for holidaymakers and locals alike - and just a short distance to White City!
This is the last in the present series of The Archive Room - Catch up on earlier episodes you might have missed - they're all here as podcasts, to listen when it suits you.