JAMIE'S NIGHTMARE

 

For most people, nightmares occur when they are sleeping, but for James P. Lomas his didn't start until he wakened on 3rd August 1973.

 

 

  Jamie Lomas sat at the table in his dining room on the morning of Friday 3rd August 1973, head in his hands, breakfast untouched.

  The Summerland Amusement Complex in Douglas, Isle of Man had burnt to the ground the night before-in fact it was still smoldering.

  Reports stated that as many as 50 people were dead and numerous others injured. The thought of what those injuries might entail made him sick to his stomach.

  Summerland had been his "Brainchild"-he had stepped up to the mark, created what was, in his mind- a masterpiece, and now his dream lay in ruins. He could almost hear the screams of the people inside as they ran for their lives, and shook his head to free his mind of the image of their terror stricken faces.

  A million thoughts flooded his consciousness, he knew he would be made to give an account of his part in the design and construction of the "ill-fated"  building.

  Right now all he wanted to do was run-run away from the numerous questions he knew would be asked, he just couldn't face it. He felt a stab of guilt at his cowardice but quickly pushed the feeling aside.

  Jamie stood up, gave himself a mental shake and decided to carry on as if nothing had happened. It was the only way he could cope.

 

  He WAS only human after all!