Beatrice Quirk

Two conversations with Beatrice Quirk, about her early life in Peel working at her mother's cafe on the promenade through the war years, and then focussed on her time running a hotel in Douglas.

The first interview was recorded in 2011 and concentrates on Bea's early life. Her time at Peel Clothworkers School was successful despite the life-threatening interruption of diptheria which saw her isolated at the White Hoe. At 14 she left school to help at her mother's business, Grainger's Cafe, close to the Marine Hotel on Peel Promenade.
The war years were more remarkable, as the establishment of Peveril Internment Camp in the city left Grainger's as effectively the only remaining venue for meals and events. Food supplies, work, meals, cooking, rationing and more are discussed in detail, as well as their ice cream which had people queuing down the street.
Bea then goes on to discuss other aspects of life in Peel at that time, such as the fishing industry, chapel & church, poverty, music, early car journeys, characters and friends. She then talks about her marriage and professional life outside of Peel, first at The Crown in Ramsey and then joining her mother at the Carrick Bay Hotel in Port St Mary, before going on to live all over the Island.

The second interview was recorded in 2012 and concentrates on Bea's 17 years at the Crescent Hotel in Douglas. The detailed conversation covers subjects including the building, renovations, security and safety, staff, suppliers, visitors entertainment and more. The 1,000-person venue would frequently have queues outside, often looking to dance to the likes of Joe Loss or Ivy Benson, or enjoy the Mannin Folk or Englebert Humperinck. Beside the fond memories of family and friends is the sombre recollection of the Summerland Fire of 1973, which impacted enormously on Douglas, perhaps especially on the Crescent.

Interviews

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