If you’ve walked past the Frank James Memorial Hospital in East Cowes in recent years, you’ll have seen how overgrown the grounds have become. Early yesterday morning a group of community-minded folk decided it was time to have a clear up. Thanks to Tanja Rebel for this report, in her own words. Ed
Sunday the 4th of March we had a fabulous day clearing up the grounds of the former Frank James Hospital! Yes, it rained cats and dogs at times, but spirits were high and much was done.
In the beginning there were two of us, Steve Goodman and I, but soon local people came along to help – not in the least with tea and biscuits to keep us going in the rain!
Residents happy with positive action
There is great dismay over the state of the building and everyone we spoke to was very happy that something is being done.
The community spirit in East-Cowes is great and there is a strong feeling that we all want to do something about the sorry state this building and its gardens are in. The building is listed and it has real character.
In the word of one person it is a sacrilege to let it fall into such a state of disrepair. As someone else pointed out, the Isle of Wight Council has a Duty of Care, but this duty is being grossly neglected.
Background on the hospital
The hospital was built in the early 20th century as a memorial for Frank James who died in Africa. To start with it was a home for Seafarers, but soon it became a hospital.
It was built for the general good and to then let it go to rack and ruin is criminal. However, there is now a golden opportunity to bring this building back into shape and put the beautiful gardens into real use, for the wellbeing of the community.
Local allotments?
Allotments could be arranged for food to be grown locally and the building should in the long run be opened to the public.
This is part of our heritage and we owe this to the Frank brother who so generously donated the building to East-Cowes for general use.
The start of something new?
Lets hope that this is the start of something new where the residents reclaim this beautiful area and put it into good use.
The building is on the top ten endangered buildings list of the Victorian Society and we have a duty to save it. This is the responsibility of us all, including the consortium of eleven people who own it, but don’t seem to care about it one bit.
Above all, it is time that the Isle Of Wight Council starts taking seriously its Duty of Care.
Best wishes from Tanja the Rebel
Click on images for larger versions
