Thanks to Tanja for this latest update from the Friends of Frank James. Ed
The Friends of Frank James had a good Gathering on the Saturday with various people popping in to see the building.
We were very pleased to meet Green Party Candidate Vix Lowthion who took the time to come and visit the grounds, despite an extremely busy schedule. Liberal-Democrat Candidate David Goodall came to visit again, which was much appreciated too.
Vix Lowthion, prospective parliamentary candidate for the IW Green Party said,
“I went along to visit our endangered heritage at the Frank James Hospital in East Cowes. Sadly, there had been a very recent break-in, and I had a brief tour of the inside and outside to see for myself the state that the building is in.
“Much respect to the Friends of FJ, the security staff and the people of East Cowes for working tirelessly to keep the building in the best shape they can for future generations to see. But it shouldn’t get to this position that we are relying on volunteers to rescue a listed building. We need to improve our protection of our much valued buildings and community structures, across the country and especially on the Island.”
Real Government support needed
It is good to know that these Candidates care about our Heritage and would speak up for it in Westminster. For that is what is needed if we are to save it in the long run: Real and true Government support for our collective assets which should be preserved for future generations.
Rather than leaving these assets to depend upon the whims of the “market” or the blood, sweat and tears of volunteers, they should be kept safe thanks to strong, far-sighted and responsible leadership.
Another break-in
Sadly, the Friends discovered upon arrival there had been an attempted break-in, with the front door being damaged as well as boarding bent open in two places.
However, thanks to Safesite’s excellent securing work, they did not manage this time to get in. Safesite is going to do some more securing work during the coming days.
Urgent works
Together with the Urgent Works that are going to be performed in May by Leadovercoat LTD, this should mean that the building will soon be in a much better condition and hopefully stand a better chance to find someone suitable to finally take it on and make it flourish.
Image: © Josh Aitken
