Thanks to Tanja for sharing this report from yesterday’s former Frank James Hospital gathering. Ed
The Frank James Christmas Gathering – complete with mulled wine, mince pies, homemade pasties, flapjacks and sweet chestnuts – was a great success!
Up to twenty people came onto the grounds, among whom the MP and his partner (together with their dog Pickle), Independent Councillor Vanessa Churchman and local Councillor Peter Lloyd.
Norman White, the architectural adviser of the Consortium owning the building, was also there to show the latest plans for the building. He is in discussion with the Council about implementing the plans as soon as possible. The Friends of Frank James hope that these will come into fruition soon.
Urgent Works Notice issued by the council
In the meantime, some good work was done by clearing the last bits of jungle at the front of the building and the grounds are slowly but surely starting to look a bit more like the good old days!
However, the building itself needs a lot of TLC and an Urgent Works Notice has been issued to make sure that the windows are boarded up properly.
Let’s hope that this is done soon and above all that a turning point now has been reached where the Council and developers start taking care of this magnificent building.
Potential location for film shoot
As stated, Film Director Suri Krishnamma is interested in filming at Frank James for his coming film “Being Hamlet”. Island-born, he cares deeply for the building.
Frank James, together with Osborne House, could become a real tourist magnet for the area. Just imagine what potential.
Click on images for larger versions
Image: © Josh Aitken
