This in from Tanja Rebel from Friends of Frank James. Ed
I would like to extend a big thank you to all who came and helped on our Frank James Day on 19th May and especially to Louise Aitkin for bringing us delicious pizza and flapjacks!
A lot of work was done to make the site more secure from intrusion and vandalism.
Break-ins continue
Sadly – despite an Urgent Works Notice and contrary to what they had told us – the owners have not secured the building yet, so the Friends of Frank James had to do it themselves.
There have been several break-ins, where substantial damage has been inflicted to the inside of the building, possibly to steal lead and other materials, and youths tried to get in again later in the day, armed with big sticks. Police were called to the site twice and local residents have been asked to contact the police as soon as they see anything suspicious in or around the grounds.
Lots of local interest
On a positive note, several well-willing people came to visit the site during the day with lots of memories and stories about the hospital. One had worked there and was extremely saddened to see the state that it was in, the other had come specifically from the mainland to see what we were up to! She was also very concerned about the building.
Even two ten-year old boys visited the site, full of interest and questions. We told them the story of the James brothers, pointing out that this building was bequeathed to the people of East-Cowes and that we were trying to save it so that their generation could enjoy it as well.
Councillors who care
Positive too is that we now have several Councillors in Council Chamber, such as Luisa Hillard, Julia Hill and Roger Whitby-Smith, who genuinely care for our Heritage.
The Friends hope that this will speed up the process to restore former Frank James Hospital to its former glory!
Image: © Josh Aitken
