Several artists are setting up studios in the building and the flat is again being lived in. From the outside it may not look like anything is happening, but new life is beginning.

A longer term mixed-use vision for the future of the club is taking shape, following plenty of interest from a wide range of people. We are currently discussing ideas for minor alterations to the building with East Suffolk Council and we hope to discuss emerging plans with the  community at an Open Day on Thursday 4th July.  Please put the date in your diary!

Thanks to all those who sent in suggestions following the recent article in the EADT, and thanks to Amy Gibbons for helping to spread the word about what we are hoping to achieve.

Also thanks to the author of some enthusiastic late-night lipstick graffiti on the notice board. All comments taken on board, whatever the medium.

Link to EADT article:

https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/new-uses-for-framlingham-conservative-club-1-6032206

It’s a familiar slogan but worth reminding ourselves of it on World Earth Day as we bask in unseasonably high temperatures, with little rain in sight and Greenland ice apparently melting a month earlier than normal.

How is this relevant to the Con Club and Fram? Well, our hope is that we will be able to provide creative and sociable workspace within the town for people living in walking or cycling distance of it, thus reduce the number of people driving out of town for work, counter the trend towards dormitory housing and in so doing make a modest contribution to making Fram more sustainable, creative and sociable. It’s already a great town but we can always do better. The growth in the town’s housing is not being matched by growth in employment or social opportunity.

PS hoping to get the boarding down soon and to begin to get the building back in use….

We have today completed buying the Con Club. This may make us fools, but even if so, we have no option but to succeed!

Thanks to everyone we have met or spoken to over the last week for the continuing stream of good energy and ideas. Historic and measured building surveys now commissioned. Asbestos survey shortly to follow. Yippee.

The Con Club has just been awarded ‘Asset of Community Value’ status. This is a planning designation feared by developers but it is a label we will wear with pride.

Big thanks to everyone who has sent such positive messages over the last week and shared initial ideas. And thanks to Fram Town Council for an enjoyable and very encouraging meeting this afternoon.

Some very heartening emails received from neighbours – thank you