Over the years a house has stood sad and derelict on the corner of Rope Walk and Grimwade Street Ipswich.

Driving down Grimwade Street Ipswich recently, I suddenly became aware that the house had been demolished, together with the former County Hall Social Club next door, a casualty no doubt of the move of the County Council from St Helens Street to Endeavour House in Russell Road. A new housing development is taking shape on the site.

My thoughts turned back to a  Friday night in 1969, a few months after I had joined the County Council when the Social Club had formally opened. I can recall attending the opening reception with work colleagues including, I recall, David Incoll, Ian Rands and Linda Sheppard. The Clerk of the County Council, Cecil Lightfoot was also there.

The Social Club lived up to its reputation and became a regular venue for dances. As well as staff, it was possible to take guests, and one of my friends Chris, met his wife Judith there! On many occasions in later years, I saw the creme-de-la-crème of local musicians there, including Debenham’s excellent Ian Brown, and also the Rocking Armadillos who included the renowned Tim Aves!

When the  County Council moved and the Social Club closed, the building did not receive any ‘TLC’ and became sadly derelict – and finally the home of some of the towns rough sleepers.

At least what was a ‘zombie site’ is now being put to good use.

However, the good times once had in the old Social Club still remain fresh in the memory.

Graham Day

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