You can now take a tour of Blundeston prison and help raise money for charity

Blundeston Prison is set to close. (Image: ©Archant 2013)

More than 1,000 people have been given guided tours of Blundeston Prison – with funds being raised for charity.

Having closed more than two years ago the site was bought by Badger Building, and as plans were being finalised for future uses, they allowed Stradbroke Masonic Lodge (no. 3291) – who meet at the Masonic Hall in The Avenue, Lowestoft – to organise guided tours and raise money for their charitable work.

Now, more than 1,000 people have been on guided tours of the prison site and the cell blocks – with volunteer retired prison officers acting as the tour guides.

With 10 per cent of the funds raised being donated to research into Parkinson's disease, recently some of the organising committee at the Stradbroke Lodge – Victor Burton, Dave Carman and Graham Horton along with Jason Oliver, the present Master of the Lodge – met with Mike Regis, the local Parkinson support group co-ordinator. With Stephen George, managing director of Badger Building, present they handed over the latest cheque to Mr Regis, making a total donation so far of £1,000. Mr Regis also received monies totalling more than £300 from Mr George, from tours he had organised.

Blundeston Prison is set to close. (Image: ©Archant 2013)

A weekend of guided tours have been organised for Saturday and Sunday (September 24/25), with only a few places remaining. Pre-booked tours start every half hour from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Prices are £7.50 per adult, £5 under 16s. E-mail stradbrokelodge3291@hotmail.com or call 07572 486259 (9am to 5pm only) to book. If there is sufficient demand, the Stradbroke Lodge members have organised an open weekend over October 15/16 – which will be the last chance ever to have a look around the prison before demolition work starts.