Folkestone Memories

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Folkestone Memories

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Total Entries: 216 Entries Viewed Per Page: 20

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Name

Comments

216)	Felicity Hellyer
Location: East Sussex

Thursday, 14 April 2022 08:56

Hello everyone.
I’ve enjoyed looking at the pictures of your fabulous town. I’m hoping someone might remember the name Ivie Harrington? She lived with her husband Colonel Harrington, sons Henry and John in Kelston Lodge Pointon Road and then 19 Grimston Gardens. She died in 1971 aged 88. They would have been a wealthy possibly influential family. Certainly the Colonel was a member of the golf club in the 1930s.
With thanks
Felicity

Paul Seward Monday, 18 April 2022 08:31
After Grimston Gardens, Mrs. Harington (sic) moved into St. Olaves Hotel, at that time a private residential establishment, where my family were privileged to look after her. Her son John used to visit regularly. He continued the disinguished military tradition in the family. I see from Google that the family goes back to the 17th century, originating at Kelston, Somerset.

215)	robert melrose
Location: Hythe

Tuesday, 29 March 2022 11:34

Hi Guys
I am writing a history booklet of the house I live in Eastbridge House built 1877 1 East Street Hythe in 1952 in was re-configurated into 4 flats called Eastbridge Court address now 2 Station Road red brick building behind the trees on the roundabout at Aspendos in Hythe. I am desperate for an old photograph or architects drawing of the old house before it was changed Anybody's family lived there got old papers tucked away in a drawer ? reward for successful response
regards

Robert 07748658323

214)	R. Angela Vause
Location: Boise, Idaho, United States

Saturday, 29 January 2022 10:43

Hello,
Does anyone remember a William Saunders (fisherman), who also took people from the pebble beach, in Folkestone, in a tour boat around the harbor, in the early fifties. I was his daughters friend.
I'm trying to find a connection between him and my grandmother's brother George Knox (Dodger) a blind fisherman who repaired nets. He died in 1943. Fingers are crossed. Angela

Christine - Site owner Saturday, 29 January 2022 11:06
Hi Angela, the person you need to ask is Alan Taylor, president of the Folkestone & District Local History Society. He was very involved with the fishing industry, and now runs the fishing museum. I believe I have a photo of Dodger Knox repairing nets. I knew he was blind, but didn’t know his name. So thank you for that. If you can’t find Alan, let me know and I will put you in touch.

213)	Liz Taylor
Location: Folkestone Kent

Sunday, 9 January 2022 08:07

Hi I was born in Folkestone at the Royal Victoria Hospital and have lived here all my life. I lived in Cheriton from 1951 till 1970 when I moved to Folkestone.

The Library in Cheriton was there in the 1950's and way before then, but not sure about the date. I remember the CO-OP on the corner in those days it was two storeys as upstairs was where I bought my first pair of heeled shoes

So have seen a lot of changes in this town and not all for the good!!!
Liz Taylor

212)	Sylvia Turner
Location: Deal, Kent

Friday, 26 November 2021 12:15

My mother and her sister, both under 10 years travelled by themselves by train from Reading to Folkestone on 19th March 1938. They stayed at St. Andrews convalescent home to help their bronchitis I believe. Maybe they were collected at the station? Mum had a difficult time with the nuns and her dislike lasted for many years afterwards.A big memory was they both suffered with splinters from the rough wooden flooring.
I would like to find out how long the stay was and if there is a register of 'attendees'

Christine - site owner Thursday, 23 December 2021 00:19
Hi Sylvia, I really don’t know if any records exist from the St. Andrews Convalescent home. You could try contacting the Folkestone library, they might be able to help.

211)	Caledonia
Location: France

Friday, 19 November 2021 12:35

Hi Christine,
Glad to see the site is still going strong. Lovely job.
Best wishes.

Christine - site owner Thursday, 23 December 2021 00:21
Thank you Caledonia, yep still here.

210)	Anne Maloney
Location: Nottinghamshire

Thursday, 14 October 2021 01:28

Does anyone have any photos or memories of Folkestone Croquet Club that was situated in the Pleasure Gardens until the Magistrates Court was built over it in the 1970s?
We are trying to save the club’s trophies from being sold off by the administrators of The Grand so any information about them would also be very useful.

Paul Seward Sunday, 31 October 2021 06:55
My mole at The Grand tells me that we are too late. THe trophies, latterly kept in a cabinet in Keppel's Bar, were sold at auction recently. I can only pray that you have other information.

Christine -site owner Sunday, 31 October 2021 09:46
This is the first I have heard about this, in fact I was not aware of the existence of the Croquet Club. I do hope the trophies have not gone from the town. It is also a shame the club couldn’t have found another location. Does anyone have details about it, or photos? Did it have many members? In hindsight, the trophies should have gone to the museum, not a privately owned business.

Anne Maloney Wednesday, 13 April 2022 03:46
I am pleased to say that with the help of your MP Damian Collins, The Croquet Association, and a previous member of the club who now lives in New Zealand, the trophies were successfully withdrawn from the auction and proven not to belong to The Grand. They are now housed in Folkestone Town Museum.
If anyone is interested in taking up croquet then Three Hills Sports Centre is looking for support to re-launch Folkestone Croquet Club

209)	Gabor Balint
Location: Portsmouth

Monday, 27 September 2021 13:14

Hi, I am looking for bequests and heirs of Austen Hurgon, died 1942 Folkestone.

Can you help me please ?
I am looking for the next Emmerich Kalman lost werk :
The Blue House. Musical „Laundriette“(A Farcical Musical Comedy) in 1 act, Text: Austen Hurgon

Uraufführung: Hippodrome (Edward Moss & Frank Allen), London, 28. Oktober 1912 – Conductor: Julian Jones, Director: J. Galbraith, Production: Austen Hurgon, Stage: Ryan, K: Lucile & Jays, Singers: Bert Coote (The Hon. Chippendale St. Arch, Proprietor), Cyril Clensy (Major Claude E. Starkey), Elsa Trepess (Lady Anastasia Dilling), Gerald O‘ Brien (O‘ Connor, Linkman), Shirley Kellogg (Cornelia Van Huyt of U.S.A.), Hippodrome Beauty Chorus of 40, The 12 Pinafored Babies, Augmented Orchestra of 45 Instrumentalists

KA: keine Druckausgabe!

Autographe: Verschollen

I would be very grateful for all useful information.

Thank you very much.

Best regards

Gabor Balint

208)	Roger Newman
Location: Hythe, Kent

Friday, 10 September 2021 21:03

Great to see so many pictures and information about all the old pubs. I have lived in the Hythe area since 1957 and probably had a drink or two in most of them.
I have a number of photos which includes pubs and my grandfather's coaches in and around them. My book is on the way but in the meanwhile a small information website is available to see at [www.newmansofhythe.co.uk]

Thank you - great read!

Christine - site owner Sunday, 31 October 2021 09:53
I remember seeing vans with the Newman & Sons logo everywhere when I lived in both Folkestone and Hythe, are they still in business?

207)	Clive Griffiths
Location: Near Vancouver, B.C. Canada

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:03

I am writing from the West Coast of Canada ( near Vancouver). I was born and raised in Chatham, Kent with grandparents and aunts from the Elham area .. family name Kennett. I have fond memories of visiting an aunt who lived at East Cliff Rd. .. up the hill from the Fish Market and Harbour. She ran a B &B during the season and I would go off on my own (age of 7 then)down to the beach, market, harbour for the day until teatime 6PM. !!

I can expand on this message if it is of interest to current Folkestone Folk ... I stumbled on your site while researching family ties in the area of 46 Sidney Street and surrounding villages inland from Folkestone.

I find it a most entertaining site and the photos kindle many recollections of fun times.

Stay safe and well, sincerely Clive Griffiths.

Christine - site owner Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:22
Hi Clive, I personally don’t know of an East Cliff Road, there is just East Cliff that runs from the Tram Road, or East Cliff Gardens that runs from Radnor Bridge Road to Wear Bay Road.

You may already know this, but for many years, all births, deaths and marriage records were held at Elham. So even though the index sheets indicated a person was born, married or died there, it could have been anywhere in the surrounding district, including Folkestone. Baptism, Birth or Death certificates are a better record of where they actually lived.

So glad my site brought back so many fond memories for you. Thank you for sharing with us.

Christine Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:42
By the way, I have a 1948 Kelly’s Directory, and at that time there was a Mrs, Highton living at 46 Sidney Street, would that have been a relative of yours?

206)	Rosemary Wells
Location: Dover

Thursday, 29 July 2021 05:01

I have been searching for photos of the Folkestone School of Arts and Craft which I attended 1960 - 1962. I believe it is the building shown on your site at 2 Bouverie Road East, which was Pelham House School in 1919.

Christine - site owner Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:26
Hi Rosemary, yes you are correct, the art school was indeed in the former Pelham House School.

205)	Gerry Stone
Location: Sussex

Saturday, 17 July 2021 08:24

For those who are not aware there is a webcam panning Folkestone Harbour which is well worth watching,

[www.camsecure.co.uk]

204)	graham cann
Location: lancashire

Friday, 9 July 2021 16:29

Hello
does any one remember me from Morehall school Cheriton

203)	Shalon Hoyle
Location: Iowa, USA

Sunday, 4 July 2021 18:43

I am looking for information on the Folkestone Church Refuge. It is listed as Glenburn, Quested Road, Cheriton, Folkestone. It was an 8 room house that was ran by a Superintendent, assistant and matron. The residents were listed as servants, but also inmates. My great aunt lived there in 1911. I have contacted the Kent Archives and they have no information on the home. Any information is greatly appreciated!

Christine - site owner Tuesday, 6 July 2021 22:18
Hello Shalon,

I have checked through all the directories I have, but have had no luck finding the Folkestone Church Refuge. The earliest directory I own that has a street directory is 1928, but for some unknown reason Quested Road is missing from it.

Earlier ones I checked were 1882, 1907 and 1927, but none had a street directory. I checked out the lists of institutions, clubs, churches, hospitals and dispensaries, but could not find a listing. I also checked the alphabetical listings of residents, as it also listed some businesses and organisations, but again, nothing. The next directory I have is 1949, and this does list Quested Road, but all addresses are numbered, none were called Glenburn.

So I am afraid I have drawn a complete blank. I am assuming you found the information you have on the 1911 census, so not much point in me looking at that for you.

I am sorry I can’t be of more help. You could try the Folkestone & District Local History Society, they may be able to help you.

Shalon Hoyle Wednesday, 7 July 2021 08:54
I did get the information from the 1911 Census. Thank you so much for your effort!

202)	Ian Murton
Location: Suffolk

Tuesday, 15 June 2021 14:46

Can anyone remember what blacksmiths there was in Folkestone in 1950, as my father was a blacksmith when I was born, and I was born in Folkestone in 1950

Christine Warren - site owner Tuesday, 15 June 2021 17:48
Hi Ian, I personally don’t remember a blacksmith, but I was just a child at the time. I have a 1949 Kelly’s Directory, but would need to know the name of the firm he worked for, and then they would have had to pay for a commercial listing. Either that or I would need to know the name of the street he worked on, then I could find the business.

I looked at the list of Private residents, and there are three Murtons, an Edward, Daniel and William. If your father was one of those, I can give you his home address, that’s all I have I am afraid. I wouldn’t have thought there were many blacksmiths left by the 50’s. Anyone know if Ovenden’s used blacksmiths?

Christine - site owner Thursday, 17 June 2021 09:51
Hi again Ian, I have found a list of ‘Smiths, Blacksmiths & Farriers’ for the year 1949
Kemsley & Son, 100 Stanley Road, Cheriton Ph 85386.
Ovenden J & Son, 9 Radnor Street,
& The Stade, Folkestone,
Rolfe & Son, Forge Yard, Bradstone Road, Folkestone
Trowell ,Charles Henry, Chapel Street, Hythe
Wise, Percy William, 9 Cheriton Road, Folkestone.

Not sure how you would find out which of these employed your father, as I doubt any of them are still in business today

Christine - site owner Thursday, 17 June 2021 10:25
I tried to let you know you have an answer here Ian, but the e-mail address you left is not valid, so I hope you come back.

Ian Murton Friday, 18 June 2021 14:52
Hi Christine Edward was my father, William was my dads older brother and Daniel was his younger brother. I was born in Wear bay Crescent so I would expect my father to have worked close by, but having said that he was a scaffolder at Dungeness Power station before he died in 1971 whatever info you have I would be extremely grateful for. I have two cousins Robert and Peter who were Williams sons and Peter apparently lives in Warren road.

regards

Christine - site owner Friday, 18 June 2021 19:13
Hi Ian, Edward was 63 Wear Bay Crescent, Daniel was 28 Ivy Way and William was 8 Ingoldsby Road.

The closest business to Wear Bay Crescent among those I listed above would have been Ovenden’s who was in both Radnor Street and on The Stade. He could have walked down the steps from The Durlocks, which would have taken him right to Ovenden’s in Radnor Street. I have no current directories, but I am sure you can track your cousins down online.

Ian Murton Saturday, 19 June 2021 13:20
Many thanks Christine, loads of help

Fred Elliott Monday, 21 February 2022 09:32
Just reading site and the question about blacksmith. Saw the name Percy William WISE. He was my great grandad.
I was born Royal Vic hospital. Most of time lived in Dallas Brett Cresent

201)	Dawn iRENE Jackson

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 09:03

My Great Great Grandmother,Emily Britcher, lived at the Toll House Lower Sandgate Road and was the tollhouse keeper from 1881 -1901 (and possibly until her death in 1905 when 65) She lived there as a widow and with oldest daughter

Christine, site owner Wednesday, 19 May 2021 09:42
How lovely Dawn. The house of course is still there, but is now a private residence. Your Great Great Grandmother must have had to collect the tolls from mainly horses and carts or carriages. I can remember when they collected from cars, who else remembers that?

Paul Seward Thursday, 20 May 2021 12:55
Need you ask, Christine? Once a year the road was closed to prevent it becoming as public r
ight of way. Lord Radnor was a keen motorist and the Sunbeam Talbot Motor Club held annual speed trials down there. It made for good viewing at the bottom of the Zig Zag path, where there was a terrific bump in the road!

Christine, site owner Friday, 21 May 2021 11:37
Ha ha, now we are both showing our age Paul. I didn’t catch the speed trials though. I think I once saw a price list of tolls, and it had a different price if you just had a motorcycle versus one with a sidecar. I don’t think you had to pay on a push bike though did you?

200)	Marjorie Smith (of Groncke)
Location: Bartlesville, Oklahoma, USA

Friday, 23 April 2021 14:44

My Mother's aunt, Sophia Marie Caroline Groncke, lived at 14 Victoria Grove, Folkstone, in 1911. I've found a photo of the house but am looking for any stories about it. Apparently it may have been the home of Elizabeth A Duncombe, per the census. I've been told my great-aunt suffered from tuberculosis and was not able to travel to the US when her family came over in 1912. Would greatly appreciate any information anyone may provide! Thank you so very much!

Christine - site owner Saturday, 1 January 2022 20:30
Hi Marjorie, If you are on Facebook, may I suggest you post your question on the pages +++Blast from the Past+++ or Folkestone Past as you may have more luck getting a reply there. They have more readers than I do, and a notification method when you receive a reply. I hope you have some luck finding out about 14 Victoria Grove.

199)	Nick
Location: ESHER Surrey

Thursday, 15 April 2021 11:18

My last memory of sugarloaf is 1960/61/62.
My grandmother was Elsie Roach and lived in a cottage with a well on sugarloaf with her parents
In the early part of the century.
Is their any family? Or does anyone have any memories to share.
Was quite a Lady, she would sell tobacco and cigarettes along with alcohol to the passing ramblers.

198)	Nigel McGinley
Location: Chiswick

Thursday, 15 April 2021 06:20

Great to see some memories from my misspent youth in the 60s

197)	Sonia Warren
Location: Courtenay, BC, Canada

Thursday, 18 March 2021 15:28

I have a memory as a kid with my Mum. That we are standing outside a glass tank that was a swimming pool by the lifts by the Leas. I was small around 1967. My older sister was swimming and my mum telling me I would learn to swim, as she herself couldn't swim.

Sonia Thursday, 18 March 2021 15:30
Does anyone remember this?

Christine - Site owner Thursday, 18 March 2021 21:48
Hi Sonia, underneath the Leas, near the lifts, there were two places for swimming apart from the sea. I suspect you might have been inside the Marina, the indoor pool. The outdoor pool was opposite, closer to the sea, but had no glass walls. Regrettably I have no photos of the inside of the Marina, but if you would recognise it from the outside, you will find pics on the West Beach page. The original name for it was The Bathing Establishment, but was The Marina in the period you are talking about. It’s demolished now, as is the outdoor pool.

Gerald Stone Tuesday, 6 July 2021 06:16
I remember those swimming pools well. A few of us used to go for a swim in the indoor pool on a Sunday morning in the mid 50’s. It was known as the Rock Pool and was very warm and because of the humid air there was condensation running down the windows.

The outdoor pool was very cold though and was famous as a place where Sam Rocket trained for his Channel swims!

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